Gold(III) thiosalicylate complexes containing cycloaurated 2-arylpyridine, 2-anilinopyridine and 2-benzylpyridine ligands

Reactions of the gold(III) dichloride complexes [(N_C)AuCl2] ((N_C)=cycloaurated 2-phenylpyridine, 2-(p-tolyl)pyridine, 2-anilinopyridine or 2-benzylpyridine) with thiosalicylic acid (2-mercaptobenzoic acid, HSC6H4CO2H) and base gives a series of gold(III) thiosalicylate complexes [(N_C)Au(SC6H4CO2)]. A crystal structure determination on the 2-p-tolylpyridine derivative is reported, confirming the presence of a chelating thiosalicylate ligand, with the tolyl and thiolate groups mutually cis, together with a highly puckered gold–thiosalicylate moiety, and a twisted carboxylate group. The activity of the thiosalicylate complexes against P388 leukaemia cells has been determined.