N-alkylphenothiazines - synthesis, structure and application as ligands in metal complexes

Abstract

Phenothiazines are a large group of heterocyclic, aromatic molecules with nitrogen and sulphur between two benzene rings. Their derivatives, N-alkylphenothiazines have substituent on heterocyclic nitrogen atom which gives them different properties. Also, a series of these molecules have substitution on carbon atom at place 2 of phenothiazine benzene ring. Alkylphenothiazines contain aminoalkyl substituent and their alkyl, acyl and sulphonil derivatives, as well as monocyclic and bicyclic heterocycles attached at thiazine nitrogen atom or directly linked to benzene ring. The N-alkylphenothiazines have been known as antipsychotic drugs, but they also possess antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer activity, and ability to react with macromolecules and to coordinate to the metals. Metal complexes with N-alkylphenothiazines are biological active compounds with different antimicrobial activities and cytotoxic effect against tumor cell lines. The large field of application of N-alkylphenothiazines is very attractive in terms of synthesis of new related derivatives, metal complexes, studying their properties and applications. This article presents a review of the literature and a contemporary view at N-alkylphenothiazines - their synthesis and application, as well as their metal complexes which have promising biological effects.