Salophen-10-carboxylate iron chelate

Salophen-10-carboxylate iron chelate is a specific iron complex belonging to the broader class of salophen iron chelates. Salophenes are organic compounds characterized by two Schiff's bases linking three aromatic moieties, commonly employed as ligands in coordination chemistry. Iron salophen complexes, including this derivative, have been investigated for their potential as anticancer agents. Their mechanism of action involves inducing DNA damage, such as single and double strand breaks, particularly in the presence of a reducing agent. This DNA cleavage is thought to occur through the generation of reactive oxygen species, possibly via a Fenton-like reaction. Studies have shown that iron(III)-salophene exhibits selective cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects, for instance, in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells.