Ligand-Based Neutral Ruthenium(II) Arene Complex: Selective Anticancer Action

Bioactive platinum complex of ligand bearing pyrimidine skeleton: DNA/BSA binding, molecular docking, anticancer, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities

A new octahedral platinum complex [PtLCl₄] of Schiff base ligand containing pyrimidine and morpholine skeleton (where, L is 4,6-dichloropyrimidin-5-yl)methylene)-2-morpholinoethanamine) was isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR, FTIR, UV-visible and ESI-MS techniques. DNA interaction of isolated compounds with calf thymus (CT-DNA) was explored by UV-vis absorption, fluorescence, cyclic voltametric and viscometric methods. The result shows that prepared compounds can interact with CT-DNA through electrostatic interactions. Bovine serum album (BSA) binding behavior of isolated compounds was also studied by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence techniques. Both the spectroscopic results suggest that the isolated ligand and its complex bind with BSA through static quenching. The optimized structure of ligand and platinum complex were achieved by the DFT calculations. Moreover, molecular docking of ligand and its complex were studied. These analysis results reveal that ligand has low binding affinity on DNA and BSA molecules in contrast to its complex. In vitro anticancer activity of isolated compounds toward normal cell line (NHDF) as well as cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HepG2, HeLa and A549) was studied by MTT assay. The results supports that isolated platinum complex can control the growth of cancer cells (MCF-7, 20.12 ± 1.00 µg/mL; HepG2, 32.2 ± 1.69 µg/mL; HeLa, 24.68 ± 1.29 µg/mL; A549, 23.46 ± 1.17 µg/mL) without inhibiting the normal cell line (NHDF, 109.26 ± 5.46 µg/mL). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of isolated compounds indicate that ligand and Pt complex are found to have good radical scavenging against four different free radicals and antimicrobial abilities on E. coli and C. albicans antimicrobial species. HighlightsPlatinum complex of Schiff base with pyrimidine and morpholine linkage was synthesized.Pt complex has better biomolecular interaction with DNA and BSA.Molecular docking of Pt complex with DNA and BSA has been studiedPt complex has good anticancer activities.Pt complex has better antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.

Gold(III) Complexes: An Overview on Their Kinetics, Interactions With DNA/BSA, Cytotoxic Activity, and Computational Calculations

In the last few years, metallodrugs play a key role in the development of medicinal chemistry. The choice of metal ion, its oxidation state and stability, and the choice of inert and labile ligands are just some of the very important facts which must be considered before starting the synthesis of complexes with utilization in medicinal purpose. As a result, a lot of compounds of different transition metal ions found application for diagnostic and therapeutic purpose. Beside all, gold compounds have attracted particular attention. It is well-known that gold compounds could be used for the treatment of cancer, HIV, rheumatoid arthritis (chrysotherapy), and other diseases. This metal ion has unoccupied d-sublevels and possibility to form compounds with different oxidation states, from -1 to +5. However, gold(I) and gold(III) complexes are dominant in chemistry and medicine. Especially, gold(III) complexes are of great interest due to their structural similarity with cisplatin. Accordingly, this review summarizes the chemistry of some mononuclear and polynuclear gold(III) complexes. Special attention is given to gold(III) complexes with nitrogen-donor inert ligands (aliphatic or aromatic that have a possibility to stabilize complex) and their kinetic behavior toward different biologically relevant nucleophiles, mechanism of interaction with DNA/bovine serum albumin (BSA), cytotoxic activity, as well as computational calculations.

Y-shaped ferrocene/non-ferrocene conjugated quinoxalines for colorimetric and fluorimetric detection of picric acid

New Y-shaped ferrocene and non-ferrocene conjugated quinoxaline derivatives {[R-(CH)₂-N=CH-)₂C₁₀H₄], R = C₅H₅-Fe-C₅H₅ (1) and R = C₆H₄-OCH₃ (2)} have been synthesized and characterized using analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The thermal stability of the compounds 1 and 2 were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), both were stable up to 250 °C. The optical properties were studied using UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopic methods and Y-shaped ferrocene appended quinoxaline derivative 1 show a weak emission due to the quenching nature of ferrocene. The compound 2 shows enhanced fluorescence intensity in their aggregation state due to Restricted Intramolecular Rotation (RIR). Hence, the compound 2 have further utilized for the detection of picric acid (PA) by fluorimetric method and the detection limit of 1.37 × 10^-6 M was obtained. Further, paper sensor was made using compound 2 which resulted in the instant 'naked eye' response for trace detection of picric acid. Consequently, the compound 2 acts as a colorimetric sensor and can be used as a new probe for the detection of nitro aromatic explosives.

An iron(iii) complex selectively mediated cancer cell death: crystal structure, DNA targeting and in vitro antitumor activities

Three new iron(iii) complexes were prepared, and complex 3 exhibited a 14-fold higher selectivity index for HeLa vs. LO2 normal cells than cisplatin.

Activation by Oxidation: Ferrocene-Functionalized Ru(II)-Arene Complexes with Anticancer, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Properties

Organometallic Ru(II)-cymene complexes linked to ferrocene (Fc) via nitrogen heterocycles have been synthesized and studied as cytotoxic agents. These compounds are analogues of Ru(II)-arene piano-stool anticancer complexes such as RAPTA-C. The Ru center was coordinated by pyridine, imidazole, and piperidine with 0-, 1-, or 2-carbon bridges to Fc to give six bimetallic, dinuclear compounds, and the properties of these complexes were compared with their non-Fc-functionalized parent compounds. Crystal structures for five of the compounds, their Ru-cymene parent compounds, and an unusual trinuclear compound were determined. Cyclic voltammetry was used to determine the formal M^III/II potentials of each metal center of the Ru-cymene-Fc complexes, with distinct one-electron waves observed in each case. The Fc-functionalized complexes were found to exhibit good cytotoxicity against HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells, whereas the parent compounds were inactive. Similarly, antibacterial activity from the Ru-cymene-Fc compounds was observed against Bacillus subtilis, but not from the unfunctionalized complexes. In both cases, the IC₅₀ values correlated quantitatively with the Fc^+/0 reduction potentials. This is consistent with more facile oxidation to give ferrocenium, and subsequent generation of toxic reactive oxygen species, leading to greater cytotoxicity. The antioxidant properties of the complexes were quantified by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. EC₅₀ values indicate that linking of the Ru and Fc centers promotes antioxidant activity.

Spectroscopic, Computational, Antimicrobial, DNA Interaction, In Vitro Anticancer and Molecular Docking Properties of Biochemically Active Cu(II) and Zn(II) Complexes of Pyrimidine-Ligand

Biochemically active Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes [CuL(ClO₄)₂(1) and ZnL(ClO₄)₂(2)] have been synthesized from N,N donor Schiff base ligand L derived from4,6-dichloropyrimdine-5-carboxaldehyde with 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine. The L, complexes 1 and 2 have been structurally characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR, FTIR, MS, UV-Visible and ESR techniques. The results obtained from the spectral studies supports the complexes 1 and 2 are coordinated with L through square planar geometry. DFT calculations results supports, the ligand to metal charge transfer mechanism can occur between L and metal(II) ions. The antimicrobial efficacy results have been recommended that, complexes 1 and 2 are good anti-pathogenic agents than ligand L. The interaction of complexes 1 and 2 with calf thymus (CT) DNA has been studied by electronic absorption, viscometric, fluorometric and cyclic voltammetric measurements. The calculated K_b values for L, complexes 1 and 2 found from absorption titrations was 4.45 × 10⁴, L; 1.92 × 10⁵, 1 and 1.65 × 10⁵, 2. The Ksv values were found to be 3.0 × 10³, 3.68 × 10³and 3.52 × 10³ for L, complexes 1 and 2 by using competitive binding with ethidium bromide (EB). These results suggest that, the compounds are interacted with DNA may be electrostatic binding. The molecular docking studies have been carried out to confirm the interaction of compounds with DNA. Consequently, in vitro anticancer activities of L, complexes 1 and 2 against selected cancer (lung cancer A549, liver cancer HepG2 and cervical carcinoma HeLa) and normal (NHDF) cell lines were assessed by MTT assay.

Facile total synthesis of lysicamine and the anticancer activities of the RuII, RhIII, MnII and ZnII complexes of lysicamine

Lysicamine is a natural oxoaporphine alkaloid, which isolated from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs and has been shown to possess cytotoxicity to hepatocarcinoma cell lines. Reports on its antitumor activity are scarce because lysicamine occurs in plants at a low content. In this work, we demonstrate a facile concise total synthesis of lysicamine from simple raw materials under mild reaction conditions, and the preparation of the Ru(II), Rh(III), Mn(II) and Zn(II) complexes 1–4 of lysicamine (LY). All the compounds were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ESI-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, as well as single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compared with the free ligand LY, complexes 2 and 3 exhibited superior in vitro cytotoxicity against HepG2 and NCI-H460. Mechanistic studies indicated that 2 and 3 blocked the cell cycle in the S phase by decreasing of cyclins A2/B1/D1/E1, CDK 2/6, and PCNA levels and increasing levels of p21, p27, p53 and CDC25A proteins. In addition, 2 and 3 induced cell apoptosis via both the caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway and the death receptor pathway. in vivo study showed that 2 inhibited HepG2 tumor growth at 1/3 maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and had a better safety profile than cisplatin.

Three novel transition metal complexes of 6-methyl-2-oxo-quinoline-3-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone: synthesis, crystal structure, cytotoxicity, and mechanism of action

Complex 1 was more selective for MGC80-3 tumor cells versus normal cells (HL-7702). Importantly, 1 triggered MGC80-3 cells apoptosis via a mitochondrial dysfunction pathway.

(BB)-Carboryne Complex of Ruthenium: Synthesis by Double B-H Activation at a Single Metal Center

The first example of a transition metal (BB)-carboryne complex containing two boron atoms of the icosahedral cage connected to a single exohedral metal center (POBBOP)Ru(CO)2 (POBBOP = 1,7-OP(i-Pr)2-2,6-dehydro-m-carborane) was synthesized by double B-H activation within the strained m-carboranyl pincer framework. Theoretical calculations revealed that the unique three-membered (BB)>Ru metalacycle is formed by two bent B-Ru σ-bonds with the concomitant increase of the bond order between the two metalated boron atoms. The reactivity of the highly strained electron-rich (BB)-carboryne fragment with small molecules was probed by reactions with electrophiles. The carboryne-carboranyl transformations reported herein represent a new mode of cooperative metal-ligand reactivity of boron-based complexes.

Ruthenium Complexes Induce HepG2 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis and Inhibit Cell Migration and Invasion through Regulation of the Nrf2 Pathway

Ruthenium (Ru) complexes are currently the focus of substantial interest because of their potential application as chemotherapeutic agents with broad anticancer activities. This study investigated the in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities and mechanisms of two Ru complexes—2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-Octaethyl-21H,23H-porphine Ru(II) carbonyl (Ru1) and 5,10,15,20-Tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphine Ru(II) carbonyl (Ru2)—against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. These Ru complexes effectively inhibited the cellular growth of three human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.7–7.3 μM. In contrast, the complexes exhibited lower toxicity towards L02 human liver normal cells with IC₅₀ values of 20.4 and 24.8 μM, respectively. Moreover, Ru2 significantly inhibited HepG2 cell migration and invasion, and these effects were dose-dependent. The mechanistic studies demonstrated that Ru2 induced HCC cell apoptosis, as evidenced by DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation, which was predominately triggered via caspase family member activation. Furthermore, HCC cell treatment significantly decreased the expression levels of Nrf2 and its downstream effectors, NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO1). Ru2 also exhibited potent in vivo anticancer efficacy in a tumor-bearing nude mouse model, as demonstrated by a time- and dose-dependent inhibition on tumor growth. The results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Ru complexes against HCC via Nrf2 pathway regulation.

Arene ruthenium(ii) complexes with chalcone, aminoantipyrine and aminopyrimidine based ligands: synthesis, structure and preliminary evaluation of anti-leukemia activity

A series of arene ruthenium(ii) complexes with N-monodentate (AAP) and N,O- and N,N-bidentate chelating ligands (AAPS, ADABS, AAPPA and P2P) have been synthesized and evaluated for preliminary antileukemia activity against K562 (Human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line).

Induction of Cytotoxicity in Pyridine Analogues of the Anti-metastatic Ru(III) Complex NAMI-A by Ferrocene Functionalization

A series of novel ferrocene (Fc) functionalized Ru(III) complexes was synthesized and characterized. These compounds are derivatives of the anti-metastatic Ru(III) complex imidazolium [trans-RuCl4(1H-imidazole) (DMSO-S)] (NAMI-A) and are derived from its pyridine analogue (NAMI-Pyr), with direct coupling of Fc to pyridine at the 4 or 3 positions, or at the 4 position via a two-carbon linker, which is either unsaturated (vinyl) or saturated (ethyl). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and UV-vis spectroscopic studies of the ligand exchange processes of the compounds in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) report similar solution behavior to NAMI-Pyr. However, the complex with Fc substitution at the 3 position of the coordinated pyridine shows greater solution stability, through resistance to the formation of oligomeric species. Further EPR studies of the complexes with human serum albumin (hsA) indicate that the Fc groups enhance noncoordinate interactions with the protein and help to inhibit the formation of protein-coordinated species, suggesting the potential for enhanced bioavailability. Cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrate that the Fc groups modestly reduce the reduction potential of the Ru(III) center as compared to NAMI-Pyr, while the reduction potentials of the Fc moieties of the four compounds vary by 217 mV, with the longer linkers giving significantly lower values of E1/2. EPR spectra of the compounds with 2-carbon linkers show the formation of a high-spin Fe(III) species (S = 5/2) in PBS with a distinctive signal at g = 4.3, demonstrating oxidation of the Fe(II) ferrocene center and likely reflecting degradation products. Density functional theory calculations and paramagnetic (1)H NMR describe delocalization of spin density onto the ligands and indicate that the vinyl linker could be a potential pathway for electron transfer between the Ru and Fe centers. In the case of the ethyl linker, electron transfer is suggested to occur via an indirect mechanism enabled by the greater flexibility of the ligand. In vitro assays with the SW480 cell line reveal cytotoxicity induced by the ruthenium ferrocenylpyridine complexes that is at least an order of magnitude higher than the unfunctionalized complex, NAMI-Pyr. Furthermore, migration studies with LNCaP cells reveal that Fc functionalization does not reduce the ability of the compounds to inhibit cell motility. Overall, these studies demonstrate that NAMI-A-type compounds can be functionalized with redox-active ligands to produce both cytotoxic and anti-metastatic activity.

Synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity, a poptosis and cell cycle arrest of dibenzoxanthenes derivatives

Two new dibenzoxanthenes compounds 1 and 2 have been synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectral methods. The crystal structure of compound 2 informs that the five rings of compound are almost planar. The DNA binding properties of two compounds were studied by absorption titration, viscosity measurement and luminescence. These results indicate that two compounds interact with calf thymus DNA through intercalative mode. Agarose gel electrophoresis experiment shows that PBR 322 DNA can be induced to cleave by two compounds under photoactivated condition. Compound 1 exhibits higher cytotoxicity than compound 2 toward MG-63, BEL-7402 and A549 cells. The apoptosis and cellular uptake of MG-63 cells were studied by fluorescence microscopy. Two compounds can also enhance the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential. Compound 1 induces cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and compound 2 induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase in MG-63.

Metal based photosensitizers of tetradentate Schiff base: promising role in anti-tumor activity through singlet oxygen generation mechanism

In the present investigation, a Schiff base N'(1),N'(3)-bis[(Z)-(2-hydroxynapthyl)methylidene]benzene-1,3-dicarbodihydrazide (L1) and its Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized as novel photosensitizing agents for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) has been explored using absorption, thermal denaturation and viscometric studies. The experimental results revealed that Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes on binding to CT DNA imply a covalent mode, most possibly involving guanine N7 nitrogen of DNA, with an intrinsic binding constant Kb of 4.5×10(4)M(-1) and 4.2×10(4)M(-1), respectively. However, interestingly, the Cu(II) complex is involved in the surface binding to minor groove via phosphate backbone of DNA double helix with an intrinsic binding constant Kb of 5.7×10(4)M(-1). The Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes are active in cleaving supercoiled (SC) pUC19 DNA on photoexposure to UV-visible light of 365nm, through (1)O2 generation with quantum yields of 0.28, 0.25 and 0.30, respectively. Further, these complexes are cytotoxic in A549 lung cancer cells, showing an enhancement of cytotoxicity upon light irradiation.

Potential anticancer heterometallic Fe-Au and Fe-Pd agents: initial mechanistic insights

A series of gold(III) and palladium(II) heterometallic complexes with new iminophosphorane ligands derived from ferrocenylphosphanes [{Cp-P(Ph2)═N-Ph}2Fe] (1), [{Cp-P(Ph2)═N-CH2-2-NC5H4}2Fe] (2), and [{Cp-P(Ph2)═N-CH2-2-NC5H4}Fe(Cp)] (3) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Ligands 2 and 3 afford stable coordination complexes [AuCl2(3)]ClO4, [{AuCl2}2(2)](ClO4)2, [PdCl2(3)], and [{PdCl2}2(2)]. The complexes have been evaluated for their antiproliferative properties in human ovarian cancer cells sensitive and resistant to cisplatin (A2780S/R), in human breast cancer cells (MCF7) and in a nontumorigenic human embryonic kidney cell line (HEK-293T). The highly cytotoxic trimetallic derivatives M2Fe (M = Au, Pd) are more cytotoxic to cancer cells than their corresponding monometallic fragments. Moreover, these complexes were significantly more cytotoxic than cisplatin in the resistant A2780R and the MCF7 cell lines. Studies of the interactions of the trimetallic compounds with DNA and the zinc-finger protein PARP-1 indicate that they exert anticancer effects in vitro based on different mechanisms of actions with respect to cisplatin.

Cobalt(II), Nickel(II) and Copper(II) complexes of a tetradentate Schiff base as photosensitizers: Quantum yield of 1O2 generation and its promising role in anti-tumor activity

In the present investigation, a Schiff base N'1,N'3-bis[(E)-(5-bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl)methylidene]benzene-1,3-dicarbohydrazide and its metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding studies were performed using absorption spectroscopy, emission spectra, viscosity measurements and thermal denatuaration studies. The experimental evidence indicated that, the Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes interact with calf thymus DNA through intercalation with an intrinsic binding constant Kb of 2.6×10(4) M(-1), 5.7×10(4) M(-1) and 4.5×10(4) M(-1), respectively and they exhibited potent photodamage abilities on pUC19 DNA, through singlet oxygen generation with quantum yields of 0.32, 0.27 and 0.30 respectively. The cytotoxic activity of the complexes resulted that they act as a potent photosensitizers for photochemical reactions.

Dicarba-closo-dodecarborane-containing half-sandwich complexes of ruthenium, osmium, rhodium and iridium: biological relevance and synthetic strategies

This review describes how the incorporation of dicarba-closo-dodecarboranes into half-sandwich complexes of ruthenium, osmium, rhodium and iridium might lead to the development of a new class of compounds with applications in medicine. Such a combination not only has unexplored potential in traditional areas such as Boron Neutron Capture Therapy agents, but also as pharmacophores for the targeting of biologically important proteins and the development of targeted drugs. The synthetic pathways used for the syntheses of dicarba-closo-dodecarboranes-containing half-sandwich complexes of ruthenium, osmium, rhodium and iridium are also reviewed. Complexes with a wide variety of geometries and characteristics can be prepared. Examples of addition reactions on the metal centre, B-H activation, transmetalation reactions and/or direct formation of metal-metal bonds are discussed (103 references).

Targeted and multifunctional arene ruthenium chemotherapeutics

The introduction of multifunctionalities for tumour targeting is becoming a popular strategy toward the development of new therapeutic agents. In particular, the multifaceted potential of ruthenium(II)-arene complexes show great promise as chemotherapeutics. An ever-increasing number of papers dealing with the integration of ruthenium complexes with biologically active molecules to derive bioorganometallic molecules of chemotherapeutic significance have been published in recent years. This perspective review presents a short overview of multifunctional ruthenium-based drugs, especially those containing arene ruthenium complexes, with the emphasis on the combination of photosensitizers with ruthenium complexes for the preparation of novel multifunctional photodynamic therapy agents.

Cationic ruthenium(III) maltolato–imidazole complexes — Synthesis, characterization, and antiproliferatory activity*Adapted from the Ph.D. thesis of D.C. Kennedy (see the References section)

The cationic RuIII complexes, trans-[Ru(ma)2(L)2]CF3SO3, where Hma = maltol = 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone; L = imidazole (Im) (complex 2), 1(N)-methylimidazole (N-MeIm) (3), 2-methylimidazole (2-MeIm) (4), and 4-methylimidazole (4-MeIm) (5), were synthesized via the known L = EtOH (complex 1a), and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR and IR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, and (for 3 and 4) by X-ray crystallography. The trans-[Ru(ma)2(H2O)2]CF3SO3 complex (1b) was inadvertently isolated and characterized crystallographically, and the monomaltolato species [Ru(ma)(N-MeIm)4][CF3SO3]2 (6) was also isolated and characterized. In vitro antiproliferatory activity of complexes 2−6 against human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-435S) was tested using an MTT assay: 4 and 5 exhibit the lowest IC50 values, ~5 and ~15 µmol/L, respectively, whereas cisplatin exhibits an IC50 value of ~35 µmol/L against this cell line.

Synthesis and reactivity of 4,5-[1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborano(12)]-1,3-diselenacyclopentane: opening of the icosahedron to give a zwitterionic intermediate and conversion into 7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborate(1-)

The reaction of the 1,2-diselenolato-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12) dianion [1,2-(1,2-C(2)B(10)H(10))Se(2)](2-) with dichloromethane (CH(2)Cl(2) or CD(2)Cl(2)) in the presence of donor solvents gave 4,5-[1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborano(12)]-1,3-diselenacyclopentane, the title compound, which was characterized by X-ray structural analysis and NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (11)B, (13)C, and (77)Se). In the presence of pyridine, opening of the icosahedron took place, and a zwitterionic intermediate was isolated and fully characterized in the solid state by X-ray diffraction and in solution by multinuclear magnetic resonance techniques. Although such types of intermediates, prior to deboronation of the ortho-carborane cage, have been proposed several times, this is first example for which the structure has been confirmed unambiguously. This intermediate possesses a nido structure and contains a 7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborate(1-) anion and a boronium cation, the latter with two pyridine rings linked to the boron atom, which has been extruded from the cage. It was shown that this process is reversible as long as the deboronation is not complete. The formation of the intermediate is accompanied by deboronation, which leads to the 7,8-dicarba-nido-undecaborate(1-) anion. The latter was prepared independently by conventional routes from the title compound, isolated as crystalline material as the tetrabutyl ammonium salt, and characterized by X-ray structural analysis and multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H, (11)B, (13)C, and (77)Se).