MS-016: Coordination chemistry: ligand design, crystallographic studies, and applications in medicinal inorganic chemistry

Co-Chairs: Natalia Alvarez, John Helliwell (& Alice Brink)

Sponsoring Commission: Structural Chemistry

This microsymposium will explore coordination chemistry and focus on the rational design of ligands, crystallographic studies of metal complexes, and their applications in medicinal inorganic chemistry. The session will address advanced strategies for developing customized ligands capable of modulating the electronic, geometric, and reactive properties of metal complexes. The latest trends in the synthesis and characterization of these systems will be discussed, with an emphasis on the use of single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques to elucidate their structures at the atomic level. In the context of medicinal inorganic chemistry, the microsymposium will highlight the therapeutic potential of metal complexes such as those of copper(II), platinum(II), or technetium-99m—metallic ions that have played a significant role in metalloprotein interactions and modern drug development. Research highlighting structural aspects of mechanism of action, chemical reaction mechanisms, and structure-activity relationships, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interactions with target biomolecules, is welcomed. The integration of crystallographic studies with biological assays will be emphasized as an essential tool for the development of new therapeutic agents and controlled drug delivery systems. Key topics will include the design of ligands to achieve specific functionalities in metal complexes, the facilitation of ligand-biomolecule binding, post-synthetic modification strategies, and the description of crystal intermolecular interactions and their relationship with the physicochemical properties of the complexes. This multidisciplinary approach aims to unite fundamental advances in coordination chemistry with innovative applications in medicine, promoting the creation of functional systems to address global health challenges.