Structure−activity relationships of 2‑quinolinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone gallium(III) complexes with potent and selective anticancer activity

Six gallium(III) complexes (Ga1–Ga6) with 2‑quinolinecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone analogues were synthesized and characterized. These gallium(III) complexes exhibited potent anticancer activity and exceeded that of the corresponding metal free ligands. Importantly, these gallium(III) complexes have a strong selectivity for tumor cells. Through the study of cellular mechanisms, we have found that the lipophilicity of ligands is closely linked...