Bioinorganic studies on Fe (II)- zidovudine (azt) complex

Abstract

The anti-HIV drug 3'-Azido-3'-deoxythymidine (Zidovudine) AZT has been quantitatively and qualitatively analysed by direct current polarographic (DCP), differential pulse polarographic (DPP) and amperometric techniques. AZT gives a well-defined polarographic reduction wave/peak with E1/2/Ep = - 1.42/ - 1.44 V versus SCE in 0.2 M KCL at pH = 6.0 ± 0.1. Fe (II)-AZT complex has been studied both in solid and aqueous phases. The IR spectral data on the drug and its Fe (II)-complex revealed complexation through -N atom of azide group. The data showed a shift in the band due to azide group in the complex from 2170 to 2150 cm⁻¹ in case of pure drug zidovudine. Hence, a tentative structure of the complex has been suggested. Antibacterial activity of the complex has been determined using Raper's paper disc method against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, and Diplococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Looking at its increased inhibition power against the above test pathogens, it is presumed that the complex may prove to be more potent against HIV, as compared to AZT drug.