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⏱️general chemistry ii review

Cis-platinum(ii) dichloride

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Cis-platinum(ii) dichloride, commonly known as cisplatin, is a coordination compound where a platinum ion is surrounded by two chloride ions and two amine groups, arranged in a cis configuration. This specific arrangement of ligands around the central platinum atom gives rise to distinct chemical properties, making it a vital compound in medicinal chemistry, especially in cancer treatment. Understanding its geometry and isomerism is crucial for grasping its reactivity and biological significance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Cisplatin has the chemical formula $$ ext{[PtCl}_2 ext{(NH}_3 ext{)}_2]$$ and is used primarily as a chemotherapy drug for treating various types of cancer, including testicular and ovarian cancers.
  2. The cis configuration of cisplatin means that the two chloride ions and the two amine groups are adjacent to each other, which is crucial for its biological activity.
  3. Cisplatin works by forming cross-links in DNA, preventing cancer cells from dividing and effectively leading to cell death.
  4. Cis-platinum(ii) dichloride exhibits geometric isomerism, with the cis isomer being therapeutically active while the trans isomer is much less effective.
  5. The discovery of cisplatin as an anticancer agent was a significant breakthrough in medical chemistry, highlighting the importance of coordination compounds in pharmacology.

Review Questions

  • What makes cis-platinum(ii) dichloride distinct from other platinum-based coordination compounds?
    • Cis-platinum(ii) dichloride stands out due to its unique cis configuration, which allows for specific interactions with biological molecules like DNA. Unlike its trans counterpart, cisplatin's geometry enables it to effectively bind to DNA and form cross-links that inhibit replication, making it a powerful anticancer agent. This distinct arrangement directly influences its mechanism of action and therapeutic efficacy.
  • How does the geometric isomerism present in cis-platinum(ii) dichloride impact its biological activity compared to its trans isomer?
    • Geometric isomerism significantly affects the properties of cis-platinum(ii) dichloride. The cis form, with ligands positioned next to each other, is biologically active and capable of forming crucial DNA cross-links, leading to cell death. In contrast, the trans isomer does not exhibit this capability due to its different ligand arrangement, rendering it much less effective as an anticancer treatment. This distinction emphasizes the importance of geometry in coordination chemistry.
  • Evaluate the role of cis-platinum(ii) dichloride in cancer treatment and discuss its implications on future drug design strategies.
    • Cis-platinum(ii) dichloride has revolutionized cancer treatment through its effective mechanism of action against tumor cells. By inducing DNA cross-links that disrupt cell division, it set a precedent for using coordination compounds in chemotherapy. This success prompts ongoing research into designing new platinum-based drugs with improved efficacy and reduced side effects. The understanding of geometric isomerism and ligand interactions will be critical as researchers develop more targeted therapies that leverage the principles observed in cisplatin.