Structure and Properties | Early Cancer Treatments | Discovery | Treatment and Side Effects | Historical Significance
The chemical formula for Cisplatin is Cl 2H6N2Pt and its molecular weight is 300.05. It is made up of two chloride molecules, six hydrogen molecules, two nitrogen molecules, and one central platinum molecule. Its structure name is CIS-diamminedichloroplatinum, and this is significant because being a cis-isomer is what makes Cisplatin so effective.[1] This is because the it allows for the same molecules to be on the same side, and thus, effectively latch onto cancerous cells. Cisplatin is a deep yellow color and a solid. It also will decompose at 270 degrees Celsius and will become trans with contact with many liquids.
Cisplatin is created through taking potassium tetrachloroplatinate, K2PtCl4, and adding the a NH3 compound to one of the four positions around the platinum molecule. Next, another NH3 compound is added next to the other NH3 to insure the compound becomes a cis-isomer. The next step calls for the addition of the Cl molecule, it is added after the NH3 because it has the tendency to be more trans in a molecule, to the compound. Finally, the next Cl is added to the compound after a great deal of chemical reaction the synthesis yields Cisplatin.[2]
[1] S. Dhara (2007). The Synthesis of Cisplatin. Indian Journal of Chemistry 1970, p.
123–134.
[2] S. Dhara (2007). The Synthesis of Cisplatin. Indian Journal of Chemistry 1970, p.
123–134.