A joint structural research on platinum(II) complexes for antitumor activity.

The project consists of two parallel activities, one related to research and the other related to education, but both support each other. For research, series of platinum(II) complexes will be synthesized of which the structures will be determined by means of IR and NMR spectroscopy methods in Vietnam and crystallographically characterized in KU Leuven. These compounds will be tested for antitumor activities. From those results the structure-function relationship will be obtained. This knowledge will in turn guide the subsequent design. For education, firstly short training courses in crystallography by staff of KU Leuven for students and staff of the chemistry department at Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE) will take place. Secondly, in order to introduce crystallography further into educational activities a crystal growing competition will be organized for students at the local department. We hope that this competition will in a later stage be attended by a lot of secondary and high schools in Vietnam: HNUE alumni will become teachers in high schools and can catalyze the participation.

Keywords:Platinum Complexes, Antitumor Activity, Synthesis, Crystallography, Crystal Structure, Crystal Growing Competition, Vietnam

Disciplines:Economic development, innovation, technological change and growth