Techniques in the synthesis of mononuclear manganese complexes: a review

Abstract This article describes an overview of the synthetic techniques and protocols for the preparation of new ligands and respective manganese (Mn) complexes to be tested for biomedical applications. Mn is an essential and biocompatible element, the complexes of which have diverse medicinal applications. The most significant use of Mn complexes is their application against reactive oxygen species in biological systems, and due to this, three Mn-incorporated complexes (AEOL-10150, EUK-134, and M40403) are already under clinical trials. Hence, the interest in synthesizing biologically active Mn complexes is rapidly increasing. Mn complexes are commonly synthesized using either water or ethanol as a reaction medium for their possible usage in biological systems. Using common Mn salts along with suitable organic ligand works well in the presence of little heat to obtain Mn complexes of interest.