Organometallic cluster analogues of tamoxifen: Synthesis and biochemical assay

Simple organometallic cluster analogues of tamoxifen containing triosmium or dicobalt carbonyl fragments have been prepared. Attempts at elaboration of these towards the tamoxifen skeleton were hampered by sensitivity of the cluster–ligand linkage towards the McMurry coupling conditions. Preliminary biological tests on various substrates indicate that the transition metal carbonyl fragment increases lipophilicity dramatically and reduces affinity for the estrogen receptor.