Question

Cisplatin is used in:

• A. Water purification
• B. Fertilizer industry
• C. Cancer treatment
• D. Food preservation

Hint:

Cisplatin, \(\text{cis-}[\text{Pt}(\text{NH}_3)_2\text{Cl}_2]\), is a classic example of an inorganic drug used in oncology.
Make sure to remember that only the cis-isomer is effective as an anticancer drug, while the trans-isomer is inactive.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the primary practical and medicinal application of the chemical compound known as cisplatin.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Cisplatin is a neutral coordination complex of platinum with the formula \(\text{cis-}[\text{Pt}(\text{NH}_3)_2\text{Cl}_2]\). It is widely recognized for its biological activity.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• What is Cisplatin: Cisplatin is the cis-isomer of diamminedichloroplatinum(II), which acts as a key chemotherapeutic agent.
  
• Mechanism of Action: Once inside the cell, cisplatin loses its chloride ligands and binds directly to the nitrogen bases of DNA, particularly guanine.
  
• DNA Cross-Linking: This binding forms intra-strand cross-links that distort the DNA double helix.
  
• Cell Apoptosis: The structural damage to the DNA halts replication and transcription processes, forcing cancer cells to undergo programmed cell death.
  
• Medical Use: It is widely used to treat solid tumors, such as testicular, ovarian, bladder, and lung cancers.
  
• Contrast with Transplatin: The trans-isomer of the complex, \(\text{trans-}[\text{Pt}(\text{NH}_3)_2\text{Cl}_2]\), is biologically inactive, emphasizing the importance of stereochemistry in drugs.
  

Step 4: Final Answer:
Cisplatin is used in cancer treatment, which corresponds to option (C).