LAUSR

Abstract This review focuses on organometallic nucleosides. It discusses: a) the synthetic methods that enable the site-specific incorporation of organometallic entities into the nucleoside scaffolds, b) the chemical transformations of organometallic nucleosides, and c) their biological applications. Special emphasis is given to the use of organometallic nucleosides as anticancer agents. In addition, the importance of organometallic nucleosides in nuclear medicine and bioimaging is shown. Nucleosides containing 12 (Cr, W, Mn, Tc, Re, Fe, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Pd, and Hg) transition metals, one (Sn) main block metal, and one metalloid (Ge) are discussed in this work. The compounds were divided into four classes depending on the position of the organometallic group. The review illustrates that the combination of the metal entity and the nucleoside scaffold often enables obtaining molecules with biological activities, which are beyond the scope of the organic compounds.