ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the synthesis, characterization and inhibitory properties of complexes of heterocyclic sulfonamide carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs). The different chelating properties of acetazolamide, methazolamide and benzolamide are described on the basis of crystal structures of Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes. These complexes show interesting applications in the mechanistic studies of carbonic anhydrases (CAs) as well as in the development of clinically useful derivatives, because this enzyme is involved in critical physiological/physiopathological processes.
