Eight 3d complexes with 5-chloro-quinolin-8-ol (ClQ) are characterized.
Complexes interact with DNA by intercalative binding mode.
Complexes target topoisomerase I as mildly effective topoisomerase inhibitors.
[Fe(ClQ)3] complex is highly active against human breast MDA-MB cancer cell line.
[Fe(ClQ)3] complex is not cytotoxic against control mesenchymal stem cells.