Conjugates with short peptides , coumarins or anticancer and antimicrobial drugs 100, 101 , have been reported to exhibit improved water solubility, or to enhance the anticancer or antiparasitic activity. Amide or ester coupling reactions allowed easy modification of mixed trithiolato diruthenium compounds bearing hydroxy, amine and carboxylic acid groups . However, as in some cases this type of reactions presented shortcomings 101 , other alternatives were envisioned.