Ru (η6-arene) complexes of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibiting tyrphostins 1a and 1b were prepared, characterized and tested for DNA interaction and bioactivity in four human tumor cell lines. The intrinsic cytotoxicity and cell line selectivity of o- hydroxyanisol 1a was greatly enhanced in its Ru (η6-p-cymene) complex 2a and in its Ru (η6-toluene) complex 3a. Complex 2a was particularly efficacious against multi-drug ...