Complexes of the types: cis[PtI2(dptp)(2)] (1), cis-[PtI2(NH3)(dptp)] (2), trans-[PtI2(dptp)(dmso)] (3) and trans-[PtI2(dbtp)(dmso)] (4), where dptp=5,7-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine (dptp), dbtp=5,7-ditertbutyl-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine have been synthesized and characterized by infrared and multinuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques (H-1, C-13, N-15, Pt-195). In Pt-195 NMR, the cis-diiodo complexes were observed between -2601 ppm and -3261 ppm, while the trans coordination compounds were found at higher field (ca. 4389 ppm). In all cases significant N-15 NMR shielding (92-95 ppm) were observed for N(3) atom indicating this nitrogen atom as a coordination site. The cis complexes have been assayed for antitumor activity in vitro against two human cell lines: A549 (non-small cell lung carcinoma) and T47D (breast cancer). The results indicate a moderate antiproliferative activity of (2) against human cancer lines. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.