Cisplatin is a leading chemotherapy agent; however its effectiveness is limited by its severe side effects. Photoreducible complexes incorporating cisplatin, of the general formula [L₂(CN)₂Fe^II-(CN)-Pt^IV (Cl₂(NH₃)₂)-(NC)-Fe^II(CN)₂L₂]²⁺ (where L=2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized. These complexes contain an intervalent charge transfer band that when irradiated with visible light undergo a charge transfer reaction forming cisplatin. These complexes can act as masking agents for photoaction therapy as a way to decrease side effects of cisplatin treatment. However, these complexes have limited solubility in water. In order to increase water solubility, substitution of the 2,2'-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline ligands is undertaken. Systems containing 2,2'-bipyridine-5-carboxylic acid or bathophenanthrolinedisulfonate as ligands are evaluated as potential chemotherapeutic agents.