Synthesis of C8-C8/C2-C8-linked triazolo pyrrolobenzodiazepine dimers by employing 'click' chemistry and their DNA-binding affinity

A series of 1,2,3-triazole-containing pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine dimers have been prepared efficiently by employing a 'click' chemistry protocol. This method involves 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of terminal alkynes with organic azides using a Cu(I)-catalyst. Further, these molecules exhibited interesting DNA-binding affinity profiles.