2-Pyridin-2-yl-1H-indole derivatives: Synthesis, estrogen receptor binding affinity, and photophysical properties

A series of novel 2-pyridin-2-yl-1H-indole derivatives (4a–f) was prepared by intramolecular cyclodehydration of α-anilinyl (or 3-anisidyl)-2-pyridin-2-yl-ethanones (2a–f) and their optical spectroscopy and estrogen receptor (ER) binding properties were studied. These compounds showed long wavelength fluorescent emission, which is sensitive to solvent polarity and pH, while indol-6-ols 4b, e, and f displayed reasonably good binding affinities to ER.

Graphical abstractA series of novel 2-pyridin-2-yl-1H-indoles were prepared. Among them, the indol-6-ol derivatives displayed long wavelength fluorescent emission sensitive to solvent polarity, pH and good binding affinity to estrogen receptor.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide