Regioselective one pot synthesis of 3,3′-diindolylethylene derivatives and study of their cytotoxic activity

2,2′-Diphenyl-3,3′-diindolylethylene (DPDIE) derivatives 3a–g were regioselectively prepared in one pot from indoles 1a–g in the presence of Lewis acids and were subsequently evaluated for cytotoxic activity against human leukemic cell lines, U937 and K562. The most potent compound 3g exhibited IC50 of 13.0–17.0 μM.

Graphical abstractSynthesis and study of cytotoxic activity of 2,2′-diphenyl-3,3′-diindolylethylene derivatives are reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide