Azide-alkyne cycloaddition en route to novel 1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered isatin conjugates with in vitro cytotoxic evaluation

1H-1,2,3-triazole tethered isatin conjugates have been synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity on four human cancer cell lines. The results revealed 5a, 5c, 5e and 5n proved to be twice as potent as 5-fluorouracil on THP-1 cell line with 5a and 5c being most active exhibiting IC50 values of <1 against all cell lines except Caco-2. Activity profiles showed dependence on the substituents on isatin rings with a preference for hydrogen while a strong electron withdrawing fluoro as well as nitro substituents on either ring decreased the anticancer activity.

Graphical abstractFifteen isatin conjugates have been synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic profiles against four human cell lines exhibiting concentration and C-5 substituent dependent cytotoxicity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Fifteen isatin conjugates have been synthesized via azide-alkyne cycloadditions. ► Cytotoxic evaluation studies were done on four human cancer cell lines. ► Concentration and substituent dependent cytotoxicity has been observed.