Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of potential anticancer activity of mono- and bis-1,2,3-triazole derivatives of bis-alkynes.

Abstract In order to find new molecules with cytotoxic activity against cancer cells, we prepared bis-akyne amides derived from propiolic acid. The bis-alkynes were then transformed in their mono-1,2,3-triazole analogs onto the amide side, due to its greater reactivity, using a catalyst-free Huisgen's reaction. The mono-triazoles were then subjected to the copper (I)-catalyzed version of the previous reaction (CuAAC), using a supported catalyst, to produce bis-triazoles. All products were obtained pure after simple trituration or filtration procedures. All synthetic compounds were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activity using B16 melanoma cells. Four compounds ( 7 , 23 , 25 and 33 ) showed activities in the micromolar range ( 3 , 22 and 38 ) presented activity at low micromolar concentrations ( 2 and 13 ) were active at nanomolar levels (