Synthesis and Anticancer Evaluation of Tryptanthrin-1,2,3-Triazole Hybrids

Synthesis of 18 tryptanthrin-triazole hybrid molecules by employing Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne [3 + 2] cycloaddition (CuAAC) between tryptanthrin oxime O-propargyl ether and aromatic azides is described here. The exclusive formation of E-triazoles was confirmed by theoretical studies using the M06-2x/6–311++G(d,p) level. From the synthesized triazoles, four of them have been selected and were subjected to in vitro anticancer activity studies against selected cell lines. Furthermore, in silico studies have been conducted for the most active compound, 5h, and it suggested that various noncovalent interactions and one conventional hydrogen bond enhance the stability of the complex (binding affinity = −11.29 kcal/mol). ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) studies also prove the increased biological potency of 5h.