Synthesis and Binding Studies of a New DNA Minor Groove Binder

Abstract

2-[2′-(4′′-Ethoxyphenyl)-1H-indol-6′-yl]-5-(4′′′-methylpiperazin-1′′′-yl)-1H-benzimidazole (1) has been synthesized from 2-(4′-ethoxyphenyl)-1H-indole-6-carbaldehyde (4b) and 4-(4′-methylpiperazin-1′-yl)benzene-1,2-diamine (3b). The aldehyde (4b) was prepared in five steps by using a modified Leimgruber–Batcho indole synthesis. Evaluation of (1) as a DNA ligand is described.