Synthesis, spectroscopic and DNA alkylating properties of malondialdehyde (MDA) bis-imine fluorescent adducts

Abstract

The synthesis of a series of malondialdehyde (MDA) fluorescent adducts that mimic the well-known pentamethine cyanine dyes is reported. This new subclass of bis-imino dyes shares some common spectroscopic properties with their polymethine analogues although absorbing at significantly shorter wavelengths. A small library of trimethine and pentamethine cyanine dye bis-imino analogues have been synthesised and characterised that cover a spectral range from blue to orange. Of particular interest is their capacity to act as mono- and bis-alkylating agents of nucleosides in general and of cytidine (and 2′-deoxycytidine) in particular.