Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and DNA/HSA binding studies of (phenyl/naphthyl)ethenyl-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles

Abstract

Two new series of conjugated arylethenyl-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles were obtained and spectroscopically characterized in terms of UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence and interaction with CT-DNA and Human Serum Albumin (HSA) biomolecules. Phenyl- and 1-naphthyl-bearing examples were analysed, and the spectroscopic properties of its substitution series were compared, showing extensive conjugation in all compounds and absorption differences due to both the aryl–ethenyl subunit and substituted phenyl/phenylene at the 1,2,4-oxadiazole side. Strong binding interactions of the obtained compounds with CT-DNA and moderate HSA-association capability were observed spectroscopically, and further docking studies were performed.