Novel Terpyridine Conjugated Nitrogen Mustard Derivatives: Synthesis, Spectral Properties, and Anticancer Activity

A series of 2,2′:6′,2′-terpyridine conjugated nitrogen mustard derivatives with structurally symmetrical character and rather small molecular size have been synthesized by a two-step process, and characterized by 1 H and 13 C NMR, and mass spectra. Photophysical properties of these compounds have been characterized by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The synthesized compounds exhibit high antitumor activity against MDA-MB-231, Siha, 786-O, and A549 cell lines. The most potent compound 1a significantly retards the crawling ability and migration capability of A549 cells and inhibits cells proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest in G1 phase.