Synthesis and in-vitro anticancer activity of 3,5-bis(indolyl)-1,2,4-thiadiazoles

A series of 3,5-bis(indolyl)-1,2,4-thiadiazoles were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxicity against selected human cancer cell lines. The reaction of indole-3-thiocarboxamide 3 with iodobenzene diacetate underwent oxidative dimerization to give 3,5-bis(indolyl)-1,2,4-thiadiazoles 4a-n. Among the synthesized bis(indoly)-1,2,4-thiadiazoles, the compound 4h with 4-chlorobenzyl and methoxy substituents showed the most potent activity.