Efficient click chemistry towards fatty acids containing 1,2,3-triazole: Design and synthesis as potential antifungal drugs for Candida albicans

Candida is an important opportunistic human fungal pathogen. The cis-2-dodecenoic acid (BDSF) showing in vitro activity of against C. albicans growth, germ-tube germination and biofilm formation has been a potential inhibitor for Candida and other fungi. In this study, facile synthetic strategies toward a novel family of BDSF analogue, 1-alkyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acids (ATCs) was developed. The straightforward synthetic method including converting the commercial available alkyl bromide to alkyl azide, consequently with a typical click chemistry method, copper(II) sulfate and sodium ascorbate as catalyst in water to furnish ATCs with mild to good yields. According to antifungal assay, 1-decyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid (5d) showed antifungal capability slightly better than BDSF. The 1,2,3-triazole unit played a crucial role for the bioactivity of ATCs was also confirmed when compared with two alkyl-aromatic carboxylic acids. Given its simplicity, high antifungal activity, and wide availability of compounds with halide atoms on the end part of the alkyl chains, the method can be extended to develop more excellent ATC drugs for accomplishing the challenges in future antifungal applications.