Cytotoxic gold(i)-bearing dendrimers from alkyne precursors

Abstract

A series of four dendrimers end-functionalized with gold(I) has been prepared from alkyne-terminated precursors and (tricyclohexylphosphine)gold(I) azide. Isolated yields range from 84–89%, based on gold. The first-generation dendrimer is cytotoxic toward 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. Apoptosis ensues within 6 h of treatment with gold(I).