Click-derived O-Cresolphthalein Linked 1,2,3-Triazole: Pb(II) Ion Sensing, in Silico Analysis, and Aromatase Inhibition

The present study demonstrates the synthesis, characterization, and multifaceted applications of a 1,2,3-triazole derivative synthesized via Copper(I)-Catalyzed Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition (CuAAC). The design of the probe was carried out using o-cresolphthalein moiety, owing to its substantial absorption and emission behaviour, which was connected to a benzyl group (which acted as the transducer group) via a 1,2,3-triazole bridge. This bridge, in addition to serving as the spacer unit, also had the potential to provide the receptor sites for the metal ions due to the presence of N atoms having lone pairs of electrons. The compound's structural integrity was confirmed through Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry analyses. Its selective responsiveness to Pb(II) ions, established by UV-vis spectroscopy, revealed its potential as a robust Pb(II) ion sensor with a limit of detection of 11.2 mu M and binding constant (Ka) value of 3.2 x 104 M-1, thereby facilitating applications in environmental monitoring and analytical chemistry. Additionally, the compound's versatility extends to the realm of biology, as indicated by the in silico pharmacological studies and molecular docking simulations. These investigations underscored its significant potency as aromatase inhibitor, suggesting opportunities for therapeutic interventions and drug development, as the compound's molecular architecture and distinctive binding interactions offer promise in addressing intricate biological processes.