Synthesis and pharmacological characterization of glucopyranosyl-conjugated benzyl derivatives as novel selective cytotoxic agents against colon cancer.

Glucopyranosyl-conjugated benzyl derivatives containing a [1,2,3]-triazole linker were synthesized. Benzyl served as an important pharmacophore in anti-cancer compounds. Compound inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells with the potency comparable to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with improved selectivity towards cancer cells. The antiproliferative activity of is achieved through triggering apoptotic cell death.