Synthesis and binding of proflavine diazides as functional intercalators for directed assembly on DNA

Proflavine diazide (PD) with amido-azide substituents on the amine groups and its N-methylated analogue (MePD) bind strongly to DNA by nearest-neighbour intercalation with little sequence selectivity, presenting reactive azide groups in the major groove. PD is neutral in aqueous solution but experiences binding-coupled protonation on interaction with DNA with an apparent pKa shift of 2.5 units. MePD can be click modified in situ on DNA with alkyne-functionalised thienyl-pyrrole as a precursor for conducting polymer synthesis, and remains intercalated after reaction with the substituents aligned in the groove.