In situ Bronsted-Lowry acid catalyzed syntheses, characterization, single crystal XRD, electronic spectral-, DPPH radical scavenging-, and DNA protection studies of aryl-3,3'-bis(indolyl)methanes.

A series of novel aryl-3,3'-bis(indolyl)methanes (BIMs) were synthesized using indole and formylphenoxyaliphatic acid(s) in water in the absence of any catalyst. The formylphenoxyaliphatic acid behaves as an in situ Bronsted-Lowry acid catalyst in water. UV-Visible and fluorescence spectra of the compounds were recorded in selected solvents. The gas phase geometry optimization of the compounds were achieved using DFT calculations at B3LYP/3-21G((*)) level of theory. The electronic properties, such as HOMO-LUMO energies were calculated using the above method based on the optimized structure. Compounds have better DPPH radical scavenging activity and reduction of oxidative damage of DNA.