A series of benzo [c, d] indol-2 (1H) one-PBD conjugates (11a–l) have been designed and synthesized as potential anticancer agents. These compounds were prepared by linking the C8-position of DC-81 with a benzo [c, d] indol-2 (1H) one moiety through different alkane spacers in good yields and confirmed by 1H NMR, mass and HRMS data. The DNA binding ability of these conjugates was evaluated by thermal denaturation studies and ...