The molecule was first synthesised in 1987 to carry out basic studies on the redox chemistry of dimetallic coordination compounds.[9] Then, it was serendipitously discovered by another chemist that such a molecule could have a potential use in the treatment of HIV because of its role in the blocking of CXCR4, a chemokine receptor which acts as a co-receptor for certain strains of HIV (along with the virus's main cellular receptor, CD4).[10] Development of this indication was terminated because of lacking oral availability and cardiac disturbances.