Synthesis and antitumor activity of 10-substituted benzylidene anthrone

Effect of Substitution of Hydrogen Atoms in the Molecules of Anthrone and Anthraquinone

The geometry of anthrone and anthraquinone-natural substances of plant origin-was investigated under the substitution of hydrogen atoms in side aromatic ring and, for anthrone, also in the central ring. A significant influence of substitution on geometry expressed by the angle between the side rings was shown. The geometry changes are connected with the changes of electron density and aromaticity of the anthrone and anthraquinone rings. The flexibility of the investigated compounds was confirmed by comparison of the optimized molecules and the molecules in the crystal state where the packing forces can influence the molecular geometry.

ZGDHu-1 for cancer therapy

N,N'-di-(m-methylphenyl)-3,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-1,4-dicarboamide (ZGDHu-1) is a novel tetrazine derivative that was initially designed and produced by Professor W.X. Hu, and which has been reported by our group to exhibit antitumor activity. Accumulating evidence suggests that the anticancer mechanisms of ZGDHu-1 may be involved indifferent biological activities, particularly in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. At a high concentration, ZGDHu-1 has been demonstrated to inhibit the proliferation of the leukemia cells by arresting the cell cycle at the G₂/M phase, and by inducing cell apoptosis via inducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, the translocation of phosphatidylserine across the plasma membrane and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, at a low concentration, it was demonstrated to induce the differentiation and degrade the AML1-eight-twenty-one fusion protein in AML cells. Finally, results from a previous study indicate that ZGDHu-1 is a potential proteasome inhibitor. Overall, our preliminary research suggests that ZGDHu-1 may be a promising anticancer drug; however, further research is warranted to identify the exact drug target and potential clinical application in leukemia cells or solid tumors. In the present review, the application of ZGDHu-1 in cancer research, in addition to the specific underlying targets of ZGDHu-1, are discussed.

(E)-4-[(4-Bromo-benzyl-idene)amino]phenol

In the title compound, C₁₃H₁₀BrNO, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 35.20 (8)°. In the crystal, mol­ecules are linked by O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming a zigzag chain along the a axis. A weak C—H⋯π inter­action is observed between the chains.

Acid-Catalyzed Cyclization of Anthracenol Derivatives to Homotriptycenes

10-Benzyl-9,10-dihydroanthracen-9-ols, having high electron densities in the benzene ring, exhibit in the presence of acid a transannular ring closure to the corresponding homotriptycenes in almost quantitative yields. Since the starting compounds are easily accessible from 9(10H)-anthracenone, this process represents the most facile route to such pentacyclic systems. An electron-releasing methoxy group enables the intramolecular electrophilic substitution in its para position. In the absence of such an activation, a number of alternative processes can occur, namely the acid-catalyzed dehydration to anthracene derivatives with (R not = H) or without (R = H) rearrangement or a disproportionation reaction of the secondary alcohol to the corresponding ketone and hydrocarbon.