Antitumor agents. 178. Synthesis and biological evaluation of substituted 2-aryl-1,8-naphthyridin-4(1H)-ones as antitumor agents that inhibit tubulin polymerization

2,3-Dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones and quinazolin-4(3H)-ones as broad-spectrum cytotoxic agents and their impact on tubulin polymerisation

Tubulin plays a central role in mitosis and has been the target of multiple anticancer drugs, including paclitaxel. Herein two separate families of 2,3-dihydroquinazoline-4(1H)-ones and quinazoline-4(3H) ones, comprising 57 compounds in total, were synthesised. Screening against a broad panel of human cancer cell lines (HT29 colon, U87 and SJ-G2 glioblastoma, MCF-7 breast, A2780 ovarian, H460 lung, A431 skin, Du145 prostate, BE2-C neuroblastoma, and MIA pancreas) reveals these analogues to be broad spectrum cytotoxic compounds. Of particular note, 2-styrylquinazolin-4(3H)-one 51, 2-(4-hydroxystyryl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 63, 2-(2-methoxystyryl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 64 and 2-(3-methoxystyryl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 65 and 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one 39 exhibited sub-μM potency growth inhibition values. Of these 1-naphthyl 39 has activity <50 nM against the HT29, U87, A2780, H460 and BE2-C cell lines. Molecular modelling of these compounds, e.g. 2-(naphthalen-1-yl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one 39, 2-(2-methoxystyryl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 64, 2-(3-methoxystyryl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 65, and 2-(4-methoxystyryl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one 50 docked to the known tubulin polymerisation inhibitor sites highlighted well conserved interactions within the colchicine binding pocket. These compounds were examined in a tubulin polymerisation assay alongside the known tubulin polymerisation promotor, paclitaxel (69), and tubulin inhibitor, nocodazole (68). Of the analogues examined, indoles 43 and 47 were modest promotors of tubulin polymerisation, but less effective than paclitaxel. Analogues 39, 64, and 65 showed reduced microtubule formation consistent with tubulin inhibition. The variation in ring methoxy substituent with 50, 64 and 65, from o- to m- to p-, results in a concomitant reduction in cytotoxicity and a reduction in tubulin polymerisation, with p-OCH350 being the least active in this series of analogues. This presents 64 as a tubulin polymerisation inhibitor possessing novel chemotype and sub micromolar cytotoxicity. Naphthyl 39, with complete inhibition of tubulin polymerisation, gave rise to a sub 0.2 μM cell line cytotoxicity. Compounds 39 and 64 induced G2 + M cell cycle arrest indicative of inhibition of tubulin polymerisation, with 39 inducing an equivalent effect on cell cycle arrest as nocodazole (68).

SAR of Novel 3-Arylisoquinolinones: meta-Substitution on the Aryl Ring Dramatically Enhances Antiproliferative Activity through Binding to Microtubules

A set of meta-substituted 3-arylisoquinolinones have been identified that show substantial cytotoxicity in breast, liver, lung and colon cancer cell lines; these are up to 700-fold more active than the corresponding para analogues. These compounds were initially proposed as inhibitors of N-ribosyl dihydronicotinamide (NRH): quinone oxidoreductase 2 (NQO2) but were found to be inactive against the enzyme. Instead, COMPARE analysis suggested that 6-fluoro-3-(meta-fluorophenyl)isoquinolin-1(2H)-one (4) could mimic colchicine and interact with microtubules, a recognized target for cancer therapy. Subsequent docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and free energy analysis further suggested that compound 4 bound well into the colchicine-binding pocket of tubulin. Indeed, 4 suppressed tubulin polymerization, caused G₂/M cell cycle arrest, and induced apoptosis. Also, 4 inhibited the formation of endothelial cell capillary-like tubes and further disrupted the structure of preestablished tubes; the effects were not observed with para analogue 5. In accordance with this, the computed free energy of binding of 5 to tubulin was lower in magnitude than that for 4 and appeared to arise in part from the inability of the para substituent to occupy a tubulin subpocket, which is possible in the meta orientation. In conclusion, the antiproliferative potential of the novel 3-arylisoquinolinones is markedly influenced by a subtle change in the structure (meta versus para). The meta-substituted isoquinolinone 4 is a microtubule-destabilizing agent with potential tumor-selectivity and antiangiogenic and vascular disrupting features.

Molecular genomic features associated with in vitro response of the NCI-60 cancer cell line panel to natural products

Natural products remain a significant source of anticancer chemotherapeutics. The search for targeted drugs for cancer treatment includes consideration of natural products, which may provide new opportunities for antitumor cytotoxicity as single agents or in combination therapy. We examined the association of molecular genomic features in the well-characterized NCI-60 cancer cell line panel with in vitro response to treatment with 1302 small molecules which included natural products, semisynthetic natural product derivatives, and synthetic compounds based on a natural product pharmacophore from the Developmental Therapeutics Program of the US National Cancer Institute's database. These compounds were obtained from a variety of plant, marine, and microbial species. Molecular information utilized for the analysis included expression measures for 23059 annotated transcripts, lncRNAs, and miRNAs, and data on protein-changing single nucleotide variants in 211 cancer-related genes. We found associations of expression of multiple genes including SLFN11, CYP2J2, EPHX1, GPC1, ELF3, and MGMT involved in DNA damage repair, NOTCH family members, ABC and SLC transporters, and both mutations in tyrosine kinases and BRAF V600E with NCI-60 responses to specific categories of natural products. Hierarchical clustering identified groups of natural products, which correlated with a specific mechanism of action. Specifically, several natural product clusters were associated with SLFN11 gene expression, suggesting that potential action of these compounds may involve DNA damage. The associations between gene expression or genome alterations of functionally relevant genes with the response of cancer cells to natural products provide new information about potential mechanisms of action of these identified clusters of compounds with potentially similar biological effects. This information will assist in future drug discovery and in design of new targeted cancer chemotherapy agents.

Synthesis of aryl-substituted quinolines and tetrahydroquinolines through Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions

The synthesis and characterization of substituted (trifluoromethoxy, thiomethyl, and methoxy) phenyl quinolines is described. Dichlorobis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II)-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of 6-bromo- and 6,8-dibromo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines, 5-bromo-8-methoxyquinoline, and 5,7-dibromo-8-methoxyquinoline with substituted phenylboronic acids affords the corresponding 6-aryl- (13a–d), 6,8-diaryl- (14a–c), 5-aryl- (15), and 5,7-diaryl- (16b, c) tetrahydroquinolines and quinolines in high yields (68%–82%). The structures of all the products are characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR,19F NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and by elemental analysis.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridin-4(1H)-ones as cisplatin sensitizers

A series of novel 3-(1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-1,8-naphthyridin-4(1H)-one derivatives were synthesized and their anti-cancer as well as cisplatin sensitization activities were evaluated. Among them, compounds 6e and 6h exhibited significant cisplatin sensitization activity against HCT116. Hoechst staining and annexin V-FITC/PI dual-labeling studies demonstrated that the combination of 6e/6h and cisplatin can induce tumour cell apoptosis. Western blot showed that the expression of ATR downstream protein, CHK1, decreased in 6e + cisplatin and 6h + cisplatin groups compared with that in the test compound and cisplatin group. Furthermore, docking of 6e/6h into the ATR structure active site revealed that the N1 and N8 atoms in the naphthyridine ring and the hybrid atom in the oxadiazole ring are involved in hydrogen bonding with Val170, Glu168 and Tyr155. Additionally, the naphthyridine ring is also involved in π-π stacking with Trp169. Accordingly, compounds 6e and 6h can be expected to be potential cisplatin sensitizers that can participate in HCT116 cancer therapy.

Efficient three-component synthesis of 5-(6-hydroxy-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-5-yl)-5,12-dihydrobenzo[b]pyrimido[5,4-g][1,8]naphthyridine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione

1,8-Naphthyridine derivatives are important heterocyclic compounds. A facile and efficient one-pot procedure for the synthesis of 5-(6-hydroxy-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-5-yl)-5,12-dihydrobenzo[b]pyrimido[5,4-g][1,8]naphthyridine-2,4 (1H,3H)-dione (3) via a three-component reaction of barbituric acid, 2-chloro-3-formylquinoline and ammonia under basic conditions is described.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Novel Pyrazolo[3,4-g][1,8]naphthyridin-5-amine with Potential Antifungal and Antitumor Activity

The microwave assisted reaction between heterocyclic o-aminonitriles 1 and cyclic ketones 2 catalyzed by zinc chloride led to new series of pyrazolo[3,4-b][1,8]naphthyridin-5-amines 3 in good yields. This procedure provides several advantages such as being environmentally friendly, high yields, simple work-up procedure, broad scope of applicability and the protocol provides an alternative for the synthesis of pyrazolonaphthyridines. The whole series showed antifungal activities against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans standardized strains, being compounds with a 4-p-tolyl substituent of the naphthyridin scheleton (3a, 3d and 3g), the most active ones mainly against C. albicans, which appear to be related to their comparative hydrophobicity. Among them, 3d, containing a cyclohexyl fused ring, showed the best activity. The anti-Candida activity was corroborated by testing the three most active compounds against clinical isolates of albicans and non-albicans Candida strains. These compounds were also screened by the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) for their ability to inhibit 60 different human tumor cell lines. Compounds 3a and 3e showed remarkable antitumor activity against cancer cell lines, with the most important GI₅₀ values ranging from 0.62 to 2.18 μM.

Design and synthesis of new 2-arylnaphthyridin-4-ones as potent antitumor agents targeting tumorigenic cell lines

To develop new anticancer drug candidates from 2-arylnaphthyridin-4-one (AN), we have designed and synthesized a series of 3'-hydroxy and 6-hydroxy derivatives of AN. The results of cytotoxicity screening indicated that the replacement of the 3'-methoxy moiety on the C-ring phenyl group of AN (6a-e) with 3'-hydroxy (7a-e) made no significant effect on the inhibitory activity against HL-60, Hep3B and NCI-H460 cancer cell lines. On the other hand, replacing the 6-methoxy group on the A-ring of AN (6g-i) with a 6-hydroxy group (7g-i) resulted in reduced inhibitory activity against the above three cancer cell lines. Among the above-mentioned target compounds, 2-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-5-methyl-1,8-naphthyridin-4(1H)-one (7a) demonstrated the greatest potency and the best selectivity toward tumorigenic cancer cell lines. In a 7a preliminary mechanism of action study in Hep3B hepatoma cells, 7a showed the effects on microtubules followed by cell cycle arrest and sequentially led to apoptosis. In addition, a phosphate prodrug (11) of 7a exhibited significant antitumor activity when tested in a Hep3B xenograft nude mice model. Since compound 11 has demonstrated good development potential, it is recommended for further preclinical studies.

Efficient synthesis and evaluation of antitumor activities of novel functionalized 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives

An efficient synthesis of novel functionalized 1,8-naphthyridine and chromeno[2,3-b]quinoline derivatives via cascade reaction of 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde and enaminones or cyclic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds was developed. All of the 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives synthesized were evaluated for their antiproliferative properties in vitro against cancer cells and several compounds were found to have high activities.

Pd-catalyzed carbonylative cycloamidation of ketoimines for the synthesis of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones

The Pd(ii)-catalyzed pyridine-directed carbonylative cycloamidation of ketoimines has provided an efficient protocol for assembly of pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-ones.

Synthesis of a new class of Pyridazin-3-one and 2-amino-5-arylazopyridine derivatives and their utility in the synthesis of fused azines

A general route for the synthesis of a novel class of pyridazin-3-one derivatives 3 by the reaction in acetic anhydride between 3-oxo-2-arylhydrazonopropanals 1 and some active methylene compounds like p-nitrophenylacetic acid and cyanoacetic acid was established. Under these conditions the pyridazin-3-one derivatives 3 were formed as the sole isolable products in excellent yield. The 6-acetyl-3-oxopyridazine derivative 3l was reacted with DMF-DMA to afford the corresponding enaminone derivative 4, which reacts with a variety of aminoazoles to afford the corresponding azolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives 5–7. Also, in order to explore the viability and generality of a recently uncovered reaction between 3-oxo-2-arylhydrazonopropanals and active methylene compounds, a variety of 2-amino-6-aryl-5-arylazo-3-aroylpyridines 16–19 were prepared by reacting 3-oxo-2-arylhydrazonopropanals with miscellaneous active methylene compounds like 3-oxo-3-phenylpropionitrile, hetaroylacetonitriles and cyanoacetamides. These 2-aminopyridine derivatives undergo smooth reactions with cyanoacetic acid that led to the formation in high yield of a new class of 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives 24. The structures of all new substances prepared in this investigation were determined by the different analytical spectroscopic methods, in addition to the X-ray crystallographic analysis.

Ring transformation of unsaturated N-bridgehead fused pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones: role of repulsive electrostatic nonbonded interaction

Thermal ring transformation ability of unsaturated N-bridgehead fused pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones A is governed by both the steric and the electrostatic interactions between the oxygen of the carbonyl group and the substituent in the peri position.

2-Chloro-7-methyl-12-phenyldibenzo[b,g][1,8]naphthyridin-11(6H)-one

In the title compound, C₂₃H₁₅ClN₂O, the fused ring system is planar: the deviation of all the non-H atoms from the plane through all four fused rings is less than 0.31 Å. The plane of the phenyl ring is inclined at 71.78 (5)° to the mean plane of the 1,8-naphthrydine ring system. The crystal structure is devoid of any classical hydrogen bonds but π–π inter­actions are present.

Discovery and development of natural product-derived chemotherapeutic agents based on a medicinal chemistry approach

Medicinal plants have long been an excellent source of pharmaceutical agents. Accordingly, the long-term objectives of the author's research program are to discover and design new chemotherapeutic agents based on plant-derived compound leads by using a medicinal chemistry approach, which is a combination of chemistry and biology. Different examples of promising bioactive natural products and their synthetic analogues, including sesquiterpene lactones, quassinoids, naphthoquinones, phenylquinolones, dithiophenediones, neo-tanshinlactone, tylophorine, suksdorfin, DCK, and DCP, will be presented with respect to their discovery and preclinical development as potential clinical trial candidates. Research approaches include bioactivity- or mechanism of action-directed isolation and characterization of active compounds, rational drug design-based modification and analogue synthesis, and structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action studies. Current clinical trial agents discovered by the Natural Products Research Laboratories, University of North Carolina, include bevirimat (dimethyl succinyl betulinic acid), which is now in phase IIb trials for treating AIDS. Bevirimat is also the first in a new class of HIV drug candidates called "maturation inhibitors". In addition, an etoposide analogue, GL-331, progressed to anticancer phase II clinical trials, and the curcumin analogue JC-9 is in phase II clinical trials for treating acne and in development for trials against prostate cancer. The discovery and development of these clinical trial candidates will also be discussed.

Synthesis and preclinical evaluations of 2-(2-fluorophenyl)-6,7-methylenedioxyquinolin-4-one monosodium phosphate (CHM-1-P-Na) as a potent antitumor agent

CHM-1 [2-(2-fluorophenyl)-6,7-methylenedioxyquinolin-4-one] (1) has a unique antitumor mechanism of action. However, because 1 has relatively low hydrophilicity, it was evaluated only via ip administration, which is not clinically acceptable. In this study, we synthesized the monosodium phosphate salt (CHM-1-P-Na, 4) of 1 as a hydrophilic prodrug. Compound 4 was rapidly converted into 1 following iv and po administration and also possessed excellent antitumor activity in a SKOV-3 xenograft nude mice model. Compound 4 also had clear-cut pharmacological effects on enzymes related with tumor cells. Neither 4 nor 1 significantly affected normal biological function in a safety pharmacology profiling study. Compound 1 caused apoptotic effects in breast carcinoma cells via accumulation of cyclin B1, and importantly, the endogenous levels of the mitotic spindle checkpoint proteins BubR1 directly correlated with cellular response to microtubule disruption. With excellent antitumor activity profiles, 4 is highly promising for development as an anticancer clinical trials candidate.

Design and synthesis of 2-(3-benzo[b]thienyl)-6,7-methylenedioxyquinolin-4-one analogues as potent antitumor agents that inhibit tubulin assembly

As part of our continuing investigation of azo-flavonoid derivatives as potential anticancer drug candidates, a series of 2-aryl-6,7-methylenedioxyquinolin-4-one analogues was designed and synthesized. The design combined structural features of 2-(2-fluorophenyl)-6,7-methylenedioxyquinolin-4-one (CHM-1), a previously discovered compound with potent in vivo antitumor activity, and 2-arylquinolin-4-ones, identified by CoMFA models. The newly synthesized analogues were evaluated for cytotoxicity against seven human cancer cell lines, and structure-activity relationship (SAR) correlations were established. Analogues 1, 37, and 39 showed potent cytotoxicity against different cancer cell lines. Compound 1 demonstrated selective cytotoxicity against Hep 3B (hepatoma) cells. Compound 37 was cytotoxic against HL-60 (leukemia), HCT-116 (colon cancer), Hep 3B (hepatoma), and SK-MEL-5 (melanoma) cells. Compound 39 exhibited broad cytotoxicity against all seven cancer cell lines, with IC50 values between 0.07 and 0.19 microM. Results from mechanism of action studies revealed that these new quinolone derivatives function as antitubulin agents.

Selective targeting of tumorigenic cancer cell lines by microtubule inhibitors

For anticancer drug therapy, it is critical to kill those cells with highest tumorigenic potential, even when they comprise a relatively small fraction of the overall tumor cell population. We have used the established NCI/DTP 60 cell line growth inhibition assay as a platform for exploring the relationship between chemical structure and growth inhibition in both tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cancer cell lines. Using experimental measurements of “take rate” in ectopic implants as a proxy for tumorigenic potential, we identified eight chemical agents that appear to strongly and selectively inhibit the growth of the most tumorigenic cell lines. Biochemical assay data and structure-activity relationships indicate that these compounds act by inhibiting tubulin polymerization. Yet, their activity against tumorigenic cell lines is more selective than that of the other microtubule inhibitors in clinical use. Biochemical differences in the tubulin subunits that make up microtubules, or differences in the function of microtubules in mitotic spindle assembly or cell division may be associated with the selectivity of these compounds.

QSAR analysis of 1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-1-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridines with anticancer activity

In the present study a quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) analysis was applied to a series of 100 of 7- and 3-substituted 1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-1-(2-thiazolyl)-1,8-naphthyridine derivatives. The Chem-X (version 2000) software was used to develop 3D QSAR models. The steric and electrostatic interactions between a probe atom (H(+)) and a set of aligned molecules were assessed using the comparative molecular field analysis method. Statistically relevant models were derived for both electrostatic and steric fields. A 2D model over a restricted series of close structural analogs was derived as well. A number of conclusions on the relationship between the type and size of different substituents and the antitumor activity of the compounds were derived.

Regioselective synthesis of biologically interesting pentacyclic polyheterocycles by sequential thio-Claisen and AlCl3 catalyzed oxy-Claisen rearrangement of 4-(4′-aryloxybut-2′-ynylthio)-1-phenyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one

A number of 4-aryloxymethyl-6-phenyl-2H-thiopyrano[3,2-c][1,8]naphthyridin-5(6H)-ones were regio selectively synthesized in 82%–95% yields by the thermal Claisen rearrangement of 4-(4′-aryloxybut-2′-ynylthio)-1-phenyl-[1,8]naphthyridin-2(1H)-ones. These products were then subjected to a second Claisen rearrangement in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, anhyd. AlCl3, to give hitherto unreported pentacyclic heterocycles in 75%–90% yields. The same final products were also obtained in low yield upon refluxing 4-aryloxymethyl-6-phenyl-2H-thio pyrano-[3,2-c][1,8]naphthyridin-5(6H)-ones in N,N-diethyl aniline for 12–14 h. This method was found to be more effective than thermal Claisen rearrangement.Key words: [3,3] sigmatropic rearrangement, regioselective synthesis, phase transfer catalysis, sequential Claisen rearrangement, Lewis acid catalyzed Claisen rearrangement, single crystal X-ray.

Synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of certain 4-anilino-8-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline and 4-anilino-8-hydroxy-2-phenylquinoline derivatives

The present report describes the synthesis and antiproliferative evaluation of certain 4-anilino-8-methoxy-2-phenylquinoline and 4-anilino-8-hydroxy-2-phenylquinoline derivatives. The antiproliferative activity of 4'-COMe-substituted derivatives decreased in an order of 6-OMe (1, 3.89 microM) > 8-OMe (8, 10.47 microM) > 8-OH (9, 14.45 microM), indicating that the position of substitution at the quinoline ring is crucial. For 3'-COMe derivatives, the antiproliferative activity of 8-OH (11, 1.20 microM) is more potent than its 8-OMe counterpart (10, 8.91 microM), indicating that a H-bonding donating substituent is more favorable than that of a H-bonding accepting group. Comparison of 8-OH derivatives, the antiproliferative effect of COMe (11) is more potent than its oxime derivative (15a, 2.88 microM), which in turn is more potent than the methyloxime counterpart (15b, 5.50 microM). Compound 11 is especially active against the growth of certain solid cancer cells such as HCT-116 (colon cancer), MCF7, and MDA-MB-435 (breast cancer) with GI50 values of 0.07, <0.01, and <0.01 microM, respectively. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that growth inhibition by 11 and 15a was due to accumulation in S-phase. This result is interesting because 2-phenylquinolone derivatives have been reported to be antimitotic agents which induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase.

Synthesis, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory evaluation of 2-(furan-2-yl)-4-(phenoxy)quinoline derivatives. Part 4

A number of 2-(furan-2-yl)-4-phenoxyquinoline derivatives have been synthesized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory evaluation. 4-[(2-Furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]benzaldehyde (8), with an IC(50) value of 5.0 microM against beta-glucuronidase release, was more potent than its tricyclic furo[2,3-b]quinoline isomer 3a (>30 microM), its 4'-COMe counterpart 7 (7.5 microM), and its oxime derivative 13a (11.4 microM) and methyloxime derivative 13b (>30 microM). For the inhibition of lysozyme release, however, oxime derivative 12a (8.9 microM) and methyloxime derivative 12b (10.4 microM) are more potent than their ketone precursor 7 and their respective tricyclic furo[2,3-b]quinoline counterparts 4a and 4b. Among them, 4-[4-[(2-furan-2-yl)-quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl]but-3-en-2-one (10) is the most active against lysozyme release with an IC(50) value of 4.6 microM, while 8 is the most active against beta-glucuronidase release with an IC(50) value of 5.0 microM. (E)-1-[3-[(2-Furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl] ethanone oxime (11a) is capable of inhibiting both lysozyme and beta-glucuronidase release with IC(50) values of 7.1 and 9.5 microM, respectively. For the inhibition of TNF-alpha formation, 1-[3-[(2-furan-2-yl)quinolin-4-yloxy]phenyl]ethanone (6) is the most potent with an IC(50) value of 2.3 microM which is more potent than genistein (9.1 microM). For the inhibitory activity of fMLP-induced superoxide anion generation, 11a (2.7 microM), 11b (2.8 microM), and 13b (2.2 microM) are three of the most active. None of above compounds exhibited significant cytotoxicity.

Alkylation of 2-phenyl-4-quinolones: synthetic and structural studies

The alkylation of 2-phenyl-4-quinolones was investigated and showed that the N-alkylation versus O-alkylation is highly dependent on whether C-5 is hydroxylated or not. N-Alkylation is favoured by the presence of a 5-hydroxyl group. The synthetic and the NMR structural studies are reported.