Synthesis, cytotoxic activity, and DNA binding properties of antitumor cis-1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-dihydrobenzo[b]acronycine cinnamoyl esters.

Abstract Monocinnamoyl esters at position 2 of (±)- cis -1,2-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3,3,14-trimethyl-1,2,3,14-tetrahydro-7 H -benzo[ b ]pyrano[3,2- h ]acridin-7-one and their acetyl derivatives at position 1 were prepared as stabilized analogues of the anticancer alkylating agent S23906-1. Monocinnamoyl esters at position 2 were slower DNA alkylators than the reference 2-monoacetate. Mixed esters bearing an acetyl ester group at position 1 and a cinnamoyl ester group at position 2 alkylated DNA slower than S23906-1. A strong correlation was observed between cytotoxicity and DNA alkylation kinetics, with slower alkylators displaying more potent antiproliferative activities. The most cytotoxic compounds proved to be significantly active in vivo against murine C-38 adenocarcinoma implanted in mice, but less potent than S23906-1.