A series of novel oxoisoaporphine alkaloid derivatives, 9-aminoalkanamido-1-azabenzanthrone (general formula Ar-NHCO(CH2)(n)NR2, Ar = 1-azabenzanthrone, n = 1, 2 or 3), had been synthesized. Compared with 1-azabenzanthrone, the derivatives had significantly higher DNA binding affinity with calf thymus DNA, and higher potent cytotoxicity against different tumor cell lines. The cytotoxicity and the structure-activity relationship of the prepared compounds were studied. The derivatives with two methylene groups (it = 2), and piperidine or ethanolamine functional group in the side chain exhibited highest DNA binding affinity and cytotoxicity. (C) 2007 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
