Synthesis of novel 2,3-dihydro-1,4-dioxino[2,3-g]quinoline derivatives as potential antitumor agents.

New dioxinoquinolines (1-8) have been synthesized and their antiproliferative properties have been tested against several cell lines. The treatment of the 6-acetamido-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxine (10) with phosphorous oxychloride in the presence of DMF leads to a mixture of linear and angular tricyclic compounds. The key intermediates were modified and cyclized giving the corresponding dioxinoquinolines. In general, these compounds have a moderate citotoxycity.