Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of new mitonafide derivatives as potential antitumor drugs.

A series of potential DNA-binding antitumor agents, 2-[omega-(alkylamino)alkyl]-6-{[omega-(alkylamino)alkyl]amino}-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-1,3(2H)-diones and 1,7-bis{6-[(omega-(dimethylamino)alkyl)amino]-1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl}-4-methyl-4-azaheptanes, have been prepared as mitonafide derivatives. Their DNA-binding ability and cytotoxic activity have been evaluated. Some of the target compounds have shown high DNA affinity as well as relevant cytotoxic properties.