Anthracene-1,4,9,10-tetraone derivatives: synthesis and antitumor activity.

A series of 2-alkylated anthracene-1,4,9,10-tetraone (ATO) derivatives were synthesized, and their antitumor action in ICR mice bearing S-180 cells and antiproliferative activity against L1210 cells were evaluated. Overall, the introduction of an alkyl group (C1-C8) at C-2 enhanced the antiproliferative activity. Among 2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)- or 2-(1-acetoxyalkyl)-ATO derivatives, four compounds possessing alkyl chain of an intermediate size (C4-C6) gave T/C values of > 300%. Acetylation at 1'-OH failed to cause an enhancement in the antitumor action, in contrast to a remarkable increase in antiproliferative activity. Although there was no direct relationship between antiproliferative activity and antitumor action, the compounds with lower antiproliferative activity tended to show higher antitumor activity. Further study shows that the antiproliferative activity of ATO derivatives may be explained properly neither by redox cycling nor arylating capacity.