A structure-activity relationship study was conducted on a number of bis(substituted aminoalkylamino)anthraquinones. These compounds were prepared by the condensation of substituted or unsubstituted leucoquinizarin with appropriate amines, followed by air oxidation. Both the position and the nature of the center nitrogen atom of the side chain are vital to the antineoplastic activity. The possible mode of action of these aminoquinones was discussed. 1,4-Dihydroxy-5,8-bis[[2-(hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl]amino-9,10-anthracenedione (DHAQ) was found to possess potent inhibitory activity against both the P-388 leukemia system (T/C of 299 at 0.5 mg/kg with 4/6 cures) and the B-16 melanoma system (T/C of 503 at 1 mg/kg with 7/10 cures).
Salts of 2,3,8,9-tetrasubstituted alkoxy-, hydroxy-, and acetoxybenzo(c)phenanthridines as well as the corresponding 6-methoxy-5,6-dihydrobenzo(c)phenanthridines were prepared from appropriate chalcones through the tetralone and the 4b,10b,11,12-tetrahydrobenzo(c)phenanthridine intermediates. Complete O-demethylation of the tetramethoxybenzophenanthridine was achieved by fusion with pyridine hydrochloride at elevated temperature. The title compounds are active against leukemias L1210 and P388 in mice and some are curative against Lewis lung carcinoma. The importance of the nature of the environment about the nitrogen atom of these compounds and the substituents is discussed. 3,4-Dimethoxy-3,4-methylenedioxychalcone possesses activity against leukemia P388.
A number of alkoxypyrrolophenanthridinium salts and their analogues related to the antileukemic alkaloid ungeremine were prepared by a practical photochemical cyclization. The importance of the quaternary nitrogen atom and of alkoxy groups, the planarity of a molecule, and steric considerations relative to antileukemic activity are discussed.
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