In order to increase anthraquinone antitumor activity and affinity to DNA and reduce the toxicity, a series of 2-{1-[(4-formamidophenyl)acetoxy]alkyl}-1,4-dihydroxyl-9,10-anthraquinones were synthesized and their cytotoxicity against L1210 cancer cells and antitumor activity against ICR mice bearing sarcoma S180 cells were evaluated. The results showed that the introduction of 4-formamidophenylacetyl to the anthraquinone side chain increased their cytotoxicity, and the alkyl chain length at C(2)—C(6) showed moderate cytotoxicity. While the elongation of alkyl group over 7 carbon atoms failed to enhance the cytotoxicity, however different antitumor activity could not be observed in mice bearing S180 cell in vivo experiment. The compounds with the side chain substituted with a benzyl group showed the highest cytotoxic activity and antitumor activity.

Key words: 2-{1-[(4-formyamidophenyl)acetoxy]alkyl}-1,4-dihydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone, synthesis, cytotoxicity, antitumor activity