Synthesis of Benzoquinoxalines

We have previously reported the synthesis and cytotoxic activities of a series of azaanthraquinone derivatives on the model of doxorubicin(Dox). Dox is known to intercalate into DNA and to inhibit topoisomerase II activity. But in the case of Quinone compounds like Dox. its use is limited because of systemic toxicities. primarily cardiotoxicity and myelosuppression. In this study. we describe the synthesis of benzoquinoxaline derivatives as DACA analogue. DACA has a neutral chromophore and acridine moiety and posions both topoisomerases I and ll with DNA intercalating activity. In order to delineate the SAR of benzoquinoxaline derivatives. an effcient sythetic rout to the target compounds without quinone group. Various attempted removal of quinone from benzoquinoxlinedione was unsuccessful. Diels-Alder rout applied for the synthesis of the target compounds will be discussed.