Design and Synthesis of N-Aryl 8,9-Dihydro-7H-isoindolo[5,6-g]quinoxaline-7,9-dione Derivatives as Potential Antitumor Agent

We have previously reported the synthesis and cytotoxic activities of a series of azaanthraquinone derivatives using doxorubicin as a lead compound. Doxorubicin 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 discuss the synthesis of isoindolobenzoquinoxaline derivatives. The quinone group of the azaanthraquinone derivatives were removed in the target compounds. (omitted)