Synthesis, antitumor and DNA photocleaving activities of novel naphthalene carboxamides: effects of different thio-heterocyclic rings and aminoalkyl side chains

Two kinds of thio-heterocyclic fused naphthalene carboxamides, , , were designed, synthesized and quantitatively evaluated as efficient antitumor and DNA photocleaving agents. Compound or , having the thiophene ring, intercalated into DNA more strongly than compound or , having the thioxanthene ring. Compound or , photocleaved DNA more efficiently than or via superoxide anion. Compound was the strongest inhibitor for P388 (murine leukemia cell), while was the most cytotoxic one against A549 (human lung cancer cell). Each new compound showed stronger DNA photocleaving activity than corresponding naphthalimide.