Synthesis of a novel prodrug of 3-(4′-geranyloxy-3′-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans-propenoic acid for colon delivery

A novel high-yielding and environment-friendly synthesis of the anticancer compound 3-(4′-geranyloxy-3′-methoxyphenyl)-2-trans-propenoic acid is described. This compound was conjugated to H2N-Ala-Pro dipeptide to give a prodrug to be activated by intestinal ACE and to be used in the treatment of different forms of colon cancer. Data on the chemical and enzymatic stability of this novel prodrug are reported.