Chemical synthesis, DNA cleavage and antitumor activity of molecules with (Z)-7-sulfonyl-3-hexene-1,5-diyne functionalities

Compounds 20a-d, 21a, 21d and 22 were synthesized from the corresponding (Z)-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,2-diiodobenzene and 2,3-naphthylene bistriflate respectively and exhibited DNA cleaving properties at 37 °C in pH 8.0 as well as potent cytotoxicity against human carcinoma cells with no additive.