Synthesis and biological activity of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline and 3,4-(1H)-dihydroquinolin-2-one analogs of retinoic acid

Retinoids are natural and synthetic analogs of the hormone retinoic acid. Retinoids are currently being investigated clinically as drugs in several areas, including dermatology and oncology. We report the synthesis and biological activity of a new series of potent, RAR-specific retinoids substituted with a 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline or a 3,4-(1H)-dihydroquinolin-2-one group.