Synthesis of derivatives of NK109, 7-OH Benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid, and evaluation of their cytotoxicities and reduction-resistant properties

The N5–C6 double bond of NK109 (an antitumor benzo[c]phenanthridine alkaloid) is easily reduced under biological environment. To suppress the inactivation caused by reduction, we synthesized 5-, 6-, and 8-substituted NK109. 5-Substituted derivatives (4a–c) were reduced more easily than NK109. 6-Substituted ones (10a–f) inhibited biological reduction, but showed weak cytotoxic activity. 8-O-Substituted ones (13a–h), especially 8-O-hydroxyethyl NK109 (13d), suppressed biological reduction and exhibited strong cytotoxic activity.