Naphthazarin Derivatives (VII): Antitumor Action against ICR Mice Bearing Ascitic S-180 Cells

Various analogues of 5,8-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ) such as 2- or 6-(1-hydroxyiminoalkyl)-DMNQs were prepared and evaluated for the antitumor action. (1-Hydroxyiminoalkyl)-DMNQ derivatives expressed greater antitumor action than (1-hydroxyalkyl)- or acylDMNQ derivatives. Moreover, 6-(1-hydroxyiminoalkyl)-DMNQ derivatives expressed higher antitumor action than 2-sudstituted ones, suggestive of a steric effect Some of 6-(1-propyloxyalkyl)DMNQ derivatives with an alkyl group of butyl to octyl moiety showed T/C values of >400%.