Evaluation of the mutagenic/clastogenic potential of 3,6-di-substituted acridines targeted for anticancer chemotherapy

► The mutagenicity of 3,6-di-substituted acridines was evaluated by the Ames test (TA97a). ► Their clastogenicity was assessed by the micronucleus assay as compared to their cytotoxicity. ► Simple symmetric molecules were more genotoxic than asymmetric structures. ► Cytotoxicity was decoupled from genotoxicity by introducing asymmetric and bulky chemical groups. ► 3-acetamido-6-(4-fluorobenzamido)acridine was the most promising anticancer compound.