The first series of 4,11-bis[(2-aminoethyl)amino]anthra[2,3-b]furan-5,10-diones: Synthesis and anti-proliferative characteristics

► Anthra[2,3-b]furan-5,10-diones are implicated as anticancer drug candidates. ► The heteroatom in ametantrone analogues significantly influences the cytotoxicity. ► New compounds are potent for drug-resistant tumor cells.