Synthesis and antitumor activity of ureas containing pyrimidinyl group

► A novel series of ureas derivatives had designed and synthesized. ► Some of the prepared compounds showed potential cytotoxicity against several human cancer cell lines. And some compounds displayed more or similar potent cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines in comparison with 5-FU. ► However, most of the compounds showed weak cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cancer cell line. The target or mechanism for this class of compounds might be different from reported urea derivatives.