Modified 2,4-diaryl-5H-indeno[1,2-b]pyridines with hydroxyl and chlorine moiety: Synthesis, anticancer activity, and structure–activity relationship study

•2,4-Diaryl-5H-indeno[1,2-b]pyridines containing hydroxyl and chlorine moiety were designed and synthesized.•Evaluated for topo I and II inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity.•Compounds 11, 12, 14, 16–18, displayed strong cytotoxicity.•Hydroxyphenyl on 4-position and chlorothienyl on 2-position are important for cytotoxicity.

As a part of ongoing studies in developing novel anticancer agents, a series of modified 2,4-diaryl-5H-indeno[1,2-b]pyridines were designed, and synthesized by introducing hydroxyl and chlorine moieties. They were evaluated for topoisomerase inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity against HCT15, T47D, and HeLa cancer cell lines. This modification allowed us to demonstrate structure–activity relationship (SAR) study with respect to the non-substituted 2,4-diaryl-5H-indeno[1,2-b]pyridines. Compounds (2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9) with meta or para hydroxyl group on 2 or 4-phenyl ring have enhanced topo I and II inhibitory activity and cytotoxicity. However, additional substitution of chlorine group on furyl or thienyl ring (11, 12, 14, 16–18) generally reduced topo I and II inhibitory activity but improved cytotoxicity. The observation of cytotoxic properties and SAR study according to the position of hydroxyl and chlorine group will provide valuable insight for further study of development of novel anticancer agents with related scaffolds.

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