Synthesis and cytotoxicity evaluation of some benzimidazole-4,7-diones as bioreductive anticancer agents

New benzimidazole-4,7-diones substituted at 2-position were synthesized via a microwave-assisted reaction using 2-chloromethyl-1,5,6-trimethyl-1H-benzimidazole-4,7-dione 5b as a key intermediate compound. Their cytotoxicity has been evaluated on colon, breast and lung cancer cell lines. The dimer 17 was shown to possess excellent cytotoxicity comparable to that of mitomycin C.

Graphical abstractNew benzimidazole-4,7-diones, substituted at 2-position, were synthesized via a microwave-assisted reaction. Their cytotoxicity has been evaluated on colon, breast and lung cancer cell lines. Some derivatives demonstrate excellent activity and exhibit a similar dose effect to mitomycin C.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide