Synthesis, characterization and in vitro antiproliferative activities of new 13-cis-retinoyl ferrocene derivatives

In order to improve biological behavior of the retinoyl derivatives, monoarylferrocenyl alcohols 9a and 9b were synthesized by an improved Suzuki cross-coupling method and their 13-cis-retinoic acid analogues were prepared in moderate to good yields via the Mitsunobu reaction. Their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13CNMR, MS spectra and element analysis and their antiproliferative activities were determined in vitro using human cancer cell lines. The results of bioassay showed that these organometallic analogues exhibited higher antiproliferative activities than parent 13-cis-retinoic acid and other retinoyl derivatives.

Graphical abstractA series of new ferrocene-analogues of 13-cis-retinoic acid have been synthesized via the Mitsunobu reaction. Their structures have been characterized by spectra data. The results of bioassay showed that these compounds exhibited higher antiproliferative activities than parent 13-cis-retinoic acid and other retinoyl derivatives.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide