Synthesis, cytotoxicity, antiviral activity and interferon inducing ability of 6-(2-aminoethyl)-6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines

New 6-(2-aminoethyl)-6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines were synthesized with high yields using bromoethylisatin and 6-(2-bromoethyl)-6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline as intermediates. These compounds were screened for the cytotoxicity, antiviral activity and interferon inducing ability. It was shown, that tested 6-(2-aminoethyl)-6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines are low toxic potent interferon inducers and antivirals. Morpholine and 4-methyl-piperidine derivatives appeared as the most active antivirals and the least cytotoxic in the investigated series.

Graphical abstractNew indolo[2,3-b]quinoxalines (4–15) were synthesized with high yields using bromoethylisatin and 6-(2-bromoethyl)-6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline as intermediates. These compounds are low toxic potent interferon inducers and antivirals as active (or more) than tilorone. Morpholine and 4-methyl-piperidine derivatives appeared as the most active antivirals and the least cytotoxic in the investigated series.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide