Synthesis and antiproliferative activities of 5H-benzo[b] carbazole-6,11-diones

A series of 5H-benzo[b] carbazole derivatives were synthesized to find new TopIl inhibitors. The substitution pattern at C-9 was discussed. All 16 compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activities against 4 tumor cell lines (SMMC-7721, Si, HCT116, and HeLa) by sulforhodamine B assay. Four compounds were found to inhibit the proliferation of all tested cell lines. And compound 10e displayed the best antiproliferative activity against all 4 tested cell lines with IC50 values of 5. 06,4. 50,5. 29, and 6. 32 mu mol/L, respectively.