Synthesis and DNA interaction of aloe-emodin α-amino phosphate derivatives

•Aloe-emodin α-amino phosphate derivatives with targeting DNA were synthesized.•The introduction of phosphoramidate can increase lipophilicity the compounds and promote them to enter the nucleus.•The main interaction mode of Aloe-emodin α-amino phosphate derivatives with DNA is intercalation.•Aloe-emodin α-amino phosphate derivatives could increase the DNA fragmentation of cancer cells and possessed strong anti-tumor potential.