Synthesis and antitumor activities of 5-hydroxy-4′-nitro-7-substituted benzyloxy-isoflavone

Objective To design and synthesize genistein′s derivatives: 5-hydroxy-4′-nitro-7-substituted benzyloxo-isoflavones and evaluate the antitumor effects in vitro.Methods Benzyl chloride was used as the starting reagent,to obtain title compounds by multi-step reaction: substitution,nitration,Friedel-Crafts reaction,cyclation reaction and benzylation.Results Two important intermediates: 4′-nitrodeoxybenzoin and 4′-nitrogenistein and seven title compounds were synthesized,which had been identified by elemental analysis and 1H NMR.Conclusion Introduction of simple substituted benzyl group to 7-posion hydroxy could not enhance the antitumor effects of this type of compounds.