SYNTHESIS AND CYTOTOXIC PROPERTIES OF NITRO- AND AMINOCHALCONES

Twenty-two nitro- and aminochalcones were synthesized and characterized. Their cytotoxic properties were determined by a 3-day continuous exposure MTT assay with murine melanoma B16 cells. The aminochalcones were generally more cytotoxic than their nitro precursors. Aminochalcone 18, which has an IC50 value of 0.24 μM, was the most potent compound. The results demonstrated that the number and position of methoxy groups in ring A enhanced cytotoxicity of the chalcones. The location of the amino group on ring B also affected cytotoxicity.