Naphthazarin Derivatives (Ⅶ): Antitumor Action against ICR Mice Bearing Ascitic S-180 Cells

Various analogues of 5,8-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (DMNQ) such as 2- or 6-(1-hydro-xyiminoalkyl)-DMNQs were prepared and evaluated for the antitumor action. (1-Hydroxyiminoalkyl)-DMNQ derivatives expressed greater antitumor action than (1 -hydroxyalkyl)- or acyl-DMNQ derivatives. Moreover, 6-(1-hydroxyiminoalkyl)-DMNQ derivatives expressed higher anti-tumor action than 2-sudstituted ones, suggestive of a steric effect. Some of 6-(1-propyloxyalkyl)-DMNQ derivatives with an alkyl group of butyl to octyl moiety showed T/C values of > 400 %.