Studies on synthesis and anti-tumor activity of conjugates of furoxans to N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide

To search for potential anti-breast cancer drugs, coupling N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR) with NO donor furoxans through esterification or amidation, a series of NO-donating retinoids were designed and synthesized, and their structures were established by MS, IR, H-1 NMR spectra and elemental analysis. The total yield was 8.8 similar to 12.9%. The anti-breast cancer activities of these target compounds were tested in vitro. Preliminary biological activity test indicated that all target compounds showed anti-tumor effects to a certain degree, among, which compound 8g was as potent as anti-tumor drug adriamycin.