Structural modification of isoalantolactone and biological activity against the hepatoma cell lines

Structural modifications were performed on isoalantolactone in an effort to find compounds with potential anticancer activity. Seven previously unknown adducts of active methylene compounds with isoalantolactone were synthesized by the Michael reaction. Moreover, four derivatives of aryl-substituted isoalantolactone were prepared by the Heck reaction. All synthetic products were evaluated for toxic activities against three different hepatoma cell lines, Bel-7402, SMMC-7721, and Hep G2. Products prepared through the Heck reaction and 3a,b show potential antiproliferative activity against the Hep G2 cell.