Solvent-controlled Rh-catalysed hydrodehalogenation and construction of phenanthridinone skeleton from a common precursor in one-step sequence and the antitumor activity of its derivatives
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Herein, we report a solvent-controlled, operationally convenient and highly efficient rhodium(II)-catalysed protocol enabling hydrodehalogenation and phenanthridinone skeleton construction from 2-halobenzamide. This methodology facilitates the hydrodehalogenation of diverse 2-halobenzamides using isopropanol, providing quantitative yields without further purification. Furthermore, this strategy allows the direct and efficient conversion of 2‑halobenzamides into phenanthridinones by aprotic solvent. Additionally, a series of phenanthridinone derivatives were synthesised and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) and topoisomerase IB (TOP1), as well as their cytotoxicity. Compound 3a showed potent TDP1 inhibitory activity (IC50 = 4.5 ± 0.4 μM) and synergistic effect with topotecan and radiosensitising effect in HCT116 cells by stabilising cellular TDP1 cleavage complexes (TDP1cc). Compound 3c exhibited strong TOP1 inhibition (+++) and induced the formation of cellular TOP1 cleavage complexes (TOP1cc) and DNA damage, and consequently triggered apoptosis. In vivo studies indicated that 3c exhibits antitumor efficacy in HCT116 xenograft model.
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,306
Award: G7561469623
OpenAlex ID: W7171519683