| abstract |
A benzo[b]pyrano(3,2-h)acridine derivative or its salt, isomer or N-oxide thereof has the formula (I) wherein: X and Y are independently H, halo, OH, SH, CN, NO2, alkyl, alkoxy, trihaloalkyl, optionally substituted amino or together form a methylenedioxy or ethylenedioxy group; the groups X and Y are present on either of the two adjacent benzene rings; R1 is H or alkyl; R2 is H, OH, alkyl or optionally substituted alkoxy, alkylcarbonyloxy or optionally substituted amino; R3 and R4 are independently H or alkyl; one or both of R5 and R6 is a group -O-CO-U-V, and if only one has this meaning the other represents a group Z; U is optionally substituted alkylene; V is COOH, COOR13, OH, alkoxy, -NR7R8, -NR7-COOR13, -NR7-CO-R13, -COR13, or CONR7R8; R13 is optionally substituted alkyl; Z is OH, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy, arylalkyl carbonyloxy, or optionally substituted amino and R7 and R8 are independently H, alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl. The above compounds are useful for treating cancers. |