Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of some 3-(pyrid-2-yl)-pyrazolines

The synthesis and antiproliferative activity of eleven 3-(pyrid-2-yl)-pyrazolines in two cancer cell lines are reported. X-ray crystallography was obtained of the lead compound 8i which was screened in the NCI 60 human tumour cell line and displayed sub-micromolar activity. Cell cycle analysis, in vitro tubulin assay and confocal microscopy are also reported and suggest that the lead compound disrupts microtubule formation.