Synthesis and biological evaluation of aristolactams

A variety of aristolactam derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxicity. Modulations were carried out on the phenanthrene nucleus and the lactam moiety as well. N-(N-dialkylaminoalkyl) derivatives exhibited interesting cytotoxic activity against the L1210 leukemia cell line. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.