Synthesis and antiproliferative activity of a new compound containing an alpha-methylene-gamma-lactone group

The biological activity of compound 9 obtained by introducing an alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone group into 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propionic acid, 1, was studied for possible effects on HL-60 cells, murine splenocytes, and human peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC). 9 induced apoptosis in the HL-60 cell line and has a clear capacity to inhibit proliferation induced in murine splenocytes and PBMC by different mitogenic agents with no apparent toxic side effects. 9 was synthesized from 1, and its structure and stereochemistry were elucidated by spectroscopic methods.