1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline and isoquinoline derivatives: synthesis and antiproliferative activity

Fischer indol synthesis is reported for the preparation of some 2-substituted 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline and isoquinoline derivatives having a structural correlation with naturally occurring compound ellipticine. The prepared compounds proved capable of forming in vitro molecular complexes with native double-stranded DNA by intercalation between two base pairs and showed a relatively good activity in inhibiting the DNA synthesis in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells.