Preparation and evaluation of 2-substituted anthraquinones based on the anthracyclines

Anthraquinones substituted at the 2 position with a basic side chain were prepared, and their binding to DNA was evaluated. All compounds showed an intercalative mode of binding to DNA; 1,4-dihydroxy derivatives bound more strongly than 1-hydroxy or nonhydroxylated compounds. Greatest DNA-binding activity was found where there were five atoms between the anthraquinone ring and the basic nitrogen.