Synthesis of diphenylcarbazoles as cytotoxic DNA binding agents

We report the synthesis of a series of novel diphenylcarbazoles designed to interact with DNA. The compounds bearing two or three dimethylaminoalkyloxy side chains were found to bind much more tightly to DNA, preferentially at AT-rich sites, than the corresponding hydroxy compounds. The DNA binding compounds exhibit potent cytotoxic activity toward P388 leukemia cells. The 3,6-diphenylcarbazole thus represent an interesting scaffold to develop antitumor agents interacting with nucleic acids.