Synthesis of potent antitumor and antiviral benzofuran derivatives

A new series of potent antitumor and antiviral benzofuran derivatives was synthesized by the reaction of the furochromone-6-carboxaldehydes 1 and 2 with different heterocyclic amines to yield the benzofuran-5-carbonyl derivatives 4–11. The synthesized compounds 1, 3–11 were tested against twelve different human cancer cell lines and all of the compounds were more potent than the comparative standards. The HIV inhibitory activity of the tested compounds 1, 3–11 showed that they have higher potency than Atevirdine. Moreover, compound 6 was significantly potent with wider therapeutic index. The HIV-1 RT inhibitory activity showed that compounds 10, 11, 3 and 4 were notably potent but with lower therapeutic index than Atevirdine. The HCV NS3-4A protease inhibitor activity of the tested compounds revealed that they have weaker potency and less therapeutic index than VX- 950, although compounds 1, 4, 9 and 6, respectively exhibited significant activity.