Structure-based design was applied to the optimization of a series of 2-(quinazolin-2-yl) phenols to generate potent and selective ATP-competitive inhibitors of the DNA damage response signaling enzyme checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2). Structure− activity relationships for multiple substituent positions were optimized separately and in combination leading to the 2- (quinazolin-2-yl) phenol 46 (IC50 3 nM) with good selectivity for CHK2 against CHK1 and ...