A series of 3-aryl-2-propenoates including cinnamates,(E)-methyl/ethyl 3-[2-(1, 4-dimethoxy- 5, 8-dione) naphthalenyl]-2-propenoates (8ba, 8bb) and (E)-methyl/ethyl 3-[2-(1, 4-dihydroxy- 9, 10-dione) anthracenyl]-2-propenoates (9aa, 9ab) was synthesized and evaluated for antitumor cytotoxicity. It was found that the ortho-or para-dihydroxy funtionality on the aryl ring was essential for the cytotoxicity of cinnamates. Compounds 8ba, 8bb and 9aa, 9ab ...
