Abstract A series of benzo [b] furans was synthesized with modification at the 5-position of the benzene ring by introducing C-linked substituents (aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, etc.). These compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative activities, inhibition of tubulin polymerization, and cell-cycle effects. Some compounds in this series displayed excellent activity in the nanomolar range against lung cancer (A549) and renal cell carcinoma ( ...