Abstract A novel series of p-terphenyl derivatives (1–4, 1a–4a) was successfully synthesized and their in vitro anticancer activities were evaluated. Compound 1, showing the best antiproliferative activity with IC 50< 1 μM against MDA-MB-435 cells, was further investigated. Compound 1 brought about a remarkable accumulation of MDA-MB-435 cells in G2/M phase prior to the induction of apoptosis. Further antitumor mechanism study ...
