Abstract A series of novel symmetrical trans-bis-Schiff bases (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 11g, 11h, 11i, 11j, 11k, 11l, 11m) were designed and prepared as novel anticancer analogues, with the trans-configuration confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Preliminary inhibitory effects of these compounds on CML K562 cell growth were investigated, and the potential analogue 11e showed an excellent anti-leukemia activity (IC 50= 6.35 μg/mL), which is ...