Design, synthesis, and molecular docking study of novel cinnoline derivatives as potential inhibitors of tubulin polymerization.

The preparation of a novel 4-methylbenzo[] cinnolines entity via a three-step synthetic protocol is described. Cyclization of the naphthylamidrazones, in the presence of polyphosphoric acid (PPA), furnishes the respective target benzo[]cinnolines directly. This one-pot synthesis involves intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation followed by instant elimination under heating conditions.