[Synthesis and in vitro antitumor activity of multi-methoxyl carbazole analogues].

Aim: To design and synthesize new methoxyl carbazole analogues as antitumor compounds.

Methods: Methoxyl-nitrobiphenyls (3a-3c) were prepared through the Ullmann reaction of 4,5-dimethoxyl-2-bromonitrobenzene and methoxyl-iodobenzene compounds with the catalysis of copper powder, and then reduced by P(EtO)3 to obtain methoxyl carbazoles 4a-4c. The modification at 9-position of the methoxyl carbazoles (4a-4c) gives 16 carbazole derivatives (5a-5p).