Synthesis of naphthofuranquinones with activity against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Four new naphthofuranquinones, obtained from 2-hydroxy-3-allyl-naphthoquinone (1) and nor-lapachol (2), have their structures established by physical and X-ray analysis and their activity evaluated against Trypanosoma cruzi. Compounds 3 and 4 were obtained by addition of iodine to 1 followed by cyclization generating a furan ring. Compound 5 was obtained through the acid-catalyzed reaction by dissolution of 1 in sulfuric acid. Compound 6 was synthesized by addition of bromine and aniline to 2. The IC(50)/24 h for 3-6 in assays with T. cruzi trypomastigotes was between 157 and 640 microM, while the value for crystal violet was 536.0 +/- 3.0 microM. Compounds 3-5 also inhibited epimastigote proliferation. The trypanocidal activity of the new naphthofuranquinones endowed with redox properties reinforces a rational approach in the chemotherapy of Chagas' disease.