Novel benzochromenes: design, synthesis, cytotoxicity, molecular docking and mechanistic investigations.

A novel series of fused benzochromenes with expected cytotoxicity and HIF-1α inhibition was identified. A bioisosterism-aided approach was applied to design new benzochromenes and assess their cytotoxicity against three cancer cell lines. The probable mechanistic effect and the docking and pharmacokinetic profiles of the most effective derivatives were evaluated. Compounds , , ,  and showed potent antiproliferative activity and excellent selectivity. Compound showed significant HIF-1α inhibition with an IC value of 3.372 μM. It also enhanced apoptosis and arrested the HepG2 cell cycle at both the G0/G1 and S stages. Compound was identified as a new potential anticancer candidate.