Synthesis and anti-tubulin evaluation of chromone-based analogues of combretastatins

Twenty new hybrid compounds with both combretastatin and flavone moieties were synthesized. These derivatives are classified according to the position of the trimethoxyphenyl ring at C-2 or C-3 of the chromone and presence or absence of a carbonyl as a linker between C-3 and the aryl ring. Most of these compounds were prepared from hesperidin or naringin, two natural and abundant Citrus flavonoids. Seven of these combretastatin analogues revealed anti-tubulin activity but in a medium range.