Synthesis and antitumor activity of new series of isopimaric heterocyclic sulfonamides derivatives

Isopimaric acid is derived from a natural resource of pine resin, which is inherently biologically active. A series of seven novel isopimaric heterocyclic sulfonamides derivatives were synthesized using isopimaric acid as the lead compound to splice with the sulfonamides by chlorinated and amidated to screen out compounds with anti-tumor activity. And it was characterized using infrared spectrum (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry. All of the compounds were screened for their antitumor activity against cervical cancer cells (Hela), breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231), prostate cancer cells (PC-3), and hepatoma cells (HepG-2). Some of the test compounds showed potent antitumor activity. Among the isopimaric heterocyclic sulfonamides derivatives synthesized, compound 5a inhibited the growth of the four tumor cells mentioned above with IC 50 values in the range of 28.53–40.98 µM. In addition, compound 5c exhibits inhibitory activity toward these tumor cells with IC 50 values in the range of 56.27–60.62 µM. In conclusion, isopimaric heterocyclic sulfonamides derivatives may provide a basis for further research on anti-tumor drugs. • Seven novel isopimaric heterocyclic sulfonamides derivatives were synthesized. • The antitumor activity of all compounds against four types of human tumor cells in vitro were evaluated. • Compound 5a exhibited excellent antitumor activity against Hela, MDA-MB-231 and PC-3.