Synthesis, Antitumor Activity, Molecular Modeling, and DNA Binding Properties of a New Series of Imidazonaphthalimides

A series of mono and bisintercalators based on the 5,8-dihydrobenz[<i>de</i>]imidazo[4,5-<i>g</i>]isoquinoline-4,6-dione system were synthesized and evaluated for growth inhibitory properties in several human cell lines. All target compounds showed activity in the micromolar range. Representative compounds were evaluated using UV−vis spectroscopy and viscosimetric determinations, showing that they behave as DNA intercalators. Molecular modeling techniques were used in order to rationalize the moderate activity observed for bisnaphthalimides.