Nitrophenol derivatives oxidized by cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) and their cytotoxicity

Oxidation of a series of phenols with cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) in acetonitrile under mild conditions yields the mixture of corresponding nitrophenols. In the cases of methylphenols and hydroxy-carboxylic acids, the steric effect may reduce the nitration reaction. Compounds 3a and 4b showed selective activities to Hep 3B and Hep G2 cancer cell lines, respectively. Compound 2c showed selective activities to Hep G2 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines. Furthermore, compound 10b showed selective activities to Hep G2, Hep 3B, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cell lines.