Synthesis of new anthracycline derivatives containing lactic or stearic acid moiety

Novel anthracycline analogues 2-9 as potential anticancer agents were synthesized from daunomycin (1a) and doxorubicin (1b). Compounds 2, 6, and 7 were prepared by the nucleophilic displacement type esterification of a 14-bromodaunomycin (1c) with a sodium lactate, and stearic acid, respectively. Compounds 3-5 and 7-9 were prepared by the reaction of either daunomycin (la) or doxorubicin (1b) with L-lactic and stearic acids in the presence of EDCI/PP reagents.