Synthesis and in-vitro antitumor activity of 1-[3-(indol-1-yl)prop-1-yn-1-yl]phthalazines and related compounds.

A series of novel 3-(indol-1-yl)prop-1-yn-1-yl-substituted phthalazines and related azines was prepared via a concise pathway by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of appropriate halo-azines and N-propargylindoles. Some of the compounds exhibited significant antitumor activity in an in-vitro assay.