Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling between 3-Iodolawsone and Arylboronic Acids. Synthesis of Lapachol Analogues with Antineoplastic and Antileishmanial Activities

A series of 2-hydroxy-3-arylnaphthalene- 1,4-diones (3-aryllawsones) were synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling reaction of 3-iodolawsone with arylboronic acids/esters. The hydroxylated resulting products were transformed into their corresponding N, N-diethyl carbamates. The antineoplastic and antileishmanial activities of the compounds were evaluated and compared with lapachol and its carbamate, providing promising results.