Chalcone analogues of established anti-cancer molecules such as Colchicine and Combretastatin A-4 have been shown to be effective inhibitors of microtubule polymerization in rapidly dividing cancer cells. In addition, this group of molecules has high levels of water solubility and cytotoxicity and are often cheaper to synthesize and less harmful to the non-malignant tissue that surrounds cancerous growths. In an effort to produce chalcone analogues of Combretastatin A-4, various azidochalcones will be thermolysized to produce a phenstatin analogue, which belongs to a group of well-known anti-cancer molecules that exhibit similar cytotoxic properties to chalcones. The resultant molecules will be examined for water solubility and cytotoxicity. Past research has shown that, when thermolysized, the azidochalcone tends to form a cyanochalcone instead of the desired phenstatin analogue. The aim of this research is to examine the substitution of the rings to see if assorted chemical groups have an effect of the thermolysis of the desired phenstatin. In addition, the research may lead to determination of the reaction mechanism to see what role the substituents play in the mechanistic process. New procedures will be examined to determine if purer products and greater percent yields can be established by evaluating the various substituents off the main ring of the molecules. Successful bromination of 3’-methoxyacetophenone and 3’,4’,5’- trimethoxyacetophenone has occurred, as well as a successful azide substitution of 2-bromo, 3’-methoxyacetophenone.
