The chemistry of tryptanthrin and its derivatives

Abstract

Tryptanthrin (indolo[2,1-b]quinazoline-6,12-dione) is a natural product which shows significant biological activity as an antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antineoplastic agent. Historically, tryptanthrin has been found as a component of many dyes as well as a constituent of medicinal herbal treatments. This review describes the synthesis of tryptanthrin and some related compounds which also have a quinazoline ring fused to an indolo moiety as a core. ©ARKAT-USA, Inc.