Synthesis and evaluation of the antitumor properties of esters of 2-furoic acid and 2-furylacrylic acid.

A series of activated and nonactivated esters of 2-furoic and 2-furylacrylic acids were synthesized and examined for antineoplastic activity in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma screen at 20 mg/kg/d. 2-Furoic acid and 2-furylacrylic acid demonstrated potent activity, as did the methyl and cyanomethyl esters of each series. The vinyl ester of 2-furoic acid possessed antineoplastic activity. However, the ethyl and D,L-tetrahydropyranyl esters of each series were inactive in the tumor screen.