Synthesis, characterization and antitumor activity of novel ferrocene derivatives containing pyrazolyl-moiety

A series of novel ferrocene derivatives containing pyrazolyl-moiety (4a–k, 5a–k) were synthesized. Their structures were characterized by 1H NMR, mass spectroscopy and element analysis. The crystals of isomeric compounds 4 and 5 were suitable for X-ray structural analysis. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against A549, HepG2 and MDA-MB-45 cell lines using the MTT method. Among them, compounds 4d, 4j and 4k exhibited comparable antitumor activities in vitro against A549 and MDA-MB-45 to the positive control 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).