Cytotoxic michael-type amine adducts of α-methylene lactones alantolactone and isoalantolactone

Two series of cytotoxic (IC50, K562 cell line, 1–24 μM) α-aminomethyl substituted lactones 3 and 4 were prepared by stereoselective Michael-type addition of amines to alantolactone (1) and isoalantolactone (2). The lactones 1 and 2 and their amine adducts induce apoptosis and act as alkylating agents.