Synthesis of β-C-glycopyranosyl-1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives and their cytotoxic activity

β-C-Glucosyl and β-C-galactosyl-1,4-dimethoxynaphthalenes have been synthesized using a F3CCO2Ag/SnCl4 promoted Friedel–Crafts electrophilic substitution reaction. Both glycosyl acetates and methyl glycosides can be used as glycosyl donors. Further oxidation afforded the corresponding β-C-glycosyl-1,4-naphthoquinones. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated against the A375 cell line.