Abstract: The synthesis and anti-breast cancer activity of 7-methoxy flavone and its derivatives were studied.Selective methylation of ortho and para phenol hydroxyl acetophenone with dimethylsulfate,delivered corresponding acetophenone products.The resulting products reacted with benzaldehyde to give 2-hydroxyl chalcone and its derivatives.Following AFO reaction and intramolecular addition reaction under basic conditions,flavonols,flavonoids and its derivatives were synthesized.Furthermore,the in vitro antitumor activity of novel synthesized compounds to breast cancer cell line MDA-231 was evaluated by MTT assay.Results indictaed that aromatic compounds 2,7 and 10 showed potential antitumor activity.Therefore,7-methoxy flavone and its derivatives can be promising antitumor lead compounds.

Key words: 7-methoxy flavone, derivatives, synthesis, anti-breast cancer activity