Syntheses and EGFR kinase inhibitory activity of 6-substituted-4-anilino [1,7] and [1,8] naphthyridine-3-carbonitriles.

The syntheses and EGFR kinase inhibitory activity of a series of 6-substituted-4-anilino [1,7] and [1,8] naphthyridine-3-carbonitriles are described. Both reversible and irreversible binding inhibitors were prepared. These series were compared with each other and with the corresponding 4-anilinoquinoline-3-carbonitriles. Compounds having a 1,7-naphthyridine core structure can retain high potency while those with a 1,8-naphthyridine core are significantly less active. These results are consistent with molecular modeling observations.