Biological activity of 6,12-dihydro-1-benzopyrano[3,4-b][1,4]benzothiazin-6-ones.

Ten 6,12-dihydro-1-benzopyrano[3,4-b][1,4]benzothiazin-6-ones (Coumarins)[1-7] and related coumarins [8-10] were compared for their cytotoxic activity and radical intensity. Among these compounds, compound 7 showed highest cytotoxic activity against human promyelocytic leukemic HL-60 cells. Compound 7 produced radicals under alkaline conditions, and showed the lowest pi-spin density at S-atom of the molecule, suggesting the delocalization of pi-spin density. These data suggest the possible relation between radical intensity and biological activity.