Synthesis spectroscopic characterization and in vitro antitumor activity of new trans 1-heteroaryl-2-(1-methylpyridinium-2-yl) ethylenes

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of trans 1-heteroaryl-2-(1-methylpyridinium-2-yl) ethylene iodides is reported. The 5-(4-bromophenyl)furan derivative exhibited the highest in vitro antitumor activity against MCF7 (breast) and LNCap (prostate) carcinoma cells. Solvatochromic and NMR shifts provided evidence for modulation of electronic parameters which could be used to optimize frequency emission and conversion efficiency in such push-pull conjugated systems, which are potential components of non linear optics materials.