Acridone

Acridone is an organic compound with the chemical formula C13H9NO. It is a tricyclic molecule consisting of an anthracene core with a nitrogen atom incorporated into one of the central rings, forming a ketone group. Acridone is a yellow crystalline solid and is sparingly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents.

The acridone scaffold is found in various natural products and synthetic compounds exhibiting a range of biological activities. Derivatives of acridone have been explored for their potential as antimalarial, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer agents. The planar structure of the acridone ring system allows it to intercalate with DNA, a mechanism often associated with cytotoxic activity.

Synthesis of acridone typically involves cyclization reactions. One common method is the Bernthsen acridine synthesis, which can be adapted to produce acridone derivatives. The inherent fluorescence of the acridone moiety also makes it useful in certain analytical applications and as a fluorescent probe. Modifications to the acridone structure can significantly alter its physical properties and biological efficacy, leading to ongoing research in medicinal chemistry and materials science.