Thirty-six 2-phenol-4-chlorophenyl-6-aryl pyridines were synthesized.
Evaluated for topo I and II inhibitory activity, and cytotoxicity.
Compounds showed selective topo II inhibition.
ortho- or para-Chlorophenyl at 4-position might be important for topo II inhibition.
meta- or para-Hydroxyphenyl at 2-position showed better cytotoxic effects.