Abstract

Abstract A number of 2-aminobenzophenones have been synthesized by acylation of para-chloroaniline with different 2-, 3-, 4-chloro- or fluorobenzoyl chloride in solid state via the Friedel–Crafts reaction. Synthesized compounds were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, Fourier transform–infrared, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Evaluation of biological activity in vitro showed that the selected compounds 9, 10, and 13 have potential anticancer activity. The presence of one chlorine atom in the second aromatic ring of the benzophenone molecule makes it more active. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT