Synthesis and estrogen receptor binding affinities of 7-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-ones containing a basic side chain

Two isoflavones containing a sulfur or oxygen hinge with an amine-bearing side chain have been designed and synthesized as potential selective estrogen receptor modulators. The target compounds exhibited low affinities for estrogen receptors (ERs), and binding affinity data indicate that oxygen hinge is more favorable than sulfur for binding. These compounds also displayed selectivity for ERα over ERβ.