1,4-Naphthoquinone

In this study, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed by the Monte Carlo technique to predict the anti-breast cancer activity of 144 novel 1,2-naphthoquinone and 1,4-naphthoquinone derivatives against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. To establish QSAR models, a balance of correlation techniques involving the index of ideality of correlation (IIC) and the correlation intensity index (CII), as well as an optimal hybrid descriptor derived from the integration of the Simplified Molecular Input Line Entry System (SMILES) and molecular hydrogen-suppressed graphs (HSG), was used. The resulting models provided valuable information about identifying molecular fragments that enhance or reduce biological activity. The pIC₅₀ values of 2435 naphthoquinone derivatives, including newly synthesized compounds, were predicted using the best QSAR model. Among them, 67 compounds showed pIC₅₀ values greater than 6. After applying the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) filter, 16 promising compounds were selected for docking studies. The candidate inhibitors were docked at the binding site of topoisomerase IIα (PDB ID: 1ZXM) to assess their binding affinity. Compound A14, which exhibited the highest binding affinity, underwent molecular dynamics simulations for 300 ns, demonstrating stable interactions with the target protein. Doxorubicin served as a reference control to validate the efficacy of compound A14. These findings offer valuable insights for designing potent inhibitors against breast cancer.

Sustainable and structurally designable organic cathode materials hold immense promise for rechargeable lithium batteries, yet the dissolution issue poses a significant challenge to their cycling stability. For small‐molecule organic cathode materials (SMOCMs), extending the π‐conjugated system is an effective method to mitigate dissolution, however, remains a huge challenge if requiring high energy density and affordable synthesis concurrently. Herein, a novel quinone‐based SMOCM is successfully synthesized though a straightforward dehydrocyclization reaction of 1,4‐naphthoquinone (NQ), namely 5,6,11,12,17,18‐trinaphthylenehexone (TNHO). It boasts a high theoretical capacity of 343 mAh g −1 (based on a six‐electron reaction), which can be nearly completely utilized with two distinct discharge voltage plateaus at 2.55 and 2.10 V. The extensive π‐conjugated system grants TNHO an exceptional insolubility in the electrolyte. Within an optimized voltage window of 0.8–3.8 V, TNHO achieves a superior capacity retention of 76% after a cycling of 800 cycles at 100 mAh g −1 , spanning a duration of half a year. In addition to the excellent electrochemical performance, an in‐depth investigation has also been conducted into the causal chains linking the voltage window, dissolution–redeposition behavior, electrode structure evolution, and cycling stability. The insights obtained are crucial for directing the ongoing advancement of SMOCMs.