A series of compounds based on perimidine have been synthesized and evaluated for their DNA-binding properties and antitumor activity. The fused tricyclic perimidine chromophore appears to be the minimal structural requirement for intercalative binding to DNA since the mode of binding could be dictated by the position of attachment of the side chain. The intercalating compounds have DNA association constants (log K= 5.8-6.5) and cytotoxic ...