Quantitative estimation of the structure-anticancer activity relationship in a series of macrocyclic Schiff bases of 2,6-bis(formylaryloxymethyl)pyridines was carried out by the topological approach. Correlation equations describing the relationship between the anticancer activity and structural parameters of the molecules studied and descriptors characterizing their structure were obtained on the basis of in vitro screening data. The influence of structure of the investigated substances as reflected by the parameters studied on the anticancer activity, was established.

A series of new Schiff bases containing the Hantzsch pyridine skeleton has been synthesized by reaction of an appropriate aldehyde with 2,6-dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxhydrazide. The structure of the final products, which was highly dependent on the nature of the starting aldehyde, could readily be ascertained by their spectral data. 2,6-Dimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxhydrazide itself and some of its derivatives emerged as potential interferon inducers.