Advances in Anthrapyrazolone Derivatives for Biomedical and Sensor Applications

In recent years, anthrapyrazolone and its derivatives have garnered significant attention as promising molecular scaffolds for drug development and diagnostic applications. Originally introduced as less cardiotoxic alternatives to anthraquinones and anthracyclines, these compounds exhibit strong DNA‐binding and intercalation abilities, along with notable anticancer and enzyme‐inhibitory properties. Their unique non‐quinone activation mechanism reduces the risks of cardiotoxicity associated with prolonged anthracycline use. Furthermore, targeted structural modifications have enhanced their kinase inhibition potential, as exemplified by derivatives such as SP600125 and 1,9‐pyrazoloanthrone. Beyond their therapeutic relevance, anthrapyrazolone derivatives also demonstrate versatile anion‐sensing capabilities particularly for fluoride and cyanide ions and, they exhibit high sensitivity in detecting nitroaromatic compounds, underscoring their potential in sensor technology. This review provides an in‐depth overview of anthrapyrazolone derivatives, emphasizing their structural features and their growing relevance in biomedical and sensing applications from 2000 to the present.