Hydrazones of R- and S-usnic acid were prepared by condensation of the appropriate enantiomer of usnic acid with hydrazides of aromatic acids. Prepared compounds were characterized by spectral methods. Reaction kinetic was studied with capillary electrokinetic chromatography, enantiomeric purity of products was checked by capillary electrophoresis in the presence of g-cyclodextrin. Obtained hydrazones were tested as prospective antimitotic agents. The antitumor activity was screened in vitro on human tumor cell lines. The overall activity of tested compounds was low, however, the R- enantiomers were more active than their opposite stereoisomers.

        Key words: R-, S-usnic acid – hydrazones – MEKC – antimitotic activity – antitumor activity