Hydroxymethylacylfulvene (HMAF) is a semisynthetic derivative of the t
oxic sesquiterpene illudin S. HMAF (also designated MGI-114) has poten
t antitumor properties and is currently in clinical trials. It reacts
with thiols at neutral and acidic pH forming novel products in which t
he primary allylic hydroxyl is displaced by thiol. These derivatives r
etain antitumor activity. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.