The synthesis of 10-formyl-5,8,10-trideazafolic acid (3) as a potentia
l inhibitor of glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase (GAR Tfase) i
s reported. The target compound was prepared by a convergent synthesis
utilizing the alkylation of hydrazone 5 with benzylic bromide 6 to co
nstruct the core heterocycle 7. The aldehyde 3 and related agents were
evaluated as inhibitors of purN GAR Tfase and avian AICAR Tfase. Comp
ound 3 exhibited potent inhibition of GAR Tfase with a K-i of 0.26 +/-
0.05 mu M. In contrast, 3 exhibited more moderate inhibition of amino
imidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase (AICAR Tfase), wit
h K-i of 7.6 +/- 1.5 mu M. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.