SYNTHESIS AND CYTOTOXICITY OF AMINO ANALOGS OF THE POTENT DNA ALKYLATING AGENT SECO-CBI-TMI

The synthesis of racemic seco-CBI-TMI analogues containing nitrogen-ba sed groups in place of the 5-OH is reported, employing a synthetic str ategy where the incipient C-5 amino substituent is generated in the la st step from a nitro precursor. The resulting amino seco-CBI analogues are up to 1000-fold more potent cytotoxins than the corresponding kno wn amino seco-CI compounds, making them attractive candidates as effec ters in prodrug strategies. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.