CRYSTAL AND MOLECULAR-STRUCTURE AND BIOLOGICAL-ACTIVITY OF (Z)-(BENZOYLOXYMETHYL-NNO-AZOXY)METHANE

Characterization of (benzoyloxymethyl-NNO-azoxy)methane, from benzoyla tion of the cycasin aglycone methylazoxymethanol, commonly referred to as MAM, is reported. Crystal structure analysis shows that the azoxy substituents have the Z configuration. Crystals are monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a 7.436(2), b 8.771(2), c 14.640(1) Angstrom, beta 90.7 3(1)degrees, Z 4; the structure was refined to final R 0.048 by using 1171 reflections with I > 3.0 sigma(I). Subcutaneous injection of (Z)- (benzoyloxymethyl-NNO-azoxy) methane in mice showed liver changes typi cal of the corresponding MAM acetate-induced hepatotoxicity. This perm its correlation of hepatotoxic effects with the Z configuration of the aglycone. Histological examination of the brain and spinal cord revea led no significant changes at a dosage of 52.6 mg/kg.