Synthesis of asymmetric halomesylate mustards with aziridineethanol/alkali metal halides: application to an improved synthesis of the hypoxia prodrug PR-104

Aromatic asymmetric halomesylate mustards are efficiently prepared by reaction of activated aromatic chlorides with aziridineethanol/alkali metal halides, followed by mesylation of the haloalcohol. The reaction conditions are sufficiently mild to be compatible with a range of different substituents and protecting groups, including carboxylate and phosphate esters, and have been used in an improved synthesis of the anticancer bromomesylate mustard PR-104, now in clinical trials.