Synthesis and cytotoxicity of amino analogues of the potent DNA alkylating agent seco-CBI-TMI

The synthesis of racemic seco-CBI-TMI analogues containing nitrogen-based groups in place of the 5-OH is reported, employing a synthetic strategy where the incipient C-5 amino substituent is generated in the last step from a nitro precursor. The resulting amino seco-CBI analogues are up to 1000-fold more potent cytotoxins than the corresponding known amino seco-CI compounds, making them attractive candidates as effectors in prodrug strategies.