6-substituted 1-methylquinolinium-2-dithioacetic acid zwitterions: antileukemia activity

Cyclic voltammetry of quinolinium salts and related compounds: correlation with structure and anticancer activity

Cyclic voltammetry data were obtained for 12 salts of quinolines, one pyridine, and one open-chain imine which possess varying degrees of anticancer activity. The structural features include sidechain bis(2-methylthio)vinyl, 2-methylthio-2-aminovinyl, dithioacetic acid, 2-quinolylvinyl, 2-styrylvinyl, and guanidine sulfide functionalities. Reduction potentials ranged from -0.43 to -1.08 V. The electrochemical results are correlated with structure. A possible mechanism of anticancer action is addressed.

Synthesis of N,N'-disubstituted N''-2-(2-quinolinylmethylthio)ethylguanidines as potential anticancer agents

A simple method for obtaining the title compounds was found in the alkaline rearrangement of S-2-aminoethylisothiouronium salts, which were obtained from the condensation of thiourea or substituted thioureas with 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide. No activity was found for the substituted guanidines against P388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice, or as H2-receptor antagonists.

Synthesis and antileukemic activity of 2-(2-methylthio-2-aminovinyl)-1-methylquinolinium iodides

Reaction of 2-bis(2-methylthio)vinyl-1-methylquinolinium iodide with several heterocyclic aliphatic amines at 30-70 degrees resulted in replacement of one methylthio group to give the title compounds. Reaction with pyrrolidine gave an unidentified product lacking sulfur. Antileukemic screening against P-388 lymphocytic leukemia showed positive activity only with the 6-methyl-morpholino derivative, whereas the 6-unsubstituted morpholino derivative was inactive. This result is in contrast to previous testing results with the 2-bis(2-methylthio)vinyl compounds where both 6-substituted and 6-unsubstituted derivatives showed activity.

Antileukemic activity of 2-bis(2-methylthio)vinyl-1-methylquinolinium iodides

Reaction of 1-methylquinolinium-2-dithioacetic acid zwitterions with excess methyl iodide in dimethylformamide gave the corresponding bis(2-methylthio)vinyl derivatives. These compounds were more soluble in both aqueous and organic media than the dithioacetic acid zwitterions but showed comparable antileukemic activity in mice. Reaction with morpholine converted a bis(2-methylthio)vinyl derivative almost quantitatively to the 2-mono(methylthio)-2-morpholino derivative. Leukemia cell culture studies of the 6-methyl derivative showed no effect on cell cycle processes.