Ring opening reactions: synthesis of AICAR analogs as potential antimetabolite agents.

ABSTRACT

In an attempt to improve the AzA selectivity of the 2-(aryl)alkylthio derivatives of adenosine, we planned the synthesis of the corresponding derivatives of the 5-N-ethylcarboxamidoadenosine (NECA). For this purpose, we designed the synthesis of 2-mercapto-NECA to be pursued by means of an opening-closure method We obtained the open AICAR analog; however, ring closure efforts failed to give the desired compound. The newly synthesized AICAR derivative could potentially be endowed with antiviral or antitumoral activity.