L-Chlorozotocin.

ABSTRACT

L-Chlorozotocin (2-[[[2-chloroethyl)nitrosoamino]carbonyl]amino]-2-deoxy-L-glucose) was synthesized in seven steps from L-arabinose for comparison with chlorozotocin, which is the D enantiomorph and an antineoplastic agent with clinical potential. Purification of the intermediate 2-amino-2-deoxy-L-glucose as the Schiff's base formed with 4-methoxybenzaldehyde ensured complete separation from the manno epimer. Comparative screening against leukemia L1210 with concurrent toxicity controls revealed no significant difference between D- and L-chlorozotocin in either activity or toxicity.