An efficient synthesis of 3-(N-piperidinemethyl)-2, 2, 5, 5-tetramethyl-1-oxy-3-pyrroline, a promising radioprotector for cancer radiotherapy.

Nitroxides can ameliorate the toxic effects of radiation during cancer therapy. Nitroxides are paramagnetic and can be used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electron paramagnetic resonance imaging (EPRI) to monitor in vivo oxidative stress status. Compound 5 (3-(N-piperidinemethyl)-2, 2, 5, 5-tetramethyl-1-oxy-3-pyrroline) was found to be the most effective nitroxide radioprotector. An efficient synthesis for this promising radioprotector was developed.