synthesis and antitumor activity of 2-deoxyribofuranosides of 3-deazaguanine

Synthesis of 2-deoxyribofuranosides of 3-deazaguanine (IX-XII) has been achieved by a base-catalyzed ring closure of appropriate 2-deoxyribofuranosides of methyl 5(4)-(cyanomethyl)imidazole-4(5)-carboxalate (IV-VII). The separation of isomers and anomers were accomplished by column chromatography and HPLC. The site of glycosidic linkage and the anomeric configurations were established on the basis of C-13 and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, as well as UV absorption characteristics. Preliminary results of the antitumor activity of these derivatives, in vitro and in vivo, are described.