Synthesis and Antiumor Activity of 20(S)-Camptothecin Derivatives : A-Ring Modified and 7, 10-Disubstituted Camptothecins

Abstract

20(S)-Camptothecin derivatives having nitro, amino, chloro, bromo, hydroxyl and methoxyl groups in the A-ring were synthesized. B-Ring hydrogenated camptothecin (2a) was converted into 10-hydroxycamptothecin (6e) by treatment with lead tetraacetate in trifluoroacetic acid. 10-Substituted derivatives (6) were obtained by a photoreaction of N-oxides (9). The cytotoxicity o the A-ring modified camptothecins was evaluated against KB cells in vitro and leukemia L1210 in mice. 7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (6i) was identified as a potential derivative for further modification.