Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxic and antiviral activities of 1-(2,5,6-trideoxy-6-halogenohept-5-enofuranurononitrile)thymine and derivatives.

ABSTRACT All 1-(2,5,6-trideoxy-6-halogenohept-5-enofuranurononitrile)thymine and their 3′-O-TBDMS derivatives have been prepared and their configuration established. Some of these compounds are endowed with a cytotoxic or cytostatic activity in cell culture. The single most important factor affecting the cytotoxicity of these compounds is the presence on the molecule of a soft (electrofugal) halogen atom.