Synthesis and biological evaluation of cyclic nitrogen mustards based on carnitine framework

Two series of cyclic nitrogen mustards structurally related to l-carnitine have been prepared. The cytotoxic activity of these compounds was evaluated by using Chlorambucil as a reference. In accordance with earlier report, the cytotoxicity is in direct correlation with the lipophilicity of the introduced alkyl chains. Among the cyclic nitrogen mustards synthesized, the most cytotoxic compounds were the one acylated with a palmitoyl side chain, which showed activities comparable to that of Chlorambucil.

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