10.1021/jm00168a002
The research explores the development and properties of alkylating organoselenones as potential antitumor agents. The study aims to investigate the potential of organoselenones for their high nucleophilic selectivity and their ability to act as biological alkylating agents, which could be useful in cancer treatment. The researchers synthesized various organoselenones and related compounds, including sulfone and aryl haloalkyl selenones (1-6), and tested their chemical kinetic parameters and antiproliferative activities. Key chemicals used in the research include 4-(4-nitrobenzyl)pyridine (NBP) as a model biologic nucleophile, and various nitrogen, sulfur, and selenium compounds for comparison. The study found that organoselenones exhibited desirable properties such as slowed reactivity compared to selenides, high selectivity, and short cross-linking distances similar to cisplatin. The results suggest that these organoselenones could be promising candidates for the development of new antitumor agents with improved selectivity and efficacy.