Synthesis and antineoplastic activity of hydroquinone dialdehydes.

A number of hydroquinone dialdehydes and structurally related compounds were synthesized and tested for antineoplastic efficacy against transplanted murine tumors. 3,6-Dihydroxy-4,5-dimethylphthalaldehyde,3,6-dihydroxy-4,5-dipropylphthalaldehyde, and 3,6-dihydroxy-4,5-dimethylphthalaldehyde hemialdal tetraacetate significantly prolonged the survival time of mice bearing either Sarcoma 180, Ehrlich carcinoma, or adenocarcinoma 755 ascites tumors. In addition, these agents were cytotoxic to Sarcoma 180 cells in culture at concentrations in the range of 25-30 microM.