Electron transfer-oxy radical mechanism for anti-cancer agents: 9-anilinoacridines.

A possible mode of action involving electron transfer is advanced for the 9-anilinoacridines. The mechanism entails formation of toxic oxy radicals which destroy the neoplasm. Cyclic voltammetry was performed on iminium type ions derived by protonation of the acridines. Reductions were generally reversible with potentials of about -0.60 V. Involvement of quinoidal metabolites is also a possibility. The relationship of electrochemical behavior to structure and physiological activity is addressed.