Anionic polymers and biological activities. Effects of some new polycarboxylic acids on the ascitic sarcoma 180 in mice.

Eleven new polymeric carboxylic acids with widely different solubilities in water have been synthesized. The activities of these polymers against the ascitic sarcoma 180 tumor of mice and their acute toxicities in mice have been compared with molecular parameters of the polymers such as molecular weights, charge densities, and abilities to complex calcium and magnesium ions. The maximum effectiveness of these polymers against ascitic sarcoma 180 of mice is greatest for those polymers having fewer carboxyl groups ionized at pH 7. Toxicities are lower for polymers having more carboxyl groups ionized at pH 7.