Synthesis and carcinogenic activity of oxidized benzacridines: potential metabolites of the strong carcinogen 7-methylbenz[c]acridine and of the inactive isomer 12-methylbenz[a]acridine.

The synthesis of 15 compounds related either to the benz[c]acridine or to the benz[a]acridine series is reported. Spectral data, i.e., NMR and EI fragmentation, are given. These compounds were tested for carcinogenic activity in mice of the XVIInc/Z strain by subcutaneous injection. Only three weak carcinogens were detected, 5,6-dihydro-5,6-dihydroxy-12-methylbenz[a]acridine, 3-methoxy-7-methylbenz[c]acridine, and 4-acetoxy-7-methylbenz[c]acridine. These results are discussed with consideration to the data previously obtained with other benzacridines and condensed quinolines.