Nitrated fluorene derivatives are potent frameshift mutagens.

Nitrated derivatives if fluorene are potent frameshift-type mutagens. A reduction of the nitro function is required for the expression of mutagenicity. Hydroxylamines are the presumed key intermediates, which following esterification to electrophiles are capable of forming adducts with cellular DNA. Evidence in support of this mechanism is obtained by the use of tester strains having a functional uvrB gene product or lacking specific nitroreductases. The mutagenic potency of nitrated fluorenes increases upon successive addition of nitro groups reaching a peak at the trisubstituted state. Addition of a 4th nitro group leads to decreased activity.