Antiradiation compounds XVI: N-heterocyclic aminoethyl disulfides and aminoethanethiosulfuric acids.

A series of N-heterocyclic and N-heterocyclic alkyl derivatives of bis(2-aminoethyl) disulfide and aminoethanethiosulfuric acid was synthesized as potential antiradiation and anticancer agents. The compounds were prepared by the reactions of the heterocyclic halides with bis(2-aminoethyl) disulfide and aminoethanethiosulfuric acid. A dithio acid derivative, 3,3-dimercapto-2-cyanoacryloylpyrrolidide, was also prepared. Several compounds, including the dithio acid derivative, provided good radiation protection to mice. None of the compounds screened showed appreciable anticancer activities in two leukemia systems.