Synthesis and evaluation of the antitumor activity of 4,5-diamino-substituted 1,2-benzoquinones

A series of 4,5-diamino-substituted-1,2-benzoquinones were prepared from catechol and the corresponding secondary amines in high yield in a single step using copper complex formation to stabilize the intermediate. The cytotoxicity of the products under various conditions was evaluated using the EMT-6 mammary carcinoma cell line, and antitumor activity was tested in the L1210 murine leukemia. The 4,5-diaziridinyl-1,2-benzoquinone was a more potent cytotoxic agent than diaziquone (AZQ) and was very effective against the L1210 leukemia. The azetidine, pyrrolidine, and diethylamine derivatives were not effective antitumor agents.