Electrochemistry of potential bioreductive alkylating quinones : Part 2. Electrochemical properties of 2,5-bis(1-aziridinyl)-3,6-bis(ethoxycarbonylamino)-1,4-benzoquinone and some model compounds

Abstract

The reduction mechanism of 2,5-bis(1-aziridinyl)-3,6-bis(ethoxycarbonylamino)-1,4-benzoquinone (Diaziquone, AZQ) and several model compounds of the mono- and bis(1-aziridinyl)quinone type at the dropping mercury electrode in aqueous solutions was studied. In addition, the influence of methyl substitution of the aziridinyl moiety at the 2-position on the protonation of the aziridine nitrogen was investigated. Substituent effects on quinone reduction and aziridine protonation prior to and following quinone reduction were studied qualitatively