https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2016.030
Published: Kem. Ind. 66 (9-10) (2017) 481−504
Paper reference number: KUI-30/2016
Paper type: Review
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Quinone Methides (Part II): Photochemical Generation and Development of Applications in Photochemotherapy

Đ. Škalamera, A. Husak and T. Šumanovac Ramljak

Abstract

Quinone-methides (QMs, IUPAC name: quinomethanes) are reactive intermediates that are associated with the biological activity of numerous natural and synthetic compounds. Their activity is based on the inhibition of enzymes or, more often, on the alkylation/cross-linking of DNA. QMs can be generated by thermal methods, but photochemical methods have great advantages because they provide the possibility of spatial and temporal control over their generation. For the final goal – application in photochemotherapy, the development of precursors for the generation of QMs is crucial. This review will provide insight into the photochemical methods of generating QMs and development of their use in photochemotherapy.


This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Keywords

quinone methides, reactive intermediates, photochemical generation of quinone methides, antiproliferative activity, DNA alkylating agents, DNA cross-linking, photochemotherapy