Synthesis of a small library of 3-(carboranylalkyl)thymidines and their biological evaluation as substrates for human thymidine kinases 1 and 2.

A small library consisting of two series of thymidine derivatives containing o-carboranylalkyl groups at the N-3 position was prepared. In both series, alkyl spacers of 2-7 methylene units were placed between the o-carborane cage and the thymidine scaffold. In one series, an additional dihydroxypropyl substituent was introduced at the second carbon atom of the carborane cage.