Synthesis and antileukemic activity of N-enamine derivatives of daunorubicin, 5-iminodaunorubicin, and doxorubicin.

Eleven N-enamine derivatives of daunorubicin and of its 5-imino analogue as well as of doxorubicin have been synthesized and evaluated for antileukemic activity in vitro and in vivo. Comparison of biological activities of examined compounds with other enamine derivatives of daunorubicin, reported earlier by us, has indicated that the optimal activity is shown by N-(1-carboethoxypropen-1-yl-2)daunorubicin.