This invention was made with support from the National Institutes of Health, Grant No. CA44530. The U.S. government therefore retains certain rights in the invention. TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to compounds which stimulate mammalian enzymes which are involved in detoxicaύon of carcinogens. More specifically, it relates to compounds which induce the activity of quinone reductase ¹ , glutathione transferases and other phase II enzymes, without inducing the activity of cytochromes P-450. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Extrinsic factors, including personal life-styles, play a major role in the development of most human malignancies (Wynder, et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 55:825-832 (1977); Higginson, et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 55:1291-1298 (1979); Doll, et al., /. Natl. Cancer Inst. 55: 1191-1308 (1981)). Cigarette smoking and

'Abbreviation: QR, quinone reductase [NAD(P)H:(quinone-acceptor) oxidoreductase, 1.6.99.2].

consumption of alcohol, exposure to synthetic and naturally occurring carcinogens,

radiation, drugs, infectious agents, and reproductive and behavioral practices are

now widely recognized as important contributors to the etiology of cancer. But perhaps most surprising is the inference that normal human diets play causative roles in more than one-third (and possibly even two-thirds) of human neoplasia (Wynder, et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 55:825-832 (1977); Higginson, et al., J.

Natl. Cancer Inst. 55:1291-1298 (1979); Doll, et al., 7. Natl. Cancer Inst.

55:1191-1308 (1981)). Our food contains not only numerous mutagens and carcinogens but also a variety of chemicals that block carcinogenesis in animal models (Ames, Science 221: 1256-1264 (1983); Ames, et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:7777-7781 (1990); Ames, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:7782- 7786 (1990); Carr, B.I., Cancer 55:218-224 (1985); Fiala, et al., Annu. Rev. Nutr. 5:295-321 (1985); Wattenberg, Cancer Res. Suppl. 45:2448s-2453s (1983); Wattenberg, Cancer Res. 45:1-8 (1985); Wattenberg, et al., Diet, Nutrition and Cancer.193-203 (1986)). Furthermore, carcinogens can even protect against their own toxic and neoplastic effects or those of other carcinogens ~ i.e., carcinogens may act as anticarcinogens (Richardson, et al., Cancer Res. 11:274 (1951); Huggins, et al., J. Exp. Med. 119:923-942 (1964); Huggins, et al., J. Exp. Med. 119:942-954 (1964)).

Clearly, dietary modifications modulate cancer risk in various ways: for instance, through changes in caloric intake,' by altering the consumption of nutritive and nonnutritive major components, and by providing exposure to

numerous minor chemicals that may be genotoxic or protective (Ames, Science

221: 1256-1264 (1983); Ames, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:7777-7781 (1990); Ames, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:7782-7786 (1990); Carr,

Cancer 55:218-224 (1985); Wattenberg, Cancer Res. Suppl. 45:2448s-2453s (1983); Wattenberg, L.W., Cancer Res. 45:1-8 (1985); Wattenberg, et al., Diet, Nutrition and Cancer.193-203 (1986); Tannenbaum, et al., Adv. Cancer Res. 7:451-501 (1953); National Research Council, Diet, Nutrition and Cancer, (1982);

National Research Council, Diet and Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic

Disease Risk, (1989); Creasey, Diet and Cancer, (1985); Knudsen, Genetic

Toxicology of the Diet, (1986)). Rational recommendations for modifying human diets to reduce the risk of cancer require identification of dietary carcinogens and chemoprotectors, even though interactions among such factors in modulating cancer development are complex (Patterson, et al. Am. J. Public Health 75:282- 286 (1988)). Whereas extensive efforts have been made to identify dietary carcinogens and mutagens (Ames, Science 221:1256-1264 (1983); Ames, et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:7777-7781 (1990); Ames, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 57:7782-7786 (1990)), chemoprotective components have received far less attention.

Numerous epidemiological studies suggest that high consumption of yellow and green vegetables, especially those of the family Cruciferae (mustards) and the genus Brassica (cauliflower, cress, brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli), reduces the risk of developing cancer of various organs (Graham, et al., J. Natl. Cancer

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Inst. 57:709-714 (1978); Graham, Cancer Res. Suppl. 45:2409s-2413s (1983);

Colditz, et al., Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 41:32-36 (1985); Kune, et al., Nutr. Cancer

9:21-42 (1987); La Vecchia, et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 79:663-669 (1987); Le

Marchand, et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 57:1158-1164 (1989); You, et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 57:162-164 (1989)). Moreover, administration of vegetables or of some of their chemical components to rodents also protects against chemical

carcinogenesis (Wattenberg, Cancer Res. Suppl. 45:2448s-2453s (1983);

Wattenberg, Cancer Res. 45:1-8 (1985); Wattenberg, et al., Diet, Nutrition and Cancer 193-203 (1986); Boyd, et al., Food Chem. Toxicol. 20:47-52 (1982)).

Well-documented evidence established that feeding of certain vegetables (e.g., brussels sprouts and cabbage) induces both phase I and phase π enzymes ² in animal tissues (Conney, et al., Fed. Proc. Fed. Am. Soc. Exp. Biol. 55:1647- 1652 (1977); Sparnins, et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 55:769-771 (1981); Sparnins, et al., J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 55:493-496 (1982); Aspry, et al., Food Chem. Toxicol. 27:133-142 (1983); Bradfield, et al., Food Chem. Toxicol. 25:899-904

² Enzymes of xenobiotic metabolism belong to two families (i) phase I enzymes (cytochromes P-450), which functionalize compounds, usually by oxidation or reduction; although their primary role is to detoxify xenobiotics, several cytochromes P-450 can activate procarcinogens to highly reactive ultimate carcinogens (Miller, et al., Bioactivation of Foreign Compounds, 3-28 (1985)); and (ii) phase II enzymes, which conjugate functionalized products with endogenous ligands (e.g., glutathione, flucuronic acid, sulfate) and serve primarily a detoxification role (Jakoby, et al., /. Biol. Chem. 255:20715-20718 (1990)). Quinone reductase (QR) is considered a phase II enzyme because it has protective functions (Prochaska, et al., Oxidative Stress: Oxidants and Antioxidants, 195-211 (1991)) is induced coordinately with other phase π enzymes, and is regulated by enhancer elements similar to those that control glutathione transferase (Favreau, et al., /. Biol. Chem. 255:4556-4561 (1991)).

(1985); Salbe, et al., Food Chem. Toxicol. 24:851-856 (1985); Whitty, et al., Food Chem. Toxicol. 25:581-587 (1987); Ansher, et al., Hepatology 5:932-935 (1983); Ansher, et al., Food Chem. Toxicol. 24:405-415 (1986)) and stimulates the metabolism of drugs in humans (Conney, et al., Fed. Proc. Fed. Am. Soc. Exp. Biol. 55:1647-1652 (1977); Pantuck, et al., Clin. Pharmacol. Ther. 25:88-95

(1979); Pantuck, et al., Oin. Pharmacol. Ther. 55:161-169 (1984)). The

elevations of enzymes that metabolize xenobiotics may be highly relevant to the protective effects of vegetables, since relatively modest dietary changes not only affected the metabolism of drugs (Ansher, et al., Food Chem. Toxicol. 24:405-415 (1986)) but also modified the ability of carcinogens to cause tumors in rodents (Tannenbaum, et al., Adv. Cancer Res. 7:451-501 (1953); National Research

Council, Diet, Nutrition and Cancer (1982); National Research Council, Diet and

Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk (1989); Creasey, Diet and Cancer (1985); Knudsen, Genetic Toxicology of the Diet (1986); Longnecker, et al., Cancer 47:1562-1572 (1981); Fullerton, et al., Proc. Am. Assoc. Cancer Res. 29: 147 (1988); Li, et al., Cancer Res. 50:3991-3996 (1990)). There is now very good evidence that when phase II enzymes are induced, animals and cells are protected against the toxic and neoplastic effects of carcinogens. In fact, anticarcinogens have been identified based on their ability to induce phase π enzymes. (Reviewed in Talalay (1992) "Chemical protection against cancer by induction of electrophile detoxication (pha'se II) enzymes" in Cellular and

Molecular Targets of ^' Chenwprevention, (V.E. Steele et al., eds.) CRC Press, Boca

Raton, FL.)

There is a need in the art for the identification of specific compounds which are able to exert an anti-carcinogenic effect on mammals. Once identified, these chemoprotective compounds can be used as prophylactic medicaments or as food additives. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition for cancer prevention.

It is another object of the invention to provide compounds which have cancer chemoprotection activity.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a method for protecting against cancer development.

It is still another object of the invention to provide a food product which is supplemented with a chemoprotective compound.

These and other objects of the invention are provided by one or more of the embodiments described below. In one embodiment a pharmaceutical composition for cancer prevention is provided. The composition comprises an active ingredient which is sulforaphane ((-)l-isothiocyanato-(4R)- (methylsulfιnyl)butane) (CAS 4478-93-7) or an analogue thereof, said, analogue having a first moiety which is an isothiocyaaate and a second moiety which is a polar functional group, wherein said analogue has a chain of one or more carbon

atoms linking said first and said second moieties, and wherein said analogue contains no pyridyl moieties.

In another embodiment of the invention compounds are provided which have cancer chemoprotection activity. The compounds include: 1-isothiocyanato- 5-methylsulfonylρentane(CH ₃ -SO ₂ -(CH ₂ )j-NCS) ((GHP 1003), 6-isothiocyanato-2- hexanone (CH ₃ CO(CH ₂ ) ₄ NCS) (GHP 1 105) , exø-2-acetyl-6- isothiocyanatonorbornane (GHP 1066), exo-2-isothiocyanato-6- methylsulfonylnorbornane (GHP 1068), 6-isothiocyanato-2-hexanol (GHP 1106),

l-isothiocyanato-4-dimethylphosphonyl-butane (GHP 1078), exo-2-(l'- hydroxyethyl)-5-isothiocyanatonorbornane (GHP 1075), exø-2-acetyl-5- isothiocyanatonorbornane (GHP 1067) , and cis- or trans-3- (methylsulfonyl)cyclohexylmethylisothiocyanate (GHP 1080 and 1079).

In yet another embodiment of the invention a method for protecting against cancer induction or progression is provided. The method comprises the step of: administering to a mammal a chemoprotective composition consisting essentially of sulforaphane ((-)l-isothiocyanato-(4R)-(methylsulfinyl)butane) or an analogue thereof, said analogue having a first moiety which is an isothiocyanate functionality and a second moiety which is a polar functional group, wherein said analogue has a chain of one or more carbon atoms linking said first and said second moieties, and wherein said analogue contains no pyridyl moieties, in an amount effective in producing a cancer preventive effect.

In still another embodiment of the invention a food product is provided.

The product has been supplemented with an active chemoprotective compound,

wherein said compound is sulforaphane ((-) l-isothiocyanato-(4R)-

(methylsulfinyl)butane) or an analogue thereof, said analogue having a first moiety which is an isothiocyanate functionality and a second moiety which is a polar functional group, wherein said analogue has a chain of one or more carbon atoms linking said first and said second moieties.

These and other objects of the invention provide the public with positive means to lower the risk of developing cancers. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows the structure of sulforaphane.

Figure 2 shows the fragmentation pattern of sulforaphane.

Figure 3 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1003).

Figure 4 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1066 and 1067).

Figure 5 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1068).

Figure 6 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1073).

Figure 7 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1075).

Figure 8 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1078).

Figure 9 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1079 and 1080).

Figure 10 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1105).

Figure 11 shows the synthesis of (GHP 1106).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Chemoprotective activities have been detected in certain vegetables which are able to induce the activity of enzymes that detoxify carcinogens (phase π enzymes). One such activity has been detected in broccoli which induces quinone reductase activity and glutathione S-transferase activities in murine hepatoma cells and in the organs of mice. This activity has been purified from broccoli and identified as sulforaphane. Analogues of sulforaphane have been synthesized to determine structure-function relationships.

It is the discovery of the present invention that sulforaphane and its isothiocyanate analogues have chemoprotective activity in excess of previously discovered compounds. The analogues contain a moiety which is a polar functional group. This may be, for example, a sulfoxide, a ketone, a sulfone, a sulfide, a thioester, a thioether, a nitrile, a nitro, a carboxylic ester, a carboxylic acid, a halogen, a phosphine oxide, or a hydroxyl group. The isothiocyanate moiety and the polar functional group are linked by a chain of one or more carbon atoms. Preferably there are at least three carbon atoms in the chain. Typically there are three to five carbon atoms in the chain. The analogues do not contain pyridyl moieties.

The chemoprotective compounds of the present invention can be administered to mammals as a prophylactic against chemically induced cancers. The compounds can be formulated in suitable excipients for oral administration, for topical administration, or for parenteral administration. Such excipients are

well known in the art. According to the present invention, pharmaceutical

compositions are those which are suitable for administration to humans or other

mammals. Typically they are sterile, and contain no toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic compounds which would cause an adverse reaction when administered. Administration of the compounds can be performed before, during, or after exposure to the offending carcinogens or procarcinogens. Suitable doses to be

administered are those which are sufficient to induce a demonstrable increase of phase π enzymes. This will typically not exceed 500 μmoles per kg per day, but may be much lower.

Sulforaphane and sulforaphene are known to be produced by plants, such as hoary cress, radish and other plants (Mislow, et al. (1965) /. Am. Chem. Soc. 57:665-666; Schmid, et al. (1948) Helvet. Chim. Acta 57:1017-1028; Hansen et al.(1974) Acta Chem. Scand. Ser. B 25:418-424). For the purposes of the present invention, they can be isolated from plants or synthesized. Bertoin, alyssin, erucin, erysolin, iberverin, iberin, and cheirolin can also be isolated from plants; these compounds appear to be less active as inducers than sulforaphane and sulforaphene, at least in cell culture.

Other synthetic analogues of sulforaphane will preferably not be heteroaromatic and more preferably will not be aromatic. Such analogues include olefins, aliphatics, and non-aromatic ring compounds. Some examples of these are shown below in Table 3. The CD value provides a measure of the potency of the compounds as inducers of phase π enzymes, specifically quinone reductase. The

preferred compounds of the invention have CD values less than 1, although some established chemoprotectors have higher CD values.

Other analogues of sulforaphane can be used which are not specifically shown. The relative ability of the compound to induce the chemoprotective enzymes can be assessed as taught below, either by testing induction in cell lines, or in whole animals. The compounds can also be tested for the ability to suppress hepatoma formation in rats by 3-methylcholanthrene, 2-acetylaminofluorene,

diethylnitrosamine, /π-toluenediamine, and azo dyes. They can also be tested for the ability to block the neoplastic effects of diethylnitrosamine or benzoføjpyrene

on lung and forestomach of mice or of dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA) on mammary tumor formation in rats.

Also provided by the present invention are food products which have been supplemented with a chemoprotective compound of the present invention. The supplement may be isolated from plants or synthesized. EXAMPLES Example 1

This example describes the rapid cell culture assay which was used in the purification of a chemoprotective compound from broccoli.

Assay of Inducer Potency. Inducer activity was measured in Hepa lclc7 murine hepatoma cells grown in 96-well microtiter plates (Prochaska and Santamaria, Anal. Biochem. 759:328-336 (1988); Prochaska et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sciences USA 59:2394-2398 (1992)). QR activity (based on the formation

of the blue-brown reduced tetrazolium dye) was measured with an optical

microtiter plate scanner in cell lysates prepared in one plate, and the cell density

was determined in the second plate by staining with crystal violet. Quantitative information on specific activity of QR, the inducer potency, and the cytotoxicity of the extract or compound tested is obtained by computer analysis of the absorbances. One unit of inducer activity is defined as the amount that when

added to a single microtiter well doubled the QR specific activity. The CD value is the concentration of a compound required to double the quinone reductase specific activity in Hepa lclc7 murine hepatoma cells.

Sources of Vegetable and Preparation of Extracts. Vegetables were homogenized with 2 vol of cold water in a Waring Blendor at 4°C. The resultant soups were lyophilized to give dry powders, which were stored at -20°C. Portions (400 mg) of these powders were extracted for 6-24 hr with acetonitrile by shaking in glass vessels at 4° C. The extracts were filtered and evaporated to dryness. The

residues were dissolved or suspended in acetonitrile or dimethyl formamide.

The specific activities of QR were raised nearly 6-fold at the highest extract concentrations tested, at which less than 20% cytoxicity was observed. The inductions obtained with broccoli and with other vegetable extracts were proportional to the quantity of extract added over a reasonably wide range. The toxicities of these extracts were modest and were unrelated to their inducer potencies.

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Extracts of a series of organically grown vegetables cultivated under a variety of conditions showed large differences in inducer potencies. Although many vegetable extracts induced QR, certain families were consistently more potent inducers. For example, where extracts of several Cruciferae had potent inducer activity, extracts of Solanaceae (peppers, potatoes, tomatoes) had low inducer activity. Of the 24 vegetables examined only 6 showed detectable toxicity; the others were nontoxic at the highest concentrations tested.

Cytotoxicity measurements are important because phase π enzyme inducers

may be toxic and/or carcinogenic. Moreover, by use of mutant Hepa cells defective in aryl hydrocarbon receptor or cytochrome P-450 function (Zhang, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 59:2399-2403 (1992); Prochaska, et al., Cancer Res. 45:4776-4782 (1988); De Long, et al., Carcinogenesis 5:1549-1553 (1987)), our assay system can distinguish monofunctional inducers (which elevate phase π enzymes selectively), from bifimctional inducers (which elevate both phase I and II enzymes) (Prochaska, et al., Cancer Res. 45:4776-4782 (1988)). Such information is crucial for identification of chemoprotective enzyme inducers for potential use in humans. Ideally, such inducers should be monofunctional, because elevated activities of phase I enzymes may lead to carcinogen activation. The assay of phase π enzymes makes possible further detailed analysis of the effects of treatment of vegetables (e.g., breeding, mutagenesis, growth, storage, and cooking conditions) that might enhance or depress such induction.

Example 2

This example describes the isolation of a potent major phase π enzyme

inducer from broccoli.

Fractionation of acetonitrile extracts of SAGA broccoli by preparative reverse-phase HPLC with a water/methanol solvent gradient resulted in recovery of 70-90% of the applied inducer activity in the chromatographic fractions. Surprisingly, the majority (about 65-80% in several chromatographies) of the recovered activity was associated with a single and relatively sharp peak [fractions 18-23; eluted at 64-71 % (vol/vol) methanol]. This HPLC procedure was therefore adopted as the first step of the larger-scale isolation of inducer activity.

Lyophilized SAGA broccoli was extracted three times with acetonitrile (35 ml/g) for 6 hr each at 4°C. The pooled extracts were filtered successively through 0.45- and 0.22- m porosity filters (discarding the insoluble material) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure on a rotating evaporator (<40°C). About 1 g of residue from 640 g of fresh broccoli (64 g of lyophilized powder) contained 3.6 x 10 ⁶ units of inducer activity. The residue was mixed thoroughly with 120 ml of methanol/water (25/75, vol/vol) and the insoluble fraction was discarded. Although not all of the residue obtained from the extraction was soluble in aqueous methanol, the solvent partition procedure resulted in substantial purification without significant loss of inducer activity. Portions of the extract were dried in a vacuum centrifuge and dissolved in small volumes of dimethyl formamide (0.75-1.0 ml per 50 mg of residue), and 50-mg portions were subjected

to HPLC (nine runs). Fractions 18-23 from all runs were pooled, evaporated to dryness, applied in acetonitrile to five preparative silica TLC plates (100 x 200 x 0.25 mm), and developed with acetonitrile, which was run to the top of each plate three times. Four major fluorescence-quenching components were resolved, and nearly all (99%) of the inducer activity migrated at R _f 0.4. The active bands were eluted with acetonitrile, pooled, and fractionated by two runs on a second preparative reverse-phase HPLC in a water/acetonitrile gradient (20%-71 %). Ultraviolet absorption and inducer activity were eluted in a sharp coincident peak

(at 66% acetonitrile) that contained all of the activity applied to the column. Evaporation (<40°C) of the active fractions gave 8.9 mg of a slightly yellow liquid, which contained 558,000 inducer units (overall yield 15%) and migrated as a single band on TLC. Example 3

This example describes the identification of the inducer isolated from broccoli, as described in Example 2.

The identify of the inducer was established by spectroscopic methods and confirmed by chemical synthesis. It is (-)-l-isothiocyanato-(4R)-(methylsulfinyl) butane, known as sulforaphane or sulphoraphane (CAS 4478-93-7). See Figure 1.

Sulforaphane has been synthesized (Schmid, et al., Helv. Chim. Acta 57:1497-1505 (1948)) and isolated from leavesOf hoary cress (Prochdzka, Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 24:2429-2430 (1959)) and from other plants (Kjaer, et al.,

Acta Chem. Scand. 72:833-838 (1958)), and the absolute configuration has been

assigned (Mislow, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 57:665-666 (1965)). The closely

related olefin sulforaphene [4-isothiocyanato-(lR)-(methyl-sulfinyl)-l-(E)butene (CAS 2404-46-8)] has been isolated from radish seeds and other plants (Schmid, et al., Helv. Chim. Acta 57:1017-1028 (1948); Hansen, et al., Acta Chem. Scand. Ser. B 25:418-424 (1974)) and has also been synthesized (Cheung, et al., J. Chem.

Soc. Chem. Commun. , 100-102 (1965); Balenovi , et al., Tetrahedron 22:2139- 2143 (1966)).

The following evidence establishes that (R)-sulforaphane is the inducer isolated from broccoli, UV spectrum (H ₂ O): λ^ 238 nm, e^g 910 M ^' On' ¹ ; addition of NaOH (0.1 M) blue-shifted K^ 226 nm) and intensified {e _m 15,300 M ^' ^m' ¹ ) this absorption band, consistent with the behavior of isothiocyanates (Svέtek, et al., Acta. Chem. Scand. 75:442-455 (1959)). IR (Fourier transform, neat): strong absorptions at 2179 and 2108 cm" ¹ and also at 1350 cm' ¹ , characteristic of isothiocyanates (Kjaer, et al., Acta Chem. Scand. 9:1311-1316 (1955)). ^! H NMR (400 MHz, CΗC1 ₃ ): δ 3.60 (t, 2H, J = 6.1 Hz,-CH ₂ -NCS), 2.80-2.66 (m, 2H, -CH ₂ -SO-), 2.60 (s, 3H, CH ₃ -SO-), and 1.99-1.86 ppm (m, 4H, -CH ₂ CH ₂ -). ¹³ C NMR (400 MHz, C ² HC1 ₃ ): δ 53.5, 44.6, 38.7, 29.0, and 20.1 ppm. Mass spectrometry (fast atom bombardment; thioglycerol matrix) gave prominent peaks at 178 (M + H) ⁺ and 355 (M ₂ + H) ⁺ . Electron impact mass spectrometry gave a small molecula ion (M ⁺ ) at 177, and chemical ionization mass spectrometry gave a small molecular ion (M + H) ⁺ at 178 and

prominent fragment ions with masses of 160, 114, and 72, consistent with the fragmentation pattern shown in Figure 2. Precise masses of molecular and fragment ions obtained by electron impact mass spectrometry were 177.0286 (calculated for C.sH _n NOS ₂ , 177.0283), 160.0257 (calculated for 160.0255), and 71.9909 (calculated for CjHaNS,, 71.9908). In addition, for the mass 160 fragment, the peaks at 161 (M + 1) and 162 (M + 2) were 8.43% (calculated, 8.44%) and 9.45% (calculated, 10.2%), respectively, of the parent ion. Similarly, for the mass 72 fragment, the peaks at 73 (M + 1) and 74 (M +

2) were 3.42% (calculated, 3.32%) and 5.23% (calculated, 4.44%), respectively, of the parent ion. Hence the isotope compositions corrected for the natural isotope abundance (of ¹³ C, ^1S N, ³³ S, and ^M S) were consistent with the relative intensities of the M + 1 and M + 2 ions of both fragments. The optical rotation of the isolated material was [αp όβ.β ⁰ (c - 0.5, CHjClj), thus establishing that the product is largely, if not exclusively, the (— )-(R) enantiomer [α] _D -79°, -73.2°, - -66°; refs. 26, 30, and 38, respectively). The spectroscopic properties of synthetic (R,S)-sulforaphane were identical to those of the isolated product. Example 4

This example describes the synthesis of sulforaphane (CAS 4478-93-7) and its closely related analogs, ibervin, erucin, berteroin, iberin, alyssin. cheirolin, erysolin, and l-isothiocyanato-5-methylsulfonyl-pentane.

(R,S)-Sulforaphane (CAS 4478-93-7> was prepared according to Schmid and Karrer (Schmid, et al., Helv. Chim. Acta 57: 1497-1505 (1948)) except that

gaseous thiometiianol was replaced by sodium thiomethoxide. The sulfide

analogues, CH ₃ — S— (CHj).— NCS, where n is 4 [erucin (CAS 4430-36-8)] or 5

[berteroin (CAS 4430-42-6)] were prepared as described (Kjaer, et al., Acta Chem. Scand. 9: 1311-1316 (1955)), and the three-carbon analogue [iberverin (CAS 505- 79-3)] was prepared from phthalimidopropyl bromide (Schmid, et al., Helv. Chim. Acta 57: 1497-1505 (1948)). IR spectra of all three sulfide analogues showed strong absorptions near 2150 cm ^"1 , characteristic of isothiocyanates. ^! H NMR spectra of these compounds show sharp singlets at δ 2.10 ppm (CH ₃ — S group). The sulfoxide analogues where n is 3 [iberin (CAS 505-44-2)] or 5 [alyssin (CAS 646-23-1)] were prepared by the same method as sulforaphane. IR spectra of these

compounds showed strong absorptions near 2100 cm ^"1 , assigned to the —NCS group. Η NMR spectra also showed sharp singlets around δ 2.5 ppm, consistent with the presence of the CH ₃ — SO group. The sulfone analogues, CHj— SO ₂ — (CHj),— NCS, where n is 3 [cheirolin (CAS 505-34-0)], 4[erysolin (CAS 504-84-7)], or 5 (unreported) were prepared by known methods (Schneider, et al., Liebigs Ann. Chem. 592:1-15 (1912)). ^X H NMR (δ - 2.9 ppm, for CH ₃ — SO— ₂ — ) and IR spectra of these compounds were consistent with the structures. Every analogue within this example except l-isothiocyanato-5- methylsulfonyl-pentane [CH ₃ — SO ₂ — (CΑ _$ — NCS] has been isolated from plants (Kjaer, Fortschr. Chem. Org. Naturst. 75:122-176 (I960)).

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Example 5

This example describes the inducer activity of the closely-related analogs of sulforaphane whose synthesis is described in the preceding Example.

Each of the analogs of sulforaphane was tested for the ability to induce QR in murine hepatoma cells by the assay described in Example 1. The following structure-function relationships were observed.

The chirality of the sulfoxide does not affect inducer potency, since isolated

(R)-sulforaphane and synthetic (R,S)-sulforaphane gave closely similar CD values

of 0.2-0.4 μM. Sulforaphane is therefore the most potent monofunctional inducer that has been identified (Talalay (1989) Adv. Enzyme Regul. 25:237-250; Talalay et al., (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 55:8261-8265. ³ Both (R)- and (R,S)- sulforaphane were relatively noncytotoxic: the concentrations required to depress cell growth to one-half were 18 μM.

Sulforaphane and the corresponding sulfone (erysolin) were equipotent as inducers of QR, whereas the corresponding sulfide (erucin) was about one-third as active (Table 1). Oxidation of the side-chain sulfide to sulfoxide or sulfone enhanced inducer potency, and compounds with 4 or 5 methylene groups in the bridge linking CH ₃ S— and — N=C=S were more potent than those with 3 methylene groups.

³ Benzylisothiocyanate has a reported CD value of 1.8 μM; phenethylisothiocyanate has a CD of 2.0 μM; etiiylisothiocyanate has a CD of 30 μM; propylisotiiiocyanate has a CD of 14 μM; cyclohexylisothiocyanate has a CD of 14 μM.

Tahle 1. Potency of induction of ^' Q in Hepa lclc7 cell> by sulforaphane and analogues

CD value. μM

Mutants of Hepa lclc7 cells defective in the Ah (aryl hydrocarbon) receptor or expression of cytochrome P-450IA1 can distinguish monofunctional inducers (which induce phase π enzymes selectively) from bifunctional inducers (which elevate both phase I and π enzymes) (De Long, et al., Carcinogenesis 5:1549-1553 (1987); Prochaska, et al., Cancer Res 45:4776-4782 (1988)). When sulforaphane was tested with the B cl mutant (Miller, et al., /. Biol. Chem. 255:3523-3527 (1983)) (defective in transport of the liganded Ah receptor to the nucleus), and the cl mutant (Hankinson et al., (1985) /. Biol. Chem. 250:1790- 1795) (which synthesizes inactive cytochrome P-450IA1), induction of QR was normal (data not shown). Sulforaphane is, therefore, like benzyl isothiocyanate, a monofunctional inducer (Prochaska, et al. , Cancer Res 45:4776-4782 (1988)) and is unlikely to elevate activities of cytochromes P-450 that could activate

carcinogens.

- 21 -

F.vnmple t

This example demonstrates that the anti-cancer agents of the present invention are active in whole animals as inducers of phase π xenobiotic metabolism enzymes.

When synthetic (R,S)-sulforaphane, erysolin, and erucin were administered to female CD-I mice by gavage (De Long, et al., Cancer Res. 45:546-551 (1985)), induction of QR and glutathione transferase activities was observed in the cytosols of several organs (Table 2). Sulforaphane and erucin (in daily doses of 15 μmol for 5 days) raised both enzyme activities 1.6- to 3.1-fold in liver, fore- stomach, glandular stomach, and mucosa of proximal small intestine, and to a lesser degree in lung. The sulfone (erysolin) was more toxic, but even 5-μmol daily doses for 5 days elevated the specific activities of these enzymes in some tissues examined. We therefore conclude that sulforaphane and its analogues not only induce QR in Hepa lclc7 murine hepatoma cells but also induce both QR and glutathione transferase activities in a number of murine organs.

Table 2. Induction of QR and glutathione 5-transferase <GST> in mouse tissues by sulforaphane and analogues

Fyamply 7

This example describes the synthesis of exσ-2-acetyl-6- isothiocyanatonorbornane (GHP 1066 and 1067). From la (mixture)

To a 100 ml 3-neck round bottomed flask equipped with a magnetic stirring bar,

dropping funnel and reflex condenser were placed 2.0 g (14.7 mmol) of 2-acetyl-5- norbornene (Aldrich Chemical Co.) and 10 ml of benzene. To this solution was added at room temperature (RT) a mixture of 2.1 g of cone, sulfuric acid and 1.0

ml of water slowly using a dropping funnel. After 4 days at RT, the reaction mixture was filtered through a sintered glass funnel. The filtered white solid was washed with 50 ml of ether. The combined organic solution was then washed with water and brine successively, dried over MgSO ₄ , and concentrated in vacuo to afford a tan oil. Subsequent purification via flash silica-gel column chromatography (20/80, ether/hexane) afforded 1.73 g of product (60% yield, colorless oil) as a mixture of 4 stereoisomers based on 'H NMR analysis (2a: 2b: 2c: 2d 36:39; 8:17). Purification by HPLC (silica-semi prep, 97/3 hexane/EtOAc, 10 ml/min) gave 2a (GHP 1066) in 22% overall yield. From lb (exo-only)

The same mixture as the above (lb:0.665 g) was stirred for 40 hr at 50 ^β C. After the same work-up and column chromatography, 0.970 g of product (70% yield) was obtained as a mixture of 4 stereoisomers _* (2a: 2b: 2c: 2d 32:47; 1:20).

Characterization of 2a (GHP 1066)

>H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.64 (dd, J = 7.6, J = 2.8 Hz, IH), 2.71(bs, IH),

2.43(dd, J = 4.5 Hz, J = 3.6 Hz, IH), 2.31(dd, J = 8.4 Hz, J = 6.0 Hz, IH), 2.17(s, 3H), 1.83-1.67(m, 2H), 1.58-1.54 (m, 2H), 1.38-1.30(m, 2H); ¹³ C NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) θ 58.4, 50.9, 46.6, 40.0, 35.4, 33.6, 31.5, 28.8 (CO and NCS were not detected); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ , cm ¹ ) 2955, 2132, 2085, 1708, 1343; HRMS cald. for

C ₁₀ H, ₃ NOS 195.0719, found 195.0719.

Characterization of 2b fGHP 1067) *H NMR (400 Mhz, CDC1 ₃ ) 53.61 (dd, J = 7.2, J = 2.8 Hz, IH), 2.58 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, IH), 2.53 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, IH), 2.35 (dd, J = 8.5 Hz, J = 3.4 Hz, IH), 2.16 (s, 3H), 2.0 (dt, J = 13.1 Hz, 5.0, IH), 1.91-1.86 (m, IH), 1.79-1.75 (m, IH), 1.55-1.52 (m, IH), 1.37-1.33 ( , IH), 1.26-1.22 (m, IH); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 2978 cm- ¹ , 2179, 2146, 2085, 1708, 1449, 1343; Anal. cald. for C ₁₀ H _l3 NOS: C, 61.50; H, 6.71; N, 7.17; S, 16.42 found C, 61.64; H, 6.72; N, 7.12; S, 16.53. Example 8

This example describes the synthesis of l-isothiocyanato-5- methylsulfonylpentane (GHP 1003). Preparation of 2

2 was prepared according to the literature procedure, and the spectral data match the literature values. Kjaer et al. R. Acta. Chem. Scan. 1955, 1311.

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Preparation of 3

3 was prepared according to the literature procedure, and the spectral data match the literature values. Kjaer et al., supra.

Preparation of 4

2 was prepared according to the literature procedure, and the spectral data match the literature values.

Preparation of 5 (GHP 1003)

To a flask charged with 50 mg (0.3 mmol) of 4 and 0.8 ml of H ₂ O were added a solution of 0.03 ml of CSC1 ₂ in 0.3 ml of CHC1 ₃ and 0.5 ml of 5 % NaOH at RT.

After 30 min, the reaction mixture was extracted with 20 ml of CH ₂ C1 ₂ (10ml x

2). The combined organic solution was dried over MgS0 , concentrated in vacuo, and purified by preparative TLC (6/4 EtOAc/hexane) to afford 16 mg (0.08 mmol) of 5 (GHP 1003, 26% from 3) as white solids. Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ

3.50 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.98 (t, J = 4.1 Hz, 2H), 2.86 (s, 3H), 1.87-1.82 (m,

2H), 1.74-1.66 (m, 2H), 1.58-1.52 (m, 2H); FT-IR 3025 cm ^'1 , 2931, 2191, 2097,

1449, 1314, 1132.

Example 9

This example describes the synthesis of exø-2-isothiocyanato-6- methylsulfonylnorbomane (GHP 1068). Preparation of 2a and 2b

The same procedure as described for _* GHP 1063 was used except that the reaction mixture was stirred for 6 days at 65°C. After work-up, 2a (17% yield)

- 26 -

were isolated by flash column chromatography (silica gel, 100% ether - _* 100%

EtOAc). 2a (GHP 1064) was recrystallized from CH ₂ Cl _j /ether/hexane to afford

ivy-leaf shaped crystals (mp; 142-143 °C) in 12% yield. 2b (GHP 1068) was recrystallized from ether to afford small needles (mp; 82-82.5 °C) in 4% yield. Characterization of 2a

^J H NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.66 (t, J=6.8 Hz, IH), 2.90 (bs IH), 2.86

(s, 3H), 2.80 (dd, J = 8.0 Hz, 2.8, IH), 2.12 (td, J = 14.0 Hz, 5.2, IH), 2.03

(dt, J = 12.0 Hz, 2.2 IH), 1.88-1.62 (m, 5H); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 3025 cm ^*1 , 2120, 2073, 1320; Anal. cald. for C^NO^C, 46.73; H, 5.66; N, 6.06; S;,27.72. found C, 46.74; H, 5.67; N, 6.11; S.27.64. Characterization of 2b

Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.65 (dd, J = 6.8 Hz, 2.8, IH), 2.98 (bs, IH), 2.87 (s, 3H), 2.76 (dd, J = 6.8, 1.2, IH), 2.58 (bs, IH), 2.06-1.61 (m, 6H); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 3025 cm ¹ , 2978, 2191, 2120, 2085, 1349, 1308, 1138. Example 1Q

This example describes the synthesis of cw-l-isothiocyanate-4-methyl- sulfonylcyclohexane (GHP 1073). Preparation of 2

In an autoclave were placed 11.38 g (94.0 mmol. 10 eq.) of butadiene sulfone, 1.00 g (9.4 mmol) of 1, 0.2 g of hydroquinone as a polymerization inhibitor and 20 ml of absolute EtOH. Upon stirring for 15 min. , the reaction mixture was sealed and heated at 110°C. After 60 hr., the reaction mixture was

cooled, and poured into 60 ml of 17% NaHCOj. After 10 min., the aqueous solution was extracted with ether (2 x 50 ml). The combined ether solution was dried over MgSO ₄ , concentrated and chromatographed (60/40 ether/hexane) to afford 1.30 g (8.1 mmol, 85 % yield) of 2 as a brown oil. An aliquot was distilled under the reduced pressure to give a colorless liquid for analysis. Preparation of 3

To a flask charged with 342 mg (0.63 mmol) of Hg (SCN)j was added a

premixed solution of I ₂ in 8 ml of benzene. After 30 min. at room temperature (RT), to the mixture was added 202 mg (1.26 mmol) of 2 dissolved in 1 ml of benzene, and the flask containing the reaction mixture was wrapped with aluminum foil and stirred for 7.5 days at RT under argon atmosphere. The reaction mixture was then diluted with 20 ml of ether, washed with aqueous KI, Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ , brine, dried over, and concentrated in vacuo. Flash column chromatography (1/1 ether/hexane) afforded 20 mg (0.06 mmol) of 3 (5% yield) as an oil along with 3 other isomers (11% yield). Preparation of 4

To a flask charged with 21 mg (0.07 mmol) of 3 and 1 ml of benzene was added 0.05 ml (0.2 mmol, 3 eq.) of Bu ₂ SnH at RT. After 10 hr., the reaction mixture was treated with 35 mg of DBU (l,8-diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec-7-ene)and 1 ml of wet ether. The resulting mixture was filtered off, concentrated and chromatographed (100% ether → 100% EtOAc) to afford 7.3 mg (0.03 mmol) of 4 (GHP 1073, 55% yield) as a white solid (mp; 123 °C).

Characterization of 4

Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 4.09 (t, J = 3.2 Hz, IH), 2.86 (s, 3H),

2.87-2.80 (m, IH), 2.23-2.20 (m, 4H), 1.96-1.85 (m, 2H), 1.71-1.59 (m, 2H); FT=IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 3025 cm ^*1 , 2943, 2085, 1302. Fyamplf 11

This example describes the synthesis of exø-2-( -hydroxyethyl)-5-

isothiocyanatonorbornane (GHP 1075).

To a flask charged with 37.3 mg (0.19 mmol) of 1 (GHP 1067) and 1.5 ml of MeOH was added 11.0 mg (0.29 mmol) of NaBH_, at 0°C. After 20 min., the excess NaBH ₄ was quenched with a few drops of H ₂ O, diluted with either, dried over MgSO ₄ , and concentrated in vacuo. Preparative TLC (80/20 ether/hexane) afforded 21 mg (0.11 mmol) of 2 (GHP 1075, 56% yield) as a white solid (mixture of 2 disastereomers based on *H NMR).

Η NMR (400 Mhz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.58-3.54 (m), 3.49-3.45 (m), 3.39-3.32 (m), 2.54-2.46 (m), 2.18-2.16( d), 1.80-1.65 (m), 1.55-1.20 (m), 1.19 (d, J = 6.0 Hz); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 3613 cm- ¹ , 2966, 2872, 2097, 1343. Example 12

This example describes the synthesis of l-isothiocyanato-4- dimethylphosphonyl-butane (GHP 1078). Preparation of 2

To a 25 ml flame dried round bottomed flask charged with 15.2 ml (45.6)- mmol) of MeMgCl (Aldrich Chemical Co., 3.0 M in THF) was added 1.5 ml

- 29 -

(11.41 mmol) of diethyl phosphite 1 while the internal temperature was maintained around 25 °C with occasional cooling with ice-water bath. After 1 hr, the mixture was cannulated into the flask charged with 2.55 ml (22.82 mmol) of dibromobutane and 15 ml of THF at 0 ^β C under Ar atmosphere. Upon addition, the reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 5 hr, cooled, and dumped into 30 ml of cold dil. HCl. The resulting aqueous solution was extracted with CHC1 ₃ (3x50 ml), and the organic solution was washed with sat. k ₂ CO ₃ , dried over K ₂ CO ₃ , and concentrated in vacuo to give 2.48 g of crude product as a tan oil.

Purification by flash column chromatography (silica-gel, 8/2 EtOAc/MeOH→6/4 EtOAc/hexane) afforded 0.72 g (3.42 mmol) of 2 as a colorless oil. Preparation of 3

In a 100 ml round bottomed flask were placed 0.733 g (3.44 mmol) of 2, 0.766 g of potassium phthalimide and 20 ml of DMF. The mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hr, cooled and dumped into 60 ml of CHC1 ₃ . The organic solution was washed with H ₂ O dried over NaHCO ₃ , and concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.92 g of 3 as a white solid (used for next reaction without further purification). Preparation of 4

To a flask charged with 0.1 g of 3 was added 4 ml of methanolic hydrazine (0.2 M) at RT. After 14 hr at RT, the reaction mixture was concentrated, and the residue was treated with 5 ml of 1 N Hcl, washed with CHClj, strongly basified with solid NaOH. The basified solution was then extracted with CHC1 ₃ (2x20 ml),

and the combined organic solution was dried over K ₂ CO ₃ , and concentrated in

vacuo to 33 mg (0.22 mmol) of 4 as a white solid (used for next reaction without

further purification). Preparation of 5 (GHP 1078)

To a flask charged with 33 mg (0.22 mmol) of 4 and 1 ml of CHC^ were added at RT 0.02 ml (0.27 mmol) of CSCL, and 0.3 ml of 1 N NaOH. After 35 min at RT, the reaction mixture was partitioned between 10 ml CHC1 ₃ of and 10 ml H ₂ O. The separated organic layer was dried over MgSO ₄ , concentrated in vacuo and chromatographed (silica-gel, 8/2 EtOAc/MeOH) to afford 29 mg (0.15 mmol) of 5 (GHP 1078) as a reddish yellow oil. Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.54 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 1.82-1.70 (m, 6H), 1.48 (s, 3H), 1.44 (s, 3H); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 2941 cm- ¹ , 2191, 2097, 1302, 1173; ¹³ C NMR (400 MHz CDC1 ₃ ) δ44.5, 30.6 (d, J = 20.2 Hz, 1C), 30.7 (d, J = 34.7 Hz, 1C), 19.3, 16.2 (d, J = 69 Hz, 2C); ³¹ P NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) 646.1; HRMS cald. for C ₃ H _M NOPS 191.0534, found 195.0536. Examplg 1,

This example describes the synthesis of cis- or trans-3- (methylsulfonyl)cyclohexylmethylisothiocyanate (GHP 1079 or 1080). Preparation of 2

2 was prepared according to the literature procedure, and the spectral data matched the literature values. Kozikowski, A.; Ames, A. Tetrahedron 1985,

4821.

- 31 -

Preparation of 3

To a 100 ml round bottomed flask were placed 0.438 g (3.0 mmol) of 2, 1.418 g of 2,4,6-triisopropylbenzenesulfonohydrazide (prepared according to literature procedure; Jirieny, J.; Orere, D.; Reese, C. . Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I, 1980, 1487) and 8 ml of MeOH at RT. After 1 hr, 0.739 g of KCN was added at RT, and the resulting mixture was heated under gentle reflux for 3 hr. The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with 20 ml of H ₂ O, and extracted with CH ₂ C1 ₂ (2x20 ml). The organic solution was subsequently washed with aq.

NaHCO ₃ , dried over MgSO ₄ , concentrated in vacuo and purified by flash column chromatorgraph (8/2 hexane/EtOAc) to afford 0.360 g (2.3 mmol) of 3 (76 % yield) as a yellow oil. Preparation of 4

To a flask charged with 0.36 g (2.32 mmol) of 3 and 10 ml of aqueous MeOH (9/1 v/v MeOH/H ₂ O) was added 2.75 g (4.64 mmol) of OXONE (2KHSOj. KHSO ₄ . K ₂ SO ₄ ) at RT. After 24 hr, the reaction mixture was filtered through a sintered glass funnel, and the filtered solid material was washed with 50 ml of CHC1 ₃ . The combined organic solution was washed with H ₂ 0, dried over MgS0 ₄ and concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.246 g (1.31 mmol) of 4 (57 % yield) as a colorless oil. This material was used in the next reaction without purification. Preparation of 5

To a LiAlH ₄ suspension in 10 ml of anhydrous ether was cannulated 0.246 g (1.31 mmol) of 4 dissolved in 3 ml of THF at RT. Upon addition, the reaction

mixture was heated under reflux. After 2.5 hr, the reaction mixture was cooled,

quenched with 0.5 ml of H ₂ O and 0.5 ml of 5% of NaOH, and filtered through a

sintered glass funnel. The solid material filtered was thoroughly washed with ether. The combined organic solution was dried over K ₂ CO ₃ and concentrated in vacuo to afford 0.15 g (0.78 mmol) of 5 (60% yield) as a colorless oil. This material was used in the next reaction without purification.

Preparation of 6a (GHP 1079) and 6b (GHP 1080)

To a flask charged with 0.15 g (0.78 mmol) of 5 and 3 ml of CHC1 ₃ were added 0.07 ml of CSC1 ₂ and 1.5 ml of 5% of NaOH at RT. After 1 hr, the reaction mixture was diluted with 10 ml of CH ₂ C1 ₂ , washed with H ₂ O and brine, dried over MgSO ₄ . concentrated in vacuo, and chromatographed (silica-gel, 1/1 hexane/EtOAc) to give 0.123 g (0.53 mmol) of products 67% yield) as a mixture 6a and 6b (1: 1 ratio). HPLC (40/60 EtOAc/hexane) separation afforded GHP1079 and GHP 1080 (both as colorless oil). 6a (GHP 1079): Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) 53.50 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 3.09-3.03 (m, IH), 2.88 (s, 3H), 2.45-2.37 (m, IH), 2.14-2.07 (m, IH), 1.98-1.84 (m, 4H), 1.74-1.66 (m, IH), 1.59-1.41 (m, 2H); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 3013 cm- ¹ , 2943, 2872, 2191, 2097, 1449, 1308; ^U C NMR (CDCI ₃ ) δ52.6, 43.5, 33.6, 28.0, 22.5, 22.1, 19.5, 14.9; HRMS calc. 233.0544 found 233.0545. 6b (GHP 1080): Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ3.47 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.92-2.82 (m, IH), 2.84 (s, 3H), 2.28-2.20 (m, 2H), 2.04 (tt, J = 6.8 Hz, 3.0, IH), 1.87-1.75 (m, 2H), 1.53-1.27 (m, 3H), 1.06 (tq, J = 12.2 Hz, 3.6, IH); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 3025 cm- ¹ , 2931, 2861, 2191, 2097, 1449,

- 33 -

1308; ¹³ C NMR (CDC1 ₃ ) 556.5, 45.5, 32.6, 32.5, 23.9, 23.8, 20.0, 19.1; HRMS calc. 233.0544 found 233.0548. Example 14

This example describes the synthesis of 6-isothiocyanato-2-hexanone (CH ₃ CO(CH ₂ ) ₄ NCS)(GHP 1105). Preparation of 2

To a flask charged with 2.252 g (19.22 mmol) of 1 and 20 ml of chloroform were added 40 ml of TMSC1. The mixture was heated around 45 °C, then cooled to room temperature (RT). To this mixture was added 1.21 ml of CSz at RT, and the resulting solution was cooled to 0°C and treated with 8 ml of E^N. After 10 min, the reaction mixture was warmed to RT, and stirred for 2 hr, then cooled to 0°C, and treated with 2.0 ml of methyl chloroformate. After 45 min at 0°C, the reaction mixture was armed at RT, diluted 75 ml of hexane, filtered off, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 75 ml of THF at 0°C, then 7 ml of H ₂ O was added to it. After 1.5 days, the reaction was dried over MgS0 ₄ , concentrated and chromatographed (silica-gel, 20/80 EtOAc/hexane-*l/l EtOAc/hexane) to afford 1.563 g (9.80 mmol) of 2. Preparation of 3 (GHP 1105)

A mixture of 0.3 g (1.89 mmol) of 2, 0.18 ml of SOCl ₂ and 10 ml of CHC1 ₃ was heated under reflux for 2 hr. Upon removal of solvent, the residue was redissolved with 2 ml of dry ether. To this solution was added Me^uLi (prepared from Cul and 2MeLi in ether) at -78°C. After 2 hr at -78°C, the

- 34 -

reaction mixture was quenched with sat. NH ₄ CI, warmed to RT, and extracted

with ether. The organic solution was dried over MgSO ₄ , concentrated in vacuo,

and chromatographed (silica-gel, 30/70 ether/hexane) to afford 0.022 g (0.13 mmol) of 3 (7% yield from 2) as an oil. Η NMR (300 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) 53.55-3.49 (m, 2H0, 2.53-2.47 (m, 2H0, 2.16 (s, 3H), 1.72-1.68 (m, 4H0; FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 3019 cm- ¹ , 2191, 2112, 1715, 1224. Example IS

This example describes the synthesis of 6-isothiocyanato-2-hexanol (GHP 1106).

To a flask charged with 15.0 mg (0.1 mmol) of 1 and 2 ml of EtOH was added 3.6 mg (0.1 mmol) of NaBH4 at 0°C. After 10 min, the reaction mixture was treated with 20 drops of H ₂ 0, dried over MgSO ₄ , concentrated in vacuo, and chromatographed (30/70 ether/hexane) to afford 7.5 mg (0.05 mmol) of 2 (GHP 1106, 49% yield) as a liquid.

Η NMR (400 MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) 53.87-3.77 (m, IH), 3.53 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 1.78-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.35 (m, 4H), 1.21 (d, 6.2 Hz, 3H); FT-IR (CHC1 ₃ ) 3615 cm- ¹ , 2945, 2180, 2107, 1375. Example I

This example describes the relative inducer activity of a large variety of sulforaphane analogs.

Analogs were synthesized and tested in the hepatoma cell assay described in Example 1. The results are shown in Table 3.

35

36