Synthesis of N,N'-disubstituted N''-2-(2-quinolinylmethylthio)ethylguanidines as potential anticancer agents

A simple method for obtaining the title compounds was found in the alkaline rearrangement of S-2-aminoethylisothiouronium salts, which were obtained from the condensation of thiourea or substituted thioureas with 2-bromoethylamine hydrobromide. No activity was found for the substituted guanidines against P388 lymphocytic leukemia in mice, or as H2-receptor antagonists.