2-Chloroacetaldehyde: a metabolite of cyclophosphamide in the rat

Chloroacetaldehyde has been shown to be a urinary metabolite of cyclophosphamide in the rat. It was identified in the urine of rats given a mixture of [ring C-4, 14C]-cyclophosphamide and [chloroethyl-3H]-cyclophosphamide as its 2,4-dinitrophenyl-hydrazone derivative by its 3H label and by its co-chromatography with chemically synthesised chloroacetaldehyde. The reaction of chloroacetaldehyde with another urinary metabolite of cyclophosphamide is discussed and a nornitrogen mustard adduct postulated. The toxicity of chloroacetaldehyde is also discussed particularly in relation to the urinary bladder.