Synthesis and antileukemic activity of 2-(2-methylthio-2-aminovinyl)-1-methylquinolinium iodides

Reaction of 2-bis(2-methylthio)vinyl-1-methylquinolinium iodide with several heterocyclic aliphatic amines at 30-70 degrees resulted in replacement of one methylthio group to give the title compounds. Reaction with pyrrolidine gave an unidentified product lacking sulfur. Antileukemic screening against P-388 lymphocytic leukemia showed positive activity only with the 6-methyl-morpholino derivative, whereas the 6-unsubstituted morpholino derivative was inactive. This result is in contrast to previous testing results with the 2-bis(2-methylthio)vinyl compounds where both 6-substituted and 6-unsubstituted derivatives showed activity.