4-Chloromethylbiphenyl (4CMB): a novel mutagen and potential carcinogen

The bacterial mutagenicity and cell transforming properties of the monocyclic alkylating agent benzyl chloride have been compared with those of its biphenyl analogue, 4-chloromethylbiphenyl (4CMB), and it is apparent that the addition of the second benzene ring greatly enhances biological activity. The possible reasons for this enhancement are discussed in relation to similar effects observed when comparing the activities of aniline with its biphenyl analogue, 4-aminobiphenyl (4AB). The marked activity observed for 4CMB, a stable and crystalline solid, suggests that it could prove useful as a direct-acting positive control test chemical for use in short-term mutagenicity tests.