Synthesis and characterization of a novel functionalized azanonaborane cluster for boron neutron capture therapy

The reactivity of an azanonaborane cluster containing free amino groups {H2N(CH2)4H2NB8H11NH(CH2)4NH2} towards ketones and aldehydes is investigated. In a one step reaction, the reductive amination of some ketones and aldehydes (namely acetone, benzaldehyde, 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-nitrobenzaldehyde, 4-acetoxybenzaldehyde, and 4-acetamidobenzaldehyde) with an azanonaborane cluster in the presence of H3BNH2(CH2)4NH2 gives monoalkylamino derivatives of the azanonaborane cluster {RHN(CH2)4H2NB8H11NH(CH2)4NHR} where (R =(Me)2CH-, C6H5CH2-, 3-OHC6H4CH2-, 4-OHC6H4CH2-, 4-NO2C6H4CH2-, 4-MeOCOC6H4CH2-, or 4-NH2COC6H4CH2-). The functionalized derivatives of the {B8N} cluster can be used in boron neutron capture therapy for tumors (BNCT). Similarly, the reductive amination of 5-(4"-formylphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin with the {B8N} cluster gave a porphyrin bearing azanonaborane cluster, while a porphyrin dimer linked by an azanonaborane moiety was obtained following the same method, starting with a 2:1 molar ratio of porphyrin:{B8N} cluster. 5,10,15,20-Tetraformylphenylporphyrin gave the chance to increase the percentage of boron in the resulting boronated porphyrin, which is considered an important factor for a BNCT delivery agent. With these compounds, the cell toxicity using V79 cells was carried out to determine whether these compounds would have favorable biological properties.