γ-Radiolysis of 2′-deoxy-5-fluorouridine derivatives with sulfur-containing substituents

2′-Deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5-FUdR) derivatives having various types of sulfur-containing substituents at the 5′-O-position were synthesized and their γ-radiolyses were studied in aqueous solutions. The γ-radiolysis of compounds having 1,3-dithiol-2-yl and 1,3-dithian-2-yl substituents at the 5′-O-position efficiently gave 5-FUdR, specifically via the attack of hydroxyl radical. On the other hand, the γ-radiolysis of a compound having a sulfonylmethyl substituent at the 5′-O-position gave less efficiently 5-FUdR, specifically via the attack of the hydrated electron. The mechanistic features of these reactions are discussed.