| abstract |
Novel compounds of formula (I) <CHEM> wherein n is 0 to 2; A is sulfur, CH2, oxygen, -NH- or selenium, provided that when n is 0, A cannot be CH2, and when n is 1, A cannot be CH2 or NH; X is at least one substituted or unsubstituted C1-C3 alkyl or alkenyl group, a C2-C3 alkynyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted amino group, sulfur or oxygen; Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted monocyclic carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring or fused or nonfuxed carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring system; and R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen or a moiety which forms a readily hydrolyzable ester group or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are found to inhibit the enzyme glycinamide ribonucleotide formyl transferase (GARFT). A novel method of preparing such compounds is also disclosed, as well as methods and compositions for employing the compounds as antiproliferative agents. |