4-Azidobenzyl ferrocenylcarbamate as an anticancer prodrug activated under reductive conditions

Aminoferrocene-based prodrugs are activated in the presence of cancer-specific amounts of reactive oxygen species, e.g. H2O2, with the formation of products of two types: Fe-containing complexes, which catalyze generation of HO and O2−, and quinone methides, which alkylate glutathione and inhibit the antioxidative system of the cell. Both processes act synergistically by increasing the oxidative stress in cancer cells thereby leading to their...