6-(Bromomethyl)-2,4-pteridinediamine hydrobromide is a potent inhibitor of the enzyme nitroaldolase (EC 1.2.1.22) and has been shown to inhibit cell growth in murine leukemia cells. This reaction is mediated by the addition of bromide to isobutyl esters, leading to a benzyl ester intermediate which undergoes an electrophilic attack on nitroaldolase. The mechanism of action for this drug involves the inhibition of membrane transport and chloride ion influx, which are necessary for the proliferation of tumor cells. 6-(Bromomethyl)-2,4-pteridinediamine hydrobromide also inhibits DNA synthesis through its effects on thymidylate synthase, preventing nucleotide production from thymine and dihydrofolate reductase activity.
6-(Bromomethyl)-2,4-pteridinediamine Hydrobromide (Technical Grade) is a useful research chemical used in the preparation of novel methotrexate derivatives as antirheumatic agents as well as the preparation of pteridine reductase inhibitors.