3,8-Dimethyl-2-nitro-3H-imidazo[4,5-F]quinoxaline

3,8-Dimethyl-2-nitro-3H-imidazo[4,5-F]quinoxaline is IQ-type carcinogens found in cooked food are biotransformed and bind to DNA through sequential N2-hydroxylation and O-esterification. The 2-nitro analoges may serve as an intermediate in the chemical synthesis to the metabolites. The metabolites are used in studies with nucleic acids for understanding the molecular aspects of the mutagenic action of these compounds.