Novel 5'-Norcarbocyclic Derivatives of Bicyclic Pyrrolo- and Furano[2,3-d]Pyrimidine Nucleosides.

Here we report the synthesis and biological activity of new 5'-norcarbocyclic derivatives of bicyclic pyrrolo- and furano[2,3-d]pyrimidines with different substituents in the heterocyclic ring. Lead compound 3i, containing 6-pentylphenyl substituent, displays inhibitory activity with respect to a number of tumor cells with a moderate selectivity index value. Compound 3i induces cell death by the apoptosis pathway with the dissipation of mitochondrial potential.