Synthesis and biological studies of the thiols-triggered anticancer prodrug for a more effective cancer therapyElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4ob02462a

A novel anticancer prodrug compound 1 , which was designed to be triggered by thiols and release the chemotherapeutic agent mechlorethamine, was successfully prepared and evaluated for the first time. The activation of compound 1 was determined by NMR analysis and denaturing alkaline agarose gel electrophoresis. A fluorescence image and comet assay indicated that the inducible reactivity of 1 could be accomplished in cell media. The anticancer activities are also discussed. Thiols-triggered anticancer prodrug 1 produces an active DNA alkylating agent mechlorethamine leading to DNA damage and finally cell death.