The production of cancer by pure hydrocarbons.—Part I

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Abstract
Tests for cancer-producing action on mice are in progress, or have been completed, with preparations of the following polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, composed entirely of benzene rings:[long dash](1) All the 6 possible 4-ring compounds, (2) all the 10 known compounds out of the 15 possible 5-ring compounds, (3) some compounds containing 6 and 8 rings, and others. Some of the hydrocarbons examined are of very low solubility, and all tests carried out with them are hence unsatisfactory. At the present stage of investigation, no hydrocarbons in the pure state have produced cancers except 1:2:5:6-dibenzanthracene and some compounds closely related to it. Some impure specimens of other hydrocarbons (e.g., 1:2:3:4-dibenzanthracene) have produced tumors, but the substances to which these effects are due have not been identified. 1:2:5:6-di-benzanthracene shows undiminished carcinogenic power when very highly purified; it has been shown to be active in 9 different media, and has produced cancer of the skin when applied in a concn. of 0.003% in benzene. Methods for the purification of the hydrocarbon are described. 233 mice treated with solns. of this compound in benzene yielded 77 epitheliomas and 21 papillomas. The 3''-methyl derivative of 1:2:5:6-dibenzanthracene is less active.

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