Substituent effects in chemical carcinogenesis: Methyl derivatives of the benzacridines

Abstract
An explanation for the different carcinogenic potencies observed among methyl derivatives of the angular benzacridines is given in terms of the tendencies of these compounds to undergo specific metabolic activating reactions analogous to those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Theoretical reactivity indices representing these reactions correlate with the carcinogenic activities of these compounds.