Crystallographic resolution and crystal and molecular structures of stereoisomers of 1,3,5-triglycidyl-s-triazinetrione.

The crystal and molecular structures of alpha and beta isomers of the antineoplastic alkylating agent 1,3,5-triglycidyl-s-triazinetrione (TGT) have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Although the isomers differ chemically only in the order of a carbon and an oxygen atom in one of the glycidyl epoxide rings, the molecular conformations and crystal packing arrangements are very different. The different physical and biological properties of the two stereoisomers can be explained on the basis of the structures. The sample of alpha-TGT was found to be a mixture of alpha and beta forms, and it is suggested that use of pure alpha-TGT may lead to better therapeutic results.