Synthesis of 7-hydroxy(phenyl)ethylguanines by alkylation of 2-amino-6-chloropurine with allyl-protected bromohydrins.

Protecting the hydroxyl group in both 2-bromo-2-phenylethanol and 2-bromo-1-phenylethanol enhanced the alkylation of 2-amino-6-chloropurine to give corresponding 7- and 9-alkylated products. Subsequent hydrolysis and deprotection led to 7- and 9-hydroxy(phenyl)ethylguanines. 7-Hydroxy(phenyl)ethylguanines are major guanine adducts formed by interaction of styrene 7,8-oxide with DNA.