Halogenation of tubercidin by N-halosuccinimides. A direct route to 5-bromotubercidin, a reversible inhibitor of RNA synthesis in eukaryotic cells.

Tubercidin may be directly brominated by reaction with N-bromosuccinimide in DMF to give 5-bromotubercidin, a reversible inhibitor of RNA synthesis. When buffered with potassium acetate the major product is 6-bromotubercidin. 5,6-Dibromotubercidin is formed in minor amounts under both conditions. N-Chlorosuccinimide and tubercidin give 5-chlorotubercidin and 5,6-dichlorotubercidin.