Synthesis and Cytokinin Activity of New Zeatin Derivatives

Abstract

The analogue of zeatin bearing a vinylic fluorine atom and its geometrical isomer were synthesized. The fluorine atom exerts a favorable influence on cytokinin activity in the fluoro analogue of cis-zeatin, but not in the fluoro analogue of zeatin itself. Another series of zeatin derivatives in which the methyl group was replaced by alkyl (ethyl, propyl, and isopropyl), phenyl, and benzyl groups were also obtained. The ethyl analogue was found to be more active than zeatin, while the others were inactive or slightly active. Keywords: Cytokinins; fluoro compounds; synthesis; biological activity