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2‐Bromo‐1‐(3,3‐dinitroazetidin‐1‐yl)ethan‐1‐one (RRx‐001) is a hypoxic cell chemotherapeutics with already demonstrated synergism in combined chemo‐radiation therapy. The interaction of the compound with secondary low‐energy electrons formed in large amounts during the physico‐chemical phase of the irradiation may lead to these synergistic effects. The present study focuses on the first step of RRx‐001 interaction with low‐energy electrons in which a transient anion is formed and fragmented. Combination of two experiments allows us to disentangle the decay of the RRx‐001 anion on different timescales. Sole presence of the electron initiates rapid dissociation of NO2 and HNO2 neutrals while NO2− and Br− anions are produced both directly and via intermediate complexes. Based on our quantum chemical calculations, we propose that bidirectional state switching between π*(NO2) and σ*(C−Br) states explains the experimental spectra. The fast dynamics monitored will impact the condensed phase chemistry of the anion as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report experimental results of low-energy electron interactions with 5-nitro-2,4-dichloropyrimidine isolated in the gas phase and hydrated in a cluster environment. The molecule exhibits a very rare combination of many so far hypothesized low-energy electron induced mechanisms, which may be responsible for synergism in concurrent chemo-radiation therapy of cancer. In contrast to many previous efforts to design an ideal radiosensitizer based on one mode of action, the present model molecule presents an alternative approach, where several modes of action are combined. With respect to the processes induced by the low-energy electrons, this is not a trivial task because of strong bond specificity of the dissociative electron attachment reaction, as it is discussed in the present paper. Unfortunately, low solubility and high toxicity of the molecule, as obtained from preliminary MTT assay tests, do not enable further studies of its activity in real biological systems but it can advantageously serve as a model or a base for rational design of radiosensitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]