Synthesis and inhibition analysis of 2(4)-imino-4(2)-amino-2,4-dideoxyriboflavin, a dual antagonist of riboflavin and folinic acid.

The synthesis of the 2,4-diamino analogue of riboflavin is described. Inhibition analysis in a microbial assay system indicated that this compound has a weak antifolate activity that could be overcome with a minimal amount of folinic acid, but at higher concentrations both folinic acid and riboflavin were required for the reversal of its inhibitory effect.