The carcinogenic activities in mice of compounds related to benz[a]anthracene

Abstract The carcinogenic activities of a number of aromatic hydrocarbons have been compared with some metabolic intermediates by subcutaneous injection into C57 black mice. The monohydroxymethyl derivatives of 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene and some related compounds were found to be active carcinogens, but were much less so than the parent hydrocarbon. Epoxides formed at the K‐region ofchrysene, benz[a]anthracene, 7‐methylbenz[a]antnracene and dibenz[a,h]anthracene produced tumours when given at highdose levels, but were not as active as the parent hydrocarbons. The epoxide derived from phenanthrene was inactive.