Alkylating agents covalent bond formation

Alkylating agents used in the treatment of cancer covalent bond formation occurs with the bases in DMA and thus kills the cancer cells but also rapidly growing cells in the body such as white blood cells. 

By definition, alkylating agents are compounds that are capable of introducing alkyl groups into nucleophilic sites on other molecules through the formation of covalent bonds. These nucleophiUc targets for alkylation include the sulfhydryl, amino, phosphate, hydroxyl. 

Covalent bonds are not as important in drug-receptor binding as noncovalent interactions. Alkylating agents in chemotherapy tend to react and form an immonium ion, which then alkylates proteins, preventing their normal participation in cell divisions. Baker s concept of active site directed irreversible inhibitors was well established by covalent formation of Baker s antifolate and dihydrofolate reductase (46). 

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