Synthesis of the antileukemic agents 5,10-dideazaaminopterin and 5,10-dideaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroaminopterin

Total syntheses from pyridine precursors of 5,10-dideazaaminopterin (1) and 5,10-dideaza-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroaminopterin (2) are described. These compounds exhibit significant in vivo activity against L1210 leukemia that is comparable to that observed with methotrexate.