The Primary Aromatic Amines: Their Biological Properties and Structure-Activity Relationships

Primary aromatic amines are compounds of considerable industrial and commercial importance. They are used as intermediates in the synthesis of numerous organic compounds including the azo dyes and as antioxidants in consumer goods including most rubber products. Also, they are produced environmentally when plant and other organic material are burned (1). Some aromatic amines have been shown to have potent toxicological prop­ erties. They are one of the classes of substances about which there is much concern from both an occupational and environmental point of view, partic­ ularly with regard to their carcinogenic activity. The continuously rising incidence of bladder cancer among workers in some industries, despite the removal of known carcinogens, highlights the importance of this problem (2). This review is limited to primary aromatic amines specifically excluding the acetamides, such as phenacetin and N,2-fluorenylacetamide, since these substances have been subject to numerous reviews. Aliphatic amines and polyamines, many of which are of considerable biological importance, also are not covered. Unfortunately, many aromatic amines of industrial impor­ tance have not been studied toxicologically, or the toxicity data are not in the open literature. With the current realization that many of these sub­ stances have serious toxic potential, this situation will hopefully be rectified.