Anti-tumor agent comprising an O-benzylidene-L-ascorbic acid or a salt thereof, and the production of the latter compound.

摘要

A known compound, 5,6-O-benzylidene-L-ascorbic acid and a new alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt thereof have now been found to exhibit anti-tumor activity and be effective as anti-tumor agent. 5,6-O-benzylidene-L-ascorbic acid may efficiently be produced by a new process comprising reacting L-ascorbic acid with alpha , alpha -dimethoxytoluene in the presence of an acid catalyst such as p-toluene-sulfonic acid.