Abstract: Disclosed is a novel spicamycin derivative represented by the formula (I) or a salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R represents an alkenyl having a given number of carbon atoms, a haloalkyl having a given number of carbon atoms, CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n CH(OH)-- or CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.n-1 CH(OH)--CH.sub.2 -- (wherein n denotes an integer of 9-13), an alkyl with a certain group and a given number of carbon atoms, ##STR2## (wherein a denotes 2, and b denotes an integer of 10-15), CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.c SO.sub.2 O(CH.sub.2).sub.d --, ##STR3## (wherein c denotes an integer of 0-3 and d denotes an integer of 10-15), (CH.sub.3).sub.3 Si(CH.sub.2).sub.10 --,(CH.sub.3).sub.3 Si--C.tbd.C--(CH.sub.2).sub.8 --, ##STR4## (wherein X represents O or S), and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are different from each other and each represents H or OH, which exhibits an excellent antitumor effect and has a high therapeutic index.

Abstract: Spicamycin derivative represented by the formula (I) or a salt thereof: ##STR1## wherein R represents specific diverse substituents, for example, a linear alkadienyl having from 11 to 13 carbon atoms, and R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 respectively represent H or OH. Examples of specific compounds are 6-[4'-N-(N'-trans,trans 2,4-tridecadienoylglycyl)spicaminyl-amino]purine, and 6-[4'-N-(N'-trans,trans-2,4 dodecadienyoly glycyl) spicaminyl-amino]purine. Comopunds according to this invention are useful as a pharmaceutical for inhibition of a tumor, for example, human colon cancer.

Abstract: An anthracycline compound, R20X2, of the following formula (II) is produced by a process which comprises subjecting an anthracycline compound, R20X3, of the following formula (I) or a salt thereof to reaction in the co-presence of (1) acetone and/or dimethylformamide and (2) an aqueous solution containing ammonium ion and/or trialkylamine. ##STR1## The anthracycline compound, R20X2, can be produced not only by the cultivation of actinomycetes but also, in accordance with the process as shown above, by chemical conversion of the anthracycline compound, R20X3, in a high yield.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel anthracycline compound of the following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom and satisfy the condition that, when R.sup.2 is a hydroxyl group, R.sup.1 is a hydroxyl group or a hydrogen atom, whereas, when R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, or an acid addition salt thereof.These compounds can be contained as active ingredients in antitumor agents, whereby good results are attainable.