3-Ethynylpyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines are chemical intermediates for antineoplastic N-(acyl)glutamic acid derivatives. A typical embodiment is 3-ethynyl-4-hydroxy-6-pivaloylaminopyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine.
N-(Acyl)glutamic acid derivatives in which the acyl group is substituted with 4-hydroxypyrrolo[2,3-d]-pyrimidin-3-yl group are antineoplastic agents. A typical embodiment is N-[4-(2-4-hydroxy-6-aminopyrrolo-[2,3-d]pyrimidin-3-yl}ethyl)benzoyl]-L-g lutamic acid.