New approach towards the synthesis of selenosemicarbazones, useful compounds for Chagas' disease.

ABSTRACT

Herein, we describe a new approach towards the synthesis of selenosemicarbazones. The reaction involves an O-Se exchange of semicarbazones using Ishihara reagent. Eleven selenosemicarbazones were prepared using this methodology, with low to moderate yields. Among the prepared compounds the m-bromo phenyl methyl derivative 1b was selected to be evaluated in vivo, in a murine model of acute Chagas' disease. Compound 1b 10 mg/kg bw/day reduced 50% of parasitaemia profile compared with the control group, but was less effective than Benznidazole (50 mg/kg bw/day reduced 90%) and toxic. These studies are important to guide future Chagas drug design.