Synthesis and Tuberculostatic Activity Evaluation of Novel Benzazoles with Alkyl, Cycloalkyl or Pyridine Moiety.

Compounds possessing benzimidazole system exhibit significant antituberculous activity. In order to examine how structure modifications affect tuberculostatic activity, a series of benzazole derivatives were synthesized and screened for their antitubercular activity. The compounds 1⁻20 were obtained by the reaction between o-diamine, o-aminophenol, or o-aminothiophenol with carboxylic acids or thioamides. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR, 13C-NMR spectra, and elemental analysis. Synthesized benzazoles were evaluated for their tuberculostatic activity toward Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Quantum chemical calculations were performed to study the molecular geometry and the electronic structure of benzimidazoles GK-151B, 4, 6, and benzoxazole 11, using the Gaussian 03W software (Gaussian, Inc., Wallingford, CT, USA). Three-dimensional structure of benzimidazoles 1⁻3, MC-9, and GK-151B was determined by ab initio calculation using Gamess-US software. The activity of the received benzimidazoles was moderate or good. All of the benzoxazoles and benzothiazoles demonstrated much lower activity. Benzoxazoles were less active by about 50 times, and benzothiazole by 100 times than the benzimidazole analogs. Quantum chemical calculations showed differences in the distribution of electrostatic potential in the benzazole system of benzimidazoles and benzoxazoles. Three-dimensional structure calculations revealed how the parity of the alkyl substituent at the C2 position impacts the activity. Benzimidazole system is essential for the antituberculosis activity that is associated with the presence of the imine nitrogen atom in N-1 position. Its replacement by an oxygen or sulfur atom results in a decrease of the activity. The parity of the alkyl substituent at the C-2 position also modifies the activity.

Pharmacological Potential and Synthetic Approaches of Imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine and Imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine Derivatives.

The structural resemblance between the fused imidazopyridine heterocyclic ring system and purines has prompted biological investigations to assess their potential therapeutic significance. They are known to play a crucial role in numerous disease conditions. The discovery of their first bioactivity as GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators divulged their medicinal potential. Proton pump inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, and NSAIDs were also found in this chemical group. Imidazopyridines have the ability to influence many cellular pathways necessary for the proper functioning of cancerous cells, pathogens, components of the immune system, enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, etc. The collective results of biochemical and biophysical properties foregrounded their medicinal significance in central nervous system, digestive system, cancer, inflammation, etc. In recent years, new preparative methods for the synthesis of imidazopyridines using various catalysts have been described. The present manuscript to the best of our knowledge is the complete compilation on the synthesis and medicinal aspects of imidazo[4,5-b]pyridines and imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines reported from the year 2000 to date, including structure-activity relationships.

Novel 2-(2-phenalkyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazoles as antitubercular agents. Synthesis, biological evaluation and structure-activity relationship.

A series of novel 2-(2-phenalkyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole derivatives and analogues (2a-3l) have been synthesized and evaluated for tuberculostatic activity. Benzimidazoles substituted at the C-2 position with phenethyl, styryl and 3,5-dichlorophenethyl moiety were obtained. Compounds 2g, 2h and 2i bearing methyl groups at the benzimidazole system and phenalkyl substituent at the C-2 position showed high tuberculostatic activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with MIC values ranging from 0.8 to 6.2 µg/mL (2.5-25 µM). More importantly, derivatives 2g (5,6-dimethyl-2-phenethyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole) and 2i (2-(3,5-dichlorophenethyl)-5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole) appeared selective for M. tuberculosis as compared with eukaryotic cells: non-malignant (neonatal human dermal fibroblasts) and malignant (mouse melanoma B16-F10 cell line). These compounds may thus represent a novel, selective class of anti-tubercular agents. SAR studies resulted in interesting conclusions on structural factors affecting tuberculostatic activity.

Synthesis of novel 3-cyclohexylpropanoic acid-derived nitrogen heterocyclic compounds and their evaluation for tuberculostatic activity.

A series of novel 3-cyclohexylpropanoic acid derivatives and 3-cyclohexylpropanoic acid-derived nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (1-8) have been synthesized and evaluated for tuberculostatic activity. Compounds 1a, 1c, 1e and 1f bearing benzimidazole or benzimidazole-like systems showed the most potent tuberculostatic activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with MIC values ranging from 1.5 to 12.5µg/mL. More importantly 1a (6-chloro-2-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-4-nitro-1H-benzo[d]imidazole) and 1f (2-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-b]phenazine) appeared selective for M. tuberculosis as compared with eukaryotic cells (human fibroblasts), and other antimicrobial strains. These compounds may thus represent a novel, selective class of antitubercular agents. Additionally compound 1a stimulated type I collagen output by fibroblasts, in vitro.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel heterocyclic sulfamoyl-phenyl-carboximidamides derived from clinically applied sulfonamides.

A series of novel heterocyclic sulfamoyl-phenyl-carboximidamides were synthesized in satisfactory yields via condensation of clinically applied sulfonamides with heterocyclic methyl carbimidates. New structures were confirmed by IR and NMR spectra as well as elemental analyses. All the compounds were screened for their antibacterial, antifungal, and tuberculostatic activities. Preliminary results indicated that some target compounds exhibited promising antibacterial potency. Especially, N-[4-(thiazol-2-sulfamoyl)phenyl]pyrazine-2-carboximidamide (16) was found to be as potent as clinically applied sulfamethoxypyridazine.

Planarity of benzoylhydrazine-dithiocarbazoate tuberculostatics. I. N'-Methyl-substituted 3,4-dichlorobenzoyl monoesters.

Methyl 2-(3,4-dichlorobenzoyl)-1-methylhydrazinecarbodithioate, C(10)H(10)Cl(2)N(2)OS(2), (F1), butyl 2-(3,4-dichlorobenzoyl)-1-methylhydrazinecarbodithioate, C(13)H(16)Cl(2)N(2)OS(2), (F2), and 3,4-dichloro-N-(2-sulfanylidene-1,3-thiazinan-3-yl)benzamide, C(11)H(10)Cl(2)N(2)OS(2), (F3), were studied by X-ray diffraction to test our hypothesis that planarity of aryloylhydrazinedithiocarbazic acid esters is a prerequisite for tuberculostatic activity. All compounds examined in this study are inactive and nonplanar due to twists along two specific bonds in the central frame of the molecules. The significant twist at the N-N bond, with an C-N-N-C(S) torsion angle of about 85°, results from repulsion caused by a methyl substituent at the N' atom of the hydrazide group. The other twist is that within the benzoyl group at the C(O)-Ph bond, i.e. the N-C(=O)-C(phenyl)-C torsion angle: the values found in the studied structures (25-30°) are in agreement with those observed in other compounds containing a similar fragment. As some nonplanar benzoyl derivatives are active, it seems that planarity of the hydrazinedithioate fragment is more important for tuberculostatic activity than planarity of the aryloyl group.

Planarity of heteroaryldithiocarbazic acid derivatives showing tuberculostatic activity. IV. Diesters of benzoylcarbonohydrazonodithioic acid.

Dimethyl (3,4-dichlorobenzoyl)carbonohydrazonodithioate, C(10)H(10)Cl(2)N(2)OS(2), (D1), dibenzyl (3,4-dichlorobenzoyl)carbonohydrazonodithioate, C(22)H(18)Cl(2)N(2)OS(2), (D2), dimethyl (3,4-dichlorobenzoyl)-1-methylcarbonohydrazonodithioate, C(11)H(12)Cl(2)N(2)OS(2), (D3), 3,4-dichloro-N'-(1,3-dithiolan-2-ylidene)-N-methylbenzohydrazide, C(11)H(10)Cl(2)N(2)OS(2), (D4), were synthesized as potential tuberculostatics. Compound (D1) (with two molecules in the asymmetric unit) was the only one showing tuberculostatic activity of the same range as the common drugs isoniazid and pyrazinamide. The molecular structures of the studied compounds depend on the substitution at the N atom adjacent to the carbonyl group. In the case of the unsubstituted derivatives (D1) and (D2), their central frames are generally planar with a twist of the 3,4-dichlorophenyl ring by 30-40°. Until now, coplanarity of the aromatic ring with the (methylene)carbonohydrazone fragment has been considered a prerequisite for tuberculostatic activity. The N-methylated derivatives (D3) and (D4) show an additional twist along the N-C(=O) bond by 20-30° due to the spatial repulsion introduced by the methyl substituent.

Planarity of heteroaryldithiocarbazic acid derivatives showing tuberculostatic activity. III. Mono- and diesters of 3-(pyrazin-2-ylcarbonyl)dithiocarbazic acid.

Methyl 2-(pyrazin-2-ylcarbonyl)hydrazinecarbodithioate, C(7)H(8)N(4)OS(2), (E1), N'-[bis(methylsulfanyl)methylidene]pyrazine-2-carbohydrazide, C(8)H(10)N(4)OS(2), (F1), N'-[bis(methylsulfanyl)methylidene]-6-methoxypyrazine-2-carbohydrazide, C(9)H(12)N(4)O(2)S(2), (F2), and methyl 1-methyl-2-(pyrazin-2-ylcarbonyl)hydrazinecarbodithioate, C(8)H(10)N(4)OS(2), (G1), can be considered as derivatives of classical (thio)amide-type tuberculostatics, and all are moderately active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This study was undertaken in a search for relationships between activity and specific intramolecular interactions, especially conjugations and hydrogen-bond contacts, and the molecular structures were compared with respective amine analogues, also active against the pathogen. Despite the differences between the amine and carbonyl groups with opposite functions in the hydrogen bond, the two types of structure show a surprisingly similar planar geometry, mostly due to the conjugations aided by the bifurcated intramolecular hydrogen-bond contact between the N-H group of the central hydrazide group as donor and a pyrazine N atom and an S atom of the dithio function as acceptors. Planarity was suggested to be crucial for the tuberculostatic activity of these compounds. The N-methylated derivative (G1) showed a significant twist at the N-N bond [torsion angle = -121.9 (3)°] due to the methyl substitution, which precludes an intramolecular N-H···S contact and the planarity of the whole molecule. Nonetheless, the compound shows moderate tuberculostatic activity.

Planarity of heteroaryldithiocarbazic acid derivatives showing tuberculostatic activity. II. Crystal structures of 3-[amino(pyrazin-2-yl)methylidene]-2-methylcarbazic acid esters.

Four compounds showing moderate antituberculostatic activity have been studied to test the hypothesis that the planarity of the 2-[amino(pyrazin-2-yl)methylidene]dithiocarbazate fragment is crucial for activity. N'-Anilinopyrazine-2-carboximidamide, C(11)H(11)N(5), D1, and diethyl 2,2'-[({[amino(pyrazin-2-yl)methylidene]hydrazinylidene}methylidene)bis(sulfanediyl)]diacetate, C(14)H(19)N(5)O(4)S(2), B1, maintain planarity due to conjugation and attractive intramolecular hydrogen-bond contacts, while methyl 3-[amino(pyrazin-2-yl)methylidene]-2-methyldithiocarbazate, C(8)H(11)N(5)S(2), C1, and benzyl 3-[amino(pyrazin-2-yl)methylidene]-2-methyldithiocarbazate, C(14)H(15)N(5)S(2), C2, are not planar, due to methylation at one of the N atoms of the central N-N bond. The resulting twists of the two molecular halves (parts) of C1 and C2 are indicated by torsion angles of 116.5 (2) and -135.9 (2)°, respectively, compared with values of about 180° in the crystal structures of nonsubstituted compounds. As the methylated derivatives show similar activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis to that of the nonsubstituted derivatives, maintaining planarity does not seem to be a prerequisite for activity.

4-Substituted picolinohydrazonamides as a new class of potential antitubercular agents.

The series of new 4-substituted picolinohydrazonamides were synthesized (6-25) and evaluated for tuberculostatic activity. Compounds having a hydrophilic cyclic amine such as morpholine and pyrrolidine at the end of the thiosemicarbazide chain, exhibited the highest antimycobacterial activity. The antimycobacterial activity of compounds 6, 11, and 15 (MIC 0.4-0.8 µg/mL) was higher than that of reference drugs. Moreover, derivative 15 exhibited lower activity against other tested microorganism such as bacteria gram-positive, gram-negative or fungi. Thus, this compound is characterized by the selectivity of antimicrobial activity. Antiproliferative study conducted against human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) and mouse melanoma cell line (B16-F10) revealed low cytotoxicity of compound 15. Conducted research allowed to identify compound 15 as leading for further research.

Synthesis, structure and biological activity of four new picolinohydrazonamide derivatives.

Four new picolinohydrazonamide derivatives, namely, 6-methyl-N'-(morpholine-4-carbonothioyl)picolinohydrazonamide, C12H17N5OS, 6-chloro-N'-(morpholine-4-carbonothioyl)picolinohydrazonamide methanol monosolvate, C11H14ClN5OS·CH3OH, 6-chloro-N'-(4-phenylpiperazine-1-carbonothioyl)picolinohydrazonamide, C17H19ClN6S, and 6-chloropicolinohydrazonamide, C6H7ClN4, have been synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal low-temperature X-ray diffraction. In addition, their antibacterial and anti-yeast activities have been determined. The first three compounds adopt the zwitterionic form in the crystal structure regardless of the presence or absence of solvent molecules in the structure. They also adopt the same symmetry, i.e. P21/c (P21/n), unlike the fourth structure which is chiral and has the space group P212121. For all the studied cases, intermolecular N-H...O and N-H...N hydrogen bonds play an essential role in the formation of the structures.

The structures of benzimidazole derivatives and their potential as tuberculostatics.

Tuberculosis still remains a very important problem, especially its multidrug resistant varieties (MDR-TB). Among the potential tuberculostatics, there are two benzimidazole derivatives, namely 5,6-dimethyl-2-phenylethylbenzo[d]imidazole (1) and (E)-5,6-dimethyl-2-styryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (2) which showed significant tuberculostatic activities, better than those of Pyrazinamide and Isoniazyd. Also, the cytotoxicity of 1 appeared promising. The compounds were studied (with the use of X-ray diffraction) in the form of the hemihydrate of 1, C17H18N2·0.5H2O (1a), the methanol hemisolvate of 2, C17H16N2·0.5CH3OH (2a), and the acid oxalate salt of 2, namely (E)-5,6-dimethyl-2-styryl-1H-benzo[d]imidazolium hydrogen oxalate, C17H17N2+·C2HO4- (2b). All three structures reveal a similar extended conformation, despite the flexible linker between the two aromatic systems and the different types of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The molecules of 2a are practically planar due to the double bond in the linker, which enables conjugation along the whole molecule, while the molecules of 1a exhibit the possibility of parallel orientations of their aromatic systems, despite the aliphatic (ethyl) linker.

Planarity of benzoylthiocarbazate tuberculostatics. III. Diesters of 3-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)dithiocarbazic acid.

Searches for new tuberculostatic agents are important considering the occurrence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The structures of three new potentially tuberculostatic compounds, namely isopropyl methyl (2-hydroxybenzoyl)carbonohydrazonodithioate, C12H16N2O2S2, (Z)-benzyl methyl (2-hydroxybenzoyl)carbonohydrazonodithioate, C16H16N2O2S2, and dibenzyl (2-hydroxybenzoyl)carbonohydrazonodithioate propan-2-ol monosolvate, C22H20N2O2S2·C3H8O, were determined by X-ray diffraction. The mutual orientation of the three main fragments of the compounds, namely an aromatic ring, a dithioester group and a hydrazide group, can influence the biological activity of the compounds. In all three of the structures studied, the C(=O)NH group is in the anti conformation. In addition, the presence of the hydroxy group in the ortho position of the aromatic ring in all three structures leads to the formation of an intramolecular hydrogen bond stabilizing the planarity of the molecules.

Hypertensive effect of calcilytic NPS 2143 administration in rats.

Secretion of parathormone (PTH), the main parathyroid hormone, which is under the control of the calcium sensing receptor, might be inhibited by calcimimetics and stimulated by calcilytics. Parathyroid glands also secrete parathyroid hypertensive factor. Recently, it was shown that calcimimetic NPS R-568 induced decreased blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in the presence of parathyroid glands. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether administration of the calcilytic NPS 2143 provoked an increase of mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in normotensive rats. We used male Wistar rats anaesthetized with thiopental. Clearance experiments were performed and the effect of bolus, 1 mg/kg body weight i.v. of NPS 2143 on MAP in the presence and absence of thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTX) was monitored continuously. Calcilytic properties of NPS 2143 were confirmed directly by a significant (P < 0.05) increase of plasma PTH concentration, and indirectly by a rise of plasma Ca(2+) concentration and urinary fractional phosphate excretion (FE Pi). NPS 2143 administration markedly (P < 0.05) increased MAP, calculated as the difference ( Delta ) in MAP between sequential measurements and the time of bolus injection of calcilytic. The observed increase of blood pressure in the NPS 2143 group was also significant (P < 0.05) compared with the control group. Performance of TPTX prevented the hypertensive effect of NPS 2143. We conclude that NPS 2143 is responsible for increased blood pressure in rats in the presence of parathyroid glands.

Pharmacological activity of calcimimetic NPS R-568 administered intravenously in rats: dose dependency.

Calcimimetics administered orally cause "pharmacological parathyroidectomy" confirmed by a decrease in parathyroid hormone secretion (PTH) and in plasma Ca(2+) concentration. Parathyroids are also the source of parathyroid hypertensive factor (PHF). The aim of this study was to determine the dose-dependent effect of an intravenously (iv) applied calcimimetic, NPS R-568, on plasma Ca(2+) concentration, urinary phosphate excretion and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in rats. Clearance experiments were performed on male Wistar rats anesthetized with thiopental and infused iv with saline supplemented with (3)H inulin for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determination. NPS R-568 was administered iv as a bolus at the doses: 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg. Control group of rats received vehicle only. MAP was monitored continuously in the carotid artery. Urine was collected from cannulated urinary bladder. NPS R-568 applied iv dose-dependently decreased plasma Ca(2+) and fractional phosphate excretion (FE(Pi)). In the control group, no significant changes in plasma Ca(2+) and FE(Pi) were observed. The most efficient hypotensive effect vs. control group was induced by the NPS R-568 of a dose of 1.0 mg/kg. Our results indicate that the dose of 1 mg/kg of the calcimimetic NPS R-568 administered iv is sufficient to induce the decrease in plasma Ca(2+) and urinary phosphate excretion accompanied with hypotensive effect in Wistar rats.

Studies on pyrazine derivatives. XLVII. Synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel pyrazine derivatives with amidoxime moiety.

The new pyrazine derivatives exhibiting an antibacterial activity have been synthesized. Initial amidoxime 1 was obtained in the reaction of pyrazinecarbonitrile with hydroxylamine. Upon treatment of amidoxime with methyl iodide O-methyl derivative 2 was formed. Both amidoximes were transformed into imidoyl chlorides 3, 4. Then the chloride atom in those derivatives was substituted with various secondary amines giving appropriate oximes 5-18 and O-methyl-oximes 19 and 20. The obtained compounds were tested in vitro for their tuberculostatic activity. The inhibiting concentration (MIC) values were within 25-100 microg/mL. Their activity towards 25 strains of anaerobic and 25 strains of aerobic bacteria was also studied. Three compounds exhibited activity against both types of bacteria.

Planarity of benzoyldithiocarbazate tuberculostatics. II. Diesters of benzoyldithiocarbazic acid.

The emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has intensified efforts to identify new lead tuberculostatics. Our earlier studies concluded that the planarity of a molecule correlates well with its tuberculostatic activity. According to our hypothesis, only derivatives whose molecules are capable of adopting a planar conformation may show tuberculostatic activity. The structures of three new potentially tuberculostatic compounds, namely N'-[bis(methylsulfanyl)methylidene]-N-methyl-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (denoted G1), C11H13N3O3S2, N'-[bis(benzylsulfanyl)methylidene]-N-methyl-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (denoted G2), C23H21N3O3S2, and N'-[(benzylsulfanyl)(methylsulfanyl)methylidene]-4-nitrobenzohydrazide (denoted G3), C16H15N3O3S2, were determined by X-ray diffraction. The significant distortion from planarity caused by the methyl substituent at the N atom of the hydrazide group or the NO2 substituent in the aromatic ring leads to the loss of tuberculostatic activity for G1, G2 and G4 {systematic name: N'-[bis(methylsulfanyl)methylidene]-2-nitrobenzohydrazide}. A similar effect is observed when there are large substituents at the S atoms (G2 and G3).

Calcimimetic NPS R-568 induces hypotensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of calcium receptors and calcimimetics created the possibility of "pharmacologic parathyroidectomy" (phPTX), which decreased secretion of parathormone (PTH). Parathyroid glands of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and hypertension secrete parathyroid hypertensive factor (PHF). Parathyroidectomy decreases blood pressure in these rats and in patients. The present study determined whether phPTX induced by calcimimetics decreases mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) in hypertensive rats. METHODS: Hypertensive SHR and normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were used. Clearance experiments were performed and the effect of 1 mg/kg body weight (given intravenously) synthesized NPS R-568 (NPS) on MAP in the presence or absence of thyroparathyroidectomy (TPTX) was monitored. RESULTS: The success phPTX and TPTX were proven by a significant decrease in plasma Ca(2+) concentration and a decrease in urinary fractional phosphate excretion (FE Pi). The administration of NPS significantly decreased blood pressure in SHR versus SHR/control: Delta(0-50 min of experiment) MAP -16.5 +/- 2.5 mm Hg v -3.2 +/- 1.5 mm Hg (P < .002). The TPTX decreased blood pressure in SHR versus SHR/control and was not different versus SHR/TPTX/NPS (DeltaMAP: -10.2 +/- 1.6 mm Hg v -3.2 +/- 1.5 mm Hg (P < .01) and v -8.3 +/- 2.2 mm Hg (P = not significant). In normotensive WKY rats application of NPS did not reach significance in DeltaMAP: -6.7 +/- 1.8 mm Hg v -2.6 +/- 2.8 mm Hg (P = not significant) in WKY/control. The TPTX lowered blood pressure in WKY versus WKY/control and remained unchanged versus WKY/TPTX/NPS (DeltaMAP: -11.3 +/- 1.7 mm Hg v -2.6 +/- 2.8 mm Hg (P < .04) and v -11.4 +/- 2.6 mm Hg (P = not significant). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that phPTX with NPS R-568 is responsible for a decrease of MAP in SHR.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyrazine and -pyridine derivatives.

The investigations of new pyrazine and pyridine derivatives showing an antibacterial activity have been made. Upon treatment of 3-chloro-2-cyanopyrazine [1] and 2-chloro-3-cyanopyridine with 1,1-dimethyl-hydrazine, 1-aminopiperidine and 1-amino-4-methylpiperazine, either the pyrazolo-pyrazine (1), and -pyridine (2) derivatives, or ammonium salts (3-8) were obtained, according to the reaction conditions. Compound 1 was obtained in the reaction of the initial nitrile with methylhydrazine as well. The reactions of 1 gave the following derivatives: acylation-(9), that with p-chlorobenzoic aldehyde-(10), and with phenyl-isothiocyanate-(11). 3-Chloro-2-cyanopyrazine treated with hydrazine hydrate gave amidrazone (12), which upon condensation with p-chlorobenzoic aldehyde produced (13). The compounds obtained were tested in vitro for their tuberculostatic activity. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were within 22-100 microg/cm3. Compounds 1, 5 and 6 were also tested in vitro for their activity towards 25 strains of anaerobic, and 25 strains of aerobic bacteria. They appeared to be of elevated activity towards the anaerobes and of low one towards the aerobes (Table 2).

Synthesis and evaluation of in vitro antimycobacterial activity of novel 1H-benzo[d]imidazole derivatives and analogues.

A series of novel 1H-benzo[d]imidazole derivatives and analogues (1-25) have been synthesized and evaluated for tuberculostatic activity. Benzimidazoles substituted at the C-2 position with cyclohexylethyl, cyclohexylpropyl and phenylpropyl moiety or 4-phenylpyridine system were obtained. Compounds 3, 4, 6 and 7 bearing halogen atoms or methyl groups at the benzimidazole system and cyclohexylethyl substituent at the C-2 position showed an excellent tuberculostatic activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis strains with MIC values ranging from 0.75 to 1.5 µg/mL. More importantly, derivatives 4 (5-Bromo-2-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole) and 6 (2-(2-cyclohexylethyl)-5,6-dimethyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole) appeared selective for M. tuberculosis and M. bovis as compared with non-malignant eukaryotic cells (LLC-PK1 pig kidney epithelial cell line). These compounds may thus represent a novel, selective class of anti-tubercular agents.