Synthesis and antiprotozoal activity of some nitro(nitroaryl)imidazoles

Abstract

A series of 5(4)-nitro-4(5)-nitroarylimidazoles has been synthesized and their in vitro antifungal and antiprotozoal activities have been studied. The compounds may be prepared by dinitration of an arylimidazole or by mononitration of either an aryl-nitroimidazole or a (nitroaryl)imidazole. In some of the compounds the ring nitrogen atom has been substituted. Several compounds exhibit high in vitro antitrichomonal activity against Trichomonas vaginalis and T. foetus, and a moderate activity against Histomonas meleagridis and Entamoeba histolytica. The chemical structure and antimicrobial activity of these and other imidazoles previously studied are briefly discussed.