Antibacterial Properties of 4-Amino-2-Methyl-l-Naphtho Hydrochloride.

Abstract

4-amino-2-methyl-l-naphthol hydrochloride (Synkamin) possesses marked antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. The compd. is strongly effective against Gram-positive organisms in presence of broth, casein hydrolysate and blood serum, and against Gram-negative organisms in synthetic medium. The activity against the latter organisms is antagonized in broth medium. Casein hydrolysate and mouse and rabbit sera antagonize the antibacterial activity of Synkamin against Escherichia coli in a significantly lesser degree than broth, namely, in dry wt. ratios of 125:1, 65:1, 50:1, resp. The presence of an amino substituent group and partial oxidation of the substance under carefully controlled conditions play an important role in the antibacterial activity described.