Design, synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of novel 2-aryl-thiazolidin-4-one derivatives

Novel 2-arylthiazolidin-4-one derivatives (8a-q and 11) have been synthesized in good-to-excellent yields (70-96%) by one-pot three-component condensation-cyclization reaction of aromatic or aliphatic primary amines, aromatic aldehydes, and thioglycolic acid in polypropylene glycol at 110°C temperature. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the synthesized 2-arylthiazolidin-4-ones was investigated against a panel of six pathogenic fungal strains, a Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria. Results revealed that the compounds (8a-d) bearing 3-(4-(1H-imidazolylmethyl)phenyl)-substituent displayed significant antibacterial efficacy specifically against Klebsiella pneumoniae (minimum inhibitory concentration 12.5 μg/mL). In addition, some of the synthesized compounds have also shown antimicotic activity against Sporothrix schenckii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Aspergillus fumigatus at the concentration of 50 μg/mL. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: A series of novel 2-arylthiazolidin-4-one analogues was prepared and assessed for their in vitro antimicrobial efficacy. Some of the synthesized compounds displayed significant antibacterial efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae and selective antimycotic activity against Trichophyton mentagrophytes. [Image: see text]