Synthesis and in vitro leishmanicidal activity of 2-(5-nitro-2-furyl) and 2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)-5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazoles

A series of 2-(5-nitro-2-furyl) and 2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl)-5-substituted-1,3,4-thiadiazoles (5a-d and 6a-j) were synthesized and evaluated against Leishmania major promastigotes using H-3-thymidine incorporation. Most of the compounds showed activity better than the reference drug sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam). The most active compound was 6c (IC50 = 0-1 mu M). (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.