Synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of pyrazine and quinoxaline derivatives

A series of pyrazine and quinoxaline derivatives have been synthesized, and their activity against M. tuberculosis (Mtb) and Mycobacterium avium (MAC) are reported. The 4-acetoxybenzyl ester of pyrazinoic acid and 4'-acetoxybenzyl 2-quinoxalinecarboxylate showed excellent activity against Mtb (MIC ranges of less than 1-6.25 mug/mL) but only modest activity against MAC (MICs of 4-32 mug/mL).