Synthesis of new N-phenylpyrazole derivatives with potent antimicrobial activity

The versatile synthons 4-(2-bromoacetyl)-5-methyl-1-phenyl-3-phenylcarbamoyl-1H-pyrazole ( 3) and 4-[( E)-3-(dimethylamino) acryloyl]-5-methyl-1-phenyl-3-phenylcarbamoyl-1H-pyrazole ( 2) were used as precursors for the synthesis of a series of phenylpyrazoles with different aromatic ring systems at position 4. The antimicrobiological evaluation of the newly synthesized compounds was carried out in vitro assays for antifungal and antibacterial activities. Amongst the tested compounds, 4-acetyl-5methyl-1-phenyl-3-phenylcarbamoyl-1H-pyrazole (1), 4-[( E)-3-(dimethylamino) acryloyl]-5-methyl-1-phenyl-3-phenylcarbamoyl-1H- pyrazole (2),4-(2-bromoacetyl)-5-methyl-1-phenyl-3-phenylcarbamoyl-1H- pyrazole (3) and 4-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-5-methyl-1-phenyl-3-phenylcarbamoyl-1H- pyrazole ( 17) showed interesting antimicrobial properties. In particular, all tested compounds produced inhibitory effects against pathogenic yeast (Candida albicans) similar or superior to those of reference drug. In addition, compound 3 showed excellent activity against pathogenic mould ( Aspergillus). From structure-activity relationship (SAR) point of view, the attachment of bromoacetyl moiety to pyrazole ring can be considered as a breakthrough in developing a new therapeutic antifungal agent related to phenylpyrazole system. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.