3-Phenyl-5-acyloxymethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-ones: synthesis and biological activity of a novel group of potential antifungal drugs

J Med Chem. 2001 Aug 16;44(17):2701-6. doi: 10.1021/jm010155x.

Abstract

3-(Substituted phenyl)-5-acyloxymethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-ones related to the natural product (-)incrustoporine were synthesized and their in vitro antifungal activity evaluated. The compounds with halogen substituents on the phenyl ring displayed much higher antifungal effect against Aspergillus fumigatus than selected representatives of azole antifungal drugs. In particular, the activity (1.34 microg/mL) of the most promising derivative, 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-pivaloyloxymethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-one, was comparable to that of amphotericin B (0.5 microg/mL). Preliminary evaluation of the toxicity of the compound was carried out as well. Considering the size and properties of these molecules in comparison with those of amphotericin B, further development of this novel group of antifungals may lead to substances with better pharmacological profiles than that of the standard anti-Aspergillus drug.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 4-Butyrolactone / analogs & derivatives
  • 4-Butyrolactone / chemical synthesis*
  • 4-Butyrolactone / chemistry
  • 4-Butyrolactone / pharmacology
  • Amphotericin B / pharmacology
  • Antifungal Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Antifungal Agents / chemistry
  • Antifungal Agents / pharmacology
  • Fungi / drug effects
  • Furans / chemical synthesis*
  • Furans / chemistry
  • Furans / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Structure-Activity Relationship

Substances

  • 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-pivaloylmethyl-2H,5H-furan-2-one
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Furans
  • Amphotericin B
  • 4-Butyrolactone