Studies on Antifungal Agents. Part 25. 1-[(3,5-Bisaryl-2-methylisoxazolidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazoles

The synthesis and antifungal activity of a novel series of 1-(3,5-bisaryl-2-methylisoxazolidin-3-yl)methyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazoles 6 and 7 (i.e. 8 – 19 ) are discussed. The preparation of 8 – 19 was straightforward and highlighted by a regiospecific 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of α-substituted (E)-ketonitrones 4 with appropriate atyrene derivatives 5 that led to a cis/trans-diastereoisomeric mixture of the corresponding triazoles (Scheme). The title compounds were evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity in solid agar cultures against a broad array of yeast and systemic mycoses and dermatophytes. The in vivo activity was determined in an immune-compromised mouse model of systemic candidiasis. While the in vitro activity was evident throughout the series, it was moderate in potency. However, some of the triazole derivatives demonstrated a potent in vivo activity comparable to that of the standard drug ketoconazole. Analogue 12 (PR 988-399) emerged as the best overall compound demonstrating potent antifungal activity in both in vitro and in vivo assays.