Tandem synthesis and in vitro antiplasmodial evaluation of new naphtho[2,1-d] thiazole derivatives

Abstract : A series of naphtho[2,1-d]thiazoles was prepared in good yields under microwave irradiation with an original protocol combining tandem direct arylation and intramolecular Knoevenagel reaction on 1,3-thiazole derivatives. Antiplasmodial evaluation of this series highlighted two hit compounds (compounds 11 and 13) displaying promising in vitro activity on the multiresistant K1 Plasmodium falciparum strain. Structure-toxicity and structure activity relationships are also discussed and reveal the importance of the R-1 and R-4 substituents of the naphthyl moiety for the biological profile of the series. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.