Design, synthesis and antibacterial activity of novel actinonin derivatives containing benzimidazole heterocycles

A series of novel actinonin derivatives containing a benzimidazole heterocycle linked as amide isostere have been designed and synthesized. The structures of all the synthesized compounds were confirmed by analytical and spectroscopic methods. All the compounds were evaluated in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Sarcina lutea. Among them, compound 1a with unsubstituted benzimidazole ring exhibited potent antibacterial activities.