Beta 1-selective adrenoceptor antagonists: examples of the 2-[4-[3-(substituted amino)-2-hydroxypropoxy]phenyl]imidazole class. 2

An attempt to develop a highly cardioselective beta-adrenoceptor antagonist devoid of intrinsic sympathomimetic activity (ISA) focused on exploring structure-activity relationships around (S)-[p-[3-[[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy] phenyl]-4-(2-thienyl)imidazole. Strategies to reduce or eliminate ISA centered on structural changes that could influence activation of the receptor by the drug itself or by a metabolite. The approaches involved (a) eliminating the acidic imidazole N-H proton, (b) incorporating substituents ortho to the beta-adrenergic blocking side chain, (c) increasing steric bulk around the N-H moiety, (d) decreasing lipophilicity, (e) introducing intramolecular hydrogen bonding involving the imidazole N-H, and (f) displacing the imidazole ring from an activating position by the incorporation of a spacer element. The compounds were investigated in vitro for beta-adrenoceptor antagonism and in vivo for ISA. From these studies, the most successful variation involved the insertion of a spacer between the imidazole and aryl rings. (S)-4-Acetyl-2-[[4-[3-[[2-(3, 4-dimethoxyphenyl)ethyl]amino]-2-hydroxypropoxy]phenyl]methyl] imidazole (S-51) was demonstrated to be highly cardioselective (dose ratio beta 2/beta 1 greater than 9333) and devoid of ISA.     

Synthesis and antiarrhythmic activity of new 1-[1-[2-[3-(alkylamino)-2-hydroxypropoxy]phenyl]vinyl]-1 H-imidazoles and related compounds

Various 1-[1-[2-[3-(alkylamino)-2-hydroxypropoxy]phenyl]vinyl]-1 H-azoles were synthesized and investigated for beta-adrenoceptor-blocking and antiarrhythmic activities. Although no compounds showed more potent beta-blocking effects than propranolol in the isolated guinea pig right atria, many compounds exhibited significant antiarrhythmic effects against aconitine or ischemic arrhythmia in mice or dogs. 1-[2,5-Dichloro-6-[1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-ethenyl] phenoxy]-3-[(1-methylethyl)amino]-2-propanol hydrochloride (48) (711389-S) was selected as a candidate for clinical evaluation in man, since its antiarrhythmic effects were superior to those of quinidine, disopyramide, or propranolol. Asymmetric synthesis of (R)-(+)- and (S)-(-)-48 is described, and it is proven that there is no stereospecificity in the antiarrhythmic effect of 48.     

Antihypertensive beta-adrenergic blocking agents: N-aralkyl analogues of 2-[3-(tert-butylamino)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-cyanopyridine

An interest in dual-acting antihypertensive agents, specifically those related to (S)-2-[3-(tert-butylamino)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-3-cyanopyridine (1), led us to probe the contribution of the side-chain amino substituent in this series. The ability of 1 and its various analogues to displace radiolabeled alpha 1 (WB-4101 and prazosin) and beta (dihydroalprenolol) adrenergic receptor ligands was assessed by receptor-binding techniques. Most of the compounds exhibited high beta-adrenoceptor binding affinities, but only the N-aralkylamino-substituted compounds showed high alpha 1-adrenoceptor affinities. Therefore, the vasodilation shown by 1 was not due to an interaction with the alpha 1 adrenoceptor. The aralkylamino analogues of 1 in spontaneously hypertensive rats and anesthetized dogs exhibited antihypertensive activity and alpha 1-adrenoceptor blocking properties. Unlike the preference shown by beta-adrenoceptors for S enantiomers in this oxymethylene class of beta blockers, the chirality at the secondary hydroxy center made only a minor contribution to the affinity for the alpha 1-adrenoceptor and even less of a contribution to the observed antihypertensive effects. This lack of chiral influence at the hydroxy center confirmed what had been previously observed in more limited studies with the isomers of both labetalol and medroxalol.     

Synthesis, monoamine transporter binding, properties, and functional monoamine uptake activity of 3beta-[4-methylphenyl and 4-chlorophenyl]-2 beta-[5-(substituted phenyl)thiazol-2-yl]tropanes

Synthetic methods were developed for the synthesis of the 3beta-(4-substituted phenyl)-2 beta-[5-(substituted phenyl)thiazol-2-yl]tropanes (4a-s). The compounds were evaluated for their monoamine transporter binding and monoamine uptake inhibition properties using both rat brain tissue and cloned transporter assays. In general, the compounds showed higher dopamine transporter (DAT) affinity relative to the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters (SERT and NET, respectively) and greater [3H]dopamine uptake inhibition potency relative to [3H]serotonin and [3H]norepinephrine uptake inhibition. Several compounds were DAT selective relative to the SERT and NET in the monoamine transporter binding assays. The most potent and selective analog in the functional monoamine uptake inhibition test was 3beta-(4-methylphenyl-2 beta-[5-(3-nitrophenyl)thiazol-2-yl]tropane (4p).     

Selective beta 3-adrenergic agonists of brown adipose tissue and thermogenesis. 2. [4-[2-[(2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)amino]ethoxy]phenoxy]acetamides.

The ester methyl [4-[2-[(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)amino]ethoxy]phenoxy]acetate (1) (R1 = OMe) had previously been identified as the most interesting member of a series of selective beta 3-adrenergic agonists of brown adipose tissue and thermogenesis in the rat. In vivo it acts mainly via the related acid 1 (R1 = OH). Amides have been examined to determine whether they have advantages over the ester. In particular, in the rat and dog the half-lives of amides of appropriate potency were no longer than those of the ester. The amide (S)-4-[2-[(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)amino]ethoxy]-N-(2- methoxyethyl)phenoxyacetamide [S-27, ICI D7114] was selected as having properties consistent with a sustained-release formulation should that prove necessary. Unlike the ester it is resistant to hydrolysis in the gut lumen. Further testing of ICI D7114 has shown that in the rat, cat, and dog it stimulates the beta 3-adrenergic receptor in brown adipose tissue at doses lower than those at which it affects beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors in other tissues. Slimming effects were observed in the dog. ICI D7114 may be a selective thermogenic agent in man and may be useful in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.     

Development of long-acting dopamine transporter ligands as potential cocaine-abuse therapeutic agents: chiral hydroxyl-containing derivatives of 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine and 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine

In our search for long-acting agents for the treatment of cocaine abuse, a series of optically pure hydroxylated derivatives of 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (1) and 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (2) (GBR 12909 and GBR 12935, respectively) were synthesized and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The enantiomers of the 2-hydroxylated analogues displayed substantial enantioselectivity. The S enantiomers displayed higher dopamine transporter (DAT) affinity and the R enantiomers were found to interact at the serotonin transporter (SERT) with higher affinity. The two-carbon spacer between the hydroxyl group and the piperazine ring was essential for enantioselectivity, and the length of the alkyl chain between the phenyl group and the piperazine ring influenced binding affinity and selectivity for the DAT and SERT. Phenylethyl analogues had a higher binding affinity for the SERT and a weaker affinity and selectivity for the DAT than the corresponding phenylpropyl analogues. Thus, (S)-(+)-1-[4-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]piperazinyl]-3-phenylpropan-2-ol (6) displayed the highest affinity to the DAT, and (S)-(+)-1-[4-[2-(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl]piperazinyl]-3-phenylpropan-2-ol (8) had the highest selectivity. The latter (8) is one of the most DAT selective ligands known. In accord with the in vitro data, 6 showed greater potency than 7 in elevating extracellular dopamine levels in a microdialysis assay and in inhibiting cocaine-maintained responding in rhesus monkeys.     

Synthesis of Some Novel 2-[2-(aroyl-aroxy)-methyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-thiazoles as Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agents

A series of 2-[2-(aroyl-aroxy)-methyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-thiazoles 4a–j were obtained via multiple step synthesis sequence beginning with the hydroxybenzophenones (1a–g). Hydroxybenzophenones on reaction with chloroacetonitrile affords [(2-benzoyl) phenoxy] acetonitrile (2a–g), which reacts with H₂S/NH₄OH and yields [(2-benzoyl) phenoxy] acetothiamide (3a–g), which on treatment with phenacylbromides affords 2-[2-(aroyl-aroxy)-methyl]-4-phenyl-1,3-thiazoles (4a–j). All the newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity and were compared with standard drugs. Of the compounds studied, (4g), compounds with chloro substituents showed more potent activity than the standard drug phenyl butazone at all doses tested.     

Synthesis and structure-activity relationship studies of 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes as novel alpha4beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor selective agonists

A series of novel, potent neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) ligands derived from 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane have been synthesized and evaluated for binding affinity and agonist activity at the alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype. Structure-activity relationship studies of these novel nAChR ligands focused on substitution effects on the pyridine ring, as well as stereo- and regiochemical influences of the 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptane core. Small 5-substituents on the pyridine ring had a modest impact on the binding affinities and functional activities. 6-Bromo, 6-chloro, and 6-methyl substituents on the pyridine ring led to increased binding affinities and improved functional activities. Most of the 6-N-pyridinyl-substituted 3,6-diazabicyclo[3.2.0]heptanes are selective for the alpha4beta2 nAChR subtype. Compounds (1R,5S)-25, (1R,5S)-55, and (1R,5S)-56 were virtually inactive as agonists at the halpha3beta4 nAChR but retained potency and efficacy at the halpha4beta2 nAChR subtype. 3-N-Pyridinyl-substituted series demonstrated more complex SAR. (1R,5R)-39, (1R,5R)-41, and (1R,5R)-42 were found to be much more potent at the halpha3beta4 nAChR subtype, whereas (1R,5R)-38 and (1R,5R)-40 were very selective at the halpha4beta2 nAChR subtype. The SAR studies of these novel ligands led to the discovery of several compounds with interesting in vitro pharmacological profiles.     

Syntheses and platelet aggregation inhibitory and antithrombotic properties of [2-[(omega-aminoalkoxy)phenyl]ethyl]benzenes

A series of [2-[(omega-aminoalkoxy)phenyl]ethyl]benzene derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation in vitro and to protect experimental thrombosis in mice. The results showed that the compounds were in vitro inhibitors of collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Most of them were also effective in the mouse antithrombotic assay. The compounds were found to be potent antagonists to S2 serotonergic receptor, and good correlation (r = 0.85) between their S2 serotonergic receptor antagonism and their potency as platelet antiaggregatory drugs was observed. Among the compounds studied, mono[2-(dimethylamino)-1-[[2-[2-(3- methoxyphenyl)ethyl]phenoxy]methyl]ethyl] succinate hydrochloride (12b, MCI-9042) was selected for further pharmacological and toxicological evaluation.     

Synthesis and antiarrhythmic activity of novel 3-alkyl-1-[omega-[4-[(alkylsulfonyl)amino]phenyl]-omega- hydroxyalkyl]-1H-imidazolium salts and related compounds. 2

Novel analogues of the class III antiarrhythmic agent 1-[2-hydroxy-2-[4-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]phenyl]ethyl]-3-methyl-1H- imidazolium chloride, 1 (CK-1649), were prepared and investigated for their class III electrophysiological activity on isolated canine cardiac Purkinje fibers and ventricular muscle tissue. Structure-activity relationships are discussed for a series of 11 compounds. One compound, N-[4-[1-hydroxy-2-(4,5-dihydro-2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1- yl)ethyl]phenyl]methanesulfonamide hydrochloride, 9, was comparable in activity to 1 in vitro and prolonged the functional refractory period in anesthetized dogs when given intraduodenally. Unlike 1, compound 9 was ineffective at preventing ventricular tachycardia induced by programmed electrical stimulation in anesthetized dogs 24 h after an acute myocardial infarction.     

2-[4-[3-(4-aryl/heteroaryl-1-piperazinyl)propoxy]phenyl]-2H- benzotriazoles and their N-oxides as ligands for serotonin and dopamine receptors.

A small set of 2-{4-[3-(4-aryl/heteroaryl-piperazinyl)propoxy]phenyl}-2H-benzo tri azoles and corresponding N-oxides were prepared. The synthesized compounds were able to bind on some serotonin (5-HT1A, 5-HT2A) and dopamine (D2, D3) receptors, while displaying poor or no affinity for 5-HT1B, 5-HT2C, 5-HT3, and 5-HT4 subtypes. The strong contribution of the N-oxide function for the binding on 5-HT1A, D2 and D3 receptors is noteworthy. For 2-{4-[3-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propoxy]phenyl}-2H-benzotr iazole- 1-oxide (4b), the binding constants (Ki) were 11.9 (5-HT1A) and 10.5 nM (D3). In a general pharmacological screening, the 2-{4-[3-(4-phenyl-1-piperazinyl)propoxy]phenyl}-2H-benzotriazole (3a) exhibited only very weak activities, with the exception of protecting mice from cyanide-induced hypoxia.     

Selective beta 3-adrenergic agonists of brown adipose tissue and thermogenesis. 1. [4-[2-[(2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)amino]ethoxy]phenoxy]acetates.

The ester methyl [4-[2-[(2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl)amino]ethoxy]phenoxy]acetate (8) has been identified as the most interesting member of a series of selective beta 3-adrenergic agonists of brown adipose tissue and thermogenesis in the rat. In vivo it acts mainly via the related acid 10. Potency was generally markedly reduced by placing substituents on the phenyl ring of the phenoxypropanolamine unit of 8; only the 2-fluoro analogue 16 had comparable potency to 8. Other structure-activity relationships are discussed. Further testing of 8 (ICI 198157) has shown that in the rat it stimulates the beta 3-adrenergic receptor in brown adipose tissue at doses lower than those at which it affects beta 1 and beta 2 adrenergic receptors in other tissues. It increases metabolic rate, as judged by an increase in oxygen consumption, and in the genetically obese Zucker rat it causes a reduced rate of weight gain. This class of compound may be useful in the treatment of obesity in man.     

Synthesis and antiarrhythmic activity of novel 3-alkyl-1-[omega-[4-[(alkylsulfonyl)amino]phenyl]-omega- hydroxyalkyl]-1H-imidazolium salts and related compounds

Novel 3-alkyl-1-[omega-[4-[(alkylsulfonyl)amino]phenyl]-omega-hydroxyalkyl]-1H -imidazolium salts were synthesized and investigated for their class III electrophysiological activity on isolated canine cardiac Purkinje fibers and ventricular muscle tissue. Structure-activity relationships are discussed for a series of 25 compounds. Compound 3, 1-[2-hydroxy-2-[4-[(methylsulfonyl)amino]phenyl]ethyl]-3-methyl-1H- imidazolium chloride, prolonged the functional refractory period in anesthetized dogs when given intraduodenally and was also effective in preventing reentrant ventricular tachycardia induced by programmed electrical stimulation when administered intravenously in anesthetized dogs 24 h after an acute myocardial infarction. Both enantiomers of 3 were synthesized. No enantioselectivity was found in the electrophysiological effects of 3.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some 5-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)acetamido] and/or 5-[2-(4-substituted piperazin-1-yl)acetamido]-2-(p-substituted phenyl)benzoxazoles

In this study, a series of twelve novel 5-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)acetamido] and/or 5-[2-(4-substituted pip-erazine-1-yl)acetamido]-2-(p-substituted phenyl]benzoxazole derivatives have been synthesized and their structures were confirmed by IR, (1)H NMR, and mass spectral data. These compounds were prepared by reacting 5-(2-chloroacetamido)-2-(4-p-substituted-phenyl)benzoxazoles, which were obtained by using 5-amino-2-[p-substituted-phenyl]benzoxazoles with chloroacetyl chloride, in the presence of morpholine or 1-substituted piperazines. All synthesized compounds 3-14 were tested by using the method of twofold serial dilution technique for in vitro activities against certain strains of Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria as well as the yeasts Candida albicans, Candida krusei, and Candida glabrata in comparison with standard drugs. Microbiological results showed that the newly synthesized compounds possessed a broad spectrum of activity, showing MIC values of 3.12-50 mug/mL against the Candida species.     

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 5,6-exo-epoxy-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives

1 alpha,2 beta(5Z),3 beta(1E,3S),4 alpha,5 alpha,6 alpha]-7-[5,6-Epoxy-3- (3-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-propenyl)-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-hept-2- yl]-5-heptenoic acid (31) and [1 alpha,2 beta(5Z),3 beta(1E,3S),4 alpha,5 alpha,6 alpha]-7-[5,6-epoxy-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-1- pentenyl]-7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-5-heptenoic acid (37) were found to be selective TxA2 antagonists at the platelet and pulmonary thromboxane receptors. An efficient stereospecific synthesis of these compounds and a series of structural analogues is described. Compounds 31 and 37 both inhibited the bronchoconstriction induced by arachidonic acid in the anesthetized guinea pig.     

Structure-activity relationships of arylimidazopyridine cardiotonics: discovery and inotropic activity of 2-[2-methoxy-4-(methylsulfinyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine

Recently several noncatecholamine, nonglycoside cardiotonic drugs have been discovered that possess both inotropic and vasodilator activities in experimental animals and man. Prototypical compounds include amrinone, sulmazole, and fenoximone. We investigated the structural requirements necessary for optimal inotropic activity in a series of molecules containing a heterocyclic ring fused to 2-phenylimidazole and discovered that 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-c]pyridines were generally 5-10-fold more potent than analogous 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridines (e.g., sulmazole) or 8-phenylpurines. Furthermore, all imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine analogues we tested were orally active; in contrast, only one of the imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives, sulmazole, was significantly active. One of several highly active compounds in the [4,5-c] series was 50 (LY175326, 2-[2-methoxy-4-(methylsulfinyl)phenyl]-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine hydrochloride). The structure-activity relationship of this series is presented and compared to that of the imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine and purine series.     

Cardiotonic agents. 9. Synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of (E)-4,5-dihydro-6-[2-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]ethenyl]-3 (2H)-pyridazinones: a novel class of compounds with positive inotropic, antithrombotic, and vasodilatory activities for the treatment of congestive heart failure

A novel series of analogues of (E)-4,5-dihydro-6-[2-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl) phenyl]ethenyl]-3(2H)-pyridazinone was synthesized as a variation on the imazodan series. The compounds were evaluated for (i) hemodynamic activity, (ii) cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity (human platelets and guinea pig heart tissue), and (iii) platelet aggregation inhibitory activity. The insertion of the ethenyl moiety between the phenyl and dihydropyridazinone rings produced novel compounds that retained the potent inotropic/vasodilator activity of the parent imazodan series and enhanced the platelet aggregation inhibitory potency. Compound 3d, the most potent in this series, demonstrated in vivo antithrombotic activity. The synthesis and the biological activity of these new pyridazinone analogues are reported.     

Discovery of 1-(3'-aminobenzisoxazol-5'-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-N-[2-fluoro-4- [(2'-dimethylaminomethyl)imidazol-1-yl]phenyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxyamide hydrochloride (razaxaban), a highly potent, selective, and orally bioavailable factor Xa inhibitor

Modification of a series of pyrazole factor Xa inhibitors to incorporate an aminobenzisoxazole as the P(1) ligand resulted in compounds with improved selectivity for factor Xa relative to trypsin and plasma kallikrein. Further optimization of the P(4) moiety led to compounds with enhanced permeability and reduced protein binding. The SAR and pharmacokinetic profile of this series of compounds is described herein. These efforts culminated in 1-(3'-aminobenzisoxazol-5'-yl)-3-trifluoromethyl-N-[2-fluoro-4-[(2'-dimethylaminomethyl)imidazol-1-yl]phenyl]-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxyamide (11d), a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of factor Xa. On the basis of its excellent in vitro potency and selectivity profile, high free fraction in human plasma, good oral bioavailability, and in vivo efficacy in antithrombotic models, the HCl salt of this compound was selected for clinical development as razaxaban (DPC 906, BMS-561389).     

Synthesis and pharmacological investigation of novel 1-substituted-4-(4-substituted phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-ones as a new class of H1-antihistamine agents

A series of novel 1-substituted-4-(4-substituted phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-ones was synthesized by the cyclization of 2-hydrazino-3-(4-substituted phenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one with various one-carbon donors. The starting material, 2-hydrazino-3-(4-substituted phenyl)-3H-quinazolin-4-one, was synthesized from 4-substituted aniline by a novel innovative route. When tested for in-vivo H1-antihistamine activity on conscious guinea-pigs, all the test compounds significantly protected the animals against histamine-induced bronchospasm. The compound 1-methyl-4-(4-chloro phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one (VII) was more potent (72.71% protection), and 1-methyl-4-(4-methoxy phenyl)-4H-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]quinazolin-5-one (II) was equipotent (71% protection), when compared with the reference standard, chlorpheniramine maleate (71% protection). Compounds II and VII showed negligible sedation (5% and 8% respectively) when compared with chlorpheniramine maleate (25%). Compounds II and VII could serve as prototype molecules for further development as a new class of H1-antihistamines.     

Novel structures derived from 2-[[(2-pyridyl)methyl]thio]-1H-benzimidazole as anti-Helicobacter pylori agents,Part 1

2-[[(2-Pyridyl)methyl]thio]-1H-benzimidazoles (2, sulfides) exhibit antibacterial properties that are selective for Helicobacter spp., but they also have an inherent susceptibility to metabolic oxidation to furnish 2-[[(2-pyridyl)methyl]sulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazoles (1), which act as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We have discovered five compounds with retained antibacterial potency and selectivity in which the overall framework of the sulfides 2 could be kept intact while structural modifications were made to remove PPI activity. These compounds, 2-[((2-methyl-3-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethylthio)phenyl)methyl)thio]-1H-benzimidazole (79), 2-[((2-methyl-3-(2-(2-(2-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethylthio)phenyl)methyl)thio]-1H-benzimidazole (80), 2-[((2-methyl-3-((2-morpholino)ethylthio)phenyl)methyl)thio]-1H-benzimidazole (86), 2-[[[2-methyl-3-[2-(2-methyl-5-nitroimidazol-1-yl)ethylthio]phenyl]methyl]thio]-1H-benzimidazole (88), and 2-[[[2-methyl-3-[2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)ethylthio]phenyl]methyl]thio]-1H-benzimidazole (89), had minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of 0.5, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 microg/mL, respectively. The reported compounds are bactericidal with MBCs within 1 order of magnitude of MBCs of clinically used antimicrobials such as clarithromycin (0.1 microg/mL) or metronidazole (2-4 microg/mL) but differ from these inasmuch that they have an extremely narrow spectrum activity and appear to be species specific.