Synthesis and antifungal evaluation of 6-(N-arylamino)-7-methylthio-5,8-quinolinediones

A series of 6-(N-arylamino)-7-methylthio-5,8-quinolinedione derivatives4a-4l was newly synthesized for the evaluation of antifungal activity. 6-(N-Arylamino)-7-methylthio-5,8-quinolinediones were prepared by regioselective nucleophilic substitution of 6,7-dichloro-5,8-quinolinediones with arylamines in the presence of Ce³⁺, and Na₂S/dimethylsulfate. The MIC values of4a-4l were determined for antifungal susceptibilityin vitro againstCandida species by agar streak method. The derivatives4a-4l had generally potent antifungal activities against all human pathogenic fungi. Especially they had the most potent activity againstC. krusei at 12.5≈0.8 μg/ml. Compounds4d, 4g, 4h, 4j and4k had more potent antifungal activities than fluconazole. Compounds4g and4h completely inhibited the fungal growth at 0.8≈6.3 μg/ml against allCandida species, while fluconazole inhibited the growth at 25 μg/ml. The compounds such as4g and4h containing an N-(4-bromo-2-methylphenyl)- or N-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)amino substituent exhibited the most potent antifungal activities.