Synthesis of N,N′-diarylalkanediamides and their antimycobacterial and antialgal activity

Abstract

A set of N,N′-diarylalkanediamides was synthesized. The compounds were tested for their antimycobacterial and antialgal activity. The antimycobacterial activity of N,N′-diarylalkanediamides depends on the lipophilicity of the respective acid. Antimycobacteri-ally active substances were found only in the series of N,N′-diarylethanediamides and N,N′-diarylbutanediamides. Other compounds (derivatives of pentane-, hexane-, octane- and nonanediamide) were inactive against various strains of mycobacteria. The compounds inhibited growth and chlorophyll production in Chlorella vulgaris. Their relatively low antial-gal activity is probably connected with their lowered aqueous solubility, and hence by a restricted passage of the inhibitor through the hydrophilic regions of thylakoid membranes.