Synthesis and Antibiotic Activity of Mebendazole Derivatives of Pharmacological Interest

Mebendazole is a well known anti-helimintic and belongs to the benzimidazole group of medicines. In order to achieve better medicinal results, i.e. enhanced activity and low toxicity, structural modifications are made in the existing drugs. Some 5-benzoyl-N-[1-(alkoxyphthalimido) benzimidazol-2-yl] carbamic acid methyl ester (3a-c) and 5-benzoyl-N-[1-(2,3-bis oxyphthalimido∕oxysuccinimido propyl benzimidazol-2-yl) carbamic acid methyl ester (7a-b) have been synthesized from two different routes. Structures of the compounds have been established on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral studies. All the synthesized compounds (3a-c) and (7a-b) were assayed in vitro for antimicrobial activity against mebendazole (itself) and standard [ciprofloxacin (antibacterial) and fluconazole (antifungal)].