Design and synthesis of non-hydroxamate lipophilic inhibitors of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR): , and antibacterial studies.

1-Deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) is a key enzyme of the 2--methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway operating in several pathogens, including and . Since a DXR homologue is not present in humans, it is an important antimicrobial target. Fosmidomycin (FSM) and its analogues inhibit DXR function by chelating the divalent metal (Mn or Mg) in its active site a hydroxamate metal binding group (MBG).