The efficacy of 2-nitrovinylfuran derivatives against Leishmania in vitro and in vivo.

Despite recent advances in the treatment of some forms of leishmaniasis, the available drugs are still far from ideal due to inefficacy, parasite resistance, toxicity and cost. The wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity of 2-nitrovinylfuran compounds has been described, as has their activity against Trichomonas vaginalis and other protozoa. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the antileishmanial activities of six 2-nitrovinylfurans in vitro and in a murine model of leishmaniasis.

(E)-2-(2-Nitro-prop-1-en-yl)furan.

Crystals of the title compound, C(7)H(7)NO(3), under Mo Kα radiation sublime in less than 1h at room temperature. However, it was possible to collect data at 100K. It crystallized as the E isomer only.

(E)-2-(2-Nitro-ethen-yl)furan.

The title compound, C(6)H(5)NO(3), was synthesized via condensation of furfural with nitro-methane in the presence of isobutyl-amine. The compound crystallizes exclusively as the E isomer. The angle between the mean planes of the furan ring and the nitro-alkenyl group is 1.