Synthesis of 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazole-5(6)-carboxamides and evaluation of their antimicrobial activity.

A series of 14, N'-(N,N-dialkylaminoethyl)-benzimidazole-5(6) or 5-carboxyamides (1-14), having several substituents on the azole and benzene nuclei, were prepared and evaluated in vitro for antimicrobial activity. The precursor benzimidazolecarboxylic acids (15-27) were prepared via oxidative condensation of diaminobenzoic acids and several aldehydes with cupric ion. Compounds 11-14 were prepared by selective regioisomer synthesis.