Quattara L, Debaert M, Cavier R
Farmaco Sci. 1987 May;42(5):383-96. doi: 10.1002/chin.198748101.
A description is given of potential cyclic imidazoles such as 3,3-dichloro-2-methylenimino-acrylonitrile derived from nitro or non-nitro heterocycles, as well as the hydrazone, semicarbazone and arylpropenone derivatives of the 4-chloro-2-(5-nitro-2-thienyl) (V), 5-imidazole carboxaldehyde (IV) and the 5-bromothienyl analogue. The antiparasitic activity was tested in vitro against Trichomonas vaginalis and Entameba histolytica. Some of the nitro containing compounds showed trichomonacidal activity whereas one of the non-nitro compounds with potential imidazole structure showed clear amebacidal activity. This compound, 3,3-dichloro-2-methyleneimino acrylonitrile has anti-ameba activity comparable with that of metronidazole.