Research on antibacterial and antifungal agents. III. Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 2-methyl-5-aryl-3-furoic acids and 2-methyl-3-imidazolylmethyl-5-aryl furans.

The synthesis and microbiological activities of 2-methyl-5-aryl-3-furoic acids and 2-methyl-3-imidazolyl-methyl-5-aryl-3-furans are reported. Antimicrobial data in comparison with pyrrolnitrin showed an interesting antifungal activity but a very poor antibacterial activity. The presence of an imidazole nucleus does not increase antifungal activity. The introduction of a substituent in the para position of the aryl at a C5 of the furan ring affects antifungal activity.