5-(Hydroxyimino)-4-methoxy-2-(pivaloylimino)thiazolidine-3 -acetamide, a reduced nitroheterocyclic derivative with potent schistosomicidal properties.

The synthesis and antischistosome properties of 5-(hydroxyimino)-4-methoxy-2-(pivaloylimino)thiazolidine-3- acetamide (1) are described. The compound was prepared by reduction of the nitrothiazoline (2) with stannous chloride in methanol, and represents the first example of a reduced nitroheterocyclic compound showing potent schistosomicidal properties. The possible relationship of compounds such as 1 to the as yet unidentified reduced active but toxic entities formed in vivo from nitroheterocyclics like metronidazole is discussed.