Synthesis of 2-benzyloxy and 2-benzylthio analogues of primaquine as potential antimalarials.

A series of 2-benzyloxy and 2-benzylthio analogues of primaquine has been synthesized and evaluated against Plasmodium berghei in the mouse and Plasmodium cynomolgi in the rhesus monkey. 8-Aminoquinoline toxicity, as measured in the Rane mouse screen, was reduced, and these compounds showed significant blood schizonticidal antimalarial activity in mice. In monkeys, significant tissue-schizonticidal activity was observed.