Structure-dependent variation in the mutagenic, prophage-inducing and antibacterial activities of 5-nitro-2-furamide derivatives.

A comparative survey of the mutagenic, prophage-inducing and antibacterial activities of 3 structure-related series of 5-nitro-furan derivatives including 5-nitro-2-furohydrazide imide, 5-nitro-2-furamide oxime and 5-nitro-2-furohydrazide has been undertaken. Among the compounds assayed, the 5-nitro-2-furohydrazide imide series was found to be most active with regard to mutagenic and antibacterial activities against Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and prophage-inducing activity in Escherichia coli GY5027. A clear correlation was observed between the chemical structure and the mutagenic and prophage-inducing activities which were approximately correlated to the antibacterial activity.