Antiparasitic nitroimidazoles. 9. Synthesis of some 2-(4-dialkylaminomethylstyryl)-and 2-(4-amidinostyryl)5-nitro-1-vinylimidazoles.

A series of 2-styryl-5-nitro-1-vinylimidazoles carrying alkylaminomethyl or amidino functions in the 4 position of the styryl ring was prepared and evaluated for antitrypanosomal activity in mice infected with Trypanosoma rhodesiense. The alkylaminomethyl compounds were found inactive against Trypanosoma cruzi infections in mice. One compound, 2-(4-methylamidinostyryl)-5-nitro-1-vinylimidazole hydrochloride, showed antitrypanosomal activity comparable to the standard drugs suramin, pentamidine, diminazene, and melarsoprol when tested ip against T. rhodesiense infected mice and also showed some activity when tested ip against T. cruzi infected mice.