N-Glucopyranosyl-5-aralkylidenerhodanines: synthesis and antibacterial and antiviral activities.

A series N-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-5-aralkylidenerhodanines was synthesized, and the acetyl groups were removed to give N-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-5-aralkylidenerhodanies without cleavage of the rhodanine ring by means of acid hydrolysis. Alkaline hydrolysis with ammonia in methanol resulted in cleavage to N-glucosylthiourea, providing evidence for N-glycoside formation. A number of the rhodanine derivatives, especially those with nitro or chloro groups in the aromatic ring, showed antibacterial activity. N-beta-D-Glucopyranosyl-5-(4-nitrobenzylidene) rhodanine showed antiviral activity by inhibition of viral RNA synthesis. Some effect on blood sugar levels also was observed with several rhodanines.