Antimycotic imidazoles. 2. Synthesis and antimycotic properties of 1-[2-(arylalkyl)-2-phenylethyl]-1H-imidazoles.

Synthesis of 1-[2-(arylalkyl)-2-phenylethyl]-1H-imidazoles was accomplished starting from the corresponding phenylacetonitriles. Via successive alkylation, conversion to the corresponding ester, and sodium borohydride-lithium iodide reduction, beta-phenylalcanols were obtained. These alcohols were mesylated and then refluxed with imidazole in dimethylformamide to yield the title compounds, which were active in vitro against dermatophytes, yeasts, other fungi, and gram-positive bacteria. Some were also active in vivo against Candida albicans.