Synthesis, antiviral and antiproliferative activity of some N-benzenesulphonyl-2(2- or 3-pyridylethyl)-benzimidazoles.

Some N-benzenesulphonyl-2(2- or 3-pyridylethyl)-benzimidazoles were synthesized and tested in vitro for antiproliferative and antiviral activity. Only one compound displayed a degree of antiproliferative activity against chronic myeloid leukaemia cells. However, a number of them exerted an antiviral effect at micromolar concentrations. The antiproliferative activity and the maximum potency of antiviral activity correlate with the presence of both the 2-pyridyl moiety bound at the ethylenic bridge in C-2 of benzimidazole and the nitro group in the benzene ring.