Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Benzimidazole Derivatives Bearing a Heterocyclic Ring at 4/5 Position

A series of novel benzimidazole derivatives bearing a heterocyclic ring as oxadiazole (21-32), thiadiazole (33-34), triazole (35-36) were synthesized and evaluated for their activities against Coxsackie virus B3 and B6 in Vero cells. Compounds 21-26, 31-36 with moieties of 2'-pyridyl, 3'-pyridyl and 4'-pyridyl at the 2-position and oxadiazoles, thiadiazole, or triazole substituent at the 4- or 5-position generally displayed activities against CVB3 and CVB6. Especially compound 24 ($IC_{50}=1.08{\mu}g/mL$, SI = 61.7 against CVB3) was the promising candidate as lead compound for anti-enteroviral drug. It was observed in the incorporation of heterocyclic rings in benzimidazole at the 5-position could enhance their biological activities.