Synthesis and in vitro antitubercular activity of ferrocene-based hydrazones

We report here the synthesis and in vitro antitubercular activity of a new series of ferrocenyl derivatives. The quinoline-ferrocene hybrid 5 exhibited significant activity (MIC = 2.5-5 μg/ml) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results indicate that such hybrid compounds provide an efficient approach for future pharmacological developments to fight against tuberculosis. Moreover, the antimalarial drug candidate ferroquine (FQ, SSR97193) was also evaluated mainly because of its structural similarity. FQ was found to display moderate inhibitory activity (MIC = 10-15 μg/ml) against M. tuberculosis. This new drug may offer an interesting alternative in endemic area where malaria and tuberculosis coexist. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.