Stereoselective synthesis and in vitro antifungal evaluation of (E)- and (Z)-imidazolylchromanone oxime ethers.

A series of (E)- and (Z)-2, 3-dihydro-3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one oxime ethers have been synthesized and tested for antifungal activity. Most compounds showed moderate to potent in vitro antifungal activity. Among the tested compounds, compound (E)-3d was the most active agent against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger, and compounds (Z)-(3a) and (E)-3a were the most potent compounds against Microsporum gypseum. Detailed stereoselective synthesis, spectroscopic, and biological data are reported.