Synthesis and anti-hIV activity of 1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-1H,3H-thiazolo[3,4-a]benzimidazole structurally-related 1,2-substituted benzimidazoles.

The synthesis of 1,2-substituted benzimidazoles is reported. These novel derivatives share chemical similarities with 1-aryl-1H,3H-thiazolo[3,4-a]benzimidazoles, a class of HIV-1 NNRTIs studied widely. All compounds prepared were tested in MT-4 cells to explore their potential anti-HIV activity and were found to be less potent than 1-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-1H,3H-thiazolo[3,4-a]benzimidazole (TBZ).