Synthesis, antitumour and antimicrobial activities of new peptidyl derivatives containing the 1,3-benzodioxole system.

Two series of 5 and 6-substituted 1,3-benzodioxole peptidyl derivatives were synthesized and evaluated as antitumour and antimicrobial agents. The compounds that could be conveniently prepared in a few steps processes from natural safrole have been characterised by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. In vivo antitumor activity tests showed that some of the compounds were able to inhibit carcinoma S-180 tumour growth in mice. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of all compounds revealed that they are able to promote the growth of some organisms, including Bacillus subtilis.