Synthesis and antifungal activity of naphthalene-1,4-diones modified at positions 2, 3, and 5.

A series of 2-arylamino-5-hydroxy-naphthalene-1,4-diones, 3-arylamino-5-methoxy-naphthalene-1,4-diones, and 2-arylamino-3chloro-5-hydroxy-naphthalene-1,4-diones were synthesized and tested for in vitro antifungal activity against the species Candida and Aspergillus niger. Among those tested, 3-arylamino-5-methoxy-naphthalene-1,4-diones exhibited potent antifungal activity. In general, the 3-arylamino-5-methoxy-naphthalene-1,4-diones showed more potent antifungal activity than the 2-arylamino-5-hydroxy-naphthalene-1,4-diones and the 2-arylamino-3-chloro-5-hydroxy-naphthalene-1,4-diones.