Nitroimidazoles with antibacterial activity against Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Nitroimidazoles have been prepared which show interesting activity against the bacterium, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, in addition to the activities usually shown by nitroimidazoles against protozoa and anaerobic bacteria. The compounds were prepared by alkylation of 1-methyl-2-mercaptoimidazole, followed by nitration. Optimum activity occurs with a 5-nitro group and a free carboxyl at the end of the group attached to the sulfur. The linkage between the sulfur atom and the carboxyl group can be alkylene or phenoxyalkylene. These compounds have only weak activity against other aerobic or facultative bacteria.