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Antibacterial Activity of a Series of Diphenylmethanes *

1953; Elsevier BV; Volume: 42; Issue: 9 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/jps.3030420916

1930-2304

H.J. Florestano, M.E. Bahler,

Bioactive Compounds and Antitumor Agents

Thirty-eight derivatives of diphenylmethane were examined for antibacterial activity against a variety of organisms. Activity in vitro appeared more or less specific for Gram-positive bacteria, twenty-three derivatives being bactericidal for this type in concentrations ranging from 0.004 to 4.0 mg. per cent, while only seven compounds were active against the respective Gram-negative organisms at levels of 0.5 to 4.0 mg. per cent. Activity of the diphenylmethanes seemed to be dependent upon both hydroxy and halogen grou substitution in the parent structure, the position of these groups being of considrable importance. Substitution of various other groupings are discussed in an attempt to correlate chemical structure with activity. Antibacterial properties of the diphenylmethanes were markedly reduced in the presence of serum. Although the majority of compounds in the present series were found highly bactericidal for streptococci, none of the derivatives tested showed any marked protective action against experimental streptococcal infection in mice.