Abstract
In our previous work, it was reported that thymoquinone (TQ) and some thymohydroquinone (THQ) derivatives were used as precursors for the synthesis of potential anticancer agents. Hence, as a part of our ongoing program in the design of biologically active compounds derived from TQ scaffold we herein investigated the synthesis of homo-and heteronuclear thymol dimers tethered through various linkers such as ethylene, butylene, acetyl and N,N'-acetyl piperazine groups. The newly prepared compounds were examined as antimicrobial agents. Compounds 7 and 8 bearing a piperazine moiety exhibited highest antibacterial activity comparing to TQ, THQ and ampicillin especially against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with MIC value of 16 mu g/mL. All compounds showed moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Together, the new TQ-based bivalent lead might be serving as a promising scaffold for development of novel and potent antimicrobial agents.