Skip to main content
International Journal of Molecular Sciences logoLink to International Journal of Molecular Sciences
. 2014 Jun 17;15(6):10908–10925. doi: 10.3390/ijms150610908

Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of New Compounds from Hydrazinecarbothioamide and 1,2,4-Triazole Class Containing Diarylsulfone and 2,4-Difluorophenyl Moieties

Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu 1,*, Diana Carolina Ilies 1,, Gabriel Saramet 2,, Valentina Uivarosi 3,, Constantin Draghici 4,, Valeria Radulescu 1,
PMCID: PMC4100188  PMID: 24941252

Abstract

In the present investigation, new hydrazinecarbothioamides 46 were synthesized by reaction of 4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzoic acids hydrazides (X= H, Cl, Br) 13 with 2,4-difluorophenyl isothiocyanate and further these were treated with sodium hydroxide to obtain 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives 79. The reaction of 79 with α-halogenated ketones, in basic media, afforded new S-alkylated derivatives 1015. The structures of the synthesized compounds have been established on the basis of 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR, mass spectral studies and elemental analysis. The antioxidant activity of all compounds has been screened. Hydrazinecarbothioamides 46 showed excellent antioxidant activity and 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones 79 showed good antioxidant activity using the DPPH method.

Keywords: hydrazinecarbothioamide; 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione; cyclization; alkylation; antioxidant activity, diarylsulfone, 2,4-difluorophenyl moiety

1. Introduction

Oxidation processes are intrinsic to the energy management of all living organisms and are therefore kept under strict control by several cellular mechanisms [1].

Free radicals are molecules, ions or atoms with unpaired electrons in their outermost shell of electrons [2]. These species, which are constantly formed in human body, can become toxic when generated in excess or in the presence of a deficiency in the naturally occurring antioxidant defenses. High levels of free radicals can cause damage to biomolecules such as lipids, proteins, enzymes and DNA in cells and tissues. This may result in many diseases such as: cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, aging, and other diseases through the violent reactivity of the free radicals [3,4,5].

Antioxidants are important compounds that reduce or neutralize the free radicals, thus protecting the cells from oxidative injury [6]. Therefore, considerable research has been directed towards the identification of new antioxidants to prevent radical-induced damage.

Over the years triazoles have become an important class of heterocyclic compounds in organic synthesis due to their various biological properties. It is well known that 1,2,4-triazole derivatives have therapeutic applications. Thus, there are various drugs incorporating in their structure the 1,2,4-triazole ring used as antifungal [7,8,9], antiviral [10] agents, aromatase inhibitors [11], etc. Among the 1,2,4-triazole derivatives, the mercapto- and the thione-substituted 1,2,4-triazole ring systems have been studied and so far a variety of biological properties have been reported for a large number of these compounds including antioxidant [12,13,14], antibacterial, antifungal [12,15,16,17,18], anticancer [17,19], hypolipidemic [20], anti-inflammatory [21] activity. Moreover, various S-alkylated 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones showed antibacterial [22], antifungal [18,22], anti-inflammatory [23], and hypolipidemic [20] activities.

It has been reported that structural properties of triazoles, like moderate dipole character, hydrogen bonding capability, rigidity and stability under in vivo conditions are the main reasons for their superior pharmacological activities [24].

Many synthetic procedures exist for the synthesis of substituted 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones. However, the development of simple, facile and efficient methodologies to get five-membered heterocycles is one of the major aspects in organic synthesis. Hydrazinecarbothioamides are valuable intermediates in a variety of synthetic transformations and useful as building blocks in the synthesis of biologically active heterocycles including synthesis of 1,2,4-triazole-thiones. In addition, hydrazinecarbothioamides derivatives exhibit various biological properties such as antioxidant [13,14,25,26], antibacterial [27], and antimycobacterial [28].

Moreover, sulfone derivatives provide examples of an important class of bioactive compounds with biological activities including antibacterial, and anti-HIV-1 [29,30].

On the other hand, incorporation of one or several fluorine atoms into an organic molecule can enhance their biological potency, bioavailability, metabolic stability and lipophilicity. Enhanced lipophilicity may lead to easier absorption and transportation of molecules within biological systems [31].

Considering these published data and as a sequel to our research on the design and synthesis of biologically active new heterocycles from the triazole class [32,33,34,35], it was thought worthwhile to synthesize the novel title compounds and to evaluate them for their antioxidant activity.

In this study, we present the design, synthesis, characterization and evaluation of the antioxidant activity of the new hydrazinecarbothioamides, 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones and some S-alkylated 1,2,4-triazole derivatives incorporating in their molecule diarylsulfone and 2,4-difluorophenyl moieties.

2. Results and Discussion

2.1. Chemistry

The reaction sequences employed for synthesis of title compounds are showed in Scheme 1. In the present work, 2-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzoyl)-N-(2,4-difluorophenyl)hydrazinecarbo-thioamides 46 were synthesized by reaction of 4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzoic acid hydrazides 13 (X = H, Cl, Br) with 2,4-difluorophenyl isothiocyanate, in absolute ethanol, at reflux. The 4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzoic acid hydrazides precursors 13 were prepared starting from Friedel-Crafts reaction of benzene or halobenzene with p-tosyl chloride, according to a previously reported method [36,37]. The hydrazinecarbothioamides 46 were refluxed in 8% sodium hydroxide solution to obtain 5-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thiones 79 in equilibrium with thiole tautomer. The treatment of 1,2,4-triazoles 79 with α-halogenated ketones (2-bromoacetophenone or 2-bromo-4′-fluoroacetophenone), in basic media, produced the new S-alkylated 1,2,4-triazoles namely (2-(5-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-1-(phenyl/4-fluorophenyl)ethanones 1015 and not N-alkylated derivatives.

Scheme 1.

Scheme 1

Synthetic route of the title compounds.

The structures of all synthesized compounds 415 were proven by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS spectra and elemental analysis.

The IR spectra of hydrazinecarbothioamide derivatives 46 exhibit a new absorption band at 1243–1258 cm−1 corresponding to C=S stretching vibration which confirms the nucleophilic addition reaction of 4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)benzoic acid hydrazides 13 to 2,4-difluorophenyl isothiocyanate. Also, in the IR spectra of these compounds 46 was presented as a strong characteristic absorption band for carbonyl group at 1663–1682 cm−1. The stretching bands corresponding to NH groups were observed in range 3150–3319 cm−1. In the IR spectra of compounds 79 no absorption band was detected about 1663–1682 cm−1 indicating the absence of C=O group of hydrazinecarbothioamides 46 which is evidence for the conversion of these compounds to 1,2,4-triazoles. Compounds 79 can exist in two tautomeric forms, 5-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thioles and 5-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thiones 79. The spectral analysis (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR) shows that these compounds exist in the latter tautomeric form. Thus, in the IR spectra, the νS-H vibration band (~2500–2600 cm−1) was absent and the νC=S vibration band was observed in region 1247–1255 cm−1. Also, the presence of the νNH absorption band in 3278–3414 cm−1 region is an additional proof for the thione tautomeric form [13,38,39]. The structure of compounds 1012 and 1315 obtained by alkylation of triazoles 79 with α-halogenated ketones was confirmed by the presence in their IR spectra of a new strong stretching band in a 1678–1703 cm−1 region characteristic to C=O group. Also, new bands appeared in 2920–2965 cm−1region due to the presence of methylene group (νCH2). The disappearance of C=S stretching band in IR spectra supported the S-alkylation leading to the formation of compounds 1015.

Reaction of hydrazides 13 with 2,4-difluorophenyl isothiocyanate has been proven in 1H-NMR spectra of compounds 46 by the presence of three singlet signals at ~9.62, ~10.04 and ~10.90 ppm assigned to protons from three NH groups. Intramolecular cyclization of hydrazinecarbothioamides was confirmed in 1H-NMR spectra of compounds 79 by presence of a unique singlet at 14.42–14.48 ppm which can be attributed of NH proton from 1,2,4-triazol-3-thione nucleus [38]. The 1H-NMR spectra of all alkylated triazoles 1015 displayed a singlet signal at δ = 4.99 (for 1315) and 5.02 ppm (1012) assignable to S-CH2 protons. The absence of the signal due to NH in 1H-NMR spectra of compounds 1015 and the presence of a new singlet for S-CH2 confirmed that 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones 79 were converted into alkylated derivatives (1015) in the reaction with α-halogenated ketones.

The 13C-NMR spectra of hydrazinecarbothioamides 46 showed two important signals characteristic of carbon atoms from C=O and C=S groups at δ 164.71–164.75 and 182.47 ppm, respectively [40]. In 13C-NMR of compounds 79 the C-3 and C-5 heterocyclic carbon from triazole nucleus resonated at 169.52–169.54 and 149.01–149.03 ppm, respectively. The signal of the C-3 quaternary carbon atom at ~169 ppm is characteristic of C=S group [12,13,41,42,43] which indicates the presence of the thione tautomeric form in solution. The most significant proof of the alkylation of triazoles 79 with 2-bromoacetophenone or 2-bromo-4'-fluoroacetophenone was the presence in 13C-NMR spectra of compounds 1012 and 1315 of two new signals at 191.42–192.73 and 40.33–40.46 ppm corresponding to C=O and S-CH2 carbon atoms from a phenacyl/4-fluorophenacyl group. In addition, the formation of S-alkylated and not of N-alkylated products was confirmed by the absence of a C=S characteristic peak at ~169 ppm in 13C-NMR spectra of 1015. The C-3 and C-5 heterocyclic carbons from these alkylated compounds resonate at 153.09–153.16 ppm (more shielded than the C-3 heterocyclic carbon from 1,2,4-triazoles 79) and 153.01–153.09 ppm, respectively [12,43,44].

Moreover, the signals present in the NMR spectra corresponding to aromatic protons and carbons from 2,4-difluorophenyl-, 4-fluorophenyl- and 5-(4-(4-X-phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-fragments prove the structure of the synthesized compounds. Further confirmations of the structure of the compounds were carried out by mass spectrometry and microanalysis (see experimental part).

2.2. Antioxidant Activity

The free radical scavenging activity of all compounds 415 was carried out in the presence of the stable free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH using ascorbic acid (AA), tert-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole (BHA) and 2,6-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylphenol (BHT) antioxidant agents as positive control.

Although a number of methods are available for determination of the antioxidant activity, the DPPH method is very common, rapid and has been shown to be one of the most appropriate methods [12,45].

The DPPH solution has a deep purple color, with a strong absoption at 517 nm, and turns to yellow in the presence of antioxidants, which neutralizes the free radicals by pairing the DPPH odd electron with a hydrogen atom or by electron donation. Reduction of DPPH absorption at 517 nm represents the capacity of antioxidants to scavenge free radical [46].

The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of synthesized compounds on DPPH radical are presented in Table 1 and Table 2. The antioxidant activity is expressed in terms of % inhibition and IC50 (effective concentration for scavenging 50% of the initial DPPH) value (µM).

Table 1.

Antioxidant activity of compounds 49 by DPPH method.

Compd. Scavenging Effect (%) IC50 (μM)
- 25 μM 50 μM 75 μM 100 μM 125 μM 250 μM -
4 30.54 ± 1.32 64.37 ± 1.35 74.86 ± 1.40 85.39 ± 1.45 95.99 ± 1.50 97.18 ± 1.42 39.39
5 30.39 ± 1.18 63.58 ± 1.62 74.12 ± 1.34 84.69 ± 1.83 95.36 ± 1.87 96.90 ± 1.39 39.79
6 29.14 ± 1.53 59.28 ± 1.23 71.23 ± 1.32 83.23 ± 1.42 95.35 ± 1.18 97.11 ± 1.12 42.32
7 15.88 ± 1.03 24.74 ± 1.32 33.30 ± 1.67 37.93 ± 1.49 46.14 ± 1.45 67.70 ± 1.68 147.79
8 15.56 ± 0.95 24.36 ± 1.19 32.18 ± 1.48 40.58 ± 1.41 48.38 ± 1.54 72.45 ± 1.42 133.80
9 13.96 ± 0.97 22.99 ± 1.05 31.74 ± 1.56 38.63 ± 1.59 43.03 ± 1.63 58.52 ± 1.55 182.60
AA 0.70 ± 1.00 1.08 ± 0.84 17.48 ± 1.03 34.91 ± 0.69 84.12 ± 0.48 91.26 ± 0.49 107.67
BHA 23.27 ± 1.39 48.99 ± 1.42 64.77 ± 1.32 73.89 ± 1.59 81.74 ± 1.45 89.30 ± 1.37 51.62
BHT - - - - - 23.05 ± 1.32 423.37

Table 2.

Antioxidant activity of compounds 1015 by DPPH method.

Compd. Concentration (μM) Scavenging Effect (%)
10 250 12.67 ± 0.82
11 250 8.24 ± 1.20
12 250 7.73 ± 0.96
13 250 13.23 ± 0.48
14 250 15.04 ± 0.43
15 250 12.73 ± 0.50
AA 250 91.26 ± 0.49
BHA 250 89.30 ± 1.37
BHT 250 23.05 ± 1.32

Based on the experimental results, among all the compounds synthesized, hydrazinecarbothioamides 46 showed higher scavenging activity towards DPPH. These compounds have shown a strong inhibitory effect on DPPH radical at 250 μM concentration and inhibition rates were: 97.18% ± 1.42% (for 4), 96.90% ± 1.39% (for 5), 97.11% ± 1.12% (for 6) better than the positive control AA (91.26% ± 0.49%) and BHA (89.30% ± 1.37%) and much stronger than BHT (23.05% ± 1.32%). These compounds 46 inhibited the DPPH activity with an IC50 = 39.39 μM (4), 39.79 μM (5) and 42.32 μM (6) which is better than the specific inhibitor BHA (IC50 = 51.62 μM) and AA (IC50 = 107.67 μM) and much stronger than BHT (423.37 μM).

The 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones 79 obtained by cyclization of hydrazinecarbothioamides showed (at the same concentration, 250 μM) a good antioxidant activity (7: 67.70% ± 1.68%, 8: 72.45% ± 1.42%, 9: 58.52% ± 1.55%) but lower than AA (91.26% ± 0.49%) and BHA (89.30% ± 1.37%). However, triazoles had higher antioxidant activity than BHT. As deduced from the IC50 data, the triazole with the lowest anti-radical capacity were found to be derivative 9 (with 182.60 μM) followed by 7 (147.79 μM) and 8 was found to be slightly more active (133.80 μM) than its counterparts 7 and 9 (Table 1).

The S-alkylated 1,2,4-triazoles 1015 showed weak inhibitory effect at 250 μM concentration, in the range of 7.73%–15.04% (Table 2). However, the presence of the third fluorine atom on phenyl radical linked to ketone groups determines a slight increase of antioxidant activity of compounds 1315 compared with 1012. Because these compounds presented a weaker action even than BHT, IC50 was not calculated.

The higher antioxidant activity of hydrazinecarbothioamides 46 can be explained by the existence of the thiourea fragment [13] that determines stabilization of free radicals of nitrogen atoms (occurring due to the elimination of hydrogen atoms linked to these) by double conjugation, mainly with the thione group. The conjugation between free radicals of the nitrogen atom and π electrons of the aromatic ring represents an additional factor for increasing the stability of the radical structure. The probable mechanism for the reaction of compounds 46 with DPPH radical is presented in Scheme 2.

Scheme 2.

Scheme 2

The probable mechanism for the reaction of compounds 46 with DPPH radical

Heterocyclization to 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones creates only the possibility to conjugate free radicals on the nitrogen atom N-2 with the thione group, which would explain the lower stability of this radical, probably responsible for a weaker antioxidant activity (Scheme 3).

Scheme 3.

Scheme 3

The probable mechanism for the reaction of compounds 79 with DPPH radical

S-alkylation decreases almost entirely the possibilities of conjugation with thione group, causing the least stable radical structure and the weakest antioxidant activity, according to this interpretation.

The compounds tested displayed a considerable lipophilic character, with estimated mean logP values of 4.65 ± 0.71 (ADMET Predictor, Simulation Plus Inc., Lancaster, CA, USA). Based on the preliminary evaluation of biorelevant molecular descriptors and physico-chemical properties, it appears that the evaluated compounds are typical, low solubility—high permeability entities. Therefore, their bioavailability will dependent on the nature of the administration pathways. For oral route, the solubility in the hydrophilic gastro-intestinal fluids is probably the limiting step for absorption. The in-vivo distribution process may include binding and accumulation phenomenon in various organs, likely to be of interest for the antioxidant activity. Moreover, the high lipophilicity can limit the distribution to deeper skin layers or the systemic exposure, which is a considerable advantage for the safety profile. None of the compounds seems to present a high risk of low bioavailability, based on current mnemotic rules [47].

The lipophilicity, as estimate by logP values, was not directly correlated with the antioxidant activity (Supplementary data). Nevertheless, a rank order relationship seems apparent. The compounds showing higher scavenging activity towards DPPH (46) presented the lowest lipophilicity (except for triazole 7 which has lower antioxidant activity than hydrazinecarbothioamides 5 and 6 although it has lower lipophilicity than these derivatives).

3. Experimental

3.1. Chemistry

All reactants and solvents were obtained commercially with the highest purity and were used without further purification. Melting points were determined on a Boetius apparatus and are uncorrected. The IR spectra were recorded in KBr using a Vertex 70 Bruker spectrometer. Elemental analyses were performed on a ECS-40-10-Costeh micro-dosimeter (and are within ±0.4% of the theoretical values). The NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian Gemini 300 BB instrument operating at 300 MHz for a 1H and 75 MHz for 13C. Chemical shifts (δ, ppm) were assigned according to the internal standard signal of tetramethylsilane in DMSO-d6 (δ = 0 ppm). Coupling constants, J, are expressed in hertz (Hz). Mass spectra were recorded on 1200 L/MS/MS triple quadrupole (Varian, Palo Alto, CA, USA) spectrometer. In case of compounds 49, solutions of 2 μg/mL in methanol/ammonia (1/1, v/v) were directly injected into the electrospray interface (ESI), after a tenth dilution with methanol, at a flow rate of 20 μL/min. The instrument was operated in positive and negative ions mode. In case of compounds 1015, methanolic solutions of 0.1 µg/mL (with 0.1% ammonia) were directly infused into APCI (Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization) source with a Prostar 240 SDM Pump (Varian). Parameters for APCI operation were set up as follows: air drying gas at 300 °C and 20 psi, nitrogen as nebulising gas at 40 psi, air as auxiliary gas at 20 psi, APCI torch at 300 °C, and corona discharge needle current at 10 µA. APCI generated only positive ions. Protonated molecular ions were fragmented by collision with argon at 1.5 mTorr.

3.1.1. General Procedure for the Preparation of 2-(4-(4-X-Phenylsulfonyl)benzoyl)-N-(2,4-difluorophenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamides 46

Appropriate acid hydrazide 13 (5 mmol) in absolute ethanol (25 mL) and 2,4-difluorophenyl isothiocyanate (5 mmol) was heated under reflux for 10 h. The precipitate formed was cooled, filtered, washed with cold ethanol, dried and recrystallized from ethanol.

N-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-2-(4-(phenylsulfonyl)benzoyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide 4. Yield: 92.0%; m.p. 176–178 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3267, 3169, 3150 (NH), 3067, 3001 (aromatic C-H), 1663 (C=O), 1539, 1510, 1483 (C=C), 1320, 1309, 1155 (SO2), 1258 (C=S), 1144 (C-F); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm) : 10.89 (s, 1H; NH); 10.03 (s, 1H, NH); 9.61 (s, 1H, NH); 8.13 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 8.09 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz; aromatic protons); 7.99 (dd, 2H, J = 7.4, 1.4 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.70 (tt, 1H, J = 7.4, 1.4 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.63 (t, 2H, J = 7.4 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.29 (m, 2H, aromatic protons); 7.07 (wt, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz, aromatic proton); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 182.47 (C=S), 164.75 (C=O), 160.57 (dd, JC-F = 245.1; 11.2 Hz), 158.55 (dd, JC-F = 248.5; 13.7 Hz), 143.84, 140.64, 137.01, 134.12, 131.87 (d, JC-F = 9.5 Hz), 129.95, 129.40, 127.57, 127.40, 123.81 (d, JC-F = 12.9 Hz), 111.07 (d, JC-F = 22.6 Hz), 104.28 (t, JC-F = 25.5 Hz); (ESI-MS) m/z: 448 [M + H]+, 319 (38) [C6H5SO2C6H4CONHNHCS]+, 277 (100, BP) [C6H5SO2C6H4CONHNH2 + H]+, 245 (19) [C6H5SO2C6H4CO]+; (ESI-MS) m/z: 446 [M − H], 426 (2) [M − H-HF], 412 (11) [M − H-H2S], 275 (100, BP) [C6H5SO2C6H4CONHNH]; Anal. calcd for C20H15F2N3O3S2 (447.48 g/mol): C, 53.68; H, 3.38; N, 9.39. Found: C, 53.61; H, 3.30; N, 9.28%.

2-(4-(4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)benzoyl)-N-(2,4-difluorophenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide 5. Yield: 90%; m.p. 170–172 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3290, 3160 (NH), 3090, 3010 (aromatic C-H), 1680 (C=O), 1531, 1478 (C=C), 1319, 1294, 1156 (SO2), 1243 (C=S), 1145 (C-F), 761 (C-Cl); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm) : 10.90 (s, 1H, NH); 10.03 (s, 1H, NH); 9.61 (s, 1H, NH); 8.12 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, aromatic protons); 8.09 (d, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, aromatic protons); 8.01 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.71 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.07 (wt, 1H, J = 8.4 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.29 (m, 2H, aromatic protons); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 182.47 (C=S), 164.71 (C=O), 160.65 (dd, JC-F = 246.0; 11.3 Hz), 157.80 (dd, JC-F = 245.0; 13.7 Hz), 143.36, 139.45, 138.98, 137.20, 131.82 (d, JC-F = 9.7 Hz), 130.11, 129.58, 129.47, 127.54, 123.72 (d, JC-F = 19.9 Hz), 111.08 (d, JC-F = 21.8 Hz), 104.28 (t, JC-F = 25.5 Hz); (ESI-MS) m/z: 482 [M + H]+, 484 [M + H]+, 353 (31) [35ClC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNHCS]+, 355 (58) [37ClC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNHCS]+, 311 (100, BP) [35ClC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNH2 + H]+, 313 (100, BP) [37ClC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNH2 + H]+, 279 (5) [35ClC6H4SO2C6H4CO]+, 281 (24) [37ClC6H4SO2C6H4CO]+; (ESI-MS) m/z: 480 [M − H], 482 [M − H], 446 (9) [35ClM-H-H2S], 448 (9) [37ClM-H-H2S], 309 (100, BP) [35ClC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNH], 311 (100, BP) [37ClC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNH]; Anal. calcd for C20H14ClF2N3O3S2 (481.92 g/mol): C, 49.84; H, 2.93; N, 8.72. Found: C, 49.75; H, 2.87; N, 8.60%.

2-(4-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)benzoyl)-N-(2,4-difluorophenyl)hydrazinecarbothioamide 6. Yield: 88%; m.p. 175–177 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3319, 3280 (NH), 3088, 3044, 3010 (aromatic C-H), 1682 (C=O), 1573, 1536, 1481 (C=C), 1321, 1293, 1157 (SO2), 1245 (C=S), 1144 (C-F), 576 (C-Br); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm) : 10.90 (s, 1H, NH); 10.04 (s, 1H, NH); 9.62 (s, 1H, NH); 8.11 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 8.10 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.92 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz; aromatic protons); 7.85 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.29 (m, 2H, aromatic protons); 7.07 (wt, 1H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 182.47 (C=S), 164.71 (C=O), 160.65 (dd, JC-F = 243.0; 11.2 Hz), 157.40 (dd, JC-F = 243.0; 13.2 Hz), 143.33, 139.86, 137.20, 133.05, 131.93 (d, JC-F = 9.6 Hz), 129.60, 129.46, 128.46, 127.54, 123.70, 111.08 (d, JC-F = 20.9 Hz), 104.28 (t, JC-F = 25.2 Hz); (ESI-MS) m/z: 526 [M + H]+, 528 [M + H]+, 397 (40) [79BrC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNHCS]+, 399 (33) [81BrC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNHCS]+, 355 (100, BP) [79BrC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNH2 + H]+, 357 (100, BP) [81BrC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNH2 + H]+, 323 (1) [79BrC6H4SO2C6H4CO]+, 325 (32) [81BrC6H4SO2C6H4CO]+, 172 (5) [2,4-diFC6H3NHCS]+, 130 (6) [2,4-diFC6H3NH2 + H]+; (ESI-MS) m/z: 524 [M − H], 526 [M − H], 504 (3) [M − H-HF], 506 (4) [M − H-HF], 490 (7) [M − H-H2S], 492 (11) [M − H-H2S], 353 (100, BP) [79BrC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNH], 355 (100, BP) [81BrC6H4SO2C6H4CONHNH]; Anal. calcd for C20H14BrF2N3O3S2 (526.37 g/mol): C, 45.64; H, 2.68; N, 7.98. Found: C, 45.58; H, 2.60; N, 7.88%.

3.1.2. General Procedure for the Preparation of 5-(4-(4-X-Phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thiones 79

The corresponding hydrazinecarbothioamide 46 (3 mmol) was refluxed in aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (8%, 45 mL) for 5 h. The filtrate obtained by filtration of reaction mixture was cooled and acidified to pH~5 with hydrochloric acid (1%). The precipitated obtained was filtered, washed with water, dried and recristallized from CHCl3/petroleum ether (1:2, v/v).

4-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-5-(4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione 7 Yield: 71%; m.p. 256–258 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3414 (NH), 3065, 3015 (aromatic C-H), 1614, 1580, 1518, 1474 (C=N + C=C), 1338, 1290, 1160 (SO2), 1247 (C=S), 1143 (C-F); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 14.48 (s, 1H, NH); 8.00 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.95 (dd, 2H, J = 7.7, 1.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.73 (td, 1H, J = 8.7, 6.1 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.70 (t, 1H, J = 7.7, 1.5 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.61 (t, 2H, J = 7.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.58 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.54 (ddd, 1H, J = 10.2, 8.9, 2.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.31 (dddd, 1H, J = 9.8, 6.1, 2.7, 1.5 Hz, aromatic proton); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 169.52 (C3-triazolic ring), 162.96 (dd, JC-F = 251.4; 11.4 Hz), 157.72 (dd, JC-F = 252.8; 13.5 Hz), 149.03 (C5-triazolic ring), 142.85, 140.24, 134.17, 132.75 (d, JC-F = 10.6, Hz), 129.93, 129.86, 128.80, 128.03, 127.62, 118.39 (d, JC-F = 12.7 Hz), 112.99 (d, JC-F = 22.9 Hz), 105.68 (t, JC-F = 23.8 Hz); (ESI-MS) m/z: 430 [M + H]+; 356 (8) [M + H-SCNNH2]+; 289 (100, BP) [M + H-C6H5SO2]+; 172 (10.9) [F2C6H3NCS + H]+; 153 (62) [FC6H4NCS]+; (ESI-MS) m/z: 428 [M − H]; 408 (15.4) [M − H-HF]; 388 (15.4) [M − H-2HF]; 267 (7,3) [M − H-HF-C6H5SO2]; 141 (100, BP) [C6H5SO2]; Anal. calcd for C20H13F2N3O2S2 (429.46 g/mol): C, 55.93; H, 3.05; N, 9.78. Found: C, 55.83; H, 2.98; N, 9.65%.

5-(4-(4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione 8 Yield: 73%; m.p. 245–247 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3278 (NH), 3091, 3053 (aromatic C-H), 1614, 1580, 1518, 1468 (C=N + C=C), 1338, 1276, 1159 (SO2), 1248 (C=S), 1144 (C-F), 768 (C-Cl); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 14.42 (s, 1H, NH); 8.01 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.96 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.73 (td, 1H, J = 8.8, 6.0 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.68 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.59 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.53 (ddd, 1H, J = 10.2, 9.1, 2.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.31 (dddd, 1H, J = 9.8, 6.4, 2.7, 1.5 Hz, aromatic proton); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 169.54 (C3-triazolic ring), 162.98 (dd, J = 250.8; 11.7 Hz), 149.01 (C5-triazolic ring), 157.27 (dd, JC-F = 253.1, 13.1 Hz), 142.39, 139.36, 139.04, 132.77 (d, JC-F = 10.5 Hz), 130.78, 130.11, 129.63, 128.86, 128.13, 118.40 (d, JC-F = 12.6 Hz), 113.01 (d, JC-F = 22.6 Hz), 105.70 (t, JC-F = 23.5 Hz); (ESI-MS) m/z: 464 [M + H]+; m/z: 466 [M + H]+; 289 (100, BP) [M + H-ClC6H4SO2]+; (ESI-MS) m/z: 462 [M − H]; m/z: 464 [M − H]; Anal. calcd for C20H12ClF2N3O2S2 (463.91 g/mol): C, 51.78; H, 2.61; N, 9.06. Found: C, 51.89; H, 2.47; N, 8.96%.

5-(4-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione 9 Yield: 81%; m.p. 264–266 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3414 (NH), 3095, 3073, 3028 (aromatic C-H), 1614, 1572, 1516, 1471 (C=N + C=C), 1330, 1272, 1169 (SO2), 1255 (C=S), 1145 (C-F), 578 (C-Br); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 14.43 (s, 1H, NH); 8.00 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.88 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.83 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.73 (td, 1H, J = 8.8, 6.1 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.59 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.54 (ddd, 1H, J = 10.2, 9.0, 2.9 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.31 (dddd, 1H, J = 9.7, 6.5, 2.9, 1.4 Hz, aromatic proton); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 169.54 (C3-triazolic ring), 162.98 (dd, JC-F = 251.0, 11.5 Hz), 149.01 (C5-triazolic ring), 157.50 (dd, JC-F = 254.0; 13.4 Hz), 142.35, 139.49, 133.06, 132.78 (d, JC-F = 10.6, Hz), 130.08, 129.66, 128.88, 128.51, 128.14, 118.48 (d, JC-F = 12.6 Hz), 113.03 (d, JC-F = 22.9 Hz), 105.66 (t, JC-F = 23.5 Hz); (ESI-MS) m/z: 508 [M + H]+; m/z: 510 [M + H]+; 289 (100, BP) [M + H-BrC6H4SO2]+; 155 (24.8) [79BrC6H4]+; 157 (25.6) [81BrC6H4]+; 129 (63.2) [F2C6H3NH2]+; Anal. calcd for C20H12BrF2N3O2S2 (508.36 g/mol): C, 47.25; H, 2.38; N, 8.27. Found: C, 47.13; H, 2.30; N, 8.13%.

3.1.3. General Procedure for the Preparation of 2-(5-(4-(4-X-Phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-1-(phenyl/4-fluorophenyl)ethanones 1015

To a solution of sodium ethoxide (23 mg of sodium in 10 mL of absolute ethanol) was added the corresponding triazole 79 (1 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature until a solution was obtained. To this solution was added the corresponding α-halogenated ketone (1 mmol) and stirring was continuated for 10 h. The reaction mixture was poured into ice water and the precipitate was filtered off, washed with water and recristallized from ethanol.

2-(4-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-5-(4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-1-phenylethanone 10 Yield: 70%; m.p. 176–178 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3070, 3038 (aromatic C-H), 2965, 2922 (CH2), 1685 (C=O), 1614, 1598, 1515 (C=N + C=C), 1312, 1291, 1161 (SO2), 1146 (C-F); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 8.03 (dd, 2H, J = 7.7, 1.3 Hz, aromatic protons); 8.00 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.97 (dd, 2H, J = 7.7, 1.4 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.87 (dt, 1H, J = 8.8, 5.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.71 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 7.65 (t, 2H, J = 7.7 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.62 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.60 (m, 2H, aromatic protons); 7.56 (t, 2H, J = 7.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.40 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 5.02 (s, 2H, S-CH2-); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 192.73 (C=O), 163.34 (dd, JC-F = 251.9; 11.7 Hz), 156.66 (dd, JC-F = 253.4; 13.8 Hz), 153.11 (C3-triazolic ring), 153.05 (C5-triazolic ring), 142.27, 140.36, 135.14, 134.07, 133.82, 131.59 (d, JC-F = 10.9 Hz), 130.66, 129.87, 128.83, 128.41, 128.30, 128.04, 127.54, 117.50 (d, JC-F = 12.0 Hz), 113.56 (d, JC-F = 25.2 Hz), 106.84 (t, JC-F = 23.2 Hz), 40.46 (S-CH2-); (APCI-MS) m/z: 548 [M + H]+; 514 (5.6) [M + H-H2S]+; 430 (15.3) [M + H-C6H5COCH]+; 398 (98.8) [M + H-C6H5COCHS]+; 105 (88.8) [C6H5CO]+; 91 (100, BP) [tropylium]+; Anal. calcd for C28H19F2N3O3S2 (547.60 g/mol): C, 61.41; H, 3.50; N, 7.67. Found: C, 61.23; H, 3.29; N, 7.48%.

2-(5-(4-(4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-1-phenylethanone 11 Yield: 84%; m.p. 191–193 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3084, 3040 (aromatic C-H), 2959, 2921 (CH2), 1678 (C=O), 1612, 1598, 1580, 1516 (C=N) + C=C), 1328, 1283, 1161 (SO2), 1146 (C-F), 767 (C-Cl); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 8.03 (dd, 2H, J = 7.7, 1.4 Hz, aromatic protons); 8.00 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.96 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.70 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.65 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 7.63 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.61 (dt, 1H, J = 8.8, 6.0 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.56 (t, 2H, J = 7.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.40 (ddd, 1H, J = 10.2, 9.1, 2.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.24 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 5.02 (s, 2H, S-CH2-); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 192.72 (C=O), 163.35 (dd, JC-F = 251.9, 11.7 Hz), 156.57 (dd, JC-F = 253.4, 13.5 Hz), 153.09 (C3-triazolic ring), 153.06 (C5-triazolic ring), 141.80, 139.22, 139.16, 135.14, 133.82, 131.59 (d, JC-F = 10.6 Hz), 130.86, 130.03, 129.55, 128.83, 128.41, 128.34, 128.13, 117.55 (d, JC-F = 9.2 Hz), 113.57 (d, JC-F = 20.4 Hz), 106.84 (t, JC-F = 23.5 Hz), 40.35 (S-CH2-); (APCI-MS) m/z: 582 [M + H]+; m/z: 584 [M + H]+; 476 (67.2) [M + H-C6H5CHO]+; 478 (82.3) [M + H-C6H5CHO]+; 464 (28.5) [M + H-C6H5COCH]+; 466 (30.2) [M + H-C6H5COCH]+; 444 (40.1) [M + H-C6H5COCH-HF]+; 446 (41.2) [M + H-C6H5COCH-HF]+; 432 (28.4) [M + H-C6H5COCHS]+; 434 (84.1) [M + H-C6H5COCHS]+; 305 (5.7) [M + H-C6H5COCHS-F2C6H3NH2]+; 307 (7.2) [M + H-C6H5COCHS-F2C6H3NH2]+; 159 (23.4) [35ClC6H4SO]+; 161 (10.3) [37ClC6H4SO]+; 105 (100, BP) [C6H5CO]+; 91 (95.2) [tropylium]+; Anal. calcd for C28H18ClF2N3O3S2 (582.04 g/mol): C, 57.78; H, 3.12; N, 7.22. Found: C, 57.67; H, 3.04; N, 7.07%.

2-(5-(4-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-1-phenylethanone 12 Yield: 82%; m.p. 213–215 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3083, 3050 (aromatic C-H), 2960, 2922 (CH2), 1703 (C=O), 1615, 1598, 1572, 1517 (C=N + C=C), 1321, 1282, 1160 (SO2), 1142 (C-F), 580 (C-Br); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 8.03 (dd, 2H, J = 7.7, 1.4 Hz, aromatic protons); 8.00 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.89 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.87 (dt, 1H, J = 8.8, 5.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.83 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.69 (tt, 1H, J = 7.7, 1.4 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.65 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 7.63 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.56 (t, 2H, J = 7.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.39 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 5.02 (s, 2H, S-CH2-); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 192.71 (C=O), 163.26 (dd, JC-F = 251.7, 11.7 Hz), 156.65 (dd, JC-F = 253.4, 13.5 Hz), 153.11 (C3-triazolic ring), 153.06 (C5-triazolic ring), 141.75, 139.57, 135.13, 133.80, 132.98, 131.59 (d, JC-F = 10.6 Hz), 130.86, 129.56, 129.30, 128.83, 128.41, 128.35, 128.13, 117.51 (d, JC-F = 12.9 Hz), 113.59 (d, JC-F = 22.3 Hz), 106.85 (t, JC-F = 23.5 Hz), 40.46 (S-CH2-); (APCI-MS) m/z: 626 [M + H]+; m/z: 628 [M + H]+; 476 (31.9) [M + H-C6H5COCHS]+; 478 (26.3) [M + H-C6H5COCHS]+; 434 (12.7) [M + H-C6H5COCH2SNCNH]+; 436 (33.2) [M + H-C6H5COCH2SNCNH]+; 159 (23.4) [79BrC6H4SO]+; 161 (10.3) [81BrC6H4SO]+; 105(100, BP) [C6H5CO]+; 91 (95.2) [tropylium]+; Anal. calcd for C28H18BrF2N3O3S2 (626.49 g/mol): C, 53.68; H, 2.90; N, 6.71. Found: C, 53.54; H, 2.79; N, 6.62%.

2-(4-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-5-(4-(phenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-1-(4-fluorophe-nyl)ethanone 13 Yield: 72%; m.p. 152–154 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3071, 3035 (aromatic C-H), 2960, 2922 (CH2), 1682 (C=O), 1614, 1598, 1515 (C=N + C=C), 1313, 1281, 1161 (SO2), 1145 (C-F); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 8.11 (dd, 2H, J = 8.8, 5.5 Hz, aromatic protons), 7.99 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.95 (dd, 2H, J = 7.4, 1.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.86 (dt, 1H, J = 8.8, 5.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.71 (tt, 1H, J = 7.4, 1.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.65 (m, 1H aromatic proton); 7.63 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.62 (t, 2H, J = 7.4 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.39 (t, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.30 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 4.99 (s, 2H, S-CH2-); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 191.45 (C=O), 165.36 (d, JC-F = 252.8 Hz), 163.04 (dd, JC-F = 250.5; 11.7 Hz), 156.76 (dd, JC-F = 250.9; 13.2 Hz), 153.16 (C3-triazolic ring), 153.01 (C5-triazolic ring), 142.32, 140.38, 134.10, 131.95 (d, JC-F = 2.7 Hz), 131.60 (d, JC-F = 9.6 Hz), 131.55 (d, JC-F = 9.4 Hz), 130.67, 129.90, 128.34, 128.07, 127.57, 117.48 (d, JC-F = 9.8 Hz), 115.92 (d, JC-F = 21.9 Hz), 113.60 (d, JC-F = 22.7 Hz), 106.16 (dd, JC-F = 235.0, 27.3 Hz), 40.34 (S-CH2-); (APCI-MS) m/z: 566 [M + H]+; 428 (18.9) [M + H-FC6H4COCH3]+; 398 (35.3) [M + H-FC6H4COCHS]+; 356 (16.8) [M + H-FC6H4COCH2SNCNH]+; 137 (26.5) [FC6H4COCH2]+; 123 (82.2) [FC6H4CO]+; 109 (100, BP) [FC6H4N]+; Anal. calcd for C28H18F3N3O3S2 (565.59 g/mol): C, 59.46; H, 3.21; N, 7.43. Found: C, 59.23; H, 3.07; N, 7.26%.

2-(5-(4-(4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethanone 14 Yield: 85%; m.p. 226–228 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3068, 3030 (aromatic C-H), 2965, 2920 (CH2), 1682 (C=O), 1615, 1599, 1514 (C=N + C=C), 1322, 1282, 1158 (SO2); 1145 (C-F), 768 (C-Cl); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 8.11 (dd, 2H, J = 8.8, 5.5 Hz, aromatic protons), 8.00 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons), 7.97 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.86 (dt, 1H, J = 8.8, 5.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.69 (d, 2H, J = 8.7 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.65 (m, 1H, aromatic proton), 7.63 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.39 (t, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.38 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 4.99 (s, 2H, S-CH2-); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 191.42 (C=O), 165.34 (d, JC-F = 252.5 Hz), 163.18 (dd, JC-F = 250.4, 11.8 Hz), 156.72 (dd, JC-F = 250.8, 13.1 Hz), 153.09 (C3-triazolic ring), 153.04 (C5-triazolic ring), 141.81, 139.22, 139.16, 131.94 (d, JC-F = 2.7 Hz), 131.59 (d, JC-F = 9.7 Hz), 131.52 (d, JC-F = 9.7 Hz), 130.85, 130.05, 128.55, 128.36, 128.14, 117.64 (d, JC-F = 9.8 Hz), 115.89 (d, JC-F = 21.9 Hz), 113.57 (d, JC-F = 19.6 Hz), 106.20 (dd, JC-F = 235.0, 27.3 Hz), 40.33 (S-CH2-); (APCI-MS) m/z: 600 [M + H]+; m/z: 602 [M + H]+; 123 (52.2) [FC6H4CO]+; 123 (48.3) [FC6H4CO]+; 109 (100, BP) [FC6H4N]+; Anal. calcd for C28H17ClF3N3O3S2 (600.03 g/mol): C, 56.05; H, 2.86; N, 7.00. Found: C, 55.97; H, 2.76; N, 6.87%.

2-(5-(4-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)phenyl)-4-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)ethanone 15 Yield: 80%; m.p. 228–230 °C; IR (KBr, ν, cm−1): 3080, 3067 (aromatic C-H), 2963, 2920 (CH2), 1682 (C=O), 1612, 1598, 1574, 1515 (C=N + C=C), 1323, 1282, 1159 (SO2), 1144 (C-F), 578 (C-Br); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 8.11 (dd, 2H, J = 8.9, 5.4 Hz, aromatic protons),8.00 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons), 7.89 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.86 (dt, 1H, J = 8.8, 5.8 Hz, aromatic proton); 7.64 (d, 2H, J = 8.5 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.83 (d, 2H, J = 8.8 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.60 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 7.38 (t, 2H, J = 8.9 Hz, aromatic protons); 7.30 (m, 1H, aromatic proton); 4.99 (s, 2H, S-CH2-); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm): 191.42 (C=O), 165.34 (d, JC-F = 252.5 Hz), 163.36 (dd, JC-F = 250.2, 11.8 Hz), 156.64 (dd, JC-F = 252.0, 13.4 Hz), 153.10 (C3-triazolic ring), 153.05 (C5-triazolic ring), 141.78, 139.58, 132.99, 131.92 (d, JC-F = 2.6 Hz), 131.59 (d, JC-F = 9.6 Hz), 131.52 (d, JC-F = 2.7 Hz), 130.86, 129.57, 129.15, 128.36, 128.13, 117.52 (d, JC-F = 9.4 Hz), 115.89 (d, JC-F = 21.9 Hz), 113.57 (d, JC-F = 20.0 Hz), 106.20 (dd, JC-F = 235.0, 27.3 Hz), 40.33 (S-CH2-); (APCI-MS) m/z: 644 [M + H]+; m/z: 646 [M + H]+; 476 (31.9) [M + H-FC6H4COCHS]+; 478 (26.3) [M + H-FC6H4COCHS]+; 137 (26.5) [FC6H4COCH2]+; 137 (37.2) [FC6H4COCH2]+; 123 (100, BP) [FC6H4CO]+; 109 (43.1) [FC6H4N]+; 109 (74.2) [FC6H4N]+; Anal. calcd for C28H17BrF3N3O3S2 (644.48 g/mol): C, 52.18; H, 2.66; N, 6.52. Found: C, 52.07; H, 2.57; N, 6.36%.

3.2. Antioxidant Activity

The antioxidant activity of all the synthesized compounds was evaluated by DPPH method [14,38] with some modifications and compared with standards (AA, BHA and BHT).

The 400 μM solution of DPPH (2 mL) in ethanol was added to tested sample solutions (2 mL) of different concentrations (50, 100, 125, 200, 250 and 500 μM) in acetone - ethanol 4:96 v/v. The samples were kept in the dark at room temperature. After 30 min the absorbance values were measured at 517 nm and were converted into the percentage antioxidant activity (%) using the formula [48]:

% = {1 − [(Asample − Asampleblank)/Acontrol] × 100 (1)

where Acontrol was the absorbance of DPPH solution without sample, Asample was the absorbance of sample solution with DPPH, Asampleblank was the absorbance of the sample solutions without the DPPH.

All analyses were undertaken on three replicates and the results averaged. The IC50 values were calculated by linear regression plots, where the abscissa represented the concentration of tested compound solution (50, 100, 125, 200, 250 and 500 μM) and the ordinate represented the average percent of antioxidant activity from three separate tests. The absorbance was measured on a SPECORD 40 Analytik Jena spectrophotometer.

4. Conclusions

New hydrazinecarbothioamides, 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones and S-alkylated 1,2,4-triazole derivatives were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data. All the synthesized compounds 415 have been investigated for their antioxidant activity. Some of these compounds were found to be significant scavengers of free radicals. The hydrazinecarbothioamides 46 showed excellent antioxidant activity, more than the standards. 1,2,4-Triazole-3-thiones showed good antioxidant activity, but lower than the key intermediates from hydrazinecarbothioamide class, unlike S-alkylates derivatives that had very low action. These results obtained by preliminary screening of antioxidant activity suggested that the molecules from hydrazinecarbothioamide class might serve as interesting compounds for the development of new antioxidant agents by synthesis of some new derivatives with this structure.

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, a project number 28492/30.10.2012.

Supplementary Files

Supplementary File 1

Supplementary Information (PDF, 563 KB)

Author Contributions

Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu designed the research, performed the synthesis of the compounds, contributed to the analysis of the data and wrote the paper; Diana Carolina Ilies and Valeria Radulescu performed the antioxidant experiments; Gabriel Saramet and Valentina Uivarosi contributed to the synthesis of the compounds and to the interpretation of the data; Constantin Draghici performed NMR data experiments and contributed to the interpretation of the data.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References and Notes

  • 1.Ślusarczyk S., Hajnos M., Skalicka-Woźniak K., Matkowski A. Antioxidant activity of polyphenols from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Food Chem. 2009;113:134–138. [Google Scholar]
  • 2.Dakubo G.D. Mitochondrial Genetics and Cance. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg; Berlin, Germany: 2010. [DOI] [Google Scholar]
  • 3.Torreggiani A., Tamba M. Free radical scavenging and metal chelating activity of some therapeutic heterocyclic agents. Trends Heterocycl. Chem. 2005;10:115–137. [Google Scholar]
  • 4.Karalı N., Güzel Ӧ., Ӧzsoy N., Ӧzbey S., Salman A. Synthesis of new spiroindolinones incorporating a benzothiazole moiety as antioxidant agents. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2010;45:1068–1077. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2009.12.001. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 5.Patil V.P., Markad V.L., Kodam K.M., Waghmode S.B. Facile preparation of tetrahydro-5H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazines via reductive cyclization of 2-(8-quinolinyloxy)ethanones and their antioxidant activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2013;23:6259–6263. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.09.088. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 6.Azam F. In: Therapeutic Potential of Free Radical Scavengers in Neurological Disorders in Handbook of Free Radicals: Formation, Types and Effects. Kozyrev D., Slutsky V., editors. Nova Science Pub. Inc.; Hauppauge, NY, USA: 2010. pp. 57–97. Chapter 2. [Google Scholar]
  • 7.Groll A.H., Kolve H. Antifungal agents: In vitro susceptibility testing, pharmacodynamics, and prospects for combination therapy. Eur. J. Clin. Microbiol. Infect. Dis. 2004;23:256–270. doi: 10.1007/s10096-004-1108-6. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 8.Kathiravan M.K., Salake A.B., Chothe A.S., Dudhe P.B., Watode R.P., Mukta M.S., Gadhwe S. The biology and chemistry of antifungal agents: A review. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2012;20:5678–5698. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.04.045. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 9.Thompson G.R., III, Cadena J., Patterson T.F. Overview of antifungal agents. Clin. Chest Med. 2009;30:203–215. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2009.02.001. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 10.Balfour H.H., Jr. Antiviral drugs. N. Engl. J. Med. 1999;340:1255–1268. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199904223401608. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 11.Murthy N., Rao A.R., Sastry G.N. Aromatase inhibitors: A new paradigm in breast cancer treatment. Curr. Med. Chem. Anticancer Agents. 2004;4:523–534. doi: 10.2174/1568011043352669. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 12.Koparir M., Orek C., Parlak A.E., Söylemez A., Koparir P., Karatepe M., Dastan S.D. Synthesis and biological activities of some novel aminomethyl derivatives of 4-substituted-5-(2-thienyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2013;63:340–346. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.02.025. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 13.Yehye W.A., Rahman N.A., Alhadi A.A., Khaledi H., Ng S.W., Ariffin A. Butylated hydroxytoluene analogs: Synthesis and evaluation of their multipotent antioxidant activities. Molecules. 2012;17:7645–7665. doi: 10.3390/molecules17077645. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 14.Kuş C., Ayhan-Kılcıgil G., Özbey S., Kaynak F.B., Kaya M., Çoban T., Can-Eke B. Synthesis and antioxidant properties of novel N-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-amine and 4-methyl-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione derivatives of benzimidazole class. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2008;16:4294–4303. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2008.02.077. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 15.Zoumpoulakis P., Camoutsis C., Pairas G., Soković M., Glamočlija J., Potamitis C., Pitsas A. Synthesis of novel sulfonamide-1,2,4-triazoles, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and 1,3,4-oxadiazoles, as potential antibacterial and antifungal agent. Biological evaluation and conformational analysis studies. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2012;20:1569–1583. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.12.031. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 16.Eswaran S., Adhikari A.V., Shetty N.S. Synthesis and antimicrobial activities of novel quinoline derivatives carrying 1,2,4-triazole moiety. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2009;44:4637–4647. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2009.06.031. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 17.Hassan G.S., El-Messery S.M., Al-Omary F.A.M., Al-Rashood S.T., Shabayek M.I., Abulfadl Y.S., Habib E.-S.E., El-Hallouty S.M., Fayad W., Mohamed K.M., et al. Nonclassical antifolates, part 4. 5-(2-Aminothiazol-4-yl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols as a new class of DHFR inhibitors: Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular modeling study. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2013;66:135–145. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2013.05.039. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 18.Turan-Zitouni G., Kaplancikli Z.A., Yildiz M.T., Chevallet P., Kaya D. Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of 4-phenyl/cyclohexyl-5-(1-phenoxyethyl)-3-[N-(2-thiazolyl)acetamido]-thio-4H-1,2,4-triazole derivatives. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2005;40:607–613. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2005.01.007. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 19.Duran A., Dogan H.N., Rollas S. Synthesis and preliminary anticancer activity of new 1,4-dihydro-3-(3-hydroxy-2-naphthyl)-4-substituted-5H-1,2,4-triazoline-5-thiones. Farmaco. 2002;57:559–564. doi: 10.1016/s0014-827x(02)01248-x. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 20.Idrees G.A., Aly O.M., Abuo-Rahma G.E.D.A.A., Radwan M.F. Design, synthesis and hypolipidemic activity of novel 2-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)propionic acid derivatives as desmethyl fibrate analogs. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2009;44:3973–3980. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2009.04.026. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 21.Özadalı K., Özkanlı F., Jain S., Rao P.P.N., Velázquez-Martínez C.A. Synthesis and biological evaluation of isoxazolo[4,5-d]pyridazin-4-(5H)-one analogues as potent anti-inflammatory agents. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2012;20:2912–2922. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.03.021. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 22.Orek C., Koparir P., Koparir M. N-cyclohexyl-2-[5-(4-pyridyl)-4-(p-tolyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylsulfanyl]-acetamide dihydrate: Synthesis, experimental, theoretical characterization and biological activities. Spectrochim. Acta A. 2012;97:923–934. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2012.07.082. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 23.Navidpour L., Shafaroodi H., Abdi K., Amini M., Ghahremani M.H., Dehpour A.R., Shafiee A. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of substituted 3-alkylthio-4,5-diaryl-4H-1,2,4-triazoles as selective COX-2 inhibitors. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2006;14:2507–2517. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2005.11.029. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 24.Stefanska J., Szulczyk D., Koziol A.E., Miroslaw B., Kedzierska E., Fidecka S., Busonera B., Sanna G., Giliberti G., La Colla P., et al. Disubstituted thiourea derivatives and their activity on CNS: Synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2012;55:205–213. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.07.020. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 25.Šarkanj B., Molnar M., Čačić M., Gille L. 4-Methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin antifungal and antioxidant activity enhancement by substitution with thiosemicarbazide and thiazolidinone moieties. Food Chem. 2013;139:488–495. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.01.027. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 26.Kuş C., Ayhan-KIlcIgil G., Eke B.C., Işcan M. Synthesis and antioxidant properties of some novel benzimidazole derivatives on lipid peroxidation in the rat liver. Arch. Pharm. Res. 2004;27:156–163. doi: 10.1007/BF02980099. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 27.Shelke S., Mhaske G., Gadakh S., Gill C. Green synthesis and biological evaluation of some novel azoles as antimicrobial agents. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2010;20:7200–7204. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.10.111. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 28.Sriram D., Yogeeswari P., Priya D.Y. Antimycobacterial activity of novel N-(substituted)-2-isonicotinoylhydrazinocarbothioamide endowed with high activity towards isoniazid resistant tuberculosis. Biomed. Pharmacother. 2009;63:36–39. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2008.01.012. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 29.Elslager E.F., Gavrilis Z.B., Phillips A.A., Worth D.F. Repository drugs. IV., 4',4'''-Sulfonylbisacetanilide (acedapsone, DADDS) and related sulfanilylanilides with prolonged antimalarial and antileprotic action. J. Med. Chem. 1969;12:357–363. doi: 10.1021/jm00303a003. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 30.McMahon J.B., Gulakowski R.J., Weislow O.S., Schultz R.J., Narayanan V.L., Clanton D.J., Pedemonte R., Wassmundt F.W., Buckheit R.W., Jr., Decker W.D., et al. Diarylsulfones, a new chemical class of nonnucleoside antiviral anhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother. 1993;37:754–760. doi: 10.1128/aac.37.4.754. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 31.Saeed A., Shaheen U., Hameed A., Kazmi F. Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some novel 2-(substituted fluorobenzoylimino)-3-(substituted fluorophenyl)-4-methyl-1,3-thiazolines. J. Fluorine Chem. 2010;131:333–339. [Google Scholar]
  • 32.Barbuceanu S.-F., Saramet G., Almajan G.L., Draghici C., Barbuceanu F., Bancescu G. New heterocyclic compounds from 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole class bearing diphenylsulfone moieties. Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity evaluation. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2012;49:417–423. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2012.01.031. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 33.Barbuceanu S.-F., Bancescu G., Saramet G., Barbuceanu F., Draghici C., Radulescu F.S., Ionescu A., Negres S. Synthesis and biological evaluation of some new N1-[4-(4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)benzoyl]-N4-(aryl)-thiosemicarbazides and products of their cyclization. Heteroat. Chem. 2013;24:309–321. [Google Scholar]
  • 34.Almajan G.L., Innocenti A., Puccetti L., Manole G., Barbuceanu S., Saramet I., Scozzafava A., Supuran C.T. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Inhibition of the cytosolic and tumor-associated carbonic anhydrase isozymes I, II, and IX with a series of 1,3,4-thiadiazole- and 1,2,4-triazole-thiols. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2005;15:2347–2352. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2005.02.088. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 35.Socea L.-I., Apostol T.V., Şaramet G., Bărbuceanu Ş.-F., Drăghici C., Dinu M. Synthesis and root growth activity of some new acetylhydrazinecarbothioamides and 1,2,4-triazoles substituted with 5H-dibenzo[a,d]annulene moiety. J. Serb. Chem. Soc. 2012;77:1541–1549. [Google Scholar]
  • 36.Şaramet I., Almăjan G.-L., Barbuceanu Ş., Drăghici C., Banciu M.D. Synthesis of some substituted aroyl thiosemicarbazides, -mercaptotriazoles and -aminothiadiazoles. Rev. Roum. Chim. 2005;50:19–27. [Google Scholar]
  • 37.Mavrodin A., Zotta V., Stoenescu V.M., Oteleanu D. Sulfones. IV. New sulfone-hydrazide derivatives. Pharm. Zentr. Deutsch. 1956;95:353–361. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 38.Khan I., Ali S., Hameed S., Rama N.H., Hussain M.T., Wadood A., Uddin R., Ul-Haq Z., Khan A., Ali S., et al. Synthesis, antioxidant activities and urease inhibition of some new 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2010;45:5200–5207. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.08.034. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 39.Kumar H., Javed S.A., Khan S.A., Amir M. 1,3,4-Oxadiazole/thiadiazole and 1,2,4-triazole derivatives of biphenyl-4-yloxy acetic acid: Synthesis and preliminary evaluation of biological properties. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2008;43:2688–2698. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2008.01.039. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 40.Liesen A.P., de Aquino T.M., Carvalho C.S., Lima V.T., de Araújo J.M., de Lima J.G., de Faria A.R., de Melo E.J.T., Alves A.J., Alves E.W., et al. Synthesis and evaluation ofanti-Toxoplasma gondii and antimicrobial activities of thiosemicarbazides, 4-thiazolidinones and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles. Eur. J. Med. Chem. 2010;45:3685–3691. doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2010.05.017. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 41.Akhtar T., Hameed S., Al-Masoudi N.A., Khan K.M. Synthesis and anti-HIV activity of new chiral 1,2,4-triazoles and 1,3,4-thiadiazoles. Heteroat. Chem. 2007;18:316–322. [Google Scholar]
  • 42.Salgın-Gökșen U., Gökhan-Kelekçi N., Göktaș Ö., Köysal Y., Kılıç E., Ișık Ș., Aktay G., Özalp M. 1-Acylthiosemicarbazides, 1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thiones, 1,3,4-thiadiazoles and hydrazones containing 5-methyl-2-benzoxazolinones: Synthesis, analgesic-anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activ. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2007;15:5738–5751. doi: 10.1016/j.bmc.2007.06.006. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 43.Al-Deeb O.A., Al-Omar M.A., El-Brollosy N.R., Habib E.E., Ibrahim T.M., El-Emam A.A. Synthesis, antimicrobial, and antiinflammatory activities of novel 2-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-substituted-5-tioxo-1,2,4-triazolin-1-yl]acetic acids, 2-[3-(1-adamantyl)-4-substituted-5-tioxo-1,2,4-triazolin-1-yl]-propionic acids and related derivatives. Arzneim.-Forsch./Drug Res. 2006;56:40–47. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1296699. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 44.Saadeh H.A., Mosleh I.M., Al-Bakri A.G., Mubarak M.S. Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol metronidazole derivatives. Monatsh. Chem. 2010;141:471–478. [Google Scholar]
  • 45.Kumar A., Sharma P., Kumari P., Kalal B.L. Exploration of antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of newly synthesized 2,3-disubstituted quinazoline-4(3H)-ones. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2011;21:4353–4357. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.05.031. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 46.Zhou B., Li B., Yi W., Bu X., Ma L. Synthesis, antioxidant, and antimicrobial evaluation of some 2-arylbenzimidazole derivatives. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2013;23:3759–3763. doi: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2013.05.004. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 47.Lipinski C.A., Lombardo F., Dominy B.W., Feeney P.J. Experimental and computational approaches to estimate solubility and permeability in drug discovery and development settings. Adv. Drug. Deliv. Rev. 2001;46:3–26. doi: 10.1016/s0169-409x(00)00129-0. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
  • 48.Duan X.-J., Zhang W.-W., Li X.-M., Wang B.-G. Evaluation of antioxidant property of extract and fractions obtained from a red alga, Polysiphonia urceolata. Food Chem. 2006;95:37–43. [Google Scholar]

Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Supplementary File 1

Supplementary Information (PDF, 563 KB)


Articles from International Journal of Molecular Sciences are provided here courtesy of Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)

RESOURCES