Synthesis and biological evaluation of heterocyclic 1,2,4-triazole scaffolds as promising pharmacological agents

Abstract

Background

Triazole is an important heterocyclic moiety that occupies a unique position in heterocyclic chemistry, due to its large number of biological activities. It exists in two isomeric forms i.e. 1,2,4-triazole and 1,2,3-triazole and is used as core molecule for the design and synthesis of many medicinal compounds. 1,2,4-Triazole possess broad spectrum of therapeutically interesting drug candidates such as analgesic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-urease, anti-inflammatory, diuretics, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic and antimigraine agents.

Methods

The structures of all synthesized compounds were characterized by physicochemical properties and spectral means (IR and NMR). The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive (B. subtilis), Gram-negative (P. aeruginosa and E. coli) bacterial and fungal (C. albicans and A. niger) strains by tube dilution method using ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin and fluconazole as standards. In-vitro antioxidant and anti-urease screening was done by DPPH assay and indophenol method, respectively. The in-vitro anticancer evaluation was carried out against MCF-7 and HCT116 cancer cell lines using 5-FU as standards.

Results, discussion and conclusion

The biological screening results reveal that the compounds T₅ (MIC_{BS, EC} = 24.7 µM, MIC_PA, _CA = 12.3 µM) and T₁₇ (MIC_AN = 27.1 µM) exhibited potent antimicrobial activity as comparable to standards ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin (MIC_Cipro = 18.1 µM, MIC_Amo = 17.1 µM) and fluconazole (MIC_Flu = 20.4 µM), respectively. The antioxidant evaluation showed that compounds T₂ (IC₅₀ = 34.83 µg/ml) and T₃ (IC₅₀ = 34.38 µg/ml) showed significant antioxidant activity and comparable to ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ = 35.44 µg/ml). Compounds T₃ (IC₅₀ = 54.01 µg/ml) was the most potent urease inhibitor amongst the synthesized compounds and compared to standard thiourea (IC₅₀ = 54.25 µg/ml). The most potent anticancer activity was shown by compounds T₂ (IC₅₀ = 3.84 μM) and T₇ (IC₅₀ = 3.25 μM) against HCT116 cell lines as compared to standard 5-FU (IC₅₀ = 25.36 μM).

Introduction

Triazole is an N-bridged aromatic heterocyclic compound that received a considerable attention in recent years due to their biological activities [1]. The name “triazole” was first use by Bladin in 1855 for describing the carbon–nitrogen ring system C₂H₃N₃ [2]. It is a white to pale yellow crystalline solid with a weak, characteristic odour, soluble in water and alcohol, melts at 120 °C and boils at 260 °C [3]. Triazole exists in two isomeric forms such as 1,2,4-triazole and 1,2,3-triazole [4]. The SAR studies of triazole derivative reveals that substitution on positions 3, 4 and 5 of triazole ring can be varied but the greatest changed in physicochemical properties and biological profile is exerted by the groups attached to the nitrogen atom at the 4th position [3]. It favours the hydrogen bonding and is also stable for metabolic degradation, which could be favorable in increasing solubility as well as in binding bimolecular targets [5]. Novel triazole drugs discovered and developed by applying bioisosteric replacement technique with extending biological activities also captured a special attention in medicinal chemistry [6]. Numerous medicines containing triazole moiety available in market (Fig. 1) are: Antifungal [7–10]—myclobutanil, tebuconazole, posaconazole, itraconazole fluconazole, paclobutrazole Anticancer [9, 11]—anastrazole, litrozole, vorozole, Antimigrain [9, 12]—rizatriptan and Antiviral [9, 13]—ribavirin.

Fig. 1.

Marketed preparations containing 1,2,4-triazole as core moiety

At present time, our medical field is suffering from the problem of antimicrobial resistance towards many microbial strains. Hence as prioritized by various health organizations, there is a need for the discovery or development of novel antimicrobial compounds possessing a broad spectrum activity exhibiting high effectiveness against those highly resistant Gram positive, Gram negative bacterial and fungal strains [14].

Human cells face threats everyday because the attack of various viruses, infections and free radicals damage the body cells and DNA. Scientists observed that the free radicals contribute to the ageing process and also contribute in diseases, like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Antioxidants are the chemicals that stop or limit the damage caused by the free radicals and also boost our immunity [15].

Ureases relate to the class of Urea amidohydrolases enzymes containing two nickel(II) atoms. Ureases are mainly obtained from plants, algae, fungi and bacteria. Bacterial ureases are responsible for causing many diseases like pyelonephritis, hepatic coma, peptic ulceration, urinary stones and stomach cancer. Rationally, A category of antiurease or urease inhibitory drugs was developed for curing the urease caused disease by inhibiting urease enzymes. The two nickel(II) atoms present in active site of Ureases accelerate the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide gas. Both CO₂ and NH₃ are important virulence factor for the pathogenesis of many above given clinical conditions. Anti-urease compounds inhibit the hydrolysis of urea by antagonising urease enzyme [16]. This article also focuses on some new 1,2,4-triazole derivatives exhibiting anti-urease activity.

Colorectal cancer is the third most lethal cancer worldwide in both males and females with drug resistance and metastasis being the major challenge to effective treatments. Maximum deaths due to colon cancer are related with metastatic ailment. The growth of colorectal cancer is promoted by epigenetic factors, such as abnormal DNA methylation. Targeted therapy is a kind of chemotherapy that specifically targets the proteins that resist the development of some cancers [17].

Palmitic acid (common name) is categorized as saturated fatty acid with chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₁₄COOH (IUPAC name: hexadecanoic acid). The main sources of palmitic acid are palm oil, olive oil, meats, cheese, cocoa butter, breast milk and dairy products [18]. Napalm, is a derivative of palmitic acid, synthesized by the combination of aluminium salts of palmitic acid and naphthenic acid and it was used as fuel during World War II [19].

1,2,4-Triazole attracts the attention of researchers due to its broad spectrum of biological activities (Fig. 2) such as antimigrain [9, 12], antioxidant [15], anti-urease [16], antimicrobial [20, 21], anti-inflammatory [21, 22], anticonvulsant [23], anticancer [11, 24], antiviral [25] and antiparasytic [25].

Fig. 2.

Design of 1,2,4-triazole analogues for antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiurease and anticancer activities based on biological profile

Results and discussion

Chemistry

The multistep synthetic process of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (T₁–T₂₀) was depicted in Scheme 1. Initially, ethylpalmitate (Int-i) was synthesized by the reaction of palmitic acid, ethanol and sulphuric acid. Palmitohydrazide (Int-ii) was synthesized from ethanolic solution of ethylpalmitate (Int-i) followed by addition of hydrazine hydrate. 5-Pentadecyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione (Int-iii) was synthesized using Int-ii in alc. potassium hydroxide solution followed by the addition of carbon disulfide and then followed by addition of hydrazine hydrate to Int-iii yielded 4-amino-5-pentadecyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (Int-iv). Finally, the Int-iv on reaction with different substituted aromatic aldehydes in ethanol yielded the title compounds (T₁–T₂₀). The physicochemical properties of the synthesized compounds are depicted in Table 1. The synthesized derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole were confirmed by Infrared (IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H/¹³CNMR). The spectro-analytical data has been depicted in Table 2. The presence of aliphatic –CH– stretch in all compounds was confirmed at 2990–2879 cm⁻¹. The intermediates (Int-ii, iii and iv) exhibited the –NH stretch in range of 3424–3319 cm⁻¹. The presence of –CONH– group in Int-ii was indicated by appearance of –CONH– stretch at 1630 cm⁻¹. The peak range 1677–1589 cm⁻¹ in Int-iii, iv and compounds T₁–T₂₀ indicated the presence of –C=N stretch. The presence of –SH stretching vibrations in Int-iv and compounds T₁–T₂₀ were indicated in a scale of 2593–2505 cm⁻¹. The compounds T₄, T₅ and T₆ showed the –OCH₃ stretching vibrations in the range of 2860–2848 cm⁻¹. The presence of phenolic group in compounds T₆, T₇, T₈ and T₁₈ was indicated by peaks in the range of 3483–3400 cm⁻¹. The peak range 701–699 cm⁻¹ of compounds T₁₃ and T₁₄ was indicated the presence of Ar–Br group. The compounds T₁₅, T₁₆ and T₁₇ showed the Ar–NO₂ stretching vibrations in the range of 1545–1424 cm⁻¹. The presence of Ar–Cl group in compounds T₁₀, T₁₁ and T₁₂ was confirmed by the appearance of peaks in the range of 767–750 cm⁻¹. The presence of tertiary amine in compound T₉ was confirmed by the appearance of peak at 3431 cm⁻¹. The presence of aromatic ring in compounds T₁–T₂₀ was indicated by the appearance of peak in the range of 1796–1719 cm⁻¹. DMSO was used as solvent for the analysis of compounds by ¹HNMR spectra. The presence of singlet signal at 1.22–2.47 δ ppm and 0.82–0.84 δ ppm indicated the presence of protons of –CH₂ and –CH₃ groups in Int-ii, iii and iv, respectively. Singlet at 2.25 δ ppm and 8.87 δ ppm showed the presence of protons of NH₂ and NH groups in Int-ii, iii and iv, respectively. The presence of proton of SH group was indicated by appearance of singlet at 3.30 in Int-iv. The findings of elemental analysis of synthesized derivatives were recorded within theoretical results of ± 0.4%. Mass spectra of the synthesized derivatives reflected the characteristic molecular ion peaks.

Scheme 1.

Synthesis of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives

Table 1.

Physicochemical characterization of synthesized derivatives (T₁–T₂₀)

Comp	Mol. formula	Mol. wt	Colour	M.p. (°C)	Rf value	% Yield
Int-ii	C18H36O	284.84	White	121–124	0.37a	71.0
Int-iii	C17H31N2OS	312.51	Yellow	154–157	0.42a	52.1
Int-iv	C17H34N4S	326.54	Pinkish white	178–181	0.41b	46.0
T1	C24H38N4S	414.65	Creamish white	184–187	0.40b	78.0
T2	C25H38N4OS	442.66	Light brown	182–185	0.33b	82.0
T3	C25H40N4S	428.68	Yellowish white	190–193	0.52b	74.0
T4	C26H43N4O2S	474.70	White	188–191	0.60b	85.0
T5	C27H44N4O3S	504.73	Yellow	187–190	0.38b	79.5
T6	C25H40N4O2S	460.68	Creamish white	189–192	0.49b	84.6
T7	C24H38N4OS	430.65	Lemon yellow	181–184	0.32b	78.0
T8	C24H38N4OS	430.65	Greenish white	192–195	0.73b	65.9
T9	C26H43N5S	457.72	Green	198–201	0.62b	75.0
T10	C24H37ClN4S	449.10	Pinkish white	205–208	0.59b	79.6
T11	C24H37ClN4S	449.10	White	202–205	0.65b	78.0
T12	C24H36Cl2N4S	483.54	White	211–214	0.34b	74.3
T13	C24H37BrN4S	493.55	White	197–200	0.39b	89.2
T14	C24H37BrN4S	493.55	Brownish yellow	193–196	0.71b	85.8
T15	C24H37N5O2S	459.65	Mustard yellow	195–198	0.68b	78.9
T16	C24H37N5O2S	459.65	Dark yellow	199–202	0.45b	90.0
T17	C24H37N5O2S	459.65	Brown	206–209	0.50b	85.8
T18	C28H40N4OS	480.71	Red	186–189	0.67b	88.8
T19	C26H40N4OS	440.69	Creamish white	179–182	0.24b	87.9
T20	C22H36N4OS	404.61	White	196–199	0.43b	87.0

Mobile phase: ^a[chloroform:toluene, 7:3], ^b[ethylacetate:n-hexane, 2:3]

Table 2.

Spectral characterization of synthesized derivatives (T₁–T₂₀)

Comp	IR (KBr, cm−1)	1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6)	13C NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6)	C, H, N analyses calculated (found); MS, ES + (ToF): m/z—[M+ + 1]
Int-ii	3319–3179 (N–H str.), 2920 (C–H str. aliphatic), 1739 (C=O str.)	1.22–2.24 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.83 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.5 (s, 2H, NH2), 8.873 (s, 1H, NH)	14.0, 19.4, 29.4, 39.1, 128.9, 149.9, 168.6, 189.4	C, 71.06; H, 12.67; N, 10.36; (C, 71.01; H, 12.57; N, 10.26); 271
Int-iii	3424 (N–H str.), 2921 (C–H str. aliphatic), 1372 (C=S str.), 1589 (C=N str.), 1115 (C–O str.)	1.22–2.47 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.84 (s, 3H, CH3)	15.7, 18.7, 29.8, 37.1, 124.1, 149.9, 160.6, 182.4	C, 65.34; H, 10.32; N, 8.96; (C, 65.31; H, 10.29; N, 8.91); 313
Int-iv	3319 (N–H str.), 2919 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1631 (C=N str.), 2572 (S–H str.)	1.22–2.12 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.82 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.51 (s, 2H, NH2), 8.87 (s, 1H, NH)	17.7, 18.4, 29.8, 39.6, 128.1, 124.98, 149.9, 168.6, 188.4	C, 62.53; H, 10.49; N, 17.16; (C, 62.50; H, 10.42; N, 17.12); 327
T1	2925 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1625 (C=N str.), 3100 (C=C str., aromatic), 1719 (C–H str., aromatic.), 2568 (S–H str.)	1.24–2.45 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.84 (s, 3H, CH3), 7.41–7.93 (m, 5H, Ar–H), 3.37 (s, H, SH)	15.0, 18.4, 29.1, 39.1, 124.1, 128.98, 148.9, 160.6, 182.4	C, 69.52; H, 9.24; N, 13.51; (C, 69.49; H, 9.22; N, 13.49); 415
T2	2990 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1646 (C=N str.), 1751 (C=O, str.), 1641 (C=C str., aromatic), 3073 (C–H str., aromatic), 2572 (S–H str.)	1.32–2.51 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.86 (s, 3H, CH3), 2.51 (s, 2H, CH2), 7.08–7.91 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.37 (s, H, SH), 10.02 (s, H, CHO)	13.8, 22.0, 28.5–28.9, 31.2, 129.8, 139.8, 140.9, 174.6, 192.4	C, 67.83; H, 8.65; N, 12.66; (C, 67.80; H, 8.61; N, 12.62); 443
T3	2922 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1649 (C=N str.), 1646 (C=C str., aromatic), 3098 (C–H str., aromatic), 1790 (ring, str.), 2560 (S–H str.)	1.29–2.51 (m, 24H, CH2), 0.87 (s, 3H, CH3), 7.30 (s, H, =CH), 7.51–7.62 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.37 (s, H, SH), 2.34 (s, 3H, Ar–CH3)	13.8, 22.0, 24.4, 28.5–28.8, 31.2, 128.6, 129.7, 142.3, 161.11	C, 70.05; H, 9.41; N, 13.07 (C, 70.00; H, 9.38; N, 13.02); 429
T4	2920 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1631 (C=N str.), 2856 (C–O–C str.), 1647 (C=C str., aromatic), 3105 (C–H str., aromatic), 2593 (S–H str)	1.26–2.51 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.86 (s, 3H, CH3), 7.90 (s, H, =CH), 7.01–7.61 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 3.11 (s, H, SH), 3.76 (s, 6H, Ar–OCH3)	13.8, 22.0, 28.3–28.9, 31.2, 55.1, 111.1, 149.1, 176.0	C, 65.78; H, 8.92; N, 11.80; (C, 65.72; H, 8.89; N, 11.78; O, 6.70); 475
T5	2923 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1639 (C=N str.), 2860 (C–O–C str.), 1450 (C=C str., aromatic), 3078 (C–H str., aromatic), 2572 (S–H str.)	1.23–2.47 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.85 (s, 3H, CH3), 7.21 (s, H, =CH), 7.10–7.27 (m, 2H, Ar–H), 3.52 (s, H, SH), 3.76 (s, 9H, Ar–OCH3)	14.0, 39.1, 105.6, 129.2, 140.2, 153.1, 161.1	C, 64.25; H, 8.79; N, 11.10; (C, 64.21; H, 8.75; N, 11.08); 505
T6	2988 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1677 (C=N str.), 1715 (ring, str.), 3400 (O–H str.), 2843 (C–O–C str.), 1636 (C=C str., aromatic), 3154 (C–H str., aromatic), 2555 (S–H str.)	1.21–2.46 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.96 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.0 (s, H,CH), 7.51–7.69 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 3.37 (s, H, SH), 6.71 (s, H, OH), 3.79 (s, H, Ar–OCH3)	13.8, 22.0, 28.5–28.9, 31.8, 55.5, 115.3, 120.7, 128.7, 142.7, 146.2, 168.2	C, 65.18; H, 8.75; N, 12.16; (C, 65.13; H, 8.78; N, 12.15); 461
T7	2923 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1617 (C=N str.), 3401(O–H, str.), 1632 (C=C str., aromatic), 3101 (C–H str., aromatic), 2695 (S–H str.)	1.27–2.52 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.85 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.35 (s, H, =CH), 7.31–7.79 m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.37 (s, H, SH), 4.05 (s, H, OH)	14.0, 15.0, 24.4, 29.0, 31.2, 33.9, 39.9, 59.9, 61.1, 116.6, 129.4, 157.06, 162.7	C, 66.94; H, 8.89; N, 13.01; (C, 66.90; H, 8.83; N, 12.9); 431
T8	2919 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1686 (C=N str.), 3483 (O–H, str.), 1665 (C=C str., aromatic), 3098 (C–H str., aromatic), 2572 (S–H str.)	1.28–2.53 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.88 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.10 (s, H, =CH), 6.43–7.49 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.37 (s, H, SH), 5.01 (s, H, OH)	14.3, 24.7, 29.0, 31.6, 34.1, 39.9, 46.2, 116.2, 129.1, 160, 175, 191.5	C, 66.94; H, 8.89; N, 13.01; (C, 66.90; H, 8.85; N, 12.89); 431
T9	2925 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1684 (C=N str.), 1645 (C=C str., aromatic), 3097 (C–H str., aromatic), 3431 (N–H amine, str.) 2572 (S–H str.)	1.21–2.51 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.85 (s, 3H, CH3), 7.11–7.48 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 8.12 (s, H, =CH), 3.01 (s, H, SH), 2.99 (s, 6H, N–(CH3)2)	13.8, 22.0, 24.4, 29.0, 31.2, 46.3, 57.6, 118.7, 124.9, 128.1, 130.1, 134.9, 168.1, 114.4	C, 68.23; H, 9.47; N, 15.30 (C, 68.20; H, 9.42; N, 15.27);458
T10	2916 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1650 (C=N str.), 1456 (C=C str., aromatic), 3065 (C–H str., aromatic), 750 (C–Cl str.), 2567 (S–H str.)	1.24–2.45 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.85 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.01 (s, H, =CH), 6.80–7.61 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.0 (s, H, SH)	14.2, 22.2, 24.5, 29.4, 31.0, 46.3, 57.6, 118.7, 128.1, 130.1, 134.9, 148, 168.1	C, 64.19; H, 8.30; N, 12.48; (C, 64.15; H, 8.28; N, 12.43); 449
T11	2916 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1650 (C=N str.), 1635 (C=C str., aromatic), 3105 (C–H str., aromatic), 767 (C–Cl str.), 2572 (S–H str.)	1.26–2.56 (s, 28H, CH2), 0.87 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.01 (s, H, =CH), 6.90–7.68 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.2 (s, H, SH)	14.1, 22.0, 24.2, 29.9, 31.9, 40.3, 55.6, 118.7, 128.1, 131.1, 137.9, 148.9, 168.8	C, 64.19; H, 8.30; N, 12.48; (C, 64.15; H, 8.27; N, 12.43); 449
T12	2905 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1678.98 (C=N str.), 1604 (C=C str., aromatic), 3087 (C–H str., aromatic), 767 (C–Cl str.), 2505 (S–H str.)	1.23–2.51 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.86 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.10 (s, H, =CH), 6.60–7.57 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 3.07 (s, H, SH)	13.9, 22.5, 24.4, 29.9, 31.5, 44.3, 57.6, 119.7, 127.1, 131.9, 139.9, 148.9, 168.9	C, 59.61; H, 7.50; N, 11.59; (C, 59.58; H, 7.48; N, 11.53); 483
T13	2919 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1648 (C=N str.), 1624 (C=C str., aromatic), 3109 (C–H str., aromatic), 699 (C–Br str.), 2505 (S–H str)]	1.29–0.55 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.87 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.12 (s, H, =CH), 6.98–7.65 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.02 (s, H, SH)	14.4, 23.2, 24.0, 29.9, 33.3, 48.3, 59.6, 118.7, 128.9, 130.9, 134.8, 148.7, 168.6	C, 58.41; H, 7.56; N, 11.35; (C, 58.41; H, 7.56; N, 11.35); 495
T14	2919 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1648 (C=N str.), 1498 (C=C str., aromatic), 3054 (C–H str., aromatic), 699 (C–Br str.), 2505 (S–H str)	1.29–2.59 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.88 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.98 (s, H, =CH), 6.50–7.68 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.09 (s, H, SH)	15.4, 23.8, 24.9, 29.9, 33.0, 47.3, 56.6, 116.7, 129.9, 131.2, 134.8, 148.8, 168.9	C, 58.41; H, 7.56; N, 11.35; (C, 58.39; H, 7.53; N, 11.30); 495
T15	2921 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1698 (C=N str.), 1445 (C=C str., aromatic), 3100 (C–H str., aromatic), 1545 (NO2 str.), 2529 (S–H str.)	1.29–2.67 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.87 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.02 (s, H, =CH), 7.51–7.64 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.07 (s, H, SH),	13.4, 23.7, 24.5, 29.9, 32.3, 48.6, 59.8, 118.9, 127.9, 131.9, 134.9, 148.7, 168.5	C, 62.71; H, 8.11; N, 15.24; (C, 62.69; H, 8.09; N, 15.20); 460
T16	2878 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1648 (C=N str.), 1646 (C=C str., aromatic), 3045 (C–H str., aromatic), 1424 (NO2 str.), 2572 (S–H str.)	1.29–2.51 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.87 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.01 (s, H, CH), 7.51–7.96 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.37 (s, H, SH), 2.34 (s, 3H, Ar–CH3)	13.4, 23.7, 24.5, 29.9, 32.3, 48.6, 59.8, 118.9, 127.9, 131.9, 134.9, 148.7	C, 62.71; H, 8.11; N, 15.24; (C, 62.68; H, 8.07; N, 15.19); 460
T17	2880 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1647 (C=N str.), 1498 (C=C str., aromatic), 3076 (C–H str., aromatic), 1520 (NO2 str.), 2572(S–H str.)	1.24–2.56 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.86 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.31 (s, H, =CH), 6.90–7.76 (m, 4H, Ar–H), 3.07 (s, H, SH)	14.4, 23.9, 24.7, 29.8, 31.3, 48.6, 57.8, 116.9, 127.9, 131.7, 135.9, 148.9, 168.3	C, 62.71; H, 8.11; N, 15.24; (C, 62.68; H, 8.10; N, 15.22); 460
T18	2880 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1650 (C=N str.), 1608 (C=C str., aromatic), 3109 (C–H str., aromatic), 3401 (O–H str.), 2572 (S–H str.)	1.29–2.98 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.87 (s, 3H, CH3), 8.01 (s, H, =CH), 6.88–8.08 (m, 6H, Ar–H), 3.07 (s, H, SH), 5.01 (s, H, Ar–OH)	13.4, 22.9, 24.8, 29.8, 31.3, 46.6, 54.8, 116.9, 126.9, 130.7, 135.9, 148.9, 169.3, 189.9	C, 69.96; H, 8.39; N, 11.66; (C, 69.91; H, 8.32; N, 11.64); 481
T19	2985 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1650 (C=N str.), 1490 (C=C str., aromatic), 3099 (C–H str., aromatic), 2572 (S–H str.)	1.29–2.98 (s, 28H, CH2), 0.87 (s, 3H, CH3), 5.60–7.06 (m, 3H, =CH),6.01–7.69 (m, 6H, Ar–H), 3.07 (s, H, SH)	14.4, 22.1, 29.5, 31.2, 54.8, 116.9, 126.9, 130.7, 135.9, 148.6, 164.3, 189.6	C, 70.86; H, 9.15; N, 12.71; (C, 70.82; H, 9.12; N, 12.62); 441
T20	2879 (C–H str., aliphatic), 1648 (C=N str.), 2879 (C–O–C, str.), 1678 (C=C str., aromatic), 3156 (C–H str., aromatic), 2572 (S–H str)	1.29–2.52 (m, 28H, CH2), 0.84 (s, 3H, CH3), 6.30–7.40 (m, 3H, Ar–H), 3.07 (s, H, SH),	14.7, 21.9, 25.8, 26.8, 31.1, 47.6, 54.5, 119.9, 130.1, 135.5, 158.9, 179.3, 188.9	C, 65.31; H, 8.97; N, 13.85; (C, 65.28; H, 8.91; N, 13.80); 405

Structure activity relationship (SAR) studies

In the synthesized compounds, the substitution on m- and p-position of the aromatic ring with methoxy group improved the antimicrobial activity (compound T₅, MIC_{BS, EC} = 24.7 µM, MIC_{PA, CA} = 12.3 µM) against Gram positive (B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa), Gram negative (E. coli) bacterial and fungal (C. albicans) strains, respectively. The p-substitution of nitro (compound T₁₇, MIC_AN = 27.1 µM) group improved the antifungal activity against A. niger. The substituent methyl at p-position of ring (compound T₃, IC₅₀ = 54.01 µg/ml) enhanced the anti-urease activity. The antioxidant activity has been improved by p-substituents i.e. aldehyde (compound T₂, IC₅₀ = 34.83 µg/ml) and methyl groups (compound T₃, IC₅₀ = 34.38 µg/ml). The most potent anticancer activity showed by compounds T₂ (IC₅₀ = 3.84 μM) and T₇ (IC₅₀ = 3.25 μM) against HCT116 cell lines as compared to standard 5-FU (IC₅₀ = 25.36 μM). From the analysis of antimicrobial activity, it may be concluded that the substitution of methoxy group increase the antibacterial activity whereas introduction of nitro as electron withdrawing groups at p-position may enhance the antifungal activity of synthesized compounds. The introduction of methyl substituent as electron donating groups at p-position of aromatic ring may increase the anti-urease as well as antioxidant activity. The substitution of of p-aldehyde and o-hydroxy group on the aromatic ring may enhance the anticancer activity against HCT116 cells (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3.

Structural requirements for antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiurease activity of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives

Experimental

The initial material, reagents and solvents were purchased from Loba chemie. The glasswares were obtained from Borosil. The raw material was weighed on calibrated weighing balance. The synthetic scheme was drawn via ChemDraw 8.03. The confirmation of reaction at every step was done by TLC (thin layer chromatography). Melting point of the synthesized compounds was depicted by labtech melting point equipment. For spectral characterizations of the compounds, Bruker 12060280, Software: OPUS 7.2.139.1294 spectrometer using ATR for IR spectra (cm⁻¹) and Bruker Avance III at 600 NMR and 150 MHz for ¹H and ¹³CNMR (DMSO-d6, δ ppm) were used. The tested microbial strains like Gram positive, Gram negative bacteria and fungi were obtained from the Institute of Microbial Technology and Gene bank, Chandigarh for the in vitro antimicrobial activity. Waters Micromass Q-ToF Micro instrument was used for mass spectra. Elemental analysis was performed on Perkin-Elmer 2400 C, H and N analyzer and all synthesized compounds gave C, H and N analysis within ± 0.4% of the theoretical results.

Procedure for synthesized 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (T₁–T₂₀)

Step A: synthesis of Int-i

A mixture of palmitic acid (2.6 g, 0.01 mol), absolute ethanol (50 ml) and few drops of conc. sulphuric acid (0.5 ml) was refluxed for 10 h in a round bottom flask and then cooled to 5 °C. The liquid product was separated from reaction mixture by using ether on the basis of density and then purified [26].

Step B: synthesis of Int-ii

To a solution of ethyl palmitate (Int-i, 2.8 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (30 ml), hydrazine hydrate (0.64 g, 0.02 mol) was added and refluxed for 6 h and then left to cool. The solid product was collected by filtration and recrystallized from ethanol [26].

Step C: synthesis of Int-iii

Palmitohydrazide (Int-ii, 3.12 g, 0.01 mol) dissolved in the solution of potassium hydroxide (1.12 g, 0.02 mol) in ethanol (30 ml) and then (0.76 g, 0.01 mol) carbon disulfide was added slowly in the reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 10–12 hand then cooled at room temperature followed by addition of hydrochloric acid for neutralization of product. The precipitated solid was filtered, washed with ethanol, dried and recrystallized from ethanol [27].

Step D: synthesis of Int-iv

An ethanolic (30 ml) solution of 5-pentadecyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione (Int-iii, 3.26 g, 0.01 mol) and hydrazine hydrate (0.38 g, 0.01 mol) was heated under reflux for 3 h and then solution was poured in ice. The resulting product was filtered, washed and recrystallized from ethanol [26, 27].

Step E: synthesis of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (T₁–T₂₀)

The reaction mixture of 4-amino-5-pentadecyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol (Int-iv, 3.26 g, 0.01 mol) and different substituted aldehydes (0.01 mol) in ethanol followed by addition of few drops of sulphuric acid was refluxed for an appropriate time. The reaction was monitored by thin layer chromatography. After completion of reaction, the product was poured in ice and filtered, then wash and finally solid products were collected and recrystallized from ethanol [27].

Biological studies

Antimicrobial evaluation

The in vitro antimicrobial screening of the synthesized 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (T₁–T₂₀) in μM was determined against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacterium and fungal strains Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger by tube dilution method using ciprofloxacin, amoxycillin (antibacterial) and fluconazole (antifungal) as reference drugs. DMSO was used to dissolve the reference and sample derivatives (T₁–T₂₀). Dilutions were prepared in nutrient broth (I.P.) for bacterial (incubated at 37 ± 1 °C for 24 h) and Sabouraud dextrose broth (I.P.) for fungal species (37 ± 1 °C for 48 h for C. albicans) and (25 ± 1 °C for 7 days for A. niger) (Table 3, Figs. 4 and 5) [17].

Table 3.

Antimicrobial screening results of the synthesized 1,2,4-triazole derivatives (T₁–T₂₀)

Compound	Minimum inhibitory concentration (µM)
	Bacterial strain			Fungal strain
	Gram +ve	Gram −ve
	B. substilis	P. aeruginosa	E. coli	C. albican	A. niger
T1	120.5	241.1	241.1	241.1	120.5
T2	56.4	56.4	112.9	225.9	225.9
T3	58.3	58.3	116.6	233.2	116.6
T4	52.6	52.6	105.3	52.6	105.3
T5	24.7	12.3	24.7	12.3	99.0
T6	108.5	54.2	54.2	108.5	217.0
T7	116.1	29.0	116.1	232.2	232.2
T8	116.1	58.0	58.0	116.1	232.2
T9	54.6	27.3	54.6	109.2	218.4
T10	55.6	55.6	111.3	222.6	55.6
T11	55.6	111.3	111.3	27.8	111.3
T12	103.4	51.7	103.4	206.8	103.4
T13	101.3	202.6	202.6	101.3	202.6
T14	50.6	101.3	101.3	202.6	101.3
T15	54.3	108.7	217.5	217.5	54.3
T16	108.7	108.7	217.5	217.5	217.5
T17	54.3	217.5	217.5	108.7	27.1
T18	104.0	52.0	104.0	208.0	104.0
T19	113.4	226.9	56.7	113.4	113.4
T20	61.7	123.5	61.7	247.1	247.1
Fluconazole	–	–	–	40.8	20.4
Ciprofloxacin	18.0	18.0	37.7	–	–
Amoxicillin	17.1	17.1	17.1	–	–

Italics signifies the most active compound in comparison to the standard compound

Fig. 4.

Antifungal screening results of synthesized derivatives (T₁–T₂₀)

Fig. 5.

Antibacterial screening results of synthesized derivatives

In vitro antioxidant evaluation

In the DPPH free radical scavenging activity, compounds (T₁–T₂₀) were evaluated for their free radical scavenging activity with ascorbic acid as standard compound. The IC₅₀ was calculated for each compound as well as ascorbic acid as standard and summarized in Table 4 and shown in Figs. 6, 7, 8. The scavenging effect increased with the increasing concentrations of sample compounds. DPPH is relatively stable nitrogen centered free radical that easily accepts an electron or hydrogen radical to become a stable diamagnetic molecule. DPPH radicals react with suitable reducing agents as a result of which the electrons become paired off forming the corresponding hydrazine. The solution therefore loses colour stoichometrically depending on the number of electrons taken up. Fifty millilitres of various concentrations (25, 50, 70 and 100 µg/ml) of the compounds dissolved in methanol was added to 5 ml of a 0.004% methanolic solution of DPPH. The sample solutions were incubated for 30 min at room temperature in dark place and after then absorbance was recorded against the blank solution at 517 nm. The relative percent of DPPH scavenging activity was calculated according to the following equation:

$$\text{I}\%=\frac{{\text{A}}_{\text{control}}-{\text{A}}_{\text{sample}}}{{\text{A}}_{\text{control}}}\times 100,$$

Table 4.

Antioxidant screening results of the synthesized compounds (T₁–T₂₀)

Compounds	% inhibition				IC50 (µg/ml)
	25 (µg/ml)	50 (µg/ml)	75 (µg/ml)	100 (µg/ml)
T1	25.45	49.65	69.67	94.78	46.83
T2	45.67	56.98	70.16	84.21	34.83
T3	43.56	60.12	75.67	88.98	34.38
T4	38.45	58.34	88.61	98.89	37.50
T5	42.34	55.67	68.98	78.12	39.13
T6	31.67	53.67	77.78	92.67	45.66
T7	46.75	52.56	60.56	70.41	38.54
T8	43.91	58.67	67.54	82.57	36.12
T9	40.56	60.67	83.61	92.16	35.42
T10	45.56	51.56	57.57	62.67	43.57
T11	35.78	52.89	70.89	89.9	45.36
T12	44.45	51.45	68.56	70.61	39.56
T13	43.46	57.67	73.76	89.56	36.40
T14	37.56	60.68	85.79	95.61	37.52
T15	38.56	50.64	62.16	80.56	47.99
T16	43.65	51.45	67.26	81.76	41.30
T17	48.75	62.57	78.16	84.61	24.90
T18	39.59	68.57	80.13	95.89	33.34
T19	38.45	58.34	80.61	96.89	38.99
T20	33.45	53.67	70.46	92.67	46.34
Ascorbic acid	38.67	63.68	84.78	94.45	35.44

Italics signifies the most active compound in comparison to the standard compound

Fig. 6.

% inhibition of ascorbic acid

Fig. 7.

% inhibition of most active compound T₉

Fig. 8.

Antioxidant screening results of synthesized derivatives (T₁–T₂₀)

where A_control is the absorbance of the control, A_sample is the absorbance of the test compound.

Urease inhibition evaluation

Urease inhibitory potential for each synthesisized compound (T₁–T₂₀) was evaluated using Jack Bean Urease by Indophenol method (Table 5, Figs. 9, 10, 11). 250 µl of jack bean urease (4U) was mixed with 250 µl of different synthesized test compounds and standard of different concentrations [dissolved in DMSO/H₂O mixture (1:1 v/v)]. The mixture was pre-incubated for 1 h at 37 °C in test tubes. 2 ml of 100 mM phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) containing 500 mM urea and 0.002% phenol red as an indicator were added in sample test tubes after pre incubation and again incubated at room temperature. Absorbance of reaction mixture was recorded by ELISA at 570 nm. Ammonium carbonate increased the pH of phosphate buffer from 6.8 to 7.7 which was produced from urea by urease enzyme and the end peak was measured by the colour of phenol red indicator [16].

Table 5.

Urease inhibitory screening results of the synthesized compounds (T₁–T₂₀)

Compounds	% inhibition				IC50 (µg/ml)
	25 (µg/ml)	50 (µg/ml)	75 (µg/ml)	100 (µg/ml)
T1	25.76	47.98	72.9	91.99	51.70
T2	40.45	49.54	55.67	67.57	53.04
T3	28.19	50.00	65.89	79.12	54.01
T4	35.45	49.45	63.67	79.45	50.52
T5	23.34	44.35	70.87	90.87	54.46
T6	38.45	50.34	65.61	80.89	47.02
T7	23.98	46.89	76.09	91.90	52.07
T8	22.45	39.58	68.58	92.67	56.43
T9	33.45	53.67	70.46	92.67	46.34
T10	27.90	46.89	70.90	89.80	51.90
T11	25.00	42.45	68.88	92.67	54.59
T12	43.56	46.57	52.56	61.56	58.06
T13	26.57	48.78	73.98	98.89	50.05
T14	41.70	46.23	50.49	57.78	67.02
T15	29.03	37.14	61.78	73.12	61.04
T16	45.76	49.10	53.87	59.12	52.85
T17	37.91	42.38	57.61	71.42	57.47
T18	40.90	46.79	55.89	67.9	54.30
T19	31.89	47.98	52.98	65.87	63.24
T20	28.98	49.09	69.09	81.90	52.34
Thiourea	29.98	46.76	67.78	76.78	54.25

Italics signifies the most active compound in comparison to the standard compound

Fig. 9.

% inhibition of the most active compound T₃

Fig. 10.

% inhibition of thiourea

Fig. 11.

Urease inhibitory screening results of the synthesized derivatives (T₁–T₂₀)

The percentage inhibition of urease enzyme was calculated by using following formula:

$$\text{I}\%=\frac{{\text{A}}_{\text{control}}-{\text{A}}_{\text{sample}}}{{\text{A}}_{\text{control}}}\times 100,$$

where A_control is the absorbance of the control; A_sample is the absorbance of the test compound.

Anticancer evaluation

HCT116 (human colon cancer cells) were seeded at 2500 cells/well (96 well plate), allowed to attach overnight, exposed to the respective compounds for 72 h and subjected to SRB assay (570 nm). Data represent mean IC₅₀ of at least triplicates. The compounds were all dissolved in DMSO as stock of 100 mg/ml. DMSO of < 1.5% did not result in cell kill. The highest concentration of each compound tested (100 μg/ml) contained only 0.1% DMSO. Compounds T₂ (IC₅₀ = 3.84 μM) and T₇ (IC₅₀ = 3.25 μM) exhibited the most potent anticancer activity against HCT116 cell lines as compared to standard 5-FU (IC₅₀ = 25.36 μM) given in Table 6 and Figs. 12, 13, 14.

Table 6.

Anticancer screening results of the synthesized compounds (T₁–T₂₀)

Compounds	IC50 (μM)	Compounds	IC50 (μM)
T1	> 241.16	T12	> 206.80
T2	3.84	T13	> 202.61
T3	16.56	T14	128.25
T4	7.79	T15	> 217.55
T5	> 198.12	T16	169.25
T6	112.00	T17	> 217.55
T7	3.25	T18	> 208.02
T8	> 232.20	T19	> 226.91
T9	> 218.47	T20	> 247.15
T10	173.90	5-FU	25.36
T11	> 222.66	DMSO	1.50%

Italics signifies the most active compound in comparison to the standard compound

Fig. 12.

IC₅₀ (µg/ml) of compound T₂

Fig. 13.

IC₅₀ (µg/ml) of compound T₇

Fig. 14.

IC₅₀ (µg/ml) of standard drug 5-FU

Conclusion

All the compounds were synthesized according to synthetic scheme under appropriate experimental conditions and analysed by elemental analysis, IR, mass, and ¹H/¹³CNMR. The pharmacological potential was evaluated to study the effect of different substituents on antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-urease activities. From the outcomes of the pharmacological studies it can be concluded that the substitution of tri-methoxy (T₅) group increases the antibacterial activity whereas introduction of nitro (T₁₇) group at p-position enhances the antifungal activity. The introduction of aldehyde (T₂) and methyl (T₃) at p-position of aromatic ring may increase the anti-urease as well as antioxidant activities. The substitution of p-aldehyde (T₂) and o-hydroxy (T₇) groups on the aromatic ring may enhance the anticancer activity against HCT116 cell line.

Abbreviations

IR

Infrared

NMR

Nuclear magnetic resonance

BS

Bacillus subtilis

PA

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

EC

Escherichia coli

CA

Candida albicans

AN

Aspergillus niger

DPPH

2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate

MCF-7

Michigan Cancer Foundation-7

HCT116

Human colon cancer cell line

5-FU

Fluorouracil

MIC

Minimum inhibitory concentration

Cipro

Ciprofloxacin

Amo

Amoxycillin

Flu

Fluconazole

IC₅₀

Half maximal inhibitory concentration/median inhibitory concentration

SAR

Structure activity relationship

DNA

Deoxyribose nucleic acid

TLC

Thin layer chromatography

ATR

Attenuated total reflection

DMSO-d₆

Di-methyl sulfoxide

ELISA

Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay

Authors' contributions

Authors MK, ST, BN and SK have designed synthesized and carried out the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-urease activities and KR, SML, SAAS and VM have carried out the spectral analysis, interpretation and anticancer evaluation of synthesized compounds. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Funding

Not applicable.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.