Synthesis of benzoxazole amides as novel antifungal agents against Malassezia furfur

Abstract

Malassezia is a pathogenic fungus that causes skin diseases, such as tinea versicolor, atopic dermatitis and fatal sepsis. We report the synthesis of a series of benzoxazole amides and evaluation of their antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur. Twelve benzoxazole amides were prepared through the cyclization of the substituted 2-hydroxy aniline with N-(bis- methylsulfanylmethylene) amides. Among the prepared compounds, the compounds 4a, 8b, 8c and 8d showed in vitro antifungal activity.