Thiazole-bearing 4-thiazolidinones as new anticonvulsant agents

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/scipharm88010016

Here, we describe the synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of thiazole-bearing hybrids based on 2-imino-4-thiazolidinone and 2,4-dioxothiazolidine-5-carboxylic acid cores. The structure of target compounds was based on the following: (i) A combination of two thiazole cores; (ii) similarity to ralitolin’s structure; (iii) the compliance with structural requirements for the new anticonvulsants. Target compounds were synthesized via known approaches based on Knoenavegel reaction, alkylation reaction, and one-pot three-component reaction. Anticonvulsant properties of compounds were evaluated in two different models—pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures and maximal electroshock seizure tests. Among the tested compounds 5Z-(3-nitrobenzylidene)-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one Ib, 2-[2,4-dioxo-5-(thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethyl)-thiazolidin-3-yl]-N-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)acetamide IId and (2,4-dioxo-5-(thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethylene)-thiazolidin-3-yl)acetic acid ethyl ester IIj showed excellent anticonvulsant activity in both models. The directions of compounds modification based on SAR aspects were discussed. The results of the study provide a basis for further study of the anticonvulsant properties of selected thiazole-thiazolidinones.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/scipharm88010016

Scientia
Pharmaceutica
Article
Thiazole-Bearing 4-Thiazolidinones as New
Anticonvulsant Agents
Mariia Mishchenko 1 , Sergiy Shtrygol 1, Danylo Kaminskyy 2 and Roman Lesyk 2,3,
*
1
Department of Pharmacology, National University of Pharmacy, Kulykovska 12, 61168 Kharkiv, Ukraine;
mischmasha@gmail.com (M.M.); shtrygol@ukr.net (S.S.)
Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical
University, Pekarska 69, 79010 Lviv, Ukraine; dankaminskyy@gmail.com
Department of Public Health, Dietetics and Lifestyle Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland
Correspondence: dr_r_lesyk@org.lviv.net; Tel.: +380-32-275-5966
2
3
*
ꢀꢁꢂꢀꢃꢄꢅꢆꢇ
ꢀꢁꢂꢃꢄꢅꢆ
Received: 19 February 2020; Accepted: 18 March 2020; Published: 24 March 2020
Abstract: Here, we describe the synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of thiazole-bearing hybrids
based on 2-imino-4-thiazolidinone and 2,4-dioxothiazolidine-5-carboxylic acid cores. The structure
of target compounds was based on the following: (i) A combination of two thiazole cores;
(ii) similarity to ralitolin’s structure; (iii) the compliance with structural requirements for the
new anticonvulsants. Target compounds were synthesized via known approaches based on
Knoenavegel reaction, alkylation reaction, and one-pot three-component reaction. Anticonvulsant
properties of compounds were evaluated in two different models—pentylenetetrazole-induced
seizures and maximal electroshock seizure tests.
5Z-(3-nitrobenzylidene)-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one Ib
Among the tested compounds
2-[2,4-dioxo-5-(thiazol-2-
,
ylcarbamoylmethyl)-thiazolidin-3-yl]-N-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)acetamide IId and (2,4-dioxo-5-
(thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethylene)-thiazolidin-3-yl)acetic acid ethyl ester IIj showed excellent
anticonvulsant activity in both models. The directions of compounds modification based on SAR
aspects were discussed. The results of the study provide a basis for further study of the anticonvulsant
properties of selected thiazole-thiazolidinones.
Keywords: 4-thiazolidinones; thiazoles; synthesis; anticonvulsant activity
1. Introduction
Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic neurological diseases, affecting up to 1% of the human
population [
Over the last decades, more than 20 new anti-epileptic drugs from different chemical groups have
been marketed, namely: Eslicarbazepine acetate [ ], perampanel [ ], ezogabine [ ] etc. However, a
significant part of patients cannot obtain a stable anticonvulsant effect under monotherapy [ ], and
about 30% of patients have refractory epilepsy and need treatment with drug combinations [ ].
1]. According to the WHO, more than 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy [2].
3
4
5
6
7,8
Increasing the frequency of attacks and side effects, the transformation of attacks and deterioration of
the electroencephalogram are observed in some patients under anti-epileptic drug treatment. This
is largely due to inadequate effectiveness of anticonvulsants, the need for their high doses, and as a
result, their dose-dependent side effects, namely violations of behavioral reactions, emotional state,
cognitive abilities, the development of encephalopathy, and mental disorders [9]. Thus, the search for
new efficient and safety anticonvulsants is of special interest.
4-Thiazolidinones are a known class of drug-like molecules and improved drugs with a broad
spectrum of biological effects [10
,
11], including anticonvulsant [12
,
13]. Thiazolidinone frame
Sci. Pharm. 2020, 88, 16; doi:10.3390/scipharm88010016
www.mdpi.com/journal/scipharm

Sci. Pharm. 2020, 88, 16
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is considered as cyclic mimetic of thiosemicarbazides and thioureas as well as (bio)isoster of
hidantoin (imidazolidine-2,4-dione) [11]—approved scaffolds of known anticonvulsants and privileged
(sub)structures for new anticonvulsants design [14–16]. “Fixation” of thiosemicarbazide/thiourea in a
cyclic structure (thiazolidinone/thiazole core) and further optimization leads to activity increasing [17].
Moreover, the tendency to increase activity in the row: Thiazole–oxazole–4-thiazolidinone derivatives
was described [18,19]. One of the main achievements in the anticonvulsant thiazolidinones area is the
ralitolin - (2Z)-N-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-(3-methyl-4-oxo-1,3-thiazolidine-2-ylidene)-acetamide
and phenytoin - 5,5-diphenyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione, which are proved anticonvulsant drugs.
Moreover, thiazolidinone derivatives correspond to the structural requirements to new anticonvulsant
structure: (i) Contain cyclic imide or N-CO-CN fragments [20]; (ii) involve the combination of two
aromatic rings as hydrophobic domain; (iii) contain N=C-NH moiety as hydrogen bonding domain;
(iv) contain carbonyl group as the electron donor group [21–26] (Figure 1).
B
B
A
A
A
C
C
C
B
D
D
Phenytoin
A
B
B
C
C
A
D
B
Ralitolin
Figure 1. Structural features and “pharmacophore fragments” of the known anticonvulsants (fragments
containing hydrophobic aromatic systems ( ), a hydrogen-binding domain ( ), an electron-donor
fragment (C), a distal aromatic ring (D) adapted from [22,26].
A
B
Among different thiazolidinone subtypes, 5-substituted 2-amino(imino)-4-thiazolidinones [27] and
2-R-substituted-4-thiazolidinones are the most discussed compounds with confirmed anticonvulsant
activity [28
combination of different heterocyclic cores, especially (thi)azoles in one molecule within a hybrid
pharmacophore approach [19 21 31 36]. Highly active compounds with anticonvulsant activity
–31]. One of the efficient approaches for the design of new anticonvulsants is the
,
, –
have been identified among compounds combining thiazolidinone and quinazoline-4(3H)-one [37],
thiobarbituric acid, triazole [27], benzodiazepine [19], coumarin [18], thiazole [31], thiadiazole [21],
indole [30] fragments, etc. Very little data were published regarding the molecular mode/mechanism
of action of thiazolidinone-based anticonvulsant agents. The anticonvulsant activity has been related
to the ability to inhibit the oxidation of Krebs’ cycle intermediates (pyruvate, a-ketoglutarate, citrate
and b-hydroxybutyrate), in this study the prevalence of phenyl ring at C2 position was showed [38].
The present work is an extension of our ongoing efforts towards a search for new
4-thiazolidinone-based anticonvulsant agents [22,39]. Here, we addressed the design and synthesis of
thiazole-thiazolidinones hybrids and evaluation of their anticonvulsant effects.

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2. Materials and Methods
2.1. Chemistry
The starting (2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)-acetic acid, (2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)-acetic
acid [40,41], and 2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one [42] were obtained according to the known
methods. Melting points were measured in open capillary tubes on a BUCHI B-545 melting point
apparatus and were uncorrected. The elemental analyses (C, H, N) were performed using the
Perkin-Elmer 2400 CHN analyzer and were within
were recorded in KBr on a Nicolet iN10FX spectrometer. The H NMR spectra were recorded on
Varian Gemini 400 MHz and 13C NMR spectra on Varian Mercury-400 100 MHz in DMSO-d6 using
±
0.4% of the theoretical values. IR spectra
1
tetramethylsilane as an internal standard. Chemical shifts are reported in ppm units with use of
δ
scale. Mass spectra were obtained using electrospray ionization (ESI) techniques on an Agilent 1100
Series LCMS.
2.2. General Procedure for the 5-(Het)Arylidene-2-(Thiazol-2-yl)Amino(Imino)-4-Thiazolidinones Synthesis (I)
A mixture of appropriate 2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one (5 mmol), appropriate aromatic
aldehyde or isatin (5 mmol), and anhydrous sodium acetate (5 mmol, 0.41 g) in glacial acetic acid
(20 mL) was heated under reflux for 3 h. Precipitate obtained after cooling was filtered off, washed
with methanol and recrystallized with DMF:ethanol (1:2) mixture or acetic acid.
5Z-(4-Fluorobenzylidene)-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one (Ia). Yield 76%, mp 238–240 ◦C. IR
1
(cm−1, KBr): 3080 (NH), 1716 (C=O), 1592 (C=N). H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 7.20 (d, 1H,
J = 3.9 Hz, thiazol.), 7.25 (t, 2H, J = 7.8 Hz, arom.), 7.60 (d, 1H, J = 4.0 Hz, thiazol.), 7.65 (s, 1H, CH=),
7.70 (d, 2H, J = 7.9 Hz, arom.), 12.40 (brs, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
169.2, 167.3,
160.6 (d, J = 259 Hz), 159.3, 140.9, 133.0, 132.9, 131.1, 124.7, 118.0, 117.0 (d, J = 22 Hz). LCMS (ESI) m/z
306 (98.4%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C13H8FN3OS2: C, 51.14; H, 2.64; N, 13.76; Found: C, 51.00; H, 2.40;
N, 14.00%.
5Z-(3-Nitrobenzylidene)-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one (Ib). Yield 82%, mp 216–218 ◦C, lit
231–233 ◦C [43]. IR (cm−1, KBr):3085 (NH), 1707 (C=O), 1599 (C=N). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
7.53 (d, 1H, J = 4.1 Hz, thiazol.), 7.73 (d, 1H, J = 4.0 Hz, thiazol.), 7.87 (s, 1H, CH=), 7.85 (t, 1H,
J = 8.0 Hz, arom.), 8.07 (d, 1H, J = 8.2 Hz, arom.), 8.28 (d, 1H, J = 8.2 Hz, arom.), 8.50 (s, 1H, arom.),
12.80 (brs, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 173.1, 168.9, 166.9, 148.7, 141.0, 135.9, 131.3,
129.6, 124.9, 124.6, 118.2, 118.1, 110.8. LCMS (ESI) m/z 333 (100%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C13H8N4O3S2:
C, 46.98; H, 2.43; N, 16.86; Found: C, 46.80; H, 2.30; N, 17.10%.
5Z-(4-Dimethylaminobenzylidene)-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one (Ic).
249–251 ◦C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
3.10 (s, 6H, 2 *CH3), 6.85 (d, 2H, J = 7.9 Hz, arom.), 7.21
(d, 1H, J = 4.0 Hz, thiazol.), 7.45 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz, arom.), 7.55 (s, 1H, CH=), 7.60 (d, 1H, J = 4.0 Hz,
Yield 75%, mp
δ
thiazol.), 12.40 (brs, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 170.1, 168.0. 159.6, 150.6, 149.1, 139.2,
131.0, 126.5, 118.6, 112.4, 107.9, 39.5. LCMS (ESI) m/z 331 (99.6%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C15H14N4OS2:
C, 54.52; H, 4.27; N, 16.96; Found: C, 54.60; H, 4.50; N, 16.70%.
3-[4-Oxo-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)thiazolidin-5-ylidene]-1,3-dihydroindol-2-one
(
Id).
6.90 (d, 1H, J = 4.2 Hz, thiazol.), 7.00 (t, 1H,
J = 8.8 Hz, arom.), 7.32 (t, 1H, J = 8.7 Hz, arom.), 7.40 (d, 1H, J = 4.0 Hz, thiazol.), 7.70 (d, 1H, J = 8.7 Hz,
arom.), 8.85 (d, 1H, J = 8.7 Hz, arom.), 12.80 (brs, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
168.7,
Yield 81%,
◦
1
mp > 250 C. H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
δ
168.4, 165.3, 156.8, 140.9, 132.5, 132.2, 131.4, 128.2, 118.6, 117.4, 110.4. LCMS (ESI) m/z 329 (96.5%, (M +
H)+). Calcd. for C14H8N4O2S2: C, 51.21; H, 2.46; N, 17.06; Found: C, 51.00; H, 2.30; N, 17.30%.
3-Allyl-5-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one (Ie). A mixture of the
1-allyl-3-thiazol-2-yl-thiourea (5 mmol, 1.0 g), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5 mmol, 0.61 g), chloroacetic
acid (5 mmol, 0.47 g), and sodium acetate (5 mmol, 0.41 g) in 20 mL of acetic acid was heated under
reflux for 3 h. Formed precipitate was filtered off, washed with acetic acid, water, ethanol, and diethyl
ether and then recrystallized from a mixture of DMF:ethanol (1:2). Yield 69%, mp 219–221 ◦C. 1H

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NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
4.53 (d, 2H, J = 4.8 Hz, CH2), 5.18 (m, 1H, CH2), 5,21 (d, 1H, J = 9.2 Hz,
CH2), 5.90 (m, 1H, CH), 7.42 (d, 1H, J = 4.2 Hz, thiazol.), 7.68 (d, 1H, J = 4.1 Hz, thiazol.), 6.94 (d,
2H, J = 8.1 Hz, arom.), 7.50 (d, 2H, J = 8.0 Hz, arom.), 7.73 (s, 1H, CH), 10.23 (s, 1H, OH).13C NMR
(100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 169.0, 165.9, 165.9, 160.4, 154.5, 140.8, 133.9, 133.2, 131.9, 124.7, 118.2, 117.5,
116.9, 45.2. LCMS (ESI) m/z 344 (96.4%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C16H13N3O2S2: C, 55.96; H, 3.82; N,
12.24; Found: C, 55.70; H, 3.50; N, 12.50%.
2.3. General Method for Amides of 2,4-Dioxothiazolidine-5-Carboxylic Acids Synthesis (II)
A mixture of 5 mmol of 2,4-dioxothiazolidine-5-carboxylic acid or 2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-
ylidene)-acetic acid, 12 mL of thionyl chloride in 30 mL of dioxane was heated under reflux for
1 h, cooled, and treated with 100 mL of hexane. The precipitate was separated by filtration. To the
solution of 5 mmol of the corresponding 2-aminoazole, 1 mL of triethylamine in 10 mL of anhydrous
dioxane the solution of appropriate 5 mmol acid chloride in 10 mL of the same solvent was added.
The mixture was heated for 20 min at 90 ◦C, cooled and diluted with 100 mL of water. The formed
precipitate was filtered and recrystallized from an appropriate solvent.
N-(Thiazol-2-yl)-2-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)-acetamide (IIa). Spectral and analytical data were
described [40].
N-(Thiazol-2-yl)-2-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)-acetamide (IIf). Yield 72%, mp > 250 ◦C. 1H NMR
(400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 7.12 (d, 1H, J = 4.1 Hz, thiazol.), 7.43 (d, 1H, J = 4.0 Hz, thiazol.), 7.50 (s, 1H,
CH), 11.2 (s, 1H, NH), 12.80 (brs, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 169.5, 167.0, 164.6, 156.1,
138.7, 137.4, 121.3, 115.4. LCMS (ESI) m/z 256 (98.4%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C8H5N3O3S2: C, 37.64; H,
1.97; N, 16.46; Found: C, 37.50; H, 1.80; N, 16.70%.
2-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)-N-(5-methyl-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-acetamide (IIg). Yield 70%,
1
mp > 250 ◦C. IR (cm−1, KBr):3043 (NH), 1692, 1666, 1620, (C=O), 1573. H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
2.67 (s, 3H, CH3), 7.25 (s, 1H, CH=), 12.82 (brs, 1H, NH), 13.21 (s, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz,
DMSO-d6):
δ
170.6, 166.8, 162.4, 160.6, 158.6, 141.8, 118.5, 15.4. LCMS (ESI) m/z 271 (98.3%, (M + H)+).
Calcd. for C8H6N4O3S2: C, 35.55; H, 2.24; N, 20.73; Found: C, 35.40; H, 2.60; N, 20.40%.
N-[5-(4-Chlorobenzyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-2-(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)-acetamide (IIh). Yield 74%,
mp > 230 ◦C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
4.05 (s, 2H, CH2), 7.20–7.32 (m, 6H, arom., CH), 12.62
170.8, 166.8, 158.4, 154.6, 146.6,
(brs, 1H, NH), 12.76 (s, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
145.7, 140.8, 139.7, 131.6, 130.8, 130.3, 129.0, 31.6. LCMS (ESI) m/z 380/382 (99.8%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for
C15H10ClN3O3S2: C, 47.43; H, 2.65; N, 11.06; Found: C, 47.20; H, 2.60;N, 10.90%.
2-(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-ylidene)-N-[5-(3-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-thiazol-2-yl]-acetamide (IIi). Yield
73%, mp 262–264 ◦C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
4.22 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.84 (s, 1H, CH), 7.45 (s, 1H,
arom.), 7.62–7.71 (m, 4H, arom.), 12.35 (brs, 1H, NH), 12.83 (s, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
170.0, 168.1, 163.6, 155.6, 140.3, 138.7, 137.3, 131.7, 131.4, 131.3 (q, J = 26 Hz), 125.4 (q, J = 280 Hz),
124.6, 120.8, 119.6, 114.7, 35.8. LCMS (ESI) m/z 414 (100%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C16H10F3N3O3S2: C,
48.49; H, 2.44; N, 10.16; Found: C, 48.20; H, 2.50;N, 10.40%.
2.4. General Procedure for N3-Substituted 2,4-Dioxothiazolidine-5-Carboxamides Synthesis
A suspension of 10 mmol of an appropriate 2,4-dioxothiazolidine-5-carboxamide (IIa or IIf) in
15 mL ethanol was treated with 11 mmol (0.62 g) of KOH in 8 mL of the same solvent. The mixture was
stirred for 2 h, and the precipitate was separated by filtration, washed with ethanol and ether. A mixture
of N-potassium salt of appropriate 2,4-thiazolidinedione (5 mmol), N-substituted chloroacetamide
or 4-fluorobenzyl chloride or chloroacetic acid ethyl ester (5.5 mmol), catalytic amount of potassium
iodide and potassium carbonate in 15 mL of DMF-EtOH misxture (1:2) was heated under reflux for 3 h.
Reaction product was filtered off after cooling and pouring into water, washed by water, ethanol, and
diethyl ether and recrystallized.
2-[3-(4-Fluorobenzyl)-2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl]-N-thiazol-2-yl-acetamide (IIb). Yield 79%, mp
◦
1
236–238 C. H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 3.12 (m, 1H, CHCH2), 3.42 (dd, 1H, J = 15.9 Hz,

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J = 4.2 Hz, CHCH2), 4.51 (s, 2H, CH2), 4,92 (dd, 1H, J = 9.9 Hz, J = 4.2 Hz, CHCH2), 7.12 (d, 1H,
J = 4.0 Hz, thiazol.), 7.36 (d, 2H, J = 8.6 Hz, arom.), 7.38 (d, 1H, J = 4.3 Hz, thiazol.), 7.70 (d, 2H,
J = 8.7 Hz, arom.), 12.32 (brs, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 173.2, 168.4, 167.3, 163.8,
159.6 (d, J = 262 Hz), 138.2, 128.2, 121.4, 114.4 (d, J = 28 Hz), 45.0, 44.2, 37.6. LCMS (ESI) m/z 366 (96.3%,
(M + H)+). Calcd. for C15H12FN3O3S2: C, 49.31; H, 3.31; N, 11.50; Found: C, 49.10; H, 3.50; N, 11.70%.
2-[2,4-Dioxo-5-(th◦iazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethyl)thiazolidin-3-yl]-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)acetamide
(IIc).
Yield 70%, mp > 240 C. IR (cm−1, KBr):3270 (NH), 1676, 1659, (C=O), 1577. 1H NMR (400 MHz,
DMSO-d6):
δ 3.08 (m, 1H, CHCH2), 3.42 (dd, 1H, J = 15.2 Hz, J = 4.6 Hz, CHCH2), 4,88 (m, 1H,
CHCH2), 4.58 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.94 (d, 1H, J = 4.3 Hz, thiazol.) 7.12 (d, 2H, J = 4.1 Hz, thiazol.), 7.34 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz, arom.), 7.56 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, arom.), 10.56 (s, 1H, NH), 12.54 (s, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz,
DMSO-d6):
δ 174.1, 172.1, 168.4, 163.8, 157.9, 155.9, 138.2, 132.0, 121.2, 114.4, 114.3, 55.6, 45.0, 44.1, 37.8.
LCMS (ESI) m/z 421 (98.0%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C17H16N4O5S2: C, 48.56; H, 3.84; N, 13.32; Found:
C, 48.40; H, 3.70; N, 13.50%.
2-[2,4-Dioxo-5-(thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethyl)-thiazolidin-3-yl]-N-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-acetamide
◦
IId). Yield 68%, mp > 240 C. IR (cm−1, KBr):3310 (NH), 1682, (C=O), 1576. 1H NMR (400 MHz,
(
DMSO-d6):
J = 10.3 Hz, J = 4.2 Hz, CHCH2), 4.36 (s, 2H, CH2), 7.22 (d, 1H, J = 5.2 Hz, thiazol.) 7.47–4.50 (m, 2H,
arom.), 7.70–7.73 (m, 3H, arom.) 10.00 (s, 1H, NH), 12.39 (s, 1H, NH). 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 3.10 (m, 1H, CHCH2), 3.46 (dd, 1H, J = 16.0 Hz, J = 4.2 Hz, CHCH2), 4,92 (dd, 1H,
δ
173.9, 172.0, 168.3, 165.7, 157.9, 138.2, 134.9, 133.5, 130.0 (q, J = 26 Hz), 127.6, 126.9, 123.9 (q, J = 272 Hz),
114.2, 45.1, 43.8, 37.8. LCMS (ESI) m/z 459 (96.8%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C17H13F3N4O4S2: C, 44.54; H,
2.86; N, 12.22; Found: C, 44.40; H, 2.60; N, 12.40%.
2-[2,4-Dioxo-5-(thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethyl)-thiazolidin-3-yl]-N-thiazol-2-yl-acetamide (IIe). Yield
73%, mp > 240◦C. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ
3.06 (m, 1H, CHCH2), 3.40 (m, 1H, CHCH2), 4.54
(s, 2H, CH2), 4,98 (m, CHCH2), 6.98-7.02 (m, 2H, thiazol.) 7.12 (d, 1H, J = 4.1 Hz, thiazol.), 7.32 (d, 1H,
J = 3.8 Hz, thiazol.), 10.12 (s, 1H, NH), 12.58 (brs, 1H, NH). 13C NMR(100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ. 173.9,
172.1, 168.3, 164.9, 157.9, 138.2, 114.4, 114.2, 45.2, 43.6, 37.LCMS (ESI) m/z 398 (100%, (M + H)+). Calcd.
for C13H11N5O4S3: C, 39.29; H, 2.79; N, 17.62; Found: C, 39.40; H, 2.60; N, 17.50%.
[2,4-D◦ioxo-5-(thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethylene)-thiazolidin-3-yl]-acetic acid ethyl ester (IIj). Yield 70%,
mp > 240 C. IR (cm−1, KBr):3178 (NH), 1736, 1686,1663, 1625 (C=O), 1579. 1H NMR (400 MHz,
DMSO-d6):
δ 1.29 (t, 3H, J = 7.1 Hz, CH3), 4.20 (q, 2H, J = 7.1 Hz, CH2), 4.40 (s, 2H, CHCH2), 7.13 (d,
1H, J = 4.1 Hz, thiazol.), 7.46 (d, 1H, J = 4.1 Hz, thiaz.), 7.48 (s, 1H, CH), 12.91 (s, 1H, ). 13C NMR
(100 MHz, DMSO-d6):
δ 169.5, 167.0, 164.6, 162.0, 138.8, 138.7, 137.4, 121.3, 115.4, 62.2, 42.4, 14.4. LCMS
(ESI) m/z 342 (97.2%, (M + H)+). Calcd. for C12H11N3O5S2: C, 42.22; H, 3.25; N, 12.31; Found: C, 42.00;
H, 3.00; N, 12.60%.
2.5. Pharmacology
Adult random-bred albino-mice of either sex weighing 18–25 g, which were kept under the
standard sanitary-hygienic conditions in the vivarium of the Central Research Laboratory of the
National Pharmaceutical University (Ukraine), were used in the experiments. All animal procedures
were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee and corresponding to the Law of
Ukraine. During the experiment, the rules and principles adopted by the Helsinki Declaration on
Humane Animal Welfare (2000), the Directive of the Council of the European Union on the protection
of animals used for scientific purposes (2010) were observed. The animals were randomized into
the next groups: Group 1—control group; Group 2—experimental group—mice treated with studied
compounds or reference drugs.
The synthesized compounds were screened for their anticonvulsant activity by the
pentylenetetrazole-induced (PTZ) seizures test and maximal electroshock seizure (MES) test [44,45].
Animals were administered the tested compounds once in the form of a thin suspencion stabilized
with polysorbate-80 (Tween-80), at a dose of 100 mg/kg intragastrally.

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In the PTZ test, in which seizures were induced by suppression of GABA-ergic inhibitory processes,
sodium valproate (Depakin, Sanofi-Aventis, Gentilly, France) as a reference drug was administrated
intragastrally (300 mg/kg) as an oral syrup. In the control group, the animals received purified water in an
appropriate volume. Pentylenetetrazole (Corazol, Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) in the form of water
solution (90 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously 30 min after compound application. Subsequently, each
mouse was placed in a separate cylindrical plastic container (5 L) and continuously monitored for 60 min.
MES test was used to evaluate the ability of compounds to prevent the generalization of seizure.
Electroshock was applied via corneal electrodes. The ability of the compounds to prevent seizures
was associated with the prevention of the spread of impulse through the nerve tissues. In the MES
test, electric current-50 mA, a frequency 50 Hz during 0.2 s was used 30 min after the application of
the tested compounds. Carbamazepine (Finlepsin, TEVA-Pharmaceuticals, Petah Tikva, Israel) was
used as a reference drug and was administered intragastrically (40 mg/kg) in the form of a thin water
suspension stabilized with a Tween-80 (polysorbate 80). The observation lasted 60 min. Latency of the
convulsions; the number of clonic-tonic convulsions in one mouse; % of animals with clonic and tonic
convulsions; the duration of the convulsive period (from the first to the last attack); and the lifetime
of the animals before death (in mice with a lethal outcome) were calculated. The severity of seizures
was evaluated according to a scale ranging from 1 to 6: 1—trembling; 2—circus movement; 3—clonic
seizures; 4—clonic-tonic seizures with a lateral position; 5—tonic extension; 6—tonic extension leading
to the animal’s death. When seizures were not observed within 1 h, it was considered that the latent
period was 60 min. The protection of animals from the development of clonic and tonic seizures and
lethality were treated as the most significant indicators of anticonvulsant activity of the compounds [44].
Acute toxicity. The experiments were conducted on white male mice weighing 23–25 g.
Compounds were dissolved in saline solution (0.9% NaCl) with l–2 drops of polysorbate 80 (Tween-80),
after dissolution they were administered via intraperitoneal route. The LD50 was evaluated for 4 or 5
different doses each on 6 animals and calculated by the Litchfield-Wilcoxon method [46,47].
Statistical analysis was carried out using a Statistica 10.0 by the methods of variation statistics.
The average values and standard errors were calculated. The significance of the differences between
groups was estimated according to the Student’s criterion (t) in the case of normal distribution, and
according to the nonparametric Mann-Whitney criterion (U) in the case of the absence of normal
distribution. The results, which were determined in an alternative form (presence/absence of a certain
feature), were evaluated using the Fisher’s criterion (ϕ) [48].
3. Results and Discussion
The design of molecule structure of target compounds was based on: Our former findings [22
,39];
the compliance with structural requirements for potential anticonvulsants (see above); combination of
thiazole and thiazolidinone cores in one molecule [49
,
50]; structural similarity with ralitolin (Figure 2).
O
H
O
Ralitolin
R
Me
O
N
N
R
S
NH
S
Cl
N
Me
S
O
Target compound structure
O
R
N
NH
N
N
A
O
S
S
N
S
S
N
O
H
A - single or double bond
Figure 2. Structure of target compounds.

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Target compounds belong to the two 4-thiazolidinone subtypes-2-imino-4-thiazolidinones
I
and
5-carboxymethyl(idene)-2,4-thiazolidinediones II. 2-Imino-4-thiazolidinones
I
were synthesized based
on known approaches started from N-thiazolylchloroacetamide or disubstitutedthiourea [43
,51]. Target
compounds Ib Id were obtained in the Knoevenagel reaction condition (Scheme 1), compound Ie was
–
synthesized in one-pot three-component reaction of substituted thiourea, aldehyde and chloroacetic acid [51].
O
H
O
N
O
H
R
O
N
N
H
N
N
N
S
S
N
S
S
N
S
N
H
i
S
Ia R = 4-F
Ib R = 3-NO2
R
R
O
Ic R = 4-Me2N
O
H
N
O
N
N
H
CH2
S
N
S
i
N
H
O
Id
N
O
N
S
N
CHO
S
S
N
OH
Ie
Cl
+
H2C
+
S
N
N
ii
O
H
H
HO
OH
Scheme 1. Synthesis of 2-amino(imino)-4-thiazolidinones I. Reagents and conditions: (i) 2-(thiazol-
2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one (1.0 equiv), aromatic aldehyde (1.0 equiv), AcONa (1.0 equiv), AcOH, reflux,
3 h; (ii) 1-allyl-3-thiazol-2-yl-thiourea (1.0 equiv), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1.0 equiv), ClCH2COOH
(1.0 equiv), AcONa (1.0 equiv), AcOH, reflux, 3 h.
Synthesized 4-thiazolidinones, bearing hydrogen atom on an exocyclic nitrogen atom (N3)
can exist in the two tautomeric forms – 2-imino-4-thiazolidinones (exocyclic C=N bond) and
2-amino-4-thiazolidinones (endocyclic C=N bond) [52,53]. The form of compounds presentation
(imino-form) was argued by previous data [51]. All synthesized compounds are in Z-isomeric form
(thiazolidinone C5 double bond) [11,51,52].
(2,4-Dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)-acetic acid was used as starting reagents for synthesis of
2,4-thiazolidinedione-5-carboxylic acids amides II via known approach [40,54] (Scheme 2).
R1
O
O
O
N
H
N
H
ii
i
N
N
O
N
S
O
O
S
S
S
N
S
O
N
H
HO
IIa
O
O
H
IIb R = 4-F-C6H4
IIc R = 4-MeOC6H4NHCO
IId R = 3-CF3C6H4NHCO
IIe R = thiazol-2-yl-NHCO
OEt
O
O
O
H
N
H
N
ii
O
i
N
X
N
N
R
O
O
S
O
S
S
S
S
N
N
IIj
O
HO
H
O
H
O
IIf X = CH, R = H
IIg X = N, R = Me
IIh X = CH, R = 4-Cl-C6H4CH2
IIi X = CH, R = 3-CF3C6H4CH2
Scheme 2. Synthesis of 2,4-thiazolidinedione-5-carboxylic acids amides II. Reagents and conditions:
) 1—2,4-dioxothiazolidine-5-carboxylic acid (1.0 equiv.), SOCl2, dioxane, reflux 1 h; 2—acid chloride
(
i
(1.0 equiv.), amino-azole (1.0 equiv.), triethylamine (1.0 equiv.), dioxane, 30 min 90 ◦C; (ii) 1—appropriate
2,4-thiazolidinedione-5-carboxamide (1.0 equiv.), KOH (1.1 equiv.), EtOH, reflux 2h, 2—potassium
salt of appropriate 2,4-azolidinedione-5-carboxamide (1.0 equiv.), appropriate chloride (1.1 equiv.), cat.
amount KI and K2CO3, DMF:EtOH (1:2) mixture reflux, 3 h.

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Amides IIa and IIf were utilized in the acylation reaction for the target N3-substituted compounds
(IIb-IIe, IIj) synthesis. Structure of compounds was confirmed by physic-chemical data (see above).
The evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of the tested compounds was undertaken within the
known anticonvulsant drug development program protocol [55]. The procedure involved PTZ-induced
seizures and MES-test. For anticonvulsant activity study, N-unsubstituted 2-imino-thiazolidinones
were used in the form of N-potassium salts.
At the first stage, a PTZ-induced seizures model was used. The mechanism of attack development
was based on the suppressive effect of PTZ on GABA-receptors, resulting in a reduction in the inhibitory
effect of GABA in the central nervous system [45]. Sodium valproate was used as a reference drug
(Table 1). The anticonvulsant activity of the latter was associated with blockade of sodium channels,
increased activity of glutamate decarboxylase, and suppression of GABA transaminase, which led to
an increase in the level of GABA in the central nervous system [56]. At the experimental conditions,
sodium valproate (300 mg/kg) showed good anticonvulsant effect: A significant decrease of the latent
period of seizure development (by 6 times comparing to control); decrease (2.4 times) of the amount
of clonic-tonic seizures per animal; decrease of the percentage of mice with clonic and tonic seizures
(50 vs. 100% and 33.33 vs. 91.67%, p < 0.01); decreasing of the severity of the seizures by 2.8 times;
decrease of the duration of the seizure period by 1.9 times; and decrease of the mortality. Among the
tested compounds, three of the most active compounds Ib, IId, IIj were identified.
Compound IIj significantly reduced (by 3.3 times) the duration of the convulsive period
(
2.93 ± 1.99 min vs. 9.68
±
1.96 min, p < 0.05) and the level of mortality by 2.5 times (33.33% vs.
83.33%, p < 0.05). The latent period, the proportion of animals with clonic seizures and severity of
convulsion were decreased, but the compound’s effect was inferior to the sodium valproate.
Compound IId significantly reduced (1.8 times) the proportion of animals with clonic seizures
(50.00% vs. 91.67%, p < 0.05), reduced (1.5 times) the severity of the seizure (3.67 ± 0.88 vs.
5.58 ± 0.29 points
, p < 0.05) and mortality by 5 times (16.67% vs. 83.33%, p < 0.01). The effect of
compound IId was similar to the reference drug.
Among tested compounds, the compound Ib, which affected all of the studied parameters at
the level of the sodium valproate, was the most active. It significantly reduced the latent period
(
43.59 ± 10.58 min vs. 5.63 ± 0.76 min, p < 0.05); the amount of clonic-tonic convulsion per animal was
6.8 times lower (0.50 0.34 vs. 3.42 0.47, p < 0.01); the portion of animals with clonic and tonic
seizures was lower at 3 and 5.5 times, respectively (33.33% vs. 100% and 16.67% vs. 91.67%, p < 0.01);
the severity of the convulsion was 3.7 times lower (1.50 1.03 vs. 5.58 0.29, p < 0.01) as well as the
duration of the convulsive period (6.9 times, 1.40 1.38 min vs. 9.68 1.96 min, p < 0.01). The mortality
±
±
±
±
±
±
under compound’s action was decreased at 66.7% (16.67% vs. 83.33%, p < 0.01). These were confirmed
by our primary data [22].
Seven compounds: Ie, IIb, IIf, IIe, IIg, IIh, and IIi did not show either anticonvulsant or
pro-convulsive activity. For the two compounds Ia and Ic, the minor anticonvulsant properties were
established since they significantly affected only one or two of the studied parameters. There was
a significant decrease in the control of the number of convulsion per animal and the decrease in
the duration of the convulsive period under compound Ia action. Compound Ic contributed to the
lengthening of the latent period and the decrease in the amount of clonic-tonic convulsions per mouse.
Compounds Id and IIc showed pro-convulsant properties. Compound IIc, which showed
moderate pro-convulsant properties, was characterized by a significant reduction in the life of animals
before death and, accordingly, the duration of the convulsive period. In all animals, under compound
IIc action the most severe tonic convulsions were observed. Compound Id induced the development
of tonic seizures in 100% of cases, indicating its pro-convulsant properties.

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Table 1. Anticonvulsant effect of tested compounds in PTZ model.
% of Mice with
Number of Clonic-Tonic
Seizures per Mouse
Severity of
Seizures, Points
Period of
Seizures, min
Time to
Death, min
Latent Period,
min
Mortality,
Group
n
Seizures
%
Clonic
Tonic
Control
SV
Ia
12
12
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
5.63 ± 0.76
34.06 ± 7.87 **
9.58 ± 2.11
3.42 ± 0.47
1.42 ± 0.53 *
1.50 ± 0.34 **
0.50 ± 0.34 **
1.50 ± 0.34 **
2.17 ± 0.31
2.67 ± 0.88
1.50 ± 0.56 *
2.17 ± 0.75
2.33 ± 0.76
2.17 ± 0.70
1.83 ± 0.31 *
2.67 ± 0.92
2.00 ± 0.52
2.50 ± 0.76
2.00 ± 0.52
100
50 **
91.67
33.33 **
83.33
5.58 ± 0.29
2.00 ± 0.64 **
5.50 ± 0.50 ##
1.50 ± 1.03 **
4.17 ± 0.98
9.68 ± 1.96
5.10 ± 2.24 *
2.92 ± 2.62 *
1.40 ± 1.38 **
4.66 ± 2.99
6.87 ± 2.37
7.97 ± 2.92
4.41 ± 3.65 *
2.25 ± 1.36 *
7.64 ± 2.79
4.64 ± 1.86
7.38 ± 2.63
8.39 ± 2.74
7.06 ± 5.33
8.45 ± 3.99
2.93 ± 1.99 *
15.71 ± 2.70
20.9
83.33
8.33 **
83.33 ##
16.67 **
50.00
100 ##
33.33 **
83.33
100 ##
83.33
83.33
100 ##
83.33
83.33
100 ##
100 ##
100 ##
83.33
100 ##
12.61 ± 3.32
Ib
Ic
Id
Ie
IIb
IIc
IId
IIe
IIf
IIg
IIh
IIi
43.59 ± 10.58 *
20.26 ± 8.57 *
3.89 ± 1.38 ##
12.73 ± 9.46 #
15.55 ± 9.20
5.51 ± 2.30 #
16.92 ± 8.90
13.33 ± 9.37
4.29 ± 0.66 ##
3.63 ± 1.17 ##
3.43 ± 0.46 ##
14.81 ± 9.17
6.37 ± 2.05 #
16.67 **
66.67
26.98
11.72 ± 4.15
10.76 ± 2.31
9.51 ± 3.10
10.35 ± 5.46
4.91 ± 1.62 *
9.23
12.22 ± 2.79
11.74 ± 3.22
10.59 ± 4.42
13.72 ± 7.55
15.34 ± 5.02
11.38 ± 4.18
100 ##
66.67
5.67 ± 0.33 ##
4.17 ± 0.98
83.33 ##
50.00
4.67 ± 0.99 #
5.33 ± 0.42 ##
3.67 ± 0.88 *
4.17 ± 0.98
66.67 ##
66.67 ##
16.67 **
50.00
83.33
100 ##
50.00 *
66.67
5.17 ± 0.54 #
4.67 ± 0.62 #
5.00 ± 0.63 #
4.50 ± 0.96 #
4.50 ± 0.50 #
66.67 ##
50.00
83.33
66.67
66.67
83.33
66.67 ##
50.00
IIj
83.33
33.33 *
SV—Sodium valproate; data are given as (M ± m); * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01compared to the control; # p < 0.05; ## p < 0.01compared to sodium valproate.

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At the second stage, the most active compounds Ib
,
IId, and IIj were selected to evaluate
their anticonvulsant action in the MES model. The results of the experiment are shown in the
Table 2.Carbamazepine was used as a reference drug, due to its ability to block sodium channels that
play a leading role in the development of primary-generalized convulsions [57].There was a significant
reduction of the severity of the convulsion by 1.2 times (4.78
the duration of the convulsive period by 2.4 times (0.10 0.03 vs. 0.24
0.14 vs. 0.80
±
0.28 vs. 5.53
±
0.13 points, p < 0.05),
0.03 min, p < 0.01) and
0.16 min, p < 0.01) under
±
±
the duration of the recovery period by 1.9 times (0.41
carbamazepine treatment.
±
±
Table 2. Anticonvulsant effect of tested compounds in MES model.
% of Mice with
Seizures
Severity of
Seizures, Points
Period of
Seizures, min
Recovery Period
(Lateral Position), min
Ttime to
Death, min
Mortality,
%
Group
n
Clonic
Tonic
Control
CM
Ib
IId
IIj
17
14
14
14
14
100
100
100
100
100
100
92.86
78.57 **
85.71 *
78.57 **
5.53 ± 0.13
4.78 ± 0.28 *
4.57 ± 0.33 *
5.00 ± 0.33
4.71 ± 0.34
0.24 ± 0.03
0.10 ± 0.03 **
0.08 ± 0.03 **
0.13 ± 0.03 *
0.10 ± 0.03 **
0.80 ± 0.16
0.41 ± 0.14 **
0.27 ± 0.27 **
0.23 ± 0.03 **
0.32 ± 0.10 **
0.30 ± 0.03
0.32 ± 0.02
0.28 ± 0.03
0.30 ± 0.02
0.26 ± 0.01
52.94
35.71
35.71
57.14
42.86
CM—carbamazepine; data are given as (M ± m); * p < 0.05; ** p < 0.01compared to the control.
Compound IIj reduced of the percentage of animals with tonic seizures (78.57% vs. 100%
,
p < 0.01
)
and decreased the duration of tonic and clonic seizures by 2.4 and 2.5 times respectively (0.10
±
0.03 vs.
0.24
of the percentage of mice with tonic seizures by 14.3% (85.71 vs. 100%, p < 0.05), decreasing of the
duration of tonic extension by 1.8 times (0.13 0.03 vs. 0.24 0.03 min, p < 0.05) and clonic convulsions
by 3.5 times (0.23 0.03 vs. 0.80 0.16 min, p < 0.01) were observed. Compound Ib significantly
decreased the amount of mice with tonic seizures by 21.4% (78.57% vs. 100%, p < 0.01), the duration of
tonic extension and clonic seizures by 3 and 2.9 times, respectively (0.08 0.03 vs. 0.24 0.03 min and
0.16 min, p < 0.01), and the severity of convulsions by 1.2 times (4.57 0.33 vs.
0.13 points, p < 0.05). Thus, all three compounds possess the anticonvulsant properties in the
±
0.03 min and 0.32
±
0.10 vs. 0.80
±
0.16 min, p < 0.01). Under compound IId action reduction
±
±
±
±
±
±
0.27
5.53
±
±
0.27 vs. 0.80
±
±
MES model, the compounds’ activities was not inferior to carbamazepine.
The most active of the synthesized compounds were evaluated for their approximate LD50
(intraperitoneal administration) in mice [46,47]. Tested compounds were relatively non-toxic and well
tolerated by the experimental animals as demonstrated by their LD50
(
Ib—263
±
27.1 mg/kg, IId—610
± 40.5 mg/kg, IIj—320 ± 31.5 mg/kg).
The analysis of the structure-activity relationships in the group of 2-imino-4-thiazolidinones
I) reveled the following patterns: The presence of nitrobenzylidene fragment at C5 position of
(
main core are preferred for anticonvulsant activity realization. The replacement of the nitro-group
by fluorine atom (compound Ia) or dimethylamino group (compound Ic) led to reduction of the
anticonvulsant effect. The introduction of the substituent in the N3 position of the thiazolidinone core
led to only imino-form of compounds and the impossibility of amino-iminotautomeric transformation.
Such modification of 2-iminothiazolyl-4-thiazolidinones led to a decrease of anticonvulsant activity
(compound Ie). The replacement of the arylidene fragment by isatine moiety that can be treated as
annulation of benzylidene fragment (compound Id), and it was not the optimal direction for compound
structure modification. Compound Id possesses even pro-convulsant activity. For such group of
compounds
I with different substituent in the C5 benzylidene fragment the strong antimicrobial
activity [43 58] and inhibition of SHP-2 (non receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase that mediates cell
,
signaling by growth factors and cytokines acting via the RAS/MAP kinase pathway [59]) also was
detected. These alone with a new trend in the creation of new anticonvulsants [60] can be treated as a
benefit, especially within a polypharmacological approach [10,11], when the compound possessed
several types of activity and can be used as a baseline for further optimization.

Sci. Pharm. 2020, 88, 16
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For the 2,4-thiazolidinone-5-carboxylic acid derivatives (II), the next aspects of structure-activity
relationships were funded: The complication of C5 moiety (compounds IIh and IIi) led to activity
decreasing; the presence of N3 substituent was essential (crucial decreasing of activity of IIf compare
to IIj). The nature of the substituents in the N3 fragment also plays a significant role: The absence
of C=O group (compound IIb), as well as the replacement of CF3 (IId) group by OMe group (IIc
)
provided the activity decreasing. Saturated analogs (with C5-single bond) of compound IIj also
possessed the strong anticonvulsant activity [61] that confirmed the potency of such direction for the
new anticonvulsants design.
Hit-compounds Ib, IId, and IIj showed pronounced anticonvulsant properties in both the
PTZ-model and the MES-test. It can be assumed that these compounds have a mixed mechanism
of action aimed at increasing the inhibitory processes in the central nervous system by increasing
GABA-ergic activity, and reducing the processes of excitation in the CNS by blocking the sodium
channels. The results of the study provide a basis for further study of the anticonvulsant properties
of thiazole-thiazolidinones.
4. Conclusions
The present work reports the design and synthesis, and anticonvulsant activity evaluation
of two series of thiazole-bearing 4-thiazolidinones, namely 2-imino-4-thiazolidinones and
2,4-dioxothiazolidine-5-carboxamides. The design of the compounds’ structure was based on
structural requirements for anticonvulsant structures, similarity to ralitoline—known anticonvulsant
drug, and a combination of two azole cores. The study of the anticonvulsant activity was
undertaken in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures assay and maximal electroshock seizure test.
Among the tested compounds 5Z-(3-nitrobenzylidene)-2-(thiazol-2-ylimino)-thiazolidin-4-one
Ib
,
2-[2,4-dioxo-5-(thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethyl)-thiazolidin-3-yl]-N-(2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-
acetamide IId, and [2,4-dioxo-5-(thiazol-2-ylcarbamoylmethylene)-thiazolidin-3-yl]-acetic acid ethyl
ester IIj showed excellent anticonvulsant activity in both assays and possessed relatively low acute
toxicity. Some structure-activity relationship findings were discussed as well as directions for
such compounds modification. The results of the study provide a basis for further study of the
anticonvulsant properties of selected thiazole-thiazolidinone hybrids.
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, D.K. and R.L.; design and synthesis of compounds D.K. and R.L.;
pharmacological study M.M. and S.S.; writing—Original draft preparation, D.K. and S.S.; writing—Review and
editing, D.K., R.L., M.M., S.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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