# Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Novel Imidazolopyridinyl Indoles as Potent Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents

Authors: Jaiprakash S. Biradar; Parveen Rajesab; Sasidhar B. Somappa
Journal: Journal of Chemistry
 (2014)

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## Abstract

We describe herein the design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of novel series of imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues as potent antioxidants and antimicrobials. These novel compounds (3a–i) were synthesized by reacting 3,5-disubstituted-indole-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) with 2,3-diamino pyridine (2) in excellent yield. The novel products were confirmed by their IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectral, and analytical data. These compounds were screened for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Among the compounds tested, 3a–d showed the highest total antioxidant capacity, scavenging, and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 3c-d and 3g-h have shown excellent ferric reducing activity.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

The continuous search for novel agents which target pathological processes of human carcinogenesis has led to the synthesis of small molecules which may modulate cell cycle [1]. Free radicals are referred to as oxidizing agents because they tend to cause other molecules to donate their electrons [2]. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a product of normal cellular metabolism [3]. ROS plays a vital physiological role in several intracellular signaling and regulations [4]. Antioxidants have the ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent the damage caused by them [5]. Antioxidants, even at low concentration, significantly delay or prevent the oxidation of easy oxidizable substrates [6]; when in high concentrations, ROS can damage cell structures, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins [7]. In the normal metabolism status, the level of free radicals and antioxidants in humans is maintained in balance, which is important for sustaining optimal physiological conditions [8]. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) are implicated in numerous pathological conditions such as diabetes, liver damage [9], inflammation, aging, atherosclerosis, carcinogenesis [10, 11], and neurodegenerative [12] disorders like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) [13].The treatment of infectious microbial disease remains a pressing problem worldwide [14, 15]. A major research emphasis to counter this growing problem is the development of antimicrobials structurally unrelated to the existing molecules. One possibility to achieve this goal is the combination of a molecule with structural elements possessing appropriate biological activities [16, 17]. Nitrogen-bridgehead fused heterocycles containing an imidazole ring is a common structural component in pharmacologically important molecules, with activities spanning an assorted range of targets [18], such as antiviral [19] and anticancer [20–22]. Imidazolopyridine analogues are an important class of biologically active compounds showing anticancer [1], antiviral [23], analgesic [24], and anti-HIV [25] activities. Diaminopyridine analogues possess a wide range of biological activities [26] such as treatment of multiple sclerosis and [27] antiviral, rodenticidal [28], antimicrobial, and cytotoxic [29, 30] activities.Besides, indoles are featured in a wide variety of biologically and pharmacologically active compounds [31]. One of the natural antioxidants is melatonin possessing an indole ring, which is produced in the body and acts as a free radical scavenger [32]. The indole derivatives are known to possess anticancer DNA cleavage, antioxidant [33–37], antirheumatoidal, and anti-HIV [38] activities.The search for an innovative key for the reduction of chemical steps, wastes, short reaction time, easy workup, and increased yield in organic processes has become a thought-provoking task. This can be overcome by carrying out the reaction in microwave condition. Microwave irradiation is an important method which is being increasingly used to accelerate organic reactions. Several methods have been reported for the synthesis of imidazoles in the presence of catalyst and solvents such as P2O5 and Methanesulfonic acid [39], Alumina-Methanesulfonic acid [40], HCl [41], polyphosphoric acid [42], and ethylene glycol [43]. However, it was noticed that all these methods involve an assortment of drawbacks such as difficult to workup, prolonged reaction time, low yields, and use of expensive and environmentally toxic organic reagents or catalyst or solvent. We have developed an ecofriendly, efficient, less energy, and catalyst free method for the synthesis of imidazolopyridinyl indoles. Therefore, considerable interest is focused on the microwave assisted synthesis of imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues as potent antioxidants (free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power) and antimicrobial activities of pharmacologically active compounds.


## 2. Experimental

### 2.1. Chemistry

All chemicals used in this investigation were analytical grade and were purified whenever necessary. Melting points of the synthesized compounds are measured in open capillaries and are uncorrected. Reactions are monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel 60 F254 aluminium sheets (MERCK). Iodine vapour was used as detecting agent. IR spectra are recorded in KBr on Perkin Elmer and FTIR spectrophotometer (ν
max
⁡ in cm−1). 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra are recorded on BRUKER AVENE II 400-MHz NMR spectrometer (chemical shift in δ ppm down field from TMS as internal reference). The mass spectra are recorded on LC-MSD-Trap-SL instruments. The elemental analysis was determined on FLASH EA 1112 SERIES instrument.


#### 2.1.1. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compound1a–i

The precursors 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) were obtained from 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylates by reported method [44].


#### 2.1.2. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compound3a–i

Conventional Method. A mixture of 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) (0.01 mol) and 2,3-diaminopyridine 2 (0.01 mol) were refluxed 5-6 h in 15–20 mL of ethanol. The completion of reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, excess of solvent was removed under reduced pressure and kept at room temperature for a few hours for the formation of crystals. The product obtained was filtered and purified with ethanol. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopic data; yield was 65–75%.Microwave Assisted Synthesis. A mixture of 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) (0.01 mol) and 2,3-diaminopyridine (2) (0.01 mol) were powdered, mixed, and introduced in an open borosil glass vessel containing a few drops of ethanol. This was subjected to microwave irradiation for 10 minutes with 70% microwave power. After completion (TLC), the reaction mixture was brought to room temperature, washed with aqueous ethanol, and recrystallized to get the title compound 3a–i, which was found to be in high purity (TLC) and in excellent yield (80–98%).(1) 2-(5-Chloro-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3a
). m.p. 251-252°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3449, 3416; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.02 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.50 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.28–7.52 (m, 11H, Ar-H); 13CNMR (DMSO-d6) δ (ppm): 115, 120, 122, 125, 125, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, 153; MS: m/z = 344 [M]+., 346 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C20H13ClN4 (344): C, 69.67; H, 3.80; N, 16.25. Found: C, 69.52; H, 3.74; N, 16.16.(2) 2-(5-Bromo-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3b
). m.p. 267-268°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3435, 3412; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.52 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.95 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.21–7.69 (m, 11H, Ar-H); MS: m/z = 390 [M]+., 392 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C20H13BrN4 (390): C, 61.71; H, 3.37; N, 14.39. Found: C, 61.59; H, 3.29; N, 14.31.(3) 2-(5-Methyl-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3c
). m.p. 245-246°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3470, 3418; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.66 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.10 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.10–7.48 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 2.41 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 324 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. for C21H16N4 (324): C, 77.76; H, 4.97; N, 17.27. Found: C, 77.65; H, 4.91; N, 17.35.(4) 2-(5-Methoxy-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3d
). m.p. 225-226°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3341, 2845; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.77 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.67 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 6.85–7.51 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 3.89 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 340 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C21H16N4O (340): C, 74.10; H, 4.74; N, 16.46. Found: C, 74.25; H, 4.68; N, 16.58.(5) 2-(5-Chloro-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3e
). m.p. 236-237°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2849; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.54 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.85 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.21–7.69 (m, 6H, Ar-H), 2.50 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 282 [M]+., 284 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C15H11ClN4 (282): C, 63.72; H, 3.92; N, 19.82. Found: C, 63.67; H, 3.85; N, 19.71.(6) 2-(5-Bromo-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3f
). m.p. 256-257°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3439, 2849; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.53 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.00 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.44–8.04 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 328 [M]+., 330 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C15H11BrN4 (328): C, 55.06; H, 3.39; N, 17.12. Found: C, 55.12; H, 3.31; N, 17.07.(7) 2-(3,5-Dimethyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3g
). m.p. 240-241°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2852; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.17 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 9.83 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.22–7.78 (m, Ar-H, 6H), 2.07 (d, 6H, CH3); 13CNMR (DMSO-d6) δ (ppm): 21, 10, 112, 118, 120, 124, 127, 128, 128, 135, 164; MS: m/z = 262 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C16H14N4 (262): C, 73.26; H, 5.38; N, 21.36. Found: C, 73.19; H, 5.29; N, 21.28.(8) 2-(5-Methoxy-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3h
). m.p. 275-276°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2852; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.77 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.20 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.05–7.38 (m, Ar-H, 6H), 2.50 (S, 3H, CH3), 3.34 (S, 3H, OCH3); MS: m/z = 278 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C16H14N4O (278): C, 69.05; H, 5.07; N, 20.13. Found: C, 68.45; H, 5.01; N, 20.01.(9) 2-(1H-Indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3i
). m.p. 238-239°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3207, 2952; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.304 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.98 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 6.54–7.53 (m, Ar-H, 6H); MS: m/z = 234 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C14H10N4 (234): C, 71.78; H, 4.30; N, 23.92. Found: C, 71.65; H, 4.25; N, 23.85.


### 2.2. Biological Activities

#### 2.2.1. Antioxidant Activities

(1) Free Radical Scavenging Activity. Free radical scavenging activity was done by DPPH method [45]. Different concentrations (10, 50, and 100 μg) of samples and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) were taken in different test tubes. The volume was adjusted to 100 μL by adding MeOH. Five milliliters of 0.1 mM methanolic solution of DPPH was added to these tubes and shaken vigorously. The tubes were allowed to stand at 27°C for 20 min. The control was prepared as above without any extract. The absorbance of samples was measured at 517 nm. Radical scavenging activity was calculated using the following formula:
(1)
%
Radical
scavenging
activity
=
[
Control
OD
-
Sample
OD
Control
OD
]
×
100
.(2) Total Antioxidant Capacity. Various concentrations of extracts (10, 50, and 100 μg) were taken in a series of test tubes. To this, 1.9 mL of reagent solution (0.6 M sulfuric acid, 28 mM sodium phosphate, and 4 mM ammonium molybdate) was added. The tubes were incubated at 95°C for 90 min and allowed to cool. The absorbance of each aqueous solution was measured at 695 nm against a blank. Antioxidant capacities are expressed as equivalents of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid equivalents are calculated using standard graph of ascorbic acid. The values are expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents in μg per mg of extract.(3) Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power. Various concentrations of extracts (10, 50, and 100 μg) were mixed with 2.5 mL of 200 mmol/L sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) and 2.5 mL of 1% potassium ferricyanide. The mixture was incubated at 50°C for 20 min. Next, 2.5 mL of 10% trichloroacetic acid (w/v) was added. From this solution, 5 mL was mixed with 5 mL of distilled water and 1 mL of 0.1% ferric chloride and absorbance was measured spectrophotometrically at 700 nm. BHA was used as standard.


#### 2.2.2. Antimicrobial Activity

A series of novel imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues are tested forin vitroantimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coliATCC 25922 and Klebsiella PneumoniaeATCC 33499 and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and antifungal activity against Candida tropicalisATCC 8302 and Candida albicans ATCC 60193 by applying the agar plate diffusion technique [46]. Dilution process was adopted at 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL concentrations. The activity is compared with reference drugs Gentamycin for antibacterial and Fluconazole for antifungal activity. The zone of inhibition after 24 hr of incubation at 37°C, in case of antibacterial activity and 48 hr in case of antifungal activity, was compared with that of standards.


## 2.1. Chemistry

All chemicals used in this investigation were analytical grade and were purified whenever necessary. Melting points of the synthesized compounds are measured in open capillaries and are uncorrected. Reactions are monitored by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel 60 F254 aluminium sheets (MERCK). Iodine vapour was used as detecting agent. IR spectra are recorded in KBr on Perkin Elmer and FTIR spectrophotometer (ν
max
⁡ in cm−1). 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra are recorded on BRUKER AVENE II 400-MHz NMR spectrometer (chemical shift in δ ppm down field from TMS as internal reference). The mass spectra are recorded on LC-MSD-Trap-SL instruments. The elemental analysis was determined on FLASH EA 1112 SERIES instrument.


### 2.1.1. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compound1a–i

The precursors 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) were obtained from 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylates by reported method [44].


### 2.1.2. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compound3a–i

Conventional Method. A mixture of 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) (0.01 mol) and 2,3-diaminopyridine 2 (0.01 mol) were refluxed 5-6 h in 15–20 mL of ethanol. The completion of reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, excess of solvent was removed under reduced pressure and kept at room temperature for a few hours for the formation of crystals. The product obtained was filtered and purified with ethanol. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopic data; yield was 65–75%.Microwave Assisted Synthesis. A mixture of 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) (0.01 mol) and 2,3-diaminopyridine (2) (0.01 mol) were powdered, mixed, and introduced in an open borosil glass vessel containing a few drops of ethanol. This was subjected to microwave irradiation for 10 minutes with 70% microwave power. After completion (TLC), the reaction mixture was brought to room temperature, washed with aqueous ethanol, and recrystallized to get the title compound 3a–i, which was found to be in high purity (TLC) and in excellent yield (80–98%).(1) 2-(5-Chloro-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3a
). m.p. 251-252°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3449, 3416; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.02 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.50 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.28–7.52 (m, 11H, Ar-H); 13CNMR (DMSO-d6) δ (ppm): 115, 120, 122, 125, 125, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, 153; MS: m/z = 344 [M]+., 346 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C20H13ClN4 (344): C, 69.67; H, 3.80; N, 16.25. Found: C, 69.52; H, 3.74; N, 16.16.(2) 2-(5-Bromo-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3b
). m.p. 267-268°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3435, 3412; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.52 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.95 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.21–7.69 (m, 11H, Ar-H); MS: m/z = 390 [M]+., 392 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C20H13BrN4 (390): C, 61.71; H, 3.37; N, 14.39. Found: C, 61.59; H, 3.29; N, 14.31.(3) 2-(5-Methyl-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3c
). m.p. 245-246°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3470, 3418; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.66 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.10 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.10–7.48 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 2.41 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 324 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. for C21H16N4 (324): C, 77.76; H, 4.97; N, 17.27. Found: C, 77.65; H, 4.91; N, 17.35.(4) 2-(5-Methoxy-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3d
). m.p. 225-226°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3341, 2845; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.77 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.67 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 6.85–7.51 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 3.89 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 340 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C21H16N4O (340): C, 74.10; H, 4.74; N, 16.46. Found: C, 74.25; H, 4.68; N, 16.58.(5) 2-(5-Chloro-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3e
). m.p. 236-237°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2849; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.54 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.85 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.21–7.69 (m, 6H, Ar-H), 2.50 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 282 [M]+., 284 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C15H11ClN4 (282): C, 63.72; H, 3.92; N, 19.82. Found: C, 63.67; H, 3.85; N, 19.71.(6) 2-(5-Bromo-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3f
). m.p. 256-257°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3439, 2849; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.53 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.00 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.44–8.04 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 328 [M]+., 330 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C15H11BrN4 (328): C, 55.06; H, 3.39; N, 17.12. Found: C, 55.12; H, 3.31; N, 17.07.(7) 2-(3,5-Dimethyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3g
). m.p. 240-241°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2852; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.17 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 9.83 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.22–7.78 (m, Ar-H, 6H), 2.07 (d, 6H, CH3); 13CNMR (DMSO-d6) δ (ppm): 21, 10, 112, 118, 120, 124, 127, 128, 128, 135, 164; MS: m/z = 262 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C16H14N4 (262): C, 73.26; H, 5.38; N, 21.36. Found: C, 73.19; H, 5.29; N, 21.28.(8) 2-(5-Methoxy-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3h
). m.p. 275-276°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2852; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.77 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.20 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.05–7.38 (m, Ar-H, 6H), 2.50 (S, 3H, CH3), 3.34 (S, 3H, OCH3); MS: m/z = 278 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C16H14N4O (278): C, 69.05; H, 5.07; N, 20.13. Found: C, 68.45; H, 5.01; N, 20.01.(9) 2-(1H-Indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3i
). m.p. 238-239°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3207, 2952; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.304 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.98 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 6.54–7.53 (m, Ar-H, 6H); MS: m/z = 234 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C14H10N4 (234): C, 71.78; H, 4.30; N, 23.92. Found: C, 71.65; H, 4.25; N, 23.85.


## 2.1.1. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compound1a–i

The precursors 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) were obtained from 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylates by reported method [44].


## 2.1.2. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compound3a–i

Conventional Method. A mixture of 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) (0.01 mol) and 2,3-diaminopyridine 2 (0.01 mol) were refluxed 5-6 h in 15–20 mL of ethanol. The completion of reaction was monitored by TLC. After completion of the reaction, excess of solvent was removed under reduced pressure and kept at room temperature for a few hours for the formation of crystals. The product obtained was filtered and purified with ethanol. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopic data; yield was 65–75%.Microwave Assisted Synthesis. A mixture of 3,5-disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acid (1a–i) (0.01 mol) and 2,3-diaminopyridine (2) (0.01 mol) were powdered, mixed, and introduced in an open borosil glass vessel containing a few drops of ethanol. This was subjected to microwave irradiation for 10 minutes with 70% microwave power. After completion (TLC), the reaction mixture was brought to room temperature, washed with aqueous ethanol, and recrystallized to get the title compound 3a–i, which was found to be in high purity (TLC) and in excellent yield (80–98%).(1) 2-(5-Chloro-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3a
). m.p. 251-252°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3449, 3416; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.02 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.50 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.28–7.52 (m, 11H, Ar-H); 13CNMR (DMSO-d6) δ (ppm): 115, 120, 122, 125, 125, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, 153; MS: m/z = 344 [M]+., 346 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C20H13ClN4 (344): C, 69.67; H, 3.80; N, 16.25. Found: C, 69.52; H, 3.74; N, 16.16.(2) 2-(5-Bromo-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3b
). m.p. 267-268°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3435, 3412; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.52 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.95 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.21–7.69 (m, 11H, Ar-H); MS: m/z = 390 [M]+., 392 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C20H13BrN4 (390): C, 61.71; H, 3.37; N, 14.39. Found: C, 61.59; H, 3.29; N, 14.31.(3) 2-(5-Methyl-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3c
). m.p. 245-246°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3470, 3418; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.66 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.10 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.10–7.48 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 2.41 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 324 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. for C21H16N4 (324): C, 77.76; H, 4.97; N, 17.27. Found: C, 77.65; H, 4.91; N, 17.35.(4) 2-(5-Methoxy-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3d
). m.p. 225-226°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3341, 2845; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.77 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.67 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 6.85–7.51 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 3.89 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 340 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C21H16N4O (340): C, 74.10; H, 4.74; N, 16.46. Found: C, 74.25; H, 4.68; N, 16.58.(5) 2-(5-Chloro-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3e
). m.p. 236-237°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2849; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.54 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.85 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.21–7.69 (m, 6H, Ar-H), 2.50 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 282 [M]+., 284 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C15H11ClN4 (282): C, 63.72; H, 3.92; N, 19.82. Found: C, 63.67; H, 3.85; N, 19.71.(6) 2-(5-Bromo-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3f
). m.p. 256-257°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3439, 2849; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.53 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.00 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.44–8.04 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 2.44 (s, 3H, CH3); MS: m/z = 328 [M]+., 330 [M+2]. Anal. calcd. For C15H11BrN4 (328): C, 55.06; H, 3.39; N, 17.12. Found: C, 55.12; H, 3.31; N, 17.07.(7) 2-(3,5-Dimethyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3g
). m.p. 240-241°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2852; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 11.17 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 9.83 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.22–7.78 (m, Ar-H, 6H), 2.07 (d, 6H, CH3); 13CNMR (DMSO-d6) δ (ppm): 21, 10, 112, 118, 120, 124, 127, 128, 128, 135, 164; MS: m/z = 262 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C16H14N4 (262): C, 73.26; H, 5.38; N, 21.36. Found: C, 73.19; H, 5.29; N, 21.28.(8) 2-(5-Methoxy-3-methyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3h
). m.p. 275-276°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3422, 2852; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.77 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 11.20 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 7.05–7.38 (m, Ar-H, 6H), 2.50 (S, 3H, CH3), 3.34 (S, 3H, OCH3); MS: m/z = 278 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C16H14N4O (278): C, 69.05; H, 5.07; N, 20.13. Found: C, 68.45; H, 5.01; N, 20.01.(9) 2-(1H-Indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazolo[4,5-b]pyridine (
3i
). m.p. 238-239°C; IR (KBr) ν
max
⁡ (cm−1): 3207, 2952; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6 + CDCl3) δ (ppm): 12.304 (s, 1H, Indole NH), 10.98 (s, 1H, Imidazolopyridine NH), 6.54–7.53 (m, Ar-H, 6H); MS: m/z = 234 [M]+.. Anal. calcd. For C14H10N4 (234): C, 71.78; H, 4.30; N, 23.92. Found: C, 71.65; H, 4.25; N, 23.85.


## 2.2. Biological Activities

### 2.2.1. Antioxidant Activities

(1) Free Radical Scavenging Activity. Free radical scavenging activity was done by DPPH method [45]. Different concentrations (10, 50, and 100 μg) of samples and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) were taken in different test tubes. The volume was adjusted to 100 μL by adding MeOH. Five milliliters of 0.1 mM methanolic solution of DPPH was added to these tubes and shaken vigorously. The tubes were allowed to stand at 27°C for 20 min. The control was prepared as above without any extract. The absorbance of samples was measured at 517 nm. Radical scavenging activity was calculated using the following formula:
(1)
%
Radical
scavenging
activity
=
[
Control
OD
-
Sample
OD
Control
OD
]
×
100
.(2) Total Antioxidant Capacity. Various concentrations of extracts (10, 50, and 100 μg) were taken in a series of test tubes. To this, 1.9 mL of reagent solution (0.6 M sulfuric acid, 28 mM sodium phosphate, and 4 mM ammonium molybdate) was added. The tubes were incubated at 95°C for 90 min and allowed to cool. The absorbance of each aqueous solution was measured at 695 nm against a blank. Antioxidant capacities are expressed as equivalents of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid equivalents are calculated using standard graph of ascorbic acid. The values are expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents in μg per mg of extract.(3) Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power. Various concentrations of extracts (10, 50, and 100 μg) were mixed with 2.5 mL of 200 mmol/L sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) and 2.5 mL of 1% potassium ferricyanide. The mixture was incubated at 50°C for 20 min. Next, 2.5 mL of 10% trichloroacetic acid (w/v) was added. From this solution, 5 mL was mixed with 5 mL of distilled water and 1 mL of 0.1% ferric chloride and absorbance was measured spectrophotometrically at 700 nm. BHA was used as standard.


### 2.2.2. Antimicrobial Activity

A series of novel imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues are tested forin vitroantimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coliATCC 25922 and Klebsiella PneumoniaeATCC 33499 and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and antifungal activity against Candida tropicalisATCC 8302 and Candida albicans ATCC 60193 by applying the agar plate diffusion technique [46]. Dilution process was adopted at 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL concentrations. The activity is compared with reference drugs Gentamycin for antibacterial and Fluconazole for antifungal activity. The zone of inhibition after 24 hr of incubation at 37°C, in case of antibacterial activity and 48 hr in case of antifungal activity, was compared with that of standards.


## 2.2.1. Antioxidant Activities

(1) Free Radical Scavenging Activity. Free radical scavenging activity was done by DPPH method [45]. Different concentrations (10, 50, and 100 μg) of samples and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) were taken in different test tubes. The volume was adjusted to 100 μL by adding MeOH. Five milliliters of 0.1 mM methanolic solution of DPPH was added to these tubes and shaken vigorously. The tubes were allowed to stand at 27°C for 20 min. The control was prepared as above without any extract. The absorbance of samples was measured at 517 nm. Radical scavenging activity was calculated using the following formula:
(1)
%
Radical
scavenging
activity
=
[
Control
OD
-
Sample
OD
Control
OD
]
×
100
.(2) Total Antioxidant Capacity. Various concentrations of extracts (10, 50, and 100 μg) were taken in a series of test tubes. To this, 1.9 mL of reagent solution (0.6 M sulfuric acid, 28 mM sodium phosphate, and 4 mM ammonium molybdate) was added. The tubes were incubated at 95°C for 90 min and allowed to cool. The absorbance of each aqueous solution was measured at 695 nm against a blank. Antioxidant capacities are expressed as equivalents of ascorbic acid. Ascorbic acid equivalents are calculated using standard graph of ascorbic acid. The values are expressed as ascorbic acid equivalents in μg per mg of extract.(3) Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power. Various concentrations of extracts (10, 50, and 100 μg) were mixed with 2.5 mL of 200 mmol/L sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.6) and 2.5 mL of 1% potassium ferricyanide. The mixture was incubated at 50°C for 20 min. Next, 2.5 mL of 10% trichloroacetic acid (w/v) was added. From this solution, 5 mL was mixed with 5 mL of distilled water and 1 mL of 0.1% ferric chloride and absorbance was measured spectrophotometrically at 700 nm. BHA was used as standard.


## 2.2.2. Antimicrobial Activity

A series of novel imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues are tested forin vitroantimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coliATCC 25922 and Klebsiella PneumoniaeATCC 33499 and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and antifungal activity against Candida tropicalisATCC 8302 and Candida albicans ATCC 60193 by applying the agar plate diffusion technique [46]. Dilution process was adopted at 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL concentrations. The activity is compared with reference drugs Gentamycin for antibacterial and Fluconazole for antifungal activity. The zone of inhibition after 24 hr of incubation at 37°C, in case of antibacterial activity and 48 hr in case of antifungal activity, was compared with that of standards.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Chemistry

The compounds were designed with the aim of exploring their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The target compounds were synthesized as outlined in Scheme1. 3,5-Disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acids (1a–i) were reacted with 2,3-diaminopyridine (2) in ethanol affords imidazolopyridinyl indoles. Completion of the reaction was monitored by TLC. All the novel compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopic data. The IR spectrum of 2-(5-chloro-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine 3ashowed strong absorption at 3449 cm−1 corresponding to indole NH and absorption at 3416 cm−1 corresponding to imidazolopyridine NH. The 1HNMR spectrum of 3a has exhibited a singlet at δ 12.02 due to indole NH; singlet at δ 11.50 corresponds to imidazolopyridine NH which are D2O exchangeable. A multiplet between δ 7.28–7.52 is assigned to the eleven aromatic protons present in the molecule. The 13CNMR spectrum of 3a has shown peaks at δ 115, 120, 122, 125, 125, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, and 153. The mass spectrum of compound 3a has shown isotopic peaks at m/z 344 [M]+., 346 [M+2]. The above spectral data supports the formation of compound 3a. The various new indole derivatives synthesized during the present investigation are listed in Table 1.Table 1
Comparative data of conventional and microwave method for the imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues3a–i.
Product
Substituent’s
Conventional method
Microwave method
R
R
′
Time (Min)
Yield (%)a
Time (Min)
Power
Yield (%)a
3a
Cl
Ph
300–360
75
10
70
98
3b
Br
Ph
300–360
70
10
70
97
3c
Me
Ph
300–360
60
10
70
95
3d
OMe
Ph
300–360
60
10
70
95
3e
Cl
Me
300–360
75
10
70
98
3f
Br
Me
300–360
75
10
70
98
3g
Me
Me
300–360
60
10
70
94
3h
OMe
Me
300–360
60
10
70
94
3i
H
H
300–360
60
10
70
80
aIsolated yields.Scheme 1
Schematic representation of the synthesized novel imidazolopyridinyl indoles3a–i.


### 3.2. Biological Activities

The target compounds3a-i have been synthesized as illustrated in Scheme 1 and screened for antioxidant (free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power) and antimicrobial activities.


#### 3.2.1. Antioxidant Activities

(1) Free Radical Scavenging Activity. The target compounds were screened for free radical scavenging activity by DPPH method [45]. The samples were prepared at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/100 μL and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) is taken as standard. DPPH is a stable free radical in a methanolic solution. Because of the unpaired electron of DPPH, it gives a strong absorption maximum at 517 nm by visible spectroscopy (purple color). In addition, the unpaired electron of the radical becomes paired in the presence of a hydrogen donor (a free radical scavenging antioxidant), decreasing the absorption. Therefore, DPPH loses color in proportion to the number of electrons captured [47]. This reaction has been widely used as a simple, rapid, and convenient method independent of sample polarity for screening many samples for radical scavenging activity [48, 49]. These advantages have made the DPPH method interesting for testing our analogs. Among the tested compounds, 3a–d has shown very potent scavenging activity. The increased scavenging activity is due to the presence of halogen, methyl, and methoxy substitution at the five positions and a phenyl ring at the third position of indole ring. The hydrogen of indole NH/imidazolopyridine NH could be donated to the DPPH to form DPPH free radical; by the presence of phenyl ring at third position of indole, the DPPH free radical will be stabilized by the resonance. Compounds 3e–h have shown equipotent activities. The decreased activity is due to the presence of “H” at five positions of indole ring. The bar graph representation of percentage of free radical scavenging activity is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
Free radical scavenging activity of3a–i.(2) Total Antioxidant Capacity. Total antioxidant activity was performed on all the newly synthesized compounds [50]. Antioxidant capacities are expressed as equivalents of ascorbic acid. Among the tested compounds, 3a–d have shown excellent activity. The results of total antioxidant activity are shown in Figure 2.Figure 2
Total antioxidant activity of3a–i.(3) Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Activity. All the novel compounds were screened for ferric reducing antioxidant activity [51]. Butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) was used as standard. All the tested compounds have shown a positive tendency towards the ferric reducing activity. The presence of reducer (i.e., antioxidant) causes the reduction of the Fe+3/ferricyanide complex to the ferrous form after the addition of trichloroacetic acid and ferric chloride. The reducing power of test compounds increases with increase in concentration. Compounds 3c-d and 3g-h have shown excellent ferric reducing activity and 3a-b and 3e-f have shown moderate to high activity. The presence of methyl and methoxy groups at five positions of indole ring has enhanced the ferric reducing power activity of the compounds. The results are presented in Figure 3.Figure 3
Ferric reducing antioxidant power activity of3a–i.


#### 3.2.2. Antimicrobial Activity

Results of antimicrobial activity are summarized in Tables2 and 3. Applying the agar plate diffusion technique [46], a series of novel imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues were screened for in vitroantibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli(E. coli) and Klebsiella Pneumoniae(K. Pneumoniae) and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) at 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL concentrations, respectively. Gentamycin was used as standard. The zones of inhibitions were measured in mm for each concentration. Most of the screened compounds were found to have significant antibacterial activity. Compounds 3a–d have shown very good activity against all three bacterial strains. Antifungal screening of the compounds was carried out in vitroagainst two fungi Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans at 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL concentrations using Fluconazole as standard. Among the tested imidazolopyridinyl indole systems, the majority of the compounds exhibited moderate to significant antifungal activity.Table 2
Antibacterial activity of synthesized compounds3a–i (zone of inhibition in mm).
Compound
Antibacterial activity
S. aureus
E. coli
K. Pneumoniae
25
50
100
25
50
100
25
50
100
3a
11
13
15
10
11
13
11
12
14
3b
12
14
14
11
12
12
10
12
15
3c
10
13
14
09
11
12
10
12
13
3d
12
15
13
10
10
12
09
12
13
3e
08
09
10
04
06
06
05
06
07
3f
05
07
09
05
07
08
04
06
06
3g
07
06
08
06
07
08
06
08
09
3h
08
08
09
06
06
09
07
06
08
3i
05
05
05
03
04
03
05
04
05
Std.  1
12
14
15
10
12
13
11
13
15
Std.  1: Gentamycin.Table 3
Antifungal activity of synthesized compounds3a–i (zone of inhibition in mm).
Compound
Antifungal activity
C. tropicalis
C. albicans
25
50
100
25
50
100
3a
15
18
21
14
16
19
3b
16
18
20
15
17
20
3c
14
17
19
13
16
18
3d
15
16
18
14
15
17
3e
10
11
13
11
13
14
3f
09
10
12
10
11
13
3g
10
10
12
09
11
12
3h
11
11
12
08
10
11
3i
03
04
06
05
09
10
Std.  2
18
20
23
16
17
21
Std.  2:
Fluconazole.


## 3.1. Chemistry

The compounds were designed with the aim of exploring their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The target compounds were synthesized as outlined in Scheme1. 3,5-Disubstituted indol-2-carboxylic acids (1a–i) were reacted with 2,3-diaminopyridine (2) in ethanol affords imidazolopyridinyl indoles. Completion of the reaction was monitored by TLC. All the novel compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectroscopic data. The IR spectrum of 2-(5-chloro-3-phenyl-1H-indol-2-yl)-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine 3ashowed strong absorption at 3449 cm−1 corresponding to indole NH and absorption at 3416 cm−1 corresponding to imidazolopyridine NH. The 1HNMR spectrum of 3a has exhibited a singlet at δ 12.02 due to indole NH; singlet at δ 11.50 corresponds to imidazolopyridine NH which are D2O exchangeable. A multiplet between δ 7.28–7.52 is assigned to the eleven aromatic protons present in the molecule. The 13CNMR spectrum of 3a has shown peaks at δ 115, 120, 122, 125, 125, 127, 128, 131, 133, 134, and 153. The mass spectrum of compound 3a has shown isotopic peaks at m/z 344 [M]+., 346 [M+2]. The above spectral data supports the formation of compound 3a. The various new indole derivatives synthesized during the present investigation are listed in Table 1.Table 1
Comparative data of conventional and microwave method for the imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues3a–i.
Product
Substituent’s
Conventional method
Microwave method
R
R
′
Time (Min)
Yield (%)a
Time (Min)
Power
Yield (%)a
3a
Cl
Ph
300–360
75
10
70
98
3b
Br
Ph
300–360
70
10
70
97
3c
Me
Ph
300–360
60
10
70
95
3d
OMe
Ph
300–360
60
10
70
95
3e
Cl
Me
300–360
75
10
70
98
3f
Br
Me
300–360
75
10
70
98
3g
Me
Me
300–360
60
10
70
94
3h
OMe
Me
300–360
60
10
70
94
3i
H
H
300–360
60
10
70
80
aIsolated yields.Scheme 1
Schematic representation of the synthesized novel imidazolopyridinyl indoles3a–i.


## 3.2. Biological Activities

The target compounds3a-i have been synthesized as illustrated in Scheme 1 and screened for antioxidant (free radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power) and antimicrobial activities.


### 3.2.1. Antioxidant Activities

(1) Free Radical Scavenging Activity. The target compounds were screened for free radical scavenging activity by DPPH method [45]. The samples were prepared at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/100 μL and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) is taken as standard. DPPH is a stable free radical in a methanolic solution. Because of the unpaired electron of DPPH, it gives a strong absorption maximum at 517 nm by visible spectroscopy (purple color). In addition, the unpaired electron of the radical becomes paired in the presence of a hydrogen donor (a free radical scavenging antioxidant), decreasing the absorption. Therefore, DPPH loses color in proportion to the number of electrons captured [47]. This reaction has been widely used as a simple, rapid, and convenient method independent of sample polarity for screening many samples for radical scavenging activity [48, 49]. These advantages have made the DPPH method interesting for testing our analogs. Among the tested compounds, 3a–d has shown very potent scavenging activity. The increased scavenging activity is due to the presence of halogen, methyl, and methoxy substitution at the five positions and a phenyl ring at the third position of indole ring. The hydrogen of indole NH/imidazolopyridine NH could be donated to the DPPH to form DPPH free radical; by the presence of phenyl ring at third position of indole, the DPPH free radical will be stabilized by the resonance. Compounds 3e–h have shown equipotent activities. The decreased activity is due to the presence of “H” at five positions of indole ring. The bar graph representation of percentage of free radical scavenging activity is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
Free radical scavenging activity of3a–i.(2) Total Antioxidant Capacity. Total antioxidant activity was performed on all the newly synthesized compounds [50]. Antioxidant capacities are expressed as equivalents of ascorbic acid. Among the tested compounds, 3a–d have shown excellent activity. The results of total antioxidant activity are shown in Figure 2.Figure 2
Total antioxidant activity of3a–i.(3) Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Activity. All the novel compounds were screened for ferric reducing antioxidant activity [51]. Butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) was used as standard. All the tested compounds have shown a positive tendency towards the ferric reducing activity. The presence of reducer (i.e., antioxidant) causes the reduction of the Fe+3/ferricyanide complex to the ferrous form after the addition of trichloroacetic acid and ferric chloride. The reducing power of test compounds increases with increase in concentration. Compounds 3c-d and 3g-h have shown excellent ferric reducing activity and 3a-b and 3e-f have shown moderate to high activity. The presence of methyl and methoxy groups at five positions of indole ring has enhanced the ferric reducing power activity of the compounds. The results are presented in Figure 3.Figure 3
Ferric reducing antioxidant power activity of3a–i.


### 3.2.2. Antimicrobial Activity

Results of antimicrobial activity are summarized in Tables2 and 3. Applying the agar plate diffusion technique [46], a series of novel imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues were screened for in vitroantibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli(E. coli) and Klebsiella Pneumoniae(K. Pneumoniae) and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) at 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL concentrations, respectively. Gentamycin was used as standard. The zones of inhibitions were measured in mm for each concentration. Most of the screened compounds were found to have significant antibacterial activity. Compounds 3a–d have shown very good activity against all three bacterial strains. Antifungal screening of the compounds was carried out in vitroagainst two fungi Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans at 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL concentrations using Fluconazole as standard. Among the tested imidazolopyridinyl indole systems, the majority of the compounds exhibited moderate to significant antifungal activity.Table 2
Antibacterial activity of synthesized compounds3a–i (zone of inhibition in mm).
Compound
Antibacterial activity
S. aureus
E. coli
K. Pneumoniae
25
50
100
25
50
100
25
50
100
3a
11
13
15
10
11
13
11
12
14
3b
12
14
14
11
12
12
10
12
15
3c
10
13
14
09
11
12
10
12
13
3d
12
15
13
10
10
12
09
12
13
3e
08
09
10
04
06
06
05
06
07
3f
05
07
09
05
07
08
04
06
06
3g
07
06
08
06
07
08
06
08
09
3h
08
08
09
06
06
09
07
06
08
3i
05
05
05
03
04
03
05
04
05
Std.  1
12
14
15
10
12
13
11
13
15
Std.  1: Gentamycin.Table 3
Antifungal activity of synthesized compounds3a–i (zone of inhibition in mm).
Compound
Antifungal activity
C. tropicalis
C. albicans
25
50
100
25
50
100
3a
15
18
21
14
16
19
3b
16
18
20
15
17
20
3c
14
17
19
13
16
18
3d
15
16
18
14
15
17
3e
10
11
13
11
13
14
3f
09
10
12
10
11
13
3g
10
10
12
09
11
12
3h
11
11
12
08
10
11
3i
03
04
06
05
09
10
Std.  2
18
20
23
16
17
21
Std.  2:
Fluconazole.


## 3.2.1. Antioxidant Activities

(1) Free Radical Scavenging Activity. The target compounds were screened for free radical scavenging activity by DPPH method [45]. The samples were prepared at concentrations of 10, 50, and 100 μg/100 μL and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) is taken as standard. DPPH is a stable free radical in a methanolic solution. Because of the unpaired electron of DPPH, it gives a strong absorption maximum at 517 nm by visible spectroscopy (purple color). In addition, the unpaired electron of the radical becomes paired in the presence of a hydrogen donor (a free radical scavenging antioxidant), decreasing the absorption. Therefore, DPPH loses color in proportion to the number of electrons captured [47]. This reaction has been widely used as a simple, rapid, and convenient method independent of sample polarity for screening many samples for radical scavenging activity [48, 49]. These advantages have made the DPPH method interesting for testing our analogs. Among the tested compounds, 3a–d has shown very potent scavenging activity. The increased scavenging activity is due to the presence of halogen, methyl, and methoxy substitution at the five positions and a phenyl ring at the third position of indole ring. The hydrogen of indole NH/imidazolopyridine NH could be donated to the DPPH to form DPPH free radical; by the presence of phenyl ring at third position of indole, the DPPH free radical will be stabilized by the resonance. Compounds 3e–h have shown equipotent activities. The decreased activity is due to the presence of “H” at five positions of indole ring. The bar graph representation of percentage of free radical scavenging activity is shown in Figure 1.Figure 1
Free radical scavenging activity of3a–i.(2) Total Antioxidant Capacity. Total antioxidant activity was performed on all the newly synthesized compounds [50]. Antioxidant capacities are expressed as equivalents of ascorbic acid. Among the tested compounds, 3a–d have shown excellent activity. The results of total antioxidant activity are shown in Figure 2.Figure 2
Total antioxidant activity of3a–i.(3) Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Activity. All the novel compounds were screened for ferric reducing antioxidant activity [51]. Butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA) was used as standard. All the tested compounds have shown a positive tendency towards the ferric reducing activity. The presence of reducer (i.e., antioxidant) causes the reduction of the Fe+3/ferricyanide complex to the ferrous form after the addition of trichloroacetic acid and ferric chloride. The reducing power of test compounds increases with increase in concentration. Compounds 3c-d and 3g-h have shown excellent ferric reducing activity and 3a-b and 3e-f have shown moderate to high activity. The presence of methyl and methoxy groups at five positions of indole ring has enhanced the ferric reducing power activity of the compounds. The results are presented in Figure 3.Figure 3
Ferric reducing antioxidant power activity of3a–i.


## 3.2.2. Antimicrobial Activity

Results of antimicrobial activity are summarized in Tables2 and 3. Applying the agar plate diffusion technique [46], a series of novel imidazolopyridinyl indole analogues were screened for in vitroantibacterial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli(E. coli) and Klebsiella Pneumoniae(K. Pneumoniae) and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) at 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL concentrations, respectively. Gentamycin was used as standard. The zones of inhibitions were measured in mm for each concentration. Most of the screened compounds were found to have significant antibacterial activity. Compounds 3a–d have shown very good activity against all three bacterial strains. Antifungal screening of the compounds was carried out in vitroagainst two fungi Candida tropicalis and Candida albicans at 25 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL, and 100 μg/mL concentrations using Fluconazole as standard. Among the tested imidazolopyridinyl indole systems, the majority of the compounds exhibited moderate to significant antifungal activity.Table 2
Antibacterial activity of synthesized compounds3a–i (zone of inhibition in mm).
Compound
Antibacterial activity
S. aureus
E. coli
K. Pneumoniae
25
50
100
25
50
100
25
50
100
3a
11
13
15
10
11
13
11
12
14
3b
12
14
14
11
12
12
10
12
15
3c
10
13
14
09
11
12
10
12
13
3d
12
15
13
10
10
12
09
12
13
3e
08
09
10
04
06
06
05
06
07
3f
05
07
09
05
07
08
04
06
06
3g
07
06
08
06
07
08
06
08
09
3h
08
08
09
06
06
09
07
06
08
3i
05
05
05
03
04
03
05
04
05
Std.  1
12
14
15
10
12
13
11
13
15
Std.  1: Gentamycin.Table 3
Antifungal activity of synthesized compounds3a–i (zone of inhibition in mm).
Compound
Antifungal activity
C. tropicalis
C. albicans
25
50
100
25
50
100
3a
15
18
21
14
16
19
3b
16
18
20
15
17
20
3c
14
17
19
13
16
18
3d
15
16
18
14
15
17
3e
10
11
13
11
13
14
3f
09
10
12
10
11
13
3g
10
10
12
09
11
12
3h
11
11
12
08
10
11
3i
03
04
06
05
09
10
Std.  2
18
20
23
16
17
21
Std.  2:
Fluconazole.


## 4. Conclusion

In conclusion, we have synthesized title compound3a–i by a safer method. The title compound 3a–i was subjected to screening for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 3a–d have shown profound scavenging and antioxidant activities. Compounds 3c-d and 3g-h have shown excellent ferric reducing activity and compounds 3a–d have shown very promising antimicrobial activity. Very promising scavenging, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities are observed with compounds containing halogens, methyl, and methoxy groups at five positions and a phenyl ring at the third position of indole ring. Excellent ferric reducing activity is observed with compounds containing CH3 and OCH3 at five positions of indole. Development of new methodologies for the synthesis of indole derivatives will be very important to the chemists, which will yield subsets of heterocycles having potentiality to serve as templates for new biologically active molecules. Hence, investigation by rapid means to make novel imidazolopyridinyl indoles would be highly beneficial.



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*Source: 579612-2014-01-21.xml*