Sulfonylamido derivatives of aminoglutethimide and their copper(II) complexes: a novel class of antifungal compounds

Reaction of aminoglutethimide (3-(4-aminophenyl)-3-ethyl-2,6-piperidinedione) with sulfonyl halides or sulfonic acid anhydrides affords a series of 3-[4-(alkyl/arylsulfonylamido)phenyl]-3-ethyl-2,6-piperidinediones. Some of these derivatives, containing free amino groups, have been further derivatized by reaction with 2,4,6-trimethylpyrylium perchlorate, 3,4-dichlorophenyl isocyanate or tosyl isocyanate. Cu(LI) complexes containing as ligands the conjugate bases of some of these compounds have also been obtained. The new derivatives generally act as moderate antifungal agents against Aspergillus and Candida spp, but one of them shows activities comparable to ketoconazole.