Synthesis of N,N '-diarylalkanediamides and their antimycobacterial and antialgal activity

A set of N,N'-diarylalkanediamides was synthesized. The compounds were test ed for their antimycobacterial and antialgal activity. The antimycobacteria l activity of N,N'-diarylalkanediamides depends on the lipophilicity of the respective acid. Antimycobacterially active substances were found only in the series of N,N'-diarylethanediamides and N,N'-diarylbutanediamides. Othe r compounds (derivatives of pentane-, hexane-, octane- and nonanediamide) w ere inactive against various strains of mycobacteria. The compounds inhibit ed growth and chlorophyll production in Chlorella vulgaris. Their relativel y low antialgal activity is probably connected with their lowered aqueous s olubility, and hence by a restricted passage of the inhibitor through the h ydrophilic regions of thylakoid membranes.