Synthesis and antileishmanial activity of 1,3-bis(aryloxy)propan-2-amines

We describe herein the antileishmanial activity of 1,3-bis(aryloxy)propan-2-amines, prepared in four simple steps from epichlorohydrin. Among the evaluated compounds, three (4o, 4q, and 4r) displayed considerable activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigote forms, with IC50 values below 10 µM. We also analyzed the effects of the nature and the position of ring substituent on activity. Two amines (4m and 4o) showed excellent profiles in the treatment of L. amazonensis-infected macrophages, reducing the parasite burden by more than 95% in tested concentrations.