Synthesis and antitubercular activity of lipophilic moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin derivatives

Fluoroquinolone (FQ) has a broad spectrum of activity against several bacteria, mycobacteria, parasites, and other diseases. Moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin are a new generation of fluoroquinolone agents with improved activity against Gram-negative and positive bacteria. As lipophilicity is an important consideration in the design and activity of novel antibacterial agents, we report in this work the synthesis and biological evaluation of 12 lipophilic moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin derivatives, by reaction of 1-cyclopropyl-6,7-difluoro-1,4-dihydro-8-methoxy-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid 13 with several N-monoalkyl 1,2-ethanediamine or 1,3-propanediamine.