| abstract |
Compounds of formula (I):n [wherein R' and R 3 represent hydrogen or halogen atoms, R 2 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a lower alkyl or alkoxy group (provided R', R 2 and R 3 are not simultaneously hydrogen), ...... represents a single or double carbon-carbon bond and, where it is a single bond, R 4 represents a group of formula -SR 5 (wherein R 5 represents an optionally substituted alkyl, phenyl, aralkyl or pyridyl group or a lower alkenyl group) and, where it is a double bond, R 4 represents hydrogen] can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (II):n with a compound of formula R 6 H [where R 6 represents a group -SR 5 , a group -SR 7 (where R 7 represents a group of formulan and Y represents oxygen or sulphur, R 8 and R 9 represent lower alkoxy groups and R 10 represents a lower alkoxy, lower alkyl or phenyl group), a methoxy group or a halogen atom) to give a compound of formula (IV):n or, where R 6 represents a methoxy group, a methyl ester thereof; reacting this compound with hydrazine to give a compound of formula (V):n or (VI):n and if necessary, treating the compound of formula (V) with an acid or a base to produce the compound of formula (VI). All of the compounds of formula (I) are valuable antifungal agents and compounds of formula (V) where R 6 represents a group of formula -SR 5 are novel compounds. |