Some 4-Thiazolidinones as Antimicrobial Agents

4-Thiazolidinones are derivatives of thiazolidine with a carbonyl group at the 4-position, substitutents in the 2-, 3-, and 5-positions may be varied, but greatest differences in structure and properties is exerted by the group attached to the carbon atom in 2-position. Syntheses of 4-thiazolidinones are three component reactions involving an amine, a carbonyl compound and a mercaptoacetic acid.The process can be one pot condensation reaction. The reaction has been suggested to proceed via imine formation followed by attack of sulfur nucleophile on imine carbon. The last step involves intramolecular cyclization with the elimination of water to give 4-thiazolidinone. These derivatives are known to exhibit diverse biological activities like anticonvulsant, antidiarrheal, anti-platelet, antihistaminic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic etc.