In Vitro Leishmanicidal Activity of Different Chalcone, Phthalonitrile and Their Peripheral Tetra Zinc Phthalocyanine Derivatives

In this study, in vitro leishmanicidal activity of different chalcone compounds (5-8), phthalonitrile derivatives (5a-8a), and zinc phthalocyanine (5b-8b) complexes bearing chalcone compound in peripheral positions were investigated. Phthalonitrile derivatives were obtained in the reaction of 4-nitrophthalonitrile with chalcone compound obtained by the reaction of acetophenone and various aldehydes. Zinc phthalocyanine complexes containing chalcone in the peripheral position were obtained as a result of the reaction of the synthesized phthalonitrile derivative with Zn(CH₃COO)₂ metal salt. The characterization of the synthesized original compounds (8, 8a and 8b) was performed by various spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H and 13C NMR, MALDI-TOF-MS and UV-Vis). Leishmaniasis is a disease lead to by parasites of the genus Leishmania, which can result in death as well as various clinical syndromes, generally in developing countries. New drug studies are needed because the drugs used in the treatment are toxic and resistance develops against them. In this study, the leishmaniacidal activities of synthesized chalcone, phthalonitrile and phthalocyanine series substances against Leishmania infantum and Leishmania major parasites were evaluated for the first time.