Studies on 6-Aminoquinolones:  Synthesis and Antibacterial Evaluation of 6-Amino-8-methylquinolones

The 6-aminoquinolone had previously been identified as a new class of quinolone antibacterial agents. To continue our structure-activity relationship (SAR) study in this series, novel 6-amino-8-methylquinolone derivatives have now been synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity. We have shown that the coupled presence of a methyl group at the C-8 position with an amino group at C-6 is effective for enhancing antibacterial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria. The SARs associated with the N-1, C-6, and C-7 are discussed. The 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinyl derivative 19v showed the highest antibacterial activity with MIC values on Gram-positive bacteria superior to that of ciprofloxacin, especially against Staphylococcus aureus strains, including those strains which are methicillin-and ciprofloxacin-resistant.