The syntheses of a new series of derivatives of 1,2,5-oxadiazole N-oxide, benzo[1,2-c]1,2,5-oxadiazole N-oxide, and quinoxaline di-N-oxide are described. In vitro antitrypanosomal activity of these compounds was tested against epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. For the most effective drugs, derivatives IIIe and IIIf, the 50% inhibitory dose (ID50) was determined as well as their cytotoxicity against mammalian fibroblasts. Electrochemical studies and ESR spectroscopy show that the highest activities observed are associated with the facile monoelectronation of the N-oxide moiety. Lipophilic-hydrophilic balance of the compounds could also play an important role in their effectiveness as antichagasic drugs.

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The mechanism and the final outcome of the Knoevenagel-Doebner reaction are discussed. The condensation reaction between different hydroxy-substituted aromatic aldehydes and malonic acid is performed using piperidine as organocatalyst. The key role of the catalyst is clearly pointed out during the decarboxylation of ferulic acid, without the use of a strong decarboxylating agent, leading to a 4-vinylphenol derivative. Based on the results obtained, the studied pathway may be important in the understanding of vinylphenol production during malting and brewing of wheat and barley grains. Finally, changing the solvent of the reaction from pyridine to water in the Knoevenagel-Doebner reaction of 4-hydroxybenzaldehydes, dimerization of resulting styrene derivatives is observed. These results can be of interest also in the field of food chemistry, since cinnamic acids are frequently found in fruits and vegetables used for human consumption