Synthesis and in vitro protozoocidal activity of diazabicyclic benzotropolone derivatives

We describe the synthesis and protozoocidal evaluation of a series of diazabicycles based on benzotropolone ethers. Several of the compounds, which can be obtained through a high-yielding hetero Diels–Alder reaction using simple and readily available starting materials, have in vitro activities against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania donovani that are comparable to, and in some cases better than, those of currently used chemotherapies.