Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol metronidazole derivatives

New 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol metronidazole derivatives have been synthesized by treating 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiols with metronidazole tosylate (toluene-4-sulfonic acid 2-(2-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)ethyl ester) in DMF and in the presence of potassium carbonate as a base. S-alkylated and N-alkylated products were obtained, with the S-alkylated being the major products. All of the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The antiparasitic activity of the compounds against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia intestinalis was investigated. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the compounds, assessed as minimal inhibitory concentration, was also investigated.