Introduction

The indole ring is considered a privileged structure and an attractive scaffold for drug discovery. Indoles can bind to different proteins. This gives it a hallmark of being a constituent of many pharmaceutical drugs [1] and thus, it is considered to be one of the most essential heterocyclic structures in drug discovery. Structural diversity with various and promising biological activities can easily be achieved via ring substitution, particularly, substitution on carbon 2 and 5 [2]. Many bioactive compounds such as the endogenous signaling molecules, serotonin (5-HT), and melatonin together with their amino acid precursor, tryptophan, the plant-derived brassinin, the antibacterial indolmycin [3,4,5], reserpine, vinblastine (alkaloid antineoplastic) [1], and mitomycin (antitumor antibiotic) [2] contain an indole moiety. In addition to these natural compounds, many drugs share this structural feature and examples include the triptans (antimigraine agent), ondansetron (antiemetic used in cancer chemotherapy), indomethacin (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) [6,7,8], delavirdine (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) and zafirlukast (leukotriene receptor antagonist used in asthma management) (Fig. 1) [1]. These indole-containing drugs target a variety of receptors and enzymes, such as HIV reverse transcriptase [6,7,8], the serotonin 5-HT3 receptor [9, 10], the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) [11,12,13,14,15], kinases [16,17,18,19,20], and HMG-CoA reductase [21].

Fig. 1
figure 1

Indole-containing endogenous compounds and drugs

Furthermore, our group successfully synthesized 3-(substituted)phenyl-5-sulfonamido-1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide derivatives that showed selectivity against some carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms [22]. In addition, we attained the inhibition of tumor-related hCA IX and hCA XII with 5-sulfonamido-3-substitutedphenyl-1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide derivatives incorporated with 2,4,6-trimethylpyridinium moiety [23, 24]. Recently, we communicated a low nanomolar inhibitory activity of novel 3-phenyl-5-sulfonamido-1H-indole-2-carbohydrazide hydrazone derivatives against tumor-related hCA IX and hCA XII [25].

Thiazolidinone, on the contrary, is derived from a saturated thiazole and has a carbonyl group at positions 2, 4, or 5 [26, 27]. However, 4-thiazolidinone (with carbonyl at position 4) derivatives have gained considerably the interest of medicinal chemists due to their diverse pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antifungal, anticonvulsant, and antiepileptic [28]. Some of the current commercial drugs that carry the thiazolidinone scaffold are ralitoline (anticonvulsant) and etozoline (loop diuretic) [29]. The antibacterial, antifungal, antimycobacterial [30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37], and anti-influenza virus activities of 4-thiazolidinones as well as their spiroheterocyclic hybrids have been reported in many studies [38]. Moreover, Gududuru and co-workers have recorded the antiproliferative activity of 2-aryl-4-oxothiazolidin-3-yl amides in prostate cancer [39].

Deductively, the combination of these two essential scaffolds leads to a promising hybrid pharmacophore with a wider range of pharmacological activities. A series of novel compounds containing indole-4-thiazolidinone hybrid were reported to have superior cytotoxicity than Sunitinib against three different human cancer cells [28]. Also, a hybrid of indole and spirothiazolidinone derivatives exhibited both antimycobacterial and anticancer activity [40].

Based on the above-mentioned data and our continuous research on potential biologically active heterocyclic compounds, we herein report the preparation and antibacterial activity of new 3-phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(7/8/9-(non)substituted-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.4]non/[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives. Analytical and spectral analysis were employed in the structural elucidation of the synthesized compounds.

Results and discussion

Chemistry

In a one-pot reaction, using a Dean–Stark water separator, 2-(hydrazinecarbonyl)-3-phenyl-1H-indole-5-sulfonamide (obtained from a multistep-reaction) [41] was refluxed in anhydrous toluene with a suitable cyclic ketone in the presence of thioglycolic acid/thiolactic acid to give 3-phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.4]non/[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide and 3-phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(2-methyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.4]non/[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives, respectively (compounds 623, Scheme 1).

scheme 1

Structural determination of the compounds was achieved with IR, 1H NMR, HSQC, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS), and elemental analysis.

In the IR spectra, bands observed between 3219–3313 cm−1 and 1641–1670 cm−1 regions correspond to the N–H and C=O bonds, respectively, and these bands validate the presence of the common CONH functional group of compounds 623 [42]. The formation of the amide functional group is a hallmark feature for these compounds and substantiates a successful desired cyclization of compounds 623 [32, 33].

1H NMR spectroscopic data revealed the spirononane C2–H2 of compounds 615 between δ = 3.48 and 3.94 ppm, whereas spirodecane C2-H of compounds 1623 appeared between 3.87 and 3.94 ppm [33, 43, 44]. The signals of the remaining protons on the spirononane/spirodecane ring and the alkyl substituent on the ring were observed between 0.73 and 2.05 ppm. The SO2NH2 protons resonated at 7.12–7.21 ppm. Chemical shifts assigned to the indole protons appeared in the anticipated regions [25, 42].

To further substantiate the structures of compounds 6, 7, 10, 11, and 13 by explicitly assigning chemical shifts for proton and carbon, a 2D NMR spectrum (HSQC) was carried out which proved the expected cyclization and confirmed the characteristic resonances of spirodecane C2, C3 (lactam C=O), and C5 at δ = 28.52–29.98, 168.00–168.14, and 72.08–76.64 ppm, respectively. The CONH resonance was observed at about 162.22–162.30 ppm [33, 44, 45].

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) was employed to confirm the accurate weights of compounds 614. Analysis of compounds 6, 9, and 12 was performed under negative-ion ESI conditions, whereas compounds 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 were analyzed in positive-ion mode. The calculated molecular weights of compounds 614 were authenticated with [M-H] and [M + H]+ ions observed in the ESI–MS. Detailed spectral data are provided in the supplementary information.

Antibacterial activity

All the compounds were evaluated for their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33951 (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA), and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 (Table 1).

Table 1 Antimicrobial activities of compounds 623
figure b

The antibacterial activities of these compounds were evaluated using cefuroxime-Na, vancomycin, and cefuroxime as references. All the compounds exhibited no activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, except compounds 11 (with a propyl at position 8 on the spirothiazolidinone system), 12 and 22 (with a tert-butyl at position 8 on the spirothiazolidinone system). An alkyl (not smaller than propyl) substitution at position 8 of the spirothiazolidinone system elicited an impact on the activity against S. epidermidis ATCC 12228. Compounds 1823 showed optimum activity against S. aureus ATCC 33951 with 18 (with a methyl at position 2 and 7 of the spirothiazolidinone system) being the most active against S. aureus ATCC 33951 (MRSA). Except for compound 22, compounds 1723 showed promising activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA). Compounds 20 (with a methyl and an ethyl at positions 2 and 8, respectively) and 21 (with a methyl and a propyl at positions 2 and 8, respectively) were observed to have the highest antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA) with 99% inhibition at 9.765 µg/cm3. Generally, the attachment of a methyl group and an alkyl group at positions 2 and 8, respectively, yielded compounds with promising antibacterial activity.

Conclusion

A new series of 5-sulfamoyl-N-(3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.4.]non / [4.5]-dec-4-yl)-3-phenyl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives were successfully synthesized with moderate yields and were in concordance with the obtained spectral data. The biological targets of these compounds have not been established; however, compound 18, with a methyl substituent at position 7 on the spirothiazolidinone system, displayed the highest inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33951 (MRSA) which is an important nosocomial pathogen resistant to many antibiotics. Compounds 20 and 21, with an ethyl and a propyl at position 8 on the spirothiazolidinone system consecutively, showed potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MSSA). An in-depth Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) study and structural modifications on compounds 18, 20, and 21 can lead to the emergence of new compounds with potential antibacterial activity.

Experimental

Sulfanilamide (1), ethyl 2-benzyl-3-oxobutanoate, cyclic ketones, and thioglycolic acid/thiolactic acid were obtained from commercial sources. Compounds 25 were synthesized as previously reported [41]. Open capillary tubes were used in the estimation of melting points with a Buchi 540 apparatus. Elemental analyses were performed on a Thermo Finnigan Flash EA 1112 elemental analyzer. IR spectra were recorded on KBr discs, using a Perkin-Elmer Model 1600 FT-IR spectrometer. 1H NMR, 1H-decoupled 13C NMR, and HSQC-2D spectra were obtained on Varian UNITY INOVA 500, BRUKER NEO AVANCE 500 MHz, and Varian Mercury (Agilent, Palo Alto, CA, USA) 400 MHz FT-NMR spectrometers using DMSO-d6. Mass spectra were determined on an AGILENT 1100 MSD instrument. Spn and spd were used to describe spirononane and spirodecane, respectively.

Synthesis of 3-phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.4]non/[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives 6, 15, and 7–23

To a mixture of 1.65 g of compound 5 (5 mmol) and the suitable cyclic ketone (5 mmol, 1 equiv) in 20 cm3 anhydrous toluene, thioglycolic acid/thiolactic acid (20 mmol) was added, and with the help of a Dean-Stark water separator, the reaction was refluxed for 5–6 h. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to eliminate excess toluene. The residue formed was treated with a saturated NaHCO3 until the evolution of CO2 stopped. The reaction mixture was left to stand overnight and sometimes, refrigerated until solidified. The crude solid was washed with H2O, air-dried, and recrystallized from ethanol.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.4]non-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (6, C22H22N4O4S2)

White powder (31%); m.p.: 332–335 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3294, 3223 (NH), 1710, 1645 (C=O), 1330, 1145 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 1.57–1.64 (4H, m, spn C7/8-H), 1.70–1.75 (2H, m, spn C6/9–Hax), 1.90 (2H, s, spn C6/9-Heq), 3.65 (2H, s, spn C2–H), 7.17 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.39 (1H, tt, J = 7.32, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.47 (2H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.52 (2H, dd, J = 8.05, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.62 (1H, d, J = 8.78 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.72 (1H, dd, J = 8.54, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.03 (1H, d, J = 1.46 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.12 (1H, s, CONH), 12.34 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 22.58 (spn C7/C8), 29.26 (spn C2), 38.10 (spn C6/C9), 76.64 (spn C5), 113.49 (indole C7), 119.41 (indole C4), 120.37 (indole C3), 122.15 (indole C6), 126.19 (indole C3a), 127.90 (3-phenyl C4), 128.77 (indole C2), 129.09 (3-phenyl C3/C5), 130.78 (3-phenyl C2/C6), 133.36 (indol C5), 137.19 (3-phenyl C1), 137.99 (indole C7a), 162.23 (CONH), 168.14 (spn C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 469.3 ([M−H], 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (7, C23H24N4O4S2)

White powder (31%); m.p.: 343–345 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3294, 3230 (NH), 1708, 1645 (C=O), 1328, 1145 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 1.02–1.05 (1H, m, spd C8-Hax), 1.38 (2H, dd, J = 12.69, 3.17 Hz, spd C7/9-Hax), 1.54 (2H, d, J = 12.69 Hz, spd C7/9-Heq), 1.61–1.65 (5H, m, spd C6/10-H, C8-Heq), 3.57 (2H, s, spd C2-H), 7.12 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.39 (1H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.49 (2H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.54 (2H, d, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.62 (1H, d, J = 8.79 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.72 (1H, dd, J = 8.79, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.03 (1H, d, J = 1.47 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.12 (1H, s, CONH), 12.34 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 23.55 (spd C7/C9), 24.51 (spd C8), 28.52 (spd C2), 37.32 (spd C6/C10), 72.87 (spd C5), 113.46 (indole C7), 119.40 (indole C4), 120.26 (indole C3), 122.10 (indole C6), 126.21 (indole C3a), 127.86 (3-phenyl C4), 128.97 (indole C2), 129.17 (3-phenyl C3/C5), 130.85 (3-phenyl C2/C6), 133.48 (indole C5), 137.16 (3-phenyl C1), 137.47 (indole C7a), 162.29 (CONH), 168 (spd C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 485 ([M + H]+, 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(7-methyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (8, C24H26N4O4S2)

White powder (41%); m.p.: 335–340 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3275, 3226 (NH), 1712, 1647 (C=O), 1328, 1145 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.74–0.78 (1H, m, spd C8-Hax), 0.85 (3H, d, J = 5.86 Hz, spd 7-CH3), 1.20–1.35 (1H, m, spd C7-Hax), 1.43 (1H, t, J = 13.18 Hz, spd C9-Hax), 1.54 (4H, d, J = 10.73 Hz, spd C6/10-Hax, C8/9-Heq), 1.70 (2H, s, spd C6/10-Heq), 3.56 (2H, s, spd C2-H), 7.16 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.39 (1H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.48 (2H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.52 (2H, d, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.62 (1H, d, J = 8.78 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.71 (1H, dd, J = 8.54, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.01 (1H, d, J = 1.47 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.08 (1H, s, CONH), 12.34 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 21.96 (7-CH3), 22.39 (spd C9), 27.91 (spd C2), 29.50 (spd C7), 37.48 (spd C10), 36.07 (spd C8), 72.13 (spd C5), 112.77 (indole C7), 118.69 (indole C4), 119.56 (indole C3), 121.40 (indole C6), 125.54 (indole C3a), 127.18 (3-phenyl C4), 128.30 (indole C2), 128.53 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.20 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 132.83 (indole C5), 136.44 (3-phenyl C1), 136.77 (indole C7a), 161.65 (CONH), 167.24 (spd C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 499 ([M + H]+, 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(8-methyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (9, C24H26N4O4S2)

White powder (51%); m.p.: 342–345 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3280, 3226 (NH), 1712, 1647 (C=O), 1328, 1145 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.88 (3H, d, J = 6.35 Hz, spd 8-CH3), 1.08–1.11 (2H, m, spd C7/9-Hax), 1.30 (1H, s, spd C8-Hax), 1.60–1.85 (6H, m, spd C6/10-H, spd C7/9-Heq), 3.57 (2H, s, spd C2-H), 7.16 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.38 (1H, tt, J = 7.57, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.47 (2H, t, J = 7.56 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.54 (2H, dd, J = 7.56, 1.46, Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.62 (1H, d, J = 8.78 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.72 (1H, dd, J = 8.78, 1.95 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.04 (1H, s, indole C4-H), 10.10 (1H, s, CONH), 12.34 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 22.37 (8-CH3), 30.80 (spd C2), 31.70, 32.12 (spd C7/C9), 37.02, 37.21 (spd C6/C10), 37.86 (spd C8), 71.16 (spd C5), 113.22 (indole C7), 119.20 (indole C4), 120.05 (indole C3), 121.90 (indole C6), 126.00 (indole C3a), 127.63 (3-phenyl C4), 128.68 (indole C2), 128.93 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.47, 130.64 (3-phenyl C2/C6), 133.22 (indole C5), 136.93 (3-phenyl C1), 137.24 (indole C7a), 162.02 (CONH), 170.47 (spd C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 497.5 ([M-H], 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(8-ethyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (10, C25H28N4O4S2)

White powder (43%); m.p.: 365–368 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3277, 3223 (NH), 1712, 1647 (C=O), 1327, 1145 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.88 (3H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH3), 1.05 (3H, br s, spd C8-H, C7/9-Hax), 1.06–1.22 (2H, m, spd 8-CH2CH3), 1.69 (6H, br s, spd C7/9-Heq, C6/10-H), 3.57 (2H, s, spd C2-H), 7.17 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.38 (1H, td, J = 7.80, 0.97 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.47 (2H, t, J = 7.56 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.54 (2H, dd, J = 7.80, 0.97 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.62 (1H, d, J = 8.80 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.72 (1H, dd, J = 8.53, 1.95 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.03 (1H, s, indole C4-H), 10.16 (1H, s, CONH), 12.38 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 12.17 (spd 8-CH2CH3), 29.46 (spd 8-CH2CH3), 28.55 (spd C2), 29.63 (spd C7/C9), 37.07 (spd C6/C10), 37.68 (spd C8), 73.01 (spd C5), 113.47 (indole C7), 119.41 (indole C4), 120.33 (indole C3), 122.10 (indole C6), 126.23 (indole C3a), 127.83 (3-phenyl C4), 128.94 (indole C2), 129.14 (3-phenyl C3/C5), 130.85 (3-phenyl C2/C6), 133.52 (indole C5), 137.15 (3-phenyl C1), 137.48 (indole C7a), 162.22 (CONH), 168.05 (spd C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 513.3 ([M + H]+, 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(3-oxo-8-propyl-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (11, C26H30N4O4S2)

White powder (63%); m.p.: 366–369 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3278, 3223 (NH), 1712, 1647 (C=O), 1327, 1147 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.88 (3H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH2CH3), 1.01–1.10 (2H, m, spd C7/9-Hax), 1.14 (3H, t, J = 5.37 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH2CH3, spd C8-Hax), 1.31 (2H, q, J = 7.32 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH2CH3), 1.67 (6H, d, J = 10.25 Hz, spd C6/10-H, spd C7/9-Heq), 3.57 (2H, s, spd C2-H), 7.17 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.38 (1H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.47 (2H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.54 (2H, d, J = 6.83 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.62 (1H, d, J = 8.79 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.73 (1H, dd, J = 8.54, 0.97 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.03 (1H, d, J = 0.98 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.13 (1H, s, CONH), 12.34 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 14.81 (spd 8-CH2CH2CH3), 20.22 (spd 8-CH2CH2CH3), 28.55 (spd C2), 29.98 (spd C7/C9), 35.46 (spd C8), 37.08 (spd C6/C10), 39.89 (spd 8-CH2CH2CH3), 73.00 (spd C5), 113.47 (indole C7), 119.37 (indole C4), 120.21 (indole C3), 122.03 (indole C6), 126.25 (indole C3a), 127.76 (3-phenyl C4), 128.97 (indole C2), 129.11 (3-phenyl C3/C5), 130.87 (3-phenyl C2/C6), 133.58 (indole C5), 137.10 (3-phenyl C1), 137.51 (indole C7a), 162.30 (CONH), 168.01 (spd C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 527.2 ([M + H]+, 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(8-tert-butyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (12, C27H32N4O4S2)

White powder (62%); m.p.: 329–330 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3313, 3219 (NH), 1710, 1641 (C=O), 1330, 1147 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.85–0.89 (10H, m, spd C8-Hax, 8-C(CH3)3), 1.13–1.16 (2H, m, spd C7/9-Hax), 1.67 (6H, br s, spd C6/10-H, C7/9-Heq), 3.57 (2H, s, spd C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.39 (1H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.48 (2H, t, J = 7.81 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.54 (2H, dd, J = 7.56, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.62 (1H, d, J = 8.79 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.72 (1H, dd, J = 8.55, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.02 (1H, s, indole C4-H), 10.15 (1H, s, CONH), 12.34 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 23.61 (spd C7,C9), 27.31 (3 CH3), 27.79 (spd C2), 31.89 (tert-butyl C), 36.60 (spd C6,C10), 45.45 (spd C8), 72.07 (spd C5), 112.70 (indole C7), 118.62 (indole C4), 119.46 (indole C3), 121.32 (indole C6), 125.51 (indole C3a), 127.09 (3-phenyl C4), 128.36 (indole C2), 128.44 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.13 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 132.81 (indole C5), 136.41 (3-phenyl C1), 136.69 (indole C7a), 161.53 (CONH), 167.33 (spd C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 539.3 ([M-H], 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(7,7,9-trimethyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (13, C26H30N4O4S2)

White powder (19%); m.p.: 300–302 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3286, 3230 (NH), 1710, 1647 (C=O), 1327, 1147 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.73 (1H, t, J = 12.69 Hz, spd C8-Hax), 0.87 (6H, s, spd C7,9-CH3), 1.02 (3H, s, spd C7-CH3), 1.29 (1H, d, J = 12.44 Hz, spd C8-Heq), 1.53 (4H, br s, spd C6/10-H), 1.77 (1H, br s, spd C9-H), 3.48, 3.59 (2H, 2d, J = 15.62, 16.11 Hz, spd C2-H), 7.16 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.39 (1H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.47 (2H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.51 (2H, d, J = 7.33 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.61 (1H, d, J = 8.79 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.71 (1H, dd, J = 8.54, 1.47 Hz, indole C6-H), 7.99 (1H, s, indole C4-H), 10.10 (1H, s, CONH), 12.34 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 22.45 (spd 9-CH3), 26.19 (spd C9), 27.88 (spd 7-CH3 ax), 28.72 (spd C2), 32.47 (spd C7), 34.32 (spd 7-CH3 eq), 47.01 (spd C8), 47.06 (spd C6/10), 72.08 (spd C5), 113.45 (indole C7), 119.98 (indole C4), 120.21 (indole C3), 122.12 (indole C6), 126.34 (indole C3a), 127.98 (3-phenyl C4), 128.94 (indole C2), 129.27 (3-phenyl C3/C5), 130.89 (3-phenyl C2/C6), 133.57 (indole C5), 137.14 (3-phenyl C1), 137.45 (indole C7a), 162.30 (CONH), 168.01 (spd C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 527.4 ([M + H]+, 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(3-oxo-8-phenyl-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (14, C29H28N4O4S2)

White powder (62%); m.p.: 378–379 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3292, 3223 (NH), 1712, 1647 (C=O), 1323, 1147 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 1.61–1.66 (3H, m, spd C7/9-Hax, C8-Hax), 1.81 (6H, d, J = 10.73 Hz, spd C6/10-H, C7/9-Heq), 3.63 (2H, s, spd C2-H), 7.18–7.21 (3H, m, SO2NH2, 8-phenyl C4-H), 7.24 (2H, d, J = 6.83 Hz, spd 8-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.30 (2H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, spd 8-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.44 (1H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.53 (2H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.59 (2H, d, J = 7.56 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.64 (1H, d, J = 8.79 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.74 (1H, dd, J = 8.06, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.04 (1H, s, indole C4-H), 10.20 (1H, s, CONH), 12.37 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 27.87 (spd C7,C9), 30.41 (spd C2), 36.62 (spd C6,C10), 41.43 (spd C8), 71.61 (spd C5), 112.74 (indole C7), 118.69 (indole C4), 119.61 (indole C3), 121.40 (indole C6), 125.54 (indole C3a), 126.17 (3-phenyl C4), 126.56 (phenyl C4), 127.20 (phenyl C2,C6), 128.29 (indole C2), 128.37, 128.43 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 128.52 (phenyl C3,C5), 130.22 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 132.82 (indole C5), 136.46 (3-phenyl C1), 136.75 (indole C7a), 145.78 (phenyl C1), 161.60 (CONH), 167.38 (spd C3) ppm; ESI–MS: m/z (%) = 561.4 ([M + H]+, 100).

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(2-methyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.4]non-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (15, C23H24N4O4S2)

White powder (31%); m.p.: 285 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3292, 3223 (NH), 1712, 1647 (C=O), 1323, 1147 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 1.43 (3H, d, J = 6.83 Hz, C2-CH3), 1.59–1.70 (6H, m, spn C7/8-H, C6/9-Hax), 1.91–2.05 (2H, m, spn C6/9-Heq), 3.94 (1H, q, J = 6.83 Hz, spn C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.40 (1H, tt, J = 7.32, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.49 (2H, td, J = 7.32, 1.95 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.53 (2H, dd, J = 8.29, 1.95 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.64 (1H, d, J = 9.27 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.74 (1H, dd, J = 8.79, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.04 (1H, d, J = 0.98 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.18 (1H, s, CONH), 12.35 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 19.35 (2-CH3), 21.96, 22.05 (spn C7/C8), 37.54 (spn C2), 37.76, 37.89 (spn C6/C10), 74.52 (spn C5), 112.81 (indole C7), 118.74 (indole C4), 119.70 (indole C3), 121.48 (indole C6), 125.53 (indole C3a), 127.23 (3-phenyl C4), 128.08 (indole C2), 128.41 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.12 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 132.66 (indole C5), 136.49 (3-phenyl C1), 136.80 (indole C7a), 161.53 (CONH), 170.17 (spn C3) ppm.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(2-methyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (16, C24H26N4O4S2)

Yellow powder (31%); m.p.: 272–273 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3294, 3230 (NH), 1708, 1645 (C=O), 1328, 1145 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 1.04–1.07 (1H, m, spd C8-Hax), 1.35 (2H, dd, J = 13.18, 2.93 Hz, spd C7/9-Hax), 1.41 (3H, d, J = 6.84 Hz, C2-CH3),1.56 (2H, d, J = 12.69 Hz, spd C7/9-Heq), 1.69 (5H, d, J = 11.22 Hz, spd C6/10-H, C8-Heq), 3.87 (1H, s, spd C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.40 (1H, tt, J = 7.32, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.50 (2H, t, J = 7.81 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.55 (2H, dd, J = 8.05, 0.97 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.64 (1H, d, J = 8.78 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.74 (1H, dd, J = 8.79, 1.95 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.04 (1H, d, J = 0.98 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.16 (1H, s, CONH), 12.36 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 20.36 (2-CH3), 23.20, 23.59 (spd C7/C9), 24.30 (spd C8), 37.21, 37.26 (spd C6/C10), 38.13 (spd C2), 71.30 (spd C5), 113.23 (indole C7), 119.19 (indole C4), 120.05 (indole C3), 121.88 (indole C6), 126.01 (indole C3a), 127.64 (3-phenyl C4), 128.74 (indole C2), 128.94 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.65 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 133.25 (indole C5), 136.91 (3-phenyl C1), 137.24 (indole C7a), 162.04 (CONH), 170.41 (spd C3) ppm.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(2,6-dimethyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (17, C25H28N4O4S2)

White powder (41%); m.p.: 268 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3334, 3250 (NH), 1705, 1647 (C=O), 1323, 1147 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.76–0.95 (3H, m, spd C6-CH3), 1.05–1.15 (2H, m, spd), 1.23–1.29 (1H, m, spd), 1.40 (3H, d, J = 6.83 Hz, C2-CH3), 1.52–1.60 (3H, m, spd), 1.62–1.85 (3H, m, spd), 3.79, 3.90 (1H, 2d, spd C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.41 (1H, tt, J = 7.32, 1.47 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.50 (2H, td, J = 7.32, 1.95 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.55 (2H, dd, J = 7.56, 1.49 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.64 (1H, dd, J = 8.30, 2.44 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.74 (1H, dd, J = 8.30, 1.47 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.02 (1H, dd, J = 6.34, 1.46 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.04 (1H, s, CONH), 12.37 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 16.66 (2-CH3), 23.20 (6-CH3), 24.40 (spd C9), 24.46 (spd C8), 31.32 (spd C7), 36.27 (spd C10), 36.48 (spd C6), 37.42 (spd C2), 75.24 (spd C5), 112.77 (indole C7), 118.71 (indole C4), 119.73 (indole C3), 121.43 (indole C6), 125.62 (indole C3a), 127.15 (3-phenyl C4), 128.31 (indole C2), 128.36, 128.46 (3-phenyl C3/C5), 130.20 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 132.87 (indole C5), 136.44 (3-phenyl C1), 136.71 (indole C7a), 161.67 (CONH), 169.97 (spd C3) ppm.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(2,7-dimethyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (18, C25H28N4O4S2)

Ivory powder (41%); m.p.: 226–228 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3489, 3238 (NH), 1708, 1658 (C=O), 1338, 1145 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.76–0.81 (2H, m, spd), 0.87 (3H, d, J = 5.86 Hz, spd 7-CH3), 1.23 (1H, s, spd), 1.41 (3H, t, J = 6.34 Hz, C2-CH3), 1.50–1.57 (1H, m, spd), 1.65–1.75 (3H, m, spd), 3.88 (1H, d, J = 4.88 Hz, spd C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.41 (1H, tt, J = 7.32, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.50 (2H, t, J = 7.81 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.54 (2H, dd, J = 6.83, 0.98 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.63 (1H, d, J = 8.78 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.73 (1H, dd, J = 8.54, 1.47 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.02 (1H, s, indole C4-H), 10.15 (1H, s, CONH), 12.37 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 20.16 (2-CH3), 21.93 (7-CH3), 22.26 (spd C9), 29.40 (spd C7), 32.49 (spd C10), 36.88 (spd C8), 37.22 (spd C2), 44.93 (spd C6), 70.77 (spd C5), 112.76 (indole C7), 118.70 (indole C4), 119.57 (indole C3), 121.41 (indole C6), 125.57 (indole C3a), 127.18 (3-phenyl C4), 128.31 (indole C2), 128.54 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.22 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 132.83 (indole C5), 136.43 (3-phenyl C1), 136.77 (indole C7a), 161.62 (CONH), 169.89 (spd C3) ppm.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(2,8-dimethyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (19, C25H28N4O4S2)

Ivory powder (51%); m.p.: 260–263 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3325, 3213 (NH), 1710, 1654 (C=O), 1321, 1145 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.89 (3H, d, J = 6.84 Hz, spd 8-CH3), 1.04–1.20 (2H, m, spd C7/9-Hax), 1.28–1.38 (1H, m, spd C8-Hax), 1.41 (3H, t, J = 6.83 Hz, C2-CH3), 1.60–1.90 (6H, m, spd C6/10-H, spd C7/9-Heq), 3.88 (1H, q, J = 6.83 Hz, spd C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.40 (1H, tt, J = 7.32, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.49 (2H, t, J = 7.81 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.56 (2H, dd, J = 8.05, 1.46, Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.63 (1H, d, J = 8.79 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.73 (1H, dd, J = 8.78, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.04 (1H, d, J = 1.46 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.14 (1H, s, CONH), 12.35 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 20.37 (2-CH3), 22.37 (8-CH3), 30.80 (spd C8), 31.70, 32.12 (spd C7/C9), 37.02, 37.21 (spd C6/C10), 37.87 (spd C2), 71.16 (spd C5), 113.22 (indole C7), 119.20 (indole C4), 120.05 (indole C3), 121.90 (indole C6), 126.00 (indole C3a), 127.63 (3-phenyl C4), 128.67 (indole C2), 128.93 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.47, 130.63 (3-phenyl C2/C6), 133.22 (indole C5), 136.93 (3-phenyl C1), 137.24 (indole C7a), 162.01 (CONH), 170.47 (spd C3) ppm.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(8-ethyl-2-methyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (20, C26H30N4O4S2)

White powder (43%); m.p.: 221–222 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3311, 3217 (NH), 1705, 1645 (C=O), 1323, 1143 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.89 (3H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH3), 1.01–1.08 (3H, m, spd C8-H, C7/9-Hax), 1.21 (2H, quint, J = 6.83 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH3), 1.41 (3H, t, J = 6.83 Hz, C2-CH3), 1.62–1.80 (6H, m, spd C7/9-Heq, C6/10-H), 3.87 (1H, d, J = 6.34 Hz, spd C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.40 (1H, tt, J = 7.32, 1.47 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.49 (2H, td, J = 7.32, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.55 (2H, dd, J = 8.05, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.63 (1H, d, J = 9.27 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.74 (1H, dd, J = 8.54, 1.95 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.04 (1H, d, J = 1.95 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.17 (1H, s, CONH), 12.35 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 11.45 (8-CH2CH3), 19.91 (2-CH3), 28.77 (8-CH2CH3), 29.20 (spd C7,C9), 36.51 (spd C8), 36.76, 36.95 (spd C6/C10), 37.35 (spd C2), 70.96 (spd C5), 112.74 (indole C7), 118.71 (indole C4), 119.57 (indole C3), 121.41 (indole C6), 125.54 (indole C3a), 127.16 (3-phenyl C4), 128.27 (indole C2), 128.47 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.03, 130.17 (3-phenyl C2/C6), 132.78 (indole C5), 136.46 (3-phenyl C1), 136.76 (indole C7a), 161.53 (CONH), 170.00 (spd C3) ppm.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(2-methyl-3-oxo-8-propyl-1-thia-4-azaspiro4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (21, C27H32N4O4S2)

White powder (63%); m.p.: 260–262 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3315 (NH), 1705, 1670 (C=O), 1328, 1141 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.89 (3H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH2CH3), 1.00–1.10 (3H, m, spd C7/9-Hax and C8-Hax), 1.16 (2H, t, J = 6.35 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH2CH3, spd), 1.32 (2H, quint, J = 7.32 Hz, spd 8-CH2CH2CH3), 1.41 (3H, t, J = 6.83 Hz, C2-CH3), 1.60–1.80 (6H, m, spd C6/10-H, spd C7/9-Heq), 3.87 (1H, d, J = 6.34 Hz, spd C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.39 (1H, tt, J = 7.81, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.48 (2H, t, J = 7.81 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.55 (2H, dd, J = 8.30, 1.47 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.63 (1H, d, J = 8.79 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.73 (1H, dd, J = 8.78, 1.96 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.03 (1H, d, J = 1.96 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.18 (1H, s, CONH), 12.35 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 14.58 (8-CH2CH2CH3), 19.99 (8-CH2CH2CH3), 20.37 (2-CH3), 29.60, 30.03 (spd C7/C9), 35.22 (spd C8), 36.99, 37.22 (spd C6/C10), 37.85 (spd C2), 38.78 (8-CH2CH2CH3), 71.41 (spd C5), 113.21 (indole C7), 119.17 (indole C4), 120.01 (indole C3), 121.87 (indole C6), 126.02 (indole C3a), 127.59 (3-phenyl C4), 128.78 (indole C2), 128.91 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.66 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 133.28 (indole C5), 136.92 (3-phenyl C1), 137.22 (indole C7a), 162.01 (CONH), 170.46 (spd C3) ppm.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(8-tert-butyl-2-methyl-3-oxo-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (22, C28H34N4O4S2)

White powder (62%); m.p.: 270–272 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3315, 3261 (NH), 1701, 1668 (C=O), 1311, 1147 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 0.84–0.91 (10H, m, spd C8-Hax, 8-C(CH3)3), 1.10–1.23 (2H, m, spd C7/9-Hax), 1.41 (3H, t, J = 6.83 Hz, C2-CH3), 1.70 (6H, d, J = 8.78 Hz, spd C6/10-H, C7/9-Heq), 3.87 (1H, d, J = 6.34 Hz, spd C2-H), 7.18 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.40 (1H, tt, J = 6.83, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.49 (2H, t, J = 7.56 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.55 (2H, dd, J = 7.56, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.63 (1H, d, J = 8.30 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.73 (1H, dd, J = 8.78, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.02 (1H, d, J = 0.98 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.20 (1H, s, CONH), 12.36 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 20.34 (2-CH3), 23.96, 24.36 (spd C7/C9), 27.77 (3 CH3), 32.37 (spd C6,C10), 37.22 (spd C2), 38.08 (spd C8), 45.90 (8-tert-butyl C), 71.23 (spd C5), 113.17 (indole C7), 119.11 (indole C4), 119.96 (indole C3), 121.81 (indole C6), 126.02 (indole C3a), 127.57 (3-phenyl C4), 128.84 (indole C2), 128.91 (3-phenyl C3,C5), 130.64 (3-phenyl C2,C6), 133.29 (indole C5), 136.88 (3-phenyl C1), 137.17 (indole C7a), 161.97 (CONH), 170.46 (spd C3) ppm.

3-Phenyl-5-sulfamoyl-N-(2-methyl-3-oxo-8-phenyl-1-thia-4-azaspiro[4.5]dec-4-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide (23, C30H30N4O4S2)

Ivory powder (62%); m.p.: 315–316 °C; IR (KBr): \(\overline{\nu }\) = 3319, 3244 (NH), 1716, 1651 (C=O), 1317, 1151 (S=O) cm−1; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 1.44 (3H, t, J = 6.83 Hz, C2-CH3), 1.58–1.70 (3H, m, spd C7/9-Hax, C8-Hax), 1.75–2.05 (6H, m, spd C6/10-H, C7/9-Heq), 3.94 (1H, d, J = 5.37 Hz, spd C2-H), 7.19 (2H, s, SO2NH2), 7.21 (1H, dd, J = 7.32, 1.46 Hz, 8-phenyl C4-H), 7.25 (2H, d, J = 6.83 Hz, spd 8-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.32 (2H, t, J = 7.81 Hz, spd 8-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.45 (1H, tt, J = 7.32, 1.46 Hz, 3-phenyl C4-H), 7.56 (2H, t, J = 7.32 Hz, 3-phenyl C3/5-H), 7.60 (2H, dd, J = 8.30, 1.47 Hz, 3-phenyl C2/6-H), 7.66 (1H, d, J = 8.78 Hz, indole C7-H), 7.75 (1H, dd, J = 8.79, 1.46 Hz, indole C6-H), 8.05 (1H, d, J = 1.46 Hz, indole C4-H), 10.25 (1H, s, CONH), 12.39 (1H, s, indole NH) ppm; 13C NMR (125 MHz, DMSO-d6): δ = 20.30 (2-CH3), 30.75, 31.23 (spd C7/C9), 37.26, 37.33 (spd C6/C10), 38.11 (spd C2), 41.93 (spd C8), 70.78 (spd C5), 113.24 (indole C7), 119.20 (indole C4), 120.13 (indole C3), 121.91 (indole C6), 126.07 (indole C3a), 126.66 (8-phenyl C4), 127.05 (3-phenyl C4), 127.71 (8-phenyl C2,C6), 128.78 (indole C2), 128.93 (indole-3-phenyl C3,C5), 129.02 (8-phenyl C3,C5), 130.74 (indole-3-phenyl C2,C6), 133.31 (indole C5), 136.95 (3-phenyl C1), 137.25 (indole C7a), 146.29 (8-phenyl C1), 162.07 (CONH), 170.52 (spd C3) ppm.

Antibacterial activity

Antibacterial activity was assayed in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 33951 (meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus—MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (meticillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus—MSSA), and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228. The evaluation was done using the micro broth dilution technique following the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations [46]. Mueller–Hinton broth for bacteria was used as the test medium. Serial twofold dilutions ranging from 5000 to 4.9 μg/cm3 were prepared in the medium. The inoculum was prepared using a 4–6 h broth culture of each bacteria adjusted to a turbidity equivalent to a 0.5-Mc Farland standard, diluted in broth media to give a final concentration of 5 × 105 cfu/cm3 for bacteria in the test tray. To avoid evaporation, trays were protected with plastic bags. After incubating the trays at 35 °C for approximately 1–20 h, the antibacterial effects of the solvents were measured against the test strains to determine the MIC of the compounds. The MIC was defined as the minimum concentration of a compound giving a complete growth suppression. The obtained results were compared to the reference drugs.

The newly synthesized molecules have also been tested against Gram (−) bacteria in the test panel, but since there is no activity, it is not included in table.