2-Mercaptobenzimidazoles as Privileged Scaffolds: Synthetic Techniques, Docking Analysis, and Biological Evaluation. A mini review

Abstract

2-mercaptobenzimidazole derivatives are Sulphur containing heterocyclic compounds with diverse pharmacological properties. This review discusses structural modifications, reactivity, traditional to advanced synthetic methods, chemical properties, biological studies, and structure-activity relationship of these derivatives. Traditional methods are used commonly for their synthesis, but green approaches and nanomaterial-based technology offer better pathways with environmental-friendly properties. Nanotechnology also improves the delivery of drug molecules to specific biological targets. In-vitro molecular docking studies of the derivatives also discussed which demonstrate their affinity towards biological targets and predict their better therapeutic activity against various pathological conditions. By compiling recent developments in synthetic strategies, structure–activity relationships (SAR), and in silico screening results, this review highlights the therapeutic potential and future prospects of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole-based compounds in drug discovery and development. However, these derivatives have some issues related to metabolic stability, bioavailability, and toxicity, they can be proved novel therapeutic molecules with better activities by overcoming these problems.