Synthesis and antiinflammatory activity of some 2-(substituted-pyridinyl)benzimidazoles

A series of 2-(2-pyridinyl)benzimidazoles was synthesized and evaluated for antiinflammatory activity by the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay. Among several active derivatives, 2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)benzimidazole (6) was selected for further study. A comparison of compound 6 with phenylbutazone and tiaramide revealed that 6 possesses stronger activity in acute inflammatory models possibly with slightly less gastrointestinal irritation than both phenylbutazone and tiaramide.