Antibacterial screening of new bis(pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine) hybrids linked to different spacers

A three-component protocol was adopted to efficiently prepare new bis(pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines) linked to different spacers in 80-92% yields from 1H-pyrazole-3,5-diamines, malononitrile and bis(aldehydes). The p-xylene-linked bis(pyrimidine) bearing 3-positioned 4-methoxy-benzyl substituent had the best antibacterial activity with MIC / MBC values up to 2.2 / 4.4 µm.