Phytogrowth-inhibitory and antibacterial activities of 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-dithiane and its derivatives.

2,5-Dihydroxy-1,4-dithiane (I) and its derivatives (II-IV) showed rather marked inhibitory activities on the growth of the roots of two plant species. All compounds tested had phytogrowth-inhibitory activities. These compounds markedly inhibited the growth of the two plant species at the concentration of 1.0 x 10(-3) M. Seeds of Brassica rapa treated with 2,5-dihydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-1,4-dithiane (III) and its diacetate (IV) at the same concentration failed to germinate. Among these compounds, IV showed the most potent inhibitory activity on the two plant species. The radicles of both plant species treated with these compounds at concentrations higher than 1.0 x 10(-4) M showed negative geotropism, even though germination occurred. The compounds except for 2,5-diacetoxy-1,4-dithiane (II) also had antibacterial activities. In particular, III had rather marked antibacterial activity and its minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Staphylococcus aureus IFO-3060 and Escherichia coli IFO-12734 was 4.0 micrograms/ml.