Tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol alkyl derivatives were synthesized in 2–3 steps.
Their antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity is reported.
Compounds 13 and 14 showed the best IC50 against Trypanosoma brucei (0.36–0.6 μM).
Compounds 13 and 14 displayed a high selectivity index (SI = 101–118).
Two phenol groups and medium size alkyl chain are essential for activity.