has been proposed that quinolone 3-esters 1 (Scheme 1) target the
Qo site of the enzyme in the bc1 complex, leading to a drop of
mitochondrial function (relevant to provide intermediates for pyrimidine
and ATP synthesis),18,19 collapse of the trans-membrane
electrochemical potential and parasite death.20 However, compounds
1 present some liabilities, such as poor solubility (poor
pharmacokinetic profile).