Pyrroles and their derivatives: applications

This chapter highlights the most significant applications of pyrroles, indoles, carbazoles, and related heterocycles for the period 1995–June 2006. Sections on polymers and dyes deal mainly with applications of these heterocycles in the preparation of conducting polymers, mechanical actuators, drug delivery systems, organic devices, and sensors. The survey of natural products covers substances from bacteria, fungi, plants, and marine organisms, and has been restricted to new structures with brief mention of properties or bioactivity where appropriate. Both old and new compounds that are under investigation as medicinal compounds, including antibacterials, antitumor, anti-HIV, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory agents, are presented. Only new compounds that have been approved as drugs or have been considered as agrochemicals are listed in the relevant sections. Finally, a section has been included that centres on calixpyrroles as selective sensors for anions