Acylcarnitine analogues as topical, microbicidal spermicides.

Acylcarnitine analogues, (+)-6-Carboxylatomethyl-2-alkyl-4,4-dimethylmorpholinium (Z-n, where n = the number of carbons in the alkyl chain), synthesized in multi-gram quantities show in vitro activities as spermicides, anti-HIV agents, and inhibitors of the growth of Candida albicans. Activity improves with increasing chain length. Compound Z-15 is a candidate for further study as a topical, microbicidal spermicide.