By a slightly modified Hantzsch thiazole synthesis either 1,3-bis[(thiazol-2-yl)amino]benzene derivatives 2 or 1,3-bis[2-iminothiazol-3(2H)-yl]benzene derivatives 3 were exclusively obtained. The compounds can be distinguished by NMR spectroscopy. Compounds 2a-2d and 3a-3d were evaluated for their potential antitumor activity, DNA interaction, and for their activity against DNA and RNA viruses and against HIV-1 and HIV-2.