Azoles are a class of antifungal compounds that contain a five-membered ring with at least one nitrogen atom. They are commonly used to treat fungal infections in humans and animals, as well as in agriculture to protect crops from fungal diseases. There are two main types of azoles: imidazoles and triazoles. Imidazoles have two nitrogen atoms in their ring, while triazoles have three. Both types work by inhibiting the synthesis of ergosterol, an essential component of fungal cell membranes, thereby disrupting the growth and reproduction of fungi.