Microwave Assisted Knoevenagel Condensation: Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activities of Some a-Cyanoacrylates

A series of [alpha]-cyanoacrylates (1-9) were prepared by Knoevenagel condensation of ethyl cyanoacetate with corresponding aromatic aldehydes in presence of ammonium acetate (N[H.sub.4]OAc) using microwave irradiation under solvent free condition. The reactions were completed in 20-60 sec with excellent yield. These compounds were screened for their antibacterial activities against five pathogenic organisms: Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Vibrio cholerae, Shigella dysenteriae (AE 14396) and Salmonella typhi (AE 14612) and antifungal activity against two organisms: Aspergillus flavus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using disc diffusion method and poisoned-food technique, respectively. Some of them were found to possess significant activity, when compared to standard drugs. Keywords: Knoevenagel condensation, microwave irradiation, [alpha]-cyanoacrylates, antimicrobial activity