Synthesis and antimicrobial activities of 4-aryl-3,4-dihydrocoumarins and 4-arylcoumarins

A new series of 4-aryl-3,4-dihydrocoumarins and 4-arylcoumarins were synthesized by the reaction of substituted cinnamic acids and 3-arylpropiolic acid with the corresponding phenols. These compounds were evaluated for antibacterial activity in vitro . The synthesized compounds displayed different degrees of antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and Bacillus dysenteriae , and Candida albicans (a fungus). Compounds with catechol moieties and 7,8-substituted dihydroxyls in the A ring were the most active antimicrobial agents.