Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of 4-((1-benzyl/phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy)benzaldehyde analogues

A diverse series of 4-((1-benzyl/phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy)benzaldehyde analogues has been synthesized in good yield by the click reaction between 4-O-propargylated benzaldehyde and various organic bromides/azides. All the synthesized compounds were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). Most of the compounds exhibited good-to-excellent antimicrobial activity. Compound 7b was found to be more potent than ciprofloxacin against B. subtilis, whereas it showed activity comparable to ciprofloxacin against E. coli. Compounds 4h and 4i showed activity comparable to fluconazole against A. niger. Further, the binding mode of compound 7b into the active site of E. coli topoisomerase II DNA gyrase B has also been investigated.