Synthesis and evaluation of in vitro antimicrobial activity of novel 2-[2-(aroyl)aroyloxy]methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles

Synthetic pathway of the ten novel 2-[2-(aroyl)aroyloxy]methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles as new potential antimicrobial agents is illustrated. Intramolecular cyclization of 2-(2-aroylaryloxy) aceto hydrazides to 2-[2-(aroyl)aroyloxy]methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazoles was achieved with triethyl orthoformate in good yields. The compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, mass spectra and by means of CHN analysis. The target compounds were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against representative strains by disc diffusion method and micro dilution methods. Several compounds showed antimicrobial activity comparable with or higher than the standard drugs.