Synthesis and antibacterial activity of N-[2-(2-naphthyl)ethyl]piperazinyl quinolones

A series of N-[2-(2-naphthyl)ethyl]piperazinyl quinolones containing a carbonyl related functional groups (oxo- or oxyimino-) on the ethyl spacer was synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity. The synthesis of N-[2-(2-naphthyl)ethyl]piperazinyl quinolones was achieved through the versatile and efficient synthetic route that involved reaction of piperazinyl quinolones with appropriate α-bromoketone or α-bromooxime derivatives. The structures of new compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and NMR spectra. Antibacterial data indicated that some of the new N-[2-(2-naphthyl)ethyl]piperazinyl quinolones showed good antibacterial activity and modification of the position 8 and N-1 substituent on quinolone ring, and ethyl spacer functionality produced significant changes in activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.