Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity of new bis-phthalimides

New bis-phthalimides were synthesized by 2: 1 condensation of phthalic anhydride and tetrachlorophthalic anhydride with 1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine, pyridine-2,6-diamine, and 4-hydroxypyrimidine- 2,6-diamine. The synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analyses and IR, H-1 NMR, and mass spectra. Their interaction with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was studied by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, cyclic voltammetry, and viscosity measurements, which revealed intercalative mode of binding to ct-DNA. Antibacterial activity of the synthesized compounds against Escherichia coli and Streptococcus mutans was assessed in vitro by the agar well diffusion method. The antioxidant activity of these compounds was estimated by DPPH assay.