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.