Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of azomethine derivatives derived from 2-formylphenoxyacetic acid

A series of eight new azomethine derivatives were synthesized by reacting 2-formylphenoxyacetic acid with aromatic amines. The chemical structures of these compounds were confirmed by means of 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and elemental analysis. The compounds were assayed by the disc diffusion method for antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Among the compounds tested, 2a, 2b, 2e, 2g and 2h exhibited good antibacterial activity, almost equal to that of Ciprofloxacin used as standard.