Comparisons of Halogenated β-Nitrostyrenes as Antimicrobial Agents

• Main Authors: Hugh Cornell, Thu Nguyen, Gina Nicoletti, Neale Jackson, Helmut Hügel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2014-08-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: antimicrobial agents; medicinal chemistry; halogenated β-methyl-β-nitrostyrenes; Minimum Inhibitory Concentration
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/4/3/380

The influence of three types of halogen-substituted E-β-methyl-β-nitrostyrenes (such as Compounds B, D, H) to overcome bacterial activity that is currently a significant health threat was studied. The evaluations of their bio-potency was measured and related to their structure and activity relationships for the purposes of serving to inhibit and overcoming resistant microorganisms. In particular, fluorine-containing β-nitrostyrenes were found to be highly active antimicrobial agents. The addition of the β-bromo group enhanced the antibacterial activity significantly. Our work has illustrated that halogen substituents at both the 4-position in the aromatic ring and also at the β-position on the alkene side chain of nitropropenyl arenes enhanced the antimicrobial activity of these compounds.