Synthesis, spectral characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity of some new azopyridine derivatives

A series of arylpicolino and/or isonicotinohydrazonyl cyanide 2a-d and 4a-f were prepared by coupling the approprite aryl diazonium salt with 2-cyanomethyl and/or 4-cyanomethyl-pyridine, respectively. These compounds were characterized by analytical and spectral analyses and screened for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and antifungal activity. Among the synthesized compounds, N'-(4-phenyldiazenyl)phenylisonicotinohydrazonyl cyanide 4f showed a significant activity toward both Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and exhibit the most potent in vitro antifungal with MIC's (625 μg/mL) against Aspergillus nieger.