Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel N-aryl maleimide derivatives clubbed with α-hydroxyphosphonates

A series of novel molecules 5a-g containing N-aryl maleimide and α-hydroxyphosphonate moieties were synthesized. A distinct approach for high-yielding synthesis of α-hydroxyphosphonates has been discovered using various catalyst and solvents. The structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated by IR, NMR, MS and CHN analysis. All the synthesized compounds were tested for qualitative (Zone of inhibition) and quantitative (MIC) antimicrobial activities against two pathogenic bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis (NCIM 2250) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and four pathogenic fungi such as Candida albicans (MTCC 277), Candida tropicalis (MTCC184), Aspergillus niger (MCIM 545) and Aspergillus clavatus (MTCC 132). The investigation of antimicrobial screening data revealed that most of the tested compounds are moderate to good microbial inhibitors.