Synthesis and in vitro Antimicrobial Screening of Benzofuran-3(2H)-one Linked Geminal bis 1,2,3-Triazole Hybrid Derivatives

Abstract

A series of novel hybrid derivatives, 2,2-di(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)benzofuran-3(2H)-ones, were synthesized from o-hydroxyacetophenones via a two-step process involving sodium azide, iodine and sodium bicarbonate, followed by Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) in aqueous conditions. These compounds were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass spectra and analyzed in vitro against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger). Compounds 3f, 3h and 3n showed notable antibacterial activity (MIC = 50 μg/mL), comparable to streptomycin, while compounds 3b, 3f and 3h exhibited similar antifungal activity (MIC = 50 μg/mL), comparable to standard clotrimazole. Compound 3f displayed superior antimicrobial efficacy among the tested compounds.