Synthesis, Characterization of α-Cyanochalcone Compounds and Determination of Their Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antioxidant Activities

In this study, the Knoevenagel condensation reactions of 3-(heteroaryl)-3-oxopropanenitriles and various aromatic/heteroaromatic aldehydes via L-proline were performed. In these reactions, α-cyanochalcone compounds were obtained in mid-good yields. Spectroscopic techniques were used to clarify the compounds' structures. Both the disc-diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method were used to assess the antibacterial and antifungal properties of all product. Compound 1c, containing the pyridin-3-yl group, exhibited broad-spectrum properties by acting against all bacteria and fungi tested. The antioxidant activities of the compounds were tested by DPPH radical scavenging assay and according to the results of antioxidant activities, the most effective compound among all was found to be 1c. It is possible to say that compounds 1b and 1d also have moderate antioxidant activity.