Naphthalene: A Multidimensional Scaffold in Medicinal Chemistry with Promising Antimicrobial Potential

Naphthalene, a bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, has emerged as an important structural component in the development of antimicrobial agents. The naphthalene moiety is featured in numerous compounds that demonstrate significant activity against a wide variety of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This review article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of in vitro studies focusing on the antimicrobial activity of naphthalene derivatives against various pathogenic microorganisms. By reviewing the findings from recent experimental studies, this article will highlight the effectiveness of these compounds and their potential in the development of new antimicrobial therapies. The review seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the scope and limitations of naphthalene-based antimicrobials in addressing microbial infections, with an emphasis on in vitro results and their clinical relevance.