Chemical Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Methyl 2-Benzoylbenzoate and 4-Phenyl-1-(2H)-phthalazinone Compounds

Two functional compounds, methyl 2-benzoylbenzoate (MBB) and 4-Phenyl-1-(2H)-phthalazinone (PPZ), were prepared via optimized synthetic procedures. The molecular structures of the synthesized compounds were elucidated using ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The antimicrobial efficacy of the target compounds (MBB and PPZ) was assessed utilizing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. The findings indicated that the compounds demonstrated moderate antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, whereas Gram-negative bacteria were often less susceptible. No antifungal efficacy was detected against the examined Candida species. The findings indicate that the examined compounds possess restricted yet selective antibacterial efficacy, especially against Gram-positive bacteria.