Synthesis of a Series of Diphenyl (Arylamino)(Pyridin-3-yl)Methylphosphonates as Potential Antimicrobial Agents

Abstract Diphenyl 1-(arylamino)(pyridin-3-yl)methylphosphonates were obtained in high yields from the reactions of nicotinaldehyde with aromatic amines and triphenylphosphite in the presence of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) as a catalyst. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral data and their purities were confirmed by elemental analyses. The synthesized α-aminophosphonates showed moderate to high antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli (NCIM2065) as a Gram-negative bacterium, Bacillus subtilis (PC1219) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25292) as Gram-positive bacteria, and Candida albicans and Schccaromycies cerevisiae as fungi, at various concentrations (10–100 μg/mL).The lethal dose of the synthesized compounds was also determined and indicated that most compounds are safe to use. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Phosphorus, Sulfur, and Silicon and the related elements to view the free supplemental file.