Synthesis of mandelic acid derived phthalimides as a new class of anti- inflammatory and antimicrobial agents †

In the present study, a new series of 2-(1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-2-isoindolyl) ethyl 2-hydroxy-2-(substituted phenyl) acetates 6a-e have been synthesized from the combination of N-(2-hydroxy ethyl) phthalimide 5 and substituted mandelic acids 2a-e which resulted in both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. These compounds have been characterized by IR, 1 H NMR, mass spectral and elemental analysis. Among the compounds tested for anti-inflammatory activity, compound 6b and 6c showed significant activity and compound 6d showed potent antibacterial and antifungal activity. The anti-inflammatory activity has been determined by carrageenan induced acute paw oedema in rats. The results are discussed in the text. The in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity of the compounds have been evaluated by paper disc diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the compounds have also been determined by agar streak dilution method.