Synthesis and antibacterial and antifungal evaluation of some chalcone based sulfones and bisulfones

Two series of chalcone based sulfone and bisulfone derivatives were synthesized using chalcone, thiophenol and sodium metal at room temperature, followed by oxidation of chalcone sulfides with m-CPBA at 0 °C in a novel method. Both sulfones and bisulfones were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans (yeast), Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram (+) bacteria) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium (Gram (−) bacteria) strains. Among them, compounds 2c, 3c, 6c, 7c, 8c and 9c have shown high antifungal activity against C. albicans compare to reference drugs viz. Amphotericin-B and Nystatin. Compound 1c has shown slightly better antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and compounds 5c, 6c and 7c have shown excellent antibacterial activity against S. typhimurium in compare to reference drugs Ampicillin and Kanamycin.

Novel chalcone based sulfones and bisulfones were synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial activity. Compounds 2c, 3c, 8c and 9c have shown high antifungal and compounds 5c, 6c and 7c as excellent antibacterial activities compare to reference drugs.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Two series of novel chalcone based sulfones and bisulfones were synthesized.
► High antifungal activity against Candida albicans was evaluated for compounds 2c, 3c, 6c, 7c, 8c and 9c.
► Excellent antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhimurium was evaluated for compounds 5c, 6c and 7c.
► High antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis was evaluated for compound 1c.