Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of 3-methanone-6-substituted-benzofuran derivatives

► Seventeen 3-methanone-6-substituted-benzofuran derivatives were prepared. ► Seven of them have showed excellent antibacterial activities compared to the positive controls. ► The SAR studies confirmed that the hydroxyl group at C-6 position is essential to antibacterial activities. ► The functional groups at C-3 position plays important role in the antibacterial selectivity of these compounds.