Synthesis and antibacterial activity of brominated 2′(4′)-nitro-3-hydroxy diphenyl ethers

Eight new brominated 2′(4′)-nitro-3-hydroxy diphenyl ethers have been designed and synthesized. The structures of new compounds were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR and HRMS. The bioactivity tests showed that these compounds possessed antibacterial activities against the tested bacteria. These new compounds cannot be transformed into dioxins when they were manufactured and used.