Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of new benzofuran derivatives

Thirteen compounds, based on benzofuran skeleton bearing aryl substituents at its C-3 position through methanone linker, were synthesized and screened for their antibacterial and antifungal activities against four bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant S.aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and a fungus Candida albicans. Four hydrophobic benzofuran analogs were found to exhibit favorable antibacterial activities (MIC80 = 0.39–3.12 μg/mL), which were better than the control drugs.

Graphical abstractSynthesis, characterization, antibacterial and antifungal properties of some novel benzofurans have been described.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We synthesized a new series of benzofuran analogues with aryl substituents at its C-2 and C-3 positions. ► Their in vitro antibacterial activities were evaluated against four types of bacteria and one fungus. ► The hydrophobic benzofuran analogues exhibit favorable antibacterial activities, which were better than the positive control drugs.