Background: Synthesis, characterization, and biological significance of different substituted phenyl acrylic acids have been studied. These acids are contributing a key role during synthesis of antimicrobial drugs.
Method: The acids were prepared by condensation of various substituted phenyl acetic acids and aldehydes. o-piperonal was prepared using 2,3-methylenedioxy benzaldehyde. These phenyl acrylic acids were characterized by using analytical techniques, for example, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C NMR), and GC-MS. The structure of crystalline products was also elucidated by X-ray crystallography. Small intermolecular and intramolecular weaker interactions were also studied by these characterization techniques.
Results: The geometry of compounds in solid and solution state has been studied. The presence of weaker interactions in these molecules is also observed which may increase the hydrolysis and lipophilicity and ultimately improve the activity against different microbes.
Conclusion: The effect of different groups attached to the main rings and the presence of smaller interaction have been studied. Their factors may enhance the activity of these compounds.