NATURAL ACID CATALYZED SYNTHESIS OF SCHIFF BASE FROM SALICYLALDEHYDE AND PTOLUIDINE AND ITS ANTIMICROBIAL POTENTIAL

One of the major category of compounds in medicinal chemistry related to Schiff base, which are known for their versatile pharmacological activity and well known drugs are isoniazid and pyrazinamid. Schiff bases have been synthesized by the condensation of primary amine with aldehyde under organic solvent free condition. Nowadays the solvent-free approach to the synthesis of molecules becomes an attractive one since the majority of solvents are either toxic or flammable and adds considerably to the cost of overall synthesis. In many cases, the solvent-free approach improves selectivity, reduces reaction time, and simplifies separation and purification of products than the conventional methods. Natural acid is non-polluting and does not employ any lethal materials, quantifying if as a green approach for the synthesis of Schiff bases. Thus, the presents study uses kaffir lime as a natural acid catalyst for the synthesis of Schiff base from salicylaldehyde and p-toluidine. The synthesized product was characterized by UV-Visible, FT-IR, 1H-NMR spectral techniques. The antimicrobial potential of this Schiff base is tested against bacteria and fungi. This eco-friendly reaction has many advantages like economical, environmental, mild reaction conditions and simple work-up with high product yield.