Synthesis and Antimicrobial Studies of Some Novel Benzimidazole Derivatives

A series of 2-substituted phenoxymethyl benzimidazoles and 1-alkyl-2-substituted phenoxymethyl benzimidazoles (R1X_1-4- R8X_1-4) were prepared. The structures of the benzimidazole derivatives were confirmed on the basis of spectral data. The compounds were screened for their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, antituberculars activity using bacterial strains (E. Coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus {COPS}), fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H₃₇RV strain. The results of preliminary screening showed that all synthesized 2-(substituted phenoxymethyl) 1-H benzimidazoles and 1- alkyl-2-(substituted phenoxymethyl) benzimidazoles has potential antifungal activity against Candida Albicans, but only few compounds showing activity against Aspergillus niger. Similarly all molecules showed good antibacterial activity against E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but very few were resistance to Staphylococcus aureus. And all the synthesized compounds showed good activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis even at 1 mcg/ml concentration.