Abstract
A series of Schiff bases were synthesized from different aromatic amines and aromatic aldehydes containing hydroxyl and methoxy groups. There compounds were characterized by IR and H-1 NMR. All the compounds were screened for in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH method and total reducing power activity based on the ability of compounds to reduce the Fe3+-TPTZ complex to tie Fe2+/ferrous. Compounds substituted with hydroxyl and other electron donating groups, such as, methoxy groups showed low to high antioxidant activity. In addition, the compounds have been screened for their antibacterial activity against strains of Escherichia coli, Methycillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The tested Schiff bases at 5 mg/disc showed different antibacterial activities depending on the type of the tested bacterial species. However, E. coli appeared to be sensitive to seven compounds Ia, Ib, Ic, Id, If, IIb and IIe), while methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was affected by Ic, Ie, Ie and IIc compound. On the other hand, the compounds Ia, Ic, Id, Ie and IIh revealed antibacterial activity against Klebsiella spp. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not sensitive to any of the tested Schiff bases.