Abstract
3-(Bromophenyl)isocoumarins 8a-c have been synthesized by the condensation of homophthalic acid 6 with bromobenzoyl chlorides 7a-c which on alkaline hydrolysis give keto-acids 9a-c. (dl)-3-(Bromophenyl)-3,4-dihydroisocoumarins 12a-c are obtained by reduction of keto-acids 9a-c to racemic hydroxy-acids 11a-c followed by cyclodehydration using acetic anhydride. All the compounds have been examined in vitro for their antimicrobial activity.