Synthesis, characterization and biocidal studies of some aromatic alcohols.

ABSTRACT

The synthesis and characterization of aromatic alcohols such as 1-(4-bromo phenyl) ethanol, 1-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) ethanol, (4-Hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzyl alcohol) employing biotransformation (using whole cells of Baker’s Yeast in their free as well as immobilized form in mixtures of glycerol and water) and Electrochemical technique are reported. The electrochemical behavior of 4-bromoacetophenone, 4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone, and 4-Hydroxy-3- methoxybenzaldehyde was analyzed using cyclic voltammetry at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and constant current electrolysis. Effect of scan rate and pH on the reduction peaks has been calculated. The kinetic parameters were also calculated and the process was found to be diffusion controlled. The products obtained were purified & then characterized by spectroscopic techniques. All the compounds have been tested in vitro against a number of microorganisms in order to assess their antimicrobial properties. Biocatalytic and Electrochemical procedures were found to be more effective, safe, economical, environmental friendly, easy to handle. These green methodologies over conventional chemical methods provide new and improved synthetic routes to many valuable compounds.