Biocatalytic and electrochemical reduction of selected phenyl alkanones with antibacterial activity of the corresponding phenyl alkanols.

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the production of some phenyl alkanols by the biocatalytic and electrochemical reduction of selected Phenyl alkanones viz. Propiophenone, Butyrophenone, and Valerophenone. Baker‘s yeast was used in its free as well as immobilized form for biocatalytic reduction. Substrates showed the higher conversion rate when the cells were used in immobilized form. The electrochemical behavior of substrates was investigated cyclic voltammetrically to explore electrochemical reduction as alternative synthetic route for the preparation of alcohols. Results obtained from cyclic voltammetric studies were used for establishing optimum conditions for electrochemical reduction which was then carried out galvanostatically using economically viable stainless steel (SS-316) electrodes. The reduction products were isolated and purified by chromatographic techniques and characterized on the basis of spectral analysis. The products thus obtained also exhibited significant antibacterial activity against four strains of bacteria viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecaulis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.