SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL STUDIES OF N-(4-METHOXY-2-NITROPHENYL)-2-PHENYLACETAMIDE AND ITS CERIUM (III) COMPLEX

Abstract

The rising occurrence of antimicrobial resistance has intensified the need for novel bioactive compounds with improved therapeutic potential. This paper focused on the synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial evaluation of the ligand N-(4-methoxy-2-nitrophenyl)-2-phenylacetamide, and its cerium (III) complex. The ligand was synthesized using phenylacetyl chloride as a precursor and subsequently complexed with Cerium (III) Nitrate salts. The characterization of the compound was achieved through UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), solubility studies, which confirmed successful complexation and provided insights into coordination modes. The antimicrobial activities of the ligand and complex were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The results revealed that both ligand and complex exhibited significant inhibitory effects, with the Cerium (III) complex generally demonstrating enhanced activity compared to its ligand. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranged between 1.56 and 6.25 mg/ml, and some compounds showed bactericidal and fungicidal effects at relatively low concentrations. The findings highlight the potential of phenylacetyl-derived ligand and its Cerium (III) complex as promising compounds for the development of new antimicrobial agents. This contributes to ongoing efforts in combating drug-resistant infections and offers a foundation for further pharmacological exploration.