Vol 1, Iss 1 (Jan-Jun) 2026-JC

In this work, a novel Bis-Schiff base compound, (2E)-1- (cyclohexyl (phenyl) methylene)-2-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene) hydrazine was synthesized by the condensation of the cyclohexyl phenyl ketone in a two-step reaction. The structure of the synthesized compound was verified by ^1H NMR and FT-IR, revealing the presence of azomethine (–C=N–) bonds and methoxy groups. The antibacterial activity was tested in vitro against Gram-negative and the Gram-positive bacteria strains (E.coli and S. aureus, respectively) using the agar well diffusion technique. The synthesized compound showed moderate dose-dependent antibacterial activity. At concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL, zones of inhibition against E. coli were 8 ± 0.5, 12 ± 0.7, and 16 ± 0.6 mm, respectively, while against S. aureus they were 10 ± 0.6, 14 ± 0.5, and 18 ± 0.7 mm, respectively. The standard drug ampicillin (100 µg/mL) exhibited higher activity with zone of 22 ± 0.5 mm, (E. coli) and 24 ± 0.6 mm (S. aureus), while DMSO was inactive. The compound appears to be more active against the Gram-positive bacteria and its activity seems to be dependent on structural features, such as the presence of two imine groups and methoxy substituents. These results indicate that the compound could be used in near futrue for the development of new antibiotics.

Keywords: Schiff base; Bis-Schiff base; Azomethine; Hydrazone; E. coli; S. aureus