Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Aromatic Homopropargyl Alcohols

Several aromatic homopropargyl alcohols, and derivatives were prepared by one-pot reaction of 1,3-dilithiopropyne (or its equivalent) with aldehydes and ketones. The antibacterial activity, of alcohols thus prepared, against Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria was tested. This activity varies depending upon substitution on the homopropargyl alcohol unit. Apparently, the benzene ring and the free hydroxyl group (or its alcoxide) are needed, in the homopropargyl alcohol unit, to be biologically active.