Effect of albumin on the antibacterial activity of diketones

Abstract

Summaryo1.Thirty-two diketones and four related compounds were tested for antibacterial activity in the presence and absence of albumin.2.Among aliphatic α-dicarbonyl compounds, diacetyl and glyoxal were the most active and their effectiveness was not altered by the addition of albumin.3.Aromatic α-diketones (benzil, hydroxybenzils) were not as active as dibromosalicil and usually became even less active in the presence of albumin. Cyclic diketones showed very little antibacterial activity.4.Aliphatic β-diketones and benzoylacetone were unique in that most members of this group were more potent antibacterial agents in the presence of rather than in the absence of albumin. Aromatic β-diketones lost some activity on addition of albumin.5.Procedures for the synthesis of 2,2′, 4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzil, 3,3′,-4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzil, and 2,2′-dihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxybenzil are given. Thirty-two diketones and four related compounds were tested for antibacterial activity in the presence and absence of albumin. Among aliphatic α-dicarbonyl compounds, diacetyl and glyoxal were the most active and their effectiveness was not altered by the addition of albumin. Aromatic α-diketones (benzil, hydroxybenzils) were not as active as dibromosalicil and usually became even less active in the presence of albumin. Cyclic diketones showed very little antibacterial activity. Aliphatic β-diketones and benzoylacetone were unique in that most members of this group were more potent antibacterial agents in the presence of rather than in the absence of albumin. Aromatic β-diketones lost some activity on addition of albumin. Procedures for the synthesis of 2,2′, 4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzil, 3,3′,-4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzil, and 2,2′-dihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxybenzil are given.