Synthesis of PMCA (P-Methoxy Cinnamic Acid) using Perkin Reaction and Its Activity as Photo Protective and Antifungal Agent

Abstract

<p class="Standard"><span>This study aimed to synthesize p-methoxy cinnamic acid through the Perkin reaction and to determine its activity as a photoprotective and antifungal agent against Candida albicans. The PMCA compound was synthesized by reacting p-methoxy benzaldehyde with acetic anhydride using a sodium acetate catalyst in a sonicator at 50oC for 60 minutes. The synthesized was a white precipitate with a % yield of 2.09% and a melting point of 172-175<sup>o</sup>C. ATR-FTIR identified this compound with several functional groups, C=O, OH carboxylic acid, para-substituted benzene, and C=C. Analysis by GC-MS showed a single peak at a retention time of 11.710 minutes with m/z 178. Characterization of this compound by 1H-NMR spectrometry showed several chemical shifts showing the presence of OH groups of carboxylic acids, C=C groups, aromatic benzene groups, and methoxy. The results of this characterization indicated that the synthesis product was PMCA. The antioxidant activity of PMCA using the DPPH radical gave IC50 at a concentration of 352.6138 ppm. In vitro sunscreen activity against PMCA compounds provided high protection at a concentration of 30 ppm with SPF 32,505. The antifungal activity against Candida albicans showed inhibition zones of 0.257cm± 0.044, 1.397cm± 0.093, and 1.533cm± 0.111, respectively at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The PMCA compounds can be synthesized through the Perkin reaction assisted by ultrasonic waves and can potentially be photoprotective and antifungal agents.</span></p>