Synthesis of 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide derivatives with microwave irradiation and activity against Escherichia coli

Background: This study synthesised derivatives of 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide using microwave irradiation (green chemistry) and tested their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. Objective: The reaction yielded N'-Benzylidene-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide, N'-(2-Methoxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide, and N'-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide compounds. Prior to compound synthesis, docking was performed with the ENR inhibitor receptor (Pdb.1C14), to determine the antibacterial activity test. Method: The synthesis was carried out using a condensation reaction. Identification of compounds was carried out by UV-VIS, FTIR, and 1H-NMR spectroscopies. Antibacterial activity against E. coli was evaluated using the well method. Molecule docking study was performed using Mollegro virtual docker. Results: The percentage yield of the synthesis of 2-hydroxybenzohydrazide derivatives was obtained at 68-81%. Docking with the ENR inhibitor receptor for these compounds resulted in a lower rerank score than the initial compound (methyl salicylate). These compounds exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli. Conclusion: These compounds can synthesised using microwave irradiation. N'-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-2-hydroxybenzohydrazide has greater activity against E. coli.