Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of novel cinnamic acid derivatives: cinnamoyl-metronidazole ester and cinnamoyl-memantine amide

In this study, two derivatives, namely the ester derivative cinnamoyl metronidazole and the amide derivative cinnamoyl memantine, were synthesized from cinnamic acid and respective drugs for the purpose of exploring their potential as novel and efficient antimicrobial agents in the quest of prevailing the global antimicrobial resistance challenge. The synthesis process involved two steps: first, the chlorination of cinnamic acid using thionyl chloride, and second, the esterification of metronidazole or the amidation of memantine. These steps resulted in the formation of cinnamoyl metronidazole/memantine. Optimal reaction conditions were established, and chromatographic techniques were used to separate the synthesized compounds. Confirmation of successful synthesis was achieved through FT-IR analysis, which readily distinguished the chlorinated product and derivatives based on distinctive bands, including mainly the one of carbonyl group. Additionally, molecular structures were validated using