Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of new benzofuran derivatives

A novel series of (5-substituted-1-benzofuran-2-yl)(2,4-substituted phenyl)methanones ( 4a–4i ) have been prepared by the Knoevenagel condensation of (5-substituted-1-benzofuran-2-yl)(2,4-substituted phenyl)methanone ( 3a–3i ) with Meldrum’s acid. The structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques. All newly synthesized compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity.