SYNTHESIS OF SCHIFF BASES FROM NATURAL PRODUCTS AND THEIR REMARKABLE ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY

Abstract

Schiff bases have been synthesized by the condensation of primary amine with aldehyde under organic solvent free condition. The reaction is catalyzed by natural acid found in different natural products like tamarind and lemon. This reaction is very simple and has many benefits because of cheap catalyst, high yield of product, simple experimental conditions and easily available natural products. Many methods of Schiff base synthesis are reported but our objective is that to utilize such method and reagents which is environment friendly along with good yield. Most organic reactions utilized organic solvents and acids in which some are curse for environment because of this reason we did not use any organic solvent and acid. In this method Benzaldehyde is reacted with Aniline and Urea in the presence of natural acid extracted from tamarind and lemon to give Schiff bases SP-5 (Benzylidene aniline) and SP-18 (Benzylidene urea). The products (SP-5 and SP-18) were identified by various spectroscopic techniques such as IR, Mass and 1H-NMR. These products also showed significant antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities. The synthesis of SP-5 from tamarind and SP-18 from lemon is a new environmental friendly method for the synthesis of Schiff base. The present work revealed that Schiff bases with potential biological activity can easily be synthesized in the presence of natural acids as a catalyst. This method is effective, give good yield, time saving and easily approachable to everyone.