# Enaminone-Derived Pyrazoles with Antimicrobial Activity

Authors: Mashooq Ahmad Bhat; Mohamed A. Al-Omar; Ahmed M. Naglah; Abdul Arif Khan
Journal: Journal of Chemistry
 (2019)

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## Abstract

A series of pyrazoles derived from the substituted enaminones were synthesized and were evaluated for antimicrobial activity. All the compounds were characterized by the spectral data and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were initially screened for their antimicrobial activity againstATCC 6538, NCTC 10400, NCTC 10418, and ATCC 27853. During initial screening, compounds (P1, P6, and P11) presented significant antimicrobial activity through disc diffusion assay. These compounds were further evaluated for antimicrobial activity at different time points against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and presented significant activity for 6 hours. The activity was found to be greater against Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast at 24 hours, the activity was found only against Gram-positive bacteria except compound (P11), showing activity against both types of bacteria. Compound (P11) was found to have highest activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Enaminones are chemical compounds consisting of an amino group linked through a C=C to a carbonyl group. They are versatile synthetic intermediates that combine the ambident nucleophilicity of enamines with the ambident electrophilicity of enones. They are typical push-pull ethylenes in which the amine group pushes and the carbonyl pulls electron density. The carbonyl group, conjugated to the enamine moiety, gives this system enough stability to be easily prepared, isolated, and stored under atmospheric conditions at room temperature [1, 2]. Enaminones are the attractive intermediates for the synthesis of therapeutically active heterocycles such as quinolines, dibenzodiazepines, pyridinones, pyrazoles, oxazoles, and tetrahydrobenzoxazines [3–7]. They have been used as a starting material for the synthesis of antibacterial [8], anti-inflammatory [9], anticonvulsant [10], and antitumor agents [11]. Enaminones are versatile synthones because of their promptness to both electrophilic and nucleophilic attack [12]. They have been used in the synthesis of various heterocyclic compounds. Besides reducing the reaction time and increasing the yield and efficiency of the process, most of the research focused on a cleaner way to obtain enaminones.Pyrazoles display a broad spectrum of potential pharmacological activities and are present in a number of pharmacologically active molecules such as phenazone, amidopyrene, methampyrone, azolid, tandearil, indoxacarb, and anturane. Pyrazoles are the most important scaffold having their broad spectrum of applications in the pharmaceutical field [13]. Pyrazole derivatives are reported to exhibit good anti-inflammatory [14], analgesic [15], anticonvulsant [16], and antidepressant activity [17]. Recently some arylpyrazoles were reported to have nonnucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor activity [18]. N-substituted pyrazoline derivatives also exhibit biological activities like antimicrobial [19], antitumor [20], antidepressant [21], and antitubercular activity [22].In continuation of our work on pyrazoles [23], herein, we have synthesized a series of N-arylpyrazoles, which were derived from substituted enaminones and were found to possess an interesting profile as antimicrobial agents.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. Experimental

Solvents were procured from Merck. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on Silica gel 60 F254 coated plates (Merck) to check the purity of compounds. Melting points were determined by using the Gallenkamp melting point apparatus. 1H and 13C NMR were recorded in the Bruker NMR 500/700 MHz and 125/176 MHz spectrophotometers. The samples were run in DMSO-d6 with tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an internal standard. The molecular masses of compounds were determined by Agilent triple quadrupole 6410 TQ GC/MS equipped with ESI (electrospray ionization) source. The CHN Elementar (Analysensysteme GmbH, Germany) was used for elemental analysis of the compounds.


### 2.2. Synthesis of Substituted Enaminones(1–11)

A mixture of substituted acetophenone (0.02 mol) and dimethyl formamide-dimethylacetal (DMF-DMA)(II) (0.023 mol) was refluxed for 12 h under solvent-free condition on a heating mantle, and then, the mixture was left to cool slowly at room temperature. The precipitate was obtained. Diethyl ether was added to the precipitate, and filtration was performed under vacuum. The obtained product was recrystallized from absolute ethanol [24].


### 2.3. Synthesis of Pyrazoles (P1–P11)

A mixture of enaminone (0.01 mol) and hydrazine hydrate 99% (0.01 mol) was refluxed in absolute alcohol for 3 hours. The mixture was poured into cold water. The precipitate was obtained. The product was obtained by filtration under vacuum. The product was recrystallized from ethanol [25].3-(2,4,6-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P1): yield: 70%; m. p.: 148–150°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = (3.75 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.85 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.92 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.15–6.17 (2H, m, Ar-H), 6.80 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.79 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 11.81 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.5 (C10), 55.9 (C11, C12), 94.3 (C6), 98.9 (C8), 106.0 (C4), 106.1 (C2), 131.7 (C3), 148.0 (C1), 158.5 (C5), 158.9 (C9), 160.4 (C7); MS: m/z = 234.25 [M]+; analysis: for C12H14N2O3, calcd. C 61.53, H 6.02, N 11.96%; found C 61.77, H 6.03, N 11.99% [26].3-(2,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P2): yield: 65%; m. p.: 145–147°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.85 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.86 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.65 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.78 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.31–7.73 (2H, m, Ar-H), 12.80 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 56.1 (C10, C11, C12), 98.7 (C6), 99.1 (C8), 104.2 (C4), 105.4 (C2), 129.1 (C3), 139.5 (C1), 143.2 (C5), 149.8 (C7), 150.7 (C9); MS: m/z = 234.25[M]+; analysis: for C12H14N2O3 calcd. C 61.53, H 6.02, N 11.96%; found C 61.76, H 6.04, N 11.98% [27].3-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P3): yield: 75%; m. p.: 123–125°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.62 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.68 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.98 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.33–7.70 (3H, m, Ar-H), 12.78 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.9 (C10, C11), 101.8 (C6), 102.0 (C8), 109.2 (C4), 118.0 (C2), 130.1 (C3), 140.4 (C1), 148.6 (C5), 149.2 (C9), 150.5 (C7); MS: m/z = 204.22 [M]+; analysis: for C11H12N2O2 calcd. C 64.69, H 5.92, N 13.72%; found C 64.84, H 5.90, N 13.70% [28].4-[4-(1H-Pyrazol-3-yl)phenyl]morpholine (P4): yield: 70%; m. p.: 210–212°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 1.9 (4H, s, 2 × CH2, morpholine), 3.73 (4H, s, 2 × CH2, morpholine), 6.10 (4H, m, Ar-H), 6.88 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.56 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 11.80 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 48.6 (C10, C11), 66.5 (C12, C13), 114.9 (C2, C6, C8), 126.0 (C4, C9), 131.3 (C3), 143.3 (C1), 150.6 (C7); MS: m/z = 229.27 [M]+; analysis: for C13H15N3O calcd. C 68.10, H 6.59, N 18.33%; found C 68.36, H 6.60, N 18.40% [29].1-[4-(1H-Pyrazol-3-yl)phenyl]piperidine (P5): yield: 60%; m. p.: 170–172°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 1.23 (6H, s, piperidine), 3.16 (4H, s, piperidine), 6.0–6.98 (4H, m, Ar-H), 7.47 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.63 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 24.3 (C12), 25.6 (C13), 49.7 (C10, C11), 101.2 (C2), 116.0 (C6, C8), 126.3 (C4, C9), 151.3 (C3, C1, C7); MS: m/z = 227.30 [M]+; analysis: for C14H17N3 calcd. C 73.98, H 7.54, N 18.49%; found C 73.69, H 7.56, N 18.55%.3-(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P6): yield: 80%; m. p.: 125–127°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.81 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.83 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.61 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.66 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.50–7.62 (3H, m, Ar-H), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.7 (C10), 55.9 (C11), 99.1 (C6), 103.9 (C8), 105.4 (C2, C4), 105.9 (C3), 128.9 (C1), 139.4 (C5), 157.3 (9), 160.6 (C7); MS: m/z = 204.22 [M]+; analysis: for C11H12N2O2 calcd. C 64.69, H 5.92, N 13.72%; found C 64.74, H 5.91, N 13.76% [30].3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P7): yield: 90%; m. p.: 126–128°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.63 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.99 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.55–7.78 (4H, m, Ar-H), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.5 (C10), 101.7 (C6, C8), 114.4 (C4), 126.9 (C2), 130.1 (C3), 140.4 (C1), 142.2 (C5), 160.4 (C9), 159.1 (C7); MS: m/z = 174.19 [M]+; analysis: for C10H10N2O calcd. C 68.95, H 5.79, N 16.08%; found C 68.77, H 5.77, N 16.14% [31].3-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P8): yield: 80%; m. p.: 108–110°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.81 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.83 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.61 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.66 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.50–7.62 (3H, m, Ar-H), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.7 (C10), 55.9 (C11), 99.1 (C6), 103.9 (C8), 105.4 (C4), 105.9 (C2), 128.9 (C3), 139.4 (C1), 157.3 (C5, C9), 160.6 (C7); MS: m/z = 204.22 [M]+; analysis: for C11H12N2O2 calcd. C 64.69, H 5.92, N 13.72%; found C 64.87, H 5.94, N 13.77% [32].3-(2,3-Dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-1H-pyrazole (P9): yield: 55%; m. p.: 68–70°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 4.26 (4H, s, 2 × OCH2), 6.62 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.88 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.30–7.73 (3H, m, Ar-H), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 64.5 (C10, C11), 101.8 (C6), 114.1 (C8), 117.6 (C4), 118.7 (C2), 127.8 (C3), 130.1 (C1), 143.2 (C5), 143.8 (C9), 150.1 (C7); MS: m/z = 202.20 [M]+; analysis: for C11H10N2O2 calcd. C 65.34, H 4.98, N 13.85%; found C 65.40, H 4.96, N 13.80%.3-[4-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-pyrazole (P10): yield: 68%; m. p.: 178–180°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 6.80 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.14 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.70–8.32 (7H, m, Ar-H), 12.99 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 102.4 (C6), 118.3 (C8), 120.9 (C10), 126.8 (C11, C12), 130.3 (C2, C4), 130.6 (C3), 135.9 (C1), 136.3 (C5, C9), 149.6 (C7); MS: m/z = 210.23 [M]+; analysis: for C12H10N4 calcd. C 68.56 H 4.79, N 26.65%; found C 68.70, H 4.80, N 26.70%.3-(4-Bromophenyl)-1H-pyrazole(P11): yield: 70%; m. p.: 148–150°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 6.75 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.58 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.79–7.81 (4H, m, Ar-H), 13.00 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 102.4 (C6), 120.8 (C8), 127.6 (C2), 130.5 (C4), 131.9 (C3), 132.8 (C1), 133.5 (C5, C9), 149.4 (C7); MS: m/z = 190.19 [M]+; analysis: for C10H10N2O2 calcd. C 63.15, H 5.30, N 14.73%; found C 63.35, H 5.31, N 14.78% [33].


### 2.4. Synthesis of Pyrazole Derivatives(P12–P16)

A mixture of pyrazole (0.01 mol), phenacyl bromide (0.01 mol), and triethylamine (0.01 mol) was refluxed in DMF for 10 hours. The precipitates were obtained by pouring the reaction mixture into cold water (50 mL). The products were obtained by filtration under vacuum. The products were washed several times with cold water. The obtained products were recrystallized from glacial acetic acid (5 mL) and ethanol (100 mL) mixture. Analytical and spectral data for the compounds were in good agreement with the expected structures of the compounds.1-Phenyl-2-[3-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethan-1-one (P12): yield: 70%; m. p.: 128–130°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.69 (6H, s, 2 × -OCH3), 3.81 (3H, s, -OCH3), 5.80 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.19 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.27 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.58–8.0 (7H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.7 (C10), 56.1 (C11), 58.1 (C12), 91.4 (C6, C8), 105.3 (C4), 108.4 (C2), 128.5 (C16, C17), 129.3 (C20), 131.5 (C19), 134.3 (C18), 135.1 (C15), 144.3 (C1), 159.5 (C5), 161.1 (C9), 194.3 (C14); MS: m/z = 352.38[M]+; analysis: for C20H20N2O4 calcd. C 68.17, H 5.72, N 7.95%; found C 68.34, H 5.70, N 7.98%.1-Phenyl-2-[3-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethan-1-one (P13): yield: 70%; m. p.: 140–142°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.70 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.83 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.86 (3H, s, -OCH3) 5.92 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.74 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.40 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.59–8.0 (6H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 56.2 (C10), 56.5 (C11), 58.3 (C12), 99.2 (C6), 106.6 (C8), 111.9 (C4), 113.8 (C2), 129.4 (C16), 132.8 (C17), 134.4 (C20), 134.9 (C19), 142.1 (C18), 147.6 (C15), 147.6 (C1), 149.5 (C5), 151.4 (C9), 194.3 (C14); MS: m/z = 352.38 [M]+; analysis: for C20H20N2O4 calcd. C 68.17, H 5.72, N 7.95; found C 68.30, H 5.71, N 7.97%.2-[3-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-phenylethan-1-one (P14): yield: 70%; m. p.: 118–120°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.80 (3H, s, -OCH3), 5.90 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.75 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.99 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.32–8.0 (8H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.8 (C10), 58.3 (C11), 103.0 (C6), 109.0 (C8), 112.3 (C4), 118.0 (C2), 126.7 (C16), 128.5 (C17), 129.4 (C20), 138.7 (C19), 134.4 (C18), 135.0 (C15), 148.8 (C1), 149.2 (C5), 150.8 (C9), 194.2 (C14); MS: m/z = 322.35 [M]+; analysis: for C19H18N2O3 calcd. C 70.79, H 5.63, N 8.69%; found C 70.99, H 5.65, N 8.72%.2-[3-(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-phenylethan-1-one(P15): yield: 70%; m. p.: 108–110°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.80 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.87 (3H, s, -OCH3), 5.87 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.68 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.78 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.55–8.0 (7H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.6 (C10), 58.2 (C11), 99.1 (C8), 105.7 (C6), 106.6 (C4), 115.2 (C2), 128.5 (C16), 128.9 (C17), 129.4 (C19), 132.5 (C20), 134.3 (C18), 135.0 (C15), 147.7 (C1), 157.8 (C5), 160.3 (C9), 194.3 (C14); MS: m/z = [M]+; analysis: for C19H18N2O3 calcd. C 70.79, H 5.63, N 8.69%; found C 70.98, H 5.64, N 8.71%.2-[3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-phenylethan-1-one (P16): yield: 70%; m. p.: 75–77°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 5.88 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.79 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.98 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.59–8.0 (9H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.5 (C10), 102.8 (C6), 114.4 (C8), 126.5 (C4, C2), 126.8 (C16), 128.5 (C17), 129.4 (C19), 133.7 (C20), 134.4 (C18), 135.0 (C15), 150.6 (C1), 159.1 (C5, C9), 194.2 (C14); MS: m/z = 292.33 [M]+; analysis: for C18H16N2O2 calcd. C 73.95, H 5.52, N 9.58%; found C 73.77, H 5.50, N 9.53%.


### 2.5. Bacterial Culture

Bacterial growth inhibitory activity of synthesized compounds was checked against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In order to test antibacterial activity of synthesized compounds,ATCC 6538, NCTC 10400 (Gram-positive); NCTC 10418, and ATCC 27853 (Gram-negative) were obtained from the microbiology unit at Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University. Initially, the bacteria were grown at 37°C for overnight in Mueller-Hinton agar. The actively growing bacteria were transferred to Mueller-Hinton broth and further incubated overnight at 37°C. The resultant active bacteria were used for antibacterial activity.


### 2.6. Screening of Synthesized Compounds for Antibacterial Activity

The synthesized compounds were initially screened for their antibacterial activity againstATCC 6538 and NCTC 10418 with the use of agar well diffusion assay [34]. The bacterial culture turbidity was established to 0.5 McFarland turbidity standards. The activity was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar plates. The bacteria were spread over agar plates, and the 5 mm wells were created aseptically in the agar plate. The 20 µL of each tested compound (250 µg/mL) was added to wells, and plates were incubated overnight at 37°C. The zone of inhibition was measured, and comparative activity of synthesized compounds was determined.


### 2.7. Antibacterial Activity at Different Time Points

The synthesized compounds were solubilized in DMSO with initial concentration of 5µg/µL. This initial stock was used to adjust different concentrations of tested compounds. The concentration was adjusted in Mueller-Hinton broth as 500, 300, 200, 100, 50, and 0 µg/mL.


### 2.8. Antimicrobial Activity of Compounds through Optical Density

Antibacterial activity of tested compounds againstATCC 6538, NCTC 10400, NCTC 10418, and ATCC 27853 was determined by analysis of bacterial growth at different time points under the influence of different concentrations of tested compounds. The bacterial growth was determined in terms of optical density at 600 nm. The OD600 was measured through a microplate reader (BioTek, USA). The 10−3 diluted active bacterial culture was prepared from overnight growth of bacteria in Mueller-Hinton agar, and 5 mL of this diluted bacterial culture was added to a 96-well plate containing different concentrations of tested compounds. This plate was incubated at 37°C, and OD600 was measured at different time points ranging from 0 to 6 hours. The result was prepared by plotting graph between time vs. OD600. The resultant curve was used to analyze effects of tested compounds on the growth of bacteria. All OD600 readings were calculated in terms of OD600(t)–OD600 (0 h), where “t” represent for time points (h). Gentamicin (Gibco) was used as positive control for bacterial growth inhibition; in contrast, the bacterial growth in the absence of synthesized compounds was used as negative control.


## 2.1. Experimental

Solvents were procured from Merck. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on Silica gel 60 F254 coated plates (Merck) to check the purity of compounds. Melting points were determined by using the Gallenkamp melting point apparatus. 1H and 13C NMR were recorded in the Bruker NMR 500/700 MHz and 125/176 MHz spectrophotometers. The samples were run in DMSO-d6 with tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an internal standard. The molecular masses of compounds were determined by Agilent triple quadrupole 6410 TQ GC/MS equipped with ESI (electrospray ionization) source. The CHN Elementar (Analysensysteme GmbH, Germany) was used for elemental analysis of the compounds.


## 2.2. Synthesis of Substituted Enaminones(1–11)

A mixture of substituted acetophenone (0.02 mol) and dimethyl formamide-dimethylacetal (DMF-DMA)(II) (0.023 mol) was refluxed for 12 h under solvent-free condition on a heating mantle, and then, the mixture was left to cool slowly at room temperature. The precipitate was obtained. Diethyl ether was added to the precipitate, and filtration was performed under vacuum. The obtained product was recrystallized from absolute ethanol [24].


## 2.3. Synthesis of Pyrazoles (P1–P11)

A mixture of enaminone (0.01 mol) and hydrazine hydrate 99% (0.01 mol) was refluxed in absolute alcohol for 3 hours. The mixture was poured into cold water. The precipitate was obtained. The product was obtained by filtration under vacuum. The product was recrystallized from ethanol [25].3-(2,4,6-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P1): yield: 70%; m. p.: 148–150°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = (3.75 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.85 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.92 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.15–6.17 (2H, m, Ar-H), 6.80 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.79 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 11.81 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.5 (C10), 55.9 (C11, C12), 94.3 (C6), 98.9 (C8), 106.0 (C4), 106.1 (C2), 131.7 (C3), 148.0 (C1), 158.5 (C5), 158.9 (C9), 160.4 (C7); MS: m/z = 234.25 [M]+; analysis: for C12H14N2O3, calcd. C 61.53, H 6.02, N 11.96%; found C 61.77, H 6.03, N 11.99% [26].3-(2,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P2): yield: 65%; m. p.: 145–147°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.85 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.86 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.65 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.78 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.31–7.73 (2H, m, Ar-H), 12.80 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 56.1 (C10, C11, C12), 98.7 (C6), 99.1 (C8), 104.2 (C4), 105.4 (C2), 129.1 (C3), 139.5 (C1), 143.2 (C5), 149.8 (C7), 150.7 (C9); MS: m/z = 234.25[M]+; analysis: for C12H14N2O3 calcd. C 61.53, H 6.02, N 11.96%; found C 61.76, H 6.04, N 11.98% [27].3-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P3): yield: 75%; m. p.: 123–125°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.62 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.68 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.98 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.33–7.70 (3H, m, Ar-H), 12.78 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.9 (C10, C11), 101.8 (C6), 102.0 (C8), 109.2 (C4), 118.0 (C2), 130.1 (C3), 140.4 (C1), 148.6 (C5), 149.2 (C9), 150.5 (C7); MS: m/z = 204.22 [M]+; analysis: for C11H12N2O2 calcd. C 64.69, H 5.92, N 13.72%; found C 64.84, H 5.90, N 13.70% [28].4-[4-(1H-Pyrazol-3-yl)phenyl]morpholine (P4): yield: 70%; m. p.: 210–212°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 1.9 (4H, s, 2 × CH2, morpholine), 3.73 (4H, s, 2 × CH2, morpholine), 6.10 (4H, m, Ar-H), 6.88 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.56 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 11.80 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 48.6 (C10, C11), 66.5 (C12, C13), 114.9 (C2, C6, C8), 126.0 (C4, C9), 131.3 (C3), 143.3 (C1), 150.6 (C7); MS: m/z = 229.27 [M]+; analysis: for C13H15N3O calcd. C 68.10, H 6.59, N 18.33%; found C 68.36, H 6.60, N 18.40% [29].1-[4-(1H-Pyrazol-3-yl)phenyl]piperidine (P5): yield: 60%; m. p.: 170–172°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 1.23 (6H, s, piperidine), 3.16 (4H, s, piperidine), 6.0–6.98 (4H, m, Ar-H), 7.47 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.63 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 24.3 (C12), 25.6 (C13), 49.7 (C10, C11), 101.2 (C2), 116.0 (C6, C8), 126.3 (C4, C9), 151.3 (C3, C1, C7); MS: m/z = 227.30 [M]+; analysis: for C14H17N3 calcd. C 73.98, H 7.54, N 18.49%; found C 73.69, H 7.56, N 18.55%.3-(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P6): yield: 80%; m. p.: 125–127°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.81 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.83 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.61 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.66 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.50–7.62 (3H, m, Ar-H), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.7 (C10), 55.9 (C11), 99.1 (C6), 103.9 (C8), 105.4 (C2, C4), 105.9 (C3), 128.9 (C1), 139.4 (C5), 157.3 (9), 160.6 (C7); MS: m/z = 204.22 [M]+; analysis: for C11H12N2O2 calcd. C 64.69, H 5.92, N 13.72%; found C 64.74, H 5.91, N 13.76% [30].3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P7): yield: 90%; m. p.: 126–128°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.63 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.99 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.55–7.78 (4H, m, Ar-H), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.5 (C10), 101.7 (C6, C8), 114.4 (C4), 126.9 (C2), 130.1 (C3), 140.4 (C1), 142.2 (C5), 160.4 (C9), 159.1 (C7); MS: m/z = 174.19 [M]+; analysis: for C10H10N2O calcd. C 68.95, H 5.79, N 16.08%; found C 68.77, H 5.77, N 16.14% [31].3-(2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazole (P8): yield: 80%; m. p.: 108–110°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.81 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.83 (3H, s, -OCH3), 6.61 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.66 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.50–7.62 (3H, m, Ar-H), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.7 (C10), 55.9 (C11), 99.1 (C6), 103.9 (C8), 105.4 (C4), 105.9 (C2), 128.9 (C3), 139.4 (C1), 157.3 (C5, C9), 160.6 (C7); MS: m/z = 204.22 [M]+; analysis: for C11H12N2O2 calcd. C 64.69, H 5.92, N 13.72%; found C 64.87, H 5.94, N 13.77% [32].3-(2,3-Dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-6-yl)-1H-pyrazole (P9): yield: 55%; m. p.: 68–70°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 4.26 (4H, s, 2 × OCH2), 6.62 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.88 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.30–7.73 (3H, m, Ar-H), 12.8 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 64.5 (C10, C11), 101.8 (C6), 114.1 (C8), 117.6 (C4), 118.7 (C2), 127.8 (C3), 130.1 (C1), 143.2 (C5), 143.8 (C9), 150.1 (C7); MS: m/z = 202.20 [M]+; analysis: for C11H10N2O2 calcd. C 65.34, H 4.98, N 13.85%; found C 65.40, H 4.96, N 13.80%.3-[4-(1H-Imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]-1H-pyrazole (P10): yield: 68%; m. p.: 178–180°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 6.80 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.14 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.70–8.32 (7H, m, Ar-H), 12.99 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 102.4 (C6), 118.3 (C8), 120.9 (C10), 126.8 (C11, C12), 130.3 (C2, C4), 130.6 (C3), 135.9 (C1), 136.3 (C5, C9), 149.6 (C7); MS: m/z = 210.23 [M]+; analysis: for C12H10N4 calcd. C 68.56 H 4.79, N 26.65%; found C 68.70, H 4.80, N 26.70%.3-(4-Bromophenyl)-1H-pyrazole(P11): yield: 70%; m. p.: 148–150°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 6.75 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.58 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.79–7.81 (4H, m, Ar-H), 13.00 (1H, s, NH, D2O exchg.); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 102.4 (C6), 120.8 (C8), 127.6 (C2), 130.5 (C4), 131.9 (C3), 132.8 (C1), 133.5 (C5, C9), 149.4 (C7); MS: m/z = 190.19 [M]+; analysis: for C10H10N2O2 calcd. C 63.15, H 5.30, N 14.73%; found C 63.35, H 5.31, N 14.78% [33].


## 2.4. Synthesis of Pyrazole Derivatives(P12–P16)

A mixture of pyrazole (0.01 mol), phenacyl bromide (0.01 mol), and triethylamine (0.01 mol) was refluxed in DMF for 10 hours. The precipitates were obtained by pouring the reaction mixture into cold water (50 mL). The products were obtained by filtration under vacuum. The products were washed several times with cold water. The obtained products were recrystallized from glacial acetic acid (5 mL) and ethanol (100 mL) mixture. Analytical and spectral data for the compounds were in good agreement with the expected structures of the compounds.1-Phenyl-2-[3-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethan-1-one (P12): yield: 70%; m. p.: 128–130°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.69 (6H, s, 2 × -OCH3), 3.81 (3H, s, -OCH3), 5.80 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.19 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.27 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.58–8.0 (7H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.7 (C10), 56.1 (C11), 58.1 (C12), 91.4 (C6, C8), 105.3 (C4), 108.4 (C2), 128.5 (C16, C17), 129.3 (C20), 131.5 (C19), 134.3 (C18), 135.1 (C15), 144.3 (C1), 159.5 (C5), 161.1 (C9), 194.3 (C14); MS: m/z = 352.38[M]+; analysis: for C20H20N2O4 calcd. C 68.17, H 5.72, N 7.95%; found C 68.34, H 5.70, N 7.98%.1-Phenyl-2-[3-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]ethan-1-one (P13): yield: 70%; m. p.: 140–142°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.70 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.83 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.86 (3H, s, -OCH3) 5.92 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.74 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.40 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.59–8.0 (6H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 56.2 (C10), 56.5 (C11), 58.3 (C12), 99.2 (C6), 106.6 (C8), 111.9 (C4), 113.8 (C2), 129.4 (C16), 132.8 (C17), 134.4 (C20), 134.9 (C19), 142.1 (C18), 147.6 (C15), 147.6 (C1), 149.5 (C5), 151.4 (C9), 194.3 (C14); MS: m/z = 352.38 [M]+; analysis: for C20H20N2O4 calcd. C 68.17, H 5.72, N 7.95; found C 68.30, H 5.71, N 7.97%.2-[3-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-phenylethan-1-one (P14): yield: 70%; m. p.: 118–120°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.80 (3H, s, -OCH3), 5.90 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.75 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.99 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.32–8.0 (8H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.8 (C10), 58.3 (C11), 103.0 (C6), 109.0 (C8), 112.3 (C4), 118.0 (C2), 126.7 (C16), 128.5 (C17), 129.4 (C20), 138.7 (C19), 134.4 (C18), 135.0 (C15), 148.8 (C1), 149.2 (C5), 150.8 (C9), 194.2 (C14); MS: m/z = 322.35 [M]+; analysis: for C19H18N2O3 calcd. C 70.79, H 5.63, N 8.69%; found C 70.99, H 5.65, N 8.72%.2-[3-(2,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-phenylethan-1-one(P15): yield: 70%; m. p.: 108–110°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.80 (3H, s, -OCH3), 3.87 (3H, s, -OCH3), 5.87 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.68 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.78 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.55–8.0 (7H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.6 (C10), 58.2 (C11), 99.1 (C8), 105.7 (C6), 106.6 (C4), 115.2 (C2), 128.5 (C16), 128.9 (C17), 129.4 (C19), 132.5 (C20), 134.3 (C18), 135.0 (C15), 147.7 (C1), 157.8 (C5), 160.3 (C9), 194.3 (C14); MS: m/z = [M]+; analysis: for C19H18N2O3 calcd. C 70.79, H 5.63, N 8.69%; found C 70.98, H 5.64, N 8.71%.2-[3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-1-phenylethan-1-one (P16): yield: 70%; m. p.: 75–77°C; 1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 3.78 (3H, s, -OCH3), 5.88 (2H, s, CH2O), 6.79 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 6.98 (1H, d, J = 7 Hz, pyrazole), 7.59–8.0 (9H, m, Ar-H); 13C NMR (125.76 MHz, DMSO‒d6): δ = 55.5 (C10), 102.8 (C6), 114.4 (C8), 126.5 (C4, C2), 126.8 (C16), 128.5 (C17), 129.4 (C19), 133.7 (C20), 134.4 (C18), 135.0 (C15), 150.6 (C1), 159.1 (C5, C9), 194.2 (C14); MS: m/z = 292.33 [M]+; analysis: for C18H16N2O2 calcd. C 73.95, H 5.52, N 9.58%; found C 73.77, H 5.50, N 9.53%.


## 2.5. Bacterial Culture

Bacterial growth inhibitory activity of synthesized compounds was checked against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In order to test antibacterial activity of synthesized compounds,ATCC 6538, NCTC 10400 (Gram-positive); NCTC 10418, and ATCC 27853 (Gram-negative) were obtained from the microbiology unit at Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University. Initially, the bacteria were grown at 37°C for overnight in Mueller-Hinton agar. The actively growing bacteria were transferred to Mueller-Hinton broth and further incubated overnight at 37°C. The resultant active bacteria were used for antibacterial activity.


## 2.6. Screening of Synthesized Compounds for Antibacterial Activity

The synthesized compounds were initially screened for their antibacterial activity againstATCC 6538 and NCTC 10418 with the use of agar well diffusion assay [34]. The bacterial culture turbidity was established to 0.5 McFarland turbidity standards. The activity was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar plates. The bacteria were spread over agar plates, and the 5 mm wells were created aseptically in the agar plate. The 20 µL of each tested compound (250 µg/mL) was added to wells, and plates were incubated overnight at 37°C. The zone of inhibition was measured, and comparative activity of synthesized compounds was determined.


## 2.7. Antibacterial Activity at Different Time Points

The synthesized compounds were solubilized in DMSO with initial concentration of 5µg/µL. This initial stock was used to adjust different concentrations of tested compounds. The concentration was adjusted in Mueller-Hinton broth as 500, 300, 200, 100, 50, and 0 µg/mL.


## 2.8. Antimicrobial Activity of Compounds through Optical Density

Antibacterial activity of tested compounds againstATCC 6538, NCTC 10400, NCTC 10418, and ATCC 27853 was determined by analysis of bacterial growth at different time points under the influence of different concentrations of tested compounds. The bacterial growth was determined in terms of optical density at 600 nm. The OD600 was measured through a microplate reader (BioTek, USA). The 10−3 diluted active bacterial culture was prepared from overnight growth of bacteria in Mueller-Hinton agar, and 5 mL of this diluted bacterial culture was added to a 96-well plate containing different concentrations of tested compounds. This plate was incubated at 37°C, and OD600 was measured at different time points ranging from 0 to 6 hours. The result was prepared by plotting graph between time vs. OD600. The resultant curve was used to analyze effects of tested compounds on the growth of bacteria. All OD600 readings were calculated in terms of OD600(t)–OD600 (0 h), where “t” represent for time points (h). Gentamicin (Gibco) was used as positive control for bacterial growth inhibition; in contrast, the bacterial growth in the absence of synthesized compounds was used as negative control.


## 3. Results and Discussion

Enaminone derivatives(1–11) were used as a starting material for the synthesis of various pyrazole derivatives (P1–P16). Various enaminones were obtained by the reaction of substituted acetophenones with DMF-DMA in a solvent-free environment [35, 36]. Pyrazole derivatives (P1–P11) were obtained, when substituted enaminones were reacted with hydrazine hydrate 99% in presence of absolute alcohol. N-substituted pyrazole derivatives (P12–P16) were obtained by reacting pyrazole derivatives with phenacyl bromide in dimethylformamide (DMF) in presence of triethylamine. The synthesis of these compounds was performed through an efficient synthetic route (Scheme1). The structures of all the synthesized compounds were confirmed by proton and carbon NMR spectroscopy. 1H NMR spectrum of (1) displayed two doublets at δ H 5.80–5.82 and 7.63–7.65 ppm (d, J = 14 Hz) due to the ethylenic protons. The value of coupling constant (J = 14 Hz) for the ethylenic protons indicates that the enaminones existed in the E-configuration which was also confirmed by single-crystal X-ray crystallography [37]. All the pyrazoles presented the D2O exchangeable broad singlet at δ H 11.8–13.00 ppm corresponding to the NH proton. The aromatic protons appeared at δ H 6.0–8.32 ppm. The two pyrazole protons appeared as doublets with J = 7 Hz at δ H 6.62–7.47 ppm and δ H 6.66–7.79 ppm. In case of N-substituted pyrazoles, (OCH3) protons were observed at δ H 3.69–3.86 ppm. The two pyrazole protons appeared as doublets with J = 7 Hz at δ H 6.19–6.79 ppm and δ H 6.27–7.40 ppm. The aromatic protons appeared at δ H 7.32–8.00 ppm. The CH2 protons were observed at δ H 5.80–5.90. The presence of all carbon atoms for all the compounds was confirmed by 13C NMR spectra. Molecular weights of compounds were confirmed by GC/MS spectroscopy. The detailed spectral results of 1H NMR spectra, 13C NMR spectra, and mass spectra are given in the experimental part. The spectral and analytical data confirmed the composition of the synthesized compounds (P1‒P16).Scheme 1
Synthetic route of compounds (P1–P16).


### 3.1. Disc Diffusion Assay

The antimicrobial activity of all the synthesized compounds was determined by disc diffusion assay, and their data are presented in Table1. Only three compounds (P1, P6, and P11) showed good antimicrobial activity.Table 1
Zone of inhibition of synthesized compounds (250µg/mL) and standard drug gentamicin (250 µg/mL) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria after 24 hrs.
Compound
E. coli
S. aureus
P1
0
1.48
P6
0
1.21
P11
1.90
2.63
Gentamicin
2.50
2.90


### 3.2. Bacterial Growth Inhibition at Different Time Points

The compounds (P1, P6, and P11), selected in initial screening steps, were further evaluated for their antimicrobial activity at different time points. The data of these compounds against tested bacteria are presented in Figures 1‒4. The concentration of the compound inhibiting 50% growth in comparison with control after 6 hours was also calculated, and data are presented in Table 2. All the synthesized compounds were screened, and only three compounds (P1, P6, and P11) showed antimicrobial activity during the screening step through disc diffusion assay. Among these three active compounds, only one compound (P11) showed antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria after 24 hours. All the three compounds were showing good antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Compound P11 presented maximum activity among all active compounds against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity at different time points against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; it was found that all of these compounds were showing good activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for 6 hours, but the activity was higher against Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, at 24 hours, the activity was found only against Gram-positive bacteria except one compound (P11), showing activity against both bacteria. The reason for this discrepancy may be due to many reasons. Limited efficacy of compounds may be present for certain time only and can give result at 6 hours but not at 24 hours. In addition, degradation of compounds in DMSO solvent was checked for 24 hours. It was found that all the compounds were stable. Moreover, mechanism for resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is different than Gram-positive bacteria that may also cause these results. However, the water solubility of these compounds was very poor, and therefore, we used DMSO as cosolvent and performed this study as per the given protocol [38]. Gentamicin showed very good antimicrobial activity against tested compounds, and it was not allowing any growth of microbes even at least concentration.Figure 1
Effects of different concentrations of compoundP1 against different time points. All compound concentrations are in µg/mL.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Figure 2
Effects of different concentrations of compoundP6 against different time points. All compound concentrations are in µg/mL.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Figure 3
Effects of different concentrations of compoundP11 against different time points. All compound concentrations are in µg/mL.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Figure 4
Effects of different concentrations of gentamicin against different time points. All compound concentrations are inµg/mL.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Table 2
Concentration of compounds required to reduce bacterial growth by 50% in comparison with control gentamicin.
Compound∗
E. coli
P. aeruginosa
S. aureus
B. subtilis
P1
<100
<100
<50
<50
P6
<100
<100
<50
<100
P11
<50
<50
<50
<50
Gentamicin
<50
<50
<50
<50
∗All concentrations are in µg/mL.


## 3.1. Disc Diffusion Assay

The antimicrobial activity of all the synthesized compounds was determined by disc diffusion assay, and their data are presented in Table1. Only three compounds (P1, P6, and P11) showed good antimicrobial activity.Table 1
Zone of inhibition of synthesized compounds (250µg/mL) and standard drug gentamicin (250 µg/mL) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria after 24 hrs.
Compound
E. coli
S. aureus
P1
0
1.48
P6
0
1.21
P11
1.90
2.63
Gentamicin
2.50
2.90


## 3.2. Bacterial Growth Inhibition at Different Time Points

The compounds (P1, P6, and P11), selected in initial screening steps, were further evaluated for their antimicrobial activity at different time points. The data of these compounds against tested bacteria are presented in Figures 1‒4. The concentration of the compound inhibiting 50% growth in comparison with control after 6 hours was also calculated, and data are presented in Table 2. All the synthesized compounds were screened, and only three compounds (P1, P6, and P11) showed antimicrobial activity during the screening step through disc diffusion assay. Among these three active compounds, only one compound (P11) showed antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria after 24 hours. All the three compounds were showing good antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Compound P11 presented maximum activity among all active compounds against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The compounds were tested for antimicrobial activity at different time points against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; it was found that all of these compounds were showing good activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for 6 hours, but the activity was higher against Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, at 24 hours, the activity was found only against Gram-positive bacteria except one compound (P11), showing activity against both bacteria. The reason for this discrepancy may be due to many reasons. Limited efficacy of compounds may be present for certain time only and can give result at 6 hours but not at 24 hours. In addition, degradation of compounds in DMSO solvent was checked for 24 hours. It was found that all the compounds were stable. Moreover, mechanism for resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is different than Gram-positive bacteria that may also cause these results. However, the water solubility of these compounds was very poor, and therefore, we used DMSO as cosolvent and performed this study as per the given protocol [38]. Gentamicin showed very good antimicrobial activity against tested compounds, and it was not allowing any growth of microbes even at least concentration.Figure 1
Effects of different concentrations of compoundP1 against different time points. All compound concentrations are in µg/mL.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Figure 2
Effects of different concentrations of compoundP6 against different time points. All compound concentrations are in µg/mL.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Figure 3
Effects of different concentrations of compoundP11 against different time points. All compound concentrations are in µg/mL.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Figure 4
Effects of different concentrations of gentamicin against different time points. All compound concentrations are inµg/mL.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)Table 2
Concentration of compounds required to reduce bacterial growth by 50% in comparison with control gentamicin.
Compound∗
E. coli
P. aeruginosa
S. aureus
B. subtilis
P1
<100
<100
<50
<50
P6
<100
<100
<50
<100
P11
<50
<50
<50
<50
Gentamicin
<50
<50
<50
<50
∗All concentrations are in µg/mL.


## 4. Conclusion

In conclusion, a series of pyrazoles andN-substituted pyrazoles were synthesized in good yield from enaminones by an efficient synthetic route. All the synthetic compounds were characterized by spectral data and elemental analysis. Antimicrobial activity of the compounds was determined by the disc diffusion assay. In the initial screening, only compounds (P1, P6, and P11) showed significant antimicrobial activity. These three compounds were further evaluated for their antimicrobial activity at different time points. Compound number P11 presented maximum activity among all active compounds against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Active compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity at different time points against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and it was found that all of these compounds were showing good activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for 6 hours, but the activity was higher against Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, at 24 hours, the activity was found only against Gram-positive bacteria except one compound (P11) showing activity against both types of bacteria.



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*Source: 2467970-2019-11-07.xml*