Synthesis and Antifungal Potential of Phenyl Diene Derivatives

Condensation products of cinnamaldehyde (Ia-Xa) with ten active methylene compounds were identified and screened in vitro for their antifungal potential against Alternaria alternata, Fusarrum oxysporum, Myrothecium roridum and Ustilago tritici by spore germination inhibition method. Compounds viz 2-cyano-5-phenylpent-2,4-dienenitrile (IIIa), ethyl 2-acetyl-5-phenylpent-2,4-dienoate (VIIIa), 3-acetyl-6-phenylhex-3,5-dien-2-one (IXa) and 1-nitro-4-phenylbut-1,3-diene showed ED₅₀ value less than 200 μg mL⁻¹ against A. alternata whereas one compound namely ethyl 2-acetyl-5-phenylpent-2,4-dienoate (VIIIa) was active against U. tritici.