Synthesis and Antifungal Potential of Schiff Bases Derived from Aromatic Aldehydes and 4-Acetylaniline

Condensation of 4-acetylaniline with aromatic aldehydes (I-X) resulted in formation of crude solids (Ia-Xa) that were recrystallized from methanol. The products were characterized as benzal-4-acetylaniline and its C-phenyl derivatives on the basis of elemental analysis and spectral studies and were screened in vitro for antifungal potential against Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, Myrothecium roridum and Ustilago tritici by spore germination inhibition technique. 3-Methoxy-4-hydroxybenzal-4-acetylaniline (VIIa) and 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzal-4-acetylaniline (VIa) showed promising potential against F. oxysporum with ED₅₀ value of 57 and 59 μg mL⁻¹, respectively. The most effective compound of the present study was found to be 3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzal-4-acetylaniline (VIIIa).