A Study on the Synthesis and Biocidal Efficacy of Certain Random Copolyesters Containing Chalcone Moiety

A series of four random copolyesters were synthesized by the polycondensation of a chalcone diol by making use of two diacid chlorides namely terephthaloyl chloride and succinyl chloride. The four chalcone diols involved are (2E)-1,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, (2E)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-prop-2-en1-one, (2E)-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one and (2E)-1,3-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-prop-2-en-1-one were synthesized by acid catalyzed Claisen-Schmidt reaction. These copolyesters were characterized by qualitative solubility tests and viscosity measurements. The microstructure of the repeating units available in the copolyester main chain was established by FT-IR, HNMR and C-NMR analytical techniques. The inhibitory activity of these random copolyesters against certain bacteria and fungi is well documented. Hence, these random copolyesters may emerge as antimicrobial agents.