Synthesis, Structure, and Biological Activity of Magnesium(II), Zinc(II), Cobalt(II), and Copper(II) Bis(4-aryl-1-ethoxy-1-oxobutane-2,4-dionates)

Abstract

The condensation of aryl methyl ketones with diethyl oxalate in the presence of metallic sodium or sodium hydride gave sodium 4-aryl-1-ethoxy-1,4-dioxobut-2-en-2-olates, and metal exchange of the latter with magnesium(II), zinc(II), cobalt(II), and copper(II) salts afforded the corresponding metal bis(4-aryl-1-ethoxy-1-oxobutane-2,4-dionates). The obtained complexes were tested for antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by the agar diffusion method.