Synthesis, spectral correlation and antimicrobial activities of some 3-methylphenyl chalcones

A series, containing nine substituted styryl 3-methylphenyl ketones have been synthesised by Aldol condensation Aldol condensation between 3-methyl acetophenone and substituted benzaldehydes catalysed by fly-ash:H2SO4 in a solvent free medium. The yields of the ketones are more than 90%. These chalcones were characterised on their physical constants and spectral data. The spectral frequencies such as infrared frequencies of νCOs-cis and s-trans, deformation modes of νCHip, op, CH=CHop and C=Cop (cm−1), NMR chemical shifts of δH and δC of α, β and CO (ppm) of the synthesized chalcones were assigned and correlated with Hammett substituent constants, F and R parameters. The effects of the substituents on the group frequencies were discussed, the antimicrobial activities of all the chalcones were described studied using Bauer-Kirby method