Synthesis and biological evaluation of 3-cyano-4H-chromene derivatives bearing carbamate functionality

BACKGROUND: 2-Aminochromene derivatives display important pharmacological properties, including mainly antibiotic and anticancer activities. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to synthesize new chromene derivatives via a new approach using Grignard reagents, for the evaluation of their antibiotic and antifungal properties. METHOD: A series of novel 3-cyano-4-aminochromene derivatives bearing alkyl substituents at the 4-position was prepared for biological evaluation. RESULTS: These compounds were obtained by the addition of various Grignard reagents into Nethoxycarbonyl- 3-cyanoiminocoumarines in moderate to good yields (72-96%). The reaction is completely regioselective. The new chromene derivatives were screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activities against a panel of six bacterial and three fungal strains using agar dilution method. CONCLUSION: The antibacterial activity of the chromene derivatives was more pronounced on Gram-positive bacteria than on Gram-negative bacteria with a significant activity observed against Staphylococcus aureus. An interesting antifungal activity against Fusarium sp. and Fusarium oxysporum was also noticed.