Synthesis and antimicrobial studies of a new series of 2-{4-[2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]phenyl}-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles

A series of novel 2-{4-[2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]phenyl}-5-substituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles were synthesized by the oxidative cyclisation of hydrazones derived from 4-[2-(5-ethylpyridin-2-yl)ethoxy]benzaldehyde and aroylhydrazines using chloramine-T as oxidant. IR, NMR and elemental analysis characterized the newly synthesized compounds. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity and were compared with standard drugs. The compounds demonstrated potent to weak antimicrobial activity. Out of the compounds studied, compounds 8c and 8d showed significant inhibition. Compounds 8b, 8f, 8k and 8e showed moderate activity. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the compounds was in the range of 8-26 μg ml^-1 against bacteria and 8-24 μg ml^-1 against fungi. The title compounds represent a novel class of potent antimicrobial agents.