Synthesis and antibacterial activities of cyclodimers of styrene oxides

Abstract

A simple synthetic procedure for preparation of 1,4-dioxanes or 1,3-dioxolanes from styrene oxides is described. Electron-donating groups on the aromatic ring of the styrene oxides were found to favour formation of 1,4-dioxanes while electron-withdrawing groups favoured formation of 1,3-dioxolanes. Antibacterial activities of the prepared cyclodimers are reported.

 KEY WORDS: Dioxanes, Dioxolanes, Styrene, Epoxidation, Cyclodimerization, Antibacterial activities

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2011, 25(2), 299-304.