Synthesis, Characterization, Molecular Docking Studies and Antimicrobial Evaluation of N-Benzimidazol-1-Yl-Methyl-Benzamide Derivatives

  N-benzimidazol-1-yl-methyl-benzamide derivatives (3a-3x) were synthesized by Mannich reaction and evaluated for in vitro antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. The structures of novel target compounds were elucidated by spectral and analytical techniques. Among the synthesized derivatives, 3o N-[2-(2-chloro-phenyl) benzimidazol-1-ylmethyl]-benzamide, 3q N-[2-(4-chloro-phenyl)-benzimidazol-1ylmethyl] benzamide and 3r N-[2-(2-bromo-phenyl)-benzimidazol-1-ylmethyl]-benzamide were found to be most effective antimicrobial compounds. Clotrimazole and ciprofloxacin were used as reference antimicrobial agents. Further, in silico studies were carried out to define the interaction of the title compounds with microbial protein.