Synthesis of a-cyanoacrylates through knoevenagel condensation under solvent free conditions and their antimicrobial activity

α-Cyanoacrylates were synthesized employing Knoevenagel condensation under solvent free conditions. The reactions with aromatic aldehydes were accomplished in exceptionally reduced time when instead of stirring, grinding of reaction mixture in a pestle and mortar was applied. To investigate the potential of these α-cyanoacrylates as antimicrobial agents these compounds have been tested against four bacterial strains S. aureus, P. aeroginosa, S. typhi and M. luteus. These compounds showed activity against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and S. typhi while neither compound showed any activity against M. luteus.