Demonic axe-like conjugated alkynes in combating microbes.

A new series of disubstituted alkynes was obtained by microwave induced internal splitting of the corresponding β-oxo-alkylidenetriphenylphosphoranes. The antimicrobial potential of these conjugated alkynes and phosphoranes was assayed in vitro against three Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis), three Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae) and five fungal strains (Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Candida rugosa, Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The 3-pyridylalkyne derivatives viz.