Microwave-assisted synthesis and evaluation of indole based benzofuran scaffolds as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents

A novel series of indole based benzofuran derivatives has been synthesized under microwave irradiation and conventional conditions. The structures of the compounds were established on the basis of ¹HNMR, ¹³C NMR, IR and mass spectral data. The analogues were evaluated for their in vitro antimicrobial activity against two gram-positive bacteria, two gram-negative bacteria and two fungal strains. The same series was screened for in vitro antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Most of the title compounds exhibited promising antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.