SYNTHESIS OF PMCA (p-METHOXY CINNAMIC ACID) USING PERKIN REACTION AND ITS ACTIVITY AS PHOTO PROTECTIVE AND ANTIFUNGAL AGENT
Abstract
This study aimed to synthesize p-methoxy cinnamic acid through the Perkin reaction and
to determine its activity as a photoprotective and antifungal agent against Candida albicans. The
PMCA compound was synthesized by reacting p-methoxy benzaldehyde with acetic anhydride
using a sodium acetate catalyst in a sonicator at 50oC for 60 minutes. The synthesized was a
white precipitate with a % yield of 2.09% and a melting point of 172-175oC. ATR-FTIR identified
this compound with several functional groups, C=O, OH carboxylic acid, para-substituted
benzene, and C=C. Analysis by GC-MS showed a single peak at a retention time of 11.710
minutes with m/z 178. Characterization of this compound by 1H-NMR spectrometry showed
several chemical shifts showing the presence of OH groups of carboxylic acids, C=C groups,
aromatic benzene groups, and methoxy. The results of this characterization indicated that the
synthesis product was PMCA. The antioxidant activity of PMCA using the DPPH radical gave
IC50 at a concentration of 352.6138 ppm. In vitro sunscreen activity against PMCA compounds
provided high protection at a concentration of 30 ppm with SPF 32,505. The antifungal activity
against Candida albicans showed inhibition zones of 0.257cm± 0.044, 1.397cm± 0.093, and
1.533cm± 0.111, respectively at concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. The PMCA compounds
can be synthesized through the Perkin reaction assisted by ultrasonic waves and can potentially
be photoprotective and antifungal agents.
Keywords: antifungal, antioxidant, p-methoxy cinnamic acid, photoprotective, sunscreen
