SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND ANTIMICROBIAL ASSAY OF SULFONAMIDE DERIVED FROM PHENYLALANINE AND BENZENE SULFONYL CHLORIDE

The rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) underscores the urgent need for new therapeutic agents. In this study, a sulfonamide derivative was synthesized by reacting L-phenylalanine with benzene sulfonyl chloride via nucleophilic substitution in alkaline medium (L-Phenylalanine + Benzene sulfonyl chloride → Phenylalanine sulfonamide derivative + HCl) with sulfonamide derivative synthesized, indicating a white crystalline compound had a sharp melting point of 158 °C. Comparison with a commercial standard (161 °C) confirmed its purity and structural integrity. FTIR analysis showed characteristic peaks for amine and aromatic groups, confirming the presence of N – H and C – N bonds as well as aromantic substitution, indicating the absorbent contains bot amine and oxygenated functional groups responsible for metal binding. The antimicrobial activity of the derivative was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Results showed concentration-dependent inhibition across 10-40 mg/mL. At 10 mg/mL, inhibition zones were 9 mm for E. coli, 13 mm for S. aureus, and 7 mm for C. albicans activity was recorded at 40 mg/mL, with inhibition zones of 21 mm, 25 mm, and 19 mm respectively. MIC tests revealed that S. aureus was most susceptible with complete inhibition at 10 mg/mL, while E. coli and C. albicans required 20 mg/mL, confirming that antimicrobial effects were not influenced by degradation.