Phosphonic acid analogue of forfenicine ? synthesis, antibacterial activity and degradation byPseudomonas fluorescens

Abstract

Summary. Phosphonic acid analogue of forfenicine, amino(p-formylbenzyl)-phosphonic acid, was synthesized and evaluated as antibacterial agent. As indicated by disc diffusion test this compound was found to inhibit significantly the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus and moderately the growth of Escherichia coli. Resistance of Pseudomonas fluorescens to the action of the aminophosphonate may result from the ability of the strain to degrade this compound.