New bis-Pyridinium Diquaternary Salts with Antimicrobial Properties

The synthesis of a new series of asymmetric bis-pyridinium diquaternary salts using a N-alkylation reaction of 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane with reactive halides is reported. The structures of the salts were fully characterized by IR, NMR and mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Their antimicrobial activity against food spoilage microorganisms was comparatively investigated. Some of these compounds were found to inhibit the growth of microorganisms (bacteria and fungus) in function of structure and doses. The thermal stability of all species was also determined by thermogravimetric analysis.