α-Bromoketone derivatives from lithocholic acid: a comprehensive evaluation of their antibacterial activity.

A series of six α-bromoketones derived from lithocholic acid was synthesized through an oxidative bromination reaction, with four of these compounds being reported for the first time. All products were characterized using NMR, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The structures and crystalline packing of two α-bromoketones were further confirmed through X-ray diffraction analysis. The antibacterial activity of the compounds was evaluated against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains of clinical relevance.