Novel zinc(II)/chitosan-based composite: ultrasound-assisted synthesis, catalytic and antibacterial activity

Ultrasonic treatment of the reaction between chitosan and aromatic aldehyde, 4-formyl-3-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-1,2-dimethylpyridin-1-ium iodide, resulted in its significant acceleration and increase in degree of derivatization. The CH=N bond of the prepared Schiff base was reduced, and the formed polymeric material was converted into the corresponding zinc(II) composite by treatment with ZnCl₂ and NaOH. The obtained composite is non-toxic, possesses high antibacterial activity and can be employed as the catalyst in the Mannich reaction between benzaldehyde, phenylacetylene and piperidine.