Long-chain fatty acids containing ether linkage. I. The antibacterial and fungicidal activities of some new beta-alkyloxypropionic acids and their methyl esters.

beta-Alkoxypropionic acids and their methyl esters were made with alkoxy groups ranging from C(4)H(9)O to C(18)H(35)O: R-O-CH(2)CH(2)COOH (CH(3)). Methyl esters and acids were also made with one and with two oxyethylene groups between the alkoxy group and the propionic acid group: RO (CH(2) CH(2) O) n-CH(2)CH(2) COOH(CH(3)). The compounds were tested againstStaphylococcus aureus and againstPenicillium for growth inhibition. The optimum size of the alkoxy group appears to be R=C(12)H(25). Oxyethylene groups enhanced the activity againstS. aureus, but had relatively little effect againstPenicillium.