Antimicrobial activity of some alkyl esters of gallic acid (3,4,5,-trihydroxybenzoic acid) against Escherichia coli NCTC 5933 with particular reference to n-propyl gallate.

The growth inhibitory and bactericidal activities of eight alkyl esters of gallic acid towards Escherichia coli NCTC 5933 have been determined. A previously suggested role for gallic acid and its esters as shikimate antimetabolites could not be substantiated. No induction of gross changes in cell morphology was observed. Bactericidal activity was accompanied only be very slight leakage of general ionic materials from the bacteria. Propyl gallate did not appear to uncouple oxidative phosphorylation from respiration as indicated by its failure to stimulate proton translocation across the cytoplasmic membrane.