A novel and facile synthesis of 3-(2-benzofuroyl)- and 3,6-bis(2-benzofuroyl)carbazole derivatives

Palindromic carbazole derivatives: unveiling their antiproliferative effect via topoisomerase II catalytic inhibition and apoptosis induction

Human DNA topoisomerases are essential for crucial cellular processes, including DNA replication, transcription, chromatin condensation, and maintenance of its structure. One of the significant strategies employed in cancer treatment involves the inhibition of a specific type of topoisomerase, known as topoisomerase II (Topo II). Carbazole derivatives, recognised for their varied biological activities, have recently become a significant focus in oncological research. This study assesses the efficacy of three symmetrically substituted carbazole derivatives: 2,7-Di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole (27a), 3,6-Di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole (36a), and 3,6-Di(2-thienyl)-9H-carbazole (36b) - as anticancer agents. Among investigated carbazole derivatives, compound 3,6-di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole bearing two furan moieties emerged as a novel catalytic inhibitor of Topo II. Notably, 3,6-di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole effectively selectively inhibited the relaxation and decatenation activities of Topo IIα, with minimal effects on the IIβ isoform. These findings underscore the potential of compound 3,6-Di(2-furyl)-9H-carbazole as a promising lead candidate warranting further investigation in the realm of anticancer drug development.

First Synthesis of 2-Ferrocenoyl-3-Methylbenzofuran Derivatives

The incorporation of the 3-methylbenzofuran moiety into the ferrocene nucleus leading to a series of structurally novel hybrids 2-ferrocenoyl-3-methylbenzofuran derivatives has been achieved in good yields of 76-85% through the one-pot Rap-Stoermer reaction of 1-chloroacetylferrocene with 2′-hydroxyacetophenones in refluxing CH3CN with the presence of K2CO3as base and PEG-400 as catalyst. These newly-synthesised compounds could be good candidates for the development of compounds for use in medicinal chemistry.

Ultrasound-mediated synthesis of N,N-bis(phenacyl)aniline under solvent-free conditions

Abstract

An efficient method for the synthesis of N,N-bis(phenacyl)anilines was developed via smooth condensation of anilines with α-bromoacetophenones in the presence of sodium carbonate as acid acceptor and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) as catalyst at room temperature under solvent-free conditions by using 350 W ultrasound irradiation. In addition to experimental simplicity, the main advantages of the procedure are mild conditions, short reaction times (30–45 min), and high yields (73–83 %).

Graphical Abstract