Recent Advances in Chalcones: Synthesis, Transformation and Pharmacological Activities
Oluwaseyi Bukky Ovonramwen *
Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria.
Bodunde Joseph Owolabi
Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria.
Amowie Philip Oviawe
Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, P.M.B. 1154, Benin City, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Chalcones are useful intermediates in the synthesis of heterocyclic compound and the unique reagents in organic synthesis. The usual approach to obtain chalcones is through Claisen-Schmidt condensation. Several novel heterocyclic chalcone analogs have emerged. Chalcones are multifunctional molecules that possess promising pharmacological activities. Chalcones are known for anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tubercular, antileishmanial, antimalarial, anthelmintic, osteogenic activities. This review article focuses on recent applications of Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction employed in the synthesis of chalcone, its transformation to heterocyclic compounds and pharmacological activities.
Keywords: Chalcone, heterocycles, synthesis, pharmacological activities.