Synthesis, molecular docking studies, and antimicrobial evaluation of pyrano[2, 3-c]pyrazole derivatives

Abstract

A sequence of pyrano[2, 3-c]pyrazoles was constructed through promoting an eco-friendly, green, and efficient approach. M1-M25 derivatives were developed by a base-catalyzed one-pot reaction involving application of hydrazine hydrate 96%, β-keto ester as ethyl acetoacetate or diethyl malonate, aryl/heteroaryl aldehyde or isatin, and enolizable active methylene compounds with isolation of unexpected compound M2. Further on, intramolecular cyclization of compounds M10, M13 with formic acid, acetic anhydride, and formamide leads to the corresponding pyrimidine derivatives M26-M31. Afterwards, the antimicrobial activity of the compounds was evaluated and fortunately, the vast majority of the compounds showed outstanding anti-bacterial results. Besides, the potential mode of action of the synthesized compounds was determined by employing a molecular-docking study against penicillin-binding protein implicated in anti-bacterial action. Compound M21 was one of the most promising anti-bacterial agents with potential binding affinity against the penicillin-binding protein. This study shed light on novel compounds for further antimicrobial drug development.