Ultrasound mediated synthesis of 6-substituted 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline derivatives and their pharmacological evaluation

Abstract

Designed as potential cytotoxic agents a series of 6-substituted 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline derivatives were synthesized by using a Bischler type reaction. The methodology involved the cyclodehydration of 2-(3,4-dihydroquinolin-1(2H)-yl)-1-alkyl/aryl ethanones in the presence of p-TSA under ultrasound irradiation. A number of compounds were prepared using this methodology and tested for their in vitro anti-proliferative properties against cancer (leukemia) and non-cancerous cell lines. Some of the compounds showed promising and selective cytotoxic effects toward leukemia cells. Keywords: Pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinoline, Cyclodehydration, Ultrasound, Cytotoxicity