Synthesis of novel trans-2,3-dihydrofuran-pyrazole conjugates through molecular hybridization: molecular docking insights and evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-malarial activities.

Abstract

A series of some new trans 2,3-dihydrofuran-linked pyrazole hybrids were synthesized from a convenient one-pot methodology. This procedure employs a sequential one-pot, two-step tandem reaction starting from pyridine, formylpyrazole, dimedone, and phenacyl bromide, with triethylamine serving as the base and proceeds efficiently in acetonitrile. The recently synthesized compounds were characterized through ¹H and ¹³C NMR, Mass and IR spectroscopy and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anti-malarial potentials. Among the evaluated compounds, the derivative 4l, featuring a bromo group on the acetylphenyl and a methoxy group on the formylpyrazole phenyl ring, demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 7.12 ± 0.03 μM. This potency was comparable to that of the standard drug diclofenac sodium (IC₅₀ = 6.44 ± 0.02 μM). Additionally, 4l exhibited moderate anti-malarial properties with an IC₅₀ value of 1.66 ± 0.04 μM, with respect to the reference drug quinine (IC₅₀ = 0.26 ± 0.03 μM). Molecular docking studies were also performed to observe molecular interaction between the synthesized molecules and Enoyl-acyl-carrier-protein reductase (PDB ID: 1NHG) and Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (3LN1). These studies provided valuable insights into the binding modes and affinities of the synthesized compounds, which may inform the design of future therapeutic agents.