Development of bioactive isoxazole derivatives via ionic liquid catalysis: synthesis, characterization, and pharmacological evaluation

Abstract

A highly efficient and environmentally benign method has been developed for the synthesis of 3-methyl-4-arylmethylene isoxazole-5(4H)-ones using a recyclable catalyst [Msim]Cl. Under the optimized conditions, the target compounds were obtained in excellent yields. Notably, 4-(2-naphthobenzylidene)-3-methylisoxazol-5(4H)-one (I-6) exhibited remarkable in vitro anti-bacterial and anti-cancer activities highlighting its potential as a promising lead compound for future pharmaceutical development.

Graphical abstract