Synthesis, biological activities, and structure–activity relationships of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts: An update

The Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) reaction is a unique C–C bond-forming technique for the generation of multifunctional allylic alcohols (MBH adducts) in a single operation. In recent years, these MBH adducts have emerged as a novel class of compounds with significant biological potential, including anticancer, anti-leishmanial, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-herbicidal effects and activity against Chagas disease, and so on. The aim of this review is to assimilate the literature findings from 2011 onwards related to the synthesis and biological potential of MBH adducts, with an emphasis on their structure–activity relationships (SAR). Although insight into the biological mechanisms of action for this recently identified pharmacophore is currently in its nascent stages, the mechanisms described so far are reviewed herein.