Synthesis and characterization of novel N-(2-(pyrazin-2-yl-oxy)ethyl)-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzamide scaffolds, and biological evaluation and molecular docking studies†

A new series of biologically potent N-(2-(6-substituted-1H-pyrazin-2-yloxy)ethyl)-4-(trifluoromethoxy)benzamide scaffolds was synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass spectrometry. All the synthesized molecules were tested against antibacterial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms and exhibited remarkable activity. Compounds 12a and 13a exhibited good antibacterial activity against pathogenic cell lines, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, synthesized molecules 12a and 13a were screened for anticancer activity against the A549 (lung cancer) cell line. These compounds displayed excellent anticancer activity with IC₅₀ values of 19 + 0.50 μM, 17 ± 0.5 μM, A549 (lung cancer). Molecular docking studies results were well supported by strong intercalative interactions of the synthesized compounds with target proteins.