Investigation on the synthesis of new 3-[4-(arylalkoxy)phenylethyl]-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones and their biological evaluation against cancer cells

Herein, we report on the 5-step synthesis of new 3-[4-(arylalkoxy)phenylethyl]-2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones without 5-arylidene fragments starting from tyramine The construction involved protection with Boc2O, regioselective O -alkylation, deprotection with 6 M HCl, neutralization, and finally reaction of bis(carboxymethyl)trithiocarbonate under microwave irradiation. The intermediates and the N -substituted rhodanine have been also evaluated for their in vitro inhibition of cell proliferation (Huh7, Caco 2, MDA-MB231, HCT 116, PC3, NCI-H727, HaCat). Two compounds have shown a selective potent activity against HCT116 cell line.