General and efficient synthesis of benzoxazol-2(3H)-ones: evolution of their anti-cancer and anti-mycobacterial activities

A novel class of benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one derivatives has been synthesized and their in vitro cytotoxicity against human pancreatic adenocarcinoma and human non-small cell lung carcinoma cancer cell lines was evaluated. Many of these compounds were found to display excellent to moderate activity. Among them, 6b, 6l, 6n and 6x were identified as lead molecules. In particular, 6l and 6n were found to be potent against the pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line whereas the 6x was found to be effective against the human non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line. Conversely, the compounds 6l-x were found to be ineffective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Of the various molecules, 6h showed promising anti-mycobacterial activity, with an IC sub(50) value equal to that of ciprofloxacin.