Efficient Synthesis and Neuroprotective Effect of Substituted 1,3-Diphenyl-2-propen-1-ones

An efficient synthesis involving a key aldol reaction and biological properties of 1,3-diphenyl-2-propen-1-ones 8−20 is described. The in vitro activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging of 10 and 11 was 2 times higher than that for resveratrol. Compounds 9 and 11 were the strongest in suppression of in vitro nitric oxide (NO) generation and antiexcitotoxicity. Molecular modeling proposes an electron-donating group at the para position of acetophenones that leads to a dramatic increase in the suppression of NO production.