Ammonium chloride catalyzed synthesis of novel Schiff bases from spiro[indoline-3,4′-pyran]-3′-carbonitriles and evaluation of their antimicrobial and anti-breast cancer activities

Background Indolinone and spiro-indoline derivatives have been employed in the preparation of different important therapeutic compounds required for treatment of anticonvulsants, antibacterial, Antitubercular, and anticancer activities. Schiff bases have been found to possess various pharmacological activities such as antitubercular, plant growth inhibiting, insecticsidal, central nerve system depressant, antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. Mannich bases have a variety of biological activities such as antibacterial and antifungal activities. Results In this study, a green, rapid and efficient protocol for the synthesis of a new series of Schiff bases from spiro[indoline-3,4′-pyran]-3′-carbonitrile derivatives using ammonium chloride as a very inexpensive and readily available reagent. The prepared compounds were assessed in vitro for their antimicrobial activity. Also, the cytotoxic activity of the prepared compounds was assessed in vitro against human cells line MCF7 breast cancer. Conclusion Good activity was distinguished for Schiff bases from spiro[indoline-3,4′-pyran]-3′-carbonitriles, with some members recorded higher antimicrobial and anti-breast cancer activities. Graphical abstract Novel Schiff bases from spiro[indoline-3,4′-pyran]-3′-carbonitriles