Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Catalyzed Tandem Synthesis of Fluorescent 3-(4,5-diaryl-1H-imidazol-2-yl) quinoline-2-amines: Solvatochromic, DFT and Biological Studies

In the present work, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared by the co-precipitation method and employed as effective nanocatalysts in the tandem synthesis of 3-(4,5-diaryl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)quinolin-2-amines. An effective multicomponent reaction is plighted for 2-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehydes and substituted benzils to obtain novel heterocycles 3-(4,5-diaryl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)quinolin-2-amines. These molecules are fluorescent and hence for proper understanding of optical behaviour, solvatochromic and DFT studies were carried out. Also, the optical and energy bandgaps were calculated. Molecular docking studies manifested the strong binding affinities by these compounds at the active site of the Candida albicans dihydrofolate reductase enzyme (PDB ID: 1AI9) and Novobiocin (PDB ID: 4URO) with excellent C-score values. Antimicrobial activity screening results have shown remarkable activity against Escherichia coli with appreciable MIC values and hence noteworthy action has been demonstrated against this bacterium. The zones of inhibition for some of the target compounds are also good against gram positive Staphylococcus aureus exhibiting excellent activity.

Automated summary

In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared and used as efficient nanocatalysts for the synthesis of novel heterocycles. Optical, molecular docking, and antimicrobial studies were conducted, showing the compounds' fluorescent properties, strong binding affinities, and remarkable antimicrobial activity.