Semi-synthesis of phenolic-amides and their cytotoxicity against THP-1, HeLa, HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines

In the present study, we derivatized several hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids to phenolic amides (PAMs) via one step BOP mediated amide coupling reactions. Fifteen PAMs were synthesized in >40% yields and were screened for their cytotoxic activities against four cancer cell lines: THP-1 (leukaemia), HeLa (cervical), HepG2 (liver), and MCF-7 (breast), in comparison to 5-flurouracil (5-FU). Four amides showed IC50 ranging from 5 to 55 & mu;M against all four cell lines. In contrast, tetradecyl-gallic-amide (13) affected only THP-1 leukaemia cells with IC50 of 3.08 & mu;M. The activities of these compounds support the promise of phenolic amides as anticancer agents.

Automated summary

In this study, various hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids were easily converted to phenolic amides (PAMs) through a one-step BOP-mediated amide coupling reaction. Fifteen PAMs were synthesized with yields above 40% and evaluated for cytotoxic activities against four cancer cell lines. Four amides exhibited promising IC50 values ranging from 5 to 55 μM, while tetradecyl-gallic-amide (13) specifically showed significant inhibitory effects on THP-1 leukemia cells with an IC50 value of 3.08 μM. These findings highlight the potential of phenolic amides as anticancer agents.