A series of N-substituted-quinolinone-3-aminoamides and their hybrids containing the alpha-lipoic acid functionality were designed and synthesized as potential bifunctional agents combining antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The new compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity and for their ability to inhibit in vitro lipoxygenase as well as for their anti-inflammatory activity in vivo. In general, the derivatives were found to be potent antioxidant or anti-inflammatory agents. The results are discussed in terms of structure-activity relationships and an attempt is made to define the structural features required for activity.

Tetramic and tetronic acids are naturally occurring molecules with a variety of biological activities. In this review article, we present the general strategies for the synthesis of these compounds and we reveal the functionalized groups that are responsible for their properties. We also set out their coordinating modes with up-to-date bibliographical references.

A novel synthesis of chiral 3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-substituted tetramic acids in moderate yields (45-75%) is reported. HPLC analysis of these tetramic acids shows very good enantiomeric excesses (82-98%).