By targeting a new binding region at the interface between αβ-tubulin heterodimers at the colchicine binding site, we designed a series of 7-substituted 1-methyl-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazoles as potential tubulin polymerization inhibitors. Among the compounds synthesized, 2-(6-ethoxy-3-(3-ethoxyphenylamino)-1-methyl-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazol-7-yloxy)acetamide 6a and 2-(6-ethoxy-3-(3-ethoxyphenylamino)-1-methyl-1,4-dihydroindeno[1,2-c]pyrazol-7-yloxy)-N-hydroxyacetamide 6n showed noteworthy low nanomolar potency against HepG2, Hela, PC3, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines. In mechanism studies, 6a inhibited tubulin polymerization and disorganized microtubule in A549 cells by binding to tubulin colchicine binding site. 6a arrested A549 cells in G2/M phase that was related to the alterations in the expression of cyclin B1 and p-cdc2. 6a induced A549 cells apoptosis through the activation of caspase-3 and PARP. In addition, 6a inhibited capillary tube formation in a concentration-dependent manner. In nonsmall cell lung cancer xenografts mouse model, 6a suppressed tumor growth by 59.1% at a dose of 50 mg/kg (ip) without obvious toxicity, indicating its in vivo potential as anticancer agent.

Reported is a new green protocol for the efficient in situ generation of nitrile oxides through NaCl/ Oxone oxidation of aldoximes and their dipolar cycloaddition.The key feature is the use of a green chemistry approach to address the substrate scope of aldoximes: broad scope (aliphatic, aromatic, and alkenyl aldoximes) without production of organic byproducts derived from oxidant and/or catalyst. Importantly, NaCl/Oxone-promoted three-component cycloaddition of aldehyde, hydroxylamine hydrochloride, and alkene was demonstrated to be competent (63−81%).

The discovery of iron(ii) bromide and cerium(iii) bromide as a bifunctional catalyst enables the oxidative rearrangement of indoles with hydrogen peroxide as the terminal oxidant.