Chalcones
are naturally occurring α,β-unsaturated carbonyl
compounds owning a wide range of pharmaceutical and industrial applications.
They are also key precursors in the biosynthesis of other flavonoids
and in the synthesis of many biologically valuable heterocyclic compounds
(e.g., benzothiazepines, pyrazolines and flavones). These facts stimulate
vast interest in their synthesis and transformation among organic
and medicinal chemists. Because of the increasing attention to environmental
pollution in our society, the application of eco-friendly synthetic
methods is starting to be chemists’ first choice. This review
unveils the green methods employed in the transformation of chalcones
focusing on biocatalysis, though the use of other so-called green
strategies will be mentioned as well. The versatility, efficiency
and reactional conditions as well as the advantages and disadvantages
of these approaches will be disclosed. Interesting results such as
the fact that biocatalysis with microorganisms leads to flavones,
whereas with enzymes leads to dihydrochalcones or that microwave and
ultrasound irradiation minimize environmental effects, will be discussed.
The applied research will unveil the knowledge gaps and eventually
guide future researchers.