The Synthesis and Spectral Properties of Benzofuran Derivative Bis-Chalcone

Abstract

C halcones, a class of compounds naturally occuring in various plants, are precursors of flavonoids and they consist of two aromatic rings connected by an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl group (Figure 1). They can be obtained by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction between acetophenone and benzaldehyde derivatives in the presence of acid or base catalysts [1]. Khellinone, the compound containing an acetophenone group, is a valuable starting material for the synthesis of new chalcone derivatives. It is essentially prepared via alkaline hydrolysis of khellin, a natural furanochromone isolated from Ammi visnaga L. (Scheme 1) [2]. In the literature, there are few studies on the synthesis of khellinone derivative chalcone compounds. Due to the presence of benzofuran moiety, they have a great potential for biological activities and pharmaceutical utilities [3][4][5].Hitherto, many studies have been focused on synthetic and natural chalcone derivatives and their