Solvent-free, microwave-assisted, solid-catalyzed synthesis and α-Glucosidase inhibition of chalcones

A series of chalcone analogues were synthesized using Claisen-Schmidt condensation and assayed for in vitro inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase. The synthesis involved in solvent-free reaction conditions including NaOHcatalyzed grinding or microwave irradiation in the presence of a clay-based catalyst. Hydroxychalcones and 2′-hydroxychalcones were not isolated when using grinding method, while the microwave-assisted, clay-catalyzed synthesis gave these desired products. In addition, flavanones, cyclization products from 2′-hydroxychalcones were formed in both methods.