A novel one-pot synthesis and preliminary biological activity evaluation of cis-restricted polyhydroxy stilbenes incorporating protocatechuic acid and cinnamic acid fragments

• Polyhydroxylated cis-stilbenes are readily available via a novel one-pot synthetic procedure.
• trans-Cinnamic acid fragment ensures cis-configuration of the stilbene backbone.
• cis-Stilbenes possess a triple biological action.
• Combination of two pharmacophoric fragments in one molecule evoke synergistic effect.
• Dicarboxylic acid fragment might be important for tyrosinase inhibition.

A series of new stilbenes 4a–e, 5 were synthesized through a novel one-pot Perkin-like reaction between 6,7-dimethoxyhomophthalic anhydride and aromatic aldehydes, followed by treatment with BBr3. This synthesis is straightforward and allows polyhydroxylated cis-stilbenes gathering two well-known pharmacophoric fragments to be obtained in good yields and for short reaction times. The structure of the newly synthesized compounds was established by spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and HRMS) and the double bond configuration was unequivocally elucidated by means of gated decoupling 13C NMR spectra and 2D NOESY experiments. Preliminary differentiating screening of their radical scavenging, antibacterial, anti-fungal and tyrosinase inhibitory activity was further performed. The results obtained suggest that the tested compounds possess a triple biological action as potent radical scavengers, antifungal agents and tyrosinase inhibitors in micromolar concentration. The most promising bioactive compound amongst the others was 4a, acting as excellent radical scavenger against DPPH
•  radical (IC50 ≤ 10 μM), antifungal agent suppressing the growth of Fusarium graminearum (89% inhibition at 0.17 μmol/mL), and tyrosinase inhibitor showing higher activity than hydroquinone at 23 μM.

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