Synthesis and structure-activity relationship study of benzofuran-based chalconoids bearing benzylpyridinium moiety as potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

A series of benzofuran-based chalconoids bearing 3-pyridinium and 4-pyridinium moiety were synthesized as AChE inhibitors. Among them, 3-pyridinium derivative 6m with IC50 = 0.027 μM was as potent as donepezil.