Magnetic sulfonated polysaccharides as efficient catalysts for synthesis of isoxazole-5-one derivatives possessing a substituted pyrrole ring, as anti-cancer agents

Abstract

Four polysaccharides (chitosan, cellulose, starch, and pectin) were magnetized with magnetic iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) and then sulfonated (except pectin) with chlorosulfonic acid. The obtained solid acids were used as a catalyst in three-component reactions between N-substituted-2-formylpyrrole, hydroxylamine-hydrochloride, and β-keto esters for the synthesis of 4-(2-pyrrolyl) methylene-isoxazole-5-ones. The optimal catalyst system was selected and studied by IR, SEM, TEM and XRD methods. The diverse isoxazoline derivatives (obtained via a mild and simple approach) were also fully characterized by spectroscopic methods and screened for anti-cancer activities against HT-29 and MCF-7 colon and breast cancer and HEK 293 normal cells. The results revealed interesting anti-cancer activities.