TiO2/CuWO4 heterojunction photocatalyst in the preparation of cardiovascular chromeno[4,3-b]chromene drugs

Abstract

Chromeno[4,3-b]chromenes have shown potential as effective drugs against cardiovascular diseases. This study centered on a novel heterojunction nanocomposite TiO₂/CuWO₄, which incorporates titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and copper tungstate(VI) to improve photocatalytic efficiency. The characterization of the TiO₂/CuWO₄ photocatalyst was performed using various techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, TEM, DRS, SEM, EDS, and XPS. TiO₂/CuWO₄ demonstrated significant effectiveness as a photocatalyst for the synthesis of chromeno[4,3-b]chromene derivatives, which show potential antibacterial and antifungal properties beneficial for oral health concerns such as dental caries and periodontal disease. While TiO₂ can absorb light to produce electrons and holes under direct illumination, its photocatalytic efficiency is improved when paired with CuWO₄. The research also explored the influence of several factors, including the quantity of photocatalyst, reaction duration, temperature, solvent selection, and the reusability of the nanocomposite. Optimal reaction conditions were found to involve 1 mmol of dimedone, benzaldehyde, and 4-hydroxycoumarin, using 12 mg of TiO₂/CuWO₄ in 4 mL of ethanol, subjected to irradiation from a green laser at room temperature for 30 minutes. The results indicate that the TiO₂/CuWO₄ heterojunction ranks among the most effective options for photocatalytic synthesis of chromeno[4,3-b]chromene derivatives.