Abstract

Turmeric contains three important analogs, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), collectively called as curcuminoids. Curcumin, the most abundant of these curcuminoids is reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, nematocidal, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antiretroviral and chemopreventive activities. Curcumin (a symmetric β diketone) analogs 3a-e were synthesized from β- diketones and aromatic aldehydes using solid phase microwave irradiation method in presence of boric acid in diethanolamine, acetic acid (1:1) with reduced reaction time and enhanced %yield. Various clays like Alumina (neutral), Silica gel and Montmorillonite K10 were used as solid phase catalysts where alumina was found to be efficient in the synthesis of curcumin analogs

Keywords: Aldol condensation, boron-assisted, curcumin analogs, microwave irradiation, regioselective, solid-phase, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, chemopreventive, antiretroviral