Synthesis of 3,4-diaryl- and 4-acyl-3-arylpyrroles and study of their antimitotic activity

Abstract

The Barton–Zard reaction of nitro substituted stilbenes and chalcones with ethyl isocyanoacetate afforded 3,4-diaryl- and 4-acyl-3-arylpyrroles, respectively. 3-Arylpyrrole-2,4- dicarboxylates and 4-arylisoxazoline N-oxides were side reaction products. Antimitotic activity of target 3,4-disubstituted pyrroles was studied on a sea urchin embryo model. Pyrroles unsubstituted at positions 2 and 5 were the most active. The activity increased with the number of methoxy groups in the Ar substituent.