Catalytic application of green-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles in the synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyridazine-5,8-diones and evaluation of their anti-cancer properties

In this study, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) produced utilizing Dill (Anethum graveolens) leaf extract and as a very efficient nanocatalyst, have been used for the green preparation of 1H- pyrazolo[1,2-a]pyridazine-5,8-diones under solvent-free conditions and 70 1C through a one-pot three component condensation reaction of benzaldehyde derivatives, malononitrile, and maleic hydrazide. The formation of ZnO nanoparticles from Dill (Anethum graveolens) leaf extract is an easy, one-pot, inexpensive, and green process. Various characterization techniques have been utilized to inspect the structure, size, morphology, chemical composition, and optical properties of the ZnO NPs. Dill (Anethum graveolens) leaf extract is a suitable environment for producing nanosize similar to 27 nm, spherical, monodisperse, wide band gap similar to 3.56 eV, highly crystalline, and 1:1 Zn to O ratio ZnO NPs. Also, the presented protocols in this investigation have revealed several advantages such as a simple work-up procedure, good to excellent yields, short reaction times, use of a small amount of catalyst, and easy recovery of the reusable catalyst. Some products were produced and reported for the first time (entries 9-14). All products, including the newly reported ones in the present research work, were analyzed for their anti-cancer properties and the results were very promising.