[DBUH][OAc]-Catalyzed Domino Synthesis of Novel Benzimidazole Incorporated 3,5-Bis (Arylidene)-4-Piperidones as Potential Antitubercular Agents

A series of new benzimidazole incorporated 3,5-bis (arylidene)-4-piperidones were synthesized by using aryl aldehydes, piperidinone, 2-(chloromethyl)-benzimidazole and DBU acetate [DBUH][OAc] act as a catalyst under solvent free condition in excellent yields. The synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H37Ra (MTB) and M. bovis BCG strains. The compounds 4a, 4b, 4e, 4i, 4k and 4l are highly potent against both the strains. Most of the active compounds are non-cytotoxic against MCF-7, A549, HCT 116 and THP-1 cell lines. Furthermore, a molecular docking study of these compounds was carried out to investigate their binding pattern with the target, active site of mycobacterial enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (Inh A). Therefore, these compounds can be subjected for further optimization and drug development which could give promising chemical leads for treatment of TB.