A novel method for the synthesis and characterization of 10-hexyl-3-(1-hexyl-4, 5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-10H-phenothiazine: DFT computational, in vitro anticancer and in silico molecular docking studies

This study aimed to newly synthesized compound 10-hexyl-3-(1-hexyl-4, 5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-10H-phenothiazine (abbreviated as HHDIP) by direct and thermal condensation methods, which were characterized by different spectral analysis. The optimized geometry completed the theoretical calculation; the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) vibrational frequency studies of HHDIP were found by using the (density functional theory) ab initio calculation with B3LYP/6-311++G (d,p) level. The computed and scaled vibrational frequency values were well matched with the experimental FTIR and Fourier-transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman) spectra. A particular understanding of the FTIR spectra of this title compound was performed by the computed potential energy distribution. The UV–Vis, 1H, and 13C NMR investigations were completed as well as observed; these theoretical outcomes have been seen as in good concurrence with the experimental value. The mass spectroscopy investigation was completed to this compound. In addition to this title compound, the computed (HOMO and LUMO) energy values have been revealed with the charge transfer inside the organic molecules. Nonlinear optics and Mulliken population studies were completed for this title compound. Finally, intensive studies on their anticancer properties were studied through in vitro as well as in silico approaches, suggesting our title compound exhibited tremendous anticancer activity at the concentration value of 250 µg/mL. The in silico docking and adsorption, distribution, metabolisms, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) studies were executed through commercial docking software Discovery Studio, version 4.0 against the protein target c-Met kinase (hepatocyte growth factor; PDB ID: 3F66). The results showed a ligand–receptor interaction energy value of − 64.494 KCal/mol against 3F66 protein (standard anticancer drug tivantinib exhibited − 57.804 KCal/mol). In the ADMET study, it gives good results of nonmutagenic and noncarcinogenic activities. However, in vitro studies exposed more significant antioxidant activity at the range of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity as 66.31% and 52.877% which showed a vigorous DPPH radical scavenging antioxidant activity concentration value of 500 µg/mL. Further studies are desired to explore its promising anticancer, clinical research and other pharmacological aspects.