Xanthenone-based hydrazones as potent α-glucosidase inhibitors: Synthesis, solid state self-assembly and in silico studies

Xanthenone based hydrazone derivatives (5a–n) have been synthesized as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors. All synthesized compounds (5a–n) are characterized by their FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS, and in case of 5g also by X-ray crystallographic technique. The compounds unveiled a varying degree of α-glucosidase inhibitory activity when compared with standard acarbose (IC50 = 375.38 ± 0.12 µM). Amongst the series, compound 5l (IC50 = 62.25 ± 0.11 µM) bearing a trifluoromethyl phenyl group is found to be the most active compound. Molecular modelling is performed to establish the binding pattern of the more active compound 5l, which revealed the significance of substitution pattern. The pharmacological properties of molecules are also calculated by MedChem Designer which determines the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) properties of molecules. The solid state self-assembly of compound 5g is discussed to show the conformation and role of iminoamide moiety in the molecular packing.