Nano Fe2O3/Ag/CeO2 catalyzed solvent free synthesis of 1,8 – di oxo octa hydro xanthene derivatives as potential anti-cancer agents

Biologically active 1,8–dioxo-octa-hydro-xanthene derivatives were synthesized using Fe₂O₃/Ag/CeO₂ nanoparticles as a catalyst under solvent-free conditions. synthesized xanthene derivatives have Excellent yields of products and simple work-up are attractive features of this green protocol. The findings indicate that the catalyst can be used for a minimum of five cycles with only a slight decline in catalytic activity. Furthermore, the catalyst's reusability was also examined in the case of benzaldehyde at 90 °C under solvent-free conditions. Fe₂O₃/Ag/CeO₂ nanoparticles were thoroughly analyzed using XRD, FESEM, and UV techniques. Various substituted xanthenes were prepared and tested for activity against HeLa, SKOV-3, LS-180, MCF7, and Raji cell lines and cultures. The results of the cytotoxic study indicated that the compounds exhibited weak to moderate activity. The reactivity order of halogen substitution appeared to be F > Cl > Br. 3a and 3b exhibited moderate activity against cell lines. The exist of an electron-withdrawing group to the opposite aromatic ring of dihydroxyxanthene derivatives increased the anticancer activity, while the electron-donating group had the opposite effect.

Furthermore, compound 3f with fluorine substitution demonstrated higher activity, highlighting the significance of this site for the cytotoxic activity of these compounds.