Solid-Phase Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Curcumin Analogs

Turmeric contains three important analogs, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), collectively called as curcuminoids. Curcumin, the most abundant of these curcuminoids is reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, nematocidal, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic, antiretroviral and chemopreventive activities. Curcumin (a symmetric β diketone) analogs 3a-e were synthesized from β- diketones and aromatic aldehydes using solid phase microwave irradiation method in presence of boric acid in diethanolamine, acetic acid (1:1) with reduced reaction time and enhanced %yield. Various clays like Alumina (neutral), Silica gel and Montmorillonite K10 were used as solid phase catalysts where alumina was found to be efficient in the synthesis of curcumin analogs