Chalcones

Chalcones are a type of aromatic ketone and enone that forms the central core for a variety of important biological compounds, which are known collectively as chalconoids. They belong to the larger class of polyphenols.

Structure and Synthesis

Chalcones consist of open-chain flavonoids in which the two aromatic rings are joined by a three-carbon α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system. They can be synthesized by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation between benzaldehyde and acetophenone in the presence of sodium hydroxide as a catalyst.

Biological Importance

Chalcones have been found to be important in cell signaling, and can also inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzymes that metabolize drugs in the body. They are also intermediates in the biosynthesis of flavonoids, which are substances in the human diet that have diverse beneficial effects on human health.

Applications

Chalcones have various applications in different fields. In medicine, they are used in the synthesis of therapeutic agents such as cardiovascular drugs, antimalarial drugs, and anticancer drugs. In chemistry, they are used as starting materials in the synthesis of a large number of complex organic compounds.

Safety

Although chalcones have many beneficial effects, they can also have toxic effects. Some chalcones have been found to be mutagenic, while others can cause allergic reactions.

See Also

• Flavonoid
• Polyphenol
• Claisen-Schmidt condensation