Montmorillonite K10 catalyzed multi component reactions (MCR): synthesis of novel thiazolidinones as anticancer agents

Abstract Montmorillonite K10 is a suitable catalyst in a multicomponent reaction involving an aldehyde, an amine, and thioglycolic acid in N , N -dimethylformamide as solvent at moderate (50°C) to reasonably high (120°C) temperatures to form thiazolidinones. The reaction involves easy workup and purification. Several thiazolidinones were prepared. In particular, campholenic aldehyde obtained from α-pinene was used to synthesize potentially bioactive thiazolidinones. All products were characterized by IR, 1 H NMR, and mass spectra. Preliminary anticancer screening tests revealed that two compounds show anticancer activity and can be taken up for further screening.