Chemistry and synthetic methodologies of chalcones and their derivatives: A review

Due to the presence of keto ethylenic moiety, CO-CH=CH-, the chalcones and their derivatives are considered valuable moieties in the field of heterocyclic and synthetic organic chemistry. Chalcones and their derivatives have a wide range of antiproliferative, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antileishmanial and antimalarial pharmacological activities because they contain a reactive α, β-unsaturated carbonyl group. Chalcones are also isolated from natural resources, especially from Piper methysticum as flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds. These derivatives are synthesized by using various conventional and greener approaches by employing different means of reactions, frequently by using Claisen-Schmidt condensation. In this review, information on the various synthetic methodologies, various approaches and techniques for the synthesis of chalcones and their derivatives are described. Thus, it will be useful to design and develop new novel drug-like candidates in the field of medicine.