Synthesis of some 1H-1,5-benzodiazepine Series Containing Chromene Ring from α,β-Unsaturated Ketones of 6-Acetyl-5-Hydroxy-4-Methylcoumarin

Background: Reaction of α,β-unsaturated ketones with o-phenylenediamine afforded corresponding 2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines. Objective: α,β-Unsaturated ketones of 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin are precursors for synthesis of 2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepines by a reaction with o-phenylenediamine. Methods: Enones of 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin were prepared from this ketone and (un)substituted benzaldehydes in the presence of piperidine, triethylamine, or pyridine as a catalyst in absolute ethanol with 1:1 molar ratios, respectively. 2',3'-Dihydro-1H-1',5'-benzodiazepines were synthesized by using the reaction of these enones with o-phenylenediamine in absolute ethanol in the presence of glacial acetic acid as a catalyst. Their biological activities were evaluated using the disk diffusion method. Results: Seven new 2',3'-dihydro-1H-1',5'-benzodiazepines were obtained and their structures were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography, IR, NMR and MS spectra. Some synthesized benzodiazepines showed antibacterial and antifungal activities against Escherichia coli (Gram-(−) bacterium), Staphylococus epidermidis (Gram-(+) bacterium). Candida albicans (fungus). Conclusion: The formation of enones from 6-acetyl-5-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin and (un)substituted benzaldehydes could be catalyzed by piperidine, triethylamine, pyridine to afford similar yields. 2',3'-dihydro-1H- 1',5'-benzodiazepines have been synthesized from the aforementioned enones and o-phenylenediamine.