Green, Solid-Supported Catalyst for the Synthesis of Superior Cancer-Fighting Resveratrol Analogues

Reece Johnson, Noah Cyr, Daniel H. Paull

Florida Gulf Coast University

Green syntheses are an integral part of modern day cancer research. Our eco-friendly, “green” reactions involve the use of solid-supported catalysts that are recyclable. This allows for an easy synthesis of resveratrol analogues with high yield to minimal waste ratios. A multitude of resveratrol analogues have been synthesized and have been tested for their potential in anti-cancer activity within stem cells. Further research will provide extension to one-pot synthesis via a multitude of reactions such as Sonogashira and Suzuki for example. Our catalysts are based on ionic liquids (ILs) attached to solid support and bound to active palladium by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). The yields of specific reactions have increased; this has also enabled us to explore different types of reactions. The ILs and resveratrol analogues were characterized using NMR and GC-MS. The synthesis of the catalysts and the results of the anti-cancer activity of these analogues will be discussed.