Synthesis, Cytotoxic, Antibacterial and Free Radical Scavenging Activities of New 1,2,4-Triazole Schiff Bases

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<jats:p>Twelve new 1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases bearing a fluorinated indole ring were successfully
synthesized. The 1,2,4-triazole Schiff bases were synthesized from the condensation reaction of
4-amino-5-mercapto-3-[(5-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methyl]-1,2,4-triazole with a series of benzaldehyde
derivatives in the presence of (+)-tartaric acid as the catalyst. The structures of Schiff bases
were elucidated by FTIR, NMR and mass spectral data. All newly synthesized Schiff bases were
screened for their cytotoxic, antibacterial and free radical scavenging activities. Schiff bases 6b, 6c, 6i
and 6j with hydroxyl group at ortho or meta position of the phenyl ring demonstrated higher cytotoxic
activity against COLO-205 cell lines with IC50 94.0-144.3 µmol/mL. Schiff base bearing 2-OH and
5-Cl groups showed moderate antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus at MIC 151 µmol/mL. On
the other hand, compounds 6b (IC50 150.4 µmol/mL), 6e (IC50 146.4 µmol/mL), 6f (IC50 120.9
µmol/mL) and 6g (IC50 146.2 µmol/mL) displayed a better free radical scavenging activity than the
standard BHT.</jats:p>
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