X-ray crystal structures and anti-breast cancer property of 3-tert-butoxycarbonyl-2-arylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids

Diastereomeric ‘2RS,4R’-2-arylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acids (ATCAs) were synthesized and their resolution to chiraly pure N-BOC derivatives was attempted by column chromatography. The absolute stereochemistry of the resolved compounds was ascertained by X-ray single crystal structures. Further application of the synthesized compounds was studied for their in vitro anti-breast cancer activity against MCF7 cell line using DOX as a standard by MTT assay method. Cell morphology analysis was carried out by fluorescence microscopy. The compounds containing ‘2S’ absolute configuration in thiazolidine ring and presence of 2-NO2, 2,6-Cl groups on ‘2R’-aryl substituent showed significant anti-breast cancer activity where some of the compounds were found to be more active than DOX in terms of induced apoptosis mode of MCF7 cell death.