Sonochemical synthesis of indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives in the presence of Amberlyst-15: Their evaluation as potential cytotoxic agents

Abstract A new and unique indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline framework has been explored for the identification of potential cytotoxic agents. Thus a series of targeted indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives were prepared via an ultrasound assisted MCR of N‐(2‐aminophenyl)indole, isatin and an appropriate alcohol using Amberlyst-15 as a catalyst. The MCR does not require the use of any additional solvent and proceeded under mild conditions to give the desired products in good yields. The presence of air in addition to ultrasound and Amberlyst-15 was necessary for the success of the MCR. All the indolo[1,2-a]quinoxaline derivatives obtained were assessed for their cytotoxic properties against three cancerous (leukemia and breast) and a non-cancerous cell lines. Compounds 4c, 4l and 4n showed significant growth inhibition of these cell lines except the non-cancerous one and inhibition of SIRT1 in vitro. Compound 4c showed good interactions with SIRT 1 in silico.