Recent Advances in Chalcones: Synthesis, Transformation and Pharmacological Activities

Chalcones are useful intermediates in the synthesis of heterocyclic compound and the unique reagents in organic synthesis. The usual approach to obtain chalcones is through Claisen-Schmidt condensation. Several novel heterocyclic chalcone analogs have emerged. Chalcones are multifunctional molecules that possess promising pharmacological activities. Chalcones are known for anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tubercular, antileishmanial, antimalarial, anthelmintic, osteogenic activities. This review article focuses on recent applications of Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction employed in the synthesis of chalcone, its transformation to heterocyclic compounds and pharmacological activities.