Synthesis, Characterization and Anticancer Evaluations of Novel Bromobiphenyl Imidazole Chalcone

Abstract

Lung cancer remains a major global health challenge and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic agents. In this study, a new bromobiphenyl-imidazole chalcone derivative, (E)-1-(4′-bromo-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4- yl)-3-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)prop-2-en-1-one, was synthesized through a Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction and evaluated for its anticancer activity against A549 cells. The synthesized compound was obtained in good yield and subsequently subjected to biological evaluation. Cytotoxicity studies revealed that the compound exhibited significant dose-dependent inhibition of A549 cell growth with an IC50 value of 21.06μg/mL, indicating promising anticancer potential. Further mechanistic investigations demonstrated enhanced intracellular ROS generation and induction of nuclear condensation, suggesting apoptosis-mediated cell death as a possible mode of action. The observed biological activity may be attributed to the combined presence of bromobiphenyl and imidazole pharmacophores within the conjugated chalcone framework, which promotes molecular planarity, electron delocalization, and favourable interactions with cellular targets.