Environmentally Friendly Catalyst- and Solvent-Free Synthesis of 2-Anilino Nicotinic Acids Derivatives as a Potential Lead COX Inhibitors

Abstract

In this study, an environmentally friendly, solvent- and catalyst-free synthesis of 2-anilino nicotinic acids derivatives is reported. This operationally simple and green procedure was applied to a selection of primary aromatic amines giving rise to 23 derivatives of 2-anilino nicotinic acids in a very short reaction time (15–120 min) with good to excellent yield. Next, similarity searches were executed on these derivatives to find the possible biological target. These products were screened for inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 by molecular docking and dynamic studies. In silico studies revealed that among these derivatives, the structure 10 bearing meta-chlorine substitutions could act as COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors. These results can be used in designing important lead compounds for further development as potential anti-inflammatory drugs.