Synthesis, Sunscreen, and Toxicity <i>In Vitro</i> Test of C-Styrylcalix[4]resorcinaryl Octacinnamate and C-Phenylcalix[4]resorcinaryl Dodecacinnamate

Abstract

The need for qualified sunscreen materials has increased from year to year. This prompt researchers to find new sunscreen ingredients that have good activity. In this study, new C-styrylcalix[4]resorcinaryl octacinnamate 1 and C-phenylcalix[4]resorcinaryl dodecacinnamate 2 have been synthesized via esterification reaction. The target molecules were characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR and LC-MS spectrometers. The sunscreen activity was evaluated using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer and the cytotoxicity assay was tested on kidney Vero cells using the cell culture method. Compound 1 was obtained as light brown solid in 68% yield with the melting point of 247 °C. Compound 2 was obtained as light yellow solid in 69% yield with melting point of 268°C. The sunscreen test shows that 1 and 2 can absorb UV-B radiation with the SPF values of 67.45 and 70.85, respectively. The cytotoxicity assay shows that the IC50 values of 1, 2, and parasol are 1468.2, 676.1 and 758.7 μg/mL, respectively. Based on the sunscreen activity test and toxicity assay, it can be said that calix[4]resorcinarenes 1 and 2 have potential to be developed as sunscreen ingredients.