Synthesis, anticancer and antioxidant activities of 6,8-dibromoflavones

A series of 6,8-dibromoflavones were synthesized by the Mannich base condensation reaction of arylaldehyde with a new compound 1,3-bis(3,5-dibromo-4-alkoxy-2-hydroxyphenyl)-but-3-en-1-one obtained during the reaction of bromine with 4-alkoxy-5-bromo-2-hydroxyacetophenone. All the synthesized 6,8-dibromoflavones were screened for antioxidant and anticancer activities. Among the eight compounds, 6b possess highest antioxidant activity and compound 6b, 6c, 6d possesses anticancer activity.