Synthesis of novel thiazolidine-4-one derivatives and their anticancer activity

<p></p> <p>This paper describes the synthesis of a novel series of 1,3-thiazolidine-4-ones <b>6a-n</b> by cycloaddition reaction of <i>N</i>-aryl-<i>N</i>'-acyl thioureas <b>4a-k</b> with acetylenic esters <b>5a-b</b> under microwave irradiation and solvent free conditions. Our method, compared to conventional heating conditions has the benefit of higher reaction yield and shorter reaction times. Structural confirmation and characterization of products based on the analytical, chemical, and spectral analysis was confirmed. Cellular investigations showed that the target synthesized thiazolidine-4-ones are toxic and could be used as anticancer agents for MKN-45 gastric adenocarcinoma cells.