Operative conversions of 3-carboxy-4-quinolones into 3-nitro-4-quinolones via ipso-nitration: potential antifilarial agents as inhibitors of Brugia malayi thymidylate kinase

Abstract

An efficient, cost effective and green methodology for ipso nitration in the synthesis of the 3-nitro derivative of 3-carboxy 4-quinolones has been developed by the quantitative use of copper acetate and silver nitrate in water. The observed regioselectivity of nitration is explained by the DFT calculations. Three of these compounds with IC₅₀ values (2.9–3.4 μmol) against Brugia malayi thymidylate kinase may be good antifilarial agents as also evidenced by molecular docking studies.