Chalcone is the organic compound C6H5C(O)CH=CHC6H5. It is an α,β-unsaturated ketone. A variety of important biological compounds are known collectively as chalcones or chalconoids. They are widely known bioactive substances, fluorescent materials, and chemical intermediates.

Chemical properties

Chalcones have two absorption maxima at 280 nm and 340 nm.

Biosynthesis

Chalcones and chalconoids are synthesized in plants as secondary metabolites. The enzyme chalcone synthase, a type III polyketide synthase, is responsible for the biosynthesis of these compounds. The enzyme is found in all "higher" (vascular) and several "lower" (non-vascular) plants.

Laboratory synthesis

Chalcone is usually prepared by an aldol condensation between benzaldehyde and acetophenone. This reaction, which can be carried out without any solvent, is so reliable that it is often given as an example of green chemistry in undergraduate education.

Potential pharmacology

Chalcones and their derivatives demonstrate a wide range of biological activities including anti-inflammation. Some 2′-amino chalcones have been studied as potential antitumor agents. Chalcones are of interest in medicinal chemistry and have been described as a privileged scaffold.

Uses

Medicinal uses

In medicinal chemistry, chalcones have been used as:

Industrial uses

In chemical industries, they are employed as:

Uses in organic chemistry

Chalcones have been used as intermediates in heterocyclic synthesis, especially in the synthesis of pyrazoles and aurones.