Uses of 3-(2-Bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one in the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds Incorporating Coumarin: Synthesis, Characterization and Cytotoxicity.

In this work, 3-bromoacetylcoumarin was used as the key starting material for the synthesis of pyran, pyridine, thiophene, thiazole and pyrazole derivatives through its reaction with different reagents. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of their spectral data and elemental analyses. All of the synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against six human cancer cell lines, namely: human gastric cancer (NUGC), human colon cancer (DLD1), human liver cancer (HA22T and HEPG2), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HONE1), human breast cancer (MCF) and normal fibroblast cells (WI38). The IC50 values (the sample concentration that produces 50% reduction in cell growth) in nanomolars (nM)) showed most of the compounds exhibited significant cytotoxic effect. Among these derivatives, compound 6d showed almost equipotent cytotoxic activity against NUGC (IC50 = 29 nM) compared to the standard CHS 828 (IC50 = 25 nM).

1. Introduction

Coumarins are a large group of naturally occurring compounds synthesized by numerous plant species as well as by some bacteria and fungi [1,2]. According to their chemical structure, they belong to the family of benzopyrones and represent a significant source of inspiration for new anticancer agents [3]. Benzopyran-2-ones are extremely variable in structure, due to various types of substitutions in their basic structure, which could influence their biological activity. A literature survey revealed their broad spectrum and diverse biological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-oxidant, antimalarial, anticancer, anti-tuberculosis and anti-HIV [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12], particularly their cytotoxic activity against numerous types of cancers including malignan melanoma, leukemia, renal cell carcinoma, prostate and breast cancer cells progression [13,14,15]. Also, certain platinum (II) complexes of aminocoumarins show very good in vitro cytotoxicity [16]. A variety of mechanisms have been proposed, such as interfering with estrogen synthesis, interfering with cell cycle progression or even acting as inhibitors of cytochrome P450 1 [17].

Despite numerous attempts to search for more effective antitumor agents, coumarin still remains as one of the most versatile class of compound against cancer cell lines and are an important component among the molecules in drug discovery. Warfarin (Figure 1) reduces metastases from intestinal carcinomas to a great extent [18] and is also used as an adjunct to the surgical treatment of malignant tumors [19]. In addition, daphnetin (Figure 1) inhibits tyrosine kinase, epidermal growth factor receptor, serine/threonine- specific protein kinase, and protein kinase C in vitro [20]. Also, dihydropyrazole-substituted benzopyran-2-one (Figure 1) was identified as a novel class of MEK 1 kinase inhibitors [21].

Figure 1

Anticancer and kinase inhibitors, benzopyrone derivatives.

Hybrid molecules, combining coumarins with different bioactive molecules like: pyran [22], pyridine [23], thiazole [24] and pyrazole [25] have recently been reported; these studies resulted in new compounds exhibiting significant anticancer activities.

On the basis of such findings, we report here the synthesis of new compounds containing the benzopyran-2-one nucleus substituted at position 3 with different bioisosteric moieties, such as pyran, pyridine, thiophene, thiazole and pyrazole, derivatives starting from the 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (1) or 3-oxo-3-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)propanenitrile (8). All of the newly synthesized compounds have been evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity against six human cancer cell lines and normal fibroblast cells.

2. Results and Discussion

2.1. Chemistry

In continuation of our work to synthesize polyfunctionalized biologically active heterocyclic compounds [26,27,28,29], we investigated the use of the 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (1) [30,31] to synthesize thiophene, thiazole, pyrazole, pyran and pyridine derivatives incorporating a coumarin moiety. The aim of our work is the search for new possible anticancer agents. Thus, the reaction of compound 1 with benzenediazonium chloride gave the hydrazidic halide derivative 2. The analytical and spectral data of compound 2 were the tools of its structure confirmation. Compound 1 reacted with malononitrile in the presence of ammonium acetate in an oil bath at 120 °C to give 2-(2-hydroxy-1-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)ethylidene)malononitrile (3). This reaction involved an initial Knoevenagel condensation followed by hydrolysis of the α-bromo group into an OH moiety.

Next, we moved to studying the reactivity of compound 1 towards thiophene formation via the Gewald’s thiophene synthesis [32,33]. Thus, the reaction of compound 1 with elemental sulfur and either malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate in absolute ethanol solution containing triethylamine gave the thiophene derivatives 4a and 4b, respectively. The analytical and spectral data of the latter compounds were the basis of their structural elucidation. Thus, the 1H-NMR spectrum of compound 4a (as an example) showed the presence of two singlets at δ 3.60, 6.90; corresponding to NH2 (D2O exchangeable) and coumarin H–4 in addition to a multiplet at δ 7.07–7.85; corresponding to the four aromatic protons. Moreover, the 13C-NMR spectrum showed the presence of δ 116.3 (CN), 166.2 (CO) along with the signals for coumarin and thiophene carbons.

The presence of the α-bromocarbonyl moiety in compound 1 showed interesting reactivity towards thiazole formation. Thus, the reaction of compound 1 with phenylisothiocyanate and aromatic amines like either aniline, p-toluidine, 4-methoxyaniline or 4-chloroaniline gave the thiazole derivatives 5a–d, respectively. The structures of the latter products were established on the basis of their respective analytical and spectral data. Thus, the 1H-NMR spectrum of 5a showed the presence of two singlets at δ 3.99, 6.67 ppm corresponding to thiazole H–4 and coumarin H–4 in addition to a multiplet at δ 7.43–8.58; corresponding to 2C6H5 and C6H4 protons. In addition, the 13C-NMR spectrum revealed the presence of δ 164.3 (CO), 173.4 (C=N) beside the signals for coumarin, thiazole and 2C6H5 carbons (Scheme 1).

Scheme 1

Synthesis of compounds 2, 3, 4a, b and 5a–d.

The multicomponent reactions of compound 1 with aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile were studied in order to generate potentially biologically active pyran and pyridine derivatives. Thus, the reaction of compound 1 with benzaldehyde, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, 4-chlorobenzaldehyde or furfural gave the pyran derivatives 6a–d, respectively. On the other hand, carrying the same reaction but using a catalytic amount of ammonium acetate instead of triethylamine gave the pyridine derivatives 7a–d, respectively. The analytical and spectral data of 6a–d and 7a–d are consistent with their respective structures (see experimental section) (Scheme 2).

Scheme 2

Synthesis of compounds 6a–d and 7a–d.

The α-bromocarbonyl moiety present in compound 1 showed high reactivity towards nucleophilic displacement reactions. Thus, compound 1 reacted with potassium cyanide in aqueous medium to give the 3-oxo-3-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)propanenitrile (8), the structure of which was based on analytical and spectral data. Compound 8 underwent heterocyclization reactions through its reaction with different chemical reagents. Thus, it reacted with either hydrazine hydrate or phenylhydrazine to give the pyrazole derivatives 9a and 9b, respectively. On the other hand, the multicomponent reaction of compound 8 with benzaldehyde, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, 4-chlorobenzaldehyde or furfural gave the pyran derivatives 10a–d, respectively. Alternatively, performing the same reaction but using a catalytic amount of ammonium acetate instead of triethylamine gave the pyridine derivatives 11a–d, respectively (Scheme 3).The newly synthesized products were screened against different cancer cell lines where most of them showed remarkable activities.

Scheme 3

Synthesis of compounds 9a, b, 10a–d and 11a–d.

2.2. In Vitro Cytotoxicity

2.2.1. Effect on the Growth of Human Cancer Cell Lines

The heterocyclic compounds, prepared in this study, were evaluated according to standard protocols for their in vitro cytotoxicity against six human cancer cell lines including cells derived from human gastric cancer (NUGC), human colon cancer (DLD1), human liver cancer (HA22T and HEPG2), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HONE1), human breast cancer (MCF) and normal fibroblast cells (WI38). For comparison purposes, CHS 828, a pyridyl cyanoguanidine, was used as a standard antitumor drug (Figure 2) [34]. All of the IC50 values (concentration that produces 50% reduction in cell growth) in nanomolars (nM) are listed in Table 1. All of the synthesized compounds showed potent inhibition with IC50 values in the nM range and the results are represented graphically in Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5. All the synthesized compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against normal fibroblast cells. The results obtained showed that normal fibroblast cells (WI38) were affected to a much lesser extent (IC50 > 10,000 nM).

Figure 2

Chemical structure of CHS 828.

Table 1

Cytotoxicity of compounds 2, 3, 4a,b, 5a–d, 6a–d, 7a–d, 9a,b, 10a–d and 11a–d against a variety of cancer cell lines a [IC50 b (nM)].

Compound No.	Cytotoxicity (IC50 in nM)
	NUGC	DLDI	HA22T	HEPG2	HONE1	MCF	WI38
2	48	60	1124	174	1480	288	na
3	1156	1280	1650	1226	699	821	910
4a	32	50	27	221	228	2055	780
4b	84	167	219	2023	1210	1142	na
5a	228	569	213	1112	2052	2011	632
5b	2211	1070	1288	1302	2179	1229	489
5c	1622	396	274	2120	670	1180	490
5d	38	163	120	3744	441	1264	860
6a	1092	303	1238	59	1185	2176	na
6b	3324	2667	2265	169	2853	2854	280
6c	38	283	2268	683	1672	89	480
6d	29	98	2109	360	279	931	na
7a	38	893	166	399	423	463	379
7b	782	532	783	738	180	409	160
7c	98	32	128	416	221	43	na
7d	682	163	52	2732	1186	1128	na
9a	3470	48	2169	359	442	1293	na
9b	1123	2237	1580	415	4266	1652	na
10a	537	440	1165	2766	6273	2533	417
10b	1335	2283	89	1320	2182	2121	na
10c	312	193	4173	399	89	584	na
10d	47	68	102	3322	220	2254	na
11a	680	222	314	3346	2316	4940	128
11b	124	58	3065	215	1670	39	na
11c	1277	483	2061	424	1770	839	na
11d	649	3460	137	3121	1188	40	652
CHS 828	25	2315	2067	1245	15	18	na

a NUGC, gastric cancer; DLDI, colon cancer; HA22T, liver cancer; HEPG2, liver cancer; HONEI, nasopharyngeal carcinoma; MCF, breast cancer; WI38, normal fibroblast cells. b The sample concentration produces a 50% reduction in cell growth. na, not applicable.

Figure 3

Cytotoxicity of compounds 2, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5c, 5d, 9a, 9b and CHS 828 against NUGC, gastric cancer; DLDI, colon cancer; HA22T, liver cancer; HEPG2, liver cancer; HONEI, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and MCF, breast cancer.

Figure 4

Cytotoxicity of 4H-pyran derivatives 6a–d, 10a–d and CHS 828 against NUGC, gastric cancer; DLDI, colon cancer; HA22T, liver cancer; HEPG2, liver cancer; HONEI, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and MCF, breast cancer.

Figure 5

Cytotoxicity of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives 7a–d, 11a–d and CHS 828 against NUGC, gastric cancer; DLDI, colon cancer; HA22T, liver cancer; HEPG2, liver cancer; HONEI, nasopharyngeal carcinomaand MCF, breast cancer.

2.2.2. Structure Activity Relationship

In this study, when correlating the structures of the synthesized compounds with their anticancer activity, it has been observed that most of the synthesized compounds exhibited significant cytotoxic effects with IC50 values < 900 nM. Normal fibroblast cells (WI38) were affected to a much lesser extent (IC50 > 10,000 nM).

Phenylacetohydrazonoyl bromide derivative 2 was active against four cancer cell lines, namely NUGC, DLDI, HEPG2 and MCF with IC50 of 48, 60, 174 and 288 nM, respectively.

Comparing the cytotoxicity of the thiophene derivatives 4a and 4b, one can say that the cytotoxicity of 4a was higher than that of 4b. The presence of CN group with the thiophene ring in 4a was responsible for its high potency.

Among the thiazole derivatives 5a–d, compound 5d is the most active derivative. It showed high potency against NUGC, DLDI, HA22T and HONEL with IC50 of 38, 163, 120 and 441 nM, respectively. Such high potency of 5d is due to the presence of the 4-chlorophenyl moiety with the thiazole ring. The presence of p-tolyl moiety in 5b decreases the activity relative to the unsubstituted phenyl derivative 5a. On the other hand, the introduction of 4-OCH3 group in 5c revealed better cytotoxicity against DLDI and HONEL than 5a.

Considering the bromo-4H-pyran derivatives 6a–d, compounds 6c and 6d revealed higher cytotoxic activity than 6a and 6b, both of them were active against most cancer cell lines. Compound 6d showed almost equipotent activity against NUGC (IC50 = 29 nM) compared with the standard CHS 828 (IC50 = 25 nM). At the same time, 6c exhibited the highest cytotoxicity among the four derivatives against MCF with IC50 = 89 nM. The reason for the high cytotoxicity of compounds 6c and 6d was attributed to the presence of the 4-chlorophenyl and the furan moieties, respectively.

The 5-bromo-1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives 7a–d showed optimal cytotoxic activity. Compounds 7a, 7b and 7c exhibited cytotoxic activity towards the six cancer cell lines. Compound 7c incorporating with the 4-chlorophenyl moiety showed the highest potency among the four compounds with IC50 of 32 and 43 nM against DLDI and MCF, respectively. In general, the presence of the 5-bromopyridine moiety in compounds 7a–c was responsible for their high potency.

Comparing the cytotoxicity of the pyrazole derivatives 9a and 9b, it was clear that the cytotoxicity of 9a was higher than that of 9b. It was clear that the N-phenylpyrazolyl moiety in compound 9b was responsible for its lower potency.

Among the 4H-pyran-3,5-dicarbonitrile 10a–d, compounds 10c and 10d showed higher cytotoxicity than 10a and 10b. Such high potency was attributed to the presence of 4-chlorophenyl group in the case of compound 10c, and the furan moiety in case of compound 10d, together with the pyran ring.

Among the 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile derivatives 11a–d, compound 11b with the 4-methoxyphenyl moiety showed the highest activity among the four derivatives. Compound 11b showed high potency against NUGC, DLDI, HEPG2 and MCF cell lines with IC50 of 124, 58, 215 and 39 nM, respectively.

Comparing the cytotoxicity of the bromo-4H-pyran derivatives 6a–d and 4H-pyran-3,5-dicarbonitrile 10a–d, it was obvious that the presence of bromine atom together with the furan moiety in 6d was responsible for its higher cytotoxicity than 10d. Also the presence of a bromine atom in the 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives 7a–c revealed higher cytotoxic activity than the 1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitriles 11a–c [35,36].

3. Experimental

3.1. Chemistry

All melting points were determined on a Stuart apparatus and the values given are uncorrected. IR spectra (KBr, cm−1) were determined on a Shimadzu IR 435 spectrophotometer (Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt). 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker Ascend 400 MHz spectrophotometers (Microanalytical Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt) using TMS as the internal standard. Chemical shift values were recorded in ppm on δ scale. The electron impact (EI) mass spectra were recorded on a Hewlett Packard 5988 spectrometer (Microanalysis Center, Cairo University, Egypt). Elemental analyses were carried out at the Microanalysis Center, Cairo University, Egypt; found values were within ±0.35% of the theoretical ones. The progress of the reactions was monitored using thin layer chromatography (TLC) sheets precoated with UV fluorescent silica gel Merck 60F 254 and were visualized using UV lamp. The 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (1) [30,31] was obtained using the reported procedure by the reaction of 3-acetylcoumarin in chloroform solution with bromine together with continuous stirring.

3.1.1. Synthesis of 2-oxo-2-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-N'-phenylacetohydrazonoylbromide (2)

To a cold solution of the 3-(2-bromoacetyl)-2H-chromen-2-one (1) (2.67 g, 0.01 mol) in ethanol (30 mL) containing sodium acetate (2.5 g), a cold solution of benzenediazonium chloride (0.01 mol) (prepared by the addition of sodium nitrite solution (0.7 g, 0.01 mol) to a cold solution of aniline (0.93 g, 0.01 mol) in concentrated hydrochloric acid (12 mL) with continuous stirring) was added while stirring. The reaction mixture was kept at room temperature for 1 h and the formed solid product was collected by filtration and crystallized from ethanol. Yield: 85%;m.p.: 88–90 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3425 (NH), 3058 (CH, aromatic), 1726, 1695 (2C=O), 1601 (C=N); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 6.81 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.94–8.13 (m, 9H, C6H5, C6H4), 10.41 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 116.0, 118.9, 119.0, 119.2, 122.6, 124.8, 126.7, 129.6, 132.3, 134.6, 142.0, 143.1 (coumarin, C6H5 C), 164.0, 164.2 (2C=O), 175.3 (C=N); MS: m/z (%) 371 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C17H11BrN2O3: C, 55.01; H, 2.99; N, 7.55. Found: C, 55.32; H, 3.29; N, 7.33.

3.1.2. Synthesis of 2-(2-Hydroxy-1-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)ethylidene)malononitrile (3)

A mixture of 1 (2.67 g, 0.01 mol), malononitrile (0.66 g, 0.1 mol) and ammonium acetate (0.5 g)were heated in an oil bath at 120 °C for 1 h then left to cool. The reaction product was dissolved in ethanol, poured onto ice water and neutralized by hydrochloric acid. The solid product was precipitated, filtered, washed with water, and crystallized from ethanol. Yield: 75%; m.p.: 162–164 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3432 (OH), 3089 (CH, aromatic), 2206 (CN), 1709 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 5.15 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.95 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.15–7.96 (m, 4H, C6H4), 10.58 (s, 1H, OH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 61.1 (CH2), 98.6, 102.3 (C=C), 116.8, 117.4 (2CN), 121.3, 123.6, 124.2, 125.8, 126.8, 129.4, 130.2, 132.9 (coumarin C), 163.5 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 252 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C14H8N2O3: C, 66.67; H, 3.20; N, 11.11. Found: C, 66.32; H, 3.09; N, 11.05.

3.1.3. General Procedure for the Synthesis of 4a,b

A mixture of 1 (2.67 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (40 mL) containing triethylamine (1.0 mL) and elemental sulfur (0.32 g, 0.01 mol) and either malononitrile (0.66 g, 0.01 mol) or ethyl cyanoacetate (1.13 g, 0.01 mol) was heated under reflux for 2 h. The reaction mixture was left to cool to room temperature and the formed solid product was collected by filtration and crystallized from ethanol.

2-Amino-5-bromo-4-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)thiophene-3-carbonitrile (4a). Yield: 71%; m.p.: 180–182 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3427 (NH2), 3034 (CH, aromatic), 2209 (CN), 1703 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.60 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.90 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.07–7.85 (m, 4H, C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 116.3 (CN), 119.3, 122.5, 124.2, 126.8, 129.6, 130.2, 134.5, 138.0, 139.8, 140.2, 143.8, 154.2 (coumarin, thiophene C), 166.2 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 347 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C14H7BrN2O2S: C, 48.43; H, 2.03; N, 8.07; S, 9.24. Found: C, 48.68; H, 2.29; N, 8.39; S, 9.03.

Ethyl 2-amino-5-bromo-4-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)thiophene-3-carboxylate (4b). Yield: 61%; m.p.: 177–179 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3438 (NH2), 3089 (CH, aromatic), 1720, 1705 (2C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 1.15 (t, 3H, J = 7.2 Hz, CH2–CH3), 3.11 (q, 2H, J = 7.2 Hz, CH2–CH3), 3.69 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.95 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.35–7.51 (m, 4H, C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 22.3 (ester CH3), 58.7 (ester CH2), 119.3, 121.3, 122.8, 123.5, 124.8, 126.9, 127.3, 129.5, 130.8, 132.5, 134.9, 144.2 (coumarin, thiophene C), 166.0, 166.4 (2CO); MS: m/z (%) 394 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C16H12BrNO4S: C, 48.74; H, 3.07; N, 3.55; S, 8.13. Found: C, 48.88; H, 3.39; N, 3.88; S, 7.89.

3.1.4. General Procedure for the Synthesis of 5a–d

A mixture of 1 (2.67 g, 0.01 mol), phenylisothiocyante (0.01 mol) and either of aniline (0.35 g, 0.01 mol), p-toluidine (0.04 g, 0.01 mol), 4-methoxyaniline (0.46 g, 0.01 mol) or 4-chloroaniline (0.47 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (40 mL) containing triethylamine (1.0 mL) was heated under reflux for 2 h, left to cool to room temperature, poured onto ice/water, and neutralized by hydrochloric acid. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and crystallized from ethanol.

3-(3-Phenyl-2-(phenylimino)-2,3-dihydrothiazol-5-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (5a). Yield: 76%; m.p.: 158–160 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3064 (CH, aromatic), 1723 (C=O), 1609 (C=N); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.99 (s, 1H, thiazole H-4), 6.67 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.43–8.58 (m, 14H, 2C6H5, C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 119.3, 120.8, 121.3, 122.6, 124.3, 124.8, 126.2, 127.0, 127.3, 128.1, 129.2, 130.2, 132.8, 133.2, 138.4, 140.3, 142.8, 144.5 (coumarin, thiazole, 2C6H5 C), 164.3 (CO), 173.4 (C=N); MS: m/z (%) 396 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C24H16N2O2S: C, 72.71; H, 4.07; N, 7.07; S, 8.09. Found: C, 72.43; H, 4.09; N, 7.29; S, 8.39.

3-(2-(Phenylimino)-3-(p-tolyl)-2,3-dihydrothiazol-5-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (5b). Yield: 69%; m.p.: 99–101 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3033 (CH, aromatic), 1721 (C=O), 1600 (C=N); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 2.25 (s, 3H, CH3), 3.98 (s, 1H, thiazole H-4), 6.60 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.09–7.50 (m, 13H, C6H5, 2C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 20.8 (CH3), 120.2, 121.4, 121.8, 122.4, 123.9, 124.4, 125.2, 126.9, 128.0, 130.2, 132.5, 133.2, 136.3, 138.8, 141.6, 142.9, 143.4, 144.6 (coumarin, thiazole, C6H5, C6H4 C), 164.1 (CO), 173.8 (C=N); MS: m/z (%) 410 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C25H18N2O2S: C, 73.15; H, 4.42; N, 6.82; S, 7.81. Found: C, 73.45; H, 4.09; N, 6.69; S, 7.64.

3-(3-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-(phenylimino)-2,3-dihydrothiazol-5-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (5c). Yield: 72%; m.p.: 103–105 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3053 (CH, aromatic), 1717 (C=O), 1603 (C=N); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH3), 4.45 (s, 1H, thiazole H-4), 6.82 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.88–7.50 (m, 13H, C6H5, 2C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 32.9 (OCH3), 120.4, 120.9, 121.3, 123.0, 123.6, 124.1, 125.3, 127.3, 128.6, 130.6, 132.8, 136.4, 138.4, 138.9, 139.5, 140.8, 143.6, 144.8 (coumarin, thiazole, C6H5, C6H4C), 164.6 (CO), 173.2 (C=N); MS: m/z (%) 426 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C25H18N2O3S: C, 70.40; H, 4.25; N, 6.57; S, 7.52. Found: C, 70.13; H, 4.08; N, 6.82; S, 7.29.

3-(3-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-(phenylimino)-2,3-dihydrothiazol-5-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (5d). Yield: 71%; m.p.: 123–125 °C; IR (KBr; cm−1): 3030 (CH; aromatic); 1719 (C=O); 1597 (C=N); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.98 (s, 1H, thiazole H-4); 6.56 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4); 6.99–7.54 (m; 13H, C6H5, 2 C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 119.8, 120.4, 121.2, 122.4, 123.9, 124.6, 125.4, 126.0, 127.6, 128.2, 129.1, 130.3, 131.2, 132.8, 137.3, 140.5, 142.8, 144.4 (coumarin, thiazole, C6H5, C6H4 C); 164.9 (CO), 173.5 (C=N); MS: m/z (%) 430 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C24H15ClN2O2S: C; 66.90; H; 3.51; N; 6.50; S; 7.44. Found: C; 66.66; H; 3.77; N; 6.82; S; 7.69.

3.1.5. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compounds 6a–d

A mixture of compound 1 (2.67 g, 0.01 mol), malononitrile (0.66 g, 0.01 mol) and either benzaldehyde (1.06 g, 0.01 mol), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (1.36 g, 0.01 mol), 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (1.27 g, 0.01 mol) or furfural (0.96 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (40 mL) containing triethylamine (1.0 mL) was heated under reflux for 2 h, left to cool to room temperature, poured onto ice/water, and neutralized by hydrochloric acid. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and crystallized from ethanol.

2-Amino-5-bromo-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4-phenyl-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile (6a). Yield: 68%; m.p.: 140–142 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3408 (NH2), 3063 (CH, aromatic), 2212 (CN), 1723 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.46 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 5.01 (s, 1H, pyran H-4), 7.02 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.24–7.98 (m, 9H, C6H5, C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 65.8 (pyran C-4), 116.8 (CN), 121.3, 121.8, 122.4, 122.8, 123.2, 124.7, 126.7, 127.8, 128.3, 129.6, 130.6, 131.8, 133.9, 140.8, 142.3, 143.9 (coumarin, pyran, C6H5 C), 164.9 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 421 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C21H13BrN2O3: C, 59.88; H, 3.11; N, 6.65. Found: C, 59.58; H, 3.02; N, 6.39.

2-Amino-5-bromo-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile (6b). Yield: 65%; m.p.: 193–195 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3415 (NH2), 3070 (CH, aromatic), 2219 (CN), 1720 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.11 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.46 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 5.68 (s, 1H, pyran H-4), 7.09 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.34–7.87 (m, 8H, 2C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 34.8 (OCH3), 65.4 (pyran C-4), 116.8 (CN), 119.3, 121.3, 122.4, 122.8, 123.2, 124.7, 125.1, 125.8, 126.7, 127.8, 129.3, 130.6, 133.9, 140.8, 142.3, 143.9 (coumarin, pyran, C6H4 C), 164.9 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 451 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C22H15BrN2O4: C, 58.55; H, 3.35; N, 6.21. Found: C, 58.66; H, 3.12; N, 5.91.

2-Amino-5-bromo-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile (6c). Yield: 65%; m.p.: 178–180 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3410 (NH2), 3067 (CH, aromatic), 2211 (CN), 1720 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.31 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 5.73 (s, 1H, pyran H-4), 6.73 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.93–7.72 (m, 8H, 2C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 65.8 (pyran C-4), 116.6 (CN), 119.3, 120.8, 121.6, 122.3, 123.6, 123.9, 125.3, 125.9, 126.8, 127.3, 130.9, 132.2, 138.9, 140.2, 142.6, 143.1 (coumarin, pyran, C6H4 C), 164.6 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 455 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C21H12BrClN2O3: C, 55.35; H, 2.65; N, 6.15. Found: C, 55.21; H, 2.95; N, 5.93.

2-Amino-5-bromo-4-(furan-2-yl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4H-pyran-3-carbonitrile (6d). Yield: 73%; m.p.: 148–150 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3420 (NH2), 3048 (CH, aromatic), 2216 (CN), 1727 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.31 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 5.80 (s, 1H, pyran H-4), 7.12 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.30–8.00 (m, 7H, C6H4, furan); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 65.8 (pyran C-4), 116.4 (CN), 118.9, 121.8, 122.1, 122.7, 123.2, 124.2, 125.2, 126.0, 126.4, 128.4, 130.9, 134.5, 141.6, 140.6, 143.9, 148.2 (coumarin, pyran, furan C), 164.6 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 411 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C19H11BrN2O4: C, 55.50; H, 2.70; N, 6.81. Found: C, 55.31; H, 3.01; N, 6.62.

3.1.6. General Procedure for the Synthesis of 7a–d

A mixture of compound 1 (2.67 g, 0.01 mol), malonanitrile (0.66 g, 0.01 mol) and either benzaldehyde (1.06 g, 0.01 mol), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (1.36 g, 0.01 mol), 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (1.27 g, 0.01 mol) or furfural (0.96 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (40 mL) containing ammonium acetate (0.5 g) was heated under reflux for 3 h, left to cool to room temperature, poured onto ice/water, and neutralized with hydrochloric acid. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and crystallized from ethanol.

2-Amino-5-bromo-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (7a). Yield: 80%; m.p.: 171–173 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3415–3346 (NH2, NH), 3064 (CH, aromatic), 2209 (CN), 1714 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.48 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 7.15 (s, 1H, pyridine H-4), 7.20 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.34–7.69 (m, 9H, C6H5, C6H4), 9.16 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 62.3 (pyridine C-4), 116.9 (CN), 119.3, 120.3, 121.9, 123.8, 124.5, 124.8, 125.8, 126.2, 126.9, 128.0, 128.3, 130.3, 132.4, 139.3, 140.9, 143.2 (coumarin, pyridine, C6H5 C), 165.3 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 420 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C21H14BrN3O2: C, 60.02; H, 3.36; N, 10.00. Found: C, 59.89; H, 3.18; N, 9.73.

2-Amino-5-bromo-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (7b). Yield: 82%; m.p.: 164–166 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3407–3365 (NH2, NH), 3064 (CH, aromatic), 2207 (CN), 1710 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.66 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.84 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.92 (s, 1H, pyridine H-4), 6.95 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.97–7.98 (m, 8H, 2C6H4), 9.86 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 38.9 (OCH3), 62.8 (pyridine C-4), 116.3 (CN), 120.1, 120.3, 122.6, 123.2, 124.5, 124.6, 125.8, 126.8, 127.4, 129.8, 132.6, 136.2, 137.4, 139.2, 140.6, 143.8 (coumarin, pyridine, C6H4 C), 164.4 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 450 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C22H16BrN3O3: C, 58.68; H, 3.58; N, 9.33. Found: C, 58.38; H, 3.28; N, 9.67.

2-Amino-5-bromo-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (7c). Yield: 81%; m.p.: 206–208 °C;IR (KBr, cm−1): 3412–3360 (NH2, NH), 3055 (CH, aromatic), 2183 (CN), 1704 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.88 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.92 (s, 1H, pyridine H-4), 6.95 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.98–7.94 (m, 8H, 2C6H4), 10.00 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 62.8 (pyridine C-4), 116.8 (CN), 120.4, 121.8, 122.9, 123.1, 124.3, 125.4, 126.9, 127.5, 128.3, 130.5, 133.2, 135.4, 136.8, 139.7, 140.2, 142.5 (coumarin, pyridine, C6H4 C), 164.8 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 454 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C21H13BrClN3O2: C, 55.47; H, 2.88; N, 9.24. Found: C, 55.19; H, 3.08; N, 9.05.

2-Amino-5-bromo-4-(furan-2-yl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (7d). Yield: 83%; m.p.: 205–207 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3425–3387 (NH2, NH), 3045 (CH, aromatic), 2210 (CN), 1709 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.92 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.46 (s, 1H, pyridine H-4), 6.77 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.90–8.08 (m, 7H, C6H4, furan), 8.82 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 63.0 (pryidine C-4), 116.9 (CN), 120.8, 121.3, 122.7, 123.5, 124.8, 125.6, 126.6, 127.2, 128.1, 129.2, 129.6, 130.6, 133.3, 135.3, 138.9, 144.7 (coumarin, pyridine, furan C), 166.2 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 410 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C19H12BrN3O3: C, 55.63; H, 2.95; N, 10.24. Found: C, 55.39; H, 3.11; N, 10.51.

3.1.7. Synthesis of 3-oxo-3-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)propanenitrile (8)

A solution of compound 1 (2.67 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (40 mL) was heated at 60 °C, then added to a solution of KCN (0.65 g, 0.01 mol in 10 mL water). The mixture was stirred for 0.5 h and the product was precipitated by adding ice and few drops of hydrochloric acid. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and crystallized from ethanol. Yield: 85%; m.p.: 158–160 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3091 (CH, aromatic), 2247 (CN), 1739 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 5.08 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.63 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.88–7.83 (m, 4H, C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 61.1 (CH2), 116.3 (CN), 121.0, 122.6, 123.8, 125.0, 126.2, 127.2, 129.4, 130.3, 133.2 (coumarin C), 162.2 (CO). MS: m/z (%) 213 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C12H7NO3: C, 67.61; H, 3.31; N, 6.57. Found: C, 67.35; H, 3.11; N, 6.78.

3.1.8. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compounds 9a,b

A solution of compound 8 (2.13 g, 0.01 mol) and either hydrazine hydrate (0.5 g, 0.01 mol) or phenylhydrazine (1.08 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (40 mL) was heated under reflux for 2 h, left to cool to room temperature, poured onto ice/water containing few drops hydrochloric acid. The resulting product was collected by filtration, washed with water and crystallized from ethanol.

3-(5-Amino-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (9a). Yield: 83%;m.p.: 218–220 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3416–3368 (NH2, NH), 3044(CH, aromatic), 1718 (C=O), 1611 (C=N); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.92 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.81 (s, 1H, pyrazole H-4), 6.90 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.93–7.84 (m, 4H, C6H4), 11.19 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 121.0, 122.6, 124.2, 125.9, 129.0, 130.6, 133.3, 135.3, 138.9, 140.2 (coumarin, pyrazole C), 165.3 (CO), 172.6 (C=N); MS: m/z (%) 227 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C12H9N3O2: C, 63.43; H, 3.99; N, 18.49. Found: C, 63.52; H, 4.25; N, 18.22.

3-(5-Amino-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one (9b) Yield: 85%; m.p.: 158–160 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3430 (NH2), 3056 (CH, aromatic), 1721 (C=O), 1607 (C=N); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.88 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.85 (s, 1H, pyrazole H-4), 6.89 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.95–7.83 (m, 9H, C6H5, C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 120.3, 121.3, 122.9, 123.5, 124.8, 126.4, 127.4, 130.8, 131.4, 133.2, 135.6, 133.1, 136.5, 138.0 (coumarin, pyrazole, C6H5 C), 165.8 (CO), 172.3 (C=N); MS: m/z (%) 303 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C18H13N3O2: C, 71.28; H, 4.32; N, 13.85. Found: C, 71.53; H, 4.09; N, 13.92.

3.1.9. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compounds 10a–d

A mixture of compound 8 (2.67 g, 0.01 mol), malonanitrile (0.66 g, 0.01 mol) and either benzaldehyde (1.06 g, 0.01 mol), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (1.36 g, 0.01 mol), 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (1.27 g, 0.01 mol) or furfural (0.96 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (40 mL) containing triethylamine (1.0 mL) was heated under reflux for 2 h, left to cool to room temperature, poured onto ice/water, and neutralized by hydrochloric acid. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and crystallized from ethanol.

2-Amino-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4-phenyl-4H-pyran-3,5-dicarbonitrile (10a). Yield: 88%; m.p.: 173–175 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3432 (NH2), 3064 (CH, aromatic), 2200 (CN), 1723 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.73 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.78 (s, 1H, pyran H-4), 6.85 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.14–7.92 (m, 9H, C6H5, C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 62.8 (pyran C-4), 116.3, 117.3 (2CN), 119.8, 120.8, 123.2, 124.2, 125.1, 126.8, 127.9, 128.4, 129.3, 130.1, 132.3, 133.4, 134.8, 135.1, 138.2, 140.6 (coumarin, pyran, C6H5 C), 164.2 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 367 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C22H13N3O3: C, 71.93; H, 3.57; N, 11.44. Found: C, 71.65; H, 3.88; N, 11.42.

2-Amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4H-pyran-3,5-dicarbonitrile (10b). Yield: 75%; m.p.: 113–115 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3431 (NH2), 3053 (CH, aromatic), 2217 (CN), 1726 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.74 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 3.88 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.75 (s, 1H, pyran H-4), 6.89 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.95–7.99 (m, 8H, 2C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 28.9 (OCH3), 63.1 (pyran C-4), 115.9, 116.2 (2CN), 118.3, 119.6, 121.8, 122.9, 123.5, 124.0, 125.3, 126.5, 127.2, 129.5, 130.4, 132.4, 134.2, 135.2, 136.8, 141.2 (coumarin, pyran, C6H4 C), 163.8 (CO). MS: m/z (%) 397 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C23H15N3O4: C, 69.52; H, 3.80; N, 10.57. Found: C, 69.38; H, 3.62; N, 10.29.

2-Amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4H-pyran-3,5-dicarbonitrile (10c). Yield: 88%; m.p.: 178–180 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3432 (NH2), 3046 (CH, aromatic), 2198 (CN), 1725 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.89 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.77 (s, 1H, pyran H-4), 6.89 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.98–8.05 (m, 8H, 2C6H4); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 63.7 (pyran C-4), 116.2, 116.8 (2CN), 119.1, 119.6, 122.4, 123.1, 123.8, 124.7, 125.9, 127.3, 129.3, 131.1, 133.6, 134.8, 137.2, 138.2, 138.6, 141.8 (coumarin, pyran, C6H4 C), 164.9 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 401 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C22H12ClN3O3: C, 65.76; H, 3.01; N, 10.46. Found: C, 65.42; H, 3.29; N, 10.72.

2-Amino-4-(furan-2-yl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4H-pyran-3,5-dicarbonitrile (10d). Yield: 84%; m.p.: 133–135 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3426 (NH2), 3033 (CH, aromatic), 2214 (CN), 1724 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.88 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.51 (s, 1H, pyran H-4), 6.54 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.77–8.29 (m, 7H, C6H4, furan); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 62.9 (pyran C-4), 116.4, 116.9 (2CN), 120.4, 122.4, 123.1, 123.8, 125.3, 127.3, 128.9, 129.4, 134.6, 136.2, 137.8, 138.6, 139.3, 140.1, 141.8, 144.8 (coumarin, pyran, furan C), 164.9 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 357 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C20H11N3O4: C, 67.23; H, 3.10; N, 11.76. Found: C, 67.55; H, 2.86; N, 11.81.

3.1.10. General Procedure for the Synthesis of Compounds 11a–d

A mixture of compound 8 (2.67 g, 0.01 mol), malonanitrile (0.66 g, 0.01 mol) and either benzaldehyde (1.06 g, 0.01 mol), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (1.36 g, 0.01 mol), 4-chlorobenzaldehyde (1.27 g, 0.01 mol) or furfural (0.96 g, 0.01 mol) in absolute ethanol (40 mL) containing ammonium acetate (0.5 g) was heated under reflux for 3 h, left to cool to room temperature, poured onto ice/water, and neutralized by hydrochloric acid. The precipitated solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and crystalized from ethanol.

2-Amino-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-4-phenyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (11a) Yield: 85%; m.p.: 133–135 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3430–3378 (NH2, NH), 3079 (CH, aromatic), 2197 (CN), 1716 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.88 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.78 (s, 1H, pyridine H-4), 6.92 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.95–7.96 (m, 9H, C6H5, C6H4), 8.60 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 64.2 (pyridine C-4), 116.2, 116.8 (2CN), 119.1, 119.6, 120.8, 121.6, 122.4, 123.1, 123.8, 125.9, 127.3, 128.0, 129.2, 130.7, 133.6, 134.8, 137.2, 141.8 (coumarin, pyridine, C6H5 C), 164.3 (CO); (MS: m/z (%) 366 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C22H14N4O2: C, 72.12; H, 3.85; N, 15.29. Found: C, 72.38; H, 4.13; N, 15.05.

2-Amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (11b). Yield: 90%; m.p.: 99–101 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3429–3382 (NH2, NH), 3054 (CH, aromatic), 2221 (CN), 1720 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.75 (s, 3H, OCH3), 3.88 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.77 (s, 1H, pyridine H-4), 6.87 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.90–7.99 (m, 8H, 2C6H4), 8.39 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 33.8 (OCH3), 63.8 (pyridine C-4), 116.0, 116.6 (2CN), 119.6, 120.8, 122.6, 122.9, 123.2, 124.6, 125.9, 126.2, 128.6, 128.8, 129.8, 130.9, 132.8, 134.3, 137.2, 144.2 (coumarin, pyridine, C6H4 C), 164.9 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 396 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C23H16N4O3: C, 69.69; H, 4.07; N, 14.13. Found: C, 69.38; H, 4.09; N, 14.39.

2-Amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (11c). Yield: 85%; m.p.: 197–199 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3443–3375 (NH2, NH), 3054 (CH, aromatic), 2200 (CN), 1709 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.86 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.74 (s, 1H, pyridine H-4), 6.96 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 7.09–7.97 (m, 8H, 2 C6H4), 10.00 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 63.9 (pyridine C-4), 116.2, 116.8 (2CN), 119.8, 120.3, 121.4, 122.6, 124.9, 125.2, 127.8, 129.3, 132.4, 133.0, 134.1, 137.2, 138.0, 139.3, 139.9, 144.0 (coumarin, pyridine, C6H4 C), 163.0 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 400 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C22H13ClN4O2: C, 65.92; H, 3.27; N, 13.98. Found: C, 66.22; H, 3.02; N, 13.83.

2-Amino-4-(furan-2-yl)-6-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile (11d). Yield: 85%; m.p.: 168–170 °C; IR (KBr, cm−1): 3427–3375 (NH2, NH), 3034 (CH, aromatic), 2214 (CN), 1715 (C=O); 1H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 3.84 (s, 2H, NH2, D2O exchangeable), 6.55 (s, 1H, pyridine H-4), 6.90 (s, 1H, coumarin H-4), 6.98–8.09 (m, 7H, C6H4, furan), 8.81 (s, 1H, NH, D2O exchangeable); 13C-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 63.8 (pyridine C-4), 116.3, 116.9 (2CN), 119.2, 120.7, 121.8, 122.3, 123.3, 126.9, 127.3, 128.3, 129.9, 130.6, 131.4, 132.8, 134.3, 136.4, 138.2, 143.4 (coumarin, pyridine, furan C), 164.8 (CO); MS: m/z (%) 356 (M+). Anal. Calcd. for C20H12N4O3: C, 67.41; H, 3.39; N, 15.72. Found: C, 67.66; H, 3.59; N, 15.88.

3.2. In Vitro Cytotoxic Assay

3.2.1. Chemicals

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) and l-glutamine, were purchased from Gibco Invitrogen Co. (Scotland, UK). RPMI-1640 medium was purchased from Cambrex (East Rutherford, NJ, USA). Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), CHS 828, penicillin, streptomycin and sulforhodamine B (SRB) were purchased from Sigma Chemical Co. (Saint Louis, MO, USA).

3.2.2. Cell Cultures

Cell cultures were obtained from the European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECACC, Salisbury, UK) and human gastric cancer (NUGC), human colon cancer (DLD1), human liver cancer (HA22T and HEPG2), human breast cancer (MCF), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HONE1) and normal fibroblast cells (WI38) were kindly provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI, Cairo, Egypt). They were grown as a monolayer and routinely maintained in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 5% heat inactivated FBS, 2 mM glutamine and antibiotics (penicillin 100 U/mL, streptomycin 100 g/mL) at 37 °C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2. Exponentially growing cells were obtained by plating 1.5 × 105 cells/mL for the six human cancer cell lines followed by 24 h of incubation. The effect of the vehicle solvent (DMSO) on the growth of these cell lines was evaluated in all the experiments by exposing untreated control cells to the maximum concentration (0.5%) of DMSO used in each assay.

4. Conclusions

The present study reports the successful synthesis, characterization and anticancer evaluation of new series of pyran, pyridine, thiophene, thiazole and pyrazole derivatives starting from 3-bromoacetylcoumarin through its reaction with different reagents. Most compounds showed potent inhibition with IC50 ˂ 900 nM. Among these derivatives, compound 6d showed almost equipotent cytotoxic activity against NUGC (IC50 = 29 nM) compared to the standard CHS 828 (IC50 = 25 nM). Normal fibroblast cells (WI38) were affected to a much lesser extent (IC50 > 10,000 nM). The results suggest that these compounds may serve as lead chemical entities for further modification in the search of new classes of potential anticancer agents.