Highly Efficient Bimetallic Catalyst for the Synthesis of N-substituted Decahydroacridine-1,8-diones and Xanthene-1,8-diones: Evaluation of their Biological Activity

Background: Bimetallic catalysis plays a major role in boosting the catalytic performance of monometallic counterparts due to the synergetic effect. Materials and Methods: In the present study, we have exploited ZrCl4:Mg(ClO4)2 as an efficient bimetallic catalyst for the synthesis of a few biologically relevant N-substituted decahydroacri-dine-1,8-diones and xanthene-1,8-diones under solvent-free conditions. The complete characterization data (XRD, SEM, BET, pH, TGA, and IR) of the bimetallic catalyst, ZrCl4: Mg(ClO4)2, are provided in the supporting information. Results: Among the compounds screened for anti-oxidant and anti-microbial activities, the ac-ridine derivatives with chloro and fluoro substitutions (compounds 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4j) have ex-hibited potent activities when compared to other compounds. Among the xanthene derivatives screened for anti-oxidant activity, compounds 5c, 5i, and 5j with chloro and nitro derivatives exhibited potent antioxidant activity, and the rest all showed moderately potent activity. Conclusion: Among the compounds screened for antibacterial activity, compound 5j with chloro substitution showed potent activity, followed by compounds 5c, 5d, 5h, and 5i against Gram +ve bacteria, and compounds 5h, 5f, and 5g with N,N-dimethyl, methoxy and hydroxy substitutions have shown potent activity against Gram -ve bacteria.