Molecular modeling based semi-synthesis and in vitro evaluation of anticancer activity in indolyl chalcones

A series of indolyl chalcones were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their anticancer activity against four human cancer cell lines. Compounds 1a, 1b, 1d, 1f-1j, 2c, 2e, 2i showed significant cytotoxicity. Chalcones 1b and 1d were identified as the most potent and selective anticancer agents with IC50 values <1µg/ml and 1.51µg/ml, against WRL-68 cell line, respectively.