Recent Advances in Microwave and Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of Quinoline Derivatives as Anticancer Agents

Quinoline derivatives represent a privileged class of heterocyclic compounds with remarkable structural diversity and broad-spectrum pharmacological activities, particularly in cancer therapy. Owing to their ability to modulate key oncogenic signaling pathways, quinoline-based scaffolds have gained considerable attention in anticancer drug discovery. However, conventional synthetic routes for quinoline derivatives often suffer from prolonged reaction times, harsh conditions, low atom economy, and environmental concerns. In this context, green and sustainable synthetic methodologies have emerged as viable alternatives to address these limitations. Among them, microwave- and ultrasound-assisted synthesis (UAS) have proven to be highly efficient non-classical activation techniques, offering rapid reaction rates, improved yields, enhanced selectivity, and reduced energy consumption. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the microwave- and UAS of quinoline derivatives with anticancer potential. Emphasis is placed on reaction efficiency, eco-friendly reaction conditions, and the biological relevance of the synthesized compounds, including their cytotoxicity profiles, enzyme inhibition activities, and apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. Collectively, this compilation highlights the integration of green chemistry principles into medicinal chemistry workflows and underscores the potential of sustainable synthetic strategies for the development of potent and selective quinoline-based anticancer agents.