Synthesis and evaluation of inhibitory activity in vitro of dihydrostilbenes against human neutrophil elastases

AbstractTwelve dihydrostilbenes (including five new analogues) were prepared by the Witting-Hornor reaction from appropriate aromatic aldehydes and phosphonate esters, followed by hydrogenation in five steps. The in vitro inhibition activity against human neutrophil elastase (HNE) of these dihydrostilbenes was evaluated, and three 1,2-dihydroxylated dihydrostilbenes (6b, 6j, and 6l) exhibited stronger inhibitory activity against HNE than other analogues.