Synthesis, molecular docking and anti-inflammatory screening of novel quinoline incorporated pyrazole derivatives using the Pfitzinger reaction II

Abstract In continuation of our study of novel quinolines with anti-inflammatory activity using the Pfitzinger reaction, several new quinoline derivatives were synthesized and tested for their anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic effect. A docking study on the COX-2 binding pocket was carried out for the target compounds to rationalize the possible selectivity of them against COX-2 enzyme. The most active compounds ( 5a, 8a and 11a ) were found to be superior to celecoxib. Compound 11a demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity as well as the best binding profiles into the COX-2 binding site. Moreover, compounds 9c, 9e , 10a and 11a were devoid of ulcerogenic activity.