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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue II, February 2026
Synthesis, Characterization and Molecular Docking Study of Novel
Chalcone Derivative as Potential Anticancer Agent
Gopala Krishna Murthy H.R
1
, Shubha S
2
1
Government First Grade College, Nanjangud, Karnataka, India
2
Government First Grade College, Malleshwaram, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.15020000098
Received: 27 February 2026; Accepted: 06 March 2026; Published: 19 March 2026
ABSTRACT
A series of novel chalcone derivatives were synthesized via Claisen–Schmidt condensation and evaluated
through spectroscopic characterization and molecular docking studies. The synthesized compounds were
characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H
NMR), and Mass spectroscopy.
Molecular docking analysis was performed to evaluate binding interactions with the Epidermal Growth Factor
Receptor (EGFR), a validated anticancer target. The docking results revealed favourable binding affinities
ranging from –7.5 to –9.2 kcal/mol, supported by hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions within the
active site. The findings suggest that the synthesized chalcone derivatives possess promising anticancer potential
and warrant further biological evaluation.
Keywords: Chalcone, Spectroscopic characterization, Molecular docking, Anticancer activity
INTRODUCTION
Chalcones are open-chain flavonoids characterized by the presence of an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl system
connecting two aromatic rings. This structural framework contributes significantly to their wide spectrum of
biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
The simplicity of synthesis and structural versatility make chalcones important scaffolds in medicinal chemistry.
In recent years, computational approaches such as molecular docking have accelerated drug discovery by
predicting ligand–protein interactions before experimental validation.
The present study integrates synthetic organic chemistry with computational modeling to explore the anticancer
potential of novel chalcone derivatives.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Chemicals and Reagents
All reagents, including substituted acetophenones, substituted benzaldehydes, ethanol, and sodium hydroxide,
were of analytical grade and used without further purification.
Synthesis of Chalcone Derivatives
The chalcone derivatives were synthesized via Claisen–Schmidt condensation.
Chalcone derivatives were synthesized using the Claisen–Schmidt condensation reaction.
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Reaction Scheme
General Procedure: Equimolar quantities (0.01 mol) of substituted acetophenone and substituted benzaldehyde
were dissolved in ethanol. A 10% sodium hydroxide solution was added dropwise with continuous stirring at
room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 6–8 hours and monitored by thinlayer chromatography
(TLC). Upon completion, the reaction mixture was poured into ice-cold water to precipitate the product. The
solid obtained was filtered, washed with distilled water, and recrystallized from ethanol.
Characterization
IR spectrum
Key IR absorptions (cm⁻¹):
• ~1685–1665 → conjugated C=O (α,β-unsaturated ketone)
• ~1620–1600 → C=C (alkene, conjugated)
• ~1600, 1580, 1500 → aromatic C=C
• ~3050 → aromatic C–H
• ~2960–2870 → aliphatic C–H
¹H NMR spectrum
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Typical ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, δ ppm):
• 2.1–2.3 (s, 3H) → CH₃–CO
• 6.5–6.7 (d, 1H, J ≈ 15–16 Hz) → CH= (trans)
• 7.3–7.5 (d, 1H, J ≈ 15–16 Hz) → CH= (trans)
• 7.2–7.6 (m, 5H) → aromatic protons
Large coupling constant confirms E (trans) configuration
Mass spectrum
Key MS data (EI):
• m/z 146 (M⁺) → molecular ion (C₁₀H₁₀O)
• m/z 131 → loss of CH₃
• m/z 105 → benzoyl cation (C₆H₅CO⁺)
• m/z 77 → phenyl cation (C₆H₅⁺)
Molecular Docking Study
Target Protein Preparation:The three-dimensional structure of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)
was retrieved from the Protein Data Bank. Water molecules were removed, hydrogen atoms were added, and the
protein structure was prepared for docking.
Ligand Preparation: The synthesized chalcone derivatives were drawn and energy-minimized prior to docking
analysis.
Docking Procedure: Docking simulations were performed using AutoDock Vina. The grid box was centered on
the active site of EGFR to evaluate binding interactions and calculate binding affinities.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Docking Methodology
• Protein structure downloaded from the Protein Data Bank (PDB).
• Water molecules removed.
• Hydrogen atoms added.
• Ligand structures energy-minimized.
• Docking performed using AutoDock Vina.
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Docking Results
• Binding energy range: –9.2 kcal/mol
• Hydrogen bonding observed with key residues such as Lys745 and Met793
• Hydrophobic interactions enhanced stability
Interpretation: Lower binding energy indicates stronger interaction. Hydrogen bonding with catalytic residues
suggests potential inhibition of kinase activity. The docking results revealed binding energy values ranging from
–7.5 to –9.2 kcal/mol, indicating strong ligand–protein interactions.Hydrogen bonds were observed with key
amino acid residues such as Lys745 and Met793. Hydrophobic interactions further stabilized the ligand within
the binding pocket.
Lower binding energy values indicate higher binding affinity. The observed hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic
contacts suggest that the synthesized chalcones may inhibit EGFR activity, supporting their potential as
anticancer agents.Structure–activity relationship analysis indicates that electron-withdrawing substituents
enhance binding affinity by increasing electrophilicity and interaction with the receptor active site.
CONCLUSION
Novel chalcone derivatives were successfully synthesized via Claisen–Schmidt condensation and characterized
using spectroscopic techniques. The spectral data confirmed structural integrity. Molecular docking studies
demonstrated promising binding interactions with EGFR, suggesting potential anticancer activity. Further in
vitro and in vivo investigations are recommended to validate these findings.
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