Synthesis and anticholinesterase activity of new substituted benzo[d]oxazole-based derivatives

A series of novel benzo[d]oxazole derivatives (6a-n) have been synthesized and biologically evaluated as potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterases (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The chemical structures of all final compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic methods. In vitro studies showed that most of the synthesized compounds are potent acetylcholinester ase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors. Among them, compounds 6a and 6j strongly inhibited AChE and BChE activities with IC50 values of 1.03-1.35 and 6.6-8.1 mu m, respectively. Docking studies also provided the binding modes of action and identified hydrophobic pi forces as the main interaction.