Aurones, a subclass of naturally occurring flavonoid compounds, have shown great biological potential. Former studies have shown that aurones exhibit anti-cancer activity as well as a variety of other pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. More specifically, these studies indicate that aurones show potential in inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 activity (COX-2), an enzyme that plays a vital role in inflammation and its associated diseases, such as cancer. Through its production of prostaglandins, COX-2 activity increases the inflammation and pain at a targeted site. Mills, et. al. recently performed molecular docking studies of several novel aurones at the COX-2 active site. As a continuation of this research, a synthetic pathway for one of the most promising aurone derivatives, a novel trifluoromethyl-substituted aurone, has been proposed. The final target molecule will be synthesized using this route and the novel compound will be characterized.
