Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking of novel coumarin-based bisimine derivatives

Schiff bases derived from 3-acetyl-4-hydroxycoumarin represent a promising yet underexplored scaffold in medicinal chemistry. Here, we report the efficient synthesis of a series of bisimine derivatives (3a-j) through condensation with structurally diverse amines, achieving yields of 68-95%. Spectroscopic characterization (NMR, IR, MS) confirmed their unique architectures, with 3j emerging as a standout candidate exhibiting anticancer activity comparable to doxorubicin but with superior selectivity against MCF-7 and A549 cell lines. Among the tested derivatives, compound 3a exhibited the most potent antibacterial activity, with the lowest MIC values observed against Gram-positive strains. Notably, 3f (a thiourea analog) demonstrated broad-spectrum antifungal efficacy (MICs: 1.95-31.25 µg/mL), while 3c surpassed ascorbic acid in radical scavenging (96.7% DPPH inhibition). Molecular docking revealed robust interactions between lead compounds (3b, 3c, 3j) and key therapeutic targets (FGFR1, cIAP1-BIR3), suggesting a dual inhibitory mechanism. These findings underscore the potential of coumarin bisimines as versatile platforms for addressing antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress-related pathologies.