Three-component, one-pot synthesis of benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridine derivatives under catalyst free conditions and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory activity.

An efficient three-component protocol is described for the synthesis of benzo[6,7]cyclohepta[1,2-b]pyridine derivatives using β-chloroacroleins, 1,3-dicarbonyls and ammonium acetate under catalyst free conditions by using ethanol as reaction media. The mild reaction conditions, operational simplicity and high yields are the advantages of this protocol and the broad scope of this one-pot reaction makes this procedure promising for practical usages. All the final compounds were screened for anti-inflammatory activity. Among the compounds tested, the compounds 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5f, and 5k exhibited significant inhibition of IL-1β and MCP-1 secretion as a measure of anti-inflammatory activity.