Catalytic Strategies For the Synthesis of Dehydrozingerone: Structural Features and Emerging Applications—A Critical Review

Abstract

Aldol condensation of vanillin and acetone is an efficient reaction for the synthesis of dehydrozingerone (DHZ). DHZ has beeninvestigated for its potential pharmaceutical properties, which include multiple in vitro and in vivo studies related to its potentialantioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects,among others. Recent research focused on the study of both pharmaceutical properties and synthesis processes. The use ofstrong alkaline media has been the traditional method for obtaining DHZ, leaving new open doors for the exploration of solidcatalysts that facilitate its separation and allow its recycling, with the aim of obtaining high conversion, selectivity, and yield. Theuse of heterogeneous catalysts with strong acidity or basicity (Ni/Al2 O3 , Cu/Al2 O3 , hydrotalcites) stands out, allowing relativelymoderate reaction conditions. This review summarizes recent advances in the exploration of new catalysts for obtaining DHZ bythe aldol condensation reaction, reaction mechanism, alternative preparation methods (mechanochemistry), and use of reactorswith microwave irradiation in combination with studies of their therapeutic properties.