Chalcones as Nature’s Blueprint for Synthetic Innovation

Abstract

Chalcones (1,3-diaryl-2-propen-1-ones) are classical examples of α,β-unsaturated ketones, which are 
depicted by their simple yet highly versatile structures. They provide a crucial link between natural product 
inspiration and synthetic innovation. Owing to their ease of synthesis, broad functionalization potential, 
and well-established biological relevance, chalcones serve as valuable scaffolds for direct applications and 
the construction of more complex molecular architectures. In this study, twelve (12) phosphonate chalcones 
were synthesised in high yields via the Knoevenagel condensation reaction, nine (9) of which are novel 
derivatives. This offers exciting opportunities for further functionalisation into higher molecular 
frameworks or compounds with potential biological activity