Synthesis, molecular modeling and anti-inflammatory screening of novel fluorinated quinoline incorporated benzimidazole derivatives using the Pfitzinger reaction

Several new fluorinated quinoline derivatives were synthesized and tested for their anti-inflammatory and ulcerogenic effect. A docking study on the COX-2 binding pocket was carried out for the target compounds to rationalize the possible selectivity of them against COX-2 enzyme. The most active compounds (3, 2, 7 and 11) were found to be superior to celecoxib as they were devoid of any ulcerogenic activity. Compound 3a demonstrated the highest anti-inflammatory activity as well as the best binding profiles into the COX-2 binding site. Moreover, compounds 3–12 were screened for antibacterial activity and none of them showed noteworthy activity.