Four chalcones derivatives have been synthesized from 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and acetophenone derivatives (2-hydroxy acetophenone, 2,4-dihydroxy acetophenone, 2,5-dihydroxy acetophenone and 2,6-dihydroxy acetophenone). The synthesis of these chalcones were conducted by Claisen-Schmidt condensation using grinding techniques at room temperature in the absence of solvents.
4′-Hydroxyacetophenone has been used as ketone component in the preparation of 1-aryl-3-phenethylamino-1-propanone hydrochlorides, potential cytotoxic agents, via Mannich reactions.