Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are composed of three or more reagents in which the final product has all or most of the carbon atoms from its starting materials. These reactions represent, in the medicinal chemistry context, great potential in the research for new bioactive compounds, since their products can present great structural complexity. The aim of this review is to present the main multicomponent reactions since the original report by Strecker in 1850 from nowadays, covering their evolution, highlighting their significance in the discovery of new bioactive compounds. The use of MCRs is, indeed, a growing field of interest in the synthesis of bioactive compounds and approved drugs, with several examples of commerciallyavailable drugs that are (or can be) obtained through these protocols.

The optimization of a Biginelli Multicomponent Reaction (MCR) protocol for obtaining a collection of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one/thione, with UV absorption and blue fluorescent properties, from synthetic coumarin beta-ketoester derivatives is described. This is the first report of Biginelli adducts bearing a coumarin nucleus in the β-ketoester moiety and their MCR mechanism seems to pass through a Knoevenagel intermediate, which was considered as unlikely before. A chemical library was obtained and the dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one nucleus formation confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Photophysical analyses of representative compounds in different solvents show good Stokes shifts in water that are associated to a postulated ICT process and pK_a determination make these compounds a good start point for new chemical and biological probes as well as useful pH indicators.

Background: The discovery and development of anti-malarial compounds of plant origin and semisynthetic derivatives thereof, such as quinine (QN) and chloroquine (CQ), has highlighted the importance of these compounds in the treatment of malaria. Ursolic acid analogues bearing an acetyl group at C-3 have demonstrated significant anti-malarial activity. With this in mind, two new series of betulinic acid (BA) and ursolic acid (UA) derivatives with ester groups at C-3 were synthesized in an attempt to improve anti-malarial activity, reduce cytotoxicity, and search for new targets. In vitro activity against CQ-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 and an evaluation of cytotoxicity in a mammalian cell line (HEK293T) are reported. Furthermore, two possible mechanisms of action of anti-malarial compounds have been evaluated: effects on mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and inhibition of β-haematin formation. Results: Among the 18 derivatives synthesized, those having shorter side chains were most effective against CQ-sensitive P. falciparum 3D7, and were non-cytotoxic. These derivatives were three to five times more active than BA and UA. A DiOC₆(3) ΔΨm assay showed that mitochondria are not involved in their mechanism of action. Inhibition of β-haematin formation by the active derivatives was weaker than with CQ. Compounds of the BA series were generally more active against P. falciparum 3D7 than those of the UA series. Conclusions: Three new anti-malarial prototypes were obtained from natural sources through an easy and relatively inexpensive synthesis. They represent an alternative for new lead compounds for anti-malarial chemotherapy.