Chalcone
Chalcone is an aromatic ketone and an enone that forms the central core for a variety of important biological compounds, which are known collectively as chalcones or chalconoids. Benzylideneacetophenone is the parent member of the chalcone series. The alternative name given to chalcone are phenyl styryl ketone, benzalacetophenone, β-phenylacrylophenone, ɣ-oxo-α,ɣ-diphenyl-α-propylene and α-phenyl-β-benzoylethylene.
Chalcones and their derivatives demonstrate wide range of biological activities such as anti-diabetic, anti-neoplastic, anti-hypertensive, anti-retroviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasital, anti-histaminic, anti-malarial, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-obesity, anti-platelet, anti-tubercular, immunosuppressant, anti-arrhythmic, hypnotic, anti-gout, anxiolytic, anti-spasmodic, anti-nociceptive, hypolipidemic, anti-filarial, anti-angiogenic, anti-protozoal, anti-bacterial, anti-steroidal, etc.
Chemical properties
Chalcones have two absorption maxima at 280 nm and 340 nm.