Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies of 2,5-substituted-1,4-benzoquinone as novel urease inhibitors

A series of 2,5-substituted-1,4-benzoquinone (1-6) were prepared and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra, and single crystal X-ray determination. The urease inhibitory activities of the compounds against H. pylori urease were studied. Among the compounds, 2,5-bis(2-morpholin-4-ylethylamino)-[1,4]benzoquinone (2) shows the most effective activity with IC(50) value of 27.30±2.17μM. Docking simulation was performed to insert compound 2 into the crystal structure of H. pylori urease at the active site to determine the probable binding mode. As a result, compound 2 may be used as a potential urease inhibitor.