1,3-Diarylpropenes (cinnamylphenols): a comprehensive overview of natural occurrence, synthesis, applications, and biological significance

1,3-Diarylpropenes represent a versatile class of compounds with diverse biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxic, anti-malarial, insect growth inhibition, anti-inflammatory, and nitric oxide inhibition. These properties make them highly valuable in medicinal chemistry and therapeutic development. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the isolation sources and biological activity of the natural 1,3-diarylpropenes, along with their biosynthesis. It categorizes synthetic strategies for 1,3-diarylpropenes, including methods like allylation of arenes, allylic selective de-functionalization, decarboxylative functionalization, cross-coupling, and miscellaneous approaches. Additionally, transformations of 1,3-diarylpropenes, such as electrophilic addition, oxidative C-C bond formation, and metal-catalyzed C-C bond formation, are discussed. The review also explores the potential applications of 1,3-diarylpropenes in the synthesis of natural products and their analogs, along with their biological activities. Recent advancements in the design and synthesis of 1,3-diarylpropenes are highlighted, offering insights into their therapeutic potential and guiding future research in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry.