Synthesis, sunscreen, and toxicity in vitro test of c-styrylcalix[4]resorcinaryl octacinnamate and c-phenylcalix[4]resorcinaryl dodecacinnamate

The need for qualified sunscreen materials has increased from year to year. This prompt researchers to find new sunscreen ingredients that have good activity. In this study, new C-styrylcalix[4]resorcinaryl octacinnamate 1 and C-phenylcalix[4]resorcinaryl dodecacinnamate 2 have been synthesized via esterification reaction. The target molecules were characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR and LC-MS spectrometers. The sunscreen activity was evaluated using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer and the cytotoxicity assay was tested on kidney Vero cells using the cell culture method. Compound 1 was obtained as light brown solid in 68% yield with the melting point of 247 °C. Compound 2 was obtained as light yellow solid in 69% yield with melting point of 268°C. The sunscreen test shows that 1 and 2 can absorb UV-B radiation with the SPF values of 67.45 and 70.85, respectively. The cytotoxicity assay shows that the IC50 values of 1, 2, and parasol are 1468.2, 676.1 and 758.7 μg/mL, respectively. Based on the sunscreen activity test and toxicity assay, it can be said that calix[4]resorcinarenes 1 and 2 have potential to be developed as sunscreen ingredients.