LAUSR

Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available. HighlightsNew hybrid compounds based on maslinic acid (MA) from Olea europaea were synthesized.The semisynthesis was achieved through CuAAC under microwave conditions.Development of new inhibitors (up to 100%) of Lactuca sativa growth. ABSTRACT Interesting biological activities (anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiabetic…) have been reported for maslinic acid (MA) and MA‐based compounds. In continuation of our previous work on MA, herbicide potential of Tunisian plant extracts and 1,4‐triazolyl derivatives of MA, we now wish to report semisynthesis of new MA‐based triazole hybrid compounds with herbicide potential. These compounds were synthesized through Cu‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) under microwave irradiation conditions between propargylated MA and a series of phthalimide azides. Here, the first partner of CuAAC reaction (propargylated MA) resulted from propargylation of C‐28 carboxylic acid group of isolated MA from the well‐known Mediterranean plant Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae). So far, phthalimide azide derivatives were achieved by trapping of N‐acyliminium ion, in‐situ generated under catalytic condition of Bi(OTf)3, by aromatic nucleophiles. The cycloaddition reaction afforded regiospecifically 1,4‐disubstituted triazoles in good yields. The latter hybrid compounds were shown to exhibit a high inhibition potential of seed germination. This constitutes the first step in development of potent herbicides since one of the final semisynthesized structures can serve as a promising lead candidate for further studies.