Zn/MCM-41-catalyzed unsymmetrical Hantzsch reaction and the evaluation of optical properties and anti-cancer activities of the polyhydroquinoline products
investigated in the presence of MCM-41-supported ZnNO3. The polyhydroquinoline products which were obtained under mild conditions and very easy workup were evaluated for anti-cancer activities against MCF-7, SK-BR-3, and HT-29 of breast and colon cancer cells. The fluorescence emission of some products was also studied and their optical parameters were reported. Graphic abstract