Synthesis and characterization of novel silyl derivatives of curcumin

Turmeric which is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberacea) is extensively used as a spice, food preservative and colouring material. Curcumin is a main bioactive natural compound derived from the rhizome of this plant. Curcumin can exist in several tautomeric forms, such as keto and enol. The keto form is more stable than enol form. Silyl ethers have proven to be versatile substrates for a wide variety of organic reactions and they can be prepared by the reaction of alcohol and silicon halide using a base such as triethylamine in stoichiometric quantity. Curcuminsilyl ether derivatives were prepared under mild conditions. The stability of products decreases when the size of the silyl substitutions increases.