Synthesis, spectral characterization, and cholinesterase inhibitory evaluation of benzothiazole-linked oxadiazole derivatives as potential anti-Alzheimer's agents.

A series of eleven novel benzothiazole-based oxadiazole derivatives (K1-K11) were synthesized using 2-amino-4-methoxybenzenethiol as the key precursor. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry. All derivatives were evaluated for their cholinesterase inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with donepezil used as the reference drug. Compounds K2 and K9 exhibited potent AChE inhibition, while K11 and K7 showed notable BChE inhibitory activity, with IC50 values comparable to the standard. Molecular docking studies supported the experimental results, revealing strong binding interactions of K2 and K7 with AChE and BChE, respectively. In silico ADME analysis indicated favorable drug-like properties for all compounds, suggesting their potential as promising leads for Alzheimer's disease therapy.