biostudies-literatureUnknown14(1)Geedkar DThe present work elicits a novel approach to combating COVID-19 by synthesizing a series of azo-anchored 3,4-dihydroimidazo[4,5-b]indole derivatives. The envisaged methodology involves the L-proline-catalyzed condensation of para-amino-functionalized azo benzene, indoline-2,3-dione, and ammonium acetate precursors with pertinent aryl aldehyde derivatives under ultrasonic conditions. The structures of synthesized compounds were corroborated through FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass analysis data. Molecular docking studies assessed the inhibitory potential of these compounds against the main protease (M^pro) of SARS-CoV-2. Remarkably, in silico investigations revealed significant inhibitory action surpassing standard drugs such as Remdesivir, Paxlovid, MolnupirScientific reports10419https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11074333biostudies-literatureSynthesis and in silico inhibitory action studies of azo-anchored imidazo[4,5-b]indole scaffolds against the COVID-19 main protease (M^pro).PMC11074333Sharma PKumar AGeedkar DfalseSynthesis and in silico inhibitory action studies of azo-anchored imidazo[4,5-b]indole scaffolds against the COVID-19 main protease (M^pro).The present work elicits a novel approach to combating COVID-19 by synthesizing a series of azo-anchored 3,4-dihydroimidazo[4,5-b]indole derivatives. The envisaged methodology involves the L-proline-catalyzed condensation of para-amino-functionalized azo benzene, indoline-2,3-dione, and ammonium acetate precursors with pertinent aryl aldehyde derivatives under ultrasonic conditions. The structures of synthesized compounds were corroborated through FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and mass analysis data. Molecular docking studies assessed the inhibitory potential of these compounds against the main protease (M^pro) of SARS-CoV-2. Remarkably, in silico investigations revealed significant inhibitory action surpassing standard drugs such as Remdesivir, Paxlovid, Molnupir2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 May2026-06-01T08:04:18.415Z2026-04-08T10:48:52.82ZS-EPMC110743333871074610.1038/s41598-024-57795-4