α -Functionalised nitroalkenes

■ Small multi-functional molecules with high potential in synthesis and biology

■ Synthesised through one-pot, multi-component reactions at room temperature

■ Inhibit HeLa cell proliferation by binding to tubulins and depolymerising microtubules at low micromolar concentrations

■ Bind to tubulin at a site distinct from the vinblastine and colchicine binding sites and induce conformational changes in the tubulin

■ Promising lead compounds for cancer therapy