1, 4-disubstituted-2-azetidinone derivatives demonstrated moderate anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cells.

2-Bromo derivative of ethylphenylacrylate caused apoptosis by increasing pro-apoptotic and decreasing cyclins gene expression.

Molecular docking studies indicate an interaction between 19w and ATP-binding catalytic site of AKT1.

Mechanistically, 19w depicted a significant AKT kinase inhibition and decreased phosphorylation of AKT/GSK-3β.