Cholinergic Agents. Synthesis and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity of Some ω-[N-Methyl-N-(3-alkylcarbamoyloxyphenyl)methyl]aminoalkoxyxanthen-9-ones
A series of ω-[N-methyl-N-(3-alkylcarbamoyloxyphenyl)methyl]aminoalkoxyxanthen-9-ones was prepared. The alkoxy chain occupies, alternatively, the positions 2, 3 and 4 of the xanthone moiety and has a variable length. The compounds were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Some in this series were revealed to be more potent than physostigmine. Optimum activity was found with the 3 position and with a four or three carbon chain length separating the benzylamino group from the xanthenonyloxy moiety.