Synthesis, receptor affinity and effect on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold of novel benzodiazepine analogues: 3-Substituted 5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles and 2-amino-5-(phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazoles

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.bmc.2014.01.041

The new series of 5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles, possessing C-3 thio, alkylthio and ethoxy substituents, and 2-amino-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4- oxadiazoles were designed and synthesized as novel benzodiazepine analogues. Most of them revealed sim

Full text of DOI:10.1016/j.bmc.2014.01.041

Accepted Manuscript
Synthesis, receptor affinity and effect on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure
threshold of novel benzodiazepine analogues: 3-Substituted 5-(2-phenoxyben-
zyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles and 2-amino-5-(phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles
Siavash Mashayekh, Narges Rahmanipour, Behnaz Mahmoodi, Fatemeh
Ahmadi, Dina Motaharian, Soraya Shahhosseini, Hamed Shafaroodi, Hamid R.
Banafshe, Abbas Shafiee, Latifeh Navidpour
PII:
S0968-0896(14)00069-8
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2014.01.041
BMC 11372
Reference:
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
To appear in:
Received Date:
Revised Date:
Accepted Date:
11 December 2013
21 January 2014
22 January 2014
Please cite this article as: Mashayekh, S., Rahmanipour, N., Mahmoodi, B., Ahmadi, F., Motaharian, D.,
Shahhosseini, S., Shafaroodi, H., Banafshe, H.R., Shafiee, A., Navidpour, L., Synthesis, receptor affinity and effect
on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold of novel benzodiazepine analogues: 3-Substituted 5-(2-
phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles and 2-amino-5-(phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, Bioorganic & Medicinal
Chemistry (2014), doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2014.01.041
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Synthesis, receptor affinity and effect on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure
threshold of novel benzodiazepine analogues: 3-Substituted 5-(2-
phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles and 2-amino-5-(phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-
oxadiazoles
Siavash Mashayekh,a Narges Rahmanipour,a Behnaz Mahmoodi,b Fatemeh Ahmadi,c Dina
Motaharian,b Soraya Shahhosseini,c Hamed Shafaroodi,b Hamid R. Banafshe,d Abbas Shafieea
and Latifeh Navidpoura,e*
a
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Design & Development
Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176, Iran
b
Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch and
Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
c Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
d Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical
Sciences, Kashan, Iran
eEndocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences,
Tehran, Iran
Correspondence: Latifeh Navidpour, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of
Pharmacy, Drug Design & Development Research Center and Endocrinology and Metabolism
Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 14176, Iran.
E-mail: navidpur@sina.tums.ac.ir; Fax: +98 21 66461178.
Abstract
The new series of 5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles, possessing C-3 thio, alkylthio and
ethoxy substituents, and 2-amino-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles were designed and
synthesized as novel benzodiazepine analogues. Most of them revealed similar to superior
binding affinity to the GABAA/Benzodiazepine receptor complex, relative to diazepam as the
1

reference drug. Among them, 5-(4-chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-benzylthio-4H-1,2,4-
triazole (8l) showed the highest affinity (IC50 = 0.892 nM) relative to diazepam (IC50 = 2.857
nM) and also showed the most increase in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold relative
to diazepam as the reference drug.
Keywords: 1,2,4-triazole; 1,3,4-oxadiazole; flexible benzodiazepines; receptor binding affinity;
PTZ-induced clonic seizure threshold.
1. Introduction
Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are amongst therapeutic agents which have widespread use in treatment
of central nervous system disorders and act as anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative-hypnotic and
muscle relaxant.1 BZDs exert their pharmacological effects by allosteric modulation of GABAA
receptors through a specific binding domain, known as BZD receptor (BZRP); this interaction
increases the frequency of opening of chloride ion channel and results in an enhancement of γ-
aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibitory action.2,3 Despite their widespread clinical use, the
classical BZDs such as diazepam are also known to produce unwanted side effects including
sedation, development of tolerance and dependence, rebound symptoms at withdrawal and
amnesic effects.4 Thus, the search continues for new BZRP ligands with enhanced selectivity,
safety and efficacy.
Several studies exploring essential pharmacophore model and structure activity relationship for
BZDs have been done through past decades and various models have been proposed.5-9 An
aromatic ring and a coplanar proton-accepting group in appropriate distance are two common
features among these models. It is also stated that an out-of-plane aromatic ring could potentiate
binding of ligands to the receptor. 10-13
Moreover, an impressive number of structurally novel agents, which do not contain the BZD
nucleus, have been shown to interact with the BZRP.14,15 In previous studies, it has been shown
that simple non-rigid structures of 2-substituted-5-(2-phenoxyphenyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles and
1,3,4-oxadiazoles could mimic the structure of BZD agonists and possess considerable
anticonvulsant activity (Figure 1).16,17
2

In the present study, new series of 5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles possessing C-3 thio,
alkylthio and ethoxy substituents, and 2-amino-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles have
been synthesized and evaluated as novel BZD analogues. On the contrary to the accepted
requirements for the BZD agonists, in these newly designed compounds, due to the presence of
the methylene bridge with sp3 hybridization, the proton-accepting moiety diverges from the
plane of aromatic ring. Thus, the high affinity of these newly synthesized compounds for the
BZRP opens new insights to the pharmacophore requirements of non-rigid BZD analogues.
2. Results and Discussion
2.1. Chemistry
The synthetic reactions leading to the substituted 3-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles and 2-
amino-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (7, 8, 11 and 12) are outlined in Scheme 1.
2-Phenoxyphenylacetic acids (6) are the key intermediates for the production of the title
compounds 7, 8, 11 and 12. The starting materials, 2-phenoxybenzoic acids (1b-c) were prepared
by the refluxing of sodium salts of 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid and 2-substiuted phenols in DMF in
the presence of catalytic amount of copper.18 Esterification of the resulted benzoic acid
derivatives 1 using thionyl chloride in ethanol afforded the ethyl esters 2. The reduction of ethyl
esters 2 with lithium aluminum hydride in THF yielded alcohol derivatives 3.19 To substitute the
hydroxyl moiety with cyano group, first the hydroxyl group was converted to chlorine as a
suitable leaving group using thionyl chloride in benzene in the presence of pyridine, then the
substitution was approached by using sodium cyanide in DMSO.19 Subsequent hydrolysis of the
cyano compound 5 gave the key intermediates, 2-(2-phenoxyphenyl)acetic acids 6.19
Reaction of the acetic acids (6) with thionyl chloride followed by the treatment of the resulted
acid chlorides with thiosemicarbazide and subsequent cyclization in basic media afforded the
2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thiones (7).18,20 Sonicating compounds 7 in the presence of suitable
alkyl halides in alkaline media afforded 3-alkylthio-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles (8)
in 5 min.17
3

2-(2-Phenoxyphenyl)acetic acid hydrazides (10) were readily prepared via esterification of
corresponding acetic acid derivatives (9), followed by treatment with hydrazine hydrate in
methanol.20 The hydrazides were reacted with cyanogen bromide to produce 2-amino-5-(2-
phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (11) which rearranged to 3-ethoxy-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-
1,2,4-triazoles (12) upon treatment with ethanolic potassium hydroxide.17
2.2. Relative Binding Affinity
The GABAA/BZD Receptor complex binding affinity of the title compounds was evaluated by
their ability to displace [3H]-flumazenil (Ro15-1788) from its specific binding in rat cortical
membrane tissue.21-29 The concentration of the tested compounds (non-radioactive ligands) that
inhibits the binding of [3H]-flumazenil by 50% is called as IC50 values and is displayed in table
1.
In general, most analogues revealed respectable in vitro activity, showing similar to superior
affinity to BZD receptors relative to diazepam as the reference drug.
In 5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione subgroup (7a-c), ortho substitution of
the phenol moiety as well as chloro-substitution of the central phenyl ring improved the affinity,
while slightly superior affinity was observed when phenoxy moiety is substituted with fluorine
than chlorine.
The effect of alkylthio substitution on the five-memebered triazole ring on the receptor binding
affinity was next investigated. Alkylation of thio group produced compounds with slightly less to
improved activities. In alkylated analogues of unsubstituted phenol compound 7a (8a-d),
increasing the size of the alkyl group slightly decreased the affinity. In 2-chlorophenol subgroup
(8e-h), increasing the size of this side chain, first increased the affinity (SMe < SEt < SPr), then
decreased with bulky benzyl moiety. In 2-fluorophenol subgroup (8i-l), increasing the size of the
alkyl group even with bulky benzyl group improved the affinity (except for 8k), presenting the
most active compound among the thioalkylated analogues, 5-(4-chloro-2-(2-
fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-benzylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8l) (IC50 = 0.892 nM) relative to
diazepam reference drug (IC50 = 2.857 nM).
Regarding the other two subgroups (11 and 12), generally 2-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazoles (11a-c)
have shown slightly more improved affinity than 3-ethoxy-1,2,4-triazoles (12a-c), but in both
4

subgroups, chlorine substitution of the central phenyl ring as well as chlorine and fluorine
substitution of 2-phenoxy moiety improved the afftinity, respectively.
2.3. The effect on clonic pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold
The effect of i.p. administration of different doses (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) of 7, 8, 11 and 12, 60
min before i.v. administration of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) on clonic induced seizure threshold in
mice was investigated and the results are displayed in table 1.30-31
The analysis of the results showed that alkylation of 2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thiones (7a-c)
resulted in compounds with slightly less to improved activities. In unsubstituted (8a-d) and 2-
chlorophenol subgroups (8e-h), the activity was improved while the size of the side chain was
increased from SMe to SEt, then decreased with SPr and bulky benzylthio groups (SMe < SEt >
SPr > SBn). In 2-fluorophenol subgroup (8i-l), similar to their binding affinities, increasing the
size of the alkyl group(except for 8k) improved the activity. Among all the 3-thio and alkylthio
analogues, 5-(4-chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-benzylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8l) exhibited
the most increase in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure threshold relative to diazepam as the
reference drug.
2-Amino-1,3,4-oxadiazole subgroup (11a-c) exhibited improved activity in comparison with the
2H-1,2,4-traizole-3(4H)-thions (7a-c), whereas 3-ethoxy analogues (12a-c) were less active than
the 3-thione derivatives (7a-c).
It is well understood that the onset and duration of action of a single bolus administration of a
BZD depend on the lipid solubility of the drug. BZDs with higher lipid solubility have a more
rapid onset of action. Also, the more rapid redistribution of the more lipophilic ones accounts for
the shorter duration of their actions.32
Due to having different substituents, the lipophilicity of the synthesized analogues and so their
cLogP (shown in table 1, calculated using MOE software version 2012.10) are highly different.
Therefore, each one achieves its peak blood-brain barrier concentration, and maximum anti-
convulsant effect at a different time, while in studying the in vivo activity of the compounds, the
seizure threshold of all are determined after 60 min of i.p. administration (similar time) of the
5

compound. It probably explains the poor correlation between the receptor binding affinity of the
synthesized analogues and their effect on PTZ-induced clonic seizure threshold.
2.4. Molecular modeling (docking) studies
The orientation of the two potent BZD analogues, 5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-3-methylthio-4H-1,2,4-
triazole (8a) along with 2-amino-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (11a), in the BZD-
binding site of GABAA receptor were examined by a flexible docking experiment using MOE
software version 2012.10 (CCG Inc.).34 For validation purpose, the ligand (diazepam) was also
docked.
For the diazepam ligand, the program finds three conformations with interaction energies -5.14, -
4.94 and -4.86 kcal/mol. The second conformation matches exactly (RMSD: 0.12 Å) and the
third one was very similar (RMSD: 1.81 Å) with the position of the Diazepam in the homology
model. In the docking studies of the other two compounds, the second conformation of 8a with
the interaction energy of -13.59 kcal/mol and the third conformation of 11a with the interaction
energy of -13.79 kcal/mol showed similar binding modes in the diazepam pocket of GABAA
receptor.
Figure 2 shows the superimposed poses of structures 8a, 11a and the ligand diazepam and Figure
3 displays the important amino acids interacting with the compounds 8a and 11a. Since the
phenyl group of 8a and 11a diverges about 60 degrees from the aromatic-A ring of diazepam,
their positioning into the binding pocket should accommodate the nitrogen moiety of 1,2,4-
triazole and 1,3,4-oxadiazole near the carbonyl group of diazepam which is an important
pharmacophore in BZDs, thus providing the hydrogen bond with A-Thr206 (2.65 and 2.84 Å in 8a
and 11a, respectively).
Moreover, there are two arene-cation interactions between the phenyl moiety in phenoxy side
chain and central phenyl ring with A-His101. Other two arene π-π interactions have been revealed
between the central phenyl ring and five-membered rings, 1,2,4-triazole or 1,3,4-oxadiazole,
with A-Tyr209.
6

3. Conclusion
The new series of 5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles possessing C-3 thio, alkylthio and
ethoxy substituents, and 2-amino-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles were designed to
develop further structure-activity relationship data. The results of this investigation show: (i) 3-
thio or ethoxy substituted 5-(-2-phenoxybenzyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazoles and 3-amino substituted 5-(-
2-phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazoles provide high receptor binding affinity on GABAA/BZD
Receptor complex, (ii) these analogues significantly increase pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure
threshold, (iii) molecular modeling studies indicate that the central phenyl moiety of studied
analogues diverges about 60 degrees from the aromatic-A ring of diazepam, so their positioning
into the binding pocket should accommodate the nitrogen moiety of 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-
oxadiazole near the carbonyl group of diazepam, providing the hydrogen bond with A-Thr206.
4. Experimental
4.1. Chemistry
Melting points were determined with a Reichert-Jung hot-stage microscope (Reichert-Jung,
Germany) and are uncorrected. Infrared spectra were recorded on a Nicolet Magna 550-FT
spectrometer (Nicolet, Madison, WI, USA). 1H NMR spectra were measured on a Bruker FT-500
MHz spectrometer (Bruker Bioscience, USA) in CDCl3 or DMSO-d6 with TMS as the internal
standard. Elemental microanalyses were carried out with a Perkin-Elmer 240-C apparatus
(Perkin-Elmer, Beaconsfield, UK) and were within 0.4% of the theoretical values for C, H and
N. Male NMRI mice and male Wistar rats, used in the analgesic and anti-inflammatory screens,
respectively, were purchased from Pasteur Institute (Karaj, Iran), and experiments were carried
out using protocols approved by the ethics committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
4.1.1. General procedure for preparation of ethyl 2-aryloxybenzoates (2a-c)
To a stirred solution of 2-phenoxybenzoic acid derivative (1a-c, 181 mmol) in ethanol (150 mL)
was added dropwise thionyl chloride (60 mL, 825 mmol) and the reaction mixture was refluxed
for 4 h. Then, the volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure, water was added to the
7

residue (250 mL) and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×100 mL). The
organic layer was washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (100 mL), dried
over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to furnish 2a-c. The spectral data of 2a was
similar with those reported.34
4.1.1.1. Ethyl 2-(2-chlorophenoxy)-4-chlorobenzoate (2b)
1
Yield, 98%; IR (KBr): 1729 (C=O), 1239 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.24 (t, J = 7.2 Hz,
3H, CH3), 4.28 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.85 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.86 (dd, J = 2.0, 7.5 Hz,
1H, H6′), 7.09 (dt, J = 1.6, 7.5 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.16 (dd, J = 2.0, 8.4 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.21 (dt, J = 1.6,
7.5 Hz, 1H, H5′), 7.47 (dd, J = 1.6, 8.4 Hz, 1H, H3′), 7.90 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C15H12Cl2O3: C, 57.90; H, 3.89. Found: C, 58.14; H, 3.66.
4.1.1.2. Ethyl 4-chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzoate (2c)
1
Yield, 98%; IR (KBr): 1728 (C=O), 1269 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.28 (t, J = 7.0 Hz,
3H, CH3), 4.08 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.88 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.99 (dt, J = 1.2, 8.0 Hz,
1H, H6′), 7.08-7.29 (m, 4H, aromatic), 7.89 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C15H12ClFO3: C, 61.13; H, 4.10. Found: C, 61.28; H, 3.92.
4.1.2. General procedure for preparation of 2-aryloxyphenylmethanols (3a-c)
To an ice-cold suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (9.52 g, 250 mmol) in dry THF (40 mL)
was added dropwise a solution of ethyl ester (2a-c, 158 mmol) in THF (20 mL) under an inert
atmosphere of argon and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. Then,
water (100 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and the aqueous layer was extracted with
diethyl ether (3×100 mL). The organic layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate,
evaporated and recrystallized from ethyl acetate/hexane to obtain the required alcohol (3a-c).
The spectral data of 3a was similar with those reported.19,35
4.1.2.1. 2-(2-Chlorophenoxy)-4-chlorophenylmethanol (3b)
Yield, 51%; mp 74-75 °C; IR (KBr): 3334 (OH), 1238 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 2.18 (t, J
= 6.0 Hz, 1H, OH), 4.80 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.62 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H, H3), 7.02-7.05 (m,
2H, H5,6′), 7.18 (dt, J = 1.6, 7.4 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.29 (dt, J = 1.6, 7.4 Hz, 1H, H5′), 7.39 (d, J = 8.0
8

Hz, 1H, H6), 7.49 (dd, J = 1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C13H10Cl2O2: C, 58.02; H, 3.75. Found: C, 57.88; H, 3.57.
4.1.2.2. 2-(2-Fluorophenoxy)-4-chlorophenylmethanol (3c)
Yield, 86%; mp 77-79 °C; IR (KBr): 3368 (OH), 1274 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.81 (s,
2H, CH2), 6.68 (s, 1H, H3), 7.05-7.35 (m, 5H, aromatic), 7.39 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C13H10ClFO2: C, 61.80; H, 3.99. Found: C, 61.98; H, 4.07.
4.1.3. General procedure for preparation of 1-chloromethyl-2-aryloxybenzenes (4a-c)
To a solution of 2-(2-phenoxyphenyl)methanol derivative (3a-c, 150 mmol) in benzene (650 mL)
and pyridine (1 mL) was added dropewise thionyl chloride (18.5 g, 155 mmol) in benzene (90
mL) and the reaction mixture was refluxed under an inert atmosphere of argon for 2 h. The
volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure and water was added to the residue (250 mL).
The aqueous layer was extracted with diethyl ether (3×100 mL). The organic layer was washed
by saturated sodium chloride solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to
obtain chloromethyl compound (4a-c). The spectral data of 4a was similar with those reported.19
4.1.3.1. 1-Chloromethyl-4-chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)benzene (4b)
Yield, 94%; IR (KBr): 1267 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.74 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.62 (d, J = 1.8
Hz, 1H, H3), 7.06-7.10 (m, 2H, H5,6′), 7.18 (dt, J = 1.6, 7.8 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.29 (dt, J = 1.6, 7.8 Hz,
1H, H5′), 7.41 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H, H6), 7.49 (dd, J = 1.6, 7.8 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C13H9Cl3O: C, 54.30; H, 3.15. Found: C, 54.08; H, 3.27.
4.1.3.2. 1-Chloromethyl-4-chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzene (4c)
1
Yield, 91%; mp 43-44 °C; IR (KBr): 1267 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.72 (s, 2H, CH2),
6.83 (s, 1H, H3), 6.95-7.55 (m, 6H).
Anal. Calcd for C13H9Cl2FO: C, 57.59; H, 3.35. Found: C, 57.82; H, 3.52.
4.1.4. General procedure for preparation of 2-(2-aryloxyphenyl)acetonitriles (5a-c)
To a solution of chloromethyl derivative (4a-c, 144 mmol) in dry dimethylsulfoxide (500 mL)
was added sodium cyanide (10.8g, 220 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room
9

temperature for 2 h. After addition of water (500 mL), the reaction mixture was extracted by
ethyl acetate (3×100 mL). The resulted organic layer was washed by saturated sodium chloride
solution, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and evaporated to obtain 5a-c as oily compounds.
The spectral data of 5a was similar with those reported.19
4.1.4.1. 2-(4-Chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)phenyl)acetonitrile (5b)
Yield, 80%; IR (KBr): 2253 (CN), 1239 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 3.84 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.59
(d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H, H3), 7.05-7.14 (m, 2H, H5,6′), 7.19 (dt, J = 1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.31 (dt, J =
1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H5′), 7.41 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H6), 7.48 (dd, J = 1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C14H9Cl2NO: C, 60.46; H, 3.26; N, 5.04. Found: C, 60.52; H, 3.07; N, 5.29.
4.1.4.2. 2-(4-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)acetonitrile (5c)
Yield, 98%; IR (KBr): 2253 (CN), 1225 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 3.93 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.66
(s, 1H, H3), 7.04-7.28 (m, 5H, aromatic), 7.39 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C14H9ClFNO: C, 64.26; H, 3.47; N, 5.35. Found: C, 64.49; H, 3.25; N, 5.23.
4.1.5. General procedure for preparation of 2-(2-aryloxyphenyl)acetic acids (6a-c)
To a solution of acetonitrile derivative (5a-c, 139 mmol) in n-butanol (or ethanol for 5c) (400
mL) was added potassium hydroxide (235 mmol) and the reaction mixture was refluxed for 24 h.
Then, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in water
(200 mL) and the mixture was washed by diethyl ether (200 mL). The aqueous layer was
acidified by hydrochloric acid and extracted by diethyl ether (3×100 mL). The organic layer was
washed by brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, evaporated and the residue was
recrystallized from benzene/hexane to give 6a-c. The spectral data of 6a was similar with those
reported.19,35
4.1.5.1. 2-(4-Chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)phenyl)acetic acid (6b)
Yield, 91%; mp 130-132 °C; IR (KBr): 2820-3210 (broad, OH), 1693 (C=O), 1243 (C-O) cm-1;
1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 3.78 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.61 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H, H3), 7.01-7.09 (m, 2H, H5,6′), 7.14
(dt, J = 1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.20-7.29 (m, 2H, H6,5′), 7.45 (dd, J = 1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C14H10Cl2O3: C, 56.59; H, 3.39. Found: C, 59.73; H, 3.17.
10

4.1.5.2. 2-(4-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)acetic acid (6c)
Yield, 80%; mp 110-112 °C; IR (KBr): 2810-3250 (broad, OH), 1695 (C=O), 1267 (C-O) cm-1;
1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 3.66 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.71 (s, 1H, H3), 7.08-7.45 (m, 6H, aromatic), 12.50 (bs,
1H, OH).
Anal. Calcd for C14H10ClFO3: C, 59.91; H, 3.59. Found: C, 59.70; H, 3.47.
4.1.6. General procedure for preparation of 5-(2-aryloxybenzyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-
3(4H)-thiones (7a-c)
A solution of acetic acid (6a-c, 67 mmol) in thionyl chloride (30 mL) was stirred at 50-55 °C for
1 h. Then, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulted acetyl chloride was
dissolved in dry benzene (50 mL) and added dropwise to the ice-cold suspension of
thiosemicarbazide (5.8 g, 64 mmol) in dry pyridine (50 mL). The mixture was stirred for half an
hour at -5 °C and then overnight at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated under reduced
pressure and water (100 mL) was added to the residue. The resulted crude yellow precipitate was
filtered, washed with water and suspended in aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (5%, 200
mL) and refluxed for 4 h. After cooling, the solution was acidified with hydrochloric acid, the
precipitate was filtered and recrystallized from ethanol to give 7a-c.
4.1.6.1. 5-(2-Phenoxybenzyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione (7a)
1
Yield, 60%; mp 217-219 °C; IR (KBr): 3498 (NH), 1235 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 3.86
(s, 2H, CH2), 7.27-6.85 (m, 9H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C15H13N3OS: C, 63.58; H, 4.62; N, 14.83. Found: C, 63.72; H, 4.87; N, 14.62.
4.1.6.2. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)benzyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione (7b)
Yield, 90%; mp 90-92 °C; IR (KBr): 3450 (NH), 1236 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 3.70 (s,
2H, CH2), 6.58 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.95-7.40 (m, 6H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C15H11Cl2N3OS: C, 51.15; H, 3.15; N, 11.93. Found: C, 51.08; H, 3.37; N, 12.11.
4.1.6.3. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione (7c)
1
Yield, 89%; mp 212-215 °C; IR (KBr): 3497 (NH), 1220 (C-O) cm-1, H NMR (CDCl3) δ 3.72
11

(s, 2H, CH2), 6.65 (s, 1H, H3), 7.0-7.55 (m, 6H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C15H11ClFN3OS: C, 53.65; H, 3.30; N, 12.51. Found: C, 53.48; H, 3.47; N,
12.62.
4.1.7. General procedure for alkylation of 5-(2-aryloxybenzyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-
thiones
To a solution of 5-(2-aryloxybenzyl)-2H-1,2,4-triazole-3(4H)-thione (7a-c, 1.41 mmol) in
ethanol (5 mL) and 10% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (0.75 mL) was added alkyl
iodide or alkyl bromide (1.60 mmol) and the mixture was sonicated for 5 min. The volatiles were
evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by preparative TLC (hexane/
EtOAc, 60:40) to give 8a-l.
4.1.7.1. 5-(2-Phenoxybenzyl)-3-methylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8a)
1
Yield, 80%; mp 102-104 °C; IR (KBr): 3424 (NH), 1234 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 2.56
(s, 3H, CH3), 4.15 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.89 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.95 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, H2′,6′),
7.08-7.14 (m, 2H, H5,4′), 7.24 (t, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H, H4), 7.34 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, H3′,5′), 7.37 (d, J =
8.2 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C16H15N3OS: C, 64.62; H, 5.08; N, 14.13. Found: C, 64.46; H, 5.17; N, 14.34.
4.1.7.2. 5-(2-Phenoxybenzyl)-3-ethylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8b)
Yield, 63%; mp 90-92 °C; IR (KBr): 3415 (NH), 1244 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.35 (t, J
= 7.5 Hz, 3H, CH3), 3.08 (q, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, CH2), 4.14 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.88 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H,
H3), 6.94 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, H2′,6′), 7.08-7.13 (m, 2H, H5,4′), 7.23 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H4), 7.31 (t,
J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, H3′,5′), 7.37 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C17H17N3OS: C, 65.57; H, 5.50; N, 13.49. Found: C, 65.38; H, 5.41; N, 13.27.
4.1.7.3. 5-(2-Phenoxybenzyl)-3-propylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8c)
Yield, 60%; mp 98-100 °C; IR (KBr): 3266 (NH) , 1241 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 0.86 (t,
J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CH3), 1.51 (m, 2H, CH2), 3.23 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, SCH2), 4.30 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.90
(d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.92 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, H2′,6′), 7.12-7.08 (m, 2H, H5,4′), 7.21-7.08 (t, J =
8.0 Hz, 1H, H4), 7.32 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, H3′,5′), 7.34 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H6).
12

Anal. Calcd for C18H19N3OS: C, 66.43; H, 5.88; N, 12.91. Found: C, 66.58; H, 5.70; N, 13.08.
4.1.7.4. 5-(2-Phenoxybenzyl)-3-benzylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8d)
Yield, 88%; mp 80-82 °C; IR (KBr): 3224 (NH), 1214 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.14 (s,
2H, CH2), 4.29 (s, 2H, SCH2), 6.88 (dd, J = 1.5, 8.5 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.92 (dd, J = 1.0, 8.5 Hz, 2H,
H2′,6′), 7.08-7.12 (m, 2H, H5,4′), 7.20-7.36 (m, 9H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C22H19N3OS: C, 70.75; H, 5.13; N, 11.25. Found: C, 70.68; H, 5.32; N, 11.10.
4.1.7.5. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-methylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8e)
1
Yield, 15%; mp 129-133 °C; IR (KBr): 3134 (NH), 1238 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 2.54
(s, 3H, SCH3), 4.17 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.62 (s, 1H, H3), 6.96 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H6′), 7.01 (d, J = 8.0
Hz, 1H, H5), 7.14 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.15-7.25 (m, 2H, H6,5′), 7.45 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C16H13Cl2N3OS: C, 52.47; H, 3.58; N, 11.47. Found: C, 52.68; H, 3.69; N, 11.32.
4.1.7.6. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-ethylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8f)
Yield, 14%; IR (KBr): 3132 (NH), 1239 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.32 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H,
CH3), 3.06 (q, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H, SCH2), 4.18 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.61 (d, J = 1.2 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.95 (d, J
= 7.6 Hz, 1H, H6′), 6.99 (dd, J = 1.6, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.12 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.17-7.28 (m,
2H, H6,5´), 7.43 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C17H15Cl2N3OS: C, 53.69; H, 3.98; N, 11.05. Found: C, 53.88; H, 4.11; N, 10.92.
4.1.7.7. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-propylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8g)
Yield, 15%; IR (KBr): 3275 (NH), 1238 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 0.98 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H,
CH3), 1.68 (m, 2H, CH2), 3.04 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 2H, SCH2), 4.18 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.63 (s, 1H, H3),
6.95 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H6′), 6.99 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.13 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.17-7.28
(m, 2H, H6,5′), 7.43 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C18H17Cl2N3OS: C, 54.83; H, 4.35; N, 10.66. Found: C, 54.98; H, 4.19; N, 10.82.
4.1.7.8. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-benzylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8h)
13

Yield, 18%; IR (KBr): 3215 (NH), 1240 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.20 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.32
(s, 2H, SCH2), 6.65 (s, 1H, H3), 6.95 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H6′), 6.99 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.10-
7.35 (m, 8H, H4′,5′,6 & Ph), 7.48 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C22H17Cl2N3OS: C, 59.73; H, 3.87; N, 9.50. Found: C, 59.98; H, 3.62; N, 9.42.
4.1.7.9. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-methylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8i)
1
Yield, 60%; IR (KBr): 3140 (NH) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 2.54 (s, 3H, CH3), 4.18 (s, 2H,
CH2), 6.66 (s, 1H, H3), 6.95-7.35 (m, 6H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C16H13ClFN3OS: C, 54.94; H, 3.75; N, 12.01. Found: C, 54.88; H, 3.59; N,
12.22.
4.1.7.10. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-ethylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8j)
Yield, 44%; IR (KBr): 3116 (NH), 1265 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.30 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3H,
CH3), 3.14 (q, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, CH2), 4.32 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.61 (s, 1H, H3), 6.95-7.30 (m, 6H,
aromatic), 11.42 (bs, 1H, NH).
Anal. Calcd for C17H15ClFN3OS: C, 56.12; H, 4.16; N, 11.55. Found: C, 55.98; H, 4.29; N,
11.33.
4.1.7.11. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-propylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8k)
Yield, 41%; IR (KBr): 3242 (NH), 1267 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 0.97 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H,
CH3), 1.69 (m, 2H, CH2), 3.03 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, SCH2), 4.19 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.66 (s, 1H, H3),
6.95-7.25 (m, 6H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C18H17ClFN3OS: C, 57.21; H, 4.53; N, 11.12. Found: C, 57.45; H, 4.39; N,
11.04.
4.1.7.12. 5-(4-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-3-benzylthio-4H-1,2,4-triazole (8l)
1
Yield, 20%; IR (KBr): 3120 (NH) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.20 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.30 (s, 2H,
SCH2), 6.67 (s, 1H, H3), 6.95-7.38 (m, 11H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C22H17ClFN3OS: C, 62.04; H, 4.02; N, 9.87. Found: C, 61.85; H, 4.19; N, 10.02.
4.1.8. General procedure for preparation of ethyl 2-(2-aryloxyphenyl)acetates (9a-c)
14

To a stirred solution of acetic acid (6a-c, 13 mmol) in ethanol (100 mL) was added dropwise
thionyl chloride (4.77 mL, 65 mmol). The reaction mixture was refluxed for 4 h. Then, the
volatiles were evaporated under reduced pressure and water (250 mL) was added to the residue.
The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3×200 mL). The ethyl acetate layer was
washed by saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (100 mL), dried over anhydrous
sodium sulfate and evaporated to furnish 9a-c.
4.1.8.1. Ethyl 2-(2-phenoxyphenyl)acetate (9a)
1
Yield, 98%; IR (KBr): 1740 (C=O), 1236 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.18 (t, J = 7.0 Hz,
3H, CH3), 3.69 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.08 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.88 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.97 (d,
J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, H2′,6′), 7.08 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.11 (dt, J = 1.5, 7.5 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.24 (dt, J
= 1.5, 7.5 Hz, 1H, H4), 7.29-7.34 (m, 3H, H3′,5′,6).
Anal. Calcd for C16H16O3: C, 74.98; H, 6.29. Found: C, 74.78; H, 6.15.
4.1.8.2. Ethyl 2-(4-chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)phenyl)acetate (9b)
1
Yield, 95%; IR (KBr): 1729 (C=O), 1239 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.21 (t, J = 7.2 Hz,
3H, CH3), 3.72 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.12 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H, OCH2), 6.65 (s, 1H, H3), 7.00 (d, J = 7.2
Hz, 1H, H6′), 7.06 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.14 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.20-7.29 (m, 2H, H6,5′),
7.45 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C16H14Cl2O3: C, 59.10; H, 4.34. Found: C, 58.98; H, 4.52.
4.1.8.3. Ethyl 2-(4-chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)acetate (9c)
1
Yield, 82%; IR (KBr): 1728 (C=O), 1244 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.21 (t, J = 7.2 Hz,
3H, CH3), 3.72 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.12 (q, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.69 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H, H3), 7.02-
7.25 (m, 6H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C16H14ClFO3: C, 62.25; H, 4.57. Found: C, 62.08; H, 4.40.
4.1.9. General procedure for preparation of 2-(2-aryloxyphenyl)acetic acid hydrazides
(10a-c)
15

A solution of ethyl 2-(2-phenoxyphenyl)acetate derivative (9a-c, 12 mmol) and hydrazine
hydrate (3g, 60 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The reaction
mixture poured into a mixture of crushed ice-water giving a crude precipitate, which was filtered
and recrystallized from ethanol/water to give 10a-c.
4.1.9.1. 2-(2-Phenoxyphenyl)acetic acid hydrazide (10a)
1
Yield, 94%; mp 62-64 °C; IR (KBr): 3308 (NH), 1654 (C=O), 1236 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR
(CDCl3) δ 1.7 (bs, 2H, NH2), 3.57 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.87 (dd, J = 1.5, 7.5 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.93 (dd, J =
7.5 Hz, 2H, H2′,6′), 7.07-7.13 (m, 2H, H5,4′), 7.23 (dt, J = 1.5, 7.5 Hz, 1H, H4), 7.32 (t, J = 1.5, 7.5
Hz, 2H, H3′,5′), 7.35 (dd, J = 1.5, 7.5 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C14H14N2O2: C, 69.41; H, 5.82; N, 11.56. Found: C, 69.28; H, 5.99; N, 11.74.
4.1.9.2. 2-(4-Chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)phenyl)acetic acid hydrazide (10b)
1
Yield, 91%; mp 139-142 °C; IR (KBr): 3301 (NH), 1647 (C=O), 1240 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR
(CDCl3) δ 3.62 (s, 2H, CH2), 3.85 (bs, 2H, NH2), 6.65 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1H, H3), 7.03 (d, J = 8.0
Hz, 1H, H6′), 7.06 (dd, J = 1.7, 8.2 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.19 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.28-7.35 (m, 2H,
H6,5′), 7.50 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C14H12Cl2N2O2: C, 54.04; H, 3.89; N, 9.00. Found: C, 54.25; H, 3.72; N, 8.88.
4.1.9.3. 2-(4-Chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)phenyl)acetic acid hydrazide (10c)
1
Yield, 54%; mp 157-159 °C; IR (KBr): 3425, 3272 (NH), 1685 (C=O), 1248 (C-O) cm-1; H
NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.6 (bs, 2H, NH2), 3.64 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.68 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.95-7.20 (m,
6H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C14H12ClFN2O2: C, 57.06; H, 4.10; N, 9.51. Found: C, 56.91; H, 3.88; N, 9.38.
4.1.10. General procedure for preparation of 2-amino-5-(2-aryloxybenzyl)-1,3,4-
oxadiazoles (11a-c)
To a stirring solution of acetohydrazide (10a-c, 8.26 mmol) in dioxane (20 mL) was added
sodium bicarbonate (0.69 g, 8.26 mmol) in water (7 mL) and the mixture was stirred at room
temperature for 5 min. Subsequently, cyanogen bromide (0.91 g, 8.56 mmol) was added and it
16

was stirred for further 30 min. Then water (60 mL) was added to the mixture and the resulted
precipitate was filtered and recrystallized from ethanol to give 11a-c.
4.1.10.1. 2-Amino-5-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (11a)
1
Yield, 72%; mp 164-166 °C; IR (KBr): 3267-3114 (NH2), 1659 (C=N), 1234 (C-O) cm-1; H
NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.12 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.82 (bs, 2H, NH2), 6.91 (dd, J = 1.0, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.95
(dd, J = 1.5, 8.0 Hz, 2H, H2′,6′), 7.07-7.12 (m, 2H, H5,4′), 7.24 (dt, J = 1.5, 7.5 Hz, 2H, H4), 7.30-
7.33 (m, 3H, H3′,5′,6).
Anal. Calcd for C15H13N3O2: C, 67.40; H, 4.90; N, 15.72. Found: C, 67.18; H, 5.09; N, 15.88.
4.1.10.2. 2-Amino-5-(4-chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxybenzyl))-1,3,4-oxadiazole (11b)
1
Yield, 91%; mp 168-171 °C; IR (KBr): 3310, 3290 (NH2), 1660 (C=N), 1238 (C-O) cm-1; H
NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.15 (s, 2H, CH2), 5.50 (bs, 2H, NH2), 6.63 (s, 1H, H3), 7.01 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H,
H6´), 7.05 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.16 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.17-7.28 (m, 2H, H6,5′), 7.47 (d, J
= 7.6 Hz, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C15H11Cl2N3O2: C, 53.59; H, 3.30; N, 12.50. Found: C, 53.78; H, 3.19; N, 12.73.
4.1.10.3. 2-Amino-5-(4-chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxybenzyl))-1,3,4-oxadiazole (11c)
1
Yield, 56%; mp 159-162 °C; IR (KBr): 3471, 3341 (NH2), 1655 (C=N), 1266 (C-O) cm-1; H
NMR (CDCl3) δ 4.09 (s, 2H, CH2), 6.65 (s, 1H, H3), 6.90-7.45 (m, 5H, aromatic).
Anal. Calcd for C15H11ClFN3O2: C, 56.35; H, 3.47; N, 13.14. Found: C, 56.52; H, 3.29; N, 13.22.
4.1.11. General procedure for preparation of 3-(2-aryloxybenzyl)-5-ethoxy-4H-1,2,4-
triazoles (12a-c)
To 2-amino-5-(2-aryloxybenzyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (11a-c, 4.5 mmol) in ethanol (10 mL) was
added potassium hydroxide (1.26 g, 22.5 mmol) and the solution was refluxed for 6 h. After
cooling the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. Then water was added to the residue
and the mixture was neutralized with acetic acid. The resulted white precipitate was filtered,
washed with water, dried and the residue was purified by preparative TLC (hexane/ EtOAc,
65:35) to provide 12a-c.
17

4.1.11.1. 5-Ethoxy-3-(2-phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (12a)
1
Yield, 76%; mp 132-133 °C; IR (KBr): 3441 (NH), 1583 (C=N), 1235 (C-O) cm-1; H NMR
(CDCl3) δ 1.38 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CH3), 4.06 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.28 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.90
(d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, H3), 6.94 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, H2′,6′), 7.08-7.13 (m, 2H, H5,4′), 7.24 (dt, J = 1.5,
7.5 Hz, 1H, H4), 7.33 (dt, J = 1.5, 7.5 Hz, 2H, H3′,5′), 7.38 (dd, J = 1.5, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C17H17N3O2: C, 69.14; H, 5.80; N, 14.23. Found: C, 69.02; H, 5.98; N, 14.10.
4.1.11.2. 5-Ethoxy-3-(4-chloro-2-(2-chlorophenoxy)benzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (12b)
Yield, 37%; mp 90-92 °C; IR (KBr): 3249 (NH), 1238 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR (CDCl3) δ 1.38 (t, J
= 7.0 Hz, 3H, CH3), 4.11 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.28 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, OCH2), 6.63 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 1H,
H3), 6.98 (dd, J = 1.2, 7.8 Hz, 1H, H6′), 7.02 (dd, J = 2.0, 8.15 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.14 (dt, J = 1.2, 7.8
Hz, 1H, H4′), 7.23 (dt, J = 1.2, 7.8 Hz, 1H, H5′), 7.29 (d, J = 8.15 Hz, 1H, H6), 7.45 (dd, J = 1.2,
7.8 Hz, 1H, H3′).
Anal. Calcd for C17H15Cl2N3O2: C, 56.06; H, 4.15; N, 11.54. Found: C, 55.88; H, 4.29; N, 11.72.
4.1.11.3. 5-Ethoxy-3-(4-chloro-2-(2-fluorophenoxy)benzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole (12c)
Yield, 37%; mp 129-131 °C; IR (KBr): 3272 (NH), 1626 (C=N), 1263 (C-O) cm-1; 1H NMR
(CDCl3) δ 1.38 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CH3), 4.11 (s, 2H, CH2), 4.31 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 2H, CH2), 6.71
(d, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H, H3), 7.05 (dd, J = 1.8, 8.15 Hz, 1H, H5), 7.07 (dt, J = 1.2, 8.0 Hz, 1H, H4′),
7.12-7.25 (m, 3H, H3′,5′,6′), 7.30 (d, J = 8.15 Hz, 1H, H6).
Anal. Calcd for C17H15ClFN3O2: C, 58.71; H, 4.35; N, 12.08. Found: C, 58.90; H, 4.19; N, 12.22.
4.2. Radioligand Receptor Binding Assays21
4.2.1. Membrane preparation: Male Sprague-Dawley rats with weights of 300-350 g (Pasteur
Institute, Tehran, Iran) were anesthetized with CO2 and then sacrificed. The cortical membrane
tissue was immediately removed and homogenized for 30 s in 20 mL ice-cold Tris-HCl buffer
(30 mM, pH 7.4) using a Silent S homogenizer (Heidolph, Germany) at medium speed. The
homogenates were centrifuged at 600 g for 10 min using a Beckman Coulter L90K centrifuge.
The resulting supernatant was centrifuged at 27000 g for 15 min. The pellet was washed 3 times
18

with ice-cold buffer by re-suspension and re-centrifugation. The washed pellet was suspended in
20 mL buffer, incubated at 37°C for 30 min and then centrifuged for 10 min at 27000 g. The
pellet was washed once, and the final pellet was re-suspended in 30 mL Tris-HCl buffer (50 mM,
pH 7.4). All of the centrifugation was performed at 4°C.22-24 The amount of protein was
estimated in the membrane preparation by the Bradford method (1976) using bovine serum
albumin (BSA) as a standard.25 The membrane preparation was stored at -20°C until it was used
1-15 days later.
4.2.2. Saturation studies: For the saturation binding studies of [3H]-flumazenil, seven different
concentrations of [3H]-flumazenil (ranging from 0.05 nM to 0.97 nM) were used. The amount of
radioligand required to saturate the receptors was used to determine the receptor binding affinity
of [3H]-flumazenil (Kd) and the BZD receptor density (Bmax) based on non-linear regression
analysis of the saturation curve data.26
4.2.3. Competition binding studies: 100 µg of membrane protein in Tris-HCl buffer (50 mM,
pH 7.4) was incubated with 8.6×10-5 nmole [3H]-Flumazenil and increasing amount of newly
synthesized ligands in a final volume 0.5mL at 30°C for 35 min.23 After incubation, the assay
was terminated by centrifugation (1500 g, 4C, 5 min). The concentration of non-radioactive
ligand that inhibits the binding of [3H]-flumazenil by 50% is IC50 value.27-29
4.2.4. Data Analysis: All of experiments were done in triplicates. The binding parameters (Kd
and Bmax of [3H]-flumazenil) were calculated from non-linear regression analysis of the
saturation curve data by using the activity base software package (Program Prism, Graph Pad,
San Diego, CA). The amount of SB was calculated by subtracting NSB from total binding (TB).
TB is the amount of binding of the radioligand in the absence of diazepam. A large excess of
diazepam was used in the control experiments to saturate the receptor sites to determine NSB of
the radioligand.26
4.3. Determination of anticonvulsant activity30-31
4.3.1. Chemicals. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was purchased from Sigma (UK). It was dissolved in
physiological saline solution and all compounds were dispersed in carboxymethyl cellulose
(CMC, 0.5%) to such concentrations that requisite doses were administered in a volume of 10
19

ml/kg. In all experiments PTZ was administered intravenously (i.v.) and all other drugs were
administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 60 min before PTZ testing.
4.3.2. Subjects. Male NMRI mice (24-30 g, Pasteur Institute of Iran) were used throughout this
study. The animals were housed in temperature-controlled room (24 1 °C) on a 12 h light/dark
cycle with free access to food and water. All procedures were carried out in accordance with
institutional guidelines for animal care and use. Each mouse was used only once and each
treatment group consisted of at least eight animals.
4.3.3. Determination of seizure threshold. Threshold of PTZ-induced seizures was determined
by inserting a 30-gauge butterfly needle into the tail vein of mice and the infusion of PTZ (0.5%)
at a constant rate of 0.5 ml/min to unrestrained animals. Infusion was halted when forelimb
clonus followed by full clonus of the body was observed. Minimal dose of PTZ (mg/kg of mice
weight) needed to induce clonic seizure was measured as an index of seizure threshold.
4.3.4. Statistics. The results are expressed as the mean SEM of 8 animals per group. The data
were statistically analyzed by one way analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey
multicomparison test. Differences with P <0.05 between experiments group were considered
statistically significant.
4.4. Molecular modeling (Docking) Studies
The docking studies were performed using MOE software version 2012.10 (CCG Inc.).32 The
homology model of the Diazepam-bound GABAA receptor developed by Ernest et al. was
retrieved from the supplementary material of their published paper.37 The automated docking
program of MOE 2012.10 was used to dock diazepam along with 8a and 11a into the diazepam
binding site. The complexes were energy-minimized with the MMFF94 force field till the
gradient convergence to less than 0.01 kcal/mol/Å.
A molecular database (mdb) file containing ligand conformers generated by stochastic search
was used as ligand; placement was made by use of triangle matcher, rescoring and refinement
were done by use of London dG and forcefield, respectively.
20

Acknowledgments
This work was supported by grants from Research Council of Tehran University of Medical
Sciences and Drug Design & Development Research Center.
References and Notes:
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10. Codding, P. W.; Muir, A. K. Mol. Pharmacol. 1985, 28, 178.
11. Fryer, R. I.; Cook, C.; Gilman, N. W.; Wasler, A. Life Sci. 1986, 39, 1974.
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Eur. J. Med. Chem. 1996, 31, 575.
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Chem. 2003, 11, 769.
18. Hawkins, A.F.; Terence, W.; Bracknel, L.; Jones, I. U.S. Patent 4,242,121, 1980.
19. Paduraru, M. P.; Wilson, P. D. Org. Lett. 2003, 5, 4911.
20. Shafiee, A.; Naimi, E.; Mansobi, P.; Foroumadi, A.; Shekari, M. J. Heterocycl. Chem. 1995,
32, 1235.
21

21. Ahmadi, F.; Faizi, M.; Tabatabai S. A.; Beiki, D.; Shahhosseini, S. Nucl. Med. Biol. 2013,
40, 896.
22. Guerrini, G.; Ciciani, G.; Cambi, G.; Bruni, F.; Selleri, S.; Melani, F.; Montali, M.; Martini, C.;
Ghelardini, C.; Norcini, M.; Costanzo, A. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2008, 16, 4471.
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Nilsen, M.; Liljefors, T. J. Med. Chem. 2002, 45, 4188.
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25. Bradford, M. M. Anal. Biochem. 1976, 72, 248.
26. Motulsky, H. The GraphPad guide to analysing radioligand binding data. 1995-1996 by GraphPad
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27. Bigott-Hennkens, H. M.; Dannoon, S.; Lewis, M. R.; Jurisson. S. S. Q. J. Nucl. Med. Mol.
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28. Bennet, J. P. Methods in binding studies. In: Yamamura, H. l.; Enna, S. J.; Kuhar, M. J.,
Eds.; Neurotransmitter Receptor Binding. Raven Press: New York, 1978; pp 57-90.
29. Motulsky, H. The GraphPad guide to analysing radioligand binding data. San Diego,
California: GraphPad software Inc., 1995, p 1-19.
30. Shafaroodi, H.; Asadi, S.; Sadeghipour, H.; Ghasemi, M.; Ebrahimi, F.; Tavakoli, S.;
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22

37. Richter, L.; de Graaf, C.; Sieghart, W.; Varagic, Z.; Mörzinger, M.; Pde Esch, I. J.; Ecker, G.
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N
N
N
O
N
O
R
R
N
H
O
Y
Y
X
X
4H-1,2,4-triazoles
1,3,4-oxadiazoles
N
N
N
N
HN
O
O
R
NH2
Y
O
Y
X
X
designed compounds (11)
designed compounds (7,8 and 12)
Figure 1. Representative examples of non-rigid benzodiazepine agonists and designed structures.
23

Figure 2. Superposed structures of diazepam (yellow), 8a (blue), and 11a (red) inside the diazepam-
binding pocket of GABAA receptor.
Figure 3. Interaction of 8a and 11a with amino acids of diazepam-binding pocket of GABAA receptor.
24

Table 1. cLogP, receptor binding affinity (RBA) and clonic seizure threshold of compounds 7, 8, 11 and
12.
N
N
N
N
HN
O
R
NH2
Y
O
Y
O
X
X
7,8 and 12
11
Compound
X
Y
R
cLogP
RBA
IC50
(nM)
Kd
nM
Clonic seizure threshold (%)
-------------------------------------------------------------
5 mg/kg
126.20 4.55*
124.08 6.34*
n.t.
10 mg/kg
141.88 7.85**
138.87 2.65**
n.t.
20 mg/kg
H
Cl
F
H
SH 2.81/3.47a 3.095
1.90
1.09
0.836
0.84
n.t.
0.75
1.27
1.54
160.47 9.22***
158.77 2.76***
n.t.
7a
7b
Cl SH 3.60/4.27a 1.783
Cl SH 4.12/4.78a 1.360
7c
8a
H
H
H
H
Cl
Cl
Cl
Cl
F
F
F
F
H
Cl
F
H
Cl
F
H
H
H
H
SMe
SEt
SPr
3.91
4.30
4.60
5.74
5.21
5.61
5.99
7.05
4.70
5.09
5.48
6.54
3.03
3.82
4.34
3.59
4.38
4.89
1.38
n.t.
1.238
2.069
2.52
1.63
1.35
2.23
3.779
1.32
1.968
0.892
1.901
1.753
1.885
3.494
2.13
120.26 8.82
132.47 4.53*
127.77 4.76*
129.27 3.67*
125.02 11.27
132.83 4.33*
141.90 7.74**
139.38 5.18**
139.21 8.79**
131.61 11.20*
139.99 1.39**
125.29 4.92*
122.18 3.84*
121.41 7.36
144.44 5.59***
127.32 5.47*
147.06 9.46**
168.55 9.75***
157.50 16.91**
143.40 13.33**
169.89 9.66***
173.98 11.33***
134.09 3.36**
128.77 6.7**
135.53 8.22**
141.40 6.29***
133.41 6.01**
8b
8c
SBn
8d
8e
Cl SMe
Cl SEt
Cl SPr
Cl SBn
Cl SMe
Cl SEt
Cl SPr
Cl SBn
H
Cl
Cl
H
1.002 133.58 1.55**
8f
8g
0.82
1.36
2.320
0.8
117.68 1.21
112.52 6.37
110.43 10.52
125.52 11.14*
119.45 2.43
8h
8i
8j
8k
1.213
0.544 165.66 5.17*** 168.60 6.67*** 178.53 16.62***
8l
-
-
-
1.171
1.098
1.156
2.144
1.3
131.63 6.56*
125.22 7.77*
111.61 4.96
122.56 3.10*
120.06 2.36*
110.82 9.73
142.52 5.60**
132.44 8.43**
128.95 5.62
125.79 4.55*
122.29 2.83*
115.67 10.85
174.36 9.66***
170.25 4.63***
154.23 12.27***
143.52 7.30**
134.63 4.02**
138.25 3.99**
11a
11b
11c
12a
12b
12c
Diazepam
OEt
Cl OEt
Cl OEt
2.07
2.857
1.26
1.75 155.79 9.9***b 159.47 15.26***c
* P < 0.05; ** P < 0.01; *** P < 0.001 compared to CMC group
a. Two different cLogP, calculated for two tautomers.
b. Diazepam was administered at 0.05 mg/kg
c. Diazepam was administered at 0.1 mg/kg
25

COOH
O
COOCH2CH3
CH2OH
a
b
Y
Y
O
Y
O
X
X
X
1
3
2
CH2Cl
CH2CN
CH2COOH
e
c
d
Y
O
Y
O
Y
O
X
X
X
6
5
4
f
h
N
N
CH2COOCH2CH3
NH
S
N
HN
g
HN
Y
O
Y
O
SR
Y
O
X
X
X
7
9
8
i
N
N
CH2CONHNH2
N
N
HN
O
k
OCH2CH3
j
NH2
Y
O
Y
O
Y
O
X
X
X
12
10
11
Scheme 1. Reagents and conditions: (a) SOCl2, EtOH, reflux, 4 h; (b) LiAlH4, THF, r.t., 24 h; (c) SOCl2,
benzene, pyridine, r.t., 2 h; (d) NaCN, DMSO, r.t., 24 h; (e) KOH, n-BuOH (or EtOH for 5b), reflux, 24
h; (f) SOCl2, 50-55 °C, 1 h then H2NCSNHNH2, pyridine, benzene, -5 °C to r.t., overnight; (g) NaOH,
reflux, 4 h; (h) RI, NaOH, sonication, 5 min; (i) SOCl2, EtOH, reflux, 4 h; (j) NH2NH2.H2O, EtOH, r.t. 24
h; (k) dioxane, Na2CO3, H2O, BrCN, r.t., 30 min; (l) KOH, EtOH, reflux, 6 h.
26

Synthesis, receptor affinity and effect on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure
threshold of novel benzodiazepine analogues: 3-substituted 5-(2-
phenoxybenzyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles and 2-amino-5-(phenoxybenzyl)-1,3,4-
oxadiazoles
Siavash Mashayekh, Narges Rahmanipour, Behnaz Mahmoodi, Fatemeh Ahmadi, Dina
Motaharian, Soraya Shahhosseini, Hamed Shafaroodi, Hamid R. Banafshe, Abbas Shafiee and
Latifeh Navidpour*
N
N
N
NH
HN
HN
SR
Y
O
S
Y
O
X
X
CH2COOH
COOH
O
Y
O
Y
N
X
N
N
X
N
HN
O
OCH2CH3
Y
O
NH2
Y
O
X
X
X = H, F, Cl
Y = H, Cl
27