Synthesis and activity of 2-methyl-3-aminopropiophenones as centrally acting muscle relaxants

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0223-5234(96)88213-4

Some novel 2-methyl-3-aminopropiophenones were synthesized and their centrally acting muscle relaxant activities were,evaluated for an inhibitory effect on the flexor reflex in rats. The structure-activity relationships are discussed. In this series 2-methyl-3-pyrrolidino-1-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-propan-1-one (28) showed significant centrally acting muscle relaxant activity. In addition, the activities of each enantiomer (28-(S) and (R)) were studied along with their acute toxicities. Compound 28-(R) was found to exhibit more potent activity and weaker acute toxicity than 28-(S). Accordingly, compound 28-(R) (NK433) is under development as a novel centrally acting muscle relaxant.