Design, synthesis and melatoninergic potency of new N-acyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinalkanamines

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/j.bioorg.2006.11.006

A series of new N-acyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinalkanamines have been prepared and tested for their ability to activate pigment granule aggregation in Xenopus laevis melanophores and bind to the recombinant human MT₁ and MT₂ melatonin receptor subtypes expressed in NIH 3T3 cells. Compounds with a single methylene spacer in the side chain (7) have no agonist activity, but are weak antagonists in the Xenopus melanophore assay, irrespectively of the size or shape of the R substituent (R = CH₃ to c-C₄H₇). In contrast, compounds with two (8) or three (9) methylene spacers show partial agonist activity, though this does vary with the nature of the R substituent. Interestingly, the cyclopropane and cyclobutane R substituents, which are usually linked with antagonism, render the cyclopropanecarboxamido analog 9d and its cyclobutanecarboxamido congener 9e weak agonists. It seems, therefore, that in these compounds the R substituent constitutes a functional probe in the dynamic agonist-antagonist conformational equilibrium. One of the new molecules, antagonist 8c, exhibits a noteworthy MT₂ subtype selectivity (13-fold), whereas the acetamido analog 9a (with a three methylene units spacer) also acts as an antagonist and is the only analog exhibiting MT₁ selectivity (>10-fold). In contrast to the analogous N1-C7 annulated indole derivatives, recently reported, the new C1-C8 condensed isoquinolines are not all pure antagonists. Despite their modest receptor affinity at the binding site these compounds demonstrate that the nature of the response (agonist or antagonist activity) is dependent, in this case, on both the side chain spacer's length and the size and shape of the R group.

Full text of DOI:10.1016/j.bioorg.2006.11.006

Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
www.elsevier.com/locate/bioorg
Design, synthesis and melatoninergic potency of new
N-acyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-
benzo[de]quinolinalkanamines
a,
a
b
Andrew Tsotinis *, Andreas Eleutheriades , Kate A. Hough ,
b
b
Kathryn Davidson , David Sugden
a
Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Athens,
Panepistimioupoli-Zografou, 157 71 Athens, Greece
b
Division of Reproduction and Endocrinology, School of Biomedical and Health Sciences,
King’s College London, Guy’s Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
Received 11 September 2006
Available online 9 December 2006
Abstract
A series of new N-acyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinalkanamines have been
prepared and tested for their ability to activate pigment granule aggregation in Xenopus laevis mel-
anophores and bind to the recombinant human MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptor subtypes
expressed in NIH 3T3 cells. Compounds with a single methylene spacer in the side chain (7) have
no agonist activity, but are weak antagonists in the Xenopus melanophore assay, irrespectively of
the size or shape of the R substituent (R = CH3 to c-C4H7). In contrast, compounds with two (8)
or three (9) methylene spacers show partial agonist activity, though this does vary with the nature
of the R substituent. Interestingly, the cyclopropane and cyclobutane R substituents, which are usu-
ally linked with antagonism, render the cyclopropanecarboxamido analog 9d and its cyclobutane-
carboxamido congener 9e weak agonists. It seems, therefore, that in these compounds the R
substituent constitutes a functional probe in the dynamic agonist–antagonist conformational equilib-
rium. One of the new molecules, antagonist 8c, exhibits a noteworthy MT2 subtype selectivity (13-
fold), whereas the acetamido analog 9a (with a three methylene units spacer) also acts as an antag-
onist and is the only analog exhibiting MT1 selectivity (>10-fold). In contrast to the analogous
N1–C7 annulated indole derivatives, recently reported, the new C1–C8 condensed isoquinolines
are not all pure antagonists. Despite their modest receptor affinity at the binding site these
*
Corresponding author. Fax: +30 210 7274747.
E-mail address: tsotinis@pharm.uoa.gr (A. Tsotinis).
0045-2068/$ - see front matter ꢀ 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.bioorg.2006.11.006

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A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
compounds demonstrate that the nature of the response (agonist or antagonist activity) is dependent,
in this case, on both the side chain spacer’s length and the size and shape of the R group.
ꢀ 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Keywords: C1–C8 annulated isoquinolines; Synthesis; Melatoninergic activity
1. Introduction
Melatonin, (Fig. 1), first discovered in 1958 [1], is secreted by the pineal gland during
the night in a wide range of species. This cycle of melatonin secretion is a robust hormonal
marker of the ‘biological clock’ which can indicate time of day to tissues containing mel-
atonin receptors [2]. In photoperiodic species such as sheep, in which reproductive cycles
are dependent on the seasons, seasonal changes in night length are encoded as changes in
melatonin secretion. This hormonal signal synchronizes the onset of the reproductive cycle
during the appropriate season [3,4]. In humans, the circadian rhythm of melatonin secre-
tion is thought to contribute to other functions of the circadian clock, such as consolida-
tion of sleep [5] and regulation of the circadian rhythm of core body temperature [6].
Melatonin has also been implicated in Alzheimer’s and other neurotic disorders [7], in cer-
tain cancers [8] and in Parkinson’s disease [9]. Furthermore, due to its amphiphilic nature
[10,11] melatonin can easily enter cells and effectively scavenge both water-soluble peroxyl
(ROOÅ) [12] and lipoperoxy (LOOÅ) radicals [13,14].
The physiological actions of melatonin in regulating seasonal and circadian rhythms are
mediated through its high affinity MT receptors. A low affinity binding site was recently
shown to be the enzyme quinine reductase 2 [15]. The MT receptor is a member of the large
family of receptors with seven membrane-spanning domains—a family that includes the
serotonin and b-adrenergic receptors. MT receptors are of clear importance to the nervous
system. Molecular cloning revealed that there are at least three subtypes of MT receptors:
MT1, MT2, and Mel1c [16]. To date, Mel1c receptors have not been found in mammals. Of
particular interest are the MT1 and MT2 receptors. These receptors are classic G-protein-
linked receptors that inhibit adenylate cyclase. Additionally, MT1 receptors activate protein
kinase C-b, whereas MT2 receptors inhibit the soluble guanylate cyclase pathway [17] while
stimulating protein kinase C [18,19]. MT1 receptors have the most widespread distribution in
the rodent brain, accounting for the majority of melatonin-binding sites in most target tis-
sues, and are widely thought to mediate many melatonin actions in the brain [20].
NHCOR
NHCOR
NHCOCH3
NHCOCH3
( )n
N
R5
H3CO
N
N
H
N
H
1: melatonin
2: luzindole
3a: R5=H, R=CH3
3b: R5=H, R=C2H5
3c: R5=H, R=n-C3H7
3d: R5=H, R=c-C3H5
5a: n=1, R=CH3
5b: n=1, R=C2H5
5c: n=1, R=n-C3H7
5d: n=1, R=c-C3H5
3e: R5=H, R=c-C4H7
4: R5=OCH3, R=as above
5e: n=1, R=c-C4H7
6: n=2, R=as above
Fig. 1. Structures of melatonin, luzindole, N1–C2 annulated analogs 3 and 4 and N1–C7 annulated analogs
5 and 6.

A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
191
The way in which melatonin binds at these receptors and the possible therapeutic
potential of melatonin in a wide variety of clinical conditions has led to a surge of interest.
In an effort to take advantage of the biological actions of melatonin for treatment of sleep
and other circadian-linked disturbances in humans, we [21,22a,b] and others [22c–g] have
developed melatonin analogs that act as agonists or antagonists at melatonin receptors.
These melatoninergics include several nuclei, such as naphthalenic [22c], amidotetralin
[22d], amido indane [22e], benzofuran [22f] and benzothiophene [22g], which serve as bio-
isosteres of the indole ring of melatonin.
In an attempt to probe the constraints at the receptor site with regard to the lower
N1–C2 region of the indole moiety, we have reported the synthesis and biological activity
of the N-[2-(6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-a]indol-10-yl)ethyl]alkanamides, 3 and N-[2-(2-
methoxy-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-a]indol-10-yl)ethyl]alkanamides, 4 (Fig. 1) [23]. In
the Xenopus melanophore pigment aggregation model, the non-methoxy substituted com-
pounds, 3, are antagonists, while their 2-methoxy counterparts, 4, are full agonists, the
butyramido analog 4 (R = C3H7) being almost as potent (pEC50 = 9.91) as melatonin
(pEC50 = 10.07). This work was recently extended by the synthesis of the N1–C7 annulat-
ed 2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolino-6-alkanamides 5 and 6 (Fig. 1) [22b]. Simi-
larly to their a-face annelated congeners 3, analogs 5 are antagonists in the Xenopus
melanophore assay. The antagonistic character remains unaltered and in the case of the
N-acylated propanamines 6.
Based on these findings we report herein on the synthesis and biology of the novel
N-acyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinomethanamines 7a–e and their
congeners 8a–c and 9a–e. In all of these molecules, the pyrrole ring of the indole nucleus
has been replaced by pyridine, producing thus the skeleton of isoquinoline, which is con-
densed between C1 and C8 with cyclohexane. The methoxyl group, which albeit not being
an essential requirement for biological activity [24], has been retained in the new struc-
tures, since it is known to enhance potency by forming a hydrogen bond with His211 in
the putative transmembrane domain 5 (TM5) [25,26]. Furthermore, analogs 7–9, probe
the influence of the relevant distance between the alkanamido side chain and the methoxyl
group on meletoninergic activity (6 (7a–e) to 8 (9a–e) bonds distance).
Conversely to the N1–C7 annulated indole derivatives, recently reported [22b], the new
C1–C8 condensed isoquinolines are not all pure antagonists, as the nature of their activity
depends in this case on both the side chain spacer’s size and the R group.
2. Materials and methods
2.1. General
Melting points were determined on a Buchi 530 apparatus and are uncorrected.
¨
1H NMR spectra were taken in CDCl3 and recorded either on a Bruker AC 200
(200 MHz) or a Bruker DRX 400 (400 MHz) spectrometer, and the spectra are reported
in d. 13C NMR spectra were taken at 50 MHz on a Bruker AC 200 spectrometer. Tetra-
methylsilane was used as internal standard. Mass spectrometry was performed on a Finn-
igan AQA single-quadrupole MS (ThermoQuest, Manchester, UK) instrument, equipped
with an ESI source. All the experiments were carried out under an atmosphere of Argon.
Elemental analyses (C, H, N) were carried out by the Microanalytical Section of the Insti-
tute of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, NHRF. DC-Alufolien plates (Kieselgel 60

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F254, Schichtdicke 0.2 mm, Merck) were used for analytical TLC and were visualized with
ultraviolet light or developed with iodine or phosphomolybdic acid. Flash chromatogra-
phy was performed using Sorbsil c60-A silica as the stationary phase.
2.2. 7-Methoxy-8-bromo-1-tetralone (11)
The title compound was obtained as a pale red solid (92%) following the method report-
ed by Bohlmann and Fritz [31]. Mp 98–100 ꢁC (diethyl ether) (99 ꢁC [31]).
2.3. 8-Bromo-7-methoxy-3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one ethylene acetal (12)
This compound was prepared in 82% yield following the method of Hickey et al. [32].
Mp 88–89 ꢁC (n-hexane) (90–91 ꢁC [32]).
2.4. 8-Formyl-7-methoxy-3,4- dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one ethylene acetal (13)
The title compound was obtained as a transparent oil (70%) following the method
reported by Hickey et al. [32].
2.5. Methyl a-azido-30,40-dihydro-b-[20H-spiro[1,3-dioxolan-2,10(20H)naphthalen]]
propenoate (14)
This compound was prepared in 45% yield following the methods of Allen and cowork-
ers [33] and Hickey et al. [32].
2.6. Methyl 2-azido-3-(7-methoxy-1-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-8-yl)propenoate (15)
The title compound was obtained as an off-white solid (75%) following the method
reported by Hickey et al. [32]. Mp 98 ꢁC (cyclohexane) (100 ꢁC [32]).
2.7. Methyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo[de]quinoline-2-carboxylate (16)
This compound was obtained as an off-white flaky solid (95%) following the method of
Hickey et al. [32]. Mp 119–121 ꢁC (n-hexane) (122–123 ꢁC [32]).
2.8. 8,9-Dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinocarboxamide (17)
A fine stream of dry ammonia gas was bubbled for 15 min through a solution of the
ester 16 (0.29 g, 1.13 mmol) in methanol (4.5 mL) at 0 ꢁC. The saturation of the reaction
mixture with dry ammonia was repeated several times until all of the starting material had
been consumed (TLC control, AcOEt). The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue
was taken up with EtOAc (50 mL). The solution was washed with brine and concentrated
in vacuo to give a residue, which was purified by flash column chromatography (AcOEt/
cyclohexane 93:7). The title compound was obtained as a transparent viscous oil (yield
95%). 1H NMR (CDCl3): d = 2.14–2.22 (quintet, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2),
3.02–3.08 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.27–3.33 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2),
3.98 (s, 3H, OCH3), 5.56 (bs, 1H, NH amide), 6.95 (dd, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.30 (dd,

A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
193
J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 8.06 (bs, 1H, NH amide), 8.82 (s, 1H, Harom). C14H14N2O2
(242.3): Calcd: C, 69.41; H, 5.82; N, 11.56. Found: C, 69.37; H: 5.79; N: 11.49.
2.9. 8,9-Dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinomethanamine (18)
A solution of the amide 17 (105 mg, 0.44 mmol) in dry THF (5 mL) was added drop-
wise to a suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (0.10 g, 2.60 mmol) in dry THF
(2.5 mL) at 0 ꢁC. The reaction mixture was then refluxed for 2 h, chilled once again to
0 ꢁC and treated with H2O (3 mL) in order to destroy the excess of lithium aluminum
hydride. The resulting suspension was stirred for 30 more min and filtered through celite.
The filtrate was diluted with AcOEt (45 mL), washed with H2O (2 · 20 mL) and saturated
aqueous NaCl (2 · 25 mL) and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was removed under reduced
pressure and the desired amine 18 was obtained as a pale yellow viscous liquid, which was
used as such for further reactions.
2.10. General procedure for the synthesis of N-acyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]
quinolinomethanamines (7a–e)
Triethylamine (0.2 mL) and the appropriate acid anhydride (0.24 mmol) (compounds
7a–c) or acid chloride (0.24 mmol) (compounds 7d,e) were added dropwise to a chilled
(0 ꢁC) solution of amine 16 (0.21 mmol) in dichlorometane (2 mL). The resulting mixture
was stirred at room temperature for 30–60 min prior to being transferred to a small beaker
containing H2O (2 mL). The biphasic mixture was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 · 10 mL),
washed with H2O (2 · 10 mL) and saturated aqueous NaCl (2 · 15 mL) and dried
(Na2SO4). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the dark residue obtained
was purified by flash chromatography to give the desired amides 7a–e as clear viscous oils.
2.11. N-Acetyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinomethanamine (7a)
Acetamide 7a was prepared by following general method 2.10. Yield 35%. Flash col-
1
umn chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 93:7. H NMR (CDCl3): d = 2.03
(s, 3H, CH3CO), 2.08–2.17 (m, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 2.96–3.02 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H,
CH2CH2CH2) 3.12–3.18 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.91 (s, 3H, OCH3), 4.57–
4.60 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 2H, CH2NH), 6.53 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.82–6.86 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H,
H
arom), 7.13–7.17 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.74 (s, 1H, Harom). 13C NMR (CDCl3):
d = 23.4, 23.5, 29.7, 34.2, 45.0, 55.6, 107.8, 111.3, 124.4, 124.7, 128.8, 129.7, 148.0,
152.7, 159.8, 170.1. C16H18N2O2 (270.3): Calcd: C, 71.09; H, 6.71; N, 10.36. Found: C,
70.95; H, 6.69; N, 10.25.
2.12. N-Propanoyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinomethanamine (7b)
The title compound 7b was prepared according to the general method 2.10. Yield 30%.
1
Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 95:5. H NMR (CDCl3):
d = 1.14–1.18 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 3H, CH3CH2CO), 2.06–2.30 (m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2, CH2CO),
2.94–3.00 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.10–3.17 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2),
3.90 (s, 3H, OCH3), 4.57–4.59 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 2H, CH2NH), 6.62 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.80–
6.84 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.11–7.15 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.73 (s, 1H, Harom).

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A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 9.8, 23.4, 29.7, 34.2, 44.9, 55.5, 107.7, 111.1, 124.3, 124.7, 128.9,
129.7, 148.2, 152.7, 159.8, 173.6. C17H20N2O2 (284.4): Calcd: C, 71.81; H, 7.09; N, 9.85.
Found: C, 71.72; H, 7.15; N, 9.78.
2.13. N-Butanoyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinomethanamine (7c)
Butyramide 7c was prepared by following general method 2.10. Yield 30%. Flash
column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 97:3. 1H NMR (CDCl3):
d = 0.94–1.02 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 3H, CH3CH2CH2CO), 1.68–1.78 (quintet, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H,
CH3CH2CH2CO) 2.14–2.30 (m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2, COCH2CH2), 3.02–3.08 (t,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.18–3.25 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.96 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 4.65–4.67 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 2H, CH2NH), 6.59 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.88–6.92 (d,
J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.19–7.26 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.81 (s, 1H, Harom). 13C
NMR (CDCl3): d = 13.8, 19.1, 23.5, 29.7, 34.3, 38.7, 44.9, 55.5, 107.7, 111.1, 124.4,
124.7, 128.8, 129.7, 148.3, 152.7, 159.8, 172.9. C18H22N2O2 (298.4): Calcd: C, 72.46; H,
7.43; N, 9.39. Found: C, 72.38; H, 7.50; N, 9.30.
2.14. N-Cyclopropanecarbonyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinomethan-
amine (7d)
The title compound 7d was prepared according to the general method 2.10. Yield 25%.
1
Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 98:2. H NMR (CDCl3):
d = 0.72–0.76 (m, 2H, CH2 cycloprop.), 0.97–1.01 (m, 2H, CH2 cycloprop.), 1.38–1.51
(m, 1H, COCH), 2.11–2.19 (quintet, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.00–3.04 (t,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.17–3.23 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.94 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 4.63–4.66 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 2H, CH2NH), 6.73 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.85–6.89
(d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.16–7.22 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.78 (s, 1H, Harom).
13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 7.1, 14.9, 23.5, 29.8, 34.3, 45.2, 55.6, 107.9, 111.5, 124.4, 124.7,
129.0, 129.8, 148.2, 152.7, 159.8, 173.5. C18H20N2O2 (296.4): Calcd: C, 72.95; H, 6.80;
N: 9.45. Found: C, 72.87; H, 6.75; N, 9.40.
2.15. N-Cyclobutanecarbonyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-2-benzo[de]quinolinomethan-
amine (7e)
Amide 7e was prepared by following general method 2.10. Yield 25%. Flash column chro-
matography eluent: AcOEt. 1H NMR (CDCl3): d = 1.88–2.32 (m, 9H, CH2CH2CH2,
CHCO, CH2 cyclobut.), 2.99–3.05 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.15–3.21 (t,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.94 (s, 3H, OCH3), 4.61–4.63 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 2H, CH2NH),
6.45 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.85–6.89 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.16–7.19 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H,
H
arom), 7.77 (s, 1H, Harom). 13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 18.2, 23.5, 25.4, 29.7, 34.3, 40.0, 44.8,
55.6, 107.7, 111.2, 124.3, 124.7, 129.0, 129.8, 148.4, 152.8, 159.8, 173.7. C19H22N2O2
(310.4): Calcd: C, 73.52; H, 7.14; N, 9.03. Found: C, 73.45; H, 7.08; N: 8.90.
2.16. 8,9-Dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo[de]quinoline-2-carboxaldehyde (19)
DIBAL-H (0.6 mL, 3.7 mmol) was added dropwise to a stirred solution of the methyl
ester 16 (0.49 g, 1.91 mmol) in dry toluene (15 mL) at ꢀ78 ꢁC. The mixture was stirred at

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195
this temperature for 25 min and then allowed to reach 0 ꢁC. 1 N HCl (4.5 mL) was added
and the resulting suspension was filtered through celite. The filtrate was diluted with water
(10 mL) and extracted with AcOEt (3 · 50 mL). The combined organic phases are washed
with saturated aqueous NaCl, dried over Na2SO4 and the solvents were evaporated in vac-
uo to give a brownish oil, which was purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane/
EtOAc 85:15) to afford 0.30 g of aldehyde 19 (yield 70%) as a clear viscous oil.
1H NMR (CDCl3): d = 2.11–2.19 (quintet, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.02–3.08 (t,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.27–3.33 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.98 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 6.95 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.25 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 8.77 (s, 1H,
H
arom), 9.81 (s, 1H, CHO). 13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 23.3, 29.7, 34.4, 55.8, 108.6, 116.8,
116.9, 127.7, 128.2, 128.3, 130.1, 145.3, 154.5, 193.4. C14H13NO2 (227.3): Calcd: C,
73.99; H, 5.76; N, 6.16. Found: C, 74.02; H, 5.74; N, 6.10.
2.17. 8,9-Dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo[de]quinoline-2-acetonitrile (20)
A solution of p-tolouenesulfonylmethyl isocyanide (TosMIC) (92.5 mg, 0.47 mmol) in
dimethoxyethane (DME) (0.5 mL) was added dropwise to a suspension of potassium tert-
butoxide (107 mg, 0.96 mmol) in DME (0.5 mL) at ꢀ30 ꢁC. After the addition, the mixture
was cooled to ꢀ60 ꢁC and a solution of the aldehyde 19 (100 mg, 0.44 mmol) in DME
(1 mL) was cautiously added. The reaction was stirred at this temperature for 1 h and
methanol (1.5 mL) was added. The mixture was allowed to thaw and then refluxed for
15 min. Upon completion of the reaction, the solvent was removed in vacuo and H2O
(1.5 mL) followed by acetic acid (0.1 mL) was added. The resulting suspension was
extracted with dichloromethane (3 · 50 mL), the combined organics washed with saturat-
ed aqueous NaHCO3 and NaCl and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was evaporated under
reduced pressure and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography (cyclohex-
ane/AcOEt 85:15) to give 70 mg of the desired compound (67%) as a colorless viscous oil.
1H NMR (CDCl3): d = 2.11–2.17 (quintet, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.01–3.04 (t,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.16–3.19 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.94 (s, 3H,
OCH3), 3.99 (s, 2H, CH2CN), 6.91 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.21 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H,
H
arom), 7.95 (s, 1H, Harom). 13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 23.4, 26.6, 29.7, 34.2, 55.6, 108.2,
111.7, 125.0, 128.8, 129.8, 129.9, 149.1, 152.7, 160.7, 179.4.
2.18. 8,9-Dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinethanamine (21)
A solution of the nitrile 20 (70 mg, 0.30 mmol) in dry benzene (1 mL) was added dropwise
to a suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (0.05 g, 1.32 mmol) in dry ether (2 mL) at 0 ꢁC.
The mixture was then refluxed for 1.5 h, cooled to 0 ꢁC and treated carefully with H2O
(2 mL). The resulting suspension was filtered through celite and the filtrate was extracted
with AcOEt (3 · 50 mL). The combined organics were washed with a saturated aqueous
NaCl solution and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give 50 mg of the
desired amine as a yellowish oil, pure enough to be used as such in the following reactions.
2.19. N-Acetyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinethanamine (8a)
This compound was obtained as a colorless oil following general method 2.10. Yield
25%. Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 95:5. 1H NMR

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A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
(CDCl3): d = 1.95 (s, 3H, CH3CO), 2.11–2.17 (m, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.00–3.06 (m, 4H,
CH2CH2CH2, ArCH2CH2NH), 3.16–3.20 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.64–3.68
(q, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2NH), 3.95 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.64 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.86–6.88
(d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.16–7.18 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.68 (s, 1H, Harom).
13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 21.0, 23.4, 29.3, 30.5, 31.9, 39.7, 55.6, 107.7, 112.0, 124.0,
129.0, 129.8, 129.9, 151.0, 152.5, 159.5, 170.1. C17H20N2O2 (284.4): Calcd: C, 71.81; H,
7.09; N, 9.85. Found: C, 71.75; H, 7.15; N, 9.80.
2.20. N-Propanoyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinethanamine (8b)
The title compound was obtained as a colorless viscous oil following general method 2.10.
1
Yield 20%. Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 97:3. H NMR
(CDCl3): d = 0.83–0.87 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH3CH2CO), 2.13–2.27 (m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2,
CH2CONH), 3.01–3.12 (m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2, ArCH2CH2NH), 3.17–3.20 (t, J = 6.1 Hz,
2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.63–3.68 (q, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2NH), 3.95 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.77
(bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.87–6.89 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.16–7.18 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1H, Harom),
7.69 (s, 1H, Harom). 13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 14.1, 22.7, 23.7, 29.3, 30.1, 31.9, 39.6, 55.8, 107.7,
111.9, 124.1, 128.2, 129.0, 129.8, 130.8, 152.6, 159.6, 172.0. C18H22N2O2 (298.4): Calcd: C,
72.46; H, 7.43; N, 9.39. Found: C, 72.36; H, 7.40; N, 9.30.
2.21. N-Butanoyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinethanamine (8c)
Butyramide 8c was obtained as a colorless viscous oil following general method 2.10.
1
Yield 22%. Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 97:3. H NMR
(CDCl3): d = 0.89–0.93 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH3CH2CH2CO) 1.59–1.68 (sextet,
J = 7.3 Hz, 2H, CH3CH2CH2CO), 2.08–2.19 (m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2, CH3CH2CH2CO),
3.00–3.10 (m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2, ArCH2CH2CH2,NH), 3.16–3.19 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H,
CH2CH2CH2), 3.64–3.69 (q, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2NH), 3.94 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.66
(bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.86–6.88 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.16–7.18 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H,
H
arom), 7.67 (s, 1H, Harom). 13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 13.7, 19.2, 22.7, 23.5, 29.3, 30.5,
32.0, 39.6, 55.6, 107.8, 112.1, 124.0, 129.1, 129.8, 129.9, 151.0, 152.5, 159.4, 172.9.
C19H24N2O2 (312.4): Calcd: C, 73.05; H, 7.74; N, 8.97. Found: C, 72.29; H, 7.70; N, 8.85.
2.22. b-[8,9-Dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo[de]quinolin-2-yl]propenonitrile (22)
To a stirred solution of diethyl cyanomethylphosphonate (0.11 mL, 0.71 mmol) in THF
(6.5 mL) was added potassium tert-butoxide (0.08 g, 0.71 mmol) and the resulting suspen-
sion was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h. A solution of aldehyde 19 (0.09 g,
0.40 mmol) in THF (2 mL) was then added dropwise and the mixture stirred for 1 h. Upon
completion of the reaction (TLC control, AcOEt), the solvent was removed in vacuo and
the residue extracted with AcOEt (3 · 15 mL). The organic phase was washed with brine,
dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a brownish oil, which was
purified by flash column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt 80:20). The desired acrylo-
nitrile 22 (72 mg, 73%) was obtained as a colorless viscous oil. 1H NMR (CDCl3):
d = 2.08–2.21 (quintet, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.00–3.06 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H,
CH2CH2CH2), 3.15–3.22 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.97 (s, 3H, OCH3),
6.62–6.70 (d, J = 15.9 Hz, 1H, @CHCN), 6.92–6.96 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.27–7.31

A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
197
(d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.44–7.52 (d, J = 15.9 Hz, 1H, ArCH@), 7.82 (s, 1H, Harom).
13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 23.3, 29.6, 34.4, 55.7, 98.4, 108.6, 115.9, 118.9, 126.2, 126.6, 128.0,
130.4, 143.3, 149.6, 153.5, 160.8. C16H14N2O (250.3): Calcd: C, 76.78; H, 5.64; N, 11.19.
Found: C, 76.71; H: 5.60; N, 11.10.
2.23. 8,9-Dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinopropanamine (23)
A solution of the nitrile 22 (40 mg, 0.16 mmol) in dry benzene (1 mL) was added drop-
wise to a suspension of lithium aluminum hydride (0.025 g, 0.66 mmol) in dry ether (1 mL)
at 0 ꢁC. The mixture was then refluxed for 2 h, cooled to 0 ꢁC and treated carefully with
H2O (2 mL). The resulting suspension was filtered through celite and the filtrate was
extracted with AcOEt (3 · 50 mL). The combined organics were washed with a saturated
aqueous NaCl solution and dried (Na2SO4). The solvent was removed in vacuo to give the
desired amine as a yellowish oil, pure enough to be used as such in the following reactions.
2.24. N-Acetyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinopropanamine (9a)
This compound was obtained as a colorless oil following general method 2.10. Yield
20%. Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 95:5. 1H NMR
(CDCl3): d = 1.95 (s, 3H, CH3CO), 2.10–2.18 (m, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 2.34–2.56 (bs, 2H,
CH2CH2CH2NH), 2.93–2.97 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H, ArCH2CH2CH2,NH), 2.99–3.02 (t,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.19–3.22 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.28–3.33
(q, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2NH), 3.95 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.58 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.87–
6.88 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom,), 7.15–7.17 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.68 (s, 1H, Harom).
13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 14.1, 22.6, 23.3, 29.5, 33.3, 34.7, 39.2, 55.6, 108.7, 112.3, 124.5,
125.9, 129.5, 130.1, 151.4, 152.5, 159.2, 170.4. C18H22N2O2 (298.4): Calcd: C, 72.46; H,
7.43; N, 9.39. Found: C, 72.35; H, 7.40; N, 9.23.
2.25. N-Propanoyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinopropanamine (9b)
The title compound was obtained as a colorless viscous oil following general method
1
2.10. Yield 25%. Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 95:5. H
NMR (CDCl3): d = 1.07–1.15 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH3CH2CO), 1.90–2.40 (m, 6H,
CH2CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2NHCO, CH3CH2CO), 2.90–3.03 (m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2,
ArCH2CH2CH2), 3.15–3.22 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.26–3.35 (quartet,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2NHCO), 3.94 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.34 (bs, 1H, NHCO),
6.83–6.87 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.13–7.16 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.66 (s, 1H,
H
arom). 13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 10.0, 23.5, 29.5, 29.7, 29.8, 34.0, 35.3, 39.1, 55.6, 107.8,
111.5, 123.8, 129.2, 129.7, 129.9, 152.5, 152.6, 159.3, 173.9. C19H24N2O2 (312.4): Calcd:
C, 73.05; H, 7.74; N, 8.97. Found: C, 72.90; H, 7.65; N, 8.90.
2.26. N-Butanoyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinopropanamine (9c)
Butyramide 9c was obtained as a colorless viscous oil following general method 2.10.
1
Yield 20%. Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 95:5. H NMR
(CDCl3): d = 0.86–0.93 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH3CH2CH2CO), 1.52–1.71 (sextet,
J = 7.3 Hz, 3H, CH3CH2CH2CO), 1.90–2.33 (m, 6H, CH2CH2CH2, CH2CH2CH2NHCO,

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A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
CH3CH2CH2CO), 2.90–3.03 (m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2, ArCH2CH2CH2), 3.16–3.22 (t,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.26–3.35 (quartet, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2NHCO,),
3.94 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.36 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.84–6.87 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.13–7.17
(d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.66 (s, 1H, Harom). 13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 13.8, 19.2, 23.4,
29.5, 34.0, 35.3, 38.8, 39.1, 55.5, 107.7, 111.5, 123.8, 124.0, 129.2, 129.7, 129.9, 152.4,
152.6, 159.3, 173.1. C20H26N2O2 (326.4): Calcd: C, 73.59; H, 8.03; N, 8.58. Found: C,
73.43; H, 7.98; N, 8.50.
2.27. N-Cyclopropanecarbonyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinopropan-
amine (9d)
The title compound was obtained as a colorless viscous oil following general method
1
2.10. Yield 25%. Flash column chromatography eluent system: AcOEt/MeOH 97:3. H
NMR (CDCl3): d = 0.64–0.69 (m, 2H, CH2 cycloprop.), 0.86–0.94 (m, 2H, CH2 cyclo-
prop.), 1.30–1.36 (m, 1H, CHCO), 1.96–2.03 (m, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 2.11–2.17 (m, 2H,
ArCH2CH2CH2) 2.95–2.99 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H, ArCH2) 3.00–3.03 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H,
CH2CH2CH2), 3.20–3.23 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.31–3.36 (quartet,
J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2NHCO), 3.95 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.46 (bs, 1H, NHCO), 6.86–6.88 (d,
J = 7.7 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.15–7.17 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.68 (s, 1H, Harom). 13C
NMR (CDCl3): d = 6.9, 8.6, 12.9, 14.7, 23.4, 29.6, 33.7, 35.1, 39.3, 55.6, 107.9, 111.7,
124.0, 129.2, 129.7, 129.9, 152.5, 152.9, 159.3, 173.6. C20H24N2O2 (324.4): Calcd: C,
74.05; H, 7.46; N, 8.63. Found: C, 73.95; H, 7.40; N, 8.58.
2.28. N-Cyclobutanecarbonyl 8,9-dihydro-4-methoxy-7H-benzo-2-[de]quinolinopropan-
amine (9e)
This compound was obtained as a colorless viscous oil following general method 2.10.
1
Yield 15%. Flash column chromatography eluent: AcOEt. H NMR (CDCl3): d = 1.74–
2.34 (m, 11H, CHCO, 6H–CH2 cyclobut., CH2CH2CH2, ArCH2CH2CH2), 2.90–3.04
(m, 4H, CH2CH2CH2, ArCH2), 3.19–3.26 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2CH2CH2), 3.26–3.35
(quartet, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H, CH2NHCO), 3.94 (s, 3H, OCH3), 6.10 (bs, 1H, NHCO),
6.80–6.88 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H, Harom), 7.13–7.17 (d, 1H, J = 8.1 Hz, Harom), 7.67 (s, 1H,
H
arom). 13C NMR (CDCl3): d = 18.1, 18.3, 23.4, 25.2, 29.6, 33.8, 35.2, 38.0, 39.0, 55.5,
107.8, 111.6, 123.8, 129.2, 129.7, 129.9, 152.4, 152.6, 159.3, 175.0. C21H26N2O2 (338.4):
Calcd: C, 74.53; H, 7.74; N, 8.28. Found: C, 74.45; H, 7.70; N, 8.20.
3. Results
3.1. Chemistry
The strategy for the synthesis of the target molecules 7a–e is shown in Scheme 1.
7-Methoxy-1-tetralone (10) was converted to aldehyde 13 following the route reported
by Hickey et al. [32] and the aldehyde was then transformed to the a-azido ester 14 by
the method of Allen and coworkers [33]. Treatment of 14 with dil. HCl in THF/H2O
gave the 1-oxo analog 15, which was subsequently cyclized to the ester 16 upon treat-
ment with triethyl phosphate (TEP) in benzene [32]. Reaction of 16 with ammonia gas
in methanol at 0 ꢁC gave the primary amide 17, which was reduced with lithium

A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
199
Scheme 1. Reagents and conditions: (a) NBS, CH3CN; (b) HOCH2CH2OH, TsOH, CH(OCH3)3; (c) n-BuLi,
DMF, THF, ꢀ78 ꢁC; (d) N3CH2COOMe, MeONa, 5 ꢁC; (e) dil. HCl, THF/H2O; (f) TEP, benzene; (g) NH3
(gas), MeOH; (h) LiAlH4, THF, reflux; (i) (RCO)2O or RCOCl, Et3N, CH2Cl2.
aluminum hydride in THF to amine 18. Acylation of the latter with the required acid
anhydride or acid chloride in dichloromethane in the presence of triethylamine, yielded
the desired amides 7a–e.
The synthesis of their congeners, 8a–c (Scheme 2), involved the conversion of ester
16 to the aldehyde 19, effected on treating the former with DIBAL-H at ꢀ78 ꢁC in
the presence of toluene, followed by the reaction of 19 with tosylmethyl isocyanide
(TosMIC) in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide and 1,2-dimethoxyethane, reduc-
tion of the nitrile 20 with lithium aluminum hydride in the presence of benzene and
diethyl ether (1:2) to the amine 21, and immediate acylation with the appropriate
reagent.
The synthesis of the new analogs 9a–e (Scheme 3) involved a modified Wittig reaction
on aldehyde 19 using diethyl cyanomethylphosphonate and potassium tert-butoxide in
THF to give the a,b-unsaturated nitrile 22, reduction with lithium aluminum hydride in
the presence of benzene and diethyl ether (1:2) to the amine 23 and acylation of the latter
with the required acid anhydride or acid chloride in dichloromethane in the presence of
triethylamine.

200
A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
Scheme 2. Reagents and conditions: (a) DIBAL-H, toluene, ꢀ78 ꢁC; (b) TosMIC, t-BuOK, DME, ꢀ30 ꢁC,
ꢀ60 ꢁC; (c) LiAlH4, Et2O/benzene, reflux; (d) (RCO)2O or RCOCl, Et3N, CH2Cl2.
Scheme 3. Reagents and conditions: (a) (EtO)2P(O)CH2CN, t-BuOK, THF; (b) LiAlH4, Et2O/benzene, reflux;
(c) (RCO)2O or RCOCl, Et3N, CH2Cl2.
3.2. Pharmacological protocols
3.2.1. Xenopus melanophore model for the evaluation of agonist and antagonist activity
Melanophore cells were grown in 96-well tissue culture plates and growth medium was
replaced with 0.7 · L-15 culture medium 18 h before analogs were tested [21,27–30]. Initial
absorbance (Ai, 630 nm) of cells (ꢁ8000 cells/well) was measured in each well using a

A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
201
Bio-Tek microtiter plate reader (model EL3115, Anachem, UK), then cells were treated
with the varying concentrations of the analogs. The maximal concentration used was
10ꢀ4 M. All experiments used triplicate wells at six concentrations of analog. The final
absorbance (Af) was measured after 60 min, and the fractional change in absorbance
(1 ꢀ Af/Ai) was calculated. Vehicle did not alter pigment granule distribution itself or
inhibit responses to melatonin. The concentration of analog producing 50% of the maxi-
mum agonist response (EC50) was determined from concentration to response curves. For
evaluation of antagonist potency, cells were treated with vehicle (1% DMSO or methanol)
or varying concentrations (10ꢀ4–10ꢀ9 M) of the analogs for 60 min before melatonin
(10ꢀ9 M) was added. The concentration of analog reducing melatonin-induced pigment
aggregation by 50% (IC50) was determined.
3.2.2. Binding affinity assay
The binding affinity of the analogs was determined in competition radioligand binding
assays using 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin (specific activity 2200 Ci/mol, Perkin Elmer, UK), as
described previously [29] on the recombinant human MT1 and MT2 subtypes expressed
in NIH 3T3 cells.
4. Discussion
It is apparent from the data presented in Table 1 that irrespectively of the size and
shape of the R group, all of the new compounds with a single methylene unit in their side
chains (7a–e) are all antagonists, although potency is low. Moreover, within this series,
potency increases on changing the amine acylating group from methyl through cyclob-
utanecarbonyl, with 7e the most potent. The cyclopropanecarbonyl congener 7d exhibits
a small improvement in binding affinity at MT2, but not MT1, having a 2.8-fold selectivity.
In contrast to the single methylene spacer series 7a–e, as well as their analogous N1–C7
previously reported annulated counterparts 5a–c ([22b], Fig. 1) which both had antagonist
activity, lengthening the acyl group of the two methylene units analogs in the series 8a–c,
had a varied effect on binding and agonism/antagonism equilibrium. In this series, the
acetamido congener 8a acted as a partial agonist (pEC50 = 5.84% and 73% of maximal
aggregation), but also antagonized (77%) melatonin induced aggregation at 100 lM.
The propionamido analog 8b also acted as a partial agonist (pEC50=4.21, 66% of maxi-
mal), but its butyramido counterpart 8c had no agonist action but was a full antagonist
at 100 lM. Again, these analogs show a preference for the MT2 receptor, with 8c the most
selective (13.2-fold).
The 9a–e analogs also exhibited varying agonist/antagonist behaviour. Thus, the acet-
amido compound 9a with a three methylene units spacer in its side chain, has no agonist
activity, but is an antagonist (73% inhibition of the binding of melatonin), whereas the
analogous 8a molecule, with a shorter spacer, is a partial agonist. Comparison of MT2
binding data for 8a and 9a shows that the increase in the length of the spacer of the side
chain by a methylene group is unfavorable for interaction with the MT2 receptor, so that
9a, despite its low affinity has 10-fold selectivity for the MT1 site. In the Xenopus model,
the propionamido analog 9b, is, like its congener 8b, a partial agonist, but much more
potent (21-fold). Conversely, in the same model, the butyramido compound 9c, like the
analogous ligand 8c, has no agonist activity but is an antagonist. The introduction of a
cyclopropanecarbonyl group, 9d, gives a partial agonist, as does, but to a lesser extent,

Table 1
Melatoninergic activity of compounds 7a–e, 8a–c and 9a–e in the Xenopus laevis melanophore assay and on human MT1 and MT2 receptors expressed in NIH 3T3
cells
Compound
R
Agonist pEC50
Antagonist pIC50
Human MT1 (pKi)
Human MT2 (pKi)
Selectivity (MT2/MT1)
Melatonin
Luzindole
10.07
NA
9.41 0.09
6.10 0.08
5.07 0.07
NTd
NT
4.66 0.30
NT
5.13 0.02
4.46 0.13
>4.00
5.02 0.04
NT
NT
4.94 0.06
NT
9.45 0.04
7.33 0.06
5.16 0.07
NT
NT
5.11 0.05
NT
5.49 0.10
5.00 0.06
5.12 0.04
>4.00
NT
NT
1.1
17
1.2
—
—
2.8
—
2.3
3.5
13.2
0.10
—
—
1.6
—
NAa
5.61 0.08
24% inhibitionc
78% inhibitionc
62% inhibitionc
86% inhibitionc
88% inhibitionc
77% inhibitionc
NA
87% inhibitionc
73% inhibitionc
NA
7a
7b
7c
7d
7e
8a
8b
8c
9a
9b
9c
9d
9e
CH3
NA
NA
NA
NA
C2H5
C3H7
c-C3H5
c-C4H7
CH3
C2H5
C3H7
CH3
C2H5
C3H7
c-C3H5
c-C4H7
NA
5.84 0.01 (73%)b
4.21 0.05 (66%)b
NA
NA
5.54 0.15 (52%)b
NA
4.61 0.11
NA
NA
5.85 0.09 (92%)b
P10ꢀ4 M (46%)b
5.13 0.04
NT
Agonist and antagonist data are the mean of triplicate experiments SEM.
a
NA, no agonist or antagonist effect detected at 100 lM.
partial agonist; percentage full agonist action is shown in brackets.
percentage inhibition of melatonin-induced (1 nM) aggregation at 100 lM.
NT, not tested.
b
c
d

A. Tsotinis et al. / Bioorganic Chemistry 35 (2007) 189–204
203
the incorporation of a cyclobutanecarbonyl group, 9e. This relatively unusual finding
(normally these two acylating groups favor antagonism, cf. compounds 6d and 6e
(Fig. 1) [22b]) parallels our earlier results [23] on probes 4d and 4e (Fig. 1) and may be
attributed to the unique stereoelectronic effects imposed on the side chains of 9d and 9e
by the condensation of the cyclohexane nucleus between C1 and C8 of the isoquinoline
ring; it seems that due to these factors the side chains of 9d and 9e more readily induce
the receptor conformation needed for partial agonist action [22a].
5. Concluding remarks
In conclusion, the new compounds presented herein and in particular analogs 8a–c and
9a–e, nicely illustrate how small incremental changes in the size and shape of their phar-
macophoric side chains can influence the functional response observed, presumably by
affecting the dynamic equilibrium between agonist and antagonist conformations of the
melatonin receptor.
Acknowledgments
The University of Athens group wishes to thank EPEAEK II Program Pythagoras II -
Support of Universities Research Groups (KA: 70/3/7993) for financial support. The King’s
College London group was supported by the Wellcome Trust (Grant GR065816).
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