Aminimides as potential CNS acting agents. II design, synthesis, and receptor binding of 4'-arylalkyl aminimide analogues of clozapine as prospective novel antipsychotics

We report the synthesis of a series of second generation aminimide-based analogues of clozapine, investigating the length of the linker between the aminimide functional group and the introduced aryl moiety. The chemistry and structural characterization of this series of 4 -arylalkyl aminimide analogues of clozapine are described. Preliminary findings on the biochemical effects of linker length and type of aryl moiety on affinity for dopamine D4 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors are discussed. All of the compounds showed a marked reduction in binding at the two receptors when compared with clozapine, thus showing a reduced potential for atypical antipsychotic activity.