Synthesis and binding affinity at α4β2 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of new analogs of epibatidine and epiboxidine containing the 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene ring system

The structural analogs of epibatidine and epiboxidine (±)-10-(±)-17, characterized by the 7-azabicylo[2.2.1]hept-2-ene ring, were prepared taking advantage of Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions. The compounds were assayed for binding affinity at neuronal α4β2 and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes.