Synthesis and neuroprotective properties of novel cinnamide derivatives

A new series of compounds (E)-1-(4-(bis-arylmethyl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-one (1a–r), have been synthesized and their structures were confirmed by ESI-MS and 1H NMR. The preliminary pharmacological screening showed that some of these compounds had similar neuroprotective effects with Edaravone.