Synthesis and activity of novel 1- or 3-(3-amino-1-phenyl propyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-ones as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

A series of novel 1- or 3-(3-amino-1-phenyl propyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-ones as selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors was discovered. Several compounds such as 15 and 20 showed good hNET potency. Compounds 15 and 20 also displayed excellent selectivity at hNET that appeared superior to those of reboxetine and atomoxetine (4 and 5).

Graphical abstractSeveral compounds from a novel class of 3-(3-amino-1-phenyl propyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-ones demonstrated potent norepinephrine reuptake inhibition (IC50 6–25 nM) and excellent selectivity (>100-fold) against serotonin and dopamine uptake transporters.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide