Synthesis, pharmacology and molecular modeling of N-substituted 2-phenyl-indoles and benzimidazoles as potent GABAA agonists

Among the known non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drugs, Zolpidem (1a), Indiplon (2a) and Zaleplon (2b) have shown high affinity and selectivity for the α1 subunit of the GABA-A receptor. Our group has performed pharmacophoric and ADMET-prediction studies to evaluate a virtual library of new molecules based on privileged structures. Among these, we have synthesized a library of N-substituted indoles and a library of N-substituted benzimidazoles. Afterwards, in vitro screening and in vivo spontaneous motor activity in mice has revealed molecules with good in vitro affinities for the α1 receptor and potent in vivo induction of sedation.

Graphical abstractThe synthesis of N-substituted indoles (10) and benzimidazoles (14) as potent GABAA agonists is reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide