SYNTHESIS AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NOVEL IMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES AS POTENT ANTICONVULSANT AGENTS

In this study, we have made an attempt to synthesize novel imidazole derivatives (2a-h) and evaluate them for anticonvulsant activity using maximal electroshock method (MES). In the first step, substituted amines were allowed to react with substituted benzaldehyde in an equimolar amount with glacial acetic acid to form various substituted Schiff's base intermediate (1a-h). Schiff's base on treatment with benzil in the presence of ammonium acetate afforded corresponding imidazole derivatives (2a-h). The structure of the final analogs has been confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), C-13 NMR, and mass spectra. Among all synthesized compounds, compounds 2a, 2f, and 2b were found to be most potent in comparison with standard phenytoin. [GRAPHICS]