Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of novel 2-amino alkyl chromones and related derivatives as σ site-selective ligands

Starling from a random screening showing that 2-[(4-benzylpiperazinyl)methyl] chromone was a selective and potent sigma ligand, a series of analogues were synthesized. Introduction of a substituent on the chromone moiety, replacement of methylenes by carbonyl groups and benzyl by aryl groups decrease the affinity for sigma sites. The result obtained after introduction of various substituents on the aromatic part of the benzyl is strictly depending on the size and on the position of these substituents. Stretching of the carbon chain between the phenyl and the piperazine does not strongly modify the affinity. 2-[4-(4'-methoxy benzyl)-1-piperazinyl methyl] chromone has been tested in behavioral tests that permit to believe that such derivatives could be interesting for the treatment of psychosis. (C) Elsevier, Paris.