A series of quinolinyl and isoquinolinyl phenyl ketones was synthesized and their CB2 receptor-dependent G-protein activities were determined using the [S-35] GTP gamma S binding assay. Both quinoline and isoquinoline derivatives exhibited similar CB2 receptor agonist activity, the most potent ligands being the 2-(Me2N)-phenyl substituted derivatives, which were also full agonists at the CB2-receptor. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.