Synthesis and nootropic activity of 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinesulfonic acid derivatives.

The synthesis of a series of 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidinesulfonic acid derivatives, as potential nootropic agents, is reported. Such compounds were designed to have chemical and physico-chemical properties intermediate between 2-oxo-1-pyrrolidineacetamides (e.g. oxiracetam) and 1-acyl-2-pyrrolidinones (e.g. aniracetam). The ability of these compounds to counteract the ECS-induced amnesia in mice was assessed in a one trial, step through, passive avoidance paradigm. Whilst oxiracetam and aniracetam confirmed their antiamnestic action, none of the title compounds showed a statistically significant activity.