Synthesis and antiarrhythmic and parasympatholytic properties of substituted phenols. 3. Modifications to the linkage region (region 3).

As part of a continuing program of systematically modifying the structure of the class I antiarrhythmic drug changrolin, we synthesized 15 analogues in which the linkage between the two aromatic regions was altered. High antiarrhythmic activity and low parasympatholytic activity was found when the linkage region, designated region 3, contained a carbonyl moiety, including ketones, amides, and ureas. Secondary amides were superior to tertiary amides, while amide reversal resulted in no change in activities. One compound in this series, 7, 2,6-bis(1-pyrrolidinyl-methyl)-4-benzamidophenol (ACC-9358), is undergoing preclinical evaluations.