Synthesis and anticonvulsant properties of some 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (taurine) derivatives.

A series of 2-acylaminoethanesulfonamides were synthesized by treating the corresponding sulfonyl chlorides with ammonia, a primary, or a secondary amine. A few compounds displayed marked anticonvulsant activity in mice when tested for their potency in the maximal electroshock seizure test. The piperidino, benzamido, phthalimido, and phenylsuccinylimido derivatives were active, whereas the succinylimido, saccharinylimido, and norbornenedicarboxylimido compounds showed no activity. The interference with the sodium-independent taurine binding to mouse brain synaptic membranes was assessed to elucidate the possible mode of anticonvulsant action.