Substituted (omega-aminoalkoxy) stilbene derivatives as a new class of anticonvulsants.

A series of substituted (omega- aminoalkoxy )stilbene derivatives has been synthesized and screened for anticonvulsant activity. The effect of structural modification of these molecules on the activities has been systematically examined. Potent anticonvulsant activity was displayed by 2-[4-(4-methyl-1 piperazinyl)butoxy]stilbene (20) and some 2-[4-(3-alkoxy-1-piperidino)butoxy]stilbene derivatives (21, 37, 38, and 40), as determined by maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion tests in mice. Compound 21 exhibited more potent anti-MES activity than diphenylhydantoin and carbamazepine in further pharmacological tests in rats, and its therapeutic index was superior to those of two antiepileptic drugs.