Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl acrylamides as antinarcotic agents

Abstract

The synthesis and biological evaluation of 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl acrylamides 1a–f as novel antinarcotic agents are described. The molecules were prepared by the Wittig reaction, followed by a coupling reaction between 3,4,5-trimethoxycinnamic acid (9) and aliphatic amines, which resulted in good yields. When tested for biological activity, compounds 1d–f exhibited strong inhibitory effects on the morphine withdrawal syndrome in mice due to their high binding affinities with serotonergic 5-HT1A receptors.