Synthesis and anticonvulsant properties of 2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]benzimidazol-1-ones

Abstract

A series of 2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro-1H-pyrrolo[1,2-a]benzimidazol-1-ones were synthesized and evaluated for anticonvulsant activity in DBA/2 mice against sound-induced seizures and in rats against maximal electroshock-induced seizures. Most of the derivatives showed an anticonvulsant effect better than that of valproate, a commonly used anticonvulsant drug. Compound 3 possessed an anticonvulsant activity comparable to that of diphenylhydantoin in both tests and was selected for further studies. Structure-activity relationships are discussed.