Synthesis of 7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-2-[1-(pyridinyl)alkyl]-pyridazino[4,5-b]quinoline-1,4,10(5H)-triones as NMDA glycine-site antagonists

Several members of the 7-chloro-2,3-dihydro-2-[1-(pyridinyl)alkyl]-pyridazino[4,5-b]quinoline-1,4,10(5H)-triones (2) have been identified as being potent and selective NMDA glycine-site antagonists. Increasing size of the alkyl substituent on the alpha-carbon led to a progressive decrease in binding affinity. Some of these analogues possess improved drug-like properties such as cellular permeability, solubility and oral absorption.