Novel 3-Phenylprop-2-ynylamines as Inhibitors of Mammalian Squalene Epoxidase.

The synthesis of a novel series of 3-phenylprop-2-ynylamines as selective mammalian squalene epoxidase inhibitors is described. Structure–activity relationship studies led to the discovery of compound 19, 1-[3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)prop-2-ynyl]-3-methylpiperidine hydrochloride with an IC50 of 2.8 ± 0.6 µM against rat liver squalene epoxidase. Against 23 strains of fungal squalene epoxidase compound 19 was found to be inactive.