Synthesis and evaluation of the anticonvulsant activity of a series of 2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanols derived from the metabolites of the antidepressant bupropion

Abstract A series of 2-amino-1-phenyl-1-propanols that are structurally related to known metabolites of bupropion, 1 (Wellbutrin®) were synthesized and evaluated as potential anticonvulsants. The ( R ∗ ,R ∗ )-2-tert- butylamino -1-(3- trifluoromethylphenyl ) propanol 20 had an ED 50 of 16.5 ± 2.8 mg/kg ip in mice in the maximal electroshock screen and was chosen for further evaluation.