Synthesis and anti-obesity effect of 2-naphthyl ethylamine derivatives

Objective To design and synthesize a series of 2-naphthyl ethylamine derivatives and to evaluate their anti-obesity effect.Methods The target compounds were synthesized in several steps starting from 7-methoxy-1-tetralone.3T3-L1 preadipocytes differentiation was observed by oil red O staining.1-[1-(7-methoxynaphthalen-1-yl)cyclo-butyl]-N,N,3-trimethylbutan-1-amine(9c) was selected for the evaluation of obesity controlling effect in rats susceptible to diet-induced obesity.Results Nine compounds were synthesized and they all were first reported.All the structures were confirmed by 1H-NMR and MS.Compound(9c) had some anti-obesity activity at high concentration.Conclusion The anti-obesity effect enhanced with the size increase of alkyl on the side chain.If the substituent groups of N-atom are electron-donating groups,the anti-obesity effect improves.When the substituent groups of N-atom are electron-withdrawing groups,the anti-obesity effect almost disappears.