New cyclic butyrophenone derivatives in the indole series as potential atypical antipsychotics. A simple and practical synthesis of 6-aminomethyl-tetrahydroindol-4-ones and their affinites for D2 and 5-HT2A receptors

A simple and efficient synthesis of novel 6-aminomethyl-tetrahydroindol-4-ones, which are butyrophenone analogues of molindone, is described. These compounds exhibit potent affinities for D2 and 5-HT2A receptors in vitro. The most active compounds, 6d (QF 0408B) and 6e (QF 0409B), with pKi (5-HT2A/D2) ratios of 1.32 and 1.17 respectively, show an antipsychotic profile according to Meltzerʹs classification.