Design and synthesis of 1-(4-benzoylphenyl)imidazole derivatives as new potent 20-HETE synthase inhibitors

Structural modification of the novel 20-HETE synthase inhibitor 1 (IC50 310 nM) is described. Introduction of a side chain with a carboxylic acid at the terminal position to 1 resulted in increased ability to inhibit human renal microsomal production of 20-HETE (7c: IC50 7.9 nM), with good selectivity toward CYP2D6 and cyclooxygenases (COX)-1 and -2.