Conformationally restricted homotryptamines. Part 4: Heterocyclic and naphthyl analogs of a potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

A series of hybrid molecules containing the cyclopropylmethylamino side chain found in homotryptamine (1S,2S)-2c and an isosteric heteroaryl or naphthyl core were prepared and their binding affinities for the human serotonin transporter determined. The most potent isosteres were CN-substituted naphthalenes. These results demonstrate that isosteric aromatic cores which lack an H-bond donor site may be substituted for the indole nucleus without substantial loss in hSERT binding.