Synthesis, enantioseparation and pharmacological activity of 4-aryl-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroquinazoline-2-thiones

4-Aryl-7,7-dimethyl-5-oxo-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroquinazoline-2-thione derivatives (1-8) have been prepared by modified Biginelli reaction from 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione, the aromatic aldehydes and thiourea. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic and elemental analysis. Racemic compounds were resolved into their enantiomers by HPLC using an amylose tris-(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase in the normal phase mode. The calcium antagonist activities of the compounds were determined by the tests performed on isolated rat ileum and lamb carotid artery. Compounds 2, 3, 4 and 6 were the most active compounds on isolated rat ileum. Compounds 2 and 3 were significantly active on lamb carotid artery.     

Synthesis of new 3-substituted-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-l,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione derivatives with potential antimicrobial activity

The purpose of this study is based upon design and synthesis of a new series of flexible molecules of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (THTT) derivatives depending upon incorporation of 2-aminoethanol as a part of the polar moiety in this nucleus. Thirteen derivatives of 3-substituted-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione were synthesized by reaction of the appropriate alkyl, cycloalkyl, aralkyl amine, or glycine with carbon disulphide, formaldehyde, and 2-aminoethanol. The structures of the target compounds were elucidated using spectral methods as well as elemental analyses. A mass-spectrometry study was carried out on representatives of the synthesized derivatives. The title compounds were tested for their antibacterial activity in vitro against some gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The in-vitro antifungal activity was tested against dermatophytic, saprophytic, phytopathogenic, and antagonistic fungi. In most cases, the newly synthesized compounds 4-16 exhibited a considerable inhibitory effect on the growth of some of the tested organisms in comparison to that of ampicillin or muconazole as reference drugs. Moreover, the results indicated that the polar hydroxyethyl group at the N5- and the lipophilic one at the N3-positions are essential for the antimicrobial activity of the tested compounds.     

Synthesis and in vitro-anticancer and antimicrobial evaluation of some novel quinoxalines derived from 3-phenylquinoxaline-2(1H)-thione

Two novel series derived from 3-phenylquinoxaline-2(1H)-thione 2 and 2-(hydrazinocarbonylmethylthio)-3-phenylquinoxaline 6 have been synthesized. Eight out of twenty six new compounds were selected at the National Cancer Institute for evaluation of their in vitro-anticancer activity. Among them, compounds 3b, 3c, 4b, and 4c displayed moderate to strong growth inhibition activity against most of the tested sub-panel tumor cell lines with GI(50) 10(-5) to 10(-6 )molar concentrations. Compound 4b exhibited a significant value of percent tumor growth inhibition against breast cancer at concentration < 10(-8) M. Compound 4c showed moderate selectivity towards leukemia cell lines with GI(50) of 1.8 to 3.8 microM (selectivity ratio = 5.7). Preliminary antimicrobial testing revealed that compounds 7a, 7b, 8a, 11a, and 11b were as active as ampicillin against B. subtilis (MIC = 12.5 microg/mL). Compounds 7b and 8a were also nearly as active as ampicillin against E. coli (MIC = 12.5 microg/mL). In addition, compounds 4a, 7b, 10b, and 11a were as active as ampicillin against P. aerugenosa (MIC = 50 microg/mL). However, compounds 7b, 8a, and 10b showed mild activity against C. albicans (MIC = 50 microg/mL). The values of minimum bactericidal concentrations indicated that compounds 4a and 7b were bactericidal against B. subtilis and P. aerugenosa, respectively, while compound 10b was bactericidal against both organisms. However, compound 11a was bactericidal against E. coli, P. aerugenosa, and S. aureus.     

Synthesis and in vitro calcium antagonist activity of 4-aryl-7,7-dimethyl/1,7,7-trimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroquinazoline-2,5-dione derivatives

In this study, a series of 4-aryl-7,7-dimethyl and 1,7,7-trimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroquinazoline-2,5-diones (1-25) were synthesized by condensing urea or N-methylurea with 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione and appropriate aromatic aldehydes according to the Biginelli reaction. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by spectral data and elementary analysis. The calcium antagonist activity of the compounds was tested in vitro on isolated rat ileum and lamb carotid artery. Compounds 16 and 19 were the most active derivatives on isolated rat ileum compared with the standard nicardipine. On isolated aortic strips of lamb the calcium antagonist activity of compound 16 (maximum relaxant effect: 38.83+/-5.84%) was found as high as that of nicardipine (maximum relaxant effect: 35.50+/-4.16%) used as a reference drug.     

Synthesis of 3-substituted-5-(4-carb oxycyclohexylmethyl) - tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione derivatives as antifibrinolytic and antimicrobial agents

A series of 3-substituted-5-(4-carboxycyclohexylmethyl)-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5thiadiazine-2-thione derivatives was prepared and examined for antifibrinolytic and antimicrobial activities. Their structures were elucidated by spectral methods. Antifibrinolytic activities of these compounds, were investigated in vitro and compared to tranexamic acid (CAS 1197-18-8). Among the synthesized compounds, 3-methyl-5-(4-carboxycyclohexylmethyl)-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (Ia) was the most prominent one (104%) when compared to tranexamic acid. Besides, 3-ethyl-5-(4-carboxycyclohexyl-methyl)-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (Ib), 3-iso-propyl-5-(4-carboxycyclohexylmethyl)-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (Id) and 3-isobutyl-5-(4-carboxycyclohexyl-methyl)-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (Ig) showed antifibrinolytic activity similar to tranexamic acid. Antibacterial activities of these compounds against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and yeast-like fungi (Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis) were investigated by the micro-dilution method and compared with the activity of tranexamic acid, ofloxacin and fluconazole. By this way their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) values were determined. Compound Ia exhibited almost equally potent activity against B. subtilis (MIC and MBC: 6.25 microg/mL). Compounds Ib-Id, If-Ig and In exhibited similar bactericidal activity against B. subtilis (MBC: 12.5 microg/mL). Compounds Ik and Im showed bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus. None of the compounds exhibited activity against Gram-negative bacteria. On the other hand, all compounds had potent antifungal activities against the yeast utilized. Among the synthesized compounds, 3-methyl-5-(4-carboxycyclohexylmethyl)-tetrahydro-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (Ia) seems to be the most effective compound with antifibrinolytic and antimicrobial activity.     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of some 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives

Six new 5-(1-/2-naphthyloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione, 2-amino-5-(1-/2-naphthyloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, 5-(1-/2-naphthyloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-one derivatives have been synthesized from 1-and/or 2-naphthol. The structures of the compounds were confirmed by IR and 1H NMR spectral data and microanalysis. The antimicrobial properties of the compounds were investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, C. krusei and C. parapsilosis using microbroth dilution method. 2-Amino-5-(2-naphthyloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and 5-(2-naphthyloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-one show significantly (32 microg/ml), compounds 5-(1-/2-naphthyloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-thione, 2-amino-5-(1-naphthyloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and 5-(1-naphthyloxymethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2(3H)-one moderately (64 microg/ml) active against C. krusei. All the compounds were active against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis at 64-256 microg/ml concentration.     

Synthesis and anti-tyrosine kinase activity of 3-(substituted-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin derivatives: investigation of their role against p60c-Src receptor tyrosine kinase with the application of receptor docking studies

A series of 3-(substituted-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione derivatives were synthesized as modified congeners of 3-(substituted-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-one series. All the synthesized compounds were examined for their in vitro anti-tyrosine kinase activity against p60c-Src. The activity results revealed that compounds (Z)-3-(4'-Dimethylamino-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione (12) (E)-3-(2', 6'-Dichloro-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione (13) and (E)-3-(3'-Hydroxy-4'-methoxy-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione (19) exhibited anti-tyrosine kinase activity with IC50 value of 21.91, 21.20 and 30.92 microM, respectively. These results are comparable to PP1 [1-tert-Butyl-3-p-tolyl-1H-pyrazolo[3, 4-d]pyrimidine-4-yl-amine] (IC50=0.17 microM), which is reported as a potent and selective p60c-Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Some thio congeners are found to be more potent than oxo derivatives; however, no significant correlation was observed between the activity profiles of these two series. Docking program was used to investigate the docking mode of each compound at the active site. Among all of the compounds, only (Z)-3-(2'-Chloro-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-one (8) and (E)-3-(3'-Nitro-benzylidene)-1, 3-dihydro-indolin-2-thione (16) were docked at the active site where the PP1 was embedded.     

Synthesis and evaluation of anticonvulsant and antimicrobial activities of 3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-substituted 4h-pyran-4-one derivatives

In this study, thirteen 3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-substituted 4H-pyran-4-one derivatives were synthesized for the evaluation of their potential anticonvulsant activity. Mannich bases were prepared by the reaction of substituted piperazine derivatives with allomaltol and formaline. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by IR, (1)H-NMR and elemental analysis. Their anticonvulsant activities were determined in vivo by maximal electroshock (MES), sub-cutaneous Metrazol (scMet), and rotorod toxicity tests for neurological deficits. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesized compounds were investigated in vitro against some bacteria and fungi using the microdilution broth method. Ac-cording to the activity studies, 3-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-[4-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-ylmethyl]-4H-pyran-4-one (3i) was the compound determined to be most active in the scMet test for all doses at four hours and for the 300 mg/kg dose at half an hour. 2-[4-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-ylmethyl]-3-hydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one (3f) was found to be protective against MES whereas 2-chlorophenyl derivative (3e) was not. Looking at the antifungal activity results, compounds 3b, 3h, and 3i were determined to have activity against all fungi.     

Exploring structural requirements for aldose-reductase inhibition by 2,4-dioxo-5-(naphth-2-ylmethylene)-3-thiazolidinyl acetic acids and 2-thioxo analogues: Fujita-Ban and Hansch approach

A Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) study based on Fujita-Ban and classical Hansch approach was performed on 2,4-dioxo-5-(naphth-2-ylmethylene)-3-thiazolidinyl acetic acids and 2-thioxo analogues to gain structural insight into the binding mode of the molecules to the aldose-reductase enzyme. First, the Fujita-Ban approach has been followed, which revealed the highest activity contribution for 2-thioxo analogues of 3-thiazolidinyl acetic acids as compared to 2,4-dioxo analogues. Further, the Hansch approach confirms that 2-thioxo-4-oxo-3-thiazolidinyl acetic acids are conducive to aldose-reductase inhibitory activity. The hydrophobic properties of the various substituents have been found to play major roles in the binding of these compounds with the receptor.     

The in vivo metabolism of 5-(4-nitrophenyl)-4-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione in rats

It is known that substituted 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione derivatives have several biological activities, such as antimicrobial, diuretic and antidepressant activities. In our previous studies, the antifungal activity of 5-(4-aminophenyl)-4-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione was found to be active against Candida tropicalis K1022. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo metabolic pathway of 5-(4-nitrophenyl)-4-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione which was selected as a model compound for this study. The substrate and its potential metabolites, i.e. the acetylation and nitro reductive products, were synthesized and then separated using HPLC on a reverse phase system. In the in vivo metabolism study, a 4 mg dose was administered i.p. to male Wistar rats. Blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 56 hours after administration and were passed through a Sep-Pak cartridge. The acetylated metabolite [5-(4-acetylaminophenyl)-4-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione ], the amine metabolite [5-(4-aminophenyl)-4-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione] and an unknown metabolite were detected.     

Synthesis of some new quinoxalines and 1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxalines for evaluation of in vitro antitumor and antimicrobial activities

Two novel series of quinoxalines derived from 3-phenylquinoxalin-2(1H)-one and 2-hydrazino-3-phenylquinoxaline, namely 1-substituted-3-phenylquinoxaline-2(1H)-ones, 2a-c, 3a-d, and 4; 2-(3-oxo-3,3a,4,5,6,7-hexahydroindazol-2-yl)-3-phenylquinoxaline 6; N- cyclopentylidene or benzylidene-N'-(3-phenylquinoxaline-2-yl)hydrazines, 7 and 18; 1-substituted-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalines, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, and 16 have been synthesized in order to evaluate their antitumor and antimicrobial activities. Preliminary screening at NCI showed that compounds 2b, 2c, 3b, 3c, and 9 exhibited a moderate to strong growth inhibition activity on various tumor panel cell lines between 10(-6) to 10(-5) molar concentrations. Compound 3b was the most active with a broad spectrum of activity. Compound 3c showed selectivity towards CNS-cancer SF-639, leukemia CCRF-CEM, and melanoma SK-MEL-5 (GI(50) = 4.03, 6.46, and 4.17 microM, respectively). On the other hand, the in vitro microbiological data revealed that the prepared compounds showed mild antimicrobial activity.     

Design and synthesis of novel benzopyran-2-one derivatives of expected antimicrobial activity through DNA gyrase-B inhibition

In an attempt to find a new class of antibacterial agents, we have synthesized thirty new coumarin (2H-benzopyran-2-one) analogues. These derivatives include substituted azetidin-2-ones (beta-lactam) 3a-f, pyrrolidin-2-ones 4a-f, 2H-1,3,4-oxadiazoles 5a-f, and thiazolidin-4-ones 6a-f attached to 4-phenyl-2H-benzopyran-2-one through an oxyacetamido or an oxymethyl bridge. The target compounds were synthesized starting from 2-oxo-4-phenyl-2H-benzo[b]pyran-7-yl-oxyacetic acid hydrazides 2a-f. The new compounds were evaluated as DNA gyrase-B inhibitors through molecular modeling and docking techniques using the Molsoft ICM 3.4-8C program. The synthesized compounds were also screened for antibacterial activity against four different species of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; as well as screening against C. albicans for antifungal activity. The molecular modeling data were in accordance with the antimicrobial screening results.     

Synthesis of some novel azo derivatives of 3,5-dimethyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole as potent analgesic agents

A series of 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,5-dimethylpyrazolylazo derivatives, incorporating thiosemicarbazide 2a-c, 1,3,4-thiadiazole 3a-c, and 1,2,4-triazole-3-thione 4a-c were synthesized. The structure of these novel synthesized compounds 2a-c, 3a-c, and 4a-c was confirmed by spectral analysis. All these compounds were screened for their analgesic activity. Hot-plate and tail-immersion tests were used for the determination of the analgesic activity. Morphine, an analgesic through both spinal and supraspinal pathways, was used as a standard test drug. All compounds were administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg i.p. Among the compounds, 2-(butylamino)-5-[((1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,5-dimethylpyrazole-4-yl)azo)phenyl]-1,3,4-thiadiazole 3a and 4-[((1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,5-dimethylpyrazole-4-yl)azo)phenyl]-4-(2-phenethyl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione 4c showed analgesic effects in both tests. Especially 4c exerted strong analgesia starting at 30 min after injection.     

4-aryl-6,6-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydroquinazoline-2,5-diones: synthesis, chromatographic resolution and pharmacological activity

In this study, a series of 4-aryl-6,6-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8- octahydroquinazoline-2,5-diones were synthesized by condensing urea with 4,4-dimethyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione and appropriate aromatic aldehydes according to the Biginelli reaction. The structures of the compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. The racemic compounds were resolved into the enantiomers by HPLC on amylose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (Chiralpak AD). The compounds were tested in vitro for their calcium antagonistic activities. BaCl2-induced contractions of rat ileum were inhibited dose-dependently. Compounds 3 and 5 exerted weak calcium antagonistic activity on smooth muscles compared with the standard, nicardipine.     

10种天然黄酮化合物对大鼠心肌细胞抗凋亡作用的定量构效关系研究

目的利用10种天然黄酮化合物对大鼠心肌细胞抗凋亡活性数据，对10种黄酮化合物的2个理化参数（脂水分配系数logP和游离羟基数N）进行定量构效关系研究（QSAR），找出最佳拟合方程——Hansch方程，以指导黄酮类化合物的结构最佳化研究。方法利用过氧化氢诱导心肌细胞损伤模型，用MTT法测定10种天然黄酮化合物的抗凋亡作用，利用统计软件SPSS13．0进行多元线性回归分析。结果得到黄酮化合物抗凋亡作用的Hansch方程。结论通过统计分析，所选定的天然黄酮化合物的Hansch方程具有较好的拟合性（n=10，r=0．807，SE=0．0920，F=6．541，Q=8．77）。     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some Schiff bases of 4-amino-5-(4-methylsulfonyl)benzyl-2,4-dihydro-3H-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thione

The basic nucleus 4-amino-5-[4-(methylsulfonyl)benzyl]-2,4-dihydro-3H-[1,2,4]-triazole-3-thione was prepared by cyclisation of potassium dithiocarbazinate with hydrazine hydrate using ethanol as solvent under reflux condition. The compound which has been synthesized successfully was subjected to addition reaction with different aldehydes to synthesize Schiff bases. The compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR, and Mass). In order to ascertain the pharmaceutical application, the selective pharmacological screening of the derivatives was carried out according to the standard procedures. The compounds were screened for their cytotoxic activity and antimicrobial activity.     

Possible antineoplastic agents, part 15: synthesis, biological activity and quantitative structure activity relationship of substituted-2-(4'-methoxybenzenesulphonamido) glutaric acid analogs against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Some substituted-2-(4'-methoxybenzenesulphonamido) glutaric acid analogs (5a-m, 7a-d) have been synthesized and tested for their possible antineoplastic activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice using tumour (ascitic fluid) weight as activity parameter. Some of these compounds possess encouraging antitumour activity. A QSAR study, performed by the classical Hansch method, explains the significance of hydrophobic binding and electronic influence in the mechanism of antineoplastic action in this group of compounds.     

Synthesis of beta-hydroxypropanoic acid derivatives as potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial agents

A series of new 3-(substituted) 3-hydroxy-propanoic acid ethyl esters 1a-c, hydrazides 2a-c, thiosemicarbazides 3a-f, and semicarbazides 3g, 3h has been synthesized. Cyclization of compounds 3a-d in basic medium yielded 1,2,4-triazole-5-thiones 4a-d. On the other hand, reaction of hydrazides 2a-c with CS(2 )in basic medium afforded 1,3,4-oxadiazole-5-thiones 5a-c. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by their physical and spectral analyses data. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial activities. Compounds 1c, 3g, 4a, 4b, 4c, and 5c exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory activity to that of indomethacin and compounds 1c, 4c, and 5c were more analgesics than acetyl salicylic acid. Compounds 4b, 4c, and 5c showed superior GI safety profile (33.3%, 33.3% and 50.0% ulceration) than that of indomethacin (100% ulceration) at 100 mg/kg oral dose. Compounds 4b, 4c, and 5c were also non-toxic with a median lethal dose (LD(50)) up to 200 mg/kg. The antibacterial and antifungal screenings identified compounds 3c, 4b, 4d, 5a, and 5b as the most effective against a variety of tested microorganisms.     

Synthesis and biological evaluation of some hydroxypyrazole derivatives as anti-inflammatory-antimicrobial agents

Some hydroxypyrazole derivatives 2-7 were synthesized by cyclocondensation of the keto-ester 1 with hydrazines hydrate or substituted hydrazines followed by reduction and acylation with acetic anhydride or trifluoroacetic anhydride. The newly synthesized compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activities. In addition, the ulcerogenic and acute toxicity profiles were determined. Compounds N-(4-(5-hydroxy-1-trifluoroacetyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenyl) trifluoroacetamide 4b, 3-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-ol 5b, and N-(4-(5-hydroxy-1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenyl)trifluoroacetamide 7b were proved to be the most active anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agents in the present study with a good safety margin and minimal or no ulcerogenic effect.     

3D QSAR analyses-guided rational design of novel ligands for the (alpha4)2(beta2)3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship methods, the comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and the comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA), were applied using a training set of 45 ligands of the (alpha4)2(beta2)3 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). All compounds are related to (-)-epibatidine, (-)-cytisine, (+)-anatoxin-a, and (-)-ferruginine, and additionally, novel diazabicyclo[4.2.1]nonane- and quinuclidin-2-ene-based structures were included. Their biological data have been determined by utilizing the same experimental protocol. Statistically reliable models of good predictive power (CoMFA r2 = 0.928, q2 = 0.692, no. of components = 3; CoMSIA r2 = 0.899, q2 = 0.701, no. of components = 3) were achieved. The results obtained were graphically interpreted in terms of field contribution maps. Hence, physicochemical determinants of binding, such as steric and electrostatic and, for the first time, hydrophobic, hydrogen bond donor, and hydrogen bond acceptor properties, were mapped back onto the molecular structures of a set of nAChR modulators. In particular, changes in the binding affinity of the modulators as a result of modifications in the aromatic ring systems could be rationalized by the steric, electrostatic, hydrophobic, and hydrogen bond acceptor properties. These results were used to guide the rational design of new nAChR ligands such as 48-52 and 54, which were subsequently synthesized for the first time and tested. Key steps of our synthetic approaches were successfully applied Stille and Suzuki cross-coupling reactions. Predictive r2 values of 0.614 and 0.660 for CoMFA and CoMSIA, respectively, obtained for 22 in part previously unknown ligands for the (alpha4)2(beta2)3 subtype, demonstrate the high quality of the 3D QSAR models.