X-ray structures and pharmacological activities of lidocaine derivatives

The molecular and crystal structures of the lidocaine analogs 2-(pyrazol-1-yl)-2′-methylacetanilide (1), 2-(3,5-dimethyl-4-iodo-pyrazol-1-yl)-2′-methylacetanilide (2), 2-(3,5-dimethyl-4-iodo-pyrazol-1-yl)-3′-methylacetanilide (3), and 2-(pyrazol-1-yl)-4′-methylacetanilide (4), are reported, with a summary of their pharmacological activities. In this series, the moiety comprising the heterocyclic ring and the amide alkyl linker displays a common conformation. Molecules of 1–4 form identical hydrogen bonded motifs in their crystals, namely linear chains via intermolecular N–H···O=C hydrogen bonding. Moderate anesthetic and anti-arrhythmic potencies recorded for 1–4 relative to lidocaine are countered by their significantly lower toxicities.