Synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of 1-benzyl-4-alkylamino-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridines

Four 3-deaza analogues of the potent anticonvulsant purine, BW A78U, were synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity. The imidazo4,5-c]pyridines 9–12 were prepared in two steps from 4-chloro-1H-imidazo4,5-c]pyridine ( 2 ). The compounds were potent anticonvulsant agents against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in rats with i.p. ED₅₀ ranging from 2 to 3.5 mg/kg. However, these 3-deazapurines were appreciably more toxic than BW A78U, which precluded their development as potential antiepileptic agents.