Substituted N,N-Dimethyl-3-(phenylthio)- and -4-(phenylthio)benzylamines

Abstract

(Arylthio)benzoic acids IIa - IIe and VIb - VId were transformed via the acid chlorides to the N,N-dimethylamides which were reduced either with diborane "in situ" or with lithium aluminium hydride to N,N-dimethyl-(arylthio)benzylamines Ia - Ie and Vb - Vd. Leuckart reaction of the aldehydes IX and X with dimethylformamide and formic acid afforded directly the amines Va and Ve. Demethylation of the methoxy compounds Ia and Ve with hydrobromic acid resulted in the phenolic amines If and Vf. The most interesting N,N-dimethyl-4-(phenylthio)benzylamine (Va) hydrochloride showed affinity to cholinergic and 5-HT2 serotonin receptors in the rat brain and some properties considered indicative of antidepressant activity (inhibition of serotonin re-uptake in the brain and potentiation of yohimbine toxicity in mice).