Novel agonists of 5HT(2C) receptors. Synthesis and biological evaluation of substituted 2-(indol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamines and 2-(indeno[1,2-b]pyrrol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamines. Improved therapeutics for obsessive compulsive disorder

The syntheses of a series of substituted 2-(indol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamines and 2-(indeno[1,2-b]pyrrol-1-yl)-1-methylethylamines are reported. The binding affinities of the compounds at 5HT(2C) and 5HT(2A) receptors (79% homology in the transmembrane domain) were determined. The ligands displayed selectivity for 5HT(2C) receptors relative to 5HT(2A) receptors. Compounds were functionally characterized both in vitro and in vivo as 5HT(2C) receptor agonists. 5f, 5l, 5n, 5o, 5q, 14c, 14f, 14k, and 14m exhibited anticompulsive activity in an animal model of obsessive compulsive disorder.