Structure-activity relationship studies of highly selective inhibitors of the dopamine transporter:: N-benzylpiperidine analogues of 1-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxy]ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine

A series of 4-[2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methoxylethyl-1-benzylpiperidines were examined for their ability to bind to the dopamine transporter (DAT), the serotonin transporter (SERT), and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). Binding results indicated that the presence of an electron-withdrawing group in the C-4-position of the N-benzyl group is beneficial for binding to the DAT. Several analogues have been identified with high affinity for the DAT, up to 500-fold selectivity over the SERT and about 170-fold selectivity over the NET in binding and uptake inhibition assays.