Synthesis and biological evaluation of potential hypoglycemic agents I: Carnitine analogs

A series of 4-dialkylamino-3-hydroxybutyric acid hydrochlorides and methochlorides, analogs of carnitine, was synthesized by treatment of tert-butyl 3,4-epoxybutyrate with the appropriate amine or amine hydrochloride in methanol followed by mild acid hydrolysis. The compounds had no effect on blood glucose or serum fatty acid levels in rats.