Synthesis and evaluation of new coumarin derivatives as potential atypical antipsychotics

In this paper, we report the synthesis of novel, potential antipsychotic coumarin derivatives combining potent dopamine D₂, D₃ and serotonin 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A) receptors properties. We describe the structure activity relationship that leads us to the promising derivative: 7-(4-(4-(6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl)butoxy)-6-methyl-2,3-dihydrocyclopenta[c]chromen-4(1H)-one 27. The unique pharmacological features of compound 27 are a high affinity for dopamine D₂, D₃ and serotonin 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A) receptors, together with a low affinity for H₁ receptor (to reduce the risk of obesity under chronic treatment). In animal models, compound 27 inhibited apomorphine-induced climbing and MK-801-induced hyperactivity without observable catalepsy at the highest dose tested. In particular, compound 27 was more potent than clozapine.