2H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4-b]pyridines: synthesis and activity at central monoamine receptors

Two general synthetic approaches to a novel series of 2H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4-b]pyridines are described together with their receptor binding profile at a variety of monoamine receptors in mammalian brain tissue. The biologically active members of this series fall into into one of two broad classes: 3,4,4a,5-tetrahydro-2H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4-b]pyridines or trans-1,3,4,4a,5,10b-hexahydro-2H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4-b]pyridines. By appropriate pharmacophoric modification potent selective ligands for D2, alpha-2, 5HT1A, and 5HT2 receptors may be obtained. The previously published in vivo data on certain key representatives of these series are also summarized.