Substituted 2-[(2-benzimidazolylsulfinyl)methyl]anilines as potential inhibitors of H+/K+ ATPase

A series of substituted 2-[(2-benzimidazolylsulfinyl)methyl]anilines were synthesized as potential inhibitors of the acid secretory enzyme H+/K+ ATPase. Substitutions on the aniline nitrogen atom resulted in potent enzyme inhibition in vitro but weak activity in gastric fistula dogs. Electron-donating substituents on the aniline ring enhanced in vitro and in vivo potency relative to the unsubstituted analogue. The potency showed a correlation to the calculated pKa of the aniline nitrogen atom. Substitutions on the aniline and benzimidazole rings did not further enhance potency. Di- and trisubstituted aniline derivatives were potent inhibitors of the enzyme system. The preferred combination of substituents were a methoxy group on the benzimidazole ring and a single alkyl group on the aniline ring. One such compound, 76, was an effective inhibitor of acid secretion in the dog and was selected for further pharmacological study.