3-Tertiary amino-1-aryloxy- or aryl-propanes and -propan-2-ols and some related compounds

The synthesis and pharmacological activity of some 3-tertiary amino-1-aryloxy- or 1-aryl-, 1-thiophenoxy and 1-anilino-propan-2-ols and -propanes, particularly those derived from N-phenylpiperazines are described. Effect of substituents (nature/position) on the phenyl ring, the phenoxy ring as well as alteration in the hydroxylic function vis-à-vis the structure-activity relationships (SAR) are discussed. In general, the 1-aryloxy compounds have hypotensive activity--this being more pronounced in those carrying an o-substituent on the phenyl ring, while m and p-substituted derivatives have their effect primarily on the CNS. Variations in the phenoxy moiety do not significantly alter the intrinsic activity. The 1-aryl compounds, on the other hand, have significant CNS activity, which is markedly affected by the substituents on the 1-aryl residue.