2-Pyrrolidinylideneureas, a new class of central nervous system agents

A series of N-aryl-N'-(1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinylidene)ureas was prepared and screened for pharmacological activity. Congeners possessing either phenyl or phenyl substituted with 4-nitro, 3-bromo, 3-chloro, 3-fluoro, and 3-methyl groups were found to demonstrate anxiolytic activity. 2,6-Disubstitution of the phenyl ring with methyl, chloro, and bromo imparted potent muscle-relaxant properties which appear to be centrally mediated. A significant separation of the anxiolytic and muscle-relaxant properties from other CNS activities, e.g., anticonvulsant, sedative, and hypnotic, was achieved.