Synthesis and antiulcer activity of 5,11-dihydro[1]benzoxepino[3,4-b]pyridines

A series of substituted 5,11-dihydro[1]benzoxepino[3,4-b]pyridines was synthesized and evaluated for antiulcer activity in water immersion/restrained stress ulcer assay in rats. Structure-activity relationships are described. Most of the tested compounds exhibited low affinity to the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. The molecular features for the best activities are the 2-(diethylamino)ethylenediamine group at the 5-position of the oxepin ring and an oxepin skeleton rather than a thiepin or a pyran skeleton. Methyl and chlorine substitution on the benzene ring reduced the activity. Compound 11, 5-[[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]amino]-5,11-dihydro[1]benzoxepino [3,4-b]pyridine trihydrochloride was selected for further evaluation. Synthesis and antiulcer activity of optically active 11 is described. There were no statistically significant differences between (+)-, (-)-, and (+/-)-11. Compound 11 showed weak antisecretory activity in pylorus-ligated rats. It is now under clinical evaluation as KW 5805.