A cannabinoid derived prototypical analgesic

The synthesis and analgesic testing of 3-[4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl]cyclohexanol (1) are described. Prior (SAR) studies led us to conclude that the pyran ring of 9-nor-9 beta-hydroxyhexahydrocannabinol (HHC) was not necessary for the expression of biological activity in this series of cannabinoids. Analysis of models and the use of molecular mechanics calculations suggested that a simpler compound, such as 1, would possess the biological activity of HHC. Compound 1 was prepared in nine steps from [3-(benzyloxy)phenyl]acetonitrile (2). Biological testing in five models of pain shows that compound 1 and morphine are equally potent as analgesics and demonstrates that the pyran ring of HHC is not necessary for biological activity. Further simplification of 1 was pursued by the synthesis of 4-[4-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-hydroxyphenyl]-2-pentanol (17), but this derivative exhibits significantly reduced analgesic activity.