Synthesis and anticonvulsant screening of 3,3-diphenyl-2-pyrrolidone derivatives

Six derivatives of 3,3-diphenyl-2-pyrrolidone were synthesized and screened for anticonvulsant activity. The synthetic route involved a mono-N-demethylation of an intermediate N,N-dimethylaminonitrile with methyl chloroformate followed by cleavage of the carbamate group. Of the six derivatives, (+/-)-2-imino-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine hydrochloride was effective in protecting mice against maximal electroshock (MES) -induced seizures at a 30-mg/kg dose level.