1-(Naphthylalkyl)-1H-imidazole derivatives, a new class of anticonvulsant agents

Potent anticonvulsant activity has been demonstrated for a large number of 1-(naphthylalkyl)-1H-imidazoles containing a variety of functional groups in the alkylene bridge. The presence of a small oxygen function in the bridge, in general, confers a high therapeutic index between anticonvulsant and depressant activity. Clinical expectations are discussed for 1-(2-naphthoylmethyl)imidazole hydrochloride (5), which is undergoing development for testing in humans.