alpha-(2-Pyridine)benzyl aryl ketones as potential hypocholesteremic agents

A series of alpha-(2-pyridine)benzyl aryl ketones were prepared as potential hypocholesteremic agents. The synthesis of these compounds was by conversion of 2-benzylpyridine to its anion with n-butyllithium and condensation of the anion with selected aromatic esters. The ketones were tested for their hypocholesteremic activity in rats, and those compounds showing activity were further tested for estrogenicity. Only those aryl ketones with substituents in the ortho position showed a statistically significant reduction in serum cholesterol. Of these compounds the tert-butyl derivative had the most favorable hypocholesteremic to estrogenic ratio.