5-Phenyl-3-ureidobenzazepin-2-ones as cholecystokinin-B receptor antagonists

A series of 5-phenyl-3-ureidobenzazepin-2-one cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B) receptor antagonists was synthesized using Beckmann ring expansion of a suitable 4-phenyl-1-tetralone as a key step. Structure-activity relationship studies revealed the importance of the 5-phenyl group for potent and selective CCK-B affinity. Addition of an 8-methyl substituent and resolution provided the potent (CCK-B IC50 = 0.48 nM) CCK-B antagonist 4. The role of the 5-phenyl group as part of a "privileged structure" for high-affinity receptor antagonism is discussed.