Synthesis and evaluation of the anxiolytic activity of some phthalimide derivatives in mice model of anxiety

The aim of the present study was to synthesis a series of phthalimides based on our previous works and examine their anxiolytic properties. Using a three steps process, phthalimides were prepared from the corresponding di-methyl phthalate derivatives. Phthalic anhydride was nitrated to produce 3-nitrophthalic acid. Ring closer of either 3-nitrophthalic acid or di-methyl phthalate with urea were carried out in reflux condition. Final compounds were prepared by base catalyzed condensation of 4-methylbenzoyl chloride, benzoyl chloride and benzyl chloride with the resulting imides. From the tested compounds, only N-benzoyl 3-nitro-phthalimide was shown to produce anxiolytic activity by increasing the number of entries and time spent in open arms at 10 mg/kg