New alpha-substituted arylthioacetic derivatives forming analogues of clofibrate.

Synthesis of some alpha-substituted arylthioacetic acids and esters forming analogues of clofibrate and of nafenopin (SU-13437) is reported and discussed. With a view to evaluating the influence of the introduction of a sulphur atom on the blood-lipid-reducing activity, preliminary pharmacological tests have been carried out on alpha-[4-(1-tetralyl)phenylthio] isobutyric acid (XIV) in parallel with its well-known phenoxy isologue. The results obtained so far, do not show any significant difference between the two compounds.