Psychotropic agents. V. Synthesis of 1,3-diphenyl-4-(4-substituted piperidinyl)-1-butanones and related compounds.

A series of 1, 3-diphenyl-1-butanone derivatives (11-14) was synthesized as part of a search for new psychotropic agents. In the reaction of 4-chloro-1, 3-diphenyl-1-butanones (8a, d) with piperidine derivatives (10, 15), rearranged products (16-18) were obtained together with 1, 3-diphenyl-1-butanone derivatives (11, 14, 20). A reaction mechanism involving the cyclization of 8a, d to cyclopropane derivatives (22a, d) and subsequent addition reaction with piperidine derivatives (10, 15) to 22a, d is proposed.