Asymmetric synthesis and biological evaluation of N-cyclohexyl-4-[1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-(p-tolyl)methyl]piperazine-1-carboxamide as hCB1 receptor antagonists.

We recently discovered and reported a novel series of benzhydrylpiperazine derivatives bearing an asymmetric carbon atom that are potent and selective hCB1 inverse agonists. In the present study, we used Davis-Ellmann-type sulfonamide chemistry to asymmetrically synthesize two enantiomers of the most potent racemic N-cyclohexyl-4-[1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-(p-tolyl)methyl]piperazine-1-carbo-xamide [14]. Enantiomer separation and configuration assignment were carried out. Our results indicate that the R-configuration is the more active enantiomer, displaying enhanced antagonistic activity for hCB1 receptor, better oral bioavailability, and greater efficacy in the reduction of body weight in diet-induced obese mice.