Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Thiophene Derivatives as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

Abstract

A series of new thiophene derivatives has been synthesized using the Gewald protocol. The acetylcholinesterase inhibition activity was assayed according to Ellman’s method using donepezil as reference. Some of the compounds were found to be more potent inhibitors than the reference. 2-(2-(4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (IIId) showed 60% inhibition, compared to only 40% inhibition by donepezil.

1. Introduction

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by premature mental deterioration [1]. Cognitive deficits in AD was found to be associated with disruption of central cholinergic transmission [2]. The successful development of AChE inhibitors was based on the well accepted hypothesis that the decline in cognitive and mental functions associated with AD is related to loss of cortical cholinergic transmission [1].

The structural diversity of known AChE inhibitors and the possibility to explore distinct mode of action have stimulated studies that confirmed the activity of new AChE inhibitors such as tacrine (1) [3], donepezil (2) [4] and rivastigmine (3) [5] (Figure 1). Donepezil (E 2020) initiated a new class of AChE inhibitors with longer and more selective action with manageable adverse effects [1]. Recent data has demonstrated that the effect of AChE inhibitors are not necessarily confined to cholinesterase inhibition but that they also improve the symptoms of AD through regulation of the processing and secretion of amyloid precursor protein (APP) [6].

Figure 1. Structures of some acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs.

Figure 1. Structures of some acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drugs.

In the present study, and in order to obtain analogues of donepezil that could retain its main spatial and physicochemical characteristics, the indanone moiety of donepezil was replaced by a thiophene ring with a carbonyl group at position 3, an acetamido group was used as a spacer connecting the thiophene ring with arylpiperidines and piperazines [7]. In addition to the focus on the N-benzylpiperidines and N-benzylpiperazines due to their specificity and potency [8]. Structure elucidation of the newly synthesized derivatives was performed and furthermore, the new derivatives were tested for their capacity to inhibit acetylcholinesterase enzyme.

2. Results and Discussion

2.1. Chemistry

The synthetic pathway for the synthesis of the designed compounds is shown in Scheme 1 and Scheme 2. The starting tetrahydrobenzothiophenes Ia,b were synthesized adopting a direct Gewald method, while the synthesis of IVa was achieved via a modified direct Gewald procedure. On the other hand, IVb was synthesized using Arya`s method, where the reaction proceeded in two steps. The produced Ia,b and IVa,b was reacted with chloroacetyl chloride by stirring in acetic acid at room temperature to afford IIa,b and Va,b. The IR spectrum of Va showed the appearance of an absorption band at 3,390–3,209 cm⁻¹ due to NH and NH₂ groups together with absorption bands at 1,670 and 1,627 cm⁻¹ corresponding to two C=O groups The ¹H-NMR spectrum showed a singlet signal at δ 4.43 ppm corresponding to CH₂Cl protons, while the mass spectrum showed the isotopic pattern of chlorine, as well as an exchangeable singlet at δ 11.11 ppm corresponding to the NH protons.

Scheme 1. Synthesis of target compounds IIIa–h.

Scheme 1. Synthesis of target compounds IIIa–h.

Scheme 2. Synthesis of target compounds VIa-j.

Scheme 2. Synthesis of target compounds VIa-j.

Upon the reaction of IIa,b and IVa,b with different amines taking into consideration the desired structure similarity to donepezil, the reaction proceeded for different reflux times adopting several solvent systems while the reactions were monitored using thin layer chromatography.

The structure of the produced final derivatives was confirmed by IR, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, mass spectrometry and microanalyses. The IR spectra showed the appearance of an absorption band in the 3105–3000 cm⁻¹ range corresponding to C-H aromatic. Additionally, the ¹H-NMR showed the appearance of aromatic protons in the range of δ 6.80–7.45 ppm. Moreover, compounds IIId and Vd showed the appearance of a singlet peak in the range of δ 3.68–4.23 ppm corresponding to the methoxy protons. The ¹³C-NMR of compound IIIb,d showed aromatic carbon atoms in the δ 113.05–152.89 ppm range. In addition, the carbon atoms of the piperazine ring appeared in the ¹³C-NMR in a range of δ 49.31–52.47 and 52.80–52.96 ppm, respectively.

2.2. Pharmacology

Donepezil, which is a benzylpiperidine derivative, was chosen as a reference standard drug as it shows potent reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor activity [9]. The new derivatives were designed with structural similarity to donepezil where the indanone moiety was replaced by the tetrahydrobenzo[b]- thiophene ring which is expected to act as the peripheral anionic site, while the N atom from the piperazine group acted as the positively charged centre presented in many potent AChE inhibitors and the phenyl group attached to the piperazine acted as the choline binding site [10] (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Design strategy of the newly synthesized derivatives.

Figure 2. Design strategy of the newly synthesized derivatives.

In vitro tests showed that substitution at the ortho position of the benzyl ring specifically by a fluorine atom enhances activity [7]. In addition, it was reported that the carbonyl of the acetamido group (COCH₂) was crucial for activity [11].

On the previous basis, Ellman’s assay method was performed on all of the newly synthesized compounds and on donepezil as standard to measure their inhibitory activity against the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Some of them such IIIa, IIId, VIb, VIg and VIh displayed inhibitory activity (56.67, 60, 56.6 and 51.67%, respectively), better than donepezil, which tested under the same conditions showed 40% inhibition. On the other hand, compounds IIIb and IIIf showed similar activity to donepezil.

2.3. Molecular Modelling

The crystal structure of AChE cocrystallized with donepezil shows that donepezil binds in the active site cleft by several interactions through π–π interaction between the indanone moiety and Trp 279 which were considered to be responsible for the observed affinity. In addition there is another π–π interaction between the benzyl ring and Trp 84, and finally, a π- cation interaction between Phe 330 and the charged nitrogen atom of the piperidine ring. No direct hydrogen bond between the enzyme and donepezil could be detected in the structure. Compounds IIIa, IIIb, IIIe, IIIh, VIa, VIf and VIg showed good energy scores in addition to their superimposition with donepezil in the active site of AChE. These derivatives formed additional hydrogen bond interactiond with Phe 288 at the AChE active site showing better fitting to the receptor which revealed that these derivatives could have similar or even better activity pharmacological activity than donepezil.

3. Experimental

3.1. Chemistry

All melting points were determined on a Stuart apparatus and the values given are uncorrected. IR spectra (KBr, cm⁻¹) were determined on a Shimadzu IR 435 spectrophotometer (Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt). ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectra were recorded on Varian Gemini 200 MHz and 300 MHz spectrophotometers (Microanalysis Center, Cairo University, Egypt) using TMS as internal standard. Chemical shift values are recorded in ppm on δ scale. Mass spectra were recorded on a Hewlett Packard 5988 spectrometer (Microanalysis Center, Cairo University, Egypt). Elemental analyses were carried out at the Microanalysis Center, Cairo University, Egypt; found values were within ±0.35% of the theoretical ones. Progress of the reactions was monitored using TLC sheets precoated with UV fluorescent silica gel Merck 60F 254 and were visualized using UV lamp. Compounds Ia, Ib [12], IVa [13], IVb [14], IIa, IIb and Vb [15] were synthesized according to reported procedures.

3.1.1. General Procedure for the Synthesis of IIIa–h

To a solution of each of IIa,b (0.01 mol) in an appropriate solvent (20 mL), an appropriate amine (0.02 mol) was added and the mixture was heated under reflux for 4–12 h. The product was cooled, the separated solid was filtered, dried and crystallized from ethanol.

2-(2-(4-Benzylpiperidin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (IIIa). Solvent: ethanol; time of reflux: 12 h; m.p.: 192–194 °C; yield: 80%; IR: 3406, 3290 (NH₂, NH), 3050 (CH aromatic), 2927, 2912 (CH aliphatic), 1681, 1662 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.62–1.69 (m, 5H, 2CH₂ + CH piperidine), 1.87 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.6 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.74 (m, 4H, 2 CH₂ piperidine), 3.01 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 5.8 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 7.22 (s, 2H, NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 7.14–7.31 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 12.63 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 411 (M⁺, 8.42%). Anal. calcd. for C₂₃H₂₉N₃O₂S: C 67.12, H 7.10, N 10.21; found C 66.90, H 6.88, N 9.99.

2-(2-(4-Benzylpiperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (IIIb). Solvent: ethanol; time of reflux: 12 h; m.p.: 200–202 °C; yield: 80%; IR: 3394, 3209 (NH₂, NH), 3030 (CH aromatic), 2927, 2850 (CH aliphatic), 1685, 1650 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.72 (s, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.49 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.6 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 2.9 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.18(s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 3.47 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 7.27 (s, 2H, NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 7.26–7.32 (m, 5H, aromatic protons), 12.27 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (DMSO) δ: 22.41–25.17 (4CH₂), 52.47 (2CH₂ piperazine), 52.96 (2CH₂ piperazine), 60.49 (CO-CH₂-N), 62.01 (CH₂ benzyl), 116.23–141.68 (aromatic C), 166.98 (C=O), 167.31 (C=O) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 412 (M⁺, 12.31%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₂H₂₈N4O₂S: C 64.05, H 6.84, N 13.58; found: C 64.19, H 6.92, N 13.54.

2-(2-(4-(2-Fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (IIIc). Solvent: dioxane; time of reflux: 4 h; m.p.: 196–198 °C; yield: 76%; IR: 3495, 3309 (NH₂, NH), 3100 (CH aromatic), 2939, 2873 (CH aliphatic), 1675, 1651 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.62 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 1.87 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.65–2.75 (m, 8H, 4CH₂ piperazine), 3.21 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 3.63 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 7.22 (s, 2H,NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 6.99–7.42 (m, 4H, aromatic H), 12.63 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 430 (M⁺, 15.45%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₂H₂₇FN₄O₂S: C 61.37, H 6.32, N 13.01; found: C 61.29, H 6.36, N 13.22.

2-(2-(4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (IIId). Solvent: ethanol; time of reflux: 8 h; m.p.: 234–236 °C; yield: 70%; IR: 3500, 3310 (NH₂, NH), 3050 (CH aromatic), 2921 (CH aliphatic), 1681, 1651 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.72 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.49–2.5 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.63–2.65 (m, 4H, CH₂ piperazine), 3.18 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.3 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 3.69 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 6.88 (s, 2H, NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 6.81–6.91 (dd, 4H, aromatic H), 12.35 (s, 1H, NH ,D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 428 (M⁺, 31.44%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₂H₂₈N₄O₃ S: C 61.66, H 6.59, N 13.07; found C 62.21, H 6.36, N 13.12.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-benzylpiperidin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (IIIe). Solvent: ethanol; time of reflux: 8 h; m.p.: 80–82 °C; yield: 65%; IR: 3190 (NH), 3028 (CH aromatic), 2931, 2850 (CH aliphatic), 1670 (2C=O); ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.35 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.54–1.58 (m, 5H, 2CH₂ + CH piperidine), 1.71 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.11 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.76 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperidine), 3.17 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 3.36 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 4.3(q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 7.15–7.30 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 12.63 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 440 (M⁺, 23.98%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₅H₃₂N₂O₃: C 68.15, H 7.32, N 6.36; found C 67.55, H6.80, N 6.22.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (IIIf). Solvent: Acetonitrile; time of reflux: 12 h; m.p.: 96–98 °C; yield: 60%; IR: 3178 (NH), 3028 (CH aromatic), 2935, 2858 (CH aliphatic), 1670 (2C=O); ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.38–1.42 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.79 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.65 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.68 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 2.8 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.3 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 3.66 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 4.37 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 7.27–7.39 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 12.18 (s,1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 441 (M⁺, 9.77%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₄H₃₁N₃O₃S: C 65.28, H 7.08, N 9.52; found: C 65.32, H7.12, N9.58.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-(2-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3 carboxylate (IIIg). Solvent: ethanol; time of reflux: 8 h; m.p.: 134–136 °C; yield: 62%; IR: 3450 (NH), 3105 (CH aromatic), 2920 (CH aliphatic), 1674 (2C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.29 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.71 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.5 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.62 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.06 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piprazine), 3.3 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 3.62 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 4.19 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 7.16–7.45 (m, 4H, aromatic H), 12.02 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 459 (M⁺, 0.02%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₄H₃₀FN₃O₃S: C 62.72, H 6.58, N 9.14; found: C 62.79, H6.53, N9.16.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (IIIh). Solvent: ethanol; time of reflux: 8 h; m.p.: 145–147 °C; yield: 73%; IR: 3240 (NH), 3050 (CH aromatic), 2947, 2904 (CH aliphatic), 1675, 1666 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.25–1.3 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.72 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.49–2.6 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.67 (m, 4H, 2CH₂, piperazine), 3.13 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.3 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 3.7 (s, 3H,OCH₃), 4.26 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 6.81–6.93 (dd, 4H, aromatic H), 12.04 (s,1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (DMSO): 13.98 (OCH₂CH₃), 22.19–25.71 (4CH₂), 49.31 (2CH₂ piperazine), 52.80 (2CH₂ piperazine), 55.12 (OCH₃), 59.96 (CO-CH₂-N), 60.26 (OCH₂CH₃), 114.25–152.84 (aromatic C), 164.52 (C=O), 167.68 (C=O) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 457 (M⁺, 28.79%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₄H₃₁N₃O₄S; calcd. C 63.00, H 6.83, N 9.18; found: C 63.13, H6.89, N9.21.

2-(2-Chloroacetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (Va). Chloroacetyl chloride (3.69 g, 0.033 mol) was added to a solution of each of IVa (6.3g, 0.03 mol) in acetic acid (20 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The product was filtered, dried and crystallized from ethanol. M.p.: 220–222 °C; yield 55%; IR: 3390–3209 (NH₂, NH), 2920 (CH aliphatic), 1670, 1627 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.55–1.59 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 1.73–1.75 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.67–2.71 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 4.43 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-Cl), 7.5 (s, 2H, NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 11.11 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 286 (M⁺, 40.43%), 288 (M + 2, 19.42%); Anal. calcd. for C₁₂H₁₅ClN₂O₂S: C 50.26, H 5.27, N 9.77; found: C 50.29, H5.28, N9.73.

3.1.2. General Procedure of the Preparation of Compounds VIa–j

To a solution of each of IVa,b (0.01 mol) in an appropriate solvent (20 mL), an appropriate amine (0.02 mol) was added and the mixture was heated under reflux for 4–12 h. The product was poured into ice-cold water (25 mL), and then extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layer was dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate. The reaction was filtered and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give an oily product. The oily product was treated with ether (25 mL) and the solid obtained was filtered, dried and crystallized from ethanol.

2-(2-(4-Benzylpiperidin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (VIa). Solvent: Acetonitrile; time of reflux: 12 h; m.p.: 83–85 °C; yield: 65%; IR: 3325 (NH₂, NH), 3059, 3024 (CH aromatic), 2920 (CH aliphatic), 1654 (2C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.55–1.58 (m, 4H, 2CH₂,), 1.78 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.49 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.67–2.74 (m, 5H, 2CH₂+ CH piperidine), 3.3 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperidine), 3.8 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 5.1(s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 7.17–7.29 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 7.45 (s, 2H, NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 10.8 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 425.558 (M⁺); Anal. calcd. for C₂₄H₃₁N₃O₂S: C 67.73, H 7.34, N 9.87; found: C 67.48, H7.35, N9.81.

2-(2-(4-Benzylpiperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (VIb). Solvent: Acetonitrile; time of reflux: 12; m.p.:108–110 °C; yield: 60%; IR: 3441, 3340 (NH₂, NH), 3062, 3028 (CH aromatic), 2916 (CH aliphatic), 1651(2C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.52–1.56 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 1.78 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.49 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.7 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.13 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.55 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 4.09 (s, 2H,CH₂ benzyl), 7.28–7.32 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 7.45 (s, 2H, NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 11.17 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 426.560 (M⁺); Anal. calcd. for C₂₃H₃₀N₄O₂S: C 64.76, H 7.09, N 13.13; found: C 64.82, H 7.11, N13.18.

2-(2-(4-(2-Fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (VIc). Solvent: Dioxane; time of reflux: 4 h; m.p.:170–172 °C; yield: 60%; IR: 3394, 3321 (NH₂, NH), 3070 (CH aromatic), 2920 (CH aliphatic), 1660–1631 (C=O); ¹H-NMR(CDCl₃) δ: 1.52–1.56 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 1.78 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.49 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.59 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.05 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.29 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 3.6 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 7.15–7.44 (m, 4H, aromatic H), 7.22 (s, 2H, NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 8.84 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 444.917 (M⁺); Anal. calcd. for C₂₃H₂₉FN₄O₂S: C 62.14, H 6.58, N 12.60; found: C 62.23, H6.56, N12.65.

2-(2-(4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (VId). Solvent: acetonitrile; time of reflux: 12 h; m.p.: 190–192 °C; yield: 60%; IR: 3345, 3440 (NH₂, NH), 3089 (CH aromatic), 2954 (CH aliphatic), 1778, 1724 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.56 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 1.8 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.49 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.7 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.16 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.8 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 4.23 (s, 3H,OCH₃), 6.83–7.00 (dd, 4H, aromatic H), 7.48 (s, 2H,NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 11.17 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 442.657 (M⁺); Anal. calcd. for C₂₃H₃₀N₄O₃S: C 62.42, H 6.83, N 12.66; found C 62.47, H 6.88, N 12.60.

2-(2-(4-Phenylpiperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxamide (VIe). Solvent: acetonitrile; time of reflux: 12 h; m.p.: 158–160 °C; yield: 60%; IR: 3394 (NH₂, NH), 3050 (CH aromatic), 2920 (CH aliphatic), 1651 (2C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.56 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 1.79 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.49 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.7 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.2 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.8 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 6.80–7.27 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 7.48 (s, 2H, NH₂, D₂O exchangeable), 11.17 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 412 (M⁺, 0.75%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₂H₂₈N₄O₂S: C 64.05, H 6.84, N 13.58; found C 63.94, H6.84, N 13.52.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-benzylpiperidin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (VIf). Solvent: ethanol; time of reflux: 8 h; m.p.: 155–157 °C; yield: 56%; IR: 3332 (NH), 3000 (CH aromatic), 2916 (CH aliphatic), 1716, 1658 (C=O); ¹H-NMR(CDCl₃) δ: 1.37–1.42 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.59–1.67 (m, 6H, 3CH₂), 1.83 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.7 (m, 5H, 2CH₂ + CH piperidine), 3.03 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperidine), 3.56 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 4.33 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 4.39 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 7.26–7.27 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 11.78( s,1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 453 (M⁺−H, 1.05%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₆H₃₄N₂O₃S: C 68.69, H 7.54, N 6.16; found C 68.73, H 7.58, N 6.18.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-benzylpiperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (VIg). Solvent: Acetonitrile; time of reflux: 12; m.p.: 153–155 °C; yield: 56%; IR: 3345 (NH), 3020 (CH aromatic), 2920 (CH aliphatic), 1716, 1658 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.37–1.42 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.59–1.69 (m, 6H, 3CH₂), 1.83 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.7 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.03 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.56 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 4.33 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 4.39 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 7.26–7.37 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 11.78 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS: (m/z, % abundance) 455 (M⁺, 12.34%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₅H₃₃N₃O₃S: C 65.90, H 7.30, N 9.22; found C 65.94, H 7.31, N 9.29.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-(2-fluorobenzyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta [b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (VIh). Solvent: Ethanol; time of reflux: 8 h; m.p.: 163–165 °C; yield: 55%; IR: 3345 (NH), 3020 (CH aromatic), 2920 (CH aliphatic), 1716, 1658 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 1.37–1.42 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.57–1.67 (m, 6H, 3CH₂), 1.85 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 2.71 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.03 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.56 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 4.33 (s, 2H, CH₂ benzyl), 4.39 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 7.16–7.45 (m, 4H, aromatic H), 11.78 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 473 (M⁺, 100%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₅H₃₂FN₃O₃S: C 63.40, H 6.81, N 8.87; found: C 63.49, H 6.84, N 8.83.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carboxylate (VIi). Solvent: Ethanol; time of reflux: 8; m.p.: 128–130 °C; yield: 60%; IR: 3259 (NH), 3020 (CH aromatic), 2924, 2850 (CH aliphatic), 1683 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ :1.26–1.33 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.54 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 1.8 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.5 (m,4H, 2CH₂), 2.66 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.0 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 3.3 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 3.68 (s, 3H, OCH₃), 4.27 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 6.81–6.92 (dd, 4H, aromatic H), 11.8(s,1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm; ¹³C-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 14.13 (OCH₂CH₃), 26.54–31.54 (5CH₂), 49.42 (2CH₂ piperazine), 52.89 (2CH₂ piperazine), 55.12 (OCH₃), 60.36 (CO-CH₂-N + OCH₂CH₃), 113.05–152.89 (aromatic C), 164.58 (C=O), 167.73 (C=O) ppm; MS (m/z, % abundance): 471 (M⁺, 28.99%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₅H₃₃N₃O₄S: C 63.67, H 7.05, N 8.91; found C 63.6, H 7.05, N 8.90.

Ethyl 2-(2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)acetamido)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4H-cyclohepta[b]thiophene-3-carbox-ylate (VIj). Solvent: Ethanol; time of reflux: 8 h; m.p.: 138–140 °C; yield: 65%;IR: 3332 (NH), 3100 (CH aromatic), 2920 (CH aliphatic), 1716, 1658 (C=O); ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) δ: 1.29–1.30 (t, 3H, OCH₂CH₃), 1.32 (m, 2H, CH₂), 1.54 (m, 4H, 2CH₂), 1.8 (m, 2H, CH₂), 2.71 (m, 4H, 2CH₂ piperazine), 2.98 (m, 2H, CH₂), 3.32 (m, 4H, CH₂ piperazine), 3.3 (s, 2H, CO-CH₂-N), 4.26 (q, 2H, OCH₂CH₃), 6.93–7.24 (m, 5H, aromatic H), 11.83 (s, 1H, NH, D₂O exchangeable) ppm. MS (m/z, % abundance): 441 (M⁺, 17.79%); Anal. calcd. for C₂₄H₃₁N₃O₃S: C 65.28, H 7.08, N 9.52; found C 65.26, H 7.09, N 9.47.

3.2. Pharmacology

All of the newly synthesized compounds were subjected to an AChE inhibitory activity test. Donepezil, which is a benzylpiperidine derivative, was chosen as a reference standard drug as it shows potent anticholinesterase activity. Adult male albino Wister rats weighing 180–200 g were used in the present study. Rats were purchased from the animal house of El-Nile Company (Cairo, Egypt). Rats were kept under constant laboratory conditions and were allowed free access to food and water throughout the period of investigation. The tested compounds were orally administered at concentration of 2.6351 mM (equivalent to that of donepezil). The compounds were mixed with Tween 80, diluted with distilled water and administered orally. After 30 minutes rats were killed, decapitated, then brains were carefully removed and homogenized in normal saline (pH 7.4).

Inhibitory activity against AChE was evaluated at 37 °C by the colorimetric method reported by Ellman et al. [16]. The principle of the assay is based on that the thio-ester substrate acetylthiocholine (AchSC) is hydrolyzed by the enzyme, releasing a sulfhydrylic group able to react with bis (3-carboxy-4-nitrophenyl) disulfide (Ellman’s reagent). The kinetics of this activity is then followed with the use of a spectrophotometer at 412 nm for 2 min. Absorbance is measured at 0, 1 and 2 min and the mean change in absorbance (ΔA) is calculated for each sample the values were recorded. The AChE inhibition was determined for each compound. Each assay was run in triplicate and each reaction was repeated three independent times (Table 1).

Table 1. Inhibition of AChE activity of donepezil and the synthesized anticholinesterase compounds.

Compound Number	Choline Esterase Content (U/gm Wet Weight)	% Inhibition
Normal saline	2815.20 ± 171.33	0%
donepezil	1689.20 ± 172.42	40%
IIIa	1219.20 ± 87.78	56.67%
IIIb	1689.12 ± 136.79	40%
IIIc	2404.65± 200.33	14.58%
IIId	1126.08 ± 87.78	60%
IIIe	1853.24 ± 183.18	34.17%
IIIf	1736.04 ± 119.62	38.33%
IIIg	22287.70 ± 400.60	20.83%
IIIh	1829.88 ± 136.79	35%
VIa	2111.40 ± 209.83	25%
VIb	1360.68 ± 114.93	51.67%
VIc	1876.80 ± 82.94	33.33%
VId	1906.12 ± 168.46	32.29%
VIe	2017.56 ± 93.84	28.33%
IVf	1876.68 ± 104.92	33.34%
IVg	1219.20 ± 87.78	56.67%
IVh	1360.56 ± 87.76	51.67%
IVi	2533.68 ± 201.81	10%
IVj	2627.52 ± 46.92	6.67%

Table 1. Inhibition of AChE activity of donepezil and the synthesized anticholinesterase compounds.

Compound Number	Choline Esterase Content (U/gm Wet Weight)	% Inhibition
Normal saline	2815.20 ± 171.33	0%
donepezil	1689.20 ± 172.42	40%
IIIa	1219.20 ± 87.78	56.67%
IIIb	1689.12 ± 136.79	40%
IIIc	2404.65± 200.33	14.58%
IIId	1126.08 ± 87.78	60%
IIIe	1853.24 ± 183.18	34.17%
IIIf	1736.04 ± 119.62	38.33%
IIIg	22287.70 ± 400.60	20.83%
IIIh	1829.88 ± 136.79	35%
VIa	2111.40 ± 209.83	25%
VIb	1360.68 ± 114.93	51.67%
VIc	1876.80 ± 82.94	33.33%
VId	1906.12 ± 168.46	32.29%
VIe	2017.56 ± 93.84	28.33%
IVf	1876.68 ± 104.92	33.34%
IVg	1219.20 ± 87.78	56.67%
IVh	1360.56 ± 87.76	51.67%
IVi	2533.68 ± 201.81	10%
IVj	2627.52 ± 46.92	6.67%

3.3. Molecular Modelling

Docking was carried out on an Intel Pentium 1.6 GHz processor, 512 MB memory with Windows XP operating system using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE 2008.10; Chemical Computing Group, Montereal, Canada) as the computational software. The 3D structure of the acetylcholine esterase complexed with donepezil was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB ID: 1EVE) at Research Collaboration for Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) protein data bank base [17] with a 2.5 A resolution. In the present work, all the prepared new compounds were docked using a rigid receptor/ fexible ligand approach adopting five energy maps which are hydrophobicity, electrostatic, hydrogen bond formation and two Van der Waal parameters. The docking scores were expressed in negative energy terms; the lower the binding free energy, the better the binding affinity. The data obtained from docking of the target compounds were explained in Table 2, Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5.

Table 2. MOE Scores of Donepezil, compounds III_a–h and VI_a–j, and bonds formed with amino acid residues and their lengths.

Compound Number	Type of Interaction (Amino Acid Residues, Length of Bond in A)	Binding Energy Score (Kcal/mol)
Donepezil	π-π (Trp279), π-π, π-cation (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−31.1758
IIIa	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), H-bond (Tyr121, 2.92), π-cation (Trp334), H-bond (Phe288, 2.82)	−29.5362
IIIb	π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Trp334), π-cation (Phe330), H-bond (Phe331, 2.00)	−29.2693
IIIc	π-π (Trp279), π-cation (Tyr334), π-cation (His440)	−25.7001
IIId	π-π (Trp84), H-bond (Tyr121, 2.7), H-bond (Phe331, 1.74), H-bond (Phe288, 2.68)	−22.5618
IIIe	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Tyr334)	−28.4632
IIIf	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Tyr334)	−27.6379
IIIg	π-π(Trp279)	−20.3797
IIIh	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84)	−28.0285
VIa	π-π (Trp279), π-π(Trp84), H-bond (Tyr70, 1.94)	−27.0547
VIb	π-π, π-cation (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−26.6091
VIc	π-π (Trp279), π-π, π-cation (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−26.2333
VId	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84)	−21.6314
VIe	π-π (Trp84), H-bond (Tyr121, 2.58)	−23.8446
VIf	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Tyr334), H-bond (Tyr121, 2.98)	−29.9461
VIg	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−30.4078
VIh	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−26.7772
VIi	H-bond (Tyr121, 2.84), H-bond (Gly119, 2.86), H-bond (ser200, 2.51)	−21.0334
VIj	H-bond (Tyr121, 2.74), π-π (Trp84)	−23.3871

Table 2. MOE Scores of Donepezil, compounds III_a–h and VI_a–j, and bonds formed with amino acid residues and their lengths.

Compound Number	Type of Interaction (Amino Acid Residues, Length of Bond in A)	Binding Energy Score (Kcal/mol)
Donepezil	π-π (Trp279), π-π, π-cation (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−31.1758
IIIa	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), H-bond (Tyr121, 2.92), π-cation (Trp334), H-bond (Phe288, 2.82)	−29.5362
IIIb	π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Trp334), π-cation (Phe330), H-bond (Phe331, 2.00)	−29.2693
IIIc	π-π (Trp279), π-cation (Tyr334), π-cation (His440)	−25.7001
IIId	π-π (Trp84), H-bond (Tyr121, 2.7), H-bond (Phe331, 1.74), H-bond (Phe288, 2.68)	−22.5618
IIIe	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Tyr334)	−28.4632
IIIf	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Tyr334)	−27.6379
IIIg	π-π(Trp279)	−20.3797
IIIh	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84)	−28.0285
VIa	π-π (Trp279), π-π(Trp84), H-bond (Tyr70, 1.94)	−27.0547
VIb	π-π, π-cation (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−26.6091
VIc	π-π (Trp279), π-π, π-cation (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−26.2333
VId	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84)	−21.6314
VIe	π-π (Trp84), H-bond (Tyr121, 2.58)	−23.8446
VIf	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Tyr334), H-bond (Tyr121, 2.98)	−29.9461
VIg	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−30.4078
VIh	π-π (Trp279), π-π (Trp84), π-cation (Phe330)	−26.7772
VIi	H-bond (Tyr121, 2.84), H-bond (Gly119, 2.86), H-bond (ser200, 2.51)	−21.0334
VIj	H-bond (Tyr121, 2.74), π-π (Trp84)	−23.3871

Figure 3. Interactions of donepezil with the amino acids of the active site of AChE.

Figure 3. Interactions of donepezil with the amino acids of the active site of AChE.

Figure 4. (a) Docked conformation alignment of III_a (red) and its original co-crystallized ligand (grey) in the AChE binding site generated by MOE docking. (b) simplified structure showing interaction between III_a and the aromatic residues in the AChE active site.

Figure 4. (a) Docked conformation alignment of III_a (red) and its original co-crystallized ligand (grey) in the AChE binding site generated by MOE docking. (b) simplified structure showing interaction between III_a and the aromatic residues in the AChE active site.

Figure 5. (a) Docked conformation alignment of III_d (red) and its original co-crystallized ligand (grey) in the AChE binding site generated by MOE docking. (b) simplified structure showing interaction between III_d and the aromatic residues in the AChE active site.

Figure 5. (a) Docked conformation alignment of III_d (red) and its original co-crystallized ligand (grey) in the AChE binding site generated by MOE docking. (b) simplified structure showing interaction between III_d and the aromatic residues in the AChE active site.

4. Conclusions

Compound IIId showed better inhibitory activity than donepezil owing mainly to its amide group carbonyl that leads to extra binding to the receptor by an H-bond with Phe288, also due to the fact that this particular derivative can bind to the receptor with three different H-bonds leading to better fitting to the receptor. Compounds VIb, VIg and VIh bearing benzylpiperazine and 2-fluorobenzyl piperazine groups with no H-bonding to the receptor showed less inhibitory activity than IIId but still better activity than donepezil. Compounds IIIb and IIIf having a benzylpiperazine group showed moderate activity, but still retained similar inhibitory activity to donepezil owing to the fitting to the receptor with an extra H-bond of IIIb and the π-cation interaction of both compounds. From the previous results, the extra binding to the receptor with the H-bond lead to better pharmacological activity.