Synthesis and structure activity relationships (SAR) of a new class of potent and selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors.

Reported here is the synthesis and SAR of novel group of highly potent and selective inhibitors of human plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE; EC 3.1.1.8). The design is based on the discovery that isosorbide 2-esters are hydrolysed by BuChE at exceptionally rapid rates. Two families of carbamates were synthesised in which the vulnerable 2-ester was replaced with a carbamate or reversed carabamate. Several compounds in one of the families are among the most potent and selective BuChE inhibitors reported.