Synthesis and preliminary screening of novel N-{2-[4-(substituted)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl}acetamides as potential atypical antipsychotic agents.

A series of N-{2-[4-(substituted)piperazin-1-yl]-2-oxoethyl}acetamides were synthesized as prospective novel atypical antipsychotic agents. Microwave irradiation of acetyl glycine (I) with substituted piperazines in the presence of DCC in DMF for about 3-5 min gave the titled compounds (P:1-7). All the synthesized compounds were screened for their in vivo pharmacological activity in Swiss albino mice. D(2) antagonism studies were performed using the climbing mouse assay model and 5-HT(2A) antagonism studies were performed using quipazine induced head twitches in mice. Among the synthesized compounds P4 was found to be the most active compound.