Novel and potent tacrine-related hetero- and homobivalent ligands for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase.

Based upon synthetic and biochemical results, a novel and potent tacrine analogue and heterobivalent analogues of tacrine, were designed. The role played by the amino groups of homo- and heterobivalent ligands in the interaction with the peripheral and catalytic sites of AChE and BuChE were investigated. The syntheses of these materials together with the results of AChE/BuChE inhibition assays are detailed.