Hypocholesterolemic activity of 1,3-bis(substituted phenoxy)-2-propanones.

A series of 1,3-bis(substituted phenoxy)-2-propanones was found to be active hypocholesterolemic agents at 10 mg/kg/day. The p-chloro- and p-methyl-substituted phenoxy compounds possess the highest activity. These compounds did not possess the estrogenic and antifertility activities of the related previously reported derivatives of the bis(beta-phenylethyl) ketone series. The 1,3-bis(p-methylphenoxy)-2-propanone (7) also lowered serum triglycerides and glycerol which appeared to be due to increased levels of serum lipase and reduced activity of liver lipase. There was reduced incorporation of free fatty acids into complex lipids by the liver. Cholesterol was excreted faster in the treated animals.