Synthesis and monoamine transporter binding properties of 3alpha-(substituted phenyl)nortropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl esters. Norepinephrine transporter selective compounds.

3alpha-(substituted phenyl)nortropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl esters (8a-h) showed high affinity for the norepinephrine transporter (NET). The most potent and selective compound was 3alpha-(3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)nortropane-2beta-carboxylic acid methyl ester (8d), with a Ki of 0.43 nM at the NET and 21- and 55-fold selectivity relative to binding at the dopamine and serotonin transporters. The development of 8d makes available compounds selective for all three transporters from the same structural class.