2-[(Arylmethoxy)imino]imidazolidines with potential biological activities.

A series of 2-[(arylmethoxy)imino]imidazolidines was synthesized by reacting 2-chloro-4,5-dihydroimidazole with corresponding O-arylmethylhydroxylamines and evaluated for their alpha-, alpha2-adrenergic and imidazoline I1, I2 receptor binding affinities. The most potent 2-[(naphthalen-1-ylmethoxy)imino]imidazolidine showed a high selectivity and good affinity for the [3H]prazosin-labeled alpha1-adrenoceptors (K(i) = 107 nM). Representative compounds of this series were also tested in vivo for possible circulatory effects in rats after intravenous administration.