Synthesis, characterization and in vivo anticonvulsant and neurotoxicity screening of Schiff bases of phthalimide.

A series of Schiff bases of phthalimide (4a-l) were prepared in satisfactory yields and evaluated for their anticonvulsant and neurotoxicity activities. The structures of all the compounds were in good agreement with elemental analysis and spectral data. All the compounds were active in MES screen and less neurotoxic than phenytoin. Compound 41 having nitro substitution at ortho position of the distal aryl ring emerged as most promising anticonvulsant agent with low neurotoxicity.