3,4-disubstituted phenyliminoimidazolidines as potential prodrugs of the purported dopamine agonist 3,4-dihydroxyphenylimino-2-imidazolidine (DPI).

A series of ether derivatives of the purported dopamine agonist 3,4-dihydroxyphenylimino-2-imidazolidine (DPI) has been prepared as potential prodrugs of the parent compound due to its relatively poor penetration into the brain. Their effects on both dopamine and noradrenaline utilization in the rat brain have been investigated using the tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. Apart from the parent compound, DPI, the diphenylmethane ether analogue showed some dopaminergic activity.