Litebamine N-homologues: preparation and anti-acetylcholinesterase activity.

Litebamine N-homologues were easily prepared from laurolitsine, generally via three reaction steps (N-alkylation, solvolysis with 1 M NH4OAc under reflux, and the Mannich reaction) in more than 80% overall yield. Among the prepared compounds, N-propyl-, N-isobutyl-, and N-isopropylnorlitebamines exhibited moderate antiacetylcholinesterase activity (IC50 ca. 7.0 microM), while the corresponding N-metho salt of N-propylnorlitebamine showed potent activity (IC50 2.70 microM).