Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relationships of Tool Compounds Based on WAY163909, a 5-HT_2C Receptor Agonist

The development of probe molecules that can be used to investigate G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology, trafficking, and relationship with other GPCRs is an important and growing area of research. Here, we report the synthesis of analogues of the known selective serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT_2C receptor (5-HT_2CR) agonist WAY163909 which were designed to allow for the attachment of a second ligand, signaling or reporter molecules, as well as immobilization agents to the parent molecule with the maintenance of agonist activity. This goal was accomplished by the synthesis of novel molecules in which sites a-d were modified and resulting compounds were analyzed pharmacologically in vitro.