Anticonvulsant Activity of 2,2-Disubstituted-l,3-Propanediols in Electroshock Seizures

Abstract

Certain 2,2-disubstituted-1,3-propanediols in suitable dosage prevent the occurrence of electroshock seizures in mice. The molecular configuration favorable for max. anticonvulsant activity is the presence of a quaternary carbon atom to which 1 or 2 phenyl radicals are attached. Of the 17 diols examined, 2-phenyl-2-ethyl-l,3-propanediol and 2,2-diphenyl-l,3-propanediol on a molar basis had a more than twice as strong anticonvulsant action as 2,2-diethyl-l,3-propanediol (DEP) or mephenesin (3-o-tolyl-l,2-propanediol). Derivatives of 1,3-propanediol may occur in the body as degradation products of certain barbiturates and they may constitute the effective anticonvulsant substances.