LAUSR

A new series of 1,3‐substituted pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione derivatives as potential anticonvulsant agents are described. Initial pharmacological screening of these compounds was performed by using acute models of seizures (MES and scPTZ tests) in mice after intraperitoneal administration. Quantitative pharmacological research revealed that the most promising compounds were N‐[{4‐(3‐trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl}propyl]‐3‐benzhydrylpyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione monohydrochloride (11) with a ED50 value of 75.9 mg kg−1 (MES test) and N‐[{4‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)piperazin‐1‐yl}ethyl]‐3‐methylpyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione monohydrochloride (18) with ED50=88.2 mg kg−1 (MES test) and ED50=65.7 kg mg−1 (scPTZ test). These compounds displayed a more beneficial protective index than well‐known antiepileptic drugs. A plausible mechanism of action of compounds 11 and 18 [molecule 11 blocked the sodium channel (site 2) and 18 blocked both the sodium (site 2) and L‐type calcium channels] and their preliminary safety in vitro were evaluated. Besides, the lipophilicity of all synthesized compounds was determined by using UPLC–MS.