Synthesis and anticonvulsant activities of N-benzyl (2R)-2-acetamido-3-oxysubstituted propionamide derivatives

Lacosamide has been submitted for regulatory approval in the United States and Europe for the treatment of epilepsy. Previous synthetic methods did not permit the elaboration of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) for the 3-oxy site in lacosamide. We report an expedient five-step stereospecific synthesis for N-benzyl (2R)-2-acetamido-3-oxysubstituted propionamide analogs beginning with D-serine methyl ester. The procedure incorporated alkyl (e.g. methyl, primary, secondary, and tertiary) and aryl groups at this position. The SAR for the 3-oxy site showed maximal activity in animal seizure models for small 3-alkoxy substituents.