SYNTHESIS OF NEW 2([(PHENOXY OR PHENYL)ACETYL]AMINO) BENZOIC-ACID DERIVATIVES AS 3-ALPHA-HYDROXYSTEROID DEHYDROGENASE INHIBITORS AND POTENTIAL ANTIINFLAMMATORY AGENTS

A number of 2-{[(phenoxy or phenyl)acetyl]amino}benzoic acid derivativ es were prepared in about 50% yield from (phenoxy or phenyl)acetyl chl oride and anthranilic acid derivatives. All the compounds were tested as in vitro inhibitors of 3 alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, since enzyme inhibition predicts potential antiinflammatory activity in vivo . The most active compounds 3 l, m, s are about 3.5 times more active than acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Activity is influenced by electronic as well as steric effects.