The synthesis and SAR of a series of 2-phenyl pyrrolidines as neuronal
nAChR ligands are described. Substitution on the aryl ring had a dram
atic effect on receptor binding affinity, with K-i values ranging from
46 nM to >10,000 nM. Analogues 8, 9, and 14 were the most potent liga
nds evaluated, having Ri values of 68 nM, 75 nM, and 46 nM; respective
ly.