Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 1,3-Indandione Derivatives as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors

The synthesis and activity of 1,3-indandione derivatives as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are reported. The synthetic keystep consists of the Knovenagel olefination between 1,3-indandione and a substituted (1-benzylpiperidin-4-yl)methanal followed by selective double bond reduction. AChE inhibitory activity was measured by a quick fluorimetric method. One of the new compounds showed a significant interaction with the enzyme. Molecular modelling studies were performed in order to propose the binding modes within the AChE gorge compared to the known inhibitor Donepezil