A series of 7-benzylamino-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-ones were synthesized using 2-amino-5-nitrophenol as a starting material. Their anticonvulsant activities were evaluated by the maximal electroshock test (MES test) and their neurotoxicity was evaluated by the rotarod neurotoxicity test (Tox.). The MES test showed that 7-(4-fluorobenzylamino)-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one 4b was the most potent with ED50 Value of 31.7 mg/kg and protective index (PI = TD50/ED50) value of 7.2. To explain the possible mechanism of anticonvulsant activity, the compound 4b was tested in sc-PTZ test, isoniazid test and strychnine test. (c) 2007 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.
