The structure-activity relationship (SAR) for the N-benzyl group in the clinical antiepileptic agent (R)-lacosamide ((R)-N-benzyl 2-acetamido-3-methoxypropionamide, (R)-3) has been explored. Forty-three compounds were prepared and then evaluated at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Anticonvulsant Screening Program for seizure protection in the maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous Metrazol models. Comparing activities for two series of substituted aryl regioisomers (2′, 3′, 4′) showed that 4′-modified derivatives had the highest activity. Significantly, structural latitude existed at the 4′-site. The SAR indicated that non-bulky 4′-substituted (R)-3 derivatives exhibited superb activity, independent of their electronic properties. Activities in the MES test of several compounds were either comparable with or exceeded that of (R)-3, and surpassed the activities observed for the traditional antiepileptic agents phenytoin, phenobarbital, and valproate
