Synthesis and monoamine transporter affinity of 2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(2″-, 3″- or 4″-substituted) biphenyltropanes

A series of 11 novel 3β-substituted biphenyltropanes was synthesized and evaluated by selective radioligand binding assays for affinity to monoamine transporters. Both 5-HTT potency and selectivity for 5-HTT over DAT was greatest with electron withdrawing group at the 3″-position.