Synthesis and structure–activity relationship of novel benzoxazole derivatives as melatonin receptor agonists

A series of benzoxazole derivatives was synthesized and evaluated as melatoninergic ligands. The binding affinity of these compounds for human MT1 and MT2 receptors was determined using 2-[125I]-iodomelatonin as the radioligand. From this series of benzoxazole derivatives, compounds 14 and 17 were identified as melatonin receptor agonists.