Discovery and structure–activity relationships of novel selective norepinephrine and dual serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors

Novel arylthiomethyl morpholines are potent selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (NERIs) and dual serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SRI/NERIs). The target compounds were prepared using a stereochemically versatile synthesis featuring an aldol condensation as the key step. One enantiomer of the 2-methoxy-substituted analogue was found to be a potent and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, whereas the opposite enantiomer was a potent dual serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.