Alpha-substituted γ-butyrolactones: New class of anticonvulsant drugs

Alkyl-Substituted γ-butyrolactones were synthesized and tested for their convulsant and anticonvulsant actions in mice and guinea pigs. The alpha-substituted compounds, α, α-dimethyl-, and α-ethyl-α-methyl-α-butyrolactone were anticonvulsant compounds with a spectrum of activity similar to that of ethosuximide. In contrast, beta-substituted compounds were convulsant agents similar to picrotoxinin. The alpha-substituted γ-butyrolactones represent a new class of anticonvulsant drugs with experimental and clinical potential.