The 3-Anisidinopropanamides (3-ASPs) were prepared through acid catalysed Michael reaction between the anisidines and acrylamide. The structures of these compounds were established through various spectroscopic techniques. The compounds were screened in mice against maximal electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) seizure test models as well as the righting reflex test for neurological deficit. The ortho and para derivatives of the 3-ASPs were found to have phenytoin-like anticonvulsant profile (ortho-3-ASP: mouse MES ED50=30.40mg/Kg, TD50=103.90mg/Kg, PI(TD50/ED50)=3.40mg/Kg; para-3-ASP: mouse ED50=33.00mg/Kg, TD50=63.80mg/Kg, PI (TD50/ED50)=6.0; Phenytoin: mouse ED50=9.51mg/Kg, TD50=65.45mg/Kg, PI (TD50/ED50)=6.9). The meta isomer on the other hand is similar to valproate being active both anti-MES and anti-scPTZ (Meta-3-ASP: moues ED50=10.30mg/Kg, scPTZ ED50= 37.40mg/Kg; TD50=59.40mg/Kg, MES PI=5.8, scPTZ PI=I.60).Thus, the ortho and para isomers have the potential of being useful for the treatment of tonic-clonic seizures, while the meta isomer could be useful in generalized seizures.The 3 compounds are therefore recommended for further screening to ascertain their anticonvulsant potential.

KEYWORDS: Synthesis, anticonvulsants, epilepsy, anisidinopropanamides