Central nervous system active compounds. II. The synthesis of some 4-, 5-, 6- and 7-substituted caprolactams

The synthesis of caprolactam derivatives substituted at C4, C5, C6 and C7 with alkyl, aryl, acyl and hetero substituents is described. A variety of synthetic approaches to these compounds have been investigated and assessed, particularly for the synthesis of C4- and C6-substituted compounds. A significant number of the C4-, C6- and C7- substituted compounds prepared show central nervous system activity, ranging from convulsants to depressants depending on the position and nature of the substituent group.