Preparation of novel azabicyclic amines and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activity of derived aryl amides

Three new azabicyclic amines, namely exo‐3‐amino‐1‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, 3‐amino‐1‐azabicyclo‐[3.2.2]nonane and exo‐6‐amino‐8‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, have been designed and prepared as isosteres of 3‐aminoquinuclidine. Aryl amides derived from each series were prepared and tested in an α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor assay as part of a drug discovery program to treat the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. All new amides showed significant α7 nAChR activity and one series displayed potent α7 activity equal to the quinuclidine series.