4-(6-Methoxy-2-naphthyl)butan-2-one and related analogs, a novel structural class of antiinflammatory compounds

A series of compounds related to 4-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)butan-2-one has been prepared and tested for antiinflammatory activity by the cotton pellet granuloma method. Compounds possessing a small lipophilic group such as methoxyl, methyl, or chloro in the 6 position in conjunction with a butan-2-one side chain in the 2 position of the naphthalene ring were most active. The indtroduction of a methyl group along the side chain was invariably deleterious. Good activity was generally retained by forming esters of a butan-2-ol side chain.