title: Vinyl ethers of choline and congeners.
abstract: The vinyl ethers of choline and of its alpha- and beta-methyl homologues were prepared to determine their cholinergic effects and to determine whether a separation of the dual physiologic activity (nicotinic and muscarinic) reported for the vinyl ether of choline could be achieved by this modification. A literature method of vinyl transetherification of amino alcohols has been studied and modified. The ethyl ethers of choline and of alpha- and beta-methylcholine were prepared for comparison with the vinyl ethers. Two independent, unequivocal syntheses of the ethyl ether of beta-methylcholine have been accomplished. This study showed that the two literature methods for synthesis of this compound are equivocal, and, hence, the biological data reported for this compound in the older literature may not be valid. Certain of the ethers showed marked nicotinic or muscarinic activities.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D002794:Choline / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology; D004285:Dogs; D004987:Ethers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005731:Ganglionic Stimulants; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000187:drug effects; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects; D010277:Parasympathomimetics
chemical_list: D004987:Ethers; D005731:Ganglionic Stimulants; D010277:Parasympathomimetics; D002794:Choline