Halogenated boldine derivatives with enhanced monoamine receptor selectivity

(S)-(+)-Boldine (1) was brominated, chlorinated, and iodinated using molecular bromine in acetic acid or N-halosuccinimides in trifluoroacetic acid. Initial halogenation occurs at C-3, followed (in the cases of chlorine and bromine) by the less reactive C-8, to afford 3-haloboldines- and 3,8- dihaloboldines (2-5). Using a 2:1 ratio of N-iodosuccinimide to boldine, however, only the 3-iodo derivative 6 was obtained. Radioligand binding studies of these products showed that halogenation of boldine at C-3 favors affinity for D_1- (vs D_2-) dopaminergic receptors, attaining a low nanomolar IC₅₀ value in the case of 3-iodoboldine (6).