Synthesis and Monoamine Transporter Binding Properties of 3α-(Substituted phenyl)nortropane-2β-carboxylic Acid Methyl Esters. Norepinephrine Transporter Selective Compounds

3α-(Substituted phenyl)nortropane-2β-carboxylic acid methyl esters (8a−h) showed high affinity for the norepinephrine transporter (NET). The most potent and selective compound was 3α-(3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl)nortropane-2β-carboxylic acid methyl ester (8d), with a K_i of 0.43 nM at the NET and 21- and 55-fold selectivity relative to binding at the dopamine and serotonin transporters. The development of 8d makes available compounds selective for all three transporters from the same structural class.