Fluorinated benzophenone derivatives: Balanced multipotent agents for Alzheimer's disease

In an effort to develop multipotent agents against β-secretase (BACE-1) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), able to counteract intracellular ROS formation as well, the structure of the fluorinated benzophenone 3 served as starting point for the synthesis of a small library of 3-fluoro-4-hydroxy- analogues. Among the series, derivatives 5 and 12, carrying chemically different amino functions, showed a balanced micromolar potency against the selected targets. In particular, compound 12, completely devoid of toxic effects, seems to be a promising lead for obtaining effective anti-AD drug candidates.