Analogs of Propofol, Preparation Thereof and Use as Anesthetics

1 . A compound of formula (I):

wherein X is H or F; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2 . A compound as claimed in claim 1 , wherein X is H.

3 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 1 , and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

4 . The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3 which is formulated for intravenous administration.

5 . The pharmaceutical composition of claim 4 which is formulated as a lipid emulsion.

6 . A method for inducing or maintaining general anesthesia in an animal comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a compound as claimed in claim 1 .

7 . A method for promoting sedation in an animal comprising administering to the animal an effective amount of a compound as claimed in claim 1 .

8 - 10 . (canceled)

11 . A process for the preparation of a compound as defined in claim 1 , which comprises reducing a compound of general formula (II)

in which X is H or F, or a salt thereof, followed optionally by forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

12 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claim 2 , and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

13 . The pharmaceutical composition of claim 12 which is formulated for intravenous administration.

14 . The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13 which is formulated as a lipid emulsion.

15 . A process for the preparation of a compound as defined in claim 2 , which comprises reducing a compound of general formula (II)

or a salt thereof, followed optionally by forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

16 . The method of claim 6 , wherein X is H.

17 . The method of claim 7 , wherein X is H.

18 . The process of claim 11 , wherein the process comprises forming a pharmaceutical acceptable salt.

19 . The process of claim 15 , wherein the process comprises forming a pharmaceutical acceptable salt.