This metabolite was prepared in five steps from a readily available starting material. Compound 7 and its nonacetylated analogue 6 were compared to ameltolide as anticonvulsants. After oral administration to mice, the MES EDSo values of ameltolide, 6, and 7 were 1.4, 10.9, and> lo0 mg/kg, respectively, demonstrating that hydroxylation and acetylation dramatically decrease the anticonvulsant potency of ameltolide. This rank ...