Herein is described a new class of selective σ1 ligands consisting of tetrahydroisoquinoline- hydantoin (Tic-hydantoin) derivatives. Compound 1a has high affinity (IC50= 16nM) for σ1 receptor and is selective in a large panel of therapeutic targets. This study presents structural changes on the side chain of the Tic-hydantoin core. Analogs of higher affinity could be identified (IC50≈ 2–3nM).