This paper describes the synthesis of N-pyridinyl (alkyl) phthalimides related to N-phenyl-4, 5, 6, 7-tetrafluorophthalimides known to be inhibitors of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNFα) production. Pharmacomodulation at the phthalimidic nitrogen led to the selection of two pharmacophoric fragments (2, 4-lutidinyl and β-picolyl), allowing significant inhibition of TNFα production (compounds 12 and 17). Variation of the substituents linked to the ...