Sigma (σ) receptors represent attractive targets for the development of potential agents for the treatment of several disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and neuropathic pain. In the search for multitarget small molecules (MSMs) against such disorders, we have re-discovered chromenones as new affine σ1/σ2 ligands. 6-(4-(Piperidin-1-yl)butoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (7), a previously identified MSM with potent dual-target activities against acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase B, also exhibited σ1/σ2 affinity. 6-(3-(Azepan-1-yl)propoxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (20) showed a K i value for σ1 of 27.2 nM (selectivity (σ1/σ2) = 28), combining the desired σ1 receptor affinity with a dual inhibitory capacity against both acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase. 6-((5-Morpholinopentyl)oxy)-4H-chromen-4-one (12) was almost equipotent to S1RA, an established σ1 receptor antagonist.
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