The synthesis of phencyclidine and other 1-arylcyclohexylamines

Various 1-arylcyclohexylamines were synthesized for evaluation as central nervous system depressants. The compounds were prepared by several procedures. 1-(1-Phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine, the first compound of this type synthesized, was prepared from 1-piperidinocyclohexanecarbonitrile by replacement of the cyano group by phenyl using phenylmagnesium bromide. These compounds were tested for cataleptoid activity and antitonic extensor properties.