Analogues Produced by Vinylogy

Tolcapone (Fig. 1.3) was designed as an inhibitor of the enzyme catechol O-methyl-transferase, and is useful in the L-DOPA treatment of Parkinson s disease [10]. In avoiding the methylation of L-DOPA as well as that of dopamine, it prolongs the beneficial activities of these molecules. 

Catechol O-methyltransferase inhibition represents therefore a valuable adjuvant to the L-DOPA decarboxylase inhibition. Unfortunately, tolcapone exhibited 

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