2,6-Dimethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride

2,6-Dimethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride is a selective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) that has been shown to produce amnesia in animals. It is used in the synthesis of aniracetam and related compounds. 2,6-Dimethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride has a maximal dose-response curve at doses between 1 and 3 mg/kg and shows selectivity for AChE over other enzymes such as butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). This agent also inhibits the release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by attaching to cholinergic synapses and blocking the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine. This inhibition leads to an increase in acetylcholine levels in the brain and a subsequent increase in cholinergic transmission.