Studies on the synthesis of condensed pyridazine derivatives. IV. Synthesis and anxiolytic activity of 2-aryl-5,6-dihydro-(1)benzothiepino[5,4- c]pyridazin-3(2H)-ones and related compound.

A series of 2-aryl-5,6-dihydro-(1)benzothiepino5,4-c]pyridazin-3(2H)- ones and related compounds were synthesized and evaluated for their ability to displace 3H-diazepam from rat brain membranes in vitro, and to prevent bicuculline induced convulsions in mice in vivo. Compounds with a 4'-methoxyphenyl (36) or 4'-chlorophenyl group (37, 39--42) as 2-aryl substituents showed prominent activities in both the in vitro and in vivo tests. Among them, 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro- (37) and 2-(4'-chlorophenyl)-5,6-dihydro-10-fluoro-(1)benzothiepino5,4-c]+ ++pyridazin- 3(2H)-one 7-oxides (41) showed activity twice as potent as diazepam in an anticonflict test (Vogel type, rats) while exhibiting less muscle relaxation (rotarod test, mice) and augmentation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-induced chloride current (Icl) in isolated frog sensory neurones than diazepam. Compound 37 (Y-23684) was selected from this series as a candidate for further development. The structure-activity relationships are discussed.