Pyrazolopyrimidines are a series of

isomer In chemistry, isomers are molecules or polyatomic ions with identical molecular formulae – that is, same number of atoms of each element – but distinct arrangements of atoms in space. Isomerism is existence or possibility of isomers. Iso ...

heterocyclic A heterocyclic compound or ring structure is a cyclic compound that has atoms of at least two different elements as members of its ring(s). Heterocyclic chemistry is the branch of organic chemistry dealing with the synthesis, properties, and ...

chemical compound A chemical compound is a chemical substance composed of many identical molecules (or molecular entities) containing atoms from more than one chemical element held together by chemical bonds. A molecule consisting of atoms of only one element ...

s with the molecular formula C₆H₅N₃. They form the central core of a variety of more complex chemical compounds including some pharmaceuticals and pesticides.

Pharmaceuticals

One isomer of pyrazolopyrimidines, known as pyrazolo ,5-''a''yrimidine, is the basis for a class of

sedative A sedative or tranquilliser is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement. They are CNS depressants and interact with brain activity causing its deceleration. Various kinds of sedatives can be distinguished, but t ...

and

anxiolytic An anxiolytic (; also antipanic or antianxiety agent) is a medication or other intervention that reduces anxiety. This effect is in contrast to anxiogenic agents which increase anxiety. Anxiolytic medications are used for the treatment of anxi ...

drugs A drug is any chemical substance that causes a change in an organism's physiology or psychology when consumed. Drugs are typically distinguished from food and substances that provide nutritional support. Consumption of drugs can be via inhalat ...

related (in terms of their effect) to

benzodiazepine Benzodiazepines (BZD, BDZ, BZs), sometimes called "benzos", are a class of depressant drugs whose core chemical structure is the fusion of a benzene ring and a diazepine ring. They are prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, ...

s. Most of the drugs from this class marketed to date are intended to induce

sleep Sleep is a sedentary state of mind and body. It is characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, reduced muscle activity and reduced interactions with surroundings. It is distinguished from wakefulness by a de ...

, and are prescribed for people suffering

insomnia Insomnia, also known as sleeplessness, is a sleep disorder in which people have trouble sleeping. They may have difficulty falling asleep, or staying asleep as long as desired. Insomnia is typically followed by daytime sleepiness, low energy, ...

, however some newer compounds produce

effects with relatively little sedation, and are being developed for use as non-sedating anti-anxiety drugs. They include: *

Zaleplon Zaleplon, sold under the brand names Sonata among others, is a sedative-hypnotic, used to treat insomnia. It is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic from the pyrazolopyrimidine class. It is manufactured by King Pharmaceuticals and Gedeon Richter Plc. ...

- hypnotic (trade name Sonata) *

Indiplon Indiplon (INN and USAN) is a nonbenzodiazepine, hypnotic sedative that was developed in two formulations—an immediate-release formulation for sleep onset, and a modified-release (also called controlled-release or extended-release) version fo ...

- hypnotic *

Ocinaplon Ocinaplon is an anxiolytic drug in the pyrazolopyrimidine family of drugs. Other pyrazolopyrimidine drugs include zaleplon and indiplon. Ocinaplon has a similar pharmacological profile to the benzodiazepine family of drugs, but with mainly anxiol ...

- anxiolytic *

Lorediplon Lorediplon (INN) is a nonbenzodiazepine of the pyrazolopyrimidine family that is being pursued as a treatment for insomnia but has not completed development. See also * List of investigational sleep drugs This is a list of investigational sleep ...

- hypnotic As they are not chemically related to the benzodiazepines despite their similar effect, such drugs—as well as the

imidazopyridine An imidazopyridine is a nitrogen containing heterocycle that is also a class of drugs that contain this same chemical substructure. In general, they are GABAA receptor agonists, however recently proton pump inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, NSA ...

s and cyclopyrrones—are sometimes grouped together and referred to as "

nonbenzodiazepine Nonbenzodiazepines (), sometimes referred to colloquially as Z-drugs (as many of their names begin with the letter "z"), are a class of psychoactive drugs that are very benzodiazepine-like in nature. They are used in the treatment of sleep proble ...

s".

Pesticides

A related use is in pyrazolopyrimidine

organothiophosphate Organothiophosphates or organophosphorothioates are a subclass of organophosphorus compounds. Many are used as pesticides, some have medical applications, and some are used as oil additives. They generally have the chemical formula (RO)3PS, RO)2 ...

pesticide Pesticides are substances that are meant to control pests. This includes herbicide, insecticide, nematicide, molluscicide, piscicide, avicide, rodenticide, bactericide, insect repellent, animal repellent, microbicide, fungicide, and lampri ...

s including chlorprazophos (

insecticide Insecticides are substances used to kill insects. They include ovicides and larvicides used against insect eggs and larvae, respectively. Insecticides are used in agriculture, medicine, industry and by consumers. Insecticides are claimed to b ...

) and

pyrazophos Pyrazophos is an organic compound used as a fungicide and an insecticide. Uses Pyrazophos is a systemic fungicide which is used in orchards, vineyards and vegetable crops against powdery mildew. In some instances, the compound is also an effectiv ...

(fungicide, insecticide). pyrazophos

References

{{Reflist Chemical classes of psychoactive drugs