Pyrazolopyrimidines are a series of isomeric

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 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 anxiet ...

drugs related (in terms of their effect) to benzodiazepines. 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 Richte ...

- hypnotic (trade name Sonata) * Indiplon - 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 anx ...

- anxiolytic * Lorediplon - hypnotic As they are not chemically related to the benzodiazepines despite their similar effect, such drugs—as well as the imidazopyridines and cyclopyrrones—are sometimes grouped together and referred to as " nonbenzodiazepines". zaleplon skeletal

Pesticides

A related use is in pyrazolopyrimidine organothiophosphate pesticides including chlorprazophos ( insecticide) and pyrazophos (fungicide, insecticide).

References

{{Reflist Chemical classes of psychoactive drugs

Pharmaceuticals

Pesticides

See also

References