Synthesis of alkyl-5,8-dimethyl-6-phenyl-5,6-dihydropyrazolo[3,4-f][1,2,3,5]tetrazepin-4(3H)-ones of pharmaceutical interest

The multistep synthesis of two pyrazolo[3,4-f][1,2,3,5]tetrazepin-4(3H)-one derivatives, a new class of fused 1,2,3,5-tetrazepinones with potential antiproliferative activity, has been carried out. Owing to the instability of the above compounds, the last step of the synthesis was performed at -5/0 degrees C. The obtained tetrazepinones, when allowed to stand at r.t. for 24 h, afforded quantitatively 1-phenyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazolo [3,4-d][1,2,3] triazole.