Tricyclic heteroaromatic systems. Synthesis of 1,3 and 1,2 disubstituted [1]benzopyrano[4,3-b]pyrrol-4-ones and structure-activity relationships as benzodiazepine receptor ligands.

The synthesis of some 1,3- and 1,2- disubstituted [1]benzopyrano-pyrrol-4-ones is reported as well as their benzodiazepine receptor affinity, as measured by the ability to displace [3H]flunitrazepam from its specific central binding. The structure-activity relationships on the whole series of disubstituted [1]benzopyrano-pyrrol-4-ones show the importance of the presence of the 1-aryl substituent and the size limitation of the 3-substituent. The size of the latter seems also to be important for the "in vitro" efficacy.