Synthesis of 2-(2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl) benzo heterocycles. A novel series of orally active antiallergic agents.

A series of new 2-(2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl) benzo heterocycles has been prepared. These compounds were tested as inhibitors of antigen-induced release of histamine (AIR) in vitro from rat peritoneal mast cells (RMC) and as inhibitors of IgE-mediated rat passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in the rat (PCA). Most of this new class of antiallergic agents showed good activity in the RMC assay. The most potent compound, 3-chloro-2-(2,3-dihydro-2-oxo-1,3,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)benzo[b]thiophe ne (6t), with an I50 value of 0.2 microM, is 15 times more potent than disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) in the RMC assay. Many compounds were orally active in the PCA test, and several of these compounds showed higher potency when given in this way to that shown by DSCG when given intraperitoneally.