Synthesis and binding activity of some pyrazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines as tools to verify an optional binding site of a benzodiazepine receptor ligand.

The synthesis and binding activity at the benzodiazepine receptor of some 2-substituted pyrazolo[1,5-c]quinazolines are reported. The structure-activity relationships and in vitro efficacy of the title compounds, which are devoid of the proton acceptor atom at position 1, are similar to those of some previously reported tricyclic heteroaromatic compounds. This suggests that a proton acceptor at position 1 is an optional binding site of a benzodiazepine receptor ligand which only affects potency.