Some 2-aryl-5-hydrazino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles have been synthesized and screened for antihypertensive activity. In general, compounds with a 2-substituted phenyl ring had higher activity than their 3- or 4-substituted counterparts or those containing heteroaryl groups. The 2-methylphenyl and 2-ethylphenyl derivatives 7 and 18 were the most potent members of the series. Preliminary studies indicated that the hypotensive action of these compounds was due to a direct relaxant effect on vascular smooth muscle.

Some 2-aryl-5-guanidino-(or N-substituted guanidino)-1,3,4-thiadiazoles and closely related analogues were found to lower blood pressure in metacorticoid (DOCA) hypertensive rats. In the unsubstituted guanidines that exhibited low toxicity, optimum activity resulted when the aryl group was a 2-methylphenyl ring (11). Modifications to the guanidine group did not increase antihypertensive activity, but, in the 2-methylphenyl series, the N-n-butyl- and N-(2-methoxyethyl)guanidines (63 and 78) and the related iminoimidazolidine 93 were of comparable activity to that of the unsubstituted guanidine 11. The iminoimidazolidine 93 showed a somewhat longer duration of action than the guanidine derivatives. Preliminary studies in a pithed rat preparation indicated that these thiadiazole derivatives (11, 63, and 93) lowered blood pressure by a direct relaxant effect on vascular smooth muscle.

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Application of the principles of synthesis design to the problem of prostaglandins led to many possible routes, including one commencing with endo-dicyclopentadiene. This starting material was then converted into racemic prostaglandin FZa in a minimum of ten stages via bicyclo [3.3.0]octane intermediates.

Novel haloalkyl phosphate derivatives of the anti-HIV nucleoside analogue AZT were prepared by phosphorochloridate chemistry. These materials were designed to act as labile membrane-soluble prodrugs of the bio-active free nucleotides. In vitro evaluation revealed the compounds to have a pronounced and selective antiviral action, which varied greatly with the structure of the phosphate moiety. By comparison to simple dialkyl phosphates, which are inactive against HIV-1, the introduction of halogen atoms into the alkyl (phosphate) chains led to anti-HIV activity. Although halogen substitution in just one alkyl chain was sufficient for biological activity, substitution in the second alkyl chain further enhanced activity. Conversely, stabilization of the second chain, by conversion to a phosphonate, led to a reduction in activity. In one case, the diastereo-isomers resulting from mixed stereochemistry at the phosphate centre were separated, and found to differ in activity by one order of magnitude. Lastly, the bis(mono- and di-chloroethyl) phosphates were prepared and found to display moderate anti-HIV activity.