3-Trifluoromethyl-4-nitro-5-arylpyrazoles are novel KATP channel agonists

This communication describes the discovery and synthesis of a series of 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitro-5-arylpyrazoles as potent KATP channel agonists. The most potent compound reported is ca. 100-fold more potent than diazoxide and exhibits selectivity for the SUR1 KATP channel subtype. The 4-nitro substitutent on the pyrazole ring was required for activity, and limited SAR suggests that the de-protonated pyrazole maybe the active species.