Antihypertensive thiadiazoles. 1. Synthesis of some 2-aryl-5-hydrazino-1,3,4-thiadiazoles with vasodilator activity

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.