Synthesis of novel pyrazolobenzothiazine 5,5-dioxide derivatives as potent anti-HIV-1 agents

A new series of pyrazolobenzothiazine-based carbohydrazides was prepared in a facile way, starting with commercially available sodium saccharine. The final products were sufficiently characterized by spectroscopic techniques. In addition, compound 5k was confirmed with X-ray crystallography as well. All the compounds were screened for anti-HIV-1 and cytotoxicity activities. Overall, out of 15 compounds, seven exhibited good activity with EC50 values <20 μM. Compounds 5c, 5d, 5g, 5j and 5k appeared as the potent anti-HIV-1 agents with EC50 values <5.0 μM. The structure–activity relationship would facilitate the discovery of new molecules with better profile of HIV inhibition activity.