Novel 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors

A series of novel 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors was prepared via treatment of various diaryl amides with tetrachlorosilane/sodium azide. All compounds were tested in cyclooxygenase (COX) assays in vitro to determine COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory potency and selectivity. Tetrazoles contained a methylsulfonyl or sulfonamide group as COX-2 pharmacophore displayed only low inhibitory potency towards COX-2. Most potent compounds showed IC50 values of 6 and 7 mu M for COX-2. All compounds showed IC50 values greater 100 mu M for COX-1 inhibition. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.