Synthesis of 5-benzyl-2-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4,6(5H,7H)-dione derivatives and discovery of an apoptosis inducer for H322 lung cancer cells

A series of novel 5-benzyl-2-phenylpyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4,6(5H,7H)-dione derivatives were synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H NMR, HRMS spectroscopy and X-ray analysis. An apoptosis inducer for H322 lung cancer cell was discovered. Hoechst 33258 staining assay showed that the inhibition against H322 cell growth might be attributed to apoptosis.