Synthesis, benzodiazepine receptor binding and molecular modelling of isochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazol-5(1H)-one derivatives

► A series of isochromeno[4,3-c]pyrazole-5(1H)-one derivatives was synthesized. ► Synthesized compounds were evaluated for their ability to displace specific [3H]flunitrazepam from bovine brain membranes. ► Compounds were compared with the known isomers chromeno[4,3-c]pyrazole-4(1H)-ones. ► Pharmacological and docking studies showed that the isochromene/chromene isomerism influences the activity.