5-methyl-2-nitro-6,7-dihydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4(5H)-one; CAS No.: 1408327-48-9;5-methyl-2-nitro-6,7-dihydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4(5H)-one. PROPERTIES: 5-methyl-2-nitro-6,7-dihydropyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazin-4(5H)-one is a nitro-substituted heterocycle with a molecular weight of 243.20 g/mol. This yellow crystalline solid has a melting point between 195-198 C. The molecule features a pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrazine ring system with dihydro substitution at positions 6 and 7, a methyl group at position 5, a nitro group at position 2, and a ketone group at position 4. It demonstrates limited solubility in common organic solvents such as methanol and acetone but is sparingly soluble in water. Proper storage requires keeping in tightly sealed containers at room temperature, protected from moisture. Safety considerations include the nitro group's potential to cause skin irritation and the ketone group's moderate toxicity. Standard laboratory safety protocols should be observed. APPLICATIONS: This compound primarily functions as a synthetic intermediate in the production of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medications, where the nitro group provides sites for further functionalization. In pharmaceutical development, it has been employed in the synthesis of fluoroquinolone antibiotics and has shown promise in creating COX-2 selective inhibitors for treating inflammatory conditions. The dihydropyrazolopyrazinone structure has also been explored in the preparation of fluorescent dyes and probes, particularly for bioimaging applications where the nitro group affects fluorescence characteristics. These applications are detailed in publications from the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry and Dyes and Pigments.