Synthesis of N-desmethyl PNQX: elaboration into an immunogenic conjugate and a radioiodinated ligand; radioimmunoassay for the AMPA/NMDA antagonist, PNQX

A nine-step synthesis of N-desmethyl PNQX 5 and its subsequent elaboration into analogs, a porcine thyroglobulin immunogenic conjugate 8, and a radioiodinated analyte 10 are described. These compounds were used for the development of a specific radioimmunoassay for PNQX, a potent neuroprotective agent with mixed AMPA/NMDA glycine site antagonist activity.