Diazepines are a type of organic compound. They are molecules with a ring of seven atoms, five carbon and two nitrogen, containing three double bonds. The simple diazepines have the chemical formula C5H6N2.
Diazepines are named based on how close the nitrogen atoms are (using the shorter trip around the cycle).
- If the nitrogen atoms are next to each other, it is a 1,2-diazepine.
- If one carbon atom is between the nitrogen atoms, it is a 1,3-diazepine. The cancer drug pentostatin has a 1,3-diazepine.
- If two carbon atoms are between then nitrogen atoms, it is a 1,4-diazepine. Benzodiazepine drugs are usually 1,4-diazepines.
