What is "isoxazole"

n. (context organic compound English) the isomer of oxazole ''1,2-oxazole'' many of whose derivatives have pharmacological activity

Isoxazole is an azole with an oxygen atom next to the nitrogen. It is also the class of compounds containing this ring. Isoxazolyl is the univalent radical derived from isoxazole.

Isoxazole rings are found in some natural products, such as ibotenic acid. Isoxazoles also form the basis for a number of drugs, including the COX-2 inhibitor valdecoxib ( Bextra) and a neurotransmitter agonist AMPA. A derivative, furoxan, is a nitric oxide donor.

An isoxazolyl group is found in many beta-lactamase-resistant antibiotics, such as cloxacillin, dicloxacillin and flucloxacillin.

The synthetic androgenic steroid danazol also has an isoxazole ring.