N(7)-substituted-5-aryl-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines represent a versatile class of potent inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase c-Src

5-Aryl-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines incorporating different N(7)-substituents have been prepared and evaluated for their inhibitory potency towards the tyrosine kinase c-Src. Optimization of these compounds resulted in highly potent c-Src inhibitors, some (e.g. 4g, 6g, 7h, 8l) with excellent specificity towards other receptor and nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. In addition compounds 4g, 5b and 5c are characterized by a good pharmacokinetic profile.