A set of 56 8-phenylxanthines, previously tested for adenosine antagonism (adenosine A1 receptor affinity), was analyzed by quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) techniques. The resulting QSAR revealed that (1) the most potent receptor binders had already been made in this series and thus suggested the termination of synthesis of compounds with additional phenyl substituents to increase potency and (2) potency was much more strongly affected by changes in ortho than para phenyl substitution. On the basis of this study, an additional 20 compounds were synthesized that contained primarily para substituents designed to increase aqueous solubility. High potency was maintained among the resulting sulfonamide derivatives (as predicted by the QSAR), and aqueous solubility was dramatically increased. Furthermore, in vitro antagonism of an adenosine receptor mediated physiological effect was demonstrated.