Title of Invention

AMINOMETHYLCARBOXYLIC ACID DERIVATIVES

Abstract

An aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative having the general formula I wherein z is (CH2 )n, 0, S, SO, S02 or N-Rs;+ n is 0, 1 or 2; X represents 1-3 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, (C1- 6)alkyloxy, (C3-6)cycloalky, (C6-12)aryloxy, (C6-12)aryl, thienyl, SR6, SOR6, S02R6, NR6, NHR6, NH2, NHCOR6, NSO2R6, CN, COOR6 and (C1-4)alkyl, optionally substituted with halogen, (C6-l2)aryl, (C1-6)alkyloxy or (C6-12)aryloxy; or 2 substituents at adjacent positions together represent a fused (C5-6) aryl group, a fused (C5- 6)cycloalkyl ring or O-(CH2)M-O;; m is 1 or 2 ; Y represents 1-3 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, (Cl- 4)alkyloxy, SR6, NR6R6 and (C1-4)alkyl, optionally substituted with halogen; R is COOR7 or CONR8R9; R2 and R6 are (C1-4)alkyl ; R3, R4, are R5 are independently hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl ; R7, R8 and R9 independently hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C6-12)aryl or arylalkyl; or a pharmaceuticafly acceptable salt thereof.

Full Text

The invention relates to^jnqmettiyjcarboxylic acid derivatives, to pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, as well as to the use of these aminomethyl-carboxylic acid derivatives in therapy. The simplest a-amino acid glycine, or aminomethylcarfaoxylic acid, has a number of important roles in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Along with C-aminobutyric acid (GABA), it is a major post-synaptic inhibitory transmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem, acting through ligand gated ion channels. Interaction of glycine with these receptors can be antagonized by the alkaloid strychnine. These receptors are therefore referred to as "strychnine sensitive" glycine receptors. Glyclnergic neurotransmission is important in the processing and control of visual, auditory ana motor signalling. Glycine is also an obligatory co-agonist along with glutamate at the W-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Glycine therefore functions in excitatory transmission by modulating the actions of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS. In addition the amino acid plays a role in the metabolism of peptides and proteins, including the exchange of one-carbon units. Control of the availability of glycine for any of the above processes will potentially influence their function and provide means of treating a number of diseases and conditions. Apart from metabolism, one of the major pnDCesses controlling the concentrations of free glycine in the proximity of strychnine-sensitive and strychnine-insensitive glycine receptors is the functioning of selective high affinity glycine transporters. These proteins can actively limit the spread of glycine beyond the immediate environs of receptors, thus maintaining both spatial and temporal fidelity of receptor activation. Rapid sequestering of transmitter into neuronal or glial cells via the transporter will also conserve glycine for future release. - Glycine transporters have been cloned to reveal two major classes, GlyT-1 and G!yT-2. GlyT-1 is expressed throughout the brain with higher mRNA levels being detected in caudal areas and cellular localisation being predominantly glial. Three isoforms of GlyT-1,1 a, 1 b and 1 c, arising from differential splicing and exon usage have been identified by Kim at al. (Molecular Pharm. 1994,45, 608-617). GlyT-2 distribution, as indicated by immunochemistry studies, corresponds closely to that of inhibitory "strychnine sensitive" glycine receptors, particulariy in the spinal cord. By regulating the synaptic levels of glycine, the glycine transporters GlyT-1 and GlyT-2 are expected to selectively Influence the activity at NMDA receptors and at strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors, respectively. Compounds which alter the functional activity of glycine transporters may therefore result in changes in tissue glycine levels which can be usefljl the treatment of a number of disease states. Such disease states include those associated with decreased or exaggerated function of NMDA receptors, namely psychosis, depression, dementia and other forms of impaired cognition, such as attention deficit disorders. NMDA receptors have further been implicated in conditions arising from neuronal cell death and neurodegeneration such as, for example, stroke (head trauma), Alzheimer"s disease, Parkinson"s disease and Huntington"s disease. Enhanced inhibitory glycinergic transmission resulting from inhibition of GlyT-2 or GiyT-1 activity may be useful in the treatment of muscle hyperactivity associated with spasticity, myoclonus and epilepsy. Compounds elevating spina! glycine may also possess analgesic properties. Aminomethyicarboxylic acid derivatives, wherein the amino group carries an ethyl or a propyl-group which is substituted by two or three aryl and/or aryloxy groups, are disclosed in WO 97/45115 (TROPHIX PHARM. INC.) as compounds useful in the treatment of the neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders discussed above. Stnjcturatly related aminomethyicarboxylic acid derivatives, wherein the aminogroup is part of a cyclic amine which is substituted at a single position with (a substituent containing) two aryl or cycloalkyi groups, are disclosed in WO 97/45423 (TROPHIX PHARM. INC.) as having similar activity. There exists a need for additional compounds suitable for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders, especially for compounds having a selective phamnacological profile. To that aim the present invention provides in a first aspect aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivatives having the general formula I Formula I wherein Z is (CH;),, 0, S, SO, SO; or N-R^; n is 0,1 or 2; X represents 1-3 substihjents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, (C,^)alkyloxy, CCa4)cycIoalkyloxy, (C8.,2)aryloxy. (C6.,2)aryl, thienyl, SRe, SOR^, SOJRB, NRjRa, NHRe, NH^. NHCORe, NHSOjRe, CN. COOR^ and (Ci^)alkyl, optionally substituted with halogen, (CB.,2)aryi, {C,^)alkyloxy or (C6.iz)aryloxy; or 2 substituents at adjacent positions together represent a fused (Cg^jaryl group, a fused {C^)cycioalkyl ring or 0-{CH2)^-0; m is 1 or 2; Y represents 1-3 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, (Ci^)alkyloxy, SRg, NRgRe and (C,_i)alkyl, optionally substituted with halogen; Ri is COOR7 or CONRcRg; RzandReare{Ci^)alkyl; R3, R4 are R5 are independently hydrogen or (Ci^)alkyl; R7. Ra and Rg are independently hydrogen, (C,^)alkyl, (Ce.i2)aryl or arylalkyl; or a.phamiaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The term (Ci^)alkyl, as used in the definition of formula I, means a branched or unbranched alkyl group"having 1-4 carbon atoms, like butyl, isobutyl. tertiary butyl, propyl, isopropyi, ethyl and methyl. In the term (Ci^)alkyloxy, {Ci^)alkyl means a branched or an unbranched alkyl group having 1-6 cartxin atoms, like hexyl, pentyl.neopentyl {2,2-dimethylpropyl) and the meanings given-above for (Ci^)alkyl. The (Ci^)alkyloxy group may be substituted with halogen, (Cj^)cycloalkyl or (Ci^)alkyloxy. Examples of such substituted (Ci^)alkyloxy groups are trifluonDmethyloxy and cyclopropylmethyloxy. The term (Ca^jcycloalkyl means a cyclic alky) group having 3-6 carbon atoms, like cyclopropyl, cyclobuty), cyciopentyl orcyclohexyl. The terni halogen means F, CI, Br, or I- When halogen is a substituent at an atkyi group, F is preferred. A preferred halogen substituted alkyl gn^up is trifluoromethyl. In the term (C6.,2)aryIoxy, as used in the definition of formula i, (Cg.,2)aryl means an aromatic group having 6-12 cariDon atoms like for example phenyl, naphthyl or biphenyl. These aromatic groups may be substituted with halogen, or with (Ci^)alkyi or (Ci^)alkyloxy, wherein (Ci^)alkyl has the previously given meaning and may be substituted with halogen or (C,^)alkyloxy. The temi arylalkyi, as used in the definition of Formula I, means a (C,^)alkyl group which is substituted with a {C6.i2)aryl group, like for example the benzyl group. In the definition of formula I, X can represent a fused (C5^)aryl group, which means that X is a 5 or 6-membered aromatic ring fused to the benzene ring to which X is attached to fomi a {C,i.,2)aromatic ring system, like a naphthalene or an indene ring. X can also represent a fused (Cj4)cycloalkyl ring, which means that X is a 5- or 6-membered saturated ring fused to the benzene ring to which X is attached to form a tetrahydronapthalene or an indan ring system. X may further represent 0-(CHj)^-0, wherein m is 1 or 2, which is fused to the benzene ring to which X is attached to form a 1,3-benzodioxoie (m=1) or a 1,4-benzodioxan (m=2) ring system. The meaning of R, in fonnula I is exemplified by the groups COOR^ and CONRgRg. In addition R, may be any other group from which the free acid (Ri=COOH) can be generated (in vivo). Such alternative acid precursors or prodrugs, such as further ester or amide derivatives, are known in the art, and are within the scope of the present invention. The invention includes as specific examples of aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivatives of formula I the (4-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzothiopyran-3-ylmethyl) The compounds of formula I and their salts contain at least two centres of chirality, i.e. at the two adjacent positions of the Z-containing saturated ring where the phenyl group and the CHR4-NR2-CHR3R1 group are attached, and exist therefore as stereoisomers. The present invention includes the aforementioned stereoisomers within Its scope and each of the individual cis and trans isomers, enantiomers and diasteromers of the compounds of formula I and their salts, substantially free, i.e. associated with less than 5%, preferably less than 2%, in particular less than 1% of the other enantiomer, and mixtures of such stereoisomers in any proportions including the racemic mixtures containing substantially equal amounts of the two enantiomers. Preferred are the aminqmethylcarboxytic acid derivatives of fomiula I wherein the phenyl group and the CHR4-NR2-CHR3R1 group occur in the c/s-configuration. I he compounds of the invention can be used in the treatment of schizophrenia, depression, dementia and other forms of impaired cognition, for the treatment or prevention of neurodegeneration following stroke or head trauma, for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer"s-. Parkinson"s- and Huntington"s disease, for the treatment of muscle hyperactivity associated with spasticity, myoclonus and epilepsy, for the treatment or prevention of pain, mood disorders or leaming disorders. The invention provides in a further aspect pharmaceutical compositions comprising an aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative having general formula I, or a pharma-ceutically acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries. Compounds of general formula (I) may be prepared by the reaction of a compound of formula (II) wherein X, Y, Z, Rj and R4 have the previously defined meanings, with a compound offormulaL-CHR,R3, wherein R, is COOR^orCONRgRg, R^-Rgand R3 are as defined previously, and L is a suitable leaving group, such as for example halogen, preferably bromo. The reaction is typically carried out in the presence of a suitable solvent such asW.W-dimethylformamide and an acid scavenger such as potassium or cesium carbonate at elevated temperatures, for example at 80 "C. Compounds of formula (I) wherein R, is carboxylate COpR^ wherein R^ is hydrogen, may be conveniently prepared by hydrolysis of the con-esponding esters GOOR7, wherein R^ is (C,^)alkyl, (C^tajaryl or arylalkyi, using standard conditions for ester hydrolysis, for example, by heating the aforementioned esters in a mixture of dijueuus potassium nyaroxiae m ethanoi at reflux temperature, or by catalytic hydrogenation of. for example, benzyl esters. Compounds of formula (I), wherein R is carboxamide CONReRg, wherein Rg and R^ are (C,^)alkyl may also be prepared by reaction of the aforementioned carboxylic acids with amines HNRgRg using standard conditions for amide fomiation, for example, by reaction of the cariaoxyjic acid with 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcari3odiimide hydrochloride (EDC) in the presence of a terttary amine in W./V-dimethylformamide. Alternatively they can be made by, for example by the reaction of the aforementioned cartjoxylic acids with thionyl chloride or oxalylchloride in methylene chloride containing a catalytic amount of W,A/-dimethylformamide followed by reaction of the resulting acid chlorides with amines HNRgRg in the presence of a tertiary amine acid scavenger in methylene chloride at room temperature. Compounds of formula (II) wherein the phenyl group and the CHR^-NHR^ group occur in the trans configuration can be prepared from the appropriately substituted 1-phenyl-1.2.3,4-tetrahydnD-2-naphthoic acids by methods we!l known in the art. The aforementioned 1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-naphthoic acids, prepared by the method described in J.C/jem.Soc.,1936. 596-599, can, for example, can react to form the corresponding acyl halides or anhydrides using standard methods. These in tum, upon reaction with amines R2NH2 followed by reduction of the resulting amides provide the desired compounds (II). For the reduction of the amides, sodium borohydride in the presence of certain catalysts, borane^ or lithium aluminium hydride in a non-protic solvent such as diethyl-ether or tetrahydrofiiran can be used. Compounds of formula (II) wherein the phenyl group and the CHR^-NHR; group occur in the cis configuration are obtained by reaction of compounds of fomnula (III) with hydrogen in the presence of a palladium on carbon catalyst in ethanoi containing aqueous hydrochloric acid. Typically the reaction occurs in the temp¬erature range 0-50 "C and at a pressure ranging from 1 to 4 atmospheres. Alternatively, debenzylation can be achieved by treating compounds of formula (111) with (l-chloroethyl)chloroformate in dichloromethane at reflux temperature followed by heating in the presence of methyl alcohol. formula IV Compounds of fomiula (iV) may be prepared by reaction of an appropriate aryl organometalllc reagent, such as a Grignard or lithium reagent derived from Aryl-L, wherein Aryl represents a phenyl group substituted with Y, which has the meaning as previously defined, and wherein l_ is a halogen atom such as bromo or chloro, with compounds of formula (V). The reaction is typically canied out in the presence of an apolar, aprotic solvent such as for example diethyl ether at a temperature in the range-10 to+20 "C. Compounds of formula (V) are obtained by reaction of compounds of formula (VI) with the appropriate aldehyde HCO-R4 and a compound of fomiufa NHRJCHJCBHS in ethanol containing aqueous hydrochloric acid at reflux. fomiula VI Compounds of formula (VI) are commercially available or are prepared by methods described in the literature. Such methods are, for example, descibed in Compre¬hensive Organic Transfomiations (by Richard C. Larock, 1989, VCH). For example, the compound of fomiula VI wherein X is 6-fluoro and Z is methylene may be prepared by cydlsation of 4-(3-fluorophenyl)butyric acid using an acid catalyst such as polyph05t)horic acid. The latter compound can be conveniently prepared by reaction of 3-fluorobenzaldehyde with methyl acrylate in the presence of potassium cyanide In A/,N-dimethylformamide, at 45 "C followed by reduction of the resultant oxobutanoate using hydrazine hydrate and potassium hydroxide in ethylene glycol at reflux temperature. Similariy the compound wherein X is 6-thiomethyl and Z is methylene can be prepared from the commercially available 6-methoxy analogue by the method described m.Chem. Pharm. Bull., 1984,22, 130. Compounds wherein X is (C,^)alkyloxy, wherein (C,^)alkyloxy has the meaning as previously defined, can be prepared from the 6-methoxy analogue by treatment with hydrogen bromide in acetic acid followed by reaction of the resulting phenol with an appropriate alkyl halide, typically an alkyl bromide or alky! iodide in dimethylfomi-amide in the presence of a suitable acid scavenger such as potassium or cesium carbonate at elevated temperatures. Alternatively, the required ethers can be prepared by reaction of the phenol with an alcohol according to Mitsunobo"s conditions which are known to those skilled in the art. Compounds wherein X is (CB.,2)aryloxy, wherein (C6.i2)afyloxy is defined as above, can be prepared from the aforementioned phenol using the methods described in Chem. Pharm.Bull. 1978,2&, 2475-2482. Said phenol derivatives can likewise be converted with trifiic anhydride to the corresponding triflate derivative, the trifete group of which can be converted, using methods known to the skilled person, to an amino group. Compounds of fonnula (VI) wherein Z is oxygen can be prepared as described in J.Chem.Soc, 1954,4299-4303; those wherein Z is S can be synthesised as indicated in J.Am.Chem.Soc., 1954, 76. 5065-5069. The skilled person will be aware of numerous general synthetic methods that aJlow the conversion of a certain group X in a compound according to one of the Formulas l-VI to another group X according to the definition of X. For example, a compound according to formula III,-wherein X is a 6-bromo group, can be sequentially converted to a methoxycarbonyl group {X=COORe, wherein R^ is methyl) and a cyano group. The compounds of this invention possess at least two chiral cartmn atoms, and can therefore be obtained as pure stereoisomers, or as a mixture of stereoisomers. Methods for asymmetric synthesis whereby the pure stereoisomers are obtained are well known In the art, e.g. synthesis with chiral induction, enantioseiective enzymatic ester hydrolysis, crystallization of salts which are obtained from optically active acids and the racemic mixture, separation of stereoisomers or enantiomers using chromatography on chiral media, or on straight phase or reversed phase chromat¬ography media. Such methods are for example described in Chiralityin Industry (edited by A. N. Collins, G. N. Sheldrake and J. Crosby,-1992; John Wiley). Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula I may be obtained by treating the free base of the compounds accorciing to formula I with a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, preferably hydra-chloric acid, or with an organic acid such as for example ascorbic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malonic acid, fumaric acid, glycolic acid, suc¬cinic acid, propionic acid, acetic acid, methanesulphonic acid and the like. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of fonnuia I wherein R, is COOR7 and Ry is hydrogen, may be obtained by treating the add or zwitterionic form of those compounds with a,n organic base or a mineral base, like sodium, potassium or lithium hydroxide. The compounds of the invention may be administered for humans in a dosage of 0.001-50 mg per kg body weight, preferably in a dosage of 0.01-20 mg per kg body weight. The pharmaceutical compositions for use according to the invention comprise an aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative having fonmuia I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in admixture with pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries, and optionally other therapeutic agents. The term "acceptable" means being compatible with the other ingredients of the composition and not deleterious to the recipients thereof. The compositions can be prepared in accordance with standard techniques such as for example are described in the standard reference, Gennaro etal.. Remington"s Pharmaceutical Sciences, (18th ed.. Mack Publishing Company, 1990, see especially Part 8: Phamnaceutical Preparations and Their Manufacture). Compositions Include e.g. those suitable for oral, sublingual, intranasal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, local, or rectal administration, and the like, all in unit dosage forms for administration. For oral administration, the active ingredient may be presented as discrete units, such as tablets, capsules, powders, granulates, solutions, and suspensions. For parenteral administration, the phannaceutical composition of the invention may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose containers, e.g. injection liquids in predeter¬mined amounts, for example in sealed vials and ampoules, and may also be stored in 3 freeze dried (lyophiiized) condition requiring only the addition of sterile liquid carrier, e.g. water, prior to use. The invention further includes a pharmaceutical composition, as hereinbefore described, in combination with packaging material suitable for said composition, said packaging material including instmctions for the use of the composition for the use as hereinbefore described. The invention is illustrated by the following examples. General: All mass spectrometry was carried out on either a PE SCIEX API 150EX or a PE SCIEX API 365 machine. Melting points are uncorrected and were determined using a Leica Galen III instrument. Optical rotations were detemiined on a Shimadzu Graphicond UV-Visible recording spectrophotometer. Example 1 (see Scheme for Process 1). Lithium c/s-A/-m6thvl-A/-m-ftuoro-1-phenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdrQnaphthalen-2-vlmethvll aminomethylcarboxvlate. Step A: Methyl-4-f3-fluorophenylV4-oynhutanoate To a stin-ed suspension of potassium cyanide (3.25 g) in A/,W-dimethyl-formamide (30 cm^), being maintained at a temperature of 45 °C, was added 3-fIuoroben2aldehyde (25.0 g). Ethyl acrylate {18.46 cm^) was then added and the resultant mixture was stirred at 40 °C for 2 h. Water (200 cm^) was added and the aqueous mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 125 cm^). The organic extracts were washed with water (100 cm^) and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (100 cm^) before being dried (NajSOrt) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yieid the title compound (25.27 g) as a yellow oil. step B: 4-f3-Ruomohenvnbutanorn aHH Methyl-4-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-oxQbutanoate (25.27 g), hydrazine hydrate (24.29 cm") and potassium hydroxide pellets (20.50 g) were dissolved in ethylene glycol y (150 cm^) and the mixture was heated at reflux for 1.25 h. The excess hydrazine hydrate was distilled off until the temperature at the still-head reached 160 °C. The reaction mixture was then cooled, diluted with water (400 cm^) and the resultant aqueous mass was washed with diethyl ether (2 x 150 cm"} and then acidified with hydrtjchloric acid (5 l\/l, 150 cm"). The acidic mixture was then extracted with diethyl "" ether (2 x 150 cm") and the combined extracts were dried (NaaSO^) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to provide the title compound (15.51 g)asa dark oil. Step C: 6-FluorD-3.4-dihvdro-2H-naphthalene-1-one A mixture of 4-(3-fluorophenyl)butanoic acid (10 g) and polyphosphoric acid (100 g) was heated to 70 °C with stirring for 2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and water was carefully added (400 cm"). The aqueous mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 75 cm") and the combined extracts were washed sequentially with aqueous potassium hydroxide solution (1 M, 75 cm"), water (75 cm") and saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution (75 cm"). The combined organic extracts were dried (Na2S04), and the solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure. The crude product (6.58 g) was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b. p. 40-60 °C)-ethyl acetate (20:1)] to afford the title compound (6.36 g). Step D: 2./A;.Benzylmethytaminn\methvl-fi-fluQrQ-3.4-dihvdro-2H-naDhthalene-1 -one hydrochloride To an ice-cooled solution of A/-benzylmethylamine (5.67 cm") in ethyl alcohol (60 cm") was added hydrochloric acid (5 M, 10 cm^). 6-Fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalene-lH3ne (6.00 g) and parafbnnaldehyde (1.32 g) were then added and the resulting mixture was stirred and heated to reflux for 4 h. Upon cooling, the alcohol was removed under reduced pressure and water (100 cm^) was added. The remaining tetralone was extracted into diethyl ether (100 cm") and the aqueous mixture was then extracted further with dichioromethane (2 x 100 cm"). The combined extracts were dried (Na^SOj) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Trituration with diethyl ether and filtration provided the title compound (3.18 g) as a white solid. Step E: 2-W-Benzv[methvlaminQ^m6thvl-6-fluom-1.ohenvl-1 ? ?^ Mftra hvdronaphthalepe-l-ol Phenylmagnesium bromide (3 M solution in diethyl ether, 9 cm^) was added to dry diethyl ether (20 cm^) under nitnagen with stirring. This was then cooled to beiow 0 °C (salt-ice bath) and 2-(N-benzylmethylamino)methyl-6-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalene-1-one hydrochloride was added in small portions at such a rate as to maintain the temperature below 0 °C (approx. 15 mins). The reaction mixture was stirred for a further 1 h at 0 °C and then poured onto ice. Water (100 cm") and diethyl ether (100 cm^) were added and the aqueous layer was separated and extracted with further diethyl ether(100 cm^). The combined ether layers were extracted with hydrochloric acid (5 M, 3 x 50 cm^). The acidic extracts were bastfied (KjCOa) and re-extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 75 cm^). The combined extracts were dried (NajSOfl) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to provide the title compound (1.55 g) as a brown oil which solidified on standing. 5StepF-7-W-Ben2vlmefhvlamino^methvl-6-fluoro-1-Dhenvl-3.4-dihvdrQnaDhthal6ne Trifluoroacetic acid (10 cm") was added to 2-(A/-ben2ylmethylamino)methyl-6-fluoro-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-1-ol (1.5 g) and the resulting solutron was stin-ed at room temperature for 2 h. The excess trifluoroacetic acid was removed under reduced pressure and the resultant brown oil was taken up into petroleum ether (b. p. 40-60 °C) and passed through a short column [basic alumina, eluting with petroleum ether (b. p. 40-60 °C)-ethyl acetate (20:1)J. The fractions containing the product were combined and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (0.97 g). Stqp hydrochloride To a mixture of 2-(N-benzylmettiylamino)methyl-6-fluoro-1-phenyl-3,4- dihydronaphthalene (0.95 g) in ethyl alcohol (50 cm") and hydrochloric acid (5 M, 1 cm") was added palladium on charcoal (5 %, 0.25 g). The resultent mixture was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at a pressure of 2 atm at room temperature for 60 h. The catalyst was removed by filtration through a pad of Dicalite® and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to provide the title compound (0.75 g) as a white solid. SisoBl Ethvl C/s-^/-methvl-A/-r6-fluoro-1-Dhenvl-1 ■2.3.4-t6trahvrimnaDhthalen-?. VJmethvh aminomethvtcarboxvlate To a mixture of c/s-6-fluoro-2-methylaminomethyl-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydronaphthalene hydrochloride (0.74 g), cesium carbonate (2.36 g) and W,yv-di-methylformamide (15 cm^) was added ethyl bromoacetate (0.29 cm^) and the resulting mixture was stirred and heated at 80 "C for 4 h. The reaction was allowed to cool to room temperature and water (100 cm^) was added before the mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 100 cm^). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 cm% dried (NajSO^) and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product (0.95 g) was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b. p. 40-60 "Cj-ethyl acetate (5:1)] to yield the title compound (0.73 g). Positive ion ESI (M+H)* 356.2. Step I: Lithium cis-N-methvl-f^6-fluorQ-1-phenvl-1 ■2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalen-2-yimethyl) aminQmethvlrarboxylate To a solution of ethyl c/s-W-methyl-A/-(6-fluoro-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yimethyI) aminomethylcarboxylate (0.1 g) in ethyl alcohol (0.5 cm^) was added a solution of aqueous lithium hydroxide (2 M, 0.15 cm^). The reaction mixture was heated to 80 "C with stirring for 3 h. Upon cooling to room temperature, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (90 mg) as a white solid; m. p. 133-136 °C; positive ion ESI.(M+Hr 328.4. The following compounds (Examples 2-22) were prepared in a similar manner (using the process steps of Scheme 1) from the appropriate a-tetralones : Example 2: Lithium c/s-A/-methyl-)V-[6-fluoro-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 141-145 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 346.2. Example 3: Lithium c/5-N-methyl-W-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1.2.3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 177-183 "C; negative ion ESI (M-H)" 326.4. Example 4: Lithium c/s-A/-methyl-W-(6-methoxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)aminomethylcarboxylate; positive ion ESI (M-H)* 340.3. E3iamillfi_5: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-/V-[1-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetra- hydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 129-132 °crposftlve ion ESI (M-H)" 358.2. Example 6: Lithium c/s-A/-methyl-W-(7-methoxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 340.3. Example 7: Lithium c/s-A/-methyl-A/-(1-phenyl-6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalen-2-ytmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 131-137 °C ; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 378.2. Example B: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-W-[1-(4-fiuorophenyl)-6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 137-142 °C; positive ion*ESI (M+H)* 396.2. Example 9: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-A/-[1-(2,4-dlfluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4- tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; positive ion ESI (M+H)" 376.4. Example 10: Lithium c/s-N-methyl-/V-[1-(3,4-difluorophenyl)-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4- tetrahydron a phthalen-2-yl methyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 376.4. Example 11: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-A/-[6-ethoxy-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetra- hydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 372.2. Example 12: Ltthtum c/s-W-methyl-A/-(5-fluoro-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 159-161 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 328.4. Example 13: Lithium cys-A/-methvl-N-f7-fluoro-1-f4-fluoroDhenvn-1.2.3.4-t6tra- hydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; positive ion ESI (M+H)" 346.2. Example 14: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-W-(7-fluoro-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 137-158 "C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 328.2. Example 15: Lithium CK-W-methyl-N-(1-phenyl-6-trifiuoromethoxy-1,2,3,4-tetra- hydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 127-129 "Cj"positive ion ESI (M+H)* 394.2. Example 16: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-A/-(6-ethoxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 238-249 "C. Example 17: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-W-(6-phenoxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcartoxylate; m. p. 191-200 °C. Example 18: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-A/-(6-isopropyloxy-1 -phenyl-1,2.3,4-tetrahydnD- naphthalen-2-yl methyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 374.4. Example 19: Lithium c/s-A/-methyl-W-[6-methoxy-1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,2.3,4-tetra- hydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; m. p. 148-150 "C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 370.4. Example 2Q: c/s-N-Methvl-JV-r6-methoxv-1-f3-methvlphenvl)-1 ■2.3.4-tetrahvdro- naphthalen-2-yl methyl] aminomethylcarboxylic acid trifluoroacetic acid salt; m. p. 96-106 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 354.4. Example 21: Lithium c/s-W-methyl-W-{4-phGnyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1 -benzothiopyran-3- ytmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate. Prepared as a brown froth, according to the generic protocol from commercially available thiochroman-4-one; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 328.0. Example 22: Lithium c;s-W-methyl-W-(4-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-3-yl- methyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; prepared from 4-chromanone; m. p. 207-210 "C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 312.4. Example 23: Lfthium cis-N-methv\~N-(6-methvi-Uphfin\A-1 ? .^■4-tetrahydro-naDhthalen-2-vlmethvl)afninomethylcarboxvlatfi A: 4- N,W-Dimethylamidosuccinic acid (14.5 g) was dissolved in anhydrous tetra-hydrofuran (400 cm^) and stirred at 0 "C. To this was added a solution of/n-tolyl-magnesium chloride in fetrahydrofuran (1 M. 200 cm^) over a period of approximate¬ly 2.5 h. Once the addition was complete the reaction mixture was stin-ed for a ftjrther 2 h. Saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (200 cm^) was added and most of the tetrahydrofuran was distilled off under reduced pressure before the residue was treated with ether (100 cm^). After acidification with hydrochloric acid (5 M) the aqueous component wa§ extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 cm^), dried (NaaSOj) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to provide the title compound {8.8 g). B; Starting from 4-{3-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoic acid and using procedures similar to those described in the Scheme 1 for Process 1, the title compound was obtained; m. p. 135-138 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)" 324.2. Example 24: Lithium c/5-A/-mfithvl-A;-M-Dhenvl-1 ■2.3.4.5.6.7.8-octahvdro-phenanthrenemethvnaminomethvlcarboxvlate A: 4-(1.NaphthvnbutenQic acid To a mixture of 3-triphenylphosphorylpropionic acid chloride (12.40 g) and 1-naphthaldehyde in dry tetrahydrofuran (30 cm^) at 0 °C under an atmosphere of nitrogen was added a solution of potassium tert-butoxide (7.54 g) in tetrahydrofuran (30 cm^) over a period of 1 h. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stired for a further 12 h before it was quenched with water (40 cm^) and extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 40 cm^). The aqueous portion was acidified with hydrochloric acid (5 M) and extracted into dichloromethane (3 x 40 cm^). The organic extracts were dried (NajSOJ and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to give a brown oil that crystallised on standing. The product was re-crystal)ised from aqueous ethyl alcohol to afford the title compound (3.96 g). B: 4-f1-Napthvhbutanoic at^jjH To a solution of 4-(1-naphthyl)butenoic acid (3.96 g) in ethyl alcohol (45 cm^) was added palladium on carbon (10 %, 400 mg). The mixture was stirred under hydrogen (approx. 2 atm) for 3 h. The catalyst was then removed fay filtration through a pad of Dicalite® and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to yield the title compound (3.59 g). C: 3.4-Dihvdro-2^/-phenanthren-1 -one To 4-{1-naphthyl)butanoic acid (3.52 g) was added potyphosphoric acid (35.0 g) and the mixture was stin-ed at 40 "C for 20 h. The reaction was then diluted with water (200 cm^) and extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 100 cm^). The organic extracts were washed with water, aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (0.5 M) and then saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution. It was then dried (Na^SO^) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford the title compound as an oil that solidified on standing (3.09 g). D:2-fA;-Ben2ylmethvlaminQ^methvl-3.4-dihvdro-2H-phenanthren-1-one hydrochloride A mixture of 3,4-dihydro-2/-/-phenanthren-1-one (3.09 g), benzylmethylamine (2.51 g), parafonnaldehyde (0.8 g), hydrochloric acid (5 M, 4.76 cm^) and ethyl alcohol (60 cm^) was heated to reflux for 48 h. It was then allowed to cool to room temperature and the alcohol was removed under reduced pressure. Water (100 cm^} was added and the remaining phenanthren-1-one was extracted into diethyl ether (2 X 100 cm^). The aqueous layer was further extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 100 cm*) and the combined dichloromethane extracts were dried (NajSOj) and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound as a pink solid (3.5 g). E; Lithium c/s-W-methyl-W-(1-phenyl-1,2,3,4,5,6,7.8-octahydrophenanthrenemethyl) aminomethyicarboxylate (0.20 g) was prepared from 2-(W-ben2ylmethylamino)-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-phenanthren-1-one hydrochloride according to procedures similar to those set in Scheme for Process 1. The only difl^erence being that during the hydrogenation step one of the aromatic rings became saturated; m. p. 164-166 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 364.4. Example 25: cis-A/-Methvl-A/-n -phenvl-l ■2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalen-2-x/lmftthy|) aminomethvlcarboxylic acid hydrochloride To a solution of ethyl c/s-W-methyl-N-(1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl-methyl) aminomethylcarboxylate (0.1 g, prepared using the methods described in Process 1 of Example 1) in ethyl alcohol (2 cm^) was added potassium hydroxide (10 M, 0.1 cm^). The reaction mixture was heated and stirred at 80 °C for 3 h. Upon cooling, the alcohol was removed under reduced pressure and water (10 cm^) was added. The aqueous mixture was washed with ethyl acetate (2x10 cm^). acidified with aqueous hydrochloric acid (5 M) and concentrated under reduced pressure. Crystallisation from methyl afcohoi-diethyl ether provided the title compound as a white solid (0.012 g); m. p. 205-211 °C(decomp.); positive ion ESI (M+H)* 310.2. Similariy obtained was: Example 26: r.is-A/-Methvl-A/-fn-f3-fluorophenvn-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalen-?-vlmethvl] amrpQmethylcarboxylic acid hydrochloride: m. p. 212-218 °C; positive ion ESI (M+HP328.2. Example 27: f:f-;-A/-Methvl-A/-[1-M-frifluorom6thvlphenvn-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdrQnaphthalen-2-vlmethvl1 aminomethvlcartaoxvtic acid hydrochloride A:g-fA/-Ren7vlmethytamino^methyl-1-f4-trifluoromethvlphenvlV3.4-dihvdro-2H-napthalen-1-ol To a cooled (-78 "C), stin-ed mixture of n-butyllithium in hexane (1.6 M, 34.7 cm^) and diethyl ether (25 cm^) was added 4-bromobenzotrifluaride (7.8 g). After a further 15 min. 2-(/\/-benzy!methylamino)methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one hydrochloride (prepared using methods described in Process 1} was added portion-wise. The reaction mixture was then stirred for 1 h before being allowed to warm to room temperature and then water (50 cm^) was added. The organic layer was separated and washed with water (50 cm^). It was then extracted with hydrochloric acid (2 M, 50 cm^) and the acidic aqueous portion was basified with solid sodium carbonate and extracted with dichloromethane (100 cm^). The combined organic extracts were dried (Na^SO^) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford the title compound as a colourless oil. Ql The title compound was prepared from 2-{A/-benzylmethylamino)methyl-1-(4-trrfluoromethylphenyl)-3,4-dJhydro-2H-napthalen-1-ol according to the procedures described in Examples 1 and 25. It was isolated as a white solid; m. p. 163-166 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 378.0. Example 28: c/s-A/-Methvl-A/-n .S-diphenvl-l ■2.3.4-tetrahvdrQnaphthalen-2-vlmPthyt^ aminomethylcarboyylic acid hydrochloride. A: c/s-2-W-Bfin7ylmethylamtno)methvl-6-trifluQromethanesulfonvl-1 -phepvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdrQnqphthatene A solution of c/s-2-(A/-benzyi methylamino)methyl-6-hydroxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3.4-tetrahydronaphthalene (prepared as described in Example 1 and Example 32A; 3.23 g) in pyridine (15 cm^) was cooled in an ice-bath. Trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (1.68 cm^) was added drop-wise to this solution and the resultant mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 5 min before being allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was then stirred at this temperature for 18 h, before being poured into water (90 cm^). The resulting mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 100 cm^) and the combined extracts were dried (NajSO^). The solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a gum (4.83 g) which was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with toluene-ethyl acetate (19:1)] to yield the title compound as a gum (4.10 g); positive ion ESI (M+H)*490.4. B: c/s-2-f A/-BRnzyimethvlamino^methvl-1.6.diDhenvl-1 ■2.3.4-tetrahvdro naphthalene Benzene boronic acid (301 mg), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (65 mg), lithium chloride (238 mg) and aqueous sodium carbonate solution (2 M, 2.25 cm^) were added to a stired solution of c/s-2-(W-benzylmethylaminQ)methyl-6-tri-fluoromethanesulfonyl-1-phenyl-1,2.3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (1.1 g)in 1,2-di-methoxyethane (60 cm^) under an atmosphere of nitrogen. The stin-ed mixture was heated at 90 °C for 46 h before being allowed cool to room temperature. Water (100 cm^) and ethyl acetate (100 cm^) were added and the organic layer was washed with water (3 x 100 crn"). dried {Na2S04), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude pnaduct (908 mg) was purified by column chromato¬graphy [silica, eluting with toluene-ethyl acetate (19:1)] to afford the title compound as a gum (452 mg); positive ion ESI (M+H)*417.9. Ql The title compound (Example 2S) was prepared from c/5-2-(A/-benzyl methylamino)methyi-1,6-diphenyl-1.2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene according to the procedure described in Examples 1 and 25. However, in this case once the hydrolysis reaction was complete, hydrochloric acid {2 M, 5 cm^) was added and the mixture was then extracted with dichloromethane (50 cm^) and then with a dichloromethane-ethyl alcohol mixture {1:1; 75 cm^). This second extract was dried (NajSOi) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure to afford a solid. Crystallisation from ethyl alcohol-diethyl ether fumished the title compound as a white solid; m. p. 210-221 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)*386.2. Example 29: c/s-ft/-Methvl-A/-f1-ohenvl-6-ahien-2-v(W1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalen-2-vlmethyl] aminomethvlcartioxvlate hvdrochloride. i A:cys-2-W-Benzvl-A/-methvlamino^methvl-1-phenvl-6-fthien-2-yh-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthatene A mixture of c/s-5-(N-benzyl-W-methylaminomethyl)-4-phenyl-4,5,6,7-tetra-hydronaphthalene trifiuoromethanesulphonate (prepared according to Example 28A: 960 mg), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)pa!ladium(0) (59 mg), lithium chloride (213 mg) aqueous sodium cartaonate solution (2 M, 2.0 cm^) and thiophene-2-boronic acid (276 mg) in 1,2-dimethoxyethane (57 cm^) was heated to reflux under nitrogen for 24 h. The reaction was allowed to cool, diluted with water (150 cm^) and extracted with ethyl acetate (4 x 50 cm^), which was washed with water (2 x 50 cm^), dried {Na2S04) and the solvent was evaporated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with heptane-ethyl acetate (gradient 4:1 to 1:1)] to afford the title compound as pale yellow crystals (762 mg); positive ion ESI (M+H)* 424.2. B:c/s-2-W-Methvlamtno^methvl-1-phenvl-6-fthien-2-vni.2.3.4-tetrahydro-naohthalene hydrochloride To a solution of c/s-2-(W-benzyI-A/-methylamino)methyl-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4- tetrahydro-6-(2-thlenyl)naphthalene {727 mg) in dichloromethane (75 cm^) which was being maintained at 0 °C under nitrogen was added 1-chloroethylchlaraformate {0.208 cm^) dropwise. The mixture was then allowed to wami to room temperature, before being heated to reflux. After approximately 2 h analysis of the reaction mixture indicated complete consumption of the starting material. The dichloromethane was evaporated and the residue was then taken up into methyl alcohol and heated to reflux for 1 h. The solvent was evaporated to afford the title compound which was used in the next reaction without lijrther purification; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 334.2. C:To a solution of ethyl c/s-A/-methyl-A/-[6-{thien-2-yl)-1 -phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate (prepared from the compound under B using procedures as described in Process 1) In ethyl alcohol was added aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (2 M, 0.55 cm^) and the reaction was allowed to stir at room temperature. After 2 h the reaction was incomplete so a further portion of aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (as above) was^then added and the mixftjre was heated to reflux ovemight. Upon cooling, it was partitioned between hydrochloric acid (5 M) and a mixture of dichloromethane and chloroform (4:1). The insoluble materia! that remained was isolated by filtration to afford the title compound ((Examp/e 22; 346 mg). Positive Ion ESI (M+H)* 392.0. Example 30: c/s-A/-Methvl-A/-f6-cvano-1-Dhenvl -1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalen-2-ylmethyh aminomethylcarboxvlic acid hydrochloride A: Methvl 1 -phenv[-2-fmethvkphenylmethyhaminnmethvn-3.4-dihvdronaphthalene-6-carboxylic acid methvl ester A mixture of 2-(W-benzylmethylamino)methyl-6-bromo-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-naphthalene (11.44 g; prepared according Process 1), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)-propane (229 mg), palladium(ll) acetate (185 mg), triethylamine (5.55 g), methyf alcohol (45 cm^) and dimethyl sulfoxide {100 cm^) was stirred vigorously until all the particles had dissolved. A stream of carbon monoxide gas (Caution! Highly toxic!) was passed through the solution for 2-3 min. The mixture was then placed under a positive pressure of carbon monoxide and heated to 100 "C in a sealed reaction bomb. After stirring for 4 h the mixture was cooled and water (400 cm^) was added. The aqueous component was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 150 cm^) and the combined extracts were dried (NajSOfl) and filtered. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give a mixture of the title compound and the starting bromo-compound. This mixture was resolved by column chromatography [silica, etuting with petnaleum ether (b.p. 40-60 °C)-ethyl acetate (9:1)] to afford the title compound (4.20 g) and the starting bromo compound (3.0 g). B: Methvl 1 -phenvl-2-^methvlaminomethvlV1 ■2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalfine-6-carboxvlate To a mixture of 1-phenyl-2-[methyl(pheny!methyl)aminomethyl]-3,4-dihydro-naphthalene-6-Garboxyllc acid methyl ester (4.20 g), methyl alcohol (120 cm^) and hydrochloric acid (5 M, 2.4 cm") was added palladium .on charcoal (5%, 500 mg). The resulting suspension was stirred at 50 "C under a hydrogen atmosphere (5 atm) for 18 h. Upon coaling the rnixture was filtered through a pad of D"tcalite® and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to afford the title compound (3.49 g, 95 %) as af white powder. C: Methvl 1-phenv[-2-[methvlfphenvlmethvnaminQmethvl]-1 ■2.3.4-tetrahydro naphthalene carboxvlate To a mixture of cesium carbonate (7.04 g), methyl 1-phenyl-2-(methylamino-methyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-6-cart30xylate (3.41 g) and A/,N-dimethyl-formamide (30 cm^) was added benzyl bromide (1.28 cm^). The mixture was warmed to 80 "C and stirred for 2 h. Upon cooling to room temperature, water (200 cm") was added and the aqueous component was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 100 cm"). The combined extracts were washed with water (75 cm"), dried (Na^SOj), filtered and solvent evaporated under reduced pressure to give a brown oil. The crude product was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with dichloro-methane-methyl alcohol (19:1)] to afford the title compound (3.46 g) as a yellow oil which solidified on standing. D: 1~Phenvl-2-fmethvlfDhenylmethynamtnQmethvl]-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdro naphthalene carboxamide To a stirred mixture of 1-phenyl-2-[methyl(phenylmethyl)aminomethy[]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene carboxylic acid methyl ester (1.53 mg). fonnamide (577 mg) and A/,W-naDhthatenR To a solution of 1-phenyl-2-[methyi(phenylmethyi)aminomethyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene carboxamide (588 mg, 1,53 mmol) in anhydrous W,A/-dt-methylfonnamide (5 cm^) under an argon atmosphere was added phosphorus oxychforid^ (0.429 cm^, 4.6 mmol). The mixture was warmed to 80 °C and stirred for 3h. Upon cooling, water (20 cm^) was added and the mixture was basified with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate solution (20 cm^). The aqueous component was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 50 cm"") and the combined extracts dried (Na^SOj), filtered and the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b. p. 40-60 °C)-ethyl acetate (2:1)] to afford the title compound (450 mg) as a white solid. F: ciS"N"Methv)-N-(6-cvano-1 -phenyl -1 ■2.3.4.tetrahydronaphthaten-2.ylmethvn aminomethvlcarboxvlic acid hydrochloride Prepared from 2-(A/-benzylmethylamino)methyl-6-cyano-1-phenyl-3,4-dihydronaphthalene using process steps as described in Scheme I; m. p. 197 °C (decomp.); positive ESI (M+H)* 335.2. Example 31: CT.^-A/-Methvl-A/-f6-^methQxvcarfaonvl>-1-phenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalen-2-vlmethvl1 aminomethvlcarboxvlic acid hydmchlnride salt A: Benzyl c/s-A/-methvl-A/-[fi- tetrahvdrDnaDhthalen-2-vlm6thvl] aminomethylcarboxylate To a mixture of c/s-6-(methoxycarbonyl)-2-methylaminomethyl-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene hydrochloride (0.23 g; prepared as described in Example 3Q). cesium carbonate (0.48 g) and W.W-dimethylformamide (3 cm^) was added benzyl bromoacetate (0.11 cm^) and the resulting mixture was then stirred with heating at 85 "C for 4 h. The reaction was allowed to cool to room temperature and water (20 cm^) added. The resulting aqueous mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 20 cm^) and the combined organic extracts were washed with water (2 x 20 cm^), dried (Na2S04) and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product (0.29 g) was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b. p. 40-60 °C)-ethyl acetate (9:1)] to afford the title compound (0.20g). fiLTo a mixture of benzyl c/s-A/-methyl-W-[6-(methoxycari3onyl)-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yimethyl] aminomethylcarisoxylate (0.2 g), methyl alcohol (5 cm^) and hydrochloric acid (5 M, 0.1 cm^) was added palladium on charcoal (10 %, 0.02 g). The reaction was stin-ed under an atmosphere of hydrogen (approx. 1.0 atm) at ambient temperature for 6 h. The catalyst was then removed by filtration through a Dicalite® pad and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The product was crystallised from methyl alcohol-diethyl ether to yield the title compound (0.12 g) as a white solid; m. p. 166-171 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 368.0. Example 32: cis-A/-Methvl-A/-r6-cvdohexvloxv-1-ohenvM.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalen-2-vlmethvl] amtnomethvlcarboxvlic acid hvdrnrhlnridfi A: 2-W-Benzylmethylamino^methyi-6-hvdroxv-1-Dhenvl-3.4-dihvdrn naphthalene To a solution of 2-(W-benzylmethylamino)methyl-6-methoxy-1-phenyl-3,4-dihyd^onaphthaiene (0.375 g; prepared according to Process 1) in dichloromethane (15 cm^) being stirred at 0 °C under nitrogen was added a solution of boron tri-bromide in dichloromethane (1 M, 2.2 cm^). The resulting solution was stirred at 0 "C for 30 min and then at room temperature for 1.5 h. Methyl alcohol (5 cm^) was added and the solvents were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with hydrochloric acid (6 M, 2 cm-*) and dichloromethane (4 cm^) and stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The mixture was basified with potassium carbonate, diluted with water {50 cm^). and extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 25 cm^). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (25 cm^). dried (MgS04), and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The cmde product was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting v^th ethyl acetate-heptane (1:1)] to yield the title compound (0.202 g) as a brown oil. B:2-W-ben2vlmethvlaminQ^methyl-6-cvclQhexvloxy-1-phenvl-3.4-dihvdro naphthalene To a mixture of 2-(A/-benzylmethylamino)methyl-6-hydroxy-1-phenyl-3,4-di-hydronaphthalene (0.53 g), cyclohexanol (0.26 cm^), triphenylphosphine (0.579 g) and tetrahydrofuran (20 cm^), was added diethyl azodicarboxylate (0.35 cm^) at room temperature. After stirring for 5 h the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude pnsduct was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with ethyl acetate-heptane (1:4)] to yield the title compound (0.442 g) as a yellow oil. G^The titl&compound was prepared from 2-(N-ben2ylmethylamino)methyl-6-cyclohexyloxy-1-phenyi-3,4-dihydronaphthalene according to Process 1; m. p. > 210 °C (decomp.); positive ion ESI (M+H)" 408.2. Example 33: c/s-A/-Methvl-N-f6-benzvloxv-1 -phenvl-1 ■2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalen-2-ylmethyh aminomethylcarboxvlic acid hvdrochloride A:c/s-2-W-Benzvlmethylamino^methvl-6-methoxv-1-phenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalene To a mixture of cis-6-methQxy-2-methylamino-1"phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalene (3.55 g, prepared acconding to Process 1), triethylamine (3.12 cm^) and A/,W-dimethylformamide (40 cm^) was added benzyl bromide (1.60 cm^). The mixture was warmed to 80 °C and stirred for 2 h. Upon cooling, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a brown oil. This was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b. p. 40-60 °C)-ethyl acetate (4:1)] to affond the title compound (3.52 g) as a light brown oil which solidified on standing. & c/s-2-fA/-BenzvlmethvlaminQ^methvl.6-hvdrDx\/-1 -ohenvl-l .2.3.4- tetrahydronaphthalene This compound was prepared according to the procedure outlined in Example a2A, using CTS-2-{A/-benzylmethylamino)methyl-6-methoxy-1-phenyl-1.2.3,4-tetra-hydronaphthalene as the starting material. C:c/s-2-/A/-Benzvlmethvlaminolmethvl-6-benzyloxv-1-Dhenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahydronaphthalene To a mixture of cesium carbonate (1.09 g), c/s-2-(A/-benzylmethyl-amino)methyl-6-hydroxy-1-phenyl-1.2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (600 mg) and W,W-dimethylformamide (10 cm^) was added benzyl bromide (0.236 cm^). The resulting mixture was warmed to 80 °C and stirred for 2 h. Upon cooling, water (50 cm^) was added and the aqueous mass was extracted with ether (2 x 50 cm^). The combined ether extracts were washed with water (30 cm^), dried (NaaSO^), filtered and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to afford a yellow oil. This was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b.p. 40-60 X)-ethyl acetate (15:1)] to afford the title compound (538 mg; 72 %) as a light yellow oil. D:c/«;-6-Benzyloxy-2-methvlamino-1-phenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalene hydrochloride To a stirred, cooled (0 °C) solution of c/s-2-{A/-benzylmethylamino)methyl-6-benzyloxy-1-phenyl-1.2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (264 mg) in dichloromethane (15 cm^) was added 1-chloroethyl chloroformate (0.085 cm^). After stirring at that temperature for 30 min the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for a further 1.5 h. The dichloromethane was evaporated under reduced pressure and methyl alcohol (20 cm^) was added. The mixture was heated to reflux for 1.5 h before being allowed to cool to room temperature and evaporated to dryness. The resulting gum was triturated with ether to afford the title compound as a white solid (210 mg). E: Ethvl cis-A/-methvl-/S/-f6-benzvloxv-1-phenvl-1 ^S^-tetrahvdronaDhlhalen-?-ylmethvh amlnomethvl carboxvlate Prepared from c/s-6-benzyloxy-2-methylamino-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-t6trahydro-naphthalene hydrochloride using the method described In Pn3cess 1 dichloromethane) to afford the title compound. Qi Example 3S was prepared fnam 7,8-d(hydro-6H-naphtho[2,3-d][1,3]dioxol-5-one using the method described in Examples land 2S; m. p. 210 "C (decomp.); positive ion ESI (M+H)" 354.5. Example 37: Sodium cfS-A/-methyl-A/-r6-r2-DhfinoxvethoxvV1-Dhenvl-1.2.3.4-tRtrahvdronaDhlhal&n-2-vlmethvl)aminomelhylcarboxvlate A:6-f2-PhenoxvethoxvV34-dihvrirQ-2H-naphfhalen-1-onR A mixture of 6-hydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1 -one (2.5 g), 2-phenoxy-ethyl bromide (3.4 g) and cesium carbonate (5.5 g) were stirred in A/,A/-dimethyl-fonnamide (15 cm^) and heated at 100 °C for 2.5 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and then diluted with water (150 cm^). The aqueous mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 50 cm^) and the organic " extracts were washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (1 M. 50 cm^), water (50 cm^) and then hydrochloric acid (2 M, 50 cm^). The organrc extracts were dried (Na2S04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to afford the cmde product which was suspended in diethyl ether and filtered to yield the title compound (3.2 g). B; The title compound (Example 2Z) was prepared from 6-(2-phenoxyethoxy)-3,4- " dihydro-2H-naphthalen-1-one according to the procedures described in Process 1; m. p. 109-113 °C; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 446.4. Similariy obtained was: Example 38: n/s-A/-MRthvl-A/-ffi- positive ion ESI (M+H)" 384.4. E-xaitipte 39-. [9-^ls-^J-MRthv^-^J-(6-methoxv-1-phe^v^-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalen-9-vlmethvh amino]proDionic acid hydrochloride A^Methvl-2-[c/5-A/-methvl-A/-m-mRthoxv-1-Dhenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdro naphthal6n-2-vlmethynammQ]prQpionate To a mixture of c/s-6-methoxy-2-methylaminomethyl-1 -phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydronaphthalene hydrochloride (1.00 g; prepared according to the procedures in Process 1), cesium carbonate (5.13 g) and A/,W-dimethylfomiamide (20 cm^) was added methyl-2-bromoprQpionate (Q.35 cm^) and the resultant mixture was stirred at 75 °C for 5 h. The reaction was then allowed to coot to room temperature and water (100 cm^) was added. The resulting mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 100 cm^) and the combined organic extracts were washed with water (100 cm^), dried (Na2S04) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The cnjde product (1.11 g) was purified by column chromatography [basic alumina, eluting with toluene-hexane (1:1)] to affonj the title compound as a gum (284 mg); positive ion ESI (M+H)* 368.4. B; Example ZSi was prepared from methyl-2-[c/s-A/-methyl-A/-(6-methoxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminojpropionate using methods describe in Example 25- The product was re-precipitated from dichloromethane-diethyl ether; m. p.124-129 "C: positive ion ESI (M+Hf 354.4. Example 40: Benzvl c/s-ft/-methvi~A/-m-methoxv-1-Dhenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdron3phth-2-vlmethvh aminoacetate hydrochloride Lithium c/s-W-methyl-A/-[(6-methoxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-2-\H)methyl]-aminoacetate (prepared as described in Process 1; 249.8 mg), PyBrOP® (374.2 mg). 4-dimethylaminopyridine (67.5 mg), diisopropytethylamine (0.151 cm^) and benzyl alcohol (0.079 cm^) were dissolved in dry A/.A/-dimethylformamide (10 cm^) and stirred overnight under nitrogen. The solvent was evaporated, and the residue taken up into water (25 cm^) and extracted into dichtoromethane (3 x 25 cm^), which was dried (Na2S04) and the solvent evaporated. The cmde product was purified by column chromatography [silica, eluting with petroleum ether (b. p. 40-60 ""C)-diethyl ether(1:1)] to afford the desired compound as its free base. This was taken up into dichloromethane and converted to the hydrochloride salt; positive ion ESI (M+H)* 430.3. Example 41: ri.s-A;.f6-Methoxv-1-phenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth-2-vlmethvnflminQ carboxylic aciri hydrochloride A: Benzvl c/s-A/-f6-methox\;-1.phenvl-1 ■2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphth-2-ylmethyf) aminocarijoxvlate hydrochloride Benzyl c/s-N-m6thyl-A/-{6-methoxy-1-phenyl-1,2.3,4-tetrahydronaphth-2-ylmethyl) aminocarboxylate (prepared as described in Process 15; 96.9 mg) was dissolved in dichlo"romethane (25 cm^) under an atmosphere of nitrogen, 1-chloro-ethyl chloroformate (0.254 cm^) added and the mixture was heated to reflux for 72 h. The solvent was evaporated before a ftirther portion of 1-chloroethyl chloroformate (0.254 cm^) added and the mixture heated to 100 "C for a 7 days. Upon cooling, methyl alcohol (25 cm"") was added and the mixture heated overnight. The solvent was then evaporated and the residue purified by high performance liquid chromatography [using a Supeico ABZ+ column; gradient elution with water-acetonitrile (95:5) through to neat acetonitrile all treated with 0.05 % aqueous fomiic acid]. The fractions containing the product were treated with hydrochloric acid (5 M) and the volatiles were removed in vacuo to afford the title compound (37.4 mg); positive ion ESI (M+H)* 416.2. B: Palladium on carbon (10 %; 17.3 mg) was added to a solution of benzyl cis~N-(6-methoxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphth-2-ylmethyl) aminocarboxylate hydro¬chloride (37.8 mg) in ethyl alcohol (10 cm^) and hydrochloric acid (5 M, 1 cm^) and the mixture stirred under hydrogen gas (1.5 bar) overnight. The mixture was filtered and the solvent evaporated. The residue was purified by high performance liquid chromatography (conditions as above) and appropriate fractions were treated with hydrochloric acid (5 M) to afford the title compound (10 mg); positive ion ESi (M+H)* 326.0. Example 42: Resolution of Racemic Ethyl ds-A/-methvl-A/-^6-methQxy-1-phenvM ■2_3.4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-vlmethvnaminomethvlcarboxvlate The racemate of Example 4, ethyl c/s-W-methyl-A/-(6-methoxy-1-phenyi-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethytcarboxylate, was prepared according to the procedures in Example 1. It (2.87 g) was then resolved by chiral HPLC using a Chiracel OJ 250 x 4.6 mm column (J T Baker), elutlng with hexane-(2-propanol) (97:3) at a flow rate of 8 mUmin at room temperature. The fractions containing the two enantiomers (4.86 and 5.83 min) were combined and the volatiles were removed to afford the desired products: Example M-4: ^VLithium rtys-A/-methvl-A/-f6-methoxv-1-phenvl-1 ■23.4-tetrahyrirrv naDhthaien-2-vlmethvl^ aminomethylcarboxylate. (-)-Ethyl c/s-W-methyl-A/-(6-methoxy-1 -phenyi-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yimethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate (0.58 g) was hydrolysed as described In Process 1 to afford the title compound (0.51 g) as an off-white solid; m. p. 173-184 "C (froth); positive ion ESI (M+H)* 346.2, [a.]^ (MeOH, c = 9.26) - 241.2°; and Example (+M: HV-Lithium c/s-fi/-methvl-A/-f6-methoxy-1-phenyl-1.2.3.4-tetrahyrim-naDhthalen-2-ylmethv[^gniiP°"Tiet^^v"carboxvlate (-)-Ethyl c/s-W-methyl-/V-(6-methoxy-1 -phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate (0.58 g) was hydrolysed as described in Process 1 to afford the tiOe compound {0.54 g) as an off-white solid; m. p. 146-154 °C (froth); positive iontSl (M+H)* 346.2, [a.]^ {MeOH, c = 8.53) + 220.4°. NOTE: Unless stated othenyise all other racemic esters were resolved using the chiral HPLC technique as exemplified in Example 42. The subsequent hydrolysis of the resulting levorotatory and dextrorotatory esters was done using the procedure descibed in Step 9 of Example 1. The following enantiomers were obtained: Example ^)-23: ^VSodium c/s-ft/-methv[-A/-f6-methvl-1-Dhenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthaten-2-ylmethvnamrnomethvlcarboxvlate: prepared from the enantiomerically pure ester (retention time = 4.27 min); . [a]o (MeOH, c= 1.51) = -228°. Example (+)-23: ^+VRnriiiim c/s-A/-methvl-A/-f6-methvl-1-Dhenvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-vlmethvl^ aminomethylcarboxylate: prepared from the enantiomerically pure ester (retention time = 5.23 min); [aJo (MeOH, c = 1.59) = + 226°. Example (-^-l?: f-WSodium cw-A/-methvl-A/-f6-DhenQxv-1-Dhenvl-12a4-tetrahvdronaphthalen-2-vlmethynaminomethvlcarboxylatR: prepared from the enantiomerically pure ester (retention time =14.40 min); [a]o (MeOH, c = 1.29) = -188». Example ^+^17: r+^-Sodlum f:/s-W-methvl-A/-f6-Dhenoxv-1-phRnvl-1.2.3.4-tetrahvdrQnaphthalen-2-vlmethvnaminomethvlcarboxvlate: prepared from the enantiomerically pure ester (retention time = 18.70 min); [aJD (MeOH. c= 1.67) = + 192^ Example 43: Resolution of Ethyl A/-methyl-A/-[1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-6-trifluoromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetra- hydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate. The racemic ester was separated by chirai HPLC on a Chiracel OJ 250 x 4.6 mm column (J T Baker), eluting with hexane-ethyl alcohol-diisopropyiethylamine (98:2:0.1); [(-)-enantiomer retention time = 9.02 mins; (+)-enantiomer retention time = 10.75 mins]: hydrolysis of the esters afforded: Example f->-8: r-VLithlum N-methvl-A/-ri-f4-fluoroDhenvn-fi-trifli]oromethvl-1.23_4- tetrahvdronaphthalen-2-ylmfithvl] aminomethylcarboxylate, m. p. 161-164 "C; positiye ES! (M+H)* 396.2. [a]o (MeOH, c = 4.17) = - 208.2°; and Example (+)-8: f+Vc/s-Lithium A/-methyl-N-[1-f4-fluorophenyiV6-trifluoromethvl- 1.2.3.4-tetrahvdronaphthalen-2-ylmethvn aminomethylcarboxylate. m. p. 167-169 °C; positiye ESI (M+H)* 396.2; [a]o (MeOH, c = 4.33) = + 222.4°. Example 44: Resolution of Lithium c/s-A/-methvl-/V-f1-Dhenvl-6-f2.2-dim6thvlDropyloxyV-1 ■2.3.4- tetrahydronaphthalen-2-vlmethvl1 aminomethylcarboxylate. The racemic ester was separated by chirai HPLC on a Daice! Chemical Industries Chiralpak AD column (25 X 2 cm) eluting with 2-propanol; (-)-enantiomer retention time 7.0 min, (+)- enantiomer retention time 8.0 min; hydrolysis of the esters afforded: Example (-^•■34: ^WLithium c/5-A/-methvl-/\/-ri-Phenvl-6-r2.2-dimethvlproovlnxyV 1,2.3.4-fetrahvdronaDhmalen-2-vlmethvl]aminomethvlcarfeoxv{ate: m. p. 168-170 °C; positive ESI (M+H)* 396.2. [a]^ (MeOH, c = 1.50) = -176.0"; and Example (+)-34: f+VLithii.m rf»!-A/-methyl-W-[1-Dhenvl-6-^2,2-dimethvlprQpvlo)cvW 1 ■2.3.4-tetrahvdronaDhthalan-2-vlmethyl] aminomethvlcarhnxvtate: m. p. 169-171 °C; positive ESI (M+H)" 396.1, [a]o (MeOH, c =1.49) = + 176.5°. Example 45. Method for detennination of olvcing uptake in CHO cells heteroloaouslv expressing the human GIvT-lb transporter. A: Cloning: cDNA was generated by PCR according to the method described by Kim, K.-M. et al. Mol. Pharmacol. 1994, 45, 608-617. Sequence was verified by dideoxy sequencing using the ALF DNA sequencer™ (Pharmacia) and cloned into the expression construct pcDNAS (Invitrogen). B: Transfection: Transfection of hGlyT-1b into CHO cells was performed using a standard calcium phosphate technique as described by Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) In i Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY. Stably transfected cells were selected for 1 week in growth medium containing 1 mg.cm"^ Geneticin. individual clones were picked for further analysis and positives passaged routinely as described below. D: Culture conditions: Cells stably expressing the hGlyT-1 b gene were cultured at 37 °C in a 5 % CO2 atmosphere in DMEM - NUT.MIX. F12 with Glutamax-1 (Gibco) containing Geneticin (0.5mg.cm"^ Gibco) and supplemented with 10 % Fetaldone II (Hyclone). Maintenance culture was carried out in standard 80cm^ ventilated flasks (2 m"® filter, Nunc) and cells were subcultured by trypsinisation (Sigma) when confluent. E: Assay Procedure: Cells for uptake studies were plated in 96 well plates (17,000 cells per well) in the absence of Geneticin and cultured for 48 h before use. To measure glycine transport, cells were washed twice with Hanks" balanced salt solution (HBSS) pre-warmed to 37 "C and excess fluid removed before addition of test compounds dissolved in 0.200 cm^ HBSS. Plates were incubated at 37 °C for 5 minutes before addition of [^H]glycine (0.050 cm^ 150 M"*, 248 Bq.nmol\ NEN) and incubation continued for a further 10 minutes. Uptake was terminated by washing cells with ice-cold HBSS before removal of excess fluid and addition of 0.200 cm^ scintillation cocktail to each well. Plates were sealed with adhesive film, shaken to ensure samples were homogenous before scintillation counting in a plate counter. F: Data Analysis:^ Data were analysed using standard curve fitting procedures to produce a plCgo value for active compounds (where plCgo is the negative logarithm of the concentration of test compound causing 50 % inhibition of uptake). filBesuits: The compounds of the invention selectively inhibit the glycine transport by the human GlyT-lb transporter as compared to the human GlyT-2 transporter (the molecular cloning and functional expression of the human GlyT-2 transporter Is described by Monow, J.A. at al. FEBS letters 1998,422, 334-340. The pICjo values of the racemic materials and of the levorotatory enantiomers of the :ompounds described In Examples 4, S. H, 23 and M (the chiral separation of which is described in Examples 42-44) are given in Table I. We claim: 1. An aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative having the general formula I wherein z is (CH2 )„, O, S, SO, S02 or N-R5;+ n is 0, 1 or 2; X represents 1-3 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, (C(_ 6)alkyloxy, (C3^)cycloalky, (C6.|2)aryloxy, (C6.12)aryl, thienyl, SRs, SORt,, S02R6, NRsRfi, NHRs, NH2, NHCORg, NSOjR*, CN, COOR* and (CM)alkyl, optionally substituted with halogen, (C6,12)aryl, (C,.6)aIkyIoxy or (C6.]2)aryloxy; or 2 substituents at adjacent positions together represent a fused (C5-6) aryl group, a fused (C5. 6)cycloalkyl ring or 0-(CH2)m-0 ; m is 1 or 2 ; Y represents 1-3 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, (Cl-4)alkyloxy, SRs, NR^Reand (CM)alkyI, optionally substituted with halogen; R is COOR7 or CONRsRg; R2 and Re are (Ci^alkyl; R3, R4, areRs are independently hydrogen or (CI-4)alkyl; R7, Rg and R9 independently hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C6-i2)aryl or arylalkyl; or a pharmaceuticafly acceptable salt thereof. 2. The aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative of claim 1, wherein Z is (CHa)n and n is 1. 3. The aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative of claim 2, wherein R2 is methyl and R3 and R4 are each hydrogen. 4. The aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative of claim 3, wherein RL is COOR7. 5. The aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative of any one of claims 1-4 having the cis-configuration. 6. An aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative according to claim 1 selected from the following levorotatory enantiomers: (-)-Lithium cis-N-methyl-N-(6-methoxy- 1 -phenyl- 1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; (-)-Sodium cis-N-methyl-N-(6-methyl-l -phenyl- 1,2 ,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; (-)-Sodium cis-N-methyl-N-(6-phenoxy-l -phenyl-1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; (-)-Lith iu m N-methyl-N- -(4-fluorophenyl )-6-trifluoromethyl- 1,2,3 ,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-ylmethyl) aminomethylcarboxylate; (-)-Lithium cis-N-methyl-N- -phenyl-6-(2 ,2-dimethylpropyloxy)-l ,2 ,3,4-tetra- hydronaphthalen-2-ylmethyl] aminomethylcarboxylate; 7. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative having general formula I, or a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with pharmaceuticaUy acceptable auxiliaries. 8. An aminomethylcarboxylic acid derivative substantially as herein described and exemplified. 9. A pharmaceutical composition substantially as herein described and exemplified.

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