Title of Invention

"N-PHENY1-TRIFLUOROPROPANAMIDE COMPOUNDS AND PROCESS OF PREPARATION THEREOF"

Abstract N-phenyl —trifluoropropanamide compound of formula (I):
Full Text CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS
The present invention relates to compounds which elevate pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) activity, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredient, methods for the treatment of disease states associated with reduced PDH activity, to their use as medicaments and to their use in the manufacture of medicaments for use in the elevation of PDH activity in warm-blooded animals such as humans.
Within tissues adenosine triphosphate (ATP) provides the energy for synthesis of complex molecules and, in muscle, for contraction. ATP is generated from the breakdown of energy-rich substrates such as glucose or long chain free fatty acids. In oxidative tissues such as muscle the majority of the ATP is generated from acetyl Co A which enters the citric acid cycle, thus the supply of acetyl CoA is a critical determinant of ATP production in oxidative tissues. Acetyl CoA is produced either by p-oxidation of fatty acids or as a result of glucose metabolism by the glycolytic pathway. The key regulatory enzyme in controlling the rate of acetyl CoA formation from glucose is PDH which catalyses the oxidation of pyruvate to acetyl CoA and carbon dioxide with concomitant reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to NADH.
In disease states such as both non-insulin dependent (NIDDM) and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), oxidation of lipids is increased with a concomitant reduction in utilisation of glucose, which contributes to the hyperglycaemia. Reduced glucose utilisation in both IDDM and NIDDM is associated with a reduction in PDH activity. In addition, a further consequence of reduced PDH activity may be that an increase in pyruvate concentration results in increased availability of lactate as a substrate for hepatic gluconeogenesis. It is reasonable to expect that increasing the activity of PDH could increase the rate of glucose oxidation and hence overall glucose utilisation, in addition to reducing hepatic glucose output. Another factor contributing to diabetes mellitus is impaired insulin secretion, which has been shown to be associated with reduced PDH activity in pancreatic ß-cells (in a rodent genetic model of diabetes mellitus Zhou et al. (1996) Diabetes 45: 580-586).
Oxidation of glucose is capable of yielding more molecules of ATP per mole of oxygen than is oxidation of fatty acids. In conditions where energy demand may exceed energy supply, such as myocardial ischaemia, intermittent claudication, cerebral ischaemia

and reperfusion, (Zaidan et al, 1998; J. Neurochem. 70: 233-241), shifting the balance of substrate utilisation in favour of glucose metabolism by elevating PDH activity may be expected to improve the ability to maintain ATP levels and hence function.
An agent which is capable of elevating PDH activity may also be expected to be of benefit in treating conditions where an excess of circulating lactic acid is manifest such as in certain cases of sepsis.
The agent dichloroacetic acid (DCA) which increases the activity of PDH after acute administration in animals, (Vary et al., 1988; Circ. Shock, 24: 3-18), has been shown to have the predicted effects in reducing glycaemia, (Stacpoole et al., 1978; N. Engl. J. Med. 298: 526-530), and as a therapy for myocardial ischaemia (Bersin and Stacpoole 1997; American Heart Journal, 134: 841-855) and lactic acidaemia, (Stacpoole et al., 1983; N. Engl. J. Med. 309: 390-396).
PDH is an intramitochondrial multienzyme complex consisting of multiple copies of several subunits including three enzyme activities El, E2 and E3, required for the completion of the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl CoA (Patel and Roche 1990; FASEB J., 4: 3224-3233). El catalyses the non-reversible removal of CO2 from pyruvate; E2 forms acetyl CoA and E3 reduces NAD to NADH. Two additional enzyme activities are associated with the complex: a specific kinase which is capable of phosphorylating El at three serine residues and a loosely-associated specific phosphatase which reverses the phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of a single one of the three serine residues renders the El inactive. The proportion of the PDH in its active (dephosphorylated) state is determined by a balance between the activity of the kinase and phosphatase. The activity of the kinase may be regulated in vivo by the relative concentrations of metabolic substrates such as NAD/NADH, CoA/acetylCoA and adenine diphosphate (ADP)/ATP as well as by the availability of pyruvate itself.
European Patent Publication Nos. 617010 and 524781 describes compounds which are capable of relaxing bladder smooth muscle and which may be used in the treatment of urge incontinence. We have found that the compounds of the present invention are very good at elevating PDH activity, a property nowhere disclosed in EP 0617010 and EP 524781.
The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that certain compounds elevate PDH activity, a property of value in the treatment of disease states associated with disorders of glucose utilisation such as diabetes mellitus, pbesity, (Curto et al., 1997; Int. J.
Obes. 21 : 1 137-1 142), and lactic acidaemia. Additionally the compounds may be expected to have utility in diseases where supply of energy-rich substrates to tissues is limiting such as peripheral vascular disease, (including intermittent claudication), cardiac failure and certain cardiac myopathies, muscle weakness, hyperlipidaemias and atherosclerosis (Stacpoole et al., 1978; N. Engl. J. Med. 298: 526-530). A compound that activates PDH may also be useful in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) (J Neural Transm (1998) 105, 855-870).
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of compounds of the formula (I):
(Formula Removed)
wherein:
ring C is as defined in (a) or (b);
R1 is as defined in (c) or (d);
n is 1 or 2;
R2 and R3 are as defined in (e) or (f);
A-B is as defined in (g) or (h) and
R4 is as defined in (i) or (j)
wherein
(a) ring C is phenyl or carbon-linked heteroaryl selected from pyridyl, pyrazinyl,
pyrimidinyl and pyridazinyl; wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is substituted on carbon at one
or both positions meta to the position of A-B attachment or on carbon at the position para to
the position of A-B attachment by P1 or P2 (wherein P1 and P2 are as defined hereinafter), and
further, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted on carbon at any remaining
meta position(s) or para position by P1 or P3, (wherein P1 and P3 are as defined hereinafter);
(b) ring C is selected from the following five groups:
(i) phenyl or carbon-linked heteroaryl selected from pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyridazinyl, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is unsubstituted except by (R1),, wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinafter;
(ii) a carbon-linked triazine optionally substituted on a ring carbon at a position meta or para
to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, wherein P1, P2, P3 and P4
are as defined hereinafter;
(iii) a 6-membered carbon-linked heteroaryl group containing 1-3 nitrogen atoms wherein one
or more ring nitrogen atoms are oxidised to form the N-oxide, which heteroaryl group is
optionally substituted at any of the positions meta or para to A-B attachment by 1-3
substituents selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, wherein P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined
hereinafter;
(iv) phenyl or carbon-linked heteroaryl selected from pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl and
pyridazinyl, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is substituted at a position meta or para to A-B
attachment by 1 substituent selected from P3 and P4, wherein P3 and P4 are as defined
hereinafter; and
(v) phenyl or carbon-linked heteroaryl selected from pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl and
pyridazinyl, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is substituted at any of the positions meta or
para to A-B attachment by 2-3 substituents selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, provided that if one
or more of the substituents is P1 or P2 then at least one of the other substituents is P4, wherein
P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinafter;
P1 is cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoromethylsulphanyl;
P2 is -Y'Ar1, wherein Ar1 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, a carbon-linked
6-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms and a carbon-linked 5-membered
heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S, wherein
said phenyl or heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted at carbon, with 1-4 substituents
selected from Q1, wherein Q1 is as defined hereinafter; and Y1 is selected from -CO-, -SO- and
-S02-;
P3 is C1-4alkyl, haloC2-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC2-4alkoxy, C2-4alkenyloxy, halo or hydroxy;
P4 is selected from the following eight groups:
1) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl;
2) -X'-R5 wherein X1 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -OSO2-, -SO2O-, -NR6-, -N+O-R6-,
-CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR7-, -NR8CO-, -OCONR9-, -CONR10SO2-, -NR11SO2-, -CH2-,
-NR12COO-, -CSNR13-, -NR14CS-, -NR15CSNR16-, NR17CONR18- or -NR19CONR20SO2-
(wherein R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19 and R20 each independently
represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may be optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-6alkoxy or C1-3alkyisulphanyl) and R5 is selected from hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C2_6alkenyl and C2-6alkynyl which C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C2-6alkenyl or C2-6alkynyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-6alkoxy and hydroxyC1-6alkyl with the proviso that P4 is not trifluoromethylsulphanyl, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy;
3) -X1-C1-6alkyl-X2-R21 wherein X1 is as defined hereinbefore, X2 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-,
-SO-, -SO2-, -OSO2-, -SO2O-, -NR22-, -N+O'R22-,-CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR23-, -NR24CO-,
-NR25COO-, -SO2NR26-, -NR27SO2-, -CH2-, -SO2NR28CO-, -OCONR29-, -CSNR30-, -NR31CS-,
-NR32CSNR33-, -NR34CONR35-, -CONR36SO2-, -NR37CONR38SO2-, -SO2NR39CONR40- or
-SO2NR39CNNR40- (wherein R22, R23, R24, R25, R26, R27, R28, R29, R30, R31, R32, R33, R34, R35, R36,
R37, R38, R39 and R40, each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may
be optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo,
C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-6alkoxy or C1-3alkylsulphanyl) and R21 is hydrogen or
C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from
hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-6alkoxy and hydroxy C1-6alkyl or R21 is
R41 wherein R41 is phenyl or a 4-12 membered heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms
selected independently from O, N and S which heterocyclic moiety may be aromatic or
non-aromatic and which phenyl or heterocyclic moiety is optionally substituted by 1-6
substituents selected from Q3 wherein Q3 is as defined hereinafter with the proviso that P4 is
not C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy or haloC1-4alkoxy;
4) -X'-C2-6alkenyl-X2-R21 wherein X1, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore with the proviso
that P4 is not C2-4alkenyloxy;
5) -X'-C2-6alkynyl-X2-R21 wherein X1, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore;
6)-X1-C3-7cycloalkyl-X2-R21 wherein X1, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore;

7) -X1-C1-6alkylC3-7cycloalkyl-X2-R21 wherein X1, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore; and
8) -Y2Ar2 wherein Y2 is X1 wherein X1 is as defined hereinbefore and Ar2 is selected from the
following six groups:
(i) phenyl, a carbon-linked 6-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms and a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 heteroatoms selected independently
from 0, N and S, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl ring is substituted at carbon, with 1-4
substituents selected from Q1 and Q2 including at least one substituent selected from Q2
wherein Q1 and Q2 are as defined hereinafter;
(ii) a carbon-linked triazine or a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 3-4
heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S; wherein said heteroaryl ring is
optionally substituted with 1-4 substituents selected from Q1 and Q2 wherein Q1 and Q2 are as
defined hereinafter;
(iii) a 4-12 membered non-aromatic heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected
independently from O, N and S wherein said heterocyclic moiety is optionally substituted
with 1-6 substituents selected from Q3 wherein Q3 is as defined hereinafter, with the proviso
that if Ar2 is a nitrogen linked heterocyclic ring Y2 is not -SO2-;
(iv) a 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O,
N and S, which heteroaryl ring contains at least one nitrogen atom substituted by a group
selected from C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkanoyl, C1-6alkylsulphonyl, C1-6alkoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl,
N-(C1-6alkyl)carbamoyl, N,N-(C1-6alkyl)2carbamoyl, benzoyl or phenylsulphonyl and which
heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted by 1-3 substituents selected from Q3 wherein Q3 is as
defined hereinafter;
(v) a carbon linked 7-12 membered aromatic heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms
selected independently from O, N and S wherein said heterocyclic moiety is optionally
substituted with 1-6 substituents selected from Q3 wherein Q3 is as defined hereinafter; and
(vi) Ar1 with the proviso that if Ar2 has a value Ar1 then Y2 is not -CO-, -SO- or -SO2-;
Q1 is C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, C2-4alkenyloxy, cyano, nitro, halo or
trifluoromethylsulphanyl;
Q2 is selected from the following ten groups:
1) oxygen (forming an oxo group when linked to a ring carbon and forming an N-oxide when
a ring nitrogen is oxidised);
2) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl;
3) -X3-R5 wherein X3 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -OSO2-, -SO2O-, -NR42-, -N+O'
R42-,-CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR43-, -NR44CO-, -NR45COO-, -SO2NR46-, -NR47SO2-, -CH2-,
-SO2NR48CO-, -OCONR49-, -CSNR50-, -NR51CS-, -NR52CSNR53-, -NR54CONR55-,
-CONR56S02-, -NR57CONR58S02-, -SO2NR57CNNR58- or -SO2NR59CONR60- (wherein R42,
R43, R44, R45, R46, R47, R48, R49, R50, R51, R52, R53, R54, R55, R56, R57, R58, R59 and R60 each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may be optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-4alkoxy or C1-3alkylsulphanyl) and R5 is as defined hereinbefore but with the proviso that Q2 is not trifluoromethylsulphanyl, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy;
4) R41 wherein R41 is as defined hereinbefore;
5) -X3-C,^alkyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore but with the
proviso that Q2 is not C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy or haloC1-4alkoxy;
6) -X3-C2-6alkenyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore but with the
proviso that Q2 is C2-4alkenyloxy;
7) -X3-C2-6alkynyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore;
8) -X3-C3-7cycloalkyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore;
9) -X3-C1-6alkylC3.7cycloalkyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore; and
10) -X3-R41 wherein R41 and X3 are as defined hereinbefore;
Q3 is selected from the following four groups:
1) oxygen (forming an oxo group when linked to a ring carbon and forming an N-oxide when
a ring nitrogen is oxidised);
2) cyano, nitro or halo;
3) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl; and
4) -X4-R61 wherein X4 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -OSO2-, -SO2O-, -NR62-, -N+O'
R62-,-CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR63-, -NR64CO-, -NR65COO-, -SO2NR66-, -NR67SO2-, -CH2-,
-S02NR68CO-, -OCONR69-, -CSNR70-, -NR71CS-, -NR72CSNR73-, -NR74CONR75-,
-CONR76S02-, -NR77CONR78S02-, -SO2NR79CNNR80- or -SO2NR79CONR80- (wherein R62,
R63, R64, R65, R66, R67, R68, R69, R70, R71, R72, R73, R74, R75, R76, R77, R78, R79 and R80 each
independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may be optionally substituted
by one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy,
C1-6alkoxy or C1-3alkylsulphanyl) and R61 is selected from hydrogen, C1-4alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl,
C2-6alkenyl and C2-6alkynyl which C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C2-6alkenyl or C2-6alkynyl is
optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo,
C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-4alkoxy and hydroxy C1-6alkyl;
(c) R1 is linked to ring C at a carbon ortho to the position of A-B attachment and is
selected from the group consisting of C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy,
C2-4alkenyloxy, cyano, nitro, halo, trifluoromethylsulphanyl and hydroxy;
(d) R1 is linked to ring C at a ring carbon atom ortho to the position of A-B attachment
and is selected from the following two groups:

1) -X5-R81 wherein X5 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -OSO2-, -SO2O-, -NR82-, -CO-,
-COO-, -OCO-, -CONR83-, -NR84CO-, -NR85COO-, -SO2NR86-, -NR87SO2-, -CH2-,
-SO2NR88CO-, -OCONR89-, -CSNR90-, -NR91CS-, -NR92CSNR93-, -NR94CONR95-,
-CONR96S02-, -NR97CONR98S02-, -SO2NR"CNNR100- or -SO2NR"CONR100- (wherein R82,
R83, R84, R85, R86, R87, R88, R89, R90, R91, R92, R93, R94, R95, R96, R97, R98, R" and R100 each
independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may be optionally substituted
by one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy,
C1-6alkoxy or C1-3alkylsulphanyl) and R81 is selected from hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl,
C2-6alkenyl and C2-6alkynyl which C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C2-6alkenyl or C2-6alkynyl is
optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo,
C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-6alkoxy and hydroxyC^alkyl with the proviso that R1 is not
trifluoromethylsulphanyl, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or
C2-4alkenyloxy; and
2) -X6-R101 wherein X6 is selected from a direct bond, -CO-, -O-, -OCH2-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2- and
-NR102- (wherein R102 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may be optionally substituted
by one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy,
C1-6alkoxy or C1-3alkylsulphanyl) and R101 is phenyl which is optionally substituted by 1-4
substituents selected from cyano, nitro, trifluoromethylsulphanyl, C1-6alkyl, haloC1-6alkyl,
C1-6alkoxy, haloC1-6alkoxy, C2-6alkenyloxy, halo, hydroxy and amino;
n is 1 or 2;
(e) either R2 and R3 are independently C1-3alkyl optionally substituted by from 1 to
2k+l atoms selected from fluoro and chloro wherein k is the number of carbon atoms in the
said C1-3alkyl, provided that R2 and R3 are not both methyl;
or R2 and R3, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a 3-5
membered cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted by from 1 to 2m-2 fluorine atoms wherein m
is the number of carbon atoms in said ring;
R2 and R3 are both methyl or one of R2 and R3 is hydrogen or halo and the other is
halo or Chalky! optionally substituted by from 1 to 2k+l atoms selected from fiuoro and
chloro wherein k is the number of carbon atoms in the said C1-3alkyl, with the proviso that
when either R2 or R3 is halo R4 is not hydroxy and with the proviso that when either R2 or R3
is hydrogen, R4 is not hydrogen;
(f) A-B is selected from -NHCO-, -OCH2-, -SCH2-, -NHCH2-, trans-vinylene, and
ethynylene;
(h) A-B is -NHCS- or -COCH2-;
(i) R4 is hydroxy;
(j) R4 is hydrogen, halo, amino or methyl;
but excluding compounds wherein ring C is selected from (a) and R1 is selected only from (c) and R2 and R3 are selected from (e) and A-B is selected from (g) and R4 is selected from (i); and salts thereof;
and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable prodrugs of said compound of formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound or said prodrugs; in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the elevation of PDH activity in warm-blooded animals such as humans.
Advantageously Q1 is C1-2alkyl, haloC1-2alkyl, C1-2alkoxy, cyano or halo.
In one embodiment of the present invention Ar1 is phenyl or 4-pyridyl and is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore.
In another embodiment of the present invention Ar1 is phenyl and is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore.
Preferably Y1 is -SO2- or -SO-, more preferably -SO2-.
Advantageous values for X1 are a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR6-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR7-, -NR8CO-, -OCONR9-, -CONR10SO2-, -NRUSO2-, -CH2-, -NR12COO-, -CSNR13-, -NR14CS-, -NR15CSNR16-, NR17CONR18- and -NR19CONR20SO2-(wherein R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19 and R20 each independently represents hydrogen, C1-2alkyl or C1-2alkoxyethyl).
Preferred values for X1 are -O-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR6-, -COO-, -CONR7-, -NR8CO-, -NR11SO2-, -CH2- and -NRI2COO- (wherein R6, R7, R8, R11 and R12 each independently represents hydrogen, C1-2alkyl or C1-2alkoxyethyl).
More preferred values of X1 are -SO- and -SO2-.
Advantageously R5 is selected from hydrogen, C1-4alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C1-4alkenyl and C2-4alkynyl which C1-4alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2-4alkenyl or C^alkynyl is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore.
Preferably R5 is selected from hydrogen, C1-4alkyl and C3.7cycloalkyl, which C1-4alkyl or C3-7cycloalkyl, is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore.
Advantageous values for X2 are -O-, -NR22-, -S-, -SO- and -SO2-, (wherein R22 is hydrogen or CMalkyl).
Preferred values for X2 are -O-, -NR22-, -S-, -SO- and -SO2- (wherein R22 is hydrogen or C1-2alkyl).
More preferred values for X2 are -O- and -NR22- (wherein R22 is hydrogen or C1-2alkyl).
Advantageous values for X4 are a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR62-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR63-, -NR64CO-, -NR65COO-, -SO2NR66-, -NR67SO2-, -CH2-, -SO2NR68CO-, -OCONR69-, -CSNR70-, -NR71CS-, -NR72CSNR73-, -NR74CONR75-, -CONR76SO2-, -NR77CONR78S02- and -SO2NR79CONR80- (wherein R62, R63, R64, R65, R66, R67, R68, R69, R70, R71, R72, R73, R74, R75, R76, R77, R78, R79 and R80 each independently represents hydrogen, C,.2alkyl or C,.2alkoxyethyl).
Preferred values for X4 are -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR62-, -COO-, -CONR63-, -NR64CO-and -NR67SO2- (wherein R62, R63, R64 and R67 each independently represents hydrogen, C1-2alkyl or C1-2alkoxyethyl).
More preferred values for X4 are -O-, -S-, -SO- and -SO2-.
In another aspect of the invention more preferred values for X4 are -O-, -S-, -SO-, -CONR63- and -SO2-.
Advantageously R61 is selected from hydrogen, C1-4alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2-4alkenyl and C2-4alkynyl which C1-4alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2-4alkenyl or C2-4alkynyl is optionally substituted as hereinbefore defined.
Preferably R61 is selected from hydrogen, C1-4alkyl and C3.7cycloalkyl, which C1-4alkyl or C3.7cycloalkyl is optionally substituted as hereinbefore defined.
Advantageously Q3 is selected from the following three groups:
(i) oxygen (forming an oxo group when linked to a ring carbon and forming an N-oxide when a ring nitrogen is oxidised);
(ii) cyano, nitro or halo; and
(iii) -X4-R61 wherein X4 and R61 are as defined hereinbefore.
Advantageously R41 is phenyl, a 5-6 membered heterocyclic aromatic ring containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S or a 5-7 membered heterocyclic non-aromatic moiety containing 1-2 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S which phenyl, heterocyclic aromatic ring or heterocyclic non-aromatic moiety is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore.
Advantageously R21 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl.
Advantageously X3 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR42-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR43-, -NR44CO-, -NR45COO-, -SO2NR46-, -NR47SO2-, -CH2-, -SO2NR48CO-, -OCONR49-, -CSNR50-, -NR51CS-, -NR52CSNR53-, -NR54CONR55-, -CONR56SO2-, -NR"CONR58SO2- or -SO2NR59CONR60- (wherein R42, R43, R44, R45, R46, R47, R48, R49, R50, R51, R52, R53, R54, R55, R56, R57, R58, R59 and R60 each independently represents hydrogen, C,.2alkyl or C,.2alkoxyethyl).
Preferably X3 is -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR42-, -COO-, -CONR43-, -NR44CO-, -SO2NR46-, -NR47SO2-, -SO2NR48CO- or -CONR56SO2- (wherein R42, R43, R44, R46, R47, R48 and R56 each independently represents hydrogen, C1-2alkyl or C1-2alkoxyethyl).
Advantageously Q2 is selected from the following seven groups:
1) oxygen (forming an oxo group when linked to a ring carbon and forming an N-oxide when
a ring nitrogen is oxidised);
2) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl;
3) -X3-R5 wherein X3 and R5 are as defined hereinbefore but with the proviso that Q2 is not
trifluoromethylsulphanyl, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or
C2-4alkenyloxy;
4) R41 wherein R41 is as defined hereinbefore;
5) -X3-C1-4alkyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore;
6) -X3-C3.7cycloalkyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore; and
7) -X3-R41 wherein R41 and X3 are as defined hereinbefore.
Preferably Q2 is -X3-R5 wherein X3 and R5 are as defined hereinbefore but with the proviso that Q2 is not trifluoromethylsulphanyl, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy.
Advantageously Ar2 is selected from the following two groups:
1) phenyl, a carbon-linked 6-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms and a
carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 heteroatoms selected independently
from O, N and S, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl ring is substituted at carbon, with 1-4
substituents selected from Q1 and Q2 including at least one substituent selected from Q2
wherein Q1 and Q2 are as defined hereinafter; and
2) Ar1 with the proviso that if Ar2 has a value Ar1 then Y2 is not -CO-, -SO- or -SO2-.
Preferably Ar2 is phenyl substituted with one substituent selected from Q2. Advantageously P4 is selected from the following five groups:
1) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl;
2) -X'-R5 wherein X1 and R5 are as defined hereinbefore with the proviso that P4 is not
trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylsulphanyl, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl,
C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy;
3) -X'-C1-4alkyl-X2-R21 wherein X1, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore;
4) -X1-C3.7cycloalkyl-X2-R21 wherein X1, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore; and
5) -Y2Ar2 wherein Y2 and Ar2 are as defined hereinbefore.
Preferably P4 is selected from the following three groups:
1) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl;
2) -X1-R5 wherein X1 and R5 are as defined hereinbefore with the proviso that P4 is not
trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylsulphanyl, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl,
C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy; and
3) -Y2Ar2 wherein Y2 and Ar2 are as defined hereinbefore.
Advantageously R101 is phenyl which is optionally substituted by 1-4 substituents selected from cyano, nitro, trifluoromethylsulphanyl, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, C2-4alkenyloxy, halo, hydroxy and amino.
Advantageously X6 is selected from a direct bond, -CO-, -O-, -OCH2-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-and -NR102- (wherein R102 is hydrogen or C1-2alkyl).
Advantageously R81 is selected from hydrogen, C1-4alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C1-4alkenyl and C2-4alkynyl which C1-4alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2-4alkenyl or C2-4alkynyl is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore.
Preferably R81 is selected from hydrogen, C1-4alkyl and C3.7cycloalkyl, which C1-4alkyl and C3.7cycloalkyl is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore.
Advantageously X5 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR82-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR83-, -NR84CO-, -NR85COO-, -SO2NR86-, -NR87SO2-, -CH2-, -SO2NR88CO-, -OCONR89-, -CSNR90-, -NR91CS-, -NR92CSNR93-, -NR94CONR95-, -CONR96SO2--NR97CONR98S02- or -SO2NR99CONR100 (wherein R82, R83, R84, R85, R86, R87, R88, R89, R90, R91, R92, R93, R94, R95, R96, R97, R98, R" and R100 each independently represents hydrogen, C,.2alkyl or C^alkoxyethyl).
Preferably X5 is a direct bond, -O-, -NR82-, -CO-, -COO-, -CONR83-, -NR84CO-, -NR87SO2- (wherein R82, R83, R84, and R87 each independently represents hydrogen, C,.2alkyl or C1-2alkoxy ethyl).
Advantageous values for R1 in group (c) are C1-4alkyl, C1-4haloalkyl, C1-4alkoxy, cyano, nitro, halo and hydroxy.
Preferred values for R1 in group (c) are C1-2alkyl, C1-2alkoxy, cyano, nitro, halo and hydroxy.
More preferred values for R1 in group (c) are methyl, methoxy, nitro, fluoro, chloro, bromo and hydroxy.
Particular values for R1 in group (c) are methoxy, nitro, fluoro, chloro, bromo and hydroxy.
In one aspect of the invention preferably R1 is selected from halo, nitro, C1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, C2-4alkenyl, C2-4alkynyl and hydrogen.
In another aspect of the invention preferably R1 is selected from C1-4alkoxy, halo, nitro or R1 is X5-R81 wherein X5 is a direct bond, -NH-, -NHCO-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NHSO2- and R81 is H, C1-4alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2.6alkynyl or R1 is -X6-R101 wherein -X6 is -CO- and R101 is phenyl substituted by halo.
In a further aspect of the invention preferably R1 is selected from fluoro and chloro.
In an additional aspect of the invention, preferably R1 is not hydrogen.
Preferably n is 1.
A preferred value for A-B in group (g) is NHCO.
Advantageous values for ring C in group (a) are:
phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted as defined hereinbefore.
More advantageous values for ring C in group (a) are:
phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted on carbon at the position para to the position of A-B attachment by a group selected from cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylsulphanyl and a group P2 (wherein A-B and P2 are as defined hereinbefore).
Preferred values for ring C in group (a) are:
phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted on carbon at the position para to the position of A-B attachment by a group selected from cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro and a group P2 (wherein A-B and P2 are as defined hereinbefore).
More preferred values for ring C in group (a) are:
phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted on carbon at the position para to the position of A-B attachment by a group P2 (wherein A-B and P2 are as defined hereinbefore).
A particular value for ring C in group (a) is phenyl which is substituted as defined hereinbefore.
A more particular value for ring C in group (a) is phenyl which is substituted on carbon at the position para to the position of A-B attachment by a group P2 (wherein A-B and P2 are as defined hereinbefore).
Advantageous values for ring C in group (b) are:
(i) phenyl or pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is unsubstituted except by (R')n wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinbefore;
(ii) a carbon-linked triazine optionally substituted on a ring carbon at a position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, wherein A-B, P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinbefore;
(iii) a 6-membered carbon-linked heteroaryl group containing 1-3 nitrogen atoms wherein one or more ring nitrogen atoms are oxidised to form the N-oxide, which heteroaryl group is optionally substituted at a position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, wherein A-B, P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinbefore;
(iv) phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted at a position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P3 and P4, wherein A-B, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinbefore; and
(v) phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted at any of the positions meta or para to A-B attachment by 2-3 substituents selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, provided that if one or more of the substituents is P1 or P2 then at least one of the other substituents is P4, wherein A-B, P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinbefore.
More advantageous values for ring C in group (b) are:
(i) phenyl or pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is unsubstituted except by (R1),, wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinbefore;
(ii) a 6-membered carbon-linked heteroaryl group containing 1-3 nitrogen atoms wherein one or more ring nitrogen atoms are oxidised to form the N-oxide, which heteroaryl group is optionally substituted at a position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, wherein A-B, P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinbefore; and (iii) phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted at a position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P3 and P4, wherein A-B, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinbefore.
Preferred values for ring C in group (b) are:
(i) phenyl or pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is unsubstituted except by (R')n wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinbefore; and
(ii) phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted at a position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P3 and P4, wherein A-B, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinbefore.
More preferred values for ring C in group (b) are:
(i) phenyl or pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is unsubstituted except by (R')n wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinbefore;
(ii) phenyl or carbon-linked pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted at a position para to A-B attachment by -Y2Ar2 wherein A-B, Y2 and Ar2 are as defined hereinbefore.
A particular value for ring C in group (b) is phenyl wherein said phenyl is substituted at a position para to A-B attachment by -Y2Ar2 wherein A-B, Y2 and Ar2 are as defined hereinbefore.
In an further feature of the invention preferably ring C is phenyl substituted by one group selected from P4 wherein P4 is as defined above.
More preferably ring C is phenyl substituted at a position para to A-B by a group selected from:
1) -X'-R5 wherein X1 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR6- or -CONR7- (wherein R6
and R7 each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may be optionally
substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxy or C1-4alkoxy) and R5 is selected
from hydrogen and C1-4alkyl, which C1-4alkyl, is optionally substituted with one or more
groups selected from hydroxy and C1-6alkoxy and hydroxyC1-6alkyl with the proviso that
-X'-R5 is not hydroxy, C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkoxy;
2) -X'-C,.6alkyl-X2-R21 wherein X1 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -S0r, -NR6- or -CONR7-
(wherein R6 and R7 each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may
be optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxy or C1-6alkoxy), X2 is a
direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR22- or -CONR23- (wherein R22 and R23each
independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl may be optionally substituted
by one or more groups selected from hydroxy or C1-6alkoxy) and R21 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl,
which C1-4alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy or
C1-6alkoxy or R21 is R41 wherein R41 is as defined hereinbefore with the proviso that
-X'-C1-6alkyl-X^R21 is not C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkoxy;
3) -Y2^ wherein Y2 is X1 wherein X1 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR6- or
-CONR7- (wherein R6 and R7 each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which
C1-4alkyl may be optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxy or
C1-6alkoxy) and Ar2 is as defined hereinbefore.
Advantageously when selected from group (e) R2 and R3 are independently C,.3alkyl optionally substituted by from 1 to 2k+l atoms selected from fluoro and chloro, wherein k is the number of carbon atoms in the said C1-3alkyl, provided that R2 and R3 are not both methyl; or
R2 and R3, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a cyclopropane ring optionally substituted by from 1 to 4 fluorine atoms.
Preferably when selected from group (e) R2 and R3 are independently C1-3alkyl optionally substituted by from 1 to 2k+l fluorine atoms, wherein k is the number of carbon
atoms in the said C1-3alkyl, provided that R2 and R3 are not both methyl; or
R2 and R3, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a cyclopropane ring optionally substituted by from 1 to 4 fluorine atoms.
More preferably when selected from group (e) R2 and R3 are independently methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl, trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl and perfluoroethyl provided that R2 and R3 are not both methyl; or
R2 and R3, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a cyclopropane ring optionally substituted by from 1 to 4 fluorine atoms.
Particularly when selected from group (e) R2 and R3 are independently methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl and trifluoromethyl, provided that R2 and R3 are not both methyl; or
R2 and R3, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a cyclopropane ring optionally substituted by from 1 to 4 fluorine atoms.
Advantageously when selected from group (f) R2 and R3 are both methyl or one of R2 and R3 is hydrogen or halo and the other is halo or C1-3alkyl optionally substituted by from 1 to 2k+l atoms selected from fluoro and chloro wherein k is the number of carbon atoms in the said C1-3alkyl, with the proviso that when either R2 or R3 is halo R4 is not hydroxy and with the proviso that when either R2 or R3 is hydrogen, R4 is not hydrogen.
More advantageously when selected from group (f) R2 and R3 are both methyl or one of R2 and R3 is hydrogen or chloro and the other is chloro or methyl with the proviso that when either R2 or R3 is chloro R4 is not hydroxy and with the proviso that when either R2 or R3 is hydrogen, R4 is not hydrogen.
Preferably when selected from group (f) R2 and R3 are both methyl or both chloro with the proviso that when R2 and R3 are both chloro R4 is not hydroxy.
More preferably when selected from group (f) R2 and R3 are both methyl.
Preferably when selected from group (j) R4 is hydrogen.
Where applicable, the R-configuration generally represents a preferred stereochemistry for compounds of formula (I).
Preferably R1 is selected from group (c) as defined hereinbefore.
Preferably A-B is selected from group (g) as defined hereinbefore.
Preferably R4 is selected from group (i) as defined hereinbefore.
In another aspect of the invention, preferably R4 is hydroxy, hydrogen or methyl.
Advantageously ring C is selected from the following values from group (a): phenyl substituted at the position para to the position of A-B attachment by -Y'Ar1 wherein Y1 is -SO- or -S02- and Ar1 is phenyl or 3-pyridyl which phenyl or 3-pyridyl is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore; or from the following values from group (b):
(i) phenyl unsubstituted except by (R')n wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinbefore; and (ii) phenyl substituted at the position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P3 and P4 wherein P3 and P4 are as defined hereinbefore.
More advantageously ring C is selected from the following values from group (a): phenyl substituted at the position para to the position of A-B attachment by -Y'Ar1 wherein Y1 is -SO- or -SO2- and Ar1 is phenyl or 3-pyridyl which phenyl or 3-pyridyl is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore; or from the following values from group (b):
(i) phenyl unsubstituted except by (R')n wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinbefore; and (ii) phenyl substituted at the position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from halo and P4 wherein P4 is selected from the three following groups:
1) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl;
2) -X'-R5 wherein X1 and R5 are as defined hereinbefore with the proviso that P4 is not
trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, trifiuoromethylsulphanyl, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl,
C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy; and
3) -Y2Ar2 wherein Y2 and Ar2 are as defined hereinbefore.
Preferably ring C is selected from the following values from group (a): phenyl substituted at the position para to the position of A-B attachment by -Y'Ar1 wherein Y1 is -SO- or -SO2- and Ar1 is phenyl or 3-pyridyl which phenyl or 3-pyridyl is optionally substituted as defined hereinbefore; or from the following values from group (b):
(i) phenyl unsubstituted except by (R')n wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinbefore; and (ii) phenyl substituted at the position para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from halo and P4 wherein P4 is selected from the three following groups:

1) halosulphonyl;
2) -X'-R5 wherein X1 and R5 are as defined hereinbefore with the proviso that P4 is not
trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylsulphanyl, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl,
C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy; and
3) -Y2 wherein either
(i) Ar2 is phenyl or 3-pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted at carbon with 1-4 substituents selected from Q1 and Q2 including at least one substituent selected from Q2 wherein Q1 and Q2 are as defined hereinbefore, and Y2 is -S-, -SO-, -SO2- or -CONR7- wherein R7 is hydrogen, CMalkyl or C,.3alkoxyC2.3alkyl; or
(ii) Ar2 is phenyl or 3-pyridyl wherein said phenyl or pyridyl is substituted at carbon with 1-4 substituents selected from Q1 wherein Q1 is as defined hereinbefore and Y2 is -S- or -CONR7-wherein R7 is hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or C1-3alkoxyC2-3alkyl.
Preferably R2 and R3 are selected from the following values from group (e): R2 and R3 are independently methyl, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl and trifluoromethyl, provided that R2 and R3 are not both methyl; or R2 and R3 are selected from the following values from group (i): R2 and R3 are both methyl.
More preferably one of R2 and R3 is trifluoromethyl and the other is methyl or both R2 and R3 are methyl.
In one aspect of the invention preferably R2 and R3 are independently Ckalkyl optionally substituted by from 1 to 2k+l atoms selected from fluoro and chloro wherein k is 1-3,
or R2 and R3 together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a 3-membered cycloalkyl ring.
In another aspect of the invention preferably R2 and R3 are independently Ckalkyl optionally substituted by from 1 to 2k+l atoms selected from fluoro and chloro wherein k is 1-3.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there are provided compounds of the formula (I), as defined hereinbefore, and salts thereof;
and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable prodrugs of said compound of formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound or said prodrugs; but excluding the following compounds: 2-hydroxy-N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanamide;2-hydroxy-N-(2-methylphenyl)-2-methylpropanamide;2-hydroxy-N-(2-methylphenyl)propanamide;N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide;N-(2,5-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide;N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide;N-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide; 2-hydroxy-N-(2-rnemoxyphenyl)propanamide;N-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide;N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide; N-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;N-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide; 3-chloro-N-(2,5-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide; 3-chloro-N-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;N-(2,3-dichloro-5-nitrophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide; 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(2,3,4-trichlorophenyl)propanamide; 1 -(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -ene; 1 -(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-4,4,4-trifluoro-3-trifluoromethylbut-1 -ene; 2-hydroxy-N-(5-methoxycarbonyl-2-methylphenyl)-2-methylpropylamine; l-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-2-isopropylpropan-2-ol; 1 -(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-2-methylpentan-2-ol; 1 -(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-2-methylbutan-2-ol; 1 -(2,5-dimethoxyphenoxy)-2-methylpentan-2-ol; 1 -(2,4-dimethoxyphenoxy)-2-methylpentan-2-ol; l-(2,3-dimethoxyphenoxy)-2-methylpentan-2-ol; l-(2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy)-2-ethylbutan-2-ol; 2-ethyl-l-(2-methylphenoxy)butan-2-ol; 1-(2-[2-ethyl-2-hydroxybutoxy]phenoxy)-2-ethylbutan-2-ol; 2-ethyl-1 -(2-methoxyphenoxy)butan-2-ol; l-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-2-methylbutan-2-ol and 2-ethyl-1-(2-methoxyphenoxy)pentan-2-ol; for use as medicaments.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there are provided compounds of the formula (I), as defined hereinbefore, with the provisos that: (i) ring C bears a group other than hydrogen at the position para to A-B attachment; (ii) when A-B is -COCH2-, -SCH2-, -OCH2-, trans-vinylene or ethynylene, ring C does not have an oxygen atom linked at a position ortho to A-B attachment; (iii) when A-B is ethynylene, ring C does not have fluorine atoms linked at both of the positions ortho to A-B attachment;
(iv) when A-B is trans-vinylene, ring C does not bear methyl groups at both of the positions
ortho to A-B attachment, and does not bear a formyl group at a position ortho to A-B
attachment;
(v) when A-B is -COCH2-, ring C does not bear methyl groups at both of the positions ortho
to A-B attachment;
(vi) when A-B is -OCH2-, ring C does not have chlorine atoms linked at both of the positions
ortho to A-B attachment and does not bear nitro groups at both of the positions ortho to A-B
attachment;
(vii) when A-B is -NHCH2-, ring C does not bear two nitro groups at positions ortho and para
to A-B attachment and does not bear two methyl groups at positions meta and para to A-B
attachment; and
(viii) when A-B is -SCH2-, ring C does not simultaneously bear an amino group at a position
ortho to A-B attachment and a nitro group at the position para to A-B attachment;
and excluding the following compounds: N-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-
methylpropanamide;N-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamido)phenyl)-2-
hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;N-(4-chloro-2-benzoylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-
methylpropanamide;N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide; 3-chloro-N-(2,4-
dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide; 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-(2,3,4-
trichlorophenyl)propanamide; l-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-4,4,4-trifluoro-3-
trifluoromethylbut-1 -ene; 1 -(4-bromo-2-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -yne; 1 -(2-
fiuoro-4-pent-1 -enylphenyl)-3 -hydroxy-3 -methylbut-1 -yne; 1 -(4-[3 -hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -
yn-1 -yl]-2-phenylphenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -yne; 1 -(2-fluoro-4-pentoxyphenyl)-3-
hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -yne; 1 -(2-fluoro-4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -
yne; 1 -(2,5-dimethyl-4-[3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -yn-1 -yl]phenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -
yne; 1 -(2,4-di[3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -yn-1 -yl]phenyl)-3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -yne; 3-
hydroxy-3-methyl-1 -(2,4,5-tri[3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -yn-1 -yl]phenyl)but-1 -yne; 3-
hydroxy-3-methyl-1 -(2,3,4,5-tetra[3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-1 -yn-1 -yl]phenyl)but-1 -yne and 3-
hydroxy-3-methyl-l-(2,3,4,5,6-penta[3-hydroxy-3-methylbut-l-yn-l-yl]phenyl)but-l-yne;and
salts thereof;
and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable prodrugs of said compound of formula (I);
and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound or said prodrugs.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there are provided compounds of the formula (I), as defined hereinbefore, wherein A-B is -NHCO- and with the proviso that ring C bears a group other than hydrogen at the position para to A-B attachment and excluding the following compounds: N-(4-chloro-2-nitrophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;N-(4,5-dichloro-2-(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamido)phenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;N-(4-chloro-2-benzoylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide; N-(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide; 3 -chloro-N-(2,4-dichloropheny l)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide and 2-hydroxy-2-methy l-N-(2,3 ,4-trichlorophenyl)propanamide; and salts thereof;
and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable prodrugs of said compound of formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound or said prodrugs.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of compounds of the formula (I):
(Formula Removed)
wherein:
ring C is as defined in (a) or (b);
R1 is as defined in (c) or (d);
n is 1 or 2;
R2 and R3 are as defined in (e) or (f);
A-B is as defined in (g) or (h) and
R4 is as defined in (i) or (j)
wherein
(a) ring C is phenyl or carbon-linked heteroaryl selected from pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyridazinyl; wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is substituted on carbon at one or both positions meta to the position of A-B attachment or on carbon at the position para to the position of A-B attachment by P1 or P2 (wherein P1 and P2 are as defined hereinafter), and further, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is optionally substituted on carbon at any remaining
meta position(s) or para position by P1 or P3, (wherein P1 and P3 are as defined hereinafter);
(b) ring C is selected from the following five groups:
(i) phenyl or carbon-linked heteroaryl selected from pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyridazinyl, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is unsubstituted except by (R')n wherein R1 and n are as defined hereinafter;
(ii) a carbon-linked triazine optionally substituted on a ring carbon at a position meta or para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, wherein P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinafter;
(iii) a 6-membered carbon-linked heteroaryl group containing 1-3 nitrogen atoms wherein one or more ring nitrogen atoms are oxidised to form the N-oxide, which heteroaryl group is optionally substituted at any of the positions meta or para to A-B attachment by 1-3 substituents selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, wherein P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinafter;
(iv) phenyl or carbon-linked heteroaryl selected from pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyridazinyl, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is substituted at a position meta or para to A-B attachment by 1 substituent selected from P3 and P4, wherein P3 and P4 are as defined hereinafter; and
(v) phenyl or carbon-linked heteroaryl selected from pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyridazinyl, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl is substituted at any of the positions meta or para to A-B attachment by 2-3 substituents selected from P1, P2, P3 and P4, provided that if one or more of the substituents is P1 or P2 then at least one of the other substituents is P4, wherein P1, P2, P3 and P4 are as defined hereinafter;
P1 is cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, trifluoromethoxy or trifluoromethylsulphanyl; P2 is -Y'Ar1, wherein Ar1 is selected from the group consisting of phenyl, a carbon-linked 6-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms and a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl ring is optionally substituted at carbon, with 1-4 substituents selected from Q1, wherein Q1 is as defined hereinafter; and Y1 is selected from -CO-, -SO- and -S02-; P3 is C1-4alkyl, haloC2-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC2-4alkoxy, C2-4alkenyloxy, halo or hydroxy;
P4 is selected from the following five groups:
1) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl;
2) -Xl-R5 wherein X1 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR6-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-,
-CONR7-, -NR8CO-, -OCONR9-, -CONR10S02-, -NRUSO2-, -CH2-, -NR12COO-, -CSNR13-,
-NR14CS-, -NR15CSNR16-, NR17CONR18- or -NR19CONR20SO2- (wherein R6, R7, R8, R9, R10,
R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19 and R20 each independently represents hydrogen,
C1-4alkyl or C1-3alkoxyC2.3alkyl) and R5 is selected from hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl,
C2-6alkenyl and C2-6alkynyl which C1-6alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2.6alkenyl or C2-6alkynyl is
optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo,
C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-6alkoxy and hydroxy C1-6alkyl with the proviso that P4 is not
trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylsulphanyl, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl,
C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy;
3) -X'-C1-6alkyl-X2-R21 wherein X1 is as defined hereinbefore, X2 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-,
-SO-, -SO2-, -NR22-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-, -CONR23-, -NR24CO-, -NR25COO-, -SO2NR26-,
-NR27SO2-, -CH2-, -SO2NR28CO-, -OCONR29-, -CSNR30-, -NR31CS-, -NR32CSNR33-,
-NR34CONR35-, -CONR36S02-, -NR37CONR38SO2- or -SO2NR39CONR40- (wherein R22, R23,
R24, R25, R26, R27, R28, R29, R30, R31, R32, R33, R34, R35, R36, R37, R38, R39 and R40, each
independently represents hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or C1-3alkoxyC2.3alkyl) and R21 is hydrogen,
C1-4alkyl or R41 wherein R41 is phenyl or a 4-12 membered heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4
heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S which heterocyclic moiety may be
aromatic or non-aromatic and which phenyl or heterocyclic moiety is optionally substituted by
1-6 substituents selected from Q3 wherein Q3 is as defined hereinafter;
4) -X'-C3.7cycloalkyl-X2-R21 wherein X1, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore; and
5) -Y2Ar2 wherein Y2 is X1 wherein X1 is as defined hereinbefore and Ar2 is selected from the
following four groups:
(i) phenyl, a carbon-linked 6-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms and a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl ring is substituted at carbon, with 1-4 substituents selected from Q1 and Q2 including at least one substituent selected from Q2 wherein Q1 and Q2 are as defined hereinafter;
(ii) a carbon-linked triazine or a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 3-4
heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S; wherein said heteroaryl ring is
optionally substituted with 1-4 substituents selected from Q1 and Q2 wherein Q1 and Q2 are as
defined hereinafter;
(iii) a 4-12 membered non-aromatic heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected
independently from O, N and S wherein said heterocyclic moiety is optionally substituted
with 1-6 substituents selected from Q3 wherein Q3 is as defined hereinafter, with the proviso
that if Ar2 is a nitrogen linked heterocyclic ring Y2 is not -SO2-; and
(iv) Ar1 with the proviso that if Ar2 has a value Ar1 then Y2 is not -CO-, -SO- or -SO2-;
Q! is C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy, C2-4alkenyloxy, cyano, nitro, halo or
trifluoromethylsulphany 1;
Q2 is selected from the following seven groups:
1) oxygen (forming an oxo group when linked to a ring carbon and forming an N-oxide when
a ring nitrogen is oxidised);
2) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl;
3) -X3-R5 wherein X3 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR42-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-,
-CONR43-, -NR44CO-, -NR45COO-, -SO2NR46-, -NR47SO2-, -CH2-, -SO2NR48CO-, -OCONR49-,
-CSNR50-, -NR51CS-, -NR52CSNR53-, -NR54CONR55-, -CONR56S02-, -NR57CONR58SO2- or
-S02NR59CONR60- (wherein R42, R43, R44, R45, R46, R47, R48, R49, R50, R51, R52, R53, R54, R55, R56,
R57, R58, R59 and R60 each independently represents hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or C1-3alkoxyC2.3alkyl)
and R5 is as defined hereinbefore but with the proviso that Q2 is not trifluoromethylsulphanyl,
C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or C2-4alkenyloxy;
4) R41 wherein R41 is as defined hereinbefore;
5) -X3-C1-6alkyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore;
6) -X3-C3.7cycloalkyl-X2-R21 wherein X3, X2 and R21 are as defined hereinbefore; and
7) -X3-R41 wherein R41 and X3 are as defined hereinbefore;
Q3 is selected from the following four groups:

1) oxygen (forming an oxo group when linked to a ring carbon and forming an N-oxide when
a ring nitrogen is oxidised);
2) cyano, nitro or halo;
3) halosulphonyl, cyanosulphanyl; and
4) -X4-R61 wherein X4 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR62-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-,
-CONR63-, -NR64CO-, -NR65COO-, -SO2NR66-, -NR67SO2-, -CH2-, -SO2NR68CO-, -OCONR69-,
-CSNR70-, -NR71CS-, -NR72CSNR73-, -NR74CONR75-, -CONR76SO2-, -NR77CONR78SO2- or
-S02NR79CONR80- (wherein R62, R63, R64, R65, R66, R67, R68, R69, R70, R71, R72, R73, R74, R75, R76,
R77, R78, R79 and R80 each independently represents hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or C1-3alkoxyC2.3alkyl)
and R61 is selected from hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2_6alkenyl and C2.6alkynyl which
C1-6alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2-6alkenyl or C2-6alkynyl is optionally substituted with one or more
groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, C1-6alkoxy and
hydroxyC1-6alkyl;

(c) R1 is linked to ring C at a carbon ortho to the position of A-B attachment and is
selected from the group consisting of C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy,
C2-4alkenyloxy, cyano, nitro, halo, trifluoromethylsulphanyl and hydroxy;
(d) R1 is linked to ring C at a ring carbon atom ortho to the position of A-B attachment
and is selected from the following two groups:

1) -X5-R81 wherein X5 is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NR82-, -CO-, -COO-, -OCO-,
-CONR83-, -NR84CO-, -NR85COO-, -SO2NR86-, -NR87SO2-, -CH2-, -SO2NR88CO-, -OCONR89-,
-CSNR90-, -NR91CS-, -NR92CSNR93-, -NR94CONR95-, -CONR96SO2-, -NR97CONR98SO2- or
-S02NR"CONR100- (wherein R82, R83, R84, R85, R86, R87, R88, R89, R90, R91, R92, R93, R94, R95,
R96, R97, R98, R" and R100 each independently represents hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or
C1-3alkoxyC2.3alkyl) and R81 is selected from hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2-6alkenyl
and C2.6alkynyl which C1-6alky!, C3.7cycloalkyl, C2-6alkenyl or C2-6alkynyl is optionally
substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl,
carboxy, C1-6alkoxy and hydroxy C1-6alkyl with the proviso that R1 is not
trifluoromethylsulphanyl, hydroxy, C1-4alkyl, haloC1-4alkyl, C1-4alkoxy, haloC1-4alkoxy or
C2-4alkenyloxy; and
2) -X6-R101 wherein X6 is selected from a direct bond, -CO-, -O-, -OCH2-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2- and
-NR102- (wherein R102 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl) and R101 is phenyl which is optionally
substituted by 1-4 substituents selected from cyano, nitro, trifluoromethylsulphanyl, C1-6alkyl,
haloC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, haloC1-6alkoxy, C2-6alkenyloxy, halo, hydroxy and amino;
n is 1 or 2;
(e) either R2 and R3 are independently C1-3alkyl optionally substituted by from 1 to
2k+l atoms selected from fluoro and chloro wherein k is the number of carbon atoms in the
said C1-3alkyl, provided that R2 and R3 are not both methyl;
or R2 and R3, together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a 3-5 membered cycloalkyl ring optionally substituted by from 1 to 2m-2 fluorine atoms wherein m is the number of carbon atoms in said ring;
(f) R2 and R3 are both methyl or one of R2 and R3 is hydrogen or halo and the other is
halo or C1-3alkyl optionally substituted by from 1 to 2k+l atoms selected from fluoro and
chloro wherein k is the number of carbon atoms in the said C1-3alky!, with the proviso that
when either R2 or R3 is halo R4 is not hydroxy and with the proviso that when either R2 or R3
is hydrogen, R4 is not hydrogen;
(g) A-B is selected from -NHCO-, -OCH2-, -SCH2-, -NHCH2-, trans-vinylene, and
ethynylene;
(h) A-B is -NHCS- or -COCH2-;
(i) R4 is hydroxy;
(j) R4 is hydrogen, halo or methyl;
but excluding compounds wherein ring C is selected from (a) and R' is selected only from (c) and R2 and R3 are selected from (e) and A-B is selected from (g) and R4 is selected from (i); and salts thereof;
and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable prodrugs of said compound of formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound or said prodrugs; in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the elevation of PDH activity in warm-blooded animals such as humans.
In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a compound of formula (I'):
(Formula Removed)
wherein:
n is 1 or 2;
Ra is chloro, fluoro, bromo, nitro or methoxy;
Rb is C1-6alkyl optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino,
halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy or C1-6alkoxy or Rb is phenyl, a carbon-linked 6-membered
heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms or a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring
containing 1-3 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S, wherein said phenyl or
heteroaryl ring is substituted by one or more groups selected from i)-iii) and is optionally
further substituted with a group selected from iv):
i) -Xa-Rc wherein Xa is a direct bond, -O-, -S-, -SO-, -SO2-, -NRd- or -CONR6- (wherein Rd
and Re each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl which C1-4alkyl is optionally
substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy or C1-4alkoxy) and Rc is selected
from hydrogen or C1-6alkyl which C1-6alkyi is optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy
or C1-4alkoxy with the proviso that -Xa-Rc is not C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkoxy;
ii) a 4-12 membered heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently
from O, N and S which heterocyclic moiety may be aromatic or non-aromatic and is
optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy, halo, C1-4alkoxy,
C1-4alkyl or cyano;
iii) -Xa-C1-6alkyl-Xb-Rc wherein Xa and Rc are as defined hereinbefore and Xb is -S-, -SO- or
-S02-;
iv) cyano, hydroxy, halo, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkyl; and
and salts thereof;
and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable prodrugs of said compound of formula (I);
and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound or said prodrugs.
Preferable values for a compound of formula (I1) are as follows:
Preferably Ra is chloro or fluoro.
More preferably Ra is chloro.
Preferably Rb is C1-4alkyl optionally substituted by one or more hydroxy or Rb is phenyl, a carbon-linked 6-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms or a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 heteroatoms wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl ring is substituted by one or more groups selected from i)-iii):
i) -Xa-Rc wherein Xa is -SO-, -SOr, -NRd- or -CONR6- (wherein Rd and Re each independently
represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl) and Rc is selected from hydrogen or C1-6alkyl which C1-6alkyl
is optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy;
ii) a 4-12 membered heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently
from O, N and S which heterocyclic moiety may be aromatic or non-aromatic;
iii) -Xa-C1-6alkyl-Xb-Rc wherein Xa and Rc are as defined hereinbefore and Xb is -S-.
More preferably Rb is C1-4alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy or Rb is phenyl wherein said phenyl is substituted by one group selected from i)-iii):
i) -Xa-Rc wherein Xa is -SO-, -SOr, -NRd- or -CONRe- (wherein Rd and Re each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl) and Rc is selected from hydrogen or C1-6alkyl which C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy;
ii) a 4-12 membered heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S which heterocyclic moiety may be aromatic or non-aromatic; iii) -Xa-C1-6alkyl-Xb-Rc wherein Xa and Rc are as defined hereinbefore and Xb is -S-.
Particularly Rb is ethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 4-N,N-dimethylcarbamoylphenyl, 4-(2-hydroxyethlyamino)phenyl, 4-methylsulphinylphenyl, 4-mesylphenyl, 4-aminophenyl, 4-(2-oxopyrrolidi-l-yl)phenyl and 4-(2-methylthioethylamino)phenyl.
In one aspect of the invention preferably n is 1.
In another aspect of the invention preferably n is 2.
In one aspect of the invention preferably the group Rb-S(O)n- is para to the -NH-C(O)-group.
In another aspect of the invention preferably the group Rb-S(O)n- is meta to the -NH-C(0)- group.
Preferably the tertiary centre of formula (I1) -C(OH)(CF3)(Me) has the R stereochemistry.
Preferred compounds of formula (I) or (T) are those of Examples 14, 43, 63, 71, 74, 87,128,144, 215 and 355 and salts thereof; and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable prodrugs of said compound of formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound or said prodrugs.
Compounds of the present invention include:
N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-cyanophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-2-chloro-4- [(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamido]phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-
3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-2-nitro-4-[(2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamido]phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-
3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-[2-(4-chlorobenzoyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-tnfluoropropanamide;
N-[2-carboxy-4-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(biphen-2-yl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-acetylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-bromophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
2-hydroxy-2-methyl-N-[2-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
(R)-N-(4-bromo-2,6-dichlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
(R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(phenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-
trifluoropropanamide;
(S)-N-[2-chloro-4-(phenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
(R)-N-[2-fluoro-4-(phenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
(R)-N-(4-bromo-2-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-[2-chloro-4-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxypropanamide;
N-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxypropanamide;
N-{4-[(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-2-fluorophenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-
trifluoropropanamide;
N-[2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-iodophenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-benzyl-2-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-carbamoyl-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-iodo-2-methoxycarbonylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-iodo-2-nitrophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-bromo-4-methoxycarbonylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-bromo-2-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-[2-chloro-4-(benzoylamino)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;
N-2-chloro-4-[(phenylsulphonyl)amino]phenyl-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;
N-(4-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
2-hydroxy-N-(4-methoxy-2-methylphenyl)-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(3 -chloro-2-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-bromo-2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-chloro-2-benzoylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methy 1-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-chloro-2-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-[4-chloro-2-(2-chlorobenzoyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-chloro-4-mesylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-chloro-4-fluorosulphonylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2,4-diiodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-bromo-4-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-bromo-4-butylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(2-chloro-4-thiocyanatophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-[2-fluoro-4-(allyloxycarbonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide;
N-[2-fluoro-4-{N-[(l,3-diethoxycarbonyl)propyl]carbamoyl}phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-rnethyl-
3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide;
N-(4-amino-2-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;
N-[2-chloro-4-(4-aminophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide;
and Examples 106, 108, 110-113, 149, 151, 171, 173, 197 and 205;
and salts thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable esters or sulphides of said
compounds; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds or esters or sulphides.
Advantageous compounds of the present invention include Examples 184-186 and salts thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable esters or sulphides of said compounds; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds or esters or sulphides.
Preferred compounds of the present invention include Examples 15, 114,171,172 and 182 and salts thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable esters or sulphides of said compounds; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds or esters or sulphides.
More preferred compounds of the present invention include Examples 14 and 87 and salts thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable esters or sulphides of said compounds; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds or esters or sulphides.
Particular compounds of the present invention include Examples 1,2, 13, 16, 54, 86, 104, 212, 213 and 214 and salts thereof and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable esters or sulphides of said compounds; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compounds or esters or sulphides.
In another aspect of the invention, preferred compounds of the invention are any one of Examples 1 - 428 and salts thereof; and pharmaceutically acceptable in vivo cleavable prodrugs of said compound of formula (I); and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound or said prodrugs.
Preferred aspects of the invention are those which relate to the compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
In this specification the term "alkyl" includes both straight and branched chain alkyl groups but references to individual alkyl groups such as "propyl" are specific for the straight chain version only. An analogous convention applies to other generic terms. Unless otherwise stated the term "alkyl" advantageously refers to chains with 1-6 carbon atoms, preferably 1-4 carbon atoms.
In this specification the term "alkoxy" refers to an alkyl group as defined hereinbefore linked to an oxygen atom.
In this specification the term "cycloalkyl" refers to cyclic non-aromatic rings of carbon atoms.
In this specification the term "cycloalkoxy" refers to a cycloalkyl group as defined hereinbefore linked to an oxygen atom.
In this specification the term "halo" includes fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo unless stated otherwise.
In this specification the term "haloalkyl" includes an alkyl group as defined hereinbefore substituted with one or more halo groups, including for example trifluoromethyl.
In this specification the term "hydroxyalkyl" includes an alkyl group as defined hereinbefore substituted with one or more hydroxy groups.
In this specification the term "aryl" includes C5.12aromatic groups which may, if desired and unless otherwise defined, carry one or more substituents selected from halo, alkyl, alkoxy, cyano, nitro or trifluoromethyl (wherein alkyl and alkoxy are as hereinbefore defined). Suitable values for aryl include phenyl and naphthyl.
The term "aryloxy" means an aryl group as defined hereinbefore linked to an oxygen atom. Suitable values for aryloxy include phenoxy and naphth-1-yloxy.
The term "heteroaryl" includes aryl groups, as defined hereinbefore, containing one or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S.
Suitable values for "a 6-membered carbon-linked heteroaryl group containing 1-3 nitrogen atoms wherein one or more ring nitrogen atoms are oxidised to form the N-oxide" include pyridyl-N-oxide, pyrimidyl-N-oxide and pyrazinyl-N-oxide.
Suitable values for "a carbon-linked 6-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms" include pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl and pyridadzinyl.
Suitable values for "a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S" include furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl and pyrazolyl.
Suitable values for "a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 3-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S" include oxadiazolyl, furazanyl, triazolyl and thiadiazolyl.
Suitable values for a "5-6 membered heterocyclic aromatic ring containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S" include furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl and pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxadiazolyl, furazanyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl and pyridazinyl.
Suitable values for a "5-7 membered heterocyclic non-aromatic moiety containing 1-2 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S" include morpholino, piperazinyl,
piperidinyl, homopiperazinyl, oxazolidinyl, thiazolinyl, oxaxolinyl, dihydropyranyl and tetrapyranyl.
Suitable values for "a 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S" include pyrrolyl, furyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl and tetrazolyl.
Suitable values for "a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms" include pyrrolyl, furyl, thienyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl and triazolyl.
Suitable values for "a 7-12 membered aromatic heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S" include indolyl, benzofuryl, benzothienyl, benzimidazolyl, purinyl, quinolinyl and isoquinolinyl.
A "4-12 membered heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S which heterocyclic moiety may be aromatic or non-aromatic" is a saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated (including aromatic) mono or bicyclic ring, which may, unless otherwise specified, be carbon or nitrogen linked, and, unless otherwise specified, any (optional) substituents may be substituents on a ring carbon or nitrogen (where said ring is a ring containing an -NH- moiety the substitution thus replacing the hydrogen), wherein a -CH2- group can optionally be replaced by a -C(O)-, a ring nitrogen atom may optionally bear a C^alkyl group and form a quaternary compound or a ring nitrogen and/or sulphur atom may be optionally oxidised to form the N-oxide and or the S-oxides. Examples and suitable values of the term "heterocyclic group" are morpholino, piperidyl, pyridyl, pyranyl, pyrrolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolinyl, oxazolidinyl, indolyl, quinolyl, thienyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, thiadiazolyl, piperazinyl, thiazolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, thiomorpholino, pyrrolinyl, homopiperazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, imidazolyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, isoxazolyl, N-methylpyrrolyl, 4-pyridone, 1-isoquinolone, 2-pyrrolidone, 4-thiazolidone, pyridine-N-oxide and quinoline-N-oxide.
A "4-12 membered non-aromatic heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S" is as defined in the above paragraph, but excludes those compounds which are fully aromatic.
In this specification "non-aromatic" includes fully saturated rings as well as partially saturated rings but does not include aromatic unsaturated rings.
The term "heterocyclic" includes aromatic and non-aromatic cyclic moieties containing one or more heteroatoms selected from 0, N and S.
In this specification unless stated otherwise the term "alkenyl" includes both straight and branched chain alkenyl groups but references to individual alkenyl groups such as 2-butenyl are specific for the straight chain version only. In this specification unless stated otherwise the term "alkynyl" includes both straight and branched chain alkynyl groups but references to individual alkynyl groups such as 2-butynyl are specific for the straight chain version only.
For the avoidance of any doubt, it is to be understood that when X1 is, for example, a group of formula -NR8CO-, it is the nitrogen atom bearing the R8 group which is attached to ring C and the carbonyl group is attached to R5, whereas when X1 is, for example, a group of formula -CONR7-, it is the carbonyl group which is attached to ring C and the nitrogen atom bearing the R7 group is attached to R5. When X1 is -NRHSO2- it is the nitrogen atom bearing the R11 group which is attached to ring C and the sulphonyl group which is attached to R5. Analogous conventions apply to similar groups. When X1 is -NR6- it is the nitrogen atom bearing the R6 group which is linked to ring C and to R5. When X1 is -OCO- it is the first oxygen atom which is attached to ring C and the carbonyl group is attached to R5. When X1 is -COO- it is the carbonyl group which is linked to ring C and the other oxygen atom is attached to R5. Analogous conventions apply to similar groups. It is further to be understood that when X1 represents -NR6- and R6 is C,.3alkoxyC2.3alkyl it is the C2.3alkyl moiety which is linked to the nitrogen atom of X1 and an analogous convention applies to other groups.
When X3 is -OCONR49- it is the first oxygen which is linked to ring Ar2 and the carbonyl group while the nitrogen atom is linked to the carbonyl group, R49 and R5.
When X3 is -NR47SO2- it is the nitrogen atom which is linked to Ar2, R47 and the sulphonyl group, and it is the sulphonyl group which is linked to R5 and analogous conventions apply to similar groups.
For the avoidance of any doubt, it is to be understood that when a group C5-6alkyl carries a C1-4alkoxycarbonyl substituent it is the carbonyl moiety which is attached to C5.6alkyl and an analogous convention applies to other groups.
Within the present invention it is to be understood that a compound of the formula (I) or a salt thereof may exhibit the phenomenon of tautomeri,sm and that the formulae drawings
within this specification can represent only one of the possible tautomeric forms. It is to be understood that the invention encompasses any tautomeric form which elevates PDH activity and is not to be limited merely to any one tautomeric form utilized within the formulae drawings. The formulae drawings within this specification can represent only one of the possible tautomeric forms and it is to be understood that the specification encompasses all possible tautomeric forms of the compounds drawn not just those forms which it has been possible to show graphically herein.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain compounds of formula (I) contain an asymmetrically substituted carbon and/or sulphur atom, and accordingly may exist in, and be isolated in, optically-active and racemic forms. Some compounds may exhibit polymorphism. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses any racemic, optically-active, polymorphic or stereoisomeric form, or mixtures thereof, which form possesses properties useful in the elevation of PDH activity, it being well known in the art how to prepare optically-active forms (for example, by resolution of the racemic form by recrystallization techniques, by synthesis from optically-active starting materials, by chiral synthesis, by enzymatic resolution, (for example WO 9738124), by biotransformation, or by chromatographic separation using a chiral stationary phase) and how to determine efficacy for the elevation of PDH activity by the standard tests described hereinafter.
In vivo cleavable prodrugs of compounds of formula (I) include for example in vivo hydrolysable esters of compounds of the formula (I) containing a carboxy group, for example, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester which is hydrolysed in the human or animal body to produce the parent acid, for example, a pharmaceutically acceptable ester formed with a C1-6alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, ethylene glycol, propanol or butanol, or with a phenol or benzyl alcohol such as phenol or benzyl alcohol or a substituted phenol or benzyl alcohol wherein the substituent is, for example, a halo (such as fluoro or chloro), C1-4alkyl (such as methyl) or C1-4alkoxy (such as methoxy) group.
In vivo cleavable prodrugs of compounds of formula (I) also include for example in vivo hydrolysable amides of compounds of the formula (I) containing a carboxy group, for example, a N-C1-6alkyl or N,N-di-C1-6alkyl amide such as N-methyl, N-ethyl, N-propyl, N,N-dimethyl, N-ethyl-N-methyl or N,N-diethyl amide.
It is also to be understood that certain compounds of the formula (I) and salts thereof can exist in solvated as well as unsolvated forms such as, for example, hydrated forms. It is to be understood that the invention encompasses all such solvated forms which elevate PDH activity.
A compound of the formula (I), or salt thereof, and other compounds of the invention (as hereinafter defined) may be prepared by any process known to be applicable to the preparation of chemically-related compounds. Such processes include, for example, those illustrated in European Patent Applications, Publication Nos. 0524781, 0617010,0625516, and in GB 2278054, WO 9323358 and WO 9738124.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a process for preparing a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or an in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof, which process (in which variable groups are as defined for formula (I) unless otherwise stated) comprises of:
(a) for compounds of formula (I) where R4 is hydroxy: deprotecting a protected compound of formula (II):
(Formula Removed)
where Pg is an alcohol protecting group;
(b) for compounds of formula (I) where Y1, Y2 or X1 is -C(O)-: oxidising a corresponding
alcohol of formula (III): (Formula Removed)

wherein ring D1 has any of the values defined hereinbefore for ring C but in which the place of one of the possible substituents on ring C is taken by ArCH(OH) and Ral is a group attached to Y1, Y2 or X1 (possible valued as defined above);
(c) for compounds of formula (I) where Y1, Y2 or X1 is -C(O)-: deprotecting a corresponding compound of formula (IV):
(Formula Removed)
wherein ring D2 has any of the values defined hereinbefore for ring C but in which the place of one of the possible substituents on ring C is taken by Ar-C(-O-(CH2)3-O-)- and Ral is as defined above;
(d) for compounds of formula (I) where Ring C has an R^-CHj- substituent attached to it wherein R32 is a group that is attached via -CH2- moiety to ring C (possible values as defined above): reduction of a compound of formula (III) or (V): (Formula Removed)

wherein ring D1 has any of the values defined hereinbefore for ring C but in which the place of one of the possible substituents on ring C is taken by ArC(O)-;
(e) for compounds of formula (I) where ring C has a Ra3-C(O)- substituent wherein R"3 is and aromatic moiety or alkenyl moiety (possible values as defined above): treating a compound of formula (VI):
(Formula Removed)
wherein ring D3 has any of the values defined hereinbefore for ring C but in which the place of one of the possible substituents on ring C is taken by G1 and G1 is a leaving group; with carbon monoxide and a tin compound having the formula (R)Sn(Ra3)p2 (wherein R6 is
C1-4alkyl and pl+p2=4) or an aluminium compound having the formula (R6)p3Al(Ra3)p4 (wherein R6 is C1-4alkyl and p3+p4=3);
(f) for compounds of formula (I) where Ring C has an Ra4S(O)- or Ra4S(O)2- substituent, Ra4 is
a group attached through a sulphoxide or sulphone moiety (possible values as defined above)
and A-B is not SCH2 or NHCH2: oxidising a compound of formula (VI) wherein G1 is Ra4S;
(g) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -NHC(O)-: coupling compounds of
formula (VII):
(Formula Removed)
wherein J is NH2, with an acid of formula (VIII):
(Formula Removed)
wherein X is OH;
(h) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -NHC(O)-: coupling an aniline of formula
(VII) wherein J is -NH2 with an activated acid derivative of formula (VIII);
(i) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -NHC(O)- or -NHC(S)- and R4 is hydroxy:
reacting a compound of formula (IX): (Formula Removed)

wherein X is O or S: with a base to yield the dianion, followed by treatment of the dianion with oxygen in the presence of a reducing agent; or by treatment with a peroxyacid; (j) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -NHC(O)-: reacting a compound of formula (VII) wherein J is chloro or fluoro, with an alkali metal amide anion having formula (X):
(Formula Removed)
wherein M is an alkali metal;
(k) for a compound of formula (I) that contains no carbonyl moieties, R4 is hydroxy and R2=R3: reacting a compound of formula (XI):
(Formula Removed)
wherein R4 is C1-4alkyl, with a Grignard reagent of formula R2MgBr or R2MgCl or an organolithium reagent of formula LiR2;
(1) for a compound of formula (I) that contains no carbonyl moieties and R4 is hydroxy: reacting a compound of formula (XII):
(Formula Removed)
with a compound of formula R2M wherein M is an alkali metal or a Grignard compound of formula R2MgBr or R2MgCl;
(m) for a compound of formula (I) which has an N-linked sulphonamide, an N-linked N-alkyl sulphonamide or a sulphinate ester substituent attached to ring C: treating a corresponding compound of formula (XIII): (Formula Removed)
wherein ring D3 has any of the values defined hereinbefore for ring C but in which the place of one of the possible substituents on ring C is taken by G2 wherein G2 is amino or hydroxy with a sulphonyl chloride;
(n) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is ethynylene and R4 is not chloro and when R4 is hydroxy it is protected: coupling a corresponding compound of formula (VII) wherein J is a leaving group, with a corresponding acetylene of formula (XIV):
(Formula Removed)
(o) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is ethynylene and R4 is hydroxy: reacting a corresponding alkyne of formula (XV):
(Formula Removed)
wherein Z is hydrogen, with a base, followed by treatment with a ketone of formula (XVI):
(Formula Removed)
(p) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is fraws-vinylene: reducing a corresponding compound of formula (I) in which A-B is ethynylene with a suitable reducing agent; (q) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is trans-vinylene: dehydration of a compound of formula (XVII): (Formula Removed)
(XVII); (r) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is tomy-vinylene and R4 is hydroxy: base
catalysed opening of an epoxide of formula (XVIII):
(Formula Removed)
(s) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -NHCH2-: reducing a corresponding compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -NHC(O)-;
(t) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -OCH2-, -SCH2- or -NHCH2: reacting an ethylene oxide of formula (XIX): (Formula Removed)
with a corresponding compound of formula (VII) where J is -OH, -SH or -NH2; (u) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -NHC(S)-: reacting a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -NHC(O)- with a sulphonating reagent;
(v) a compound of formula (I) in which ring C is substituted by ArC(O)- wherein Ar is an aromatic group (possible values as defined for formula (I) above) and A-B is -NHCO-: by acylation of a compound of formula (I);
w) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -C(O)CH2- and R4 is hydroxy: reacting a ketone of formula (XX) (Formula Removed)
with a strong base followed by reaction with a ketone of formula (XVI); x) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -C(O)CH2- and R4 is hydroxy: reaction of a compound of formula (XXI):

(Formula Removed)
wherein R" is a C,.6alkyl group, with a ketone of formula (XVI);
y) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -C(O)CH2-: reaction of a compound of formula (VII) wherein J is Li with a compound of formula (XXII):
(Formula Removed)
z) for a compound of formula (I) in which A-B is -C(O)CH2-: reaction of a compound of formula (XXIII): (Formula Removed)
with a compound of formula (XXIV): (Formula Removed)

al) for compounds of formula (I) where Ring C has an PhS- substituent: treatment of a compound of formula (VI), wherein G1 is a leaving group, with a thiophenol in the presence of a catalyst;
bl) for compounds of formula (I) where Ring C has an ArS- substituent wherein Ar as defined above: treating a compound of formula (VI), wherein G1 is SH with an aromatic compound containing a displaceable group, in the presence of a catalyst;
cl) for compounds of formula (I) where Ring C has an ArS- substituent wherein Ar is as
defined above and A-B is not NHCO: treating a compound of formula (VI), wherein G1 is a
leaving group with a compound of formula ArSH in the presence of a base;
dl) for compounds of formula (I) where ring C has a Ra2-NC(O)- substituent wherein R"2 is a
group that is attached through an amide linker (possible values as defined above): treating a
compound of formula (VI) wherein ring D3 has any of the values defined hereinbefore for ring
C but in which the place of one of the possible substituents on ring C is taken by G1 and G1 is
a leaving group; with carbon monoxide and an amine having the formula -MR"2; and
el) for compounds of formula (I) where ring C has a Ra2-OSO2- substituent wherein R"2 is a
group that is attached through a sulphinate ester linker (possible values as defined above):
treating a compound of formula (VI) wherein ring D3 has any of the values defined
hereinbefore for ring C but in which the place of one of the possible substituents on ring C is
taken by G1 and G1 is a sulphonyl chloride C1O2S-; with an alcohol having the formula -OR*2;
and thereafter if necessary:
i) converting a compound of the formula (I) into another compound of the formula (I);
ii) removing any protecting groups; or
iii) forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or in vivo hydrolysable ester.
Examples of reactions to convert a compound of the formula (I) into another compound of the formula (I) are known in the art. By way of illustration these include: (i) formation of a hydroxy as a substituent on an aryl or heteroaryl group by cleaving the corresponding alkyl ether or acyloxy ester. Convenient methods include, for example, the cleavage of a methoxy group using boron tribromide and the cleavage of a tert-butoxy group using trifluoroacetic acid; and the cleavage of an acetate group using for example lithium hydroxide in a lower alcohol (such as for example methanol or ethanol); (ii) formation of R4 as hydroxy. For example, a compound of formula (I) where R4 is chloro can be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula (I) in which R4 is hydroxy with a reagent such as thionyl chloride in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane or tetrahydrofuran and at a temperature in the range of 0 to 70°C. The reaction can optionally be carried out in the presence of a catalyst such as N,N-dimethylformamide.
Pg is an alcohol protecting group suitable values for Pg are groups such as a benzyl
groups, silyl groups or a acetyl protecting groups.
When G1 is a leaving group suitable values are bromo, iodo or triflate.
Where formula (VIII) is an activated acid derivative, suitable values for X include halo (for example chloro or bromo), anhydrides and aryloxys (for example phenoxy or pentafluorophenoxy).
In formula (X) M is an alkali metal, suitable values for M include sodium or lithium. Suitable values for M in formula (XII) include lithium.
In formula (VII) wherein J is a leaving group suitable values are bromo, iodo or triflate.
Specific conditions of the above reactions are as follows:
(a) Examples of suitable reagents for deprotecting an alcohol of formula (II) are:
1) when Pg is benzyl:
(i) hydrogen in the presence of palladium/carbon catalyst, i.e. hydrogenolysis; or (ii) hydrogen bromide or hydrogen iodide;
2) when Pg is a silyl protecting group:
(i) tetrabutylammonium fluoride; or
(ii) aqueous hydrofluoric acid;
3) when Pg is acetyl:
i) mild aqueous base for example lithium hydroxide.
The reaction can be conducted in a suitable solvent such as ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile, or dimethylsulphoxide and may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of-40 to 100°C.
(b) These conditions are well known in the art for example suitable oxidising agents such as
pyridinium dichromate and solvents such as methanol or dichloromethane, may be employed.
(c) A saturated aqueous acid such as oxalic or a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid or
sulphuric acid may conveniently be employed for this deprotection. The reaction may
conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of 0 to 100°C in a solvent such as a
lower alcohol (e.g. methanol or ethanol), or mixtures of solvent pairs such as
water/dichloromethane, water/tetrahydrofuran or water/acetone.
(d) Reducing agents such as sodium borohydride (for compounds of formula (V) yielding
compounds of formula (III)) and triethylsilane (for compounds of formula (III)) may be used.
A reduction involving sodium borohydride is conveniently carried out in solvents such as for
example a lower alcohol (e.g. methanol or ethanol) and a reduction using triethylsilane is conveniently carried out in a solvent such as trifluoromethylsulphonic acid.
(e) This reaction with the tin compound is conveniently performed in the presence of a
suitable catalyst such as for example bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium dichloride, and at a
temperature in the range of 0 to 100°C and in a solvent such as for example tetrahydrofuran,
l,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(lH)-pyrimidinone, or dimethyl sulphoxide. The reaction
with the aluminium compound is conveniently performed in the presence of a similar catalyst
and temperature and in a solvent such as for example diethyl ether, benzene, toluene, or
tetrahydrofuran.
(f) Suitable oxidising agents include potassium permanganate, OXONE, sodium periodate,
tert-butyl hydroperoxide (as solution in toluene), peracids (such as for example
3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid), hydrogen peroxide, TPAP (tetrapropylammonium perruthenate)
or oxygen. The reaction may be conducted in a suitable solvent such as diethyl ether,
dichloromethane, methanol, ethanol, water, acetic acid, or mixtures of two or more of these
solvents. The reaction may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of-40 to
100°C.
(g) The reaction can be conducted in the presence of a suitable coupling reagent. Standard
peptide coupling reagents known in the art can be employed as suitable coupling reagents, for
example dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide, optionally in the presence of a catalyst such as
dimethylaminopyridine or 4-pyrrolidinopyridine, optionally in the presence of a base for
example triemylamine, pyridine, or 2,6-di-alkyl -pyridines (such as 2,6-lutidine or
2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine) or 2,6-diphenylpyridine. Suitable solvents include
dimethylacetamide, dichloromethane, benzene, tetrahydrofuran, and dimethylformamide. The
coupling reaction may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of-40 to
40°C.
(h) This coupling may be achieved optionally in the presence of a base for example triethylamine, pyridine, 2,6-di-alkyl-pyridines (such as 2,6-lutidine or 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine) or 2,6-diphenylpyridine. Suitable solvents include dimethylacetamide, dichloromethane, benzene, tetrahydrofuran, and dimethylformamide. The coupling reaction may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of-40 to 40°C.
(i) Suitable bases to yield a dianion are strong bases such as a lithium dialkylamides (for
example lithium diisopropyl amide). Suitable reducing agents include triphenylphosphine.
Suitable peroxyacids include 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid. The reactions may conveniently be
performed at a temperature in the range of-100°C to room temperature, in a suitable solvent
such as tetrahydrofuran or diethyl ether.
(j) The reaction may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of-40 to 100°C
and in a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide, DMSO, or tetrahydrofuran. Where R4 is
hydroxy the corresponding dianion is formed.
(k) The reaction may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of-100 to 20°C,
preferably at a temperature in the range of -20 to 20°C, in a suitable solvent such as
tetrahydrofuran or diethyl ether.
(I) The reaction may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of-100 to 25 °C
and in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, or 1,2-dimethoxyethane.
(m) The reaction may be conveniently carried out in the presence of a base such as for example pyridine, triethylamine or potassium carbonate, at a temperature in the range of 0 to 120°C in a suitable solvent such as for example N,N-dimethylformamide, or acetonitrile. For N-linked N-alkylsulphonamides this is followed by alkylation with, for example, an alkyl iodide or bromide. The alkylation reaction may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of 0 to 120°C in a suitable solvent such as for example N,N-dimethylformamide, or acetone in the presence of a base such as for example potassium carbonate, (n) The reaction may be conveniently carried out in the presence of a catalyst such as a combination of cuprous iodide and bis(triphenyl-phosphine)palladium dichloride or palladium
(II) acetate. The reaction can be conducted in an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran,
benzene, or toluene, or in a basic solvent such as diethylamine (DBA) or triethylamine (TEA),
and at a temperature in the range of-20 to 110°C.
(o) Suitable bases include lithium diisopropylamide (LDA), n-butyllithium or tert-butyllithium. The reaction may be performed at a temperature in the range of-100 to -40°C preferably at a temperature in the range of-70 to -40°C and in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, or 1,2-dimethoxyethane.
(p) Suitable reducing agents are, for example, lithium aluminium hydride or sodium bis(methoxyethoxy)aluminium hydride. The reaction can be conducted in a suitable solvent
such as tetrahydrofuran or diethyl ether, and at a temperature in the range of 0 to 50°C.
(q) This reaction may be conveniently performed in the presence of an acid catalyst (for
example p-toluenesulphonic acid), in a solvent such as toluene or dichloromethane at a
temperature in the range of 0 to 200 °C preferably a temperature in the range of 20 to 100°C.
(r) The opening may be carried out in a suitable organic solvent for example, ethers or
toluene. Ethers such as tetrahydrofuran are preferred. Suitable bases include potassium
tert-butoxide or sodium hydride. The opening may be carried out at a temperature in the range
of-50 to 100°C, preferably at a temperature in the range of 0 to 50°C.
(s) Suitable reducing agent include lithium aluminium hydride or borane. The reaction can
conveniently be carried out at a temperature in the range of 0°C to reflux, in solvents such as
for example diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, or 1,2-dimethoxyethane.
(t) Where J is -OH or -SH; the reaction may be conveniently carried out in the presence of a
base for example sodium hydride or triethylamine. The reaction can be conducted at a
temperature of 0°C to reflux in a solvent such as dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, or diethyl
ether. Where J is -NH2; the reaction may be conveniently carried out by the procedure as
described in JOC (1999), 64, p.287-289 using copper (I) triflate as a catalyst.
(u) Suitable sulphonating reagents are for example phosphorus pentasulphide or Lawesson's
reagent (2,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-l,3-dithia-2,4-diphosphetane-2,4-disulphide). The reaction
may optionally be carried out in the presence of a suitable base such as for example pyridine
or triethylamine. Suitable solvents for the reaction include for example toluene,
tetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxane or acetonitrile. The reaction is conveniently performed at a
temperature in the range of from 0°C to reflux.
(v) Acylating reagents such as carboxylic acids, or derivatives thereof, may be employed in
the presence of the appropriate activating reagent such as for example polyphosphoric acid.
The reaction may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of 0 to 200°C
employing a solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide, l,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetra-hydro-
2(lH)-pyrimidinone, DMSO, or ethylene glycol if required, followed by (2) the formation of
an amide as described in (g) or (h) hereinbefore (Staskum, B., J. Org. Chem. (1964), 29,
2856-2860; Ohnmacht C., J. Med. Chem. (1996), 39,4592-4601).
(w) suitable strong bases are for example:
i) sodium hydride in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or N,N-dimethylformamide.
The reaction is conveniently performed at a temperature in the range of from -78°C to 25°C.
ii) lithium diisopropylamide in a suitable solvent such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction is
conveniently performed at a temperature in the range of from -78 to 25°C.
(x) R" is preferably methyl. This reaction may be carried out in the presence of a Lewis acid
such as titanium tetrachloride in a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane. This reaction is
conveniently performed at a temperature in the range of-78 to 50°C.
(y) This reaction is preferably carried out in a suitable solvent, for example tetrahydrofuran at
a temperature of-78 to 100 °C.
z) This reaction is conveniently performed under standard Friedel Crafts conditions, for
example in the presence of aluminium trichloride in a solvent such as dichloromethane or
nitrobenzene at a temperature of 0 to 150°C.
al) Suitable catalysts include tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), cuprous chloride or a
stoichiometric amount of cupurous oxide. The reaction may conveniently be conducted in a
suitable inert solvent such as a lower alcohol, a mixture of pyridine and quinoline,
dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone or toluene and optionally in the presence of a
base such as for example sodium methoxide or potassium carbonate.
bl) Suitable displaceable groups include halo or triflate. Suitable catalysts include
tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0), cuprous chloride or a stoichiometric amount of
cupurous oxide. The reaction may conveniently be conducted in a suitable inert solvent such
as a lower alcohol or a mixture of pyridine and quinoline or N-methylpyrrolidinone or
dimethylformamide and in the presence of a base such as for example sodium methoxide if
required at a temperature of 25 -180°C.
cl) A suitable leaving group is fluoro. A suitable base is potassium carbonate. The reaction
may conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of 30 to 200°C and in a solvent
such as N,N-dimethylformamide, l,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetra-hydro-2(lH)-pyrimidinone,
DMSO, or ethylene glycol.
dl) This reaction with an amine is conveniently performed in the presence of a suitable
catalyst such as for example bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium dichloride or dichlorobis-
(triphenylphosphine) palladium(II), and at a temperature in the range of 0°C to reflux and in a
solvent such as for example tetrahydrofuran, l,3-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(lH)-
pyrimidinone, dimethyl sulphoxide or using an amine as the required solvent such as for example tributylamine.
e2) The reaction may be conveniently carried out in the presence of a base such as for example pyridine, triethylamine or potassium carbonate, at a temperature in the range of 0 to 120°C in a suitable solvent such as for example dichloromethane, diethyl ether, N,N-dimethylformamide, or acetonitrile.
If not commercially available, the necessary starting materials for the procedures such as that described above may be made by procedures which are selected from standard organic chemical techniques, techniques which are analogous to the synthesis of known, structurally similar compounds, or techniques which are analogous to the above described procedure or the procedures described in the examples.
For example, it will be appreciated that certain of the optional aromatic substituents in the compounds of the present invention may be introduced by standard aromatic substitution reactions or generated by conventional functional group modifications either prior to or immediately following the processes mentioned above, and as such are included in the process aspect of the invention. Such reactions and modifications include, for example, introduction of a substituent by means of an aromatic substitution reaction, reduction of substituents, alkylation of substituents and oxidation of substituents. The reagents and reaction conditions for such procedures are well known in the chemical art. Particular examples of aromatic substitution reactions include the introduction of a nitro group using concentrated nitric acid, the introduction of an acyl group using, for example, an acylhalide and Lewis acid (such as aluminium trichloride) under Friedel Crafts conditions; the introduction of an alkyl group using an alkyl halide and Lewis acid (such as aluminium trichloride) under Friedel Crafts conditions; and the introduction of a halogeno group. Particular examples of modifications include the reduction of a nitro group to an amino group by, for example, catalytic hydrogenation with a nickel catalyst or treatment with iron in the presence of hydrochloric acid with heating; oxidation of alkylthio to alkylsulphinyl or alkylsulphonyl using, for example, hydrogen peroxide in acetic acid with heating or 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid.
Specific examples of the techniques used to make the starting materials described above are illustrated, but not limited by, the following examples in which variable groups are as defined for formula (I) unless otherwise stated.
1) Preparation of compounds of formula (II).
a) compounds of formula (II) in which A-B is -OCH2-, -SCH2- or -NHCH2- may be made by treating the corresponding compound of formula (VII) wherein J is -OH, -SH or -NH2 with a compound of formula (XXV): (Formula Removed)
where Z is a leaving group for example mesylate; in the presence of a base such as an alkali metal hydride (e.g. sodium hydride), in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl sulphoxide,N,N-dimethylformamide or l,3-Dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2(lH)-pyrimidinone, and at a temperature of room temperature to reflux.
A compound of formula (XXV), wherein Z is mesylate may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (XXV) wherein Z is OH with methanesulphonyl chloride in the presence of a base such as triethylamine, in a solvent such as dichloromethane, and at a temperature of about -78 to 25°C.
Compounds of formula (XXV) wherein Z is OH are prepared by reducing a compound of formula (VIII) wherein X is OH and R4 is a protected hydroxy group or a compound of formula (XXVI): (Formula Removed)
where E is a carboxy protecting group (e.g. Me) and R4 is a protected hydroxy group with a suitable reducing agent such as lithium aluminium hydride in a solvent such as diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran and at a temperature of about 0 to about 25 °C. b) A compound of formula (II), wherein A-B is -NHC(O)-, may be made by coupling a compound of formula (VII) wherein J is -NH2 with a compound of formula (VIII) wherein X is OH and R4 is a protected hydroxy group in a manner analogous to that described for procedure (g) or (h) of preparations of a compound of formula (I) hereinabove.
Compounds of formula (VIII) wherein X is OH and R4 is a protected hydroxy group may be made by conventional procedures. For example, cleavage of the ester group of a compound of formula (XXVI) where E is a carboxy protecting group (e.g. Me), under standard conditions such as mild alkaline conditions, for example, aqueous lithium hydroxide.
Compounds of formula (XXVI) where R4 is protected hydroxy may be prepared by protecting a compound of formula (XXVI) where R4 is hydroxy by reaction with a compound such as benzyl chloride or benzyl bromide (in the presence of a suitable base such as sodium hydride and optionally with a catalyst such as sodium or ammonium iodide, to provide a benzyl protecting group) or any of the conventional silylating agents known and used for such purpose (for example 2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl chloride, in the presence of a suitable base such as triethylamine optionally in the presence of a catalyst such as N, N-dimethylaminopyridine).
Compounds of formula (XXVI) where R4 is hydroxy are prepared by esterifying an acid of formula (VIII) wherein X is OH by a conventional esterification procedure such as reaction with a C^alcohol (e.g. methanol) in the presence of an acid catalyst (for example sulphuric acid).
c) A compound of formula (II), wherein A-B is ethynylene, may be made by reacting a compound of formula (VII) wherein J is a leaving group such as bromo, iodo, or triflate, with an acetylene of formula (XXVII)
(Formula Removed)
wherein if R4 is protected hydroxy in the presence of a catalyst such as a combination of copper (I) iodide and bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium dichloride or palladium (II) acetate. The reaction can be conducted in an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, benzene, or toluene, or in a basic solvent such as diethylamine or triethylamine, and at a temperature in the range of-20tollO°C.
A compound of formula (XXVII) wherein R4 is a protected hydroxy group may be made by reacting a compound of formula (XXVII) where R4 is OH with a conventional
hydroxy protecting group reagent such as those described herein before and herein after, d) A compound of formula (II), wherein A-B is trans-vinylene, may be made by reacting a compound of formula (XXVIII): (Formula Removed)
where M is an alkylmetal group such as a trialkyltin (for example tributyl- or trimethyl-tin) or a bisalkyloxyborane (for example catecholborane) and R4 is protected hydroxy with a compound of formula (VII), wherein J is a leaving group for example iodide, bromide or triflate in the presence of a catalyst such as bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium dichloride or tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0). The reaction may conveniently be conducted in a suitable inert solvent such as a tetrahydrofuran or dimethylformamide at a temperature of 0 -150°C under an inert atmosphere.
A compound of formula (XXVIII) may be made by a reaction of a compound of formula (XXVII)
i) with an agent such as catecholborane, to form the vinylborane compound of formula (XXVIII) where M is catecholborane; or
ii) a trialkyltinhydride in the presence of a catalytic amount of a radical chain initiator such as, for example, aza-6w-isobutyronitrile or by using trialkyltinhydride pre-treated with a strong base (such as an alkyllithium) and copper (I) cyanide, or by using a transition metal catalyst such as, for example, tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) to form a compound of formula (XXVIII) where M is trialkyltin.
These reactions may conveniently be conducted in a suitable inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, toluene or xylene at a temperature of from 0 - 150°C under an inert atmosphere.
Compounds of formula (XXVII) may be made by reacting a compound of formula (XVI) with an alkali metal acetylide (for example lithium acetylide) or alkaline earth metal acetylide (for example magnesium acetylide). The reaction may be conducted in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, or 1,2-dimethoxyethane and at a temperature of-100 to 25 °C.
2) Preparation of a compound of formula (IV):
a) A compound of formula (IV), wherein A-B is ethynylene and R4 is OH, may be made by
reacting a corresponding compound of formula (XXIX):
(Formula Removed)
wherein ring D5 has any of the values defined hereinbefore for ring C but in which the place of one of the possible substituents on ring C is taken by Ar(-C-O-(CH2)3-O-)- with a base such as an alkyllithium (for example, butyllithium) followed by addition of a ketone having the formula (XVI). The reaction may be conducted at a temperature of from about -100 to about -40°C and in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, dimethyl ether, or 1,2-dimethoxyethane.
b) A compound of formula (IV), wherein A-B is trans-vinylene, may be made by reducing a corresponding compound of formula (IV), wherein A-B is ethynylene, with a suitable reducing agent such as lithium aluminium hydride or sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminium, in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran. The reaction may be conducted at a temperature of from about -40 to about 40°C.
c) a compound of formula (XXIX) may be made by treating the corresponding ketone with 1,3-propanediol in the presence of an acid catalyst such as p-toluenesulphonic acid (TsOH) and in a refluxing solvent such as toluene using a Dean Stark apparatus or dried Molecular Sives. 3) Preparation of a compound of formula (VI):
a) A compound of formula (VI) wherein G1 is halo, such as for example bromo or iodo may be made by (1) treating a corresponding compound of formula (VI), wherein G1 is nitro, with a reducing agent such as tin(II)chloride, in the presence of an aqueous acid such as acetic acid to obtain the corresponding amine, followed by (2) treating the amine with a combination of nitric acid and sulphuric acid or tert-butyl nitrite to effect diazotization, and thereafter (3) treating the diazotized compound with a corresponding copper(I)halide such as for example cuprous bromide or potassium iodide.
b) A compound of formula (VI), wherein G1 is SH can be made by:
(1) coupling of a compound of formula (VI) wherein G1 is a leaving group such as halo or
Inflate with triisopropylsilanethiolate under palladium catalysis as described by Arnould et.
al. in Tet. Let. (1996), 37 (26), p. 4523, followed by deprotection with tetrabutylammonium
fluoride in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran at a temperature of-78 to about 25 °C; or
(2) by Pummerer rearrangement as described in Tet. Let. (1984), 25 (17), p. 1753 of a
compound of formula (VI) wherein G1 is CH3S(O)-, which can be made from a compound of
formula (VI) wherein G1 is a leaving group such as halo of triflate, using a palladium
catalysed coupling with methanethiol as described for example in Zheng et. al. in J. Org.
Chem. (1998), 63, p. 9606 followed by an oxidation of the resulting sulphide to the
corresponding sulphoxide using, for example, tert-butyl hydroperoxide as oxidant; or
(3) reduction of a compound of formula (VI), wherein G1 is SO2C1, by reducing the sulphonyl
chloride using a small excess of for example triphenylphosphine in a solvent such as, for
example, dichloromethane in the presence of a catalyst such as, for example,
dimethylformamide, followed by an acidic workup.
c) a compound of formula (VI), wherein G1 is SO2C1 can be made by treatment with
chlorosulphonic acid of a compound of formula (VI), wherein G1 is H, under standard
conditions.
4) Preparation of compounds of formula (XII).
A compound of formula (XII), wherein A-B is ethynylene, may be made by treating a corresponding compound of formula (XV) wherein Z is a protecting group such as, for example, trimethylsilyl with a fluoride base (for example, tetrabutylammoniuni fluoride (TB AF)) and an acid chloride of formula R3-CO-C1, thereby making the desired compound.
5) Preparation of compounds of formula (VII).
A compound of formula (VII), wherein J is halo, may be made by treating a corresponding compound of formula (VII), wherein J is nitro, with (1) as tin (II) chloride or (2) iron dust and concentrated hydrochloric acid in 95% ethanol to reduce the nitro group and thereby form the corresponding amine; (2) the amine may then be treated for example with a nitrite (such as tert--butyl nitrite or sodium nitrite in the presence of a mineral acid) to form the corresponding diazonium salt which may in turn be treated with a copper(I) salt (such as copper(I)bromide or copper(I)chloride) or potassium iodide. The diazotization and
displacement reactions may be conducted in a solvent such as acetonitrile and at a temperature offromOto25°C.
6) Preparation of compounds of formula (XIV).
A compound of formula (XIV) wherein R" is OH may be made by reacting a corresponding ketone having the formula (XVI) with an alkali metal acetylide (for example lithium acetylide) or alkaline earth metal acetylide (for example magnesium acetylide). The reaction may be conducted in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether, or 1,2-dimethoxyethane and at a temperature of about -100 to about 25°C.
7) Preparation of compounds of formula (XIII).
A compound of formula (XIII), wherein G2 is amino and A-B is NHCO may be made by treating a compound of formula (XIII), wherein G2 is nitro, under standard conditions for example by a reducing agent such as tin (II) chloride or iron dust in conjunction with concentrated acid, or using palladium metal supported on charcoal and hydrogen gas in a solvent such as a lower alcohol (methanol or ethanol) or ethyl acetate.
8) Preparation of compounds of formula (VII).
i) a compound of formula (VII) wherein R1 is ortho-halo or ortho-hydroxy and J is -NH2, may be made by treatment of a compound of formula (XXX): (Formula Removed)
wherein the amino group is in a position ortho to the nitro group, with (1) a combination of nitric acid and sulphuric acid or tert-butyl nitrite to effect diazotization, and thereafter (2) treating the diazotized compound with a corresponding copper (I) halide such as for example cuprous bromide or chloride, or heating in dilute sulphuric acid to form the corresponding phenol, followed by'(3) reduction of the nitro group (see 8) ii) or 7)). The diazotization and displacement reactions may be conducted in a solvent such as acetonitrile and at a temperature of from 0 - 25°C. A compound of formula (XXX) may be made for example according to procedures similar to those described in J. Med. Chem., (1975), 18,1164. ii) a compound of formula (VII) wherein J is NH2 may be prepared by reducing a compound of formula (XXXI):
(Formula Removed)
under standard conditions for example by a reducing agent such as tin (II) chloride or iron dust in conjunction with concentrated acid, or using palladium metal supported on charcoal and hydrogen gas in a solvent such as a lower alcohol (methanol or ethanol) or ethyl acetate, iii) a compound of formula (VII) wherein J is NH2, R1 is -NO2 and ring C is substituted by ArSO2: reacting a compound of formula (XXXII): (Formula Removed)
wherein ring D4 has any of the values defined hereinbefore for ring C but in which the place
of one of the possible substituents on ring C is taken by ArSO2, with nitric acid, followed by
treating the nitrated compound under mild alkaline conditions (i.e. employing a base such as
lithium hydroxide) to cleave the acetate group to yield the amine.
iv) a compound of formula (VII) wherein J is -OH, may be prepared by diazotizing a
compound of formula (VII) wherein J is -NH2 under standard conditions followed by heating
the resulting compound in dilute sulphuric acid.
v) a compound of formula (VII), wherein J is -SH, may be prepared by reacting a compound
of formula (VII) where J is a leaving group (for example fluoro or chloro) with an excess of
methanethiol in the presence of sodium hydride.
vi) a compounds of formula (VII) wherein J is Li may be prepared by
a) halogen metal exchange. For example by treatment of a compound of formula (VII)
wherein J is Br or I; with an organolithium reagent such as w-butyl lithium or f-butyllithium in
a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran at low temperature such as -100 - -50°C.
b) for compounds where R1 is an ortho directing metallating substituent by treatment of a
compound of formula (XXIII) with an alkyl lithium base. Reactions of this type are reviewed
in V. Snieckus, Chem Rev, 1990, 90, 879-933.
9) Resolution of compounds of formula (VIII) wherein X is OH.
If the resolved acid is required it may be prepared by any of the known methods for preparation of optically-active forms (for example, by recrystallization of the chiral salt {for example WO 9738124}, by enzymatic resolution, by biotransformation, or by chromatographic separation using a chiral stationary phase). For example if an (R)-(+) resolved acid is required it may be prepared by the method of Scheme 2 in World Patent Application Publication No. WO 9738124 for preparation of the (S)-(-) acid, i.e. using the classical resolution method described in European Patent Application Publication No. EP 0524781, also for preparation of the (S)-(-) acid, except that (lS,2R)-norephedrine may be used in place of (S)-(-)-l-phenylethylamine.
10) Preparation of compounds of formula (XV).
A compound of formula (XV) wherein Z is H, may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (VII), wherein J is a leaving group such as bromo, iodo or triflate with trimethylsilylacetylene in the presence of a catalyst such as a combination of bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium dichloride and copper(I) iodide in diethylamine or triethylamine, followed by treatment with a base (for example potassium carbonate) in a C,.6alcohol (such as methanol) as the solvent to remove the trimethylsilyl group.
11) Preparation of compounds of formula (XVII).
A compound of formula (XVII) may be prepared from a compound of formula (XXXIII):
(Formula Removed)
by reduction under standard conditions for example by using a hydride, such as sodium borohydride.
A compound of formula (XXXIII) may be prepared by deprotonation of a compound of formula (VII) where J is Me, with a strong base, for example lithium diisopropyl amide in an organic solvent, for example tetrahydrofuran at a temperature of-78 to 100 °C followed by addition of an amide of formula (XXXIV):
(Formula Removed)
in which R19 and R20 are each independently C1-6alkyl, preferably methyl, or together with the atoms to which they are attached form a 5-7 membered ring.
An amide of formula (XXXIV) may be prepared from an acid of formula (VIII), or a reactive derivative thereof, by reaction with a hydroxyamine of formula R19(R20O)NH under standard conditions such as those described in process (g) or (h) for preparation of a compound of formula (I) hereinabove. 12) Preparation of compounds of formula (XVIII).
A compound of formula (XVIII) may be prepared from a diol of formula (XXXV): (Formula Removed)
using a suitable dehydrating agent, for example bis[a,a-bis(trifiuoromethyl)benzene methanolatojdiphenyl sulphur.
13) Preparation of compounds of formula (XIX).
A compound of formula (XIX) may be made by treating a compound of formula (XVI) with a trimethylsulphonium salt (such as trimethylsulphonium iodide) and a base (such as an alkali metal hydroxide) in a solvent such as dichloromethane.
14) Preparation of compounds of formula (XX).
Compounds of formula (XX) can be made by synthetic reactions well known in the art for example:
i) a Friedel Crafts acylation of a compound of formula (XXIII) with acetyl chloride under conditions such as those described in (z) above.
ii) reaction of a compound of formula (VII) wherein J is Li with an amide of formula (XXXVI)
(Formula Removed)
under conditions such as those described in 8)vi)b) hereinabove. iii) oxidation of a compound of formula (XXXVII):
(Formula Removed)
15) Preparation of compounds of formula (XXI).
Compounds of formula (XXI) can be prepared from compounds of formula (XX) by treatment with a base such as lithium diisopropylamide or triethylamine and a silylating agent such as trimethylsilyl chloride in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or trimethylsilyl triflate in a solvent such as dichloromethane. The reaction can conveniently be performed at a temperature in the range of -78 to 70°C.
16) Preparation of compounds of formula (XXII).
Compounds of formula (XXII) can be prepared from an acid of formula (XXXVIII):
(Formula Removed)

or a reactive derivative thereof, by reaction with a hydroxyamine of formula R19(R20O)NH under standard conditions such as those described in process (g) or (h) for preparation of a compound of formula (I) hereinabove.
According to a further feature of the invention, there is provided a process for preparing a compound of formula (!') using any one of processes a), i), g), h), i) or 1); and thereafter if necessary: i) converting a compound of the formula (F) into another compound of the formula (I1);

ii) removing any protecting groups; or
iii) forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or in vivo cleavable ester.
It is noted that many of the starting materials for synthetic methods as described above are commercially available and/or widely reported in the scientific literature, or could be made from commercially available compounds using adaptations of processes reported in the scientific literature.
It will also be appreciated that in some of the reactions mentioned herein it may be necessary/desirable to protect any sensitive groups in the compounds. The instances where protection is necessary or desirable and suitable methods for protection are known to those skilled in the art. Thus, if reactants include groups such as amino, carboxy or hydroxy it may be desirable to protect the group in some of the reactions mentioned herein.
A suitable protecting group for an amino or alkylamino group is, for example, an acyl group, for example an alkanoyl group such as acetyl, an alkoxycarbonyl group, for example a methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl or /-butoxycarbonyl group, an arylmethoxycarbonyl group, for example benzyloxycarbonyl, or an aroyl group, for example benzoyl. The deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group. Thus, for example, an acyl group such as an alkanoyl or alkoxycarbonyl group or an aroyl group may be removed for example, by hydrolysis with a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example lithium or sodium hydroxide. Alternatively an acyl group such as a f-butoxycarbonyl group may be removed, for example, by treatment with a suitable acid as hydrochloric, sulphuric or phosphoric acid or trifluoroacetic acid and an arylmethoxycarbonyl group such as a benzyloxycarbonyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon, or by treatment with a Lewis acid for example boron tris(trifluoroacetate). A suitable alternative protecting group for a primary amino group is, for example, a phthaloyl group which may be removed by treatment with an alkylamine, for example dimethylaminopropylamine, or with hydrazine.
A suitable protecting group for a hydroxy group is, for example, an acyl group, for example an alkanoyl group such as acetyl, an aroyl group, for example benzoyl, or an arylmethyl group, for example benzyl. The deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups will necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group. Thus, for example, an acyl group such as an alkanoyl or an aroyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with
a suitable base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, for example lithium or sodium hydroxide. Alternatively an arylmethyl group such as a benzyl group may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon.
A suitable protecting group for a phenol is, for example, an alkylether, for example, methyl, a silyl ether, for example, trimethylsilyl ether or t-butyldimethylsilyl ether, an oxyalkylether, for example, methoxymethyl ether or methoxyethoxymethyl ether or an ester, for example acetate or benzoate. The deprotection conditions for the above protecting groups will necessarily vary with the choice of protecting group. Thus, for example, an alkylether may be removed by treatment with a suitable reagent such as iodotrimethylsilane or a suitable Lewis acid such as borontribromide. Alternatively a silyl ether may be removed by acid- or fluoride ion- catalysed hydrolysis. Alternatively oxyalkylethers may be removed by treatment with a suitable acid such as acetic acid or hydrochloric acid. Alternatively esters may be removed by hydrolysis by a suitable acid or a suitable base.
A suitable protecting group for a carboxy group is, for example, an esterifying group, for example a methyl or an ethyl group which may be removed, for example, by hydrolysis with a base such as sodium hydroxide, or for example a t-butyl group which may be removed, for example, by treatment with an acid, for example an organic acid such as trifluoroacetic acid, or for example a benzyl group which may be removed, for example, by hydrogenation over a catalyst such as palladium-on-carbon.
The protecting groups may be removed at any convenient stage in the synthesis using conventional techniques well known in the chemical art.
In cases where compounds of formula (I) are sufficiently basic or acidic to form stable acid or basic salts, administration of the compound as a salt may be appropriate, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be made by conventional methods such as those described following. Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts are organic acid addition salts formed with acids which form a physiologically acceptable anion, for example, tosylate, methanesulphonate, acetate, tartrate, citrate, succinate, benzoate, ascorbate, a-ketoglutarate, and a-glycerophosphate. Suitable inorganic salts may also be formed such as sulphate, nitrate, and hydrochloride.
Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be obtained using standard procedures well known in the art, for example by reacting a sufficiently basic compound of formula (I) (or its
ester) with a suitable acid affording a physiologically acceptable anion. It is also possible with most compounds of the invention to make a corresponding alkali metal (e.g., sodium, potassium, or lithium) or alkaline earth metal (e.g., calcium) salt by treating a compound of formula (I) (and in some cases the ester) with one equivalent of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxide or alkoxide (e.g. the ethoxide or methoxide in aqueous medium followed by conventional purification techniques.
In vivo cleavable esters of compounds of the invention may be made by coupling with a pharmaceutically acceptable carboxylic acid or an activated derivative thereof. For example, the coupling may be carried out by treating a compound of formula (I) with an appropriate acid chloride (for example, acetyl chloride, propionyl chloride, or benzoyl chloride) or acid anhydride (for example, acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, or benzoic anhydride) in the presence of a suitable base such as triethylamine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other suitable carboxylic acids (including their activated derivatives) for the formation of in vivo cleavable esters are known to the art and these are also intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Catalysts such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine may also be usefully employed.
Many of the intermediates defined herein are novel and these are provided as a further feature of the invention.
The identification of compounds which elevate PDH activity is the subject of the present invention. These properties may be assessed, for example, using one or more of the procedures set out below: (a) In vitro elevation of PDH activity
This assay determines the ability of a test compound to elevate PDH activity. cDNA encoding PDH kinase may be obtained by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and subsequent cloning. This may be expressed in a suitable expression system to obtain polypeptide with PDH kinase activity. For example rat PDHkinasell (rPDHKII) obtained by expression of recombinant protein in Escherichia coli (E. Coli), was found to display PDH kinase activity.
In the case of the rPDHKII (Genbank accession number U10357) a 1.3kb fragment encoding the protein was isolated by PCR from rat liver cDNA and cloned into a vector (for example pQE32 - Quiagen Ltd.). The recombinant construct was transformed into E. coli (for example M15pRep4 - Quiagen Ltd.). Recombinant clones were identified, plasmid DNA was
isolated and subjected to DNA sequence analysis. One clone which had the expected nucleic acid sequence was selected for the expression work. Details of the methods for the assembly of recombinant DNA molecules and the expression of recombinant proteins in bacterial systems can be found in standard texts for example Sambrook et al, 1989, Molecular Cloning - A Laboratory Manual, 2nd edition, Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory Press. Other known PDH kinases for use in assays, may be cloned and expressed in a similar manner.
For expression of rPDHKII activity, E. coli strain M15pRep4 cells were transformed with the pQE32 vector containing rPDHKII cDNA. This vector incorporates a 6-His tag onto the protein at its N-terminus. E. coli were grown to an optical density of 0.6 (600 nM) and protein expression was induced by the addition of 10 uM isopropylthio-p-galactosidase. Cells were grown for 18 hours at 18°C and harvested by centrifugation. The resuspended cell paste was lysed by homogenisation and insoluble material removed by centrifugation at 24000xg for 1 hour. The 6-His tagged protein was removed from the supernatant using a nickel chelating nitrilotriacetic acid resin (Ni-NTA: Quiagen Ltd.) matrix (Quiagen) which was washed with 20 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminornethane-hydrogen chloride, 20 mM imidazole, 0.5 M sodium chloride pH 8.0, prior to elution of bound protein using a buffer containing 20 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane-hydrogen chloride, 200 mM imidazole, 0.15 M sodium chloride pH 8.0. Eluted fractions containing 6-His protein were pooled and stored in aliquots at -80°C in 10% glycerol.
Each new batch of stock enzyme was titrated in the assay to determine a concentration giving approximately 90% inhibition of PDH in the conditions of the assay. For a typical batch, stock enzyme was diluted to 7.5ug/ml.
For assay of the activity of novel compounds, compounds were diluted with 10% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and lOul transferred to individual wells of 96-well assay plates. Control wells contained 20^110% DMSO instead of compound. 40ul Buffer containing 50mM potassium phosphate buffer pH 7.0, lOmM ethylene glycol-bis(p-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N,N-tetracetic acid (EOTA), ImM benzamidine, ImM phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), 0.3mM tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK), 2mM dithiothreitol (DTT), recombinant rPDHKII and compounds were incubated in the presence of PDH kinase at room temperature for 45 minutes. In order to determine the maximum rate of the PDH reaction a second series of control wells were included containing 10% DMSO instead of compound and
omitting rPDHKII. PDH kinase activity was then initiated by the addition of 5 µM ATP, 2 mM magnesium chloride and 0.04 U/ml PDH (porcine heart PDH Sigma P7032) in a total volume of 50 µl and plates incubated at ambient temperature for a further 45 minutes. The residual activity of the PDH was then determined by the addition of substrates (2.5mM coenzyme A, 2.5mM thiamine pyrophosphate (cocarboxylase), 2.5mM sodium pyruvate, 6mM NAD in a total volume of 80µl and the plates incubated for 90 minutes at ambient temperature. The production of reduced NAD (NADH) was established by measured optical density at 340nm using a plate reading spectrophotometer. The ED50 for a test compound was determined in the usual way using results from 12 concentrations of the compound. (b) In vitro elevation of PDH activity in isolated primary cells
This assay determines the ability of compounds to stimulate pyruvate oxidation in primary rat hepatocytes.
Hepatocytes were isolated by the two-step collagenase digestion procedure described by Seglen (Methods Cell Biol. (1976) 13, 29-33) and plated out in 6-well culture plates (Falcon Primaria) at 600000 viable cells per well in Dulbecco's Modified Eagles Medium (DMEM, Gibco BRL) containing 10% foetal calf serum (PCS), 10% penicillin/streptomycin (Gibco BRL) and 10% non-essential amino acids (NEAA, Gibco BRL). After 4 hours incubation at 37°C in 5% C02, the medium was replaced with Minimum Essential Medium (MEM, Gibco BRL) containing NEAA and penicillin/streptomycin as above in addition to 10 nM dexamethasone and 10nM insulin.
The following day cells were washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and medium replaced with 1ml HEPES-buffered Krebs solution (25mM HEPES, 0.15M sodium chloride, 25 mM sodium hydrogen carbonate, 5mM potassium chloride, 2mM calcium chloride, ImM magnesium sulphate, 1 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate) containing the compound to be tested at the required concentration in 0.1% DMSO. Control wells contained 0.1% DMSO only and a maximum response was determined using a 10 uM treatment of a known active compound. After a preincubation period of 40 minutes at 37°C in 5% CO2, cells were pulsed with sodium pyruvate to a final concentration of 0.5mM (containing 1-14C sodium pyruvate (Amersham product CFA85) 0.18Ci/mmole) for 12 minutes. The medium was then removed and transferred to a tube which was immediately sealed with a bung containing a suspended centre well. Absorbent within the centre well was saturated with 50%
phenylethylamine, and CO2 in the medium released by the addition of 0.2ul 60% (w/v) perchloric acid (PCA). Released 14CO2 trapped in the absorbent was determined by liquid scintillation counting. The ED50 for a test compound was determined in the usual way using results from 7 concentrations of the compound. (c) In vivo elevation of PDH activity
The capacity of compounds to increase the activity of PDH in relevant tissues of rats may be measured using the test described hereinafter. Typically an increase in the proportion of PDH in its active, nonphosphorylated form may be detected in muscle, heart, liver and adipose tissue after a single administration of an active compound. This may be expected to lead to a decrease in blood glucose after repeated administration of the compound. For example a single administration of DCA, a compound known to activate PDH by inhibition of PDH kinase (Whitehouse, Cooper and Randle (1974) Biochem. J. 141, 761-774) 150 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, increased the proportion of PDH in its active form (Vary et al. (1988) Circ. Shock 24, 3-18) and after repeated administration resulted in a significant decrease in plasma glucose (Evans and Stacpoole (1982) Biochem. Pharmacol.31, 1295-1300).
Groups of rats (weight range 140-180g) are treated with a single dose or multiple doses of the compound of interest by oral gavage in an appropriate vehicle. A control group of rats is treated with vehicle only. At a fixed time after the final administration of compound, animals are terminally anaesthetised, tissues are removed and frozen in liquid nitrogen. For determination of PDH activity, muscle samples are disrupted under liquid nitrogen prior to homogenisation by one thirty-second burst in a Polytron homogenizer in 4 volumes of a buffer containing 40 mM potassium phosphate pH 7.0, 5 mM EOT A, 2mM DTT, 1% Triton X-100, lOmM sodium pyruvate, lOµM phenylmethylsulphonyl chloride (PMSF) and2u£/ml each of leupeptin, pepstain A and aprotinin. Extracts are centrifuged before assay. A portion of the extract is treated with PDH phosphatase prepared from pig hearts by the method of Siess and Wieland (Eur. J. Biochem (1972) 26, 96): 20 µ1 extract, 40 µ1 phosphatase (1:20 dilution), in a final volume of 125 µl containing 25 mM magnesium chloride, 1 mM calcium chloride. The activity of the untreated sample is compared with the activity of the dephosphorylated extract thus prepared. PDH activity is assayed by the method of Stansbie et al., (Biochem. J. (1976) 154,225). 50 µl Extract is incubated with 0.75 mM NAD, 0.2 mM Co A, 1.5 mM thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) and 1.5mM sodium pyruvate in the presence of
20µg/ml p-(p-amino-phenylazo) benzene sulphonic acid (AABS) and 50 mil/ml arylamine transferase (AAT) in a buffer containing 100 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, 0.5 mM EDTA, 50mM sodium fluoride, 5mM 2-mercaptoethanol and ImM magnesium chloride pH 7.8. AAT is prepared from pigeon livers by the method of Tabor et al. (J. Biol. Chem. (1953) 204,127). The rate of acetyl CoA formation is determined by the rate of reduction of AABS which is indicated by a decrease in optical density at 460 nm.
Liver samples are prepared by an essentially similar method, except that sodium pyruvate is excluded from the extraction buffer and added to the phosphatase incubation to a final concentration of 5mM.
Treatment of an animal with an active compound results in an increase in the activity of PDH complex in tissues. This is indicated by an increase in the amount of active PDH (determined by the activity of untreated extract as a percentage of the total PDH activity in the same extract after treatment with phosphatase).
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of the formula (I) as defined hereinbefore or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.
According to an additional aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound of the formula (I1) as defined hereinbefore or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or carrier.
The composition may be in a form suitable for oral administration, for example as a tablet or capsule, for parenteral injection (including intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravascular or infusion) for example as a sterile solution, suspension or emulsion, for topical administration for example as an ointment or cream or for rectal administration for example as a suppository. In general the above compositions may be prepared in a conventional manner using conventional excipients.
The compositions of the present invention are advantageously presented in unit dosage form. The compound will normally be administered to a warm-blooded animal at a unit dose within the range 5-5000mg per square metre body area of the animal, i.e. approximately 0.1-100mg/kg. A unit dose in the range, for example, l-100mg/kg, preferably l-50mg/kg is
envisaged and this normally provides a therapeutically-effective dose. A unit dose form such as a tablet or capsule will usually contain, for example l-250mg of active ingredient.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound of the formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as defined hereinbefore for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy.
According to an additional aspect of the present invention there is provided a compound of the formula (I') or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as defined hereinbefore for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy.
We have found that compounds of the present invention elevate PDH activity and are therefore of interest for their blood glucose-lowering effects.
A further feature of the present invention is a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a medicament, conveniently a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a medicament for producing an elevation of PDH activity in a warm-blooded animal such as a human being.
A further feature of the present invention is a compound of formula (I1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a medicament, conveniently a compound of formula (I1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a medicament for producing an elevation of PDH activity in a warm-blooded animal such as a human being.
Thus according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a compound of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an elevation of PDH activity in a warm-blooded animal such as a human being.
Thus according to an additional aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a compound of the formula (I1), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the production of an elevation of PDH activity in a warm-blooded animal such as a human being.
According to a further feature of the invention there is provided a method for producing an elevation of PDH activity in a warm-blooded animal, such as a human being, in need of such treatment which comprises administering to said animal an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as defined hereinbefore.
As stated above the size of the dose required for the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a particular disease state will necessarily be varied depending on the host treated, the route of administration and the severity of the illness being treated. Preferably a daily dose in the range of l-50mg/kg is employed. However the daily dose will necessarily be varied depending upon the host treated, the particular route of administration, and the severity of the illness being treated. Accordingly the optimum dosage may be determined by the practitioner who is treating any particular patient.
The elevation of PDH activity described herein may be applied as a sole therapy or may involve, in addition to the subject of the present invention, one or more other substances and/or treatments. Such conjoint treatment may be achieved by way of the simultaneous, sequential or separate administration of the individual components of the treatment. For example in the treatment of diabetes mellitus chemotherapy may include the following main categories of treatment: i) insulin;
ii) insulin secretagogue agents designed to stimulate insulin secretion (for example glibenclamide, tolbutamide, other sulphonylureas); iii) oral hypoglycaemic agents such as metformin, thiazolidinediones; iv) agents designed to reduce the absorption of glucose from the intestine (for example acarbose);
v) agents designed to treat complications of prolonged hyperglycaemia; vi) other agents used to treat lactic acidaemia; vii) inhibitors of fatty acid oxidation; viii) lipid lowering agents;
ix) agents used to treat coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease such as aspirin, pentoxifylline, cilostazol; and/or x) thiamine.
As stated above the compounds defined in the present invention are of interest for their ability to elevate the activity of PDH. Such compounds of the invention may therefore be useful in a range of disease states including diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, (including intermittent claudication), cardiac failure and certain cardiac myopathies, myocardial
ischaemia, cerebral ischaemia and reperfusion, muscle weakness, hyperlipidaemias, Alzheimer's disease and atherosclerosis.
In addition to their use in therapeutic medicine, the compounds of formula (I) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are also useful as pharmacological tools in the development and standardisation of in vitro and in vivo test systems for the evaluation of the effects of elevators of PDH activity in laboratory animals such as cats, dogs, rabbits, monkeys, rats and mice, as part of the search for new therapeutic agents.
It is to be understood that where the term "ether" is used anywhere in this specification it refers to diethyl ether.
The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples in which, unless stated otherwise:
(i) temperatures are given in degrees Celsius (°C); operations were carried out at room or ambient temperature, that is, at a temperature in the range of 18-25 °C and under an atmosphere of an inert gas such as argon;
(ii) organic solutions were dried over anhydrous magnesium sulphate; evaporation of solvent was carried out using a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure (600-4000 Pascals; 4.5-30mmHg) with a bath temperature of up to 60°C;
(iii) chromatography means flash chromatography on silica gel; thin layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on silica gel plates; where a silica Mega Bond Elut column is referred to, this means a column containing lOg or 20g of silica of 40 micron particle size, the silica being contained in a 60ml disposable syringe and supported by a porous disc, obtained from Varian, Harbor City, California, USA under the name "Mega Bond Elut SI"; "Mega Bond Elut" is a trademark;
(iv) where a Chem Elut column is referred to, this means a "Hydromatrix" extraction cartridge for adsorption of aqueous material, i.e. a polypropylene tube containing a special grade of flux-calcined, high purity, inert diatomaceous earth, pre-buffered to pH 4.5 or 9.0, incorporating a phase-separation filtering material, used according to the manufacturers instructions, obtained from Varian, Harbor City, California, USA under the name of "Extube, Chem Elut"; "Extube" is a registered trademark of International Sorbent Technology Limited; (v) where an ISOLUTE column is referred to, this means an "ion exchange" extraction cartridge for adsorption of basic or acid material, i.e. a polypropylene tube containing a
special grade of ion exchange sorbent, high purity, surface to pH ~7, incorporating a phase-separation filtering material, used according to the manufacturers instructions, obtained from Varian, Harbor City, California, USA under the name of "Extube, Chem Elut, ISOLUTE"; "Extube" is a registered trademark of International Sorbent Technology Limited; (vi) in general, the course of reactions was followed by TLC and reaction times are given for illustration only;
(vii) melting points are uncorrected and (dec) indicates decomposition; the melting points given are those obtained for the materials prepared as described; polymorphism may result in isolation of materials with different melting points in some preparations; (viii) final products had satisfactory proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and/or mass spectral data;
(ix) yields are given for illustration only and are not necessarily those which can be obtained by diligent process development; preparations were repeated if more material was required; (x) where given, NMR data is in the form of delta values for major diagnostic protons, given in parts per million (ppm) relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS) as an internal standard, determined at 300 MHz using perdeuterio dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO-86) as solvent unless otherwise indicated, other solvents (where indicated in the text) include deuterated chloroform - CDC13 and deuterated acetic acid AcOH-64; coupling constants (J) are given in Hz; Ar designates an aromatic proton when such an assignment is made; (xi) chemical symbols have their usual meanings; SI units and symbols are used; (xii) reduced pressures are given as absolute pressures in Pascals (Pa); elevated pressures are given as gauge pressures in bars;
(xiii) solvent ratios are given in volume : volume (v/v) terms;
(xiv) mass spectra (MS) were run with an electron energy of 70 electron volts in the chemical ionisation (CI) mode using a direct exposure probe; where indicated ionisation was effected by electron impact (El), fast atom bombardment (FAB) or electrospray (ESP); values for m/z are given; generally, only ions which indicate the parent mass are reported and unless otherwise stated the value quoted is (M-H)~;
(xv) Oxone is a Trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Inc., and refers to potassium peroxymonosulphate;
(xvi) The following abbreviations are used:
elemental analysis; N, N-dimethylformamide; .N,.N-dimethylacetamide; trifluoroacetic acid; N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one starting material; dichloromethane; and tetrahydrofuran;
EA
DMF
DMA
TFA
NMP
SMDCM
THF
(xvii) HPLC Methods referred to in the text are as follows: Methods a and b LC/MS method:
Machine Model HP 1100
Column 4.6mm x 10cm Hichrom RPB 100A
Wavelength 254nm
Injection l0µl
Flow rate 1 ml/minute
Solvent A 0.1% Formic Acid/ Water
Solvent B 0.1% Formic Acid /Acetonitrile.
Solvent gradient for Method a:
(Table Removed)
Solvent gradient for Method b:

(Table Removed)
Method c;
Column 7.5mm x 25cm Dynamax-60ACl8 83-201-C
Flow rate 1 ml/minute Solvent gradient for Method c:

(Table Removed)
Method d:
Column Flow rate Solvent Gradient
4.5mm xl Ocm HIRPB
Iml/min
50-70% MeOH in water + 0.1% TFA over 10 minutes
(xviii) where (R) or (S) stereochemistry is quoted at the beginning of a name, unless further clarified, it is to be understood that the indicated stereochemistry refers to the A-B-C*(R2)(R3)(R4) centre as depicted in formula (I).
Example 1
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(2-methylsulphanvlphenvlsulphonvnphenvl]-2-hvdroxv-2-methvl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
Sodium methanethiolate (49.5mg) was added to a solution of (R)-7V-[2-chloro-4-(2-fluorophenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Method 63) (0.15g) inNMP (1.5ml) and the mixture was heated at 120°C for 18 hours then cooled. Saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (15ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2x50ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by
chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 0-20% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.1 0g) as a solid. NMR: (CDC13): 1.75 (s, 3H), 2.4 (s, 3H), 3.6 (brs, 1H), 7.3 (t, 1H), 7.35 (t, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 7.9 (dd, 1H), 8.05 (d, 1H), 8.25 (dd, 1H), 8.6 (d, 1H), 9.25 (brs, 1H); MS (ESF): 452.
Examples 2-12
Following the procedure of Example 1 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Three equivalents of sodium methanethiolate were added.
Example 13
(RVA^-(2-Chloro-4-r2-(methvlsulphinvnphenvlsulphonvl1phenvll-2-hvdroxv-2-methvl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
m-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (50%, 0.293g) was added to a solution of (R)-W-[2-chloro-4-(2-methylsulphanylphenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 1) (0.384g) in DCM (40ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 6 hours then washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (3x100ml), water (100ml) and brine and then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 50-70% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.26g) as a solid. Mp 118-120°C; NMR (CDC13): 1.70 (s, 3H), 3.0 (m, 3H), 4.85 (brs, 1H), 7.75 (t, 1H), 7.85 (m, 2H), 8.0 (m, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.65 (dd, 1H), 9.40 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP): 468; EA: found: C, 44.3; H, 3.7; N, 2.6%; C17H15C1F3NO5S2-0.125 C4H8O2-0.3 C4H10O requires: C, 44.64; H, 3.81; N, 2.78%.
Examples 14-15
Following the procedure of Example 13 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compound was prepared. (Table Removed)
1 A second molar equivalent of w-chloroperoxybenzoic acid was added after 4 hours and the
reaction was allowed to proceed for a further 18 hours at ambient temperature.
2 Chromatography was using 30-50% ethyl acetate/hexane and the resultant material was
triturated with ether.
Example 16
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(2-mesvlphenvlsulphonvnphenvl1-2-hvdroxv-2-methvl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
m-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (50%, 2.39g) was added to a solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(2-methylsulphanylphenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 1) (1.3 g) in DCM (100ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 hours. A further portion of/w-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (0.82g) was added and the mixture was stirred for 24 hours and then washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (3x70ml), water (50ml) and brine and then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 50% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.606g) as a solid. Mp 114-116 °C; NMR (CDC13): 1.75 (s, 3H), 3.45 (s, 3H), 3.65 (brs, 1H), 7.8-7.95 (m, 3H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 8.35 (dd, 1H), 8.55 (dd, 1H), 8.60 (d, 1H) 9.30 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP): 484; EA: found: C, 42.3; H, 3.3; N, 2.6%; C17H15C1F3NO6S2 requires: C, 42.02; H, 3.11; N, 2.88%.
Examples 17-53
Following the procedure of Example 16 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 54
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-[2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)phenylsulphonyl]phenyl)-2-hvdroxy-2-inethyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
Ethanolamine (0.014ml) was added to a solution of (R)-A/-[2-chloro-4-(2-fluoro-5 phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Method 63) (0.1 Og) in NMP (1.5ml) and the solution was heated at 120°C for 18 hours then cooled. Saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (10ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2x20ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by 10 chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eiuting with 0-50% ethyl
acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.074g) as a solid. Mp 68-70°C; NMR (CDC13): 1.75 (s, 3H), 3.3 (q, 2H), 3.90 (m, 2H), 3.95 (brs, 1H), 6.50 (brt, 1H), 6.70 (d, 1H), 6.80 (m, 1H), 7.4 (m, 1H), 7.85 (m, 2H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 8.55 (d, 1H), 9.25 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP'): 465; EA: found: C, 46.6; H, 4.0; N, 5.8%; C18H18C1F3N2O5S requires: C, 46.31; H, 3.89; N, 6.00%.
Examples 55-85
Following the procedure of Example 54 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Reaction was carried out in a sealed tube
Example 86
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-[4-(methylsubhinyl')phenylsulphonynphenyn-2-hydroxy-2-niethyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
t-Butylhydroperoxide (0.36 ml of a 3M solution in toluene) was added to a solution of (R)-N- {2-chloro-4-[4-(methylsulphanyl)phenylsulphonyl]phenyl} -2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 2) (0.247g) and d-10-camphorsulphonic acid (0.012g) in chloroform (5 ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 64 hours. The reaction mixture was transferred directly to a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column and eluted with 0-80% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.237g) as a foam. NMR (CDC13): 1.74 (s, 3H), 2.74 (s, 3H), 4.2 (brs, IH), 7.79 (d, 2H), 7.89 (dd, IH), 8.0 (m, IH), 8.1
(d, 2H), 8.65 (d, 1H), 9.38 (bis, 1H); MS (ESP'): 468; EA: found: C, 43.3; H, 3.1; N, 2.98%; C17H15C1F3NO5S2 requires: C, 43.3; H, 3.1; N, 2.8%.
Examples 87-103
Following the procedure of Example 86 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)

1 A further molar equivalent of ?-butylhydroperoxide solution was added after 18 hours, and the eluent used in the purification was 0-100% ethyl acetate/hexane
Example 104
(R)-N-[4-('4-Acetamidophenylsulphonyl)-2-chlorophenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
Oxalyl chloride (0.047ml) was added to a stirred suspension of (R)-(+)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanoic acid (Method 9) (0.077g) in DCM (2.5ml) containing DMF (1 drop). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours and was then added to a solution of 4-(4-acetamidophenylsulphonyl)-2-chloroaniline (Method 10) (0.160g) in DCM (2.5ml) and stirred a further 2 hours. Ether (50ml) was added and the mixture was washed with water (2x5 Oml) and brine then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 0-70% ethyl acetate/toluene to give the title compound (0.025g) as a solid. NMR: 1.6 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 7.1-7.3 (brm, 1H), 7.8 (d, 2H), 7.9 (m, 3H), 7.97-8.05 (brs, 2H), 8.25 (d, 1H), 10.36 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP): 463; EA: found: C, 47.8; H, 3.6; N, 5.4%; C18H16C1F3N2O5S-0.2 C7H8 requires: C, 48.2; H, 3.7; N, 5.8%.
Examples 105-112
Following the procedure of Example 104 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Racemic 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanoic acid was used
Example 114
N-(2-Fluoro-4-phenylsulphonylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropananiide
Hydrogen peroxide (0.45 ml of a 30 wt. % solution in water) was added to a solution of N-(2-fluoro-4-phenylsulphanylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide (Example 205) (0.34g) in glacial acetic acid (l.lml) and the mixture was stirred and heated at 100°C for 2 hours then cooled. Water (2ml) was added to the resultant precipitate and the solid was collected, washed further with water (2x5ml) and dried in vacuo at 60°C to give the title
compound (0.347g) as a solid. Mp 155.5-156.5°C; NMR: 1.34 (s, 6H), 6.08 (brs, IH), 7.56-7.7 (m, 3H), 7.8 (d, IH), 7.9 (d, IH), 7.96 (d, 2H), 8.31 (t, IH), 9.5 (s, IH); MS (ESP): 336; EA: found: C, 57.1; H, 4.7; N, 4.1; S, 9.7%; C16H16FNO4S requires: C, 57.0; H, 4.8; N, 4.2; S, 9.5%.
Examples 115-170
Following the procedure of Example 114, using the appropriate starting materials, and using extraction followed by chromatography to isolate and purify the product when necessary, the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
1 The starting material was prepared by acylation of 2-chloro-4-phenylsulphanylaniline (Method 5) with the appropriate acid chloride using procedure of Method 23. Solvent was removed under a stream of argon and the intermediate was used without purification.
Example 171
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-acetamidophenylsulphonynphenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide
A solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.106g) in water (1ml) was added to a stirred solution of N-[2-chloro-4-(4-acetamidophenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide (Method 16) (0.230g) in methanol (2ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours. Water (5ml) was added and the solution was acidified to pH 2-3 with 1M hydrochloric acid. Ethyl acetate (20ml) was added and the organic layer was washed with water (20ml) and brine, then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the off-white solid was washed with ether to give the title compound (0.150g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.3 (s, 6H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 7.4 (s, IH), 7.7 (d, 2H), 7.8 (m, 3H), 7.9 (s, IH), 8.7 (d, IH), 9.6 (s, IH); MS (ESP): 409.
Examples 172-181
Following the procedure of Example 171 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 182
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-mesvlaminophenvlsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide
m-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (50%, 0.55g) was added to a solution of N-[2-chloro-4-(4-mesylaminophenylsulphanyl)phenyl] -2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide (Example 207) (0.22g) in DCM (5ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 hours. DCM (10ml) was added, followed by saturated aqueous sodium carbonate solution (20ml) and the mixture was poured onto a Varian Chem Elut column. After 3 minutes the column was washed through with DCM (20ml) and the organic fractions concentrated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 40-70% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.15g) as a foam. NMR (CDC13): 1.8 (s, 6H), 3.1 (s, 3H), 7.3 (m, 3H), 7.9 (m, 4H), 9.6 (m, 2H); MS (ESP): 445; EA: found: C, 45.1; H, 4.4; N, 6.2%, C17H19C1N2O6S2-0.3 H2O requires C, 45.1; H, 4.4; N, 6.2%.
Example 183
Following the procedure of Example 182 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compound was prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 184
N-[2-Amino-4-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide A suspension of N-[2-nitro-4-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (J. Med. Chem., 1996,39,4592) (0.293g) in methanol (5ml) was added to a stirred suspension of 10% palladium on carbon (0.03g) in methanol (2ml) under an atmosphere of argon. A solution of ammonium formate (0.176g) in water (2ml) was added and the mixture was heated under reflux for 2 hours then cooled. Ethyl acetate (20ml) was added and the mixture was filtered through diatomaceous earth. The filter was washed with ethyl acetate (2x10ml) and the filtrates were combined, washed with water and brine then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to give the title compound (0.261g) as a solid. NMR: 1.55 (s, 3H), 5.3 (s, 2H), 7.1 (dd, 1H), 7.3 (d, 1H), 7.4 (m, 2H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 3H), 7.85 (d, 2H), 9.6 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 387.
Example 185
N-[2-Acetamido-4-(phenvlsulphonvl)phenyl1-2-hvdroxy-2-methyl-3.3,3-trifluoropropanamide
Acetyl chloride (0.018ml) was added to an ice-cooled solution of N-[2-amino-4-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 184) (0.097g) in pyridine (1ml) and the solution was allowed to warm up to ambient temperature over 2 hours. Water was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 10-40% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.89g) as a solid. Mp 205-207°C; NMR: 1.5 (s, 3H), 2.1 (s, 3H), 7.57-7.75 (m, 4H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 2H), 7.9-8.05 (m, 3H), 9.8 (brs, 1H), 10.1 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP'): 429.
Example 186
Following the procedure of Example 185 and using methanesulphonyl chloride to replace acetyl chloride the following compound was prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 187
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(2-fluorophenylsulphanyl)phenyl1-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3,3-trifluoropropanamide
Tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.147g) was added to a deoxygenated mixture of (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 197) (1.0g), 2-fluorothiophenol (0.263ml) and sodium methoxide (0.288g) in ethanol (50ml). The mixture was then further deoxygenated by evacuation and refilling with argon (3 cycles), and then heated under reflux with stirring under argon for 18 hours. The mixture was treated with a further portion of tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.147g), heated for a further 24 hours then cooled and filtered. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 20% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.906g) as an oil. NMR (CDC13): 1.75 (s, 3H), 3.58 (s, 1H), 7.1 (t, 2H), 7.2-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.37 (d, 1H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.82 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP'): 392.
Examples 188-196
Following the procedure of Example 187 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
The thiol used as starting material was methyl 4-mercaptobenzoate
2Sodium methanethiolate was used instead of a thiol as starting material
Example 197
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
Oxalyl chloride (1.07ml) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of (R)-(+)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanoic acid (Method 9) (1.95g) in DCM (42ml) and DMF (0.8ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 hours and was then added over 35 minutes to a solution of 2-chloro-4-iodoaniline (2.5g) and 2,6-di-t-butylpyridine (2.94ml) in DCM (40ml) and stirred a further 18 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with DCM to give the title compound (2.85g) as a solid. NMR: 1.6 (s, 3H), 7.7 (m, 2H), 7.8 (d, 1H), 7.9 (brs, 1H); MS (ESF): 392.
Examples 198-201
Following the procedure of Example 197 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
2-Difluoromethyl-2-hydroxy-3,3-difluoropropanoic acid (prepared as described by W.J. Middleton and R.V. Lindsey Jnr, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 1964, 86, 4948) was used instead of (R)-(+)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanoicacid. 22,6-diphenylpyridine was used in place of 2,6-di-t-butylpyridine
Example 202
(R)-N- [2-Chloro-4-('[5-ethoxycarbonyl-3 -pyridyl] sulphanyl)phenyl} -2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide
Caesium fluoride (0.26 g) was added to a solution of (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-(triisopropylsilylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (0.74g) (Method 28) in anhydrous DMA (5 ml) under argon and the mixture was stirred for 17 hours. Copper(I) chloride (0.17 g) followed by 3-bromo-5-carboethoxypyridine (0.37 g) were added and the mixture was heated to 155°C for 4 hours and allowed to cool to ambient temperature. Ethyl acetate (20 ml) and brine (20 ml) were added and the mixture was filtered through a pad of diatomaceous earth which was washed with ethyl acetate (3x50 ml). The filtrates were combined, washed with brine (3x50 ml) and then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 10-40% ethyl acetate / iso-hexane to give the title compound (in 53% yield) as a foam. NMR (CDC13): 1.39 (t, 3H), 1,57 (s, 3H), 4.00 (s, 1H), 4.40 (q, 2H), 7.34-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.46 (d, 1H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, 1H), 8.62 (s, 1H), 9.03 (s, 1H), 9.04 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 447.
Example 203
By the method of Example 202 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compound was prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 204
Following the procedure of Method 22 (see below) and using Example 197 as the starting material the following compound was prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 205
N-(2-Fluoro-4-phenvlsulphanylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanamide
2-Acetoxy-2-methylpropanoyl chloride (0.47ml) was added to a solution of 2-fluoro-4-phenylsulphanylaniline (Method 7) (0.64g) and pyridine (0.28ml) in DCM (10ml). The solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 90 minutes then volatile material was removed by evaporation. The residue was dissolved in methanol (20ml) and a solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.378g) in water (2.5ml) was added. Stirring was continued for another 1 hour then the mixture was acidified to pH 1 with 2M hydrochloric acid and concentrated by evaporation to about 5 ml. Water (10ml) was added and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate. Organic layers were washed with brine then combined and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 10-20% ethyl acetate/hexane to yield the title compound (0.784g) as a solid. Mp 91-92.5°C; NMR: 1.34 (s, 6H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 7.23 (dd, 1H), 7.27-7.4 (m, 5H), 8.02 (t, 1H), 9.3 (s, 1H); MS
(ESP-): 304; EA: found: C, 62.8; H, 5.3; N, 4.5; S, 10.5%; CI6H16FNO2S requires: C, 62.9; H, 5.3; N, 4.6; 8,10.5%.
Example 206
Following the procedure of Example 205 using the appropriate starting materials the following compound was prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 207
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-mesylaminophenylsulphanynphenyl]-2-hvdroxy-2-methylpropanamide
A solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.177g) in water (1.8ml) was added to a stirred solution of N- {2-chloro-4- [4-(N,N-dimesylamino)phenylsulphanyl]phenyl} -2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide (Method 26) (0.45g) in methanol (3.5ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 hours. Water (3ml) was added and the solution was acidified to pH 2-3 with 1M hydrochloric acid. DCM (20ml) was added and the organic layer was washed with water (20ml) and brine, then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 30-70% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.30g) as a solid. Mp 138-140°C; NMR (CDC13): 1.5 (s, 6H), 3.0 (s, 3H), 7.1-7.4 (m, 7H), 8.4 (d, 1H), 9.3 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 413; EA: found: C, 48.9; H, 4.4; N, 6.5%; C17H19C1N2O4S2 requires C, 49.2; H, 4.6; N, 6.8%.
Examples 208-209
Following the procedure of Method 30 (see below) and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 210
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-mercaptophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3 -trifluoropropanamide
Trifluoroacetic anhydride (5ml) was added to (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-methylsulphinyl-phenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide (Example 92) (0.188g). The mixture was stirred and heated under reflux for 45 minutes then cooled and evaporated to dryness. A mixture of triethylamine (5ml) and methanol (5ml) was added to the residue. This mixture was stirred for a further 45 minutes then evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in chloroform (50ml), washed with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (50ml), dried and concentrated by evaporation to give the title compound (0.177g) as a gum which was used without purification. MS (ESP): 298.
Example 211
The indicated starting material was coupled with an appropriate thiol or halide using the method of Example 250 and acylated using the procedure of Example 197. (Table Removed)
Example 212
Following the procedure of Method 63 (see below) and using the appropriate starting material the following compound was prepared.
(Table Removed)
5 equivalents of m-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid
Examples 213-214
Following the procedure of Method 13 (see below) and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 215
(R)-N- (2-Chloro-4- [4-(N, N-dimethylcarbamoynphenylsulphonyl]phenyl} -2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide
Oxalyl chloride (0.45ml) was added to a stirred suspension of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(4-carboxyphenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 121) (l.81g) in DCM (100ml) containing DMF (lOdrops). The mixture was stirred for 5 hours
and then a solution of dimethylamine (4.2ml, 2M solution in methanol) was added, and the solution was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid solution (2x25ml) then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 0-10% methanol/DCM to yield the title compound (0.68g) as a solid. M.p. 120.5°C (Mettler FP62 apparatus); NMR: (CDC13): 1.70 (s, 3H), 2.90 (s, 3H), 3.10 (s, 3H), 5.20 (s, 1H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.85 (d, 1H), 7.90-8.00 (m, 3H), 8.60 (d, 1H), 9.40 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 477.
Examples 216-249
Following the procedure of Example 215 using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Fxamnlc 250
(R)-N- {2-Chloro-4- [4-(pyrrolidin- 1 -ylsulphonynphenylsubhanyl]phenyl} -2-hydroxy-2-
methyl-3 .3 .3 -trifluoropropanamide
Copper (I) chloride (0.03 8g) was added to a mixture of (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-mercaptophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 210) (0.21g), N-(4-iodobenzenesulphonyl)pyrrolidine (0.258g) and sodium methoxide (0.042g) in DMA (5ml). The mixture was heated at 150°C with stirring for 4 hours then cooled and the DMA removed by evaporation. Ethyl acetate (20ml) and water (20ml) was added and the mixture was filtered. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x20ml) and the organic layers were combined and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column, eluting with methanol/DCM 0-10% to give the title compound (0.16g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.75 (s, 3H), 1.75-1.85 (m, 4H), 3.2-3.3 (m, 4H), 4.0 (s, 1H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 2H), 7.4-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.6 (s, 1H), 7.7 (d, 2H), 8.45 (d, 1H), 9.15 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 507.
Example 251-279
Following the procedure of Example 250 using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
5 The oxadiazolylphenyliodide used as starting material was prepared as described in British patent application GB 92-18334.
Example 280
(R)-N- [2-Chloro-4-(4-carboxyphenylsulphinynphenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide
Oxone (1.47g) as a solution in 1M sodium acetate solution (12ml) was added to a mixture of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(4-carboxyphenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 291) (1g) in methanol (25ml) and stirred for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solid washed with water and dried under vacuum to give the title compound as a solid (1.02g) containing 9% of the corresponding sulphone. NMR: 1.6 (s, 3H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.8-7.9 (m, 3H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 8.0-8.05 (m, 3H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 9.8 (s, lH);MS(ESP-);434.
Examples 281-283
Following the procedure of Example 280 (except that products were purified by chromatography with ethyl acetate / hexane as eluent) and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 284
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-hydroxyethylsulphanyl)phenylsulphonynphenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide
2-Mercaptoethanol (0.358ml) was added dropwise to an ice/water-cooled suspension of sodium hydride (0.205g) in NMP (6ml). After effervescence had ceased, the cooling was removed and stirring continued a further 15 minutes. (R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-fluorophenyl-sulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Method 69) (1.556g) was added and the mixture was heated at 118°C for 2 hours then cooled and poured onto saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (60ml). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2x200ml) and the organic extracts were washed with brine (300ml) then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography eluting with 60% ethyl acetate/hexanes to give the title compound as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.74 (s, 3H), 1.91 (t, 1H), 3.19 (t, 2H), 3.62 (s, 1H), 3.82 (q, 21H), 7.4 (d, 2H), 7.8 (d, 2H), 7.83 (dd, 1H), 7.97 (d, 1H), 8.59 (d, 2H), 9.25 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP); 482; EA: found: C, 44.6; H, 3.6; N, 2.7%; C18H17C1F3NO5S2 requires: C, 44.7; H, 3.5; N, 2.9%.
Examples 285-290
Following the procedure of Example 284 using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Two equivalents of sodium hydride and 4-mercaptopyridine were used.
Example 291
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-carboxyphenylsulphanynphenvl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A mixture of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (0.308g), (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 197) (0.786g) and copper (I) oxide (0.143g) in DMF (5ml) was stirred and heated under reflux for 1 hour. More 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (0.308g) was added and heating was continued for a further 2 hours. The mixture was cooled, filtered, and the filter washed with DMF (5ml). The filtrates were concentrated by evaporation and the residual solid was extracted with boiling ethyl acetate (2x60ml). The extracts were absorbed onto deactivated silica (silica deactivated by treatment with 10% water) and purified by chromatography eluting with 5% methanol/ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.803g) as a solid. NMR: 1.63 (s, 3H), 7.31 (d, 2H), 7.5 (dd, IH), 7.68 (d, 1H), 7.89 (d, 2H), 8.22 (d, 1H), 9.8 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP'): 418; EA: found: C, 48.2; H, 3.1; N, 3.2%; C17H13NC1F3O4S requires C, 48.6; H, 3.1; N, 3.3%.
Examples 292-293
Following the procedure of Example 291 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 294
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-[4-(N-2-hydroxyethylcarbamoynphenylsulphonyl]phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A solution of 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole (0.169g) and (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(4-carboxyphenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 121) (0.30g) in DMF (lml)/ethyl acetate (9ml) was heated at 50°C for 30 minutes. Ethanolamine (0.055ml) was added and the mixture was heated and stirred a further 17 hours. The mixture was cooled, diluted with ethyl acetate (50ml), washed with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (25ml), water (25ml), saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (25ml) and brine, then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography, eluting with 2.5% methanol/ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.25g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13 + DMSO-δ6): 1.58 (s, 3H), 3.44 (m, 2H), 3.62 (m, 2H), 4.26 (t, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 7.76 (dd, 1H), 7.83-8.01 (m, 6H), 8.56 (d, 1H), 9.73 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP): 495.
Examples 295-303
Following the procedure of Example 294 using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 304
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-anilinocarbonvlphenvlsulphonyl)phenvl]-2-hydroxv-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide
l-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.195g) was added to a solution of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (0.25g), (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(4-carboxyphenyl-sulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 121) (0.317g) and aniline (0.075ml) in DCM (30ml) and the mixture was stirred for 6 days. Solvent was then removed by evaporation and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (50ml) and dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (25ml). The aqueous layer was further extracted with ethyl acetate (50ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by
chromatography eluting with 40% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.179g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13 + DMSO-δ6): 1.59 (s, 3H), 7.03 (t, 1H), 7.25 (t, 2H), 7.48 (brs, 1H), 7.64 (d, 2H), 7.78 (dd, 1H), 7.92 (m, 3H), 8.06 (d, 2H), 8.56 (d, 1H), 9.72 (s, 1H), 9.9 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 525.
Examples 305-306
Following the procedure of Example 304 and using Example 125 as the starting material the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
'The initially formed product was treated with hydrogen chloride (1M solution in ethyl acetate).
Example 307
(R)-7V-r2-Chloro-4-(thien-2-vlmethvlsulphonvnphenvn-2-hvdroxv-2-methvl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
N-Methylmorpholine-N-oxide (0.75g) and 4A molecular sieves (0.215g) were added to a solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(thien-2-ylmethylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 418) (0.085g) in deoxygenated acetonitrile (10ml) and the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes. Tetrapropylammonium perruthenate (0.03 7g) was then added and the mixture was heated at 45°C for 2.5 hours then cooled. Ethyl acetate (50ml) was added, the mixture filtered and volatile material was removed by evaporation. The residue was
purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 20-50% ethyl acetate/iso-hexane to give the title compound (0.034g) as a yellow solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.61 (s, 3H), 5.05 (s, 2H), 6.94 (s, 1H), 6.98-7.0 (m, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 7.91 (s, 1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 9.94 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 426.
Example 308
(R)-N-(2-Fluoro-4-[4-(N-methylcarbamoylniethylsulphanynphenylsulphonyl]phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3,3-trifluoropropanamide
(R)-N-[2-Fluoro-4-(4-fluorophenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (0.65g) (Method 71) was added to a deoxygenated mixture of mercaptoacetamide (0.14ml) and sodium methoxide (0.08g) in anhydrous NMP (2ml). The reaction mixture was heated to 140°C for 6 hours then cooled, diluted with ether (80ml), washed with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride (100ml) and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 10-60% ethyl acetate/ hexane to give the title compound (0.46g) as a gum. NMR (CDC13) 1.75 (s, 3H), 2.8 (d, 3H), 3.69 (s, 2H), 7.3 (d, 2H), 7.69-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 8.8-8.85 (m, 1H), 9.0 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 493.
Example 309-311
Following the procedure of Example 308 using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 312
(R)-Ar-[2-Chloro-4-('JV.Ar-dimethvlaminoethvlsulphonvnphenvl]-2-hvdroxv-2-methvl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A 2M solution of dimethylamine (0.06ml) in anhydrous memanol was added to a deoxygenated solution of (R)-AL[2-chloro-4-(ethenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 283) (0.044g) in anhydrous THF (1ml). The mixture was allowed to stir at ambient temperature under argon for 2 hours then volatile material was removed by evaporation to give the title compound (in 89% yield) as a solid. NMR: 1.69 (s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 6H), 2.55 (t, 2H), 3.55 (t, 2H), 7.9 (d, 1H), 8.08 (s, 1H), 8.34 (d, 1H); MS (ESP'): 403.
Example 313
(RV//-r2-Ethenvl-4-(4-mesvlphenvlsulphonvl>)phenvl1-2-hvdroxv-2-methvl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
Tributylvinyltin (0.28ml) was added to a deoxygenated suspension of (R)-W-[2-bromo-4-(4-mesylphenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide (Example 140) (O.SOg) and tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (0.05g) in anhydrous toluene (10ml). The mixture was heated under reflux with stirring. After 14 hours a further portion of tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) (0.05g) and tributylvinyltin (0.28ml) was
added and heating was continued for a norther 7 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and volatile materials were removed by evaporation. The residue was purified on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 5-50% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.146g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13) 1.74 (s, 3H), 3.06 (s, 3H), 5.65-5.82 (dd, 2H), 6.67-6.77 (dd, 1H), 7.86-7.89 (dd, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 8.06-8.16 (m, 4H), 8.35 (d, 1H), 8.79 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 477.
Example 314
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(carboxymethylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide
Sodium hydroxide (2.5 ml of a 2M aqueous solution) was added to a stirred solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(methoxycarbonylmethylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 142) (0.36g) in methanol (6ml) and the mixture was stirred for 1 hour. Hydrochloric acid (3ml of a 2M aqueous solution) was added and volatile material was removed by evaporation. Ethyl acetate (80ml) was added and the mixture washed with brine (50ml), dried and volatile material removed by evaporation. The residue was dissolved in DCM (50ml), washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (100ml). The aqueous layer was treated with hydrochloric acid (25 ml, 10%v/v) and extracted into ethyl acetate (2x100ml) and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to give the title compound (0.28g) as a foam. NMR: 1.62 (s, 3H), 4.57 (s, 2H), 7.9 (d, 2H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, 1H). 9.92 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 388.
Example 315
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(N,N-dimethylaminopropylsulphonyl)pheny1]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A solution of potassium permanganate (0.12g) in water (8ml) was added to a stirred solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(3-N,N-dimethylaminopropylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 404) (0.198g) in glacial acetic acid (10ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 minutes then sodium sulphite was added until the reaction mixture became clear and colourless. Ethyl acetate (100ml) was added and the mixture was washed with brine (2x50ml), saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate solution (150ml)
and then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 0-15% methanol/ethyl acetate to give the title compound (in 33% yield) as a solid. NMR: 1.61 (s, 3H), 1.61-1.68 (m, 2H), 2.05 (s, 6H), 2.23 (t, 2H), 3.28-3.36 (m, 2H), 7.89 (d, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1H), 8.33 (d, 1H); MS (ESP-):415.
Examples 316-326
Following the procedure of Example 315 and using the appropriate starting materials following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 327
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(ethylsulphanyl')phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide Copper (I) chloride (0.5g) and sodium ethanethiolate (0.54g) were added sequentially to a deoxygenated solution of (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 197) (2.0g) in quinoline (6ml) and pyridine (1.5ml). The mixture was heated to 200°C under argon for 18 hours, cooled, dissolved in ethyl acetate (200ml), washed with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (2x100ml) and brine (2x50ml) and then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with 10-40% ethyl acetate/iso-hexane to give the title compound as a gum (1.4g). NMR (CDC13): 1.29 (t, 3H), 1.57 (s, 3H), 2.91 (q, 2H), 3.69 (s, 1H), 7.24 (d, 1H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.77 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 326.
Example 328
Following the procedure of Example 327 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compound was prepared.
(Table Removed)
Sodium ethanethiolate was replaced with the appropriate thiol and sodium methoxide was added to the reaction mixture.
Example 329
(R)-N-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(N-methylcarbamoylmethylsulphinyl)phenylsulphonyl1phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide
A sample of (R)-N-{2-chloro-4-[4-(N-methylcarbamoylmethylsulphanyl)phenyl-sulphonyl]phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 288) was left standing open to air for approximately one week then purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with 0-5% methanol/DCM to give (in 10% yield) the title compound as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.7 (s, 3H), 2.8 (d, 3H), 3.4 (d, 1H), 3.75 (d, 1H), 3.9 (s, 1H), 6.6 (m, IH), 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.85 (m, 1H), 8.0 (dd, 1H), 8.1 (d, 2H), 8.65 (d, 1H), 9.35 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP): 525.
Example 330
By the method of Example 329 using the appropriate starting material the following compound was prepared. (Table Removed)
The eluent for chromatography was 25-100% DCM/hexane
Example 331
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(3-nitrophenylsulDhanynphenyl1-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A mixture of 3-nitrophenyldisulphide (0.176g) and (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 197) (0.15g) in diphenyl ether (5ml) was heated and stirred at 250°C for 2 days. The reaction mixture was cooled, diluted with iso-hexane (5ml) and purified by chromatography eluting with 10-100% DCM/hexane to give the title compound (0.05g) as an oil. NMR (CDC13): 1.8 (s, 3H), 3.6 (s, 1H), 7.4-7.55 (m, 4H), 8.1 (brs, 2H), 8.45 (d, 1H), 9.05 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP+): 421 (M+H)+.
Example 332
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(N-phenylcarbamoynpheny1]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A mixture of (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 197) (0.35g), aniline (0.117ml), tributylamine (0.232ml) and dichlorobis-(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) (0.009g) was heated at 100°C under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide for 4 hours. Ethyl acetate (10ml) was added and the mixture was washed with water and brine then was dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 5-50% ethyl acetate/hexane followed by passing through a Varian Isolute SCX column to give the title compound (0.17g) as a solid. NMR: 1.6 (s, 3H), 7.1 (t, 1H), 7.35 (t, 2H), 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 7.98 (dd, 1H), 8.12 (s, 1H), 8.2 (d, 1H), 9.8 (s, 1H), 10.26 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP-): 386.
Examples 333-334
By the method of Example 332 using Example 197 as the starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 335
3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-1 -(2-fluoro-4-phenylsulphonylphenyl)but-1 -yne
Bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride (0.034g) was added to a solution of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol (0.11ml) and 2-fluoro-4-phenylsulphonylbromobenzene (Method 1) (0.548g) in triethylamine (3ml) and DMF (1ml) and the mixture was heated at 70°C for 18 hours. The mixture was poured into water (50ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2x50ml). The extracts were washed with brine then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 40-100% ethyl acetate/hexane then triturated with hexane to give the title compound (0.112g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.6 (s, 6H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 6H), 7.9 (d, 2H); MS
Example 336
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-[2-(iso-propylaminocarbonyl)phenylsulphonyl]phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methvl-3,3.3 -trifluoropropanamide
N-Methylmorpholine (1.22ml) and 0-benzotriazol-l-yl-.N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate (0.092g) were added to a solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(2-carboxyphenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide (Example 125) (0.10g) and 2-propylamine (0.024ml) in DCM (20ml) at 0°C. The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 30 minutes then allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred
for a further 3 hours then evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 50% ethyl acetate/hexane then triturated with ether/hexane to give the title compound (0.05g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.3 (d, 6H), 1.6 (s, 3H), 4.2-4.32 (m, 1H), 5.8 (brd, 1H), 7.4 (d, 1H), 7.5-7.7 (m, 3H), 7.9 (dd, 1H), 8.05-8.13 (m, 2H), 8.6 (d, 1H), 9.3 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP): 491.
Examples 337-349
The aniline starting material was acylated with an appropriate acid chloride by the procedure of Method 17 or sulphonylated with an appropriate sulphonyl chloride by the procedure of Method 26 then hydrolysed by the procedure of Example 171. There were thus obtained the following compounds. (Table Removed)

2-Chloroethylsulphonyl chloride was used for the sulphonylation; HCI was eliminated in hydrolysis step.
(Table Removed)
Examples 350-352
Following the procedure of Method 10 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Example 353
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-('4-dimethylaminoacetvlaminophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,33-trifluoropropanamide
Dimethylamine (0.17 ml of a 40% solution in water) was added to a solution of (R)-N-{2-chloro-4- [4-(2-chloroacetylamino)phenylsulphanyl]phenyl} -2-acetoxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Method 19) (0.25g) in acetone (1.5ml). After 24 hours volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water, and the organic layer was poured onto a Varian Chem Elut column. Elution with ethyl acetate gave the title compound (0.25g) as a foam. NMR: 1.6 (s, 3H), 3.1 (s, 2H), 3.3 (s, 6H), 7.2 (d, 1H), 7.3 (s, 1H), 7.4 (d, 2H), 7.7 (m, 3H), 7.9 (d, 1H), 9.7 (s, 1H), 9.9 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 474.
Example 354
(R)-N-{2-Chloro-4-[4-('3-ethylureido)phenylsulphonyl]phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
(R)-2,3,4,5-H4-3-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(3-ethylureido)phenylsulphanyl]phenyl}-2,4-dioxo-5-methyl-5-trifluoromethyloxazole (Method 42) was oxidised by the procedure of Method 63 then hydrolysed by the method of Example 171 to give the title compound. NMR: 1.0 (s, 3H), 1.6 (s, 3H), 3.1 (s, 2H), 6.2 (s, 1H), 7.6 (d, 2H), 7.9 (m, 5H), 8.2 (d, 1H), 9.0 (s, 1H), 9.8 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 492.
Example 355
By the procedure of Example 354 using the appropriate starting materials the following compound was prepared.
(Table Removed)
Examples 356-380
The aniline starting material was acylated with an appropriate acid chloride by the procedure of Method 17 or sulphonylated with an appropriate sulphonyl chloride by the procedure of Method 26. There were thus obtained the following compounds.
(Table Removed)
The product formed as a precipitate which was collected and washed with DCM.
Example 381
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-('3-phenylureido)phenyl1-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A mixture of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-aminophenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 208) (0.198g) and phenyl isocyanate (0.09ml) in diethyl ether (10ml) was stirred for 22 hours then evaporated to dryness. The residue was partitioned between water (25ml) and ethyl acetate (50ml). The organic phase was washed with brine (25ml), dried and concentrated by evaporation to give the title compound (170mg) as a foam. NMR: 1.66 (s, 3H), 7.04 (t, 1H), 7.35 (m, 3H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1H), 7.86 (m, 2H), 8.77 (s, 1H), 8.92 (s, 1H), 9.63 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 400.
Example 382
(R)-N-{2-Chloro-4-[N-(4-methylphenylsulphonyl)(N-methyl)amino]phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A mixture of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(4-methylphenylsulphonamido)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 356) (0.137g), anhydrous potassium carbonate (0.043g) and iodomethane (0.038ml) in acetone (8ml) was stirred for 64 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water and brine then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by elution through a Varian Isolute silica 10g column with 30% ethyl acetate / hexane as eluent to give the title compound (0.079g). NMR: 1.60 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 3.11 (s, 3H), 7.11 (d, 3H), 7.32 (s, 1H), 7.43 (m, 4H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 9.67 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP): 449.
Examples 383-387
By the method of Example 382 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Examples 388-389
Following the procedure of Method 30 (see below) and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 390
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(3-rnethylsulphanylpropylamino)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide
Sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.297g) was added to a solution of 3-methylsulphanylpropionaldehyde (0.1ml) and (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-aminophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide (Example 208) (0.282g) in 1,2-dichloroethane (6ml). The mixture was stirred for 16 hours. Saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (25ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (40ml). The extracts were washed with brine (15ml) then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a Varian Isolute silica column eluting with 25% ethyl acetate / hexane. The resulting solid was triturated with ether to give the title compound (0.089g) as a solid. NMR: 1.54 (s, 3H), 1.78 (m, 2H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 2.55 (q, 2H), 3.09 (q, 2H), 5.93 (t, 1H), 6.54 (dd, 1H), 6.65 (s, 1H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 9.33 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 369.
Examples 391-393
By the method of Example 390 and using the appropriate starting materials and Example 208 the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
The first-formed product was the Schiff base which was then reduced by the procedure Method 30 to give the indicated compound.
of
Example 394
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-aminopropanamide
TFA (0.5ml) was added drop wise to a solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(phenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-(t-butoxycarbonylamino)propanamide (Method 2) (0.090 g) in dry DCM (5 ml). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation. The resulting residue was re-dissolved in DCM (10 ml), and volatile material was removed by evaporation. This was repeated, the resulting residue was dried for 30 minutes on a high vacuum line. The residue was then dissolved in DCM and passed through a Varian Isolute SPE column containing basic residues, with DCM as the eluent to give the title compound (0.067 g) as a gum. NMR (CDC13): 1.32-1.40 (d, 3H),
1.52 (brs, 2H), 3.51-3.64 (q, 1H), 7.40-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.71-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.81-7.95 (m, 3H), 8.58-8.65 (m, 1H), 10.46 (brs, 1H). MS: (ESP+) 339.3 (M+H)+.
Examples 395-396
By the method of Example 394 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Example 397
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-(3-hydroxypropoxy}phenylsulphinyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide
Sodium hydride (0.06 g of a 60% dispersion in oil) was added to a solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(4-hydroxyphenylsulphinyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 89) (0.5 g) in DMF (5 ml) at 0°C. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes then 3-bromopropanol (0.12 ml) was added as a solution in DMF (3 ml). The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 0-10% methanol / DCM to give the title compound (0.34 g) as a gum. NMR (CDC13): 1.25 (dd, 2H), 1.7 (s, 3H), 1.8 (s, 1H), 3.8-3.9 (m, 2H), 4.1-4.2 (m, 2H), 5.1 (s, 1H), 6.95 (d, 2H), 7.4 (d, 1H), 7.5 (d, 2H), 7.6-7.65 (m, 1H), 8.45-8.55 (m, 1H), 9.3 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 464.
Examples 398-400
By the procedure of Example 397 and using Example 89 as the starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
An extra molar equivalent of sodium hydride was used. The halide was 3-aminopropyl bromide, hydrobromide salt.
Example 401
By the procedure of Method 26 (see below) and using Example 396 as the starting materials the following compound was prepared. (Table Removed)
Fxample 402
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoylmethylsulphanyl)phenyl1-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-
3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide
Tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1.1 ml of a 1M solution in THF) was added to (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-(triisopropylsilylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoro-propanamide (Method 28) (0.50g) in anhydrous THF (5ml) at -70°C. After 15 minutes 2-chlorodimethylacetamide (0.17ml) was added and the mixture was allowed to warm up then was stirred at ambient temperature for 45 minutes. Ethyl acetate (80ml) was added and the mixture was washed with brine (100ml) then dried and volatile material was removed by evaporation. The residue was purified on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 10-50% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.30g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13) 1.72 (s, 3H), 2.97 (s, 3H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 3.71 (s, 2H), 4.76 (s, 1H), 7.32-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1H), 8.32 (d, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 383.
Examples 403-412
Following the procedure of Example 402 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
The alkylation reaction was carried out with heating under reflux and with addition of sodium iodide.
2For alkylation: heated under reflux and 1,2-epoxybutane replaced an alkyl halide. 3For alkylation: heated under reflux and 1,2-epoxy-2-methylpropane was used. 4The thiol intermediate was isolated and purified; sodium methoxide was used as base for the subsequent alkylation step. 5Only the desilylation step was carried out.

Example 413
N-[2-Fluoro-4-(4-methylsulphanylphenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hvdroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-3,3.3-trifluoropropanamide
Tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (0.48 ml of a 1M solution in THF) was added to a stirred solution of N-[2-fluoro-4-(4-methylsulphanylphenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2-trifluoromethyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (0.278 g) (Method 55) in anhydrous THF (5 ml) at -78°C under argon. After 30 minutes ethyl acetate (50 ml) was
added and the mixture was washed with aqueous hydrochloric acid (2M, 30 ml) and brine (30 ml) then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 10-30% ethyl acetate / iso-hexane to give the title compound (0.199 g) as a pale yellow solid. NMR (CDC13): 2.50 (s, 3H), 5.12 (s, 1H), 6.98 (d, 1H), 7.05 (d, 1H), 7.23 (d, 2H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 8.05-8.08 (m, 1H); MS (ESP): 458.
Example 414
(R)-N-{2-Chloro-4-(2-propenylsulphonyl)phenyl} -2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3 -trifluoropropanamide
A solution of Oxone (1.44 g) in water (15 ml) was added to a solution of (R)-N-{2-chloro-4-(2-propenylsulphanyl)phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 407) (0.389g) in methanol (15 ml). The mixture was stirred for 1.5 hours. Water (50 ml) was added and the mixture extracted into ethyl acetate (100 ml) and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue purified on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 20-30% ethyl acetate / iso-hexane to give the title compound as a foam (0.180 g). NMR: 1.61 (s, 3H), 4.18 (d, 2H), 5.18-5.32 (m, 2H), 5.61-5.75 (m, 1H), 7.82-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.98 (s, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.33 (d, 1H), 9.91 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 370.
Example 415
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(2-hydroxyethylsulphanyl)phenyn-2-hvdroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-iodophenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 197) (0.8g) in pyridine (1ml) was added to a deoxygenated solution of 2-mercaptoethanol (0.18ml), sodium methoxide (0.14g) and copper (I) chloride (0.2g) in quinoline (2ml) and pyridine (2ml). The mixture was heated to 190°C under argon for 18 hours. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature then dissolved in ethyl acetate (100ml), washed with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (2x50ml) and brine (2x50ml) then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 10-60% ethyl acetate/ iso-hexane to give the title compound as a gum. NMR (CDC13): 1.76 (s, 3H), 3.10 (t, 2H),
3.75-3.80 (m, 2H), 7.31-7.34 (m, IH), 7.47 (s, IH), 8.31 (d, IH), 8.86 (s, IH); MS (ESP'):
342.
Examples 416-427
Following the procedure of Example 415 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Sodium ethanethiolate was used in place of thiol and sodium methoxide.
Example 428
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-l(4-acetamidophenyloxy)sulphonvl}phenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
A solution of (R)-N-{2-chloro-4-[4-chlorosulphonyl]phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifiuoropropanamide (Method 73) (366mg, 1.00mmol) in DCM (25ml) was added to a stirred solution of 4-acetamidophenol (151mg, l.OOmmol), dimethylaminopyridine (10mg,
0.08mmol) and pyridine (0.45ml, 2.0mmol) in DCM (25ml). The resultant mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight, evaporated to dryness and the residue treated with 1M aqueous hydrochloric acid (25ml). The aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate, the ethyl acetate extracts were washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, brine, dried and evaporated to give, as a foam, the title compound (450mg, 0.94mmol); NMR 1.6 (s, 3H), 2.0 (s, 3H), 7.00 (d, 2H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.8 (dd, 1H), 8.0 (d, 1H), 8.1 (s, 1H), 8.4 (d, 1H), 9.9 (s, 1H), 10.03 (s, 1H); MS: m/z 479.
Preparation of Starting Materials
The starting materials for the Examples above are either commercially available or are readily prepared by standard methods from known materials. For example the following reactions are illustrations but not limitations of the preparation of some of the starting materials used in the above reactions.
Methods 1-2
Following the procedure of Method 63 (see below) and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
The crude compound was purified by passing through an ISOLUTE SPE column containing basic residues using DCM.
Methods 3-8
Following the procedure of Example 187 and using the appropriate starting materials (SM1 and SM2) the following compounds were prepared.
Methanol was used as the reaction solvent in place of ethanol. 2Double the amount of palladium catalyst was used. Product used without purification.

(Table Removed)
Method 9
(R)-(+)-2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3 -trifluoropropanoic acid
The title compound was resolved according to the resolution method described in European Patent Application No. EP 524781 (described for the preparation of the (S)-(-) acid) except that (1S, 2R)-norephedrine was used in place of (1R, 2S)-norephedrine or (S)-(-)-l-phenylethylamine. NMR analysis of the acid in the presence of (R)-(+)-l-phenylethylamine gave an enantiomerical purity of >98%; NMR (CDC13): 1.27 (s, 3H) for the (R)-enantiomer, 1.21 (s, 3H) for the (S)-enantiomer.
Method 10
4-(4-Acetamidophenylsulphonyl)-2-chloroaniline
Iron powder (2.5g) was added to a stirred mixture of 4-(4-acetamidophenyl-sulphonyl)-2-chloro-nitrobenzene (Method 13) (0.67g), water (2ml), concentrated hydrochloric acid (0.5ml) and ethanol (10ml). The mixture was heated under reflux for 1 hour
then evaporated to near dryness and partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was separated, the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x15ml). The organic extracts were combined and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 0-2% methanol/DCM to give the title compound (0.18g) as a solid. NMR: 2.05 (s, 3H), 6.4 (s, 2H), 6.8 (d, 1H), 7.5 (d, 1H), 7.6 (d, 1H), 7.8 (q, 4H), 10.3 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP'): 323.
Methods 11-12
Following the procedure of Method 10 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Method 13
4-(4-Acetamidophenylsulphonyl)-2-chloronitrobenzene
Hydrogen peroxide (0.9 ml of a 30 wt. % solution in water) was added to a solution of 4-(4-acetamidophenylsulphanyl)-2-chloronitrobenzene (Method 14) (0.78g) in glacial acetic acid (5ml) and the mixture was stirred and heated at 95 °C for 75 minutes then poured into water (15ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3x10ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine and then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 0-50% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.68g). NMR: 2.05 (s, 3H), 7.8 (d, 2H), 7.98 (d, 2H), 8.2-8.3 (m, 2H), 8.35-8.45 (m, 1H), 10.4 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP'): 353.
Method 14
4-(4-Acetamidophenylsulphanyl)-2-chloronitrobenzene
A solution of 2-amino-4-(4-acetamidophenylsulphanyl)nitrobenzene (Method 15) (2.4g) in warm glacial acetic acid (15ml) was poured onto ice (24ml). Concentrated hydrochloric acid (4.5ml) was added and the mixture was stirred and cooled to Method 15
2-Amino-4-(4-acetamidophenvlsulphanvl')nitrobenzene
Sodium (0.269g) was added to ethanol (20ml) and the resultant solution was allowed to cool to ambient temperature and 4-acetamidothiophenol (1.94g) was added. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and 5-chloro-2-nitroaniline (2g) was added. The mixture was then heated under reflux under argon for 3 hours and allowed to cool. The resultant solid was collected by filtration, washed with ethanol then dried to give the title compound (2.46g) as a solid. NMR: 2.05 (s, 3H), 6.3 (dd, 1H), 6.6 (s, 1H), 7.4 (brs, 2H), 7.5 (d, 2H), 7.7 (d, 2H), 7.9 (d, 1H); MS (ESP+): 304 (M+H)+.
Method 16
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-acetamidophenvlsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide
m-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (50%, 0.735g) was added to a solution of N-[2-chloro-4-(4-acetamidophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide (Method 17) (0.30g) in DCM (10ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 15 hours. Ethyl acetate (20ml) was added and the solution was washed with saturated aqueous sodium carbonate solution (10ml) and brine then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 50-80% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.29g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.7 (s, 6H), 2.2 (2xs, 2x3H), 7.5 (s, 1H), 7.7 (d, 2H), 7.8 (m, 3H), 8.0 (m, 1H), 8.6 (m, 2H); MS (ESP'): 451; EA: found: C, 52.9; H, 4.4; N, 6.1%, C20H21C1N2O6S requires C, 53.0; H, 4.6; N, 6.2%.
Method 17
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-acetamidophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-aminophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide (Method 22) (0.50g) was dissolved in DCM (10ml) and cooled to 0-5°C in an ice bath. Triethylamine (0.46ml) was added followed by dropwise addition of acetyl chloride (0.1ml) and the mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 2 hours. Ethyl acetate (20ml) was added and the solution was washed with water (2x10ml) and brine then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 40-80% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.470g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.8 (s, 6H), 2.2 (d, 6H), 7.2-7.3 (m, 5H), 7.5 (d, 2H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 8.4 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 419; EA: found: C, 56.7; H, 5.0; N, 6.0%; C20H21C1N2O4S-0.4 EtOAc requires C, 56.9; H, 5.3; N, 6.1%.
Methods 18-21
Following the procedure of Method 17 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
'The acylating agent was di-tert-butyl dicarbonate; 2An additional equivalent of triethylamine was used.
Method 22
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-aminophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-rnethylpropanamide
Copper (I) chloride (0.90g) was added to a mixture of N-[2-chloro-4-iodophenyl]-2-acetoxy-3-methylpropanamide (Method 23) (8.3g), 4-aminothiophenol (1.07ml) and potassium carbonate (9.1g) in DMF (100ml). The mixture was heated at 135°C with stirring under argon for 3 hours, cooled and then filtered through diatomaceous earth. The filter was washed with ethyl acetate (3x20ml) and the filtrates were combined and washed with water (50ml), brine and dried. The volatile material was removed by evaporation. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 20-40% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the
title compound (4.99g) as a solid. Mp 130-132°C; NMR (CDC13): 1.7 (s, 6H), 2.1 (s, 3H), 3.8 (s, 2H), 6.6 (d, 2H), 7.1 (m, 2H), 7.2 (m, 2H), 8.2 (d, 1H), 8.4 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 377.
Method 23
N-[2-Chloro-4-iodophenyl]-2-acetoxy-3-methylpropanamide
2-Chloro-4-iodoaniline (5g) was dissolved in DCM (100ml) and cooled to 0-5°C in an ice bath. Pyridine (2.1ml) was added followed by drop wise addition of 2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanoyl chloride (3.44ml) and the mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 15 hours. The solvent was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by flash chromatography eluting with 10-50% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (7.5g) as a solid. Mp 156-158°C; NMR (CDC13): 1.7 (s, 6H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 7.6 (d, 1H), 7.7 (d, 1H), 8.2 (d, 1H), 8.4 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 380.
Method 24
Following the procedure of Method 23 and using the appropriate starting material the following compound was prepared.
(Table Removed)
Method 25
Following the procedure of Methods 23,22,17 and 16 and using the appropriate starting material the following compound was prepared.
N-[2-Chloro-4-{4-N-(2,2-dimethylpropanamido)phenylsulphonyl}phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide
Starting material was 2-chloro-4-iodoaniline; Method 17: 2,2-dimethylpropanoyl chloride was used in place of acetyl chloride.
Method 26
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-(N,N-dimesylamino)phenylsulphanyl}phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide
N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-aminophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide (Method 22) (0.50g) was dissolved in DCM (10ml) and cooled to 0-5°C in an ice bath. Triethylamine (0.55ml) was added followed by dropwise addition of methylsulphonyl chloride (0.11ml) and the mixture was allowed to warm to ambient temperature over 2 hours. The solution was concentrated then the solid was dissolved in DCM (5ml) and water (5ml) was added. The solution was loaded onto a Varian Chem Elut column and after 3 minutes was washed through with DCM (20ml). The DCM layer was then concentrated and the solid washed with ether and filtered to give the title compound (0.58g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 1.7 (s, 6H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 3.4 (s, 6H), 7.2 (s, 4H), 7.4 (d, 1H), 7.5 (d, 1H), 8.4 (d, 1H), 8.5 (d, 1H); MS (ESP'): 533; EA: found: C, 44.4; H, 4.5; N, 5.1%; C20H23C1N2O7S3 requires C, 44.9; H,4.3;N,5.2%.
Method 27
2-Bromo-4-(4-methylsulphanylphenylsulphanyl)nitrobenzene
t-Butyl nitrite (3.1ml) was added to a slurry of copper (II) bromide (4.4g) in acetonitrile (85ml) at 0°C. 2-Amino-4-(4-methylsulphanylphenylsulphanyl)nitrobenzene (5.09 g), (prepared by the method described in J. Med. Chem., 1975,18, 1164 for the preparation of 2-nitro-5-phenylsulphanylaniline but using 4-methylsulphanylthiophenol in place of thiophenol) was added portionwise over 5 minutes and the mixture was stirred a further 2 hours at 0°C, allowed to warm to ambient temperature, and stirred a further 16 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 10-30% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (4.5g) as a solid. NMR (CDC13) 2.52 (s, 3H), 7.03-7.08 (m, 1H), 7.3 (d, 2H), 7.36-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.44 (d, 2H), 7.77 (d, 1H).
Method 28
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-(triisopropvlsilylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide
Triisopropylsilanethiol (2.8ml) was added to a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (60% mineral oil dispersion, 0.53g) in anhydrous THF (40ml) cooled to 0°C under argon. After 15 minutes at this temperature tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (1.21g) was added and this solution was added to (R)-N-(2-chloro-4-iodophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 197) (5.2g) in anhydrous toluene (40ml) and the mixture was heated to 85°C for 2 hours. The mixture was allowed to cool to ambient temperature, ethyl acetate (200ml) was added and the mixture was washed with brine (100ml) and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified on a silica gel flash column eluting with 1-20% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (6.51g) as a gum.NMR(CDCl3) 1.07-1.1 (d, 18H), 1.20-1.28 (m, 3H), 1.74 (s, 3H), 3.64 (s, 1H), 7.39-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 8.81 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 454.
Method 29
2-Chloro-4-benzylnitrobenzene
Sodium borohydride (1.45g) was added to a solution of 3-chloro-4-nitrobenzophenone (2.0g) (prepared as described by R.B. Davis and J.D. Benigni, J. Org. Chem., 1962,27,1605) in ethanol and the mixture was stirred for 18 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was suspended in water (100ml) and cautiously acidified with dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (50ml) and stirred a further 2 hours. The reaction mixture was basified with 2M aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with DCM. The extracts were combined, dried and concentrated by evaporation to give an oil. This was dissolved in TFA (12.1ml) with cooling with an ice bath then treated dropwise with triethylsilane (5.05ml) and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was poured onto aqueous sodium carbonate solution and extracted with DCM. The extracts were combined, dried and evaporated to give an oil which was purified by chromatography eluting with 20-50% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.60g) as an oil. NMR (CDC13): 4.0 (s, 3H), 7.1-7.4 (m, 8H); MS (CI): 247 (M+).
Method 30
2-Chloro-4-benzylaniline
A solution of 2-chloro-4-benzylnitrobenzene (Method 29) (0.60g) in ethyl acetate was treated with 10% Pd/C (0.06g) under argon. The mixture was then stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere for 10 hours. The mixture was filtered under argon and extracted with aqueous hydrochloric acid (50% v/v, 50ml). The aqueous layer was separated, basified with 2M aqueous NaOH and extracted with ethyl acetate to give the title compound as an oil (0.237g). NMR: 3.6 (s, 2H), 5.1 (brs, 2H), 6.7 (d, 1H), 6.9 (dd, 1H), 7.0 (d, 1H), 7.1-7.3 (m, 5H); MS
Methods 31-32
Following the procedure of Method 30 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Method 33
N-[2-Chloro-4-phenylsulphonylphenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanamide
2-Chloro-4-phenylsulphanylaniline (Method 5) was acylated with 2-acetoxy-2-methylpropanoyl chloride by the procedure of Method 23 then the crude product was oxidised by the procedure of Example 114 to give the title compound (in 91% yield) as a gummy solid. NMR 1.57 (s, 6H), 2.05 (s, 3H), 7.6-7.75 (m, 4H), 7.8 (d, 1H), 7.92 (dd, 1H), 8.0 (apparent d, 2H), 8.08 (d, 1H), 9.4 (s, 1H).
Method 34
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-ureidophenylsubhanyl}phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide
Water (0.34ml), acetic acid (0.54ml) and sodium cyanate (0.104 g dissolved in 0.3 ml of water) were added to a solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-{4-aminophenylsulphanyl}phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (0.432g) (Method 22) in THF (0.8 ml. The mixture was stirred for 2 hours then diluted with water (5ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2x20ml). The extracts were poured onto a Varian Chem Elut column and eluted with ethyl acetate. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was triturated with ether to give the title compound (0.31g) as a solid. NMR: 1.8 (s, 3H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 5.9 (s, 2H), 7.1 (s, 3H), 7.4 (d, 2H), 7.5 (d, 2H), 8.8 (s, 1H), 9.9 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 474.
Method 35
Following the procedure of Method 34 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compound was prepared. (Table Removed)
Methods 36-40
The indicated starting material was coupled with an appropriate thiol or halide using the method of Example 250, acylated using the procedure of Method 17 then reduced by the procedure of Method 10 to give the following compounds. (Table Removed)
Acylation was by the method of Example 197 using (S)-2-acetoxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifiuoromethylpropanoyl chloride (Method 49) 2The reduction step was omitted
3Thiol coupling was by procedure of Method 22 using 4-mercaptoaniline and acylation was with allylchloroformate
Method 41
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-('2-moipholinoacetylamino)phenylsulphanyl}phenyl]-2-acetoxy-2-methyl-3,3.3 -trifluoropropanamide
Following the procedure of Example 353 except that morpholine was used in place of aqueous dimethylamine, the title compound was obtained (0.25g) as a foam. NMR: 1.8 (s, 3H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 3.1 (s, 2H), 3.3 (s, 4H), 3.6 (m, 4H), 7.1 (s, 2H), 7.2 (s, 1H), 7.4 (d, 2H), 7.7 (d, 2H), 9.9 (s, 2H); MS (ESP'): 558.
Method 42
(R)-2.3.4.5-H43-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(3-ethylureido)phenylsulphanyl]phenyl}-2.4-dioxo-5-methyl-5-trifluoromethyloxazole
Ethyl isocyanate (0.062ml) was added to a solution of (R)-2,3,4,5-H4-3-[2-chloro-4-(4-aminophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2,4-dioxo-5-methyl-5-trifluoromethyloxazole (Method 40) (0.3g) in anhydrous ether (0.5ml) and THF (2ml) and the mixture was stirred for 24 hr. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with eluting with 5-60% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.29g) as a gummy solid. NMR: 1.8 (q, 2H), 2.0 (s, 3H), 3.1 (m, 3H), 6.1 (t, 1H), 7.2 (d, 2H), 7.5 (d, 2H), 7.6 (d, 2H), 7.6 (d, 1H), 8.7 (s, 1H); MS (ESP): 486.
Methods 43-44
Following the procedure of Method 42 and using the appropriate starting materials the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Method 45
N,N-di-(t-Butyloxycarbonyl)-2-chloro-4-nitroaniline
2-Chloro-4-nitroaniline (1.726 g) was added to an ice-cooled solution of di-t-butyl dicarbonate (2.401g) in THF (50ml). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature. 4-Dimethylaminopyridine (0.01g) was added and the solution was stirred for a further 19
hours then heated at 60°C for 26 hours. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was partitioned between water (100ml) and DCM (200ml). The organic phase was washed with brine then dried and reconcentrated. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica to give the title compound (1.261g) as a solid. NMR: 1.35 (s, 18H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 8.22 (dd, 1H), 8.42 (s, 1H); MS: 372 (M+).
Method 46
3 -chloro-4- [di-(t-butvloxv-carbonyl)amino] -1 -(2-nitroam'lino)phenyl
A mixture of l,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene (0.1g) and palladium (II) acetate (0.028g) in toluene (4ml) was stirred at 100°C, under Argon for one hour. This was added to a mixture of dried caesium carbonate (0.912g), 3-chloro-4-[di-(t-butyloxy-carbonyl)amino]aniline (Method 31) (0.822g) and 2-bromo-l-nitrobenzene (0.404g) in toluene (7ml). The mixture was stirred for 23 hours at 100°C under argon then cooled, filtered and concentrated by evaporation. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (75ml), washed with 1M aqueous hydrochloric acid (2x5ml), water (25ml) and brine (25ml) then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 10% ethyl acetate / hexane to give the title compound (0.889g) as a gum. NMR: 1.40 (s, 18H), 7.00 (t, 1H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.36 (d, 1H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.58 (t, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 9.28 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 462.
Method 47
2-chloro-4-(2-nitroanilino)aniline
TFA (3ml) was added to a solution of 3-chloro-4-[di-(t-butyloxy-carbonyl)amino]-l-(2-nitroanilino)phenyl (Method 46) (0.88g) in DCM (15ml). After 2 hours the solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100ml), washed with 1M aqueous sodium hydroxide (50ml), water (50ml) and brine (50ml) then dried and reconcentrated to give the title compound (0.45g) as a solid; MS (ESP+): 264 (M+H)+.
Method 48
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(phenylsulphanynphenyl1-2-(t-butoxycarbonylamino)propanamide (Based on the procedure of Villeneuve, G. B. et al, Tetrahedron Letters (1997), 38 (37), 6489.)
Triphenylphosphine (0.0.612 g) was added to a cooled (-78°C) solution of hexachloroacetone (0.18 ml) and N-t-butyloxycarbonyl-2-methylalanine (0.441 g) in dry DCM (15 ml) under argon. The resulting mixture was stirred at low temperature for 20 minutes. Then 2-chloro-4-(phenylsulphanyl)aniline (0.5 g) (Method 5) and dry triethylamine (0.33ml) were added. The resulting mixture was slowly warmed to room temperature, under argon, before being stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. Saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (15 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with DCM (2x50ml). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel column eluting with 2% ethyl acetate / DCM to give the title compound. NMR (CDC13): 1.40-1.45 (m, 12H), 4.29-4.40 (m, 1H), 4.86-4.95 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.40 (m, 7H), 8.30-8.38 (m, 1H), 8.64 (bra, 1H); MS (ESP): 405.
Method 49
(S)-2-Acetoxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanoyl chloride
Acetyl chloride (11.7 ml) was added drop wise to a stirred solution of (R)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanoic acid (10 g) (Method 9) in toluene (100 ml) cooled in an ice bath. The mixture was then heated to 80°C and the suspension dissolved to give a clear solution. After 2 hours the reaction mixture was cooled and then concentrated to give an oil. This oil was then redissolved in DCM (140 ml) and DMF (4 drops) was added followed by oxalyl chloride (6 ml). The solution bubbled vigorously and the reaction mixture was left to stir for 15 hours. The resultant solution of the title compound was used directly without further purification.
Method 50
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4- {3 -t-butoxy-2-hydroxypropylamino } phenyl)-2-acetoxy-2-niethyl-3,3,3 -trifluoropropanamide
t-Butyl glycidyl ether (0.19 ml) and copper(II) trifluoromethanesulphonate (0.018 g) were added to a solution of (R)-A^2-chloro-4-aminophenyl)-2-acetoxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (0.325 g) (Method 32) in diethyl ether (5ml). The mixture was stirred for 40 hours then volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography to give the title compound (0.141 g) as a foam; MS (ESP"): 453.
Method 51
3.4-Difluorobenzenethiol
A solution of triphenylphosphine (37.0 g) and DMF (2ml) in DCM (100ml) was maintained at 20°C with an ice bath during addition of 3,4-difluorobenzenesulphonyl chloride (10g). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours then aqueous hydrochloric acid (50 ml of a 1M solution) was added. The mixture was stirred for a further 1 hour. The organic layer was separated, dried and the solvent removed by evaporation to give the title compound as an oil which was used without purification.
Method 52
2-(4-Triisopropylsilylsulphanvlphenyl)pvrimidine
Tetrakis(triphenylphospnine)palladium(0) (0.28 g) was added to a solution of 2-(4-bromophenyl)pyrimidine (1.751g) (prepared as described in US patent application US 96-692869 (CA 129:136175)) in toluene (40 ml) and the mixture was heated at 80°C under argon for one hour. Trisopropylsilanethiol (2.14ml) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of sodium hydride (0.4 g of a 60% dispersion in oil) in dry THF (20 ml) cooled with ice/water. The cooling bath was removed and the mixture was stirred for 10 minutes to give a clear solution. This solution was added to the reagents in toluene and the mixture was stirred under reflux for 16 hours then cooled. Water (50 ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x50 ml). The extracts were combined, washed with brine (100ml) and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography eluting with 20% ethyl acetate / hexane tq give the title compound (1.49 g) as
a solid; NMR (at 343K): 0.86-1.07 (m, 21H), 7.4 (t, 1H), 7.7 (m, 2H), 8.39 (m, 2H), 8.87 (m, 2H); MS (El): 344 (M+).
Method 53
6-Iodoquinazolinedione
A mixture of 2-amino-5-iodobenzoic acid (3.5 g) and urea (1.56 g) in NMP (15 ml) was heated at 160°C for 6 hours then cooled. Water (200 ml) was added and the resultant precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried to give the title compound (3.35 g) as a solid. MS (CO: 289 (M+H)+.
Method 54
1.3-Dimethvl-6-iodoquinazolinedione
Sodium hydride (0.24 g of a 60% dispersion in oil) was added portionwise to a stirred solution of 6-iodoquinazolinedione (0.58 g) (Method 53) and iodomethane (0.63 ml) in DMF (10 ml). The mixture was stirred for 1 hour then added cautiously to saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (200 ml). Extraction with ethyl acetate followed by recrystallization from ethanol plus a little chloroform gave the title compound (0.48 g) as a solid. MS (CI+): 317 (M+H)+.
Method 55
7/-[2-Fluoro-4-(4-methvlsulphanylphenvlsulphanyl')phenyn-2-/-burvldimethvlsilvloxv-2-trifluoromethyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide
To a stirred solution of 2-t-butyldimethylsilyloxy-2-trifluoromethyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanoic acid, t-butyldimethylsilyl ester (Method 56) (1.05 g) in DCM (10 ml) was added DMF (2 drops) and oxalyl chloride (0.23 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 17 hours and was then added to a solution of 2-fluoro-4-(4-methylsulphanylphenylsulphanyl) aniline (Method 6) (0.63 g) in DCM (5 ml) and pyridine (0.22 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 48 hours, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 5-20% ethyl acetate / iso-hexane to give the title compound (0.278 g) as a yellow gum. NMR (CDC13):
0.29 (s, 6H), 0.98 (s, 9H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 6.96-7.0 (m, 1H), 7.06 (d, 1H), 7.2 (d, 2H), 7.31 (d, 2H), 8.23 (t, 1H), 8.62 (brs, 1H).
Method 56
2-t-Butyldimethylsilvloxy-2-trifluoromethyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanoic acid, t-butyldimethylsilyl ester
A stirred solution of 2-hydroxy-2-trifluoromethyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanoic acid (2.26 g) in anhydrous DMF (11 ml) under argon was treated with t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (3.37 g) followed by imidazole (3.02 g). The reaction mixture was stirred for 17 hours then extracted with iso-hexane (3x100 ml) and the organic phase washed with aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate (2x200 ml) and dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to give the title compound (3.09 g) as an oil. NMR (CDC13): 0.01 (s, 6H), 0.87 (s, 9H); MS (EI+) 383 (M-C4H9).
Method 57
(R)-N-[2-(2-Trimethylsilvlethynyl)-4-(4-mesylphenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3.3-trifluoropropanamide
Bis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II) chloride (0.01 g), triphenylphosphine (0.0038 g), trimethylsilylacetylene (0.17 ml), triethylamine (0.16 ml) and copper(I) iodide (0.0013 g) were added to a solution of (R)-N-[2-bromo-4-(4-mesylphenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 140) (0.311 g) in anhydrous THF (10 ml) under argon. The mixture was heated at 50°C for 3 hours then more bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium(II) chloride (0.01 g) and trimethylsilylacetylene (0.17 ml) were added and heating was continued for a further 3 hours. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool, ethyl acetate (50 ml) was added and the mixture was filtered through a pad of diatomaceous earth which was washed with ethyl acetate (3x20 ml). The filtrates were combined and volatile material was removed by evaporation. The residue was purified by chromatography eluting with 10-40% ethyl acetate / iso-hexane to give the title compound (in 89% yield) as a solid. NMR (CDC13): 0.29 (s, 9H), 1.74 (s, 3H), 3.05 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 1H), 7.88-7.92 (m, 1H), 8.02 (d, 1H), 8.05-8.13 (m, 4H), 8.61 (d, 1H), 9.46 (s, 1H); MS (ESP'): 546.
Method 58
5-Iodo-2H-benzimidazol-2-one
A mixture of iodine monochloride and 2H-benzimidazole-2-one (0.67 g) (Method 59) in glacial acetic acid (8 ml) was heated to 80°C for 1 hour then cooled. The mixture was partitioned between saturated aqueous sodium sulphite solution and DCM. The organic layer was evaporated to dryness then redissolved in ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate then all ethyl acetate extracts were combined and washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution, water and brine. The organic extracts were passed through a Varian Chem Elut column and washed through with ethyl acetate. Volatile material was removed by evaporation to give the title compound (0.36 g) as a solid which was used without further purification. MS (ESP+): 261 (M+H)+.
Method 59
2H-Benzimidazol-2-one
A solution of phenylene diamine 6.48g in dry THF (150 ml) was cooled to 5°C. A suspension of 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (10.7g) in THF (100 ml) was added to this solution over 15 minutes keeping the temperature below 10°C. The mixture was stirred for 16 hours and the resultant solid was collected and dried to give the title compound (4.5g); NMR: 6.9 (s, 4H), 10.5 (s, 2H); MS (ESP+): 135 (M+H)+.
Methods 60-62
Following the procedure of Example 197 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Method 63
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-('2-fluorophenvlsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hvdroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
m-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (55%, 2.39g) was added to a solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(2-fluorophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 187) (0.906g) in DCM (60ml) and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 6 hours. The mixture was then washed with saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution (3x100ml), water (100ml) and brine then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was triturated with hexane to give the title compound (0.808g) as a solid. Mp 90-92°C; NMR (CDC13): 1.75 (s, 3H), 3.65 (brs, 1H), 7.15 (t, 1H), 7.35 (t, 1H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 8.10 (m, 2H), 8.60 (d, 1H), 9.30 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP'): 424.
Methods 64-66
Following the procedure of Method 63 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared. (Table Removed)
Methods 67-68
Following the procedure of Method 16 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared.

(Table Removed)
Method 69
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-fluorophenylsulphonyl)phenyl1-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide
Hydrogen peroxide (0.3 ml of a 30 wt. % solution in water) was added to a solution of (R)-N-[2-chloro-4-(4-fluorophenylsulphanyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Example 188) (0.283g) in glacial acetic acid (1.0ml) and the mixture was stirred and heated at 100°C for 80 minutes then allowed to cool. Ethyl acetate (40ml) was added and the solution was washed with water (20ml), saturated aqueous sodium hydrogen
carbonate solution (20ml) and brine and then dried. Volatile material was removed by evaporation and the residue was purified by chromatography on a silica gel Mega Bond Elut column eluting with 0-25% ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.261 g; 72%) as a solid. Mp 131-133 °C; NMR: 1.6 (s, 3H), 7.46 (t, 2H), 8.0 (dd, 1H), 8.08 (m, 2H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 8.3 (d, 1H), 9.85 (brs, 1H); MS (ESP+): 426 (M+H)+.
Method 70-72
Following the procedure of Method 69 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared.
(Table Removed)
Method 73
(R)-N-(2-Chloro-4-chlorosulphonylphenyll)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3.3.3-trifluoropropanamide
(R)-N-(2-Chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide (Method 74) (13.8 g, 52 mmol) was added in portions to a cooled (0°C) solution of chlorosulphonic acid (25 ml) over 15mins and then the mixture was heated to 85°C. After 4.5h the reaction mixture was cooled in an ice bath and then poured very slowly onto a stirred ice-water mixture. After stirring for 15mins, the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2x100 ml) and the combined
organic layer washed with brine, dried and concentrated to yield a brown oil. This oil was purified by flash column chromatography using 10: 1, iso-hexane: ethyl acetate to yield the title compound as a pale yellow solid (11 g, 30 mmol). NMR: 1.6 (s, 3H), 7.55 (dd, 1H), 7.6 (d, 1H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 9.7 (brs, 1H); MS: 364.
Method 74
(R)-N-(2-Chlorophenvl)-2-hvdroxy-2-methyl-3,3.3-trifluoropropanamide
Acetyl chloride (11.7 ml, 164 mmol) was added drop wise to a stirred solution of the (R)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanoic acid (Method 9) (10 g, 63 mmol) in toluene (100 ml) cooled in an ice bath. The mixture was then heated to 80°C and the suspension dissolved to yield a clear solution. After 2h the reaction mixture was cooled and then concentrated to yield a slight brown oil. This oil was then redissolved in DCM (140 ml) and DMF (4 drops) was added followed by oxalyl chloride (6 ml, 69 mmol). The solution bubbled vigorously and the reaction mixture was left to stir. After 15h, this reaction mixture was added slowly to a stirred solution of 2-chloroaniline (8.7 g, 68 mmol) and pyridine (5.5 ml, 68 mmol) in DCM (150 ml). After 15h stirring at room temperature, the resultant mixture was concentrated and the residue dissolved in methanol (500 ml). A solution of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (7.8 g, 0.19 mol) in water (120 ml) was then added and the mixture was stirred for 4h. The mixture was then concentrated and the residue acidified to pH 2 (by addition of concentrated hydrochloric acid). Ethyl acetate(150 ml) was added and the mixture washed with water (2x100 ml) and brine, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography using 6: 1, wo-hexane: ethyl acetate to yield the title compound as a white solid (13.8 g, 52 mmol). NMR: 1.6 (s, 3H), 7.1-7.25 (m, 1H), 7.3-7.4 (m, 1H), 7.55 (dd, 1H), 7.8 (s, 1H), 8.0 (dd, 1H), 9.7 (brs, 1H); MS: 266.
Method 75
Following the procedure of Method 63 and using the appropriate starting material the following compounds were prepared.

(Table Removed)
Example 429
The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage forms containing the compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof (hereafter compound X), for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans:
(a) Tablet I me/tablet
Compound X 100
Lactose Ph.Eur 182.75
Croscarmellose sodium 12.0
Maize starch paste (5% w/v paste) 2.25
Magnesium stearate 3.0
(b) Tablet II me/tablet
Compound X 50
Lactose Ph.Eur 223.75
Croscarmellose sodium 6.0
Maize starch 15.0
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (5% w/v paste) 2.25
Magnesium stearate 3.0
(c) Tablet III me/tablet
Compound X 1.0
Lactose Ph.Eur 93.25
Croscarmellose sodium 4.0
Maize starch paste (5% w/v paste) 0.75
Magnesium stearate 1.0
(d) Capsule mg/capsule
Compound X 10
Lactose Ph.Eur 488.5
Magnesium stearate 1.5
(e) Injection I (50 mg/ml)
Compound X 5.0% w/v
IN Sodium hydroxide solution 15.0% v/v
0.1N Hydrochloric acid (to adjust pH to 7.6)
Polyethylene glycol 400 4.5% w/v
Water for injection to 100%
(f) Injection II (10mg/ml)
Compound X 1.0% w/v
Sodium phosphate BP 3.6% w/v
0. IN Sodium hydroxide solution 15.0% v/v
Water for injection to 100%
(g) Injection III (lmg/ml.buffered to pH6)
Compound X 0.1% w/v
Sodium phosphate BP 2.26% w/v
Citric acid 0.38% w/v
Polyethylene glycol 400 3.5% w/v
Water for injection to 100%
Note
The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures well known in the pharmaceutical art. The tablets (a)-(c) may be enteric coated by conventional means, for example to provide a coating of cellulose acetate phthalate.


We claim:
1 N-phenyl —trifluoropropanamide compound of formula (I1):
(Formula Removed)
wherein: n is 1 or 2;
Ra is chloro, fiuoro, bromo, nitro or methoxy;
Rb is C1-6alkyl optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from hydroxy, amino, halo, C1-4alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy or C1-6alkoxy or Rb is phenyl, a carbon-linked 6-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-2 nitrogen atoms or a carbon-linked 5-membered heteroaryl ring containing 1-3 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S, wherein said phenyl or heteroaryl ring is substituted by one or more groups selected from i)-iii) and is optionally further substituted with a group selected from iv):
i)-Xa-Rc wherein Xa is a direct bond,-O-,-S-,-SO-,-SO2-,-NRd-or-CONRe - (wherein Rd and Re each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl whichC1-4alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxyl or C1-4alkoxy) and Rc is selected from hydrogen or C1-4alkyl whichC1-4alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy orC1-4alkoxy with the proviso that -Xa-Rc is not C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkoxy, with the proviso that -Xa-Rc is not hydrogen, C1-4alkyl or C1-4alkoxy;
ii) a 4-12 membered heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S which heterocyclic moiety may be aromatic or non-aromatic and is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from hydroxy, halo, C1-4alkoxyC1-4alkyl or cyano;
iii) -Xa-C1-6alkyl-Xb-Rc wherein Xa and Rc are as defined hereinbefore and Xb is -S-,-SO-or -SO2-;

iv) cyano, hydroxy, halo, C1-4alkoxy, C1-4alkyl; and and salts thereof;
and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound.
2. A compound of formula (I1) as claimed in claim 1 wherein Rais chloro or
fluoro.
3. A compound of formula (I1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein Rb is
C1-4alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy or Rb is phenyl wherein said
phenyl is substituted by one group selected from i)-iii):
iv) -Xa-Rc wherein Xa is -SO-,-SO2-,-NRd-or-CONRe - (wherein Rd and Re each independently represents hydrogen or C1-4alkyl) and Rc is selected from hydrogen or C1-6alkyl which C1-6alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more hydroxy;
v) a 4-12 membered heterocyclic moiety containing 1-4 heteroatoms selected independently from O, N and S which heterocyclic moiety may be aromatic or non-aromatic;
vi) -Xa-C1-6alkyl-Xb-Rc wherein Xa and Rc are as defined hereinbefore and Xb is -S-.
4. A compound of formula (I1) as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 which is selected
from: (R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(4-mesylphenylsulphinyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-
methyl-3,3,3 - trifluoropropanamide;
(R)-N-{2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-oxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl)phenylsulphonyl]phenyl}-2-
hydroxy-2-methyl- 3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide; (R)-N-{2-Fluoro-4- [4- (2-hydroxyethylamino) phenylsulphonyl]phenyl}-2-
hydroxy-2-methyl- 3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide; (R)-N- {2-Chloro-4-[4-(2-hydroxyethylamino) phenylsulphonyl]phenyl}-2-
hydroxy-2-methyl- 3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide; (R)-N {2-Chloro-4- [4- (2-methylsulphanylethylamino) phenylsulphonyl]
phenyl}-2-hydroxy-2- methyl-3,3,3-trifiuoropropanamide; (R)-N-{2-Chloro-4- [4- (methyl sulphinyl) phenylsulphinyl]phenyl}-2-
hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3- trifluoropropanamide;
(R)-N-[2-Chloro-4-(2-hydroxyethylsulphonyl) phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-
methyl-3,3,3- trifluoropropanamide;
(R)-N (2-Chloro-4-ethylsulphonylphenyl)-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-3,3,3-
trifluoropropanamide; (R)-N- {2-Chloro-4- [4-(N, N-dimethylcarbamoyl) phenylsulphonyl]phenyl}-
2-hydroxy-2- methyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropanamide; (R)-N [2-Chloro-4- (4-aminophenylsulphonyl)phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-
3,3,3- trifluoropropanamide; and salts thereof;
and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of said compound.

5. A process for preparing a compound of formula (I1) as claimed in any of the claims 1 to 4 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, which process (in which variable groups are as defined for formula (I1) unless otherwise stated) comprises of:
oxidising a compound of formula (VI1)



(Formula Removed)

and thereafter if necessary:
(iv) converting a compound of the formula (I1) into another
compound of the formula (I1); (v) removing any protecting groups; or (vi) forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
6. The compounds of formula (I1) substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to the foregoing examples.
7. The process substantially as herein described with reference to the
foregoing examples.


Documents:

0817-del-1999-abstract.pdf

0817-del-1999-claims.pdf

0817-del-1999-correspondence-others.pdf

0817-del-1999-correspondence-po.pdf

0817-del-1999-description (complete).pdf

0817-del-1999-form-1.pdf

0817-del-1999-form-13.pdf

0817-del-1999-form-18.pdf

0817-del-1999-form-2.pdf

0817-del-1999-form-3.pdf

0817-del-1999-form-4.pdf

0817-del-1999-form-6.pdf

0817-del-1999-gpa.pdf

817-del-1999-abstract-02-05-2008.pdf

817-del-1999-claims-02-05-2008.pdf

817-DEL-1999-Claims-24-04-2008.pdf

817-del-1999-correspondece-others-02-05-2008.pdf

817-DEL-1999-Correspondence-Others-24-04-2008.pdf

817-del-1999-description (complete)-02-05-2008.pdf

817-DEL-1999-Description (Complete).pdf

817-del-1999-form-1-02-05-2008.pdf

817-del-1999-form-2-02-05-2008.pdf

abstract-02-05-2008.jpg

abstract.jpg


Patent Number 220862
Indian Patent Application Number 0817/DEL/1999
PG Journal Number 30/2008
Publication Date 25-Jul-2008
Grant Date 09-Jun-2008
Date of Filing 28-May-1999
Name of Patentee ASTRAZENECA UK LIMITED
Applicant Address
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 ROGER JOHN BUTLIN
2 JEREMY NICHOLAS BURROWS
3 MICHAEL HOWARD BLOCK
4 THORSTEN NOWAK
PCT International Classification Number A61K 38/28
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 9811427.5 1998-05-29 U.K.