Indian Patents. 270067:"SNAR PROCESS FOR PREPARING BENZIMIDAZOLE COMPOUNDS"

Title of Invention	"SNAR PROCESS FOR PREPARING BENZIMIDAZOLE COMPOUNDS"
Abstract	Provided are methods for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds such as benzimidazole carboxylic acid core structures having Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates: wherein X1, X2, X5, R1, R2 and R4 are as defined herein. Compounds of Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates can be used to prepare heterocyclic derivatives such as benzimidazole derivatives.

Full Text	SNAr PROCESS FOR PREPARING BENZIMIDAZOLE COMPOUNDS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] Related Application [0002] The present invention claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/693,374 filed June 23, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference. [0003] Field of the Invention [0004] This invention relates to processes for the preparation of heterocyclic compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to the synthesis of compounds that can be used to prepare pharmaceutical agents such as benzimidazole derivatives. This invention further includes intermediate compounds obtained during the synthesis of the heterocyclic compounds of this invention and to the methods of preparation thereof. [0005] Description of the state of the art [0006] Benzimidazole derivatives have been investigated as therapeutics for treating cancers, viral infections, and diseases and pathological conditions involving inflammation and have been disclosed in a number of patents and publications in the last several years, including U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0232869, 2004/0116710, and 2003/0216460; U.S. Patent No. 5,525,625; WO 98/43960;" WO 99/01421; WO 99/01426; WO 00/41505; WO 00/42002; WO 00/42003; WO 00/41994; WO 00/42022; WO 00/42029; WO 00/68201; WO 01/68619; WO 02/06213; WO 03/077914; and WO 03/077855. [0007] In particular, WO 03/077914 describes the synthesis of the sodium salt of a benzimidazole derivative 11 from 2,3,4-trifluorobenzoic acid in 11 linear steps as illustrated in Scheme 1. Introduction of a di-substiuted aniline is accomplished by the stepwise introduction of an unsubstituted aniline moiety, followed by subsequent bromination and chlorination. Not only is this process inefficient in terms of the number of linear synthetic steps required, but there are also selectivity issues, as well as process safety issues around the chlorination reaction. For example, the synthesis shown in Scheme 1 includes a number of chemical transformations that could be hazardous to carry out on a manufacturing scale, and/or produce levels of by-products that would not be acceptable in a final active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that for a process to be suitable for industrial application it should be (i) amenable to being performed on large scale, (ii) have minimal environmental impact (for example in terms of amount of raw materials required and/or the amount of waste produced), (iii) safe (for example, use materials of low toxicity that do not produce toxic waste), and (iv) as low in cost as possible (for example, by being a higher yielding and more convergent synthesis). Since heterocyclic compounds such as benzimidazoles are potentially useful as therapeutics, there is an on-going need for a more efficient synthetic route for the production of benzimidazole derivatives that is more suitable for large-scale manufacture. A single step procedure that would allow the introduction of substituted aniline would therefore be extremely useful for the purpose of manufacturing benzimidazole derivatives. [0008](Scheme Removed) Scheme 1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In general, the present invention provides methods for preparing heterocyclic compounds and their synthetic intermediates, which are useful for the production of therapeutic compounds such as benzimidazole derivatives. [0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, methods are provided for the preparation of compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1, Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates(Scheme Removed) [0011] and salts and solvates thereof, wherein: [0012] R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl; [0013] R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally' substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl; [0014] R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from' halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl, wherein for Formulas Ib-1 and Ib-2, R3 is not hydrogen; [0015] R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7; [0016] X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted" with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy; [0017] X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1-C6 alkyl; [0018] R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, d-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl, [0019] or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and [0020] R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl. [0021] More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides a" process, referred to herein as Method 1, for preparing N-3 benzimidazole [0022] [0023] compounds represented by Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates (Formula Removed) and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein, said method comprising: reacting a compound of Formula Va or Vb [0024] (Formula Removed) wherein X3 is F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 and R3 are as defined herein, and R3a is H or a group that is removable under reductive conditions • such as substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6, with an aniline represented by the Formula VI(Formula Removed) [0025] in the presence of a base to provide a compound having Formula Vll-la wherein A is -NR3R3a or a compound of Formula Vll-lb wherein A is N3, (Formula Removed) [0026] [0027] Vll-lb: A = N3 wherein R2, R3, R3a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; reducing said compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1 (Formula Removed) [0028] [0029] wherein R , R , X , X and X are as defined herein, wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2; cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-1 to provide a compound of Formula Ia-1 (Formula Removed) [0030] [0031] wherein R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; and converting the nitrile group in said compound of Formula Ia-1 to COOR1, optionally using (i) aqueous hydrolysis with or without an acid or base or (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis, to provide said compound of Formula Ia-2 (Formula Removed) [0032] [0033] In one embodiment of Method 1, the compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared according to the method comprising: nitrating a compound having the Formula IIa (Formula Removed) [0034] wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is as defined herein to provide a compound of Formula IV (Formula Removed) [0035] [0036][0037] [0038]wherein X3 and X4 are as defined herein; and reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be. converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. In another embodiment of Method 1, the compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula l1b (Formula Removed) [0039] wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester, and Xs is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula III (Formula Removed) [0040] [0041] wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein; converting the carboxylic acid function of said compound of Formula III to a primary amide (CONH2) to provide a compound of Formula IIId (Formula Removed) [0042][0043][0044]ehydrating the primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIId to provide a compound of Formula IV (Formula Removed) reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X of said" compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. In yet another embodiment, a compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by [0045] the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula l1b [0046] (Formula Removed) wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula III (Formula Removed) [0047] [0048] wherein X , X4 and X are as defined herein; reacting said compound of Formula III with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III, to provide a compound of Formula IIIa-1 wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula III with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III to provide a compound of Formula IIIa-2 wherein A is N3 (Formula Removed) [0049] R3a, X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein; [0050] converting the carboxylic acid group of said compound of Formula IIIa-1 or IIIa-2 to a carboxylic acid ester to provide a compound of Formula IIIb-1 or IIIb-2, respectively, (Formula Removed) [0051] [0052] and X5 are as defined herein; converting the carboxylic acid ester group of said compound of Formula Illb-1 or IIIb-2 to a primary amide group to provide a compound of Formula IIIo 1 or IIIc-2, respectively, OoN [0053] [0054] [0055] [0056] (Formula Removed) wherein R3, R3a, X3 and X5 are as defined herein; and dehydrating said primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2 to provide said compound of Formula Va or Vb. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process, referred to herein as Method 2, for preparing N-3 benzimidazole compounds represented by Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates, said method comprising: providing a compound of Formula VIII-1 prepared as described in Method 1 (Formula Removed) HoN [0057] [0058] wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein and wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2; converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula VIII-1 to COOR1, optionally using (i) aqueous hydrolysis with or without an acid or base or (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis, to provide a compound of Formula VIII-2 [0059] [0060] [0061] [0062] (Formula Removed) wherein R1, R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; and cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-2 to provide said compound of Formula Ia-2. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process, referred to herein as Method 3, for preparing N-3 benzimidazole compounds represented by Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates, said method comprising: providing a compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb, prepared as described in Method 1 (Formula Removed) [0063] [0064] wherein R2, R3, R3a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb to" COOR1, optionally using (i) aqueous hydrolysis with or without an acid or base or (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis, to provide a compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b (Formula Removed) [0065] [0066] wherein R1, R2, R3, R3a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; reducing said compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b to provide a compound of Formula VIII-2 (Formula Removed) [0067] [0068] [0069] wherein R , R , R , X , X and X are as defined herein, wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-2 is NH2; and cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-2 to provide said compound of. Formula Ia-2. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a process, referred to herein as Method 4, for preparing N-l benzimidazole compounds represented by Formula Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates [0070] (Formula Removed) and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein, with the proviso that R3 is not hydrogen, said method comprising: [0071] providing a compound of Formula VIII-1, prepared as described in Method 1 wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein, with the proviso that R3 is not hydrogen, and wherein when A of said compound of Formula Vll-la or Vll-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2; (Formula Removed) [0072] cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-1 to provide a compound of Formula Ib-1 [0073] [0074] (Formula Removed) wherein R2, R3 X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; and and converting of the nitrile group in Ib-1 to COOR1, optionally using (i) aqueous hydrolysis with or without an acid or base or (ii) enzymatic' hydrolysis, to provide said compound of Formula Ib-2 [0075] [0076] [0077] (Formula Removed) wherein R1, R2, R3 X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. In one embodiment the cyclization Method A described below can be used in conjunction with Method 4 above. The step of cyclizing a compound of Formula VIII-1 or VIII-2 to provide the benzimidazole core structures in any of the above-described Methods 1-4 can [0078] [0079] [0080][0081]b performed in several ways. Five cyclization methods, namely ethods A-E, are described in general below with respect to the cyclization of a compound of Formula VIII-1. However, it is to be understood that Methods A-E apply equally to the cyclizations of compounds of Formulas VIII-2. The cyclization methods will provide either N-3 benzimidazole derivatives or N-l benzimidazole derivatives, depending on the reagents used and the particular R3 substituents on the compounds of Formulas VIII-1. Method A: A compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding benzimidazole represented by Formula Ia-1, wherein R4 is hydrogen, by a "one pot" method upon treatment with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide of the benzimidazole tautomer represented by Formula Ia-2 wherein R4 is hydrogen. If desired, the compound of Formula Ia-2 can be reacted with an alkylating agent to provide a mixture of the N-l and N-3 alkylated benzimidazoles Ia-2 and Ib-2(Formula Removed) wherein R4 and R3 are not hydrogen. Method B: A compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding N-l benzimidazole represented by Formula Ib-1 by a "one pot" method upon treatment with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid, (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, or (iii) formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ib-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula Ib-2. Method C: A compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, can be" [0082] [0083] [0084] [0085] [0086] cyclized to the corresponding N-3 benzimidazole represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is methyl, by a "one pot" method upon treatment with two or more equivalents of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2. Method D: A compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding benzimidazole represented by Formula Ib-1 wherein R4 is not hydrogen, by a step-wise process comprising: (a) (i) reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed) with an acylating agent to provide a compound of Formula IX-1 (Formula Removed) wherein R2, R3, X1, X2, X5 are as defined herein and R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, and (ii) reducing the amide group of said compound of Formula IX-1 to provide a compound of Formula X-l (Formula Removed) [0087] wherein R2, R3, R4a, X1, X2, X5 are as defined herein; or [0088] [0089] [0090] [0091] [0092] [0093] [0094] (b) reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1 with an alkylating agent to provide said compound of Formula X-l; and (c) reacting said compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of a second acid to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group,- wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2. Method E: A compound of Formula VIII-1, where R3 is not hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding benzimidazole compound of Formula XI-1, wherein R4 is not hydrogen, by a step-wise method comprising: (a) (i) reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1 (Formula Removed) with a suitable acylating agent to provide a compound of Formula IX-1 (Formula Removed) wherein R2, R3, X1, X2, X5 are as defined herein and R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl; and (ii) reducing the amide group of said compound of Formula IX-1 to provide a compound of Formula X-l [0095] wherein R2, R3, R4a, X1, X2, X5 are as defined herein; or [0096] (b) reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1 with an alkylating agent to provide said compound of Formula X-l; [0097] (c) reacting said compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of a second acid to provide said compound of Formula XI-1 (Formula Removed) [0098] wherein R2, R3, R4, X1, X2, X5 and Xs are as defined herein; and [0099] removing the R3 group to provide the N-3 benzimidazole compound of Formula Ia-1. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2. [00100] Additional advantages and novel features of this invention shall be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following specification or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, combinations, compositions, and methods particularly pointed out in the detailed description and in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [00101] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. [00102] In the Figures: [00103] Figure 1 shows a reaction scheme (Methods 1-4) for the synthesis of compounds having the Formula Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates. [00104] Figure 2 shows several synthetic routes for preparing the intermediate compounds represented by Formulas Va and Vb. [00105] Figure 3 shows a "one pot" cyclization method (Method A) using formic acid or a formic acid derivative for the preparation of benzimidazole tautomers represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is hydrogen. [00106] Figure 4 shows a "one pot" cyclization method (Method B) using formic acid, a formic acid derivative, formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative for the preparation of benzimidazole core structures represented by Formula Ib-1 wherein R3 is not hydrogen. [00107] Figure 5 shows a "one pot" cyclization method (Method C) using formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative for the preparation of benzimidazoles represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is methyl. [00108] Figure 6 shows a multi-step cyclization method (Method D) for the preparation of benzimidazoles represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is not hydrogen. [00109] Figure 7 shows another multi-step cyclization method (Method E) for the preparation of benzimidazoles represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is not hydrogen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00110] One aspect of the present invention provides methods for the preparation of compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates(Formula Removed) [00111] and salts and solvates thereof, wherein: [00112] R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-Ce heterocycloalkyl; [00113] R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, Q-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl; [00114] R3 is hydrogen, Ci-Cio alkyl, C2-Cio alkenyl, C2-C]0 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, Ci-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and Ca-C4 alkynyl, wherein for Formulas Ib-1 and Ib-2, R3 is not hydrogen; [00115] R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7; [00116] X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy; [00117] X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or d-C6 alkyl; [00118] R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl, [00119] or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and [00120] R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl. [00121] Methods for preparing N-3 benzimidazole compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2 can be performed in several ways and are described below. Three methods, namely Methods 1-3, for preparing the N-3 benzimidazole compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1 and Ia-2 are shown in Figure 1. Method 4, also shown in Figure 1, describes the synthesis of the N-l benzimidazole derivatives represented by Formulas Ib-1 and Ib-2. [00122] In certain embodiments of Methods 1-4, X5 is halogen. In other embodiments, X5 is F. In yet another embodiment, X1 is H or halogen. In another 0 0 embodiment X is alkyl or halogen. In one embodiment X is Br. [00123] In certain embodiments of Methods 1-4, R4 is Ci-Cio alkyl. In particular embodiments, R4 is methyl. [00124] In some embodiments of Methods 1-4, R2 is hydrogen. [00125] Method 1: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,' referred to herein as Method 1 and shown schematically in Figure 1, for preparing compounds of Formulas Ia-1 and Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates(Formula Removed) [00126] and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. [00127] More specifically, Method 1, as shown in Figure 1, comprises preparation of a compound of Formula Ia-1 or Ia-2 from a compound of Formula Va or Vb (Formula Removed) [00128] [00129] [00130] wherein X3 is F, Cl, Br, I or a sulfonate ester such as, but not limited to, trifluoromethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate or p-toluenesulfonate, R3a is H or a group that is removable under reductive conditions such as substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6, and X5 and R3 are defined herein. A compound of Formula Va or Vb can be prepared by several methods as shown in Figure 2. For example, according to one embodiment a compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula IIa (Formula Removed) [00131] wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is as defined herein to provide a compound of Formula IV CN .X3 [00132] [00133] [00134] wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein. In one embodiment, X3, X4 and X5 are F. The compound of Formula IV is then reacted with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine, or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or said compound of Formula IV is reacted with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. Nitration reaction conditions suitable for the preparation of compounds of Formula IV are well known to those skilled in the art, and include, but are not limited to reacting a compound of Formula IIa with nitric acid in the presence of an activating agent such as concentrated sulfuric acid. With continued reference to Figure 2, the X4 group of the compound of Formula IV is then selectively replaced by a nitrogen nucleophile to provide a compound of Formula Va or Vb. Examples of nucleophilic reagents that contain or generate ammonia include, but are not limited to, NH3 and NH4OH. Examples of nucleophilic primary and secondary amines include amines having the formula HNR3R3a, wherein R3 and R3a are as defined herein. Specific examples of primary and secondary amines include, but are not limited to methylamine, benzylamine, dibenzylamine, allylamine, diallylamine" and hexamethyldisilazane. Examples of nucleophilic reagents that deliver a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine include, but are not limited to, (1) metal amides such as sodium, potassium and lithium amide, or alkylated derivatives thereof, (2) protected ammonia or amide equivalents such as, but not limited to, hydroxylamines and hydrazines, (3) nitrogen nucleophiles having the Formula MNR3R3a wherein M is a metal such as Na, • K, Li, Cs, Mg or Al and R3 and R3a are as hereinbefore defined and such as NaNH2, KNH2 or LiNH2 and (4) metal silylamides such as lithium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide, sodium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide or potassium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide. Examples of nucleophilic metal azides include, but are not limited to, sodium azide (NaN3), potassium azide (KN3) and lithium azide (LiN3). [00135] Nucleophilic substitution of a leaving group ortho- or para- to a nitro group in an aromatic ring is a method well known in the art for the introduction of an amino group into an aromatic ring. In the case of compounds of Formula IV, it was discovered that, under controlled reaction conditions, the leaving groups X3 and X4 can be replaced independently in separate steps. That is, the group in the position ortho- to the nitro group in compounds of Formula IV (i.e., the X4 group) is selectively replaced by a nitrogen nucleophile with minimal or no • displacement of the X3 group when the reaction is performed under the appropriate reaction conditions. The reaction conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, equivalents of nucleophile, etc.) needed to achieve selective mono-amination at the position ortho- to the nitro group of compound of Formula IV depend on the strength of the nucleophile. For example, if a strong nucleophile is used, the reaction may proceed easily at or below room temperature and at atmospheric pressure using one equivalent of the nucleophile to provide the desired mono-amination product. Examples of strong nucleophiles include, but are not limited to, aqueous ammonia (30% vol/vol) and metal amides such as sodium, potassium and lithium amide. Alternatively, if a weak nucleophile is used, more forcing conditions such as elevated temperatures and/or elevated pressure and/or an excess amount of the nucleophile may be required to achieve monoamination. Examples of weak -nucleophiles include, but are not limited to, a primary or secondary amine substituted with a sterically bulky group such as t-butyl. The introduction of an amino group at the position ortho- to the nitro group provides the substitution product represented by Formula Va or Vb, which is less reactive to further nucleophilic attack, and therefore the reaction can be carried out with a high level of selectivity. The leaving group X3 at the position para- to. the nitro group is replaced in a subsequent step of Method 1 by an aniline nucleophile. The discovery of methodology that allows the two substitution reactions to be carried out selectively and independently allows for an efficient route for the manufacture of substituted benzimidazoles of a type represented by la-1 and la-2. [00136] In a particular embodiment, a compound of Formula Va is prepared by reacting a compound of Formula IV with excess NR4OH at room temperature in water (with or without an organic co-solvent). Examples of suitable organic co-solvents include THF, 1,4-dioxane and N-methyl pyrrolidine. Alternatively, a compound of Formula Va can be prepared by reacting a compound of Formula IV with aqueous ammonia at temperatures between 0 and 130 °C, in particular between 30 and 130 °C under 1-5 bar NH3(g). In one embodiment, a compound of Formula IV is reacted with aqueous ammonia at temperatures between 0 °C and room temperature, hi another embodiment, a compound of Formula IV is reacted with aqueous ammonia under 1 bar NH3(g). [00137] According to another embodiment as shown in Figure 2, a compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: [00138] nitrating a compound of Formula l1b(Formula Removed) [00139] wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula III(Formula Removed) [00140] [00141]wherein X3, X4 and X are as defined herein; converting the carboxylic acid group of said compound of Formula III to a primary amide group under slander conditions well known to persons skilled in the art (for example, by treating a compound of Formula III with concentrated aqueous ammonium hydroxide at room temperature) to provide a compound of Formula Illd 0,N [00142] [00143] (Formula Removed) wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein; and dehydrating the primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIId under' standard dehydration conditions well known to persons skilled in the art to provide a compound of Formula IV (Formula Removed) [00144] reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula -Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. For example, in one embodiment a compound of Formula IIId wherein X3 = X4 = Xs = F, can be treated with POCl3 at a temperature above ambient and in a suitable solvent such as, but not limited to acetonitrile, to [00145][00146] [00147]provide the compound of Formula IV. The nitration conditions for preparing a compound of Formula III are as described above. For example, in one embodiment a trihalobenzoic represented by Formula l1b can be treated with fuming nitric acid in H2SC4 to provide a 2,3,4-trihalo-5-nitrobenzoic acid represented by Formula III in high yield. In yet another embodiment as shown in Figure 2, a compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula l1b (Formula Removed) [00148] wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula III(Formula Removed) [00149] [00150] wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein; reacting said compound of Formula III with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III, to provide a compound of Formula Illa-1 wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula III with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III to provide a compound of Formula IIIa-2 wherein AisN3 [00151] : (Formula Removed) converting the carboxylic acid group of said compound of Formula IIIa-1 or IIIa-2 to a carboxylic acid ester under stander conditions well known to persons skilled in the art to provide a compound of Formula IIIb-1 or IIIb-2, respectively, (Formula Removed) [00152] [00153] wherein R3, R3a, X3 and X5 are as defined herein; converting the carboxylic acid ester group of said compound of Formula Illb-1 or IIIb-2 to a primary amide group under stander conditions well known to persons skilled in the art to provide a compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2, respectively, [00154] [00155] (Formula Removed) wherein R3, R3a, X3 and X5 are as defined herein; and dehydrating said primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2 under stander conditions well known to persons skilled in the art to provide said compound of Formula Va or Vb. [00156] [00157] This invention further provides compounds of Formula Va and Vb salts and solvates thereof. In one embodiment of a compound of Formula Va, X3 and X5 are F, and R3 and R3a are H. With continued reference to Figure 1, a compound of Formula VII-la or VII- Ib [00158] (Formula Removed) wherein X1, X2, X5 R2, R3, R3a, A and Z are as defined herein, is then prepared by reacting a compound of Formula Va or Vb, respectively, with a substituted or unsubstituted aniline. More specifically, one embodiment for the preparation of compounds of Formula VII-la according to Method 1 comprises a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SnAr) reaction between a compound of Formula Va or Vb and an aniline having the Formula VI [00159] [00160] (Formula Removed) wherein X1, X2 and R2 are as defined herein, in the presence of a suitable base in an appropriate solvent. The nitrile moiety in said compound of Formula Va/Vb was found to be a more effective activating substituent for this nucleophilic substitution reaction compared to an ester group in the same position. The SnAr reaction is performed in the presence of a base that strong enough to deprotonate the aniline substrate in order to achieve effective conversion to the coupled compound VH-la. Examples of bases that can generate reactive nucleophilic anilines include, but are not limited to: metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride; dialkyl metal amides, such as lithium dialkyl amines (e.g., lithium diisopropylamide); metal silazides, such as hexaalkyldisilazides (e.g., [00161] sodium hexamethyl disilazide, lithium hexamethyl disilazide or potassium hexamethyl disilazide); metal alkoxides, such as potassium, sodium or lithium alkoxides derived from primary secondary or tertiary alcohols (e.g., potassium tert-butoxide, sodium isoamylate); metal amides (e.g., sodium amide, potassium amide, lithium amide); Grignard reagents (e.g., alkyl magnesium halides); and aluminum reagents, such as trialkylaluminum reagents. According to one embodiment of the invention, a compound of Formula Villa or VII-lb can be prepared as shown in Figure 1 by reacting a compound of Formula Va or Vb with an aniline of Formula VI in an aprotic organic solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature between -50 and 80 °C. Examples of suitable organic solvents include, but are not limited to THF, diethylether and N-methyl pyrrolidine. In one embodiment, the aniline has the Formula VI R2HN [00162] [00163] VI wherein X1, X2 and R2 are as defined herein. In a particular embodiment, X1 is Br. In another embodiment, a compound of Formula Va, wherein R3 and R3a are hydrogen and X3 and X5 are F, is reacted with a compound of Formula VI, wherein said compound of Formula VI is 4-bromo-2-chloroaniline, in the presence of a base, for example potassium tert-butoxide, in THF at a temperature between -10 to 50 °C, to provide a compound of Formula VII-la wherein R3 and R3a are hydrogen, X5 is F, X1 is 2-chloro and X2 is 4-bromo. This invention further provides compounds of Formula VII-la and VII-lb [00164] [00165] (Formula Removed) and salts and solvates thereof. In one embodiment of a compound of Formula VII-1a, X5 is F, and R2, R3 and R3a are H. With continued reference to Figure 1, the nitro group of the compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb is then reduced to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1. The reduction step can be performed utilizing reaction conditions and reagents well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable methods for reducing an aromatic nitro group include, but are not limited to, dissolving metal reductions, catalytic hydrogenations, and enzymatic reactions. More specific examples of dissolving metal reductions include the use of a metal in a suitable solvent under acidic conditions. Example of metals suitable for dissolving metal reductions include, but are not limited to, Zn, Fe and Sn. For example, in one embodiment a compound of Formula Vll-la can be converted to a compound of Formula VIII-1 using zinc powder and concentrated HC1 in suitable solvent system at temperatures between 0-100 °C, more typically at 40 to 60 °C. Suitable solvent systems for dissolving metal reductions include organic solvent systems such as, but not limited to, a mixture of methanol and THF. Catalytic hydrogenations can be performed with hydrogen in the presence of a metal catalyst in a suitable solvent system under hydrogen (for example, 1-20 atm. H2) at 0-100 °C. Suitable metal catalysts for use in catalytic hydrogenations include, but are not limited to, Pd, Pt, Rh and Ni. Examples of suitable solvent systems include, but are not limited to, an organic solvent and/or aqueous organic solvents, such as a mixture of isopropanol and THF. Catalytic hydrogenation can also be performed in an organic solvent in the presence of a palladium or platinum-based catalyst (such as, but not limited to, palladium or platinum metal supported on carbon) at hydrogen pressures greater than 60 psi. In one embodiment, catalytic hydrogenation was found to be particularly effective to achieve the conversion" of a compound of Formula Vll-la into a compound of Formula VIII-1. [00166] This invention further provides compounds of Formula VIII-1 and salts and solvates thereof. In one embodiment of a compound of Formula VIII-1, X5 is F, and R2, R3 and R3a are H. [00167] With continued reference to Figure 1, the compound of Formula VIII-1 can be cyclized to the benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ia-1 (Formula Removed) [00168] [00169] [00170] Ia-1 wherein X1, X2, X5, R2 and R4 are as defined herein. The cyclization step to provide the benzimidazole core structure Ia-1 can be performed in several ways, such as any one of Methods A, C or D as described later in detail. Also provided herein are compounds of Formula Ia-1 and salts and solvates thereof. The nitrile derivative represented by Formula Ia-1 can be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a carboxyl derivative represented by Formula Ia-2 [00171] [00172] (Formula Removed) wherein R1, R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Procedures for the hydrolysis or alcholysis of nitriles to carboxylic acids or esters, such as chemical or enzymatic methods, are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, chemical methods of converting a nitrile to a COOR1 group include " hydrolysis in water, with or without an organic co-solvent, and in the presence of an acid or base. Suitable bases include, but are not limited to, Group I or Group II metal hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, etc. Examples of suitable acids include, but are not limited to, mineral acids, for example hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, etc. In one embodiment the hydrolysis of the nitrile group of Formula Ia-1 to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2, wherein R1 is H, is carried out using a base such as potassium hydroxide in water, with or without an organic co-solvent such as THF. As an alternative to chemical hydrolysis, enzymes are also available that will [00173] hydrolyze the nitrile group of a compound of Formula Ia-1 into a carboxylic acid to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2. Examples of such enzymes include that will convert a nitrile group directly to a carboxylic acid include, but are not limited to, nitrilases. Method 2: In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, referred to herein as Method 2, for preparing compounds of Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates (Formula Removed) [00174][00175] [00176]Ia-2 and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Method 2, as illustrated in Figure 1, follows the SNAr route of Method 1, with the exception that the CN group is converted into COOR1 at an earlier stage in the synthetic route. In particular, according to Method 2, a compound Formula VIII-1 wherein Z is CN is converted into a compound of Formula VIII-2 wherein Z is COOR1. The hydrolysis can be carried out using methods known in the art, including chemical or enzymatic catalysis methods as described in Method 1. Compounds of Formulas VIII-2 can then be cyclized to provide the N-3 benzimidazole core structure represented by Formula Ia-2 wherein Z is-COOR1. The cyclization step to provide the benzimidazole core structure can be performed in several ways, such as any one of Methods A, C and D as described later in detail. Method 3: In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, referred to herein as Method 3, for preparing compounds of Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates. Method 3, as illustrated in Figure 1, follows the SNAr route of Method 1, with the exception that the CN group is converted into COOR1 at an earlier stage in the synthetic route. In particular, according to Method 3, a compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb wherein Z is CN is converted into a compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b, respectively, wherein Z is COOR1. The conversion of the nitrile moiety of the [00177][00178]compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, can be carried out using methods known in the art, including chemical or enzymatic catalysis methods as described in Method 1. Compounds of Formulas VII-2a and VII-2b can then be converted to a compound of Formula VIII-2 upon reduction the nitro moiety using conditions such as those described in Method 1. Compounds of Formulas VIII-2 can be cyclized to provide the N-3 benzimidazole core structure represented by Formula Ia-2 wherein Z is COOR1. The cyclization step to provide the benzimidazole core structure can be performed in several ways, such as any one of Methods A, C or D as described later in detail. Method 4: In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a process, referred to herein as Method 4, for preparing N-l benzimidazole compounds represented by Formula Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates [00179](Formula Removed) and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein, with the proviso that R3 is not hydrogen. Method 4, as illustrated in Figure 1, follows the SNAr route of Method 1 up through the preparation of a compound of Formula VIII(Formula Removed) [00180]herein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Cyclization of the compound of Formula VIII-1 according to Method B described below in detail provides a 1-H benzimidazole of Formula Ib-1 (Formula Removed) [00181wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. [00182] Conversion of the nitrile function in Ib-1 to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, can then be carried out methods known in the art, including chemical or enzymatic catalysis methods as described in Method 1, to provide a compound of Formula Ib-2. [00183] Methods 1-4 of the present invention provide a number of distinct advantages over conventional processes for preparing compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2. For example, the processes of the present invention provide compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2 in higher yields compared to conventional processes. Further, the invention provides methods for the regioselective and chemoselective cyclization of compounds of Formulas VIII-1 and VIII-2 to provide benzimidazoles of Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and lb-2, respectively. In addition, the process of the present invention is more reliable and suitable for the large-scale synthesis of benzimidazoles than conventional processes. For example, the cyclization of a compound of Formula VIII-1 to a compound of Formula Ia-1, according to the Methods A and C-E described below in detail, or the cyclization of a compound of Formula VIII-1 to a compound of Formula Ib-1 according to Method B described below, produces far less toxic by-products than methods utilized in the prior art for the synthesis of benzimidazole ring systems, and is a more efficient process. The synthetic methods of the present invention are selective and the preparation of the compounds of this invention can be carried out in high yield, thus providing industrial value. Furthermore, benzimidazole derivatives represented by Formulas Ia-1, Ib-1, Ia-2 and Ib-2 can be synthesized from trihalobenzoic acids in a relatively short number of steps. [00184] Benzimidazole cyclizations [00185] As stated, the cyclization of compounds of Formula VIII-1 or VIII-2 in any of [00186]Methods 1-4 of the present invention to provide benzimidazole core structures Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 or Ib-2 can be performed in several ways. Five methods, namely Methods A-E, are described below and are illustrated in Figures 3-7. The cyclization methods provide either N-3 benzimidazole derivatives or N-1 benzimidazole derivatives, depending on the reagents employed and the nature of the R3 substituent. Methods A-E are described below with respect to the cyclization of compounds of Formula VIII-1. However, it is to be understood. that these cyclization methods apply equally to the cyclization of compounds of Formula VIII-2. Method A: According to cyclization Method A, as shown in Figure 3, a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed) [00187] ^ wherein R , X , X and X are as defined herein and R is hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding benzimidazole tautomer represented by Formula Ia-1 [00188](Formula Removed) according to a "one-pot" process which comprises reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1 with (i) formic acid optionally in the presence of an additional acid, or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, under appropriate conditions known to those skilled in the art. As used herein, the term "formic acid derivative" includes, but is not limited to, esters of formic acid such as, but not limited to, trimethylorthoformate, triethylorthoformate, and formamidine acetate. For example, in one embodiment, a compound of Formula VIII-1 wherein R3 and R3a are hydrogen was converted into a" compound of Formula Ia-2 in very high yield upon reaction with methyl orthoformate and sulfuric acid in THF solution. If desired, the compound of Formula Ia-2 can be reacted with an alkylating agent to provide a mixture of the N-l and N-3 alkylated benzimidazoles Ia-2 and Ib-2 [00189] [00190] Ib-2 Ia-2 wherein R4 and R3 are not hydrogen. Method B: According to cyclization Method B, as shown in Figure 4, a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding N-l benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ib-1(Formula Removed) [00191][00192] wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein according to a "one-pot" process which comprises reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1 with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid, (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, or (iii) formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid under appropriate conditions known to those skilled in the art to provide the N-l benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ib-1 wherein R3 is not hydrogen. Method C: Cyclization Method C, as shown in Figure 5, provides a "one pot" method for selectively and directly converting a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, to an N-3 benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula la -1 (Formula Removed) [00193][00194] wherein R2, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein and R4 is methyl. Method C comprises treating a compound of Formula VIII-1 or VIII-2 with two or more equivalents of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid. This reaction advantageously proceeds with complete regioselectivity to provide N-3 methyl benzimidazoles represented by Formula Ia-1. As used herein, the term "formaldehyde derivative" includes, but is not limited to, dialkoxymethanes such as diethoxymethane and dimethoxymethane. Suitable acids for purposes of this invention include mineral acids (e.g., sulfuric acid, HCI, HBr), sulfonic acids (methanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, etc.) and carboxylic acids (e.g., formic acid, acetic acid, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, the reaction is performed in acetonitrile containing water and diethoxymethane or dimethoxymethane in the presence of an acid such as toluenesulfonic acid. Method D: According to another embodiment, an N-3 benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ia-1, wherein R4 is not hydrogen, can be prepared from a compound of Formula VIII-1 in a stepwise manner as shown in Figure 6. More specifically, Method D comprises treating a compound of Formula VIII-1 wherein R3 is hydrogen, with a suitable acylating agent such as, but not limited to, formic acid, an acid anhydride (for example acetic anhydride), an acid halide (for example acetyl chloride) or an ester (for example trifluoroethyl formate) to provide the intermediate compound represented by Formula IX-1(Formula Removed) [00195] [00196] wherein R2, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein and R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4. alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR6R7 and -OR8. The amide group of the compound of Formula IX-1 is then reduced to provide an intermediate compound represented by Formula X-l(Formula Removed) [00197][00198][00199]wherein R2, R4a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Suitable reducing agents include, but are not limited to, borane-type reducing agents (e.g., BH3-THF) in an appropriate solvent such as THF. Alternatively, a compound of Formula X-l can be formed directly from a' compound of Formula VIII-1 as shown in Figure 6 by reaction with an alkylating agent. Examples of suitable alkylating agents include, but are not limited to, alkyl halides (such as ethyl iodide), alkyl tosylates, alkyl mesylates and alkyl Inflates. Cyclization of the compound of Formula X-l to provide the benzimidazole represented by Formula Ia-1(Formula Removed) {00200] wherein R4 is not hydrogen, is accomplished by reacting the compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, under appropriate [00201][00202]conditions known to those skilled in the art to provide a compound of Formula Ia-1. Examples of suitable formic acid esters include, but are not limited to, trimethylorthoformate, triethylorthoformate and formamidine acetate. Method E: In an alternative multi-step cyclization method, referred to herein as Method E, an N-3 benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ia-1," wherein R4 is not hydrogen, can be prepared from a compound of Formula VIII-1 in a stepwise manner as shown in Figure as shown in Figure 7. More specifically, Method E comprises treating a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, with a suitable acylating agent such as, but not limited to, formic acid, an acid anhydride (for example acetic anhydride), an acid halide (for example acetyl chloride) or an ester (for example trifluoroethyl formate) to provide the intermediate compound represented by Formula IX-1(Formula Removed) [00203][00204]wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein and R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR6R7 and -OR8. The amide group of the compound of Formula IX-1 is then reduced to provide an intermediate compound represented by Formula X-l (Formula Removed) [00205]wherein R2, R3, R4a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Suitable reducing agents include, but are not limited to, borane-type reducing agents (e.g., BH3-THF) in an appropriate solvent such as THF. Alternatively, a compound of Formula X-l can be formed directly from a compound of Formula VIII-1 as. shown in Figure 7 by reaction with an alkylating agent as discussed in Method D. Cyclization of the compound of Formula X-l to provide the benzimidazole represented by Formula XI-1(Formula Removed) [00206][00207][00208] [00209] wherein R2, R3, R4a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Removal of the R3 group from said compound of Formula XI-1 provides the N-3 benzimidazole compound of Formula Ia-1. Methods for removing N-l substituents from benzimidazoles are well known to persons skilled in the art, and the reagents and reaction conditions required depend on the nature of the R3 group. For example, when the R3 group of a compound of Formula XI-1 is N-alkyl, N-allyl, N-benzyl, -C(O)OR5 or -COR5, removal of the R3 group can be achieved by hydrogenation. An N-l allyl substituent can also be removed from a compound of Formula XI-1 by heating the compound of Formula XI-1 in the presence of an organometallic catalyst such as Rh(PPh3)3Cl, also known as Wilkinson's catalyst. Examples of formic acid esters for the cyclization Methods A, B, C and E include trimethylorthoformate, triethylorthoformate, and formamidine acetate. The above-described cyclization Methods A-E of the present invention offer several advantages over conventional methods for the preparation of benzimidazole derivatives. First, there are only a few literature examples of the conversion of a diamino aryl compound to a benzimidazole (see, for example, G. P. Ellis, R.T. Jones, /. Chem. Soc., Perkin 1, 1974, 903; G.T. Morgan, W.A.P. Challenor, J. Chem. Soc. Trans., 1921, 1537; N.S. Zefirov, et al., Zyk, ECHET98: Electronic Conference on Heterocyclic Chemistry, (1988) 406-408; V. Milata, D. Ilavsky, Organic Proc. And Prep. Int., (1993), 25:703-704), however, none of the reported examples involved highly substituted substrates such as those involved in the process of the present invention. In addition, in many of the literature examples the regioselectivity is uncertain (G.T. Morgan, W.A.P. Challenor, J. Chem. Soc. Trans., 1921,1537). Furthermore, the methods of this invention are more suitable for industrial applications, since it uses reagents that are less toxic than the HC1/HCHO reagent mixture used in conventional methods, and therefore do not generate toxic by-products such as dichloromethyl ether. [00210] The terms "C1-C10 alkyl" and "alky!" as used herein refer to a saturated linear or branched-chain monovalent hydrocarbon radical having one to ten carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl radical may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents described below. Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, 2-hexyl, 3-hexyl, 3-methylpentyl, heptyl, octyl, and the like. [00211] The terms "C2-C10 alkenyl" and "lower alkenyl" refer to linear or branched- chain monovalent hydrocarbon radical having two to 10 carbon atoms and at least one double bond, and include, but is not limited to, ethenyl, propenyl, 1-but-3-enyl, l-pent-3-enyl, l-hex-5-enyl and the like, wherein the alkenyl radical may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents described herein, and includes radicals having "cis" and "trans" orientations, or alternatively, "E" and "Z" orientations. [00212] The terms "C2-C10 alkynyl" and "alkynyl" refer to a linear or branched monovalent hydrocarbon radical of two to twelve carbon atoms containing at least one triple bond. Examples include, but are not limited to, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentyn-2-yl and the like, wherein the alkynyl radical may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents described herein. [00213] The terms "carbocycle," "carbocyclyl," "cycloalkyl" or "C3-C10 cycloalkyl"" refer to saturated or partially unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon radical having from three to ten carbon atoms. The term "cycloalkyl" includes monocyclic and polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic and tricyclic) cycloalkyl structures, wherein the polycyclic structures optionally include a saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl fused to a saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring or an aryl or heteroaryl ring. Examples of cycloalkyl • groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and the like. The cycloalkyl may be optionally substituted independently in one or more substitutable positions with various groups. For example, such cycloalkyl groups may be optionally substituted with, for example, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, mono(C1-C6)alkylamino, di(C1-C6)alkylamino, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, C1-C6 haloalkoxy, amino(C1-C6)alkyl, mono(C1-C6)alkylamino(C1-C6)alkyl or di(C1-C6)alkylamino(C1-C6)alkyl. [00214] The term "heteroalkyl" refers to saturated linear or branched-chain monovalent hydrocarbon radical of one to twelve carbon atoms, wherein at least one of the carbon atoms is replaced with a heteroatom selected from N, O, or S, and wherein the radical may be a carbon radical or heteroatom radical (i.e., the heteroatom may appear in the middle or at the end of the radical). The-heteroalkyl radical may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents described herein. The term "heteroalkyl" encompasses alkoxy and heteroalkoxy radicals. [00215] The terms "heterocycloalkyl," "heterocycle" or "hetercyclyl" refer to a saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic radical of 3 to 8 ring atoms in which at least one ring atom is a heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, the remaining ring atoms being C, wherein one or more ring atoms may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituent described below. The radical may be a carbon radical or heteroatom radical. The term further includes bicyclic and tricyclic fused ring systems, which include a heterocycle fused one or more carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings. "Heterocycloalkyl" also includes radicals wherein heterocycle radicals are fused with aromatic or heteroaromatic rings. Examples of heterocycloalkyl -rings include, but are not limited to, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, piperidino, morpholino, thiomorpholino, thioxanyl, piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl, homopiperidinyl, oxepanyl, thiepanyl, oxazepinyl, diazepinyl, thiazepinyl, 1,2,3,6-. tetrahydropyridinyl, 2-pyrrolinyl, 3-pyrrolinyl, indolinyl, 2H-pyranyl, 4H-pyranyl, dioxanyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, pyrazolinyl, dithianyl, dithiolanyl, dihydropyranyl, dihydrothienyl, dihydrofuranyl, pyrazolidinylimidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, 3-azabicyco[3.1.0]hexanyl, 3-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptanyl, azabicyclo[2.2.2]hexanyl, 3H-indolyl and quinolizinyl. Spiro moieties are also included within the scope of this definition. The foregoing groups, as derived from the groups listed above, may be C-attached or N-attached where such is possible. For instance, a group derived from pyrrole may be pyrrol-1-yl (N-attached) or pyrrol-3-yl (C-attached). Further, a group derived from imidazole may be imidazol-1-yl (N-attached) or imidazol-3-yl (C-attached). An example of a heterocyclic group wherein 2 ring carbon atoms are substituted with oxo (=O) moieties is 1,1-dioxo-thiomorpholinyl. The heterocycle groups herein are unsubstituted or, as specified, substituted in one. or more substitutable positions with various groups. For example, such heterocycle groups may be optionally substituted with, for example, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, mono(C1-C6)alkylamino, di(C1-C6)alkylamino, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, Ci-Ce haloalkoxy, amino(Ci-C6)alkyl, mono(Ci-C6)alkylamino(Ci-C6)alkyl or di(C1-C6)aIkylamino(C1-C6)alkyl. [00216] The term "aryl" refers to a monovalent aromatic carbocyclic radical having a single ring (e.g., phenyl), multiple rings (e.g., biphenyl), or multiple condensed rings in which at least one is aromatic, (e.g., 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, naphthyl), which is optionally mono-, di-, or trisubstituted with, e.g., halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and hydroxy. [00217] The term "heteroaryl" refers to a monovalent aromatic radical of 5-, 6- or 7-. membered rings which includes fused ring systems (at least one of which is aromatic) of 5-10 atoms containing at least one and up to four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Examples of heteroaryl groups are pyridinyl, imidazolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, pyrazinyl, tetrazolyl, furyl, thienyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrrolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, cinnolinyl, indazolyl, indolizinyl, phthalazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, isoindolyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, furazanyl, benzofurazanyl, benzothiophenyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, naphthyridinyl, and furopyridinyl. Spiro moieties are also included within the scope of this definition. Heteroaryl groups are optionally mono-, di-, or trisubstituted with, e.g., halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl. [00218] The term "arylalkyl" means an alkyl moiety (as defined above) substituted with one or more aryl moiety (also as defined above). More preferred arylalkyl radicals are aryl-C1-3-alkyls. Examples include benzyl, phenylethyl, and the like. [00219] The term "heteroarylalkyl" means an alkyl moiety (as defined above) substituted with a heteroaryl moiety (also as defined above). More preferred heteroarylalkyl radicals are 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-C1-3-alkyls. Examples include oxazolylmethyl, pyridylethyl and the like. [00220] The term "heterocyclylalkyl" means an alkyl moiety (as defined above) substituted with a heterocyclyl moiety (also defined above). More preferred heterocyclylalkyl radicals are 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl-C1-3-alkyls. Examples include tetrahydropyranylmethyl. [00221] The term "cycloalkylalkyl" means an alkyl moiety (as defined above) substituted with a cycloalkyl moiety (also defined above). More preferred heterocyclyl radicals are 5- or 6-membered cycloalkyl-C1-3-alkyls. Examples include cyclopropylmethyl. [00222] The term "Me" means methyl, "Et" means ethyl, "Bu" means butyl and "Ac" means acetyl. [00223] The term "halogen" represents fluorine, bromine, chlorine, and iodine. [00224] In general, the various moieties or functional groups of any of the compounds of the present invention may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents. Examples of substituents suitable for purposes of this invention include, but are not limited to, oxo (with the proviso that it is not on an aryl or heteroaryl), halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido, -OR', -NR'SO2R"", -SO2NR'R", -C(O)R', -C(O)OR', -OC(0)R', -NR'C(O)OR"", -NR'C(O)R", -C(O)NR'R", -SR', -S02R"", -NR'R", -NR'C(O)NR"R'", -NR'C(NCN)NR"R"', aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl, where R', R", R'" and R"" are independently lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or lower alkynyl. [00225] It is to be understood that in instances where two or more radicals are used in succession to define a substituent attached to a structure, the first named radical is considered to be terminal and the last named radical is considered to' be attached to the structure in question. Thus, for example, the radical arylalkyl is attached to the structure in question by the alkyl group. [00226] Certain compounds prepared according to a process of the present invention can exist as two or more tautomeric forms. Tautomeric forms of the compounds may interchange, for example, via enolization/de-enolization and the like. Accordingly, the present invention includes the preparation of all tautomeric forms of compounds of Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2 Ib-1 and Ib-2 wherein R4 is hydrogen. [00227] This invention also encompasses compounds of Formulas VIII-1, VIII-2, XI- 1, Ia-1, Ia-2 Ib-1 and Ib-2. [00228] This invention further includes solvates of compound of Formula VIII-1, VIII-2, XI-1, Ia-1, Ia-2 Ib-1 and Ib-2. The term "solvate" refers to an aggregate of a compound of this invention with one or more solvent • molecules. [00229] This invention also encompasses salts of compounds of Formula VIII-1, VIII- 2, XI-1, Ia-1, Ia-2 Ib-1 and Ib-2. That is, a compound of the invention may possess a sufficiently acidic, a sufficiently basic, or both functional groups, and accordingly react with any of a number of inorganic or organic bases, and inorganic and organic acids, to form a salt. Examples of salts include those salts prepared by reaction of the compounds of the present invention with a mineral or organic acid or an inorganic base, such salts including sulfites, bisulfites, phosphates, monohydrogenphosphates, dihydrogenphosphates, metaphosphates, pyrophosphates, chlorides, bromides, iodides, acetates, propionates, decanoates, caprylates, acrylates, formates, isobutyrates, caproates, heptanoates, propiolates, oxalates, malonates, succinates, suberates, sebacates, fumarates, maleates, butyn-l,4-dioates, hexyne-l,6-dioates,- benzoates, chlorobenzoates, methylbenzoates, dinitrobenzoates, hydroxybenzoates, methoxybenzoates, phthalates, sulfonates, xylenesulfonates, phenylacetates, phenylpropionates, phenylbutyrates, citrates, lactates, y-hydroxybutyrates, glycolates, tartrates, methanesulfonates, propanesulfonates, naphthalene-1-sulfonates, naphthalene-2-sulfonates, and mandelates. Since a single compound of the present invention may include more than one acidic or basic moiety, the compounds of the present invention may include mono, di or tri-salts in a single compound. [00230] If the inventive compound is a base, the desired salt may be prepared by any suitable method available in the art, for example, treatment of the free base with an acidic compound, particularly an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like, or with an organic acid, such as acetic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, mandelic acid, fumaric acid, malonic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, a pyranosidyl acid, such as glucuronic acid or galacturonic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, such as citric acid or tartaric acid, an amino acid, such as aspartic acid or glutamic acid, an aromatic acid, such as benzoic acid or cinnamic acid, a sulfonic acid, such as p-toluenesulfonic acid or ethanesulfonic acid, or the like. [00231] If the inventive compound is an acid, the desired salt may be prepared by any suitable method, for example, treatment of the free acid with an inorganic or - organic base. Preferred inorganic salts are those formed with alkali and alkaline earth metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, barium and calcium. Preferred organic base salts include, for example, ammonium, dibenzylammonium, benzylammonium, 2-hydroxyethylammonium, bis(2- hydroxyethyl)ammonium, phenylethylbenzylamine, dibenzyl- ethylenediamine, and the like salts. Other salts of acidic moieties may include, for example, those salts formed with procaine, quinine and N-methylglucosamine, plus salts formed with basic amino acids such as glycine, ornithine, histidine, phenylglycine, lysine and arginine. [00232] The inventive compounds may be prepared using the reaction routes and synthesis schemes as described herein, employing the techniques available in the art using starting materials that are readily available or can be synthesized using methods known in the art. [00233] Representative compounds of the present invention, which are encompassed by the present invention include, but are not limited to, the compounds of the examples and the acid or base addition salts thereof. The examples presented below are intended to illustrate particular embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the specification or the claims in any way. EXAMPLES [00234] The example and preparations provided below further illustrate and exemplify the compounds of the present invention and methods of preparing such-compounds. It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited in any way by the scope of the following examples and preparations. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the chemical reactions described may be readily adapted to prepare a number of other MEK inhibitors of the invention, and alternative methods for preparing the compounds of this invention are deemed to be within the scope of this invention. For example, the synthesis of non-exemplified compounds according to the invention may be successfully performed by modifications apparent to those skilled in the art, e.g., by appropriately protecting interfering groups, by utilizing other suitable reagents known in the art other than those described, and/or by making routine modifications of reaction conditions. Alternatively, other reactions disclosed herein or known in the art will be recognized as having applicability for preparing other compounds of the invention. [00235] hi the example described below, unless otherwise indicated all temperatures are set forth in degrees Celsius. Reagents were purchased from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Company, Lancaster, TCI or Maybridge, and were used without further purification unless otherwise indicated. Tetrahydrofuran (THF), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dichloromethane, toluene, dioxane and 1,2-difluoroethane were purchased from Aldrich in Sure seal bottles and used as received. [00236] The reactions set forth below were done generally under a positive pressure of nitrogen or argon or with a drying tube (unless otherwise stated) in anhydrous solvents, and the reaction flasks were typically fitted with rubber septa for the introduction of substrates and reagents via syringe. Glassware was oven dried and/or heat dried. [00237] H-NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian or Buker instrument operating at 400 or 500 MHz. 'H-NMR spectra were obtained as CDC13 or DMSO-d6 solutions (reported in ppm). Other NMR solvents were used as needed. When peak multiplicities are reported, the following abbreviations are used: s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), m (multiplet), br (broadened), dd (doublet of doublets), dt (doublet of triplets). Coupling constants, when given, are reported in Hertz (Hz). Example 1 Preparation of 6-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid F lib(Formula Removed) [00238] Step A: 2.3.4-Trifluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid: Fuming HNO3 90% (549.0 g, 7.84 mol corrected for 90% wt, 1.26 equiv.) was added to 2.0 L (3.35 kg) of concentrated H2SO4 over 18 minutes with stirring. The solution of HNO3 was then added to a mixture of 2,3,4-trifluorobenzoic acid (1094 g, 6.21 mol, 1 equiv.) in 3.3 L (5.85 kg) of concentrated H2SO4 in a second flask with ice-water bath cooling over an hour. When addition was complete, the reaction solution was allowed to warm to room temperature. After 5 hours, the reaction was complete as determined by HPLC and the reaction mixture (brown solution) was poured into a mechanically stirred mixture of 10.6 kg of distilled water and 11.8 kg of ice over 10 minutes. The yellow slurry was cooled to 14 °C, stirred for 2 hours and then filtered. The cake was rinsed with 4.0 L of distilled water and then with 5 L of heptane. The wet cake was oven-dried overnight. The crude solids (1.791 kg) were then stirred in 16 L of distilled water (9 vol.), filtered and oven-dried at 55 °C under high vacuum overnight to yield 1035.9 g (75%) of 2,3,4-trifluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid as a yellowish solid. HPLC was 98 a% (220 nm) and 100% (254 nm). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 8.44 (1H, apparent dt, / 1.9, 7, Ar-H); 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 -153.9, -131.5, -120.9. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 117 (C, m), 124 (CH, b s), 134 (C, s), 141 (C-F, dt, 7251,10), 148 (C-F, dd, / 265, 13), 154 (C-F, dd, J 265, 10), 163 (COOH). IR Vmax/cm-1 3108 (br), 1712, 1555, 1345, 1082. MS APCI (-) m/z 220 (M-l) detected. IIIa-1(Formula Removed) [00239] Step B: 4-Amino-2.3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid: To a mixture of 2,3,4- trifluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid (167.2 g, 0.756 mol, 1 equiv.) in 400 mL of distilled water was added concentrated ammonium hydroxide (28 % NH3 solution; 340 g, 380 mL, 4.23 mol, 5.6 equiv), ensuring that internal temperature was below 6.0 °C over 2-2.5 hours. The mixture was stirred for 50 minutes and then warmed to room temperature for 3-4 hours. When the reaction was >90% complete as determined by HPLC, the mixture was cooled in an ice-water bath, and concentrated HCI (350 mL) was then added dropwise to adjust pH = 2. The slurry was stirred for 1 hour with ice bath cooling and then filtered. The cake was rinsed with 1 L of distilled water and then with 350 mL of MTBE. The cake was oven-dried at 48 °C overnight to give 134.9 g of a yellow solid. HPLC was 83.6 a% (220 nm) and 96.96 a% (254 nm). The MTBE filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporator and pumped. overnight to give 9.9 g of a second crop as a yellow solid: HPLC was 81.1 a% (220 nm) and 95.40 a% (254 nm). Combined yield of 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid was 144.8 g (88 %). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 8.0 (2H, br s, NH2) 8.42 (1H, dd, J 1.5, 7.6, Ar-H); 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 -153.9, -129.0. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 106 (C, d, / 10), 126 (CH), 128 (C), 140 (C-F, dd, J 241, 16), 140.8 (C, dd, J 12, 4), 153 (C-F, dd, J 263, 11), 164 (COOH). IR vmaxjcm-l 3494, 3383, 1697, 1641, 1280. MS APCI (-) m/z 217 (M-l) detected. [00240] StepC: 4-Amino-2.3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid methyl ester: TMSC1 (132 g, 1.21 mol, 2.0 equiv) was added over 5 minutes to a slurry of 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid (132.3 g, 0.607 mol, 1 equiv.) in 325 mL of MeOH. The mixture was heated at reflux for 15 hours. When the reaction was complete as determined by HPLC, the mixture was cooled in an ice-water bath for 45 minutes. The reaction mixture was then filtered and the cake was • washed with 65 mL of MeOH. The wet cake was dried overnight at 55 °C under high vacuum to give 128.8 g (92%) of 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid methyl ester. HPLC was 97.9 a% (220 nm) and 99.2 a % (254 nm). JH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 3.84 (3H, s, OMe), 8.1 (2H, br s, NH2), 8.43 (1H, apparent dd, J 1.9, 7.2, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, D6 DMSO) 6 -153.6, -129.2. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 52 (CH3O), 105 (C, d, J 10), 125 (CH, t, / 2.7,), 128 (CH, d, / 5), 140 (C-F, dd, / 244, 15,), 141 (C, dd, / 14, 5), 152 (C-F, dd, J 263, 11), 162 (COO, t, J 3). IR vmax/cm-1 3433, 3322, 1699, 1637, 1548, 1342, 1234. MS APCI (-) m/z 231 (M-l) detected.(Formula Removed) [00241] Step D: 4-Amino-2.3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzamide: A mixture of 4-amino-2,3- difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid methyl ester (150 g, 0.646 mol) in 14 M NH4OH (1 L, 14 mol, ~7 vol) was stirred at room temperature. After 8 days HPLC analysis showed the reaction was almost complete. The solid product was filtered off, washed with water (2 x 200 mL), and then dried at 50 °C in a vacuum oven to provide 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzamide (118.7 g, 85% yield) as a yellow powder. HPLC 93.3 a%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 7.65 (2H, br s, NH2), 7.83 (2H, br s, NH2), 8.30 (1H, apparent dd, J 1.5, 7.2, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 -130, -154. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 110.7 (C, d, J 12), 123.8 (CH, s), 128.1(C, s), 139.5 (C, dd, J 14, 4), 139.6 (CF, dd, J 243, 17), 151.7 (CF, dd, J 257, 11), 163.4 (C, s). IR Vnux/cm-1 3496, 3419, 3385, 3179, 1653, 1279, 1240. MS APCI (-) 216 (M-l) detected.(Formula Removed) [00242] Step E: 4- Amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile: To a stirred suspension of 4-ammo-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzamide (90 g, 0.416 mol) in acetonitrile (630 mL) was added POCls (96 mL, 1.04 mol) in one portion. The mixture was then heated to 70 °C and as the reaction proceeded the suspension become a brown solution. After 1.5 hours, HPLC analysis showed no remaining starting material. The reaction mixture was cooled to 30 °C, then added to water (4.5 L) over 30 minutes while the temperature was held at 17-25 °C. The resultant bright yellow slurry was stirred for 1 hour, filtered under vacuum, and the remaining solid was then dried in a vacuum oven at 50 °C to provide 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile as a yellow solid, (74.4 g, 90% yield). HPLC 95 a%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 8.30 (2H, br s, NH2),' 8.53 (1H, apparent dd, / 1.8, 6.4, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 -128, -152. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 87.1 (C, d, J 15), 113.6 (C, d, J 4), 128.6 (CH, s), 128.8 (C, d, J 5), 139.3 (CF, dd, / 245, 14), 141.5 (C, dd, J 13, 5), 152.8 (CF, dd, / 259, 12). IR Vmax/cm-1 3446, 3322, 2235, 1647, 1551, 1287, 1275. MS APCI (-) 198 (M-l) detected, APCI (+) 200 (M+l) detected. [00243](Formula Removed) VIMa Step F: 4-Amino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluoro-5- nitrobenzonitrile: To a stirred solution of KtOBu (321 mL, 1M in THF, 0.321 mol), under nitrogen, at 10 °C, was added 4 bromo-2-chloroaniline (22.8 g, 0.11 mol). The mixture quickly turned dark purple and was allowed to stir at 7-10 °C for 10 minutes before adding 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile (20 g, 0.10 mol) in THF (150 mL) over 10 minutes. After the addition was complete the mixture was allowed to warm to ambient and then stirred overnight. HPLC analysis indicated that 8% of starting material remained. Additional KtOBu (20 mL, 0.2 equiv., of 1M in THF) and 4 bromo-2-. chloroaniline (1 g, 0.005 mol) were added, but after an additional 4 hours starting material still remained. The mixture was then cooled to 10 °C and treated with 2N HC1 (aq) (140 mL) in one portion (temperature rose to 30 °C), then methanol (140 mL). Further amounts of water (150 mL) and methanol (200 mL) were then added and the mixture was concentrated to a thick slurry. Methanol (300 mL) was then added, the mixture was concentrated again and the solids were then filtered through a coarse fritted funnel and washed with methanol (200 mL). Once the solids started to dry they were washed with water (200 mL) and again with methanol (100 mL), then dried in the vacuum oven overnight at 50 °C, to provide 25 g of 4-amino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile as a light tan solid (assay -93% by HPLC). 1R NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 7.17 (1H, d, J 8.6, Ar-H), 7.50 (1H, dd, J 8.6, 2.0, Ar-H), 7.76 (1H, d, J 2, Ar-H), 7.79 (2H, br s, NH2),. 8.26 (1H, s, Ar-H), 8.85 (1H, br s, NH). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 -144. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 89.5 (C, d, J 4), 116.3 (C, d, J 4), 117.6 (CH, s), 126.7 (C, d, J5), 127.3 (CH, s), 129.6 (C, s), 130.1 (C, d, / 2), 131.4 (CH, s), 132.4 (CH, s), 137.4 (C, d, J11), 137.9 (C, s), 139.5 (C, d,J5), 140.9 (CF, d, J 256). IR vmax/crn ' 3448, 3338, 2360, 2342, 2217, 1640, 1539, 1313. MS APCI (-) 385 (M-l) detected.[00244] [00245][00246] NH, VIII-1 4,5-Diamino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenvlaminoV3 - VII-1a Step G: fluorobenzonitrile: Method 1: To a stirred solution of 4-amino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile (20.0 g, 51.9 mmol) in THF (200 mL) and methanol (100 mL) was added 10 micron zinc dust (16 g, 244 mmol, 4.7 equiv). Hydrochloric acid (35 mL, 12 M, 424 mmol, 8.2 equiv.) was then added to the reaction mixture at a rate maintaining an internal temperature of -50 °C, at which time HPLC analysis indicated that no starting material remained. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature over 1 hour and then filtered through a coarse fritted funnel to remove any unreacted zinc. To the filtrate was added water (200 mL) followed by NH4OAc (60 mL, aqueous saturated solution). The pH of the mixture was then 6-7 and most of the organic solvents were removed by evaporation under reduced pressure to provide a brown/purple suspension. The suspension was filtered to give a purple solid that was washed with water (4 x 50 mL). The solid was then dried in the vacuum oven, at 50 °C overnight to provide 16.0 g of 4,5-diamino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (86 % yield, >95 % by HPLC). !H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) S 5.22 (2H, br s, NH2), 5.52 (2H, br s, NH2), 6.24 (IH, d, J 8.7, Ar-H), 6.69 (IH, br s, Ar-H), 7.23 (IH, dd, J 8.6, 2, Ar-H), 7.44 (IH, s, NH), 7.54 ( IH, d, J 2.1, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 -141. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 98.1 (C, d, J4), 108.8 (CH, s), 112.5 (C, s), 115.4 (C, s), 118.8 (C, d,J4), 119.7 (CH, s), 121.4 (C, d, J 14), 129.7 (C, d, J 15), 131.3 (s, CH), 131.9 (CH, s), 135.8 (C, d, J 8), 143.4 (C, s), 146.8 (CF, d, / 235). IR vmax/cm-l 3380, 2203, 1634, 1594, 1519, 1506. MS APCI (-) 355 (M-l) detected. Method 2: A stirred mixture of 4-amino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile (200 mg, 0.52 mmol) and 5% Pt/C (40 mg ) in THF (4 mL) and methanol (2 mL) was hydrogenated under 1 atm. of hydrogen overnight. The mixture was then filtered through a syringe filter and the solvents were removed under reduced pressure to provide a tan solid residue, which was further dried under high vacuum for 2 hours to provide 171 mg of 4,5-diamino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (84% yield, at ~90% assay by HPLC [-0.18 % des-bromo derivative by HPLC]). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 5.22 (2H, br s, NH2), 5.52 (2H, br s, NH2), 6.24 (1H, d, J 8.7, Ar-H), 6.69 (1H, br s, Ar-H), 7.23 (1H, dd, J 8.6, 2, Ar-H), 7.44 (1H, s, NH), 7.54 ( 1H, d, J2.1, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 -141.(Formula Removed) [00247]Step H: 6-(4-Bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carbonitrile: To a stirred solution of 4,5-diamino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (5 g, 14 mmol) and diethoxymethane (2.6 mL, 29.5 mmol) in THF (50 mL) at room temperature was added concentrated sulfuric acid (1.5 mL, 28 mL, 14.1 mmol) over 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was then heated to 50 °C for 4 hours, after which HPLC analysis indicated that 6% starting material remained. A further aliquot of diethoxymethane (0.5 mL, 0.2 equiv.) was added and heating at 50 °C was continued for an additional 1.5 hours, when HPLC indicated that no starting material remained. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and treated first with water (30 mL) (pH was 1), then slowly with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (about 6 mL, 5N) and more water (20 mL) until the pH was 6-7. Isopropanol (70 mL) was then added and most of the THF was removed on a rotary evaporator until the mixture became a thick purple slurry, which was then filtered through a medium fritted funnel. The purple solid residue was washed with 50% iPrOH/water (2 x 20 mL), then dried in a vacuum oven at 50 °C overnight to provide 3.7 g of 6-(4-bromo-2- chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carbonitrile (69.3% yield). HPLC analysis indicated that the material had an assay of 86%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 3.93 (3H, s, CH3), 6.26 (1H, d, J 8.6,' Ar-H), 7.23 (1H, d, J 8.8, Ar-H), 7.61 (1H, d, J 2.1, Ar-H), 7.89 (s, Ar-H), 8.23 (s, Ar-H), 8.53 (s, NH). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 -134. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 32.1 (Me, s), 107.4 (C, d, / 2), 109.6 (CH, s), 114.0 (C, d, J4), 115.6 (C, s), 117.7 (C, d, J 4), 120.2 (CH, s), 123.6 (C, d, J 12,), 131.4 (CH, s), 132.1 (CH, s), 136.0 (C, d, J 9), 136.4 (C, d, J 15), 143 (C, s), 149.6 (CH, s), 150.2 (CF, d, J 250). IR vmax/cml 2360, 2342, 1507. MS APCI (-) 379 (M-l) detected. (Formula Removed) [00248] Step I: 6-(4-Bromo-2-chlorophenvlamino)-7-fluoro-3-rnethvl-3H- benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid: To a stirred mixture of 6-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carbonitrile (200 mg, 0.53 mmol) in ethanol/water/THF (ratio 2:1:0.3) was added solid KOH (0.15 g, 5 equiv.). The mixture was heated at 85 °C for 16 hours, after which HPLC analysis indicated complete conversion to 6-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid. 'H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 3.92 (3H, s, CH3), 6.50 (IH, apparent t, J 6.2-8.6, Ar-H), 7.31 (IH, d, J 8.8, Ar-H), 7.63 (IH, br s, Ar-H), 8.09 (IH, s, NH), 8.41 (IH, s, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) -133. [00249] The foregoing description is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and process shown as described above. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow. [00250] The words "comprise," "comprising," "include," "including," and "includes" when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,, integers, components, steps, or groups thereof. What is claimed is: 1. A process for preparing a compound of Formula Ia-(Formula Removed) and salts and solvates thereof, wherein: R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C1-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl; R4 is hydrogen, C1C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7; X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy; (Formula Removed) reducing said compound of Formula Vll-la or VII-1b to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed) wherein when A of said compound of Formula Vll-la or VII-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2; cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-1 to provide a compound of Formula Ia-1(Formula Removed) converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 to COOR1, to provide said compound of Formula Ia-2. 2. The process of claim 1, wherein said compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula IIa(Formula Removed) wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1C6 alkyl to provide a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed) reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. 3. The process of claim 1, wherein said compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula l1b(Formula Removed) wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1-C6 alkyl to provide a compound of Formula III(Formula Removed) converting the acid group of said compound of Formula III to a primary amide group to provide a compound of Formula IIId(Formula Removed)converting said amide group of said compound of Formula IIId to a nitrile group to provide a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed) reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. 4. The process of claim 1, wherein said compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula l1b(Formula Removed) wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1-C6 alkyl to provide a compound of Formula III (Formula Removed)reacting said compound of Formula III with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III, to provide a compound • of Formula IIIa-1 wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula III with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III to provide a compound of Formula IIIa-2 wherein A is N3, (Formula Removed)wherein R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, Cj-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl and R3a is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6; converting the carboxylic acid group of said compound of Formula IIIa-1 or IIIa-2 to a carboxylic acid ester to provide a compound of Formula IIIb-1 or IIIb-2(Formula Removed) converting the carboxylic acid ester group of said compound of Formula IIIb-1 or IIIb-2 to a primary amide group to provide a compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2(Formula Removed) dehydrating the primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2 to provide said compound of Formula Va or Vb 5. The process of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said reagent that contains or generates ammonia is NH3 or NR4OH. 6. The process of claim 5, wherein said compound of Formula IV is reacted with excess ammonium hydroxide in water at room temperature. 7. The process of claim 5, wherein said compound of Formula IV is reacted with aqueous ammonia at temperatures between 30 and 130 °C under 1-5 bar NH3(g). 8. The process of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said primary or secondary amine is methylamine, benzylamine, dibenzylamine, allylamine, diallylamine or hexamethyldisilazane. 9. The process of claim 1, wherein said reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine is selected from (a) a metal amide; (b) a protected ammonia or amide equivalent; (c) a nitrogen nucleophile having the Formula MNR3R3a wherein M is a metal selected from Na, K, Li, Cs and Al; and (d) a metal silylamide. 10. The process of claim 9, wherein said metal amide is NaNH2, KNH2 or LiNH2. 11. The process of claim 9, wherein said protected ammonia or amide equivalent is a hydroxylamine or a hydrazine. 12. The process of claim 9, wherein said metal silylamide is lithium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide, sodium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide or potassium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide. 13. The process of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said metal azide is NaN3, KN3 or LiN3. 14. The process of claim 1, wherein said cyclization comprises reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is hydrogen. 15. The process of claim 1, wherein said cyclization comprises reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, with two or more equivalents of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is methyl. 16. The process of claim 1, wherein said cyclization comprises: (a) (i) reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, with an acylating 4a cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or wherein R4a is H, C1C10 alkyl, C heterocyclylalkyl, and (ii) reducing the amide group of said compound of Formula IX-1 to provide a compound of Formula X-l(Formula Removed) (b) reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, with an alkylating agent to provide said compound of Formula X-l; and (c) reacting said compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of a second acid to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is not hydrogen. 17. The process of claim 1, wherein said cyclization comprises: (a) (i) reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, with an acylating agent to provide a compound of Formula IX-1(Formula Removed) wherein R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, and (ii) reducing the amide group of said compound of Formula IX-1 to provide a compound of Formula X-l(Formula Removed) (b) reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, with an alkylating agent to provide said compound of Formula X-l; (c) reacting said compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of a second acid to provide said compound of Formula XI-1(Formula Removed) (d) removing the R3 group to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is not hydrogen. 18. The process of any one of claims 14, 16 or 17, wherein said formic acid derivative comprises an ester of formic acid. 19. The process of claim 18, wherein said formic acid ester is trimethylorthoformate, triethylorthoformate, or formamidine acetate. 20. The process of claim 15, wherein said formaldehyde derivative is a dialkoxymethane. 21. The process of claim 1, wherein the conversion of said nitrile group to COOR1 group comprises treating said compound of Formula Ia-1 with water or an alcohol in the presence of an acid or base, with or without an organic cosolvent. 22. The process of claim 1, wherein said conversion of said nitrile group to COOR1 comprises treating said compound of Formula Ia-1 with a nitrilase to provide said compound of Formula Ia-2 wherein R1 is H. 23. A process for preparing a compound of Formula Ia-2(Formula Removed) and salts and solvatcs thereof, wherein: R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl,-dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7; X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy; X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1C6 alkyl; R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, C1-10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, hetcrocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl, or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl, said method comprising: reacting a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed) wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I or a sulfonate ester, with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide a compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide a compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed) wherein R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl, and R3a is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6; reacting said compound of Formula Va or Vb with a compound of the Formula VI (Formula Removed)in the presence of a base to provide a compound having Formula VII-la wherein A is -NR3R3a or a compound of Formula VII-lb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed) reducing said compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed) wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2; converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula VIII-1 to COOR1, to provide a compound of Formula VIII-2(Formula Removed) cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-2 to provide said compound of Formula la- 2. 24. A process for preparing a compound of Formula Ia-2(Formula Removed) and salts and solvates thereof, wherein: R1 is hydrogen, C2-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl; R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3- C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl' portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7; X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy; X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or CrC6 alkyl; R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl, or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10" membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl, said method comprising: reacting a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed) wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I or a sulfonate ester, with (i) a reagent that. contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide a compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide a compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed) wherein R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, Ca-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl, and R3a is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6; reacting said compound of Formula Va or Vb with a compound of the Formula VI(Formula Removed) X in the presence of a base to provide a compound having Formula VII-la wherein A is -NR3R3a or a compound of Formula VII-lb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed) converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb to-COOR1, to provide a compound of Formula VII-2a wherein A is NR3R3a or VII-2b wherein AisN3(Formula Removed) reducing said compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b to provide a compound of Formula VIII-2(Formula Removed) wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-2 is NH2; and cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-2 to provide said compound of Formula la- -2. 25. A process for preparing a compound of Formula Ib-2(Formula Removed) and salts and solvates thereof, wherein: R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and-heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocydoalkyl; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl; R3 is C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl; X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromcthyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy; X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1-C6 alkyl; R5 and R6 ere independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl, or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl, said method comprising: reacting a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed) wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester, with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide a compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide a compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed) wherein R3a is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6; reacting said compound of Formula Va or Vb with a compound of the Formula VI, (Formula Removed) in the presence of a base to provide a compound having Formula VII-la wherein A is -NR3R3a or a compound of Formula VII-lb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed) reducing said compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed) wherein when A of said compound of Formula Vll-la or Vll-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2; reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1 with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid, (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, or (iii) formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid to provide a compound of Formula Ib-1(Formula Removed) converting of the nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ib-1 to COOR1, to provide said compound of Formula Ib-2.

Full Text

SNAr PROCESS FOR PREPARING BENZIMIDAZOLE COMPOUNDS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Related Application
[0002] The present invention claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Serial
No. 60/693,374 filed June 23, 2005, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference.
[0003] Field of the Invention
[0004] This invention relates to processes for the preparation of heterocyclic
compounds. More specifically, this invention relates to the synthesis of compounds that can be used to prepare pharmaceutical agents such as benzimidazole derivatives. This invention further includes intermediate compounds obtained during the synthesis of the heterocyclic compounds of this invention and to the methods of preparation thereof.
[0005] Description of the state of the art
[0006] Benzimidazole derivatives have been investigated as therapeutics for treating
cancers, viral infections, and diseases and pathological conditions involving inflammation and have been disclosed in a number of patents and publications in the last several years, including U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2003/0232869, 2004/0116710, and 2003/0216460; U.S. Patent No. 5,525,625; WO 98/43960;" WO 99/01421; WO 99/01426; WO 00/41505; WO 00/42002; WO 00/42003; WO 00/41994; WO 00/42022; WO 00/42029; WO 00/68201; WO 01/68619; WO 02/06213; WO 03/077914; and WO 03/077855.
[0007] In particular, WO 03/077914 describes the synthesis of the sodium salt of a
benzimidazole derivative 11 from 2,3,4-trifluorobenzoic acid in 11 linear steps as illustrated in Scheme 1. Introduction of a di-substiuted aniline is accomplished by the stepwise introduction of an unsubstituted aniline moiety, followed by subsequent bromination and chlorination. Not only is this process inefficient in terms of the number of linear synthetic steps required, but there are also selectivity issues, as well as process safety issues around the chlorination reaction. For example, the synthesis shown in Scheme 1 includes a number of chemical transformations that could be hazardous to carry out on
a manufacturing scale, and/or produce levels of by-products that would not be acceptable in a final active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that for a process to be suitable for industrial application it should be (i) amenable to being performed on large scale, (ii) have minimal environmental impact (for example in terms of amount of raw materials required and/or the amount of waste produced), (iii) safe (for example, use materials of low toxicity that do not produce toxic waste), and (iv) as low in cost as possible (for example, by being a higher yielding and more convergent synthesis). Since heterocyclic compounds such as benzimidazoles are potentially useful as therapeutics, there is an on-going need for a more efficient synthetic route for the production of benzimidazole derivatives that is more suitable for large-scale manufacture. A single step procedure that would allow the introduction of substituted aniline would therefore be extremely useful for the purpose of manufacturing benzimidazole derivatives.
[0008](Scheme Removed)
Scheme 1
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In general, the present invention provides methods for preparing heterocyclic
compounds and their synthetic intermediates, which are useful for the production of therapeutic compounds such as benzimidazole derivatives.
[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, methods are provided for the
preparation of compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1, Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates(Scheme Removed)
[0011] and salts and solvates thereof, wherein:
[0012] R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10
cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl;
[0013] R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl,
trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally'

substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl;
[0014] R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl,
arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from' halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl, wherein for Formulas Ib-1 and Ib-2, R3 is not hydrogen;
[0015] R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10
cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7;
[0016] X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C
alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted" with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy;
[0017] X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1-C6 alkyl;
[0018] R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, d-C10 alkyl,
C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl,
[0019] or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10
membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and
[0020] R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl.
[0021] More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention provides a"
process, referred to herein as Method 1, for preparing N-3 benzimidazole
[0022] [0023] compounds represented by Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates
(Formula Removed)
and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein, said method comprising: reacting a compound of Formula Va or Vb
[0024]

(Formula Removed)

wherein X3 is F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 and R3 are as defined herein, and R3a is H or a group that is removable under reductive conditions • such as substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6, with an aniline represented by the Formula VI(Formula Removed)

[0025]

in the presence of a base to provide a compound having Formula Vll-la wherein A is -NR3R3a or a compound of Formula Vll-lb wherein A is N3,

(Formula Removed)

[0026] [0027]
Vll-lb: A = N3
wherein R2, R3, R3a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; reducing said compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1
(Formula Removed)

[0028]
[0029]

wherein R , R , X , X and X are as defined herein, wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2;
cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-1 to provide a compound of Formula Ia-1
(Formula Removed)

[0030] [0031]

wherein R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; and converting the nitrile group in said compound of Formula Ia-1 to COOR1, optionally using (i) aqueous hydrolysis with or without an acid or base or (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis, to provide said compound of Formula Ia-2

(Formula Removed)

[0032] [0033]

In one embodiment of Method 1, the compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared according to the method comprising: nitrating a compound having the Formula IIa
(Formula Removed)

[0034]
wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is as defined herein to provide a compound of Formula IV
(Formula Removed)

[0035] [0036][0037] [0038]wherein X3 and X4 are as defined herein; and
reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be. converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3.
In another embodiment of Method 1, the compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula l1b
(Formula Removed)

[0039]
wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester, and Xs
is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula III
(Formula Removed)

[0040] [0041]

wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein;
converting the carboxylic acid function of said compound of Formula III to a primary amide (CONH2) to provide a compound of Formula IIId
(Formula Removed)

[0042][0043][0044]ehydrating the primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIId to provide a compound of Formula IV
(Formula Removed)

reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X of said" compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. In yet another embodiment, a compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by
[0045]
the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula l1b

[0046]

(Formula Removed)

wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula III
(Formula Removed)

[0047] [0048]
wherein X , X4 and X are as defined herein;
reacting said compound of Formula III with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III, to provide a compound of Formula IIIa-1 wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula III with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III to provide a compound of Formula IIIa-2 wherein A is N3
(Formula Removed)
[0049]

R3a, X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein;

[0050]

converting the carboxylic acid group of said compound of Formula IIIa-1 or IIIa-2 to a carboxylic acid ester to provide a compound of Formula IIIb-1 or IIIb-2, respectively,
(Formula Removed)

[0051] [0052]
and X5 are as defined herein;
converting the carboxylic acid ester group of said compound of Formula Illb-1 or IIIb-2 to a primary amide group to provide a compound of Formula IIIo 1 or IIIc-2, respectively,
OoN

[0053] [0054]
[0055]
[0056]

(Formula Removed)

wherein R3, R3a, X3 and X5 are as defined herein; and
dehydrating said primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2 to provide said compound of Formula Va or Vb. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process, referred to herein as Method 2, for preparing N-3 benzimidazole compounds represented by Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates, said method comprising: providing a compound of Formula VIII-1 prepared as described in Method 1
(Formula Removed)

HoN
[0057]
[0058]

wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein and wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2;
converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula VIII-1 to COOR1, optionally using (i) aqueous hydrolysis with or without an acid or base or (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis, to provide a compound of Formula VIII-2

[0059] [0060]
[0061]
[0062]

(Formula Removed)

wherein R1, R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; and
cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-2 to provide said compound of
Formula Ia-2.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a process, referred to
herein as Method 3, for preparing N-3 benzimidazole compounds represented
by Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates, said method comprising:
providing a compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb, prepared as described in
Method 1
(Formula Removed)

[0063] [0064]

wherein R2, R3, R3a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb to" COOR1, optionally using (i) aqueous hydrolysis with or without an acid or base or (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis, to provide a compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b

(Formula Removed)

[0065] [0066]

wherein R1, R2, R3, R3a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein;
reducing said compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b to provide a compound
of Formula VIII-2
(Formula Removed)

[0067]
[0068] [0069]

wherein R , R , R , X , X and X are as defined herein, wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-2 is NH2; and cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-2 to provide said compound of. Formula Ia-2.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a process, referred to herein as Method 4, for preparing N-l benzimidazole compounds represented by Formula Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates

[0070]

(Formula Removed)

and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein, with the proviso that R3 is not hydrogen, said method comprising:

[0071]

providing a compound of Formula VIII-1, prepared as described in Method 1

wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein, with the proviso that R3 is not hydrogen, and wherein when A of said compound of Formula Vll-la or Vll-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2; (Formula Removed)

[0072] cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-1 to provide a compound of
Formula Ib-1

[0073] [0074]

(Formula Removed)

wherein R2, R3 X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein; and and converting of the nitrile group in Ib-1 to COOR1, optionally using (i) aqueous hydrolysis with or without an acid or base or (ii) enzymatic' hydrolysis, to provide said compound of Formula Ib-2

[0075] [0076]
[0077]

(Formula Removed)

wherein R1, R2, R3 X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein.
In one embodiment the cyclization Method A described below can be used in
conjunction with Method 4 above.
The step of cyclizing a compound of Formula VIII-1 or VIII-2 to provide the
benzimidazole core structures in any of the above-described Methods 1-4 can
[0078] [0079] [0080][0081]b performed in several ways. Five cyclization methods, namely ethods A-E, are described in general below with respect to the cyclization of a compound of Formula VIII-1. However, it is to be understood that Methods A-E apply equally to the cyclizations of compounds of Formulas VIII-2. The cyclization methods will provide either N-3 benzimidazole derivatives or N-l benzimidazole derivatives, depending on the reagents used and the particular R3 substituents on the compounds of Formulas VIII-1. Method A: A compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding benzimidazole represented by Formula Ia-1, wherein R4 is hydrogen, by a "one pot" method upon treatment with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide of the benzimidazole tautomer represented by Formula Ia-2 wherein R4 is hydrogen. If desired, the compound of Formula Ia-2 can be reacted with an alkylating agent to provide a mixture of the N-l and N-3 alkylated benzimidazoles Ia-2 and Ib-2(Formula Removed)

wherein R4 and R3 are not hydrogen.
Method B: A compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, can
be cyclized to the corresponding N-l benzimidazole represented by Formula
Ib-1 by a "one pot" method upon treatment with (i) formic acid, optionally in
the presence of a second acid, (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of
an acid, or (iii) formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of
an acid. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ib-1 can then be
converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a
compound of Formula Ib-2.
Method C: A compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, can be"

[0082]
[0083]
[0084]
[0085] [0086]

cyclized to the corresponding N-3 benzimidazole represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is methyl, by a "one pot" method upon treatment with two or more equivalents of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2.
Method D: A compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding benzimidazole represented by Formula Ib-1 wherein R4 is not hydrogen, by a step-wise process comprising: (a) (i) reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed)

with an acylating agent to provide a compound of Formula IX-1
(Formula Removed)

wherein R2, R3, X1, X2, X5 are as defined herein and R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, and
(ii) reducing the amide group of said compound of Formula IX-1 to provide a compound of Formula X-l
(Formula Removed)

[0087]

wherein R2, R3, R4a, X1, X2, X5 are as defined herein; or

[0088] [0089]
[0090]
[0091]
[0092]
[0093] [0094]

(b) reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1 with an alkylating agent to
provide said compound of Formula X-l; and
(c) reacting said compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in
the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of
a second acid to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1. The nitrile group of
said compound of Formula Ia-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group,-
wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2.
Method E: A compound of Formula VIII-1, where R3 is not hydrogen, can be
cyclized to the corresponding benzimidazole compound of Formula XI-1,
wherein R4 is not hydrogen, by a step-wise method comprising:
(a) (i) reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1
(Formula Removed)

with a suitable acylating agent to provide a compound of Formula IX-1
(Formula Removed)

wherein R2, R3, X1, X2, X5 are as defined herein and R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl; and
(ii) reducing the amide group of said compound of Formula IX-1 to provide a compound of Formula X-l

[0095] wherein R2, R3, R4a, X1, X2, X5 are as defined herein; or
[0096] (b) reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1 with an alkylating agent to
provide said compound of Formula X-l;
[0097] (c) reacting said compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in
the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of a second acid to provide said compound of Formula XI-1
(Formula Removed)

[0098] wherein R2, R3, R4, X1, X2, X5 and Xs are as defined herein; and
[0099] removing the R3 group to provide the N-3 benzimidazole compound of
Formula Ia-1. The nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 can then be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2.
[00100] Additional advantages and novel features of this invention shall be set forth in
part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following specification or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities, combinations, compositions, and methods particularly pointed out in the detailed description and in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[00101] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of
the specification, illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[00102] In the Figures:
[00103] Figure 1 shows a reaction scheme (Methods 1-4) for the synthesis of
compounds having the Formula Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates.
[00104] Figure 2 shows several synthetic routes for preparing the intermediate
compounds represented by Formulas Va and Vb.
[00105] Figure 3 shows a "one pot" cyclization method (Method A) using formic acid
or a formic acid derivative for the preparation of benzimidazole tautomers
represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is hydrogen.
[00106] Figure 4 shows a "one pot" cyclization method (Method B) using formic acid,
a formic acid derivative, formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative for the
preparation of benzimidazole core structures represented by Formula Ib-1
wherein R3 is not hydrogen.
[00107] Figure 5 shows a "one pot" cyclization method (Method C) using
formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative for the preparation of
benzimidazoles represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is methyl.
[00108] Figure 6 shows a multi-step cyclization method (Method D) for the
preparation of benzimidazoles represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is not
hydrogen.
[00109] Figure 7 shows another multi-step cyclization method (Method E) for the
preparation of benzimidazoles represented by Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is not
hydrogen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00110] One aspect of the present invention provides methods for the preparation of
compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2 and their
synthetic intermediates(Formula Removed)
[00111] and salts and solvates thereof, wherein:
[00112] R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10
cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-Ce heterocycloalkyl;
[00113] R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl,
trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, Q-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl;
[00114] R3 is hydrogen, Ci-Cio alkyl, C2-Cio alkenyl, C2-C]0 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl,
arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, Ci-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and Ca-C4 alkynyl, wherein for Formulas Ib-1 and Ib-2, R3 is not hydrogen;
[00115] R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10
cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4
alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7;
[00116] X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C
alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy;
[00117] X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or d-C6 alkyl;
[00118] R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, C1-C10 alkyl,
C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl,
[00119] or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10
membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and
[00120] R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl.
[00121] Methods for preparing N-3 benzimidazole compounds of the general Formulas
Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2 can be performed in several ways and are described below. Three methods, namely Methods 1-3, for preparing the N-3 benzimidazole compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1 and Ia-2 are shown in Figure 1. Method 4, also shown in Figure 1, describes the synthesis of the N-l benzimidazole derivatives represented by Formulas Ib-1 and Ib-2.
[00122] In certain embodiments of Methods 1-4, X5 is halogen. In other embodiments,
X5 is F. In yet another embodiment, X1 is H or halogen. In another
0 0
embodiment X is alkyl or halogen. In one embodiment X is Br.
[00123] In certain embodiments of Methods 1-4, R4 is Ci-Cio alkyl. In particular
embodiments, R4 is methyl.
[00124] In some embodiments of Methods 1-4, R2 is hydrogen.
[00125] Method 1: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method,'
referred to herein as Method 1 and shown schematically in Figure 1, for
preparing compounds of Formulas Ia-1 and Ia-2 and their synthetic
intermediates(Formula Removed)

[00126] and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined
herein.
[00127] More specifically, Method 1, as shown in Figure 1, comprises preparation of a
compound of Formula Ia-1 or Ia-2 from a compound of Formula Va or Vb
(Formula Removed)

[00128]
[00129]
[00130]

wherein X3 is F, Cl, Br, I or a sulfonate ester such as, but not limited to, trifluoromethanesulfonate, methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate or p-toluenesulfonate, R3a is H or a group that is removable under reductive conditions such as substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6, and X5 and R3 are defined herein.
A compound of Formula Va or Vb can be prepared by several methods as shown in Figure 2. For example, according to one embodiment a compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula IIa
(Formula Removed)

[00131]

wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is

as defined herein to provide a compound of Formula IV
CN
.X3

[00132]
[00133]
[00134]

wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein. In one embodiment, X3, X4 and X5 are F. The compound of Formula IV is then reacted with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine, or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or said compound of Formula IV is reacted with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3.
Nitration reaction conditions suitable for the preparation of compounds of Formula IV are well known to those skilled in the art, and include, but are not limited to reacting a compound of Formula IIa with nitric acid in the presence of an activating agent such as concentrated sulfuric acid. With continued reference to Figure 2, the X4 group of the compound of Formula IV is then selectively replaced by a nitrogen nucleophile to provide a compound of Formula Va or Vb. Examples of nucleophilic reagents that contain or generate ammonia include, but are not limited to, NH3 and NH4OH. Examples of nucleophilic primary and secondary amines include amines having the formula HNR3R3a, wherein R3 and R3a are as defined herein. Specific examples of primary and secondary amines include, but are not limited to methylamine, benzylamine, dibenzylamine, allylamine, diallylamine" and hexamethyldisilazane. Examples of nucleophilic reagents that deliver a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine include, but are not limited to, (1) metal amides such as sodium, potassium and lithium amide, or alkylated derivatives thereof, (2) protected ammonia or amide equivalents
such as, but not limited to, hydroxylamines and hydrazines, (3) nitrogen nucleophiles having the Formula MNR3R3a wherein M is a metal such as Na, • K, Li, Cs, Mg or Al and R3 and R3a are as hereinbefore defined and such as NaNH2, KNH2 or LiNH2 and (4) metal silylamides such as lithium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide, sodium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide or potassium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide. Examples of nucleophilic metal azides include, but are not limited to, sodium azide (NaN3), potassium azide (KN3) and lithium azide (LiN3).
[00135] Nucleophilic substitution of a leaving group ortho- or para- to a nitro group in
an aromatic ring is a method well known in the art for the introduction of an amino group into an aromatic ring. In the case of compounds of Formula IV, it was discovered that, under controlled reaction conditions, the leaving groups X3 and X4 can be replaced independently in separate steps. That is, the group in the position ortho- to the nitro group in compounds of Formula IV (i.e., the X4 group) is selectively replaced by a nitrogen nucleophile with minimal or no • displacement of the X3 group when the reaction is performed under the appropriate reaction conditions. The reaction conditions (e.g., temperature, pressure, equivalents of nucleophile, etc.) needed to achieve selective mono-amination at the position ortho- to the nitro group of compound of Formula IV depend on the strength of the nucleophile. For example, if a strong nucleophile is used, the reaction may proceed easily at or below room temperature and at atmospheric pressure using one equivalent of the nucleophile to provide the desired mono-amination product. Examples of strong nucleophiles include, but are not limited to, aqueous ammonia (30% vol/vol) and metal amides such as sodium, potassium and lithium amide. Alternatively, if a weak nucleophile is used, more forcing conditions such as elevated temperatures and/or elevated pressure and/or an excess amount of the nucleophile may be required to achieve monoamination. Examples of weak -nucleophiles include, but are not limited to, a primary or secondary amine substituted with a sterically bulky group such as t-butyl. The introduction of an amino group at the position ortho- to the nitro group provides the substitution product represented by Formula Va or Vb, which is less reactive to further nucleophilic attack, and therefore the reaction can be carried out
with a high level of selectivity. The leaving group X3 at the position para- to. the nitro group is replaced in a subsequent step of Method 1 by an aniline nucleophile. The discovery of methodology that allows the two substitution reactions to be carried out selectively and independently allows for an efficient route for the manufacture of substituted benzimidazoles of a type represented by la-1 and la-2.
[00136] In a particular embodiment, a compound of Formula Va is prepared by
reacting a compound of Formula IV with excess NR4OH at room temperature in water (with or without an organic co-solvent). Examples of suitable organic co-solvents include THF, 1,4-dioxane and N-methyl pyrrolidine. Alternatively, a compound of Formula Va can be prepared by reacting a compound of Formula IV with aqueous ammonia at temperatures between 0 and 130 °C, in particular between 30 and 130 °C under 1-5 bar NH3(g). In one embodiment, a compound of Formula IV is reacted with aqueous ammonia at temperatures between 0 °C and room temperature, hi another embodiment, a compound of Formula IV is reacted with aqueous ammonia under 1 bar NH3(g).
[00137] According to another embodiment as shown in Figure 2, a compound of
Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising:
[00138] nitrating a compound of Formula l1b(Formula Removed)

[00139] wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein, to provide a compound of
Formula III(Formula Removed)
[00140] [00141]wherein X3, X4 and X are as defined herein;
converting the carboxylic acid group of said compound of Formula III to a primary amide group under slander conditions well known to persons skilled in the art (for example, by treating a compound of Formula III with concentrated aqueous ammonium hydroxide at room temperature) to provide a compound of Formula Illd
0,N

[00142] [00143]

(Formula Removed)

wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein; and
dehydrating the primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIId under' standard dehydration conditions well known to persons skilled in the art to provide a compound of Formula IV
(Formula Removed)

[00144]

reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula -Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. For example, in one embodiment a compound of Formula IIId wherein X3 = X4 = Xs = F, can be treated with POCl3 at a temperature above ambient and in a suitable solvent such as, but not limited to acetonitrile, to
[00145][00146] [00147]provide the compound of Formula IV.
The nitration conditions for preparing a compound of Formula III are as described above. For example, in one embodiment a trihalobenzoic represented by Formula l1b can be treated with fuming nitric acid in H2SC4 to provide a 2,3,4-trihalo-5-nitrobenzoic acid represented by Formula III in high yield.
In yet another embodiment as shown in Figure 2, a compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising: nitrating a compound of Formula l1b

(Formula Removed)

[00148]

wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein, to provide a compound of

Formula III(Formula Removed)

[00149] [00150]

wherein X3, X4 and X5 are as defined herein;
reacting said compound of Formula III with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III, to provide a compound of Formula Illa-1 wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula III with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III to provide a compound of Formula IIIa-2 wherein AisN3

[00151]

: (Formula Removed)

converting the carboxylic acid group of said compound of Formula IIIa-1 or IIIa-2 to a carboxylic acid ester under stander conditions well known to persons skilled in the art to provide a compound of Formula IIIb-1 or IIIb-2, respectively,
(Formula Removed)

[00152] [00153]

wherein R3, R3a, X3 and X5 are as defined herein;
converting the carboxylic acid ester group of said compound of Formula Illb-1 or IIIb-2 to a primary amide group under stander conditions well known to persons skilled in the art to provide a compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2, respectively,

[00154]
[00155]

(Formula Removed)

wherein R3, R3a, X3 and X5 are as defined herein; and
dehydrating said primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2 under stander conditions well known to persons skilled in the art to provide said compound of Formula Va or Vb.

[00156]
[00157]

This invention further provides compounds of Formula Va and Vb salts and
solvates thereof. In one embodiment of a compound of Formula Va, X3 and
X5 are F, and R3 and R3a are H.
With continued reference to Figure 1, a compound of Formula VII-la or VII-
Ib

[00158]

(Formula Removed)

wherein X1, X2, X5 R2, R3, R3a, A and Z are as defined herein, is then prepared by reacting a compound of Formula Va or Vb, respectively, with a substituted or unsubstituted aniline. More specifically, one embodiment for the preparation of compounds of Formula VII-la according to Method 1 comprises a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SnAr) reaction between a compound of Formula Va or Vb and an aniline having the Formula VI

[00159]
[00160]

(Formula Removed)

wherein X1, X2 and R2 are as defined herein, in the presence of a suitable base in an appropriate solvent. The nitrile moiety in said compound of Formula Va/Vb was found to be a more effective activating substituent for this nucleophilic substitution reaction compared to an ester group in the same position.
The SnAr reaction is performed in the presence of a base that strong enough to deprotonate the aniline substrate in order to achieve effective conversion to the coupled compound VH-la. Examples of bases that can generate reactive nucleophilic anilines include, but are not limited to: metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride; dialkyl metal amides, such as lithium dialkyl amines (e.g., lithium diisopropylamide); metal silazides, such as hexaalkyldisilazides (e.g.,
[00161]
sodium hexamethyl disilazide, lithium hexamethyl disilazide or potassium hexamethyl disilazide); metal alkoxides, such as potassium, sodium or lithium alkoxides derived from primary secondary or tertiary alcohols (e.g., potassium tert-butoxide, sodium isoamylate); metal amides (e.g., sodium amide, potassium amide, lithium amide); Grignard reagents (e.g., alkyl magnesium halides); and aluminum reagents, such as trialkylaluminum reagents. According to one embodiment of the invention, a compound of Formula Villa or VII-lb can be prepared as shown in Figure 1 by reacting a compound of Formula Va or Vb with an aniline of Formula VI in an aprotic organic solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature between -50 and 80 °C. Examples of suitable organic solvents include, but are not limited to THF, diethylether and N-methyl pyrrolidine. In one embodiment, the aniline has the Formula VI
R2HN

[00162]
[00163]

VI
wherein X1, X2 and R2 are as defined herein. In a particular embodiment, X1 is Br. In another embodiment, a compound of Formula Va, wherein R3 and R3a are hydrogen and X3 and X5 are F, is reacted with a compound of Formula VI, wherein said compound of Formula VI is 4-bromo-2-chloroaniline, in the presence of a base, for example potassium tert-butoxide, in THF at a temperature between -10 to 50 °C, to provide a compound of Formula VII-la wherein R3 and R3a are hydrogen, X5 is F, X1 is 2-chloro and X2 is 4-bromo. This invention further provides compounds of Formula VII-la and VII-lb

[00164] [00165]

(Formula Removed)

and salts and solvates thereof. In one embodiment of a compound of Formula VII-1a, X5 is F, and R2, R3 and R3a are H.
With continued reference to Figure 1, the nitro group of the compound of
Formula VII-la or VII-lb is then reduced to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1. The reduction step can be performed utilizing reaction conditions and reagents well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of suitable methods for reducing an aromatic nitro group include, but are not limited to, dissolving metal reductions, catalytic hydrogenations, and enzymatic reactions. More specific examples of dissolving metal reductions include the use of a metal in a suitable solvent under acidic conditions. Example of metals suitable for dissolving metal reductions include, but are not limited to, Zn, Fe and Sn. For example, in one embodiment a compound of Formula Vll-la can be converted to a compound of Formula VIII-1 using zinc powder and concentrated HC1 in suitable solvent system at temperatures between 0-100 °C, more typically at 40 to 60 °C. Suitable solvent systems for dissolving metal reductions include organic solvent systems such as, but not limited to, a mixture of methanol and THF. Catalytic hydrogenations can be performed with hydrogen in the presence of a metal catalyst in a suitable solvent system under hydrogen (for example, 1-20 atm. H2) at 0-100 °C. Suitable metal catalysts for use in catalytic hydrogenations include, but are not limited to, Pd, Pt, Rh and Ni. Examples of suitable solvent systems include, but are not limited to, an organic solvent and/or aqueous organic solvents, such as a mixture of isopropanol and THF. Catalytic hydrogenation can also be performed in an organic solvent in the presence of a palladium or platinum-based catalyst (such as, but not limited to, palladium or platinum metal supported on carbon) at hydrogen pressures greater than 60 psi. In one embodiment, catalytic hydrogenation was found to be particularly effective to achieve the conversion" of a compound of Formula Vll-la into a compound of Formula VIII-1.
[00166] This invention further provides compounds of Formula VIII-1 and salts and
solvates thereof. In one embodiment of a compound of Formula VIII-1, X5 is F, and R2, R3 and R3a are H.
[00167] With continued reference to Figure 1, the compound of Formula VIII-1 can be
cyclized to the benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ia-1
(Formula Removed)

[00168]
[00169] [00170]

Ia-1
wherein X1, X2, X5, R2 and R4 are as defined herein. The cyclization step to provide the benzimidazole core structure Ia-1 can be performed in several ways, such as any one of Methods A, C or D as described later in detail. Also provided herein are compounds of Formula Ia-1 and salts and solvates thereof.
The nitrile derivative represented by Formula Ia-1 can be converted to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, to provide a carboxyl derivative represented by Formula Ia-2
[00171]
[00172]

(Formula Removed)

wherein R1, R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Procedures for the hydrolysis or alcholysis of nitriles to carboxylic acids or esters, such as chemical or enzymatic methods, are well known to those skilled in the art. For example, chemical methods of converting a nitrile to a COOR1 group include " hydrolysis in water, with or without an organic co-solvent, and in the presence of an acid or base. Suitable bases include, but are not limited to, Group I or Group II metal hydroxides, carbonates and bicarbonates, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, etc. Examples of suitable acids include, but are not limited to, mineral acids, for example hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, etc. In one embodiment the hydrolysis of the nitrile group of Formula Ia-1 to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2, wherein R1 is H, is carried out using a base such as potassium hydroxide in water, with or without an organic co-solvent such as THF. As an alternative to chemical hydrolysis, enzymes are also available that will
[00173]
hydrolyze the nitrile group of a compound of Formula Ia-1 into a carboxylic acid to provide a compound of Formula Ia-2. Examples of such enzymes include that will convert a nitrile group directly to a carboxylic acid include, but are not limited to, nitrilases.
Method 2: In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, referred to herein as Method 2, for preparing compounds of Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates
(Formula Removed)

[00174][00175]
[00176]Ia-2
and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R4, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Method 2, as illustrated in Figure 1, follows the SNAr route of Method 1, with the exception that the CN group is converted into COOR1 at an earlier stage in the synthetic route. In particular, according to Method 2, a compound Formula VIII-1 wherein Z is CN is converted into a compound of Formula VIII-2 wherein Z is COOR1. The hydrolysis can be carried out using methods known in the art, including chemical or enzymatic catalysis methods as described in Method 1.
Compounds of Formulas VIII-2 can then be cyclized to provide the N-3 benzimidazole core structure represented by Formula Ia-2 wherein Z is-COOR1. The cyclization step to provide the benzimidazole core structure can be performed in several ways, such as any one of Methods A, C and D as described later in detail.
Method 3: In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method, referred to herein as Method 3, for preparing compounds of Formula Ia-2 and their synthetic intermediates. Method 3, as illustrated in Figure 1, follows the SNAr route of Method 1, with the exception that the CN group is converted into COOR1 at an earlier stage in the synthetic route. In particular, according to Method 3, a compound of Formula VII-la or Vll-lb wherein Z is CN is converted into a compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b, respectively, wherein Z is COOR1. The conversion of the nitrile moiety of the
[00177][00178]compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as defined herein, can be carried out using methods known in the art, including chemical or enzymatic catalysis methods as described in Method 1. Compounds of Formulas VII-2a and VII-2b can then be converted to a compound of Formula VIII-2 upon reduction the nitro moiety using conditions such as those described in Method 1. Compounds of Formulas VIII-2 can be cyclized to provide the N-3 benzimidazole core structure represented by Formula Ia-2 wherein Z is COOR1. The cyclization step to provide the benzimidazole core structure can be performed in several ways, such as any one of Methods A, C or D as described later in detail. Method 4: In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a process, referred to herein as Method 4, for preparing N-l benzimidazole compounds represented by Formula Ib-2 and their synthetic intermediates

[00179](Formula Removed)

and salts and solvates thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein, with the proviso that R3 is not hydrogen. Method 4, as illustrated in Figure 1, follows the SNAr route of Method 1 up through the preparation of a compound of Formula VIII(Formula Removed)

[00180]herein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Cyclization of the compound of Formula VIII-1 according to Method B described below in detail provides a 1-H benzimidazole of Formula Ib-1
(Formula Removed)

[00181wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein.
[00182] Conversion of the nitrile function in Ib-1 to a COOR1 group, wherein R1 is as
defined herein, can then be carried out methods known in the art, including chemical or enzymatic catalysis methods as described in Method 1, to provide a compound of Formula Ib-2.
[00183] Methods 1-4 of the present invention provide a number of distinct advantages
over conventional processes for preparing compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2. For example, the processes of the present invention provide compounds of the general Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and Ib-2 in higher yields compared to conventional processes. Further, the invention provides methods for the regioselective and chemoselective cyclization of compounds of Formulas VIII-1 and VIII-2 to provide benzimidazoles of Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 and lb-2, respectively. In addition, the process of the present invention is more reliable and suitable for the large-scale synthesis of benzimidazoles than conventional processes. For example, the cyclization of a compound of Formula VIII-1 to a compound of Formula Ia-1, according to the Methods A and C-E described below in detail, or the cyclization of a compound of Formula VIII-1 to a compound of Formula Ib-1 according to Method B described below, produces far less toxic by-products than methods utilized in the prior art for the synthesis of benzimidazole ring systems, and is a more efficient process. The synthetic methods of the present invention are selective and the preparation of the compounds of this invention can be carried out in high yield, thus providing industrial value. Furthermore, benzimidazole derivatives represented by Formulas Ia-1, Ib-1, Ia-2 and Ib-2 can be synthesized from trihalobenzoic acids in a relatively short number of steps.
[00184] Benzimidazole cyclizations
[00185] As stated, the cyclization of compounds of Formula VIII-1 or VIII-2 in any of
[00186]Methods 1-4 of the present invention to provide benzimidazole core structures Ia-1, Ia-2, Ib-1 or Ib-2 can be performed in several ways. Five methods, namely Methods A-E, are described below and are illustrated in Figures 3-7. The cyclization methods provide either N-3 benzimidazole derivatives or N-1 benzimidazole derivatives, depending on the reagents employed and the nature of the R3 substituent. Methods A-E are described below with respect to the cyclization of compounds of Formula VIII-1. However, it is to be understood. that these cyclization methods apply equally to the cyclization of compounds of Formula VIII-2.
Method A: According to cyclization Method A, as shown in Figure 3, a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed)

[00187] ^
wherein R , X , X and X are as defined herein and R is hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding benzimidazole tautomer represented by Formula Ia-1

[00188](Formula Removed)

according to a "one-pot" process which comprises reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1 with (i) formic acid optionally in the presence of an additional acid, or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, under appropriate conditions known to those skilled in the art. As used herein, the term "formic acid derivative" includes, but is not limited to, esters of formic acid such as, but not limited to, trimethylorthoformate, triethylorthoformate, and formamidine acetate. For example, in one embodiment, a compound of Formula VIII-1 wherein R3 and R3a are hydrogen was converted into a"
compound of Formula Ia-2 in very high yield upon reaction with methyl orthoformate and sulfuric acid in THF solution. If desired, the compound of Formula Ia-2 can be reacted with an alkylating agent to provide a mixture of the N-l and N-3 alkylated benzimidazoles Ia-2 and Ib-2
[00189] [00190]
Ib-2
Ia-2
wherein R4 and R3 are not hydrogen.
Method B: According to cyclization Method B, as shown in Figure 4, a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, can be cyclized to the corresponding N-l benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ib-1(Formula Removed)

[00191][00192]
wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein according to a "one-pot" process which comprises reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1 with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid, (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, or (iii) formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid under appropriate conditions known to those skilled in the art to provide the N-l benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ib-1 wherein R3 is not hydrogen. Method C: Cyclization Method C, as shown in Figure 5, provides a "one pot" method for selectively and directly converting a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, to an N-3 benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula la -1
(Formula Removed)

[00193][00194]
wherein R2, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein and R4 is methyl. Method C comprises treating a compound of Formula VIII-1 or VIII-2 with two or more equivalents of formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid. This reaction advantageously proceeds with complete regioselectivity to provide N-3 methyl benzimidazoles represented by Formula Ia-1. As used herein, the term "formaldehyde derivative" includes, but is not limited to, dialkoxymethanes such as diethoxymethane and dimethoxymethane. Suitable acids for purposes of this invention include mineral acids (e.g., sulfuric acid, HCI, HBr), sulfonic acids (methanesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, etc.) and carboxylic acids (e.g., formic acid, acetic acid, etc.). In one non-limiting embodiment, the reaction is performed in acetonitrile containing water and diethoxymethane or dimethoxymethane in the presence of an acid such as toluenesulfonic acid.
Method D: According to another embodiment, an N-3 benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ia-1, wherein R4 is not hydrogen, can be prepared from a compound of Formula VIII-1 in a stepwise manner as shown in Figure 6. More specifically, Method D comprises treating a compound of Formula VIII-1 wherein R3 is hydrogen, with a suitable acylating agent such as, but not limited to, formic acid, an acid anhydride (for example acetic anhydride), an acid halide (for example acetyl chloride) or an ester (for example trifluoroethyl formate) to provide the intermediate compound represented by Formula IX-1(Formula Removed)

[00195]
[00196]

wherein R2, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein and R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4. alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR6R7 and -OR8.
The amide group of the compound of Formula IX-1 is then reduced to provide an intermediate compound represented by Formula X-l(Formula Removed)

[00197][00198][00199]wherein R2, R4a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Suitable reducing agents
include, but are not limited to, borane-type reducing agents (e.g., BH3-THF) in
an appropriate solvent such as THF.
Alternatively, a compound of Formula X-l can be formed directly from a'
compound of Formula VIII-1 as shown in Figure 6 by reaction with an
alkylating agent. Examples of suitable alkylating agents include, but are not
limited to, alkyl halides (such as ethyl iodide), alkyl tosylates, alkyl mesylates
and alkyl Inflates.
Cyclization of the compound of Formula X-l to provide the benzimidazole
represented by Formula Ia-1(Formula Removed)

{00200]
wherein R4 is not hydrogen, is accomplished by reacting the compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, under appropriate
[00201][00202]conditions known to those skilled in the art to provide a compound of Formula Ia-1. Examples of suitable formic acid esters include, but are not limited to, trimethylorthoformate, triethylorthoformate and formamidine acetate. Method E: In an alternative multi-step cyclization method, referred to herein as Method E, an N-3 benzimidazole derivative represented by Formula Ia-1," wherein R4 is not hydrogen, can be prepared from a compound of Formula VIII-1 in a stepwise manner as shown in Figure as shown in Figure 7. More specifically, Method E comprises treating a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, with a suitable acylating agent such as, but not limited to, formic acid, an acid anhydride (for example acetic anhydride), an acid halide (for example acetyl chloride) or an ester (for example trifluoroethyl formate) to provide the intermediate compound represented by Formula IX-1(Formula Removed)
[00203][00204]wherein R2, R3, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein and R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR6R7 and -OR8.
The amide group of the compound of Formula IX-1 is then reduced to provide an intermediate compound represented by Formula X-l
(Formula Removed)

[00205]wherein R2, R3, R4a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Suitable reducing agents include, but are not limited to, borane-type reducing agents (e.g., BH3-THF) in an appropriate solvent such as THF. Alternatively, a compound of Formula X-l can be formed directly from a compound of Formula VIII-1 as. shown in Figure 7 by reaction with an alkylating agent as discussed in Method D. Cyclization of the compound of Formula X-l to provide the benzimidazole represented by Formula XI-1(Formula Removed)
[00206][00207][00208] [00209]
wherein R2, R3, R4a, X1, X2 and X5 are as defined herein. Removal of the R3 group from said compound of Formula XI-1 provides the N-3 benzimidazole compound of Formula Ia-1.
Methods for removing N-l substituents from benzimidazoles are well known to persons skilled in the art, and the reagents and reaction conditions required depend on the nature of the R3 group. For example, when the R3 group of a compound of Formula XI-1 is N-alkyl, N-allyl, N-benzyl, -C(O)OR5 or -COR5, removal of the R3 group can be achieved by hydrogenation. An N-l allyl substituent can also be removed from a compound of Formula XI-1 by heating the compound of Formula XI-1 in the presence of an organometallic catalyst such as Rh(PPh3)3Cl, also known as Wilkinson's catalyst. Examples of formic acid esters for the cyclization Methods A, B, C and E include trimethylorthoformate, triethylorthoformate, and formamidine acetate. The above-described cyclization Methods A-E of the present invention offer several advantages over conventional methods for the preparation of benzimidazole derivatives. First, there are only a few literature examples of the conversion of a diamino aryl compound to a benzimidazole (see, for example, G. P. Ellis, R.T. Jones, /. Chem. Soc., Perkin 1, 1974, 903; G.T. Morgan, W.A.P. Challenor, J. Chem. Soc. Trans., 1921, 1537; N.S. Zefirov, et al., Zyk, ECHET98: Electronic Conference on Heterocyclic Chemistry, (1988)
406-408; V. Milata, D. Ilavsky, Organic Proc. And Prep. Int., (1993), 25:703-704), however, none of the reported examples involved highly substituted substrates such as those involved in the process of the present invention. In addition, in many of the literature examples the regioselectivity is uncertain (G.T. Morgan, W.A.P. Challenor, J. Chem. Soc. Trans., 1921,1537). Furthermore, the methods of this invention are more suitable for industrial applications, since it uses reagents that are less toxic than the HC1/HCHO reagent mixture used in conventional methods, and therefore do not generate toxic by-products such as dichloromethyl ether.
[00210] The terms "C1-C10 alkyl" and "alky!" as used herein refer to a saturated linear
or branched-chain monovalent hydrocarbon radical having one to ten carbon atoms, wherein the alkyl radical may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents described below. Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, tert-pentyl, hexyl, 2-hexyl, 3-hexyl, 3-methylpentyl, heptyl, octyl, and the like.
[00211] The terms "C2-C10 alkenyl" and "lower alkenyl" refer to linear or branched-
chain monovalent hydrocarbon radical having two to 10 carbon atoms and at least one double bond, and include, but is not limited to, ethenyl, propenyl, 1-but-3-enyl, l-pent-3-enyl, l-hex-5-enyl and the like, wherein the alkenyl radical may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents described herein, and includes radicals having "cis" and "trans" orientations, or alternatively, "E" and "Z" orientations.
[00212] The terms "C2-C10 alkynyl" and "alkynyl" refer to a linear or branched
monovalent hydrocarbon radical of two to twelve carbon atoms containing at least one triple bond. Examples include, but are not limited to, ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentyn-2-yl and the like, wherein the alkynyl radical may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents described herein.
[00213] The terms "carbocycle," "carbocyclyl," "cycloalkyl" or "C3-C10 cycloalkyl""
refer to saturated or partially unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon radical having from three to ten carbon atoms. The term "cycloalkyl" includes monocyclic and polycyclic (e.g., bicyclic and tricyclic) cycloalkyl structures, wherein the
polycyclic structures optionally include a saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl fused to a saturated or partially unsaturated cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring or an aryl or heteroaryl ring. Examples of cycloalkyl • groups include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and the like. The cycloalkyl may be optionally substituted independently in one or more substitutable positions with various groups. For example, such cycloalkyl groups may be optionally substituted with, for example, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, mono(C1-C6)alkylamino, di(C1-C6)alkylamino, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, C1-C6 haloalkoxy, amino(C1-C6)alkyl, mono(C1-C6)alkylamino(C1-C6)alkyl or di(C1-C6)alkylamino(C1-C6)alkyl.
[00214] The term "heteroalkyl" refers to saturated linear or branched-chain monovalent
hydrocarbon radical of one to twelve carbon atoms, wherein at least one of the carbon atoms is replaced with a heteroatom selected from N, O, or S, and wherein the radical may be a carbon radical or heteroatom radical (i.e., the heteroatom may appear in the middle or at the end of the radical). The-heteroalkyl radical may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituents described herein. The term "heteroalkyl" encompasses alkoxy and heteroalkoxy radicals.
[00215] The terms "heterocycloalkyl," "heterocycle" or "hetercyclyl" refer to a
saturated or partially unsaturated carbocyclic radical of 3 to 8 ring atoms in which at least one ring atom is a heteroatom selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, the remaining ring atoms being C, wherein one or more ring atoms may be optionally substituted independently with one or more substituent described below. The radical may be a carbon radical or heteroatom radical. The term further includes bicyclic and tricyclic fused ring systems, which include a heterocycle fused one or more carbocyclic or heterocyclic rings. "Heterocycloalkyl" also includes radicals wherein heterocycle radicals are fused with aromatic or heteroaromatic rings. Examples of heterocycloalkyl -rings include, but are not limited to, pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothienyl, tetrahydropyranyl, dihydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, piperidino, morpholino, thiomorpholino, thioxanyl, piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl, azetidinyl, oxetanyl, thietanyl, homopiperidinyl,
oxepanyl, thiepanyl, oxazepinyl, diazepinyl, thiazepinyl, 1,2,3,6-. tetrahydropyridinyl, 2-pyrrolinyl, 3-pyrrolinyl, indolinyl, 2H-pyranyl, 4H-pyranyl, dioxanyl, 1,3-dioxolanyl, pyrazolinyl, dithianyl, dithiolanyl, dihydropyranyl, dihydrothienyl, dihydrofuranyl, pyrazolidinylimidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, 3-azabicyco[3.1.0]hexanyl, 3-azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptanyl, azabicyclo[2.2.2]hexanyl, 3H-indolyl and quinolizinyl. Spiro moieties are also included within the scope of this definition. The foregoing groups, as derived from the groups listed above, may be C-attached or N-attached where such is possible. For instance, a group derived from pyrrole may be pyrrol-1-yl (N-attached) or pyrrol-3-yl (C-attached). Further, a group derived from imidazole may be imidazol-1-yl (N-attached) or imidazol-3-yl (C-attached). An example of a heterocyclic group wherein 2 ring carbon atoms are substituted with oxo (=O) moieties is 1,1-dioxo-thiomorpholinyl. The heterocycle groups herein are unsubstituted or, as specified, substituted in one. or more substitutable positions with various groups. For example, such heterocycle groups may be optionally substituted with, for example, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 alkoxy, halogen, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, mono(C1-C6)alkylamino, di(C1-C6)alkylamino, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, Ci-Ce haloalkoxy, amino(Ci-C6)alkyl, mono(Ci-C6)alkylamino(Ci-C6)alkyl or di(C1-C6)aIkylamino(C1-C6)alkyl.
[00216] The term "aryl" refers to a monovalent aromatic carbocyclic radical having a
single ring (e.g., phenyl), multiple rings (e.g., biphenyl), or multiple condensed rings in which at least one is aromatic, (e.g., 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthyl, naphthyl), which is optionally mono-, di-, or trisubstituted with, e.g., halogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and hydroxy.
[00217] The term "heteroaryl" refers to a monovalent aromatic radical of 5-, 6- or 7-.
membered rings which includes fused ring systems (at least one of which is aromatic) of 5-10 atoms containing at least one and up to four heteroatoms selected from nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Examples of heteroaryl groups are pyridinyl, imidazolyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, pyrazinyl, tetrazolyl, furyl, thienyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrrolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzofuranyl, cinnolinyl, indazolyl,
indolizinyl, phthalazinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, isoindolyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, furazanyl, benzofurazanyl, benzothiophenyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, naphthyridinyl, and furopyridinyl. Spiro moieties are also included within the scope of this definition. Heteroaryl groups are optionally mono-, di-, or trisubstituted with, e.g., halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl.
[00218] The term "arylalkyl" means an alkyl moiety (as defined above) substituted
with one or more aryl moiety (also as defined above). More preferred arylalkyl radicals are aryl-C1-3-alkyls. Examples include benzyl, phenylethyl, and the like.
[00219] The term "heteroarylalkyl" means an alkyl moiety (as defined above)
substituted with a heteroaryl moiety (also as defined above). More preferred heteroarylalkyl radicals are 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl-C1-3-alkyls. Examples include oxazolylmethyl, pyridylethyl and the like.
[00220] The term "heterocyclylalkyl" means an alkyl moiety (as defined above)
substituted with a heterocyclyl moiety (also defined above). More preferred heterocyclylalkyl radicals are 5- or 6-membered heterocyclyl-C1-3-alkyls. Examples include tetrahydropyranylmethyl.
[00221] The term "cycloalkylalkyl" means an alkyl moiety (as defined above)
substituted with a cycloalkyl moiety (also defined above). More preferred heterocyclyl radicals are 5- or 6-membered cycloalkyl-C1-3-alkyls. Examples include cyclopropylmethyl.
[00222] The term "Me" means methyl, "Et" means ethyl, "Bu" means butyl and "Ac"
means acetyl.
[00223] The term "halogen" represents fluorine, bromine, chlorine, and iodine.
[00224] In general, the various moieties or functional groups of any of the compounds
of the present invention may be optionally substituted by one or more substituents. Examples of substituents suitable for purposes of this invention include, but are not limited to, oxo (with the proviso that it is not on an aryl or heteroaryl), halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido, -OR', -NR'SO2R"", -SO2NR'R", -C(O)R', -C(O)OR', -OC(0)R', -NR'C(O)OR"", -NR'C(O)R", -C(O)NR'R", -SR',
-S02R"", -NR'R", -NR'C(O)NR"R'", -NR'C(NCN)NR"R"', aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl, where R', R", R'" and R"" are independently lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, or lower alkynyl.
[00225] It is to be understood that in instances where two or more radicals are used in
succession to define a substituent attached to a structure, the first named radical is considered to be terminal and the last named radical is considered to' be attached to the structure in question. Thus, for example, the radical arylalkyl is attached to the structure in question by the alkyl group.
[00226] Certain compounds prepared according to a process of the present invention
can exist as two or more tautomeric forms. Tautomeric forms of the compounds may interchange, for example, via enolization/de-enolization and the like. Accordingly, the present invention includes the preparation of all tautomeric forms of compounds of Formulas Ia-1, Ia-2 Ib-1 and Ib-2 wherein R4 is hydrogen.
[00227] This invention also encompasses compounds of Formulas VIII-1, VIII-2, XI-
1, Ia-1, Ia-2 Ib-1 and Ib-2.
[00228] This invention further includes solvates of compound of Formula VIII-1,
VIII-2, XI-1, Ia-1, Ia-2 Ib-1 and Ib-2. The term "solvate" refers to an aggregate of a compound of this invention with one or more solvent • molecules.
[00229] This invention also encompasses salts of compounds of Formula VIII-1, VIII-
2, XI-1, Ia-1, Ia-2 Ib-1 and Ib-2. That is, a compound of the invention may
possess a sufficiently acidic, a sufficiently basic, or both functional groups,
and accordingly react with any of a number of inorganic or organic bases, and
inorganic and organic acids, to form a salt. Examples of salts include those
salts prepared by reaction of the compounds of the present invention with a
mineral or organic acid or an inorganic base, such salts including sulfites,
bisulfites, phosphates, monohydrogenphosphates, dihydrogenphosphates,
metaphosphates, pyrophosphates, chlorides, bromides, iodides, acetates,
propionates, decanoates, caprylates, acrylates, formates, isobutyrates,
caproates, heptanoates, propiolates, oxalates, malonates, succinates, suberates,
sebacates, fumarates, maleates, butyn-l,4-dioates, hexyne-l,6-dioates,-
benzoates, chlorobenzoates, methylbenzoates, dinitrobenzoates,
hydroxybenzoates, methoxybenzoates, phthalates, sulfonates, xylenesulfonates, phenylacetates, phenylpropionates, phenylbutyrates, citrates, lactates, y-hydroxybutyrates, glycolates, tartrates, methanesulfonates, propanesulfonates, naphthalene-1-sulfonates, naphthalene-2-sulfonates, and mandelates. Since a single compound of the present invention may include more than one acidic or basic moiety, the compounds of the present invention may include mono, di or tri-salts in a single compound.
[00230] If the inventive compound is a base, the desired salt may be prepared by any
suitable method available in the art, for example, treatment of the free base with an acidic compound, particularly an inorganic acid, such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like, or with an organic acid, such as acetic acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, mandelic acid, fumaric acid, malonic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, a pyranosidyl acid, such as glucuronic acid or galacturonic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, such as citric acid or tartaric acid, an amino acid, such as aspartic acid or glutamic acid, an aromatic acid, such as benzoic acid or cinnamic acid, a sulfonic acid, such as p-toluenesulfonic acid or ethanesulfonic acid, or the like.
[00231] If the inventive compound is an acid, the desired salt may be prepared by any
suitable method, for example, treatment of the free acid with an inorganic or -
organic base. Preferred inorganic salts are those formed with alkali and
alkaline earth metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, barium and calcium.
Preferred organic base salts include, for example, ammonium,
dibenzylammonium, benzylammonium, 2-hydroxyethylammonium, bis(2-
hydroxyethyl)ammonium, phenylethylbenzylamine, dibenzyl-
ethylenediamine, and the like salts. Other salts of acidic moieties may include, for example, those salts formed with procaine, quinine and N-methylglucosamine, plus salts formed with basic amino acids such as glycine, ornithine, histidine, phenylglycine, lysine and arginine.
[00232] The inventive compounds may be prepared using the reaction routes and
synthesis schemes as described herein, employing the techniques available in the art using starting materials that are readily available or can be synthesized using methods known in the art.
[00233] Representative compounds of the present invention, which are encompassed
by the present invention include, but are not limited to, the compounds of the examples and the acid or base addition salts thereof. The examples presented below are intended to illustrate particular embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the specification or the claims in any way.
EXAMPLES
[00234] The example and preparations provided below further illustrate and exemplify
the compounds of the present invention and methods of preparing such-compounds. It is to be understood that the scope of the present invention is not limited in any way by the scope of the following examples and preparations. Persons skilled in the art will recognize that the chemical reactions described may be readily adapted to prepare a number of other MEK inhibitors of the invention, and alternative methods for preparing the compounds of this invention are deemed to be within the scope of this invention. For example, the synthesis of non-exemplified compounds according to the invention may be successfully performed by modifications apparent to those skilled in the art, e.g., by appropriately protecting interfering groups, by utilizing other suitable reagents known in the art other than those described, and/or by making routine modifications of reaction conditions. Alternatively, other reactions disclosed herein or known in the art will be recognized as having applicability for preparing other compounds of the invention.
[00235] hi the example described below, unless otherwise indicated all temperatures
are set forth in degrees Celsius. Reagents were purchased from commercial suppliers such as Aldrich Chemical Company, Lancaster, TCI or Maybridge, and were used without further purification unless otherwise indicated. Tetrahydrofuran (THF), N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), dichloromethane, toluene, dioxane and 1,2-difluoroethane were purchased from Aldrich in Sure seal bottles and used as received.
[00236] The reactions set forth below were done generally under a positive pressure of
nitrogen or argon or with a drying tube (unless otherwise stated) in anhydrous solvents, and the reaction flasks were typically fitted with rubber septa for the introduction of substrates and reagents via syringe. Glassware was oven dried
and/or heat dried.
[00237] H-NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian or Buker instrument operating at
400 or 500 MHz. 'H-NMR spectra were obtained as CDC13 or DMSO-d6 solutions (reported in ppm). Other NMR solvents were used as needed. When peak multiplicities are reported, the following abbreviations are used: s (singlet), d (doublet), t (triplet), m (multiplet), br (broadened), dd (doublet of doublets), dt (doublet of triplets). Coupling constants, when given, are reported in Hertz (Hz).
Example 1
Preparation of 6-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid
F lib(Formula Removed)

[00238] Step A: 2.3.4-Trifluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid: Fuming HNO3 90% (549.0 g,
7.84 mol corrected for 90% wt, 1.26 equiv.) was added to 2.0 L (3.35 kg) of concentrated H2SO4 over 18 minutes with stirring. The solution of HNO3 was then added to a mixture of 2,3,4-trifluorobenzoic acid (1094 g, 6.21 mol, 1 equiv.) in 3.3 L (5.85 kg) of concentrated H2SO4 in a second flask with ice-water bath cooling over an hour. When addition was complete, the reaction solution was allowed to warm to room temperature. After 5 hours, the reaction was complete as determined by HPLC and the reaction mixture (brown solution) was poured into a mechanically stirred mixture of 10.6 kg of distilled water and 11.8 kg of ice over 10 minutes. The yellow slurry was cooled to 14 °C, stirred for 2 hours and then filtered. The cake was rinsed with 4.0 L of distilled water and then with 5 L of heptane. The wet cake was oven-dried overnight. The crude solids (1.791 kg) were then stirred in 16 L of distilled water (9 vol.), filtered and oven-dried at 55 °C under high vacuum overnight to yield 1035.9 g (75%) of 2,3,4-trifluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid as a yellowish solid. HPLC was 98 a% (220 nm) and 100% (254 nm). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 8.44 (1H, apparent dt, / 1.9, 7, Ar-H); 19F NMR (376
MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 -153.9, -131.5, -120.9. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 117 (C, m), 124 (CH, b s), 134 (C, s), 141 (C-F, dt, 7251,10), 148 (C-F, dd, / 265, 13), 154 (C-F, dd, J 265, 10), 163 (COOH). IR Vmax/cm-1 3108 (br), 1712, 1555, 1345, 1082. MS APCI (-) m/z 220 (M-l) detected.
IIIa-1(Formula Removed)

[00239] Step B: 4-Amino-2.3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid: To a mixture of 2,3,4-
trifluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid (167.2 g, 0.756 mol, 1 equiv.) in 400 mL of distilled water was added concentrated ammonium hydroxide (28 % NH3 solution; 340 g, 380 mL, 4.23 mol, 5.6 equiv), ensuring that internal temperature was below 6.0 °C over 2-2.5 hours. The mixture was stirred for 50 minutes and then warmed to room temperature for 3-4 hours. When the reaction was >90% complete as determined by HPLC, the mixture was cooled in an ice-water bath, and concentrated HCI (350 mL) was then added dropwise to adjust pH = 2. The slurry was stirred for 1 hour with ice bath cooling and then filtered. The cake was rinsed with 1 L of distilled water and then with 350 mL of MTBE. The cake was oven-dried at 48 °C overnight to give 134.9 g of a yellow solid. HPLC was 83.6 a% (220 nm) and 96.96 a% (254 nm). The MTBE filtrate was concentrated on a rotary evaporator and pumped. overnight to give 9.9 g of a second crop as a yellow solid: HPLC was 81.1 a% (220 nm) and 95.40 a% (254 nm). Combined yield of 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid was 144.8 g (88 %). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 8.0 (2H, br s, NH2) 8.42 (1H, dd, J 1.5, 7.6, Ar-H); 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 -153.9, -129.0. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 106 (C, d, / 10), 126 (CH), 128 (C), 140 (C-F, dd, J 241, 16), 140.8 (C, dd, J 12, 4), 153 (C-F, dd, J 263, 11), 164 (COOH). IR vmaxjcm-l 3494, 3383, 1697, 1641, 1280. MS APCI (-) m/z 217 (M-l) detected.
[00240] StepC: 4-Amino-2.3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid methyl ester: TMSC1 (132
g, 1.21 mol, 2.0 equiv) was added over 5 minutes to a slurry of 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid (132.3 g, 0.607 mol, 1 equiv.) in 325 mL of MeOH. The mixture was heated at reflux for 15 hours. When the reaction was complete as determined by HPLC, the mixture was cooled in an ice-water bath for 45 minutes. The reaction mixture was then filtered and the cake was • washed with 65 mL of MeOH. The wet cake was dried overnight at 55 °C under high vacuum to give 128.8 g (92%) of 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid methyl ester. HPLC was 97.9 a% (220 nm) and 99.2 a % (254 nm). JH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 3.84 (3H, s, OMe), 8.1 (2H, br s, NH2), 8.43 (1H, apparent dd, J 1.9, 7.2, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, D6 DMSO) 6 -153.6, -129.2. 13C NMR (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 52 (CH3O), 105 (C, d, J 10), 125 (CH, t, / 2.7,), 128 (CH, d, / 5), 140 (C-F, dd, / 244, 15,), 141 (C, dd, / 14, 5), 152 (C-F, dd, J 263, 11), 162 (COO, t, J 3). IR vmax/cm-1 3433, 3322, 1699, 1637, 1548, 1342, 1234. MS APCI (-) m/z 231 (M-l) detected.(Formula Removed)
[00241] Step D: 4-Amino-2.3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzamide: A mixture of 4-amino-2,3-
difluoro-5-nitrobenzoic acid methyl ester (150 g, 0.646 mol) in 14 M NH4OH (1 L, 14 mol, ~7 vol) was stirred at room temperature. After 8 days HPLC analysis showed the reaction was almost complete. The solid product was filtered off, washed with water (2 x 200 mL), and then dried at 50 °C in a
vacuum oven to provide 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzamide (118.7 g, 85% yield) as a yellow powder. HPLC 93.3 a%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 7.65 (2H, br s, NH2), 7.83 (2H, br s, NH2), 8.30 (1H, apparent dd, J 1.5, 7.2, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 -130, -154. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 110.7 (C, d, J 12), 123.8 (CH, s), 128.1(C, s), 139.5 (C, dd, J 14, 4), 139.6 (CF, dd, J 243, 17), 151.7 (CF, dd, J 257, 11), 163.4 (C, s). IR Vnux/cm-1 3496, 3419, 3385, 3179, 1653, 1279, 1240. MS APCI (-) 216 (M-l) detected.(Formula Removed)
[00242] Step E: 4- Amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile: To a stirred suspension
of 4-ammo-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzamide (90 g, 0.416 mol) in acetonitrile (630 mL) was added POCls (96 mL, 1.04 mol) in one portion. The mixture was then heated to 70 °C and as the reaction proceeded the suspension become a brown solution. After 1.5 hours, HPLC analysis showed no remaining starting material. The reaction mixture was cooled to 30 °C, then added to water (4.5 L) over 30 minutes while the temperature was held at 17-25 °C. The resultant bright yellow slurry was stirred for 1 hour, filtered under vacuum, and the remaining solid was then dried in a vacuum oven at 50 °C to provide 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile as a yellow solid, (74.4 g, 90% yield). HPLC 95 a%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 8.30 (2H, br s, NH2),' 8.53 (1H, apparent dd, / 1.8, 6.4, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 -128, -152. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 87.1 (C, d, J 15), 113.6 (C, d, J 4), 128.6 (CH, s), 128.8 (C, d, J 5), 139.3 (CF, dd, / 245, 14), 141.5 (C, dd, J 13, 5), 152.8 (CF, dd, / 259, 12). IR Vmax/cm-1 3446, 3322, 2235, 1647, 1551, 1287, 1275. MS APCI (-) 198 (M-l) detected, APCI (+) 200 (M+l) detected.
[00243](Formula Removed)
VIMa
Step F: 4-Amino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluoro-5-
nitrobenzonitrile: To a stirred solution of KtOBu (321 mL, 1M in THF, 0.321 mol), under nitrogen, at 10 °C, was added 4 bromo-2-chloroaniline (22.8 g, 0.11 mol). The mixture quickly turned dark purple and was allowed to stir at 7-10 °C for 10 minutes before adding 4-amino-2,3-difluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile (20 g, 0.10 mol) in THF (150 mL) over 10 minutes. After the addition was complete the mixture was allowed to warm to ambient and then stirred overnight. HPLC analysis indicated that 8% of starting material remained. Additional KtOBu (20 mL, 0.2 equiv., of 1M in THF) and 4 bromo-2-. chloroaniline (1 g, 0.005 mol) were added, but after an additional 4 hours starting material still remained. The mixture was then cooled to 10 °C and treated with 2N HC1 (aq) (140 mL) in one portion (temperature rose to 30 °C), then methanol (140 mL). Further amounts of water (150 mL) and methanol (200 mL) were then added and the mixture was concentrated to a thick slurry. Methanol (300 mL) was then added, the mixture was concentrated again and the solids were then filtered through a coarse fritted funnel and washed with methanol (200 mL). Once the solids started to dry they were washed with water (200 mL) and again with methanol (100 mL), then dried in the vacuum oven overnight at 50 °C, to provide 25 g of 4-amino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile as a light tan solid (assay -93% by HPLC). 1R NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 7.17 (1H, d, J 8.6, Ar-H), 7.50 (1H, dd, J 8.6, 2.0, Ar-H), 7.76 (1H, d, J 2, Ar-H), 7.79 (2H, br s, NH2),. 8.26 (1H, s, Ar-H), 8.85 (1H, br s, NH). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 -144. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 89.5 (C, d, J 4), 116.3 (C, d, J 4), 117.6 (CH, s), 126.7 (C, d, J5), 127.3 (CH, s), 129.6 (C, s), 130.1 (C, d, / 2), 131.4 (CH, s), 132.4 (CH, s), 137.4 (C, d, J11), 137.9 (C, s), 139.5 (C, d,J5), 140.9 (CF, d, J 256). IR vmax/crn ' 3448, 3338, 2360, 2342, 2217, 1640, 1539, 1313. MS APCI (-) 385 (M-l) detected.[00244] [00245][00246]
NH,
VIII-1
4,5-Diamino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenvlaminoV3 -
VII-1a
Step G:
fluorobenzonitrile:
Method 1: To a stirred solution of 4-amino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile (20.0 g, 51.9 mmol) in THF (200 mL) and methanol (100 mL) was added 10 micron zinc dust (16 g, 244 mmol, 4.7 equiv). Hydrochloric acid (35 mL, 12 M, 424 mmol, 8.2 equiv.) was then added to the reaction mixture at a rate maintaining an internal temperature of -50 °C, at which time HPLC analysis indicated that no starting material remained. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature over 1 hour and then filtered through a coarse fritted funnel to remove any unreacted zinc. To the filtrate was added water (200 mL) followed by NH4OAc (60 mL, aqueous saturated solution). The pH of the mixture was then 6-7 and most of the organic solvents were removed by evaporation under reduced pressure to provide a brown/purple suspension. The suspension was filtered to give a purple solid that was washed with water (4 x 50 mL). The solid was then dried in the vacuum oven, at 50 °C overnight to provide 16.0 g of 4,5-diamino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (86 % yield, >95 % by HPLC). !H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) S 5.22 (2H, br s, NH2), 5.52 (2H, br s, NH2), 6.24 (IH, d, J 8.7, Ar-H), 6.69 (IH, br s, Ar-H), 7.23 (IH, dd, J 8.6, 2, Ar-H), 7.44 (IH, s, NH), 7.54 ( IH, d, J 2.1, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 -141. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 98.1 (C, d, J4), 108.8 (CH, s), 112.5 (C, s), 115.4 (C, s), 118.8 (C, d,J4), 119.7 (CH, s), 121.4 (C, d, J 14), 129.7 (C, d, J 15), 131.3 (s, CH), 131.9 (CH, s), 135.8 (C, d, J 8), 143.4 (C, s), 146.8 (CF, d, / 235). IR vmax/cm-l 3380, 2203, 1634, 1594, 1519, 1506. MS APCI (-) 355 (M-l) detected.
Method 2: A stirred mixture of 4-amino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluoro-5-nitrobenzonitrile (200 mg, 0.52 mmol) and
5% Pt/C (40 mg ) in THF (4 mL) and methanol (2 mL) was hydrogenated under 1 atm. of hydrogen overnight. The mixture was then filtered through a syringe filter and the solvents were removed under reduced pressure to provide a tan solid residue, which was further dried under high vacuum for 2 hours to provide 171 mg of 4,5-diamino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (84% yield, at ~90% assay by HPLC [-0.18 % des-bromo derivative by HPLC]). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 5.22 (2H, br s, NH2), 5.52 (2H, br s, NH2), 6.24 (1H, d, J 8.7, Ar-H), 6.69 (1H, br s, Ar-H), 7.23 (1H, dd, J 8.6, 2, Ar-H), 7.44 (1H, s, NH), 7.54 ( 1H, d, J2.1, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 -141.(Formula Removed)
[00247]Step H: 6-(4-Bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carbonitrile: To a stirred solution of 4,5-diamino-2-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-3-fluorobenzonitrile (5 g, 14 mmol) and diethoxymethane (2.6 mL, 29.5 mmol) in THF (50 mL) at room temperature was added concentrated sulfuric acid (1.5 mL, 28 mL, 14.1 mmol) over 5 minutes. The reaction mixture was then heated to 50 °C for 4 hours, after which HPLC analysis indicated that 6% starting material remained. A further aliquot of diethoxymethane (0.5 mL, 0.2 equiv.) was added and heating at 50 °C was continued for an additional 1.5 hours, when HPLC indicated that no starting material remained. The mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature and treated first with water (30 mL) (pH was 1), then slowly with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (about 6 mL, 5N) and more water (20 mL) until the pH was 6-7. Isopropanol (70 mL) was then added and most of the THF was removed on a rotary evaporator until the mixture became a thick purple slurry, which was then filtered through a medium fritted funnel. The purple solid residue was washed with 50% iPrOH/water (2 x 20 mL), then dried in a vacuum oven at 50 °C overnight to provide 3.7 g of 6-(4-bromo-2-
chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carbonitrile (69.3% yield). HPLC analysis indicated that the material had an assay of 86%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 3.93 (3H, s, CH3), 6.26 (1H, d, J 8.6,' Ar-H), 7.23 (1H, d, J 8.8, Ar-H), 7.61 (1H, d, J 2.1, Ar-H), 7.89 (s, Ar-H), 8.23 (s, Ar-H), 8.53 (s, NH). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 -134. 13C (100 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 32.1 (Me, s), 107.4 (C, d, / 2), 109.6 (CH, s), 114.0 (C, d, J4), 115.6 (C, s), 117.7 (C, d, J 4), 120.2 (CH, s), 123.6 (C, d, J 12,), 131.4 (CH, s), 132.1 (CH, s), 136.0 (C, d, J 9), 136.4 (C, d, J 15), 143 (C, s), 149.6 (CH, s), 150.2 (CF, d, J 250). IR vmax/cml 2360, 2342, 1507. MS APCI (-) 379 (M-l) detected.
(Formula Removed)

[00248] Step I: 6-(4-Bromo-2-chlorophenvlamino)-7-fluoro-3-rnethvl-3H-
benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid: To a stirred mixture of 6-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carbonitrile (200 mg, 0.53 mmol) in ethanol/water/THF (ratio 2:1:0.3) was added solid KOH (0.15 g, 5 equiv.). The mixture was heated at 85 °C for 16 hours, after which HPLC analysis indicated complete conversion to 6-(4-bromo-2-chlorophenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid. 'H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 3.92 (3H, s, CH3), 6.50 (IH, apparent t, J 6.2-8.6, Ar-H), 7.31 (IH, d, J 8.8, Ar-H), 7.63 (IH, br s, Ar-H), 8.09 (IH, s, NH), 8.41 (IH, s, Ar-H). 19F NMR (376 MHz, DMSO-d6) -133.
[00249] The foregoing description is considered as illustrative only of the principles of
the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will be
readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the
invention to the exact construction and process shown as described above.
Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to
falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims that follow.
[00250] The words "comprise," "comprising," "include," "including," and "includes"
when used in this specification and in the following claims are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,, integers, components, steps, or groups thereof.

What is claimed is:
1. A process for preparing a compound of Formula Ia-(Formula Removed)

and salts and solvates thereof, wherein:
R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl;
R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C1-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl;
R4 is hydrogen, C1C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7;
X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy;
(Formula Removed)

reducing said compound of Formula Vll-la or VII-1b to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed)

wherein when A of said compound of Formula Vll-la or VII-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2;
cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-1 to provide a compound of Formula Ia-1(Formula Removed)
converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ia-1 to COOR1, to provide said compound of Formula Ia-2.
2. The process of claim 1, wherein said compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising:
nitrating a compound of Formula IIa(Formula Removed)
wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1C6 alkyl to provide a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed)
reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. 3. The process of claim 1, wherein said compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising:
nitrating a compound of Formula l1b(Formula Removed)
wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1-C6 alkyl to provide a compound of Formula III(Formula Removed)
converting the acid group of said compound of Formula III to a primary amide group to provide a compound of Formula IIId(Formula Removed)converting said amide group of said compound of Formula IIId to a nitrile group to provide a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed)
reacting said compound of Formula IV with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide said compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide said compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3. 4. The process of claim 1, wherein said compound of Formula Va or Vb is prepared by the method comprising:
nitrating a compound of Formula l1b(Formula Removed)
wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester and X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1-C6 alkyl to provide a compound of Formula III
(Formula Removed)reacting said compound of Formula III with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III, to provide a compound • of Formula IIIa-1 wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula III with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula III to provide a compound of Formula IIIa-2 wherein A is N3,
(Formula Removed)wherein R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, Cj-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl and R3a is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6;
converting the carboxylic acid group of said compound of Formula IIIa-1 or IIIa-2 to a carboxylic acid ester to provide a compound of Formula IIIb-1 or IIIb-2(Formula Removed)
converting the carboxylic acid ester group of said compound of Formula IIIb-1 or IIIb-2 to a primary amide group to provide a compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2(Formula Removed)
dehydrating the primary amide group of said compound of Formula IIIc-1 or IIIc-2 to provide said compound of Formula Va or Vb
5. The process of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said reagent that contains or
generates ammonia is NH3 or NR4OH.
6. The process of claim 5, wherein said compound of Formula IV is reacted with excess
ammonium hydroxide in water at room temperature.
7. The process of claim 5, wherein said compound of Formula IV is reacted with
aqueous ammonia at temperatures between 30 and 130 °C under 1-5 bar NH3(g).
8. The process of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said primary or secondary amine is
methylamine, benzylamine, dibenzylamine, allylamine, diallylamine or
hexamethyldisilazane.
9. The process of claim 1, wherein said reagent that delivers a group that can
subsequently be converted into an amine is selected from (a) a metal amide; (b) a protected
ammonia or amide equivalent; (c) a nitrogen nucleophile having the Formula MNR3R3a
wherein M is a metal selected from Na, K, Li, Cs and Al; and (d) a metal silylamide.
10. The process of claim 9, wherein said metal amide is NaNH2, KNH2 or LiNH2.
11. The process of claim 9, wherein said protected ammonia or amide equivalent is a
hydroxylamine or a hydrazine.
12. The process of claim 9, wherein said metal silylamide is lithium
(bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide, sodium (bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide or potassium
(bis)(trimethylsilyl)amide.
13. The process of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said metal azide is NaN3, KN3 or
LiN3.
14. The process of claim 1, wherein said cyclization comprises reacting said compound of
Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is hydrogen.
15. The process of claim 1, wherein said cyclization comprises reacting said compound of
Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, with two or more equivalents of formaldehyde or a
formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1
wherein R4 is methyl.
16. The process of claim 1, wherein said cyclization comprises:
(a) (i) reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, with an acylating
4a
cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or
wherein R4a is H, C1C10 alkyl, C heterocyclylalkyl, and
(ii) reducing the amide group of said compound of Formula IX-1 to provide a compound of Formula X-l(Formula Removed)

(b) reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is hydrogen, with an
alkylating agent to provide said compound of Formula X-l; and
(c) reacting said compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in the
presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of a second acid to
provide said compound of Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is not hydrogen.
17. The process of claim 1, wherein said cyclization comprises:
(a) (i) reacting a compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, with
an acylating agent to provide a compound of Formula IX-1(Formula Removed)
wherein R4a is H, C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, and
(ii) reducing the amide group of said compound of Formula IX-1 to provide a compound of Formula X-l(Formula Removed)
(b) reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1, wherein R3 is not hydrogen, with an
alkylating agent to provide said compound of Formula X-l;
(c) reacting said compound of Formula X-l with (i) formic acid optionally in the
presence of a second acid or (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of a second acid to
provide said compound of Formula XI-1(Formula Removed)
(d) removing the R3 group to provide said compound of Formula Ia-1 wherein R4 is not hydrogen.
18. The process of any one of claims 14, 16 or 17, wherein said formic acid derivative comprises an ester of formic acid.
19. The process of claim 18, wherein said formic acid ester is trimethylorthoformate,
triethylorthoformate, or formamidine acetate.
20. The process of claim 15, wherein said formaldehyde derivative is a dialkoxymethane.
21. The process of claim 1, wherein the conversion of said nitrile group to COOR1 group
comprises treating said compound of Formula Ia-1 with water or an alcohol in the presence
of an acid or base, with or without an organic cosolvent.
22. The process of claim 1, wherein said conversion of said nitrile group to COOR1
comprises treating said compound of Formula Ia-1 with a nitrilase to provide said compound
of Formula Ia-2 wherein R1 is H.
23. A process for preparing a compound of Formula Ia-2(Formula Removed)
and salts and solvatcs thereof, wherein:
R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl;
R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl,-dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl;
R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from
halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7;
X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy;
X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1C6 alkyl;
R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, C1-10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, hetcrocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl,
or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and
R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl,
said method comprising:
reacting a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed)
wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I or a sulfonate ester, with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide a compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide a compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed)

wherein R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl, and R3a is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6;
reacting said compound of Formula Va or Vb with a compound of the Formula VI
(Formula Removed)in the presence of a base to provide a compound having Formula VII-la wherein A is -NR3R3a or a compound of Formula VII-lb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed)
reducing said compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed)

wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2;
converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula VIII-1 to COOR1, to provide a compound of Formula VIII-2(Formula Removed)

cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-2 to provide said compound of Formula la-

2.
24. A process for preparing a compound of Formula Ia-2(Formula Removed)
and salts and solvates thereof, wherein:
R1 is hydrogen, C2-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl and C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl;
R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl;
R4 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-
C10 cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl or heterocyclylalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl and heterocyclylalkyl' portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, cyano, nitro, azido, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C3-C6 heterocycloalkyl, -NR5R6 and -OR7;
X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy;
X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or CrC6 alkyl;
R5 and R6 are independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl,
or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10" membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and
R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl,
said method comprising:
reacting a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed)
wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I or a sulfonate ester, with (i) a reagent that. contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide a compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective
displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide a compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed)

wherein R3 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, Ca-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl, and R3a is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6;
reacting said compound of Formula Va or Vb with a compound of the Formula VI(Formula Removed)
X

in the presence of a base to provide a compound having Formula VII-la wherein A is -NR3R3a or a compound of Formula VII-lb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed)

converting the nitrile group of said compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb to-COOR1, to provide a compound of Formula VII-2a wherein A is NR3R3a or VII-2b wherein
AisN3(Formula Removed)
reducing said compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b to provide a compound of Formula VIII-2(Formula Removed)
wherein when A of said compound of Formula VII-2a or VII-2b is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-2 is NH2; and
cyclizing said compound of Formula VIII-2 to provide said compound of Formula la- -2. 25. A process for preparing a compound of Formula Ib-2(Formula Removed)

and salts and solvates thereof, wherein:
R1 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, heterocyclylalkyl, trialkylsilyl or dialkylarylsilyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl and-heterocyclylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl, C2-C4 alkynyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl
and C3-C6 heterocydoalkyl;
R2 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl;
R3 is C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, benzyl, allyl, arylalkyl, trialkylsilyl, dialkylarylsilyl, -COR5, -C(O)OR5 or -C(O)NR5R6, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, benzyl, allyl and arylalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, C2-C4 alkenyl and C2-C4 alkynyl;
X1 and X2 are independently selected from hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, I, OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl and C1-C10 thioalkyl, wherein said alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl and thioalkyl portions are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from oxo, halogen, trifluoromcthyl, difluoromethoxy and trifluoromethoxy;
X5 is H, F, Cl, Br, I or C1-C6 alkyl;
R5 and R6 ere independently hydrogen, trifluoromethyl, -OR7, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkylalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl,
or R5 and R6 together with the atom to which they are attached form a 4 to 10 membered heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring, wherein said heteroaryl and heterocyclic rings are optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selected from halogen, cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, azido and OR7; and
R7 is hydrogen, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, aryl or arylalkyl,
said method comprising:
reacting a compound of Formula IV(Formula Removed)
wherein X3 and X4 are independently F, Cl, Br, I, or a sulfonate ester, with (i) a reagent that contains or generates ammonia, (ii) a primary or secondary amine other than an aromatic amine or (iii) a reagent that delivers a group that can subsequently be converted into an amine, under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV, to provide a compound of Formula Va wherein A is NR3R3a; or reacting said compound of Formula IV with (iv) a metal azide under conditions that allow selective displacement of X4 of said compound of Formula IV to provide a compound of Formula Vb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed)
wherein R3a is hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, allyl or -C(O)OR6;
reacting said compound of Formula Va or Vb with a compound of the Formula VI,
(Formula Removed)
in the presence of a base to provide a compound having Formula VII-la wherein A is -NR3R3a or a compound of Formula VII-lb wherein A is N3(Formula Removed)
reducing said compound of Formula VII-la or VII-lb to provide a compound of Formula VIII-1(Formula Removed)

wherein when A of said compound of Formula Vll-la or Vll-lb is N3, NH-benzyl, NH-allyl, then NHR3 of said compound of Formula VIII-1 is NH2;
reacting said compound of Formula VIII-1 with (i) formic acid, optionally in the presence of a second acid, (ii) a formic acid derivative in the presence of an acid, or (iii) formaldehyde or a formaldehyde derivative in the presence of an acid to provide a compound of Formula Ib-1(Formula Removed)

converting of the nitrile group of said compound of Formula Ib-1 to COOR1, to provide said compound of Formula Ib-2.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=rfkSG1lUJPKC7kxJPV/P3g==&loc=+mN2fYxnTC4l0fUd8W4CAA==

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Patent Number

270067

Indian Patent Application Number

9781/DELNP/2007

PG Journal Number

48/2015

Publication Date

27-Nov-2015

Grant Date

27-Nov-2015

Date of Filing

17-Dec-2007

Name of Patentee

ARRAY BIOPHARMA INC.

Applicant Address

3200 WALNUT STREET, BOULDER, COLORADO 80301, U.S.A.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	DEMATTEI JOHN	3200 WALNUT STREET, BOULDER, CO 80301 USA.
2	BARNETT BRADLEY R.	3200 WALNUT STREET, BOULDER, CO 80301 USA
3	LEONARD JOHN	ASTRAZENECA AB, CHARTER WAY, MACCLESFIELD, CHESHIRE XX SK10 2NA UNITED KINGDOM.
4	SHAKYA SAGAR	3200 WALNUT STREET, BOULDER, CO 80301 USA
5	NICHOLS PAUL J.	3200 WALNUT STREET, BOULDER, CO 80301 USA
6	HACHE BRUNO P.	3200 WALNUT STREET, BOULDER, CO 80301 USA
7	EVANS MATTHEW CHARLES	ASTRAZENECA AB, CHARTER WAY, MACCLESFIELD, CHESHIRE XX SK10 2NA UNITED KINGDOM.
8	FORD JAMES GAIR	ASTRAZENECA AB, CHARTER WAY, MACCLESFIELD, CHESHIRE XX SK10 2NA UNITED KINGDOM.

PCT International Classification Number

A61K 31/4164

PCT International Application Number

PCT/US2006/023986

PCT International Filing date

2006-06-21

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	60/693,374	2005-06-23	U.S.A.