Field of the invention.

The present invention relates to a novel class of (5-arylisoxazol-4-yl)-substituted 2- amino carboxylic acid derivatives, which are excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptor ligands useful in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia, Huntington's disease, epileptic disorders, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain, depression and anxiety.

Background of the Invention.

As a result of extensive studies of excitatory mechanisms in the central nervous system (CNS) during the past three decades, there is now a consensus of opinion that (S,)-glutamate (Glu) is the major EAA neurotransmitter in the CNS (Lodge, D. Excitatory Amino Acids in Health and Disease. J. Wiley & Sons: Chichester, 1988; Wheal, H.; Thomson, A. Excitatory Amino Acids and Synaptic Transmission. Academic Press: London, 1991; Meldrum, B.S. Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists. Blackwell Sci. Pub : Oxford, 1991 ; Krogsgaard-Larsen, P.; Hansen, J.J. Excitatory Amino Acid Receptors: Design of Agonist and Antagonists. E. Horwood: Chiches¬ ter, 1992). Glu-operated neurotransmission is mediated by a large number of receptors, classified into at least five heterogeneous families of receptors named NMDA, AMPA, kainic acid, metabotropic, and L-AP4 classes of receptors (Monag- han, D.T., et al. Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 1989,29, 365-402; Watkins, J.C.; Krogsgaard-Larsen, P.; Honore, T. Trends Pharmacol. Sci. 1990, 77, 25-33; Simon, R.P. Excitatory Amino Acids. Thieme Med. Publ: New York, 1992).

There is very strong evidence supporting the view that excessive excitation medi¬ ated by EAA receptors ("excitotoxicity") is a factor of major importance in cerebral ischaemia following stroke, head injury, asphyxia, subarachnoid haemorrhage, cardiac arrest and other situations (Lodge, D., 1988 supra; Meldrum, B.S., 1991 supra). It has been shown in animal models that the damages caused by various ischaemic conditions can be inhibited by the administration of Glu-antagonists. So,

although the relative importance of the different classes of EAA receptors in the phenomena underlying ischaemic insults is unclear, it is generally agreed that EAA receptor antagonists are potential therapeutic agents in these conditions.

5 Accumulating evidence derived from different lines of neurochemical and pharmaco¬ logical research suggests that derailed EAA receptor mechanisms, possibly inclu¬ ding "excitotoxicity", play a role in Huntington's disease (Young, A.B.; et al. Science 1988,247, 981-983), epileptic disorders (Krogsgaard-Larsen, P.; Hansen, J.J., 1992 supra), Parkinson's disease (Klockgether, T.; Turski, L. Trends. Neurosci. 1989, 72, ιo 285-286), and Alzheimer's disease (Greenamyre, J.T.; Maragos, W.F. Cerebro- vasc. Brain. Metab. Rev. 1993,5, 61 -94; Francis, P.T., et al. J. Neurochem. 1993,60, 1589-1604).

Furthermore, central EAA receptors may be involved in the synaptic mechanisms 15 underlying schizophrenia (Reynolds, G.P. Trends. Pharmacol. Sci. 1992, 73, 116- 121), pain and anxiety (Drejer, J. In: Excitatory Amino Acid Receptors: Design of Agonists and Antagonists (Eds. Krogsgaard-Larsen, P.; Hansen, J.J.) E. Horwood: Chichester 1992, pp. 352-375) and depression (Trullas, R., Skolnick, P., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 1990, 755, 1 -10 and Trullas et al., Eur. J. Pharmacol. 1991 , 203, 379- 20 385. So, reduced function of EAA receptors (EAA hypoactivity) seems to play a role in, for example, schizophrenia (Deutsch, S.I.; et al. Clin. Neuropharmacol. 1989, 72, 1-13) and some of the clinical symptoms seen in Alzheimer's disease (Greena¬ myre, J.T.; et al. Prog. Neuro-Psychopharmacol. & Biol. Psychiat. 1988, 72, 421 - 430 ). It is possible that "excitoxicity" as well as EAA hypoactivity are involved in 5 the complex mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease (Greenamyre, J.T.; 1988 supra; Greenamyre, J.T.; Maragos, W.F., 1993, supra).

Accordingly, EEA receptor ligands are considered to be useful in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia, Huntington's disease, epileptic disorders, Parkinson's disease, 0 Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, schizophrenia, depression and pain.

Most EAA receptor agonists so far tested, show more or less pronounced neuroto- xicity in model systems and consequently clinical uses of such compounds may be limited (Carlsson, M.; Carlsson, A. Trends. Neurosci. 1990, 73, 272-276) (Willetts,

J.; Balster, R.L.; Leander, J.D. Trends. Pharmacol. Sci. 1990,11 ,423-428).

Partial EAA agonists showing appropriate balance between agonism and antago¬ nism, may on the other hand, have considerable therapeutic interest, cf. the above indications, (Greenamyre, J.T.; 1988 supra;; Christensen, I.T.; et al. Drug. Des. Del. 1989,5, 57-71 ; Francis, P.T.; et al. J. Neurochem. 1993,60, 1589-1604). Partial agonists may, by virtue of their EAA antagonist profile, show therapeutically useful neuroprotection and, at the same time, be sufficiently agonistic to prevent total blockade of the neurotransmission mediated by the particular EAA receptor.

ATPA, the 5-tetτ-butyl analogue of AMPA (( flS)-2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methylis- oxazol-4-yl)propionic acid), has been disclosed to be systemically active whereas it has not been reported to show neurotoxic effects in animals (Omstein, P.L.; et al. J. Med. Chem. 1993,36, 2046-2048; Lauridsen, J.; Honore, T.; Krogsgaard-Larsen, P. J. Med. Chem. 1985, 28, 668-672).

Like AMPA itself, a number of mono- and bicyclic AMPA analogues have been found to show selective agonist effects at AMPA receptors (Hansen, J.J.; Krogs¬ gaard-Larsen, P. Med. Res. Rev. 1990, 70, 55-94; Krogsgaard-Larsen, P.; Hansen, J.J., 1992 supra;). One of these analogues, ( ^* -?S)-2-Amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-phenylis- oxazol-4-yl)propionic acid (APPA), in which the methyl group of AMPA has been replaced by a phenyl group, shows a weak but unique partial agonist profile (Christensen, I .; et al., 1989, supra).

As seen from the above evidence non-neurotoxic, CNS-active EEA receptor ligands with good penetration into the CNS are highly desirable for treating the various diseases mentioned and, accordingly, it is the object of the present invention to provide such new drugs.

Summary of the invention

It has now been found that a novel class of (5-arylisoxazol-4-yl)-substituted 2- amino carboxylic acid derivatives are potent EAA receptor ligands.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a novel class of (5-arylisoxazol-4-yl)-or (5-arylisothiazol-4-yl)-substituted 2-amino carboxylic acid compounds having general Formula I

wherein A is a bond or a spacer group selected from C*ι-6 alkylene, C2-6 alkenylene or C ₂ -6 alkynylene, and cycloalkylene;

B is selected from a group -CH(NR'R")-COOH wherein R' and R" are independent¬ ly hydrogen or C-ι-6 alkyl, and a group of Formula II

wherein R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of a) hydrogen^ C1-6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl, C2-6 alkynyl, cycloalk(en)yl, cycloalk(en)yl-Cι-6 alk(en/yn)yl, phenyl-C-|- ₆ alkyl, thienyl-Cι-6-alkyl, and b) Cι_6 alkyl, C2-6 alkenyl and C2-6 alkynyl in which one or more carbon atoms are replaced by N, O, and/or S; or R3 and R4 are connected thereby forming a C-2-C-6 alkylene, C2-C-6 alkenylene or

C ₂ -C ₆ alkynylene group; or

R4 and R2 are connected in order to form a C1-C3 alkylene, C2-C3 alkenylene or

C2-C3 alkynylene group optionally mono- or di-substituted with hydroxy or methyl, or CH2-O-CH2; E is O, S, COO, (CH ₂ ) _n -COO, 0-(CH ₂ ) _n -COO, or S-(CH ₂ ) _n -COO in which groups n is an integer of 1 -6, a 5-tetrazolyl group, a 5-tetrazolyl-Cι-6 alkyl group, a 3-hydroxy- isoxazolyl group or a 3-hydroxyisoxazo.yl-Cι_ ₆ alkyl group;

D is O or S; and

R1 is an aryl or heteroaryl group or an aryl or heteroaryl group substituted with one

or more substituents selected from halogen, C-ι- ₆ alkyl, Cι- ₆ alkoxy, hydroxy, C ₁ - ₆ alkylthio, C-ι- ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Cι- ₆ alkylamino or di-(Cι.β alkyl)amino, cyano, nitro, tri- fluoromethyl, or trifluoromethylthio; provided that when A is methylene, B is a group -CH(NH ₂ )-COOH, E is O, D is O, and R*ι is phenyl or phenyl substituted with halogen or methoxy; then the com¬ pound must be in an enantiomeric pure form.

In another aspect the invention relates to a method for the preparation of the novel compounds of Formula I.

In yet another aspect the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition com¬ prising a novel compound of Formula I together with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

In yet another aspect the invention relates to the use of a compound of Formula I for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for treatment of cerebral ischaemia, Huntington's disease, epileptic disorders, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain, depression or anxiety.

Some of the compounds of the invention have been found to be selective AMPA receptor ligands in vitro with affinities in the low micromolar concentrations whereas other compounds have been found selectively to bind to NMDA receptors in vitro. Other compounds of the invention have been found to show affinity to both AMPA and NMDA receptors, respectively, in vitro. Furthermore, some of the compounds of the invention were found to be agonists whereas others were found to be antagonists. Thus the compounds of the invention are useful in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia, Huntington's disease, epileptic disorders, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, pain, depression and anxiety.

Detailed Description of the invention

Some of the compounds of general Formula I may exist as optical isomers thereof and such optical isomers are also embraced by the invention.

In general Formula I, the term C*|. ₆ alkyl is intended to mean a straight chain or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 C atoms, inclusive, such as methyl, ethyl, 1-propyl, 2-propyl, 1-butyl, 2-butyl, 2-methyl-2-propyl etc. Similarly, C ₂ - ₆ alkenyl and C ₂ - ₆ alkynyl designate such straight chain or branched groups having 2 to 6 C- atoms and C ₁ - ₆ alkylene, C ₂ - ₆ alkenylene and C2-6 alkynylene designate such branched or straight chain divalent groups. Cycloalkyl designates such a group having 3-7 carbon atoms.

The term "alk(en/yn)yl" means that the group may be an alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group.

The term bond (defined for A) means that B may be attached directly to the 4- position of the isoxazole ring.

Halogen means fluoro, chloro, bromo or iodo.

The term aryl is intended to mean a carbocyclic aromatic monocyclic or fused bicyclic group or a biphenyl group and the term heteroaryl is intended to mean an aromatic monocyclic or bicyclic group containing at least one heteroatom. Exam¬ ples of such groups are 5-membered aromatic heteroaryl groups comprising 1 -4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S such as thienyl, furyl, pyrolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl and tetrazolyl. Further examples are benzothienyl, benzofuranyl, indolyl, phenyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl, naphthyl, quinolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl and cinnolinyl.

Some of the compounds of the general Formula I may exist as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which are also embraced by the invention.

The salts of the compounds of the general Formula I are salts formed with non- toxic organic acids, e.g. maleic, fumaric, benzoic, ascorbic, oxalic, tartaric, lactic and malic acid, or inorganic acids, e.g. hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phos-

phoric and nitric acid or they may be salts of inorganic bases such as alkali metal salts, e.g. sodium, potassium, or lithium salts, alkaline earth metal salts, e.g. calcium or magnesium salts, or ammonium salts or salts of organic bases.

In Formula I, A is preferably a bond or C ₁ -C ₃ alkylene.

B is preferably -CH(NR'R")-COOH wherein R' and R" are hydrogen or a group of Formula II wherein R . R ₃ and R ₄ are hydrogen or lower alkyl, or R ₄ and R ₂ are connected in order to form a C ₁ -C ₃ alkylene group. Most preferably, B is -CH( NH2)-COOH or a group of Formula II wherein each of R ₂ - R3 and R ₄ are hydro¬ gen.

Preferably, E is O, COO, -0-(CH ₂ ) _n -COO (n = 1 , 2 or 3) or tetrazolyl and D is oxygen.

Particularly suitable R-- groups are thienyl, substituted thienyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, oxadiazolyl, substituted oxadiazolyl, thia- diazolyl, tetrazolyl, triazolyl, pyridyl, phenyl, biphenyl and naphthyl. Preferred groups are 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, phenyl, 2-pyridyl and 4-pyridyl, and 2-thienyl and phenyl substituted with halogen or methyl.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention A is a bond or C ₁ -C ₃ alkylene, B is -CH(NH ₂ )-COOH or a group of Formula II wherein each of R ₃ . R ₄ and R ₂ are hydrogen, E and D are both oxygen, and R*ι is 2-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, thienyl, phenyl, substituted thienyl or substituted phenyl.

According to the invention the novel compounds of formula I, are prepared by a method comprising:

a) in order to obtain a compound of Formula I wherein B is a -CH(NR'R")-COOH group wherein R' and R" are as previously defined, deprotection of a compound of the general Formula III

wherein R--, R', A, D and E are as previously defined, R ₅ , R ₇ and R ₈ are protection groups, and Q is hydrogen or a protection group;

b) in order to obtain a compound of Formula l wherein B is a-CH(NR'R")-COOH group wherein R' and R" are both hydrogen, deprotection of a compound of the general Formula IV

wherein R-j, R ₅ , A, D and E are as previously defined;

c) in order to obtain a compound of Formula I wherein B is a group of Formula II, addition-elimination reaction of a compound of the general Formula V with a compound of the general Formula VI:

V VI in which formulas R→ - R ₄ , A, D and E are previously defined and R' ₅ is hydrogen or

a protecting group;

d) In order to obtain a compound of Formula I, wherein B is a group of Formula II wherein R ⁴ and R2 are linked to form a C ₁ - ₃ alkylene, C ₂ -C ₃ alkenylene or C2-C ₃ alkynylene group optionally mono- or di-substituted with hydroxy or methyl, reacting a compound of Formula VII

wherein R*ι, R ₃ , A, D and E are as previously defined; R ₄ and R ₂ are linked to form a group as defined above and BOC is t-butoxycarbonyl, with 3,4-diethoxy-3- cyclobuten-1 ,2-dion and subsequent ringclosure and deprotection;

e) in order to obtain a compound of Formula I wherein B is a group of Formula II and one or more of R ₂ - R ₄ are different from hydrogen, alkylation of a compound of the general Formula VIII

wherein R*ι , R , R ₃ , R ₄ , A, D and E are as previously defined, at least one of R ₂ - R however being hydrogen and R' ₅ is hydrogen or a protection group.

In the method of the invention preferred protection groups are as follows: R ₅ and R' ₅ : lower alkyl, benzyl or a benzenesulfonyl group; R ₆ : lower alkoxycarbo- nyl, R ₇ : lower alkyl and Re: lower alkylcarbonyl.

The one step deprotection according to method a) is carried out by treatment of the

compound of Formula III with a suitable aqueous acid, conveniently in an aqueous solution of 48 % HBr, a saturated solution of HBr i acetic acid or a 2-12 N aqueous solution of HCI. The deprotection may also be carried out in successive steps by using aqueous acids and aqueous bases, conveniently successively in an 5 aqueous acid such as 1-12 N HCI, an aqueous base such as 1-8 N NaOH and an aqueous acid such as 1-12 N HCI, or successively in an aqueous base such as 1-8 N NaOH and an aqueous acid such as 1-12 N HCI. When R ₅ is benzyl the deprotec¬ tion of the E-group is alternatively accomplished by catalytic hydrogenation, conveniently by using palladium as a catalyst, either before or after the deprotec-

10 tion of the α-amino acid.

The starting materials of general Formula III are conveniently obtained as described by Christensen, IT. et al, Drug Design and Delivery 1989, 5, 57-71 and Christensen, S.B. et al, Acta. Chem.Scand. 1978, B 32, 27-30. Starting materials of

Formula III wherein E is COO, (CH ₂ ) _n -COO, 0-(CH ₂ ) _n -COO, S-(CH ₂ ) _n -COO 15 wherein n is 1-6, a 5-tetrazolyl-C-|-6 alkyl group or a 3-hydroxyisoxazolyl-C*|. ₆ alkyl group are conveniently obtained as described in Krogsgaard-Larsen, P., et al., J. Med. Chem. 1991 , 34, 123-130, Madsen, U., Bio. Med. Chem. Lett. 1993, 8, 1649- 1654 and Madsen, U. and Wong, E. J. Med. Chem. 1992, 35, 107-111.

20 Starting materials of Formula III wherein R→ is a heteroaryl group, which is unstable in acidic environment, are conveniently prepared from (3-alkoxy-4- methylisoxazol-5-yl)carboxylic acid by formation of the heteroaryl in the 5-position, bromination of the 4-methylisoxazole group and subsequently alkylation with an amino acid precursor e.g. diethyl acetamidomalonate. The alkyl protected 3-

25 hydroxyisoxazole group may or may not be reprotected with a suitable protection group like e.g. the benzenesulfonyl group before, during or after the synthesis of the heteroaryl in the 5-position of the isoxazole. (3-Alkoxy-4-methylisoxazol-5- yl)carboxylic acid is conveniently obtained from 3-alkoxy-4,5-dimethylisoxazole prepared as described by Hansen, J. J., J. Chem. Soc, Perkin Trans. 7, 1980,

30 1826-33, by bromination and subsequently oxidation of the 5-methylisoxazole group to the corresponding 5-isoxazolcarboxylic acid compound. In other cases starting materials of Formula III wherein R*ι is e.g. a pyridyl group

are conviently obtained by a modification of the method described by K. Tomita, Ann. Sankyo Res. Lab., 1973, 25, 3-5. Protection of the 3-hydroxy group in the 3- hydroxy-5-arylisoxazole obtained followed by introduction of a hydoxymethyl group in the 4-position of the isoxazole ring leads to an intermediate which is readily converted to the starting material of Formula III.

In b) the one step deprotection is carried out by treatment of a compound of Formula IV with a suitable aqueous acid or aqueous base, conveniently in 2-8 N aqueous hydrochloric acid. The deprotection may also be performed in successive steps by using aqueous acids and aqueous bases as mentioned above for method a). The hydantoin ring may also be cleaved by the use of a aqueous solution of Ba(OH) ₂ , aqueous 10-70 % sulphuric acid or by the use of enzymes such as hydantoinases. The cleavage of the hydantoin ring may be carried out either before or after the deprotection of the E-group. The hydantoin rings in the compounds of the general Formula IV are conveniently formed according to the methods described by Ware, E., Chem. Rev. 1950, 46, 403-470. The cleavage of the hydantoin ring is conveniently performed in analogy with the methods described by Curry, K. et al J.Med.Chem. 1988, 37, 864-867, Farrington, G.K. et al, J.Med.Chem. 1987, 30, 2062-2067, Grunewald, G.L. et al, J.Med.Chem. 1980, 23, 754-758, Hiroi, K. et al, Chem. Pharm.Bull. 1968, 7 6, 444.447 or Stark, G.R. et al, J.Biol.Chem. 1963, 238, 214-226.

The starting material for preparation of compounds of Formula IV may be obtained in analogy with the method described by Madsen, U., Eur. J. Med. Chem. 1993, 26, 791-800. When R ₅ is benzyl the deprotection of the E-group is conveniently performed by hydrogenation using palladium as a catalyst.

The addition-elimination reaction according to method c) is conveniently performed in a protic organic solvent such as an alcohol, preferably in the presence of a suitable inorganic base such as aqueous NaOH at room temperature. The interme¬ diates of Formula VI may be prepared by the methods described by Cohen, S. et al, J.Amer.Chem.Soc. 1966, 88, 1533-1536, EP-A2-0496561 or Kinney, W.A. et al, J.Med.Chem. 1992, 35, 4720-4726.

The intermediate of the general formula V is readily obtained by a Gabriel synthe¬ sis of primary amines as described by Sheehan, J. C. et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1950, 72, 2786-88. The alkyl halogenide starting materials for this synthesis is 5 conviently obtained as described with respect to starting materials used in method a), cf. above.

The deprotection is conveniently preformed by the use of an aqueous acid or an aqueous base, preferably 0.5-8 N HCI or aqueous 0.5-8 N NaOH, either at room ιo temperature or at elevated temperatures. When R' ₅ is benzyl the deprotection is alternatively performed by hydrogenation using palladium as a catalyst.

In method d) the reaction and the subsequent ringclosure and deprotection are performed as described by Kinney et al., EP-A2-0496561.

15

The starting materials of formula VII may be obtained by reacting e.g. 4-bromome- thyl isoxazole obtained as described with respect to the starting materials in method a) with a mono-BOC-proteted alkylene diamine cf. EP-A2-0496561. The alkylation of compounds of the general Formula VIII according to method e) 20 is conveniently performed in an inert organic solvent such as a suitable alcohol, ketone or dimethylformamide preferably in the presence of a suitable base such as sodium hydride, potassium carbonate or triethylamine, as described by Kinney, W.A., EP-A2-0496561. The starting materials of formula VIII are obtained by method c).

25

When β-keto esters are used as starting materials for the formation of 3-hydroxy- isoxazoles, which again are used as starting material for obtaining compound III- V and VII-VIII, are either commercially avaible or they may conveniently be prepared according to the methods described by Cason, J. et al, J.Org.Chem. 30 1953, 18, 1594-1600 and Hannick, S.M. et al, J.Org.Chem. 1983, 48, 3833-3835. Corresponding isothiazole starting materials may be prepared according to the methods described in EP-A1 -0 336 555.

Resolution of the compounds of general formula I is conviently performed by diastereomeric saltformation using optical active acids or bases, e.g. 1-phenylethyl- amine. In some cases the resolution is conviently performed by formation of diastereomeric compounds and subsequently separation of the diastereomers by flash chromatography or crystallisation.

Salts of the compounds of the invention are easily prepared by methods well known in the art, i.e. by reacting the compound with either the equivalent amount of acid or base in an aqueous miscible solvent, such as acetone or ethanol, with isolation of the salt by concentration and cooling, or reacted with an excess of the acid or base in an aqueous immiscible solvent such as ethyl ether or chloroform, with the desired salt separating directly. These salts may also be prepared by the classical method of double decomposition of appropriate salts.

The compounds of general Formula I and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof may be administered in any suitable way, e.g. orally or parenterally, and the compounds may be presented in any suitable form for such administration, e.g. in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, syrups or solutions or dispersions for injection.

An effective daily dose of a compound of general Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is from 10 μg/kg to 50 mg/kg body weight.

Examples

In the following the invention is further illustrated by way of examples which may in no way be construed as limiting for the invention.

All melting points were determined on a Bϋchi SMP-20 apparatus and are uncorrected. ^" Η NMR and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Brucker 250 MHz spectrometer (250.13 MHz for 1H NMR and 62.90 MHz for 13C NMR) using TMS as an internal standard if not otherwise stated. In case of the title compounds 13a, 13b, 14c and 14d, the 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Brucker

200 MHz spectrometer (200.0 MHz for 1H NMR and 50.3 MHz for 13C NMR) using TMS as an internal standard if not otherwise stated.

Mass spectra were obtained on a Quattro MS-MS system from VG Biotech, Fisons Instruments, Manchester, GB. The MS-MS system was connected to an HP 1050 modular HPLC system. A volume of 20 - 50 μl of the sample (0.1 - 0.05 mg/ml) dissolved in a mixture of acetonitrile/water/conc. aqueous ammonia (25 %) = 25:25:1 (v/v/v) was introduced via the autosampler at a flow of 30 μl/min into the Electrospray Source. Spectra were obtained at standard operating conditions to obtain molecular weight information (MH+). The background was subtracted.

The enantiomeric excess (ee) of the enantiomeric compounds were determined by chiral HPLC using a chiral crown ether column. The chiral HPLC was performed on a 150- x 4-mm Crownpak CR(-) or Crownpak CR(+) column (Daicel) eluted at 15- 40 °C with 0.4-1.0 mUmin. of aqueous perchloric acid/methanol (100-85 %/0-15 %). One of the following instrumentations were used:

1 ) Jasco 880-PU pump, a Rheodyne 7125 injector, and a Waters 480 UV detector, set at 210 nm, connected to a Merck-Hitachi D-2000 Chromato-lntegrator.

2) Hitachi-Merch L-6200 pump, a Hitachi-Merch 655A-40 autosampler and a Hitachi-Merch L-4000 UV detektor, set at 205 nm, connected to a Hitachi-Merch D-2500 Integrator.

The enantiomeric purities were calculated from peak areas.

EXAMPLE 1 (RS)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propion ic Acid, 1a.

A mixture of 2-bromothiophene (250.0 g, 1.53 mol) and CuCN (157.5 g, 1.76 mol) was boiled under reflux in NMP (625 mL) for 90 min. The mixture was cooled to 100 °C and poured onto a hot solution of NaCN in water (150 g of NaCN in 2.5 L of water). The mixture was stirred vigorously at 80 ° C for 30 min, and filtered hot. The cooled mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 2 L) and reduced in vacuo to 1.5 L. The organic phase was washed with water (750 mL) and an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI (750 mL). The organic phase was dried (MgS0 ₄ ) and concentrated in vacuo to give a red/violet oil, which was distilled under reduced pressure (1 mmHg) to give 2-thiophenecarbonitrile (105.3 g, 63%).

A mixture of 2-thiophenecarbonitrile (25.0 g), activated zinc (22.5 g) and CuBr ₂ (0,2 g; 0.9 mmol) in benzene (350 mL) was heated to reflux temperature (83 °C). Ethyl 2-bromopropionate (62.2 g) in benzene (150 mL) was added over 60 min. at 83 °C. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 2 h and cooled to 0 °C. 15 % Aqueous H ₂ SO ₄ (400 mL) was added over 60 min. (temp. < 10 °C) and the mixture was stirred for 20 h at 20 °C. The mixture was filtered and the phases were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 500 mL) and the com¬ bined organic phases were dried (MgS0 ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. Column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/ n-heptane/methanol = 4:4:1) gave ethyl 2-methyl-3-(2-thienyl)-3-oxopropionate as an oil (35.0 g; 72 %).

A mixture of ethyl 2-methy!-3-(2-thienyl)-3-oxopropionate (25.3 g) and NaOH (5.0 g; 0.12 mol) in methanol/water (10:1 , 200 mL) was cooled to -30 °C. An ice-cooled (0 °C) filtered solution of NH ₂ OH, HCI (16.6 g) and NaOH (10.0 g) in methanol/water (10:1 , 200 mL) was added and the resulting solution was stirred for 3 h at -30 °C. The solution was allowed to reach 5 °C and then added to cone. HCI (280 mL) at 80 °C over 45 min. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 1 h at 80 °C. The methanol was evaporated and water was added (250 mL). The solution was cooled to 5 °C and the resulting crystals were collected by filtration. The crystals were dissolved in CH ₂ CI ₂ (500 mL). The organic phase was dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evapo¬ rated in vacuo to give 4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-ol (12.0 g; 55 %).

A suspension of 4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-ol (12.5 g) and K ₂ CO ₃ (14.4 g) in acetone (250 mL) was heated to reflux temperature. Ethylbromide (8.0 g) was added over 25 min. at reflux temperature and the resulting mixture was refluxed for 3 h. Additional ethylbromide (8.0 g) was added in one portion and the resulting mixture was refluxed for further 3 h. After filtration and removal of the solvent the residue was subjected to column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/ n-heptane = 1 :1 ) and 3-ethoxy-4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazole was isolated as an oil (7.3 g; 51 %).

A mixture of 3-ethoxy-4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazole (5.1 g) and N-bromosuccin-

imide (NBS) (5.1 g) in CCI ₄ (400 mL) was refluxed for 18 hours. Filtration and removal of the solvent gave 4-bromomethyI-3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazole (7.8 g; 100 %).

5 To a mixture of diethyl acetamidomalonate (4.6 g) and potassium tetf-butoxide (2,4 g) in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (ΝMP) (100 mL) was added a solution of 4-bromome- thyl-3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazole (3.0 g) in ΝMP ( 25 mL) at 22 °C. The resulting mixture was stirred for 1 h at 22 °C and poured onto a water/ice mixture. The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether and the combined organic phases ιo were washed with an aqueous saturated solution of ΝaCI. The organic phases were dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was subjected to column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/π-heptane/methanol = 5:5:1) which gave ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)is- oxazol-4-yl]propionate (3.0 g; 68 %).

15

A mixture of 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyi)isox azol-4- yljpropionate (2.7 g) and HBr 48 % (20 ml) was refluxed for 1 h. The mixture was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in water (50 mL) and treated with charcoal. After filtration the pH was adjusted to 3 with 4 Ν aqueous ΝaOH. The 20 resulting crystals were collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to give the title compound, 1 a, (0.5 g; 30 %). Mp. 237-39 °C (dec), CHΝ; Calcd: 47.23; 3.97; 11.02, Found: 47.21 ; 4.02; 10.92.

1H ΝMR (DMSO-cfe): δ 9.90 (b, 1 H), 7.82 (dd, 1 H), 7.55 (dd, 1 H), 7.24 (dd, 1 H),

3.70 (dd, 1 H), 2.95-2.88 (m, 2H).

25 13C ΝMR (DMSO- / ₆ ): δ 171.42, 171.23, 159.62, 129.27, 128.65, 128.22, 127.15,

101.89, 52.59, 24.99.

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner:

(/?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(3-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]pro pionic Acid, 1b, Mp: 239- 30 40 °C (dec).

1H ΝMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 8.03-7.96 (m, 1 H), 7.76-7.70 (m, 1 H), 7.48-7.43 (m, 1 H), 3.70-3.63 (m, 1 H), 3.00-2.76 (m, 2H).

The following compounds was prepared in a similar manner using the benzene- sulfonyl group as a protection group for the 3-hydroxyisoxazole group:

(/?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-naphthyl)isoxazol-4-yl]pr opionic Acid, Hydrate, 1c. 5 Mp: 235-37 °C (dec.)

1H NMR (DMSO-cfe): δ 2.89-3.16 (m, 2H); 3.70-3.77 (m, 1 H); 7.56-7.63 (m, 2H);

7.74 (dd, 1 H); 7.92-8.09 (m, 3H); 8.22 (s, 1 H).

13C NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 25.10; 53.03; 103.03; 124.30; 125.90; 126.89; 126,96;

127.45; 127.79; 128.70 (2C); 132.74; 133.18; 164.67; 171.41 ; 171.54 ιo MS (MH+) m/z: 299.

(/ ¹ ?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)is oxazol-4-yl]propionic Acid,

1d. Mp: 237-39 °C (dec.)

1H NMR (DMSO-αfe): δ 2.80 (dd, 1 H); 2.97 (dd, 1 H); 3.71 (dd, 1 H); 7.87 (S, 4H)

15 ¹ 3C NMR (DMSO-αfe, 5 % CF ₃ COOH) δ 23.35; 50.94; 101.72; 121.94; 126.1 1 ; 126.16; 127.77 (2C); 130.34 (q, CF ₃ ); 131.74; 164.13; 170.29 (2C). MS (MH+) m/z: 317.

(/?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(3-benzo[ύ]thienyl)isoxazol -4-yl]propionic Acid, 0 Hemihydrate, 1e. Mp: 222-24 °C (dec.)

1H NMR (DMSO-αfe): δ 2.75 (dd, 1 H); 2.96 (dd, 1 H); 3.70 (dd, 1 H); 7.43-7.55 (m,

2H);7.96-8.03 (m, 1 H); 8.05-8.14 (m, 1 H); 8.21 (s, 1 H).

13C NMR (DMSO- e): δ 25.02; 52.95; 104.05; 123.17; 123.34; 123.67; 125.27(2C);

129.49; 136.80; 139.35; 161.49; 171.11 ; 171.31. 5 MS (MH+) m/z: 305.

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner from 2-acetylamino-2- ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propio nate by lithiation and methylation of the 5-position of the thienyl group and subsequently deprotection by 0 boiling HBr 47 % (aq).

(f?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(5-methyl-2-thienyl)isoxazol -4-yl]propionic Acid, Hy-

drate, 1f. Mp: 242-44 °C.

1H NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 2.51 (s, 3H); 2.84-2.93 (m, 2H); 3.63-3.72 (m, 1 H); 6.94 (dd,

1 H);7.33 (d, 1 H).

13C NMR (DMSO-αfe): δ 14.91 ; 24.95; 52.62; 101.24; 126.63; 126.88; 127.23; 142.33; 159.71 ; 171.20; 171.31. MS (MH+) m/z: 269.

EXAMPLE 2 (/ ^■ ?S)-2-Amino-2-(3-hydroxy-5-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)acetic Acid, 2a.

A mixture of 3-ethoxy-4-methyl-5-phenylisoxazole (3.0 g; 15 mmol) prepared as described by Christensen, IT. 1989, supra, NBS (5.5 g; 31 mmol) and dibenzoyl- peroxide (0.2 g; 0.8 mmol) in CCI ₄ (100 mL) was refluxed for 20 h. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water (95 mL) and refluxed for 20 h. After cooling the water phase was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic phases were dried (Na ₂ Sθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo to give 4-(3-ethoxy-5-phenylisoxazol)carbalde- hyde (2.4 g; 75 %).

A mixture of 4-(3-ethoxy-5-phenylisoxazol)carbaldehyde (1.9 g; 8.7 mmol), KCN (2.7 g; 40.5 mmol) og (NH ₄ ) ₂ C0 ₃ (7.8 g; 81.1 mmol) in 50 % aqueous methanol (250 mL) was refluxed for 6 h. The methanol was evaporated in vacuo and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 150 mL). The combined organic phases were dried (Na ₂ Sθ ₄ ) and the solvent removed by evaporation in vacuo. The residue was subjected to column chromatography (silica gel, eluent ethyl acetate/n-heptane/methanol = 5:5:1) to give 3-ethoxy-4-[5-(imidazolidin-2,4- dione)]-5-phenylisoxazole (1.0 g; 40 %).

A suspension of 3-ethoxy-4-[5-(imidazolidin-2,4-dione)]-5-phenylisoxazole (800 mg; 2.8 mmol) in 6 N aqueous HCI (20 mL; 120 mmol) was refluxed for 48 h. The mixture was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in water (200 mL) and triethylamine (TEA) (870 mg; 8.5 mmol). Di-terf-butyl dicarbonate (930 mg; 4.3 mmol) in tetrahydofuran (THF) (50 ml) was added and the resulting solution was

stirred for 20 h at 20 °C. The THF was evaporated in vacuo and pH was adjusted to 6.5 with 0.1 N aqueous HCI. The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether which was discharged. pH in the aqueous phase was adjusted to 2 with 0.1 N aqueous HCI and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 100 mL). 5 The combined organic phases were dried (Na ₂ Sθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in diethyl ether (40 mL) and a saturated solution of HCI in diethyl ether was added. The resulting mixture was stirred for 20 h at 20 °C. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried. The crystals were dissolved in water (5 mL) and pH was adjusted to 3. The precipitate was collected by filtration

10 and dried to give the title compound, 2a, (100 mg; 15 %). Mp. 228-230 °C (dec). CHN; Calc: 56.40; 4.31 ; 11.96, Found: 56,20; 4.37; 11.74. 1H NMR and 3C NMR data for 2a, HCI:

1H NMR (DMSO-cfe): δ 7.83-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.64-7.40 (m, 3H), 5.12-4.95 (m, 1 H), 3.90 (broad).

15 13C NMR (DMSO-ofe): δ 169.10, 168.38, 168.31 , 131.39, 129.60(2C), 127.73(2C), 126.95, 99.69, 46.06.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner with preparation of the 4-isoxazolecarbaldehydes from the corresponding 4-isoxazolebromomethyl 20 compounds using hot (115 °C) dimethylsulfoxide and sodiumhydrogencarbonate:

(flS)-2-Amino-2-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]ace tic Acid, 2b. Mp: 191 -193 °C (dec). H NMR (DMSO-αfe) δ 4.50 (s, 1 H), 7.26 (dd, 1 H), 7.77 (d, 1 H), 7.84 (d, 1 H).

25 13C NMR (HCI salt) (DMSO- ₆ ) δ 46.16, 98.87, 127.62, 129.15, 129.83, 131.20,

163.56, 168.45, 169.39. MS (MH+) m/z: 241.

(f?S)-2-Amino-2-[3-hydroxy-5-(4-trifluormethylphenyl)isox azol-4-yl]acetic Acid, Hy- 30 drate, 2c. Mp: 200-201 °C.

1H NMR (DMSO-ofe): 4.46 (s, 1 H); 7.92 (d, 2H); 8.11 (d, 2H).

13C NMR (HCI salt) (DMSO-cfe): 45.84; 101.16; 121.98; 126.43; 126.50; 128.76

(2C); 130.75; 131 .00 (q, CF ₃ ); 166.75; 168.20; 169.21. MS (MH+) m/z: 303.

EXAMPLE 3 ( *?S)-2-Amino-5-(3-hydroxy-5-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)pentanoic Acid, hydrate, 3a.

The title compound was prepared in analogy with the method described by Christensen, IT. et al, Drug Design and Delivery 1989, 5, 57-71 , with the following modifications 1 ) Ethyl benzoylacetate was used as starting material. 2) The isoxazole ring in the intermediate 5-phenyl-4-(2-propenyl)-3-isoxazolol was prepared according to the method of Sato, K. et al, Agric. Biol. Chem. 1986, 50, 1831 -1837. 3) The zwitterion of the title compound 3a, was obtained by adjusting pH in the aqueous phase to 3.5 with 0.1 N aqueous NaOH. Mp. 210-212 °C (dec), CHN; Calcd: 54.62; 6.40; 9.10, Found: 54.67; 6.36; 9.13. 1 H NMR (DMSO-αfe): δ 7.72-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.59-7.43 (m, 3H), 3.64-3.40 (m, 2H), 3.50 (broad), 3.31-3.19 (m, 1 H), 1.82-1.53 (m, 4H).

13C NMR (DMSO- e): δ 170.75, 163.44, 161 .65, 129.72, 129.23(2C), 128.58, 126.19(2C), 105.68, 53.93, 30.57, 25.13, 20.88.

EXAMPLE 4

( ^■ ?S)-2-Amino-4-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxyisoxazol-4- yl]butanoic Acid, 4a.

The β-keto ester, ethyl 3-oxo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propionate, was prepared in analogy with the method described in Example 1 using 4-fluorobenzonitrile (25.0 g; 0.21 mol), ethyl 2-bromacetate (51.7 g; 0.31 mol), activated zinc (20.3 g; 0.31 mol), CuBr2 (0,2 g; 0.9 mmol) and benzene (500 ml). Column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethylacetate/n-heptane/methanol = 5:5:1 ) of the residue gave ethyl 3-oxo-3- (4-fluorophenyl)propionate as an oil (28.0 g; 65 %).

To a solution of NaH (4.4 g; 0.15 mol, 80 % in mineral oil) in ethanol (500 mL) was added ethyl 3-oxo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propionate (28.0 g; 0.13 mol). The resulting solution was stirred for 1.5 h at 25 °C. Ethyl 3-chloropropionate (20.0 g; 0.15 mol) was added over 30 min. at 25 °C and the mixture was refluxed for 20 h. The

solvent was removed by evaporation and the residue was dissolved in water (400 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. Column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethylacetate/n-heptane/methanol = 4:4:1) of the residue gave ethyl 4-ethoxycar- bonyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-oxopentanoate (27.5 g: 67 %).

Ethyl 3-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxyisoxazol-4-yl]propionate was prepared in analogy with the the method described in Example 1 with the following modifica¬ tions: 1 ) Ethyl 4-ethoxycarbonyl-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-oxopentanoate (27.5 g; 89 mmol) was used as starting material. 2) After evaporation of the methanol from the methanol/water solution, the aqeous phase was extracted with diethyl ether. The combined organic phases were dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in ethanol (400 mL) and acetyl chloride (40 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 20 h, cooled and the solvent was removed by evaporation in vacuo. Column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/- n-heptane/methanol = 2:2:1) of the residue gave ethyl 3-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydro- xyisoxazol-4-yl]propionate (9.3 g; 31 %).

Ethyl 3-[3-ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionate was prepared as described in Example 1 with the following modifications: 1 ) Ethyl 3-[5-(4-fluoro- phenyl)-3-hydroxyisoxazol-4-yl]propionate (5.5 g; 20 mmol) was used as starting material. 2) Instead of two equivalents, only one equivalent of ethylbromide was added. Column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/n-heptane/ methanol = 10:10:1) of the residue gave ethyl 3-(3-ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)isoxa- zol-4-yl)propionate (4.0 g; 65 %).

3-[3-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propanal was prepared from ethyl 3-[3- ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionate according to the method descri¬ bed by Rich, D.H. et al, J.Org.Chem. 1978, 43, 3624-3626.

3-Ethoxy-5-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-[2-[5-(imidazolidin-2,4-dio ne)]ethyl]isoxazole was pre¬ pared as described in Example 2 using the corresponding aldehyde as starting material. The crude product obtained was recrystallized twice from ethanol to give the pure substance.

The title compound, 4a, was prepared from the hydantoin in analogy with the method described in Example 2 in a yield of 19 %. Mp.235-237 °C (dec). CHN; Calcd: 55.71; 4.68; 10.00, Found: 54.59; 4.61; 9.97. 1H NMR (DMSO-cfe- 340 °K): δ 7.78-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.19 (m, 2H), 5.92 (b), 3.35- 3.18 (m, 1H), 2.81-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.04-1.70 (m, 2H).

13C NMR (DMSO-de): δ 172.19, 170.79, 164.70 and 160.76 (C-F), 162.96, 128.64, 128.50, 125.13, 116.55, 116.21, 104.52,52.35,31.44, 17.81.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner:

(/?S)-2-Amino-4-(3-hydroxy-5-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)butanoic Acid, hydrochloride, 4b. Mp.230-233 °C (dec).

1H NMR (D ₂ 0): δ 7.59-7.48 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.32 (m, 3H), 3.61-3.50 (m, 1H), 2.57- 2.41 (m, 2H), 2.08-1.90 (m, 2H).

13C NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 179.12, 176.64, 161.12, 130.41, 128.79(2C), 128.13, 125.72(2C), 107.13, 53.31, 32.97, 18.62.

( ^* ?S)-2-Amino-4-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]bu tanoic Acid, hydrate, 4c. Mp.214-216 °C (dec).

1H NMR (DMSO-de, 320 °K): δ 7.84-7.73 (m, 1H), 7.59-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.29-7.18 (m,

1H), 3.50 (very broad), 3.32-3.10 (m, 1H), 2.93-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.00-1.75 (m, 2H). 3C NMR (DMSO-de): δ 172.11, 170.64, 159.47, 129.41, 128.41 (2C), 126.35,

103.73,52.42,30.76, 17.93.

( ^■ ?S)-2-Amino-4-[3-hydroxy-5-(3-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yI]bu tanoic Acid, 4d.

Mp.212-14 °C.

1H NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 8.02-7.95 (m, 1H), 7.78-7.72 (m, 1H),7.48-7.43 (m, 1H),

3.28-3,16 (m, 1H), 2.93-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.75-2.54 (m, 1H), 2.00-1.75 (m, 2H).

( ^r ?S)-2-Amino-4-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-naphthyl)isoxazol-4-yl]b utanoic Acid, Hydrate, 4e. Mp: 209-11 °C.

1H NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 1.87-2.05 (m, 2H); 2.60-2.85 (m, 2H); 2.90-3.06 (m, 1 H); 7.56-7.66 (m, 2H); 7.80 (dd, 1 H); 7.93-8.16 (m, 3H); 8.26 (s, 1 H). 13C NMR (DMSO-de): δ 17.92; 31.50; 52.40; 105.02; 123.21 ; 125.66; 125.95; 127.04; 127.44; 127.76; 128.75; 128.91 ; 132.82; 133.09; 163.71 ; 170.70; 172.30. MS (MH+) m/z: 313.

EXAMPLE 5

4-[(2-Amino-3,4-dioxo-1 -cyclobuten-1 -yl)aminomethyl]-3-hydroxy-5-phenylisoxa- zole, hemihydrat, 5a.

To a mixture of potassium phthalimide (1.0 g; 5.4 mmol) in DMF (50 mL) was added 4-bromomethyl-3-ethoxy-5-phenylisoxazole (1.4 g; 5.0 mmol) in DMF (25 mL) at 90 °C. 4-Bromomethyl-3-ethoxy-5-phenylisoxazole was prepared in analogy with the above mentioned method used for the preparation of 4-bromomethyl-3- ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol. The resulting mixture was stirred for 40 min. at 90 °C. CH ₂ CI ₂ (200 mL) was added and the mixture was poured onto water. The phases were separated and the water phase was extracted with diethyl ether. The com¬ bined organic phases were washed with 0.1 N aqueous NaOH and water, dried (Na ₂ Sθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo to give N-[(3-ethoxy-5-phenylisoxazol-4- yl)methyl]phthalimide (1.5 g; 88 %)

A suspension of N-[(3-ethoxy-5-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)methyl]phthalimide (1.3 g; 3.7 mmol) in aqueous 48 % HBr (20 mL) and acetic acid (20 mL) was stirred for 6 h at 110 °C. The mixture was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in water. The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether which was discharged. The water phase was evaporated in vacuo and acetone (5 mL) was added to the residue. The precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give 4-aminomethyl- 5-phenyl-3-isoxazolol, hydrobromide (700 mg; 70 %).

To a solution of 3-amino-4-ethoxy-3-cyclobuten-1 ,2-dion (365 mg) prepared according to the method described by Cohen, S. et al, J.Amer.Chem.Soc. 1966, 88, 1533-1536 and 4-aminomethyl-5-phenyl-3-isoxazolol, hydrobromide (700 mg; 2.6 mmol) in ethanol (75 mL) was added a solution of ΝaOH (210 mg; 5.2 mmol) in

water (5 mL) at 22 °C. The resulting mixture was stirred for 4 h at 22 °C. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was dissolved in water (200 mL). pH in the water phase was adjusted to 8.5. The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether which was discharged. pH was adjusted to 3.75 and the precipitate was collected by filtration and dried to give the title compound 5a, (675 mg; 92 %). Mp. 259-61 °C (dec), CHN; Calcd: 57.13; 4.12; 14.28, Found: 57.70; 3.85; 14.29.

1 H NMR (DMSO-de): δ 7.81 -7.24 (m, 5H), 4.78-4.56 (m, 2H), 3.5 (s, very broad). 13C NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 183.34, 183.21 , 170.14, 169.48, 168.29, 165.84, 130.58, 129.32(2c), 127.51 , 126.72(2c), 102.52, 35.46.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner: 4-[(2-Amino-3,4-dioxo-1-cyclobuten-1-yl)aminomethyl]-3-hydro xy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxa- zole, 5b. Smp. 237-39 °C (dec).

1 H NMR (DMSO-de): δ 7.88 (dd, 1 H), 7.67 (dd, 1 H), 7.26 (dd, 1 H), 4.78-4.63 (m, 2H), 3.30 (s, very broad).

13C NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 183.36, 183.18, 169.97, 169.51 , 168.23, 161.29, 129.80, 128.59, 128.25, 127.82, 101.41 , 35.20.

4-[(2-Amino-3,4-dioxo-1 -cyclobuten-1 -yl)aminomethyl]-3-hydroxy-5-(3-thienyl)isoxa- zole, 5c. Mp. 276-78 °C (dec).

1H NMR (DMSO-de): δ 8.16-8.13 (m, 1 H), 7.82-7.77 (m, 1 H), 7.56-7.50 (m, 1 H), 4.76-4.66 (m, 2H).

4-[(2-Amin o-3,4-dioxo-1 -cyclobuten-1 -y l)aminomethyl]-3-hydroxy-5-(4-trif luoro- methylphenyl)isoxazole, 5d. Mp: 269-72 °C

1H NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ): δ 4.72 (d, 2H); 7.93 (dd, 4H).

13C NMR (DMSO-de): δ 35.29; 104.19; 121 .75; 126.12; 126.17; 127.60 (2C); 130.25 (q, CF ₃ ); 131.1 1 ; 164.09; 168.21 ; 169.51 ; 170.1 1 ; 183.29 (2C). MS (MH+) m/z: 354.

EXAMPLE 6

4-[2-[(2-Amino-3,4-dioxo-1-cyclobutene-1-yl)amino]ethy -3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)iso- xazole, Hydrate, 6a.

A mixture of sodiumcyanide (4.0 g; 81 mmol) in DMSO (50 mL) was heated to 90 °C. 4-Bromomethyl-3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazole (4.9 g; 16 mmol) dissolved in DMSO (50 mL) was added dropvise to the hot reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 30 min. and was poured onto a water/ice mixture. The aqueous phase was extracted with CH2CI ₂ and the combined organic phases were washed with an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI. The organic phases were dried (MgS0 ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was subjected to column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/n-heptane = 1 :3) which gave (3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol)acetonitrile (2.2 g; 58 %). A mixture of AICI ₃ (1.2 g; 9 mmol) in dry diethyl ether (50 mL) was added dropwise to a mixture of LiAIH ₄ (0.34 g; 9 mmol) in dry diethyl ether (50 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 10 min. at room temperature. A mixture of [3- ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol]acetonitrile (2.0 g; 9 mmol) in dry diethyl ether (50 mL) was added to the stirred solution and the reaction mixture was stirred for additional 45 min. The reaction mixture was cooled to 5 °C and water (30 mL) and 6 M H ₂ SO ₄ (5 mL) was added. pH in the acidic aqueous solution was raised to 11 using 6 M NaOH. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether. The combined organic phases were dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was subjected to column chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/n-heptane/methanol/triethylamine = 90:10:5:5) which gave 4-(2-amino- ethyl)-3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazole (1.7 g; 76 %).

A mixture of 4-(2-aminoethyl)-3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazole (1.7 g; 7 mmol) and HBr 47 % (aqueous) was refluxed for 1 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and acetone was added. The resulting crystals were collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to give 4-(2-aminoethyl)-3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazole, hydrobromide (1.9 g; 94 %).

To a solution of 3-amino-4-ethoxy-3-cyclobuten-1 ,2-dion (480 mg: 3.4 mmol) prepared as previously described and 4-(2-aminoethyl)-3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)is- oxazole, hydrobromide (1.0 g; 3.4 mmol) in ethanol (30 mL) was added a solution

of NaOH (270 mg; 6.8 mmol) in water (5 mL) at 22 °C. The resulting solution was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and water and diethyl ether was added. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether which was discharged. The aqueous phase was acidified using 2 M HCI to pH 2.5 and was left at 5 °C for 18 h. The formed crystals were collected by filtration and washed with water, acetone and diethyl ether. The crystals were dried in vacuo to give the title compound, 6a, (906 mg, 87 %). Mp. 248-50 °C (dec). CHN; Calcd: 50.39; 3.75; 13.57, Found: 50.66; 3.72; 13.55. 1H NMR (DMSO-de): δ 2.77 (dd, 2H); 3.51 -3.78 (m, 2H); 7.22 (dd, 1 H); 7.57 (d, 1 H); 7.81 (d, 1 H).

13C NMR (DMSO-de): δ 24.12; 42.06; 102.06; 126.65; 127.94; 128.53; 129.00; 160.41 ; 168.65; 169.41 ; 170.05; 182.82; 183.00. MS (MH+) m/z: 306.

EXAMPLE 7

( ^• ?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-(carboxymethoxy)-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazo l-4-yl]propionic Acid, Monohydrate, 7a. A suspension of 4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-ol (10.0 g, 55 mmol) prepared as previously described and K ₂ CO ₃ (19.1 g, 138 mmol) in acetone (350 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 30 min and then heated to reflux temperature. Ethyl chloroacetate (17.6 mL, 166 mmol) in acetone (125 mL) was added over 45 min and the resulting mixture was boiled under reflux for 210 min. The mixture was cooled to 5 °C, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in CH ₂ CI ₂ (500 mL), washed with water (2 x 500 mL) and an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI (500 mL). The organic phase was dried (MgS0 ₄ ) and concentra¬ ted in vacuo. Flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: n-heptane/ethyl acetate/me- thanol = 20:10:1 ) followed by concentration in vacuo gave ethyl [4-methyl-5-(2- thienyl)-3-isoxazolyloxy]acetate (8.7 g, 59%). A mixture of ethyl [4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyloxy]acetate (2.5 g, 9.4 mmol) and NBS (2.0 g, 11.2 mmol) in CCI ₄ (125 mL) was boiled under reflux for 8 h. The mixture was cooled, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give ethyl [4-bromome- thyl-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyloxy]acetate (2.8 g, 88%).

A mixture of diethyl acetamidomalonate (3.5 g, 16.2 mmol) and potassium tert- butoxide (0.9 g, 17.0 mmol) in NMP (30 mL) was stirred at room temperature (25 °C) for 30 min. Ethyl [4-bromomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyloxy]acetate (2.8 g, 8.1 mmol) in NMP (5 mL) was added (temp. 25-28 ° C) and the resulting mixture was stirred at 28 ° C for 1 h and poured onto a water/ice mixture (250 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 200 mL) and the combined organic phases were washed with an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI (200 mL), dried (MgS0 ₄ ) and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: CH ₂ Cl ₂ /ethyl acetate = 7:1 ) gave ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3- [3-[(ethoxycarbonyl)methoxy]-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]prop ionate (2.3 g, 59%). A suspension of ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-[(ethoxycarbonyl)me- thoxy]-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionate (2.0 g, 4.1 mmol) in 1 M HCI (130 mL) was boiled under reflux for 24 h.The reaction mixture was cooled, extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (2 x 150 mL) and treated with charcoal. Concentration in vacuo gave the title compound as the hydrochloric acid salt (1.2 g, 86%). The title compound, 7a was obtained by addition of water (1.0 g, 71%). Mp 228-230 °C (dec).

CHN; Calcd: 43.64; 4.27; 8.48, Found: 43.07; 4.17; 8.43. 1H NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 2.86-3.28 (m, 2 H), 3.79 (dd, 1 H), 4.69 (s, 2 H), 7.26 (dd, 1 H), 7.69 (dd, 1 H), 7.86 (dd, 1 H).

13C NMR (DMSO-de) 6 23.50, 52.42, 67.39, 100.45, 127.91 , 128.23, 128.48,

129.47, 161.44, 169.63, 170.14, 170.57.

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner using ethyl 4-bromobuty- rate as an alkylating agent instead of ethyl chloroacetate:

( ^■ ?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-(carboxypropoxy)-5-(2-thienyl)-isoxaz ol-4-yl]propionic Acid, 7b. Mp: 197-198 °C (dec). CHN; Calcd: 49.41; 4.74; 8.23, Found: 49.27; 4.73; 8.30.

1H NMR (DMSO-de) δ 2.01 (qui, 2 H), 2.23-2.60 (m, 2 H), 2.71-3.08 (m, 2 H), 3.56

(dd, 1 H), 4.25 (t, 2 H), 7.26 (dd, 1 H), 7.70 (dd, 1 H), 7.85 (dd, 1 H).

13C NMR (DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 24.37, 25.20, 32.44, 53.03, 69.65, 101.01 , 127.92, 128.69,

128.79, 129.37, 161.15, 170.39, 170.97, 175.44. MS (MH+) m/z: 341.

EXAMPLE 8 [4-[(2-Amino-3 ,4-dioxo-1 -cyclobutene-1 -yl)aminomethyl]-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxa- zolyloxyjacetic Acid, Monohydrate, 8a.

Potassium phthalimide (0.71 g, 3.8 mmol) was suspended in DMF (30 mL) and heated to 90 ° C. Ethyl [4-bromomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyloxy]acetate (1.2 g, 3.5 mmol) prepared as previously described in DMF (20 mL) was added over 15 min and the resulting mixture was stirred at 90 °C for 40 min. The mixture was cooled and CH ₂ CI ₂ (200 mL) and water (200 mL) were added. The phases were separated and the organic phase was washed with saturated CaCl ₂ solution (2 x 150 mL), dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: n-heptane/ethyl acetate = 2:1) gave ethyl [4-(N-phthalimidomethyl)-5- (2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyloxy]acetate which was dissolved in CH ₂ CI ₂ (200 mL), washed with an aqueous saturated CaCl ₂ solution (2 x 200 mL), dried (MgSθ ₄ ), concentrated in vacuo and crystallized from EtOH to give white needle shaped crystals (0.9 g, 64%). Ethyl [4-(Ν-phthalimidomethyl)-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyloxy]acet ate (0.60 g, 1.5 mmol) was boiled under reflux in 1 M NaOH (60 mL) for 45 min. The solution was cooled, extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 60 mL) and acidified to pH 1-2 with cone HCI (5 mL). The water phase was extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (3 x 80 mL) and diethyl ether (4 x 80 mL). The combined organic phases were evaporated in vacuo to give [4-[N-(2-carboxybenzamido)methyl]-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyl oxy]acetic acid (0.6 g, 100%).

[4-[N-(2-carboxybenzamido)methyl]-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazo lyloxy]acetic acid (0.60 g, 1.5 mmol) was boiled under reflux in 1 M HCI (125 mL) for 45 min. The solution was cooled, extracted with diethyl ether (4 x 200 mL) and evaporated in vacuo to give [4-aminomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyloxy]acetic acid, hydrochloride (0.38 g, 100%).

To a mixture of [4-aminomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)-3-isoxazolyIoxy]acetic acid, hydro¬ chloride (0.30 g, 1.0 mmol) and 3-amino-4-ethoxy-3-cyclobutene-1 ,2-dione (0.16 g, 1.1 mmol) prepared as previously described in EtOH (50 mL) was added ΝaOH

(0.08 g, 2.1 mmol) dissolved in water (3 mL). The mixture was stirred at 22 °C for 18 h. The resulting suspension was evaporated in vacuo, dissolved in water and extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 150 mL). The water phase (50 mL) was adjusted to pH 3 with 1 M HCI. The resulting crystals were collected by filtration and dried in 5 vacuo to give the title compound, 8a (0.26 g, 69%). Mp. 222-223 °C (dec). CHN; Calcd: 45.78; 3.57; 11.44, Found: 45.13; 3.61 ; 11.16.

1H NMR (DMSO-de) δ 4.75 (d, 2H), 4.86 (s, 2H), 7.30 (dd, 1 H), 7.70 (d, 1 H), 7.94, (d, 1 H).

13C NMR (DMSO-de) δ 34.88, 66.27, 100.97, 127.45, 128.52, 128.67, 130.48, 10 162.42, 168.19, 168.74, 169.55, 169.95, 183.29. MS (MH+) m/z: 350.

EXAMPLE 9

(f?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-carboxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]pro pionic acid, hydrate, 9a. 5

To a cooled solution of sodium (4.1 g, 0.18 mol) in EtOH (100 mL) was added diethyl oxalate (24 mL, 0.18 mol). 1 -(2-Thienyl)-1-propanone (20 mL, 0.16 mol) in EtOH (10 mL) was added to the cold solution over 15 min and the resulting mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 2 h followed by 16 h at 22 °C. The mixture was concentrated 0 in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in water (400 mL). The aqueous phase was acidified with 1 M HCI to pH 3-4 and extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (3 x 300 mL). The combined organic phases were dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: n-heptane/ethyl acetate = 3:1) gave ethyl 2,4- dioxo-3-methyl-4-(2-thienyl)butyrate (20.5 g, 53%). 5 To a boiling solution of hydroxylammonium chloride (12.6 g, 0.18 mol) in EtOH (200 mL) was added ethyl 2,4-dioxo-3-methyl-4-(2-thienyl)butyrate in EtOH (60 mL). The resulting mixture was boiled under reflux for 2 h, cooled and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: n-heptane/ethyl acetate = 4:1 ) gave ethyl [4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carboxylate (13.2 g, 92%). 0 A mixture of ethyl [4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carboxylate (8.0 g, 34 mmol), NBS (6.6 g, 37 mmol) and dibenzoylperoxide (0.1 g; 0.4 mmol) in CCU was boiled under reflux for 6 h and left at 22 °C for 14 h. The mixture was cooled, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give ethyl [4-bromomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-

yljcarboxylate (10.7 g, 100 %).

Ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-(2-thie nyl)isoxazol-4- yljproionate was prepared from ethyl [4-bromomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3- yljcarboxylate in analogy with the method described in Example 7. A mixture of ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-ethoxycarbonyl-5-(2- thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionate (1.0 g; 2.2 mmol) and 47 % HBr (aq) (50 mL) was heated to reflux temperature and boiled for 40 min. The resulting solution was evaporated in vacuo and water (20 mL) was added. Aqueous NaOH (0.1 M; 22 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at 22 °C for 2 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and water (20 mL) was added. The formed crystals were collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. The crystals were dissolved in 47 % HBr and the solution was extracted with diethyl ether which was discharged. The aqueous solution was evaporated in vacuo and diethyl ether was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 22 °C for 16 h and the crystals were collected by decantation of the diethyl ether. The crystals were dried in vacuo and aqueous NaOH (0.1 M) was added dropwise to pH 2.5. The formed crystals were collected by filtration and suspended in water (15 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at 22 °C for 48 h and the resulting crystals were collected by filtration to give the title compound, 9a (270 mg; 43 %). Mp. 227-28 °C (dec). CHN; Calcd: 46.07; 3.69; 9.77, Found: 46.15; 3.68; 9.74.

1H NMR (D ₂ 0; DSS): δ 2.93-3.06 (m, 1 H); 3.15-3.24 (m, 1 H); 3.46 (dd, 1 H); 7.26 (dd, 1 H); 7.66-7.72 (m, 2H).

13C NMR (D ₂ 0, pH = 12 (NaOD); Dioxane): δ 29,06; 57,18; 111 ,38; 129,00; 129,01 (2C); 129,79; 162,28; 163,26; 167,76; 182,65. MS (MH+) m/z: 283.

EXAMPLE 10

(ftS)-2-Amino-3-[3-(5-tetrazolyl)-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4 -yl]propionic acid, hydrate, 10a.

To a solution of ethyl [4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carboxylate (3.7 g; 15.6 mmol) prepared as previously described in THF (20 ml) was added aqueous HCI (6 M, 100 mL). The reaction mixture was boiled under reflux for 6 h. The cooled

reaction mixture was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 100 mL) and the combined organic phases were washed with an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI, dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and concentrated in vacuo. To the residue was added CH ₂ CI2 and the resulting crystals were collected by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo and an aqueous saturated solution of NaHCθ3 was added. The aqueous phase was washed with CH ₂ CI ₂ (2 x 60 mL) and acidified to pH 1-2 with 6 M HCI. The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 80 mL). The combined organic phases were dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The combined yields of [4- methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carboxylic acid was 1.6 g (48 %). A mixture of [4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carboxylic acid (4.0 g; 19.1 mmol), SOCI (40 mL) and DMF (0.1 mL) was refluxed for 60 min. The solution was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in THF (50 mL) and the organic phase was poured onto an aqueous solution of ammonia (25 %) at 0-5 °C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 22 °C for 1 h and extracted with diethyl ether (4 x 250 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water and an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI, dried (MgSθ4) and concentrated in vacuo to give [4- methyI-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazoI-3-yI]carboxamide (3.7 g, 93 %). A solution of [4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carboxamide (3.4 g; 16.3 mmol) and POCI ₃ (40 mL) was refluxed for 20 min. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in diethyl ether. The organic phase was poured onto an ice/water mixture. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 100 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water ^' and an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI, dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and concentrated in vacuo to give [4-methyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carbonitrile (2.9 g, 95 %).

[4-Bromomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carbonitrile was prepared from [4-methyl- 5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carbonitrile in analogy with the method described in Example 7. Ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-cyano-5-(2-thienyl)isoxa zol-4-yl]propio- nate was prepared from 4-[bromomethyl-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-3-yl]carbonitrile in analogy with the method described in Example 7.

A suspension of ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-cyano-5-(2-thienyl)is- oxazol-4-yl]propionate (2.0 g, 4.9 mmol), NaN ₃ (0.4 g, 6.2 mmol) and triethylamine

hydrochloride (0.9 g, 6.2 mmol) in dimethoxyethane (80 mL) was boiled under reflux for 48 h. Additional NaN ₃ (0.4 g, 6.2 mmol) and triethylamine hydrochloride (0.9 g, 6.2 mmol) were added and the reaction mixture was refluxed for further 20 h. The cooled reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was 5 subjected to flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/acetic acid = 10:1 ). Evaporation of the solvent gave ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3- (5-tetrazolyl)-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionate 0.7 g, 32 %). A mixture of ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-(5-tetrazolyl)-5-(2-thie nyl)is- oxazol-4-yl]propionate (0.6 g; 1.3 mmol) and 47 % aqueous HBr (20 mL) was ιo refluxed for 30 min. The reaction mixture was cooled and water (50 mL) was added. The aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (3 x 75 mL). The combined organic phases were extracted with water (50 mL). The combined aqueous phases were evaporated in vacuo. Water (25 mL) and aqueous NaOH (0.1 M, 16 mL) was added and the resulting crystals were collected by filtration.

15 The crystals were dried in vacuo to give the title compound, 10a (0.4 g; 90 %). Mp. 209-11 °C (dec).

1H NMR (DMSO-de): δ 3.27-3.54 (m, 2H); 4.37-4.47 (m,1 H); 7.33 (dd, 1 H); 7.76 (d, 1 H); 7.94 (d, 1 H). 3C NMR (DMSO-de): δ 24.51 ; 51.81 ; 108.03; 127.80; 127.95; 128.57; 129.71 ;

20 151.63; 155.91 ; 161.96; 170.40. MS (MH+) m/z: 307.

EXAMPLE 11

(/?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-oxazolyl)isoxazol-4-yl]pr opionic Acid, Acetate, 5 11a.

3-Hydroxy-4,5-dimethylisoxazole was prepared by the method as described by Jacquier, R. et al., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr., 1970, 2685-90 as modified by Sato, K. et al., Agric. Biol. Chem., 1986, 50(7), 1831-1837. 0 A suspension of 3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethylisoxazol (68.5 g, 0.6 mol) and K ₂ CO ₃ (125.6 g, 0.9 mmol) in acetone (1000 mL) was heated to reflux temperature. A solution of ethylbromide (99.1 g, 0.9 mol) in acetone was added dropwise to the boiling reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred for additional 8 h, cooled,

filtered and evaporated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/heptane = 1 :3) of the residue gave 3-ethoxy-4,5-dimethylisoxazol (52.7 g, 62 %).

To a cooled (5 °C) mixture of 3-ethoxy-4,5-dimethylisoxazol (65.6 g, 0.5 mol) in CCI (500 mL) was added Br ₂ (150 g, 0.9 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 96 h at dark place. Water (200 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was decolored by addition of sodiumsulfite. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ . The combined organic phases were washed with an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI, dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evapora- ted in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in a water/NMP mixture (15:85, 700 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 100 °C for 24 h. Water was added and the aqueous solution was extracted with diethyl ether. The combined organic phases were washed with water and an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI, dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was subjected to flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/n-heptane = 1 :2) to give 3-ethoxy-5-hydroxymethyl- 4-methylisoxazol (26.3 g; 36 %).

To a solution of 3-ethoxy-5-hydroxymethyl-4-methylisoxazol (25.0 g; 0.16 mol) in a H ₂ S0 ₄ /H ₂ 0/acetic acid mixture (1 :2:7, 200 mL) was added a Crθ ₃ /H ₂ 0/acetic acid mixture (1 :1 :2, 160 mL). The resulting reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h at 22 °C. Water was added and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether. The combined organic phases were washed with water and an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI, dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo to give (3-ethoxy-4- methylisoxazol-5-yl)carboxylic acid (22.7 g; 83 %). A solution of (3-ethoxy-4-methylisoxazol-5-yl)carboxylic acid (5.0 g; 29 mmol) in CH ₂ CI ₂ (250 mL), SOCI ₂ (4.3 mL) and DMF (0.2 mL) was boiled under reflux for 2 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo, dissolved in CH ₂ CI ₂ (100 mL) and added dropwise to a cooled (5 °C) mixture of aminoacetaldehydedimethyl- acetale (3.5 mL, 3.2 mmol) and K ₂ C0 ₃ (6.0 g; 4.4 mmol) in CH ₂ CI ₂ (100 mL). The resulting solution was stirred for 4 h at 22 °C. Water was added and the phases were separated. The organic phase was washed with water and an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI, dried (MgSθ4) and evaporated in vacuo to give 5-[N- (acetaldehydedimethylacetale)carboxamide]-3-ethoxy-4-methyli soxazol (7.0 g; 93

A mixture of 5-[N-(acetaldehydedimethylacetale)carboxamide]-3-ethoxy-4-me thylis- oxazol (6.4 g; 25 mmol), P ₂ Os (7.1 g; 50 mmol) and cone H S0 (150 mL) was boiled under reflux for 30 min. The cooled (5 °C) reaction mixture was poured onto an ice/water mixture and the aqueous phase was extracted with diethyl ether (2 x 5 500 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with water and an aqueous saturated solution of NaCI, dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was subjected to flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: CH ₂ Cl ₂ /ethyl ace- tate/methanol = 1 :1 :0.5 %) to give 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-(2-oxazolyl)isoxazol (340 mg; 8.3 %) o To a cooled (-5 °C) solution of 3-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-(2-oxazolyl)isoxazol (340 mg; 2.0 mmol) in TEA (0.33 mL) and THF (40 mL) was added a solution of benzene- sulfonylchloride (0.27 mL, 2.1 mmol) in THF (40 mL). The resulting reaction mixture was stirred at 22 °C for 18 h. Evaporation of the solvent in vacuo and flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/n-heptane = 1 :3) gave 3-benzene- sulfonyloxy-4-methyl-5-(2-oxazolyl)isoxazol (520 mg; 85 %).

A mixture of 3-benzenesulfonyloxy-4-methyl-5-(2-oxazolyl)isoxazol (500 mg; 1.6 mmol), NBS (300 mg; 1.7 mmol) and dibenzoylperoxide (0.1 g; 0.4 mmol) in CCI ₄ (100 mL) was boiled under reflux for 24 h. The cooled reaction mixture was filtered and evaporated in vacuo to give 3-benzenesulfonyloxy-4-bromomethyl-5-(2- oxazolyl)isoxazol (440 mg; 70 %).

Ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-benzenesulfonyloxy-5-(2- oxazolyl)isoxa- zol-4-yl]propionate (120 mg; 22%) was prepared from 3-benzenesulfonyloxy-4- bromomethyI-5-(2-oxazolyl)isoxazoI (440 mg) in analogy with the method described in Example 7. To a solution of ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-benzenesulfonyloxy-5- (2-oxazolyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionate (120 mg; 0.25 mmol) in methanol (10 mL) was added NaOH (20 mg; 0.5 mmol) in methanol (10 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 h at 22 °C and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo. Water was added to the residue and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ . The aqueous phase was acidified to pH 2 with 0.1 M HCI and extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ . The aqueous phase was evaporated in vacuo and 1 M aqueous HCI (10 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was boiled under reflux for 3 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and ether (10 mL) was added. The resulting crystals were

collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. The crystals were dissolved in 1 M aqueous HCI and the aqueous phase was washed with diethyl ether. The aqueous phase was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in water. The aqueous phase was passed through a column containing an ion exchange resin 5 [Amberiite IRA 400, (CI, 150 mL] using acetic acid (1 M) as an eluent. Evaporation of the solvent gave the title compound, 11a, (15 mg; 27 %).

1H NMR (D ₂ 0, Dioxane): δ 3.26-3.36 (m, 2H); 4.11-4.21 (m, 1 H); 7.40 (s, 1 H); 8.04 (s, 1 H).

13C NMR (D ₂ 0; Dioxane): δ 23.41 ; 54.17; 105.83; 128.96; 142.16; 152.56; 171.55; 10 177.26; 177.74. MS (MH+) m/z: 240.

EXAMPLE 12 (/?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thiazolyl)isoxazol-4-yl]prop ionic Acid, 12a.

15

A mixture of 5-[N-(acetaldehydedimethyIacetale)carboxamide]-3-ethoxy-4-me thyl- isoxazol (6.5 g; 25.2 mmol) prepared as described Example 11 and P ₂ S ₅ (5.6 g; 25.2 mmol) in toluene was boiled under reflux for 2 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was subjected to flash chromatography (silica 0 gel, eluent: toluene/ethyl acetate = 11 :1) to give 3-ethoxy-4-methyl-5-(2-thiazolyl)is- oxazol (0.5 g; 9 %).

A mixture of 3-ethoxy-4-methyl-5-(2-thiazolyl)isoxazol (0.5 g; 2.4 mmol) and ΝBS (0.5 g; 2.6 mmol) in CCI ₄ (50 mL) was boiled under reflux for 36 h. The cooled reaction mixture was filtered and evaporated in vacuo to give 4-bromomethyl-3- 5 ethoxy-5-(2-thiazolyl)isoxazol (0.6 g; 87 %).

Ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-ethoxy-5-(2-thiazolyl)is oxazol-4-yl]pro- pionate (320 mg; 41%) was prepared from 4-bromomethyl-3-ethoxy-5-(2-thia- zolyl)isoxazol (540 mg) in analogy with the method described in Example 7. A suspension of ethyl 2-acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-ethoxy-5-(2-thiazolyl)is - 0 oxazol-4-yl]propionate (245 mg; 0.6 mmol) in 47 % aqueous HBr (5 mL) was boiled under reflux for 30 min. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and water (30 mL) was added. The aqueous solution was treated with charcoal, filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water and the aqueous solution

was passed through a column containing an ion exchange resin [Amberiite IRA 400, (CI, 25 mL] using acetic acid (2 M) as an eluent. Evaporation of the solvent gave the title compound, 12a, (66 mg; 45 %).

1H NMR (DMSO-de, 10%, CF ₃ COOH): δ 3.13-3.27 (m, 1 H); 3.30-3.45 (m, 1 H); 4.14-4.28 (m, 1 H); 8.03 (d, 1 H); 8.10 (d, 1 H).

13C NMR (DMSO-d ₆ , 10%, CF ₃ COOH): δ 22.98; 51.03; 102.43; 122.64; 144.76; 154.97; 159.81 ; 170.31 ; 170.50. MS (MH+) m/z: 256.

(f?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(5-tetrazolyl)isoxazol-4-yl] propionic acid is prepared in a similar manner with the following modifications:

(3-Ethoxy-4-methylisoxazol-5-yl)carboxylic acid prepared as previolusy described is converted to the corresponding carboxamide by conventional methods using SOCI ₂ and aqueous ammonia (25 %). The corresponding nitrile compound (3-ethoxy-4- methylisoxazol-5-yl)carbonitrile is obtained by dehydrating the amide with POCI ₃ . Bromination of (3-ethoxy-4-methylisoxazol-5-yl)carbonitrile with NBS and sub¬ sequently reaction with diethyl acetamidomalonate gives ethyl 2-acetylamino-2- ethoxycarbonyl-3-(5-cyano-3-ethoxyisoxazol-4-yl)propionate. Formation of the corresponding 5-(5-tetrazolyl) compound is preferably done by reaction of ethyl 2- acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-(5-cyano-3-ethoxyisoxazol-4-y l)propionate with NaN ₃ and triethylamine hydrochloride in dimethoxyethane. Deprotection of ethyl 2- acetylamino-2-ethoxycarbonyl-3-[3-ethoxy-5-(5-tetrazolyl)iso xazol-4-yl]propionate is carried out by the use of aqueous HBr 47 % to give (/ ^* ?S)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy- 5-(5-tetrazolyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionic Acid.

EXAMPLE 13

(f?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-pyridyl)isoxazol-4-yl)pro pionic Acid, Hydrate, 13a.

A solution of 5-(2-pyridyl)isoxazol-3-ol (1.14 g, 7.0 mmol) (prepared from methyl 2,3-dibromo-3-(2-pyridyl)propanoate hydrobromide by a modification of the method described by K. Tomita, Ann. Sankyo Res. Lab., 1973, 25, 3-5) and NaOH (0.28 g, 7.0 mmol) in water (10 ml) and ethanol (10 ml) was evaporated to dryness and

further dried for 2 h at 0.01 mmHg. The residue was suspended in dry DMF (10 ml) and cooled to -10 °C. Dimethyl sulfate (0.73 ml, 7.7 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred at -10 °C for 1 h and then at 22 °C for 15 h. The resulting solution was evaporated in vacuo. Water (15 ml) was added to the residue and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (3 x 30 ml). The combined organic phases were dried and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was subjected to flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: toluene/ethyl acetate/glacial acetic acid = 1 :1 :1%) to give 3-methoxy-5-(2-pyridyl)isoxazole (0.73 g, 59%) A solution of 3-methoxy-5-(2-pyridyl)isoxazole (1.53 g, 8.68 mmol) in dry THF (40 ml) was cooled to -78 °C. A solution of n -butyl lithium in hexane (9.0 ml, 1.6 M, 14 mmol) was added during 5 min followed by paraformaldehyde (2.48 g, 83 mmol). The mixture was stirred at -78 °C for 15 min and then at 22 °C for 2 h. The reaction mixture was ecaporated in vacuo and water (25 ml) and methylene chloride (40 ml) were added and pH was adjusted to 6 with diluted HCI. The phases were separa- ted and the aquous phase was extracted with methylene chloride (2 x 30 ml). The combined organic phases were dried and evaporated in vacuo. 4-Hydroxymethyl-3- methoxy-5-(2-pyridy!)isoxazole was isolated by using flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: toluene/ethyl acetate = 19:1); in a yield of 357 mg (20%). A mixture of 4-hydroxymethyI-3-methoxy-5-(2-pyridyl)isoxazole (357 mg, 1.73 mmol) and thionyl chloride (10 ml) was boiled under reflux for 2 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo. An aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbo- nate (5%, 15 ml) was added to the residue and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride (2 x 25 ml). The combined organic phases were dried and evaporated in vacuo to give 4-chloromethyl-3-methoxy-5-(2-pyridyl)isoxazole (388 mg, 100 %).

Sodium hydride (84 mg, 60 % in oil, 2.09 mmol) was added in small portions to a solution of dimethyl acetamidomalonate (361 mg, 1.91 mmol) in dry DMF (4 ml). The mixture was stirred at 22 °C for 45 min. A solution of 4-chloromethyl-3- methoxy-5-(2-pyridyl)isoxazole (390 mg, 1.74 mmol) in dry DMF (4 ml) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at 22 °C for additional 6 h. The mixture was evaporated in vacuo and water (10 ml) was added to the residue. The aqueous reaction mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic phases were dried and evaporated in vacuo. Flash

chromatography of the residue (silica gel, eluent: toluene/ethyl acetate = 19:1 ) gave methyl 2-acetylamino-2-methoxycarbonyl-3-[3-methoxy-5-(2-pyridyl)is oxazol- 4-yl]propionate (500 mg; 76 %). A mixture of methyl 2-acetylamino-2-methoxycarbonyl-3-[3-methoxy-5-(2-pyridyl)is -

5 oxazol-4-yl]propionate (500 mg, 1 .3 mmol) and aqueous hydrobromic acid (47%, 20 ml) was boiled under reflux for 1 h. The mixture was evaporated in vacuo and water (10 ml) was added to the residue. The aqueuos solution was treated with charcoal and an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate (2 N) was carefully added to the filtrate until pH 3. After 24 h at 5 °C the precipitate was collected, washed ιo with water and dried in vacuo to give the title compound, 13a (174 mg, 54%).

CHN; Calcd: 52.07; 4.57; 16.56, Found: 52.03; 4.50; 16.38.

1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 8.70 (d, 1 H); 7.95 (m, 1 H); 7.80 (d, 1 H); 7.45 (m, 1 H); 3.75 (m, 1 H); 3.40 (dd, 1 H); 3.15 (dd, 1 H). 15 13C NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 171.83; 171 .53; 162.88; 149.68; 147.64; 137.82; 124.41 ; 121.17; 104.86; 53.30; 24.24.

The following compound was prepared in a similar manner:

0 (/ ^* -?S)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(4-pyridyl)isoxazol-4-yl]p ropionic Acid, Hydrate, 13b.

CHN; Calcd: 49.44; 4.90; 15.72, Found: 49.49; 4.88; 15.83.

1H NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 8.70 (d, 2H); 7.65 (d, 2H); 3.75 (m, 1 H); 3.05 (dd,

1 H); 2.90 (dd, 1 H).

13C NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) δ 172.97; 171.20; 161.73; 150.52; 135.30; 121 .01 ; 5 105.39; 52.70; 24.69.

EXAMPLE 14

(S)-(+)-2-Amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)propio nic acid, 14a. 0 The diastereomeric salt of (/ ^* ?S)-2-Amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)pro- pionic acid, 0.5 H 0 (1 1.0 g; 44 mmol) prepared as described by Christensen, IT., 1989, sapra, and (f?)-(+)-1 -phenylethylamine (5.1 g; 44 mmol) was precipitated from ethanol (300 ml) at 0 ^° C.

The crystals were dissolved in water and the mixture was acidified to pH 2.5 by use of 0.1 N hydrochloric acid. Crystalline title compound was collected by filtration (320 mg; 6 %). Mp. 251-53 ^* C, [α] _D : +35.3 ^° (c=0.25, 1 N HCI, 20 °C). ee = 99.0%; CHN: Calcd. 58.05; 4.88; 11.29, Found: 58.03; 5.22; 11.33.

(f?)-(-)-2-Amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-phenylisoxazol-4-yl)propi onic acid, hydrate, 14b, was prepared in a similar manner using (S)-(-)-1 -phenylethylamine (5.1 g; 44 mmol). The yield of the title compound, H ₂ O was 1.4 g; 26 %. The water content was determined to be 7.7 %. Mp. 252-54 ^° C, [ α] _D : -37.8 ^° (c=1 , 1 N HCI, 20 °C). ee = 99.8%; CHN: Calcd. 54.12; 5.31 ; 10.52, Found: 54.10; 5.27; 10.54.

The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner from (RS)-2-Amino-3- [5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxyisoxazol-4-yl]propionic acid prepared in analogy with ( ^■ ?S)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]pr opionic acid as described in Example 1 :

(-)-2-Amino-3-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxyisoxazol-4-yl] propionic Acid, 14c. Mp. 247 °C (dec); ee = 99.6 %; CHN; Calcd: 54.12; 4.16; 10.56, Found: 54.16; 4.12; 10.48. 1H NMR (200 MHz, D ₂ 0, NaOD, Dioxane) δ 2.56 (dd, 1 H), 2.82 (dd, 1 H), 3.40 (dd, 1 H),7.22 (dd, 2H), 7.67 (dd, 2H).

(+)-2-Amino-3-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxyisoxazol-4-yl] propionic Acid, 14d. Mp. 246 °C (dec); [ α] _D : + 37.9° (c=0.25, 1 N HCI, 20 °C); ee = 99.8 %; CHN: Calcd: 54.12; 4.16; 10.56, Found: 54.12; 4.06; 10.45. H NMR (200 MHz, D ₂ 0, NaOD, Dioxane) δ identical to 14c.

EXAMPLE 15 (-)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propioni c Acid, 15a.

Compound 1a (20.8 g; 81.8 mmol) prepared as described in example 1 was added to a mixture of ethanol (350 mL) and acetyl chloride (35 mL) at 25 °C. The resulting reaction mixture was boiled under reflux for 3.5 h. The cooled solution was

evaporated in vacuo to give {R S)-2-amino-3-[3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4- yl]propionic acid (25.0 g; 96 %).

A solution of (f? S)-2-amino-3-[3-ethoxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionic acid (24.9 g; 78.1 mmol) in CH ₂ CI ₂ (1200 mL) and TEA (45 mL) was heated to reflux temperature. (S)-(+)-2-methoxy-2-phenylacetyl chloride (16.2 g; 87.9 mmol) pre¬ pared by conventional methods from (S)-(+)-2-methoxy-2-phenylacetic acid in CH ₂ CI ₂ (250 mL) was added to the hot reaction mixture over 40 min. The resulting reaction mixture was boiled under reflux for further 1 h. The cooled reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and subjected to flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: n-heptane/ethyl acetate/acetic acid = 55:45:1 ) to give (/ ^* ?S)-ethyl 2-[N-(2-methoxy- 2-phenylacetamido)]-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl] propionate (27.2 g; 81 %).

To a cooled (0°C) solution of (RS )-ethyl 2-[N-(2-methoxy-2-phenylacetamido)]-3-[3- hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]propionate (27.2 g; 61.1 mmol) in dry THF (600 mL) and TEA (10 mL) was added benzenesulfonyl chloride (12.5 g; 70.8 mmol) in dry THF (300 mL) over 160 min. The resulting solution was stirred at 22 °C for 18 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and water and CH ₂ CI ₂ were added. The phases were separated and and the organic phase was dried (MgSθ ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue containing the two diastereomers of (RS)- ethyl 2-[N-(2-methoxy-2-phenylacetamido)]-3-[3-benzenesulfonyIoxy- 5-(2-thienyl)is- oxazol-4-yl]propionate was subjected to flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: toluene/ethyl acetate = 7:1 ). The yield of the first eluted isomer (Isomer 1) was 10.4 g (60 %) and the yield of the second eluted isomer (Isomer 2) was 9.0 g (51 %). Isomer 1 , (10.4 g; 18.2 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (600 mL). ΝaOH (0.8 g; 20.0 mmol) in methanol (20 mL) was added and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at 22 °C for 10 min. Water (5000 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and pH in the aqueous solution was adjusted to 1 with cone aqueous HCI. The aqueous solution was extracted with diethyl ether and CH ₂ CI ₂ . The combined organic phases were dried and evaporated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (silica gel, eluent: ethyl acetate/n-heptane/acetic acid = 50:50:1) gave Isomer 1 of (RS)- ethyl 2-[N-(2-methoxy-2-phenylacetamido)]-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thieny l)isoxazol-4-yl]- propionate (5.8 g; 74 %). A mixture of the 1 -Isomer thus obtained (5.8 g; 13.5 mmol) and aqueous 47 % HBr

(250 mL) was boiled under reflux for 1 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo and water was added. The aqueous solution was washed with CH ₂ CI ₂ and treated with charcoal. The volume of the aqueous solution was reduced to 200 mL by evaporation in vacuo. The zwitterion of Isomer 1 was crystallized from the aqueous solution by addition of aqueous NaOH to pH 3. The resulting crystals were collected by filtration to give (-)-2-amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4- yljpropionic acid, 15a (1.0 g; 30 %). Mp. 258-60 °C (dec); [ α] _D : -26.8° (c=0.25, 1 N HCI, 20 °C); ee = 96.9 %; CHN; Calcd: 47.23; 3.97; 11.02, Found: 46.88; 3.97; 10.89; MS (MH+) m/z: 255.2.

In a similar manner treatment of Isomer 2 gave:

(+)-2-Amino-3-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yI]propi onic acid, 15b. Mp. 259-61 °C (dec); [ α] _D : +24.4° (c=0.25, 1 N HCI, 20 °C); ee = 98.9 %; CHN; Calcd: 47.23; 3.97; 11.02, Found: 47.15; 4.05; 10.88; MS (MH+) m/z: 255.2.

Compound 4c was treated in a similar way in order to obtain: (-)-2-Amino-4-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]butanoic acid, 15c, Mp. 217-19 °C (dec); [αfc: -16.3° (c=0.25, 1 N HCI, 20 °C); ee = 85.1 %; and (+)-2-Amino-4-[3-hydroxy-5-(2-thienyl)isoxazol-4-yl]butanoic acid, 15d, Mp. 217-19 °C (dec); [αfc>: +15.6° (c=0.25, 1 N HCI, 20 °C); ee = 81.9 %.

Pharmacology

The compounds of the invention were tested in accordance with the following well recognized and reliable test methods. Test results of the receptor binding tests are shown in Table 1 , and the test results of the electophysiological rat cortial wedge preparation are shown in Table 2.

[3H]AMPA binding In this test the affinity of a drug for AMPA receptors is determined by measuring the ability to displace [3H]AMPA from AMPA receptors.

The test was carried out in accordance with a modified version of the method of

Honore, T. and Nielsen, M., Neurosci. Lett. 1985, 54, 27-32. The test was carried out in the presence of KSCN. This means that only the [3H]AMPA high affinity binding sites were labelled.

The membrane preparations used were obtained in accordance with the method of Ransom, R.W. and Stec, J.Neurochem. 1988, 57, 830-836.

[3H]CPP binding

This is a test for determining the affinity of a drug for the NMDA-receptor. In the test the ability of the drug to displace [3H]CPP (4-(3-phosphonopropyl)piperazine-2- carboxylic acid) from the transmitter binding site of the NMDA-receptor is mea¬ sured.

The test was performed according to the method described by Murphy, D.E., et al. J.Pharm.Exp.Ther. 1987, 240, 778-784. The membrane preparations used were prepared as described above.

The Cortical Wedge Model

The Cortical wedge model is a test in which slices of rat brain is examined in vitro in order to quantify the effect of ligands at the Glu-receptors and evaluate the pharmacological profile of the ligands (i.e. agonist/antagonist properties). The test was performed as described by Harrison, N.L. and Simmonds, M.A. Br.J. Pharmacol. 1985, 84, 381 -391 as modified according to Wheatley, P.L. Br.J. Phar¬ macol. 1986, 87, 159P.

Table 1 : Receptor Binding Data

Compound [3HJAMPA Binding [3H]CPP Binding

IC ₅ o values in μM IC ₅₀ values in μM

1a 0.28 >100

1b 3.5 >100

2a 43.0 7.5

3a 9.0 21.0

4a >100 0.76

4b >100 2.5

4c >100 0.19

4d >100 0.7

5a 33.0 22.0

5b 38.0 6.9

14a 5.5 >100

Table 2: Electrophysiological Data (rat cortical wedge praparation)

Compound Profile EC ₅₀ value (μM) IC ₅₀ value (μM) Receptor subtype

1a Agonist 5.8 AMPA

1b Agonist 43.0 AMPA

1f Agonist 130 AMPA

2a Part. Ago.# 300 NMDA

2b Agonist 30.0 NMDA

3a Agonist 240 AMPA

4a Antagonist 9.0 NMDA

4b Antagonist 18.0 NMDA

4c Antagonist 2.5 NMDA

4d Antagonist 8.6 NMDA

5a Antagonist ND NMDA/AMPA/KAIN

5b Antagonist 30 NMDA

5c Antagonist ND NMDA AMPA

13a Agonist 55.0 AMPA

13b Agonist 7.4 AMPA

14a Agonist 230 AMPA

14b Antagonist 290.7950 ^* AMPA/KAIN

14c Antagonist 337* AMPA

14d Agonist . 170 AMPA

15a Antagonist 300 AMPA

15b Agonist j 2.7 AMPA

) = K- value; ND = not determined; #) Part. Ago. = Partial Agonist

In the Pharmacological characterization in the cortical wedge preparation some of the compounds were found to be agonists at the AMPA and NMDA receptors, other compounds were found to be selective NMDA antagonists, and yet other com¬ pounds were found to be unselective antagonists at the AMPA and NMDA recep- tors, respectively. The compounds showed activity in the μM range.

Results

It appears from Table 1 that some of the compounds of the invention selectively displace [3H]AMPA from AMPA receptors in vitro with affinities in low micromolar concentrations. Other compounds selectively displace [3H]CPP from NMDA receptors in vitro. Even other compounds of the invention have been found to displace both [3H]AMPA and [3H]CPP from AMPA and NMDA receptors, respec¬ tively, in vitro.

In the cortical wedge preparation some of the compounds of the invention were found to be agonists or partial agonists whereas others were found to be antago¬ nists. Accordingly the invention comprise compounds having different agonist/anta¬ gonist profiles at the glutamic acid receptors with activities in the low micromolar concentrations.

Formulation Examples

The pharmaceutical formulations of the invention may be prepared by conventional methods in the art.

For example: Tablets may be prepared by mixing the active ingredient with ordinary adjuvants and/or diluents and subsequently compressing the mixture in a conven¬ tional tabletting machine. Examples of adjuvants or diluents comprise: corn starch, lactose, talcum, magnesium stearate, gelatine, lactose, gums, and the like. Any other adjuvant or additive colourings, aroma, preservatives etc. may be used provided that they are compatible with the active ingredients.

Solutions for injections may be prepared by solving the active ingredient and possible additives in a part of the vehicle, preferably sterile water, adjusting the solution to the desired volume, sterilization of the solution and filling in suitable ampules or vials. Any suitable additive conventionally used in the art may be added, such as tonicity agents, preservatives, antioxidants, etc.

Typical examples of recipes for the formulations of the invention are as follows:

1 ) Tablets containing 5 milligrams of Compound 1 a: Compound 1a 5.0 mg Lactose 60 mg Maize starch 30 mg Hydroxypropylcellulose 2.4 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 19.2 mg Croscarmellose Sodium Type A 2.4 mg Magnesium stearate 0.84 mg

2) Tablets containing 1 milligram of Compound 4c:

Compound 4c 1.0 mg

Lactose 46.9 mg

Maize starch 23.5 mg

Povidone 1.8 mg

Microcrystalline cellulose 14.4 mg

Croscarmellose Sodium Type A 1.8 mg

Magnesium stearate 0.63 mg

3) Syrup containing per millilitre:

Compound 1a 5.0 mg

Sorbitol 500 mg

Hydroxypropylcellulose 15 mg

Glycerol 50 mg

Methyl-paraben 1 mg

Propyl-paraben 0.1 mg

Ethanol 0.005 ml

Flavour 0.05 mg

Saccharin natrium 0.5 mg

Water ad 1 ml

4) Solution for injection containing per millilitre: Compound 4a 0.5 mg

Sorbitol 5.1 mg Acetic acid 0.08 mg Water for injection ad 1 ml