7-Hydroxy-benzoimidazole-4-yl-methanone Derivatives and PBK Inhibitors Containing the Same

Priority

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/109,801, filed on October 30, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a compound for inhibiting PBK activity, a method for the preparation thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound as an active ingredient. Background Art

Previous studies revealed that PDZ binding kinase (PBK) is a serine/threonine kinase related to the dual specific mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) family (Abe Y, et al., J Biol Chem. 275: 21525-21531, 2000, Gaudet S, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci. 97: 5167-5172, 2000 and Matsumoto S, et al., Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 325: 997-1004, 2004). PBK was also indicated to be involved in mitosis as shown by its significant role in highly proliferating spermatocytes (Gaudet S, et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci. 97: 5167-5172, 2000 and Fujibuchi T, et al., Dev Growth Differ. 47:637—44, 2005). In fact, abundant expression of PBK was observed in testis, while almost no PBK expression was detected in other normal organs (Park JH, et al., Cancer Res. 66: 9186-95, 2006). PBK regulates cell cycle progression. In accordance with this, its significant overexpression was detected in clinical breast cancer samples (Park JH, et al., Cancer Res. 66: 9186-95, 2006), Burkitt's lymphoma (Simons-Evelyn M, et al., Blood Cells MoI Dis. 27: 825- 829, 2001) and a variety of hematologic malignancies (Nandi A, et al., Blood Cells MoI Dis. 32: 240-5, 2004). Immunohistochemical analysis of testis revealed the expression of PBK protein around the outer region of seminiferous tubules where repeated mitosis of sperm germ cells followed by meiosis occurs (Fujibuchi T, et al., Dev Growth Differ. 47: 637-44, 2005). Especially, at prophase and metaphase, the subcellular localization of PBK was detected around the condensed chromosome in breast cancer cells (Park JH, et al., Cancer Res. 66: 9186-95, 2006). Moreover the knockdown of PBK expression with gene specific siRNAs caused dysfunction of cytokinesis and subsequently led to apoptosis of the cancer cells (Park JH, et al., Cancer Res. 66: 9186-95, 2006). These indicated the critical function of PBK at mitosis, in testicular and cancer cells. Taken together, PBK-specific inhibitors can be used as a drug applicable for a broad spectrum of cancers. PBK is an excellent target for cancer therapy for the following reasons: i) almost no expression in normal organs (except for testis); ii) frequent overexpression in clinical cancer samples; iii) a serine/threonine kinase related to the essential function for cell mitosis. The present inventors have endeavored to develop an effective inhibitor of PBK and have found that a 7-hydroxy-benzoimidazole-4-yl-methanone derivative can selectively inhibit the activity of PBK.

Summary of Invention

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a PBK inhibitor having high inhibitory activity against PBK.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for preparing such inhibitor.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a pharmaceutical composition including the compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, or isomer thereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a compound of formula (I), and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, or isomer thereof:

X is phenyl, thiophen-2-y], furan-2-yl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, phenylCi-C _δ alkyl, thiophen-2-ylCi-C ₆ alkyl, furan-2-ylCi -C ₆ alkyl, cyclopropylCi -Ce alkyl, cyclopentylC|-C ₆ alkyl, or bicycle[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl; the phenyl, thiophen-2-yl, furan-2-yl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, phenylCi -C ₆ alkyl, thiophen-2-ylCi -C ₆ alkyl, furan-2-ylC] -C ₆ alkyl, cyclopropylCi -C _δ alkyl, or cyclopentylCi-C ₆ alkyl are optionally substituted by 1-3 substituent(s) each independently selected from group A;

L is -NH- or a single bond; M is selected from C ₃ -Ci ₀ cycloalkyl or 3-10 membered saturated heterocyclic group; the C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, and 3-8 membered saturated heterocyclic group are optionally substituted by 1-3 substituent(s) each independently selected from group A; wherein group A consists of hydroxyl, oxo, nitro, cyano, amino, Ci-C ₆ alkylamino, C ₃ -Ci ₀ cycloalkylamino, amide, halogen, sulfamoyl, trifluolomethyl, ^-toluenesulfonylamino, CpC ₆ alkyl, C ₃ -Ci ₀ cycloalkyl, C)-C ₆ alkoxy, Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, Cj-C ₆ alkylcarbonylamino, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Ci-C _δ alkylsulfonylamino, Ci-C ₆ alkenyl, Ci-C ₆ alkynyl, phosphoryl, carbonyl, carboxyl, and 3-8 membered saturated heterocyclic group; and a is an integer from 0-5.

Description of Embodiments Definition

In this invention, "alkyl" refers to a straight chain or a branched chain hydrocarbon group which does not contain any hetero atoms or unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds. "Ci-C ₆ alkyl" refers to an alkyl group which has 1-6 carbon atom(s). "Ci -C ₄ alkyl" refers to an alkyl group which has 1-4 carbon atom(s). Examples of "C1 -C6 alkyl" include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, 1 -propyl, 2-propyl,

2-methyl- 1 -propyl, 2-methyl-2-propyl ( tert-butyl( 1,1 -dimethyl-ethyl), 1 -butyl, 2-butyl, 1-pentyl,

2-pentyl, 3-pentyl, 2-methyl- 1 -butyl, 3-methyl-l -butyl, 2-methyl-2-butyl, 3-methyl-2-butyl, 2,2-dimethyl-l -propyl, 1 -hexyl, 2-hexyl, 3-hexyl, 2-methyl- 1-pentyl, 3-methyl-l-pentyl, 4-methyl- 1 -pentyl, 2-methyl-2-pentyl, 3-methyl-2-pentyl, 4-methyl-2-pentyl, 2-methy-3-pentyl, 3-methyl-3-pentyl, 2,3-dimethyl-l -butyl, 3,3-dimethyl-l-butyl, 2,2-dimethyl-l -butyl, 2-ethyl-l -butyl, 3,3-dimethyl-2-butyl, and 2,3-dimethyl-2-butyl.

In this invention, "phenylCi -C ₆ alkyl, thiophen-2-ylC]-C ₆ alkyl, furan-2-ylCi -C ₆ alkyl, cyclopropylCi-C ₆ alkyl, or cyclopentylC|-C ₆ alkyl" refers to the C)-C ₆ alkyl bound to a phenyl, thiophen-2-yl, furan-2-yl, cyclopropyl or cyclopentyl group. In one embodiment, phenylC]-C ₆ alkyl, thiophen-2-ylCi-C ₆ alkyl, furan-2-ylCi-C ₆ alkyl, cyclopropylCi-C _ό alkyl, or cyclopentylCi-C ₆ alkyl is optionally substituted by 1-3 substituent(s) each independently selected from the group A mentioned above. Such substitution may occur at either the phenyl, thiophen-2-yl, furan-2-yl, cyclopropyl, or cyclopentyl moiety or the CpC ₆ alkyl moiety of said group, or may occur at both moieties of said group. Examples of "phenylCi -C ₆ alkyl, thiophen-2-ylC, -C ₆ alkyl, furan-2-ylC, -C ₆ alkyl, cyclopropylCi -C ₆ alkyl, or cyclopentylCi -C ₆ alkyl" include, but are not limited to, phenylmethyl, phenylethyl, phenyl- 1 -propyl, phenyl-2-propyl _; phenyl-n-butyl, phenyl-s-butyl, phenyW-butyl, phenyl-2-ethylbutyl, thiophen-2-ylmethyl, thiophen-2-ylethyl, thiophen-2-yl-l -propyl, thiophen-2-yl-2-propyl, thiophen-2-yl-n-butyl, thiophen-2-yl-s-butyl, thiophen-2-yl-/-butyl, thiophen-2-yl-2-ethylbutyl, furan-2-ylmethyl, furan-2-ylethyl, fiiran-2-yl-l -propyl, furan-2-yl-2-propyl, furan-2-yl-n-butyl, furan-2-yl-s-butyl, furan-2-yl-/-butyl, furan-2-yl-2-ethylbutyl, cyclopropylmethyl, cyclopropylethyl, cyclopropyl- 1 -propyl, cyclopropyl-2-propyl, cyclopropyl-n-butyl, cyclopropyl-s-butyl, cyclopropyl-z-butyl, cyclopropyl-2-ethylbutyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclopentylethyl, cyclopentyl-1 -propyl, cyclopentyl-2-propyl, cyclopentyl-n-butyl, cyclopentyl-s-butyl, cyclopentyl-/-butyl and cyclopentyl-2-ethylbutyl. In this invention, "alkenyl" refers to a straight chain or a branched chain hydrocarbon group which contains one or more than one unsaturated carbon-carbon bond(s) and does not contain any hetero atoms. "C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl" refers to an alkenyl group which has 2-6 carbon atoms.

Examples OfC ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl" include, but are not limited to, vinyl(ethenyl), 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 3-propenyl, 2-methyl-prop-l-en-l-yl ( 2-methyl- 1 -propenyl ) ,

2-methyl-prop-l-en-3-yl ( 2-methyl-2-propenyl ) , but-1 -en-l-yl, but-l -en-2-yl, but-l-en-3-yl, but-2-en-l-yl, but-2-en-2-yl, pent-1-en-l-yl, pent-l-en-2-yl, pent-l-en-3-yl, pent- 1 -en-4-yl, pent-l-en-5-yl, pent-2-en- 1 -yl, pent-2-en-2-yl, pent-2-en-3-yl ( 1 -ethyl- 1 -propenyl ) , pent-2-en-4-yl, pent-2-en-5-yl, 2-methyl-but-l-en-l-yl, 2-methyl-but-l -en-2-yl,

2-methyl-but-l -en-3-yl, 2-methyl-but-l -en-4-yl, 2-methyl-but-2-en-l-yl, 2-methyl-but-2-en-3-yl, 2-methyl-but-2-en-4-yl, 3-methyl-but-l -en-l-yl, 3-methyl-but-l-en-2-yl, 3-methyl-but-l -en-3-yl, 3-methyl-but- 1 -en-4-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-prop- 1 -en- 1 -yl, 2,2-dimethyl-prop- 1 -en-2-yl, hex-1-en-l-yl, hex- 1 -en-2-yl, hex- 1 -en-3-yl, hex- 1 -en-4-yl, hex-l-en-5-yl, hex- 1 -en-6-yl, hex-2-en-l-yl, hex-2-en-2-yl, hex-2-en-3-yl, hex-2-en-4-yl, hex-2-en-5-yl, hex-2-en-6-yl, hex-3-en-l-yl, hex-3-en-2-yl, hex-3 -en-3-yl, 2-methyl-pent-l-en-l -yl, 2-methyl-pent-l -en-3-yl, 2 -methyl -pent- 1 -en-4-yl, 2-methyl-pent- 1 -en-5-yl, 2-methyl-pent-2-en- 1 -yl, 2-methyl-pent-2-en-3-yl, 2-methyl-pent-2-en-4-yl, 2-methyl-pent-2-en-5-yl, 3-methyl-pent- 1 -en- 1 -yl, 3 -methyl-pent- 1 -en-2-yl, 3-methyl-pent- 1 -en-3-yl, 3-methyl-pent-l -en-4-yl, 3-methyl-pent- 1 -en-5-yl, 3-methyl-pent-2-en-l-yl, 3-methyl-pent-2-en-2-yl, 3-methyl-pent-2-en-4-yl, 3-methyl-pent-2-en-5-yl, 4-methyl-pent-l-en-l-yl, 4-methyl-pent-l -en-2-yl, 4-methyl-pent-l -en-3-yl, 4-methyl-pent- 1 -en-4-yl, 4-methyl-pent- 1 -en-5-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-en- 1 -yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-en-2-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-en-3-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-en-4-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-en-5-yl, 2,3-dimethyl-but-l-en-l -yl, 2,3-dimethyl-but-l-en-3-yl, 2,3 -dimethyl-but- 1 -en-4-yl, 2,3-dimethyl-but-2-en- 1 -yl, 3 ,3 -dimethyl-but- 1 -en- 1 -yl, 3 ,3 -dimethyl-but- 1 -en-2-yl, 3,3-dimethyl-but- 1 -en-4-yl, 2-ethyl-but- 1 -en- 1 -yl, 2-ethyl-but-l-en-3-yl, 2-ethyl-but- 1 -en-4-yl, 3-ethyl-but-l-en-l-yl, 3 -ethyl-but-1 -en-2-yl, 3-ethyl-but-l-en-3-yl, 3-ethyl-but-l-en-4-yl, 2-ethyl-but-2-en-l-yl, 2-ethyl-but-2-en-3-yl and 2-ethyl-but-2-en-4-yl.

In this invention, "alkynyl" refers to a straight chain or a branched chain hydrocarbon group which contains at least one triple carbon-carbon bond and does not contain any hetero atoms. "C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl" refers to an alkynyl group which has 2-6 carbon atoms. Examples OfC ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl" include, but are not limited to, ethinyl, 1-propinyl, 2-propinyl, 3-propinyl, 2-methyl-prop-l-in-l-yl, 2-methyl-prop-l-in-3-yl, but-1-in-l-yl, but-l-in-2-yl, but-l-in-3-yl, but-2-in-l-yl, but-2-in-2-yl, pent-1-in-l-yl, pent-l-in-2-yl, pent-l-in-3-yl, pent-l-in-4-yl, pent-l-in-5-yl, pent-2-in-l-yl, pent-2-in-2-yl, pent-2-in-3-yl, pent-2-in-4-yl, pent-2-in-5-yl, 2-methyl-but-l-in-l-yl, 2-methyl-but-l-in-2-yl, 2-methyl-but-l-in-3-yl, 2-methyl-but-l-in-4-yl, 2-methyl-but-2-in-l-yl, 2-methyl-but-2-in-3-yl, 2-methyl-but-2-in-4-yl, 3-methyl-but-l-in-l-yl, 3-methyl-but-l-in-2-yl, 3-methyl-but-l-in-3-yl, 3-methyl-but-l-in-4-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-prop-l-in-l-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-prop-l-in-2-yl, hex-1-in-l-yl, hex-l-in-2-yl, hex-l-in-3-yl, hex- 1 -in-4-yl, hex-l-in-5-yl, hex-l-in-6-yl, hex-2-in-l-yl, hex-2-in-2-yl, hex-2-in-3-yl, hex-2-in-4-yl, hex-2-in-5-yl, hex-2-in-6-yl, hex-3-in-l-yl, hex-3-in-2-yl, hex-3-in-3-yl, 2-methyl-pent-l-in-l-yl, 2-methyl-pent-l-in-3-yl, 2-methyl-pent-l -in-4-yl, 2-methyl-pent-l-in-5-yl, 2-methyl-pent-2-in-l-yl, 2-methyl-pent-2-in-3-yl, 2-methyl-pent-2-in-4-yl, 2-methyl-pent-2-in-5-yl, 3-methyl-pent-l-in-l-yl, 3 -methyl-pent- l-in-2-yl, 3-methyl-pent-l-in-3-yl, 3-methyl-pent-l -in-4-yl, 3-methyl-pent-l-in-5-yl, 3-methyl-pent-2-in-l-yl, 3-methyl-pent-2-in-2-yl, 3-methyl-pent-2-in-4-yl, 3-methyl-pent-2-in-5-yl, 4-methyl-pent-l-in-l-yl, 4-methyl-pent- 1 -in-2-yl, 4-methyl-pent- 1 -in-3 -yl, 4-methyl-pent- 1 -in-4-yl, 4-methyl-pent-l-in-5-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-in-l-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-in-2-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-in-3-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-in-4-yl, 4-methyl-pent-2-in-5-yl, 2,3-dimethyl-but- 1 -in- 1 -yl, 2,3-dimethyl-but- 1 -in-3 -yl, 2,3 -dimethyl-but- 1 -in-4-yl, 2,3-dimethyl-but-2-in-l-yl, 3,3-dimethyl-but-l-in-l-yl, 3,3-dimethyl-but-l-in-2-yl,

3,3-dimethyl-but- 1 -in-4-yl, 2-ethyl-but- 1 -in- 1 -yl, 2-ethyl-but- 1 -in-3 -yl, 2-ethyl-but- 1 -in-4-yl, 3-ethyl-but-l-in-l-yl, 3-ethyl-but- l-in-2-yl, 3-ethyl-but-l-in-3-yl, 3-ethyl-but-l -in-4-yl, 2-ethyl-but-2-in-l-yl, 2-ethyl-but-2-in-3-yl and 2-ethyl-but-2-in-4-yl. In the present invention, "alkoxy" refers to a group represented by -OR, wherein R is alkyl.

"Ci-C ₆ alkoxy" refers to an alkoxy group which has 1 -6 carbon atom(s). "C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy" refers to an alkoxy group which has 1 -4 carbon atom(s).

Examples of "Ci-C ₆ alkoxy" include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, 1-propyloxy, 2-propyloxy, 2 -methyl- 1-propyloxy, 2-methyl-2-propyloxy, and 1-butyloxy, and 2- butyloxy.

In this invention, "Ci-C ₆ alkylcarbonyl" refers to R-C=O- wherein R is C|-C ₆ alkyl. "C ₁ -C ₄ alkylcarbonyl" refers to R-C=O- wherein R is Ci-C ₄ alkyl.

Examples OfCi-C ₆ alkylcarbonyl" include, but are not limited to, methylcarbonyl ( acetyl ) , ethylcarbonyl, propylcarbonyl, iso-propylcarbonyl, n-butylcarbonyl, s-butylcarbonyl, t-butylcarbonyl, and 2-ethylbutylcarbonyl.

In this invention, "Ci-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl" refers to a carbonyl group bound to the Ci-C ₆ alkoxy. "Ci -C ₄ alkoxycarbonyl" refers to a carbonyl group bound to the C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy.

Examples of "C]-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl" include, but are not limited to, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxy carbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, and t-butoxycarbonyl. In the present invention, "cycloalkyl" refers to a saturated carbon ring system. "C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl" refers to 3-10 membered cycloalkyl.

Examples OfC ₃ -CiO cycloalkyl" include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptanyl, cyclooctanyl, and adamantyl. For example, 3-8 membered cycloalkyl is also included in "C ₃ -CiO cycloalkyl". In this invention, "amino" refers to a group represented by -NH ₂ whose hydrogens may each be optionally substituted by a substituent.

In the present invention, "Ci-C ₆ alkylamino" refers to an amino group bound to the Ci-C ₆ alkyl.

Examples of "Ci-C ₆ alkylamino" include, but are not limited to, methylamino, ethylamino, propylamino, isopropylamino, n-butylamino, s-butylamino, ?-butylamino, and 2-ethylbutylamino.

In the present invention, "Ci-C ₆ alkylcarbonylamino" refers to R-C=O-NH- wherein R is Ci-C ₆ alkyl. "C-C ₄ alkylcarbonylamino" refers to R-C=O-NH- wherein R is C-C ₄ alkyl.

Examples of "Ci-C ₆ alkylcarbonylamino" include, but are not limited to, methylcarbonylamino (acetyl amino), ethylcarbonylamino, 1 -propylcarbonylamino, 2-propylcarbonylamino, n-butylcarbonylamino, s-butylcarbonylamino, /-butylcarbonylamino, and 2-ethylbutylcarbonylamino.

In the present invention, "C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkylamino" refers to R-NH- wherein R is C ₃ -Ciocycloalkyl. Examples OfC ₃ -Ci ₀ cycloalkyl amino" include, but are not limited to, cyclopropylamino, cyclobutylamino, cyclopentylamino, cyclohexylamino, cycloheptanylamino, and cyclooctanyl amino.

In this invention, "sulfonyl" is a group represented by -SO ₂ -.

In this invention, "Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl" refers to R-SO ₂ - wherein R is the CpC ₆ alkyl. "Ci-C ₄ alkylsulfonyl" refers to R-SO ₂ - wherein R is C _r C ₄ alkyl.

Examples OfCi-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl" include, but are not limited to, methylsulfonyl, ethylsulfonyl, propylsulfonyl, isopropylsulfonyl, n-butylsulfonyl, s-butylsulfonyl, /-butylsulfonyl, and 2-ethylbutylsulfonyl.

In the present invention, "C)-C ₆ alkylsulfonylamino" refers to R-SO ₂ -NH- wherein R is "Ci-C ₆ alkyl". "Ci-C ₄ alkylsulfonylamino" refers to R-SO ₂ -NH- wherein R is R-SO ₂ -NH- wherein R is "C, -C ₄ alkyl".

Examples OfCi-C ₆ alkylsulfonylamino" include, but are not limited to, methylsulfonylamino, ethylsulfonylamino, propylsulfonylamino, isopropylsulfonylamino, n-butylsulfonylamino, s-butylsulfonylamino, r-butylsulfonylamino, and 2-ethylbutylsulfonylamino. In the present invention, "a saturated heterocyclic group" refers to a saturated heterocyclic group having one or more than one hetero atom(s) in the ring system. "3-8 membered saturated heterocyclic group" refers to a saturated heterocyclic group whose ring consists of 3-8 atoms.

Examples of "3-8 membered saturated heterocyclic group" include, but are not limited to, aziridinyl, azetidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, azepanyl, and morpholinyl.

A salt is defined as the product formed from the neutralisation reaction of acids and bases. Salts are ionic compounds composed of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negative ions) so that the product is electrically neutral. These component ions can be inorganic as well as organic. Hydrate is a term used in inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry to indicate that a substance contains water. Solvate refers to a molecule in a solution complexed by solvent molecules. Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae. More specifically, isomer includes geometric isomer, optical isomer, stereoisomer, tautomer of the compound, and mixtures thereof.

The present invention provides a compound represented by formula (I):

wherein

X is phenyl, thiophen-2-yl, furan-2-yl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, phenylCi -C ₆ alkyl, thiophen-2-ylCi -C ₆ alkyl, furan-2-ylCi-C ₆ alkyl, cyclopropylCi -C ₆ alkyl, cyclopentylCi -C ₆ alkyl, or bicycle[2.2.1 ]heptan-2-yl; the phenyl, thiophen-2-yl, furan-2-yl, cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, phenylCi-C _δ alkyl, thiophen-2-ylCi-C ₆ alkyl, furan-2-ylCi-C ₆ alkyl, cyclopropylCi -C ₆ alkyl, or cyclopentylCi-C6 alkyl are optionally substituted by 1-3 substituent(s) each independently selected from group A;

L is -NH- or single bond;

M is selected C ₃ -Ci _O cycloalkyl or 3-8 membered saturated heterocyclic group; the C3-C10 cycloalkyl, and 3-8 membered saturated heterocyclic group are optionally substituted by 1 -3 substituent(s) each independently selected from group A; wherein group A consists of hydroxyl, oxo, nitro, cyano, amino, Ci-C ₆ alkylamino, C3-C1 ₀ cycloalkylamino, amide, halogen, sulfamoyl, trifluolomethyl, p-toluenesulfonylamino, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkoxy, Cj-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, C)-C ₆ alkylcarbonylamino, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulfonylamino, Ci-C ₆ alkenyl, C|-C ₆ alkynyl, phosphoryl, carbonyl, carboxyl, and 3-8 membered saturated heterocyclic group; and a is an integer from 0-5.

Preferred compounds include those selected from the group consisting of: Example Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60 listed in Table 1 below; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, hydrates and solvates of the forgoing compounds. Table 1

lam ino)

The compound of formula (I) of the present invention may be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt derived from an inorganic or organic acid, and representative examples of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt derived from an inorganic or organic acid include salts obtained by adding an inorganic acid such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid or sulfonic acid, or organic carboxylic acids such as acetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, maleic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, tartaric acid, fumaric acid, mandelic acid, ascorbic acid or malic acid, methanesulfonic acid, or para toluenesulfonic acid, which do not limit its scope, to the compound of formula (I). Such acids may be prepared by the conventional processes, and other acids, which themselves are not pharmaceutically acceptable, including oxalic acid may be employed in the preparation of the salts.

Alternatively, the compound of formula (I) of the present invention may also be in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt derived from an inorganic or organic base include salts obtained by adding an inorganic or organic base. For example, alkalis including sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, or alkaline earth metal hydroxides including calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide or ammonium hydroxide may be used for the preparation of inorganic salt of the compound. Further, organic bases including triethylamine or diisopropylethylamine may also be used for the preparation of organic salt of the compound.

The preferred inventive compound of formula (I) may be prepared as in Scheme (I).

Scheme (I) XCN NaOCI p-TSA then NaHCO

Wherein, p-TSA is p-toluenesulfonic acid, HATU is

2-( 1 H-7-Azabenzotriazol- 1 -yl)- 1,1 ,3 ,3-tetramethyl uronium hexafluorophosphate Methanaminium, DIPEA is N,N-diisopropylethylamine, EDC is l-[3-(dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide, HOBt is 1-hydroxybenzotriazole and X, a, and M have the same meaning as defined previously.

Aniline A is reacted with the requisite nitrile in the presence ofp-toluenesulfonic acid to afford amidine B. Amidine B is chlorinated with sodium hypochlorite and cyclized using sodium bicarbonate to form benzimidazole C. Intermediate C is saponified with sodium hydroxide to afford methoxy acid D which is reacted with various amines in the presence of HATU to afford amides F. Amides F are treated with boron tribromide to afford compounds of formula (I). Intermediate C is treated with boron tribromide to afford hydroxy acid E which is reacted with various amines using EDC and HOBt to afford compounds of formula (I). Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for preparing the compound of the present invention, which includes the steps of: contacting a carboxyalkyl substituted aniline derivative with a nitrile in the presence of an acid to form an intermediate amidine; cyclizing the intermediate amidine to form a benzimidazole derivative having a carboxyalkyl; saponifying the carboxyalkyl of the benzimidazole derivative to form a carboxylic acid; and contacting the carboxylic acid of the benzimidazole derivative with an amine derivative, to obtain the compound of the present invention.

As used herein, the term "contacting" refers to the process of bringing into contact at least two distinct species such that they can react. It should be appreciated, however, the resulting reaction product can be produced directly from a reaction between the added reagents or from an intermediate from one or more of the added reagents which can be produced in the reaction mixture.

Scheme (II)

amine

Compound T is reacted with the requisite amine in the presence of copper and copper (I) iodide followed by deprotection to afford compound U (Scheme II). A salt, hydrate, solvate and isomer of the inventive compound of formula (I) may be prepared by employing any of the known methods. The inventive compound of formula (I), a salt, hydrate, solvate or isomer thereof may be used for the treatment of PBK dependent diseases such as cancer, by way of inhibiting PBK activity, the inventive compound having an IC50 value (micro M), generally in the range of 0.0001 to 100, for example 0.001 to 50, preferably 0.001 to 10, more preferably 0.001 to 5. Accordingly, the present invention includes a pharmaceutical composition which includes a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of formula (I), a salt, hydrate, solvate or isomer thereof as an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier; therefore, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention exerts superior preventive and treating effects on PBK dependent diseases.

A pharmaceutical formulation may be prepared in accordance with any of the conventional procedures. In preparing the formulation, the active ingredient is preferably admixed or diluted with a carrier, or enclosed within a carrier, sachet or other container. When the carrier serves as a diluent, it may be a solid, semi-solid or liquid material acting as a vehicle, excipient or medium for the active ingredient. Thus, the formulations may be in the form of a tablet, pill, powder, sachet, elixir, suspension, emulsion, solution, syrup, aerosol, soft and hard gelatin capsule, sterile injectable solution, sterile packaged powder and the like.

Examples of suitable carriers, excipients, and diluents are lactose, dextrose, sucrose, sorbitol, mannitol, calcium silicate, cellulose, methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, water, and mineral oil. The formulations may additionally include fillers, antiemulsifiers, preservatives and the like. The compositions of the invention may be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained or delayed release of the active ingredient after their administration to a mammal by employing any of the procedures well known in the art.

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered via various routes including oral, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous and intramuscular introduction.

In addition to the above, the present composition may contain other pharmaceutical active ingredients so long as they do not inhibit the in vivo function of the compound of the present invention. For example, the composition may further contain chemotherapeutic agents conventionally used for treating cancers. The compounds disclosed herein can be used to treat or prevent PBK dependent diseases including cancer. It has been shown that PBK is a potential target for treating cancers, such as breast cancer (Example 73 of the present specification), bladder cancer (WO2006/085684), and small cell lung cancer ( WO2007/013665). Accordingly, the cancer to be targeted include, but are not limited to, breast cancer, bladder cancer, and small cell lung cancer. For example, the present invention provides methods for treating or preventing PBK dependent diseases including cancer in a subject by administering to said subject the compounds disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, such compound can be administered to the subject in the form of pharmaceutical composition including the compound of the present invention and pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered via various routes including oral, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous and intramuscular introduction for treating a PBK dependent diseases including cancer in a subject.

In another embodiment, the present invention also provides the use of the compound of the present invention in manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for treating a PBK dependent diseases including cancer. For example, the present invention relates to a use of the compound of the present invention for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for treating a PBK dependent diseases including cancer. In addition, the present invention further provides the compound of the present invention for use in treating a PBK dependent diseases including cancer.

Alternatively, the present invention further provides a method or process for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for treating PBK dependent diseases including cancer, wherein the method or process includes a step for formulating a pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carrier with the compound of the present invention as active ingredients.

In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method or process for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition for treating a PBK dependent diseases including cancer, wherein the method or process includes a step for admixing an active ingredient with a pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carrier, wherein the active ingredient is the compound of the present invention.

The dosage and method of administration vary according to the body-weight, age, and symptoms of the patient; however, one skilled in the art can suitably select them. For example, although the dose of a compound of the present invention that regulates its activity depends on the symptoms, the dose is generally about 0.1 mg to about 100 mg per day, preferably about 1.0 mg to about 50 mg per day and more preferably about 1.0 mg to about 20 mg per day, when administered orally to a normal adult human (weight 60 kg).

When administering the compound parenterally, in the form of an injection to a normal adult human (weight 60 kg), although there are some differences according to the patient, target organ, symptoms and method of administration, it is convenient to intravenously inject a dose of about 0.01 mg to about 30 mg per day, preferably about 0.1 to about 20 mg per day and more preferably about 0.1 to about 10 mg per day. In the case of other animals, the appropriate dosage amount may be routinely calculated by converting to 60 kg of body-weight.

Examples

The following examples are intended to further illustrate the present invention without limiting its scope.

Example 1

STEP 1 : Synthesis of Methyl 4-Methoxy-3-(thiophene-2-carboximidamido)benzoate

/>-Toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (42 g, 1 10 mmol) was heated at 120 degrees C and once the solid completely melted, it was placed under high vacuum for 1 h to remove the water. The vacuum was released, aniline (20 g, 55 mmol) and 2-thiophenecarbonitrile (24 g, 110 mmol) were added, and the reaction mixture was heated at 160 degrees C for 4 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature followed by addition of satd. aq NaHCO ₃ (250 mL) and ethyl acetate (250 mL). The layers were separated, the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL), and the combined organic layers were dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered, and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography to obtain 16 g of the crude amidine intermediate. The crude intermediate was dissolved in ethyl acetate (350 mL) and HCl (2.0 M in diethyl ether, 55 mL,l 10 mmol) was added. The resulting precipitate was filtered to obtain the desired product (16 g, 42% yield) as an off-white solid: ESI MS m/z 291 [Ci ₄ H ₁₄ N ₃ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ .

STEP 2: Synthesis of Methyl 7-Methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyla te

To a solution of the product from step 1 (16 g, 49 mmol) in methanol (100 mL) was added 5% aq NaOCl (75 mL, 55 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Next, satd. aq NaHCO ₃ (150 mL) and methanol (150 mL) were added and the resulting reaction mixture was heated at 60 degrees C for 2 d. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and concentrated to remove methanol. The reaction mixture was acidified to pH 4 using 6 N HCl and the resulting precipitate was filtered and dried to obtain the desired product (8 g, 57% yield) as a brown solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) delta 7.86 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 7.71-7.68 (m, IH), 7.48-7.45 (m, IH), 7.17-7.14 (m, IH), 7.73 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, I H), 4.16 (m, 3H), 3.98 (m, 3H); ESI MS m/z 289 [C ₁₄ Hi ₂ N ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ .

STEP 3: Synthesis of 7-Methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyli c Acid

To a solution of the product from step 2 (4.2 g, 14 mmol) in ethanol (30 mL) and water (15 mL) was added 6 N NaOH (55 mL) and the reaction mixture was heated at 90 degrees C for 2 h.

The reaction mixture was cooled and concentrated to dryness. The crude residue was dissolved in water (30 ml) and acidified to pH 4 using 6 N HCl. The resulting precipitate was filtered and dried to obtain the desired product (2.2 g, 58% yield) as a brown solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d ₆ ) delta 8.25 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, IH), 7.77 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 7.73-7.68 (m, IH), 7.22-7.18 (m, IH), 6.82 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 3.97 (m, 3H); ESI MS m/z 275 [C ₁₃ Hi ₀ N ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ .

STEP 4: Synthesis of 7-Methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyli c Acid

To a solution of the product from step 3 (2.5 g, 9.1 mmol) in dichloroethane (100 mL) was added BBr ₃ (23g, 91 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at 90 degrees C for 2 d. The reaction mixture was cooled and poured onto ice. The resulting solids were filtered to obtain the desired product (0.45 g, 19% yield) as a brown solid. The filtrate was acidified to pH 4 using 6 N HCl and the resulting precipitate was filtered to obtain a second batch of the desired product (ALB 128328, 1.6 g, 88% yield) as a brown solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.93-7.90 (m, IH), 7.75 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 7.62-7.58 (m, IH), 7.19-7.14 (m, IH), 6.65 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, IH); ESI MS m/z 261 [C ₁₂ H ₈ N ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ . Example 2

STEP 1: Synthesis of Methyl 3-(Cyclopropanecarboximidamido)-4-methoxybenzoate Hydrochloride

Following the procedure outlined for step 1 in Example 1, methyl 3-amino-4-methoxybenzoate (1O g, 55 mmol) was reacted with cyclopropanecarbonitrile (7.4 g, 110 mmol) to afford the desired product (16 g crude) as a black solid: ESI MS m/z 249 [Ci ₃ Hi ₆ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

STEP 2: Synthesis of Methyl 2-Cyclopropyl-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[£/]imidazole-4-carboxylate

Following the procedure outlined for step 2 in Example 1 , methyl

3-(cyclopropanecarboximidamido)-4-methoxybenzoate hydrochloride (15 g, 50 mmol) was reacted with aq NaOCl followed by satd. aq NaHCO ₃ to afford the desired product (12 g crude) as a brown solid: ESI MS m/z 247 [C ₃ H ₁₄ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

STEP 3: Synthesis of 2-Cyclopropyl-7-methoxy- lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylic Acid

Following the procedure outlined for step 3 in Example 1, methyl

2-cyclopropyl-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylat e (2.0 g, 8.0 mmol) was reacted with sodium hydroxide to afford the desired product (1.7 g crude) as a black solid: ESI MS m/z H] ⁺ . STEP 4: Synthesis of 2-Cyclopropyl-7-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylic Acid

Following the procedure outlined for step 4 in Example 1 ,

2-cyclopropyl-7-methoxy-l H-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylic acid (1.5 g, 6.1 mmol) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (1.2 g crude) as a black solid: ESI MS mlz 219 [C _n H _1O N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

Example 3

STEP 1 : Synthesis of Methyl 3-(Cyclopentanecarboximidamido)-4-methoxybenzoate Hydrochloride

Following the procedure outlined for step 1 in Example 1, methyl 3-amino-4-methoxybenzoate (5.0 g, 27 mmol) was reacted with cyclopentanecarbonitrile (5.2 g, 55 mmol) to afford the desired product (7.7 g crude) as a brown solid: ESI MS m/z 277 [Ci ₅ H ₂ oN ₂ 0 ₃ + H] ⁺ . STEP 2: Synthesis of Methyl 2-Cyclopentyl-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate

Following the procedure outlined for step 2 in Example I ₃ methyl

3-(cyclopentanecarboximidamido)-4-methoxybenzoate hydrochloride (5.6 g, 18 mmol) was reacted with aq NaOCl followed by satd aq NaHCO ₃ to afford the desired product (4.9 g crude) as a black solid: ESI MS m/z 275 [C ₁₅ H ₁₈ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ . STEP 3: Synthesis of 2-Cyclopentyl-7-hydroxy-l H-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylic Acid

Following the procedure outlined for step 4 in Example 1 , methyl

2-cyclopentyl-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylat e (1.1 g, 4.0 mmol) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (0.92 g crude) as a black solid: ESI MS m/z

247 [C ₁₃ H ₁₄ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

Example 4

STEP 1: Synthesis of Methyl 3-Benzimidamido-4-methoxybenzoate Hydrochloride

Following the procedure outlined for step 1 in Example 1, methyl 3-amino-4-methoxybenzoate (5.0 g, 27 mmol) was reacted with benzonitrile (5.7 g, 55 mmol) to afford the desired product (7.8 g crude) as a black solid: ESI MS m/z 285 [Ci ₆ H ₁₆ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

STEP 2: Synthesis of Methyl 7-Methoxy-2-phenyl-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate

Following the procedure outlined for step 1 in Example 1, methyl

3-benzimidamido-4-methoxybenzoate hydrochloride (2.0 g, 8.0 mmol) was reacted with aq NaOCl followed by satd aq NaHCO ₃ to afford the desired product (1.7 g crude) as an off-white solid: ESI MS m/z 283 [C ₆ H ₁₄ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

STEP 3: Synthesis of 7-Hydroxy-2-phenyl-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylic Acid

Following the procedure outlined for step 4 in Example 1 , methyl

7-methoxy-2-phenyl-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (4.0 g, 12 mmol) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (2.1 g crude) as a black solid: ESI MS m/z 255 [C ₁₄ H ₁₀ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ . General Procedure A - synthesis of compounds of formula (I-II) as described in Scheme (1):

To a solution of hydroxy acids E (1.0 equiv) in THF (5-10 mL) was added EDC (1.2 equiv), HOBt (1.1 equiv), and the amine (1.2 equiv) and the reaction mixture was either stirred at room temperature for 16 h or heated at 50-70 degrees C for 16 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (50 mL) and washed with water (25 ml). The layers were separated and the organic layer was dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , concentrated, and purified by preparative HPLC (C 18 silica, 10-90% acetonitrile/water with 0.05% TFA). In some instances the desired product was dissolved in trifluoroacetic acid (2 mL) and stirred for 1 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated and eluted through an ion-exchange column (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) to obtain the desired products. Example 5

2-Cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-4-ylmethyl)- 1 H- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic ter t-butyl

4-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l-carboxylate (81 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (21 mg, 27% yield) as a light brown-yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, OMSO-d ₆ ) delta 9.67 (bs, IH), 7.57 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 6.58 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 3.25-3.22 (m, 2H), 2.98-2.96 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.46 (m, 2H), 2.16 (bs, IH), 1.68-1.58 (m, 3H), 1.18-1.06 (m, 6H); ESI MS m/z 315 [C ₁₇ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 98.6% (AUC), t _R = 6.38 min.

Example 6

2-Cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl-methyl)- 1 H- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy- lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic ter/-butyl

3-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l-carboxylate (81 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (12 mg, 15% yield) as a light gray solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.66 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 6.57 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 3.51-3.49 (m, 2H), 3.14 (d, J= 12.5 Hz, IH), 2.94 (bs, IH), 2.75-2.73 (m, IH), 2.19-2.17 (m, IH), 1.90-1.88 (m, 2H), 1.71-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.54-1.49 (m, IH), 1.35 (bs, IH), 1.15-1.13 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlz 315 [C ₁₇ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 99.7% (AUC), t _R = 5.98 min. Example 7

2-Cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-2-ylmethy I)- 1 H- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic tert-buty\

2-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l -carboxylate (81 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (13 mg, 17% yield) as a light gray solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.66 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 6.56 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 3.39-3.38 (m, 2H), 3.22 (d, J= 12 Hz, IH), 3.08 (d, J= 12 Hz, IH), 2.69-2.68 (m, IH), 2.66-2.63 (m, IH), 2.55-2.50 (m, IH), 2.18-2.15 (m, IH), 1.99-1.97 (m, 2H), 1.92-1.89 (m, IH), 1.82-1.80 (m, IH), 1.62-1.59 (m, IH), 1.32-1.34 (m, IH), 1.13 (bs, 4H); ESI MS mlz 315 [C ₁₇ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.8% (AUC), / _R = 6.78 min.

Example 8

2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-N-( 1 -methy lpiperidin-3 -y I)- 1 H- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy- lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic 1 -methylpiperidin-3 -amine (43 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (21 mg, 32% yield) as a brown-yellow solid: H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-dβ) delta 12.7 (bs, IH), 10.5 (bs, IH), 9.97 (bs, IH), 7.58 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 6.61 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 4.06 (bs, IH), 3.32 (bs, 2H), 2.40-2.34 (m, IH), 2.22-2.1 1 (m, 2H), 1.75 (bs, IH), 1.65 (bs, IH), 1.55 (bs, IH), 1.44 (bs, IH), 1.14-1.1 0 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlz 315 [C ₇ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.8% (AUC), / _R = 7.12 min.

Example 9

(S)-2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3 -yl)- 1 H- benzo[d] imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with (S)-tert-buty\ 3-aminopiperidine-l -carboxylate (75 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (28 mg, 37% yield) as a brown-yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DMSCW ₆ ) delta 12.7 (bs, IH), 9.82 (bs, IH), 7.58 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.61 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 3.93-3.91 (m, IH), 3.17 (bs, IH), 3.03-3.00(m, IH), 2.77 (m, IH), 2.64 (bs, IH), 2.16 (bs, IH), 1.87 (bs, IH), 1.73-1.70 (m, I H), 1.50-1.45 (m, 2H), 1.1 1-1.10 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlz 301 [C ₁₆ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.8% (AUC), / _R = 6.63 min.

Example 10

2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-4-yl)-l H- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic /er/-butyl 4-aminopiperidine-l-carboxylate (75 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (27 mg, 36% yield over two steps as a brown-yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ) delta 9.75 (d, J= 6 Hz, IH), 7.59 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.61 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 3.96 (bs, IH), 2.99-2.97 (m, 2H), 2.70-2.66 (m, 2H), 2.16 (bs, IH), 1.88-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.42-1.40 (m, 2H), 1.13-1.04 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlz 301 [Ci ₆ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 95.8% (AUC), / _R = 6.21 min

Example 1 1 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl)- 1 H- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic /er/-butyl 3-aminopiperidine-l-carboxylate (75 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (16 mg, 21% yield) as a brown-yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.67 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 6.60 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 4.12-4.08 (m, IH), 3.31-3.28 (m, I H), 3.04-3.00(m, IH), 2.79-2.73 (m, I H), 2.20-2.10 (m, 2H), 1.94-1.91 (m, IH), 1.76-1.65 (m, IH), 1.17-1.14 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlz 301 [Ci ₆ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.8% (AUC), / _R = 6.63 min. Example 12

2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-N-(pyrrolidin-3-yl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-CyCIoPrOPyM-IIyCIrOXy- lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic tert-butyl 3-aminopyrrolidine-l-carboxylate (70 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (19 mg, 27% yield) as a brown-yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.66 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 6.57 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 4.56-4.51 (m, IH), 3.36-3.32 (m, I H), 3.26-3.20(m, IH), 3.14-3.09 (m, IH), 3.03-3.00 (m, I H), 2.32-2.25 (m, IH), 2.19-2.14 (m, IH), 1.97-1.93 (m, IH), 1.14-1.10 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlz 287 [Ci ₅ Hi ₈ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.8% (AUC), t _R = 6.40 min.

Example 13 N-(azetidin-3 -ylmethyl)-2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy- 1 H- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopropyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with tert-buty\ 3-(aminomethyl)azetidine-l-carboxylate (70 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (22 mg, 31% yield) as a brown- yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.66 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 6.56 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 4.00-3.85 (m, 4H), 3.69-3.67 (m, 2H), 3.17-3.14(m, IH), 2.18-2.14 (m, IH), 1.13-1.08 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlz 287 [C ₁₅ Hi ₈ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.8% (AUC), / _R = 6.15 min.

Example 14 Synthesis of 2-cyclopentyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-2-ylmethyl)- 1 H- benzo [d] imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopentyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (62 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic /er/-butyl

2-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l-carboxylate (81 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (33 mg, 39% yield) as a brown solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.69 (d, J= 9.0 Hz, IH), 6.59 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH), 3.54-3.52 (m, 2H), 3.39-3.34 (m, IH), 3.16-3.1 1 (m, IH), 2.99-2.93 (m, IH), 2.74 (bs, IH), 2.19-2.15 (m, 2H), 2.09-1.81 (m, 6H), 1.78-1.69 (m, 3H), 1.52-1.32 (m, 3H); ESI MS m/z 343 [Ci ₉ H ₂₆ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 98.6% (AUC), t _R = 1.51 min.

Example 15 2-Cyclopentyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-ylmethyl)-lH- benzo [d] imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopentyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (62 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic tert- butyl 3-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l -carboxylate (81 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (35 mg, 41% yield) as a off-white solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.69 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH), 6.59 (d, J= 9.0 Hz, IH), 3.43-3.41 (m, 2H), 3.30-3.25 (m, IH), 3.16-3.12 (m, IH), 2.72-2.59 (m, 2H), 2.18-2.15 (m, 2H), 2.03-1.75 (m, 1 1 H), 1.39-1.34 (m, 1 H); ESI MS mlz 343 [Ci ₉ H ₂₆ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 99.2% (AUC), t _R = 1.49 min. Example 16

(S)-2-Cyclopentyl-4-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl)- 1 H- benzo [d] imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 2-cyclopentyl-4-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with (S)-/er/-butyl 3-aminopiperidine-l-carboxylate (75 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (22 mg, 27% yield) as a brown solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.69 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 6.61 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 4.09 (bs, IH), 3.39-3.30 (m, 2H), 2.99 (bs, IH), 2.72-2.76 (m, 2H), 2.19-2.14 (m, 3H), 2.03-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.91-1.88 (m, 3H), 1.78-1.67 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlz 329 [C ₁₈ H ₂₄ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), / _R = 1.48 min.

Example 17

(S)-4-Hydroxy-2-phenyl-N-(piperidin-3-yl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 4-hydroxy-2-phenyl-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with (S)-tert-butyl 3-aminopiperidine-l-carboxylate (75 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (10 mg, 12% yield) as a green-yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 8.20-8.18 (m, 2H), 7.78 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 7.56-7.51 (m, 3H), 6.68 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 4.16 (bs, IH), 3.39-3.35(m, IH), 3.05 (bs, IH), 2.87-2.82 (m, 2H), 2.20-2.19 (m, IH), 2.00 (bs, IH), 1.80-1.76 (m, 2H); ESI MS mlz 337 [Ci ₉ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 95.7% (AUC), / _R = 8.78 min.

Example 18

4-Hydroxy-2-phenyl-N-(piperidin-2-ylmethyl)- 1 H- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 4-hydroxy-2-phenyl-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (62 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with racemic tert-butyl

2-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l-carboxylate (81 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (20 mg, 23% yield) as a brown solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-ύfc) delta 9.77 (bs, IH), 8.32-8.30 (m, 2H), 7.70 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 7.58-7.51 (m, 3H), 6.71 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 3.17-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.96-2.94(m, IH), 2.56-2.42 (m, 3H), 1.90-1.87 (m, IH), 1.81-1.77 (m, IH), 1.69-1.65 (m, IH), 1.46-1.44 (m, IH), 1.27-1.24 (m, IH); ESI MS mlz 351 [C ₂₀ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 99.0% (AUC), t _R = 7.74 min. Example 19

4-hydroxy-2-phenyl-N-(piperidin-3-ylmethyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxamide

Following general procedure A, 4-hydroxy-2-phenyl-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (62 mg, 0.25 mmol) was reacted with tert-buty\ 3-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l-carboxylate (81 mg, 0.38 mmol) to afford the desired product (20 mg, 23% yield) as a brown solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-t/ ₆ ) delta 9.99 (bs, IH), 8.40-8.38 (m, 2H), 7.70 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.57-7.52 (m, 3H), 6.72 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 3.43-3.41 (m, 2H), 3.1 l-3.08(m, IH), 2.64 (bs, IH), 1.78-1.71 (m, 2H), 1.57 (bs, IH), 1.69-1.65 (m, IH), 1.46-1.44 (m, IH), 1.27-1.24 (m, IH); ESI MS mlz 351 [C ₂₀ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 99.1 (AUC), t _R = 8.99 min.

Example 20

7-Hydroxy-N-(4-hydroxycyclohexyl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[6/]imidazole-4-carboxamide

To a solution of 4-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxyli c acid (0.15 g, 0.57 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added HATU (0.26 g, 0.68 mmol), DIPEA (0.30 mL, 1.7 mmol) and frαm-4-aminocyclohexanol (0.13 g, 1.1 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 50 degrees C for 16 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with satd. aq NaHCO ₃ (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over Na ₂ SO^ concentrated, and purified by preparative HPLC (C 18 silica, 10-90% acetonitrile/water with 0.05% TFA). The desired product was obtained as the trifluoroacetic acid salt which was eluted through an ion-exchange column (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) to afford the desired product (13 mg, 32%) as an off-white solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 10.19-10.17 (m, IH), 7.87-7.85 (m, IH), 7.79-7.75 (m, IH), 7.64-7.61 (m, IH), 7.22-7.19 (m, IH), 6.71-6.67 (m, I H), 4.02-3.97 (m, IH), 3.77-3.71 (m, IH), 2.19-2.08 (m, 4H), 1.55-1.50 (m, 4H); ESI MS mlτ 358 [C ₁₈ H ₁₉ N ₃ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 98.8% (AUC), t _R = 1 1.84 min.

Example 21 (7-hydroxy-2-[thiophen-2-yl]-lH-benzo[d]imidazol-4-yl)

(piperazin- 1 -yl)methanone

To a solution of 4-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxyli c acid (0.20 g, 0.76 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added HATU (0.34 g, 0.92 mmol), DIPEA (0.39 mL, 2.3 mmol) and tert-bvtiy\ piperazine-1-carboxylate (0.17 g, 0.92 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 50 degrees C for 16 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with satd. aq NaHCO ₃ (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3x20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , concentrated, and purified by preparative HPLC (C 18 silica, 10-90% acetonitrile/water with 0.05% TFA). The intermediate was dissolved in methylene dichloride and treated with 2 N HCl in ether and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was eluted through an ion-exchange column (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) to afford the desired product (13 mg, 32%) as an off-white solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ) delta 8.01 (bs, IH), 7.70 (d, J = 5.0, Hz, IH), 7.20 (dd, J= 5.0, 4.0 Hz, IH), 7.00 (d, J = 8.0, Hz, IH), 6.56-6.57 (m, IH), 3.70-3.05 (m, 8H); ESI MS mlz 329 [Ci ₆ Hi ₆ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 95.5% (AUC), ^R = 8.79 min.

General Procedure B - synthesis of amides F as described in Scheme (1):

To a suspension of 7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxyli c acid (1.0 equiv) in toluene (5-15 niL) was added thionyl chloride (4.0 equiv). After stirring at room temperature for 16 h, the reaction mixture was heated at 70 degrees C for 2 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, and concentrated, and the residue was suspended in THF (10 -20 mL) followed by the addition of pyridine (2.0 equiv) and the corresponding amine (2.0 equiv) and the reaction mixture was heated at 70 degrees C for 16 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was diluted with water (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3x20 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with satd. aq NaHCO ₃ (20 mL), concentrated, and purified by flash chromatography (silica, 0-15% methanol/dichloromethane) to afford amides F. In most cases these intermediates were isolated as crude products and were carried forward without extensive characterization or further purification.

Example 22 tert-Butyl

3-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[J]imidazole-4-car boxamido]piperidine-l-carboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lΗ-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carbo xylic acid (0.15 g, 0.44 mmol) was reacted with racemic 3-amino-l-boc-piperidne (0.18 g, 0.88 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.13 g) as a brown solid: ESI MS mlz 443 [C ₂₃ H ₂₈ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 23 tert-Butyl

4-{2-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[ύf]iniidazole -4-carboxaniido]ethyl}piperazine-l -ca rboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lΗ-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carbo xylic acid (0.16 g, 0.58 mmol) was reacted with tert-butyl 4-(2-aminoethyl)piperazine- 1 -carboxylate (0.27 g, 1.2 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.24 g) as a foam: ESI MS mlz 486 [C ₂₄ H _{3 I} N ₅ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 24

(R)-tert-Buiy\

3-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[t/]imidazole-4-ca rboxamido]piperidine-l -carboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]irnidazole-7-carbo xylic acid (0.13 g, 0.46 mmol) was reacted with (i?)-3-amino-l-boc-piperidine (0.18 g, 0.92 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.12 g) as a brown solid: ESI MS mlz 457 [C ₂₃ H ₂₈ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 25

(S)-tert-Buty\

3-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[<^imidazole-4- carboxamido]piperidine-l -carboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-l H-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxylic acid (0.13 g, 0.46 mmol) was reacted with (5)-3-amino-l-boc-piperidine (0.18 g, 0.92 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.13 g) as a brown oil: ESI MS mlz 457 [C ₂₃ H ₂₈ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 26 /err-Butyl

3 - { [7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-y I)- 1 H-benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxamido]methyl } piperidine- 1 -ca rboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-l H-benzo [d]imidazole-7-carboxy lie acid (0.17 g, 0.62 mmol) was reacted with racemic 3-aminomethyl-l-boc-piperidine (0.26 g, 1.2 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.23 g) as a brown oil: ESI MS mlz 471 [C ₂₄ H ₃₀ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ . Example 27 ter/-Butyl 4-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[^imidazole-4-carboxa mido]piperidine-l-carboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carbox ylic acid (0.16 g, 0.58 mmol) was reacted with 4-amino-l-boc-piperidine (0.23 g, 1.2 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.20 g) as a brown oil: ESI MS mlz 457 [C ₂₃ H ₂₈ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 28

7-Methoxy-N-(l-methylpiperidin-3-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH - benzo[<5T]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure B, 4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxyli c acid (0.16 g, 0.59 mmol) was reacted with racemic l-methyl-piperidin-3 -amine (0.14 g, 1.2 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.15 g) as a brown glass: ESI MS mlz 371 [Ci ₉ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 29 fer/-Butyl 4-{[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[J]imidazole-4- carboxamido]methyl}piperidine-l-carboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lΗ-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carbo xylic acid (0.15 g, 0.56 mmol) was reacted with 4-aminomethyl-l-boc-piperidine (0.24 g, 1.1 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.16 g) as a brown foam: ESI MS mlz 471 [C ₂₄ H ₃₀ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 30 tert-Butyl 3-{[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[^imidazole-4- carboxamido] methyl } azetidine- 1 -carboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carbox ylic acid (0.15 g, 0.56 mmol) was reacted with 1 -boc-3(aminomethyl)azetidine (0.20 g, 1.1 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.17 g) as a brown foam: ESI MS mlz 443 [C ₂₂ H ₂₆ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 31 ter/-Butyl 3-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[</]imidazole-4- carboxamidojpyrrolidine- 1 -carboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carbox ylic acid (0.15 g, 0.56 mmol) was reacted with 3-amino-l-Boc-pyrrolidine (0.21 g, 1.1 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.20 g) as a brown oil: ESI MS mlz 443 [C ₂₂ H ₂₆ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 32 ter/-Butyl 2-{[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[cf]imidazole-4- carboxamido]methyl}piperidine-l -carboxylate

Following general procedure B, 4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lΗ-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carboxyl ic acid (0.16 g, 0.58 mmol) was reacted with racemic 2-(aminomethyl)-l-N-boc-piperidine (0.25 g, 1.2 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.23 g) as a brown foam: ESI MS mlz 471 [C ₂₄ H ₃₀ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 33 terr-Butyl 3-{[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxamido] methyl } pyrrolidine- 1 -carboxylate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lΗ-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carbo xylic acid (0.16 g, 0.58 mmol) was reacted with 3-(aminomethyl)-l-N-Boc-pyrrolidine (0.24 g, 1.2 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.19 g) as a brown oil: ESI MS mlz 457 [C ₂₃ H ₂₈ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 34 ter/-Butyl-4-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazo le-4- carboxamido]cyclohexylcarbamate

Following general procedure B,

4-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lΗ-benzo[d]imidazole-7-carbo xylic acid (0.15 g, 0.55 mmol) was reacted with l-Boc-amino-l,4-cyclohexyldiamine (0.23 g, 1.1 mmol) to afford the desired product (92 mg) as a brown oil: ESI MS mlz 471 [C ₂₄ H ₃₀ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ .

General Procedure C - synthesis of compounds as described in Scheme (1): To a suspension of amides F (1.0 equiv) in dichloroethane (10-25 mL) was added boron tribromide (6.0- 10 equiv) and the reaction mixture was heated at 80 degrees C for 16 h. The reaction mixture was poured over ice and the resulting mixture was concentrated. The crude residue was eluted through an ion-exchange column (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) as a crude purification. The crude product was further purified by preparative HPLC (Cl 8 silica, 10-90% acetonitrile/water with 0.05% TFA). The desired product was obtained as the trifluoroacetic acid salt which was eluted through an ion-exchange column (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) to obtain the desired products.

Example 35

7-Hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, tert-Butyl 3-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[if]imidazole-4-carbo xamido]piperidine-l-carboxylate (0.13 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (34 mg, 23% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.86-7.85 (m, IH), 7.76 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.63-7.61 (m, IH), 7.22-7.19 (m, IH), 6.66 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 4.14-4.10 (m, IH), 3.04-3.00 (m, IH), 2.86-2.77 (m, 2H), 2.18-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.79-1.72 (m, 2H); ESI MS mlz 343 [Ci ₇ Hi ₈ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 99.2% (AUC), t _R = 9.73 min.

Example 36

7-Hydroxy-N-[2-(piperazin- 1 -yl)ethyl]-2-(thiophen-2-yl)- 1 H- benzo[c/]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, ter/-Butyl

4- { 2- [7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)- 1 H-benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxamido] ethy 1 } piperazine- 1 -ca rboxylate (0.24 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (70 mg, 32% yield) as a white solid: ¹ H ΝMR (500 MHz, DMSO-J ₆ ) delta 9.50 (s, IH), 8.08 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, IH), 7.77 (d, J= 5.0 Hz, IH), 7.69 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 7.25-7.24 (m, IH), 6.71 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, IH), 3.55-3.51 (m, 3H), 2.90-2.84 (m, 5H), 2.56-2.50 (m, 3H); ESI MS mlz 372 [C ₁₈ H _2I N ₅ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), t _R = 8.74 min.

Example 37

(i?)-7-Hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo [d\ imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, {R)-tert-BυXy\

3-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-l//-benzo[J]imidazole-4-ca rboxamido]piperidine-l-carboxylate (0.12 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (25 mg, 16% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.88-7.87 (m, IH), 7.79-7.7 '5 (m, IH), 7.65-7.63 (m, IH), 7.24-7.21 (m, IH), 6.70-6.67 (m, IH), 4.17-4.14 (m, IH), 3.08-3.00 (m, IH), 2.89-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.24-1.98 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.76 (m, 2H); ESI MS mlz 343 [C _n H ₁₈ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.1% (AUC), / _R = 10.50 min. Example 38

(S)-7-Hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[c/]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, (S)-/er/-Butyl 3-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[ύf]imidazole-4-carb oxamido]piperidine-l-carboxylate (0.13 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (45 mg, 29% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.88-7.87 (m, I H), 7.79-7.75 (m, I H), 7.65-7.63 (m, IH), 7.24-7.21 (m, IH), 6.70-6.66 (m, IH), 4.17-4.14 (m, IH), 3.08-3.00 (m, IH), 2 89-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.24-1.98 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.76 (m, 2H); ESI MS mlz 343 [C ₁₇ H ₁₈ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), / _R = 9.80 min.

Example 39

7-Hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-ylmethyl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[c/]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, tert-Buty\

3 - { [7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-y I)- 1 H-benzo [d\ imidazole-4-carboxamido]methyl } piperidine- 1 -ca rboxylate (0.23 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (90 mg, 41% yield) as a light brown solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^ ₆ ) delta 9.62 (s, IH), 8.06-8.04 (m, IH), 7.74 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, IH), 7.64 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.24-7.21 (m, IH), 6.66 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 3.29 (t, J= 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.17-3.10 (m, IH), 2.93-2.89 (m, IH), 2.47-2.37 (m, 2H), 1.95-1.90 (m, IH), 1.76-1.63 (m, 2H), 1.49-1.20 (m, 2H); ESI MS mlz 357 [Ci ₈ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), t _R = 9.41 min. Example 40

7-Hydroxy-jV-(piperidin-4-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)- 1 H- benzo[cf]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, /er/-Butyl 4-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[(/]imidazole-4-carbo xamido]piperidine-l-carboxylate (0.2 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (85 mg, 42% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.85-7.84 (m, I H), 7.76 (d, J= 5.1 Hz, I H), 7.62-7.60 (m, IH), 7.21-7.19 (m, IH), 6.66 (d, J= 5.1 Hz, IH), 4.21-4.20 (m, I H), 3.29-3.24 (m, 2H), 2.99-2.93 (m, 2H), 2.17-2.14 (m, 2H), 1.80-1.74 (m, 2H); ESI MS mlz 343 [C ₁₇ Hi ₈ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), / _R = 9.07 min.

Example 41

7-Hydroxy-N-( 1 -methylpiperidin-3-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)- 1 H- benzo[<5(]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C,

7-methoxy-N-(l-methylpiperidin-3-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH -benzo[</|imidazole-4-carboxamide (0.15 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (75 mg, 36% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.89-7.88 (m, IH), 7.78 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.65-7.64 (m, IH), 7.23-7.20 (m, IH), 6.71 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 4.26-4.24 (m, IH), 3.01-2.98 (m, IH), 2.67-2.65 (m, IH), 2.38 (s, 5H), 2.05-1.92 (m, 2H), 1.80-1.59 (m, 2H); ESI MS mlz 357 [C ₁₈ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.2% (AUC), t _R = 9.55 min.

Example 42 7-Hydroxy-N-(piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[t/]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, ter/-Butyl

4-{[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[</)imidazole- 4-carboxamido]methyl}piperidine-l-ca rboxylate (0.16 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (700 mg, 35% yield) as a yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.85-7.84 (m, IH), 7.78-7.74 (m, IH), 7.63-7.61 (m, IH), 7.23-7.19 (m, IH), 6.64-6.61 (m, IH), 3.49 (d, J= 6.6 Hz, 2H), 2.88-2.79 (m, 2H), 2.07-2.03 (m, 2H), 1.94-1.93 (m, IH), 1.56-1.44 (m, 2H); ESI MS mlz 357 [C ₈ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), fc = 9.15 min. Example 43

N-(Azetidin-3-ylmethyl)-7-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[c/|imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, tert-Buty\

S-lfT-methoxy-l-^hiophen-Z-yO-lH-benzof^imidazole^-carbox amidoJmethylJazetidine-l-car boxylate (0.17 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (43 mg, 24% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.84-7.83 (m, IH), 7.74 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.62-7.59 (m, IH), 7.22-7.19 (m, IH), 6.61 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 4.02-3.96 (m, 2H), 3.90-2.84 (m, 2H), 3.74 (d, J= 6.3 Hz, 2H); ESI MS mlz 329 [C ₁₆ H ₁₆ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), / _R = 8.70 min.

Example 44

7-Hydroxy-N-(pyrrolidin-3-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, ter/-Butyl

3-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[ύ?]imidazole-4-c arboxamido]pyrrolidine-l-carboxylat e (0.20 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (0.12 g, 63% yield) as a light brown solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 8.09 (s, IH), 7.90 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.33 (m, IH), 6.87 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 4.75-4.71 (m, IH), 3 69-3.64 (m, 2H), 3.54-3.48 (m, 2H), 2.54-2.50 (m, IH), 2.35-2.30 (m, IH); ESI MS mlz 329 [C ₆ H ₁₆ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), t _R = 8.80 min.

Example 45

7-Hydroxy-N-(piperidin-2-ylmethyl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[<s/]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, tert-Buty\

2- { [7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)- 1 H-benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxamido]methyl } piperidine- 1 -ca rboxylate (0.23 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (90 mg, 44% yield) as a yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 8.03-8.02 (m, IH), 7.87 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.82-7.81 (m, IH), 7.32-7.29 (m, IH), 6.83 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 3.78-3.75 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.36 (m, 2H), 3.06-3.02 (m, IH), 2.14-2.10 (m, IH), 2.00-1.90 (m, 2H), 1.75-1.66 (m, 3H); ESI MS mlz 357 [Ci ₈ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), t _R = 9.49 min.

Example 46 7-Hydroxy-N-(pyrrolidin-3-ylmethyl)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[</|imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C, ter/-Butyl 3-{[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[tfjimidazole-4-carb oxamido]methyl}pyrrolidine-l-c arboxylate (0.19 g) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (79 mg, 39% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.84-7.82 (m, IH), 7.75 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.61-7.59 (m, IH), 7.21-7.18 (m, IH), 6.61 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 3.63-3.54 (m, 2H), 3.37-3.33 (m, IH), 3.27-3.06 (m, 2H), 2.98-2.91 (m, IH), 2.66-2.61 (m, IH), 2.24-2.18 (m, IH), 1.86-1.79 (m, IH); ESI MS mlz 343 [C ₇ H ₁₈ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), t _R = 8.91 min.

Example 47

N-(4-Aminocyclohexyl)-7-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH- benzo[t/]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following general procedure C,

/ert-Butyl-4-[7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-lH-benzo[if]imi dazole-4-carboxamido]cyclohexylcar bamate (92 mg) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (21 mg, 10% yield over two steps) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.85-7.84 (m, IH), 7.77 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.61-7.59 (m, IH), 7.22-7.17 (m, IH), 6.63 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 4.24^.23 (m, IH), 3.01-2.97 (m, IH), 2.15-2.10 (m, 2H), 2.03-1.78 (m, 6H); ESI MS mlz 357 [C ₁₈ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 95.6% (AUC), fe = 9.22 min.

Example 48

2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl methyl)- lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure C, /er/-Butyl 3-((2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[c/]imid azole-4-carboxamido)methyl)pipe ridine-1-carboxylate (330 mg crude) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (71 mg, 45% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.75-7.68 (m, IH), 6.58 (dd, IH, J= 4.0, 8.2 Hz), 3.47-3.36 (m, 2H), 3.27-3.20 (m, IH), 3.1 1-3.05 (m, IH), 3.01-2.96 (m, IH, minor diastereomer), 2.69-2.62 (m, IH), 2.57-2.51 (m IH), 2.43-2.37 (m, IH), 2.25-2.19 (m, IH, minor diastereomer), 2.09-2.01 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.88 (m, IH), 1.84-1.74 (m, 2H), 1.71-1.55 (m, 3H), 1.53-1.16 (m, 5H); ESI MS mlz 369 [C ₂ ]H ₂₈ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), / _R = 9.75 min. Example 49

2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-hydroxy~N-(piperidin-3-yl )- lH-benzo[</]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure C, tert-Buty\ 3-(2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[<^imi dazole-4-carboxamido)piperidine-l- carboxylate (210 mg crude) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (72 mg, 43% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.69 (dd, J = 3.6, 8.1 Hz, IH), 6.61 (dd, J= 2.7, 8.1 Hz, IH), 4.12-4.01 (m, IH), 3.45-3.36 (m, IH), 3.03-2.93 (m, IH), 2.78-2.52 (m, 3H), 2.44-2.36 (m, IH), 2.25-1.16 (m 13H); ESI MS mlz 355 [C ₂₀ H ₂₆ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), t _R = 9.55 min (minor diastereomer), 9.74 min (major diastereomer). General Procedure D - synthesis of compounds of formula (I-II) as described in Scheme (1): To a solution of acid (1.0 equiv) in DMF (5-10 mL) was added HATU (1.2-1.5 equiv), DIPEA (3.0-5.0 equiv), and the amine (1.5-2.0 equiv) and the reaction mixture was either stirred at room temperature for 16 h or heated at 50-70 degrees C for 16 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with satd. aq NaHCO ₃ (20 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3x20 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , concentrated, and purified by preparative HPLC (C 18 silica, 10-90% acetonitrile/water with 0.05% TFA). The desired product was obtained as the trifluoroacetic acid salt which was eluted through an ion-exchange column (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) to obtain the desired products. In some instances, the desired product was treated with TFA (1-2 mL) for 1 h, concentrated and purified by preparative HPLC (Cl 8 silica, 10-90% acetonitrile/water with 0.05% TFA). The desired product was obtained as the trifluoroacetic acid salt which was eluted through an ion-exchange column (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) to obtain the desired products Example50

(S)-terZ-Butyl 3-(2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole- 4-carboxamido)piperidine- 1 -carboxylate

Following General Procedure D, 2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-

4-carboxylic acid (90 mg, 0.27 mmol) was reacted with (S)-tert-buty\ 3-aminopiperidine-l- carboxylate (106 mg, 0.53 mmol) to afford the desired product (48 mg, 35% yield) as yellow-brown solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.84 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 7.71 (s, IH), 7.28 (s, IH), 6.78 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 4.21 (bs, IH), 3.86 (bs, IH), 3.58-3.18 m, 2H), 2.14-2.03 (m, 2H), 1.89 (bs, IH), 1.59 (bs, IH), 1.17 (bs, IH); ESI MS m/z 521 [C ₂₂ H ₂₅ BrN ₄ O ₄ S] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), t _R = 15.30 min.

Example51

(S)-2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl) -lH- benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxamide

A solution of (S)-terZ-butyl 3-(2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamido)piperidine-l-carboxylate (35 mg, 0.067 mmol) in CH ₂ Cl ₂ (1 mL) and TFA (1 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by purified by preparative HPLC (C 18 silica, 10-90% acetonitrile/water with 0.05% TFA). The desired product was obtained as the trifluoroacetic acid salt which was eluted through an ion-exchange column (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) to obtain the desired (20 mg, 72%) as yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, OMSO-d ₆ ) delta 13.61 (s, IH), 1 1.00 (s, IH), 9.57 (d, J= 6.5 Hz, IH), 8.75 (bs, IH), 7.89 (d, J= 4.0 Hz, IH), 7.72 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, I H), 7.41 (d, J= 3.5 Hz, IH), 6.77 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 3.46 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 3.21 (d, J= 12.5 Hz, IH), 3.04- 2.96 (m, 2H), 2.10 (bs, IH), 2.03-2.00 (m, 2H), 1.85-1.70 (m, 4H), 0.68 (bs, IH); ESl MS m/z 421 [Ci ₇ H _n BrN ₄ O ₂ S] ⁺ ; HPLC 98.34% (AUC), / _R = 8.17 min.

Example52

2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-N-((S>piperidi n-3-yl)- lH-benzo[</]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure C, (3S)-tert-Butyl

3 -(2-(bicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy- 1 H-benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxamido)piperidine- 1 - carboxylate (230 mg, crude) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (103 mg, 52% over two steps) as a light brown solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.69 (dd, 7 = 3.6, 8.4 Hz, IH), 6.60 (dd, J = 2.7, 8.4 Hz, IH), 4.12-4.02 (m, IH), 3.46-3.35 (m, IH), 3.03-2.93 (m, IH), 2.78-2.60 (m, 3H), 2.56-2.36 (m, IH), 2.25-1.17 (m, 13H); ESI MS m/z 355 [C ₂₀ H ₂₆ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 99.0% (AUC), / _R = 9.35 min (minor diastereomer), 9.49 min (major diastereomer).

Example53 2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptan-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-N-(adamantane-3-ylamino)- lH-benzo[i/]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure C, /er/-Butyl

S-IP-φicyclop^.^heptan^-y^-y-methoxy-lH-benzoft/jimidazo le^-carboxamidojmethyljada mantane-1-carboxylate (140mg, crude) was reacted with boron tri bromide to afford the desired product (57 mg, 31% over two steps) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.66-7.62 (m, IH), 6.57-6.53 (m, IH), 3.45-3.35 (m, IH), 3.00-2.90 (m, IH, minor diastereomer), 2.68-2.62 (m, IH, major diastereomer), 2.56-2.52 (m, IH, minor diastereomer), 2.43-2.18 (m, 7H), 2.13-1.99 (m 3H), 1.84-1.21 (m, 12H); ESI MS mlz 421 [C ₂₅ H ₃₂ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 96.6% (AUC), t _R = 10.45 min.

Example54

2-(Thiophene-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-N-(adamantate-3-ylamino)- lH-benzo[ύf]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure C, tert-Butyl

3-((2-thiophene-2-yl)-7-methoxy- 1 H-benzo[(/]imidazole-4-carboxamido)methyl)adamantane-l -c arboxylate (1 10 mg) was reacted with boron tri bromide to afford the desired product (62 mg, 28% over two steps) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.80 (d, J= 3.9 Hz, IH), 7.69 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, IH), 7.58 (d, 4.8 Hz), 7.20-7.17 (m, IH), 6.59 (d, IH, J= 8.4 Hz), 2.38-2.11 (m, 8H), 1.86-1.63 (m, 6H); ESI MS mlz 409 [C ₂₂ H ₂₄ N ₄ O ₂ S + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), / _R = 1 1.27 min.

Example55 N-(3-Aminocyclohexyl)-2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-hydrox y- lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure C, tert-Butyl

3 -(2-(bicyclo [2.2.1 ]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy- 1 H-benzo [d] imidazole-4-carboxamido)cyclohexy lea rbamate (120 mg, crude) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (66 mg, 40% yield) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.72-7.67 (m, IH), 6.58-6.55 (m, IH), 4.57-4.48 (m, IH, minor diastereomer), 4.03-3.90 (m, IH, major diastereomer), 3.45-3.35 (m, IH), 3.03-2.90 (m, IH), 2.66-2.52 (m, IH), 2.44-2.32 (m 2H, major diastereomer), 2.22-1.14 (m, 15H); ESI MS m/z 369 [C _{2 I} H ₂₈ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC >99% (AUC), t _R = 9.40, 9.53, 9.58, 9.81 min (mixture of diastereomers).

Example56

N-{[(cw)-4-Aminocyclohexyl]methyl}-2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]hepta n-2-yl)- 7-hydroxy-lH-benzo[//]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure C, tert-Buty\

(c/5)-4-{[2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benz o[c(]imidazole-4-carboxamido]methy l}cyclohexylcarbamate (220 mg crude) was reacted with boron tribromide to afford the desired product (64 mg, 53% over two steps) as a light yellow solid: ¹ H ΝMR (300 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.69 (dd, J= 3.9, 8.4 Hz, IH), 6.59-6.54 (m, IH), 3.56-3.37 (m, 2H), 3.15-3.07 (m, I H), 3.00-2.90 (m, IH, minor diastereomer), 2.74-2.66 (m, IH, minor diastereomer), 2.55-2.51 (m, I H, minor diastereomer), 2.42-2.34 (m, IH), 2.25-2.16 (m, IH, minor diastereomer), 2.06-1.98 (m, IH), 1.80-1.20 (m, 14H); ESI MS m/z 383 [C ₂₂ H ₃₀ N ₄ O ₂ + H] ⁺ ; HPLC 99.0% (AUC), / _R = 9.53, 9.88, 9.96 min (mixture of diastereomers). Example 57 (S)-7-hydroxy-2-(5-(piperazin-l-yl)thiophen-2-yl)-N-(piperid in-3-yl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide

A mixture of (S)-terZ-Butyl 3-(2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-

4-carboxamido)piperidine-l-carboxylate (0.12 g, 0.24 mmol), tert-buty\ piperazine-1-carboxylate (110 mg, 0.60 mmol), CuI (5.7 mg, 0.030 mmol), Cu (2.0 mg, 0.030 mmol), K ₃ PCvH ₂ O (160 mg, 0.72 mmol) in 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol (2 mL) was stirred at 75 degrees C for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, concentrated, dissolved in CH ₃ OH (3 mL) and filtered. The filtrate was purified by preparative HPLC (C 18 silica, 10-90% acetonitrile/water with 0.05% TFA). The desired fractions were combined, concentrated and the residue was dissolved in CH ₂ Cl ₂ (2 mL) and TFA (1 mL) and stirred at rt for 30 min. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was eluted through an ion-exchange column (SCX-2) (using methanol and 7 N methanol in ammonia) to obtain the desired product (7 mg, 14 % yield) as a yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 8.20 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, IH), 7.50 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, IH), 7.14 (d, J = 4.0 Hz, IH), 6.54 (d, J= 3.5 Hz, IH), 4.20-4.16 (m, IH), 3.43 (dd, J = 12.5, 3.5 Hz, IH), 3.19-3.15 (m, 2H), 3.10-2.97 (m, 3H), 2.05-1.96 (m, 2H), 1.84-1.72 (m, 3H), 1.19-1.16 (m, I H), 1.13-1.08 (m, IH); ESI MS m/z 427 [C ₂ iH ₂₆ N ₆ O ₂ S+ H] ⁺ HPLC 97.13% (AUC), t _R = 8.29 min. Example 58

(R)-7-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-ylmethyl)-2-(thiophen-2-ylme thyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure D, 2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole- 4-carboxylic acid (0.13 mg, 0.47 mmol) was reacted with (S)-tert-buty\ 3-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l-carboxylate (200 mg, 0.93 mmol) and the intermediate was treated with TFA to afford the desired product (15 mg, 31% yield) as yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.75 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 7.30 (dd, J= 5.5, 1.5 Hz, IH), 7.02-7 01 (m, IH), 6.98 (dd, J = 5.0, 3.5 Hz, IH), 6.70 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 4.52 (s, 2H), 3.53-3.45 (m. 2H), 3.37 (dd, J = 9.0, 6.0 Hz, IH), 2.95-2.89 (m, 2H), 2.82 (t, J = 12.0 Hz, IH), 2.15-2.1 1 (m, IH), 2.00-1.94 (m, 3H), 1.78-1.74 (m,lH), 1.44-1.36 (m, 2H); ESI MS m/z 371 [C ₉ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ S+ H] ⁺ HPLC 95.5% (AUC), / _R = 7.17 min.

Example 59 (S)-7-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-yl)-2-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-lH- benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure D, 2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-l H-benzo[d]imidazole-

4-carboxylic acid (0.17 mg, 0.62 mmol) was reacted with (S)-/er/-butyl 3-aminopipeπdine-l - carboxylate (250 mg, 1.3 mmol) and the intermediate was treated with TFA to afford the desired product (25 mg, 68% yield) as yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.63 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, IH), 7.20 (dd, J = 5.0, 1.0 Hz, IH), 6.91 (dd, J= 5.0, 3.5 Hz. IH), 6.57 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, IH), 4.37 (s, 2H), 4.15-4.1 1 (m, IH), 3.37 (dd, J= 10.5, 3.5 Hz, I H), 3.14-3.11 (m, IH), 2.93-2.86 (m, 2H), 2.04-2.01 (m, I H), 1.94-1.91 (m, IH), 1.74-1.65 (m, 2H).; ESI MS m/z 357 [C ₁₈ H ₂₀ N ₄ O ₂ S+ H] ⁺ HPLC 96.59% (AUC), / _R = 7.07 min. Example 60

(S)-7-hydroxy-N-(piperidin-3-ylmethyl)-2-(thiophen-2-ylme thyl)- lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxamide

Following General Procedure D, 2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-

4-carboxylic acid (0.13 mg, 0.47 mmol) was reacted with (R)-tert-butyl

3-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l -carboxylate (200 mg, 0.93 mmol) and the intermediate was treated with TFA to afford the desired product (12 mg, 28% yield) as yellow solid: ¹ H NMR (500 MHz, CD ₃ OD) delta 7.75 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, I H), 7.30 (dd, J= 5.5, 1.5 Hz, IH), 7.02-7.01 (m, IH), 6.98 (dd, J= 5.0, 3.5 Hz, IH), 6.70 (d, J= 5.0 Hz, IH), 4.50 (s, 2H), 3.51-3.48 (m, 2H), 3.37 (dd, J = 13.0, 7.0 Hz, IH), 2.92-2.89 (m, 2H), 2.80 (t, J = 12.0 Hz, IH), 2.16-2.10 (m, IH), 2.00-1.95 (m, 3H), 1.80-1.72 (m, IH), 1.44-1.39 (m, 2H); ESI MS m/z 371 [Ci ₉ H ₂₂ N ₄ O ₂ S+ H] ⁺ HPLC 96.8% (AUC), / _R = 6.93 min.

Example 61 Step 1 : Synthesis of Methyl 3-(5-bromothiophene-2-carboximidamido)-4-methoxybenzoate Hydrochloride

Following the procedure outlined for step 1 in Example 1 , methyl 3-amino-4-methoxybenzoate (1.5 g, 7.9 mmol) was reacted with 5-bromothiophene-2-carbonitrile (3.0 g, 16 mmol) to afford the desired product (1.6 g, 54% yield) as a dark brown solid: ESI MS m/z 368 [C _]4 H| ₃ BrN ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ .

Step 2: Synthesis of Methyl 2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-ca rboxylate

Following the procedure outlined for step 2 in Example 1, methyl

3-(5-bromothiophene-2-carboximidamido)-4-methoxybenzoate hydrochloride (1.7 g, 4.2 mmol) was reacted with 5% aq NaOCl and satd. aq NaHCO ₃ to afford the desired product (0.45 g, 30% yield) as a brown solid: ESI MS m/z 369 [Ci ₄ HnBrN ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ .

Step 3: Synthesis of 2-(5-Bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-hydroxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-ca rboxylic Acid

Following the procedure outlined for step 4 in Example 1, methyl 2-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-ca rboxylate (0.40 g, 1.1 mmol) was reacted with boron tribromide (1.5 g, 6.6 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.34 g, 92% yield) as a light brown solid: ESI MS m/z 340 [C ₂ H ₇ BrN ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 62

Step 1 : Synthesis of Methyl 4-methoxy-3-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)acetimidamido)benzoate Hydrochloride

Following the procedure outlined for step 1 in Example 1, methyl 3-amino-4-methoxybenzoate (2.2 g, 12 mmol) was reacted with 2-(thiophen-2-yl)acetonitrile (3.0 g, 24 mmol) to afford the desired product (3.2 g, 78% yield) as a yellow brown solid: ESI MS m/z 305 [Ci ₅ Hi ₆ N ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ .

Step 2: Synthesis of Methyl 7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4- carboxylate

Following the procedure outlined for step 2 in Example 1, methyl

4-methoxy-3-(2-(thiophen-2-yl)acetimidamido)benzoate hydrochloride (3.1 g, 10 mmol) was reacted with 5% aq NaOCl and satd. aq NaHCO ₃ to afford the desired product (1.1 g, 30% yield) as a brown solid: ESI MS m/z 303 [C ₁₅ Hi ₄ N ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ .

Step 3: Synthesis of 7-hydroxy-2-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-car boxylic A cid

Following the procedure outlined for step 4 in Example 1, methyl7-methoxy-2-(thiophene-2- ylmethyl)-lH-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylate (0.91 g, 3.0 mmol) was reacted with boron tribromide (4.5 g, 18 mmol) to afford the desired product (0.63 g, 73% yield) as a light brown solid: ESI MS m/z 275 [Ci ₃ H ₁₀ N ₂ O ₃ S + H] ⁺ .

Example 63 Stepl : Synthesis of Methyl 3-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboximidamido)-4-methoxybenzoat e

Following the procedure outlined for step 1 in Example 1, methyl-3-amino-4-methoxy benzoate

(7.5 g, 41 mmol) was reacted with 2-norbornane carbonitrile (10 g, 82 mmol) to afford product

(11 g, 90%) as a white solid: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^ ₆ ) delta 8.29-8.20 (m, IH), 7.99-7.96

(m, IH), 7.33-7.28 (m, IH), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 2.70-2.62 (m, IH), 1.87-1.17 (m, 8H);

ESI MS ml z 303 [C ₁₇ H ₂₂ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

Step 2: Synthesis of Methyl 2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[d]imidazole -

4-carboxylate

Following the procedure outlined for step 2 in Example 1 , methyl

3-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboximidamido)-4-methoxybenz oate (1 1 g, 37 mmol) was reacted with NaOCl (33 mL, 10-13%, 44 mmol) and chromatographed (hexanes/ethyl acetate) to afford product (3.9 g, 36%) as a foam: ¹ H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^ ₆ ) delta 12.05 (s, IH, tautomer 1), 11.97 (s, IH, tautomer 2), 7.73 (dd, IH, J= 1.2, 8.7 Hz), 6.78 (dd, IH, J= 2.4, 8.7 Hz), 4.00 (s, 3H, tautomer 1), 3.98 (s, 3H, tautomer 2), 3.90 (s, 3H, tautomer 1), 3.89 (s, 3H, tautomer 2), 3.47-3.41 (m, IH, tautomer 1), 3.1 1-3.06 (m, IH, tautomer 2), 2.70-2.66 (m, IH, tautomer 1), 2.38-2.18 (m, 2H), 2.08-2.00 (m, IH, tautomer 1), 1.91-1.80 (m, IH, tautomer 2), 1.68-1.24 (m, 5H), 1.11-0.98 (m, IH); ESI MS mlz 301 [C _n H ₂₀ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

Step 3: Synthesis of 2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[Oimidazole- 4- carboxylic Acid

Following the procedure outlined for step 3 in Example 1, methyl 2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)- 7-methoxy-lH-benzo[c/|imidazole-4-carboxylate (3.9 g, 13 mmol) was reacted with sodium hydroxide (30 mL, 3 M) to afford crude product (3.6 g) as a white solid: ESI MS mlz 287 [C ₁₆ H ₁₈ N ₂ O ₃ + H] ⁺ .

Example 64 tert-Butyl 3-{[2-(bicydo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[^imidazo le- 4-carboxamido]methyl}piperidine-l-carboxylate

Following General Procedure D

2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[</]im idazole-4-carboxylic acid (125 mg, 0.43 mmol) was reacted with ter/-butyl 3-(aminomethyl)piperidine-l-carboxylate (138 mg, 0.65 mmol) to afford the desire product (338 mg, crude) as an oil: ESI MS mlz 483 [C ₂₇ H ₃₈ N ₄ O ₄ + H] ⁺ .

Example 65 terr-Butyl 3-((2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[c(|imid azole- 4-carboxamido)methyl)adamantane- 1 -carboxylate

Following General Procedure D

2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[d]imidaz ole-4-carboxylic acid (125 mg, 0.43 mmol) was reacted with /e/Y-butyl 3-aminoadamantanecarboxylate (176 mg, 0.65 mmol) to afford the desire product (145 mg crude) as an oil: ESI MS mlz 535 [C _{3 )} Η ₄₂ N ₄ O ₄ + H] ⁺ .

Example 66 (3S)-ter/-Butyl 3-(2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[ύ(]imid azole-

4-carboxamido)piperidine- 1 -carboxylate

Following General Procedure D 2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[i/]imidazol e-4-carboxylic acid (150 mg, 0.54 mmol) was reacted with (S)-/erf-butyl 3-aminopiperidine-l-carboxylate (160 mg, 0.81 mmol) to afford the desire product (237 mg crude) as an oil: ESI MS mlz 467 [C ₂₆ H ₃₅ N ₄ O ₄ + H] ⁺ .

Example 67

^r/-Butyl (c/5)-4-((2-(bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[& lt;i]imidazole- 4-carboxamido)methyl)cyclohexylcarbamate

Following General Procedure D

2-(bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[</]imidazole-4-carboxyli c acid (90 mg, 0.31 mmol) was reacted with tert-bu\y\ (ls,4s)-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexylcarbamate (71 mg, 0.31 mmol) to afford the desire product (237 mg crude) as an oil: ESI MS mlz 497 [C ₂₈ H ₄ ON ₄ O ₄ + H] ⁺ .

Example 68 fer?-Butyl 3-((2-thiophene-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[t/]imidazole- 4-carboxamido)methyl)adamantane- 1 -carboxylate

Following General Procedure B,

7-methoxy-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-l Η-benzo[d]imidazole-4-carboxylic acid (0.15 g, 0.55 mmol) was reacted with /erf-butyl 3-aminoadamantanecarboxylate (0.22 g, 0.82 mmol) to afford the desired product (1 18 mg crude) as a white solid: ESI MS m/z 523 [C ₂₈ H ₃₄ N ₄ O ₄ S + H] ⁺ . Example 69

/ert-Butyl 3 -(2-(bicyclo [2.2.1 ] heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy- 1 H-benzo [d] imidazole- 4-carboxamido)piperidine-l -carboxylate

Following General Procedure B,

2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[d]imidaz ole-4-carboxylic acid (150 mg, 0.55 mmol) was reacted with tert-butyl 3-aminopiperidine-l-carboxylate (0.22 g, 1.1 mmol) to afford the desired product (219 mg crude) as a foam: ESI MS mlz 469 [C ₂₆ I^N ₄ O ₄ + H] ⁺ .

Example 70 ter/-Butyl 3 -(2-(bicyclo [2.2.1 ] heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy- 1 H-benzo [d] imidazole- 4-carboxamido)cyclohexylcarbamate

Following General Procedure B,

2-(Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)-7-methoxy-lH-benzo[t/]imida zole-4-carboxylic acid (150 mg, 0.55 mmol) was reacted with /er/-butyl 3-aminocyclohexylcarbamate (0.24 g, 1.1 mmol) to afford the desired product (126 mg crude) as a glass: ESI MS mlz 483 [C ₂₇ H ₃₈ N ₄ O ₄ + H] ⁺ .

Examples 71 Kinase assay

PBK activity was determined in the presence or absence of compounds using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled (FITC-labeled) histone H3 peptide as a substrate. The extent of FITC-labeled histone H3 peptide phosphorylation was measured by immobilized metal ion affinity-based fluorescence polarization (IMAP) technology (Sportsman JR, et al., Assay Drug Dev. Technol. 2: 205-14, 2004) using IMAP FP Progressive Binding System (Molecular Devices Corporation). Test compounds were dissolved in DMSO at 12.5 mM and then serially diluted as the DMSO concentration in the assays to be 1%. The serially diluted compounds, 0.8 ng/micro-L PBK (Carna Biosciences) and 100 nM FITC-labeled histone H3 peptide were reacted in a reaction buffer (20 mM HEPES, 0.01% Tween-20, 0.3 mM MgCl ₂ , 2 mM dithiothreitol, 50micro-M ATP, pH 7.4) at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction was stopped by the addition of three fold assay volume of progressive binding solution. Following 0.5 hour incubation at room temperature, fluorescence polarization was measured by Wallac EnVision 2103 multilabel reader (PerkinElmer). IC50 values were calculated by nonlinear four parameter fit using SigmaPlot, version 10.0 (Systat Software, Inc.). IC ₅₀ values of the typical compounds of the present invention are shown in following table 2:

Table 2

Examples 72 Western blot analysis

To evaluate the expression status of PBK in several cell lines, western blot analysis was performed using crude cell lysate collected from those cells. Anti-PBK antibody (clone 31, BD Biosciences) was used to visualize the expression. Breast cancer cell lines, T47D and BT-549 expressed PBK significantly although Bladder cancer cell line and HT-1197 showed no expression of PBK.

Examples 73 Cell-based assay

Active candidate inhibitors against PBK were evaluated for their target-specific cytotoxicity using T47D, BT-549, and HT-1197 cells was used for negative control. 100 micro-L of cell suspension was seeded onto 96-well microtiter plate (ViewPlate-96FTC, PerkinElmer). The initial cell concentration of T47D, BT-549 and HT-1 197 were 3,000 cells/well, 2,000 cells/well and 2,500 cells/well, respectively. Cellular growth was determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (DOJINDO) at 72 hours after the exposure of the candidate inhibitors. IC50 was used as an indicator of the anti-proliferative activity of the inhibitors, and calculated by serial dilution method (0, 1.5625, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 micro-M). Accurate IC50 values were calculated as described previously.

IC50 values of the typical compounds of the present invention are shown in following table 3: Table 3;

">100" in the table means over 100 microM.

Industrial Applicability

The present invention provides a novel 7-Hydroxy-benzoimidazole-4-yl-methanone derivative compound having PBK inhibitory effect. The compounds of the present invention may be used for pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting PBK. Such pharmaceutical compositions are suitable for treating or preventing cancer.