Field of the invention

The invention is in the field of medicinal treatment of carcinoma, in particular by using a compound with a core structure of aminomethylene pyrazolone.

Background of the invention

Carcinomas, which are cancers that originate from epithelial tissues, comprise the most dangerous types of cancers. Gastric, bladder and esophageal cancer are examples of carcinomas of epithelial origin. Glandular tissue often is of epithelial origin, so that breast cancer, prostate cancer and pancreas cancer also belong to the group of cancers from epithelial origin.

If a carcinoma is diagnosed early and still localized, the disease is curable by surgery, radiation therapy with or without (neo)adjuvant and chances of survival are high (>90%). However, in early stages, cancers can grow slowly and can remain locally confined for many years without causing overt symptoms. Notorious in this respect is prostate cancer. Therefore, such types of cancer often remain undiagnosed until cancerous cells have already spread beyond the prostate into the surrounding tissues (local spread) or eventually migrate (metastasize) through the blood stream or lymphatic spread into other areas of the body.

Progressive growth of epithelial cancer and invasive metastasis involves a multistep process. Tumors can generally not grow beyond a certain size, due to a lack of oxygen and other essential nutrients. However, tumors induce blood vessel growth by secreting various growth factors which induce capillary growth into the tumor to supply nutrients, allowing for tumor expansion. This physiological process is called angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is a normal and vital process in growth and development, such as in wound healing, but also a fundamental step in the transition of tumors from small harmless clusters of cells to a malignant tumor. Angiogenesis is also required for the spread, or metastasis, of a tumor. Single cancer cells can break away from an established solid tumor, enter the blood vessel, and be carried to a distant site, where they can implant and begin the growth of a secondary tumor. Such spread to other tissues (metastasis) involves invasion of other parts of the body by mesenchymal cells. Cancer cell invasion and spread is determined by epithelial-mesenchymal- transition (EMT). The spread to other tissues is preceded by transition of the epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells, indicated as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Thereby the incipient cancer cells acquire mesenchymal, fibroblast-like properties and show reduced intercellular adhesion and increased motility, endowing the incipient cancer cells with invasive and metastatic properties. The reversed process in which mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), creates new secondary tumors at the other sites. Many patients die when diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in which the cancerous cells have spread, or metastasized.

It is important to improve the efficacy of medicinal treatment by providing compounds which can interfere with the metastasis of cells, more in particular compounds that can reverse EMT or interfere with the process of EMT.

Some treatment options of carcinomas are available, but are of limited success and provide no permanent cure. For prostate or breast cancer endocrine therapy, also called hormone deprivation therapy, has long been considered as the main suppression therapy to control neoplasms. The goal is to limit the body's production of the hormones. However, current endocrine therapy does not cure prostate or breast cancer. Moreover, it has become clear that expansive growth of cancer cells that become unresponsive (resistant) to the current available endocrine therapies is inevitable. In addition, it was found that in the majority of advanced cancers the hormone receptor mediated signaling pathway is still active, even at extremely low hormone levels. At this stage, the cancer can no longer be treated with available therapy and often results in progression to a lethal disease.

New chemotherapeutic drugs demonstrating improved response rates and prolonged survival are being developed. One of the examples is docetaxel (Taxotere). Unfortunately, chemotherapy reaches all parts of the body, not just only the cancer cells. It has been established that these therapies have serious side effects. Patients will undergo low blood cell counts, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, hair loss, impotence, incontinence and other unwanted symptoms. Hence, the side effects significantly hamper the quality of life of the patients. Many scientists are convinced that this treatment will offer little room for future improvements and has come close to the end of its product life cycle. Docetaxel is the current standard of care for patients that are unresponsive to the currently available endocrine therapies. In view of limited curative potential of docetaxel, and also in view of better understanding of the underlying etiology of the disease and improved early diagnosis, there is an urgent need for novel treatment strategies to prevent the progression, treat the tumor and avoid metastasis of this disease. In the present invention new compounds and a new use of such compounds for use in these novel treatment strategies are found within a chemical group with a core structure of 4-(aminomethylene)-2-(2- benzothiazolyl)-2,4-dihydro-3/-/-pyrazol-3-one or 4-(aminomethylene)-2-(1 H- benzimidazol-2-yl)-2,4-dihydro-3/-/-pyrazol-3-one. In Wu et al (J. Med Chem, vol 55 - 2597-2605; 2012) a compound 2-(2-benzothiazolyl)-4-[1 -[[(3,4- dichlorphenyl)methyl]amino] ethylidene]-2,4-dihydro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-3H-pyrazol-3- one is drawn in a table, whereby some weak activity in one of the used biochemical assays for inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase is displayed. The activity is not confirmed in a second assay, so a speculative link to any therapeutic activity cannot be justified from this information. In published texts on suggested inhibitors of O-linked and N-linked glycan glycosylation two structures of compounds within this chemical group, namely 2- (2-benzothiazolyl)-4-[1 -[(2-ethoxyphenyl)amino]ethylidene]-2,4-dihydro-5-phenyl-3/- /- pyrazol-3-one and 2-(2-benzothiazolyl)-2,4-dihydro-4-[[[(4- methoxyphenyl])methyl]amino]methylene]-5-phenyl-3/-/-pyrazol -3-one are drawn without indicating a method of synthesis. In this context the possibility is discussed of therapeutic activity of such inhibitors, but such a target is not plausibly validated as model for any treatment target. Compounds with the mentioned core structures seem also to have been passed in screening tests with targets for anti-infective effects

(US20030229065), for: 'Life span prolongation' (WO2009086303, US2009, 163545), for herbicide and fungicide activity (EP0274642), for muscular dystrophy

(WO2007/091 106) and for anti-inflammatory effects by phosphodiesterase

inhibition(PDE4) (WO2008/045664). In WO2005,094805 the compound 2-(2- benzothiazolyl)-4-[(dimethylamino)methylene]-2,4-dihydro-5-m ethyl-3/-/-pyrazol-3-one is used as synthesis intermediate. In compounds in Reis et al (Eur J Med Chem vol 46 pp 1448-1452, 201 1 ) the aminomethylene pyrazolone structure may be recognized in a fixed structure of pyrazoloquinolinones. None of these disclosures reach out to the present invention.

Summary of the invention

The present invention provides for compounds having the structure according to formula I

formula I wherein:

X is NH or S;

R ¹ is H or (1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ² is (1 C-4C)alkyl, phenyl or a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, which alkyl, phenyl or aromatic ring is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, phenyloxy , phenylthio, halogen, or nitro;

R ³ and R ⁴ are each independently H, (1 C-6C)alkyl, (2C-6C) alkenyl, (2C-6C)alkynyl, cyano, (3C-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl, a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, a monocyclic non-aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, each optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (1 C- 4C)alkoxy, phenyl, cycloalkyi, piperidyl, piperazinyl, furyl, thienyl, pirazinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H- pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrrolidonyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, whereby each of these optional substituents is optionally further substituted with

(1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halogen, nitro or (1 C-2C)dioxol forming a ring; or

R ³ and R ⁴ form together pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinylimidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, piperidyl, piperazinylmorpholinyl, each optionally substituted with (1 C-6C)alkyl, phenyl(1 C-4C)alkyl, phenylketo(1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ⁵ is H or CF3;

R ⁶ is H, (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C- 4C)alkyloxy, nitro or halogen;

and pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof.

Such compounds may advantageously be used for therapy, i.e. the prevention or treatment of a disease. More in particular they may be used in the prevention or treatment of a carcinoma. Even more in particular the compounds according to the invention may be used in the treatment or prevention of metastasis of a carcinoma.

The term carcinoma is used herein to indicate a cancer of epithelial origin, more in particular a disease selected from the group consisting of gastric cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer or pancreas cancer. In particular the use for the treatment or prevention of metastasis of prostate cancer is preferred.

In a more specific embodiment, the invention is directed to a compound having the structure and meanings of symbols according to formula I and 

Other embodiments of the invention are compounds according to the above defined embodiments, but therein R ¹ is H or (1 C-4C)alkyl

R ² is (1 C-4C)alkyl, phenyl or a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, which alkyl, phenyl or aromatic ring is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from (1 C-4C)alkyl, OCF ₃ or halogen;

and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are hydrogen; or pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are as those defined above but wherein the meaning of X is S.

Other preferred embodiments are those as defined above, wherein R ¹ is H or (1 C-4C)alkyl and wherein R ² is(1 C-4C)alkyl or phenyl.

Other preferred embodiments are the embodiments as defined above wherein R ³ and R ⁴ are both methyl or wherein R ³ is hydrogen and R ⁴ is as defined in the respective embodiments above.

More specific embodiments are those as defined above, but wherein R ⁶ is (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, nitro or halogen; Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound according to formula II:

formula II,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention the compound is having the structure according to formula I

wherein:

X is NH or S;

R ¹ is H or (1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ² is -Z or -Y-Z, wherein Y is -CH ₂ - or -CH ₂ -CH ₂ - , and Z is phenyl or a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C- 4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, phenyloxy , phenylthio, halogen, or nitro from (1 C- 4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, phenyloxy , phenylthio, halogen, or nitro

or Z is thien-2-yl, optionally substituted at position 3, 4 or 5 with halogen

or Z is N-methylpyrol-3-yl or benzo[b]thien-2-yl or 2-naphthalenyl;

R ³ and R ⁴ are each independently H, (1 C-6C)alkyl, (2C-6C) alkenyl, (2C-6C)alkynyl, cyano, (3C-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl, a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, a monocyclic non-aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, each optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (1 C-4C)alkoxy, phenyl, cycloalkyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, furyl, thienyl, pirazinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrrolidonyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, whereby each of these optional substituents is optionally further substituted with (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halogen, nitro or (1 C- 2C)dioxol forming a ring;

or R ³ and R ⁴ form together pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl,

pyrrolinylimidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, piperidyl, piperazinylmorpholinyl, each optionally substituted with (1 C-6C)alkyl, phenyl(1 C-4C)alkyl, phenylketo(1 C-4C)alkyl; R ⁵ is H or CF ₃ ;

R ⁶ is H, (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, nitro or halogen;

or pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof.

In a preferred embodiment the compound is having the structure according the formula I, whereby X is S; R ¹ is H; R ² is Z and Z is phenyl, optionally substituted at meta or para position, or at both positions, with one or two substituents selected from the list consisting of -N0 ₂ , halogen, CF ₃ , (1 C-4C)alkyl and methoxy; or Z is thien-2-yl, optionally substituted at position 3, 4 or 5 with halogen; or Z is N-methylpyrol-3-yl or benzo[b]thien-2-yl or 2-naphthalenyl; R ³ ,R ⁴ are H,H or H,CH ₃ or CH ₃ ,CH ₃ ; R ⁵ is H; and R ⁶ is H, halogen or methoxy;

In another embodiment the compound is defined as in the previous paragraph, but R ² is phenyl, optionally substituted at meta or para position, or at both positions, with one or two substituents selected from the list consisting of halogen, CF ₃ , (1 C-4C)alkyl and methoxy or R ² is thien-2-yl, optionally substituted at position 3, 4 or 5 with halogen or R ² is N-methylpyrol-3-yl or benzo[b]thien-2-yl or 2-naphthalenyl;

In another embodiment of the invention the compound is having the structure according to formula III

Formula III

wherein:

X is NH or S;

R ¹ is H or (1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ² is -Z or -Y-Z, wherein Y is -CH ₂ - or -CH ₂ -CH ₂ - , and Z is phenyl or a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C- 4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, phenyloxy , phenylthio, halogen, or nitro from (1 C- 4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, phenyloxy , phenylthio, halogen, or nitro

or Z is thien-2-yl, optionally substituted at position 3, 4 or 5 with halogen or Z is N-methylpyrol-3-yl or benzo[b]thien-2-yl or 2-naphthalenyl;

R ³ and R ⁴ are each independently H, (1 C-6C)alkyl, (2C-6C) alkenyl, (2C-6C)alkynyl, cyano, (3C-6C)cycloalkyl, phenyl, a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, a monocyclic non-aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, each optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (1 C-4C)alkoxy, phenyl, cycloalkyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, furyl, thienyl, pirazinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrrolidonyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, whereby each of these optional substituents is optionally further substituted with (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halogen, nitro or (1 C- 2C)dioxol forming a ring;

or R ³ and R ⁴ form together pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl,

pyrrolinylimidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, piperidyl, piperazinylmorpholinyl, each optionally substituted with (1 C-6C)alkyl, phenyl(1 C-4C)alkyl, phenylketo(1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ⁵ is H, CI, F, Br, Me, N0 ₂ , t-butyl, OCF ₃ , OCH ₃ , CF ₃ ;

R ⁶ is H, (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, nitro or halogen;

R ⁷ is H, F, CI, Br, Me, N0 ₂ , t-butyl, OCF ₃ , OCH ₃ , CF ₃ ,

or pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof.

In a more specific embodiment the compound is having the structure according the formula III, whereby X is S; R ¹ is H; R ² is Z and Z is phenyl, optionally substituted at meta or para position, or at both positions, with one or two substituents selected from the list consisting of -N0 ₂ , halogen, CF ₃ , (1 C-4C)alkyl and methoxy; or Z is thien-2-yl, optionally substituted at position 3, 4 or 5 with halogen; or Z is N-methylpyrol-3-yl or benzo[b]thien-2-yl or 2-naphthalenyl; R ³ ,R ⁴ are H,H or H,CH ₃ or CH ₃ ,CH ₃ ; R ⁵ is H; and R ⁶ is H, halogen or methoxy; R ⁷ is H or CI.

In all of the above described embodiments, excepting in those whereby R ⁶ is H, the compound has preferably R ⁶ being methoxy.

Another, more specified embodiment of the invention is a compound according to Formula III

wherein X is S;

R ¹ is H, CH ₃ ;

R ² is CF ₃ , CH ₃ , phenylethyl, , wherein R ^a is H, F, CI, Br, I , N0 ₂ , methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, methoxy or CF ₃ and R ^b is H, Cl or CH ₃ ; R ³ , R ⁴ is H, H or H, CH ₃ , or CH ₃ , CH ₃ or one of R ³ or R ⁴ is -CN or p- methoxyphenylmethyl or R and R together represent a ring the nitrogen of

Formula III to represent a piperidyl or R ³ and R ⁴ together represent a ring the

CI

nitrogen of Formula III to pyrrolidinyl, or R ³ is methyl and R ⁴ is dichlorbenzyl CI

R ⁵ is H, CI, F, Br, Me, N0 ₂ , t-butyl, OCF ₃ , OCH ₃ , CF ₃ ,

R ⁶ is H, F, CI, Br, N0 ₂ , CH ₃ , t-butyl, OCH ₃ , OCF ₃ , CF ₃ ;

R ⁷ is H, F, CI, Br, Me, N0 ₂ , t-butyl, OCF ₃ , OCH ₃ , CF ₃ ,

A more preferred embodiment is a compound according to formula III, wherein wherein X is S;

R ¹ is H, CH ₃ ;

R is CF ₃ , CH ₃ , phenylethyl,

wherein R ^a is H, F, CI, Br, I , N0 ₂ , methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, methoxy or CF ₃ and R ^b is H, CI or CH ₃ ;

R ³ , R ⁴ is H, H or H, CH ₃ , or CH ₃ , CH ₃ or one of R ³ or R ⁴ is -CN or p- methoxyphenylmethyl or R ³ and R ⁴ together represent a ring \^οη the nitrogen of Formula III to represent a piperidyl or R ³ and R ⁴ together represent a ring ^-^on the

- CI nitrogen of Formula III to pyrrolidinyl, or R ³ is methyl and R ⁴ is dichlorbenzyl ci ; R ⁵ is H, CI;

R ⁶ is H, F, CI, N0 ₂ , CH ₃ , t-butyl, OCH ₃ or OCF ₃ ;

R ⁷ is H, CI.

Another more preferred embodiment is a compound according to formula III wherein X is S;

R ¹ is H;

R is CF ₃ , CH ₃ , phenylethyl, , wherein R ^a is H, F, CI, Br, I , N0 ₂ , methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, methoxy or CF ₃ and R ^b is H, CI or CH ₃ ;

R ³ , R ⁴ is H, H or H, CH ₃ , or together represent a ring x^on the nitrogen of Formula III

' ) ^Cl

to represent piperidyl, or R ³ is methyl and R ⁴ is dichlorbenzyl ; R ⁵ is H;

R ⁶ is H, CI, N0 ₂ , CH ₃ , OCH3, OCF ₃ ;

R ⁷ is H.

Another more specified preferred embodiment is a compound accordng to formula III, wherein X is S;

R ¹ is H;

R ² is CF ₃ , or R ^b , wherein R ^a is H, F, CI, Br, I , methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl or CF ₃ and R ^b is H, CI or CH ₃ ;

R , R is H, H or H, CH ₃ , or together represent a ring -^on the nitrogen of Formula

C!

to represent piperidyl, or R is methyl and R is dichlorbenzyl ci ;

R ⁵ is H;

R ⁶ is H, CI, N0 ₂ , CH ₃ , OCH ₃ , OCF ₃ ;

R ⁷ is H.

In all embodiments the compounds defined comprise also their pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts.

A further embodiment of the present invention is a compound according to formula III and defined as in the embodiments with formula III above but wherein R ³ or R ⁴ is not p- methoxyphenylmethyl.

A compound according to the invention is also a compound for use in a treatment of carcinoma, according to formula I

wherein:

X is NH or S;

R ¹ is H or (1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ² is -Z or -Y-Z, wherein Y is -CH ₂ - or -CH ₂ -CH ₂ - , and Z is phenyl or a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C- 4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, phenyloxy , phenylthio, halogen, or nitro from (1 C- 4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, phenyloxy , phenylthio, halogen, or nitro

or Z is thien-2-yl, optionally substituted at position 3, 4 or 5 with halogen

or Z is N-methylpyrol-3-yl or benzo[b]thien-2-yl or 2-naphthalenyl;

R ³ and R ⁴ are each independently H, (1 C-6C)alkyl, (2C-6C) alkenyl, (2C-6C)alkynyl, cyano, (3C-6C)cycloalkyl, a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more -, O- or S- atoms in the ring, a monocyclic non-aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, each optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (1 C-4C)alkoxy, cycloalkyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, furyl, thienyl, pirazinyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrrolidonyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, whereby each of these optional substituents is optionally further substituted with (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halogen, nitro or (1 C-2C)dioxol forming a ring; or R ³ and R ⁴ form together pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl,

pyrrolinylimidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, piperidyl, piperazinylmorpholinyl, each optionally substituted with (1 C-6C)alkyl, phenyl(1 C-4C)alkyl, phenylketo(1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ⁵ is H or CF ₃ ;

R ⁶ is H, (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, nitro or halogen;

or pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof.

Another embodiment of the invention is a compound according to formula I

wherein:

X is NH or S;

R ¹ is H or (1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ² is a monocyclic aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, which aromatic ring is optionally substituted with one or more groups selected from (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, phenyloxy , phenylthio, halogen, or nitro;

R ³ and R ⁴ are each independently H, (1 C-6C)alkyl, (2C-6C) alkenyl, (2C-6C)alkynyl, cyano, (3C-6C)cycloalkyl, a monocyclic non-aromatic ring having one or more N-, O- or S- atoms in the ring, each optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (1 C- 4C)alkoxy, cycloalkyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, 2H-pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrrolidonyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolyl, whereby each of these optional substituents is optionally further substituted with (1 C- 4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halogen, nitro or (1 C-2C)dioxol forming a ring; or

R ³ and R ⁴ form together pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinylimidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, piperidyl, piperazinylmorpholinyl, each optionally substituted with (1 C-6C)alkyl, phenyl(1 C-4C)alkyl, phenylketo(1 C-4C)alkyl;

R ⁵ is H or CF ₃ ;

R ⁶ is H, (1 C-4C)alkyl, (1 C-4C)alkyloxy, halo(1 C-4C)alkyl, halo(1 C- 4C)alkyloxy, nitro or halogen; and pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof.

A more specific embodiment of the invention is a compound according to formula III wherein X is S;

R ¹ is H, CH ₃ ;

R ² is phenylethyl, - ^, -J , B , ^j , Br or κ . wherein R" is

F, CI, Br, I , N0 ₂ , methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl, methoxy or CF ₃ and R ^b is H, CI or CH ₃ ;

R ³ , R ⁴ is H, H or H, CH ₃ , or CH ₃ , CH ₃ or one of R ³ or R ⁴ is -CN or p- thoxyphenylmethyl or R 33 „ a„ndJ _D R4 /

me together represent a ring \^on the nitrogen of

Formula III to represent a piperidyl or R ³ and R ⁴ together represent a ring nitrogen of Formula III to pyrrolidinyl, or R ³ is methyl and R ⁴ is dichlorbenzyl

R ⁵ is H, CI, F, Br, Me, N0 ₂ , t-butyl, OCF ₃ , OCH ₃ , CF ₃ ;preferred is R ⁵ is H, CI;

R ⁶ is H, F, CI, Br, N0 ₂ , CH ₃ , t-butyl, OCH ₃ , OCF ₃ , CF ₃ ;

R ⁷ is H, F, CI, Br, Me, N0 ₂ , t-butyl, OCF ₃ , OCH ₃ , CF ₃ ; preferred is R ⁷ is H or ι

Most preferred is a compound according to formula III

wherein X is S;

1 is H; wherein R ^a is F, CI, Br, I , methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, t-butyl or CF ₃ and R ^b is H, CI or CH ₃ ;

R , R is H, H or H, CH ₃ , or together represent a ring on the nitrogen of Formula I to represent piperidyl, or R is methyl and R is dichlorbenzy

R ⁵ is H;

R ⁶ is H, CI, N0 ₂ , CH ₃ , OCH ₃ , OCF ₃ ;

R ⁷ is H.

When embodiments are defined as characteristics of a compound this invention also provides for the use of the compounds in therapy, more specifically carcinoma, as are gastric cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer or pancreas cancer and in particular for patients wherein metastasis of the carcinoma, in particular prostate cancer, is diagnosed. Detailed description of the invention

The terms used in the description have the following meaning:

The prefix (1 C-4C) refers to the number of 1 -4 carbon atoms in the alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group. The definition includes amongst others a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, tertiairy butyl, vinyl, ethynyl, cyclopropyl and propynyl..

Halo or halogen means fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine.

Haloalkyl, haloalkenyl or haloalkynyl means respectively an alkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl substitued with one or more halogens.

A pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt is known in the art of pharmaceutics, such as a chloride, maleate, lactate etc.

It should be realized that the compounds according to the invention exist in tautomeric isomers when R ³ and/or R ⁴ are hydrogen. As shown in the formulas A, B and C below the double bond system over the aminomethylenepyrazolone [A] can shift to the iminomethylpyrazolone system in [B] so that the delocalized representation as in formula [C] would be an equivalent manner to represent the compounds according to the invention. Anyway, these tautomeric isomers are comprised into the definition of the compounds according to the invention as defined with the support of the formulas.

Furthermore, the double bond at the methylene, or methylidene if R ¹ has an alkyl meaning, and the imino bond can be in Z or E configuration. The compound according to the invention is not specified regarding this isomerism. Only the outcome of the syntheses of specified compounds has determined and thereby implicitly defines such characteristic of particular compounds.

A compound according to the invention may be prepared, for example, by starting with preparation a 2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one scaffold, which is synthesized through a condensation-cyclization reaction of suitable hydrazines and acetoacetate esters in either ethanol or ethanol / acetic acid mixtures at reflux temperatures where X=S and in methanol containing a catalytic amount of

concentrated HCI where X=N. The cyclization product is usually collected by filtration, rinsing of the filter cake with ethanol and in vacuo drying.

In the second reaction step, the thus obtained 1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3- one is subjected to an aminomethylenation reaction in THF at room temperature. The precipitated product may be purified by filtration, rinsing of the filter cake with a suitable solvent and in vacuo drying.

In the third and final step, the aminomethylidenepyrazol-3-one is treated with a suitable primary amine in methanol or ethanol at room temperature or at any temperature leading up to reflux temperature of the reaction solvent. The product may be purified by filtration and rinsing with methanol or ethanol and in vacuo drying. A pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt of a compound may be prepared according to conventional methods. Salts are usually obtained by combining the free base with inorganic or organic acids such as hydrochloric, fumaric, maleic, citric or succinic acid.

The therapeutic or preventive effect of a compound according to the invention can be obtained by administration of the compound to a patient (human or animal, male or female) in need of treatment by administering the compound either topically, locally or systemically. Any enteral or parenteral route, such as transdermal, transmucosal, oral, rectal, intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous, can be selected as most suitable under the circumstances of the condition of the patient and the location of cancer cells. The administration will be greatly aided by the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound according to the invention. A pharmaceutical formulation of a compound according to the invention can be prepared according to methods known in the art, varying from conventional pills, tablets and solutions to more sophisticated formulations for depot formulations or formulations adapted for particular routes of administration. Resorption of the compound according to the invention by the patient can be facilitated or delayed by pharmaceutical additives.

In therapeutic use it is possible to select particular regimes of administration for continuous or multiple dosing per day, or for detailed treatment regimes for a certain period of time, for example a week, a month or other continuous or intermittent periods. In the field of cancer therapy it is often needed or beneficial to use more than one method to combat the disease. A compound according to the invention is suitable for combination treatment with other treatments.

Dose selection depends on routes of administration and type and condition of the treated patient. The effective dose per administration or per day will usually be in the range of 0.001 - 1000 mg per patient, or, expressed in amount per kg patient, in particular in consideration of small weight patients (for example children or animals) between 0.0001 - 100 mg/kg. The preferred range is 0.01 - 5 mg/kg or 1 - 350 mg for an average human patient

Without wanting to be bound by theory in the use of the invention, it was found that an important contribution to the therapeutic mechanism of compounds of the invention can reside in interference with the process of invasion into healthy tissue, as for example the interaction between prostate cancer cells and the bone micro-environment.

For determining the effectiveness of the compounds according to the invention, we employed a model assay based on the migration of cells in a migration chamber. This model is accepted in the art as providing representative data on the ability of cells to metastasize.

We found that a preferred compound according to the invention inhibits tumor cell invasion more than 25%. Particularly preferred compound also showed dose-dependent anti-invasion activity of over 40%. The compounds according to the invention are thus capable of interfering with the acquisition of an invasive phenotype in human prostate cancer by inhibiting the EMT process. The more potent compounds for this effect are most preferred in view of the reduced dosage needed for use in therapy.

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Treatment of mice with 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl- 5-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one decreased the number of bone lesions and metastatic tumor burden. Cancer cells and tumor burden were monitored by whole body bioluminescence imaging. The data show that a compound according to the invention affects the formation of de novo skeletal metastases by PC-3M-Pro4luc+ cells in vivo. Such in vivo testing may lead to further selection, preference, deselection or disfavour of individual compounds for further programs for development of a compound for use in a prescription medicine. A particular compound of interest for such advanced testing is, 4-(aminomethylene)-2-(2-benzothiazolyl)-2,4-dihydro-5-(3- chlorophenyl)- 3/-/-pyrazol-3-one.

Examples Example 1 : preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(2- methoxyphenyl)-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 1 .00g (4.45mmol) of ethyl (2-methoxybenzoyl)acetate and 743mg (4.45mmol) of 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole in 15ml of ethanol, containing a few drops of AcOH, was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere. After evaporating the reaction solvent and replacing it with diethyl ether containing a small amount of acetone, the precipitate was filtered, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 1 .33g (4.1 1 mmol, 92%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one. 1 H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 12.40 (bs, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (s, 1 H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.20 (d, 1 H), 7.10 (m, 1 H), 6.05 (s, 1 H), 3.90 (s, 3H).

To a solution of 722mg (2.23mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(2- methoxyphenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 15ml of THF was added N,N- dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (326μΙ, 2.46mmol). The reaction was stirred over night at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which the reaction mixture was diluted with a small amount of diethyl ether. The solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 824mg (2.18mmol, 98%) of 2-benzothiazol- 2-yl-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydrop yrazol-3-one. 1 H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (d, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.40 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.20 (d, 1 H), 7.10 (t, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.35 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 625mg (1.65mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-2,4-dihydropy razol-3-one in 10ml ethanol and 10ml of a 25% ammonia solution was heated to 60°C under a nitrogen atmosphere over night. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with a little water, the solids were filtered, washed with ethanol and dried to give 481 mg (1 .37mmol, 83%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(2- methoxyphenyl)-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. 1 H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 9.40 (bs, 2H), 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.45 (m, 3H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 7.20 (d, 1 H), 7.10 (t, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

Example 2: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-phenyl-2,4- dihvdro-pyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 1 .75g (9.08mmol) of ethyl benzoylacetate and 1 .50g (9.08mmol) of 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole in 30ml of ethanol was refluxed for 4h under a nitrogen atmosphere. After cooling to room temperature, the precipitate was filtered, washed with cold ethanol, diethylether and dried to give 1.66g (5.66mmol, 62%) of 2- benzothiazol-2-yl-5-phenyl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one as a white solid. ¹ H-NMR (DMSO- d6): δ 12.90 (bs, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (m, 3H), 7.50 (m, 4H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 6.10 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 190mg (0.648mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-phenyl- 1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (90μΙ, 0.680mmol). The reaction was stirred for 3h at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere, the solids were filtered off, washed with acetone and dried to give 125mg (0.359mmol, 55%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one as a yellow solid. ¹ H- NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.55 (m, 3H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 100mg (0.287mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 5ml of a 25% ammonia solution was heated to 120°C in a pressure vessel overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with water and dried to give 48mg (0.150mmol, 52%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydro- pyrazol-3-one as a yellow solid. ¹ H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 9.05 (bs, 2H), 8.00 (m, 2H), 7.85 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 7.55 (m, 3H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (t, 1 H).

Example 3: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-(1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-5- phenyl-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one

A solution of 500mg (3.37mmol) of 2-hydrazino-1 H-benzimidazole and 713mg (3.70mmol) of ethyl benzoylacetate of in 15ml of methanol containing a catalytic amount of concentrated HCI. The reaction mixture was stirred at 65°C under a nitrogen atmosphere over night. After cooling to room temperature, the precipitate was filtered and dried to give 966mg (3.09mmol, 92%) of 2-(1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-5- phenyl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one as the hydrochloride salt. 1 H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 7.95 (m, 2H), 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.45 (m, 3H), 7.20 (m 2H), 6.10 (s, 1 H).

To a suspension of 10Omg (0.36mmol) of 2-(1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-

5-phenyl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one hydrochloride salt in 5ml of dioxane was added Ν,Ν-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (52μΙ, 0.39mmol). The reaction was stirred for 2h at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which the reaction mixture was cooled on an ice bath and diluted with a small amount of diethyl ether. The solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 99mg (0.30mmol, 83%) of 2-(1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4- dihydropyrazol-3-one as a yellow solid. 1 H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 13.40 (bs, 1 H), 8.55 (bs, 2H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.55 (m, 3H), 7.20 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 50mg (0.15mmol) of 2-(1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 3ml of a 25% ammonia solution was heated to 65°C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 3h. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered and dried to give 32mg

(0.1 1 mmol, 70%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-(1 H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-2,4- dihydropyrazol-3-one as a yellow solid. 1 H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 12.20 (bs, 1 H), 9.40 (bs, 2H), 8.05 (m, 1 H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 5H), 7.10 (m, 2H).

Example 4: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-(4-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5- phenyl-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

4-Chlorobenzothiazol-2-ylamine (5.04g, 27.29mmol) was suspended in 35ml of ethylene glycol at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Hydrazine hydrate (3.98ml, 81.87mmol) was added followed by concentrated hydrochloric acid (2.24ml, 27.29mmol) and the resulting reaction mixture was heated on an oil bath to 150°C. After 1.5h a precipitate was formed and heating was continued for an additional 1.5h after which time the mixture was cooled, water was added and the resulting solids were filtered, washed with water and dried to give 5.33g (26.69mmol, 98%) of (4- chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 9.40 (bs, 1 H), 7.62 (d, 1 H), 7.25 (d, 1 H), 6.95 (t, 1 H), 5.15 (bs, 2H).

A solution of 1.09g (5.46mmol) of (4-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine and 1 .15g (6.01 mmol) of ethyl benzoylacetate in 30ml of ethanol was refluxed for 2 days under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was cooled and the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 1 .56g (4.76mmol, 87%) of 2-(4-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 12.80 (bs, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.85 (m, 2H), 7.60-7.40 (m, 4H), 7.35 (t, 1 H), 6.15 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 657mg (2.00mmol) of 2-(4-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-1 ,2- dihydro-pyrazol-3-one in 20ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (293μΙ, 2.26mmol). The reaction was stirred over night at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 681 mg (1 .78mmol, 89%) of 2-(4- chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol- 3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 7.95 (d, 1 H), 7.60 (m, 3H), 7.55 (m, 4H), 7.25 (t, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 545mg (1.42mmol) of 2-(4-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N ammonia solution in MeOH was heated to 100°C in a pressure vessel for 18h. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 460mg (1 .37mmol, 91 %) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-(4-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5- phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 9.45 (bs, 2H), 8.00 (m, 2H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 4H), 7.35 (t, 1 H).

Example 5: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-(5-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5- phenyl-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

5-Chlorobenzothiazole-2-thiol (5.21 g, 25.83mmol) was dissolved in 50ml DMF at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. To the reaction mixture were added 4.28g (31 .OOmmol) of potassium carbonate and 1 .93ml (31 .OOmmol) of methyl iodide and stirring was continued over night after which time TLC (silica, 25% EtOAc in PE 40/60) indicated complete consumption of the starting material. Water was added to the reaction mixture and the resulting solids were filtered off, washed with water and dried to give 5.35g (24.80mmol, 96%) of 5-chloro-2-methylsulfanylbenzothiazole. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (s, 1 H), 7.40 (d, 1 H), 2.75 (s, 3H).

A mixture of 5-chloro-2-methylsulfanylbenzothiazole (5.03g, 23.32mmol) and hydrazine hydrate (1 1 .33ml, 233.17mmol) in 5ml of EtOH was heated under a nitrogen atmosphere to 100°C. After 3h a heavy precipitation was present in the reaction mixture after which time the suspension was cooled, water was added and the resulting solids were collected, washed with water and dried to give 4.43g (22.83mmol, 95%) of (5-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 9.10 (bs, 1 H), 7.65 (d, 1 H), 7.30 (s, 1 H), 6.95 (d, 1 H), 5.10 (bs, 2H).

A solution of 935g (4.68mmol) of (5-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine and 990mg (5.15mmol) of ethyl benzoylacetate in 30ml of ethanol was refluxed over night under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was cooled and the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 970mg (2.96mmol, 63%) of 2-(5-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (m, 3H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 6.10 (s, 1 H). To a solution of 800mg (2.44mmol) of 2-(5-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-1 ,2- dihydro-pyrazol-3-one in 20ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (357μΙ, 2.68mmol). The reaction was stirred over night at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which ether was added and the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 790mg (2.06mmol, 85%) of 2-(5-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4- dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.85 (s, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.60-7.40 (m, 5H), 7.35 (d, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 650mg (1.70mmol) of 2-(5-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N ammonia solution in MeOH was heated to 100°C in a pressure vessel for 24h. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 439mg (1 .38mmol, 82%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-(5-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5- phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.50 (bs, 2H), 8.05 (m, 2H), 7.90 (s, 1 H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.40 (t, 1 H).

Example 6: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-(6-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5- phenyl-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

6-Chlorobenzothiazol-2-ylamine (5.44g, 27.84mmol) was suspended in 35ml of ethylene glycol at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Hydrazine hydrate (4.06ml, 83.52mmol) was added followed by concentrated hydrochloric acid (2.28ml, 27.84mmol) and the resulting reaction mixture was heated on an oil bath to 150°C. After 3h the mixture was cooled, poured onto water and the resulting solids were filtered, washed with water and dried to give 4.98g (24.94mmol, 90%) of (6- chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 9.15 (bs, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.25 (d, 1 H), 7.15 (d, 1 H), 5.05 (bs, 2H).

A solution of 1.06g (5.28mmol) of (6-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine and 1 .01 g (5.82mmol) of ethyl benzoylacetate in 25ml of ethanol was refluxed for 5h under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was filtered while warm, washed with EtOH and dried to give 580mg (4.76mmol, 34%) of 2-(6-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-

1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.20 (s, 1 H), 7.90 (m, 3H), 7.50 (m, 4H), 6.10 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 580mg (1.77mmol) of 2-(6-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 20ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (282 μΙ, 2.12mmol). The reaction was stirred for 3h at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 628mg (1 .78mmol, 93%) of 2-(6-chlorobenzothiazol-2- yl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one . ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.15 (s, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.60 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.45 (d, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 420mg (1.10mmol) of 2-(6-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N ammonia solution in MeOH was heated to 100°C in a pressure vessel for 24h. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 275mg (0.775mmol, 70%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-(6-chlorobenzothiazol-2-yl)-5- phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.50 (2bs, 2H), 8.20 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (bs, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 4H). Example 7: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-5- (3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

6-Methoxybenzothiazol-2-ylamine (7.20g, 40.00mmol) was suspended in 40ml of ethylene glycol at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Hydrazine hydrate (5.80ml, 120.00mmol) was added followed by concentrated hydrochloric acid (3.28ml, 40.00mmol) and the resulting reaction mixture was heated on an oil bath to 150°C. After 2.5h the mixture was cooled water was added and the resulting solids were filtered, washed with water and dried to give 7.09g (36.31 mmol, 91 %) of (6- methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6) δ 8.75 (s, 1 H), 7.30 (s, 1 H), 7.20 (d, 1 H), 6.80 (d, 1 H), 4.90 (bs, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H).

A solution of 789mg (4.04mmol) of (6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine and 9.95mg (4.04mmol) of methyl (3-trifluorobenzoyl)acetate in 30ml of ethanol was refluxed for 5h under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 1.06g (2.71 mmol, 67%) of 2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)- 5-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 12.80 (bs, 1 H), 8.20 (m, 2H), 7.80 (m, 2H), 7.70 (t, 1 H), 7.60 (s, 1 H), 7.10 (d, 1 H), 6.20 (s, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

To a solution of 458mg (1.17mmol) of 2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-(3- trifluoromethylphenyl)-1 ,2-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one in 20ml of THF was added N,N- dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (171 μΙ, 1.29mmol). The reaction was stirred for 2h at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Diethyl ether was added to induce precipitation. After an additional hour of stirring, the reaction volume was concentrated to ca 10% of the original volume, diethyl ether was added and the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 450mg (1 .OOmmol, 86%) of 2-(6- methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)- 2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 8.00-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.80-7.70 (m, 3H), 7.55 (s, 1 H), 7.05 (d, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H). A suspension of 355mg (0.725mmol) of 2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,4-di hydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N ammonia solution in MeOH was heated to 100°C in a pressure vessel over night. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 280mg (0.669mmol, 92%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-(6- methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,4-di hydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H- NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.50 (2bs, 2H), 8.10 (m, 3H), 7.85 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 7.60 (s, 1 H), 7.05 (d, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

Example 8: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,4-dihvdro-pyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 1 .80g (7.31 mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .21 g (7.31 mmol) of 3-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-3-oxo-propionic acid methyl ester in 50ml of ethanol was refluxed for 5h under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 2.12g (5.87mmol, 80%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- trifluoromethylphenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.20 (m, 2H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (s, 1 H), 7.70 (m, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 6.25 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 414mg (1.15mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)- 1 ,2-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (160μΙ, 1.20mmol). The reaction was stirred for 3h at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. A small amount of diethyl ether was added and the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 398mg (0.956mmol, 83%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-(3- trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 8.00-7.70 (m, 7H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 239mg (0.574mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,4-di hydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N ammonia solution in MeOH was heated to 100°C in a pressure vessel over night. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 163mg (0.420mmol, 73%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2- benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,4-dihydropyr azol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.60 (bs, 2H), 8.10 (m, 4H), 7.90 (m, 2H), 7.80 (m, 1 H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (t, 1 H).

Example 9: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- chlorophenyl)-2,4-dihvdro-pyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 1 .00g (4.20mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 730mg (4.20mmol) of 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 20ml of ethanol was refluxed over night under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 1 .25g (3.81 mmol, 91 %) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- chlorophenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.10 (d, 1 H), 8.00-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 6.20 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 647mg (1.97mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-chlorophenyl)-1 ,2- dihydro-pyrazol-3-one in 15ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (288μΙ, 2.17mmol). The reaction was stirred for 2 days at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 706mg (1 .84mmol, 94%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- chlorophenyl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (2s, 2H), 7.60 (m, 3H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 424mg (1.1 1 mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 5ml EtOH and 20ml of 25% aqueous ammonia solution was heated to 60°C over night. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 386mg (1 .09mmol, 98%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-chlorophenyl)- 2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.60 (bs, 2H), 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (s, 1 H), 7.85 (d, 1 H),7.65 (m, 2H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.30 (t, 1 H).

Example 10: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- methylphenyl)-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 801 mg (4.85mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .00g (4.20mmol) of 3-(3-methylphenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 25ml of ethanol was refluxed for 22h under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with a little cold EtOH and dried to give 1.41 g (4.59mmol, 95%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- methylphenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 12.90 (bs, 1 H), 8.10 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (s, 1 H), 7.70 (d, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.40-7.20 (m, 4H), 6.10 (s, 1 H), 2.40 (s, 3H).

To a solution of 525mg (1.71 mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-methylphenyl)-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (238μΙ, 1 .79mmol). The reaction was stirred for 4h at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 565mg (1 .56mmol, 91 %) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-methylphenyl)-4- [1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.50-7.20 (m, 6H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 350mg (0.966mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-methylphenyl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N ammonia solution in MeOH was heated to 100°C in a pressure vessel over night. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 300mg (0.897mmol, 93%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-methylphenyl)- 2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.45 (bs, 2H), 8.00 (m, 2H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.60 (s, 1 H), 7.55 (d, 1 H), 7.45-7.30 (m, 4H), 2.40 (s, 3H).

Example 1 1 : Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- methoxyphenyl)-2,4-dihydro-pyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 1 .23g (7.44mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .65g (7.44mmol) of 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 40ml of ethanol was refluxed for 5h under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 1.68g (5.20mmol, 70%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.10 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.55-7.30 (m, 5H), 7.05 (m, 1 H), 6.10 (s, 1 H), 3.85 (s, 3H).

To a solution of 504mg (1 .56mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1 ,2- dihydro-pyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal ( 17 μ 1 , 1.64mmol). The reaction was stirred over night at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The solids were filtered off, washed with acetone and dried to give 549mg (1.45mmol, 93%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- methoxyphenyl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.10 (d, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H). A suspension of 266mg (0.703mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N ammonia solution in MeOH was heated to 100°C in a pressure vessel over night. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 168mg (0.479mmol, 68%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.40 (bs, 2H), 8.00 (m, 2H), 7.85 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.20 (m, 3H), 7.10 (d, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

Example 12: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromo-4- methylphenyl)-2,4-dihvdro-pyrazol-3-one.

To a suspension of 376mg NaH (9.39mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in 30ml of dry THF under a nitrogen atmosphere was slowly added diethyl carbonate (1 .14ml, 9.39mmol) and 3-bromo-4-methylacetophenone (1.00g, 4.69mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 70°C for 4h after which TLC (silica, EtOAc/PE 40-60 2:3) indicated complete consumption of the starting material. The mixture was cooled, 20ml of water was slowly added followed by 10 drops of AcOH and extraction with 2x200ml of EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with 20ml of water, 20 ml of brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to give 1 .34g of 3-(3-bromo-4- methylphenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester which was used without further purification. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3): δ 8.15 (s, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.40 (d, 1 H), 4.20 (q, 2H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 1 .30 (t, 3H).

A solution of 776mg (4.70mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .34g (4.70mmol) of 3-(3-bromo-4-methylphenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 15ml of ethanol was refluxed over night under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with a little cold EtOH and dried to give 1.80g (4.66mmol, 99%) of 2- benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromo-4-methylphenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR

{DMSO-d6)\ δ 12.90 (bs, 1 H), 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 6.15 (s, 1 H), 2.40 (s, 3H).

To a solution of 630mg (1.63mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromo-4-methylphenyl)- 1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (240μΙ, 1.79mmol). The reaction was stirred for 2h at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 610mg (1 .38mmol, 85%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromo-4- methylphenyl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (m, 2H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H). A suspension of 250mg (0.583mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromo-4- methylphenyl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 5ml EtOH and 5ml of 25% aqueous ammonia solution was heated to 60°C over night. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 185mg (0.448mmol, 77%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl- 5-(3-bromo-4-methylphenyl)-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 9.50 (bs, 2H), 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.95 (s, 1 H), 7.85 (d, 1 H),7.65 (d, 1 H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.35 (t, 1 H), 2.40 (s, 3H).

Example 13: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-5-benzo[blthiophen-2-yl-2- benzothiazol-2-yl-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

To a suspension of 452mg NaH (1 1.30mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in 30ml of dry THF under a nitrogen atmosphere was slowly added diethyl carbonate (1 .38ml, 1 1.30mmol) and 2-acetylbenzo[b]thiophene (1.00g, 5.67mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 70°C for 3h, cooled, 20ml of water was slowly added followed by 10 drops of AcOH and the mixture was extracted with 3x200ml of EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with 20ml of water, 100 ml of brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to give 1.47g of 3-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester which was used without further purification. ¹ H-NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 8.20 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (2d, 2H), 7.55 (t, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 4.10 (q, 2H), 1 .20 (t, 3H).

A solution of 665mg (4.03mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1.0g (4.70mmol) of 3-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 10ml of ethanol and 2ml of HOAc was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with a little cold EtOH and dried to give 240mg (0.689mmol, 17%) of 5- benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO- d6): δ 12.90 (bs, 1 H), 8.10-7.80 (m, 5H), 7.55 (t, 1 H), 7.40 (m, 3H), 6.10 (s, 1 H). To a solution of 400mg (1.15mmol) of 5-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (170μΙ, 1.26mmol). The reaction was stirred over night at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The solids were filtered off, washed with THF and dried to give 286mg (0.707mmol, 61 %) of 5-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-2- benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (m, 2H), 7.90 (m, 3H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.35 (t, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.55 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 100mg (0.247mmol) of 5-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4- [1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 4ml EtOH and 4ml of 25% aqueous ammonia solution was heated to 60°C for 2h. After cooling to room

temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 55mg (0.146mmol, 59%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-5-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl-2-benzothiazol- 2-yl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.70 (bs, 2H), 8.50 (s, 1 H), 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (m, 2H), 7.90 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.35 (t, 1 H).

Example 14: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-thiophen-2- yl-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

To a suspension of 630mg NaH (15.85mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in 40ml of dry toluene under a nitrogen atmosphere was slowly added diethyl carbonate (1.92ml, 15.85mmol) and 2-acetylthiophene (1.00g, 7.93mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 70°C for 1 h, cooled, 200ml of water was slowly added followed by 2ml of AcOH and the mixture was extracted with 3x200ml of EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with 100ml of water, 300 ml of brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to give a crude oil that was purified by column chromatography (silica, 10% EtOAc in PE 40-60) to give 1 .00g (5.04mmol, 64%) of 3-thiophen-2-yl-3- oxopropionic acid ethyl ester. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3): δ 8.15 (s, 1 H), 7.55 (m, 1 H), 7.35 (m, 1 H), 4.20 (q, 2H), 3.90 (s, 2H), 1.25 (t, 3H).

A solution of 870mg (5.25mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .04g (5.25mmol) of 3-thiophen-2-yl-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 15ml of ethanol was refluxed for 18h under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with a little cold EtOH and dried to give 1 .38g (4.61 mmol, 88%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-thiophen- 2-yl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 12.90 (bs, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.10 (s, 1 H), 5.95 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 720mg (2.41 mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-thiophen-2-yl-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (350μΙ, 2.56mmol). The reaction was stirred for 2h at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Diethyl ether was added to induce precipitation after which the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 753mg

(2.12mmol, 88%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-thiophen-2- yl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one as a mixture of isomers. In order to obtain one of the isomers pure, 5ml of DCM was added to the solid isomeric mixture, stirred thoroughly and the liquid decanted from the remaining solids. The liquid was concentrated, the solids filtered and washed with 2ml of DCM. The combined solids after two DCM washing cycles weighed 82mg and consisted of one single isomer. ¹ H-NMR (DMSO- d6): δ 8.00 (m, 2H), 7.85 (m, 1 H), 7.75 (s, 1 H), 7.50 (s, 1 H), 7.45 (m, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 1 H), 7.25 (s, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.50 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 500mg (1.41 mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-thiophen-2-yl-2,4-dihydropyrazol -3-one in 5ml EtOH and 5ml of 25% aqueous ammonia solution was heated to 60°C for 1 h. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 357mg (1 .09mmol, 78%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-thiophen-2- yl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.40 (bs, 2H), 8.30 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (d, 1 H), 7.65 (m, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.35 (t, 1 H), 7.25 (m, 1 H).

Example 15: Preparation of 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(5- bromothiophen-2-yl)-2,4-dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

To a suspension of 597mg NaH (14.92mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in 75ml of dry THF under a nitrogen atmosphere was slowly added diethyl carbonate (1 .81 ml, 14.92mmol) and 2-acetyl-5-bromothiophene (1 .53g, 7.46mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 70°C for 2h, cooled, poured into iced water and acidified with AcOH. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc twice and the combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried over magnesium sulfate and evaporated to give 1 .82g

(6.57mmol, 88%) of 3-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-3-oxopro

pionic acid ethyl ester. ¹ H-N MR (CDC/3): δ 7.5 (d, 1 H), 7.30 (s, 1 H), 7.15 (d, 1 H), 4.20 (q, 2H), 3.85 (s, 2H), 1.25 (t, 3H).

A solution of 1 .08g (6.57mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .82g (6.57mmol) of 3-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 25ml of ethanol containing 5ml of AcOH was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered, washed with a little cold EtOH and dried to give 1 .58g (4.18mmol, 64%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (s, 1 H), 6.05 (s, 1 H). To a solution of 793mg (2.10mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)- 1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 15ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (292μΙ, 2.20mmol). The reaction was stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The solids were filtered off, washed with THF and dried to give 621 mg (1.43mmol, 68%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(5- bromothiophen-2-yl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H- NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.95 (s, 1 H), 7.85 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.40-7.30 (m, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.45 (s, 3H). A suspension of 260mg (0.60mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-4- [1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N ammonia solution in MeOH was stirred at room temperature in a closed flask for 2 days followed by evaporation of the solvent to give 241 mg (0.59mmol, 99%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]- 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-2,4-dihydropyra zol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.60 (bs, 2H), 8.30 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.55 (m, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.35 (m, 2H).

Example 16: 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromophenyl)-2,4 - dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 609mg (3.69mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .00g (3.69mmol) of 3-(3-bromophenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 20ml of EtOH was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, 2ml of water was added and the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 1 .23g (3.30mmol, 90%) of 2- benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromophenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 12.90 (bs, 1 H), 8.10 (m, 2H), 7.90 (m, 2H), 7.65 (m, 1 H), 7.50-7.30 (m, 3H), 6.20 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 470mg (1.26mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromophenyl)-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (185μΙ, 1.39mmol). The reaction was stirred overnight at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Diethyl ether was added and the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 487mg (1 .13mmol, 90%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromophenyl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4- dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (m, 2H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.65 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (2t, 2H), 7.35 (t, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H). A suspension of 467mg (1.09mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromophenyl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N NH3 in MeOH was heated in a pressure vessel to 100°C overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 382mg (0.957mmol, 88%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromophenyl)-2,4 - dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.60 (bs, 2H), 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (s, 1 H),7.70 (m, 1 H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (t, 1 H).

Example 17:4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-iodophenyl)-2,4- dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 519mg (3.14mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .00g (3.14mmol) of 3-(3-iodophenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 20ml of EtOH was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, 2ml of water was added and the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 1 .14g (2.71 mmol, 86%) of 2- benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-iodophenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6): δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.25 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (m, 2H), 7.80 (m, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 6.20 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 393mg (0.94mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-iodophenyl)-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 20ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (137μΙ, 1.03mmol). The reaction was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Diethyl ether was added and the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 424mg (0.89mmol, 95%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-iodophenyl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4- dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.60 (d, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 196mg (0.413mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-iodophenyl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 3ml 7N NH3 in MeOH was heated to 50°C for 1.5 hours and left to cool overnight. The solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 137mg (0.307mmol, 74%) of 4-[1 - aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-iodophenyl)-2,4-d ihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H- NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.50 (bs, 2H), 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (m, 2H), 7.85 (m, 2H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 2H).

Example 18: 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2, 4- dihydropyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 786mg (4.76mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .00g (4.76mmol) of 3-(3-fluorophenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 25ml of EtOH was refluxed for 5 hours under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled and the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 870mg (2.79mmol, 59%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3- fluorophenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.10 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 1 H), 6.20 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 480mg (1.54mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (225μΙ, 1.70mmol). The reaction was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Diethyl ether was added and the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 520mg (1 .42mmol, 92%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4- dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.60 (m, 1 H), 7.50-7.40 (m, 3H), 7.40-7.30 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 360mg (0.819mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 3ml 7N NH3 in MeOH was heated in a pressure vessel to 100°C overnight. After cooling to room temperature the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 249mg (0.736mmol, 90%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-2, 4- dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.40 (bs, 2H), 8.10 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.85 (d, 1 H), 7.60 (m, 3H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.35 (m, 2H).

Example 19: 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-t-butylphenyl)-2 ,4- dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

To a suspension of 984mg NaH (24.60mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in 15ml of dry benzene under a nitrogen atmosphere was slowly added diethyl carbonate (2.10ml, 16.40mmol) and 3-t-butylacetophenone (1 .45g, 8.20mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 30 minutes. The mixture was cooled to room temperature, 3ml of AcOH was slowly added followed by water and extraction with EtOAc. The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica, PE (40-60) / EtOAc 20:1 ) to give 1 .45g (5.84mmol, 71 %) of 3-(3-t-butylphenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester. A solution of 964mg (5.84mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .45g (5.84mmol) of 3-(3-t-butylphenyl)-3-oxopropionic acid ethyl ester in 5ml of EtOH and 5ml of HOAc was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled and the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 1.70g (4.86mmol, 83%) of 2-benzothiazol- 2-yl-5-(3-t-butylphenyl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6) δ 13.05 (bs, 1 H), 8.10 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (m, 2H), 7.70 (d, 1 H), 7.55-7.30 (m, 4H), 6.10 (s, 1 H), 1 .35 (s, 9H).

To a solution of 1 .00g (2.86mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-t-butylphenyl)-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 20ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (4.20μΙ, 3.15mmol). The reaction was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere, the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 690mg (1 JOmmol, 60%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-t- butylphenyl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.65 (s, 1 H), 7.60 (s, 1 H), 7.55 (m, 1 H), 7.45 (m, 3H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 1.35 (s, 9H).

A suspension of 150mg (0.371 mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-t-butylphenyl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 5ml 7N NH3 in MeOH was heated to 60°C for 2 hours. After cooling to room temperature the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 1 14mg (0.302mmol, 82%) of 4-[1 - aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-t-butylphenyl)-2, 4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.45 (bs, 2H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.95 (s, 1 H), 7.85 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.60-7.40 (m, 3H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 1 .35 (s, 9H).

Example 20: 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-2 ,4- dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

A solution of 1.33g (6.81 mmol) of (6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-hydrazine and 1 .44g (7.49mmol) of ethyl benzoylacetate in 40ml of EtOH was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere. The solids were filtered off, washed with EtOH and dried to give 1.96g (6.06mmol, 89%) of 2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol- 3-one. ¹ H-NMR (DMSO-d6): δ 12.85 (bs, 1 H), 7.85 (m, 2H), 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.65 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.10 (d, 1 h), 6.10 (s, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H). To a solution of 364mg (1.13mmol) of 2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 15ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (164μΙ, 1.24mmol). The reaction was stirred overnight at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 372mg (0.983mmol, 87%) of 2-(6- methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4- dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 7.70-7.45 (m, 8H), 7.00 (d, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 240mg (0.634mmol) of 2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-phenyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 10ml 7N NH3 in MeOH was heated to 100°C in a pressure vessel overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 192mg (0.548mmol, 86%) of 4-[1 -aminomethylidene]-2-(6-methoxybenzothiazol-2-yl)-5-phenyl- 2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.45 (bs, 2H), 8.00 (bs, 1 H), 7.70 (m, 3H), 7.60 (s, 1 H), 7.50 (m, 3H), 7.05 (d, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

Example 21 : 4-[1 -Aminomethylidenel-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromothiophen-2- yl)-2,4- dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

To a suspension of 628mg NaH (15.70mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in 25ml of THF under a nitrogen atmosphere was slowly added diethyl carbonate (1.90ml, 15.70mmol) and 1 -(3-bromo-thiophen-2-yl)-ethanone (1 .61 g, 7.85mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 70°C for 2 hours, cooled to room temperature poured into ice water followed by some AcOH and extracted with 2x EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with water 3x, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica, 25% EtOAc in PE (40/60) to give 1 .54g (5.84mmol, 71 %) of 3-(3-bromothiophen-2-yl)-3-oxo- propionic acid ethyl ester.

A solution of 918mg (5.56mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .54g (5.56mmol) of 3-(3-bromothiophen-2-yl)-3-oxo-propionic acid ethyl ester in 25ml of EtOH/AcOH (1 :1 ) was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered off, washed with EtOH and dried to give 71 1 mg (1 .88mmol, 34%) of 2- benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromothiophen-2-yl)-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO- d6): δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.10 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.20 (m, 1 h), 6.30 (s, 1 H).

To a solution of 700mg (1.85mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromothiophen-2-yl)- 1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 7ml of THF was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (258μΙ, 1.94mmol). The reaction was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 550mg (1 .26mmol, 69%) of 2-benzothiazol- 2-yl-5-(3-bromothiophen-2-yl)-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3- one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.60 (s, 1 H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 210mg (0.485mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromothiophen-2-yl)- 4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in 5ml 7N NH3 in MeOH was heated to 60°C overnight. After cooling to room temperature, the solids were filtered, washed with a little EtOH and dried to give 198mg (0.472mmol, 97%) of 4-[1 - aminomethylidene]-2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-(3-bromothiophen-2-y l)-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3- one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.25 (bs, 2H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.85 (m, 3H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 2H).

Example 22: 2-Benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 -methylaminomethylidenel-5-thiophen-2-yl-2,4- dihvdropyrazol-3-one.

To a suspension of 628mg NaH (15.70mmol, 60% dispersion in mineral oil) in 10ml of THF under a nitrogen atmosphere was slowly added diethyl carbonate (1.90ml, 15.70mmol) and 2-acetylthiophene (1.00g, 7.92mmol). The reaction mixture was heated to 70°C for 1 hour, cooled to room temperature poured into ice water, AcOH was added and the reaction mixture was with extracted twice with diethyl ether. The combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography (silica, DCM) to give 1.27g (6.41 mmol, 80%) of 3-oxo-3-thiophen-2-yl-propionic acid ethyl ester.

A solution of 1 .06g (6.41 mmol) of benzothiazol-2-yl-hydrazine and 1 .27g (6.41 mmol) of 3-oxo-3-thiophen-2-yl-propionic acid ethyl ester in 15ml of EtOH was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, the solids were filtered off, washed with EtOH and dried to give 1.30g (4.34mmol, 68%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-thiophen-2-yl-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 13.00 (bs, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.20 (s, 1 h), 6.00 (s, 1 H). To a solution of 137mg (0.458mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-thiophen-2-yl-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 6ml of THF was added Ν,Ν-dimethylformamide dimethylacetal (64μΙ, 0.480mmol). The reaction was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which the solids were filtered off, washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 162mg (0.458mmol, 100%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-thiophen-2-yl-2,4-dihydropyrazol -3-one. ¹ H-NMR

{DMSO-d6)\ δ 8.00 (m, 2H), 7.85 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (d, 1 H), 7.55 (m, 1 H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (t, 1 H), 7.20 (m, 1 H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 3.45 (s, 3H).

A suspension of 162mg (0.458mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-thiophen-2-yl-2,4-dihydropyrazol -3-one in 5ml of 33% MeNH2 in EtOH was stirred at room temperature for 1 .5 hours, the solids were filtered, washed with EtOH and dried to give 47mg (0.138mmol, 30%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4- [1 -methylaminomethylidene]-5-thiophen-2-yl-2,4-dihydropyrazol- 3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 9.95 (bs, 1 H), 8.20 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.85 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 7.45 (t, 1 H), 7.35 (t, 1 H), 7.20 (s, 1 H), 3.30 (s, 3H).

Example 23: 2-Benzothiazol-2-yl-5-methyl-4-[1 -piperidin-1 -ylmethylidenel-2,4- dihvdropyrazol-3-one

A solution of 2.00g (12.10mmol) of benzothiazol-2-ylhydrazine and 1 .62ml (12.71 mmol) of ethyl acetoacetate in 40ml of acetic acid was refluxed under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2.5 hours and stirred at room temperature overnight. 50ml of water was added and the precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to give 2.68g (1 1.59mmol, 96%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-methyl-1 ,2-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 12.80 (bs, 1 H), 8.00 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.35 (t, 1 H), 5.25 (s, 1 H), 2.20 (s, 3H).

To a suspension of 220mg (0.951 mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-methyl-1 ,2- dihydropyrazol-3-one in 20ml toluene was added N,N-dimethylformamide

dimethylacetal (135μΙ, LOOmmol). The reaction was stirred for 4 hours at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere after which time the solvent was evaporated and the remaining solids were washed with diethyl ether and dried to give 180mg

(0.629mmol, 66%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 -dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-methyl- 2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 7.95 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (d, 1 H), 7.65 (s, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.25 (t, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H). To a suspension of 1 .80g (6.29mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-4-[1 - dimethylaminomethylidene]-5-methyl-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one in a mixture of 15ml of toluene and 10ml of DMF was added 5ml of a 4N NaOH solution. The reaction mixture was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature for 4 hours after which time the solids were filtered off and dried in vacuo to give 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-methyl- 3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1 H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde (6.29mmol; 100%). ¹ H-NMR {DMSO- d6): δ 9.30 (s, 1 H), 8.45 (s, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.70 (d, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.20 (t, 1 H), 2.20 (2, 3H).

A mixture of 160mg (0.617mmol) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-methyl-3-oxo-2,3-dihydro- 1 H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, piperidine (720μΙ, 7.35mmol) and 2 drops of concentrated HCI was refluxed overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere, cooled, evaporated to dryness and the residue purified by column chromatography (silica, 4% methanol in dichloromethane) to give 100mg (0.306mmol, 50%) of 2-benzothiazol-2-yl-5-methyl-4- [1 -piperidin-1 -yl-methylidene]-2,4-dihydropyrazol-3-one. ¹ H-NMR {DMSO-d6)\ δ 7.95 (d, 1 H), 7.75 (d, 1 H), 7.65 (s, 1 H), 7.40 (t, 1 H), 7.25 (t, 1 H), 4.50 (bs, 2H), 3.75 (bs, 2H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1 .70 (bs, 4H), 1 .65 (bs, 2H).

Example 24: Biological methods

The PC-3 prostate cancer cell line (ATCC# CRL-1435) was maintained in RPMI-1640 medium (Invitrogen, 31870), supplemented with 10% Fetal Bovine Serum (Sigma, F7524), L-Glutamine (Invitrogen 25030-024). Cells were split once a week at a 1 :10 ratio.

Example 25: Cell Invasion Assay

For cell invasion assays, PC3 cells were incubated in the presence of a compound according to the invention(10 uM) for 4 days, prior to the invasion assay. Forty thousand cells were seeded into BD Biocoat Matrigel Invasion chambers (8 micron; BD 354480) in serum-free medium. The invasion chamber was placed in a 24- well containing medium with 10% fetal calf serum as chemo-attractant. As a control, the same amount of cells was seeded in 24-well culture plates. After 48 hours incubation, cells in the invasion chamber were removed by aspiration and cleaning the inner compartment with a cotton swab. The invasion chamber was then put into

CellTiter-GLO (CTG, Promega-G7571 ) cell viability reagent, incubated for 15 minutes, and then analyzed on a Victor3 luminometer. Cell invasion was calculated as the CTG activity on the lower part of the membrane divided by the CTG activity of the cells grown in a 24 well plate. Inhibition of cell invasion by a specific compound was estimated by comparing the amount of cell invasion of compound-treated cells versus DMSO treated cells.