ARYLSULFONYLCHROMANS AS 5-HT6 INHIBITORS

This invention relates to substituted chroman compounds, and associated compositions, methods of preparation as well as the use of the compounds for the preparation of a medicament thereof.

The invention provides compounds of the general formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an individual optical isomer, a racemic or non-racemic mixture thereof, wherein: m is from 0 to 2: n is from 1 to 3; p is from 0 to 3;

Ar is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; X is -C(O)- or -CR ^a R ^b -, wherein:

R ^a is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl; and R ^b is hydrogen, C _h alky! or hydroxy; R ¹ and R ² each independently is: hydrogen;

Ci-ealkyl;

C _1-6 alkoxy-C _1-6 alkyl; hydroxy-Ci-6 alkyl; -CH ₂ -C(O)-OCH ₃ ; -CH ₂ -C(O)-NH-CH ₃ ; or cyano-C _1-6 alkyl; or one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and the other is:

a five- or six-membered heteroaryl or heterocyclyl that contains one or two nitrogens and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; C _3-8 cycloalkyl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or wherein: r is 0, 1 or 2; and R ^h is:

C _1-6 alkyl; C3-8 cycloalkyl; Ci- ₆ alkoxy; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci_ ₆ alkyl; hydroxy; amino;

NH-Ci- ₆ alkylamino; N,N-di-Ci- ₆ alkylamino; hydroxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl wherein the hydroxy group may be acetylated; aryl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a three- to seven- membered ring that optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a guanidinyl group or an amidinyl group; R ³ and R ⁴ each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; or one of R ³ and R ⁴ together with one of R ¹ and R ² and the atoms to which they are attached may form a five or six-membered ring; or R ³ and R ⁴ together may form =NR ^C wherein R ^c is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; and

each R ⁵ is independently halo, C _1-6 alkyl, halo-Ci-6 alkyl, hetero-Ci-6 alkyl, cyano, -SO ₂ R ^d , -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , -SR ^d , -C(=O)-R ^g , where each of R ^d , R ^e and R ^f is independently hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ^g is hydrogen, C _1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or C _1-6 alkoxy.

The actions of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) as a major modulatory neurotransmitter in the brain are mediated through a number of receptor families termed 5-HT1, 5-HT2, 5- HT3, 5-HT4, 5-HT5, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7. Based on a high level of 5- HT6 receptor mRNA in the brain, it has been stated that the 5-HT6 receptor may play a role in the pathology and treatment of central nerve system disorders. In particular, 5- HT2-selective and 5-HT6 selective ligands have been identified as potentially useful in the treatment of certain CNS disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, anxiety, depression, manic depression, psychoses, epilepsy, obsessive compulsive disorders, mood disorders, migraine, Alzheimer's disease (enhancement of cognitive memory), sleep disorders, feeding disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and obesity, panic attacks, akathisia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), withdrawal from drug abuse such as cocaine, ethanol, nicotine and benzodiazepines, schizophrenia, and also disorders associated with spinal trauma and/or head injury such as hydrocephalus. Such compounds are also expected to be of use in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as functional bowel disorder. See for example, B.L. Roth et al., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1994, 268, pages 1403- 14120, D. R. Sibley et al., MoI. Pharmacol., 1993, 43, 320-327, AJ. Sleight et al., Neurotransmission, 1995, 11, 1-5, and A. J. Sleight et al., Serotonin ID Research Alert, 1997, 2(3), 115-8. While some 5-HT6 and 5-HT2A modulators have been disclosed, there continues to be a need for compounds that are useful for modulating the 5-HT6 receptor, the 5-HT2A receptor, or both.

The invention provides substituted quinolinone compounds, associated compositions, methods for use as therapeutic agents, and methods of preparation thereof. In specific embodiments the invention provides piperazinyl- substituted quinolinone compounds and associated pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for using the same in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases and gastrointestinal tract disorders.

All patents and publications cited in this disclosure are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Definitions

Unless otherwise stated, the following terms used in this Application, including the specification and claims, have the definitions given below. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

"Agonist" refers to a compound that enhances the activity of another compound or receptor site.

"Alkyl" means the monovalent linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon moiety, consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, having from one to twelve carbon atoms. "Lower alkyl" refers to an alkyl group or moiety of one to six carbon atoms, i.e. Ci-C _ό alkyl. Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, pentyl, n-hexyl, octyl, dodecyl, and the like. "Alkylene" means a linear saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical of one to six carbon atoms or a branched saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical of three to six carbon atoms, e.g., methylene, ethylene, 2,2-dimethylethylene, propylene, 2- methylpropylene, butylene, pentylene, and the like.

"Alkenylene" means a linear unsaturated divalent hydrocarbon radical of two to six carbon atoms or a branched saturated divalent hydrocarbon radical of three to six carbon atoms, e.g., ethenylene (-CH=CH-), 2,2-dimethylethenylene, propenylene, 2-methylpropenylene, butenylene, pentenylene, and the like.

"Alkoxy" means a moiety of the formula -OR, wherein R is an alkyl moiety as defined herein. Examples of alkoxy moieties include, but are not limited to, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, and the like.

"Alkoxyalkyl" means a moiety of the formula -R'-R", where R' is alkylene and R" is alkoxy as defined herein. Exemplary alkoxyalkyl groups include, by way of example, 2-methoxyethyl, 3-methoxypropyl, l-methyl-2-methoxyethyl, l-(2- methoxyethyl)-3-methoxypropyl, and l-(2-methoxyethyl)-3-methoxypropyl. "Alkylcarbonyl" means a moiety of the formula -R'-R", where R' is C=O and R" is alkyl as defined herein.

"Alkylsulfonyl" means a moiety of the formula -R'-R", where R' is -SO ₂ - and R" is alkyl as defined herein.

"Alkylsulfonylalkyl" means a moiety of the formula R ^a -SO ₂ -R ^b -, where R ^a is alkyl and R ^b is alkylene as defined herein. Exemplary alkylsulfonylalkyl groups include,

by way of example, 3-methanesulfonylpropyl, 2-methanesulfonylethyl, 2- methanesulfonylpropy, and the like.

"Aminoalkyl" means a group -R-R' wherein R is amino and R is alkylene as defined herein. "Aminoalkyl" includes aminomethyl, aminoethyl, 1-aminopropyl, 2- aminopropyl, and the like. The amino moiety of "aminoalkyl" may be substituted once or twice with alkyl to provide "alkylaminoalkyl" and "dialkylaminoalkyl" respectively. "Alkylaminoalkyl" includes methylaminomethyl, methylaminoethyl, methylaminopropyl, ethylaminoethyl and the like. "Dialkylaminoalkyl" includes dimethylaminomethyl, dimethylaminoethyl, dimethylaminopropyl, N-methyl-N-ethylaminoethyl, and the like.

"Amidinyl" means a group of the formula: wherein each R independently is hydrogen or alkyl as defined herein.

"Amidinylalkyl" means a group -R-R wherein R is amidinyl as defined herein and R is alkylene.

"Amido" means a group -C(O)-NRR' wherein R and R each independently is hydrogen or alkyl.

"Antagonist" refers to a compound that diminishes or prevents the action of another compound or receptor site.

"Aryl" means a monovalent cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon moiety consisting of a mono-, bi- or tricyclic aromatic ring. Examples of aryl moieties include, but are not limited to, optionally substituted phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthryl, fluorenyl, indenyl, pentalenyl, azulenyl, oxydiphenyl, biphenyl, methylenediphenyl, aminodiphenyl, diphenylsulfidyl, diphenylsulfonyl, and diphenylisopropylidenyl, as well as those specifically illustrated by the examples herein below. Preferred aryl are phenyl and naphthyl, and still more preferably phenyl. The aryl moieties of the invention further can be ortho substituted by two substituents which together with the carbons of the aryl moiety form a fused, saturated or partially unsaturated, 5- to 6-membered ring containing one or two heteroatoms selected from O, S and N. Preferably the additional ring is a 5- to 6- membered ring containing two oxygen atoms. Examples of such substituted aryl moieties include, but are not limited to, 2,3-dihydro-benzo[ 1,4] dioxinyl, 2,3-dihydro-benzofuranyl, benzodioxolyl, benzopyranyl, benzoxazinyl, benzoxazinonyl, benzopiperidinyl, benzopiperazinyl, benzopyrrolidinyl, benzomorpholinyl, as well as those specifically illustrated by the examples herein below.

"Aryloxy" means a moiety of the formula -OR, wherein R is an aryl moiety as defined herein.

"Arylalkyl" and "Aralkyl", which maybe used interchangeably, mean a radical -R ^a R ^b where R ^a is an alkylene group and R ^b is an aryl group as defined herein; e.g., phenylalkyls such as benzyl, phenylethyl, 3-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpentyl, and the like are examples of arylalkyl.

"Aralkoxy" means a moiety of the formula -OR, wherein R is an aralkyl moiety as defined herein.

"Arylalkoxyalkyl" means a moiety of the formula -alkylene- O- alkylene- aryl.

R ⁹

"Carbamyl means a group of the formula: ^ wherein R ^g and

R ^h each independently is hydrogen or alkyl.

"Cyanoalkyl" means a moiety of the formula -R'-R", where R' is alkylene as defined herein and R" is cyano or nitrile. "Cycloalkyl" means a monovalent saturated carbocyclic moiety consisting of mono- or bicyclic rings. Preferably, the rings are three to seven membered. Cycloalkyl can optionally be substituted with one or more substituents, wherein each substituent is independently hydroxy, alkyl, alkoxy, halo, haloalkyl, amino, monoalkylamino, or dialkylamino, unless otherwise specifically indicated. Examples of cycloalkyl moieties include, but are not limited to, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and the like, including partially unsaturated derivatives thereof.

"Cycloalkylalkyl" means a moiety of the formula -R'-R", where R' is alkylene and R" is cycloalkyl as defined herein.

"Guanidinyl" as used herein means a group of the formula:

wherein R, R, R" and R" each independently is hydrogen or alkyl. "Heteroalkyl" means an alkyl radical as defined herein wherein one, two or three hydrogen atoms have been replaced with a substituent independently selected from the group consisting of -OR ^a , -NR ^b R ^c , and -S(O) _n R ^d (where n is an integer from 0 to 2), with the understanding that the point of attachment of the heteroalkyl radical is through

a carbon atom, wherein R ^a is hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkylalkyl; R ^b and R ^c are independently of each other hydrogen, acyl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkylalkyl; and when n is 0, R ^d is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, or cycloalkylalkyl, and when n is 1 or 2, R ^d is alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, amino, acylamino, monoalkylamino, or dialkylamino. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, 2-hydroxyethyl, 3- hydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxy-l-hydroxymethylethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 1- hydroxymethylethyl, 3-hydroxybutyl, 2,3-dihydroxybutyl, 2-hydroxy-l-methylpropyl, 2- aminoethyl, 3-aminopropyl, 2-methylsulfonylethyl, aminosulfonylmethyl, aminosulfonylethyl, aminosulfonylpropyl, methylaminosulfonylmethyl, methylaminosulfonylethyl, methylaminosulfonylpropyl, and the like.

"Heteroaryl" means a monocyclic or bicyclic radical of 5 to 12 ring atoms having at least one aromatic ring containing one, two, three or four ring heteroatoms selected from N, O, or S, the remaining ring atoms being C, with the understanding that the attachment point is on the aromatic ring moiety containing the heteroatom(s). The heteroaryl ring may be optionally substituted as defined herein. Examples of heteroaryl moieties include, but are not limited to, optionally substituted imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrazinyl, thienyl, benzothienyl, furanyl, pyridyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, pyrimidyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzofurylbenzimidazolyl, benzooxazolyl, benzooxadiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzopyranyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, triazolyl, triazinyl, quinoxalinyl, purinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolizinyl, naphthyridinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, azepinyl, diazepinyl, acridinyl and the like, as well as those specifically illustrated by the examples herein below.

"Heteroaryloxy" means a moiety of the formula -OR, wherein R is a heteroaryl moiety as defined herein.

"Heteroarylalkyl" and "Heteroaralkyl", which maybe used interchangeably, mean a radical- R ^a R ^b where R ^a is an alkylene group and R ^b is a heteroaryl group as defined herein.

"Heteroaralkoxy" means a moiety of the formula -OR, wherein R is a heteroaralkyl moiety as defined herein.

The terms "halo" and "halogen", which maybe used interchangeably, refer to a substituent fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

"Haloalkyl" means alkyl as defined herein in which one or more hydrogen has been replaced with same or different halogen. Exemplary haloalkyls include -CH ₂ Cl, -CH ₂ CF ₃ , -CH ₂ CCl ₃ , perfluoroalkyl (e.g., -CF ₃ ) , and the like.

"Haloalkoxy" means a moiety of the formula -OR, wherein R is a haloalkyl moiety as defined herein. Examples of haloalkoxy moieties include, but are not limited to, trifluoromethoxy, trichloromethoxy, -O-CH ₂ CF ₃ , and the like.

"Hydroxyalkyl" refers to a subset of heteroalkyl and refers in particular to an alkyl moiety as defined herein that is substituted with one or more, preferably one, two or three hydroxy groups, provided that the same carbon atom does not carry more than one hydroxy group. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl, 3-hydroxypropyl, 1- (hydroxymethyl) - 2-methylpropyl, 2-hydroxybutyl, 3-hydroxybutyl, 4-hydroxybutyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl, 2-hydroxy- l-hydroxymethylethyl, 2,3-dihydroxybutyl, 3,4-dihydroxybutyl and 2- (hydroxymethyl) -3-hydroxypropyl.

"Hydroxyalkylcarbonyl" means a moiety of the formuly -C(O)-R', where R' is hydroxyalkyl as defined above. Preferably, the hydroxyalkyl moiety contains from one to six carbon atoms. "Heterocycloamino" means a saturated ring wherein at least one ring atom is N, NH or N-alkyl and the remaining ring atoms form an alkylene group.

"Heterocyclyl" means a monovalent saturated or partially unsaturated moiety, consisting of one to three rings, incorporating one, two, or three or four heteroatoms (chosen from nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur), with the understanding that the attachment point is on the heterocyclic, saturated or partially saturated moiety. Preferably, the rings are three to seven membered. The heterocyclyl ring may be optionally substituted as defined herein. Examples of heterocyclyl moieties include, but are not limited to, optionally substituted piperidinyl, piperazinyl, homopiperazinyl, azepinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, isoxazolidinyl, morpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, isothiazolidinyl, quinuclidinyl, thiadiazolylidinyl, benzothiazolidinyl, benzoazolylidinyl, dihydrofuryl, tetrahydrofuryl, dihydropyranyl, tetrahydropyranyl, thiamorpholinyl, thiamorpholinylsulfoxide, thiamorpholinylsulfone, dihydroquinolinyl, dihydrisoquinolinyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl, tetrahydrisoquinolinyl, and the like. "Heterocyclylalkyl" means a group -R-R wherein R is heterocyclyl as defined herein and R is alkylene.

"Imidazolinyl" as used herein means a group of the formula:

R ¹ N

wherein R is hydrogen or alkyl. Imidazolinyl groups may be optionally substituted as defined herein.

"Imidazolinylalkyl" means a group -R-R' wherein R is imidazolinyl as defind herein and R is alkylene. "Imidazolinylaminoalkyl" means a group -R-R-R" wherein R" is imidazolinyl as defined herein, R is amino, and R is alkylene. The amino moiety of "imidazolinylaminoalkyl" may be optionally substituted with alkyl.

"Pyrimidinylaminoalkyl" means a group -R-R-R" wherein R" is pyrimidinyl (preferably pyrimidin-2-yl), R is amino, and R is alkylene. The pyrimidinyl moiety of "pyrimidinylaminoalkyl" may be optionally substituted as defined herein, and the amino moiety of "pyrimidinylaminoalkyl" maybe optionally substituted with alkyl.

"Tetrahydropyrimidinyl" means 1, 4,5,6- tetrahydropyrimidinyl, preferably 1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrimidin-2-yl, and maybe optionally substituted as defined herein. "Tetrahydropyrimidinyl" includes 5,5-dimethyl- 1,4,5,6- tetrahydropyrimidin-2-yl. "Tetrahydropyrimidinylaminoalkyl" means a group -R-R-R" wherein R" is tetrahydropyrimidinyl, R is amino, and R is alkylene. The amino moiety of "tetrahydropyrimidinylaminoalkyl" may be optionally substituted with alkyl.

"Urea" means a group of the formula: wherein R ^g , R ^h and

R ¹ each independently is hydrogen or alkyl. "Urealkyl" means a group R-R wherein R is urea and R is alkylene.

"Optionally substituted", when used in association with "aryl", phenyl", "heteroaryl" or "heterocyclyl", means an aryl, phenyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclyl which is optionally substituted independently with one to four substituents, preferably one or two substituents selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heteroalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, halo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, amino, acylamino, mono-alkylamino, di-alkylamino, haloalkyl, haloalkoxy, heteroalkyl, -COR (where R is hydrogen, alkyl, phenyl or phenylalkyl), -(CR'R") _n -COOR (where n is an integer from 0 to 5, R' and R" are independently hydrogen or alkyl, and R is hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, phenyl or phenylalkyl), or -(CR'R") _n -CONR ^a R ^b (where n is an integer from 0 to 5, R' and R" are independently hydrogen or alkyl, and R ^a and R^ are, independently of each other, hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, phenyl or phenylalkyl).

Prefereably, the substituents include halo, C _1-6 alkyl, halo-Ci_6 alkyl, hetero-Ci_6 alkyl, cyano, -SO ₂ R ^d , -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , -SR ^d , -C(=O)-R ^g , where each of R ^d , R ^e and R ^f is independently hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ^g is hydrogen, C _1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or C _1-6 alkoxy. "Leaving group" means the group with the meaning conventionally associated with it in synthetic organic chemistry, i.e., an atom or group displaceable under substitution reaction conditions. Examples of leaving groups include, but are not limited to, halogen, alkane- or arylenesulfonyloxy, such as methanesulfonyloxy, ethanesulfonyloxy, thiomethyl, benzenesulfonyloxy, tosyloxy, and thienyloxy, dihalophosphinoyloxy, optionally substituted benzyloxy, isopropyloxy, acyloxy, and the like.

"Modulator" means a molecule that interacts with a target. The interactions include, but are not limited to, agonist, antagonist, and the like, as defined herein. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may but need not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in which it does not.

"Disease" and "Disease state" means any disease, condition, symptom, disorder or indication. "Inert organic solvent" or "inert solvent" means the solvent is inert under the conditions of the reaction being described in conjunction therewith, including for example, benzene, toluene, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, N,N-dimethylformamide, chloroform, methylene chloride or dichloromethane, dichloroethane, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, tert- butanol, dioxane, pyridine, and the like. Unless specified to the contrary, the solvents used in the reactions of the present invention are inert solvents.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable" means that which is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic, and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and includes that which is acceptable for veterinary as well as human pharmaceutical use.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable salts" of a compound means salts that are pharmaceutically acceptable, as defined herein, and that possess the desired pharmacological activity of the parent compound. Such salts include: acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like; or formed with organic acids such as acetic acid,

benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic, camphorsulfonic acid, citric acid, ethanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxynaphtoic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, muconic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, propionic acid, salicylic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, trimethylacetic acid, and the like; or salts formed when an acidic proton present in the parent compound either is replaced by a metal ion, e.g., an alkali metal ion, an alkaline earth ion, or an aluminum ion; or coordinates with an organic or inorganic base. Acceptable organic bases include diethanolamine, ethanolamine, N-methylglucamine, triethanolamine, tromethamine, and the like. Acceptable inorganic bases include aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide.

The preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts are the salts formed from acetic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, methanesulfonic acid, maleic acid, phosphoric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.

It should be understood that all references to pharmaceutically acceptable salts include solvent addition forms (solvates) or crystal forms (polymorphs) as defined herein, of the same acid addition salt. The terms "pro-drug" and "prodrug", which maybe used interchangeably herein, refer to any compound which releases an active parent drug according to formula I in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a mammalian subject. Prodrugs of a compound of formula I are prepared by modifying one or more functional group(s) present in the compound of formula I in such a way that the modification(s) maybe cleaved in vivo to release the parent compound. Prodrugs include compounds of formula I wherein a hydroxy, amino, or sulfhydryl group in a compound of Formula I is bonded to any group that may be cleaved in vivo to regenerate the free hydroxyl, amino, or sulfhydryl group, respectively. Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to, esters (e.g., acetate, formate, and benzoate derivatives), carbamates (e.g., N ,N- dimethylaminocarbonyl) of hydroxy functional groups in compounds of formula I, N- acyl derivatives (e.g. N-acetyl) N-Mannich bases, Schiff bases and enaminones of amino functional groups, oximes, acetals, ketals and enol esters of ketone and aldehyde functional groups in compounds of Formula I, and the like, see Bundegaard, H. "Design of Prodrugs" pl-92, Elsevier, New York- Oxford ( 1985), and the like.

"Protective group" or "protecting group" means the group which selectively blocks one reactive site in a multifunctional compound such that a chemical reaction can be carried out selectively at another unprotected reactive site in the meaning conventionally associated with it in synthetic chemistry. Certain processes of this invention rely upon the protective groups to block reactive nitrogen and/or oxygen atoms present in the reactants. For example, the terms "amino-protecting group" and "nitrogen protecting group" are used interchangeably herein and refer to those organic groups intended to protect the nitrogen atom against undesirable reactions during synthetic procedures. Exemplary nitrogen protecting groups include, but are not limited to, triflu or o acetyl, acetamido, benzyl (Bn), benzyloxycarbonyl (carbobenzyloxy, CBZ), p- methoxybenzyloxycarbonyl, p-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl, tøt-butoxycarbonyl (BOC), and the like. Persons skilled in the art will know how to choose a group for the ease of removal and for the ability to withstand the following reactions.

"Solvates" means solvent additions forms that contain either stoichiometric or non stoichiometric amounts of solvent. Some compounds have a tendency to trap a fixed molar ratio of solvent molecules in the crystalline solid state, thus forming a solvate. If the solvent is water the solvate formed is a hydrate, when the solvent is alcohol, the solvate formed is an alcoholate. Hydrates are formed by the combination of one or more molecules of water with one of the substances in which the water retains its molecular state as H ₂ O, such combination being able to form one or more hydrate.

"Subject" means mammals and non-mammals. Mammals means any member of the mammalia class including, but not limited to, humans; non-human primates such as chimpanzees and other apes and monkey species; farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, and swine; domestic animals such as rabbits, dogs, and cats; laboratory animals including rodents, such as rats, mice, and guinea pigs; and the like. Examples of non-mammals include, but are not limited to, birds, and the like. The term "subject" does not denote a particular age or sex.

"Treating" or "treatment" of a disease state includes:

(i) preventing the disease state, i.e. causing the clinical symptoms of the disease state not to develop in a subject that may be exposed to or predisposed to the disease state, but does not yet experience or display symptoms of the disease state.

(ii) inhibiting the disease state, i.e., arresting the development of the disease state or its clinical symptoms, or

(iii) relieving the disease state , i.e., causing temporary or permanent regression of the disease state or its clinical symptoms.

The terms "treating", "contacting" and "reacting" when referring to a chemical reaction means adding or mixing two or more reagents under appropriate conditions to produce the indicated and/or the desired product. It should be appreciated that the reaction which produces the indicated and/or the desired product may not necessarily result directly from the combination of two reagents which were initially added, i.e., there may be one or more intermediates which are produced in the mixture which ultimately leads to the formation of the indicated and/or the desired product.

Nomenclature and Structures

In general, the nomenclature used in this Application is based on AUTONOM™ v.4.0, a Beilstein Institute computerized system for the generation of

IUPAC systematic nomenclature. Chemical structures shown herein were prepared using ISIS ^® version 2.2. Any open valency appearing on a carbon, oxygen or nitrogen atom in the structures herein indicates the presence of a hydrogen atom. In the following, the term "chroman" or "chroman core" is used for the formula:

with the numbering of ring positions as shown and the meaning of X as described below.

The invention provides compounds of the general formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an individual optical isomer, a racemic or non-racemic mixture thereof, wherein: m is from 0 to 2: n is from 1 to 3; p is from 0 to 3;

Ar is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; X is -C(O)- or -CR ^a R ^b -,

wherein:

R ^a is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl; and R ^b is hydrogen, C _h alky! or hydroxy; R ¹ and R ² each independently is: hydrogen;

C _1-6 alkyl;

Ci- ₆ alkoxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl; hydroxy-Ci-6 alkyl; -CH ₂ -C(O)-OCH ₃ ; -CH ₂ -C(O)-NH-CH ₃ ; or cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or one of R ¹ and R is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and the other is: a five- or six-membered heteroaryl or heterocyclyl that contains one or two nitrogens and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl;

C3-8 cycloalkyl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or wherein: Yis -C(O)- or -SO ₂ -; r is 0, 1 or 2; and R ^h is:

Ci_ ₆ alkyl; C3-8 cycloalkyl; Ci- ₆ alkoxy; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl; hydroxy; amino; NH-Ci- ₆ alkylamino;

N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino; hydroxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl wherein the hydroxy group may be acetylated; aryl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or

aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a three- to seven- membered ring that optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a guanidinyl group or an amidinyl group;

R ³ and R ⁴ each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; or one of R ³ and R ⁴ together with one of R ¹ and R ² and the atoms to which they are attached may form a five or six-membered ring; or R ³ and R ⁴ together may form =NR ^C wherein R ^c is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; and each R ⁵ is independently halo, C _1-6 alkyl, halo-Ci_6 alkyl, hetero-Ci-6 alkyl, cyano, -SO ₂ R ^d , -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , -SR ^d , -C(=O)-R ^g , where each of R ^d , R ^e and R ^f is independently hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ^g is hydrogen, C _1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or C _1-6 alkoxy.

It is to be understood that the scope of this invention encompasses not only the various isomers which may exist but also the various mixture of isomers which may be formed. In particular, the invention encompasses the individual optical isomers. Furthermore, the scope of the invention also encompasses solvates, salts and prodrugs of the subject compounds.

In a certain embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula

I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein m is from 0 to 2; n is from 1 to 3; p is from 0 to 3;

Ar is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl;

X is -C(O)- or -CR ^a R ^b - wherein R ^a is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ^b is hydrogen, Ci_ ₆ alkyl or hydroxy; R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen, Ci_ ₆ alkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy-

Ci-6alkyl, or hydroxy-Ci-6 alkyl; or one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and the other is Ci_ δalkylcarbonyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl-Ci_6 alkyl, hydroxy, or a five- or six-membered heteroaryl or heterocyclyl that contains one or two nitrogens; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a three- to seven- membered ring that optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a guanidinyl group, an amidinyl group, a carbamyl group, or a urea group; R ³ and R ⁴ each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; or one of R ³ and R ⁴ together with one of R ¹ and R ² and the atoms to which they are attached may form a five or six-membered ring; or R ³ and R ⁴ together may form =NR ^C wherein R ^c is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; and each R ⁵ is independently halo, C _1-6 alkyl, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, hetero-

Ci_6 alkyl, cyano, -SO ₂ R ^d , -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , -SR ^d , -C(=O)-R ^g , where each of R ^d , R ^e and R ^f is independently hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ^g is hydrogen, C _1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or C _1-6 alkoxy.

In a certain embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula I:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, an individual optical isomer, a racemic or non-racemic mixture thereof, wherein:

m is from 0 to 2: n is from 1 to 3; p is from 0 to 3;

Ar is optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; X is -C(O)- or -CR ^a R ^b -, wherein:

R ^a is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl; and R ^b is hydrogen, Ci_ ₆ alkyl or hydroxy; R ¹ and R ² each independently is: hydrogen;

Ci_ ₆ alkyl; hydroxy-Ci-6 alkyl; -CH ₂ -C(O)-OCH ₃ ; -CH ₂ -C(O)-NH-CH ₃ ; or cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl or one of R ¹ and R is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and the other is: cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; aryl-Ci-6 alkyl; or wherein:

Yis -C(O)- or -SO ₂ -; r is 0, 1 or 2; and R ^h is:

Ci_ ₆ alkyl; C3-8 cycloalkyl;

Ci- ₆ alkoxy; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl; hydroxy; amino;

NH-Ci- ₆ alkylamino; N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino; hydroxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl wherein the hydroxy group may be acetylated; aryl;

aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci_ ₆ alkyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a three- to seven- membered ring that optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl; R ³ and R ⁴ each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; each R ⁵ is independently halo, C _1-6 alkyl, halo-Ci_6 alkyl, hetero-Ci-6 alkyl, cyano, -SO ₂ R ^d , -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , -SR ^d , -C(=O)-R ^g , where each of R ^d , R ^e and R ^f is independently hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ^g is hydrogen, C _1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or C _1-6 alkoxy.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1. In certain embodiments of formula I, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen. In certain embodiments of formula I, R ⁵ is -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , wherein R ^e and R ^f is independently hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, "aryl" in the context of moieties R ¹ , R ² and R ^h , in particular in the context of aryl-C _1-6 alkyl, aryl or aryl-Ci_ ₆ alkyloxy-Ci_ ₆ alkyl denotes phenyl and naphthyl, in particular phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, Ar is optionally substituted phenyl. In certain embodiments, Ar is phenyl optionally substituted by one to four residues R ⁶ , wherein each R ⁶ is independently halo, C _1-6 alkyl, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, hetero-Ci-6 alkyl, cyano, -SO ₂ R ^d , -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , -SR ^d , -C(=O)-R ^g , where each of R ^d , R ^e and R ^f is independently hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ^g is hydrogen, C _1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or C _1-6 alkoxy;

In certain embodiments, Ar is phenyl optionally substituted by halo. In certain embodiments, Ar is phenyl optionally substituted by fluoro. In certain embodiments of formula I, p is 0 or 1.

In certain embodiments of formula I, p is 0. In certain embodiments of formula I, X is -CR ^a R ^b -. In certain embodiments of formula I, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen. In certain embodiments of formula I, X is -C(O)-. In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 2.

In certain embodiments of formula I, m is 0 or 2.

In certain embodiments of formula I, m is 2.

In certain embodiments of formula I, Ar is optionally substituted heteroaryl. In certain embodiments of formula I, Ar is heteroaryl selected from thienyl, furanyl, pyridinyl and pyrimidinyl, each optionally substituted.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three, four, five or six-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl. In certain embodiments of formula I, R ³ and R ⁴ together form =NR ^C wherein R ^c is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and the other is C _1-6 alkylcarbonyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl-C _1-6 alkyl, hydroxy, or a five- or six-membered heteroaryl or heterocyclyl that contains one or two nitrogens. In certain embodiments of formula I, one of R ³ and R ⁴ together with one of R ¹ and R ² and the atoms to which they are attached form a five or six-membered heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a guanidinyl group, an amidinyl group, a carbamyl group, or a urea group.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a guanidinyl group or an amidinyl group.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three- to seven-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three- to seven-membered heterocyclic ring that includes an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three-membered heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a four-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a five-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a six-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ² - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h '.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ² - CH ₂ -C(O)-R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ² - C(O)-R\

In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ² - CH ₂ -SO ₂ -R ¹¹ . In certain embodiments of formula I, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ² -

SO ₂ -R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1 and R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, and R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl. In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, and X is -CR ^a R ^b -.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, X is -CR ^a R ^b -, and R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen. In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, and p is 0 or 1.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, p is 0 or 1, and m is 2.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, p is 0 or 1, m is 2, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r - Y- R ^h ', X is -CR ^a R ^b -, and R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen i oorr C C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, and Yis -C(O)-.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - C(O)-, and r is 1.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - C(O)-, r is 1, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_6alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-C _{1- δ} alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - C(O)-, and r is 0.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - C(O)-, r is 0, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_6alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-C _{1- δ} alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, and Yis -SO ₂ -.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - SO ₂ -, and r is 1.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - SO ₂ -, r is 1, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_6alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-C _{1- δ} alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - SO ₂ -, and r is 0.

In certain embodiments of formula I, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - SO ₂ -, r is 0, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_6alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-C _{1- δ} alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of the invention, Ar-s(O) _m - is in the 7-position of the chroman core. These embodiments are represented by the compounds are of formula II:

wherein n, p, X, Ar, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ and R ⁵ are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1. In certain embodiments of formula II, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen. In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² each independently is: hydrogen; Ci_ ₆ alkyl; hydroxy-Ci-6 alkyl; -CH ₂ -C(O)-OCH ₃ ; -CH ₂ -C(O)-NH-CH ₃ ; or cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl or one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and the other is: cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or wherein: r is O, 1 or 2; and R ^h is:

Ci_ ₆ alkyl; C3-8 cycloalkyl; Ci- ₆ alkoxy; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl; hydroxy; amino; NH-Ci- ₆ alkylamino;

N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino;

hydroxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl wherein the hydroxy group may be acetylated; aryl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci_ ₆ alkyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a three- to seven- membered ring that optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

Preferably, "aryl" in the context of moieties R ¹ , R ² and R ^h , i.e. in the context of aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl, aryl or aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, denotes phenyl and naphthyl, in particular phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!.

In certain embodiments of formula II, Ar is optionally substituted phenyl. In certain embodiments of formula II, Ar is phenyl optionally substituted by one to four residues R ⁶ , wherein each R ⁶ is independently halo, Ci_6 alkyl, halo-Ci_6 alkyl, hetero-Ci-6 alkyl, cyano, -SO ₂ R ^d , -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , -SR ^d , -C(=O)-R ^g , where each of R ^d , R ^e and R ^f is independently hydrogen or Ci_6 alkyl and R ^g is hydrogen, Ci_6 alkyl, hydroxy or Ci_6 alkoxy;

In certain embodiments of formula II, Ar is phenyl optionally substituted by halo.

In certain embodiments, Ar is phenyl optionally substituted by fluoro. In certain embodiments of formula II, p is 0 or 1. In certain embodiments of formula II, p is 0.

In certain embodiments of formula II, X is -CR ^a R ^b -. In certain embodiments of formula II, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen. In certain embodiments of formula II, X is -C(O)-. In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 2. In certain embodiments of formula II, Ar is optionally substituted heteroaryl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, Ar is heteroaryl selected from thienyl, furanyl, pyridinyl and pyrimidinyl, each optionally substituted.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three, four, five or six-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ³ and R ⁴ together form =NR ^C wherein R ^c is hydrogen or Ci_6 alkyl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and the other is Ci_6alkylcarbonyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl-Ci-6 alkyl, hydroxy, or a five- or six-membered heteroaryl or heterocyclyl that contains one or two nitrogens.

In certain embodiments of formula II, one of R ³ and R ⁴ together with one of R ¹ and R ² and the atoms to which they are attached form a five or six-membered heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a guanidinyl group, an amidinyl group, a carbamyl group, or a urea group. In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a guanidinyl group or an amidinyl group.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three- to seven-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl. In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three- to seven-membered heterocyclic ring that includes an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three-membered heterocyclic ring. In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a four-membered heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a five-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl. In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a six-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1 and R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, and R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -CH ₂ -C(O)-R ¹¹ '. In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -C(O)-R\

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -CH ₂ -SO ₂ -R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula II, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -SO ₂ -R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!, and X is -CR ^a R ^b -.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!, X is -CR ^a R ^b -, and R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!, X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, and p is 0 or 1.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!, X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, p is 0 or 1, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', X is -CR ^a R ^b -, and R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl, R ² X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, and Yis -C(O)-.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - C(O)-, and r is 1. In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - C(O)-, r is 1, R ^h is C _h alky!, C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, amino, N-C _{1- δ} alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - C(O)-, and r is 0.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl, R ² X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - C(O)-, r is 0, R ^h is C _h alky!, C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, amino, N-C _{1- δ} alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, and Yis -SO ₂ -.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - SO ₂ -, and r is 1.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - SO ₂ -, r is 1, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3- 8 cycloalkyl, Ci_6alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-C _{1- δ} alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - SO ₂ -, and r is 0.

In certain embodiments of formula II, n is 1, R ³ and R ⁴ are hydrogen, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ X is -CR ^a R ^b -, R ^a and R ^b are hydrogen, Yis - SO ₂ -, r is 0, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3- 8 cycloalkyl, Ci_6alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-C _{1- δ} alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, and Ar is optionally substituted phenyl.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the compounds are of formula III:

wherein: q is from 0 to 4; each R ⁶ is independently halo, C _1-6 alkyl, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, hetero-

Ci_6 alkyl, cyano, -SO ₂ R ^d , -C(=O)-NR ^e R ^f , -SR ^d , -C(=O)-R ^g , where each of R ^d , R ^e and R ^f

is independently hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and R ^g is hydrogen, C _1-6 alkyl, hydroxy or C _1-6 alkoxy; and p, R ¹ , R ² , R ⁵ and R ⁶ are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² each independently is: hydrogen;

Ci-ealkyl; hydroxy-Ci-6 alkyl; -CH ₂ -C(O)-OCH ₃ ; -CH ₂ -C(O)-NH-CH ₃ ; or cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl or one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and the other is: cyano-C _1-6 alkyl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or wherein:

Yis -C(O)- or -SO ₂ -; r is O, 1 or 2; and R ^h is:

Ci_ ₆ alkyl; C ₃ _8 cycloalkyl;

Ci- ₆ alkoxy; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl; hydroxy; amino;

NH-Ci- ₆ alkylamino; N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino; hydroxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl wherein the hydroxy group may be acetylated; aryl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci_ ₆ alkyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a three- to seven- membered ring that optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

Preferably, "aryl" in the context of moieties R ¹ , R ² and R ^h , i.e. in the context of aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl, aryl or aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, denotes phenyl and naphthyl, in particular phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!.

In certain embodiments of formula III, p is 0 or 1. In certain embodiments of formula III, p is 0. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three, four, five or six-membered heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments of formula III, one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or Ci_ 6 alkyl and the other is Ci_6alkylcarbonyl, C3-8 cycloalkyl, aryl-Ci-6 alkyl, hydroxy, or a five- or six-membered heteroaryl or heterocyclyl that contains one or two nitrogens.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a guanidinyl group, an amidinyl group, a carbamyl group, or a urea group.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three- to seven-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three- to seven-membered heterocyclic ring that includes an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a three-membered heterocyclic ring. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a four-membered heterocyclic ring.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a five-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a six-membered heterocyclic ring that is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

In certain embodiments of formula III, q is 0 or 1 and R ⁷ is halo.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen and R ² is methyl.

In certain embodiments of formula III, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo, R ¹ is hydrogen and R ² is methyl.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a guanidinyl group or an amidinyl group. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -CH ₂ -C(O)-R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -C(O)-R\

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -CH ₂ -SO ₂ -R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl and R ² is -SO ₂ -R ¹¹ '. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!, and p is 0 or 1.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!, p is 0 or 1, and R ⁶ is halo.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, and R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h .

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', and Yis -C(O)-.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', Yis -C(O)-, and r is 1. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is -

(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', Yis -C(O)-, r is 1, and R ^h is Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C ₃ - ₈ cyclo alkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', Yis -C(O)-, r is 1, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', Yis -C(O)-, and r is O.

In certain embodiments of formula III, n is 1, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, Yis -C(O)-, r is 0, and R ^h is Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ):- Y-R\ Yis -C(O)-, r is 0, R ^h is Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ and Yis -SO ₂ -. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is -

(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ Yis -SO ₂ -, and r is 1.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ Yis -SO ₂ -, r is 1, and R ^h is Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino. In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is -

(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ Yis -SO ₂ -, r is 1, R ^h is Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C _3-S cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ Yis -SO ₂ -, and r is 0.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R\ Yis -SO ₂ -, r is 0, and R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-Ci_ ₆ alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino.

In certain embodiments of formula III, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _h alky!, R ² is - (CH ₂ ):- Y-R\ Yis -SO ₂ -, r is 0, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C ₃ _ ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the compounds are of formula IV:

wherein p, q, R ¹ , R ² , R ⁵ and R ⁶ are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments of formula IV, R ¹ and R ² each independently is:

hydrogen; Ci-ealkyl; hydroxy-Ci-6 alkyl; -CH ₂ -C(O)-OCH ₃ ; -CH ₂ -C(O)-NH-CH ₃ ; or cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl or one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and the other is: cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or wherein:

Yis -C(O)- or -SO ₂ -; r is O, 1 or 2; and R ^h is: Ci_ ₆ alkyl;

C3-8 cycloalkyl; Ci- ₆ alkoxy; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl; hydroxy; amino;

NH-Ci- ₆ alkylamino; N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino; hydroxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl wherein the hydroxy group may be acetylated; aryl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci_ ₆ alkyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a three- to seven- membered ring that optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

Preferably, "aryl" in the context of moieties R ¹ , R ² and R ^h , i.e. in the context of aryl-Ci-6 alkyl, aryl or aryl-Ci_6alkyloxy-Ci_6alkyl, denotes phenyl and naphthyl, in particular phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula IV, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl.

In certain embodiments of formula IV, p is 0 or 1.

In certain embodiments of formula IV, p is 0. In certain embodiments of formula IV, q is 0 or 1 and R ⁶ is halo.

In certain embodiments of formula IV, R ¹ is hydrogen and R ² is methyl.

In certain embodiments of formula IV, p is 0, q is 0 or 1, R ⁶ is halo, R ¹ is hydrogen and R is methyl.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the compounds are of formula V:

wherein p, q, R ¹ , R ² , R ⁵ and R ⁶ are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments of formula V, p is 0 or 1. In certain embodiments of formula V, p is 0. In certain embodiments of formula V, q is 0 or 1 and R ⁶ is halo.

In certain embodiments of formula V, R ¹ and R ² each independently is: hydrogen; Ci-ealkyl; hydroxy-Ci-6 alkyl; -CH ₂ -C(O)-OCH ₃ ;

-CH ₂ -C(O)-NH-CH ₃ ; or cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl or one of R ¹ and R ² is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl and the other is: cyano-C _1-6 alkyl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or wherein:

Yis -C(O)- or -SO ₂ -; r is 0, 1 or 2; and

R ^h is:

Ci_ ₆ alkyl; C3-8 cycloalkyl;

Ci- ₆ alkoxy; cyano-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl; hydroxy; amino;

NH-Ci- ₆ alkylamino; N,N-di-Ci- ₆ alkylamino; hydroxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl wherein the hydroxy group may be acetylated; aryl; aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or aryl-Ci- ₆ alkyloxy-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached may form a three- to seven- membered ring that optionally contains an additional heteroatom selected from N, O and S and which is optionally substituted with hydroxyl.

Preferably, "aryl" in the context of moieties R ¹ , R ² and R ^h , i.e. in the context of aryl-Ci-6 alkyl, aryl or aryl-Ci-6alkyloxy-Ci_6alkyl, denotes phenyl and naphthyl, in particular phenyl.

In certain embodiments of formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen and R ² is methyl. In certain embodiments of formula V, p is 0, q is 0 or 1, R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo, R ¹ is hydrogen and R ² is methyl.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ and R ² together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a guanidinyl group or an amidinyl group. In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-

₆ alkyl and R ² -(CH ₂ ) _r - Y-R ^h '.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl and R ² -CH ₂ -C(O)-R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl and R ² -C(O)-R\

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl and R ² -CH ₂ -SO ₂ -R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl and R ² -SO ₂ -R ¹¹ '.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl, and p is 0 or 1.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ and R ² each independently is hydrogen or C _h alky!, p is 0 or 1, and R ⁶ is halo. In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-

₆ alkyl, and R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h .

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1- alkyl, R ² and Yis -C(O)-.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ Yis -C(O)-, and r is 1.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-

_{6 6} aal ^' kyl, Yv- DR ^h .', v Y;is _^ r ». ; is„ D R ^hn is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, C _{1- δ} alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r - Y- R ^h ', Yis -C(O)-, r is 1, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ Yis -C(O)-, and r is 0. In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, n is 1, R ¹ is hydrogen or Ci_ ₆ alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ Yis -C(O)-, r is 0, and R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, C _{1- δ} alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1- ealkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', Yis -C(O)-, r is 0, R ^h is Ci_ ₆ alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-

6' alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ and Yis -SO ₂ -.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ Yis -SO ₂ -, and r is 1.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1- ealkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h ', Yis -SO ₂ -, r is 1, and R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1- ealkyl, R ² is -(CH ₂ ) _r - Y- R ^h ', Yis -SO ₂ -, r is 1, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C ₃ - ₈ cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy,

halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ are halo.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1- Yis -SO ₂ -, and r is 0.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1- Yis -SO ₂ -, r is 0, and R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino.

In certain embodiments of formula IV or formula V, R ¹ is hydrogen or C _{1- 6} alkyl, R ² is - (CH ₂ ),- Y-R\ Yis -SO ₂ -, r is 0, R ^h is C _1-6 alkyl, C _3-8 cycloalkyl, Ci_ ₆ alkoxy, halo-C _1-6 alkyl, amino, N-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino or N,N-di-Ci_ ₆ alkylamino, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1, and R ⁵ and R ⁶ aarree hhaalloo.. In certain embodiments of the invention, the compounds are of formula

VI:

wherein: p and q each independently is from 0 to 2; r is 0 or 1;

Yis -C(O)- or -SO ₂ -; R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; and R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ^h are as defined herein. In certain embodiments of the invention, the compounds are of formula

VII:

wherein: p and q each independently is from 0 to 2;

R ¹ is hydrogen or C _1-6 alkyl; and r, Y, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ^h are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the compounds are of formula

VIII:

wherein:

R ⁷ is: hydrogen; Ci-ealkyl; C3-8 cycloalkyl hetero-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci. ₆ alkyl; or -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h '; and p, q, r, Y, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ^h are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the compounds are of formula IX:

wherein:

R ⁷ is: hydrogen; Ci-ealkyl; C3-8 cycloalkyl hetero-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci- ₆ alkyl; or -(CH ₂ ) _r -Y-R ^h '; and p, q, r, Y, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ^h are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the compounds are of formula

IX:

wherein:

R ⁷ is: hydrogen; Ci_ ₆ alkyl;

C3-8 cycloalkyl hetero-Ci- ₆ alkyl; halo-Ci. ₆ alkyl; or p, q, r, Y, R ⁵ , R ⁶ and R ^h are as defined herein.

In certain embodiments of formula IX or formula X, R ⁷ is hydrogen or Ci-

₆ alkyl.

Where any of R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁶ , R ^a , R ^b , R ^c , R ^d , R ^e , R ^f R ^g or R ^h are alkyl or contain an alkyl moiety, such alkyl is preferably lower alkyl, i.e. Ci-C _ό alkyl, and more preferably Ci-C ₄ alkyl.

In any of the embodiments of formula IV and formula IV, when R ¹ or R ² is Ci- ₆ alkyl, it is preferably methyl.

Representative compounds in accordance with the methods of the invention are shown in Table 1. TABLE l

(R;-N-[7-(3-Fluoro- 414 benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl] -N-methyl- methanesulfonamide

(R;-l-[7-(3-Fluoro- 379 benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl] - 1-methyl-urea

(R;-l-[7-(3-Fluoro- 393 benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl] - 1,3- dimethyl-urea

(R) -Ethan esulfonic acid [7-(3- 427 fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)- chroman-2-ylmethyl] -methyl- amide

(Rj-2-{[7-(3-Huoro- 393 benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl] -methyl- amino }- acetamide

(RH7-(3-Fluoro- 394 benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl]-carbamic acid ethyl ester

(Rj-[7-(3-Huoro- 426 benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl] -( l-(R)-phenyl-ethyl)- amine

(Rj-l-[7-(3-Fluoro- 393 benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl] -3-methyl-urea

(R)-(7-Benzenesulfonyl- chroman-2-ylmethyl)-( 1-phenyl- 408 ethyl)- amine

(R)-I- [(7- Benzene sulfonyl- 362 chroman-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-(S)-

TABLE l

Synthesis

Compounds of the present invention can be made by a variety of methods depicted in the illustrative synthetic reaction schemes shown and described below.

The starting materials and reagents used in preparing these compounds generally are either available from commercial suppliers, such as Aldrich Chemical Co., or are prepared by methods known to those skilled in the art following procedures set forth in references such as Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis; Wiley & Sons: New York, 1991, Volumes 1- 15; Rodd's Chemistry of Carbon Compounds, Elsevier Science Publishers, 1989, Volumes 1-5 and Supplemental; and Organic Reactions, Wiley & Sons: New York, 1991, Volumes 1-40. The following synthetic reaction schemes are merely illustrative of some methods by which the compounds of the present invention can be

synthesized, and various modifications to these synthetic reaction schemes can be made and will be suggested to one skilled in the art having referred to the disclosure contained in this Application.

The starting materials and the intermediates of the synthetic reaction schemes can be isolated and purified if desired using conventional techniques, including but not limited to, filtration, distillation, crystallization, chromatography, and the like. Such materials can be characterized using conventional means, including physical constants and spectral data.

Unless specified to the contrary, the reactions described herein preferably are conducted under an inert atmosphere at atmospheric pressure at a reaction temperature range of from about -78 °C to about 150 °C, more preferably from about 0 °C to about 125 °C, and most preferably and conveniently at about room (or ambient) temperature, e.g., about 20 °C.

Generally, the compounds according to the invention may be synthesized in a process comprising the following steps: in a first step, a compound of formula (XI)

is reacted with a compound of formula (XII)

to give a compound of formula (Ia)

which is optionally oxidized to give a compound of formula (Ib)

which is optionally reduced to give a compound of formula (Ic) or (Id)

Ic Id or wherein compound Ib is subjected to Grignard reaction to give a compound of formula (Ie)

wherein Ar, R ¹ to R ⁵ , R ^a , m, n and p are as defined above.

In the following, the synthesis is described in more detail: Scheme A below illustrates one synthetic procedure usable to prepare compounds of the invention, wherein n, p, Ar, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , R ⁴ and R ⁵ are as defined herein.

SCHEME A

In Step 1 of Scheme A, arylthiol compound a is reacted with acetyl fluorophenol b in the presence mild base such as potassium carbonate, to provide an arylsulfanyl phenol compound c. Compound c is then treated with amino aldehyde d in step 2 to afford arylsulfanyl chromanone e. In step 3 the sulfanyl group of compound e is oxidized to yield arylsulfonyl chromanone f. Compound f can undergo reduction in step 4 to convert the carbonyl group of compound f to a methylene group and thus provide an arylsulfonyl chroman compound g. The reduction of step 4 may be carried out, for example, by hydrogenation in the presence Of Pd(OH) ₂ catalyst under acidic conditions. Alternatively, following step 5 under different reducing conditions such as hydrogenation in the presence of Pd/C, a hydroxychroman compound h may be obtained. In yet another alternative, a Grignard reaction may be carried out in step 6 with alkyl Grignard reagent R ^a MgX (R ^a is alkyl and X is halo), to afford compound i. Compounds g, h, and i are compounds of formula I in accordance with the invention.

Many variations are possible in the procedure of Scheme A. For example, one of R ¹ and R ² maybe a protecting group that is removed following step 4, 5 or 6. Further reaction of the group -NR ¹ R ² maybe carried out after step 4, 5 or 6. The oxidation of step 3 may be omitted to provide compounds where m is O, or oxidation conditions maybe varied to provide compounds where m is 1.

Scheme B below illustrates another synthetic procedure that may be used in preparation of compounds of the invention, wherein specific stereochemistry may be provided in the final product. The variables p, Ar, R ¹ , R ² and R ⁵ are as defined herein.

SCHEME B

In step 1 of Scheme B, sodium arylsulfinate j and fluorobenzaldehyde k are reacted to form arylsulfonyl benzaldehyde m. Compound m is treated in step 2 with methyl triphenylphosphoanylidine acetate to afford cinnamate compound n. In step 3 cinnamate n is treated with hydrogen in the presence of platinum dioxide to give the corresponding aryl priopionate compound o. Propionate o undergoes reduction in step 4 by treatment with diisobutyl aluminum hydride or like hydride reducing agent to afford aldehyde compound p_. In step 5 aldehyde p_ is reacted with trimethylsilylmethyl magnesium chloride to afford trimethylsilyl compound g. In step 6 compound g is treated with boron trifluoride etherate to give butenyl compound r. In step 7 compound r undergoes an enantioselective oxidation reaction in the presence of potassium osmate to yield diol compound s When the reaction of step 7 is carried out in the presence of hydroquinidine(anthraquinone-l,4-dyl) ether, one specific stereoisomer of the chiral center indicated by the asterix is obtained. Carrying out the oxidation of step 7 in the presence of hydroquinine(anthraquinone-l,4-dyl) ether yields the other stereoisomer, as shown in the Examples below.

In step 8, a ring closure is effected by treatment of diol s with palladium diacetate in the presence of 2[P(t-Bu)2]-l,l-binaphthyl, to afford chroman compound t. Chroman t is treated with tosyl chloride to form chroman tosylate u in step 9. In step 10, tosylate u is reacted with amine y to afford chroman w, which is a compound of formula I in accordance with the invention.

Many variations on the procedure of Scheme B are possible. In one such variation, tosyl chloride in step 9 is replaced with sodium azide to form the corresponding azido compound, which may then be reduced provide compound w wherein R ¹ and R ² are hydrogen.

Where R ¹ and R ² are hydrogen, the amino functionality of the compounds of the invention maybe subject to various reactions to afford monoalkylamino, dialkylamino, amidinyl, guanidinyl, imidazolinyl, imidazolinylamino, sulfonamide, carboxamide, urea, carbamate and other functionalities as shown in Scheme C.

SCHEME C

In Scheme C, arylsulfonyl chroman compound g may be protected, subject to methylation under reducing conditions, and then deprotected to provide methylamino compound x. Compound x may then be subject to another alkylation (not shown) to provide the corresponding dimethylamino or other dialkylamino compound.

Compound g may also be reacted with lH-pyrazol- 1-carboxamidine hydrochloride in the presence of amine catalyst under polar aprotic solvent conditions to afford guanidine compound y. Alternatively, compound g may be reacted with dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal to yield formamidine compound z. As yet another alternative, compound g may be treated with 2-methylsulfanyl-4,5-dihydro- IH-

imidazole to afford imidazolinylamino compound aa. In still another alternative, compound g maybe reacted with ethyl imidate (acetimidic acid ethyl ester) to provide acetamidine compound bb. In yet other alternatives, compound g may be treated with a sulfonyl chloride to afford sulfonamide compound cc, or may be treated with an acyl chloride to afford compound dd.

Specific details for producing compounds of the invention are described in the Examples section below.

Utility

The compounds of the invention have selective affinity for 5-HT receptors, including the 5-HT ₆ the 5-HT ₂ A receptor, or both, and as such are expected to be useful in the treatment of certain CNS disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, anxiety, depression, manic depression, psychosis, epilepsy, obsessive compulsive disorders, mood disorders, migraine, Alzheimer's disease (enhancement of cognitive memory), sleep disorders, feeding disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and obesity, panic attacks, akathisia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

(ADHD), attention deficit disorder (ADD), withdrawal from drug abuse such as cocaine, ethanol, nicotine and benzodiazepines, schizophrenia, and also disorders associated with spinal trauma and/or head injury such as hydrocephalus. Such compounds are also expected to be of use in the treatment of certain GI (gastrointestinal) disorders such functional bowel disorder and irritable bowel syndrome.

Testing

The pharmacology of the compounds of this invention was determined by art recognized procedures. The in vitro techniques for determining the affinities of test compounds at the 5-HT6 receptor and the 5-HT2A receptor in radioligand binding and functional assays are described below.

Administration and Pharmaceutical Composition

The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the present invention, or an individual isomer, racemic or non-racemic mixture of isomers or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and optionally other therapeutic and/or prophylactic ingredients.

In general, the compounds of the invention will be administered in a therapeutically effective amount by any of the accepted modes of administration for agents that serve similar utilities. Suitable dosage ranges are typically 1-500 mg daily, preferably 1- 100 mg daily, and most preferably 1-30 mg daily, depending upon numerous

factors such as the severity of the disease to be treated, the age and relative health of the subject, the potency of the compound used, the route and form of administration, the indication towards which the administration is directed, and the preferences and experience of the medical practitioner involved. One of ordinary skill in the art of treating such diseases will be able, without undue experimentation and in reliance upon personal knowledge and the disclosure of this Application, to ascertain a therapeutically effective amount of the compounds of the present invention for a given disease.

Compounds of the invention maybe administered as pharmaceutical formulations including those suitable for oral (including buccal and sub-lingual), rectal, nasal, topical, pulmonary, vaginal, or parenteral (including intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, subcutaneous and intravenous) administration or in a form suitable for administration by inhalation or insufflation. The preferred manner of administration is generally oral using a convenient daily dosage regimen which can be adjusted according to the degree of affliction. A compound or compounds of the invention, together with one or more conventional adjuvants, carriers, or diluents, maybe placed into the form of pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosages. The pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms maybe comprised of conventional ingredients in conventional proportions, with or without additional active compounds or principles, and the unit dosage forms may contain any suitable effective amount of the active ingredient commensurate with the intended daily dosage range to be employed. The pharmaceutical compositions may be employed as solids, such as tablets or filled capsules, semisolids, powders, sustained release formulations, or liquids such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, elixirs, or filled capsules for oral use; or in the form of suppositories for rectal or vaginal administration; or in the form of sterile injectable solutions for parenteral use. Formulations containing about one ( 1) milligram of active ingredient or, more broadly, about 0.01 to about one hundred ( 100) milligrams, per tablet, are accordingly suitable representative unit dosage forms.

The compounds of the invention maybe formulated in a wide variety of oral administration dosage forms. The pharmaceutical compositions and dosage forms may comprise a compound or compounds of the present invention or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof as the active component. The pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, pills, capsules, cachets, suppositories, and dispersible granules. A solid carrier may be one or more substances which may also act as diluents, flavouring agents, solubilizers,

lubricants, suspending agents, binders, preservatives, tablet disintegrating agents, or an encapsulating material. In powders, the carrier generally is a finely divided solid which is a mixture with the finely divided active component. In tablets, the active component generally is mixed with the carrier having the necessary binding capacity in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired. The powders and tablets preferably contain from about one (1) to about seventy (70) percent of the active compound. Suitable carriers include but are not limited to magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar, lactose, pectin, dextrin, starch, gelatine, tragacanth, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, a low melting wax, cocoa butter, and the like. The term "preparation" is intended to include the formulation of the active compound with encapsulating material as carrier, providing a capsule in which the active component, with or without carriers, is surrounded by a carrier, which is in association with it. Similarly, cachets and lozenges are included. Tablets, powders, capsules, pills, cachets, and lozenges maybe as solid forms suitable for oral administration. Other forms suitable for oral administration include liquid form preparations including emulsions, syrups, elixirs, aqueous solutions, aqueous suspensions, or solid form preparations which are intended to be converted shortly before use to liquid form preparations. Emulsions may be prepared in solutions, for example, in aqueous propylene glycol solutions or may contain emulsifying agents, for example, such as lecithin, sorbitan monooleate, or acacia. Aqueous solutions can be prepared by dissolving the active component in water and adding suitable colorants, flavors, stabilizers, and thickening agents. Aqueous suspensions can be prepared by dispersing the finely divided active component in water with viscous material, such as natural or synthetic gums, resins, methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and other well known suspending agents. Solid form preparations include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, and may contain, in addition to the active component, colorants, flavors, stabilizers, buffers, artificial and natural sweeteners, dispersants, thickeners, solubilizing agents, and the like.

The compounds of the invention maybe formulated for parenteral administration (e.g., by injection, for example bolus injection or continuous infusion) and may be presented in unit dose form in ampoules, pre- filled syringes, small volume infusion or in multi-dose containers with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, for example solutions in aqueous polyethylene glycol. Examples of oily or nonaqueous carriers, diluents, solvents or vehicles include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol,

vegetable oils (e.g., olive oil), and injectable organic esters (e.g., ethyl oleate), and may contain formulatory agents such as preserving, wetting, emulsifying or suspending, stabilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form, obtained by aseptic isolation of sterile solid or by lyophilization from solution for constitution before use with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile, pyrogen-free water. The compounds of the invention may be formulated for topical administration to the epidermis as ointments, creams or lotions, or as a transdermal patch. Ointments and creams may, for example, be formulated with an aqueous or oily base with the addition of suitable thickening and/or gelling agents. Lotions may be formulated with an aqueous or oily base and will in general also containing one or more emulsifying agents, stabilizing agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, or coloring agents. Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges comprising active agents in a flavored base, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert base such as gelatine and glycerine or sucrose and acacia; and mouthwashes comprising the active ingredient in a suitable liquid carrier.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated for administration as suppositories. A low melting wax, such as a mixture of fatty acid glycerides or cocoa butter is first melted and the active component is dispersed homogeneously, for example, by stirring. The molten homogeneous mixture is then poured into convenient sized molds, allowed to cool, and to solidify.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated for vaginal administration. Pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or sprays containing in addition to the active ingredient such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate. The subject compounds may be formulated for nasal administration. The solutions or suspensions are applied directly to the nasal cavity by conventional means, for example, with a dropper, pipette or spray. The formulations may be provided in a single or multidose form. In the latter case of a dropper or pipette, this may be achieved by the patient administering an appropriate, predetermined volume of the solution or suspension. In the case of a spray, this may be achieved for example by means of a metering atomizing spray pump.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated for aerosol administration, particularly to the respiratory tract and including intranasal administration. The compound will generally have a small particle size for example of the order of five (5) microns or less. Such a particle size may be obtained by means known in

the art, for example by micronization. The active ingredient is provided in a pressurized pack with a suitable propellant such as a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), for example, dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, or dichlorotetrafluoroethane, or carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. The aerosol may conveniently also contain a surfactant such as lecithin. The dose of drug may be controlled by a metered valve. Alternatively the active ingredients may be provided in a form of a dry powder, for example a powder mix of the compound in a suitable powder base such as lactose, starch, starch derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidine (PVP). The powder carrier will form a gel in the nasal cavity. The powder composition may be presented in unit dose form for example in capsules or cartridges of e.g., gelatine or blister packs from which the powder may be administered by means of an inhaler.

When desired, formulations can be prepared with enteric coatings adapted for sustained or controlled release administration of the active ingredient. For example, the compounds of the present invention can be formulated in transdermal or subcutaneous drug delivery devices. These delivery systems are advantageous when sustained release of the compound is necessary and when patient compliance with a treatment regimen is crucial. Compounds in transdermal delivery systems are frequently attached to an skin-adhesive solid support. The compound of interest can also be combined with a penetration enhancer, e.g., Azone ( l-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one). Sustained release delivery systems are inserted subcutaneously into the subdermal layer by surgery or injection. The subdermal implants encapsulate the compound in a lipid soluble membrane, e.g., silicone rubber, or a biodegradable polymer, e.g., polylactic acid. The pharmaceutical preparations are preferably in unit dosage forms. In such form, the preparation is subdivided into unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component. The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, the package containing discrete quantities of preparation, such as packeted tablets, capsules, and powders in vials or ampoules. Also, the unit dosage form can be a capsule, tablet, cachet, or lozenge itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any of these in packaged form. Other suitable pharmaceutical carriers and their formulations are described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy 1995, edited by E. W. Martin, Mack Publishing Company, 19th edition, Easton, Pennsylvania. Representative pharmaceutical formulations containing a compound of the present invention are described below.

EXAMPLES

The following preparations and examples are given to enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand and to practice the present invention. They should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, but merely as being illustrative and representative thereof. The following abbreviations may be used in the Examples. ABBREVIATIONS

DCM dichloromethane/methylene chloride

DMF N,N-dimethylformamide

DMAP 4-dimethylaminopyridine EtOAc ethyl acetate

EtOH ethanol tBuOH tert-butanol gc gas chromatography

HMPA hexamethylphosphoramide hplc high performance liquid chromatography mCPBA m-chloroperbenzoic acid

MeCN acetonitrile

MeOH methanol

NMP N-methyl pyrrolidinone TEA triethylamine

TFA triflu or o acetic acid

THF tetrahydrofuran

LDA lithium diisopropylamine

TLC thin layer chromatography LAH lithium aluminum hydride

Example 1

7-Benzenesulfonyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-4-one The synthetic procedure of Example 1 is outlined in Scheme D below.

SCHEME D

l-(2-Hvdroxy-4-phenylsulfanyl-phenyl)-ethanone To a solution of 4-fluoro-2-hydroxyacetophenone (3.083 g, 20 mmol) in NMP (50 niL) were added thiophenol (2.054 ml, 20 mmol) and K ₂ CO ₃ (8.293 g, 60 mmol). The reaction was heated at 110 ⁰ C overnight. Upon cooling the mixture was poured into water, acidified by addition of HCl (diluted) and extracted with Et ₂ O. The combined organic extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford l-(2-hydroxy-4-phenylsulfanyl-phenyl)-ethanone (4.980 g of oil) that was used for the next step without further purification. Step 2

Methyl-(4-oxo-7-phenylsulfanyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester To a solution of l-(2-hydroxy-4-phenylsulfanyl-phenyl)-ethanone (244 mg, 1 mmol) and methyl-(2-oxo-ethyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (259 mg, 1.5 mmol) (Tetrahedron 58, 2002, 1719-37) in toluene (25 mL) was added pyrrolidine (71 mg, 1 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 60 hours. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/Et ₂ O, 3/1) to give methyl- (4-oxo-7-phenylsulfanyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (134 mg, 34% yield) as clear oil. Step 3

^-Benzenesulfonyl^-oxo-chroman^-ylmethvD-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester To a solution of methyl-(4-oxo-7-phenylsulfanyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (200 mg, 0.5 mmol) in a mixture acetonitrile/methanol/water (1/1/1, 30 mL) was added oxone (922 mg, 1.5 mmol), and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The mixture was then diluted with water and the solid was filtered off. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to give (7-benzenesulfonyl-4-oxo- chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (186 mg, 86% yield) as yellow glass which was used without further purification for deprotection in the next step. Step 4 7-Benzenesulfonyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-4-one

To a solution of (7-benzenesuh ^c onyl-4-oxo-chroman-2-yl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert- butyl ester (180 mg, 0.417 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) at room temperature was added TFA (5 drops). The reaction was stirred for 4 h, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from acetone/hexane to give 7-Benzenesulfonyl-2-methylaminomethyl- chroman-4-one (69 mg, 50% yield) as the triflu or o acetic acid salt; Mp 157.8-189.6 ⁰ C

Example 2

7-Benzenesulfonyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-4-ol The synthetic procedure of Example 1 is outlined in Scheme E below.

SCHEMEE

Step 1

(7-Benzenesulfonyl-4-hvdroxy-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-c arbamic acid tert-butyl ester

To a solution of (7-benzenesuh ^c onyl-4-oxo-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (216 mg, 0.5 mmol) in MeOH (40 mL) was added Pd/C ( 10%, 20 mg) and the mixture was stirred under balloon pressure of H ₂ overnight. The reaction was filtered through a celite pad and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified

via flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH, 99/1) to give (7-benzenesulfonyl-4-hydroxy- chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (159 mg, 74 % yield). Step 2

7-Benzenesulfonyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-4-ol

To a solution of (7-benzenesuh ^c onyl-4-hydroxy-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (154 mg, 0.355 mmol) in DCM (25 mL) was added TFA (0.5 mL). The reaction was stirred for 4 h at RT, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from acetone/hexane plus 1 drop of EtOAc to give 7-benzenesulfonyl-2- methylamino-chroman-4-ol triflu or o acetate (74 mg, 63% yield) as white powder; Mp 165.4-167.3 ⁰ C. Example 3

(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl- amine The synthetic procedure of Example 1 is outlined in Scheme F below.

SCHEMEF

Step 1

(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester To a solution of (7-benzenesuh ^c onyl-4-oxo-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (155 mg, 0.359 mmol) in MeOH (50 mL) were added Pd(OH) ₂ (10 mg) and HCl (concentrated, 5 drops) the mixture was shaken into a Parr apparatus under H ₂ atmosphere (50 PSI) for 3 hours. The reaction was filtered through a celite pad and the filtrate was neutralized with Na ₂ Cθ ₃ . The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue purified via flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH, 99/1) to give (7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester ( 147 mg, 98% yield) as a clear glass. Step 2

(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethvl)-methyl- amine

To a solution of ^-benzenesulfonyl-chroman^-ylmethyO-methyl-carbamic acid tert- butyl ester (125 mg, 0.299 mmol) in DCM (25 rnL) was added TFA (0.5 rnL). The reaction was stirred for 4 h at RT, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was recrystallized from acetone/hexane plus EtOAc to give (7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2- ylmethyl)-methyl-amine (76 mg, 80% yield) as white needles: Mp 196.2-198.2 ⁰ C.

Example 4

7-Benzenesulfonyl-4-methyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-4- ol The synthetic procedure of Example 1 is outlined in Scheme G below.

SCHEME G

Step 1

(7-Benzenesulfonyl-4-hvdroxy-4-methyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-me thyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester To a solution of (7-benzenesuh ^c onyl-4-oxo-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (216 mg, 0.5 mmol) in THF (25 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was added MeMgCl (3.0 M in THF, 0.208 mL). The mixture was allowed to warm at room temperature and was stirred for 6 hours. The reaction was quenched by addition of water and it was concentrated in vacuo. The aqueous residue was extracted with DCM and the organic extracts were dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH, 97/3) to give (7-benzenesulfonyl-4-hydroxy-4-methyl- chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (214 mg, 96% yield) as yellow crystalline solid. Step 2 7-Benzenesulfonyl-4-methyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-4-ol

To a solution of (7-benzenesuh ^c onyl-4-hydroxy-4-methyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl- carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (212 mg, 0.474 mmol) in DCM ( 10 mL) was added TFA ( 1 mL). The reaction was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature, then concentrated in

vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH/TEA) to give 7- benzenesulfonyl-4-methyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-4-ol (63 mg, 38% yield) as a trifluoroacetate salt: Mp 163.9-165.3 ⁰ C.

Example 5

7-Benzenesulfonyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-8-carboxyli c acid methylamide The synthetic procedure of Example 1 is outlined in Scheme H below.

SCHEME H

Step 1 7-Benzenesulfonyl-2-r(tert-butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-meth yll-chroman-8- carboxylic acid

To a solution of (7-benzenesuh ^c onyl-4-oxo-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (141 mg, 0.338 mmol) in THF (15 mL) cooled at -78°C was added t-BuIi (1.7M in hexanes, 0.68 mL) drop wise. The reaction was allowed to warm to 0 ⁰ C for 3 hours, then it was quenched with CO ₂ (gas) and diluted with water. The volatiles were removed in vacuo and the aqueous residue was washed with Et ₂ O and then acidified to give a white precipitate that was filtered and dried to afford 7-benzenesulfonyl-2-[(tert- butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-methyl]-chroman-8-carboxylic acid (55 mg, 35% yield) as a white powder. Step 2

(7-Benzenesulfonyl-8-methylcarbamoyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)- methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester

To a solution of 7-benzenesulfonyl-2-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl-methyl-amino)-meth yl]- chroman-8-carboxylic acid (52 mg, 0.113 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added SOCl ₂ (25 DL, 0.339 mmol) . The reaction was heated to reflux for 2 hours, then a solution of MeNH ₂ (40% in water, 0.5 mL) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was added and the mixture was allowed to stir for 1 hour. The reaction was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was

purified via flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH, 98/2) to give (7-benzenesulfonyl-8- methylcarbamoyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (52 mg, 98% yield) as clear oil. Step 3 7-Benzenesulfonyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-8-carboxylic acid methylamide To a solution of (7-benzenesulfonyl-8-methylcarbamoyl-chroman-2-yl)-methyl- carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (52 mg, 0.109 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added TFA (0.5 mL) at RT. The reaction was stirred for 4 h and then it was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH/TEA) affording 7- benzenesulfonyl-2-methylaminomethyl-chroman-8-carboxylic acid methylamide ( 15 mg, 37% yield) as a tan oil; MS (M+H) = 375.

Example 6

( (R) -7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl) -methyl- amine The synthetic procedure of Example 6 is outlined in Scheme I below.

SCHEMEI

Step 1

4-Benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-benzaldehyde A mixture of 2-bromo-4-fluorobenzaldeyde ( 10.2 g, 50 mmol) and sodium benzenesulfinate (8.21 g, 50 mmol) in DMSO (100 mL) was heated at 125°C overnight.

Upon cooling the mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 4/1) to give 4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-benzaldehyde (5.26 g, 32% yield) as white crystalline solid.

Step 2

(E)-3-(4-Benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-acryric acid methyl ester

To a solution of 4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-benzaldehyde (7/47 g, 23.0 mmol) in toluene (100 niL) was added methyl (triphenylphosporanylidene)acetate (7.68 g, 23.0 mmol) under Ar atmosphere at RT. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc) to afford (E)-3-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)- acrylic acid methyl ester (8.52 g) in mixture with some Z isomer. Step 3

3- (4- Benzenesurfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl) -propionic acid methyl ester To a solution of (E)-3-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-acrylic acid methyl ester (8.52 g) in a mixture EtOH/THF (2/1, 150 mL) was added under N ₂ atmosphere PtO ₂ (0.45 g). A balloon filled with H ₂ was set up and N ₂ was replaced with H ₂ , the reaction was then stirred for 4h 30 min. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 85/15) affording 3- (4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl) -propionic acid methyl ester (6.73 g). Step 4

3-(4-Benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-propionaldehvde

To a solution of 3-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-propionic acid methyl ester (6.73 g, 17.6 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) was added diisobutyl aluminum hydride (l.OM in toluene, 17.6 mL) at -78 ⁰ C under Argon. The reaction was maintained at -78 ⁰ C for 90 minutes, and MeOH (7 mLca.) was then added at -78 ⁰ C. he mixture was allowed to warm to room tempearture. HCl (2M) was added and the mixture was extracted twice with DCM. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 8/2) affording 3-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-propionaldehyde (4.57 g, 74% yield). Step 5

4-(4-Benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-l-trimethylsilanyl-buta n-2-ol To a solution of 3-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-propionaldehyde (4.77 g, 13.5 mmol) in THF (40 mL) was added trimethylsilylmethylmagnesium chloride ( IM in Et ₂ O, 27.3 mL) at -78°C under Argon atmosphere. The reaction was allowed to reach 0 ⁰ C and was stirred for 3 hours, then quenched by addition of buffer pH=2 KHSO ₄ ZNa ₂ SO ₄ (10%) at O ⁰ C. The mixture was extracted 3 times with EtOAc and the combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 8/2) to afford 4-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2- bromo-phenyl)-l-trimethylsilanyl-butan-2-ol (4.60 g, 77% yield).

Step ό

4-Benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo- l-but-3-enyl-benzene

To a solution of 4-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)- l-trimethylsilanyl-butan-2-ol (4.38 g) in DCM (80 mL) was added BF ₃ -OEt ₂ (3.76 mL) at O ⁰ C under N ₂ atmosphere. The reaction was stirred at O ⁰ C for 1 h it was then quenched by addition of NaHCO ₃ (saturated solution). The mixture was extracted twice with DCM and the combined extracts were washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 9/1) to afford 4- benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo- l-but-3-enyl-benzene (3.38 g, 93% yield). Step 7

(R)-4-(4-Benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-butane- l,2-diol A solution of potassium osmate dihydrate ( 1.19 mg, 0.0034 mmol), hydroquinidine (anthraquinone- l,4-diyl) diether (7.32 mg, 0.00851 mmol), potassium ferricyanide (843 mg, 2.55 mmol) and K ₂ CO ₃ (357 mg, 2.55 mmol) in t-BuOH/H ₂ O (3.5mI74.5mL) was cooled to 0 ⁰ C and a solution of 4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo- l-but-3-enyl-benzene (299 mg, 0.851 mmol) in t-BuOH ( 1 mL) was added. The reaction was maintained at 0 ⁰ C for 18 hours, then Na ₂ SO ₃ (0.68 g) was added at 0 ⁰ C. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and water was added. The mixture was extracted twice with EtOAc, and the combined extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography

(hexane/EtOAc) to afford (R)-4-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-butane- l,2-diol ( 193 mg) with 86% ee. Chiral column: Chiralpak AS analytical, hexane/isopropanol (75/25), 1.1 mlVrnin flow rate. Step 8 ( (R) -7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl) -methanol

To a solution of (R)-4-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-butane- l,2-diol ( 1.71 g) in THF ( 15 mL) were added palladium acetate (30 mg), racemic 2[P(t-Bu)2]- l,l- binaphthyl (53.1 mg) and K ₃ PO ₄ ( 1.42 g) under Argon atmosphere. The reaction was heated at reflux for 48 hours; then water was added and the mixture was extracted 3 times with EtOAc. The combined organic extracts were washed with brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 6/4) to afford ( (R) -7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl) -methanol ( 1.20 g).

Step 9

Toluene-4-sulfonic acid (R)-7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester To a solution of ((R) -V-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl) -methanol (202 mg, 0.663 mol) in DCM (3 rnL) were added p-toluensolfonyl chloride (133 mg, 0.696 mmol), triethylamine (0.139 mL, 0.995 mmol) and dimethylaminopyridine (8.1 mg, 0.0663 mmol) at room temperature under Argon atmosphere. The reaction was stirred for 7 hours, then water was added and the mixture was extracted twice with DCM. The combined organic extracts were dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc, 7/3) to afford toluene-4-sulfonic acid (R)-7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester (278 mg, 91% yield). Step 10

( (R) -7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl) -methyl- amine

A solution of toluene-4-sulfonic acid (R)-7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester (274 mg, 0.6 mmol) and MeNH ₂ (2M in THF, 5 mL) was heated at 100 ⁰ C under microwave conditions for 6 hours. MeNH ₂ (40% in water, 2 mL) was then added and the mixture was heated at 100 ⁰ C under microwave conditions overnight. NaOH (10%) was added and the mixture was extracted 3 times with DCM. The combined organic extracts were washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified via flash chromatography to afford the desired product ( 172 mg) . The product was recrystallized from DCM affording 8 mg ((R)-7-benzenesulfonyl- chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-amine with 79% ee and from the evaporation of the mother liquors were recovered an additional 164 mg. Recrystallation from ethanolic HCl yielded the corresponding hydrochloride salt, Mp 271.8-273.0 ⁰ C. Similarly, but using sodium 3-fluoro-phenyl sulfinate instead of sodium benzenesulfinate, [(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl] -methyl- amine was prepared. MP: 259.0-261.0 ⁰ C; MS (M+H) = 336.

Example 7

((S)-7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl- amine The synthetic procedure of Example 7 is outlined in Scheme F below.

SCHEMEF

Step 1

(S)-4-(4-Benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-butane-l,2-diol (S)-4-(4-Benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-butane- 1,2-diol was prepared following the procedure described for the corresponding (R) enantiomer in step 7 of Example 6, but substituting hydroquinine (anthraquinone-l,4-diyl) diether with hydroquinidine (anthraquinone- 1,4-diyl) diether. Step 2 ((S)-7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methanol

((S)-7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methanol was prepared following the procedure described for the corresponding (R) enantiomer in step 8 of Example 6, but substituting (S)-4-(4-benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-butane- 1,2-diol for (R)-4-(4- benzenesulfonyl-2-bromo-phenyl)-butane- 1,2-diol. Step 3

Toluene-4-sulfonic acid (S)-7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester Toluene-4- sulfonic acid (S)-7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester was prepared following the procedure described for the corresponding (R) enantiomer in step 9 of Example 6, but substituting ((S)-7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methanol for ((R)-7- benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl) -methanol.

Step 4

((S)-7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl- amine ((S)-7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-amine was prepared as a hydrochloride salt following the procedure described for the corresponding (R) enantiomer in step 10 of Example 6, but substituting ((S)-7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2- ylmethyl) -methyl- amine for ( (R) -7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl) -methyl- amine: Mp 270.0-270.4 ⁰ C.

Example 8

C-r(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yll-methyla mine The synthetic procedure of Example 8 is outlined in Scheme G below.

SCHEME G

Step 1 Methanesulfonic acid (R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester

To a solution of [7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yl] -methanol (10.0 g, 0.032 mol) in 200 mL of methylene chloride at -10 ⁰ C was added methanesulfonyl chloride (2.76 mL, 0.036 mol) and triethylamine (4.95 mL, 0.036 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred for one hour at - 10 ⁰ C and was then quenched by addition of 10% aqueous NaHCC" ₃ . The organic layer was separated, washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexanes:EtOAc 85:15) to give 11.35 g (92%) of methanesulfonic acid (R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester. Step 2 C-r(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yll -methyl azide To a solution of methanesulfonic acid (R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl ester (2.0 g, 4.99 mmol) in 30 mLof NMP was added sodium azide (1.55 g, 0.024 mol). The reaction mixture was heated to 75° C with stirring for two hours. The reaction was quenched by addition of water, and the resulting mixture was extracted with diethyl ether. The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried

(Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (hexanes:EtO Ac 3:2) to give 1.76 g (quantitative) of C-[(R)-7-(3- fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yl] -methyl azide. Step 3 C-r(R)-7-(3-Huoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yll-methylamine To a solution of C-[(R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yl] -methyl azide (1.76 g, 5.07 mmol) in 30 mLof THF was added 10% Pd/C (0.176 g). The reaction mixture was hydrogenated at 1.5 atmospheric pressure of hydrogen for 18 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrated was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (methylene chloride/MeOH 7:3) to give 1.53 g (94 %) of C-[(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yl]-methylamin e. MP = 257.1- 258.9 ⁰ C; MS (M+H) = 322.

Example 9 r(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesuh ^c onyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyll -methyl- amine The synthetic procedure of Example 9 is outlined in Scheme H

SCHEME H

A mixture of methanesulfonic acid (R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2- ylmethyl ester (1.145 g, 2.86 mmol) and methylamine hydrate (lO.mL) was heated in a sealed tube at 100 ⁰ C for 24 hours. The mixture was cooled and extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (methylene chloride:MeOH 4:1) to give 0.932 g (97%) of [(R)-7- (3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl]-methyl-amine. MP = 259.0-261.0 ⁰ C; MS (M+H) = 336.

Example 10 2- {r(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyll -methyl-amino |-acetamide

The synthetic procedure of Example 10 is outlined in Scheme I below.

To a solution of [(R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl]-methyl -amine (0.08 g, 0.2.8 mmol) in dry DMF (2 mL) was added triethylamine (0.1 mL, 0.72 mmol)

and 3-bromoacetamide (0.32 g, 0.24 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for six hours at 60 ⁰ C, then cooled and quenched by addition of water. The reaction mixture was extracted with diethyl ether, and the combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried (MgSO ₄ ), filtered and contrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash chromatography (MeOH/methylene chloride 1/4) gave 0.08 g of 2- {[(R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl] -methyl-amino }-acetamide as a foam. MS (M+H) = 393.

Similarly prepared from (R)-(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-amine was (R) -2- [(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl) -methyl- amino] -acetamide, MS (M+H) = 375.

Similarly prepared from (R)-C-(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methylamine was (R)- 2-[(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-acetamide, MS (M+H) = 361.

Example 11 2-{r(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyll-ami no|-N-methyl- acetamide

The synthetic procedure of Example 11 is outlined in Scheme J.

SCHEME J To a solution of C-[(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yl]-methylamin e (0.07 g, 0.22 mmol) and 2-chloro-N-methylacetamide (0.023 g, 0.22 mmol) in dry DMF (3 mL) in a sealable tube was added triethylamine (0.1 mL, 0.72 mmol) and NaI (0.01 g). The tube was sealed and heated for four hours at 80 ⁰ C, then cooled and quenched by addition of water. The reaction mixture was extracted EtOAc, and the combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and contrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash chromatography (EtOAc: MeOH 99:1 to 97:3) gave 0.044 g of 2-{[(R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl]- amino}-N-methyl- acetamide as a foam. MS (M+H) = 393.

Example 12 l-r(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyll-3-me thyl-urea

The synthetic procedure of Example 1 is outlined in Scheme K.

SCHEME K

To a solution of C-[(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yl]-methylamin e (0.130 g, 0.405 mmol) in methylene chloride (10 rnL) at 0 ⁰ C was added methyl isocyanate (0.115 g, 2.03 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour, and was then quenched by addition of MeOH. The mixture was partitioned between water and methylene chloride, and the organic phase was washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and contrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash chromatography (hexanes:EtOAc 1:9) gave 0.153 g of l-[(R)-7-(3-fluoro- benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl]-3-methyl-urea as a foam. MS (M+H) = 379. Similarly prepared from (R)-C-(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methylamine was (R)- l-(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-3-methyl-urea, MS (M+H) = 361.

Example 13

N-r(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyll-m ethanesulfonamide The synthetic procedure of Example 13 is outlined in Scheme L.

SCHEMEL

To a solution of C-[(R)-7-(3-Fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-yl]-methylamin e (0.28 g, 0.871 mmol) in methylene chloride (10 mL) was added triethylamine (0.363 mL, 0.26 mmol.) and methanesulfonyl chloride (0.071 g, 0.915 mmol) The mixture was stirred at room temperature for two hours, and was then quenched by addition of water. The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride, and the combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash chromatography (hexanes:EtO Ac 1:1) gave 0.296 g of N-[(R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl]- methanesulfonamide as a foam. MS (M+H) = 400.

Example 14

(R)-l-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-pyrrolidin-3 -ol The synthetic procedure of Example 14 is outlined in Scheme M.

SCHEMEM

Methanesulfonic acid (R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester (0.052 g, 0.13 mmol), (R)-3-hydroxypyrrolidine (0.035 g) and NMP (0.5 rnL were sealed in a tube and heated to 110 ⁰ C for 18 hours. The raction mixture was cooled and partitioned between water and diethyl ether. The organic layer was dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give 40.6 mg of (R)-l-(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-pyrrolidin-3-ol , MS (M+H) = 374.

Example 15

(R)-N-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-2-hydroxy-ac etamide The synthetic procedure of Example 15 is outlined in Scheme N.

SCHEME N

Step 1 N-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-2-benzyloxy-acetami de (R)-C-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methylamine (130 mg, 0.43 mmol) triethylamine (0.3 mL) and benzyloxy acetyl chloride 77 uL) were added to 3 mL methylene chloride at 0 ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for three hours and then quenched by addition of water. The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and contrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash chromatography gave 4.34 mg of (R)-N-(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2- ylmethyl)-2-benzyloxy-acetamide. Step 2 (R)-N-(7-Benzenesuh ^c onyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-2-hydroxy-acetamide

(R)-N-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-2-benzyloxy- acetamide (100 mg, 0.22 mmol) and Perlman's catalyst (12 mg) were added to 15 mLMeOH and hydrogenated for 18 hours at 1.5 atmospheres of hydrogen. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography to give 18. 7 g of (R)-N-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-2- hydroxy-acetamide, MS (M+H) = 362.

Example 16

(R)-2-r(7-Benzenesuh ^c onyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-aminol-ethanol The synthetic procedure of Example 16 is outlined in Scheme O.

SCHEME O

(R)-r(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-aminol -acetic acid methyl ester

(R)-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-amine (81 mg, 2.6 mmol) and triethylamine (0.2 mL) were added to 0. 5mL NMP and the mixture was cooled to 0 ⁰ C with stirring. Methyl 2-bromoacetate (26 uL) was added, and the reaction mixture was stirred for two hours at room temperature, then quenched by addition of water. The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and contrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash chromatography gave 40 mg of (R)-[(7- benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-amino] -acetic acid methyl ester.

Step 2 (R)-2-r(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl-aminol- ethanol

(R)-[(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-acetic acid methyl ester (40 mg, 1 mmol) was dissolved in 2 mL dry THF under Ar atmosphere. LAH (0.25 mL of IM solution in THF) was added dropwise, and the reaction mixture was stirred for one hour. The reaction was quenched by addition of aqueous sodium sulfate solution. The mixture was extracted with methylene chloride and the combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and contrated under reduced pressure. The residue was recrystallized from diethyl ether and 1 M HCl in EtOH to give 32.2 mg of

(R)-2-[(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl- amino] -ethanol as a hydrochloride, MS (M+H) = 362.

Example 17

(R)-N-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-2-(R)-hvdrox y-propionamide The synthetic procedure of Example 16 is outlined in Scheme P.

Step i

SCHEME P

Step 1 (R) -Acetic acid l-r(7-benzenesuh ^c onyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-carbamoyll- ethyl ester (R)-C-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methylamine (57 mg, 0.19 mmol) triethylamine (0.02 mL) and acetic acid l-(R)-chlorocarbonyl-ethyl ester were added to 1 mL methylene chloride, and the mixture was stirred for two hours at room temperature. The reaction was quenched by addition of water, and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were washed with water and brine, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and contrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the residue by flash chromatography gave 7.59 mg of (R) -acetic acid l-[(7-benzenesulfonyl- chroman-2-ylmethyl) -carbamoyl] -ethyl ester.

Step 2 (R)-N-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyi)-2-(R)-hydroxy- propionamide (R) -Acetic acid l-[(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-carbamoyl]-ethyl ester (7.59 mg) was dissolved in 1 mLMeOH, and water (0.25 mL) and IiOH (200 mg) were added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for two hours, then quenched by addition of water. Crystals formed and were collected by filtration, washed with water and dried under vacuum to give 37 mg of (R)-N-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2- ylmethyl)-2-(R)-hydroxy-propionamide. MP = 129.5-131.5 ° C; MS (M-H) = 374.

Example 18 (R)-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-((R)-l-phenyl-eth yl)-amine

The synthetic procedure of Example 18 is outlined in Scheme Q.

SCHEME Q

Methanesulfonic acid (R)-7-(3-fluoro-benzenesulfonyl)-chroman-2-ylmethyl ester (1.43 g, 3.7 mmol) and (R)-l-phenyl ethylamine (3 mL) were added to NMP (5 mL), and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 hours at 110 ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, quenched by addition of water, and made basic to pH 14 by addition of IM aqueous NaOH. The mixture was extracted with diethyl ether, and the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (0-30% EtOAc/hexanes) to give 1.2 g of (R)-(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-((R)-l- phenyl-ethyl)-aminel, MS (M+H) = 408.

Example 19

(R) -(7-Benzenesurfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl) -urea The synthetic procedure of Example 19 is outlined in Scheme R.

SCHEME R

C-(R)-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methylamine (0.047 g, 0.15 mmol) was added to a mixture of 1 mLEtOH, 0.1 mLHOAc and 0.2 mL water. The mixture was cooled in an ice bath, and 0.2 mL of 20% aqueous KOCN was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for two hours at room temperature, then extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with water, evaporated under reduced pressure, and the residue was taken up in MeOH/methylene chloride (1:1), dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure to give 0.03 g of (R)-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman- 2-ylmethyl)-urea, MS (M+H) = 347.

Example 20

(R)-r(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-aminol-aceton itrile The synthetic procedure of Example 20 is outlined in Scheme S.

SCHEME S

C-(R)-(7-Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methylamine (0.053 g, 0.175 mmol) and triethylamine (0.2 niL) were added to 2 rnL methylene chloride, and the mixture was cooled to 0 ⁰ C. Bromoacetamide ( 12 mL) was added dropwise to the cold stirring solution, and stirring was continued at room temperature for 18 hours. The reaction was quenched by addition of water and extracted with methylene chloride. The combined organic layers were dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (MeOH/methylene chloride 0:1 to 2.5:1) to give 0.034 g of (R)-[(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-amino]- acetonitrile, MS (M+H) = 343.

Example 21 Formulations Pharmaceutical preparations for delivery by various routes are formulated as shown in the following Tables. "Active ingredient" or "Active compound" as used in the Tables means one or more of the Compounds of Formula I.

Composition for Oral Administration

The ingredients are mixed and dispensed into capsules containing about 100 mg each; one capsule would approximate a total daily dosage.

Composition for Oral Administration

The ingredients are combined and granulated using a solvent such as methanol. The formulation is then dried and formed into tablets (containing about 20 mg of active compound) with an appropriate tablet machine.

Composition for Oral Administration

The ingredients are mixed to form a suspension for oral administration.

Parenteral Formulation

The active ingredient is dissolved in a portion of the water for injection. A sufficient quantity of sodium chloride is then added with stirring to make the solution isotonic. The solution is made up to weight with the remainder of the water for injection, filtered through a 0.2 micron membrane filter and packaged under sterile conditions.

Suppository Formulation

The ingredients are melted together and mixed on a steam bath, and poured into molds containing 2.5 g total weight.

Topical Formulation

All of the ingredients, except water, are combined and heated to about 6O ⁰ C with stirring. A sufficient quantity of water at about 6O ⁰ C is then added with vigorous stirring to emulsify the ingredients, and water then added q.s. about 100 g.

Nasal Spray Formulations

Several aqueous suspensions containing from about 0.025-0.5 percent active compound are prepared as nasal spray formulations. The formulations optionally contain inactive ingredients such as, for example, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, dextrose, and the like. Hydrochloric acid may be added to adjust pH. The nasal spray formulations may be delivered via a nasal spray metered pump typically delivering about 50- 100 microliters of formulation per actuation. A typical dosing schedule is 2-4 sprays every 4- 12 hours.

Example 22

Radioligand binding studies

This example illustrates in vitro radioligand binding studies of compound of formula I. The binding activity of compounds of this invention in vitro was determined as follows. Duplicate determinations of 5-HT ₆ ligand affinity were made by competing for binding of [ ³ H]LSD in cell membranes derived from HEK293 cells stably expressing recombinant human 5-HT ₆ receptor. Duplicate determinations of 5-HT _2A ligand affinity were made by competing for binding of [ ³ H] Ketan serin (3-(2-(4-(4- fluorobenzoyl)piperidinol)ethyl)-2,4( lH,3H)-quinazolinedione) in cell membranes

derived from CHO-Kl cells stably expressing recombinant human 5-HT _2A receptor. Membranes were prepared from HEK 293 cell lines by the method described by Monsma et al., Molecular Pharmacology, Vol. 43 pp. 320-327 (1993), and from CHO-Kl cell lines as described by Bonhaus et al., Br J Pharmacol. Jun;l 15(4) :622-8 ( 1995) . For estimation of affinity at the 5-HT ₆ receptor, all determinations were made in assay buffer containing 50 mM Tris-HCl, 10 mM MgSO ₄ , 0.5 mM EDTA, 1 mM ascorbic acid, pH 7.4 at 37 ⁰ C, in a 250 microliter reaction volume. For estimation of affinity at the 5-HT _2A receptor all determinations were made in assay buffer containing 50 mM Tris-HCl, 5 mM ascorbic acid, 4 mM CaC12, pH 7.4 at 32 ⁰ C, in a 250 microliter reaction volume.

Assay tubes containing [ ³ H] LSD or [ ³ H] Ketan serin (5 nM), competing ligand, and membrane were incubated in a shaking water bath for 75 min. at 37 ⁰ C (for 5- HT ₆ ) or 60 min. at 32°C (for 5-HT _2A ), filtered onto Packard GF-B plates (pre-soaked with 0.3% PEI) using a Packard 96 well cell harvester and washed 3 times in ice cold 50 mM Tris-HCl. Bound [ ³ H] LSD or [ ³ H] Ketan serin were determined as radioactive counts per minute using Packard TopCount.

Displacement of [ ³ H]LSD or [ ³ H] Ketan serin from the binding sites was quantified by fitting concentration-binding data to a 4-parameter logistic equation:

Bmax - basal binding = basal + l ₊ lQ-Hιll(log[hgand]-logIC ₅₀ where Hill is the Hill slope, [ligand] is the concentration of competing radioligand and IC ₅₀ is the concentration of radioligand producing half-maximal specific binding of radioligand. The specific binding window is the difference between the Bmax and the basal parameters.

Using the procedures of this Example, compounds of Formula I were tested and found to be selective 5-HT ₆ antagonists, selective 5-HT _2A antagonists, or both. For example, the compound ( _l S)-(7-benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-ylmethyl)-methyl- amine exhibted a pKi of approximately 10.0 for the 5-HT6 receptor, and a pKi of approximately 7.25 for the 5-HT2A receptor. Further, the compound (R)-(7- Benzenesulfonyl-chroman-2-yl)-methanol exhibted a pKi of approximately 9.07 for the 5- HT6 receptor.

In the following rable, examples for the pKi values for the 5-HT6 receptor are shown:

Example 23

Cognition Enhancement

The cognition-enhancing properties of compounds of the invention may be in a model of animal cognition: the object recognition task model. 4-month-old male Wistar rats (Charles River, The Netherlands) were used. Compounds were prepared daily and dissolved in physiological saline and tested at three doses. Administration was always given i.p. (injection volume 1 ml/kg) 60 minutes before Tl. Scopolamine hydrobromide was injected 30 minutes after compound injection. Two equal testing groups were made of 24 rats and were tested by two experimenters. The testing order of doses was determined randomly. The experiments were performed using a double blind protocol. All rats were treated once with each dose condition. The object recognition test was performed as described by Ennaceur, A, Delacour, J., 1988, A new one-trial test for neurobio logical studies of memory in rats. 1: Behavioral data. Behav. Brain Res. 31, 47- 59.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made and equivalents maybe substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made

to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto.