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Title:
AZETIDINIMINES AS CARBAPENEMASES INHIBITORS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/042233
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present application relates to novel azetidinimine of formula (I). Wherein R1-R6 are as defined in claim 1. The azetidinimine of the invention are useful as antibiotics and as inhibitors of a carbapenemases. The present invention thus further relates totheir use in antibiotic therapies and their methods of synthesis.

Inventors:
DODD ROBERT (FR)
CARIOU KEVIN (FR)
MINARD CORINNE (FR)
IORGA BOGDAN-IULIU (FR)
NAAS THIERRY (FR)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2016/071115
Publication Date:
March 16, 2017
Filing Date:
September 07, 2016
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
CENTRE NAT DE LA RECH SCIENT (CNRS) (FR)
International Classes:
C07D205/085
Other References:
GOSPODOVA, TZ.; RASHKOVA, J. R.; VITEVA, L. Z.: "Stereocontrolled intramolecular cyclization of anti-.beta.-aminonitriles. Convenient access to trans-azetidin-2-imines", BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, vol. 40, no. 4, 6 March 2008 (2008-03-06), pages 568 - 571, XP009186964
MATTHEW WHITING ET AL: "Copper-Catalyzed Reaction Cascade: Direct Conversion of Alkynes intoN-Sulfonylazetidin-2-imines", ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE INTERNATIONAL EDITION, vol. 45, no. 19, 5 May 2006 (2006-05-05), DE, pages 3157 - 3161, XP055224270, ISSN: 1433-7851, DOI: 10.1002/anie.200503936
PERST H ED - THIEME: "Product Class 17 : Ketenimines", 1 January 2006, SCIENCE OF SYNTHESIS: HOUBEN-WEYL METHODS OF MOLECULAR TRANSFORMATIONS, DE, PAGE(S) 781 - 838, ISBN: 978-1-58890-200-9, XP009099064
BARBARO GAETANO ET AL: "Periselectivity in cycloadditions to vinylmethylketene and structurally related vinylketene imines", THE JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, US, vol. 52, no. 15, 1 January 1987 (1987-01-01), pages 3289 - 3296, XP009097792, ISSN: 0022-3263, DOI: 10.1021/JO00391A020
MOSTOWICZ, DANUTA; ABRAMS KI, WOJCIECH; PIOTROWSKA, KRYSTYNA; BELZECKI, CZESLAW: "A new approach to the synthesis of chiral .beta.-lactam derivatives", POLI SH JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, vol. 57, no. 1-3, 1 January 1983 (1983-01-01), pages 297 - 9, XP009186971
MITSURU ODANAKA ET AL, NIPPON KAGAKU KAISHI: JOURNAL OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN., no. 9, 1 January 1975 (1975-01-01), JP, pages 1524 - 1529, XP055224787, ISSN: 0369-4577, DOI: 10.1246/nikkashi.1975.1524
KYLE A. DEKORVER ET AL: "Introducing a New Class of N- Phosphoryl Ynamides via Cu(I)-Catalyzed Amidations of Alkynyl Bromides", ORGANIC LETTERS, vol. 13, no. 18, 16 September 2011 (2011-09-16), US, pages 4862 - 4865, XP055225572, ISSN: 1523-7060, DOI: 10.1021/ol201947b
XIAO-NA WANG ET AL: "Synthesis of Cyclopentenimines from N -Allyl Ynamides via a Tandem Aza-Claisen Rearrangement-Carbocyclization Sequence", THE JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, vol. 78, no. 12, 21 June 2013 (2013-06-21), US, pages 6233 - 6244, XP055224271, ISSN: 0022-3263, DOI: 10.1021/jo400960e
VAN CAMP, A.; GOOSSENS, D.; MOYA-PORTUGUEZ, M.; MARCHAND-BRYNAERT, J.; GHOSEZ, L., TETRAHEDRON LETT., vol. 21, 1980, pages 3081 - 3084
ALAJARDIN, M.; MOLINA, P.; VIDAL, A., TETRAHEDRON LETT., vol. 37, 1996, pages 8945 - 8948
HENTZ, A.; RETAILLEAU, P.; GANDON, V.; CARIOU, K.; DODD, R. H, ANGEW. CHEM. INT. ED., vol. 53, 2014, pages 8333 - 8337
TETRAHEDRON LETT., vol. 47, 2006, pages 8109
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
REGIMBEAU (FR)
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Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Compound of formula (I)

characterized in that

Ri represents a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, C C10 alkyl, C3-C 0 cycloalkyl, C C 0 alkoxy, d-Cio haloalkoxy, (CrC6)-alkoxy-(Cr C6 )-alkyl, (d-C6 )-haloalkoxy-(d-C6)-alkyl, C C10 thioalkyi, (Ci-C6)-alkylthio-(C C6)- alkyl, C Ci0 alkylsulfinyl, C C10 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C10 haloalkylsulfonyl, C3-C10 trialkylsilyl, d-Cio alkylsulfonyl, C5-C12 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C2-C10 alkylcarbonyl, C2- Cio alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C2-C10 alkenyloxy, C2-Ci0 alkynyloxy, C2-Ci0 alkenylthio, C2-C10 alkynylthio, d-C10 haloalkyl, C2-C10 haloalkenyl, C2-C10 haloalkynyl, C2-C10 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-Cio haloalkylthio, C2-C10 haloalkenyloxy, C2-C 0 haloalkynyloxy, C2-C10 haloalkenylthio, C2-C10 haloalkynylthio, (C5-C12)-aryl-(CrC6)-alkyl, (C5-C12)- aryl-(CrC6)-alkyl ester or a mono or polycyclic C5-Ci2 aryl or mono or polycyclic C3- C12 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, hydroxyl (OH), nitro, cyano, formyl, d-C6 alkyl, C3- C7 cycloalkyl, amino-C C10 alkoxy, (carboxylic acid)-C C10 alkoxy, (carboxylic (C C6)alkyl ester)-d-do alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C2-C10 alkoxy, -0-(d-C6)alkyl-0-(d- C6)alkyl-OH, (d-d -alkoxy-id-d -alkyl, C2-C6 alkylcarbonyl, d-C6 alkylthio, C C6 thioalkyi, (d-C6)-alkylthio-(C C6)-alkyl , d-C6 alkylsulfinyl, CrC6 alkylsulfonyl, C C6 haloalkyl, C C6 haloalkoxy, C C6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C2-C6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C6 haloalkylthio, C C6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C3-C6 trialkylsilyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C2-C6 haloalkynyl, C2-C6 haloalkenyl, C2- C6 haloalkenyloxy, C2-C6 haloalkynyloxy, C2-C6 alkenyloxy, C2-C6 alkynyloxy, C2- C6 alkenylthio, C2-C6 alkynylthio, C2-C6 haloalkenylthio, C2-C6 haloalkynylthio and/or a C C6 alkoxy optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C5-C12 aryl group, and/or

- a bridging group of formula -0-CH2-0- or -0-CH2CH2-0- ; R2, R3. R4 and R5, independently one from each other, represent a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen , nitro, cyano, C1-C10 alkyi, C3- C10 cycloalkyl, C C10 alkoxy, C C10 haloalkoxy, (CrC6)-alkoxy-(C C6 )-alkyl, (C C6)- haloalkoxy-(d-C6)-alkyl, C C10 thioalkyl, (C5-d2)-aryl-(d-C6)-alkyl ester, (C C6)- alkylthio-(CrC6)-alkyl, d-do alkylsulfinyl, d-do haloalkylsulfinyl, d-do haloalkylsulfonyl, C3-C 0 trialkylsilyl, d-do alkylsulfonyl, C5-C12 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C2-C10 alkylcarbonyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-Ci0 alkynyl, C2-C10 alkenyloxy, C2-C 0 alkynyloxy, C2-C10 alkenylthio, C2-C10 alkynylthio, CrCi0 haloaikyi, C2-C10 haloalkenyl, C2-C10 haloalkynyl, C2-C 0 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C10 haloalkylthio, C2-C10 haloalkenyloxy, C2-C10 haloalkynyloxy, C2-C10 haloalkenylthio, C2-C10 haloalkynylthio , (C5-Ci2)-aryl-( CrC6)-alkyl or a mono or polycyclic C5-C12 aryl or mono or polycyclic C3-C12 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, COOH, -COO(C C6 alkyi), C C6 alkyi, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, CrC6 N3-substituted alkyi, CrC6 NH2- substituted alkyi, C C6 alcohol, C C6 alkoxy, (C1-C6)-alkoxy-(C1-C6 )-alkyl, C2-C6 alkylcarbonyl,Ci-C6 alkylthio, d-C6 thioalkyl, (d-C6)-alkylthio-(d-C6)-alkyl , d-C6 alkylsulfinyl, Ci-C6 alkylsulfonyl, C C6 haloaikyi, d-C6 haloalkoxy, C C6 haloalkoxy alkyi, C2-Ce haloalkylcarbonyl, C C6 haloalkylthio, d-C6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C3-C6 trialkylsilyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-Ce alkynyl, C2-C6 haloalkynyl, C2-C6 haloalkenyl,C2-C6 haloalkenyloxy, C2-C6 haloalkynyloxy, d-C6 alkenyloxy, C2- C6 alkynyloxy, C2-C6 alkenylthio, C2-C6 alkynylthio, d-C6 haloalkenylthio, C2-C6 haloalkynylthio, a monocyclic C5-C& aryl group optionally substituted by a d-C6 alkyloxy group and/or a COO(d-C6 alkyi) group wherein the alkyi is substituted by NH2 or NHCOO(d-C6)alkyl or NHCOO(d-C6)alkyl(mono or polycyclic C5-C12)aryl;

R6 represents a mono or polycyclic d-C12 aryl fragment, wherein the aryl fragment is optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, cyano, formyl, nitro, d-C6 alkyi, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, d-C6 alkoxy, (d-C6)-alkoxy-(d-C6)-alkyl, C2-C6 alkylcarbonyl, d-C6 alkylthio, d-C6 thioalkyl, (d-C6)-alkylthio-(d-C6)-alkyl, C C6alkylsulfinyl, d-C6 alkylsulfonyl, d-C6 haloaikyi, C C6 haloalkoxy, C C6 haloalkoxy alkyi, C2-C6 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-C6 haloalkylthio, C C6 haloalkylsulfinyl, d-C6 haloalkylsulfonyl, d-C6 trialkylsilyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C2-C6 haloalkynyl, d-C6 haloalkenyl, C2-C6 haloalkenyloxy, C2-C6 haloalkynyloxy, C2-C6 alkenyloxy, C2-C6 alkynyloxy, C2- C6 alkenylthio, C2-C6 alkynylthio, d-C6 haloalkenylthio, C2-C6 haloalkynylthio fragments, and/or a monocyclic C5-C6 aryl group optionally substituted by a d-C6 alkyloxy group; provided that at least two of R3, R4 and R5 represent a hydrogen atom and R6 is not a substituted or unsubstituted -S02-phenyl group such as a tosyl group.

2. The compound according to claim 1 characterized in that R6 represents a R6 represents a mono or polycyclic C5-C12 aryl fragment, optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, C C6 haloalkyl or C C6 alkoxy.

3. Compound according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Ri represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by - one or several (notably 1 to 3) OH, ( C6 alkyi, C C6 thioalkyl, halogen, amino-(CrCio alkoxy), (carboxylic acid)-(CrC10 alkoxy), (carboxylic (C C6)alkyl ester)-CrC10 alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C2-C10 alkoxy, -O-iCrC^alkyl-O-iCrC^alkyl-OH, (C5- Ci2)-aryl-(CrC6)-alkyl ester, nitro and/or a C C6 alkoxy group optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C5-C 2 aryl group, and/or - a bridging group of formula -0-CH2-0- or -0-CH2CH2-0-, preferably Ri represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several C C6 alkoxy, C C6 thioalkyl, halogen, amino-(C C10 alkoxy), (carboxylic acid)-(C C10 alkoxy), (1 ,2 diol)-(C2-C10 alkoxy), (C5-C12)-aryl-(C1-C6)-alkyl ester and/or nitro fragments.

4. Compound according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that R2 and/or R3 represent a monocyclic aryl, monocyclic heteroaryl or polycyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, COOH, -COO(C C6 alkyi), C C6 N3-substituted alkyi, C C6 haloalkyl, C C6 alcohol, CrC6 alkoxy, C j thioalkyl, C C6 acyl, nitro, cyano and/or a COO{C CQ alkyi) group wherein the alkyi is substituted by NH2 or NHCOO(C C6)alkyl or NHCOO(C1-C6)alkyl(mono or polycyclic C5-C12)aryl,fragments.

5. Compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that R3, R4 and R5 represent hydrogen atoms.

6. Compound according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it is

7. Method to prepare a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6 including the explicitly excluded compounds of claim 1 characterized in the following steps:

-a. to a compound of formula (II):

(ll) wherein R4 and R6 are as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 including the excluded definitions of claim 1 , and R7 represents a leaving group such as amides, sulfonyles, or oxy-carbonyls , optionally, R6-N-R7 may form at least one ring wherein R6 and R7 directly linked one to each other and wherein said ring comprises from 3 to 12 atoms chosen from C, N, O, S, B and P, substituted by at least one hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, hydroxyl, thiol, amine, cyano, C C6 alkyl, C3-C6 cycloalkyl, C C6 alkoxy, C C6 haloalkoxy, (C C6)- alkoxy-(d-C6)-alkyl, (d-C6)-haloalkoxy-(C C6)-alkyl, C C6 thioalkyl, (C C6)- alkylthio-(d-C6)-alkyl, d-C6 alkylsulfinyl, C C6 haloalkylsulfinyl, d-C6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C3-C6 trialkylsilyl, d-C6 alkylsulfonyl, C5-C 2 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C2- C6 alkylcarbonyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C2-C6 alkenyloxy, C2-C& alkynyloxy, C2- C6 alkenylthio, d-C6 alkynylthio, d-C6 haloalkyl, C2-C6 haloalkenyl, C2-C6 haioalkynyl, C2-C6 haloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-Ce haloalkylthio, C2-C6 haloalkenyloxy, C2-C6 haloalkynyloxy, C2-C6 haloalkenylthio, C2-C6 haloalkynylthio , (C5-C 2)-aryl-( C C6)- alkyl or a mono or polycyclic C5-C12 aryl or mono or polycyclic C3-d2 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, d-C6 alkyl. C3-C7 cycloalkyl, d-C6 alkoxy, (d-C6)-alkoxy-(d-C6)-alkyl, C2-C6 alkylcarbonyl, C C6 alkylthio, d-C6 thioalkyl, (d-C6)-alkylthio-(d-C6)-alkyl, d-C6 alkylsulfinyl, d-C6 alkylsulfonyl, d-C6 haloalkyl, C C6 haloalkoxy, C C6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C2-C6 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-C6 haloalkylthio, d-C6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C3-C6 trialkylsilyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C2-C6 haioalkynyl, C2-C6 haloalkenyl,C2-C6 haloalkenyloxy, C2- C6 haloalkynyloxy, C2-CQ alkenyloxy, C2-C6 alkynyloxy, C2-C6 alkenylthio, C2-C6 alkynylthio, C2-C6 haloalkenylthio, C2-C6 haloalkynylthio and/or nitro fragments; is added a compound of formula (III):

R2 Rj (III) wherein R2 and R3 are as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5 in the presence of a base B1 , preferably R1 is an electro-donating group and/or R2 and/or R3 are electron-withdrawing groups, preferably under microwaves,

advantageously step (a) is carried out under pressure and/or at a temperature above 50°C, and in particular without the presence of a metal compound, such as copper, whether it is in its metallic or one of its oxidized or reduced forms; b. an optional addition step of R5 as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5 through a nucleophilic addition to the compound obtained in step a. , preferably with R5-X, wherein X is a halogen atom in the presence of a base B2; c. retrieving the compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 5 .

8. Compound of formula (II) according to claim 7, or its equivalent carbine, preferably as synthesis intermediate.

9. Compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 or as defined in claim 7 for use as an inhibitor of a carbapenemase enzyme, preferably of a NDM-1 type, OXA-48 type or a KPC-type enzymes.

10. Compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 or as defined in claim 7 for its use in combination with an antibiotic.

11. Pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 or as defined in claim 7, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

12. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 11 , characterized in that it comprises a second active substance, such as an antibiotic.

13. Compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 or as defined in claim 7, or composition according to claim 11 or 12, for use as a drug.

14. The compound or composition for use of claim 13, characterized in that the drug is an antibiotic.

15. The compound or composition for use according to claim 10 or 14 characterized in that the antibiotic is effective on bacteria chosen from gram-negative bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, preferably drug resistant forms of gram-negative bacteria to one or several classes of antibiotics comprising β-lactams by production of a β-lactamase.

16. A kit comprising:

- at least one first container containing a first therapeutically active compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 or as defined in claim 7 and mixtures thereof, and

- at least one second container containing a second therapeutically active substance which is an antibiotic.as a combination product for simultaneous, sequential and separate use, in particular in antibiotherapy.

Description:
AZETIDINIMINES AS CARBAPENEMASES INHIBITORS

The subject matter of the present application concerns novel products (azetidinimine) for their use in antibiotic therapies and their methods of synthesis. Introduction

Antibiotics are commonly used in order to kill and/or block the growth of micro-organisms responsible of pathologies.

Although there are several families of antibiotics with different structures, the way these antibiotics act, however remains similar ones in comparison with each others. Among these antibiotics, there are β-lactams characterized by a β-lactam nucleus responsible for their biological activity. Most famous β-lactams are mostly derived from penicillins, cephalosporins, and carbapenems monobactams. However, one major problem is the resistance that bacteria develop to counter the action of these antibiotics by enzymes called β-lactamase which cuts the C(0)-N bond in the following manner:

β-lactamase

To counter this phenomenon, it is useful to develop inhibitors of β-lactamases, more specifically carbapenemases inhibitors.

In this perspective, the antibiotic resistances of bacteria, in particular K. pneumoniae, E. coli and E. cloacae, are of great concern today. Studies have shown that the essential cause of these particular resistances are due to several types of enzymes and more specifically carbapenemases metallo-enzyme NDM-1 (12%), type oxacillinases OXA-48 (67%) and class A KPC-2 (14%).

Monobactam fonctions have been targeted in the art directly to induce antibiotic activities or have been used as β-lactamase inhibitors. Examples of such antibiotics are e.g.:

Carumonara Tigemonam

Examples of such inhibitors are e.g.:

The antibiotic activity of the β-lactam feature is essentially due to the instability of the amide bond which can be cleaved in the presence of enzymes according to the following mechanism:

The amide bond is weakened by the delocalization of the non-binding electrons of the nitrogen adjacent to the carbonyl. Thus, in order to generate inhibitory molecules of β- lactamases, as "suicide molecules" capable of opening themselves faster than the antibiotic substance, it has been envisaged in the context of the present invention the preparation of structures in which the carbonyl group is replaced with unsaturated electrophilic groups. Indeed, few studies in this area have been reported in the literature. Preserved molecule O~rpe—ned m—olecule Antibiotic role "suicide molecule'

In this context, it has been chosen to direct efforts towards the synthesis of azetidinimines. The first aspect of the present invention concerns the identification of azetidinimines which present antibiotic properties, or at least are inhibitors of β-lactamases, more specifically inhibitors of carbapenemases.

However to obtain a broad array of such compounds, it was necessary to develop complementary synthesis methods to those of the prior art, which indeed do not enable to obtain all the desired compounds. The synthesis of these moieties has already been the subject matter of several study reports developed in particular by the team of Ghosez in the 1980is (Van Camp, A., Goossens, D., Moya-Portuguez, M., Marchand-Brynaert, J., Ghosez, L Tetrahedron Lett 1980, 21, 3081-3084). Although it was then advanced that such structures could be treated as β-lactams, this had never been actually verified or even effectively witnessed. Moreover, using these molecules as "suicide molecules" is not disclosed or even suggested in this document.

The method of Ghosez et al. consists in the following:

The main issue raised by the process of Ghosez et al. is the necessity to generate a sufficiently electrophile cetenimine, which is for this purpose tosylated ("Ts"), in order to obtain the four membered ring azetidinimine. The nature of the azetidinimine is thus limited through this method. Other ways to synthesize azetidinimine were reported later-on, such as the first cycloaddition [2 + 2] involving an intramolecular iminocetene and imine reported by the research team of Alajardin (Alajardin, M., Molina, P., Vidal, A. Tetrahedron Lett. 1996, 37, 8945-8948.). It is reported that the driving force of this reaction is probably the formation of a ring system involving two closely hindered reactants.

Multicomponent azetidinimides synthesis was also studied by several teams such as the team of Folkin and more recently Shanmugam or Lu. It was showed that it was possible to access the desired compounds by reacting an alkyne, an azide substituted with an electron- withdrawing group and an imine in the presence of a complex copper (I) and a base (triethylamine or pyridine):

Folkin 2006

Shanmugam 2013

R 2 0 2 S Lu 2013

Although applicable for the purposes of the present invention, the preparation of azetidinimines is scarce in the literature. Also, following the examples known in the literature as explained above, in view of work done at the laboratory, another original way of access was considered.

Indeed, it was observed the formation of an amidine by performing an addition on the indole a position of a ynamide in the presence of sodium tert-butoxide (Hentz, A., Retailleau, P., Gandon, V.; Cariou, K., Dodd, R. H Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2014, 53, 8333-8337) :

DMF

*EWG: Electron-Withdrawing Group

"C*": tagged carbon for the purpose of the comprehension of the above scheme.

A mechanism of the reaction was then advanced. A yet unproved hypothesis was that the base at the same time deprotonates the indole whilst unprotecting the ynamide, which then leads to its tautomeric form before being trapped by the indolate just formed. It was then supposed that a second tautomerization could then lead to the final product:

Such hypothesis allows the formation of a nitrogen unprotected iminocetene intermediate. Considering the prior art for the preparation of the intramolecular azetidinimines mentioned above, it seems reasonable to test this theory by adding a nucleophilic species to such intermediaries in order to obtain four-membered ring azetidimines wherein the exterior nitrogen would be unprotected:

molecular sieve 3 A

DMF

Ambiant temperature

Although not all experimental conditions enabled to obtain such products, the advanced initial theory, which was unobvious by means, seems to have been proved, in particular experimental conditions thus enabling to provide new ways to obtain the sought compounds according to the present invention. These specific conditions comprise at least a base, an ynamide and an imine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The subject matter of the present invention thus concerns a compound of formula (I):

(I) characterized in that : Ri represents a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, d-do alkyl, C 3 -C 0 cycloalkyl, C C 0 alkoxy, d-do haloalkoxy, (d-d)-alkoxy-(d- C 6 )-alkyl, (d-d )-haloalkoxy-(C C 6 )-alkyl, C C 10 thioalkyl, (d-d)-alkylthio-(d-d)- alkyl, C C 10 alkylsulfinyl, CrC 10 haloalkylsulfinyl, d-do haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 10 trialkylsilyl, d-do alkylsulfonyl, C 5 -C 2 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C 2 -C 10 alkylcarbonyl, C 2 - C 10 alkenyl, C 2 -C 10 alkynyl, C 2 -C 10 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 10 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 10 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 10 alkynylthio, CrC 10 haloalkyi, C 2 -C 10 haloalkenyl, C 2 -C 10 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 10 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-Cio haloalkylthio, C 2 -C 0 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 10 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 10 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 0 haloalkynylthio , (C 5 -C 2 )-aryl-( C C 6 )-alkyl, (C 5 -C 12 )- aryl-(C C 6 )-alkyl ester or a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 - C 12 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, d-d alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, amino-d-do alkoxy, (carboxylic acid)-d-do alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 0 alkoxy, (d-d)-alkoxy-(d-d)-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, d-d alkylthio, d-d thioalkyl, (d-d)-alkylthio-(d-d)-alkyl , C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C C 6 haloalkyi, d-d haloalkoxy, d-d haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-d haloalkylthio, d-d haloalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl,C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 - C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio and/or nitro fragments ,

R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 , independently one from each other, represent a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen , nitro, cyano, d-do alkyl, C 3 - C 10 cycloalkyl, C-i-C 0 alkoxy, C C 10 haloalkoxy, (d-d)-alkoxy-(d-d )-alkyl, (d-d )-haloalkoxy-(C C 6 )-alkyl, C r C 10 thioalkyl, (d-Ci 2 )-aryl-(d-d)-alkyl ester, (d-d)- alkylthio-(C C 6 )-alkyl, C C 0 alkylsulfinyl, d-do haloalkylsulfinyl, d-do haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 10 trialkylsilyl, C do alkylsulfonyl, C 5 -C 12 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C 2 -do alkylcarbonyl, C 2 -C 10 alkenyl, C 2 -C 10 alkynyl, d-do alkenyloxy, C 2 -do alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 10 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 10 alkynylthio, d-d 0 haloalkyi, C 2 -C 10 haloalkenyl, d-do haloalkynyl, d-do haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 10 haloalkylthio, d-do haloalkenyloxy, -Ci 0 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -Cio haloalkenylthio, d-do haloalkynylthio , (C 5 -d 2 )-aryl-( C d)-all yl or a mono or polycyclic C 5 -d 2 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 -d 2 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, d-d alkyl, d-d cycloalkyl, d-d alkoxy, (d-C 6 )-alkoxy-(d-C 6 )-alkyl, d-d alkylcarbonyl,d-d alkylthio, d-C 6 thioalkyl, (d-d)-alkylthio-(d-d)-alkyl , d-d alkylsulfinyl, d-d alkylsulfonyl, d-d haloalkyi, d-d haloalkoxy, d-d haloalkoxy alkyl, d-d haloalkylcarbonyl, d-C 6 haloalkylthio, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyi, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio and/or nitro fragments ;

R 6 represents a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, C C 10 alkyl, C 3 -C 10 cycloalkyl, d-do alkoxy, C r C 10 haloalkoxy, (d-C 6 )-alkoxy-(d-C 6 )-alkyl, (C C 6 )-haloalkoxy-(C C 6 )-alkyl, C C 10 thioalkyl, (d-C 6 )-alkylthio-(d-C6)-alkyl, C Ci 0 alkylsulfinyl, C C 10 haloalkylsulfinyl, d-do haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 10 trialkylsilyl, C Ci 0 alkylsulfonyl, C 5 -C 12 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C 2 -C 10 alkylcarbonyl, C 2 -C 10 alkenyl, C 2 -C 10 alkynyl, C 2 -C 10 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 10 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 10 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 10 alkynylthio, C C 0 haloalkyl, C 2 -C 10 haloalkenyi, C 2 -C 10 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 10 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-Cio haloalkylthio, C 2 -C 10 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 0 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 10 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 10 haloalkynylthio , (C 5 -C 12 )-aryl-( C C 6 )-alkyl or a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 -C 12 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, C C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, C C 6 alkoxy, (d-C 6 )-alkoxy-(d-C 6 )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, C C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (d-C 6 )-alkylthio-(d-d)-alkyl, d-C 6 alkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C C 6 haloalkyl, d-C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, C C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, d-C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyi, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 - C 6 alkenylthio, d-C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio and/or nitro fragments ; ondition that:

- R 6 is not a substituted or unsubstituted -S0 2 -phenyl group such as a tosyl group;

- when R 6 is a hydrogen atom:

R 5 and R 4 cannot be methyls, R 3 and R ! cannot be phenyls and, R 2 cannot be a hydrogen atom;

R 5 and R 2 cannot be hydrogen atoms and R 4 , R 3 and R cannot be phenyls;

R 5 , R 3 , R 1 cannot be phenyls and, R 4 and R 2 cannot be hydrogen atoms;

when R 6 is a methyl:

R 5 and R 4 cannot be methyls, R 3 and Ri cannot be phenyls and, R 2 cannot be a hydrogen atom; R 5 and R 2 cannot be hydrogen atoms and R 4 , R 3 and R^ cannot be phenyls;

- when R 6 is -S0 2 -Me:

R 5 , R 3 and Ri cannot be phenyls, R 4 and R 2 cannot be hydrogen atoms; and

- when R 6 is a cyano:

the couple (R 5 and R 4 ) cannot be a methyl and a hydrogen atom, the couple (R 2 and R 3 ) cannot be phenyl and a hydrogen atom, and R^ cannot be phenyl.

The subject matter of the present invention further concerns a compound of formula (I) above characterized in that :

R-i represents a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of hydrogen, cyano, C C 10 alkyl, C 3 -C 10 cycloalkyl, d-do alkoxy, C C 10 haloalkoxy, (Ci-C 6 )-alkoxy-(C C 6 )-alkyl, (C C 6 )-haloalkoxy-(Ci-C 6 )-alkyl, C C 10 thioalkyi, (d-C 6 )-alkylthio-(d-C 6 )- alkyl, C C 10 alkylsulfinyl, C C 10 haloalkylsulfinyl, d-do haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 10 trialkylsilyl, d-do alkylsulfonyl, C 5 -C 12 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C 2 -C 0 alkylcarbonyl, C 2 - C 10 alkenyl, C 2 -C 10 alkynyl, C 2 -C 0 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 0 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 10 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 10 alkynylthio, C C 10 haloalkyl, C 2 -C 0 haloalkenyl, C 2 -Ci 0 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 10 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 10 haloalkylthio, C 2 -C 10 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 0 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 0 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 10 haloalkynylthio , (C 5 -Ci 2 )-aryl-( C C 6 )-alkyl, (C 5 -C 12 )- aryl-(CrC 6 )-alkyl ester or a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 2 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 - Ci 2 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by

- one or several halogen atoms, hydroxyl (OH), nitro, cyano, formyl, C C 6 alkyl, C 3 - C 7 cycloalkyl, amino-C Ci 0 alkoxy, (carboxylic acid)-d-do alkoxy, (carboxylic (C C 6 )alkyl ester)-C r C 10 alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 10 alkoxy, -0-(C C 6 )alkyl-0-(C C 6 )alkyl-OH, (C 1 -C 6 )-alkoxy-(C 1 -C 6 )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, C C 6 alkylthio, d- C 6 thioalkyi, (d-C 6 )-alkylthio-(d-C 6 )-alkyl , d-C 6 alkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 alkylsulfonyl, d-C 6 haloalkyl, Ci-C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-C 6 haloalkylthio, C C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C e trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, C 2 - C 6 haloalkenyloxy, d-C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 - C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio, and/or a d-C 6 alkoxy optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C 5 -d 2 aryl group, and/or

- a bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0- ; R 2 , R3, R 4 and R 5 , independently one from each other, represent a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen , nitro, cyano, d-do alkyi, C 3 - C 10 cycloalkyi, C C 10 alkoxy, C C 10 haloalkoxy, (d-C 6 )-alkoxy-(Ci-C6 )-alkyl, (C C 6 )-haloalkoxy-(C C 6 )-alkyl, C r C 10 thioalkyl, (C 5 -C 12 )-aryl-(CrC6)-alkyl ester, (C C 6 )- alkylthio-(CrC 6 )-alkyl, C C 10 alkylsulfinyl, C C 0 haloalkylsulfinyl, CrC 10 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 10 trialkylsilyl, C C w alkylsulfonyl, C 5 -C 12 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C2-C10 alkylcarbonyl, C 2 -C 10 alkenyl, C 2 -Ci 0 alkynyl, C 2 -C 10 alkenyloxy, C 2 -Ci 0 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 0 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 10 alkynylthio, d-C 10 haloalkyi, C 2 -C 0 haloalkenyl, C 2 -C 10 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 0 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 0 haloalkylthio, C 2 -C 10 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 10 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 0 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 0 haloalkynylthio , (C 5 -Ci 2 )-aryl-( d-C 6 )-alkyl or a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 -Ci 2 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, COOH, -COO(C C 6 alkyi), C C 6 alkyi, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyi, C C 6 N 3 -substituted alkyi, C C 6 NH 2 - substituted alkyi, d-C 6 alcohol, C C 6 alkoxy, (d-CeJ-alkoxy-Cd-Ce )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl,Ci-C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (C C6)-alkylthio-(d-C 6 )-alkyl , C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C C 6 haloalkyi, Ci-C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyi, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, Ci-C 6 haloalkylthio, C C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 - C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio, a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a Ci-C 6 alkyloxy group, and/or a COO(CrC 6 alkyi) group wherein the alkyi is substituted by NH 2 or NHCOO(C C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(CrC 6 )aikyl(mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 )aryl;

R 6 represents a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 2 aryl fragment, wherein the aryl fragment is optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, cyano, nitro formyl, C C 6 alkyi, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyi, C C 6 alkoxy, (C 1 -C 6 )-alkoxy-(C 1 -C 6 )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, d-C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (d-C 6 )-alkylthio-(C C 6 )-alkyl, d-dalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, d-C 6 haloalkyi, C C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyi, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 - C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio fragments and/or a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a d-C 6 alkyloxy group,; provided that at least two of R 3 , R 4 and R 5 represent a hydrogen atom and R 6 is not a substituted or unsubstituted -S0 2 -phenyl group such as a tosyl group.The subject matter of the present invention further concerns a compound of formula (I) above characterized in that :

Ri represents a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of a mono or polycyclic C 5 -Ci 2 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 -C 2 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by

- one or several halogen atoms, hydroxyl (OH), nitro, cyano, formyl, C C 6 alkyl, C 3 - C 7 cycloalkyl, amino-d-do alkoxy, (carboxylic acid)-C Ci 0 alkoxy, (carboxylic (d-C 6 )alkyl ester)-C r C 10 alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 10 alkoxy, -0-(d-C 6 )alkyl-0-(d- C 6 )alkyl-OH, (d-d -alkoxy-id-Q -alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, C C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (CrC 6 )-alkylthio-(C C 6 )-alkyl , C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C C 6 haloalkyi, d-C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, C C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl,C 2 - C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 - C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio and/or a d-C 6 alkoxy optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl group, and/or

a bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0- ;

R2 > R3. R 4 and R 5 , independently one from each other, represent a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 -C 2 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, COOH, - COO(d-C 6 alkyl), d-C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, C C 6 N 3 -substituted alkyl, C r C 6 NH 2 -substituted alkyl, C r C 6 alcohol, d-C 6 alkoxy, (C 1 -C 6 )-alkoxy-(C 1 -C 6 )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl,C C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (d-C 6 )-alkylthio-(d-C6)-alkyl , d-C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, haloalkyi, d-C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, d-Q > haloalkylsulfinyl, Ci-C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, d-C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, d-C 6 haloalkenyl,d-C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, d-C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 - C 6 alkynyloxy, d-C 6 alkenylthio, d-C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio, a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a C C 6 alkyloxy group and/or a COO(d-C 6 alkyl) group wherein the alkyl is substituted by NH 2 or NHCOO(d-C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(d-C 6 )alkyl(mono or polycyclic C 5 -Ci 2 )aryl; R 6 represents a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl or heteroaryl fragment, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragment is optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, cyano, nitro, formyl, C C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl,

C 6 )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, C r C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (C C 6 )-alkylthio-(Ci- C 6 )-alkyl, C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C C 6 haloalkyl, C C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, C C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, Ci-C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio fragments and/or a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a C C 6 alkyloxy group ; provided that at least two of R 3 , R 4 and R 5 represent a hydrogen atom and R 6 is not a substituted or unsubstituted -S0 2 -phenyl group such as a tosyl group.

The subject matter of the present invention also concerns a method to prepare a compound of formula (I) above, however including the explicitly excluded compounds above, characterized in the following steps:

-a. to a compound of formula (II):

(II) wherein R 4 and R 6 are as defined presently, including the excluded definitions above, and R 7 represents a leaving group such as amides, sulfonyles, or oxy-carbonyls, optionally, R 6 -N-R 7 may form at least one ring wherein R 6 and R 7 directly linked one to each other and wherein said ring comprises from 3 to 12 atoms chosen from C, N, O, S, B and P (preferably chosen from C, N, O, S and B, even more preferably from C, N, O and S), substituted by at least one hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, hydroxyl, thiol, amine, cyano, C C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 6 cycloalkyl, C C 6 alkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy, (C C 6 )- alkoxy-(C C 6 )-alkyl, (d-Qj )-haloalkoxy-(C C6)-alkyl, C C 6 thioalkyl, (C C 6 )- alkylthio-(C C 6 )-alkyl, C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C 5 -C 2 arylsulfonyl, formyl, C 2 - C 6 alkylcarbonyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 - C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C C e haloalkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio , (C 5 -C 12 )-aryl-( C C 6 )- alkyl or a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 -C 2 heteroaryl fragments, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, Ci-C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, alkoxy, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, C C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (C CeJ-alkylthio-iCr -alkyl, C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C C 6 haloalkyl, C-|-C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, C C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C Ce haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl,C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 - C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio and/or nitro fragments; is added a compound of formula (III):

(Ill) wherein Ri, R 2 and R 3 are as defined presently in the presence of a base B1 , preferably R-i is an electro-donating group and/or R 2 and/or R 3 are electron-withdrawing groups, preferably under microwaves; b. an optional addition step of R 5 , and/or R 4 , as defined above for compound of formula (I) presently through a nucleophilic addition to the compound obtained in step (a), preferably with R5-X, and/or R 4 -X, wherein X is a halogen atom in the presence of a base B2; c. retrieving the compound of formula (I) as defined presently .

The subject matter of the present invention also concerns a compound of formula (II) above as such, preferably as a synthesis intermediate or its equivalent carbene.

The subject matter of the present invention moreover concerns a compound of formula (I) as defined presently, including the explicitly excluded compounds above, as a drug. The subject matter of the present invention furthermore concerns a use of a compound of formula (I) as defined presently including the explicitly excluded compounds above, as an inhibitor of a carbapenemase enzyme, preferably of a NDM-1 type, OXA-48 type or a PC- type enzymes. The present invention further concerns a compound of formula (I) as defined presently including the explicitly excluded compounds above, fir use as an inhibitor of a carbapenemase enzyme, preferably of a NDM-1 type, OXA-48 type or a KPC-type enzymes.

Accordingly, the subject matter of the present invention concerns a compound of formula (I) as defined presently including the explicitly excluded compounds above, for its use as an antibiotic. The subject matter of the present invention concerns a compound of formula (I) as defined presently including the explicitly excluded compounds above for its use in combination with an antibiotic.

DEFINITIONS

Generally speaking in the context of the present invention, unless specified differently, the expression "a compound of formula (I)" means any one of all variants of formula (I), including the excluded compounds above.

As customary in the art, in the present invention, "Me" stands for methyl (-CH 3 ), Bn stands for benzyl (-CH 2 -C 6 H 5 ) and Ph stands for phenyl (-C 6 H 5 ).

The expressions "Ci-Cm alkyl" / "alkyl" (i.e. the number of carbons in "alkyl" are not explicitly given) in the present invention mean a cyclic, linear or branched saturated aliphatic group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms if not otherwise specified. An alkyl group covered by the scope of the present invention is for example a group chosen from methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, tert-butyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl, etc.

The expressions "Ca-Cin cycloalkyl" / "cycloalkyl" (i.e. the number of carbons in "cycloalkyl" are not explicitly given) in the present invention mean a cyclic alkyl group with 3 to 10 carbon atoms if not otherwise specified. A cycloalkyl group covered by the scope of the present invention is for example a group chosen from cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl, etc.

The expression "Ci-Cin thioalkyl" in the present invention means a C C 10 alkyl moiety as presently defined, substituted by a thiol group, i.e. SH or a salt thereof. The expression "C r Cg alkylthio" in the present invention represents a "(C C 6 alkyl)-S- " group, i.e. an alkyl moiety with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, if not otherwise specified, as defined above linked to the rest of the molecule by a sulfur atom.

The expression "(C^CgValkylthio-^-CgValkyl" in the present invention represents a "(CrC^-alkylthio" as presently defined linked by its sulfur atom to any carbon atom of a "C C 6 alkyl" as defined presently.

The expressions "C-i-Cin alkoxy" / "C -Cin alkyloxy" represent a "(C C e alkyl)-0-" group, i.e. an alkyl moiety with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, if not otherwise specified, as defined above, linked to the rest of the molecule by an oxygen atom. Examples of alkoxy groups covered by the scope of the present invention are methoxy, ethoxy groups etc.

The expression "(1 ,2 dioD-Cy-Cio alkoxy" in the present invention represents an alkoxy group as defined above, wherein two adjacent carbon atoms are each linked to a hydroxyl group. The "1 ,2" does not limit the position to the first and second carbon atom attached to the rest of the molecule. Indeed, it is meant in the general context of the present invention that the hydroxyl groups are linked to two adjacent carbon, such as in position 2,3; 3,4; 4,5... i.e. "n, n+1" wherein n is the position on the alkyl moiety, and thus n+ 1 cannot be superior to the total number of carbon atoms.

The expression "(carboxylic acid)-Ci-C n alkoxy" in the present invention represents an alkoxy group as defined above, wherein at least one carbon atom is linked to a fragment "COOH", "COO " or a salt thereof. Preferably, the "COOH" or "COO-" group or salt thereof is linked to the last carbon of the main linear chain of said C -Cio alkoxy group.

The expression "(carboxylic (Cr-Cg)alkyl ester)-Ci-Cm alkoxy" in the present invention represents an alkoxy group as defined above, wherein at least one carbon atom is linked to a carboxylic ester group of formula -COO-(C C 6 )alkyl, through the carboxylic group. Preferably, the carboxylic ester group is linked to the last carbon of the main linear chain of said Ci-Cin alkoxy group.

The expression "C Cg Ny-substituted alkyl" in the present invention represents an alkyl group as defined above, wherein at least one carbon atom is substituted by a N 3 group. Preferably, the N 3 group is linked to the last carbon of the main linear chain of said C^Cg alkyl group.

The expression "C Cg NH?-substituted alkyl" in the present invention represents an alkyl group as defined above, wherein at least one carbon atom is substituted by an amino (NH ? ) group. Preferably, the N 3 group is linked to the last carbon of the main linear chain of said Ci-Cfi alkyl group.

The expression "Ci-Cio alkylsulfinyl" in the present invention represents a "(C C 10 alkyl)-S(=0)-", i.e. an alkyl moiety of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, if not otherwise specified, as defined above, linked to the rest of the molecule by a sulphur atom which is mono oxidised.

The expression "Ci-C-m alkylsulfonyl" in the present invention represents a "(C C 0 alkyl)-S(=0) 2 -", i.e. an alkyl moiety of 1 to 10 carbon atoms, if not otherwise specified, as defined above, linked to the rest of the molecule by a sulphur atom which is oxidised twice.

The expression "(Ci-CgValkoxy-fCi-CfiValkyl" in the present invention represents a "(C C 6 )- alkoxy" as defined above linked by its oxygen atom to any carbon atom of a "C C 6 alkyl" group as defined above, the latter alkyl moiety being linked to the rest of the molecule.

The term "formyl" in the present invention represents a H-C(=0)- group.

The expression "Cy-Cin alkylcarbonyl" in the present invention means an alkyl group as presently defined linked to a carbonyl, the carbonyl being itself linked to the rest of the molecule (e.g. of formula (I)).

The expression "Ca-Cm trialkylsilyl" in the present invention means that three alkyl groups as defined above linked to one Si atom, the total number of carbon atoms amounting to 3 up to 10, said alkyl groups being itself being linked to the rest of the molecule.

The expressions "Cs-Ci? aryl" / "aryl" (i.e. the number of carbons in "aryl" are not explicitly given) in the present invention mean a cyclic (mono- or polycyclic) aromatic group comprising between 5 and 12 carbon atoms if not otherwise specified. Examples of aryl groups covered by the scope of the present invention are phenyl, naphthyl, etc.

The expression "monocyclic Cs-C ? aryl" in the present invention represents an aryl fragment as defined here-above with only one hydrocarbon ring such as a phenyl fragment. The expression in the present invention represents an aryl fragment as defined above with more than one hydrocarbon ring such as a naphtalene, anthracene, or a phenanthrene fragment.

The expression "heteroaryl" in the present invention means a cyclic (mono- or polycyclic) aromatic group comprising between 5 and 12 atoms which can be carbon atoms and/or heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen or sulphur (e.g. the heteroaryl can comprise between 3 to 9 carbon atoms and between 1 and 5 heteroatoms). Examples of heteroaryl groups covered by the scope of the present invention are pyridine, thiophene, thiazole, imidazole, pyrazole, pyrrole, quinoline, indole, pyridazine, quinoxaline, dihydrobenzofuran etc.

The expression "monocyclic Cg-C ? heteroaryl" in the present invention represents a heteroaryl fragment as defined here-above with only one multi-atom ring such as a pyridyl, thiazole, imidazole, etc. fragment.

The expression "polycyclic Cg-Ci? heteroaryl" in the present invention represents a heteroaryl fragment as defined above with more than one multi-atom ring such as a quinoline, indole, quinoxaline, etc. fragment. As used herein, an "aryl or heteroaryl substituted by a bridging group" is understood as an aryl or heteroaryl group wherein the bridging group substitutes two carbons of the aryl or heteroaryl, and forms together with said aryl or heteroaryl a fused polycyclic group. For instance, if the aryl or heteroaryl is monocyclic, then said monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl substituted by a bridging group is a fused bicyclic group. In general, the bridging group substitutes two adjacent atom on the aryl (or heteroaryl) group. Examples of such aryl or heteroaryl substituted by a bridging group include 1 ,3-benzodioxole and 1 ,4-benzodioxane.

The expression "(C 8 -Ci?)-aryl-( C -Cfi)-alkyl" in the present invention represents a "(Cs-CipVaryl" as defined above linked to any carbon atom of a "C C 6 alkyl" group as defined above, the alkyl moiety being linked to the rest of the molecule. The expression "Cg-C ? arylsulfonyl" in the present invention represents a "(C 5 -C 2 aryl)-S(=0) 2 -", i.e. an aryl moiety of 5 to 12 carbon atoms as defined above linked to a sulphur atom which is oxidised twice.

The expressions "C?-Cin alkenyl" / "alkenyl" (i.e. the number of carbons in "alkenyl" are not explicitly given) in the present invention mean a cyclic, linear or branched aliphatic group with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, if not otherwise specified, comprising at least one unsaturation, i.e. at least one double bond. An alkenyl group covered by the scope of the present invention is for example a group chosen from ethylene, propyl-1-ene, propyl-2-ene, butyl-1-ene, butyl-2-ene, etc.

The expression "C 2 -C n alkenylthio" in the present invention represents a "(C 2 -C 0 alkenyl)-S-", i.e. an alkenyl moiety of 2 to 10 carbon atoms , if not otherwise specified, as defined above linked to the rest of the molecule by a sulfur atom.

The expression "C?-Cm alkenyloxy", in the present invention represents a "(C C 6 alkenyl)-0-" group, i.e. an alkenyl moiety with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, if not otherwise specified, as defined above, linked to the rest of the molecule by an oxygen atom. Examples of alkenyloxy groups covered by the scope of the present invention are ethylenoxy, propyl-1- enoxy groups etc.

The expressions "C?-Cin alkynyl" / "alkynyl" (i.e. the number of carbons in "alkynyl" are not explicitly given) in the present invention mean a cyclic, linear or branched aliphatic group with 2 to 10 carbon atoms, if not otherwise specified, comprising at least one double insaturation, i.e. at least one triple bond. Examples of alkenyl groups covered by the scope of the present invention are acetylene, propyl-1-yne, propyl-2-yne, butyl-1-yne, butyl-2-yne, etc.

The expression "C 2 -Cin alkynyloxy", in the present invention means an alkynyl group defined above bound to an oxygen atom. Examples of alkynyloxy groups covered by the scope of the present invention are acetylenoxy, propyn-1-yloxy groups etc.

The expression "C?-Cin alkynylthio" in the present invention represents a "(C 2 -C 6 0 alkynyl)-S-", i.e. an alkynyl moiety of 2 to 10 carbon atoms, if not otherwise specified, as defined above linked to the rest of the molecule by a sulfur atom. The expression "halogen atom" (equivalent to "halo" when used) in the present invention means at least one atom of fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine. For example a C C 10 haloalkyl is an alkyl as presently defined substituted by at least one halogen atom. Examples of C r C 10 haloalkyl are -CH^, -CHF 2 -, -CF 3> -C 2 C\ -CHCI 2 -, -CCI 3 , -CH 2 Br 1 , - CHBr 2 -, -CBr 3 ,— CH 2 li, -CHI 2 -, -CI 3 , -CH 2 -CH 2 Fi, -CH 2 -CHF 2 -, -CH 2 -CF 3 , -CFH-CH 3 -CF 2 -CH 3 , etc.

The expression "nitro" in the present invention means a N0 2 group.

Examples of "COO(C r Cg alkyl) group wherein the alkyl is substituted by NH? or NHCOO(Ci-Cfi)alkyl or NHCOO(Ci-Cfi)alkyl(mono or polycyclic Cg-Ci?)aryl" in the present invention are COOCHzCHzNHCOO'Bu, ΟΟΟΟΗ 2 ΟΗ 2 ΝΗΟΟΟ¾υ and COOCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 . Of course, in case of a NH 2 substituent, the amine may also be salified, for instance it may be a -NH3 + X " group, wherein X " represents an organic or inorganic anion with a single charge, such as for instance a halogenide (CI " , Br " or in particular) or a (C C 6 )alkyl-COO- or (C C 6 )haloalkyl-COO-, in particular CH 3 COO " or CF 3 COO " .

The expression "leaving group" in the context of the present invention represents a molecular fragment or an atom departing from the molecule it initially belonged to, with typically a pair of electrons being torn off said molecule. Such "leaving groups" according to the present invention, can be chosen in the group consisting of amides (e.g. acetamide), sulfonyles (e.g. tosylate, mesylates), oxy-carbonyls (i.e. carboxylates), carbamates (e.g. Boc), dinitrogen (N 2 + ), perfluoroalkylsulfonates (triflate), halogens (i.e. F, CI, Br, I), amines, thiolates , phosphates, phenoxides. Preferably the "leaving groups" of the present invention are chosen in the group consisting of amides (e.g. acetamide), sulfonyles (e.g. tosylate, mesylates), oxy-carbonyls (i.e. carboxylates), carbamates (e.g. Boc). In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the leaving group is comprised in at least one molecular ring formed by R 6 -N-R 7 of formula (II). In this latter case, the ring formed can comprise e.g. lactames, oxazolidinone, or even sultames.

An "electron-withdrawing group" ("EWG") means in the context of the present invention that the fragments is an electron attracting fragment, such as para-halogenophenyl, a CF 3 , a phenyl, a fragment comprising a carbonyl, a cyano, a 3-pyridyl, a 4-methoxy phenyl, an amide, a sulphonamide, a carbamate, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-nitro phenyl or a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl fragment, preferably an inductive attracting fragment such as a para-halogenophenyl, a CF 3 , a phenyl, a 3-pyridyl, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-nitro phenyl or a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl fragment.

An "electro-donating group" ("EDG") means in the context of the present invention that the fragments is an electron enriching fragment, such as a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-nitro phenyl or a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl fragment.

The term "microwaves" ("MW") according to the present invention comprises any electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths ranging from as long as a meter to as short to a millimetre, with frequencies between 300 MHz and 300 GHz. On a practical point of view, the frequency and other characteristics of the microwaves are adapted to the solvent used. For example, in the case of polar solvents like water, a frequency of 2.46 GHz will be used. Thus in the context of the present invention, the frequency of the MW used is preferably comprised between 1 and 10 GHz, more specifically from 2 to 3 GHz, such as 2.46Ghz.

The expression "ambient temperature" ("AT") in the context of the present invention means a temperature comprised between 20 and 25°C. The expression "nucleophilic addition", represents an addition reaction where a chemical compound with an electron-deficient or electrophilic double or triple bond, a π bond, reacts with electron-rich reactant, termed a nucleophile, with disappearance of the double bond and creation of two new single, i.e. σ, bonds. The expression "synthesis intermediate", generally speaking, is a molecular entity that is formed from the reactants (or proceeding intermediates) and reacts further to give the directly observed products of a chemical reaction. The chemical reactions being stepwise, they take more than one elementary step to complete. Indeed, one of the aspects of the present invention concerns a process wherein e.g. the compound of formula (II) is used as a synthesis intermediate to produce the compound of formula (I). Moreover, in formula (I) when R 4 and/or R 5 is a hydrogen atom, this formula can be considered as a synthesis intermediate for the compound of formula (I) wherein R 4 and/or R 5 (which is/are different to a hydrogen) has been introduced through a nucleophilic addition (see step (b) of the process above). The expression "carbapenemase enzyme" concerns enzymes of the β-lactamase type which have the capacity to hydrolyze cephalosporins, monobactams, carbapenems and penicillins. These β-lactamases, in particular carbapenemase, produced in bacteria are often responsible of the ineffectiveness of many β-lactams. Carbapenemase can be subdivised in A, B and D β-lactamases. Carbapenemase of class A include members of the SME, IMI, NMC, GES, and KPC families. The Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemases (KPC) are the most prevalent, found mostly on plasmids (of Klebsiella pneumoniae). Carbapenemase of class D consist of OXA-type β-lactamases frequently detected in Acinetobacter baumannii. Class B carbapenemases, which are metallo^-lactamases that contain zinc in the active site, belong to the IMP, VIM, SPM, GIM, and SIM families and have been primarily detected in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and have been incresingly reported in Enterobacteriaceae. Carbapenemases of NMD-1 type, OXA-48 and KPC are particularly aimed at by the subject matter of the present invention.

An "antibiotic activity" according to the present invention is the generic definition as understood by the skilled person, that is to say an effect of an "antibiotic agent". Such an "antibiotic agent" is a substance that kills, blocks or slows the growth of one or more bacteria. By "growth" is included in the scope of the present invention any cell operation leading to a volumetric increase of the cell (i.e. of the bacterium), a cell division (of the bacteria) or a cell reproduction (of the bacteria).

The expression "pharmaceutical composition" in the present invention means any composition comprising an effective dose of a compound of the invention and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Said excipients are selected, depending on the pharmaceutical form and the desired method of administration, from the usual excipients known by a person skilled in the art.

The expression "pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts" in the present invention means all the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds according to the invention are included within the scope of the invention, in particular the salts of weak acids and of weak bases, for example the hydrochloride salt, hydrobromide salt, trifluoacetate salt etc.

The terms "drug" or "medicament" are equivalent in the context of the present invention.

The expression "treatment" is intended to be directed towards all types of animals, preferably mammals, more preferably humans. In the case of a treatment of an animal which is not human kind, it will be referred to a veterinary treatment.

DETAILLED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention concerns a compound as presently defined characterized in that R 6 represents a chemical moiety chosen in the group consisting of C 2 - C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, C C 6 alkoxy, (d-C 6 )-alkoxy-(d-C 6 )-alkyl, C C 6 thioalkyl, C C 6 alkylthio, (C r C 6 )-alkylthio-(d-C6)-alkyl , C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkyl, C C 6 haloalkoxy, (CrCeJ-haloalkoxy-CCrC f -alkyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 - C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-C 6 haloalkylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio, (C 5 -C 12 )-aryl-(CrC 6 )-alkyl, mono or polycyclic C 5 -Ci 2 aryl or mono or polycyclic C 3 -C 12 heteroaryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, C-i-C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, C C 6 alkoxy, (C C 6 )-alkoxy-(C C 6 )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, d-C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (d-C 6 )-alkylthio-(d-C 6 )-alkyl, d- C 6 alkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 alkylsulfonyl, (C 5 -d 2 )-arylsulfonyl, d-C 6 haloalkyl, d-C 6 haloalkoxy, d-C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-C 6 haloalkylthio, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, Ci-C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, d-C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 - C 6 haloalkenyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C & alkynyloxy, C 2 -C G alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, d-C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio and/or nitro fragments, or a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a d-C 6 alkyloxy group preferably R 6 represents a mono or polycyclic C 5 -d 2 aryl or heteroaryl fragment (preferably a phenyl fragment), wherein the aryl (phenyl) fragment is optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, cyano, formyl, d-C 6 alkyl, C 3 - cycloalkyl, d-C 6 alkoxy, (d-C 6 )-alkoxy-(d-d)-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, d-C 6 alkylthio, d-C 6 thioalkyl, (d-C 6 )-alkylthio-(CrC 6 )-alkyl, d-C 6 alkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 alkylsulfonyl, d-C 6 haloalkyl, C C 6 haloalkoxy, d-C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, d-C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, d-C 6 haloalkylthio, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, d-C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl, d-C 6 haloalkenyloxy, d-C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 - C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio and/or nitro fragments, or a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a C C 6 alkyloxy group, such as a phenyl group optionally substituted by a C C 6 alkyloxy group, in particular a (4-)methoxyphenyl group. Even more preferably, R 6 represents a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl fragment (such as a phenyl group), optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, C C 6 haloalkyl or C C 6 alkoxy. More preferably, R 6 is a monocyclic aryl fragment such as a phenyl group, optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, C r C 6 haloalkyl or C C 6 alkoxy such as CI, I, F, Br, CF 3 or OMe, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

The subject matter of the present invention concerns a compound as presently defined, characterized in that Ri represents an aryl or heteroaryl fragment, wherein the aryl or heteroaryl fragments are optionally substituted by

- one or several halogen atoms, hydroxyl (OH), nitro, cyano, formyl, C C 6 alkyl, C 3 - C 7 cycloalkyl, amino-C C 0 alkoxy, (carboxylic acid)-C Ci 0 alkoxy, (carboxylic (C C 6 )alkyl ester)-C Cio alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 10 alkoxy, -0-(CrC 6 )alkyl-0-(C C 6 )alkyl-OH, (C 1 -C 6 )-alkoxy-(C 1 -C 6 )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl, C C 6 alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (d-Ce^alkylthio-id-CeJ-alkyl , C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, C C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C C 6 haloalkyl, Ci-C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, C C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl,C 2 - C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 - C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio and/or a C C 6 alkoxy optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl group, and/or

- a bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0-.

In a particular embodiment, R-i represents an aryl or heteroaryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) C C 6 alkoxy, C C 6 thioalkyl, halogen, amino- C C 10 alkoxy, (carboxylic alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 10 alkoxy, (C 5 -C 12 )-aryl-(CrC 6 )- alkyl ester and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. Preferably, R- \ is an electro-donating group, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Preferably, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R-i represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by - one or several (notably 1 to 3) OH, C C 6 alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C†-C 6 thioalkyl, halogen, amino-iC C alkoxy), (carboxylic acid)-(C Ci 0 alkoxy), (carboxylic (C C 6 )alkyl ester)-C C 10 alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 10 alkoxy, -O-iC CeJalkyl-O- d-CeJalkyl- OH, (C 5 -C 12 )-aryl-(C 1 -C 6 )-alkyl ester, nitro and/or a C C 6 alkoxy group optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C5-C12 aryl group, and/or

- a bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0-, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

More preferably, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R-i represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3):

- OH,

- C C 6 thioalkyl, in particular SCH 3i

- C 2 -C 6 alkenyl.such as -CH=CH 2 (vinyl group), - halogen, such as iodine,

- (carboxylic acid)-(C C 0 alkoxy), such as OCH 2 COOH,

- (carboxylic (d-Ce)alkyl ester)-d-C 10 alkoxy, such as OCH 2 COOCH 3 , OCH 2 COOCH 2 CH 3 or OCH 2 COOC(CH 3 ) 3 , in particular OCH 2 COOC(CH 3 )3,

- (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 10 alkoxy, such as OCH 2 CHOHCH 2 OH, - -0-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl-0-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl-OH, such as OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH, and/or

- C r C 6 alkoxy group optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl group, such as OCH 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 Ph, and/or

- a bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0-, even more preferably, represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by

- one or several (notably 1 to 3) OH, C C 6 alkyl, C C 6 thioalkyl, halogen, amino-iC do alkoxy), (carboxylic acid)-(C Ci 0 alkoxy), (carboxylic (d-C 6 )alkyl ester)-d-C 10 alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 10 alkoxy, -O- C CeJalkyl-O-iC CeJalkyl-OH, (C 5 - C 12 )-aryl-(C C 6 )-alkyl ester, nitro and/or a Ci-C 6 alkoxy group optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C 5 -Ci 2 aryl group, and/or

- a bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0-, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

More preferably, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that Ri represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3):

- OH, - C C 6 thioalkyl, in particular SCH 3

- halogen, such as iodine,

- (carboxylic (C C 6 )alkyl ester)-C C 10 alkoxy, such as OCH 2 COOCH 3 , OCH 2 COOCH 2 CH 3 or OCH 2 COOC(CH 3 ) 3> in particular OCH 2 COOC(CH 3 ) 3>

- (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -C 10 alkoxy, such as OCH 2 CHOHCH 2 OH, - -0-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl-0-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl-OH, such as OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH, and/or

- C C 6 alkoxy group optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 2 aryl group, such as OCH 3 , OCH 2 CH 3 , OCH 2 Ph, and/or a bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0-, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

For instance, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that Ri represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several C C 6 alkoxy, C- \ -C 6 thioalkyl, halogen, amino-(C C 0 alkoxy), (carboxylic acid)-(C C 10 alkoxy), (1 ,2 diol)- C 2 -Cio alkoxy, (C 5 -C 12 )-aryl-(CrC 6 )-alkyl ester and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that Ri represents a phenyl fragment optionally substituted by one or several C C 6 alkoxy, Ci-C e thioalkyl, halogen, amino-C C 10 alkoxy, (carboxylic acid)-C C 10 alkoxy, (2,3 diol)-propoxy, (C 5 -C 2 )-aryl-(CrC 6 )-alkyl ester and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R 1 represents an aryl fragment substituted by one or several iodine atoms, methoxy, methylthio, ethyloxy, amino-C Ci 0 alkoxy, (carboxylic acid)-C-|-C 10 alkoxy, (2,3 diol)-propoxy, (C 5 -Ci2)-aryl-(CrC 6 )-alkyl ester and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Yet in a particular embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that Ri represents an aryl fragment substituted by one or three methoxy groups, one methylthio group, one ethoxy group, one iodine atom, one (2,3 diol)-propoxy group and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that Ri represents a phenyl fragment substituted by one or three methoxy groups, one methylthio group, one ethoxy group, one iodine atom, one (2,3 diol)-propoxy group and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R-i represents a phenyl fragment, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, a 4- methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-nitro phenyl or a 4-[(2,3 diol)- propoxy]-phenyl fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that Ri represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, C C 6 alkoxy and/or C C 6 thioalkyi fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Preferably, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R- represents a phenyl fragment optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, C C 6 alkoxy and/or C C 6 thioalkyi fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R^ represents an aryl fragment substituted by one or several iodine atoms, methoxy, methylthio and/or ethyloxy fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a particular embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R^ represents an aryl fragment substituted by one iodine atom, one or three methoxy groups, one methylthio group and/or one ethoxy group, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that Ri represents a phenyl fragment substituted by one iodine atom, one or three methoxy groups, one ethoxy group, one benzyloxy group, one OCH 2 COOH group, one OCH 2 COOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH group, one OH group, one OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH group, one methylthio group and/or one bridging group of formula - 0-CH 2 -0- or -O-CH 2 CH 2 -O-, even more preferably, by one iodine atom, one or three methoxy groups, one ethoxy group, one benzyloxy group, one OCH 2 COOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH group, one OH group, one OCH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH group, one methylthio group and/or one bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0-, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R† represents a phenyl fragment substituted by one iodine atom, one or three methoxy groups, one methylthio group and/or one ethoxy group, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R represents a phenyl fragment, a 4-hydroxyphenyl, a 4- methoxyphenyl, a 2-methoxyphenyl, a 3-methoxyphenyl, a 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, a 3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-benzyloxy-phenyl, a 1 ,3- benzodioxole, a 1 ,4-benzodioxane, a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl, a 4-phenoxyacetic acid, a tert-butyl 4-(phenoxy)acetate, a 4-(bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ether)phenyl or a 4-iodo-phenyl, even more preferably, R-i represents a phenyl fragment, a 4-hydroxyphenyl, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 2-methoxy phenyl, a 3-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, a 3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-benzyloxy-phenyl, a 1 ,3- benzodioxole, a 1 ,4-benzodioxane, a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl, a tert-butyl 4- (phenoxy)acetate, a 4-(bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ether)phenyl or a 4-iodo-phenyl, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. In another particularly preferred embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R-i represents a phenyl fragment, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl or a 4-iodo-phenyl, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. The subject matter of the present invention also concerns a compound as defined presently, characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a C C 6 haloalkyl, a C C 6 alkoxy, a C C 6 thioalkyl, a d-C 6 acyl, nitro and/or a cyano fragments, a mono or polycyclic aryl or heteroaryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, nitro, cyano, formyl, COOH, -COO(d-C 6 alkyl), C C 6 alkyl, C 3 -C 7 cycloalkyl, d-C 6 N 3 -substituted alkyl, C C 6 NH 2 - substituted alkyl, C C 6 alcohol, C C 6 alkoxy, (d-C 6 )-alkoxy-(d-C 6 )-alkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkylcarbonyl.d-Ce alkylthio, C C 6 thioalkyl, (C C 6 )-alkylthio-(CrC 6 )-alkyl , C C 6 alkylsulfinyl, d-C 6 alkylsulfonyl, C C 6 haloalkyl, C C 6 haloalkoxy, C C 6 haloalkoxy alkyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkylcarbonyl, C C 6 haloalkylthio, d-C 6 haloalkylsulfinyl, C C 6 haloalkylsulfonyl, C 3 -C 6 trialkylsilyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C 2 -C 6 alkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyl, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyl,C 2 -C 6 haloalkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkynyloxy, C 2 -C 6 alkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 alkynylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkenylthio, C 2 -C 6 haloalkynylthio, a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a C C 6 alkyloxy group and/or a COO(d-C6 alkyl) group wherein the alkyl is substituted by NH 2 or NHCOO(d-C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(d-C 6 )alkyl(mono or polycyclic d-Ci 2 )aryl (preferably the alkyl in the COO(d-C 6 alkyl) group is substituted by NHCOO(d- C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(d-C 6 )alkyl(mono or polycyclic d-C 2 )aryl), especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In particular, R 2 and/or R 3 represent a d-C 6 haloalkyl, a d-C 6 alkoxy, a d-C 6 thioalkyl, a d- C 6 acyl, nitro and/or a cyano fragments, a mono or polycyclic aryl or heteroaryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Preferably R 2 (and/or R 3 ) is an electron-enricher group, i.e. an electron donating group, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. Specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the compounds of the present invention are characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent at least one electron-withdrawing group chosen in the list consisting of a para-halogenophenyl, a CF 3 , a phenyl, a fragment comprising a carbonyl such as an acyl, a cyano, a 3-pyridyl, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-nitro phenyl or a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl fragment.

Preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a monocyclic aryl, monocyclic heteroaryl or polycyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, d-C 6 NH 2 -substituted alkyi, COOH, -COO(C C 6 alkyi), d-C 6 N 3 -substituted alkyi, C C 6 haloalkyl, C C 6 alcohol, C C 6 alkoxy, C C 6 thioalkyl, C C 6 acyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, nitro, cyano, a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a C C 6 alkyloxy group (such as a phenyl group substituted by a C C 6 alkyloxy group, preferably a methoxy group) and/or a COO(C C 6 alkyi) group wherein the alkyi is substituted by NH 2 or NHCOO(d-C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(C C 6 )alkyl(mono or polycyclic C 5 -Ci 2 )aryl,fragments (preferably the alkyi in the COO(d-C 6 alkyi) group is substituted by NHCOO(d-C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(C r C 6 )alkyl(mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 )aryl), especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. Preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a monocyclic aryl, monocyclic heteroaryl or polycyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, C C 6 alkoxy, C C 6 thioalkyl, d-C 6 acyl, nitro and/or cyano fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. For example, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a phenyl fragment, a pyridyl fragment, or a naphthalene fragment, optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, COOH, -COO(C C 6 alkyi), C C 6 N 3 -substituted alkyi, C C 6 NH 2 -substituted alkyi, d-C 6 haloalkyl, C C 6 alcohol, C C 6 alkoxy, C C 6 thioalkyl, C 2 -C 6 alkenyl, C C 6 acyl, nitro, cyano, a monocyclic C 5 -C 6 aryl group optionally substituted by a d-C 6 alkyloxy group (such as a phenyl group substituted by a C C 6 alkyloxy group, preferably a methoxy group)and/or a COO(d-C 6 alkyi) group wherein the alkyi is substituted by NH 2 or NHCOO(Ci-C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(C C 6 )alkyl(mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 )aryl,fragments (preferably the alkyi in the COO(C C 6 alkyi) group is substituted by NHCOO(d-C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(C C 6 )alkyl(mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 )aryl), especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In particular, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a phenyl fragment, a pyridyl fragment, or a naphthalene fragment, optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms, d-C 6 alkoxy, d-C 6 thioalkyl, C-|-C 6 acyl, nitro and/or cyano fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

More preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent an aryl fragment substituted by one or several chlorine atoms, fluorine atoms, methoxy, COOH, COOCH 3 , COOC(CH 3 ) 3 , COOCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 , COOCH 2 CH 2 NHCOOC(CH 3 ) 3 , CH 2 OH, CH 2 N 3 , CH 2 NH 2 , CH 2 CI, vinyl, nitro, 4-methoxyphenyl, and/or cyano fragments, even more preferably by one or several chlorine atoms, fluorine atoms, methoxy, COOH, COOCH 3> COOC(CH 3 ) 3 , COOCH 2 CH 2 NHCOOC(CH 3 )3, CH 2 N 3> CH 2 CI, nitro and/or cyano fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Even more preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent an aryl fragment substituted by one or several chlorine atoms, fluorine atoms, methoxy fragments, nitro and/or cyano fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Yet more preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent an aryl fragment optionally substituted by one, two or three methoxy groups, one methylthio group, one ethoxy group, one iodine atom, one fluorine atom, one or two chlorine atom, one (2,3 diol)-propoxy group, one COOH group, one vinyl group, one COOCH 3 group, one COOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NHCOOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one CH 2 OH group, one CH 2 N 3 group, one CH 2 NH 2 group, one CH 2 CI group, one 4-methoxyphenyl, and/or nitro fragments, even more preferably by one, two or three methoxy groups, one methylthio group, one ethoxy group, one iodine atom, one fluorine atom, one or two chlorine atom, one (2,3 diol)-propoxy group, one COOH group, one COOCH 3 group, one COOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NHCOOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one CH 2 N 3 group, one CH 2 CI group, and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. Yet more preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent an aryl fragment substituted by one or three methoxy groups, one methylthio group, one ethoxy group, one iodine atom, one (2,3 diol)-propoxy group and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. Yet more preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent:

- a phenyl fragment optionally substituted by one methoxy group, one fluorine atom, one or two chlorine atoms, one vinyl group, one COOH group, one COOCH 3 group, one COOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NHCOOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one CH 2 OH group, one CH 2 N 3 group, one CH 2 NH 2 group, one CH 2 CI group and/or one 4- methoxyphenyl, preferably a phenyl fragment optionally substituted by one methoxy group, one fluorine atom, one or two chlorine atoms, one COOH group, one COOCH 3 group, one COOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NHCOOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one CH 2 N 3 group, and/or one CH 2 CI group, - a naphthalene fragment, or

- a pyridine fragment, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a more preferred embodiment, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent an phenyl fragment substituted by one or three methoxy groups, one methyithio group, one ethoxy group, one iodine atom, one (2,3 diol)-propoxy group and/or nitro fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a phenyl fragment, a 2-naphthalenyl fragment, a 3-pyridyl fragment, a 4- methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl, a 4-methylthio- phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-fluoro-phenyl, a 4-chloro-phenyl, a 3,5- dichloro-phenyl, a 4-nitro phenyl a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl, a 4-(chloromethyl)-phenyl, a 4-(azidomethyl)-phenyl, a 4-(aminomethyl)-phenyl, a 4-carboxylic acid-phenyl (i.e a a tert-butyl 4-

carboxylate-phenyl (i.e a group (especially as the ammonium salt, such as the corresponding trifluoroacetate ammonium salt) or a

group, a 4-vinylphenyl group or a 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-

phenyl group, )_ preferably a phenyl fragment, a 2-naphthalenyl fragment, a 3-pyridyl fragment, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a

4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-fluoro-phenyl, a 4-chloro-phenyl, a 3,5-dichloro- phenyl, a 4-nitro phenyl a a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl, a 4-(chloromethyl)-phenyl, a 4-

(azidomethyl)-phenyl, a 4-carboxylic acid-phenyl (i.e a a methyl 4- carboxylate-phenyl (i.e a tert-butyl 4-carboxylate-phenyl (i.e a

group,, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a phenyl fragment, a 3-pyridyl fragment, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5- trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-nitro phenyl or a 4-[(2,3 diol)-propoxy]-phenyl, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a phenyl fragment, a 2-naphthalenyl fragment, a 3-pyridyl fragment, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-(hydroxymethyl)-phenyl, a 4- methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4-fluoro-phenyl, a 4-chloro- phenyl, a 3,5-dichloro-phenyl, a 4-(chloromethyl)-phenyl, a 4-(azidomethyl)-phenyl, a 4- (aminomethyl)-phenyl, a 4-vinylphenyl group, a 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-phenyl group, a 4- carboxylic acid-phenyl, a methyl 4-carboxylate-phenyl, a tert-butyl 4-carboxylate-phenyl a group (especially as the ammonium salt, such as the corresponding

trifluoroacetate ammonium salt) or a preferably a phenyl fragment, a 2-naphthalenyl fragment, a 3-pyridyl fragment, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, a 4-methylthio-phenyl, a 4-ethoxy-phenyl, a 4-iodo-phenyl, a 4- fluoro-phenyl, a 4-chloro-phenyl, a 3,5-dichloro-phenyl, a 4-(chloromethyl)-phenyl, a 4- (azidomethyl)-phenyl, a 4-carboxylic acid-phenyl, a methyl 4-carboxylate-phenyl, a tert- butyl 4-carboxylate-phenyl or a fragment, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Preferably, R 2 (and/or R 3 ) is an electron-withdrawing group and R-i is an electro-donating group, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In another embodiment, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent monocyclic aryl, monocyclic heteroaryl or polycyclic aryl fragments optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms and/or C C 6 alkoxy fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

More preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a phenyl fragment optionally substituted by one or several halogen atoms and/or C-i-Ce alkoxy fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. Even more preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a monocyclic aryl, monocyclic heteroaryl or polycyclic aryl substituted by one or several chlorine atoms, fluorine atoms and/or methoxy fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Yet more preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a phenyl or pyridyl fragment optionally substituted by one or several chlorine atoms, fluorine atoms and/or methoxy fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

In a more preferred embodiment, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 2 and/or R 3 represent a phenyl, a 3-pyridyl, a 4-methoxy phenyl, a 4-fluoro-phenyl, a 4- chloro phenyl, or a 3,5 dichlorophenyl, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Preferably, R ! is an electro-donating group and R 2 (and/or R 3 ) is an electron-withdrawing group, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. The subject matter of the present invention also concerns a compound as presently defined, characterized in that at least one of R 3 , R 4 and R 5 represents a hydrogen atom, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that at least two of R 3 , R 4 and R 5 represent a hydrogen atom, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention.

Preferably, the compound of the present invention is characterized in that R 3 , R 4 and R 5 represent hydrogen atoms, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. In this embodiment, R 2 preferably represents a monocyclic aryl, monocyclic heteroaryl or polycyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, COOH, -COO(C C 6 alkyl), C C 6 N 3 - substituted alkyl, C C 6 haloalkyi, C-|-C 6 alcohol, C^C 6 alkoxy, C C 6 thioalkyl, C C 6 acyl, nitro, cyano and/or a COO(C C 6 alkyl) group wherein the alkyl is substituted by NH 2 or NHCOO(C C 6 )alkyl or NHCOO(CrC 6 )alkyl(mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 )aryl,fragments, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. In particular, R 2 represents:

- a phenyl fragment optionally substituted by one methoxy group, one fluorine atom, one or two chlorine atoms, one COOH group, one COOCH 3 group, one COOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NH 2 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NHCOOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one CH 2 OH group, one CH 2 N 3 group, and/or one CH 2 CI group, preferably a phenyl fragment optionally substituted by one methoxy group, one fluorine atom, one or two chlorine atoms, one COOH group, one COOCH 3 group, one COOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one COOCH 2 CH 2 NHCOOC(CH 3 ) 3 group, one CH 2 N 3 group, and/or one CH 2 CI group,

- a naphthalene fragment, or - a pyridine fragment.

In this embodiment, R 6 represents a mono or polycyclic C 5 -Ci 2 aryl fragment, optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, C C 6 haloalkyi or CrC 6 alkoxy, more preferably, R 6 is a monocyclic aryl fragment such as a phenyl group, optionally substituted by one or several (notably 1 to 3) halogen atoms, C C 6 haloalkyi or C C 6 alkoxy such as CI, I, F, Br, CF 3 or OMe. Even more preferably, in this specific embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are preferably characterized in that represents a monocyclic aryl fragment optionally substituted by - one or several (notably 1 to 3) OH, C^C 6 alkyl, C†-C 6 thioalkyl, halogen, amino-(CrC 0 alkoxy), (carboxylic acid)-(C C 0 alkoxy), (carboxylic (C C 6 )alkyl esterj-d-do alkoxy, (1 ,2 diol)-C 2 -Ci 0 alkoxy, -0-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl-0-(C 1 -C 6 )alkyl-OH, (C 5 - C 2 )-aryl-(CrC 6 )-alkyl ester, nitro and/or a C C 6 alkoxy group optionally substituted by a a mono or polycyclic C 5 -C 12 aryl group, and/or

- a bridging group of formula -0-CH 2 -0- or -0-CH 2 CH 2 -0-.

The subject matter of the present invention moreover concerns a compound as presently defined, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, characterized in that:

Ri represents a fragment chosen from the group consisting of phenyl, 4-methoxy phenyl, 4-ethoxy-phenyl, 4-nitro phenyl, 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-methylthio-phenyl, 4-iodo-phenyl; and

R 2 and/or R 3 represent a fragment chosen from the group consisting of phenyl, 4- methoxy phenyl, 4-formylphenyl, 4-nitro phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2,4- dichlorophenyl, naphtyl, indolyl, furanyl, pyridyl, thiophenyl.

The subject matter of the present invention preferably concerns a compound as presently defined, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, characterized in that:

Ri represents a fragment chosen from the group consisting of phenyl, 4-methoxy phenyl, a 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl, 4-methylthio-phenyl, 4-ethoxy-phenyl or 4-iodo- phenyl

R 2 and/or R 3 represent a fragment chosen from the group consisting of phenyl, 4- methoxy phenyl, 4-formylphenyl, 4-nitro phenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 2,4- dichlorophenyl, naphtyl, indolyl, furanyl, pyridyl, thiophenyl.

It is understood that the present invention conerns any combination of particular and/or preferred embodiments of R^ R 2 , R 3) R 4 , R 5 and R 6 .

In a particular embodiment, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention concerns the molecules of the following structure:

salts or solvates thereof. More specifically, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention concerns the molecules of the following structure:

salts or solvates thereof. In particular, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, the subject matter of the present invention concerns the molecules of the following structure:

salts or solvates thereof.

The subject matter of the present invention thus also concerns a method to prepare a compound of formula (I) as defined above, including the explicitly excluded compounds above, implicating a compound of formula (II):

(II) wherein R 4 , R 6 and R 7 are as defined above.

Preferably, R 4 and R 6 have the same definitions in formula (II) as in the case of formula (I) with, if need be, protecting groups on the reacting functions thereof.

R preferably is an electron-withdrawing group such as chosen in the group consisting of carbamates, a sulphonamide, amides and sulfonyles.

More preferably, R 7 is chosen in the group consisting of Boc (i.e. tert-butyloxycarbonyl), acetamide, mesylate or tosylate.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, R 6 -N-R 7 forms at least one ring, comprising e.g. lactames, oxazolidinone, or even sultames. More specifically, R 6 -N-R 7 forms 2 or even 3 rings wherein at least one of the rings is a hydrocarbon ring, which can be saturated, unsaturated or aromatic.

The compound(s) of the present invention can be produced, and used in the form of mixtures of enantiomers and/or diasteroisomers.

The expression "mixtures of enantiomers" in the present invention means any mixture of enantiomers. The mixtures can be racemic, i.e. 50/50% of each enantiomer in weight (w/w), or non-racemic, i.e. enriched in one or the other of the enantiomer so that the ratios w/w are between 50/50% and 75/25%, between 75/25% and 90/10% or above 95% of one enantiomer in comparison with the other.

The expression "mixtures of diastereoisomers" in the present invention means any mixture of diastereoisomers in any proportions.

Moreover, the subject matter of the present invention concerns at least one compound of formula (I) for its use as an antibiotic or for its use in combination with an antibiotic characterized in that the antibiotic is effective on bacteria chosen from gram- negative bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, preferably drug resistant forms of gram-negative bacteria to one or several classes of antibiotics comprising β-lactams by production of a fi-lactamase.

In a particular embodiment, the present invention concerns a composition of several compounds of formula (I), in particular for its use as a drug (antibiotic), in the form of a mixture of enantiomers and/or diasteroisomers of formula (I). In another particular embodiment, the present invention concerns a composition of several compounds of formula (I), in particular for its use in combination with at least one known antibiotic as defined hereunder, in the form of a mixture of enantiomers and/or diasteroisomers of formula (I). The subject matter of the present invention thus also concerns a compound of formula (I) (in its different variants) for its use as a potentiating agent, preferably of an antibiotic.

Indeed, the combination of at least one compound of formula (I) with at least one antibiotic advantageously provides a potentiating effect, i.e. by "potentiating effect/action" it is meant according to the present invention that at least one of the active compounds acts either as a "suicide molecule" as explained above enabling the other active ingredient to be active (i.e. antibiotic), and/or increases the activity of at least one of the other compounds present in term of biological (i.e. antibiotic) activity through e.g. a synergistic effect.

Therefore, said compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention can be used alone, or in combination with each other, or at least one other antibiotic already known. The derivatives thereof, if they have antibiotic activity, can also be used.

Examples of known antibiotics already used as medicaments specific in this field which can be used in combination with at least one compound of the present invention, and whose effect may be potentiated by the compound(s) of formula (I) of the present invention, can belong to at least one of the families consisting of the beta-lactam family (such as an amoxicillin and/or ampicillin), the cephalosporin family (such as cephazolin), the tetracycline family (such as chlortetracycline), the rifamycin family (such as rifampicin), the peptide family (such as a polymyxin), the aminoside family (such as streptomycin), the phenicol family (such as chloramphenicol), the macrolide family (such as erythromycin). Preferably, the combination comprises at least one known beta-lactam antibiotic. Examples of beta lactams preferentially used according to the present invention comprise carbapenems such as imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem and the compound commonly known as "PZ- 601 ".

In yet another embodiment, the known antibiotic(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of the amoxicillin, ampicillin, carbapenems, cephazolin the cephalosporins, the glycopeptides, the polymyxins, the gramicidins, tyrocidin, the aminosides, the macrolides, the lincosamides, the synergistins, the phenicols, the tetracyclines, fusidic acid, the oxazolidinones, the rifamycins, the quinolones, the fluoroquinolones, the sulfamides, trimethoprim, and the mixtures thereof. More preferably, the known antibiotic is selected from the group consisting of the penicillins, oxacillin, cloxacillin, ampicillin, meropenem, ertapenem, PZ-601 , amoxicillin, bacampicillin, metampicillin, pivampicillin, azlocillin, mezlocillin, piperacillin, ticarcillin, pivmecillinam, sulbactam, tazobactam, imipenem, cephalexin, cephydroxii, cephaclor, cephatrizine, cephalotin, cephapirin, cephazolin, cephoxitin, cephamandole, cephotetan, cephuroxime, cephotaxime, cephsulodin, cefepime, cephoperazone, cephotiam, cephtazidime, cephtriaxone, cephixime, cephpodoxime, cephepime, colistin, latamoxef, aztreonam, vancomycin, vancocin, teicoplanin, polymyxin B, colistin, bacitracin, tyrothricin, streptomycin, kanamycin, tobramycin, amikacin, sisomycin, dibekacin, netilmycin, spectinomycin, spiramycin, ceftazidime, erythromycin, josamycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, lincomycin, clindamycin, virginiamycin, pristinamycin, dalfopristine-quinupristine, chloramphenicol, thiamphenicol, tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, fusidic acid, linezolide, rifamycin, rifampicin, nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid, pipemidic acid, flumequin, pefloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin, sparfloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, nitroxolin, tilboquinol, nitrofurantoin, nifuroxazide, metronidazole, ornidazole, sulfadiazine, sulfamethisol, trimethoprim, isoniazide and the derivatives and mixtures thereof. Said antibiotics, and more particularly amoxicillin, can optionally be used in association with yet at least one another antibiotic activity enhancer such as clavulanic acid. The present invention thus also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of formula (I) as presently disclosed and to the (medical) use(s) of said composition, advantageously as an antibiotic. Preferably the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises only two therapeutically active substances, at least one of which is a compound of formula (I) as presently disclosed. In particular embodiment of the present invention, the pharmaceutical composition comprises at least two compounds of formula (I) as presently disclosed.

Moreover, the second therapeutically active substance comprised in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention can be an antibiotic which is already known as such and already used as medicament specific in this field and whose activity is potentiated. Preferably, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises at least two therapeutically active substances, one of which exerts a potentiating action on the other(s).

Examples of known antibiotics already used as medicaments specific in this field (such as those cited above) can be used in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention, said known antibiotics' effect may be potentiated by the first therapeutically active substance (i.e. compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, including the excluded compound thereof), as explained above.

Of course, the pharmaceutical composition according to the invention is not restricted to the use of only those antibiotics mentioned above. In fact, considering the potentiating effect exerted by the compound defined in the invention of formula (I), other known or future antibiotics can also be successfully used.

These pharmaceutical compositions can be administered orally, rectally, parenterally, intramuscularly or locally by topical application on the skin and the mucosa. In all cases, the pharmaceutical form of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention shall be adapted to its use. For example, it can be used in the form of a solution, suspension, tablet... for oral administration. The compositions for parenteral administration are generally pharmaceutically acceptable sterile solutions or suspensions which can optionally be prepared immediately before use. The aqueous solutions may be suitable for intravenous administration in so far as the pH is properly adjusted and they are made isotonic, for example by adding a sufficient amount of sodium chloride or glucose.

The compositions according to the present invention can be solid or liquid and present in pharmaceutical forms in current use in human medicine or veterinary use such as, for example, simple or coated tablets, capsules, granules, suppositories, injectable preparations, ointments, creams, gels; they are prepared according to the usual methods. The active principle or principles can be incorporated in the excipients usually used in these pharmaceutical compositions, such as cellulose derivatives (HPMC, HPC, microcrystalline cellulose, etc.), talc, gum Arabic, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, cocoa butter, aqueous or other media, fatty bodies of animal or plant origin, paraffin derivatives, glycols, different wetting, dispersing or emulsifying agents, preservatives. These compositions can notably take the form of a lyophilisate designed to be dissolved as required in an appropriate solvent, for example pyrogen free sterile water.

The compound(s) and/or pharmaceutical composition(s) according to the invention can be formulated so as to be suitable for a simultaneous or sequential administration of said at least one compound of formula (I) according to the invention and known antibiotic agent(s) as defined above.

The pharmaceutical composition of the invention thus enables the treatment of local or systemic infections caused by resistant microorganisms using doses of the compound of formula (I) the present invention, or combinations thereof eventually with known antibiotic agent(s) as defined above.

In the case of such a combination, the active substance are preferably lower than the doses required for treating the same infections due to susceptible microorganisms with one or the other of these same said compound of formula (I) according to the invention and known antibiotic agent as defined above alone.

The result is to offer a treatment which has at least the following advantages: effectiveness at very low doses against nonresistant microorganisms,

- effectiveness against microorganisms resistant to at least one therapeutic agent, - control of recurrence phenomena, and/or

- control of phenomena of resistant microorganisms selection.

Advantageously, there is a notable reduction in the risks of toxicity and/or adverse effects (well known to the person of the art for the known antibiotics), thanks to the potentiation which enables the administration of very low doses. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are a simple and efficient means to combat the problems related to microbial agents in general which comprise mainly resistance to therapeutic agents and toxicity of the latter resulting from the use of high doses.

A method according to the present invention for treating patients having a bacterial infection consists in administering to said patients the dose, determined by the physician, of the pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprising suitable doses of at least one compound of formula (I) according to the invention, combined with suitable doses of at least one said known antibiotic agent(s) as defined above.

In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the compositions thus include at least two active principles, one of which at least is a compound of formula (I) as defined presently, which can be administered simultaneously, separately or spread over time. They can for example be provided in kit form, allowing the administration of a compound of general formula (I) and that of another antibacterial compound separately.

The present invention also proposes a kit characterized in that it comprises at least one first container containing a first therapeutically active compound of formula (I) (including all variants, such as the excluded compounds above) and mixtures thereof, and at least one second container containing a second therapeutically active substance which is an antibiotic, in particular as defined above. The kit of the invention preferably contains instructions for use. Said kit enables health care personnel to prepare on demand either a mixture of suitable doses of the desired first therapeutic substance(s) and of the desired antibiotic(s), for a simultaneous administration, or to sequentially and separately administer the suitable dose of at least one said first therapeutically active substance, followed by the suitable dose of at least one said second therapeutically active substance, that is, the suitable antibiotic, or vice versa. However, a mixture for simultaneous use shall be preferred for ease of administration.

Therefore the present invention in particular concerns a kit comprising:

- at least one first container containing a first therapeutically active compound of formula (I) as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6 or as defined in claim 7 and mixtures thereof, and

- at least one second container containing a second therapeutically active substance which is an antibiotic.as a combination product for simultaneous, sequential and separate use, in particular in antibiotherapy. The dose administered of the compounds of formula (I) can vary depending on the severity and nature of the condition being treated, the particular subject, the administration route and the other antibacterial product involved. It can be, for example, between 0.1 mg and 1 g per kg per day, by oral route in humans or for veterinary purposes, or between 0.05 mg and 0.5 g per kg per day by intramuscular or intravenous route in humans or for veterinary purposes. The dose of the known antibacterial compound can also vary depending on the condition being treated, the particular subject, the administration route and the product involved, but generally follows the typical doses prescribed by practitioners, for example for human administration as described in the French reference Vidal. This dose can range up to 10 g per day per patient, or even more. Nevertheless, as a result of the potentiation provided by the compounds of general formula (I) to the known antibacterial compound(s), doses of the latter as part of the combination can be reduced compared to standard doses. The inventive combinations can also be used as disinfectants for surgical instruments.

Another subject matter of the present invention concerns the method to prepare a compound of formula (I) of the present invention which comprises in a first step (a) the addition of a compound of formula (II) as defined above with a compound of formula (III), f¾

R io*

2 1 (Hi). wherein fragments Ri, R 2 , R3 have the same definitions as in the case of formula (I) with, if need be, protecting groups on the reacting functions thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the fragments of R 2 or R 3 in formula (III) is an electron-withdrawing group.

Preferably "electron-withdrawing group", in the context of the present invention, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, means that none of R 2 or R 3 in formula (III) is a mesomeric attracting fragment. In another preferred embodiment, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention, the fragment Ri in formula (III) is an electro-donating group (equivalent to "electro-enriching group").

Ri may be for example p-methoxyphenyl. The article "Tetrahedron Lett. 2006 47, 8109" shows how to cut off the p-methoxyphenyl moiety and thus liberate the secondary amine, which in turn can be substituted by another R^ . This can of course be applicable to other types of Ri.

In a more preferred embodiment, the fragment ^ in formula (II) is an electro-donating group, and at least one of the fragments of R 2 or R 3 in formula (II) is an electron-withdrawing group, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. Therefore, in yet a more preferred embodiment, at least one of the fragments of R 2 or R 3 in formula (II) is an inductive attracting fragment such as a para- halogenophenyl, and the fragment Ri in formula (II) is an electro-donating group, whilst none of R 2 or R 3 in formula (III) is a mesomeric attracting fragment, especially for the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention. Preferably compound of formula (II) is added to compound of formula (III) with an excess of compound of formula (II). The excess of compound (II) is preferably superior to 1 .5 equivalents (i.e. in moles) of compound (III). More preferably, the excess of compound (II) is comprised between 2 equivalents and 10 equivalents of compound (III).

The addition of step (a) is completed in the presence of a base B1 . Preferably, B1 is a tert-butanolate salt, such as t-BuONa, t-BuOLi, t-BuOK or t-

BuONa. Preferably B1 is t-BuOLi. In yet another embodiment, step (a) comprises an excess of base B1 proportionally to compound (II) in relation to compound (III). The excesses of compound (II) and B1 are preferably superior to 1.5 equivalents (i.e. in moles) of compound (III) (i.e. 1.5 equivalents of compound (II) and 1.5 equivalent of B1 in respect to compound (III)). More preferably, the excesses of compound (II) and B1 are comprised between 2 equivalents and 10 equivalents of compound (III).

The addition of step (a) may also be conducted in the presence of a polar solvent, such as dimethylformamide ("DMF"), preferably with a content of water inferior to 5% molar, more preferably with a content of water inferior to 1% molar (i.e. "dry"), yet in a more preferable embodiment without substantially any water (i.e. "extra dry"). In the most preferred embodiment, step (a) comprises dry or extra dry DMF.

Furthermore the addition of step (a) may be conducted under microwaves, preferably for a period of time comprised between 1 minute and 24 hours, more preferably between 5 minutes and 5 hours, even more preferably between 10 minutes and 1 hour, such as around (± 5 minutes) 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes or 50 minutes.

In a preferred embodiment, step (a) also comprises silicagel, preferably between 0.5 and 5 equivalents in reference to the imine of formula (III). More preferably, step(a) comprises silicagel between 0.8 and 2 equivalents in referenced to the imine (III). In yet a more preferred embodiment, step (a) comprises around (± 0.1 equivalent) 1 equivalent of silicagel.

Moreover, the reaction of step (a) can be made under pressure and/or at a temperature above 50°C.

Preferably the pressure is greater than 1.5 bar, more preferably greater than 2 bars, even more preferably greater than 3 bars. The temperature of the reaction of step (a) is preferably greater than 60°C, more preferably greater than 75°C, even more preferably greater than 85°C. In a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention, the temperature of step (a) is fixed at around 100°C, i.e. 100°C ± 5°C.

Moreover, the method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) as defined above can be characterized in that the reaction of step (a) is made without the presence of a metal compound, such as copper, whether it is in its metallic or one of its oxidized or reduced forms. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the method to prepare a compound of formula (I) of the present invention thus comprises in its first step (a), the addition of a compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (III) as defined above, in the presence of a base B1 which can be a tert-butanolate salt or an equivalent base thereof, such as phenolates, methanolates or hydroxides, wherein said addition of the compounds is made in a polar solvent such as dry or extra dry DMF.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method to prepare a compound of formula (I) of the present invention comprises in its first step (a) the addition of a compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (III) as defined above, in the presence of a base B1 which can be a tert-butanolate salt or an equivalent base thereof, said addition of the compounds is made in dry or extra dry DMF wherein the reaction of step (a) is made under pressure and/or at a temperature above 50°C, preferably greater than 75°C, such as 85°C± 5°C or 100°C± 5°C.

In yet a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method to prepare a compound of formula (I) of the present invention comprises in a first step (a) the addition of a compound of formula (II) with a compound of formula (III) as defined above, in the presence of a base B1 which is a tert-butanolate salt or an equivalent base thereof, said addition of the compounds is made in dry or extra dry DMF, and wherein the reaction of step (a) is made under microwaves and under pressure and/or at a temperature above 50°C, preferably greater than 75°C, such as 85°C± 5°C or 100°C± 5°C.

In an even more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method to prepare a compound of formula (I) of the present invention comprises in its first step (a) the addition of a compound of formula (II), wherein at least one of R 2 or R 3 is an electron- withdrawing group, with a compound of formula (III) as defined above, in the presence of a base B1 which is a tert-butanolate salt or an equivalent base thereof, said addition of the compounds is made in dry or extra dry DMF, and wherein the reaction of step (a) is made under microwaves and under pressure and/or at a temperature above 50°C, preferably greater than 75°C, such as 85°C± 5°C or 100°C± 5°C.

In an even more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method to prepare a compound of formula (I) of the present invention comprises in its first step (a) the addition of a compound of formula (II), wherein F is an electro-donating group, with a compound of formula (III) as defined above, in the presence of a base B1 which is a tert- butanolate salt or an equivalent base thereof, said addition of the compounds is made in dry or extra dry DMF, and wherein the reaction of step (a) is made under microwaves and under pressure and/or at a temperature above 50°C, preferably greater than 75°C, such as 85°C± 5°C or 100°C± 5°C.

In an even more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method to prepare a compound of formula (I) of the present invention comprises in its first step (a) the addition of a compound of formula (II), wherein R ! is an electro-donating group and at least one of R 2 or R 3 is an electron-withdrawing group, with a compound of formula (III) as defined above, in the presence of a base B1 which is a tert-butanolate salt or an equivalent base thereof, said addition of the compounds is made in dry or extra dry DMF, and wherein the reaction of step (a) is made under microwaves and under pressure and/or at a temperature above 50°C, preferably greater than 75°C, such as 85°C± 5°C or 100°C± 5°C.

It is another subject matter of the present invention to propose several imines of formula (III). The obtaining of imines is well documented in the art. Two methods have been used to obtain these compounds. These two methods ("Condition A" and "Condition B") both use the substitution of the oxygen atom of a carbonyl by the nitrogen atom of an amine:

Conditions

Ri > R 2 , R3 are as defined above, with adequate protecting groups if need-be.

The conditions A comprise silica (1 equivalent) in ethanol as solvent. Preferably ultra sounds are used at ambient temperature (20-25°C). The time left for the reaction to proceed can for example be comprised between 1 min and 10 hours, preferably around one hour (± 20 minutes).

The conditions B comprise toluene as solvent at reflux, for example using a Dean- Stark apparatus. Water appears as a sub product due to the condensation, and thus may be trapped by any convenient means, if need-be. The time left for the reaction to proceed can for example be comprised between 1 hour and 2 days, preferably around one day (± 1 hour). The method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention can furthermore comprise an optional step (b) of addition of R 5 as defined above in the case of formula (I), R 5 being conveniently protected if need-be, through a nucleophilic addition to the compound obtained in step (a).

Preferably the nucleophilic addition can be conducted with R 5 -X, wherein X is a halogen atom in the presence of a base B2. Preferably B2 is a non-nucleophilic base, such as Ν,Ν-diisopropylethylamine ("DIPEA"), 1 ,8-diazabicycloundec-7-ene ("DBU"), tri- ethylamine, 2,6-di-tert-butylpyridine, phosphazene bases such as t-Bu-P 4 , lithium diisopropylamide ("LDA"), silicon based amides such as sodium or potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide ("NaHMDS" and "KHMDS"), 1-Lithio-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine ("LiTMP" also called "harpoon base"), sodium hydride, potassium hydride, or even sodium butoxide, potassium butoxide or lithium butoxide.

The method of preparation of the compound of formula (I) according to the present invention finally comprises a step (c) of retrieving the compound of formula (I) as defined presently. By "retrieving" it is understood according to the present invention that the products obtained are extracted by techniques common in the art, e.g. by means of a two-phase washing comprising for example an organic solvent and water; alternatively, it is possible to recover the products in suspension (either in the form of crystals or amorphous solids) in the liquid that contains them, by filtration or drainage. Another way to recover the products may simply evaporate or freeze dry the solvent that contains them. This recovery phase may further contain a purification step by washing the obtained solid or to pass the compounds on a chromatography column.

EXAMPLES

The invention shall become clearer in the following examples describing different embodiments, which are given for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation.

Example 1: Reaction conditions establishment

Different operating conditions involving imines, ynamides and at least a base were tested in order to prepare azetidinimine feature (Table 1 ).

Table 1 : Reaction conditions establishment

Entry # Base Solvent T(°C) Heating Time Adjuvant Observations

TBAF dry 60 - imine +

- DMF 80 □ 48h

1 M THF ynamide, no dry imine + ynamide

13 f-BuONa AT 24h Yb(OTf),

DMF + reduced imine

60 - 48h No evolution 80 □

TBAF dry imine + ynamide

14 AT 24h Yb(OTf) 3

1M THF DMF + reduced imine

60 -

No evolution 80 □ 48h

dry imine + ynamide

15 DBU AT 24h - DMF + imine reduite

60 - 48h No evolution 80 □

Different conditions of reaction were produced using bases, solvents, adjuvants at different reaction temperatures and times. In the conditions set in this first study (i.e. particular chemical structures of imine and ynamide), the type of base "tert-butoxide" seemed required as well as the use of extra dry DMF (sold in a bottle with septum containing a sieve in the DMF) (entry 11 ).The method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is preferably conducted with a step (a) comprising less than 5% mol of water, relative to the solvent, more preferably less than 3% mol, or less than 1 % mol of water, relative to the solvent. In the most preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, no water is present in step (a) of said method. The method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is preferably conducted with a step (a) comprising a base B1 which is a tert-butoxide.

Example 2: optimization of the reaction conditions

After having verified the possibility to access the desired compound, the previously determined method was optimized by studying the best reaction conditions (Table 2)

Table 2: optimization of the method

Entry

Base Solvent T(°C) Heating Time Adjuvant Observations #

f- imine + ynamide +

11 dry DMF AT 24h

BuONa - - azetidinimide t-

1 dry DMF 60 Π 16h - No evolution

BuONa

imine + azetidinimide f-

2 dry DMF 25 MW 10min - (ratio crude NMR 97/3 :

BuONa

imine/azet.) imine + azetidinimide

80 MW 30min - (ratio crude NMR 90/10 :

imine/azet.) imine + azetidinimide

80 MW I - (ratio crude NMR 80/20 :

imine/azet.) t- THF

3 57 MW 1 h - imine + ynamide

BuONa (distilled)

imine + azetidinimide (ratio

4 f-BuOK dry DMF 80 MW 1 h - crude NMR 48/52 :

imine/azet.) 46% isolated

No imine + azetidinimide (ratio

5 i-BuOK dry DMF 80 MW 1 h molecular crude NMR 45/55 :

sieve* imine/azet.)

imine + azetidinimide (ratio

6 f-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 1 h - crude NMR 50/50 :

imine/azet.) imine + azetidinimide (ratio

2 eq. of

7 i-BuOK dry DMF 80 MW 1 h crude NMR 37/63 :

vnamide

imine/azet.) 45% isolated imine- no more ynamide -

8 f-BuOK Toluene 100 MW 1 h - no azetidinimine

Slow

addition

9 f-BuOK dry DMF 80 □ 1 h of MS - no reaction

vnamide

at 80°C

MS - no reaction - no

16h

evolution

1 h -

10 i-BuOK dry DMF AT L

4d - MS - no reaction 2 eq. of

f-BuOK dry DMF 80 MW 1 h No improvement

base

No

molecular

i-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 1 h sieve - 2 No improvement

eq. of

base

With

molecular

No improvement - seems f-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 1 h sieve - 2

cleaner eq. of

base

With

molecular

No improvement - seems i-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 1 h sieve - 10

more dirty eg. of

base

at

i-BuOLi methvlace 80 MW 1 h - MS - no reaction

tamide i-BuOLi ACN 65 MW 1 h - MS - no reaction

Round

□ bottom

i-BuOLi dry DMF 80 1 h MS - no reaction

flask +

refriqerant

16h No improvement

48h No improvement

sealed

i-BuOLi dry DMF 80 □ 1 h Traces of azetidinimine

tube

16h No improvement

48h No improvement i-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 2h - No improvement

1 equiv.

of

1 h No improvement vnamide

added

10 mol%

i-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 1 h MS - no reaction

of f-BuOLi

More

concentra

i-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 1 h ted - Traces of azetidinimine

0.16M vs.

0.33M

less

concentra

f-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 1 h ted - MS - no reaction

0.66M vs.

0.33M Smaller

23 f-BuOLi dry DMF 80 MW 1 h No improvement

tube MW

100 1 h - conversion improved smaller

24 f-BuOLi dry DMF 120 MW 1 h Degradation product

tube MW

No more degradation

150 1 h

product silicagel

25 f-BuOLi dry DMF 100 MW 1 h added 2.5 Clear improvement eg.

silicagel

added 2.5 Formation of a secondary

26 f-BuOLi dry DMF 100 MW 111 eq. + 2 eq. supplementary product

of base

silicaqel

Same as entry 4 - 1.0 eq.

27 f-BuOLi dry DMF 100 MW 1h added 1.0

seems to be enough eg_

silicaqel

Formation of a secondary

28 f-BuOLi dry DMF 100 MW 1 h added

supplementary product 10.0 eq.

Alumina

29 f-BuOLi dry DMF 100 MW 1 h added 1.0 Same as entry 4

eg.

Addition

30 i-BuOLi dry DMF 100 MW 1 h of No improvement

10mol %

Conversion of the imine

3 eq. of

31 i-BuOLi dry DMF 100 MW 1 h clearly improved but the

vnamide

reaction is more dirty

3 eq. of

vnamide 3

No improvement, on the

32 i-BuOLi dry DMF 100 MW 1 h times with

contrary

20 min

interspace

* 3A molecular sieve being present in other cases in order to avoid parasite reactions with water.

(wherein MW = microwave)

This study showed that the use of lithium tert-butoxide was particularly favorable to the reaction conditions previously set. The method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is preferably conducted with a step (a) comprising a base B1 which is lithium tert-butoxide. Furthermore, the reaction time could be reduced to 1 hour by use of microwaves to an optimized temperature of 100 ° C. The method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is preferably conducted with a step (a) comprising microwaves for a period of time stretching up e.g. up to 24hours, preferably around 1 hour (± 15 minutes), at a temperature above 80°C, preferably around 100°C (±10°C). It was therefore determined that the use of e.g. microwaves makes it possible to obtain in a significant quantity the desired product.

Other parameters were also studied. The most relevant parameter was the addition of silicagel which proved to be particularly favorable to the reaction. Indeed, the use of 1 equivalent of Silicagel was sufficient to significantly increase the conversion of the starting imine. The method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is preferably conducted with a step (a) comprising silicagel, preferably in a quantity of around 1 equivalent (± 0.1 eq) in respect of the product at the lowest quantity engaged in the reaction, e.g. the imine. Finally it was also found that the conversion of the imine could be improved with the use of an excess of ynamide (2 equiv.) accompanied by a proportional base B1 excess (2 equiv.). The method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is preferably conducted with a step (a) comprising an excess of ynamide, e.g. around 2 eq. (± 0.1 eq.) in respect of the imine. The method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is preferably conducted with a step (a) comprising an excess of base B1 , e.g. around 2 eq. (± 0.1 eq.) in respect of the imine. More preferably, the method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is conducted with a step (a) comprising an excess of ynamide, e.g. around 2 eq. (± 0.1 eq.) in respect of the imine, accompanied by a proportional base B1 excess, e.g. around 2 eq. (± 0.1 eq.) in respect of the imine.

Multiple optimization tests were summarized in Table 2. The conditions adopted for the rest of the study were as follows: ynamide (2 eq.); imine (1 eq.); t-BuOLi (2 eq.); Silicagel (1 eq.); extra dry DMF; 100 0 C, 1 h, micro-waves. The method of preparing a compound of formula (I) according to the present invention thus is preferably conducted with a step (a) comprising around 2 equivalents of ynamide, around 1 equivalent of imine, around 2 equivalents of t-BuOLi , around 1 equivalent of silicagel in extra dry DMF at around 100 ° C, for 1 h, under micro-waves.

Example 3: variation of the imine

An aromatic imine family was first prepared using mainly two methods (Table 3). Method 1 : P H N. Silica

EtOH

AT, sonication, 1

Dean-Stark

Method 2:

Toluene/water

Reflux, 24h

Table 3: imine syntheses

These imines were then engaged in the conditions to produce azetidinimine starting from ynamide as previously established (Table 4).

- - m crowaves

Table 4: Preparation of azetidinimines by imine variation

The application of the method was verified, i.e. the desired compounds were generally obtained in good yields. As previously mentioned, the study showed that the reaction was promoted when the imine was substituted by an electro donating group Ri and/or an electron-withdrawing group in position R2 (and/or R3 according to formula (I) of the present invention).

Moreover, the p-methoxyphenyl group is a particular good choice for R f because of its electron donor character and various procedures described in literature (see e.g. Tetrahedron Lett. 2006 47, 8109) show how to cut off the p-methoxyphenyl moiety and thus liberate the secondary amine.

Moreover, the use of para-halophenyl as R 2 fragment proved particularly effective with excellent yields of up to 86%. The attractor inductive character of these derivatives could be the cause of such success. However, when electron-withdrawing mesomeric derivatives were used as R 2 fragments, it was rarely possible to observe the desired product in significant quantities.

Example 4 : biological Tests

These tests were conducted by comparing UV absorbance slope measurements of impenem alone, and then imipenem with the concerned azetidinimines at given concentrations in the presence of the enzyme. It was thus possible to monitor the hydrolysis of imipenem. Lower the value of the slope, the higher is the percentage of inhibition of the enzyme.

Imipenem

Stability tests of imipenem with increasing concentrations of tested molecules of the present invention (T4#1 , i.e. compound #1 of table 4; T4#7 i.e. compound #7 of table 4; T4#9 i.e. compound #9 of table 4; T4#2 i.e. compound #2 of table 4) were also conducted (Table 2). Table 5 : Stability tests

Moreover, the different biology test results made on the compounds of the present invention are summarized in the table 6.

Table 6: Biology tests results summary

N.

N.D. 4.8 10 3.5 N.D. 10 6 N.D. D.

N. No measurable effect at N.

N.D. 1.2 N.D. 6 D. 10μΜ D.

N.

N.D. 1.8 10 32 N.D. 10 45 N.D. D.

N. N.

N.D. 2.6 N.D. N.D. >50 N.D. 1.3 D. D.

N. N.

N.D. 0.7 N.D. N.D. > 50 N.D. > 50

D. D.

N. N.

N.D. 0.6 N.D. N.D. > 50 N.D. > 50 D. D.

N. N.

N.D. 0.8 N.D. N.D. >10 N.D. >50 D. D.

Example 5: Experimental Section

1. General Remarks

Melting points were measured in capillary tubes on a Buchi B-540 apparatus and are uncorrected. Infrared spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Spectrum BX FT-IR spectrometer. Proton (1 H) and carbon (13C) NMR spectra were recorded on Bruker spectrometers: Avance 300 MHz (QNP - 13C, 31 P, 19F - probe or Dual 13C probe) and Avance 500 MHz (BB0 - ATM probe or BBI - ATM probe). Carbon NMR (13C) spectra were recorded at 125 or 75 MHz, using a broadband decoupled mode with the multiplicities obtained using a JMOD or DEPT sequence. NMR experiments were carried out in deuterochloroform (CDCI3), chemical shifts (δ) are reported in parts per million (ppm) with reference to CDCI3 (1 H: 7.26; 13C: 77.00). The following abbreviations are used for the proton spectra multiplicities: s: singlet, bs: broad singlet, d: doublet, t: triplet, q: quartet, m: multiplet, br: broad. Coupling constants (J) are reported in Hertz (Hz). Mass spectra were obtained either with a LCT (Micromass) instrument using electrospray ionization (ES), or from a Time of Flight analyzer (ESI-MS) for the high resolution mass spectra (HRMS). Elemental analyses were performed on a Perkin Elmer CHN 2400 analyzer with detection by catharometry. Thin-layer chromatography was performed on silica gel 60 F254 on aluminium plates (Merck) and visualized under a UVP Mineralight UVLS-28 lamp (254 nm) and with ninhydrin and phosphomolybdic acid in ethanol. Flash chromatography was conducted on Merck silica gel 60 (40-63 pm) at medium pressure (300 mbar) or on CombiFlash apparatus (Serlabo Technologies), using standard settings. Chiral High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was performed on a Waters 2695 Separations Module equipped with a diode array UV detector (254 nm) and with a Daicel CHIRACEL IA column (4.6*250 nm, 5 mm). Data are reported as follows: column temperature, eiuent, flow rate, retention time. Microwaves irradiation experiments were carried out in an Anton Paar Monowave 300 instrument with internal optic-fiber- or IR temperature control.

All reagents were obtained from commercial suppliers unless otherwise stated. Where necessary, organic solvents were routinely dried and/or distilled prior to use and stored over molecular sieves under nitrogen commercial DMF (anhydrous DMF was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich in Sure/Seak™ Bottles. Organic extracts were dried over magnesium sulfate (MgS0 4 ).

2. General Procedures

General Procedure A: Imine Formation

Aldehyde (1.0 equiv.), aniline (1.0 equiv.) and silica (1.0 equiv.) are successively added in a round bottom flask followed by the addition of ethanol (0.7M). The mixture is then placed in an ultrasound unit for 5-10 minutes (monitored by TLC) and filtered to remove silica. After concentration under reduced pressure, the crude imine is recrystallized in absolute ethanol.

General Procedure B: Azetidinimine Formation

Imine (1.0 equiv.), ynamide (2.0 equiv.), i-BuOLi (2.0 equiv.) and silica (1.0 equiv.) are successively added in a microwave sealed tube placed under argon before the addition of extra dry DMF (0.3M). The sealed tube is caped and placed in a microwave apparatus for 1 h at 100°C. After cooling, the crude material is transferred in a round bottom flask, concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by flash chromatography or preparative TLC on silica gel with appropriated solvents. General procedure C: formation of carboxylic acids from tert-butyl esters under acidic hydrolysis conditions

A solution of the corresponding tert-butyl ester in DCM (1 mL/30 mg of tert-nutyl ester) is cooled to 0°C then TFA (trifluoroacetic acid, 1 mL, excess) is added. After 1h ( thin layer chromatography (TLC) monitoring), the mixture is cooled to 0°C then a saturated aqueous solution of NaHC0 3 is added dropwise until pH 7. The aqueous layer is extracted once with DCM (dichloromethane). The organic layers are washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered then evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue is purified by automated flash chromatography using a gradient of MeOH in DCM (MeOH 0%-»40% over 20 min).

General procedure D: demethylation or the f-butyl ester hydrolysis with BBr 3

An argon-flushed and stirred solution of azetidinimine in anhydrous dichloromethane (DCM) (at a concentration of around 0.1 M) is cooled at -78°C, then BBr 3 (1 M solution in DCM, 4 equiv.) is added dropwise. The solution is further stirred at -78°C for 2h then allowed to warm to room temperature. Once the reaction completed (TLC monitoring), the reaction mixture is carefully quenched at -78°C with a 1 :1 mixture of MeOH/DCM (10 mL). After warming to room temperature, the solvents are evaporated then the crude residue is resolubilized in DCM, washed with saturated aqueous NaHC0 3 and water. The organic layer is dried on sodium sulfate, filtered then evaporated under reduced pressure. The resulting residue is subsequently purified by automated flash chromatography using a gradient of AcOEt in heptane (AcOEt 0%->60% over 30 min).

3. Analytical Data for some Azetidinimines Products according to the present invention

E)-A/-(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-phenylazetidin-2-ylidene)ani line

C 22 H2oN 2 0 - Exact Mass: 328,1576; 1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 7.37-7.16 (m, 9H), 6.99-6.92 (m, 3H), 6.72 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 5.07 (dd, J = 6.1 , 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 3.42 (dd, J = 14.6, 6.1 Hz), 2.86 (dd, J = 14.6, 2.9 Hz). 13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 154.8 (C), 154.1 (C), 148.6 (C), 139.4 (C), 133.7 (C), 129.1 (2CH), 128.9 (2CH), 128.3 (CH), 125.9 (2CH), 122.8 (CH), 122.2 (2CH), 117.5 (2CH), 114.2 (2CH), 58.2 (CH), 55.5 (CH 3 ), 40.5 (CH 2 ). HRMS (ESI): calc. for C 22 H 21 N 2 0 [M+H] m/z 328.1576, found m/z 329.1658. IR (neat): 2993, 2931 , 2894, 1668, 1592, 1510, 1486, 1390, 1256, 1241 , 1162, 1035 cm "1 .

^E)-A/-(4-phenyl-1-(3.4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)azetidin-2-yli dene)aniline

C 2 4H 24 N 2 03 - Exact Mass: 388,1787; 1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 7.51-7.26 (m, 7H), 7.12-7.01 (m, 3H), 6.78 (s, 2H), 5.16 (dd, J = 6.0, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.73 (s, 6H), 3.54 (dd, J = 14.8, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.00 (dd, J = 14.8, 2.9 Hz, 1 H). 13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 153.4 (2C), 148.0 (C), 136.2 (C), 132.8 (C), 129.1 (2CH), 129.0 (2CH), 128.5 (CH), 127.6 (C), 126.0 (2CH), 123.0 (CH), 122.2 (C), 122.1 (CH), 94.2 (2CH), 92.6 (C), 60.9 (CH), 58.6 (CH 3 ), 56.0 (2CH 3 ), 40.4 (CH 2 ). HRMS (ESI): calc. for C 2 4H 25 N 2 0 3 [M+H] m/z 389.1787, found m/z 389.1871

^E)-A/-(4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)azetidin-2-yli dene)aniline

C 22 H 19 CIN0 2 - Exact Mass: 362,1186; 1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 7.34-7.25 (m, 6H), 7.24-7.16 (m, 2H), 6.73 (d, J = 9.1 Hz, 2H), 5.04 (dd, J = 6.0, 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.42 (dd, J = 14.6, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.81 (dd, J = 14.6, 2.8 Hz, 1 H). 13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 155.0 (C), 153.6 (C), 148.4 (C), 138.0 (C), 134.1 (C), 133.4 (C), 129.3 (2CH), 129.0 (2CH), 127.3 (2CH), 123.0 (CH), 122.2 (2CH), 117.5 (2CH), 114.3 (2CH), 57.5 (CH), 55.5 (CH 3 ), 40.5 (CH 2 ). HRMS (ESI): calc. for C 22 H 20 35 CINO 2 [M+H] m/z 363.1186, found m/z 363.1246; calc. for C 2 2H2o 37 CIN0 2 [M+H] m/z 365.1156, found m/z 365.1251

^E)-A/-(4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylazetidin-2-ylidene)an iline

C 22 H 2 oN 2 0 - Exact Mass: 328,1576; 1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 7.38 (d, J = 8.3 Hz,

2H), 7.32-7.11 (m, 6H), 7.01-6.93 (m, 3H), 6.92-6-80 (m, 3H), 5.06 (dd, J = 6.0, 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.41 (dd, J = 14.8, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.84 (dd, J = 14.8, 2.8 Hz, 1 H). 13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 159.6 (C), 154.5 (C), 149.3 (C), 139.9 (C), 131.3 (C), 128.9 (2CH), 128.8 (2CH), 127.2 (2CH), 123.0 (CH), 122.2 (2CH), 122.1 (CH), 116.4 (2CH), 114.5 (2CH), 57.8 (CH), 55.3 (CH 3 ), 40.5 (CH 2 ). HRMS (ESI): calc. for C 22 H 21 N 2 0 [M+H] m/z 329.1576, found m/z 329.1638.

(E)-A/-(1 ,4-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)azetidin-2-ylidene)ariilirie

C 23 H 22 N 2 0 2 - Exact Mass: 358,1681 ; 1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 7.42-7.25 (m, 6H), 7.05-6.96 (m, 3H), 6.88 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.78 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 5.08 (dd, J = 5.6, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.45 (dd, J = 14.7, 5.6 Hz, 1 H), 2.90 (dd, J = 14.7, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). 13 C NMR (75 MHz, CDCI 3 ): (ppm) 159.3 (C), 154.5 (C), 148.1 (C), 133.2 (C), 131.0 (C), 129.1 (CH), 127.4 (CH), 126.9 (C), 123.0 (CH), 122.5 (CH), 117.8 (CH), 114.7 (CH), 114.4 (CH), 58.1 (CH), 55.7 (CH 3 ), 55.5 (CH 3 ), 40.8 (CH 2 ). HRMS (ESI): calc. for C 23 H 23 N 2 0 2 [M+H] m/z 359.1681 , found m/z 359.1752.

(£)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl) azetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.57 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 7.36 - 7.33 (m, 6 H), 6.82(d, J = 9.3 Hz, 2 H), 6.78(d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 5.14 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.76 (s, 3 H), 3.49 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.87 (dd, J = 14.7, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). HRMS : [M+H] + m/z 489.0230, found 489.0240.

(E)-N-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)azetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.58 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 7.41 - 7.36 (m, 7 H), 6.81 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, 2 H), 6.79 (d, J = 4.2 Hz, 2 H), 5.15 (dd, J = 5.6, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3 H), 3.48 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.93 (dd, J = 14.7, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). HRMS : [M+H] + m/z 455.0542 , found 455.0624. f£)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxypheny l)azetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.37 - 7.23 (m, 8 H), 6.94 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 6.81 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2 H), 5.15 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.76 (s, 3 H), 3.50 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.89 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H). HRMS : [M+H] + m/z 398.0874, found 398.0898.

(E)-4- N-(4-chlorophenvn-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)azetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.41 - 7.23 (m, 9 H), 6.97 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 5.16 (dd, J = 5.9, 2.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3 H), 3.49 (dd, J = 14.7, 5.9 Hz, 1 H), 2.92 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.7 Hz, 1 H). HRMS : [M+H] + m/z 363.1264, found 363.1268.

(E)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1-(4-m ethoxyphenyl)azetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.42 - 7.27 (m, 8 H), 7.18 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2 H), 6.82 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2 H), 5.17 (dd, J = 6.0, 2.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.77 (s, 3 H), 3.53 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.91 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.7 Hz, 1 H). HRMS : [M+Hf m/z 431.1138, found 431.1131.

(E)-1-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(naphthalen- 2-yl)azetidin-2-irriine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.89 - 7.83 (m, 2 H), 7.56 - 7.43 (m, 7 H), 7.02 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2 H), 6.88 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2 H), 6.79 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2 H), 5.30 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.95 (q, J = 13.8, 6.9 Hz, 2 H), 3.80 (s. 3H), 3.57 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.99 (dd, J = 14.7, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 1.37 (t, J = 13.8, 6.9 Hz, 2 H). HRMS : [M+Hf m/z 423.1993 , found 423.1987. (E)-1-(4-ethoxyphenvn-N-(4-iodophenyl)-4-(naphthalen-2-yl)az etidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCfe): δ 7.89 - 7.40 (m, 7 H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 6.79 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2 H), 5.32 (dd, J = 5.7, 2.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.95 (q, J = 5.7, 2.7 Hz, 2 H), 3.54 (dd, J = 14.4, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.99 (dd, J = 14.4, 2.7 Hz, 1 H), 1.36 (t, J = 6.0, 2.7 Hz, 2 H). HRMS : [M+H] + m/z 519.0944 , found 519.0941.

(E)-4-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-N-(4-iodophenvn-1-(4-methoxyph enyl)azetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.56 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.45 (d, J = 1.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.37 - 7.21 (m, 3 H), 6.86 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 2 H), 6.75 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 5.49 (dd, J = 6.3, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.78 (s, 3 H), 3.60 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.3 Hz, 1 H), 2.93 (dd, J = 14.7, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). HRMS :

[M+H] + m/z 538.9968, found 538.9920.

(E)-1-(4-(benzyloxy)phenyl)-N-4-diphenylazetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.49 - 7.20 (m, 14 H), 7.11 - 6.98 (m, 3 H), 6.93 - 6.81 (m, 2 H), 5.15 (dd, J = 6.0, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 5.00 (s, 2 H), 3.5 (dd, J = 14.6, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.94 (dd, J = 14.6, 2.9 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-EI (m/z) calcd for C^s^O [(M+H) + ] 405.1967, found 405.1952.

(E)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-/\/-4-diphenylazetidin-2-imin e

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.52 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.48 - 7.22 (m, 7 H), 7.06 - 6.99 (m, 3 H), 6.72 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.64 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 5.15 (dd, J = 6.1 , 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.8 (2 overlaps s, 6 H), 3.52 (dd, J = 14.6, 6.1 Hz, 1 H), 2.97 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-EI (m/z) calcd for C23H23N2O2 [(M+H) + ] 359.1760, found 359.1763.

(E)-1-(benzof(^f1,3ldioxol-5-yl)-//,4-diphenylazetidin-2- irriine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.46 - 7.22 (m, 8 H), 7.12 - 6.97 (m, 3 H), 6.77 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.67 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 5.88 (dd, J = 2.7, 1.4 Hz, 2 H), 5.12 (dd, J = 6.1 , 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.50 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.1 Hz, 1 H), 2.93 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-EI (m/z) calcd for C 2 2H 19 N202 [(M+H) + ] 343.1448, found 343.1453.

(E)-1-(2,3-dihydrobenzoribiri ,41dioxin-6-yl)-A/-4-diphenylazetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.49 - 7.22 (m, 7 H), 7.08 - 6.98 (m, 4 H), 6.95 (dd, J = 8. 7, 2.5, 1 H), 6.74 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 5.11 (dd, J = 6.1 , 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.27 - 4.13 (m, 4 H), 3.48 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.1 Hz, 1 H), 2.92 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-EI (m/z) calcd for C23H2 N2O2 [( +H) + ] 357.103, found 357.1588.

(E)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-Ay,4-diphenylazetidin-2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.45 - 7.21 (m, 8 H), 7.14 (t, J = 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.09 - 7.00 (m, 3 H), 6.96 - 6.89 (m, 1 H), 6.53 (ddd, J = 8.1 , 2.5, 0.8 Hz, 1 H), 5.17 (dd, J = 6.2, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.75 (s, 3 H), 3.51 (dd, J = 14.8, 6.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.95 (dd, J = 14.8, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-EI (m/z) calcd for C 22 H2oN 2 0 [(M+H) + ] 329.1654, found 329.1658. (E)-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(3-methoxyphenyl)-A/-phenylazetidin -2-imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.38 - 7.23 (m, 6 H), 7.23 - 6.97 (m, 5 H), 6.88 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.54 (ddd, J = 8.0, 2.5, 1.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.14 (dd, J = 6.2, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.76 (s, 3 H), 3.52 (dd, J = 14.8, 6.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.90 (dd, J = 14.8, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-EI (m/z) calcd for C 22 H 2 oCIN 2 0 [(M+H) + ] 363. 264, found 363.1250. 0-4-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-A/-phenylazetidin-2 -imine

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 8.31 - 8.23 (m, 1 H), 7.28 - 7.14 (m, 6 H), 7.00 - 6.86 (m, 5 H), 6.69 - 6.64 (m, 1 H), 5.52 (dd, J = 6.0, 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.48 (s, 3 H), 3.44 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.80 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.8 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-EI (m/z) calcd for C 22 H 20 CIN 2 O [(M+H) + ] 363.1264, found 363.1273.

Methyl (E)-4-(1-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-2-yl)benzoate

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 8.06 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.5 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.33 - 7.22 (m, 4H), 7.08 - 6.95 (m, 4H), 5.24 (dd, J = 6.3 Hz, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 3.55 (dd, J = 14.8, 6.3 Hz, 1 H), 2.93 (dd, J = 14.8, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 23 H 21 N 2 02 [(M+H) + ] 357.1603, found 357.1589. (E)-A/-(1 ,4-diphenylazetidin-2-ylidene)aniline

H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.48-7.23 (m, 12H), 7.08-6.95 (m, 3H), 5.19 (dd, J = 6.4, 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.52 (dd, J = 14.8, 6.4 Hz, 1H), 2.96 (dd, J = 14.8, 2.8 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 2 iH 19 N 2 [(M+H) + ] 299.1548, found: 299.1563.

(E)-tert-butyl 4-(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-2-vnbenzoate (MBG132

MBG135).

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 8.03 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.40-7.29 (m, 5H), 7.06 (m, 3H), 6.82 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.21 (dd, J = 15.0, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.55 (dd, J = 15.0, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.94 (dd, J = 15.0, 3.0, 1 H), 1.61 (s, 9H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 2 7H 29 N 2 03 [(M+H) + ] 429.2178, found: 429.2187. iert-butyl (£)-4-(1-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-2-yl)benzoate

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 8.00 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.44 - 7.20 (m, 6 H), 7.08 - 6.93 (m, 4 H), 5.23 (dd, J = 6.2, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.54 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.92 (dd, J = 14.7, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 1.58 (s, 9H); HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 26 H 27 N 2 02 [(M+H) + ] 399.2073, found 399.2111.

(£)-2-(2-(4-(2-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-1-yl)pheno xy)ethoxy)ethan-1-ol

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.47 - 7.22 (m, 9 H), 7.09 - 6.96 (m, 3 H), 6.89 - 6.65 (m, 3 H), 5.15 (dd, J = 6.1 , 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.37 - 4.19 (m, 2 H), 4.15 - 4.01 (m, 2 H), 3.92 - 3.70 (m, 4 H), 3.50 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.1 Hz, 1 H), 2.93 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H); HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 25 H27N 2 0 3 [(M+H) + ] 403.2022, found 403.2008.

(E)-tert-butyl 2-(4-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-1-yl)phenox y)acetate

To a stirred solution of azetidinimine 1 (30 mg, 0.086 mmol, see below for structure), and potassium carbonate (13 mg, 0.095 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) in dimethylformamide (DMF) (500 μΐ_) is added t-butyl bromoacetate (18.5 mg, 14 μΐ_, 0.095 mmol, 1.1 equiv.). The reaction mixture is stirred at 60°C overnight (thin layer chromatography (TLC) monitoring) then purified by automated flash column chromatography using a gradient of AcOEt in heptane (AcOEt 0%- 20% over 20 min). Orange wax. (31 mg, 78%).

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.37-7.26 (m, 8H), 7.06 (m, 3H), 6.83-6.79 (m, 2H), 5.12 (dd, J = 6.2, 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 3.50 (dd, J = 14.5, 6.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.90 (dd, J = 14.5, 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 1.47 (s, 9H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C27H2 8 CIN2O3 [(M+H) + ] 463.1788, found: 463.1793.

(E)-tert-butyl 2-(4-(2-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-1-yl)phenoxy)acetate

To a stirred solution of azetidinimine 2 (36 mg, 0.115 mmol), and potassium carbonate (32 mg, 0.095 mmol, 2 equiv.) in DMF (400 pL) is added t-butyl bromoacetate (34 mg, 25 pL, 0.095 mmol, 1.5 equiv.). The reaction mixture is stirred at 100°C overnight (TLC monitoring) then purified by automated flash column chromatography using a gradient of AcOEt in heptane (AcOEt 0%->20% over 20 min). Orange wax. (30.7 mg, 62%).

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.43-7-26 (m, 10H), 7.02 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 6.80 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 5.14 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 3.50 (dd, J = 15.0, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.93 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 1.47 (s, 9H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 2 7H 2 9N 2 0 3 [( +H) + ] 429.2178, found: 429.2182.

(E)-4-(1-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-2-yl)benzoic acid 4

This compound was obtained using general procedure C as a white foam in 96%. 1 H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD): δ 8.03 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.38 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2H), 7.31 - 7.21 (m, 4H), 7.06 - 6.94 (m, 4H), 5.36 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 3.59 (dd, J = 15.0, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.89 (dd, J = 15.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). One proton missing due to chemical exchange with CD 3 OD. HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 22 H 19 N 2 0 2 [(M+H) + ] 343.1447, found 343.1430. (Zr)-2-(4-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-1-vnph enoxy)acetic acid

This compound was obtained using general procedure C as a white foam in 69%.

1 H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD): δ 7.44-7.27 (m, 8H), 7.08-7.05 (m, 3H), 6.87 (d, J = 9.3 Hz, 2H), 5.31 (dd, J = 5.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.46 (s, 2H), 3.58 (dd, J = 14.7, 5.7 Hz, 1 H), 2.95 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 23 H 19 CIN 2 0 3 [(M+H) + ] 407.1162, found 407.1159.

(E)-2-(4-(2-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-1-yl)phenoxy)a cetic acid

This compound was obtained using general procedure C as a white foam in 65%.

1 H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD): δ 7.43-7.25 (m, 10H), 7.04-6.99 (m, 3H), 6.84 (d, J = 9.4 Hz, 2H), 5.23 (dd, J = 6.0, 2.8 Hz, 1H), 4.34 (s, 2H), 3.53 (dd, J = 14.6, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.85 (dd. J = 14.6, 2.8 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) caicd for C 23 H 21 N 2 0 3 [(M+H) + ] 373.1552, found 373.1545.

(E)-4-(2-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-1 -vQphenol 2

This compound was obtained using general procedure D as a yellow oil in 38%.

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.41 - 7.23 (m, 10 H), 7.07 - 7.03 (m, 3 H), 6.68 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2H), 5.16 (dd, J = 6.0, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.50 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.92 (dd, J = 14.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), OH signal missing. HRMS-ESI (m/z) caicd for C 21 H 19 N 2 0 [(M+H) + ] 315.1497, found 315.1503.

(E)-4-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-1-yl)ph enol 1

This compound was obtained using general procedure D as a yellow foam in 60%.

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.34 - 7.26 (m, 8H), 7.07 - 7.00 (m, 3H), 6.71 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.13 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz Hz, 1 H), 3.50 (dd, J = 14.8, 6.2 Hz, 1H), 2.90 (dd, J = 14.8, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), OH signal missing. HRMS-ESI (m/z) caicd for C 21 H 18 CIN 2 0 [(M+H) + ] 349.1108, found 349.1092. (E)-4-(1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-2-yl)benz oic acid 3.

This compound was obtained using genera! procedure D as a yellow foam in 29%.

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 8.04 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.31-7.23 (m, 5H), 7.07-7.02 (m, 3H), 6.72 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 5.22 (dd, J = 15.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.54 (dd, J = 15.0, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.92 (dd, J = 15.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), carboxylic proton missing. HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 2 3H 21 N 2 0 3 [(M+H) + ] 373.1552, found: 373.1546.

(E)-2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)ethyl 4-(1-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-2-yl)benzoate 5

To an argon-flushed and stirred solution of compound 4 in DCM (0.5 mL) is added triethylamine (1.2 mg, 2 μΙ_, 0.07 mmol, 1 equiv.), CDI (11.7 mg, 0.07 mmol, 1 equiv.) and tert-butyl (2-hydroxyethyl)carbamate (11.7 mg, 0.07 mmol, 1 equiv.). The reaction mixture is stirred 16 h at rt then purified by automated flash column chromatography using a gradient of AcOEt in heptane (AcOEt 0%- 50% over 30 min) to afford a white foam. (14 mg, 38%).

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 8.06 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.33-7.23 (m, 4H), 7.08-6.96 (m, 4H), 5.25 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.82 (m, 1 H), 4.38 (t, J = 5.0, 2H), 3.60-3.52 (m, 3H), 2.93 (dd, J = 15.4, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 1.43 (s, 9H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C^NsC [(M+H) + ] 486.2393, found 486.2375.

(E)-2-((4-(1-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-2-yl)benzoyl) oxy)ethanaminium 2.2,2- trifluoroacetate

To a solution of azetidinimine 5 (19 mg, 0.038 mmol) in DCM (100 μΙ_) is added TFA (trifluoroacetic acid, 100 μΐ_, excess). The reaction mixture is stirred at room teperature for 16h then at 40°C for 24h. Subsequent evaporation of solvents furnished the title compound in the form of a TFA salt (19 mg, quant.). 1 H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD): δ 8.03 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.55-7.47 (m, 4H), 7.42-7.40 (m, 1 H), 7.34-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.03-6.97 (m, 2H), 6.58-6.53 (m, 3H), 4.94 (dd, J = 8.0, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.54- 4.50 (m, 2H), 3.35 (t, J = 5.7 Hz, 2H), 2.90 (dd, J = 15.2, 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.79 (dd, J = 15.2, 6 Hz, 1 H). Three protons missing due to chemical exchange with MeOD. 19 F NMR (282 MHz, MeOD): δ -76.87 (s, 3F). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 2 4H 2 4N 3 0 2 [(M+H) + ] 386.1869, found: 386.1862.

(E)-(4-(1-phenyl-4-(phenylimino)azetidin-2-yl)phenyl)meth anol 6

A solution of azetidinimine 4 (40 mg, 0.2 mmol) under argon in anhydrous THF (terahydrofuran, 0.6 mL) is cooled to 0°C then LiAIH 4 (23 mg, 0.6 mmol, 3 equiv.) is added. The reaction mixture is stirred 3h at room temperature (TLC monitoring) then AcOEt and a saturated aqueous solution of Na 2 S0 4 are carefully added to quench the reaction. The resulting slurry is filtrated through a pad of celite and washed with additional AcOEt. The organic layer is dried over sodium sulfate, filtered then evaporated. Automated flash column chromatography using a gradient of AcOEt in heptane (AcOEt 0%->30% over 20 min) furnished the title compound as a white foam (51.2 mg, 79%).

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.48-7.38 (m, 6H), 7.34-7.23 (m, 4H), 7.09-6.95 (m, 4H), 5.20 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.70 (s, 2H), 3.52 (dd, J = 14.7, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.93 (dd, J = 14.7, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), OH proton missing. HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 22 H 21 N 2 0 [(M+H) + ] 329.1654, found: 329.1643. (E)-N-(4-(4-(chloromethyl)phenyl)-1-phenylazetidin-2-ylidene )aniline

A solution of azetidimine 6 (22 mg, 0.068 mmol) and triethylamine (14 mg, 19 pL, 0.135 mmol, 2 equiv.) in DCM and under argon is cooled to 0°C then MsCI (mesyl chloride, 8.5 mg, 6 pL, 0.074 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) is added. The reaction mixture is stirred at rt overnight. Afterwards, additional DCM (10 mL) is added then the reaction mixture is washed twice with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. Automated flash column chromatography using a gradient of AcOEt in heptane (AcOEt 0%- 20% over 25 min) furnished the title compound as a colorless oil (19.2 mg, 70%).

1 H N R (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.45-7.39 (m, 6H), 7.32-7.23 (m, 4H), 7.08-6.95 (m, 4H), 5.19 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 4.59 (s, 2H), 3.51 (dd, J = 14.6, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.92 (dd, J = 14.6, 3.0 Hz, 1 H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 22 H 20 CIN 2 [(M+H) + ] 347.1315, found: 347.1310.

(E)-N-(4-(4-(azidomethyl)phenyl)-1-phenylazetidin-2-ylide ne)aniline.

Step 1 : A solution of 6 (148 mg, 0.45 mmol) and triethylamine (50 mg, 70 μΙ_, 0.5 mmol, 2 equiv.) in DCM and under argon is cooled to 0°C then MsCI (mesyl chloride, 57 mg, 39 μΙ_ , 0.5 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) is added. The reaction mixture is stirred at rt overnight. Afterwards, additional DCM (10 mL) is added and the reaction mixture is washed twice with water. The aqueous layer is extracted with DCM then the organic layer is dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to afford the crude benzylic chloride intermediate. Step 2: To the previous crude residue is added DMF (0.5 mL), NaN 3 (33 mg, 0.5 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) and Kl (8 mg, 0.045 mmol, 10 mol%). The reaction mixture is stirred overnight at 50°C under air. Automated flash column chromatography using a gradient of AcOEt in heptane (AcOEt 0%- 20% over 25 min) furnished the title compound as a colorless oil (98 mg, 62%).

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.49-7.47 (m, 4H), 7.37-7.26 (m, 6H), 7.10-6.98 (m, 4H), 5.21 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.37 (s, 2H), 3.53 (dd, J = 15.0, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.95 (dd, J = 15.0, 3.0, 1 H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C 22 H 20 N 5 [(M+H) + ] 354.1719, found: 354.1727.

(£)-N-(1-phenyl-4-(4-((prop-2-vn-1-yloxy)methyl)phenyl)a zetidin-2-ylidene)aniline

To a stirred solution of 6 (100 mg, 0.3 mmol) in anhydrous DMF and under argon is added NaH (13 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1.1 equiv.). After 10 min, a 70 % wt. propargyl chloride solution in toluene (35 mg, 37 μί., 0.33 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) is added. The reaction mixture is stirred overnight. Automated flash column chromatography using a gradient of AcOEt in heptane (AcOEt 0%->20% over 25 min) furnished the title compound as a colorless oil (26 mg, 24%).

1 H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ 7.46-7.37 (m, 6H), 7.33-7.22 (m, 4H), 7.08-6.95 (m, 4H), 5.19 (dd, J = 6.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.61 (s, 2H), 4.20 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 2H), 3.51 (dd, J = 15.0, 6.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.92 (dd, J = 15.0, 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.48 (t, J = 2.0, 1 H). HRMS-ESI (m/z) calcd for C25H23N2O [(M+H) + ] 367.1810, found: 367.1799.