According to one aspect of the invention, there are provided compounds of Formula I and a salt, solvate of hydrate thereof: wherein: R', R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, OH, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C, 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C26alkenyl, C26alkynyl, C37cycloalkyl,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C47cycioalkenyl, C37cycloalkoxy, C37cycloalkylthio, halo-substituted-C1 6alkyl, C1- 6alkylthio, C27alkanoyl, C27alkanoyloxy, nitro, cyano, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted furanyl, optionally substituted thienyl, optionally substituted phenyloxy, NR8R9, C (O) NR8R9, SO2NR8R9, CH2SO2NR8R9, CO2R1°, NHC(O)R¹¹, NHC (NR) R", C (NR13) NR"R", C (O) R16 OC (O) R16 SCF3, S02CF3, formyl, CF3and CF30; R5 is selected from the group consisting of SO2Ar, C (O) Ar, CH2Ar and Ar; R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1 6alkyl, optionally substituted phenyl and optionally substituted benzyl R7 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1 6alkyl,

C, 6alkoxy, C, 6alkylthio, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted benzyl, optionally substituted phenoxy and optionally substituted benzyloxy; -----represents a single or double bond, provided that there is only one double bond in the ring at a time; n is selected from an integer of from 1-3; X is selected from the group consisting of CR'7 and N; Z is selected from the group consisting of C, CH and N, provided that when -----is a double bond, Z is C and when-----is a single bond, Z is selected from CH and N; Ar is an optionally substituted aromatic group selected from the group consisting of phenyl, pyridyl, thienyl, furanyl, naphthyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl wherein the optional substituents are independently selected from 1-4 members of the group consisting of halo, OH, C1 6alkyl, C1 6alkoxy, C1 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30; R8, R9 and R'° are independently selected from the group consisting of H, <BR> <BR> <BR> d-eatkyt and phenyl or R8 and R9 may form an alkylene chain,- (CH2) n-, where n = 3-6, to form, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached a 4-to 7-membered ring; R"is selected from the group consisting of C, 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, NH2, alkylamino, dialkylamino, benzyl and benzyloxy; R12 is selected from the group consisting of H and d-eatkyt; R13 is selected from the group consisting of H and d-eatkyt; R'4 and R15 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C, 6alkyl or one of R'4 and R, together with R'3, forms an alkylene chain, -(CH2) n-,(CH2) n-, where n = 2 or 3, bridging the nitrogen atoms to which they are attached; R15 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted pyridyl, optionally substituted thienyl, optionally substituted furanyl and optionally substituted naphthyl; and R'7 is selected from the group consisting of H, C, 6alkyl and benzyl.

It is an aspect of the invention to provide compounds which bind to the 5-HT6 receptor.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical

composition comprising a compound of Formula I in an amount effective to antagonize the 5-HT6 receptor, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

In another aspect of the invention there are provided compositions containing a compound of Formula I in amounts for pharmaceutical use to treat CNS conditions where a 5-HT6 antagonist is indicated, for example, for the treatment or prevention of central nervous system disturbances such as psychosis, schizophrenia, manic depression, depression, neurological disturbances, memory disturbances, Parkinsonism, amylotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease.

In another aspect of the invention, there are provided compounds useful as intermediates in the preparation of compound of Formula I and having a general structure according to Formula II : wherein: R5 is H and R'-R4, R6-R'7, X, Z, n and-----are as defined in Formula I and a salt, solvate or hydrate thereof.

These and other aspects of the present invention are described in greater detail hereinbelow.

Detailed Description and Preferred Embodiments

The term"C16alkyl"as used herein means straight and branched chain alkyl radicals containing from one to six carbon atoms and includes methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl and the like.

The term"C1 6alkoxy"as used herein means straight and branched chain alkoxy radicals containing from one to six carbon atoms and includes methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, isopropyloxy, t-butoxy and the like.

The term"C24alkenyl"as used herein means straight and branched chain alkenyl radicals containing from two to six carbon atoms and includes ethenyl, 1- propenyl, 1-butenyl and the like.

The term"C2.6alkynyl" as used herein means straight and branched chain alkynyl radicals containing from two to six carbon atoms and includes 1-propynyl (propargyl), 1-butynyl and the like.

The term"C, cycloalkyl"as used herein means saturated carbocyclic radicals containing from 3-7 carbon atoms and includes cyclopropyl, cyclohexyl and the like.

The term"C37cycloalkyloxy"as used herein means saturated carbocyclo-oxy radicals containing from 3-7 carbon atoms and includes cyclopropyloxy, cyclohexyloxy and the like.

The term"C3cycloalkylthio"as used herein means saturated carbocycloalkylthio radicals containing from 3-7 carbon atoms and includes cyclopropylthio, cyclohexylthio and the like.

The term"C27alkanoyl"as used herein means straight and branched chain alkanoyl radicals (-C (O) C1 6alkyl) containing from 2-7 atoms and includes acetyl, propionyl, butyryl and the like.

The term"C2-7alkanoyloxy"as used herein means straight and branched chain

alkanoyloxy radicals (-OC (O) C, 6aikyl) containing from 2-7 carbon atoms and includes acetoxy, propionyloxy, butyryloxy and the like.

The term"C4-7cycloalkenyl"as used herein means carbocyclic radicals containing from 4-7 carbon atoms and 1 unit of unsaturation and includes cyclopent-1- enyl, cyclohex-1-enyl and the like.

The term"optionally substituted phenyl"as used herein means an unsubstituted phenyl radical or a phenyl radical substituted with 1-3 substituents independently selected from halo, OH, C, 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C,-6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30.

The term"optionally substituted pyridyl"as used herein means an unsubstituted pyridyl radical or a pyridyl radical substituted with 1-3 substituents independently selected from halo, OH, C, 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C, 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30.

The term"optionally substituted naphthyl"as used herein means an unsubstituted naphthyl radical or a naphthyl radical substituted with 1-4 substituents independently selected from halo, OH, C, 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C, 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30.

The term"optionally substituted phenoxy"as used herein means an unsubstituted phenoxy radical or a phenoxy radical substituted with 1-3 substituents independently selected from halo, OH, Ci. 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C, 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30.

The term"optionally substituted thienyl"as used herein means an unsubstituted thienyl radical or a thienyl radical substituted with 1-2 substituents independently selected from halo, OH, C, 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C, 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30.

The term"optionally substituted furanyl"as used herein means an unsubstituted furanyl radical or a furanyl radical substituted with 1-2 substituents independently selected from halo, OH, C, 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C, 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30.

The term"optionally substituted benzyl"as used herein means an unsubstituted benzyl radical or a benzyl radical substituted on the phenyl ring with 1-3 substituents independently selected from halo, OH, C, 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C, 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30.

The term"optionally substituted benzyloxy"as used herein means an unsubstituted benzyloxy radical or a benzyioxy radical substituted on the phenyl ring with 1-3 substituents independently selected from halo, OH, C,-6alkyl, C,-6alkoxy, C,. 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30.

The term"alkylamino"as used herein means an amino radical which is monosubstituted with a C, 6alkyl group.

The term"dialkylamino"as used herein means an amino radical which is disubstituted with C, 6alkyl groups, wherein each alkyl group may be the same or different.

The term halo as used herein means halogen and includes fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo and the like, in both radioactive and non radioactive forms.

The term"pharmaceutically acceptable salt"means either an acid addition salt or a basic addition salt which is compatible with the treatment of patients.

A"pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt"is any non-toxic organic or inorganic acid addition salt of the base compounds represented by Formulae I and 11.

Illustrative inorganic acids which form suitable salts include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric and phosphoric acid and acid metal salts such as sodium monohydrogen

orthophosphate and potassium hydrogen sulfate. Illustrative organic acids which form suitable salts include the mono-, di-and tricarboxylic acids. Illustrative of such acids are, for example, acetic, glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, malonic, succinic, glutaric, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, benzoic, hydroxybenzoic, phenylacetic, cinnamic, salicylic, 2-phenoxybenzoic, p-toluenesulfonic acid and other sulfonic acids such as methanesulfonic acid and 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid. Either the mono-or di-acid salts can be formed, and such salts can exist in either a hydrated, solvate or substantially anhydrous form. In general, the acid addition salts of a compound of Formula I or 2 are more soluble in water and various hydrophilic organic solvents, and generally demonstrate higher melting points in comparison to their free base forms. The selection criteria for the appropriate salt will be known to one skilled in the art. Other non-pharmaceutically acceptable salts, e. g. oxalates, may be used for example in the isolation of compounds of Formulae I and 11 for laboratory use, or for subsequent conversion to a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt. It should be noted that compounds of Formulae I and 11, wherein Z is N are not stable in the presence of strong acid (for example 1 N HCI), therefore when preparing acid addition salts of such compounds, care must be taken to select an appropriately mild acid, for example citric acid.

A"pharmaceutically acceptable basic addition salt"is any non-toxic organic or inorganic base addition salt of the acid compounds represented by Formulae I and 11.

Illustrative inorganic bases which form suitable salts include lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium or barium hydroxides. Illustrative organic bases which form suitable salts include aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic organic amines such as methylamine, trimethyl amine and picoline or ammonia. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the selection of the appropriate salt may be important so that any ester functionality in the molecule is not hydrolyzed.

"Solvate"means a compound of Formula I or 11 or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound of Formula I or 11 wherein molecules of a suitable solvent are incorporated in a crystal lattice. A suitable solvent is physiologically tolerable at the dosage administered as the solvate. Examples of suitable solvents are

ethanol, water and the like. When water is the solvent, the molecule is referred to as a hydrate.

The term"stereoisomers"is a general term for all isomers of the individual molecules that differ only in the orientation of their atoms in space. It includes mirror image isomers (enantiomers), geometric (cis/trans) isomers and isomers of compounds with more than one chiral centre that are not mirror images of one another (diastereomers).

The term"treat"or"treating"means to alleviate symptoms, eliminate the causation of the symptoms either on a temporary or permanent basis, or to prevent or slow the appearance of symptoms of the named disorder or condition.

The term"therapeutically effective amount"means an amount of the compound which is effective in treating the named disorder or condition.

The term"pharmaceutically acceptable carrier"means a non-toxic solvent, dispersant, excipient, adjuvant or other material which is mixed with the active ingredient in order to permit the formation of a pharmaceutical composition, i. e., a dosage form capable of administration to the patient. One example of such a carrier is a pharmaceutically acceptable oil typically used for parenteral administration.

The term"schizophrenia"means schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder and psychotic disorder wherein the term"psychotic"refers to delusions, prominent hallucinations, disorganized speech or disorganized or catatonic behavior. See Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, fourth edition, American Psychiatric Association, Washington, D. C.

The present invention includes within its scope prodrugs of the compounds of Formula 1. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds of Formula I which are readily convertible in vivo into the required compound of Formula 1.

Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug

derivatives are described, for example, in"Design of Prodrugs"ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

In embodiments of the invention, compounds of Formula I include those in which R', R2, R3 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting af H, halo, OH, C, _6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C4-7cycloalkenyl, C3-7cycloalkoxy, C3-7cycloalkylthio, halo-substituted-C1- 6alkyl, C16alkylthio, C27alkanoyl, C27alkanoyloxy, nitro, cyano, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted furanyl, optionally substituted thienyl, optionally substituted phenyloxy, NR8R9, C (0) NR8R9, S02NR8R9, CH2S02NR$R9, C02R'°, NHC (0) R", NHC(NR¹²)R¹¹, C(NR¹³)NR14R15, C (O) R'6, OC (O) R'6, SCF3, S02CF3, formyl, CF3 and CF30. In other embodiments of the invention, three of R'-R4 are H and any one of R¹, R², R³ and R4 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, halo, OH, C1 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, C26alkenyl, C26alkynyl, C37cycloalkyl, C4-7cycloalkenyl, C3-7cycloalkoxy, C3-7cycloalkylthio, halo-substituted-C, 6alkyl, C1- 6alkylthio, C2-7alkanoyl, kanoyjoxy, nitro, cyano, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted furanyl, optionally substituted thienyl, optionally substituted phenyloxy, NR3R9, C (O) NR3R9, SO2NR8R9, CH2SO2NR8R9, CO2R10, NHC(O)R¹¹, NHC(NR¹²)R¹¹, C(NR¹³)NR14R15, C(O)R16, OC (O)R16, SCF3, SO2CF3, formyl, CF3 and CF30. In specific embodiments, it is R', R3 and R4 that are all H. In other specific embodiments, the compounds of the invention include those in which either: (a) R'-R4 are all H; (b) R'and R3 are H and R2 and R4 are selected from halo, C1 6alkyl, C, 6alkoxy, CF3 and CF30; (c) R'-R3 are all H and R4 is C1-6alkyl; or (d) R¹, R³ and R4 are all H and R is selected from halo, C, 6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, CF3, CF3O and C3-7cycloalkoxy.

In more specific embodiments, the compounds of the invention include those in which either: (a) R¹-R4 are all H; (b) R'and R3 are H and R2 and R4 are both fluoro; (c) R', R3 and R4 are H and R2 is selected from halo, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy and

cyclohexyloxy; or (d) R'-R3 are ail H and R4 is methyl.

In the most specific embodiments, the compounds of the invention include those where <BR> <BR> <BR> R', R3 and R4 are H and R2 is selected from fluoro, methyl and methoxy.<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P> In further embodiments, when one or more of R'-R4 is selected from NR8R9,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C (O) NR8R9, SO2NR8R9, CH2SO2NR8R9 and CO2R° in compounds of Formula 1, R8, R9<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> and R'° are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C, 6alkyl and phenyl<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> or R8 and R9 may form an alkylene chain,- (CH2) n-, where n = 3-6, to form, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached a 4-to 7-membered ring. In specific <BR> <BR> <BR> embodiments, R8, R9 and R10 are independently selected from the group consisting of H<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> and C, 4alkyl or R8 and R9 may form an alkylene chain,- (CH2) n-, where n = 4-5, to form, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached a 5-to 6-membered ring. In more <BR> <BR> <BR> specific embodiments, R8, R9 and R10 are independently selected from the group<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> consisting of H and methyl or R8 and R9 may form an alkylene chain,-(CH2) n-, where n = 4-5, to form, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached a 5-to 6- membered ring.

In other embodiments, when one or more of R'-R4 is selected from NHC (0) R", NHC (NR 12) R" in compounds of Formula 1, R"is selected from C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, <BR> <BR> <BR> phenyl, phenoxy, NH2, alkylamino, dialkylamino, benzyl and benzyloxy and R12 is selected from the group consisting of H and C, 6alkyl. In specific embodiments, R"is <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> selected from C14alkyl, C, 4alkoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, NH2, alkylamino, dialkylamino, benzyl and benzyloxy and R12 is selected from the group consisting of H and C, 4alkyl.

In more specific embodiments, R"is selected from methyl, methoxy, phenyl, phenoxy, <BR> <BR> <BR> NH2, alkylamino, dialkylamino, benzyl and benzyloxy and R12 is selected from the group<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> consisting of H and methyl. Further, when one or more of R'-R4 is C (NR13) NR14Rr5 in<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> compounds of Formula 1, R13 is selected from the group consisting of H and C, 6alkyl<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> and R14 and R'5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C, 6alkyl<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> or one of R14 and R15, together with R13, forms an alkylene chain,- (CH2) n-, where n = 2 or 3, bridging the nitrogen atoms to which they are attached. In specific embodiments, <BR> <BR> <BR> R13 is selected from the group consisting of H and C14alkyl and R14 and R'5 are

independently selected from the group consisting of H and C, 4alkyl or one of R'4 and <BR> <BR> <BR> R'5, together with R'3, forms an alkylene chain,- (CH2) n-, where n = 2 or 3, bridging the nitrogen atoms to which they are attached. In more specific embodiments, R'3 is <BR> <BR> <BR> selected from the group consisting of H and methyl and R'4 and R'5 are independently<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> selected from the group consisting of H and methyl or one of R'4 and R'5, together with R'3, forms an alkylene chain,- (CH2) n-, where n = 3, bridging the nitrogen atoms to <BR> <BR> <BR> which they are attached. Finally, when one or more of R'-R4 is selected from C (0) R'6 and OC (O) R'6 in compounds of Formula 1, R'6 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted pyridyl, optionally substituted thienyl, optionally substituted furanyl and optionally substituted naphthyl. Specifically, R16 is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted phenyl and optionally substituted naphthyl. More specifically, R16 is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted phenyl and unsubstituted naphthyl.

In another embodiment of the invention, compounds of Formula I include those in which R6 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, CI-6alkyl, <BR> <BR> <BR> optionally substituted phenyl and optionally substituted benzyl, and R 7 is independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1 6alkYI, <BR> <BR> <BR> Cl-6alkoxy, Cl. 6alkylthio, optionally substituted phenyl, optionally substituted benzyl, optionally substituted phenoxy and optionally substituted benzyloxy. In specific <BR> <BR> <BR> embodiments, R6 is selected from H and C, 4alkyl and R7is selected from H, Cl-4alkyl,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C, 4alkoxy and C, 4alkylthio. In more specific embodiments, R6 and R7 are both H.

Compounds of Formula I, also include those in which X is selected from the <BR> <BR> <BR> group consisting of CR'7 and N, wherein R 17 is selected from the group consisting of H,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C,. salkyl and benzyl. In specific emdodiments, X is selected from C R'7 and N, wherein<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> R'7 is selected from the group consisting of H, and C, 4alkyl. In more specific embodiments, X is CH.

In another embodiment of the invention, Z is selected from C, CH and N,----- represents a single or double bond (provided there is only one double bond in the ring at a time) and n is an integer of from 1 to 3. In specific embodiments, Z is selected

from C, CH and N,-----represents a single or double bond and n is an integer of from 1 to 2. In more specific embodiments, Z,-----and n are selected to form a ring system selected from 1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclononane, 1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecane, 1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydroindolizine, 1,2,3,5,6,8a-hexahydroindolizine and octahydroindolizine. In the most specific embodiments, Z,---and n are selected to form a ring system selected from 1,4-diaza bicyclodecane, 1,2,3,5,8,8a- hexahydroindolizine and octahydroindolizine.

Compounds of the invention further include those in which R5 is selected from the group consisting of S02Ar, C (0) Ar, CH2Ar and Ar, wherein Ar is an optionally substituted aromatic group selected from the group consisting of phenyl, pyridyl, thienyl, furanyl, naphthyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl wherein the optional substituents are independently selected from 1-4 members of the group consisting of halo, OH, Ci. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>6alkyl, C1 6alkoxy,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> C, 6alkylthio, CF3 and CF30. In specific embodiments of the invention, R5 is selected from SO2Ar, C (0) Ar, CH2Ar and Ar, most specifically SO2Ar, wherein Ar is selected from phenyl and naphthyl. When Ar is phenyl, it is specifically unsubstituted or substituted with 1-3 substituents optionally selected from C, _salkyl, halo and d-eaikoxy. When Ar is naphthyl, it is specifically unsubstituted naphthyl. More specifically, when Ar is phenyl, it is either unsubstituted or substituted with 1-3 substituents independently selected from C, 4alkyl, C1 6alkoxy and halo. Most specifically Ar is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 4-halophenyl, 4- (C14alkyl) phenyl, 4-(C1 4alkoxy) phenyl, 2,5- dihalophenyl, 2-halophenyl, 3- (C1 4alkyl) phenyl, 2,6-dihalophenyl and 2,4,6-tri-(C 4alkyl) phenyl. Even more specifically, Ar is selected from phenyl, 4-halophenyl, 4-(C 4alkyl) phenyl, 4-(C1 4alkoxy) phenyl, 1-naphthyl(C1 4alkoxy) phenyl, 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl. Most specifically, Ar is selected from phenyl, 1-naphthyl and 2-naphthyl.

In a further embodiment of the invention, compounds of Formula I encompass those in which halo is selected from non-radioactive halo and radioactive halo. When halo is radioactive halo, it may be, for example, radioactive iodo.

Specific compounds of Formula I include: 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl)]-1- (2-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (1-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 1-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R,(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole; 1-(4-t-Butylphenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R,(4-t-Butylphenylsulfonyl )-3-[(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3. O bicyclonon-4-yl] indole; 1- (4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4-fluorophenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (2, 5-dichlorophenylsulfonyl) indole; 1-(2-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R,(2-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1-(phenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1-(2-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1-(1-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole ; 1-(4-Bromophenyisulfonyl)-3-[(6-R,(4-Bromophenyisulfonyl)-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole; 1-(4-t-Butylphenylsuifonyl)-3-[(6-R,(4-t-Butylphenylsuifonyl )-3-[(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole; 1- (4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-fluorophenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-methoxyphenyisulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (2, 5-dichlorophenylsulfonyl) indole; 1-(2-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R,(2-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1-(phenyisulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (2, 4,6-trimethylphenylsulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfo nylindole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (1- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indol izinyl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-1- (4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-

indolizinyl] indole; 1-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3-[(8a-R, S)-1,(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3-[(8a-R, S)-1, 2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> indolizinyl] indole;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 1- (2-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (4- methylphenylsulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (4- methoxyphenylsulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, 5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (2, 4,6- trimethylphenylsulfonyl) indole; 1- (4-t-Butylphenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole; 1- (2, 5-Dichlorophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> indolizinyl] indole;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 1- (4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> indolizinyl] indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indazole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indazole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonyl indole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indol izinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole;

5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole; 7-Methyl-3-[(8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 - naphthalenesulfonylindole; 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indol izinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Fluoro-3- (1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl)-l- (3-methylphenyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7-R, S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (3-methylphenyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3-[(7R or 7S)(8a-R,S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl)indole, Isomer I; 5-Fluoro-3-[(7R or7S)(8a-R,S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl)indole, Isomer II; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylindole, Isomer I; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylindole, Isomer 11; 5-Fluoro-3-[(7R or 7S)(8a-R,S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(1- naphthalenesulfonyl)indole, Isomer I; 5-Fluoro-3-[(7R or 7S)(8a-R,S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(1- naphthalenesulfonyl)indole, Isomer II; 5-Fluoro-3-[(7R or 7S)(8a-R,S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2,6-dichloro- benzol)indole, Isomer I; 1-Benzyl-5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl] indole, Isomer l; 5-Cyclohexyloxy-3-[(8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydrohydro-7-in dolizinyl]-1- phenylsulfonylindole; 1- (2, 5-Dichlorophenyisulfonyl)-5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7- indolizinyl] indole, Isomer l; 5-Fluoro-1-(3-methylphenylsulfonyl)-3-[(7R or 7S)(8a-R,S)octahydrohydro-7- indolizinyl]lindole, Isomer I; 1- (2-Chlorobenzoyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-1- [1- (2-naphthyl) methyl]-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl) indole,

Isomer l; 5-F ! uoro-1- (1-naphthoy !)-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl] indole, Isomer I; and 5-Fluoro-1- [1- ( 1-naphthlyl) methyl]-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl] indole, Isomer I.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the compounds of Formula I include: 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1-(2-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (1-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 1-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R,(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole; 1- (4-t-Butylphenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (phenylsulfonyl) indole ; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1-(2-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1-(1-naphthalenesulfonyl) indoie; 1-(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R,(4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole; 1- (4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (phenylsulfonyl) indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (1- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-1- (4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole; 1- (4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole; 1- (2-Bromophenyisulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (4-

methylphenyisulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(4- methoxyphenylsulfonyl) indole; 1- (4-t-Butylphenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole; 1- (2, 5-Dichlorophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole; 1- (4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfo nylindole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfo nylindole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonyl indole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfo nylindole; 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole, Isomer 11; and 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-l- (l- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole, Isomer II.

In more specific embodiments of the invention, the compounds of Formula I include: 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1-(1-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonyiindole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfo nyl indole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole; and 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2- naphthaienesulfonyl) indole, Isomer II.

All of the compounds of Formulae I and 11 have at least one asymmetric centre.

Where the compounds according to the invention have one asymmetric centre they may exist as enantiomers. Where the compounds according to the invention possess two or more asymmetric centres, they may addition exist as diastereomers. It is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof in any proportion are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

The conversion of a given compound salt to a desired compound salt is achieved by applying standard techniques, in which an aqueous solution of the given salt is treated with

either a solution of a base e. g. sodium carbonate or potassium hydroxide, or an acid, e. g.

HCI (caution when Z = N), to liberate the neutral compound which is then extracted into an appropriate solvent, such as ether. The neutral compound is then separated from the aqueous portion, dried, and treated with the requisite acid or base to give the desired salt.

Also included within the scope of the invention are solvates of the invention. The formation of the solvate will vary depending on the compound and solvent used. In general, solvates are formed by dissolving the compound in the appropriate solvent and isolating the solvate by cooling or using an antisolvent. The solvate is typically dried or azeotroped under ambient conditions.

Prodrugs of compounds of Formula I may be conventional esters with available hydroxyl (or thiol) or carboxyl groups. For example, when one of R'-R 7is or contains a hydroxyl group in a compound of Formula I, it may be acylated using an activated acid in the presense of a base and, optionally, in inert solvent (e. g. an acid chloride in pyridine).

Also, when one of R'-R4 is CO2R'° in a compound of Formula I, wherein R'° is H, an ester may be formed by activation of the hydroxyl group of the acid and treatment with the appropriate alcohol in the presence of a base in an inert solvent. Some common esters which have been utilized as prodrugs are phenyl esters, aliphatic (C,-C24) esters, acyloxymethyl esters, carbamates and amino acid esters. Prodrugs of compounds of Formula I may also be formed by functional derivatization of substituents containing an acidic NH group, for example, compounds of Formula I, where one of R'-R4 C (0) NR8R9, S02NR8R9, NHC (NR'2) R"or C (NR'3) NR'4R'5 and one of the groups attached to a nitrogen is H. Some common prodrugs for amides, imides and other NH-acidic compounds are N-Mannich bases, N-hydroxymethyl derivatives, N-acyloxyalkyl derivatives, and N-acyl derivatives.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the compounds of the present invention can be prepared by processes analogous to those established in the art. For example, as shown in Scheme 1, compounds of Formula I, wherein R5 is selected from S02Ar, C (O) Ar and CH2Ar, may be prepared by first treating compounds of Formula II, wherein R'-R4, R5 is H, R6, R7, n,-----, X and Z are as defined in Formula I, with a

suitable base, followed by the addition of a reagent of either Formula B, C or D, wherein Ar is as defined in Formula I and Y is a suitable leaving group such as halo, arylsulfonyloxy or alkylsulfonyloxy, preferably bromo or chloro, to provide compounds of Formula I wherein R5 is C (0) Ar, SO2Ar or CH2Ar, respectively. Therefore, for example, treatment of compounds of Formula A with a strong base such as lithium diisopropylamide, n-butyllithium or sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide in an inert solvent such as tetrahydrofuran or hexanes at a temperature in the range of-100 to 30 °C or, alternatively an organic amine in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), in an inert solvent such as methyiene chloride or chloroform, at a temperature in the range of 0-60 °C, followed by the addition of reagents of Formula B, C or D, provides compounds of Formula I, wherein R5 is C (0) Ar, SO2Ar or CH2Ar respectively. Preferred conditions are sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide in tetrahydrofuran at teperatures in the range of 0 °C to room temperature or triethylamine and DMAP in methylene chloride at room temperature. Reagents B, C D are commercially available or can be prepared using standard methods known to those skilled in the art. The preparation of compounds of Formula II is described below.

Scheme 1 As shown in Scheme 2, compounds of Formula I wherein R5 is Ar may be prepared by treating compounds of Formula II, wherein R'-R4, R5 is H, R6, R7, n, -----, X and Z are as defined in Formula I, with an arylhalide of Formula E, wherein Ar is as defined in Formula I and Hal is selected from 1, Br and Cl, under standard Ullmann

arylation conditions, for example in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate and a catalyst such as copper, copper (I) iodide or copper (I) bromide or mixtures thereof, in an inert solvent such as N-methylpyrrolidinone (NMP), dimethylformamide (DMF), hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) or dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) at temperatures in the range of 150-200 °C.

Preferred conditions are copper (I) bromide and copper in NMP at temperatures in the range of 160-170 °C.

Scheme 2 II RS=Ar Compounds of Formula II are available by deprotecting compounds of Formula F, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, n,-----, X and Z are as defined in Formula I and PG is a suitable protecting group, using standard deprotection conditions as shown in Scheme 3. When X is CR17, PG is preferably acetate which can be hydrolyzed under basic or acidic, preferably basic, conditions, for example sodium hydroxide in methanol at temperatures in the range of-20-100 °C, suitably-10-80 °C. When X is N, PG is preferably tosyl which can be removed under acidic conditions, for example HBr in acetic acid. It should be understood that the criteria for selection of a suitable protecting group would be known to a person skilled in the art as described in <BR> <BR> <BR> Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, ed. McOmie, J. F. W. Plenum Press, 1973; and Greene, T. W. & Wuts, P. G. M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991.

Scheme 3 nn N N R 7'R'R R' p : i/p ! J/ Deprotection 11/x I/x R N R N R4 PG R< H F11

Compounds of Formula F, wherein R'-R4, R6, R'and n are as defined in Formula I, X is CR17, wherein R17 is as defined in Formula I,-----is either a single or a double bond, Z is C or CH and PG is a suitable protecting group (Formulae F (a) and F (b)), may be prepared as shown in Scheme 4. A compound of Formula G, wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I, may be condensed with a reagent of Formula H, wherein <BR> R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I, either in acidic or basic conditions, in a suitable solvent at temperatures in the range of 25-100 °C, preferably, 60-90 °C, to <BR> <BR> provide compounds of Formula F (a) and F (a)' wherein R'-R4, R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I Suitable basic conditions include organic amines such as pyrrolidine or triethylamine in solvents such as methanol, ethanol and the like.

Preferred basic conditions are pyrrolidine in ethanol at a refluxing temperature.

Suitable acidic conditions include, for example, trifluoroacetic acid in acetic acid at a temperature in the range of 90-120 °C, preferably at around 110 °C. When the reaction of compound G with compound H is carried out in basic conditions, typically the regioisomer corresponding to F (a) is the sole product isolated. Under acidic conditions, both regioisomeric alkenes, F (a) and F (a)' may be isolated, the ratio of which will vary depending on reaction conditions and the identity and position of R6.

When R6 is H, this ratio is typically 1: 1. Compounds of Formula F (a) and F (a)', wherein <BR> <BR> R'-R4, R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I, may be reduced using standard hydrogenation conditions or using metal hydride reducing reagents to provide <BR> compounds of Formula F (b) where R'-R4, R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I, as shown in Scheme 4. Preferred is reduction by hydrogenation, using a suitable catalyst such as palladium or platinum on carbon in methanol or ethanol at room temperature.

It should be noted that, in the series of reactions described above, the presence of the

protecting group PG, is not always necessary, therefore compounds of Formula II could be obtained directly from compounds of Formula G where PG is replace with H.

Scheme 4 R2 N)"RZ N) r, 3 Z N) n R, R, R, R Ra RV R2 N RZ \ H Rz Ri //<N3 XPG R'PG R N R N R PG R ; PG R4 PG G F (a) F (a)' zon N R N R' RUZ reduction R N R4 PG F (b) Compounds of Formula F, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, and n are as defined in Formula I,-----is either a single or a double bond, Z is C and X is N (Formulae F (c) and F (d)) may be prepared as shown in Scheme 5. A compound of Formula J, wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I, PG is a suitable protecting group, such as tosylate, and Y is a leaving group such as halo, preferably chloro, can be reacted under standard palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling conditions with, for example, compounds of Formula K and K', wherein R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I and R is Ci- 4alkyl, to provide compounds of Formula F (c) and F (c)', wherein R'-R4, R6, R'and n are as defined in Formula I. It will be appreciated that other metal coupling reagents could be used in place of the stannane, for example, boronic acid, chloro zinc and the like.

Preferred coupling conditions include refluxing the indazole and heterocyclic metal reagent in an inert solvent such as dimethylformamide, tetrahydrofuran or toluene in the presence of tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium (0). Compounds of Formula F (c) and F (c)', wherein R1-R4, R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I, may be reduced using standard hydrogenation conditions or using metal hydride reducing reagents as decribed above to provide compounds of Formula F (d), wherein R'-R4, R6, R'and n are as defined in Formula I.

Scheme 5 Compounds of Formula F, wherein R'-R4, R6, R'and n are as defined in Formula I, X is Cor", wherein R'7 is as defined in Formula I, Z is N and-----is a single bond (Formula F (e)), may be prepared as shown in Scheme 6. A compound of Formula M or a compound of Formula N, wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I and PG is a suitable protecting group such as acetate or tosyl, may be reacted with a bicylic piperazine of Formula O, wherein Rs, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I, in the presence of a catalytic amount of an acid, such as p-toluenesulfonic acid or camphorsulfonic acid, in an inert solvent such as toluene or benzene, at temperatures

in the range of 25-120 °C, to provide compounds of Formula F (e), wherein R'-R4, R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I and PG is a suitable protecting group. Preferred conditions are p-toluenesulfonic acid in toluene at a refluxing temperature.

Scheme 6 Compounds of Formula F, wherein R'-R4, R6, R'and n are as defined in Formula I, Z and X are both N and-----is a single bond (Formula F (f)), may be prepared as shown in Scheme 7. Compounds of Formula J, wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I, Y is a suitable leaving group such as halo, preferably chloro, and PG is an appropriate protecting group such as acetate or tosyl, preferably tosyl, may be reacted with a compound of Formula 0, wherein R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I, either neat or in an inert solvent at temperatures in the range of 25-150 °C. The reaction is preferably conducted neat at a temperature in the range of 100-130 °C.

Scheme 7

Compounds of Formula I, wherein X is CR, wherein R is selected from Ci- 6alkyl and benzyl, may be prepared by treating compounds of Formula I or Formula F, wherein X is CR 17 and R 16 is H, with a strong base, such as n-butyllithium, in an inert solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, at a temperature in the range of-100-0 °C (preferably -78 °C), followed by the addition of a reagent of formula R 17_y, wherein R'7 is selected from C, 4alkyl and benzyi and Y is a suitable leaving group such as bromo, followed by warming to room temperature.

Compounds of Formula G, wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I and X is CR'7, wherein R is as defined in Formula I, are either commercially available or can be prepared using standard procedures. For example, compounds of Formula G may be prepared using the well known Fischer indolization method (see March, J, Advanced Organic Chemistry, John Wiley & Sons, 1985, p. 1032-1033, and references found therein) or using the procedure shown in Scheme 8.4-Substituted anilines of Formula P, wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I, can be treated with reagents of Formula Q, wherein X is CR"and R"is as defined in Formula I, in the presence of a base such as sodium bicarbonate or potassium carbonate in an alcoholic solvent at temperatures in the range of 60-100 °C, to provide intermediates of Formula S. Preferred conditions are sodium bicarbonate in ethanol at around 80 °C. Intermediates of Formula S can be cyclized in the presence of reagents of Formula T, wherein R is, for example, methyl or trifluoromethyl (which is preferred) at temperatures in the range of 60-100 °C, to provide indoles of Formula U. The preferred conditions are trifiuoroacetic anhydride

and trifluoroacetic acid at refluxing temperatures. Finally, compounds of Formula U can be treated under standard deprotection conditions, for example alkali hydroxides in an alcoholic solvent, to provide indoles of Formula G, wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I and X is CR"wherein R"is as defined in Formula I. Preferred conditions for this reaction are potassium hydroxide in ethanol at room temperature. The reagents of Formula P and Q, are either commercially available or can be prepared using processes analogous to those established in the art.

Scheme 8 R'R'OEt R2 NH +X OEt base z Br R NN OEt "-r H Omet p Q s RC (O)-O-C (O)-R/ R'R' T T R2 R 2 p2 P deprotection x X R/H R/N R O G U Compounds of Formula J, wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I, Y is a suitable leaving group and PG is a suitable protecting group can be prepared from the corresponding unprotected compound V using standard protecting group procedures as shown below in Scheme 9. For example, the introduction of the tosyl group is conveniently performed using tosyl chloride in the presence of a base such as tiethylamine in an inert solvent such as methylene chloride at temperatures in the range of 0-60 °C, preferably room temperature.

Scheme 9 R'Y R'y RUZ 2 R 2 protection R! N pu R R VJ

Compounds of Formula V wherein R'-R4 are as defined in Formula I and Y is a suitable leaving group are either commercially available or can be prepared using standard indazole synthesis procedures as described in Organic Synthesis, ed.

Horning, E. C. John Wiley & Sons, 1955, vol. 3, p. 475-479; or Baker, R. et a/. EP 494,774.

An alternative procedure for the preparation of compounds of Formula I, wherein X is N, is shown in Scheme 10 and is analogous to the procedure described in detail in Baker, R. et a/. EP 494,774. Compounds of Formula W, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, n,----- and Z are as defined in Formula I and D is a readily displaceable group, such as a Ci- 4alkanoyloxy group (suitably acetoxy) or an arylsulfoxy group (suitably tosyl), can be cyclized in a suitable organic solvent at an elevated temperature, for example a mixture of xylene and 2,6-lutidine at around 140 °C, or in a melt, which requires a temperature of around 170 °C, to provide compounds of Formula X, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, n,-----and Z are as defined in Formula I. The compounds of Formula I are thus available from compounds of Formula X by reaction with either a reagent of Formula B, C, D or E using the procedures decribed previously.

Scheme 10

zon N R v n n R z IL R I R- R,.. z, R R.. z R.. z p R2 Reagent B, I N C'-°r E-I N RR<a2 R N R N R, R. R. R5 W X WX) When D is acetoxy, compounds of Formula W, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, n,-----and Z are as defined in Formula I, may be prepared by treating the corresponding carbonyl compounds of Formula Y, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, n, -----and Z are as defined in Formula I, or a protected derivative thereof, with hydroxylamine hydrochloride, advantageously in pyridine at a refluxing temperature, followed by acylation with acetic anhydride, suitably in the presence of 4- dimethyaminopyridine in methylene chloride at room temperature, as shown in Scheme 11.

Scheme 11 n N R N R R R R,.. z R,.. z RQ/41) NH20HHCI R+) 9ND ll acylation ( R NH2 R Y W YW

As shown in Scheme 12, the N-formyl protected derivative of compounds of Formula Y, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, n, Z and-----are as defined in Formula I, may be prepared by oxonolysis of an indole of Formula AA, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, n, Z and----- are as defined in Formula I and X is CH, (available from, for example, compounds of Formula F, wherein R'-R4, R6, R7, n, Z and-----are as defined in Formula I and X is CH, by removal of the protecting group) followed by reductive workup, preferably using dimethylsulfide.

Scheme 12 n N R 7 N R7 R R R R,... z F"/"'' I R R NH R C (O) H AAY The bicyclic piperidinones H and piperizines 0, wherein R6, R7 and n are as defined in Formula I, are either commercially available or can be prepared using procedures known in the art. For example, bicyclic piperidinones of Formula H may be prepared according to procedures described in King, F. D., J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. I, 1986: 447-453 and bicyclic piperazines of Formula O may be prepared according to procedures described in Power, P. et a/., US 5,576,314; Saleh, M. A. et a/.

J. Org. Chem. 58,1993: 690-695; Urban, F. J. Heterocyclic Chem. 32,1995: 857-861; Bright, G. et a/. WO 90/08148; de Costa, B. R. et a/. J. Med. Chem. 36,1993: 2311- 2320; and Botre, C. et al. J. Med. Chem. 29,1986: 1814-1820. The bicyclic piperidine K may be prepared from piperidinone H using standard chemistries, for example, by reacting the ketone with a base, such as lithium diisopropylamide or triethylamine, and a suitable triflating agent, such as N-phenyltriflimide or triflic anhydride, and converting the resulting triflate to a compound of Formula K by treatment with, for example, a palladium catalyst and a

bis (trialkyltin). Alternatively, bicyclic piperidine K may be prepared by forming the tosylhydrazone of a compound of Formula H and using standard Shapiro conditions, trap the vinyl anion with a suitable reagent like tributyltin chloride.

It should be noted that one skilled in the art would realize that the sequence of reactions described above for the preparation of compounds of Formula I can be varied. For example, the R group may be incorporated into the molecule before the addition of the group at the indole or indazole 3-position. Further, a compound of Formula I may be converted to another compound of Formula I using known chemistries, for example alkyiation, arylation, oxidation/reduction and acylation to obtain the desired substitution at R'to R4.

In some cases, the chemistries outlined above may have to be modified, for instance by use of protecting groups, to prevent side reactions due to reactive groups, such as reactive groups attached as substituents. This may be achieved be means of conventional protecting groups, as described in Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry, ed. McOmie, J. F. W. Plenum Press, 1973; and Greene, T. W. & Wuts, P. G. M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991.

In another of its aspects, the present invention provides compounds, useful as intermediates in the preparation of compounds of Formula I and having the general Formula II: wherein R5 is H and R'-R4, R6-R'7, X, Z, n and-----are as defined in Formula I (and a

salt, solvate or hydrate thereof) and where embodiments of the Formula II compounds are as described above for Formula I compounds (excepting Rus).

Specific compounds of Formula II include: 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole ; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole; 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan4-yl]-1 H-indole; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole; 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole; 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7-R, S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl)-1 H-indole; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I; 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8aR, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer II; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I; 5-Methoxy-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer ll; 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer l; and 5,7-Diftuoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer II.

In a further aspect of the present invention, compounds of Formula I, specifically compounds of Formula I wherein R5 is selected from CH2Ar, SOzAr and C (O) Ar, are useful as intermediates in the preparation of compounds of Formula II, which may be used as antimigraine agents as described in a co-pending application filed on an even date herewith and the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In another embodiment of the invention, compounds of Formula I can be used to distinguish 5-HT6 receptors from other receptor subtypes, for example glutamate or opioid receptors, within a population of receptors, and in particular to distinguish between the 5- HT6 and other 5-HT receptor subtypes. The latter can be achieved by incubating preparations of the 5-HT6 receptor and one of the other 5-HT receptor subtypes (for example 5-HT2A) with a 5-HT6-selective compound of the invention and then incubating the

resulting preparation with a radiolabeled serotonin receptor ligand, for example [3H]- serotonin. The 5-HT6 receptors are then distinguished by determining the difference in membrane-bound activity, with the 5-HT6 receptor exhibiting lesser radioactivity, i. e., lesser [3H]-serotonin binding, than the other 5-HT receptor subtype.

In another embodiment of the invention, a compound of Formula I is provided in labeled form, such as radiolabeled form, e. g. labeled by incorporation within its structure 3H or 14C or by conjugation to'251. In another aspect of the invention, the compounds in labeled form can be used to identify 5-HT6 receptor ligands by techniques common in the art. This can be achieved by incubating the receptor or tissue in the presence of a ligand candidate and then incubating the resulting preparation with an equimolar amount of radiolabeled compound of the invention such as [1'23J-1- (4-iodophenyisulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole. 5-HT6 receptor ligands are thus revealed as those that are not significantly displaced by the radiolabeled compound of the present invention.

Alternatively, 5-HT6 receptor ligand candidates may be identified by first incubating a radiolabeled form of a compound of the invention then incubating the resulting preparation in the presence of the candidate ligand. A more potent 5-HT6 receptor ligand will, at equimolar concentration, displace the radiolabeled compound of the invention.

A radiolabelled compound of Formula I may be prepared using standard methods known in the art. For example a compound of Formula I wherein one of R'-R4 is radioactive iodo or Ar is substituted with a radioactive iodo group may be prepared from the corresponding tialkyltin (suitably timethyltin) derivative using standard iodination conditions, such as ['251] sodium iodide in the presence of chloramine-T in a suitable solvent, such as dimethyiformamide. The trialkyltin compound may be prepared from the corresponding non-radioactive halo, suitably iodo, compound using standard palladium-catalyzed stannylation conditions, for example hexamethylditin in the presence of tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium (0) in an inert solvent, such as dioxane, and at elevated temperatures, suitably 50-100 °C. Alternatively, tritium may

be incorporated into a compound of Formula I using standard techniques, for example by hydrogenation of a suitable precursor to a compound of Formula I using tritium gas and a catalyst.

Compounds of Formula I are useful as pharmaceuticals for the treatment of various conditions in which the use of a 5-HT6 antagonist is indicated, such as psychosis, schizophrenia, manic depression, depression, neurological disturbances, memory disturbances, Parkinsonism, amylotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease. In another of its aspects, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions useful to treat 5-HT6-related medical conditions, in which a compound of Formula I is present in an amount effective to antagonize 5- HT6 receptor stimulation, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In a related aspect, the invention provides a method for treating medical conditions for which a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist is indicated, which comprises the step of administering to the patient an amount of a compound of Formula I effective to antagonize 5-HT6 receptor stimulation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor.

For use in medicine, the compounds of the present invention can be administered in a standard pharmaceutical composition. The present invention therefore provides, in a further aspect, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a Formula I compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or hydrate thereof, in an amount effective to treat the target indication.

The compounds of the present invention may be administered by any convenient route, for example by oral, parenteral, buccal, sublingual, nasal, rectal, patch, pump or transdermal administration and the pharmaceutical compositions formulated accordingly.

Compounds of Formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts which are active when given orally can be formulated as liquids, for example syrups, suspensions or mulsions, or as solid forms such as tablets, capsules and lozenges. A liquid formulation will generally consist of a suspension or solution of the compound or pharmaceutically

acceptable salt in a suitable pharmaceutical liquid carrier for example, ethanol, glycerine, non-aqueous solvent, for example polyethylene glycol, oils, or water with a suspending agent, preservative, flavouring or colouring agent. A composition in the form of a tablet can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier routinely used for preparing solid formulations. Examples of such carriers include magnesium stearate, starch, lactose, sucrose and cellulose. A composition in the form of a capsule can be prepared using routine encapsulation procedures. For example, pellets containing the active ingredient can be prepared using standard carriers and then filled into a hard gelatin capsule; alternatively, a dispersion or suspension can be prepared using any suitable pharmaceutical carrier, for example aqueous gums, celluloses, silicates or oils and the dispersion or suspension filled into a soft gelatin capsule.

Typical parenteral compositions consist of a solution or suspension of the compound or pharmaceutically acceptable salt in a sterile aqueous carrier or parenterally acceptable oil, for example polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, lecithin, arachis oil or sesame oil. Alternatively, the solution can be lyophilized and then reconstituted with a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

Compositions for nasal administration may conveniently be formulated as aerosols, drops, gels and powders. Aerosol formulations typically comprise a solution or fine suspension of the active substance in a physiologically acceptable aqueous or non- aqueous solvent and are usually presented in single or multidose quantities in sterile form in a sealed container, which can take the form of a cartridge or refill for use with an atomising device. Alternatively, the sealed container may be a unitary dispensing device such as a single dose nasal inhaler or an aerosol dispenser fitted with a metering valve which is intended for disposal after use. Where the dosage form comprises an aerosol dispenser, it will contain a propellant which can be a compressed gas such as compressed air or an organic propellant such as fluorochlorohydrocarbon. The aerosol dosage forms can also take the form of a pump-atomizer.

Compositions suitable for buccal or sublingual administration include tablets, lozenges, and pastilles, wherein the active ingredient is formulated with a carrier such as

sugar, acacia, tragacanth, or gelatin and glycerine. Compositions for rectal administration are conveniently in the form of suppositories containing a conventional suppository base such as cocoa butter.

Preferably, the composition is in unit dose form such as a tablet, capsule or ampoule. Suitable unit dosages, i. e. therapeutically effective amounts, can be determined during clinical trials designed appropriately for each of the conditions for which administration of a chosen compound is indicated and will of course vary depending on the desired clinical endpoint. Each dosage unit for oral administration may contain from 0.01 to 500 mg/kg (and for parenteral administration may contain from 0.1 to 50 mg) of a compound of Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof calculated as the free base, and will be administered in a frequency appropriate for initial and maintenance treatments. For laboratory use, the present compounds can be stored in packaged form for reconstitution and use.

Experimental Examples Example 1 (a): 1-Acetyl-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole A solution of 1-acetoxy-3-indolone (300 mg, 1.88 mmol), 1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclononane (475 mg, 3.77 mmol) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (20 mg) in dry toluene (15 mL) was refluxed through a Dean-Stark trap for 24 hours. The mixture was diluted with methylene chloride, filtered through silica and purified by silica gel chromatography (7.5% methanol in methylene chloride) to give the title compound as a brown oil (140 mg, 26%);'H NMR (CDC13) 8: 8.46 (br s, 1H), 7.57 (d, 1H), 7.33 (t, 1H), 7.25 (t, 1H), 6.79 (br s, 1 H), 5.65 (m, 1H), 3.52 (m, 1H), 3.13 (m, 2H), 2.85 (m, 1H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 2.53-1.44 (m, 8H);'3C NMR (CDC13) b: 2,125.5, 27.5,24.2,21.3; In a like manner, the following addition compound was prepared: (b) 1-Acetyl-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole: from 1,4-

diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecane, 27%, brown oil ;'H NMR (CDC ! s) 8: 8.44 (br s, 1 H), 7.54 (d, 1 H), 7.32 (t, 1 H), 7.23 (t, 1 H), 6.74 (br s, 1 H), 3.48 (m, 1 H), 3.32 (m, 1 H), 2.80-2.82 (m, 4H), 2.55 (s, 3H), 2.53-1.20 (m, 9H);'3C NMR (CDC13) 5: 168.1,136.7,135.5,125.5, 123.1,119.3,116.9,109.2,60.9,57.7,55.6,54.8,51.7,29.7,25.6,2 4.2,23.9; Example 2 (a): 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole To a solution of 1-acetyl-3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 1a, 122 mg, 0.43mmol), in methanol (10 mL) was added sodium hydroxide (26 mg, 0.65 mmol) and the resulting solution was refluxed for 15 minutes. The reaction mixture was then poured into ethyl acetate, washed with water and brine and the organic layer dried (Na2S04), filtered and concentrated to give the title compounds as yellow oil (102 mg, 8.01, (br s, 1 H), 7.65 (d, 1H), 7.28 (d, 7H), 7.17 (t, 1H), 7.07 (t, 1H), 6.72 (d, 1H), 3.65 (m, 1H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 2.90 (m, 4H), 2.65-1.25 (m, 6, 62.7,57.4,53.5,52.0,51.8,27.5,21.3; In a like manner, the following additional compound was prepared: (b) 3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H-indole: from 1-acetyl-3-[(6-R, S)- 1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 1 b), 88%, yellow oil ;'H NMR <BR> <BR> <BR> (CDCI3) ä: 7.89 (br s, 1 H), 7.64 (d, 1 H), 7.27 (d, 1 H), 7.17 (t, 1 H), 7.07 (t, 1 H), 6.70 (d,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 1 H), 3.47 (m, 1 H), 3.36 (m, 1 H), 2.90 (m, 4H), 2.65-1.24 (m, 9H);'3C NMR (CDC13), 8: 135.7,132.3,122.1,119.1,118.8,111.4,110.3,61.3,58.8,55.6,55. 2,52.6,29.8,25.7, 24.0; Example 3: 3-Chloro-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indazole p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (750 mg, 3.93 mmol) in methylene chloride was added triethylamine (1.4 mL, 9.83 mmol) and the resulting solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was concentrated and purified by silica gel chromatography (20% ethyl acetate in hexanes) to provide the title compound as a

white solid (890 mg, 89%).

Example 4 (a): 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole 5-Fluoro-1 H-indole (1.0 g, 7.4 mmoles), octahydroindolizin-7-one (King, F. D., J. Chem.

Soc. Perkin Trans. I, 1986: 447-453,1.03g, 7.4mmoles) and pyrrolidine (6.6mL, 74 mmoles) were mixed in ethanol (10 mL) and refluxed for 72 hours. The resulting solid, collecte by filtration, washed with methanol and dried to provide the title compound (1.48g, 78%).

In a like manner, the following additional compounds were prepared: (b) 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, from 5- methoxy-1 H-indole, 63%.

(c) 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole: from 5-methyl- 1 H-indole, 21 %.

(d) 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, from 7- methyl-1 H-indole, 24%.

(e) 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, from 5,7- difluoro-1 H-indole, 65%.

Example 5 (a): 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7-R or S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl)-1 H-indole (major diasteromer) and (b) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7-R or S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (minor diastereomer) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4a, 500 mg, 1.95 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (250 mg) in ethanol (5 mL) were reacted under an atmosphere of H2 at room temperature overnight. The resulting solution was filtered and purified using silica gel chromatography. Two diastereomers were obtained. The

major diastereomer (300 mg, 59%) was eluted with 2% ammonia/methanol in dichloromethane, and the minor diastereomer (88 mg, 17%), eluted with with 10% ammonia/methanol in dichloromethane.

Example 6 (a): 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole To a solution of 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1H-indole (Exampie 2a, 3 mg, 0.012 mmol) in THF (5 mL) cooled to 0 °C under argon, was added sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (1M solution in THF, 40 pL, 0.040 mmol) and the resulting solution was stirred for 5 minutes. 2-Naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (5 mg, 0.022 mmol) was then added and the solution stirred for 2 hours. Silica gel (2 g) and 2 drops water were then added to quench the reaction and the resulting slurry was applied to a silica gel column. Elution with 5% methanol in dichloromethane provided the title compound as a yellow oil.

In a like manner, the following addition compounds were prepared: (b) 3- [ (6-R, O bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- ( 1-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole: from 1- naphthalenesulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (c) 1- (4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole: from 4- bromophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (d) 1- (4-t-Butylphenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole: from 4- t-butylphenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (e) 1- (4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole: from 4- chlorophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole

(Example 2a), yellow oii; (f) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4-fluorophenyisulfonyl) indole: from 4- fluorophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (g) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yi]-l- (4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl) indole: from 4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H- indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (h) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1-(2, 5-dichlorophenylsulfonyl) indole: from 2,5-dichlorophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4- yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (i) 1- (2-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl] indole: from 2- bromophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (j) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (phenylsulfonyl) indole: from phenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (k) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indole: from 4-methylphenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1 H- indole (Example 2a), yellow oil; (I) 3-[(6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (2-naphthalenesulfonyi) indole : from 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H- indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (m) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (1-naphthalenesulfonyl) indole: from 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H-

indole (Example 2b), yellow oii; (n) 1- (4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole: from 4-bromophenyisulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H- indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (o) 1- (4-t-Butylphenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole: from 4-t-butylphenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1H- indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (p) 1- (4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole: from 4-chlorophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1H- indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (q) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-fluorophenylsulfonyl) indole: from 4-fluorophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H- indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (r) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl) indole: from 4-methoxyphenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4- yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (s) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (2, 5-dichlorophenylsulfonyl) indole: from 2,5-dichlorophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4- yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (t) 1- (2-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-3-[(6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl] indole: from 2-bromophenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H- indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (u) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (phenylsulfonyl) indole : from pheny ! su ! fony ! chtoride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H-indole

(Example 2b), yellow oil; (v) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indole : from 4-methylphenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H- indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (w) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (2,4,6- trimethylphenylsulfonyl) indole: from 2,4,6-trimethylphenylsulfonyl chloride and 3- [ (6- R, S)-1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1 H-indole (Example 2b), yellow oil; (x) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4a) and benzenesulfonyl chloride, 48.2%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C22H21N2FO2S: calc'd 397.1386, found 397.14242.

(y) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (1- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4a) and 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 56.6%; HRMS- FAB MH+ for C26H23N2FO2S: calc'd 447.15425, found 447.15366.

(z) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5, 8, 8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (2- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4a) and 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 33%; HRMS- FAB MH+ for C26H23N2FO2S:, calc'd 447.15425, found 447.15054.

(aa) 5-Fluoro-1- (4-fluorophenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H- indole (Example 4a) and 4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride, 97%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C22H2oN2F202S: calc'd 415.12918, found 415.13216.

(bb) 1- (4-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-

indole (Example 4a) and 4-bromobenzenesulfonyl chloride, 35%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C22H2oN2BrF02S: calc'd 475.04911, found 475.04536.

(cc) 1- (2-Bromophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H- indole (Example 4a) and 2-bromobenzenesulfonyl chloride, 85%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C22H2oN2BrFO2S: calc'd 475.04911, found 475.04807.

(dd) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (4- methylphenylsulfonyl) indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4a) and p-toluenesulfonyl chloride, 96%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C23H23N2FO2S: calc'd 411.15425, found 411.1568.

(ee) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (4- methoxyphenylsutfonyl) indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4a) and 4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride, 57%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C23H23N2FO3S : calc'd 427.14916, found 427.14701.

(ff) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, 8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (2, 4,6- trimethylphenylsulfonyl) indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4a) and 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonyl chloride, 47%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C25H27N2FO2S: calc'd 439.18555, found 439.18681.

(99) 1- (4-t-Butylphenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole: from 5-fiuoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1H- indole (Example 4a) and 4-tert-butylphenylsulfonyl chloride, 83%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C26H29N2FO2S: calc'd 453.20120, found 453.20313.

(hh) 1- (2, 5-Dichlorophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H- indole (Example 4a) and 2,5-dichlorophenylsulfonyl chloride, 72%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C22HagN2CI2FO2S: calc'd 465.06065, found 465.05986.

(ii) 1- (4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole: from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H- indole (Example 4a) and 4-chlorophenylsulfonyl chloride, 46.4%; HRMS-FAB MH+ for C22H1gN2CI2FO2S: calc'd 431.099964, found 431.09809.

(jj) 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- phenylsulfonylindole: from 5,7-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]- 1 H-indole (Example 4e) and benzenesulfonyl chloride, 56%.

(kk) 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole: from 5,7-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4e) and 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 45%.

(II) 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole: from 5,7-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4e) and 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 4%.

(mm) 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- phenylsulfonylindole: from 5-methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]- 1 H-indole (Example 4b) and benzenesulfonyl chloride, 69%.

(nn) 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole: from 5-methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4b) and 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 61 %.

(oo) 5-Methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole: from 5-methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4b) and 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 83%.

(pp) 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole: from 5-methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4c) and benzenesulfonyl chloride, 57%.

(qq) 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole: from 5-methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4c) and 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 56%.

(rr) 5-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole: from 5-methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4c) and 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 68%.

(ss) 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-phenylsulfonylind ole: from 7-methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4d) and benzenesulfonyf chloride, 32%.

(tt) 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- naphthalenesulfonylindole: from 7-methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4d) and 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 26%.

(uu) 7-Methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-2- naphthalenesulfonylindole: from 7-methyl-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4d) and 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride, 33%.

Example 7 (a): 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.3.0] bicyclonon-4-yl]-1- (4- methylphenylsulfonyl) indazole 3-Chloro-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indazole (Example 3,100 mg, 0.23 mmol) and 1,4- diaza [4.3.0] bicyclononane (1 mL) were mixed and stirred at 120 °C overnight. The reaction mixture was applied to a silica gel column and eluted with 5% methanol in methylene chloride to provide the title compound as a light yellow oil (129 mg, 31%).

In a like manner, the following addition compound was prepared: (b) 3- [ (6-R, S)-1,4-Diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecan-4-yl]-1- (4-methylphenylsulfonyl) indazole: from 1,4-diaza [4.4.0] bicyclodecane, light yellow oil, 38%.

Example 8: 5-Fluoro-3- (1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl)-1- (3- methylphenyl) indole 5-Fluoro-3- (1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl)-1 H-indole (Example 4a, 50 mg, 0.20 mmol) and 3-iodotoluene (65.4 mg, 0.30 mmol) were mixed with K2CO3 (41.4 mg, 0.30 mmol), CuBr (17.2 mg, 0.12 mmol) and Cu powder (7.8 mg, 0.12 mmol) in NMP (1 mL) and heated to 160-170OC for 15hr. The reaction was quenched by adding water and the resulting solid was collecte by filtration. The solid was redissolved in dichloromethane, filtered through celite and the solid, evaporated. The product was purifed using silica gel chromatography (2% ammonia/methanol in dichloromethane) to provide the title compound (41 mg, 60.7%).

Example 9 (a): 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7-R, S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (3- methylphenyl) indole 5-Fluoro-3- [ (8a-R,S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- (3-methylphenyl) indole (Example 8,35 mg, 0.10 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (50 mg) in ethanol (2 mL) were reacted under an atmosphere of H2 at room temperature overnight. The resulting solution was filtered, evaporated and the product purified by silica gel chromatography using 2% 2M ammonia/methanol in dichloromethane as the eluent to provide the title compound (3.3 mg, 9.4%).

In a like manner, the following additional compounds were prepared: (b) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I (300 mg, 59%) and (c) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8aR, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer II (88 mg, 17%): from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]- 1 H-indole (Example 4a, 500 mg, 1.95 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (250 mg) in ethanol (5 mL) under H2 at RT.

(c) 5-Methoxy-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I (152.7mg, 58.7%) and (d) 5-Methoxy-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-

1H-indole, Isomer II (47.1 mg, from 5-methoxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a- hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1H-indole (Example 4b, 258.2 mg, 0.962 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (200 mg) in ethanol (3 mL) under H2 at RT.

(e) 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I (94.7 mg, 33%) and (f) 5,7-Difluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer II (19.8 mg, 7%): from 5,7-difluoro-3- [ (8a-R, 8a-hexahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole (Example 4e, 289.2 mg, 1.05 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (200 mg) in ethanol (3 mL) under H2 at RT.

Example 10 (a): 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole, Isomer I To a solution of 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.077 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at room temperature, was added sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (1M solution in THF, 200 J. L, 0.020 mmol) and the resulting solution was stirred for 5 minutes. 2-Naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (35 mg, 0.154 mmol) was then added and the solution stirred for 2 hours. Silica gel (2 g) and 2 drops water were then added to quench the reaction and the product was purified by silica gel chromatography to provide the title compound (27.1 mg, 78%).

(b) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole, Isomer ll: (11.6 mg, 67%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a- R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1H-indole, Isomer II (Example 9c, 10 mg, 0.039 mmoles) and 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (18 mg, 0.079 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (100, uL, 0.10 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(c) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1- phenylsulfonylindole, Isomer 1: (25.6 mg, 83%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)- octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.077 mmoles) and benzenesulfonyl chloride (20, uL, 0.016 mmol) with 1 M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(d) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indoiizinyl]-1- phenylsulfonylindole, Isomer 11: (9.0 mg, 58%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)- octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer II (Example 9c, 10 mg, 0.039 mmoles) and benzenesulfonyl chloride (20, uL, 0.016 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (100, uL, 0.10 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(e) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 (1- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole, Isomer l: (31.2 mg, 90%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a- R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1H-indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.077 mmoles) and 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (35 mg, 0.154 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(f) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-l- (l- naphthalenesulfonyl) indole, Isomer ! I: (13.4 mg, 77%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a- R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1H-indole, Isomer II (Example 9c, 10 mg, 0.039 mmoles) and 1-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (18 mg, 0.079 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (100, uL, 0.10 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(g) 5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-(2, 6-dichloro- benzol) indole, Isomer 1: (29.8 mg, 90%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)- octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.078 mmol) and 2,6-dichlorobenzoyl chloride (32.4 mg, 0.154 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmoles) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(h) 1-Benzyl-5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl] indole, Isomer I: (17.4 mg, 65%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1H- indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.078 mmol) and benzyl bromide (26 mg, 0.152 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmoles) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(i) 5-Cyclohexyloxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydrohydro-7-indolizinyl]-1-

phenyisulfonylindole: (11.2 mg, 40%) from 5-cyclohexyloxy-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a- hexahydrohydro-7-indolizinyi]-1 H-indole (20 mg, 0.0594 mmol) and benzenesulfonyl chloride (1.6 pL, 0.118 mmol) with 1 M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200 pL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(j) 1- (2, 5-Dichlorophenylsulfonyl)-5-Fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydrohydro-7- indolizinyl] indole, Isomer l: (31.2 mg, 86%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)- octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.077 mmol) and 2,5- dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (20 mg, 0.081 mmol) with 1 M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(k) 5-Fluoro-1- (3-methylphenylsulfonyl)-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S) octahydrohydro-7- indolizinyl] lindole, Isomer l: (5.7 mg, 18%) from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)- octahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.077 mmol) and 3- methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (30 mg, 0.157 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(I) 1- (2-Chlorobenzoyl)-5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl) indole (17 mg, 55%): from 5-fluoro-3- [ (8a-R, S)-1,2,3,5,8,8a-hexahydro-7-indolizinyl]-1H-indole (Example 4a, 20 mg, 0.078 mmol) and benzoyl chloride (27 mg, 0.154 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(m) 5-Fluoro-1- [1- (2-naphthyl) methyl]-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7- indolizinyl) indole, Isomer I (4.5 mg, 15%): from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S)-octahydro-7- indolizinyl]-1 H-indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.077 mmol) and 2- (bromomethyl) naphthalene (35 mg, 0.158 mmol) with 1 M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, llL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

(n) 5-Fluoro-1- (1-naphthoyl)-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl] indole, Isomer I (9.3 mg, 29%): from 5-fluoro-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7-indolizinyl]- 1 H-indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.077 mmoles) and naphthoyl chloride (29 mg, 0.153 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1

mL) at RT.

(o) 5-Fluoro-1- [1- ( 1-naphthlyl) methyl]-3- [ (7R or 7S) (8a-R, S)-octahydro-7- indolizinyl] indole, Isomer I (27.6 mg, 89%): from 5-fluoro-3-(octahydro-7-indolizinyl)-1 H- indole, Isomer I (Example 9b, 20 mg, 0.077 mmoles) and 1- (chloromethyl) naphthalene (27 mg, 0.153 mmol) with 1M sodium bis (trimethylsilyl) amide (200, uL, 0.20 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at RT.

Summary of Exemplified Compounds of Formula I Ex. R'/R'/RW R'R'/R'X Z n--* 6a H S02-H CH N 1 sgl 6b H SO2-H-CH N 1 sgl - 6c H S2-H CH N 1 sgl s Br 6d H S2-H CH N 1 sgl 6e H S 0 2-H CH N 1 sgi Cl 6f H ~ SO2-H CH N 1 sgl F 6g < S°2-H CH N 1 sgl / Me0 6h H CI N 1 sgl Ex. R/R'/RW R'R'/R'X Z n--* 6i H S02-H CH N 1 sgl Br 6j H So2-H CH N 1 sgi o 6k H g So2-H CH N 1 sgl Me4 ; Me- 61 H SOHCHN2sgi 6m H SO2-H CH N 2 sgl 6n H CSso2-H CH N 2 sgl Br 6o H S2-H CH N 2 sgl 6p H/so2-H CH N 2 sgl SI JCl 9 6q H H CH N 2 sgl F 6r H Soz H CH N 2 sgl MeO Me0 Ex. R'lR21R3lR4 R5 R6/R'X Z | n Li 6s H CI SOZ H CH N 2 sgi ci 6t H g so2-H CH N 2 sgl Br Br 6u H 3zso2-H CH N 2 sgi 6v H Soz H CH N 2 sgl Me 6w R'= F Me H CH N 2 sgl R,, s, a = H \ SOi Me Me 6x R2 = F g+so2-H CH C 1 dbl R,, s, a = H 6y R2 = F SO2-H CH C 1 dbl R'3. 4 =H 6z R2 = F g+<SO2-H CH C 1 dbl R34= H WJ 6aa R = F So2-H CH C 1 dbl R = H F/W F 6bb RR24==FH 3zs°2-H CH C 1 dbl R= H jj Br Ex. R'/R2/R3 ! R4 R5 R6/R7 X Z n... * 6cc R = F So2-H CH C 1 dbl R 34 = H W\Br 6dd RR3 4==FH Cz SO2-H CH C 1 dbl Me 6ee R = F SZ H CH C 1 dbl R'= H f ! J Mu0 6ff Rz = F Me H CH C 1 dbl R'3, 4 = H S02- 1 6gg Rz = F, +So2-H CH C 1 dbl R'3, 4 = H 6hh R = F CI SOZ-H CH C 1 dbl R'3, 4 = H I 6ii R'= F <+SO2-H CH C 1 dbl R 13. 4H C. 6jj R24 = F SO2-H CH C 1 dbl R-H R.. = F 6kk R-F SO2-H CH C 1 dbl R 13 H \ 611 SOZ H CH C 1 dbl R'3 H \~ Ex. R/R'/RWR"R'/R'X Z n--* 6mm R2 = MeO S02-H CH C 1 dbl R'3. 4 = H 6nn P'=MeOSO,-H CH C 1 dbl R34= H < 6Oo R = MeO g+SO2-H CH C 1 dbl R''3'4 = H 6pp R2 = Me So2-H CH C 1 dbl R'3. 4 = H 6qq R = Me SO2-H CH C 1 dbl R'3, 4 = H 6rr R-Me \ \ Sp2 H CH C 1 dbl R"'= H 6ss R = Me SO2-H CH C 1 dbl R'2, 3 = H v 6tt R4 = Me SO2-H CH C 1 dbi R'. 2, 3 = H Y 6uu R-Me \ \ Sp2 H CH C 1 dbl R1, 2, 3 = H Ex. R'/R'/RW R'R'/R'X Z n--* 7a H g< So2-H N N 1 sgl Me 7b Me Me 8 R = F Me H CH C 1 dbl R'3, 4 = H A 9a R = F H CH CH 1 sgl R'3, 4 = H (R, S) 10a R 2 = F S02-H CH CH 1 sgl R1, 3, 4 = H R o r S Isomer I 10b R 2= F S02-H CH CH 1 sgi R'= H) ! J R or S Isomer ! ! 10c R2_ F H CH CH 1 sgi R34= H W R or S isoler I 10d R F I Sz-H CH CH 1 sgl R or S ""RorS ) sommer N Ex. R'/R22/R3/R4 R5 R6/R7 X Z n. * 10e R = F Sl °2-H CH CH 1 sgl R'3. 4 = H R or S Isomer .. 10f R = F Sz'H CH CH 1 sgl R'3, 4 = H R or S Isoler N I I 10g R = F H CH CH 1 sgl R=HL. C (0)- Isomer I CL 10h R-F CH2-H CH CH 1 sgl R= H /isoler I 10i R- Sz-H CH C 1 dbl 0- R''= H 10j R = F 1 oj R2= F ci H CH CH 1 sgl Rr34 = H S2_ R or S Isomer Cl 10k R = F Me S02-H CH CH 1 S I R or S Isoler Isoler I . Ex. R'/R2/R3/R4 R5 R6/R7 X Z n * 10) R'=FCt 101 Ri = F Cl H CH C 1 Dbl R 3 4 = H C (O)- G = 10m R F CH2 H CH CH 1 sgl R'3, 4 = H Isomer I 10n R = F Cl (O)-H CH CH 1 sgl R,, s, a-H Isomer 10o H CH CH 1 sgl R1, 3, 4-H Isomer

t sgl = single bond; act = double bond Example 11: Binding Affinity for the 5-HT6 Receptor All of the compounds of the invention were evaluated using cell types receptive specifically to the 5-HT6 receptor (for cloning and characterization of the human 5-HT6 receptor see Kohen, et a/. J. Neurochemistry, 66,1996: 47-56). The assay protocol generally entailed the incubation of membranes prepared from cells expressing the 5- HT6 receptor with 3H-LSD (2 nM). Increasing levels of the test compound were incubated with the radioligand and the membrane homogenates prepared from the recombinant cells. After a 60 minute incubation at 37 °C, the incubation was terminated by vacuum filtration. The filters were washed with buffer and the filters were counted for radioactivity using liquid scintillation spectrometry. The affinity of the test compound for the 5-HT6 receptor was determined by computer-assisted analysis of the data and determining the amount of the compound necessary to inhibit 50% of the binding of the radioligand to the receptor. Concentrations ranging from 10-"M to 10-5 M of the test

compound were evaluated. For comparison, the affinity of clozapine (Ki = 3 nM) for the 5-HT6 receptor was used as a standard. Affinity for the 5-HT6 receptor is expressed as the amount (in percent) of binding of the radioligand that is inhibited in the presence of 100 nM of test compound. A greater percent inhibition indicates greater affinity for the 5-HT6 receptor. Selected compounds of the invention showed an percent inhibition of greater than 50% for the 5-HT6 receptor. Specific compounds of the invention, for example, those of examples 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 61,6m, 6n, 6p, 6u, 6v, 6x, 6y, 6z, 6aa, 6bb, 6cc, 6dd, 6ee, 6gg, 6hh, 6ii, 6jj, 6kk, 611,6mm, 6nn, 600, 6pp, 6qq, 6rr, 6ss, 6tt, 6jj, 6kk, 7a, 7b, 9a, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10h, 10i, 10j and 10k, showed an percent inhibition of greater than 80% for the 5-HT6 receptor. More specific compounds of the invention, for example, those of examples 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f, 6g, 6g, 6h, 6i, 6j, 6k, 61,6m, 6v, 6x, 6y, 6z, 6aa, 6bb, 6cc, 6dd, 6ii, 6jj, 6kk, 6mm, 6nn, 600,6pp, 6qq, 6rr, 6jj, 6kk, 7a, 9a, 10e, 10f and 10i, showed an percent inhibition of greater than 95% for the 5-HT6 receptor. In terms of selectivity, selected compounds of the invention showed an percent inhibition of greater than 50% for the 5-HT6 receptor and also had an percent inhibition less than 50% for other serotonin receptors, specifically the 5-HT2A, 5HT2c and 5-HT7 receptors. Specific compounds, for example those of examples 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6g, 6j, 61,6m, 6n, 6p, 6u, 6x, 6y, 6z, 6aa, 6bb, 6cc, 6dd, 6ee, 6gg, 6hh, 6ii, 611,6mm, 6nn, 600,6pp, 6qq, 6rr, 6ss, 6tt, 6jj, 6kk, 10f and 10b showed an percent inhibition of greater than 80% for the 5-HT6 receptor and less than 20% for the 5-HT2A, 5HT2c and 5-HT7 receptors. More specific compounds, for example those of examples 6m, 6x, 6z, 611,6mm, 6nn, 600,6pp, 6qq, 6rr, 6jj and 10b showed an percent inhibition of greater than 90% for the 5-HT6 receptor and less than 10% for the 5-HT2A, 5HT2c and 5-HT7 receptors

Example 12: Functional Assay The 5HT6 receptor responds to serotonin and other agonists by increasing adent ! cyclase mediated production of cyclic AMP. Particular test compounds were assayed for their effect on adenyl cyclase activity using the procedure described below.

Compounds acting as antagonists at the 5HT6 receptor will antagonize the agonist effect of serotonin and thus, will block the serotonin-induced increase in adenyl cyclase activity.

HEK 293 cells stably expressing the human 5HT6 receptor were plated in 6 well plates in DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium)/F12 (Nutrient Mixture F12-Ham) media with 10% FCS (fetal calf serum) and G418 (Geneticen Disulfate, 500ug/ml), and incubated at 37 °C in a C02 incubator. The cells were allowed to grow to about 70% confluence before use in the assay.

The culture medium of each well was removed, and the wells were washed once with serum free media. Then 2 ml of SFM+IBMX medium (SFM with 0.5 mM IBMX, 3- isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, 0.1% ascorbic acid and 10 mM pargyline) was added to each well and the wells were incubated at 37 °C for 10 min. Following incubation, the SFM+IBMX medium was removed from each well and fresh SFM+IBMX media was added to the wells separately with one of a) serotonin (1 AM final concentration); b) test compound (100 nM and 10 ßM, to test for agonist activity); and c) test compound (100 nM and 10, uM) along with serotonin (M final concentration, to test for antagonist activity). Basal adenyl cyclase activity was determined from wells with only SFM+IBMX media added.

The cells were then incubated at 37 °C for 30 minutes in a CO2 incubator. Following incubation, the media were removed from each well. The wells were washed once with 1 ml of PBS (phosphate buffered saline). Each well was then treated with 1 mL cold 95% ethanol : 5mM EDTA (2: 1) at 4 °C for 1 hour. The cells from each well were then scraped and transferred into individual Eppendorf tubes. The tubes were centrifuged

for 5 minutes at 4 °C, and the supernatants were transferred to new Eppendorf tubes and stored at 4 °C. The pellets were discarded and the supernatants were stored at 4 °C until assayed for cAMP concentration. cAMP content for each extract was determined in duplicate by EIA (enzyme-immunoassay) using the Amersham Biotrak cAMP EIA kit (Amersham RPN 225). Final results were expressed as % basal response for agonists and % reversa of serotonin response for antagonists.

The total stimulation of adenyl cyclase by serotonin (Sa) was determined as the difference in concentration of cAMP in the serotonin-treated cells (Cd) and the basal- treated cells (Cf).

So = Cf-Cd The net stimulation (S) of basal adenyl cyclase by an agonist test compound was determined as the difference in cAMP concentration in the drug-treated cell (C) and the basal-treated cells (Cf).

S = Cf-C The net stimulation (Ss) of basal adenyl cyclase by serotonin in the presence of an antagonist test compound was determined as the difference in cAMP concentration in the serontonin-drug-treated cells (Cs) and the basal-treated cells (Cf).

Ss = C,-Cs The ability of the antagonist test compound to reverse the serotonin stimuation of adenyl cyclase activity (% reversal, % R) was determined by the formula: %R= (1-SlSo) x100 Selected compounds of the invention, for example those of Examples 6x, 6y, 10c, 10e, 10a, 10d, 10f, 10b, 6b and 6j, were able to reverse the serotonin stimulation of adenyl cyclase and thus were shown to behave as a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist.