CN06432

Benzenesulfonyl-Chromane, Thiochromane, Tetrahydronaphthalene and Related Gamma Secretase Inhibitors

BACKGROUND

WO 00/50391, published August 13, 2000, discloses compounds having a sulfonamide moiety that are useful for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's Disease and other diseases relating to the deposition of amyloid protein.

McCombie et al., Tetrahedron Letters, Vol. 34, No. 50, pp. 8033-8036 (1993) describe methods of preparing chromans and thiochromans. However, the chromans and thiochromans described therein are quite different from the compounds of the present invention. In view of the present interest in the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's Disease, a welcome contribution to the art would be compounds for use in such treatment or prevention. This invention provides such a contribution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides compounds that are inhibitors (e.g., antagonists) of gamma-secretase (also termed "γ-secretase") and have the Formula (I):

0) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or ester thereof, wherein L ¹ , m, n, Ar, X, R ² , R ³ , and R ³ are defined below.

This invention also provides the compounds of formula (I) in pure and isolated form.

This invention also provides the compounds of formula (I) in pure form.

This invention also provides the compounds of formula (I) in isolated form. This invention also provides the final compounds of Examples 1, 1A-1 V, 2, 3,

3A-3H, 4, 5, 5A-5C, 6, 6A, 7, 7A-7E, 8, 8A-8Z, 9, 9A-9D, 10, 10A-10E, 11 , 11 A-11 E, 12, 13, 13A, 14, 14A, 15, 15A, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 20D-20K, 21, 22, 23, 24, 24C, 25, 26, 27A, 27B, 28 to 400, and 403 to 447.

This invention also provides the final compounds of Examples 13A, 14A, 15A, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 20D-20K, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 24C, 25, 26, 27A, 27B, and 28.

This invention also provides the compounds in Table 93.

This invention also provides the compounds in Table 94.

This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of one or more compounds of Formula (I) and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount a compound of Formula (I) and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

This invention also provides a method for inhibiting gamma-secretase comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of one or more compounds of formula (I) to a patient in need of treatment.

This invention also provides a method for inhibiting gamma-secretase comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of a compound of formula (I) to a patient in need of treatment. This invention also provides a method of treating one or more neurodegenerative diseases comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of one or more compounds of formula (I) to a patient in need of treatment.

This invention also provides a method of treating one or more neurodegenerative diseases comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of a compound of formula (I) to a patient in need of treatment.

Th is invention also provides a method of inhibiting the deposition of amyloid protein (e.g., amyloid beta protein) in, on or around neurological tissue (e.g., the brain) comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of one or more compounds of formula (I) to a patient in need of treatment. This invention also provides a method of inhibiting the deposition of amyloid protein (e.g., amyloid beta protein) in, on or around neurological tissue (e.g., the brain) comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of a compound of formula (I) to a patient in need of treatment.

This invention also provides a method of treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of one or more compounds of formula (I) to a patient in need of treatment.

This invention also provides a method of treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of a compound of formula (I) to a patient in need of treatment. This invention also provides a method of treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of one or more compounds of formula (I), in combination with an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of one or more cholfnesterase inhibitors (such as, for example, (±)- 2,3-dihydro-5,6-dimethoxy-2-[[1-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperidinyl ]methyl]-1 H -inden-1-one hydrochloride, i.e, donepezil hydrochloride, available as the Aricept ® brand of donepezil hydrochloride), to a patient in need of treatment.

This invention also provides a method of treating Alzheimer's disease comprising administering an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of a compound of formula (I), in combination with an effective (i.e., therapeutically effective) amount of one or more (e.g., one) cholinesterase inhibitors (such as, for example, (±)-2,3-dihydro-5,6-dimethoxy-2-[[1-(phenylmethyl)-4-piperi dinyl]methyl]-1 H -inden-1-one hydrochloride, i.e, donepezil hydrochloride, available as the Aricept ® brand of donepezil hydrochloride), to a patient in heed of treatment.

This invention also provides any one of the above mentioned methods of treatment wherein the compound of formula I is selected from the group consisting of the compounds in Table 93.

This invention also provides any one of the above mentioned methods of treatment wherein the compound of formula I is selected from the group consisting of the compounds in Table 94.

This invention also provides any one of the above mentioned methods of treatment wherein the compound of formula I is selected from the group consisting of the final compounds of Examples 1 , 1A-1V, 2, 3, 3A-3H, 4, 5, 5A-5C, 6, 6A, 7, 7A-7E, 8, 8A-8Z, 9, 9A-9D, 10, 10A-10E, 11 , 11A-11 E, 12, 13, 13A, 14, 14A, 15, 15A, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 20D-20K, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 24C, 25, 26, 27A, 27B, 28 to 400, and 403 to 447. This invention also provides any one of the above mentioned methods of treatment wherein the compound of formula I is selected from the group consisting of the final compounds of Examples 13A, 14A, 15A, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 20D-20K, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 24C, 25, 26, 27A, 27B, and 28.

DETAILED PESCRtPTtON OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides compounds that are inhibitors (e.g., antagonists) of gamma-secretase (also termed "γ- ^secreta se") and have the Formula (I):

(I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or ester thereof, wherein: X is selected from the group consisting of -C(R ¹ ) ₂ -, -O-, -S-, -S(O ₂ )-, -NR ¹ -, and

-N(C(O)R ¹ )-; each R ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl; R ² , R ³ , and R ⁴ are each independently selected from the group consisting of:

(I) H, (2) alkyl, (3) -OR ⁵ , (4) alkylene-OR ⁵ , (5) -alkylene-R ⁶ , (6) -C(O)-alkyl, (7) -alkylene-C(O)-alkyl, (8) -C(O)-R ⁶ , (9) -alkylene-C(O)-R ⁶ , (10) -C(O)O-alkyl,

(I I) -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl, (12) -C(O)NH-alkyl, (13) -alkylene-C(O)NH-alkyl, (14) -C(O)N(alkyl) ₂ , (15) -alkylene-C(O)N(alkyl) ₂ , (16) -R ⁸ , (17) -alkylene-R ⁸ ,

(18) -NHR ⁵ , (19) -N(R ⁵ ) ₂ , (20) -alkylene-NHR ⁵ , (21 ) -alkylene-N(R ⁵ ) ₂ , (22) alkenyl, (23) -NH-R ⁸ (e.g., -NH-(dihydro-furan-2-one), (24) -NH-CH(C(O)O(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl)-

alkylene-O-alkylene-R ⁶ (e.g., -NHCH(C(O)OCH ₃ )CH ₂ CH ₂ OCH ₂ phenyl),

(25) -NHGH^OJO^i-CeJalkyO-alkylene-OH (e.g., -NHCH(C(O)OCH ₃ )CH ₂ CH ₂ OH),

(26) -NH-C(O)-alkeπyl (e.g., -NHC(O)CH=CH ₂ ), and (27) -N(C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl)C(O)-alkenyl (e.g., -N(CH ₃ )C(O)CH=CH ₂ ) (wherein examples of said alkyl groups (including the alkyl portion of said R ² , R ³ , and R ⁴ substituents) include Ci-C ₆ alkyl groups, and wherein examples of said alkylene portion of said R ² , R ³ , and R ⁴ substituents include Ci-C ₆ alkylene groups, and wherein examples of said alkenyl groups of said R , R , and R ⁴ substituents include C ₂ -C ₆ alkylene groups); or

R ² and R ³ , or R ² and an R ⁴ , or R ³ and an R ⁴ , together with the atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups (wherein examples of said fused ring cycloalky groups include C3 - C ₁₀ rings (including the carbon atoms common to both rings), and examples of said fused heterocycloalkyl rings included to 8 membered rings (including the carbon atoms common to both rings) comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of: O, N, S, SO ₂ , SO, Si and P, and in other examples said heteroatoms of said heterocycloalkyl rings are independently selected from the group consisting of: O, N, S, SO ₂ , SO, and P, and in other examples said heteroatoms of said heterocycloalkyl rings are independently selected from the group consiting of: O ₁ N and S); and wherein those skilled in the art will appreciate that the substituted fused rings can be substituted with the L ³ groups on the substitutable atoms selected from the group consisting of: the ring carbons (including the carbon atoms common to the two fused rings) and the heteroatoms (e.g., N or S); and with the proviso that when X is -O- and m is 1 , then at least one of R ² , R ³ or R ⁴ is not H;

Each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: (1 ) H, (2) (C-i- C ₆ )alkyl, (3) hydroxyl substituted alkyl (such as, for example, alkyl substituted with at least one -OH group, such as, for example, (C ₁ to C ₆ ) alkyl substituted with 1 to 3 -OH groups, and in one example (C ₁ to C ₆ ) alkyl substituted with 1 or 2 -OH groups, and in another example (C ₁ to C ₆ ) alkyl substituted with 2 -OH groups, and in another example -CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ CH ₃ and in another example -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ OH), (4) R ⁶ (in one example R ⁶ is heteroaryl, such as, for example, pyridyl), (5) R ⁷ , (6) -C(O)- (d-CβJalkyl, (7) -C(OMCi-C6)haloalkyl, (8) -C(O)-R ⁶ , (9) -C(O)-R ⁷ , (10) -C(O)NH-(C ₁ -

Ce)a\ky\, (11 ) -C(O)N((Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl group is independently selected, (12) -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, (13) -S(O) ₂ -(d-C ₆ )haloaIkyl, (14) -S(O) ₂ -R ⁶ , (15) -S(O) ₂ -R ⁷ , (16) -S(O) ₂ -R ⁸ , (17) -alkylene-C(O)-(d-C ₆ )alkyl, (18) -alkylene-C(O)- (d-CβJhaloalkyl, (19) -alkylene-C(O)-R ⁶ , (20) -alkylene-C(O)-R ⁷ , (21 ) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ - (Ci-Ce)alkyl, (22) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, (23) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -R ⁶ ,

(24) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -R ⁷ , (25) -alkylene-S (O) ₂ -R ⁸ , (26) -alkylene-NHC(OHCi-C ₆ )alkyl, (27) -alkylene-NHC(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyI, (28) -alkylene-NHC(O)-R ⁶ , (29) -alkylene- NHC(O)-R ⁷ , (30) -alkylene-NHS(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, (31 ) -alkylene-NHS(O) ₂ -(d- C ₆ )haloalkyl, (32) -alkyIene-NHS(O) ₂ -R ⁶ , (33) -alkylene-NHS(O) ₂ -R ⁷ , (34) -alkylene- N(alkyl)C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -alkylene-N((Ci-C ₆ )alkyl)-C(O)-(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl, such as, for example, -CH ₂ N(C ₂ H ₅ )C(O)CH ₃ ), (35) -alkylene-N(alkyl)C(O)-(C ₁ -C ₆ )haloalkyl, (36) -alkylene-N(alkyl)C(O)-R ⁶ , (37) -alkylene-N(alkyl)C(O)-R ⁷ , (38) -alkylene- N(alkyl)S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, (39) -alkylene-N(alkyl)S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, (40)-alkylene- N(alkyl)S(O) ₂ -R ⁶ , (41 ) -alkylene-N(alkyl)S(O) ₂ -R ⁷ , (42) -alkylene-C(O)-NH-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, (43) -alkylene-C(O)-NHR ⁶ , (44) -alkylene-C(O)-NHR ⁷ , (45) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ NH-(C _r C ₆ )alkyl, (46) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ NH-R ⁶ , (47) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ NH-R ⁷ , (48) -alkylene-C(O)- N((Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl group is independently selected, (49) -alkylene- C(O)-N(alkyl)R ⁶ , (50) -alkylene-C(O)-N(alkyl)R ⁷ , (51 ) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ N((CrC ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl group is independently selected, (52) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ N(alkyl)-R ⁶ , (53) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ N(alkyl)-R ^r , (54) -alkylene-OH (e.g., -(CH ₂ J ₂ OH and-CH ₂ OH),

(55) -alkylene-OC(O)-NH-alkyl (e.g., -alkylene-OCfOJ-NH-ζd-CeJalkyl),

(56) -alkylene-OC(O)NH-R ⁸ , (57) -alkylene-CN (e.g., -(CH ₂ ) ₂ CN), (58) -R ⁸ (e.g., cyclopropyl), (59) -alkylene-SH, (60) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -NH-R ⁸ (wherein examples of said R ⁸ group in this moiety include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and cyclohexyl), (61 ) -alkylene- S(O) ₂ -alkylene-R ⁶ (e.g., -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -alkylene-heteroaryI, such as, for example,

-CH ₂ -S(O) ₂ -CH ₂ -furanyl), (62) halo substituted alkylene (e.g., -alkylene-halo, such as, for example, -CH ₂ I), (63) -C(O)OR ⁸ (e.g., -C(O)O-cyclopentyl), (64) -C(O)O(C ₁ - C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)OCH ₃ ), (65) -C(O)R ⁸ (e.g., -C(O)-cyclopropyl), (66) -C(O)- alkylene-O-fd-CeJalkyl (e.g., -C(O)-CH ₂ -O-CH ₃ ), (67) -C(O)NH ₂ , (68) -alkylene-O- (d-Cβ)alkyi (e.g. -CH ₂ OCH ₃ ), (69) -alkylene-R ⁸ (e.g., -CH^cyclopropyl), (70) -S(O) ₂ - halo(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -S(O) ₂ CF ₃ ), (71) hydroxy substituted halo(d-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g. -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH(OH)CF ₃ ), (72) -alkylene-NH ₂ (e.g., -CH ₂ NH ₂ ), (73) -alkylene-NH-S(O) ₂ - R ⁸ (e.g., -CH ₂ -NH-S(O) ₂ -CyClOPrOPyI), (74) -alkylene-NH-C(O)-R ⁸ , (75) -alkylene-NH-

C(O)O-(Cr-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ NHC(O)CH ₂ CH(CH ₃ )2), (76) -alkylene-O-C(O)-(d- C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ CH ₂ OC(O)CH ₃ ), (77) -alkylene-O-S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ CH ₂ OSO ₂ CH ₃ ), (78) -alkylene-R ⁶ (e.g., -CH ₂ -isoxazolyl, -CH^benzothiazolyl, -CH ₂ -benzoimidazolyl, and-CH ₂ -phenyl), (79) -alkylene-R ⁷ (e.g., -CH ₂ -thiazolidinyl), (80) -alkylene-NH-C(O)-NH-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ NHC(O)NHC ₂ H ₅ ), (81 ) -alkylene- N(S(O) ₂ halo(d-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each -S(O) ₂ halo(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl moiety is independently selected, (82) -alkylene-N((Ci-C ₆ )alkyl)S(O) ₂ R ⁸ (e.g., -CH ₂ N(C ₂ H ₅ )S(O) ₂ -cyclopropyl), (83) -alkylene-OC(O)-N(alkyl) ₂ (e.g., -alkylene- OC(O)-N(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ ) wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (84) -alkylene- NH-(d-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ NHCH ₃ ), (85) -C(O)-alkylene-C(O)O-(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)CH ₂ C(O)OC ₂ H ₅ ), (86) -C(O)-C(O)-O-(d-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)C(O)OCH ₃ ), (8.7) -C(O)-alkylene-R ⁶ (e.g., -C(O)-CH ₂ -thienyl), (88) -C(O)-NH-R ⁸ (e.g., -C(O)-NH- cyclopentyl), (89) -C(O)-NH-R ⁵ (e.g., -C(O)-NH-thienyl), (90) -C(O)-NH-alkylene-R ⁶ (e.g., -C(O)-NH-(CH ₂ ) ₂ -thienyl), (91) -C(O)-alkylene-NH-S(O) ₂ -halo(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)CH ₂ NHSO ₂ CF ₃ ), (92) -C(O)-alkylene-NH-C(O)-O-(d-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)-CH ₂ - NH-C(O)-O-t-butyl), (93) -C(O)-alkylene-NH ₂ (e.g., -C(O)CH ₂ NH ₂ ), (94) -C(O)- alkylene-NH-S(O) ₂ -R ⁸ (e.g., -C(O)-CH ₂ -NH-S(O) ₂ -CyClOPrOPyI), (95) -C(O)-alkylene- NH-S(O) ₂ -(d-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)CH ₂ NHS(O) ₂ CH ₃ ), (96) -C(O)-alkylene-NH-C(O)- (d-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)CH ₂ NHC(O)CH ₃ ), (97) -C(O)-alkylene-N(S(O) ₂ (d-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each-S(O) ₂ (C-i-C ₆ )alkyl moiety is independently selected (e.g.

-C(O)CH ₂ N(S(O) ₂ C ₂ Hg) ₂ ), (98) -C(O)-alkylene-NH-C(O)-NH-(C,-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)CH ₂ NHC(O)NH-isopropyl), (99) -alkylene-O-R ⁶ (e.g., -(CH ₂ ) ₃ OCH ₂ phenyl), (100) -alkylene-R ⁷ (e.g., -CH ₂ -[1 ,3]dioxolanyl), (10I) -C(O)OH, (102) -alkylene- N(S(O) ₂ (d-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ (e.g., -(CH ₂ J ₂ N(S(O) ₂ CHs) ₂ ), (103) -alkylene-C(O)-O-(d- C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ C(O)OC ₂ H ₅ ), (104) haloalkyl (i.e., halo substituted alkyl, such as, for example, -CF ₃ ), (105) halo (e.g., F), (106) -alkylene -C(O)-NH ₂ (e.g., -CH ₂ C(O)NH ₂ ), (107) =N-O-(d-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., =N-O-CH ₃ ), (108) =N-O-alkylene-R ⁶ (e.g., =N-O-CH ₂ -phenyl), (109) =N-O-alkenyl (e.g., =N-O-CH ₂ =CH ₂ ), (110) =N-O-R ⁶ (e.g., =N-O-phenyl), (111) =N-NH-S(O) ₂ -R ⁶ (e.g., =N-NH-S(O) ₂ -p-methylphenyl), (112) alkenyl (e.g., =CH ₂ , i.e., CH ₂ double bonded to the rest of the molecule), (113) =R ⁸ (e.g., =cyclopropyl, i.e., cyclopropyl double bonded to the rest of the molecule), (114) -alkylene-O-alkylene-Si((d-C ₆ )alkyl) ₃ wherein each alkyl is independently selected (e.g., -CH ₂ -O-(CH ₂ ) ₂ Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ ), (115) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -

N(alkylene-R ⁶ ) ₂ wherein each alkylene-R ⁶ moiety is independently selected (e.g., -(CH ₂ )2-S(O) ₂ -N(CH ₂ -p-methoxyphenyl) ₂ ), (116) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -NH ₂ , (117) -O-C(O)- R ⁹ , (118) -O-C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -0-C(O)-CH ₃ ), (119) -S(O)2NH((Ci-C ₆ )alkyl), (120) -S(O) ₂ N((C ₁ -C ₆ )alky!) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (121 ) -S(O) ₂ NHR ⁸ (e.g., -S(O) ₂ N-cyclopropyl), (122) -alkylene-C(O)OH (e.g.,

-CH ₂ C(O)OH), (123) -alkylene-C(O)NH(halo(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) (e.g., -CH ₂ -C(O)NHCH ₂ CF ₃ ),

(124) -alkylene-C(O)-NH-alkylene-R ⁸ (e.g., -CH ₂ -C(O)-N H-CH^cyclopropyl),

(125) -alkylene-C(O)-NH-alkylene-OH (e.g., -CH ₂ -C(O)-NH-CH ₂ CH ₂ -OH),

(126) -CfOJOfhaloCrCealkyl), (127) -C(O)OR ⁶ , (128) -C(O)OR ⁷ , (129) -alkylene- NHSO ₂ N(alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (130) -alkylene-

NHSO ₂ NHalkyl, (131) -alkylene-N(alkyl)-SO ₂ N(alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (132) -alkylene-N(alkyl)-SO ₂ NHalkyl wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (133) -alkylene-O-SO ₂ -alkyl, (134) -alkylene-NH-C(O)- N(alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (135) -alkylene-NH-C(O)- NHalkyl, (136) -alkylene-N(alkyl)-C(O)-N-(alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (137) -alkylene-N(alkyl)-C(O)-NHalkyl, (138) -CN, (139) -alkylene- P(O)(Oalkyl) ₂ (e.g., -alkylene-P(O)(O(CrC ₆ )alkyl) ₂ ) wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (140) -alkylene-CH(OH)-P(O)(Oalkyl) ₂ (e.g., -alkylene- CH(OH)-P(O)(O(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (141 ) -alkylene-OC(O)N(C _r C ₆ alkyl)-R ⁸ , (142) -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -N(C _r C ₆ alkyl)-R ⁸ , (143) -alkylene-N(C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl)-S(O) ₂ -R ⁸ , (144) -alkylene-N(C _r C ₆ alkyl)-C(O)-R ⁸ , (145) alkyl)-C(O)O-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (146) -alkylene-N(C-,-C ₆ alkyO-CfOJ-NH-^-CeJalkyl wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (147) -a!kylene-NH-C(O)-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (148) -alkylene-N(C,-C ₆ alkyl)-C(O)-N(d-C ₆ a)kyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (149) -C(O)-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-R ⁸ , (150) -C(O)-N(C ₁ - C ₆ alkyl)-R ⁶ , (151 ) -C(O)-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-alkylene-R ⁶ , (152) -C(O)-alkylene-N(C _r C ₆ alkyl)-S(O) ₂ -halo(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (153) - C(O)-alkylene-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-C(O)-O-(Ci-Ce)alkyl wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (154) -C(O)-alkylene-N H(C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl), (155) -C(O)-alkylene-N(C _r C ₆ alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (156) -CfOJ-alkylene-NtCi-Ce alkyl)- S(O) ₂ -R ⁸ , (157) -C(O)-alkylene-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyO-SζOMd-CeJalkyl, (158) -C(O)- alkylene-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-C(O)-(Ci-C6)alkyl, (159) -C(O)-alkylene-N(C _r C ₆ alkyl)-C(O)-

NH-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (160) -C(O)-alkylene- NH-C(O)-N((Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (16I) -C(O)- alkylene-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-C(O)-N((Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (162) -alkyleπe -C(O)-NH(Ci-C ₆ alkyl), (163) -alkylene -C(O)-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, (164) =N-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-S(O) ₂ -R ⁶ , (165) -S(O) ₂ N(C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl)R ⁸ , (166) -alkylene-C(O)N(d-C ₆ alkyl)(halo(C _r C ₆ )alkyl) wherein each alkyl group is independently selected, (167) -alkylene-C(O)N(halo(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl group is independently selected, (168) -alkylene-C(O)-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-alkylene-R ⁸ , (169) -alkylene-C(O)-N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-alkylene-OH, (170) O-C(O)-R ⁷ (e.g., -O-C(O)-(3-OH-pyrrolidinyl)); and wherein examples of the alkylene groups of the R ⁵ substituents include Ci-C ₆ alkylene groups, for example, Ci to C ₄ alkylene groups, and in another example, Ci-C ₃ alkylene groups, and in another example Ci to C ₂ alkylene groups; and wherein examples of the alkyl groups of the R ⁵ substituents include Ci-C ₆ alkyl groups; R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of: unsubstituted (C ₆ -Ci ₄ )aryl,

(C ₆ -Ci4)aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups, unsubstituted (C ₅ -Ci ₄ )heteroaryl, and (Cs-Ci4)heteroaryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups;

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ² groups (wherein examples of said heterocycloalkyl rings (unsubstituted or substituted) include 4 to 8 membered rings comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of: O, N, S, -S(O) ₂ , -S(O)-, Si and P, and in other examples said heteroatoms of said heterocycloalkyl rings are independently selected from the group consisting of: O, N, S, -S(O) ₂ , -S(O)-, and P, and in other examples said heteroatoms of said heterocycloalkyl rings are independently selected from the group consiting of: O, N and S);

R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ³ groups (wherein examples of said cycloalkyl groups (unsubstituted or substituted) include C3 -C10 cycloalkyl rings); Ar is selected from the group consisting of: (a) unsubstituted aryl, (b) aryl

, substituted with one or more L ¹ groups, (c) unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., pyridyl), and (d) substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) substituted with one or more L ¹ groups;

R ⁹ is a bridged multicyclic heterocycloalkyl ring (e.g., a bridged bicyclic hetercycloalky! ring) wherein said R ⁹ moiety is unsubstituted or said R ⁹ moiety is substituted with one or more L ² groups, and wherein said heterocycloalkyl rings include 4 to 8 membered rings comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of: O, N, S, Si and P (and in one example said heteroatoms are N), examples of said R ⁹ moiety include but are not limited to:

each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of: halogen, alkyl (e.g., CrC ₆ alkyl), -CN, -CF ₃ , -O-(Ci-C6)alkyl (e.g., -OCH ₃ ), -O-(halo(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl) (e.g., -OCF ₃ ), -C(O)-O-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)OCH ₃ ), -alkylene-OH (-CH ₂ OH), halo(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CF ₃ ), hydroxyalkoxy- (e.g., HOCH ₂ CH ₂ O-), and alkoxyalkoxy- (e.g., CH ₃ OCH ₂ CH ₂ O-); each L is independently selected from the group consisting of: (a) —OH, (b) alkyl (e.g., Ci-Ce alkyl), (c) alkyl (e.g., C^-Ce alkyl), substituted with one or more -OH groups, (d) halo, (e) haloalkyl (e.g., ha!o(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl), and (f) heterocycloalkyl (e:g., said heterocycloalkyl rings include unsubstituted or substituted heterocycloalkyl rings comprising 4 to 8 membered rings comprising 1 to 3 heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of: O, N, S, , and in other examples said heteroatoms of said heterocycloalkyl rings are independently selected from the group consisting of: O, N, S and P, and in other examples said heteroatoms of said heterocycloalkyl rings are independently selected from the group consiting of: O, N and S and P); each L ³ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -CN, =O, R ⁵ , -OR ⁵ ; =N-R ⁵ and -N(R ⁵ ) ₂ (e.g., -NHR ⁵ ); (in one example L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -CH ₂ OH, -CH ₂ NH ₂ , -CH ₂ NHalkyl (such as, for example, -CH ₂ NH(Ci- C ₆ )alkyl), and-C(O)OH, and in another example L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -alkylene-CζOJNHtC _! to C ₆ )alkyl, -alkylene-C(O)N ((C ₁ to C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, -alkylene-C(O)NH(Ci to C ₆ )haloalkyl, and -alkylene-C(O)N((Ci to C ₆ )haloalkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected); n is 0, 1 , 2 or 3; and

W

- 11 - m is 0, 1, 2, or 3; and provided that for the substituent -OR ⁵ , the R ⁵ moiety and the oxygen atom to which it is bound to does not form a -O-O- group (i.e., for the substituent -OR ⁵ , the R ⁵ moiety is not bound through an oxygen atom of the R ⁵ moiety to the oxygen atom of the -OR ⁵ substituent); and provided that for the substituents -OR ⁵ , =N-R ⁵ and -NHR ⁵ , R ⁵ is not -CH ₂ OH, -CH ₂ NH ₂ , -CH ₂ NHalkyl, -CH ₂ NHaryl Or-C(O)OH.

In a first embodiment, the present invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or esters thereof, as described herein above.

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to compounds of formula (I). Another embodiment of this invention is directed to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula (I). Another embodiment of this invention is directed to solvates of the compounds of formula (I).

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to pharmaceutically acceptable esters of the compounds of formula (I).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl (e.g., substituted phenyl).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl). In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IA). In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl

(e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IA).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IA).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IA).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IB). In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl

(e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IB).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IB).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IB).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IC).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl (e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IC). In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IC).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IC).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (ID).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl (e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (ID).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (ID).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (ID). In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl

(e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IE).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl (e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IE).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IE).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IE).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IF). In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl

(e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IF).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IF).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IF).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (I F.1A).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl (e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IF.1A).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IF.1A). In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (I F.1A).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl (e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IG).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl (e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IG).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IG).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IG). In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted aryl

(e.g., unsubstituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IH).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted aryl (e.g., substituted phenyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IH).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., unsubstituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IH).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), Ar is substituted heteroaryl (e.g., substituted pyridyl) and said compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (IH).

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I) one or more L ³ groups are -N(R ⁵ )2 substituents wherein one of the R ⁵ groups is H, i.e., one or more of the L ³ groups is -NHR ⁵ . Thus, in one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), each L ³ is independently selected from: =O, R ⁵ ,-OR ⁵ -NHR ⁵ , and -N(R ⁵ ) ₂

In one preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (I) each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(C ₁ -C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

In another preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (I) each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl , -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

In another preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (I) each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-Cβ)alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-(C ₁ -C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Thus, another embodiment of this invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or esters thereof, wherein each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group

consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to solvates of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Cr C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to the pharmaceutically acceptable esters of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(C ₁ -Ce)HaIOa!!^!, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or esters thereof, wherein each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently! selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(OMC _r C _β )alkyl, -CfOJ-CrCeJhaloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to solvates of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-CβJalkyI, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ . Another embodiment of this invention is directed to the pharmaceutically acceptable esters of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting

of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or esters thereof, wherein each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (d-CeJalkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -StOJHd-CβJalkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(C ₁ -C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )a]kyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ , -C(O)-(Ci -C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-(d-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Another embodiment of this invention is directed to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ -(d-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(C _r C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ . Another embodiment of this invention is directed to solvates of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (C-ι-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ -(d-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(d-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , , -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ , -CfOMCi-CβJalkyl, -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ . Another embodiment of this invention is directed to the pharmaceutically acceptable esters of the compounds of Formula (I) wherein each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (C _r Cβ)alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(d-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-(C _r C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof:

R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of H and (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of H, -(Ci-CβJalkyI, -(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkylene-C(O)O-(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl, -(d-CeJalkylene-R ⁸ , -C(O)O-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, and -(C ₂ -C ₆ )alkenyl;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -(d-CeJalkylene-OR ⁵ , -(C ₂ -C ₆ )alkenyl, -C(O)O-(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl, and -(Ci-C ₆ )alkylene-C(O)O-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl; or

R ² and R ³ , or R ² and an R ⁴ , or R ³ and an R ⁴ , together with the atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused (C ₃ -Ci ₀ )cycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused (C ₃ -Cio)cycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups; each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, -(C ₁ - C ₆ )alkyl, and -(Ci-C ₆ )alkylene-R ⁶ ; and with the proviso that when X is -O- and m is 1 , at least one of R ² , R ³ or R ⁴ is not H; each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, (Ci-

C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ ;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (C ₆ -Ci ₄ )aryl and (C ₆ -Ci ₄ )aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups;

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (C ₃ - C-ioJheterocycloalkyl and (C ₃ -Cio)heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ² groups;

R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted (C ₃ -Ci ₀ )cycloalkyl and (C ₃ -Cio)cycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ³ groups;

Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen,

(Ci-C _β )alkyl, -CN, and -CF ₃ ; and each L ² is independently selected from the group consisting of -OH, (Ci- C ₆ )alkyl, (d-CβJalkyl substituted with one or more -OH groups, and (C ₃ - Cio)heterocycloalkyl. In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IA):

&

Ar (IA)

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IB):

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IC):

(IC)

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (ID):

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IE):

(IE)

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IA):

(IA) wherein: R ¹ is H or alkyl;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylene-OR ⁵ , -alkylene-R ⁶ , -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl, -C(O)O-alkyl, and alkenyl;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylene-OR ⁵ , and

-alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl; R ⁴ is independently H or alkyl; each R ⁵ is independently H or -C(O)-R ⁷ ; R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted aryl and aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ² groups; Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently halogen or alkyl; each L ² is independently -OH or heterocycloalkyl; and n is 0, 1, or 2.

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IA):

(IA) wherein: R ¹ is H or -CH ₃ ;

R ² is selected from the group consisting of H, -CH(CH ₃ )2, -CH ₃ , -CH ₂ CH ₃ , -(CH ₂ ) ₃ CH ₃ , -CH ₂ -R ⁶ , -CH ₂ CH ₂ -OH, -CH ₂ -C(O)O-CH ₂ CH ₃ , -C(O)O-CH ₂ CH ₃ , -CH ₂ CH ₂ -0-C(0)-pyrrolidinyl substituted with one or more L ² group, -CH ₂ CH ₂ -O-C(O)-piperidyl substituted with one or more L ² group, -CH ₂ CH=CH ₂ , R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, -CH ₃ , -CH ₂ CH ₃ , -CH ₂ -OH, -CH ₂ -O-C(O )-piperidyl substituted with one or more L ² group, -CH ₂ -O-C(O )-pyrrolidinyl substituted with one or more L ² group, -CH ₂ -C(O)O-CH ₃ , -CH ₂ -C(O)O-CH ₂ CH ₃ , ; R ⁴ is H Or-CH ₃ ; R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted phenyl and phenyl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups;

Ar is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently F, Cl or -CH ₃ ; each L ² is independently -OH or piperidyl; and n is O, 1 or 2.

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IB):

wherein:

R ² is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylene-OR ⁵ , -alkyleπe-R ⁶ ,

-alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl, -alkylene-R ⁸ , and alkenyl;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and alkylene-OR ⁵ ; or R ² and R ³ , or R ² and an R ⁴ , or R ³ and an R ⁴ , together with the atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups;

R is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and -alkylene-R 6. ; each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and -C(O)-R ⁷ ;

R ^B is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted aryl and aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ² groups; R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted cycloalkyl and cycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ³ groups;

Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently halogen or alkyl; each L ² is independently selected from the group consisting of —OH, alkyl, alkyl substituted with one or more -OH groups, and heterocycloalkyl; each L ³ is -OR ⁵ ; and n is an integer of from 0 to 3.

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IB):

(IB) wherein:

R ² is selected from the group consisting of H, -CH ₂ -C(O)O-CH ₃ , -CH ₃ , -CH ₂ CH ₃ , -CH(CHg) ₂ , -CH ₂ -R ⁶ , -CH ₂ -R ⁸ , -CH ₂ CH ₂ -OR ⁵ , -CH ₂ CH=CH ₂ , and -CH(CH ₃ )CH ₂ CH ₂ -OH;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, -CH ₃ , -CH ₂ -OH, and -CH ₂ -O-CH ₃ ; or R ² and R ³ , or R ² and an R ⁴ , or R ³ and an R ⁴ , together with the atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups;

R ⁴ is selected from the group consisting of H, -CH ₃ , -CH2CH ₃ , and -CH ₂ -R ⁶ ; each R ⁵ is independently selected from H or -C(O)-R ⁷ ;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted phenyl and phenyl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted piperidyl, piperidyl substituted with one or more L ² groups, unsubstituted piperaziπyl, piperazinyl substituted with one or more L ² groups, unsubstituted pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolidinyl substituted with one or more L ² groups;

R ⁸ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted cyclopropyl and cyclopropyl substituted with one or more L ³ groups;

Ar is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently F, Cl, or -CH ₃ ; each L ² is independently selected from the group consisting of -OH, -CH ₂ CH ₂ -OH, piperidyl, and -C(CH ₃ ) ₃ ; each L ³ is independently -OH or -C(O)-R ⁷ ; and n is O, 1 , 2, or 3.

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IC):

(IC) wherein:

R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl; R ² is H; R ³ is H;

Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alky!, -CN, n is 0, 1, or 2.

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IC):

(IC) wherein:

R ¹ is selected from the group consisting of H and -CH ₃ ; R ² is H;

R ³ is H;

Ar is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently F or Cl; and n is 0, 1 , or 2. In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (ID):

(ID) wherein: R ¹ is H; R ² is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and alkenyl; R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and alkenyl; each R ⁴ is H;

Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, -CN, and -CF ₃ ; and n is 0, 1 , 2 or 3.

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (ID):

(ID) wherein: R ¹ is H; R ² is selected from the group consisting of H, -CH ₃ , -CH(CH ₃ ) ₂ , and -CH ₂ CH=CH ₂ ; R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, -CH ₃ , and -CH ₂ CH=CH ₂ ; each R ⁴ is H;

Ar is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently F or Cl; and n is O, 1 , or 2.

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IE):

(IE) wherein: R ² is H or alkyl; R ³ is H or alkyl; each R ⁴ is H;

Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, -CN, and -CF ₃ ; and n is 0, 1, 2 or 3.

In another embodiment, the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, have the following Formula (IE):

wherein:

R ² is H or-CH ₃ ;

R ³ is H Or-CH ₃ ; each R ⁴ is H;

Ar is unsubstituted phenyl or phenyl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently F or Cl; and n is O, 1, or 2.

In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and/or esters thereof, R ² and R ³ , or R ² and an R ⁴ , or R ³ and an R ⁴ , together with the atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups.

For example, compounds of formula (I) include compounds wherein R ² and R ³ together with the carbon atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused ring (Q) ₁ such compounds have the formula (IF) or (IF.1 A):

wherein Q is a fused ring selected from the group consisting of: unsubstituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl substituted with one or more independently selected L ³ groups, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more independently selected L ³ groups, and wherein Y is bound to the carbon atom common to the two fused rings and Y is selected from the group consisting of: -NHR ⁵ , -OH, and -OR ⁵ . In one embodiment R ⁵ of the Y substituent is selected from the group consisting of: -O-alkylene— S(O) ₂ NHC(O)-(C ₁ -C6)alkyl _l -O-alkylene-S(O) ₂ NHC(O)-haloa[kylalkyl, -O-alkylene-S(O) ₂ NHC(O)-R ⁶ , -O-alkylene-S(O) ₂ NHC(O)-R ⁷ ₍ -O-alkylene-C(O)NH-S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, - O-alkylene-C(O)NH-S(O) ₂ -haloalkyl, -O-alkylene-C(O)NH-S(O) ₂ -(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl, - O-a!kyleπe-C(O)NH-S(O)2-R ⁶ , and -O-alkylene-C(O)NH-S(O)2-R ⁷ .

In one embodiment of the invention the compound of formula I is a compound of formula (IF).

In another embodiment of the invention the compound of formula I is a compound of formula (I F.1A).

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to compounds of formula (IF.1A) wherein Y is as defined above, and the remaining substituents are as; defined in any one of the embodiments described below for the compounds of formula (IF).

In one preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF), each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(C ₁ -C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , and

-S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

In another preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) each L is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-Cβ)alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl, -CfOJ-d-CeJhaloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

In another preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (C _r C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -SfOJsHCrCβJalkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(0)2R ⁸ .-C(O)-(Ci-Cβ)alkyl. -C(OHCi-C _β )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Preferred are compounds of formula (I) are compounds of formula (IF) wherein each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected

from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

Preferred compounds of formula (I) also include compounds of formula (IF) wherein each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting of: H, (C _r C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-C ₁ -C ₆ )haloalkyl , -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

Preferred compounds of formula (I) also include compounds of formula (IF) wherein each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -SfOMC^CeJhaloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-(C ₁ -C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF), "Q" is a fused cycloalkyl ring.

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) m is 1. In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) R ⁴ is H.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) X is O.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) L ¹ is halogen.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) L ¹ is halogen wherein each halogen is individually selected from the group consisting of: Cl and F. In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) substituent Ar is an aryl moiety substituted with one or more L ¹ groups.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) substituent Ar is phenyl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) substituent Ar is phenyl substituted with an L ¹ group wherein said L ¹ group is halogen.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) substituent Ar is phenyl substituted with an L ¹ group wherein said L ¹ group is Cl (e.g., Ar is p-CI- phenyl).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) n is 1 or 2. In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) n is 1.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) n is 2.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) L ¹ is halogen wherein each halogen is independently selected from the group consisting of Cl and Br, and n is 2.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) L ¹ is F and n is 2. In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) m is 1 , and X is O.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) m is 1 , X is O and R ⁴ is H.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) m is 1, X is O and R ⁴ is H, n is 2, and L ¹ is selected from the group consisting of Cl and F. In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) m is 1 , X is O and R ⁴ is H, n is 2, L ¹ is selected from the group consisting of Cl and F, and Ar is phenyl substituted with Cl.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) m is 1 , X is O and R ⁴ is H, n is 2, and L ¹ is F. In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) m is 1 , X is O and R ⁴ is H, n is 2, L ¹ is F, and Ar is phenyl substituted with Cl.

Another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) is directed to compounds of formula (IF.1):

(IF.1) Other embodiments of the compounds of formula (IF) are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for formula (IF), just as if each embodiment where individual described, wherein the compound of formula (IF) is a compound of formula (IF.1).

Other embodiments of the compounds of formula (IF), as described in any one of the above embodiments, are directed to compounds wherein Q is as described in any one of the embodiments below.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is an unsubstituted cyclohexyl ring:

such as, for example,

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

such as, for example,

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

In one embodiment the cyclohexyl ring Q:

is a cyclohexyl ring of the formula:

In another embodiment the cyclohexyl ring Q:

is a cyclohexyi ring of the formula:

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: =O, -OR ⁵ , -NHR ⁵ , -SO ₂ R ⁶ , -SO2R ⁷ , and -SO2R ⁸ , wherein R ⁵ is selected from the group consisting of: -SO ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl (e.g., -SO ₂ CF ₃ ), -C(OMCi-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -C(O)CH ₃ ), -C(O)NH(CrC ₆ )alkyl (e.g., C(O)NHC ₂ H ₅ ), -SO ₂ -(CrC ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -SO ₂ CH ₃ , -SO ₂ C ₂ H ₅ , and -SO2C ₃ H ₇ ), and -(Ci-Ce)alkyl (e.g., methyl), and wherein R ⁶ is unsubstituted heteroaryl (e.g., thienyl and pyridyl), and wherein R ⁷ is an unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl ring (e.g., azetidinyl),and wherein R ⁸ is an unsubstituted cycloalkyl ring (e.g., cyclopropyl).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: =O, -OH, -NH ₂ , -NHSO ₂ CF ₃ , -NHC(O)CH ₃ , -NHC(O)NHCH ₂ CH ₃ , -NHSO ₂ CH ₃ , -NHSO ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ , -NHSO ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ , -OCH ₃ ,

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -alkylene-C(O)NH(Ci to C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ C(O)NHC ₂ H ₅ and -CH ₂ C(O)NHCH ₃ ), -alkylene-C(O)N ((C ₁ to C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, -alkylene-C(O)NH(Ci to C ₆ )haloalkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ C(O)NHCH ₂ CF ₃ ), and -alkylene-C(O)N((Ci to C ₆ )haloalkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

, such as, for example, wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -CHzC(O)NHC ₂ H ₅ , -CH ₂ C(O)NHCH ₃ , and -CH ₂ C(O)NHCH ₂ CF ₃ .

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -alkylene-NHS(O) ₂ -(C-rC ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ NHS(O) ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ ), and -alkylene-NHSPMC^CeJhaloalkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ NHS(O) ₂ CF ₃ ).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: hydroxyl substituted alkyls (such as, for example, alkyl substituted with at least one —OH group, such as, for example,

(Ci to C ₆ ) alkyl substituted with 1 to 3 -OH groups, and in one example (C ₁ to Ce) alkyl substituted with 1 or 2 -OH groups, and in another example (Ci to C ₆ ) alkyl substituted with 2 -OH groups, and in another example -CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ CH ₃ and- in another example -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ OH).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

wherein L ^J is selected from the group consisting of: wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., is -CH ₂ CH ₂ SO ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ or -CH ₂ CH ₂ SO ₂ CH ₃ ).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cyclohexyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: : -alkylene-C(O)-(Ci-C6)alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ CH ₂ -C(O)-CH ₃ ).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is an unsubstituted cycloheptyl ring:

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cycloheptyl ring:

more such as, for example,

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cycloheptyl ring:

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cycloheptyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -OR ⁵ (wherein, for example, R ⁵ is H), and -NHR ⁵ (wherein, for example, R ⁵ is -SO ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl (such as, for example, -SO ₂ CF ₃ )).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a substituted cycloheptyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -OH and -NHSO ₂ CF ₃ .

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is an unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl ring comprising one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of -O- and -NH-. In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is a heterocycloalkyl ring substituted with one or more L ³ groups (e.g., one L ³ group), said heterocycloalkyl ring comprising at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of -O- -NH- and -N(L ³ )- (e.g., wherein L ³ on said N is, for example, the R ⁵ group -C(O)-(Ci-C _e )alkyl, such as, for example, -C(O)CH ₃ ). Examples of said L ³ group when, for example, said heterocycloalkyl ring comprises — O- as the heteroatom include methyl and butyl.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl ring:

such as, for example,

In another em odiment of the compounds of formu (IF) Q is the substituted heterocycloalkyl ring:

such as, for example, In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

such as, for example,

Examples of L ³ include alky), such as, for example, methyl and butyl. Thus, examples of these Q groups include:

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -alkylene-C(O)NH(C ₁ to C ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ C(O)NHC ₂ H ₅ and -CH ₂ C(O)NHCH ₃ ), -alkylene-C(O)N ((Ci to C ₆ )alkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected, -alkylene-C(O)NH(Ci to C ₆ )haloalkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ C(O)NHCH ₂ CF ₃ ), and -alkylene-C(O)N((Ci to C ₆ )haloalkyl) ₂ wherein each alkyl is independently selected.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -alkylene-NHS(O) ₂ -(CrC ₆ )alkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ NHS(O) ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ ), and -alkylene-NHSfOMCrCeJhaloalkyl (e.g., -CH ₂ NHS(O) ₂ CF ₃ ).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: hydroxyl substituted alkyls (such as, for example, alkyl substituted with at least one -OH group, such as, for example, (Ci to Ce) alkyl substituted with 1 to 3 -OH groups, and in one example (Ci to Ce) alkyl substituted with 1 or 2 —OH groups, and in another example (Ci to C _& ) alkyl substituted with 2 —OH groups, and in another example -CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ CHa and in another example -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ OH).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: 3-hydroxybutyl (-CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ CH ₃ ) and 2,3-dihydroxybutyl (-CH ₂ CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ OH).

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -alkylene-S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

wherein L ³ is -CH ₂ CH ₂ SO ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ or -CH ₂ CH ₂ SO ₂ CH ₃ .

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

wherein L ³ is selected from the group consisting of: -alkylene-CζOXCrC^alkyl.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substitued heterocycloalkyl ring:

wherein L ³ is -CH ₂ CH ₂ -C(O)-CH ₃ .

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl ring:

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substituted heterocycloalkyl ring:

such as, for example,

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substituted heterocycloalkyl ring:

such as, for example,

wherein the L ³ group bound to the N is the same or different as an L ³ group bound to a ring carbon.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IF) Q is the substituted heterocycloalkyl ring:

In one example L ³ is a -C(O)-alkyl group, such as, for example, -C(O)CH ₃ .

Also, for example, compounds of formula (I) include compounds wherein m is 1 , and R ² and R ⁴ together with the carbon atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused ring (Q), such compounds have the formula (IG):

(IG) wherein Q is a fused ring selected from the group consisting of: unsubstituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl substituted with one or more independently selected L ³ groups,

unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more independently selected L ³ groups.

In one preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IG), each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R6, -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

In another preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IG) each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-C _r C ₆ )haloalkyl , -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

In another preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IG) each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , S(O) ₂ -(d-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -C(O)-(C _r C ₆ )alkyl, -CtOHC-CeOhaloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IG) ring "Q" is a fused cycloalkyl ring.

Also, for example, compounds of formula (I) include compounds wherein m is 1 , and R ³ and R ⁴ together with the carbon atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused ring (Q), such compounds have the formula (IH):

(IH) wherein Q is a fused ring selected from the group consisting of: unsubstituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkyl substituted with one or more independently selected L ³ groups, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more independently selected L ³ groups.

In one preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IH), each L ³ is the same or different -NHR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )haloalkyl, -S(O) ₂ R6, -S(O) ₂ R ⁷ and -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ .

In another preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IH) each L ³ is the same or different OR ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independentlyl selected from the group consisting of: H ₁ (C ₁ -C ₆ JaIkYl, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , -C(O)-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-C-rC ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

In another preferred embodiment of the compounds of formula (IH) each L ³ is the same or different R ⁵ group, and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of: H, (Ci-Cβ)alkyi, R ⁶ , R ⁷ , S(O) ₂ -(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl, -S(O) ₂ -(d-C ₆ )haloalkyl, S(O) ₂ R ⁶ , S(O) ₂ R ⁷ , -S(O) ₂ R ⁸ , -C(O)-(C ₁ -C ₆ )alkyl, -C(O)-(C ₁ -C ₆ )haloalkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ .

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula (IH) ring "Q" is a fused cycloalkyl ring.

In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and/or esters thereof, said compounds can have the Formula (1F):

wherein:

X is-O-;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylene-OR ⁵ , alkenyl, -C(O)O-alkyl, and -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl; or

R ² and R ³ , or R ² and an R ⁴ , together with the atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused cycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused cycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups; each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and -alkylene-R ⁶ ; and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, R ⁶ , -C(O)-alkyl,-C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ ;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted aryl and aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups;

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ² groups;

Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, -CN, and -CF ₃ ; each L ² is independently selected from the group consisting of -OH, alkyl, alkyl substituted with one or more -OH groups, and heterocycloalkyl; L ³ is -OR ⁵ ; n is 0, 1 , 2 or 3; and m is 1.

In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and/or esters thereof, said compounds can have the Formula (1G): wherein X iS-O-;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylene-OR ⁵ , alkeπyl, -C(O)O-alkyl, and -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl; or

R ² and R ³ , or R ² and an R ⁴ , together with the atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused cycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused cycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups; each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and -alkylene-R ⁶ ; and

^• each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, R ⁶ , -C(O)-alkyl,-C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ ; R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted aryl and aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups;

R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ² groups;

Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl,

-CN, and -CF ₃ ; each L ² is independently selected from the group consisting of —OH, alkyl, alkyl substituted with one or more -OH groups, and heterocycloalkyl;

L ³ is -OR ⁵ ; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and m is 1.

In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula (I), or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and/or esters thereof, said compounds can have the Formula (1H): wherein

X is-O-;

R ³ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylene-OR ⁵ , alkenyl, -C(O)O-alkyl, and -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl; or

R ² and R ³ , or R ² and R ⁴ , together with the carbon atoms to which they are shown attached form a fused cycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused cycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups; each R ⁴ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and -alkylene-R ⁶ ; and each R ⁵ is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, R ⁶ , -C(O)-alkyl -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ ;

R ⁶ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted aryl and aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; R ⁷ is selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl substituted with one or more L ² groups;

Ar is unsubstituted aryl or aryl substituted with one or more L ¹ groups; each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, -CN, and -CF ₃ ; each L ² is independently selected from the group consisting of -OH, alkyl, alkyl substituted with one or more -OH groups, and heterocycloalkyl;

L ³ is -OR ⁵ ; n is 0, 1, 2 or 3; and m is 1.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IF) wherein said compound is the free acid or free base.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IF) wherein said compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IF) wherein said compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable ester.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IF) wherein said compound is a solvate. Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IG) wherein said compound is the free acid or free base.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IG) wherein said compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IG) wherein said compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable ester.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IG) wherein said compound is a solvate.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IH) wherein said compound is the free acid or free base. Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IH) wherein said compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IH) wherein said compound is a pharmaceutically acceptable ester.

Other embodiments of this invention are directed to any one of the embodiments described above for the compounds of formula (IH) wherein said compound is a solvate.

X, for compounds of formula (I), is selected from the group consisting of -C(R ¹ ) ₂ , -O-, -NR ¹ -, and -N(C(O)R ¹ ), with the proviso that when X is -O- and m is 1 , at least one of R ² , R ³ or R ⁴ is a group other than H. Non-limiting examples of -C(R ¹ J ₂ , -NR ¹ -, and -N(C(O)R ¹ ) include those groups wherein R ¹ is as defined herein.

Each R ¹ ,for compounds of formula (I), is independently H and alkyl wherein the term "alkyl" includes, for example, -CH ₃ , -CH ₂ CH ₃ , -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ , -CH(CH ₃ ) ₂ , -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₃ , -C(CHa) ₃ , -C(CH ₃ )CH ₂ CH ₃ , -CH ₂ CH(CH ₃ ) ₂₎ etc.

R ² , in one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylene-OR ⁵ , -alkylene-R ⁶ , -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl,

-alkylene-R ⁸ , -C(O)O-alkyl, and alkenyl. When R ² is "alkyl", non-limiting examples of said "alkyls" include, for example, those defined above and elsewhere herein. Likewise, when R ² is -C(O)O-alkyl or -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl, the alkyl portion of these groups can include for example the "alkyl" groups defined above or elsewhere herein. When R ² is -alkylene-OR ⁵ , non-limiting examples of-alkylene-OR ⁵ include those groups wherein the R ⁵ portion is as defined herein, and the "alkylene" portion of includes, e.g., -CH ₂ -, -CH ₂ CH ₂ -, -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -, wherein each of the preceding alkylene groups may be optionally substituted with a lower alkyl group, thereby forming a branched alkylene. Such branched alkylenes include, for example -CH(CH ₃ )-, -C(CH ₃ ) ₂ -, -CH(CH ₃ )CH ₂ -, -CH ₂ CH(CH ₃ )-, etc., Likewise, when R ² is

-alkyleπe-R ⁶ , -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl, and -alkylene-R ⁸ the "alkylene" portions of these groups can include the unbranched or branched alkylene groups defined above or elsewhere herein. When R ² is "alkenyl", non-limiting examples of "alkenyl" include those described herein, including -CH=CH ₂ , -C(CH ₃ )=CH _2, -CH=CH(CH ₃ ), -CH ₂ CH=CH ₂ , -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH=CH ₂ , etc.

R ³ , in one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkylene-OR ⁵ , alkenyl, -C(O)O-alkyl, and -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl. When R ³ is alkyl, non-limiting examples of alkyl include those described above and elsewhere herein. When R ³ is -C(O)O-alkyl or -alkyleπe-C(O)O-alkyl, non-limiting examples include groups wherein the alkyl portion thereof can include, for example, alkyl groups described above or elsewhere herein. Likewise, when R is alkylene-OR or -alkylene-C(O)O-alkyl, non-limiting examples

thereof include groups wherein the aikylene portion includes those described above or elsewhere herein.

R ⁴ , in one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, and -alkylene-R ⁶ . When an R ⁴ is alkyl, non-limiting examples of such groups include the alkyl groups described above or elsewhere herein. Likewise, when an R ⁴ is -alkylene-R ⁶ , non-limiting examples of such groups include those wherein the R ⁶ portion is as defined herein, and the aikylene portion includes those alkylenes described above or elsewhere herein.

Groups R ² and R ³ , or R ² and an R ⁴ , or R ³ and an R ⁴ , together with the atoms to which they are shown attached can form a fused cycloalkyl ring, wherein said fused cycloalkyl ring is unsubstituted or substituted with one or more L ³ groups. One of skill in the art will understand that when R ² and an R ⁴ , or R ³ and an R ⁴ form a fused cycloalkyl ring, only one fused cycloalkyl ring is formed. Thus, when m is 2 or more, only one R ⁴ forms part of the fused cycloalkyl ring, and the other R ⁴ groups are independently one of the groups defined herein for R ⁴ .

Each R ⁵ , in one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), is independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, R ⁶ , -C(O)-alkyl, -C(O)-R ⁶ , and -C(O)-R ⁷ . Non-limiting examples of such groups include those wherein alkyl, or the R ⁶ , R ⁷ and alkyl portion thereof, are as defined above and herein. When the compounds of Formula (I) include a group R ⁶ , or one of the substituents of said compound includes an R ⁶ portion, said R ⁶ , in one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), includes any chemically stable, optionally substituted aryl group. Non-limiting examples of such aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, anthacenyl, etc. When the compounds of Formula (I) include a group R ⁷ , or one of the substituents of said compound includes an R ⁷ portion, said R ⁷ includes any chemically stable, optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl group. Non-limiting examples of such heterocycloalkyl groups include piperidyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, 1 ,4-dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, thiazolinyl, 2,3-dihydrofuranyl, 2,3-dihydrothiophenyl, etc.

When the compounds of Formula (I) include a group R ⁸ , or one of the substituents of said compound includes an R ⁸ portion, said R ⁸ includes any chemically stable, optionally substituted cycloalkyl group. Non-limiting examples

thereof include, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, etc.

Ar includes any chemically stable, optionally substituted aryl group. Non- limiting examples of such aryl groups include phenyl, πaphthyl, biphenyl, anthacenyl, etc.

Each L ¹ is independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, alkyl, -CN, and -CF3. When an L ¹ is halogen, each halogen in independently F, Cl, Cr, or I. When an L ¹ is alkyl, non-limiting example of said alkyl include those described above and elsewhere herein. Each L ² , in one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), is independently selected from the group consisting of -OH, alkyl, alkyl substituted with one or more -OH groups, and heterocycloalkyl. When an L ² is alkyl or heterocycloalkyl, non- limiting examples of said alkyl or heterocycloalkyl include those described above and elsewhere herein. When an L ² is alkyl substituted with one or more -OH groups, non- limiting examples of such groups include -CH ₂ OH, -CH ₂ CH ₂ -OH, -CH(OH)CH ₃ , -CH ₂ CH ₂ CH ₂ -OH, -CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₃ , etc.

L ³ , in one embodiment of the compounds of formula (I), is -OR ⁵ . Non-limiting examples thereof include -OH, -O-alkyl (wherein said alkyl portion includes the alkyl groups described above and elsewhere herein), -O-aryl (wherein said aryl portion includes the aryl groups described above and elsewhere herein), -O-acyl, -O-aroyl, -0-C(O)-R ⁷ , wherein the acyl, aroyl, and R ⁷ portions thereof are defined above and elsewhere herein.

As used above, and throughout this disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings: "Patient" includes both human and animals.

"Mammal" means humans and other mammalian animals. "One or more" means at least one, for example, 1 , 2 or 3, or 1 or 2, or 1 , thus, for example, "one or more L ³ groups" means at least one L ³ group, and examples include 1-3 L ³ groups, 1 or 2 L ³ groups, and one L ³ group. "At least one" means there is at least one, and examples include 1 , 2 or 3, or 1 or 2, or 1.

"Alkyl" means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group, which may be straight or branched and comprising about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms in the chain. Preferred

alkyl groups contain about 1 to about 12 carbon atoms in the chain. More preferred alkyl groups contain about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain. Branched means that one or more lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, are attached to a linear alkyl chain. "Lower alkyl" means a group having about 1 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain, which may be straight or branched. The term "substituted alkyl" means that the alkyl group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of halo, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, cyano, hydroxy, alkoxy, alkylthio, amino, -NH(alkyl), -NH(cycloalkyl), -N(alkyl) ₂ , carboxy and -C(O)O-alkyl (unless expressly defined otherwise). Non-limiting examples of suitable alkyl groups include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl and t-butyl.

"Alkylene" means a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon radical derived from an alkyl group, as defined above. Both "open" valences may be on the same carbon atom, or on different carbon atoms. Examples of alkylene groups include Ci-C ₆ alkylene groups, for example, Ci to C ₄ alkylene groups, and in another example, CrC ₃ alkylene groups, and in another example Ci to C ₂ alkylene groups. Non-limiting examples of alkylene groups include — CH2-, -CH2-CH2-, -CH(CHa)-, etc.

"Alkynyl" means an aliphatic hydrocarbon group containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond and which may be straight or branched and comprising about 2 to about 15 carbon atoms in the chain. Preferred alkynyl groups have about 2 to about 12 carbon atoms in the chain; and more preferably about 2 to about 4 carbon atoms in the chain. Branched means that one or more lower alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl or propyl, are attached to a linear alkynyl chain. "Lower alkynyl" means about 2 to about 6 carbon atoms in the chain, which may be straight or branched. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkynyl groups include ethynyl, propynyl, 2-butynyl and 3-methylbutynyl. The term "substituted alkynyl" means that the alkynyl group may be substituted by one or more substituents which may be the same or different, each substituent being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl and cycloalkyl. "Aryl" means an aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 6 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably about 6 to about 10 carbon atoms. The aryl group can be optionally substituted with one or more "ring system substituents"

which may be the same or different, and are as defined herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl.

"Heteroaryl" means an aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 5 to about 14 ring atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 ring atoms, in which one or more of the ring atoms is an element other than carbon, for example nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, alone or in combination. Preferred heteroaryls contain about 5 to about 6 ring atoms. The "heteroaryl" can be optionally substituted by one or more "ring system substituents" which may be the same or different, and are as defined herein. The prefix aza, oxa or thia before the heteroaryl root name means that at least a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom respectively, is present as a ring atom. A nitrogen atom of a heteroaryl can be optionally oxidized to the corresponding N-oxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable heteroaryls include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridone (including N-substituted pyridones), isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, pyrazolyl, furazanyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, 1,2,4- thiadiazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, quinoxalinyl, phthalazinyl, oxindolyl, imidazo[1,2- a]pyridinyl, imidazo[2,1-b]thiazolyl, benzofurazanyl, indolyl, azaindolyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothienyl, quinolinyl, imidazolyl, thienopyridyl, quinazolinyl, thienopyrimidyl, pyrrolopyridyl, imidazopyridyl, isoquinolinyl, benzoazaindolyl, 1 ,2,4-triazinyl, benzothiazolyl and the like. The term "heteroaryl" also refers to partially saturated heteroaryl moieties such as, for example, tetrahydroisoquinolyl, tetrahydroquinolyl and the like.

"Cycloalkyl" means a non-aromatic mono- or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 carbon atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 carbon atoms. Preferred cycloalkyl rings contain about 5 to about 7 ring atoms. The cycloalkyl can be optionally substituted with one or more "ring system substituents" which may be the same or different, and are as defined herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable saturated monocyclic cycloalkyls include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl and the like, and non-limiting examples of non-aromatic, unsaturated monocyclic cycloalkyls include cyclopentenyl, cyclohexenyl, etc. Non-limiting examples of suitable multicyclic cycloalkyls include 1-decalinyl, norbornyl, adamantyl and the like, as well as partially saturated species such as, for example, indanyl, tetrahydronaphthyl and the like.

"Halogen" or "halo" means fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. Fluorine, chlorine and bromine are preferred.

"Ring system substituent" means a substituent attached to an aromatic or non- aromatic ring system, which, for example, replaces an available hydrogen on the ring system. Ring system substituents may be the same or different, each being independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl (substituted or unsubstituted, heteroaryl (substituted or unsubstituted, alkylene-aryl, heteroarylalkenyl, heteroarylalkynyl, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, aryl substituted alkoxy, acyl, aroyl, halo, nitro, cyano, carboxy, alkoxycarbonyl, aryloxycarbonyl, arylalkoxycarbonyl, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, heteroarylsulfonyl, alkylthio, arylthio, heteroarylthio, arylalkylthio, heteroarylalkylthio, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, -C(=N-CN)-NH ₂ , -C(=NH)-NH ₂ , -C(=NH)-NH(alkyl), YiY ₂ N-, Y ₁ Y ₂ N- alkyh YiY ₂ NC(O)-, Y ₁ Y ₂ NSO ₂ - and -SO ₂ NYiY ₂ , wherein Y ₁ and Y ₂ can be the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, and -alkylene-aryl (unless expressly defined otherwise). The term "ring system substituent" may also mean a single moiety in which two available hydrogens on two adjacent carbon atoms are simultaneously replaced (e.g., one H on each carbon) on a ring system. Examples of such moiety are methylenedioxy, ethylenedioxy, -C(CHa) ₂ - and the like which form moieties such as, for example:

"Heterocycloalkyl" means a non-aromatic monocyclic or multicyclic ring system comprising about 3 to about 10 ring atoms, preferably about 5 to about 10 ring atoms, in which one or more of the atoms in the ring system is an element other than carbon, for example nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur, alone or in combination. There are no adjacent oxygen and/or sulfur atoms present in the ring system. Preferred heterocycloalkyls contain about 5 to about 6 ring atoms. The prefix aza, oxa or thia before the heterocycloalkyl root name means that at least a nitrogen, oxygen or sulfur atom respectively is present as a ring atom. Any -NH in a heterocycloalkyl ring may exist In protected form, for example, as an -N(Boc), -N(CBz), -N(Tos) group and the like; such protected forms are also considered part of this invention. The heterocycloalkyl can be optionally substituted by one or more "ring system substituents" which may be the

same or different, and are as defined herein. The nitrogen or sulfur atom of the heterocycloalkyl can be optionally oxidized to the corresponding N-oxide, S-oxide or S,S-dioxide. Non-limiting examples of suitable monocyclic heterocycloalkyl rings include piperidyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, thiazolidinyl, 1 ,4-dioxanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, lactam, lactone, and the like. Non-limiting examples of non-aromatic, unsaturated monocyclic heterocycloalkyl rings include thiazolinyl, 2,3-dihydrofuranyl, 2,3-dihydrothiophenyl, etc.

It should be noted that in the hetero-atom containing ring systems of this invention, there are no hydroxyl groups on carbon atoms adjacent to a N, O or S, as well as there are no N or S groups on carbon atoms adjacent to another heteroatom. Thus, for example, in the ring:

there is no -OH attached directly to carbons marked 2 and 5. It should also be noted that tautomeric forms such as, for example, the moieties:

are considered equivalent in this invention.

"Hydroxyalkyl" means an alkyl group substituted with a hydroxyl (-OH) group in which alkyl is as previously defined. Preferred hydroxyalkyls contain lower alkyl. Non- limiting examples of suitable hydroxyalkyl groups include hydroxymethyl and 2- hydroxyethyl.

"Acyl" means an H-C(O)-, alkyl-C(O)- or cycloalkyl-C(O)-, group in which the various groups are as previously described. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl. Preferred acyls contain a lower alkyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable acyl groups include formyl, acetyl and propanoyl.

"Aroyl" means an aryl-C(O)- group in which the aryl group is as previously described. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl. Non-limiting examples of suitable groups include benzoyl and 1- naphthoyl.

"Alkoxy" means an -O-alky; group in which the alkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy,

n-propoxy, isopropoxy and n-butoxy. The bond to the parent moiety is through the ether oxygen.

"Aryloxy" means an -O-aryl group in which the aryl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable aryloxy groups include phenoxy and naphthoxy. The bond to the parent moiety is through the ether oxygen.

"Alkylthio" means an -S-alkyl group in which the alkyl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkylthio groups include methylthio and ethylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur.

"Arylthio" means an -S-aryl group in which the aryl group is as previously described. Non-limiting examples of suitable arylthio groups include phenylthio and naphthylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur.

"Arylalkylthio" means an -S-alkylene-aryl group in which the alkylene and aryl groups are as previously described. A non-limiting example of a suitable arylalkylthio group is benzylthio. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfur. "Alkoxycarbonyl" means an alkyl-O-CO- group. Non-limiting examples of suitable alkoxycarbonyl groups include methoxycarbonyl and ethoxycarbonyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl.

"Aryloxycarbonyl" means an aryl-O-C(O)- group. Non-limiting examples of suitable aryloxycarbonyl groups include phenoxycarbonyl and naphthoxycarbonyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl.

"Arylalkoxycarbonyl" means an -C(O)-O-alkylene-aryl group. A non-limiting example of a suitable arylalkoxycarbonyl group is benzyloxycarbonyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the carbonyl.

"Alkylsulfonyl" means an alkyl-S(O2)- group. Preferred groups are those in which the alkyl group is a lower alkyl. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfonyl.

"Arylsulfonyl" means an aryl-S(O ₂ )~ group. The bond to the parent moiety is through the sulfonyl.

The term "substituted" means that one or more hydrogens on the designated atom is replaced with a selection from the indicated group, provided that the designated atom's normal valency under the existing circumstances is not exceeded, and that the substitution results in a stable compound. Combinations of substituents and/or variables are permissible only if such combinations result in stable compounds.

By "stable compound' or "stable structure" is meant a compound that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree of purity from a reaction mixture, and formulation into an efficacious therapeutic agent.

When a group is substituted with "one or more" substituents, the indicated group may be substituted with one substituent, two substituents, etc., provided that the resulting substituted group forms a stable structure, as described above.

The term "optionally substituted" means optional substitution with the specified groups, radicals or moieties. For example, an aryl optionally substituted with an indicated group of substituents includes unsubstituted aryl as well as aryl substituted with any of the indicated substituents.

The term "isolated" or "in isolated form" for a compound refers to the physical state of said compound after being isolated from a synthetic process or natural source or combination thereof. The term "purified" or "in purified form" for a compound refers to the physical state of said compound after being obtained from a purification process or processes described herein or well known to the skilled artisan, in sufficient purity to be characterizable by standard analytical techniques described herein or well known to the skilled artisan.

It should also be noted that any carbon atom as well as any heteroatom with unsatisfied valences in the text, schemes, examples, Tables, etc. herein is assumed to have the sufficient number of hydrogen atom(s) to satisfy the valences.

When a functional group in a compound is termed "protected", this means that the group is present in modified form to preclude undesired side reactions at the protected site when the compound is subjected to a reaction. Suitable protecting groups will be recognized by those with ordinary skill in the art as well as by reference to standard textbooks such as, for example, T. W. Greene et al, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis (1991), Wiley, New York, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

When any variable (e.g., aryl, heterocycloalkyl, R ² , etc.) occurs more than one time in any constituent or in Formula (I), its definition on each occurrence is independent of its definition at every other occurrence (unless otherwise expressly indicated).

As used herein, the term "composition" is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product

which results, directly or indirectly, from combination of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

Prodrugs and solvates of the compounds of the invention are also contemplated herein. The term "prodrug", as employed herein, denotes a compound that is a drug precursor that, upon administration to a subject, undergoes chemical conversion by metabolic or chemical processes to yield a compound of Formula (I) or a salt and/or solvate thereof. A discussion of prodrugs is provided in T. Higuchi and V. Stella, Pro-drugs as Novel Delivery Systems (1987) 14 of the A.C.S. Symposium Series, and in Bioreversible Carriers in Drug Design, (1987) Edward B. Roche, ed., American Pharmaceutical Association and Pergamon Press, both of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

"Solvate" means a physical association of a compound of this invention with one or more solvent molecules. This physical association involves varying degrees of ionic and covalent bonding, including hydrogen bonding. In certain instances the solvate will be capable of isolation, for example when one or more solvent molecules are incorporated in the crystal lattice of the crystalline solid. "Solvate" encompasses both solution-phase and isolatable solvates. Non-limiting examples of suitable solvates include ethanolates, methanolates, and the like. A "hydrate" is a solvate wherein the solvent molecule(s) is/are H ₂ O. "Effective amount" or "therapeutically effective amount" is meant to describe an amount of compound or a composition of the present invention effective in preventing the formation and/or deposition of amyloid protein, and thus producing the desired therapeutic, ameliorative, inhibitory or preventative effect.

The compounds of Formula (I) can form salts, which are also within the scope of this invention. Reference to a compound of Formula (I) herein is understood to include reference to salts thereof, unless otherwise indicated. The term "salt(s)", as employed herein, denotes acidic salts formed with inorganic and/or organic acids, as well as basic salts formed with inorganic and/or organic bases. In addition, when a compound of Formula (I) contains both a basic moiety, such as, but not limited to a pyridine or imidazole, and an acidic moiety, such as, but not limited to a carboxylic acid, zwitterions ("inner salts") may be formed and are included within the term "salt(s)" as used herein. Pharmaceutically acceptable (i.e., non-toxic, physiologically acceptable) salts are preferred, although other salts are also useful. Salts of the

compounds of the Formula (I) may be formed, for example, by reacting a compound of Formula (I) with an amount of acid or base, such as an equivalent amount, in a medium such as one in which the salt precipitates or in an aqueous medium followed by lyophilization. Exemplary acid addition salts include acetates, ascorbates, benzoates, benzenesulfonates, bisulfates, borates, butyrates, citrates, camphorates, camphorsulfonates, fumarates, hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, hydroiodides, lactates, maleates, methanesulfonates, naphthalenesulfonates, nitrates, oxalates, phosphates, propionates, salicylates, succinates, sulfates, tartarates, thiocyanates, toluenesulfonates (also known as tosylates,) and the like. Additionally, acids which are generally considered suitable for the formation of pharmaceutically useful salts from basic pharmaceutical compounds are discussed, for example, by P. Stahl et al, Camille G. (eds.) Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts. Properties, Selection and Use. (2002) Zurich: Wiley-VCH; S. Berge et al, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (1977) 66(1) 1-19; P. Gould, International J. of Pharmaceutics (1986) 33 201-217; Anderson et al, The Practice of Medicinal Chemistry (1996), Academic Press, New York; and in The Orange Book (Food & Drug Administration, Washington, D. C. on their website). These disclosures are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

Exemplary basic salts include ammonium salts, alkali metal salts such as sodium, lithium, and potassium salts, alkaline earth metal salts such as calcium and magnesium salts, salts with organic bases (for example, organic amines) such as dicyclohexylamines, t-butyl amines, and salts with amino acids such as arginine, lysine and the like. Basic nitrogen-containing groups may be quarternized with agents such as lower alkyl halides (e.g. methyl, ethyl, and butyl chlorides, bromides and iodides), dialkyl sulfates (e.g. dimethyl, diethyl, and dibutyl sulfates), long chain halides (e.g. decyl, lauryl, and stearyl chlorides, bromides and iodides), aralkyl halides (e.g. benzyl and phenethyl bromides), and others.

All such acid salts and base salts are intended to be pharmaceutically acceptable salts within the scope of the invention and all acid and base salts are considered equivalent to the free forms of the corresponding compounds for purposes of the invention.

Compounds of Formula (I), and salts, solvates and prodrugs thereof, may exist ϊn their tautomeric form (for example, as an amide or imino ether). All such tautomeric forms are contemplated herein as part of the present invention.

All stereoisomers (for example, geometric isomers, optical isomers and the like) of the present compounds (including those of the salts, solvates and prodrugs of the compounds as well as the salts and solvates of the prodrugs), such as those which may exist due to asymmetric carbons on various substituents, including enantiomeric forms (which may exist even in the absence of asymmetric carbons), rotameric forms, atropisomers, and diastereomeric forms, are contemplated within the scope of this invention, as are positional isomers (such as, for example, 4-pyridyl and 3-pyridyl). Individual stereoisomers of the compounds of the invention may, for example, be substantially free of other isomers, or may be admixed, for example, as racemates or with all other, or other selected, stereoisomers. The chiral centers of the present invention can have the S or R configuration as defined by the IUPAC 1974 Recommendations. The use of the terms "salt", "solvate" "prodrug" and the like, is intended to equally apply to the salt, solvate and prodrug of enantiomers, stereoisomers, rotamers, tautomers, positional isomers, racemates or prodrugs of the inventive compounds.

Polymorphic forms of the compounds of Formula (I), and of the salts, solvates and prodrugs of the compounds of Formula (I), are intended to be included in the present invention.

The compounds according to the invention have pharmacological properties; in particular, the compounds of Formula (I) can inhibit gamma-secretase, and are therefore useful in the treatment or prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, e.g., Alzheimer's Disease.

Representative compounds of the invention include but are not limited to the compounds and Examples described herein.

Pharmaceutical compositions can comprise one or more of the compounds of Formula (I). For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds described by this invention, inert, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be either solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets and suppositories. The powders and tablets may be comprised of from about 5 to about 95 percent active compound. Suitable solid carriers are known

in the art, e.g. magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, sugar or lactose. Tablets, powders, cachets and capsules can be used as solid dosage forms suitable for oral administration. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and methods of manufacture for various compositions may be found in A. Gennaro (ed.), Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, (1990), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pennsylvania, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Liquid form preparations include solutions, suspensions and emulsions. Water or water-propylene glycol solutions for parenteral injection or addition of sweeteners and opacifiers for oral solutions, suspensions and emulsions are examples. Liquid form preparations may also include solutions for intranasal administration.

Aerosol preparations suitable for inhalation may include solutions and solids in powder form, which may be in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, such as an inert compressed gas, e.g. nitrogen.

Also included are solid form preparations that are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations for either oral or parenteral administration. Such liquid forms include solutions, suspensions and emulsions.

The compounds of the invention may also be deliverable transdermally. The transdermal compositions can take the form of creams, lotions, aerosols and/or emulsions and can be included in a transdermal patch of the matrix or reservoir type as are conventional in the art for this purpose.

Preferably, the pharmaceutical preparation is in a unit dosage form. In such form, the preparation is subdivided into suitably sized unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active compound, e.g., an effective amount to achieve the desired purpose. The term "pharmaceutical composition" is also intended to encompass both the bulk composition and individual dosage units comprised of more than one (e.g., two) pharmaceutically active agents such as, for example, a compound of the present invention and an additional agent selected from the lists of the additional agents described herein, along with any pharmaceutically inactive excipients. The bulk composition and each individual dosage unit can contain fixed amounts of the aforesaid "more than one pharmaceutically active agents". The bulk composition is material that has not yet been formed into individual dosage units. An illustrative dosage unit is an oral dosage unit such as tablets, pills and the like. Similarly, the herein-described

method of treating a patient by administering a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is also intended to encompass the administration of the afore-said bulk composition and individual dosage units.

The quantity of active compound in a unit dose of preparation may be varied or adjusted from about 0.01 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably from about 0.01 mg to about 750 mg, more preferably from about 0.01 mg to about 500 mg, and most preferably from about 0.01 mg to about 250 mg, according to the particular application.The actual dosage employed may be varied depending upon the requirements of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated. Determination of the proper dosage regimen for a particular situation is within the skill of the art. For convenience, the total daily dosage may be divided and administered in portions during the day as required.

The amount and frequency of administration of the compounds of the invention and/or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof will be regulated according to the judgment of the attending clinician considering such factors as age, condition and size of the patient as well as severity of the symptoms being treated. A typical recommended daily dosage regimen for oral administration can range from about 0.04 mg/day to about 4000 mg/day, in one to four divided doses.

EXAMPLES

The invention disclosed herein is exemplified by the following preparations and examples, which should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. Alternative mechanistic pathways and analogous structures will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Where NMR data are presented, ^" η spectra were obtained on either a Varian

VXR-200 (200 MHz, 1H), Varian Gemini-300 (300 MHz) or XL-400 (400 MHz) and are reported as ppm down field from Me4Si with number of protons, multiplicities, and coupling constants in Hertz indicated parenthetically. Where LC/MS data are presented, analyses was performed using an Applied Biosystems API-100 mass spectrometer and Shimadzu SCL-10A LC column: Altech platinum C18, 3 micron, 33mm x 7mm ID; gradient flow: 0 min - 10% CH ₃ CN, 5 min - 95% CH ₃ CN, 7 min - 95% CH ₃ CN, 7.5 min - 10% CH ₃ CN, 9 min - stop. The retention time and observed parent ion are given.

The following solvents, reagents, and conditions may be referred to by their abbreviations in parenthesis:

Acetyl (Ac), i.e., CH ₃ C(O)-

Butyl (Bu) Cyclopropyl (Pr-c)

Dichloroethane (DCE)

Dichloromethane (DCM)

Diethyl ether (Et ₂ O)

Diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H) Dimethyl formamide (DMF)

Ethanol (EtOH)

Ethyl (Et)

Ethyl acetate (EtOAc)

High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) Lithium diisopropyl amide (LDA)

Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LCMS) m-Chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA)

Mesyl (Ms), i.e., -S(O) ₂ CH ₃

Methanol (MeOH) Methyl (Me)

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR)

Preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC)

Pyridine (Pyr)

Room temperature (RT) Tert-butyldimethylsilyl (TBS)

Tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride (TBAF)

Tetrahydrofuran (THF)

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)

Trimethylsilyl (TMS) Trimethylsilyl chloride (TMSCI)

Triethylamine (NEt ₃ or Et ₃ N)

Compounds of Formula (I) can be prepared by various methods well known to those skilled in the art, and by the methods described below. The following methods are typical.

Compounds of Formula (I) can be prepared according to the procedure outlined in General Procedure 1.

General Procedure 1

agent

V

A cyclic ketone such as (i) is treated with a thiol in the presence of a suitable reducing agent such as borane optionally in the presence of an acid such as trifluoroacetic acid. The resulting sulfide is oxidized according to known procedures, for instance using a peracid or oxone, to give sulfone (ii). Compounds of Formula (I), wherein R ³ is H and R ² is not H, can be prepared by treating sulfone (ii) with a suitable base such as LDA or n-butyllithium followed by alkylation with a group R ² Z, wherein Z is a leaving group such as halo or sulfonate or other functional group that causes R ³ to be electrophilic. Compounds of Formula (I) wherein R ³ is not H can be prepared by treating compound (i) with a suitable base such as LDA followed by alkylation with a group R ³ Z, wherein Z is a leaving group such as halo or sulfonate or other functional group that causes R ³ to be electrophilic. The resulting ketone (iv) is converted to sulfone (v) as described for the conversion of (i) to (iii).

Compounds of Formula (I), especially when X is -O-, S, -NR ¹ -, and -N(C(Q)R ¹ ), can be prepared according to General Procedure 2.

General Procedure 2

Sulfone (vi), wherein Z ¹ is defined as Z above, is treated with a suitable base such as sodium hydride or LDA. The resulting anion is treated with an alkylating agent (vii), wherein Z is as defined above, and P is an optional protecting group such as trimethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, t-butoxycarbonyl, or benzyloxycarbonyl. After removing the optional protecting group, cyclization optionally in the presence of base such as sodium hydride, potassium carbonate, or LDA, yields compound (iv). Compound (iv) can be transformed into other compounds of formula (I) as describe elsewhere.

Compounds of formula (I), especially when R ³ is not H, can be also be prepared by General Procedure 3.

General Procedure 3

Vinylsulfone (ix) is treated with a nucleophile R ³ -M, wherein M is a metal such as sodium, lithium, potassium, magnesium, copper, or zinc, optionally followed by treatment with an electrophile R ² Z, wherein Z is as defined above.

Compounds of formula (IF) can be prepared by general procedures 1,2, or 3 by joining together two R ² and R ³ groups. Alternatively, compounds of formula (IF) where Q is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclohexyl ring can be prepared according to General Procedure 4.

General Procedure 4

Vinylsulfone (ix) is treated with a diene (x) optionally in the presence of an acid catalyst such as zinc chloride or boron trifluoride in a solvent such as toluene or trifluorotoluene to give compounds of formula (IF).

In addition, compounds of formula (IF) where where Q is a substituted or unsubstituted heterocyclic ring, and in particular where said substituted or unsubsituted heterocyclic ring is a pyran ring as in Xl , can be prepared according to general procedure 5.

General Procedure 5

Procedures 1-5 illustrate general procedures for preparing compounds of this invention. Certain compounds of this invention can be transformed into other compounds of this invention by functional group manipulations as described below.

Examples 1 and 2:

1-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro-1 , 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-naphthalene and 1 -(4- Ch[oro~benzene$ulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrah ydro-naphthalene

Scheme 1-A

Example 1

Step 1

To a solution of LiCI (3.39 g, 80 mmol) and palladium (II) acetate (450 mg, 2.0 mmol) in DMF (75 mL) in a sealed tube was added 2,5-difluorobenzylbromide (9.65 mL, 75 mmol), tert-bύtylacrylate (11.9 mL, 82 mmol) and tributylamiηe (19.5 mL, 82 mmol). The reaction was then stirred 2 h at 45°C and overnight at 120 ⁰ C. The cooled

solution was taken up in Et2θ, washed with water and brine, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/DCM 75:25 to DCM) to give 9.26 g (49%) of alkene.

Step 2

A mixture of the alkene product of Step 1 (6.36 g, 25 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (650 mg) in EtOH (20 ml_) and EtOAc (20 ml_) was hydrogenated at 25 psi for 90 min then filtered over CELITE and concentrated to provide 6.34 g (99%) of tert-butyl ester.

Step 3

A solution of the tert-butyl ester product from Step 2 (5.00 g, 19.5 mmol) in DCM (10 ml_) and TFA (10 ml_) was stirred at RT for 1 hr then concentrated. The crude product (3.95 g) was dissolved in DCM (20 ml_) and treated with oxalyl chloride (3.35 ml_, 39 mmol) and a drop of DMF. The reaction was stirred at RT for 30 min then concentrated. To a solution of this crude in DCM (15 ml_) was added AICI3 (5.20 g, 39 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at RT for 2 days. The final mixture was poured into ice-cooled 0.1 N HCI, extracted with DCM, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/DCM 7:3 to DCM) to afford 3.17 g (89%) of ketone.

Step 4

To a solution of the ketone product from Step 3 (67 mg, 0.37 mmol) and 4- chlorothiophenol (56 mg, 0.39 mmol) in DCM (0.4 ml_) at 0 ^c C was added TFA (0.5 ml_) followed, 10 min later, by pyridine borane complex (40 μL). The solution was then allowed to stir 40 min at 0 ⁰ C then concentrated. The residue was taken up in Et ₂ O and 1N NaOH, extracted with Et ₂ O, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was taken up in DCM (1 mL) and treated with mCPBA 57 (172 mg, 1.0 mmol). After reaction overnight, the crude product was washed with sodium carbonate solution, dried and concentrated and the residue was purified by preparative- chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/DCM 1 :1 ) to give 45.5 mg of

Example 1: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.67 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (m, 1H), 6.72 (m, 1H), 4.61 (d, 1H), 3.92 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.75 (m, 2H), 2.43 (m, 1H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 1.78 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 343.2; retention time = 4.71 min.

Step 5

To a solution of the Example 1 product from Step 4 (21.9 mg, 0.064 mmol) in THF (0.3 ml.) at -78°C was added BuLi 2.5 N in hexanes (30 μL, 0.07 mmol) followed, 2 min later by iodomethane (30 μL) and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to RT. After 10 min, the reaction mixture was poured into saturated NH ₄ CI, extracted with DCM, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by preparative-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 9:1) to give 12.6 mg of Example 2: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J - 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.98 (m, 1H), 6.76 (m, 1H), 2.90 (m, 1 H), 2.55-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.44 (m, 1H), 1.75-1.85 (m, 2H), 1.80 (s, 3H); LCMS (2MH ⁺ ) = 713.4; retention time = 4.90 min.

Following procedures similar to those used in Scheme 1-A to prepare Examples 1 and 2, substituting appropriate electrophiles and also substituting readily available ketones for the ketone product of Step 4, the compounds in Table 1-A were prepared.

TABLE 1-A

Example 1-T:

(3R)-3-Hydroxy-pyrrolidine-1 -carboxylic acid 2-[1 -(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7-fluoro- 1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl]-ethyl ester

Scheme 1-B

Example 1-1

Step i

To a solution of Example 1-1 (100 mg, 0.30 mmol) in THF (2 ml_) at -78°C was added n-BuLi 2.5 N in hexanes (0.12 mL, 0.30 mmol) and the resulting solution was stirred 10 minutes, warmed to RT for 5 min then cooled again to -78°C. It was quenched with TBS protected bromoethanol (0.32 mL, 1.50 mmol).The reaction was allowed to warm to RT for 2 days. The final mixture was poured into water, extracted with DCM, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by preparative- chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 90:10) to afford 90 mg of TBS-protected alcohol.

Step 2

A solution of TBS-protected alcohol product from Step 1 (90 mg; 0.186 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was treated with TBAF 1 N in THF (0.20 mL, 0.20 mmol) and stirred for 2 h. The reaction was then concentrated and purified by preparative-chromatography over sihca gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 80:20) to give 54 mg of alcohol.

Step 3

To a solution of alcohol product from Step 2 (55 mg, 0.149 mmol) in THF (1 mL) and acetonitrile (0.5 mL) was added 4-nitrophenylchloroformate (60 mg, 0.298 mmol) and pyridine (0.08 mL) and the reaction was stirred at RT for 2 h. The final mixture was washed with 1N HCl, then extracted with DCM. After concentration, the crude was purified by preparative-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 80:20) to provide 70 mg of nitrophenylcarbonate.

Step 4 A solution of nitrophenylcarbonate product from Step 3 (15 mg) and (S)-3- hydroxypyrrolidine (15 mg) in DCE (1 mL) was stirred overnight at RT. The reaction was washed with water, extracted with DCM and dried. After concentration, the crude was purified by preparative-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 50:50) to give 6.0 mg of Example 1-T: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.48 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (brs, 4H), 6.95 (d, J = 7.2, 2H), 4.42 (br s, 1H), 4.10- . 4.25 (m, 1H), 3.90-4.05 (m, 1H), 3.10-3.50 (m, 3H), 2.90-3.00 (m, 1H) ₁ 2.40-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.15-2.35 (m, 2H), 2.00-2.15 (m, 1H), 1.75-1.95 (m, 2H), 1.40-1.70 (m, 3H), 1.25 (br s, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 482.3; retention time = 3.98 min.

Following procedures similar to those used in Scheme 1-B to prepare Example

1-T, the compounds in Table 1-B were prepared.

TABLE 1-B

Examples 3 and 4:

Cis-i-^-chloro-benzenesulfonyty^-ethyl-S.δ-difluorO-i^^^ -tetrahydro-naphthalene and Trans-1-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-2-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-1,2, 3,4-tetrahydro- naphthalene

Similar to Scheme 1 , Step 4

Example 3 Example 4

Step j To a solution of the ketone product from Scheme 1-A, Step 3 (398 mg, 2.18 mmol) in THF (2 mL) at -78°C was added LDA 1.8 N in hexanes (1.20 ml_, 2.19 mmol). The reaction was warmed to -30 ⁰ C, cooled to -78°C again and EtI (175 uL, 2.18 mmol) was slowly added. The reaction was allowed to warm to RT overnight then poured into saturated NH ₄ CI and extracted with DCM. After concentration, the crude was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 95:5 to 7:3) to allow, in order of elution, 32.7 mg of ethylketone followed by 314 mg of the starting ketone.

Step 2 The ethylketone product from Step 1 was reacted with 4-chlorothiophenol following conditions similar to those described in Step 4 of Scheme 1-A, to provide,

after separation over silica gel, the cis compound i.e., Example 3, and the trans compound Example 4. Example 3: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.55 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.91 (m, 1H), 6.58 (m, 1H), 4.65 (br s, 1H), 3.10 (m, 1H), 2.88 (m, 1H), 2.57 (m, 1H), 1.80-2.15 (m, 4H), 1.07 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 371.2; retention time = 5.27 min. Example 4: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 Mhz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 6.67 (m, 1H), 4.39 (br s, 1H) ₁ 2.70-2.80 (m, 3H), 2.46 (m, 1H), 1.46 (m, 1H), 1.30-1.40 (m, 2H), 0.93 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 371.2; retention time = 5.21 min.

Following procedures similar to those described in Schemes 1-A, 1-B and 2-A, the compounds in Table 2-A were prepared.

TABLE 2-A

Example 3-G:

(3R)-3-Hydroxy-pyrrolidine- 1 -carboxylic acid 1 -(4-ch!oro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,2, 3, 4- tetrahydro-naphthalen-2-yl-methyl ester

Scheme 2 -B

Example 3-G

Step i

To a mixture of NaH 60% (700 mg, 17.5 mmol) in THF (35 ml_) was added alpha-tetralone (0.665 ml_, 5.0 mmol) followed by dimethylcarbonate (1.20 ml_, 14.3 mmol) and the reaction was refluxed overnight. It was then concentrated, taken up in Et20 and half-brine, washed twice with half-brine, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/DCM 80:20 to DCM) to give 936 mg of ester ketone.

Step 2

The ester ketone product from Step 1 (408 mg, 2.00 mmol) was reacted with 4- chlorothiophenol following conditions similar to those described in Step 4 of Scheme 1-A, to provide, after separation over silica gel, 85 mg of the ester sulfone.

Step 3

To a solution of ester sulfone product from Step 2 (100 mg, 0.27 mmol) in THF (2.5 mL) was added lithium borohydride (120 mg, 5.84 mmol) and the reaction was refluxed for 3 h. The final mixture was quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate, extracted with EtOAc, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by

preparative-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 60:40) to give 65 mg of alcohol: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.35-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.10-7.25 (m, 3H), 6.87 (m, 1H), 6.37 (d, 1H), 4.60 and 4.51 (d, 1H), 4.22 (m,1H), 3.92 and 3.80 (m, 1H), 2.00-2.10 (m, 1H), 2.80-2.90 (m, 1H), 2.53 (m, 1H), 2.15-2.25 (m, 1H), 1.74 (m, 1H), 1.25 (br s, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 337.2; retention time = 3.10 rnin.

Step 4

The alcohol product from Step 3 was subjected to conditions similar to those described in Steps 3 and 4 of Scheme 1-B, to provide, after separation over silica gel, Example 3-G: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.35-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.00-7.30 (m, 3H), 6.94 (m, 1H), 6.58 (m, 1H), 4.65-4.75 (m, 1H), 4.35-4.55 (m, 2H), 3.30-3.60 (m, 3H) ₁ 2.80- 3.05 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.60 (m. 1H), 2.20-2.35 (m, 1H), 1.55-2.10 (m, 5H), 1.25 (br s, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 450.2; retention time = 3.87 min.

Following procedures similar to those described in Scheme 2-B, the compound in Table 2-B was prepared.

TABLE 2-B

Example 5:

1-(4-Chhro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-4-methyl-1,2,3,4 -tetrahydro-naphthalene

Scheme 3

Similar to Scheme 1 , Step 4

Eξxample 5 Step j

To a solution of 1,4-difluorobenzene (9.75 mL, 100 mmol) and gamma- valerolactone (1.90 mL, 20 mmol) in an acetone bath was added slowly AICI ₃ (13.4 g, 100 mmol) then the reaction was stirred under reflux overnight. The mixture was then slowly poured into ice-cooled 1N HCI, extracted with DCM, washed with water and saturated sodium bicarbonate, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 3.92 g (100%) of ketone.

Step 2 The ketone product from Step 1 was reacted with 4-chlorothiophenol following conditions similar to the ones described in Step 4 of Scheme 1-A, to provide Example 5, as an approximately 65:35 transrcis mixture of diastereoisomers: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.71 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H cis), 7.70 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H trans), 7.51 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H cis+trans), 6.97 (m, 1 H cis+trans), 6.72 (m, 1 H cis+trans), 4.60 (br s, 1H cis), 4.56 (d, 1 H trans), 3.37 (m, 1 H trans), 3.17 (1 H cis), 2.55-2.75 (m, 2H cis+trans), 2.00-2.20 (m, 1H cis+trans), 1.83 (m, 1H cis), 1.60 (br d, 1 H trans), 1.44 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H cis), 1.18 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H trans); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 357.2; retention time = 3.79 min.

Following procedures similar to those described in Schemes 1-A and 3, the compounds in Table 3 were prepared using the appropriate electrophile and lactone reactants.

TABLE 3

Example 6:

1 -(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro-3-methyl-1 , 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-naphthalene Scheme 4

Example 6

Step j

To a solution of magnesium turnings (7.0 g; 290 mmol) in Et2θ (40 mL) were added a hexane solution containing a catalytic amount of iodine and dibromoethane (1 ml_).The reaction was heated to 40 ⁰ C and a solution of 2, 5-difluorobenzyl bromide (15.0 g, 72.4 mmol) in Et ₂ O (40 mL) was added over 1 h. The reaction mixture was then stirred another hour at 40 ⁰ C then cooled and diluted with Et ₂ O to 100 mL to provide a benzyl Grignard reagent solution (16.7 g).

To a solution of Cu (I) iodide (4.6 g, 24.1 mmol) in THF (80 mL) was added N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (4.0 mL, 26.6 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes at RT. The mixture was then cooled to -78°C and the benzyl Grignard solution prepared above (5 g, 21.6 mmol) in Et ₂ O (30 mL) was added to the mixture, followed by 15 minutes of stirring. A solution of TMSCI (6.0 mL, 60.4 mmol) and trans-methyl crotonate (2.0 mL, 21.7 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was then added and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to -50 ⁰ C and stirred at -5O ⁰ C overnight. The crude product was poured into a saturated solution of NH ₄ OH and NH ₄ CI, extracted with Et ₂ O, washed with water and dried over sodium sulfate. The crude product obtained after concentration was purified by chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 95:5) to give 2.5 g (45%) of ester.

Step 2

To a solution of the ester from Step 1 (200 mg, 0.88 mmol) in MeOH (4 mL) was added 1N NaOH (4 mL) and the reaction was stirred at RT overnight. The reaction was diluted with water, washed with EtOAc then acidified with 1N HCI, extracted with EtOAc, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to give 173 mg (92%) of acid.

Step 3

To a solution of the acid from Step 2 (170 mg, 0.79 mmol) in DCM (2 mL) was added oxalyl chloride (0.14 mL, 1.60 mmol) and a drop of DMF and the reaction mixture was stirred 30 min at RT then concentrated. The resulting residue was taken up in DCM (3 mL), treated with AICI ₃ (213 mg, 1.60 mmol) and then stirred at RT overnight. The crude product was poured into 0.1 N HCI, extracted with DCM and EtOAc, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated . The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel (hexanes/DCM 1 :1 ) to afford 112 mg (70) of ketone.

Step 4

The ketone product from Step 3 was reacted with 4-chlorothiophenol following conditions similar to the ones described in Step 4 of Scheme 1-A, to provide Example 6, as a 55:45 mixture of diastereoisomers 1 and 2: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.76 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H diast 1), 7.45-7.55 (m, 2H diast 1 and 2), 7.42 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, diast 2), 6.90-7.00 (m, 1 H diast 1 and 2), 6.60-6.75 (m, 1 H diast 1 and 2), 4.81 (dd, 1H diast 2), 4.60 (br s, 1H diast 1), 3.45-3.50 (m, 1H diast 2), 3.15 (dd, 1 H diast 1), 2.87 (br d, 1 H diast 2), 2.60-2.80 (m), 2.38 (m, 1H diast 2), 2.10-2.30 (m), 1.50-1.60 (m), 1.18 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H diast 2), 1.11 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H diast 1); LCMS (2MH ^4" ) = 713.4; retention time = 5.00.

Following procedures similar to those described in Scheme 1 , the compound in Table 4 was prepared.

TABLE 4

Example 7:

5-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyI)-1 , 4~difluoro-6, 7, 8, 9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocycfoheptene Scheme 5

Step j

To a solution of 2,5-difluorobenzaldehyde (8.65 g, 60.9 mmol) in THF (150 mL) was slowly added vinylmagnesium bromide 1 N in THF (85 mL, 85 mmol) at -40 ⁰ C and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 0 ⁰ C over 45 min. It was then

quenched into saturated NH ₄ CI, extracted with DCM and EtOAc, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 95:5 to 70:30) to provide 5.37 g (37%) of alcohol.

Step 2

A solution of the alcohol product from Step 1 (5.35 g, 31.4 mmol), triethyl orthoacetate (41.3 mL, 220 mmol) and propionic acid (155 mg) was stirred at 180°C under reflux overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated and purified by flash- chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 95:5 to 70:30) to give 6.42 g (85%) of alkene.

Step 3

A solution of the alkene product from Step 2 (6.42 g, 26.7 mmol) and 10% Pd/C (720 mg) in EtOH (20 mL) and EtOAc (20 mL) was hydrogenated at 30 psi for 60 min then filtered over CELITE and concentrated to afford 6.19 g (96%) of ester.

Step 4

A solution of ester product from Step 3 (5.35 g, 31.4 mmol) in EtOH (50 mL) was treated with 1 N NaOH (50 mL) and stirred at 50 ⁰ C then the organic solvent was concentrated. After washing with Et ₂ θ, the aqueous layers is acidified with 1N HCI, extracted with EtOAc and DCM, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to provide 4.76 g (87%) of acid.

Step 5

To a solution of the acid product from Step 4 (3.05 g, 14.2 mmol) in DCM (30 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was added oxalyl chloride (2.45 mL, 28.4 mmol) followed by a drop of DMF. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stirred 30 min then concentrated. The residue was immediately dissolved in DCE (8 mL), treated with AICI ₃ (3.79 g, 28.4 mmol) and stirred overnight at 60 ⁰ C. It was then poured into diluted HCI, extracted with DCM, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 95:5 to EtOAc) to provide 1.20 g (43%) of ketone.

Step 6

The ketone product from Step 5 was reacted with 4-chlorothiophenol following conditions similar to the ones described in Step 4 of Scheme 1-A, to provide Example 7: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.58 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (d, J = 8.7 Hz ₇ 2H), 6.96 (m, 1H), 6.63 (m, 1H), 4.84 (m, 1H), 3.20-3.35 (m, 2H), 2.72 (m, 1H), 2.23 (m, 1H), 1.90-2.10 (m, 2H), 1.70 (m, 1H), 1.40 (m, 1 H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 357.2; retention time = 5.04 min.

Following procedures similar to those described in Schemes 1-A, 1-B, 2-A, 2-B, and 5, the compounds in Table 5 were prepared.

TABLE 5

Example 8:

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-4-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-chroman

Step 1 : 2-(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanylmethyl)-1,3,4-trifluoro-benzene

2,3,6-Trifluorobenzyl bromide (9.79 g, 43.3 mmol) and 4-chlorothiophenol (6.23 g, 43.3 mmol) were dissolved in 300 mL of THF. Triethylamiπe (4.59g, 45.4 mmol) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. 300 mL of EtOAc and 300 mL of water were added. The organic layers were washed with 200 mL 1N HCI solution, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was pure product (12.5 g, quant yield). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.30 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.24 (d, J=8.8Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 6.77 (m, 1H), 4.08 (s, 2H).

Step 2: 2-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonylmethyl)-1 , 3, 4-trifluoro-benzene

2-(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanylmethyl)-1,3,4-trifluoro-benzene(12 .5 g , 43.3 mmol) was dissolved in 600 mL of DCM, mCPBA (77%, 19.3 g, 86.4 mmol) was added slowly and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The excess mCPBA was quenched with 10.2 g of Na ₂ SO ₃ in 300 mL of water. The organic layer was separated and washed with 1 N NaOH (2x200 mL), brine (200 mL), dried over Na2SO ₄ , filtered and concentrated. The residue was used in the next step without further purification (14.8 g, quant, yield). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.70 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.8Hz, 2H), 7.17 (m, 1 H), 6.87 (m, 1 H), 4.49 (s, 2H).

Step 3: tert-Butyl-[3-(4-chloro-benzenesutfonyl)-3-(2, 3, 6-trifluoro-phenyl) -propoxy]- dimethyl-silane

2-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonylmethyl)-1 ,3 _> 4-trifluoro-benzene (4.0 g, 12.5 mmol) was dissolved in 40 mL dry DMF. (2-Bromo-ethoxy)-tert-butyl-dimethylsilane (4.1 g, 17.1 mmol) and NaH (2.28 g, 95.0 mmol) were added respectively. The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. 200 mL of water and 200 mL of EtOAc were added. The aqueous layer was washed with 100 mL of EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified using column chromatography (hex./EtOAc 100/0 to 90/10 in 45 min, 1.7 g, 28%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.65 (m, 2H) ₁ 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.14(m, 1 H), 6.84(m, 0.5), 6.73 (m, 0.5H), 4.87 (m, 1 H), 4.79 (m, 1 H), 4.37(m, 1H), 2.55(m, 2H), 2.04(s, 9H), -0.13 (d, J= 22.7 Hz ₁ 6H).

Step 4: 3-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-prop an-1-ol

Tert-butyl-[3-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-(2,3,6-trifluoro- phenyl)-propoxy]- dimethyl-silane (2.62 g, 5.47 mmol) was dissolved in 80 ml_ of THF and tetrabutylammonium fluoride (1.96 g, 7.51 mmol) was added at room temperature. The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. 200 ml_ of EtOAc and 200 ml. of water were added and the organic layer was separated. The organic layer was dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using hexJEtOAc as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 75/25 in 45 min, 1.38 g, 69%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 6.82 (m, 0.5H), 6.71 (m, 0.5H), 4.91 (m, 1H), 3.89 (m, 1 H), 4.44 (m, 1 H), 2.60 (m, 2H).

Step 5: 4-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-b enzopyran

SCH 791199

3-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-prop an-1-ol (1.28 g, 3.51 mmol) was dissolved in 40 mL THF and NaH (60% in oil, 0.5 g, excess) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with water (40 mL) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3x50 mL), the organic layer was combined, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified

using column chromatography (hex./EtOAc 100/0 to 85/15 in 40 minutes, then up to 70/30 in 60 min, 0.81g, 67%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.73 (d, J = 8.8 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.51 (d, J=8.8 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.01 (m, 1H), 6.39 (m, 1H), 4.85 (m, 1H), 4.51 (m, 2H), 2.80 (m, 1H), 2.17 (m, 1H).

Step 6: 4-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-4-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydr o-2H-1-benzopyran

SCH 796492

4-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-b enzopyran (101.1 mg, 0.294 mmol) was dissolved in 10 mL of THF. Ethyl bromide (600 mg, 4.88 mmol) was added, followed by potassium tert-butoxide (1M in THF, 3.05 mL, 3.05 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3x50 mL). The organic layer was separated, washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified using column chromatography (Hex./EtOAc 100/0 to 70/30 in 60 min, 55 mg, 50%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1 H), 6.38 (m, 1 H), 4.91 (m, 1 H), 4.39 (m, 1 H), 2.55 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 1H), 1.89 (m, 1H), 0.74 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H).

Following procedures similar to those described for preparing Example 8, the compounds in Table 6 were prepared.

Table 6:

Example 9: 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl) -6-fluoro-chroman

Step 1 : 4-[(4~Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-6-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzo pyran

6-Fluorochroman-4-one (352 mg, 2.12 mmol) and 4-chlorothiophenol (320 mg, 2.2 mmol) were dissolved in 5 ml_ DCM. The reaction mixture was cooled to O ⁰ C and 2.4 ml_ of trifluroacetic acid was added. After 5 min at 0°C, pyridine-borane complex (0.20 ml_) was slowly added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h at 0 ⁰ C. Et ₂ O (100 mL) and sat. NaHCO ₃ solution (100 ml_) were added. The ether layer was dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 10 mL DCM, mCPBA (77%, 1.01 g, 4.50 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. 2 g of Na _∑ SOβ in 20 mL of water was added and the reaction was stirred for 1 h then filtered. The layers were separated, then the organic layer was

washed with 1 N NaOH solution (100 ml_), dried over Na ₂ Sθ4 and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using hex./EtOAc as the eluent (gradient from 100/0 to 30/70 in 60 min, 0.37g, 53%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.67 (d, J = 8.8 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.49 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.92 (m, 2H) ₁ 6.77 (m, 1H), 4.24 (m, 2H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 2.36 (m, 1H), 2.18 (m, 1H).

Following procedures similar to those described in the preparation of Example 9, the compounds in Table 7 were prepared.

Table 7

Example 10: 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro-3-methyl-chroman

Step 1 : 2-[Hydroxy-(2,3,6~trifluoro-phenyl)-methyl]~malonic Acid Dimethyl Ester

2,3,6-trifluorobenzoaldehyde (10.2 g, 63.8 mmol) and dimethyl malonate

(8.41 g, 63.8 mmol) were dissolved in 50 mL of DMF. 3g of K ₂ CO ₃ was added and the reaction mixture was heated to 8O ⁰ C for three hours. 500 mL of EtOAc and 500 mL of water were added. The organic layer was washed with saturated NH ₄ CI solution (200 mL), dried over Na ₂ SO4 and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/hex as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 40/60 in 40 min, 13g, 70%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.12 (m, 1H) ₁ 6.85 (m, 1H), 5.72 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (d, J=9.5 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.61 (s, 3H).

Step 2: 2-(2,3,6-Trifluoro-benzylidene)-malonic Acid Dimethyl Ester

2-[Hydroxy-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-malonic acid dimethyl ester (13g,

44.5 mmol) and NEt ₃ (9g, 89 mmol) were dissolved in 300 mL CH ₂ CI ₂ . MsCI (10.3 g, 89 mmol) was then added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was washed with 1 N HCI solution (200 mL x 2), brine (100 mL), dried over Na ₂ SCM and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/Hexane as eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 25/75 in 40 min, 6.5g, 53%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) 57.71 (s, 1H), 7.20 (m, 1H), 6.89 (m, 1 H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H).

Step 3: 2-[(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-(2, 3, 6-trifluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-malonic Acid Dimethyl Ester

2-(2,3,6-Trifluoro-benzylidene)-malonic acid dimethyl ester (6.5 g, 23.7 mmol) and 4-chlorothiophenol (5.1 g, 35.5 mmol) were dissolved in 100 mL THF. K ₂ Cθ ₃ (5 g, excess) was added, the reaction mixture was stirred at 60 ⁰ C for three hours. 300 mL of EtOAc and 300 mL of water were added. The organic layer was separated, washed with water, dried over Na ₂ Sθ ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/hexane as the eluent. (Gradient from 0/100 to 25/75 in 45 min, 7.1g, 72%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.26 (m, 4H), 7.03 (m, 1 H), 6.75 (m, 1H), 5.08 (d, J=11.7Hz, 1 H), 4.34 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.56 (s, 3H).

Step 4: 2-[(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-(2,3 ₇ 6-trifluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-propane-1,3-diol

2-[(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-methyl ]-malonic acid dimethyl ester (7.1 g, 17 mmol) was dissolved in 50 ml_ THF and DIBAL-H (1M in hexane, 68 ml_) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. 100 mL of water was added to quench the reaction and 100 ml_ EtOAc was added to extract the product. The organic layer was washed with 1 N HCI solution (2x50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na ₂ SU ₄ and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 200 mL DCM and mCPBA (77%, 7.6g, 34 mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for three hours. 8 g Na _∑ SOa in 50 mL of water was added to quench excess mCPBA. The organic layer was separated, washed with 1 N NaOH solution, brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column using EtOAc/hex as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 75/25 in 40 min, 2.7g, 40%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.59 (m, 2H), 7.36 (m, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.81 (m, 0.5H), 6.57 (m, 0.5H), 5.26 (d, J=11.0 Hz ₁ 1 H), 4.65 (m, 1 H), 4.20 (dt, J=11.7 and 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (m, 1H ), 3.42 (m, 1 H), 3.02 (m, 1H).

Step 5: Trans-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)]-5, 8-difluoro-3, 4-dihydro-2H- 1 -benzopyran- 3-methanol

SCH 795753

2-[(4-Chloro-beπzeπesulfoπyl)-(2,3,6-trifIuoro-phenyl)-me thyl]-propane-1 _f 3-cliol (2.7 g, 6.9 mmol) was dissolved in 70 ml_ THF and NaH (2 g, excess) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. 50 mL of water and 50 mL of EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/hex as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 50/50 in 40 min, 2.3g, 90%). Only the trans isomer was isolated from the reaction. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.72 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 4.93 (dd, J=11.7 and 3.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.63 (s, 1 H), 4.41 (d, J=11.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.69 (dd, J=11.0 and 6.6 Hz, 1H ), 3.43 (t, J=11.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.02 (m, 1H).

Step 6: Methanesulfonic acid 0-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-3,4- dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-3-yl-methyl] ester

Trans-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)]-5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro -2H-1-benzopyran- 3-methanol (1.0g, 2.54 mmole), mesyl chloride (0.87g, 7.6 mmole) and triethylamine (0.77g, 7.6mmole) were stirred in 50ml CH ₂ CI ₂ at room temperature for two hours. 50ml water was added. The organic layer was washed with 1N HCI solution (50ml x 2), brine (50 mL), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column using EtOAc/Hexane as eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 50/50 in 40 minutes, 1.1g, 96%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI ₃ ) δ 7.75 (d, J=8.8Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, J=8.8Hz, 2H), 7.43 (S, 1H), 7.07 (m, 1H), 7.47 (s, 1 H), 4.98 (dd, J=12.4 and 2.9Hz, 1H), 4.52 (s, 1H), 4.44 (d, J=12.4Hz, 1H), 4.20 (dd, J=10.3 and 6.6Hz, 1H), 4.00 (dd, J=10.3 and 8.7Hz, 1H), 3.31 (m, 1 H), 2.98 (s, 3H).

Step 7: Trans-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl)]-5, 8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro-3-methyl-2H- 1 - benzopyran

Methanesulfonic acid O-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2H-1-benzopyran-3-yl-methyl] ester (0.5g, 1.1 mmole), NaI (0.83g, 5.5mmole) Zinc dust (0.71 g, 11 mole) and 0.1 mL acetic acid were refluxed in 15 ml_ ethylene glycol dimethyl ether for 6 hours. The solid was filtered and the filtrate was partitioned between 100 mL 0.1 N Na ₂ SO ₃ solution and 100 mL EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with 0.5N NaOH solution (2x50ml), brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was recrystalized from EtOAc/Hexane to pure product (0.33g, 83%) ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI ₃ ) 67.71 (d, J=8.8Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J=8.8Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1 H), 6.40 (m, 1 H), 4.92 (dd, J=11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.21 (m, 2H), 3.02 (m, 1H), 1.07(d, J = 7.3Hz, 3H).

Following procedures similar to those described for the preparation of Example

10, the compounds in Table 8 were prepared.

Table 8

Example 11: 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,4-dimethyl-chrom an

Step 1 : 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-4-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyf)-buta n-2-ol

2-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonylmethyI)-1 ,3,4-trifluoro-benzene (Example 8, step 2, 305 mg, 0.95 mmol) was dissolved in 4 ml_ THF. The solution was cooled to -78°C and butyllithium (2.5M in hexane, 0.4 ml_) was added slowly. The solution was stirred at -78°C for 2 h then warmed to 0 ⁰ C and stirred for 0.5 h. The solution was then cooled to -78°C again and propylene oxide (178.0 mg, 3.1 mmol) in 3.25 ml_ of THF was added slowly and the reaction mixture was allowed to stir and warm to room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was quenched with a saturated NH ₄ CI solution (50 ml_). The reaction mixture was extracted three times with EtOAc (50 ml_ each) and the combined organics were washed with water (100 ml_) and brine (100 ml_). The organic layer was then dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified using column chromatography (hex./EtOAc 100/0 to 70/30 in 60 min. 0.19 g, 52%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.59 (m, 2H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 7.10 (m, 1H), 6.81 (m, 0.5H), 6.66 (m, 0.5H), 4.83-4.99 (m, 1H), 4.06 (m, 0.5H), 3.51 (m, 0.5H), 2.50-2.74 (m, 1 H), 2.26 (m, 1 H), 1.03-2.24 (m, 3H). The product is a mixture of diastereomers.

Step 2: Trans-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2-methyl-2H-1~ benzopyran

The above intermediate was prepared using the procedure of Example 8, step 5. Only the trans isomer was obtained from the reaction. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.72 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.50 (d, J=8.8 Hz ₁ 2H) ₁ 6.99 (m, 1H), 6.36 (m, 1H), 5.00 (m, 1H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 2.79 (dt, J=15.4 and 2.2 Hz, 1H), 1.85 (m, 1H), 1.50 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H).

Step 3: Trans-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2 _r 4-dimethyl-2H-1- benzopyran

Trans-4-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-5,8-difluoro-3,4-dihydro- 2-methyl-2H-1- benzopyran (57 mg, 0.16 mmol) was dissolved in 10 mL of THF. lodomethane (720 mg, 5.11 mmol) was added, followed by potassium tert-butoxide (1M in THF, 0.5 mL, 0.5 mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. 50 mL of water was added and the product was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x50 mL). The organic layer was separated, washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified using column chromatography (hex./EtOAc 100/0 to 70/30 in 60 min, 39 mg, 65%). Only the trans isomer was isolated from the reaction mixture. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.66 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J=8.8

Hz, 2H), 7.01 (rn, 1 H), 6.35 (m, 1 H), 5.08 (m, 1 H), 2.79 (dt, J=15.4 and 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 1.72-1.81 (m, 4H), 1.47 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H).

Following procedures similar to those described for the preparation of Example 11 , the compounds in Table 9 were prepared.

Table 9

11-D 5.37 Min.

11-E 4.93 Min.

Example 12: 5-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-6,9-difluoro-4-methyl-2,3,4,5-t etmhydro- benzo[b]oxepine

Step 1 : 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-methyl-4-(2,3, 6-trifluoro-phenyl)-butyric acid methyl ester

2-(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanylmethyl)-1,3,4-trifluoro-benzene (Example 8, step 2, 1.0 g, 3.1 mmol) and methyl crotonate (1.55 g, 15.5 mmol) were dissolved in 50 ml_ of THF and potassium t-butoxide (1M in THF, 6.2 ml_) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for five hours. 100 ml_ of water and 100 ml_ of EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (100 ml_), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/hexane as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 50/50 in 40 min, 0.79 g, 60%). The product is a mixture of diastereomers. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (m, 2H) ₁ 7.37 (m, 2H), 7.07 (m, 1H), 6.83 (m, 0.5H), 6.63 (m, 0.5H), 5.03 (t, J=10.2 Hz, 0.5H), 4.80 (d, J=10.2 Hz, 0.5H), 3.71 (s, 1.5H), 3.60 (s, 1.5H), 3.33 (m, 1 H), 3.10 (m, 0.5H), 2.89 (m, 0.5H), 2.42 (m, 0.5H), 2.15 (m, 0.5H), 1.49(t, J=6.6 Hz, 1.5H), 0.95 (dd, J=8.8 and 7.3 Hz, 1.5H).

Step 2: 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-methyl-4-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phe nyl)-butan-1-ol

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-methyl-4-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phe nyl)-butyric acid methyl ester (0.79 g, 1.88 mmol) was dissolved in 10 ml_ of THF and lithium borohydride (0.5 g, excess) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. 50 ml_ of water and 50 ml_ of EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (50 ml_), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was used in next step without further purification (0.71 g, 96%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (m, 2H), 7.36 (m, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.82 (m, 0.5H), 6.60 (m, 0.5H), 4.79 (m, 0.5H), 4.56 (m, 0.5H), 3.85 (m, 1H), 3.68 (m, 1H), 3.12 (m, 1H), 2.39 (m, 0.5H), 1.95 (m, 0.5H), 1.57 (m, 0.5H), 1.46 (dd, J=4.4 and 5.9 Hz, 1.5H), 1.32 (m, 0.5H) ₁ 0.92 (dd, J=7.3 and 9.5 Hz, 1.5H).

Step 3: Trans-5-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-6,9-difluoro-2,3,4,5-tetr ahydro-4-methyl-1- benzoxepin and Cis-5-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-6,9~drfluoro-2,3,4,5-tetrah ydro-4- methyl- 1 -benzoxepin

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-methyl-4-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phe nyl)-butan-1-ol (0.71g, 1.8 mmol) was dissolved in 50 ml_ of THF and sodium hydride (60% in oil, 0.5 g, excess) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for two hours. 50 ml_ of water and 50 ml_ of EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with saturated NaCI solution (50 ml_), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/hex as the eluent (gradient from, 0/100 to 25/75 in 40 min). Two products were isolated. Cis isomer (31 mg, 4.6%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.57 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, J=8.8 Hz ₁ 2H), 6.95 (m, 1H), 6.44 (m, 1H), 4.74 (bs, 1H), 4.66 (dt, J=12.4 and 3.7 Hz, 1H), 3.81 (m, 1H), 3.07 (m, 1H), 2.39 (m, 1H), 1.85 (m, 1H), 1.65 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 3H). Trans isomer (0.46 g, 68%). 1H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.52 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1 H), 6.54 (m, 1 H), 4.52 (d, J=3.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.40 (m, 1 H), 3.93 (m, 1 H), 3.21 (m, 1H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.72 (m, 1H), 1.11 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 3H).

Two enantiomers were isolated from the trans isomer by Chiral-AS ^® column using hexane/isopropanol (75/25) as the mobile phase.

Step 1 : [7-(4-chloro-benzenesuIfonyl)-7-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-1-h eptene

2-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonylmethyl)-1,3,4-trifluoro-benzene (1.0 g, 3.1 mmol, from example 8, step 2) and 6-bromo-1-hexene (1.5g, 6.3 mmole) were dissolved in 20 ml_ THF and potassium t-butoxide (1M in THF, 6.2 ml_) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for three hours. 50 ml_ water and 50 ml_ EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (50 ml_), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/Hexane as eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 25/75 in 40 minutes, 0.65 g,

52%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ , 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, j = 8.05 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, j = 8.05 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.14(m, 1 H), 6.83(m, 0.5), 6.74 (m, 0.5H), 5.70 (m, 1 H), 4.93 (m, 2H), 4.58(d, j 5.1 and 6.5 Hz, 1H), 2.43(m, 1H), 2.31 (m, 1H), 1.99 (m, 2H), 1.39 (m, 2H), 1.25 (m, 2H).

Step 2: 2-[5-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5-(2, 3, 6-trifluorophenyl)-pentyl]-oxirane

[7-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7-(2,3,6-trifIuoro-phenyl)-1-h eptene (0.65g, 1.6mmole) and mCPBA (77%, 0.71 g, 3.2 mmole) were stirred in 50 ml_ DCM for 5 hours. 2g Na ₂ S ₂ C» ₃ in 100 mL water were added to quench excess mCPBA. The organic layer was separated, washed with 1N NaOH solution (50 mL), brine (50 mL), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using EtOAc/Hexane as eluent (Gradient from 0/100 to 40/60 in 40 minute, 0.52 g, 77%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ , 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, j = 8.05 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.45 (d, j = 8.05 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 1 H), 6.83(m, 0.5), 6.74 (m, 0.5H) ₁ 4.58 (dd, j = 5.1 and 6.5 Hz, 1 H), 2.84 (m, 1 H), 2.71 (t, j = 4.4Hz, 1 H), 2.41 (dd, j = 2.9 and 5.1 Hz), 2.45(m, 1H), 2.34 (m, 1H), 1.25-1.55 (m, 6H).

Step 3: (6aR)-10aS-[(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9 , 10, 10a- hexahydro-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran(racemic) and 7(S)-[(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-8, 11- dif!uoro-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2(S),7-methano-1-benzoxonin (racemic)

13 14 15 2-[5-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5-(2,3,6-trifIuoro-phenyl)-p entyl]-oxJrane(0.52 g, 1.24 mmole) was dissolved in 25 ml_ THF and potassium t-butoxide (1M in THF, 3.72 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, then heated to 50 ⁰ C for four hours, 50 mL of water and 50 mL of EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using

EtOAc/Hexane as eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 25/75 in 40 minutes). Two major products were isolated. Example 13: (6aR)-10aS-[(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4- difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran (racemic, containing about 13% of 14, 31 mg, 5.4% ). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ , 400 MHz) δ 7.59 (d, j = 8.05 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, j = 8.05Hz, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1 H), 6.40 (m, 1 H), 5.23 (dd, j = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H),

4.14 (d, j = 11.7Hz, 1 H), 2.61 (m, 2H), 1.90 (tt, j = 13.9 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 1.65-1.81(m, 3H), 1.42 (m, 2H), 1.02 (m, 1H). Compound 15: 7(S)-[(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)- 8,11-difluoro-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2(S),7-methano-1-benzoxo nin (racemic, 112 mg, 23%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ , 400 MHz) δ 7.53 (d, j = 8.05Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, j = 8.05Hz, 2H), 7.02 (m, 1H), 6.60 (m, 1H), 4.85 (m, 1H), 3.12 (d, j = 13.9Hz, 1 H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 2.36 (m, 1 H), 2.29 (dd, j = 14.6 and 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 2.10 (m, 1 H), 1.97 (m, 1 H), 1.65 (m, 1 H), 1.09-1.37 (m, 3H).

Examples 13A. 14A and 15A Following procedures similar to those described for the preparation of

Examples 13 to 15, the compounds in Table 10 were prepared.

TABLE 10

Step 1 : 2-[(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-methyl ]-propane-1,3-dio!

2-[(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-(2,3 ₎ 6-trifluoro-phenyl)-methyl]-malonic acid dimethyl ester (ExamplelO, step 3, 11g, 26.3mmole) was dissolved in 200 mL THF and DIBAL-H (1M in hexane, 105 mL) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for five hours. Addtional DIBAL-H (1M in hexane, 100 mL) was added and the reaction was stirred at 60 ⁰ C for three hours. 300 mL water and 300 mL EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with 1 N HCI solution (2x100 mL), brine (100 mL), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 50/50 in 45 minutes). Yield: 6.2g, 65%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400.MHz) δ 7.28 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.20 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (m, 1 H), 6.75 (m, 1 H), 4.85 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.36 (dd, J = 7.3 and 3.7 Hz, 1 H) ₁ 4.21 (dd, J = 8.1 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.85 (dd, J = 8.8 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.49 (m, 1 H), 2.46 (m, i H), 2.22 (br, 1 H), 2.10 (br, 1 H).

Step 2: Trans-[4-(4-chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl ]-methanol

2-[(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-methyl ]-propane-1 ,3-diol (6.2 g, 14.8 mmole) was dissolved in 150 mL THF and NaH (60% in oil, 2 g) was added. The reaction was stirred at 60 ⁰ C for four hours. 300 mL of water and 400 mL of EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (100 mL), dried over Na2SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 50/50 in 45 minutes). Yield: 5.Og, 85%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.45 (d, J = 8.1Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d, J = 8.1Hz, 2H), 6.97 (m, 1H), 6.58 (m, 1 H), 4.62 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.2 Hz ₁ 1 H), 4.50 (br, 1 H), 4.43 (td, J = 11.7 and 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.67(m, 1H), 3.48 (m, 1H), 2.25 (m, 1 H), 1.50 (t, J = 5.1 Hz, 1H).

Step 3: 3-(2-Benzyloxy-ethoxymethyl)-4-(4-chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-5,8 -difluoro- chroman

Trans-[4-(4-chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3 -yl]-methanol (0.6g, 1.65 mmole) and (2-bromo-ethoxymethyl)-benzene (0.71g, 3.3mmole) were dissolved in 30 ml THF and NaH (0.5g) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. (2-Bromo-ethoxymethyl)-benzene ( 0.71 g, 3.3mmole) and

NaH (0.5g) were added and the reaction was refluxed overnight. 50 ml water and 50 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with Sat. NaCI solution (50ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/Hex. from 0/100 to 25/75 in 40 minute). Yield: 0.42g, 53%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.42 (d, J = 8.8 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.25-7.37 (m, 7H), 6.96 (m, 1H), 6.57 (m, 1 H), 4.60 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.52 (bs, 3H), 4.40 (t, J = 11.0, 1 H) ₁ 3.3-3.56(m, 6H), 2.38 (m, 1H).

Step 4: 3-(2-Benzyloxy-ethoxymethyl)-4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro- chroman

3-(2-Benzyloxy-ethoxymethyl)-4-(4-chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-5,8 -difluoro-chroman (0.42g, 0.88mmole ) was dissolved in 15 ml DCM and MCPBA (77%, 0.6g, 2.6mmole) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. 0.5g sodium thiosulfate in 50 ml water and 50 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with 1 N NaOH solution (50 ml), brine (50ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 50/50 in 45 minutes). Yield: 0.40g, 89%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.73 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.4 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.25-7.37 (m, 5H), 7.02 (m, 1H), 6.42 (m, 1H), 4.90 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.63 (s, 1 H), 4.50 (s, 2H), 4.38 (t, J = 11.0, 1 H), 3.45-3.62(m, 5H), 3.30 (t, J = 9.5 Hz, I H), 3.13 (m, 1H).

Step 5: 2-[trans-4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyf)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3 -ylmethoxy]- ethanol

3-(2-Benzyloxy-ethoxymethyl)-4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro- chroman (0.4g, 0.79mmole) was dissolved in 10 ml EtOAc and Pd(OH) ₂ was added. Hydrogen was introduced via a balloon. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The catalyst was filtered and residue was used in next step without purification. Yield: 0.32g, 97%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.73 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1 H), 6.41 (m, 1 H), 4.90 (dd, J = 8.8 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.57 (s, 1H), 4.39 (td, J = 11.7 and 1.5 Hz, 1H), 3.68(br, 2H), 3.41-3.54 (m, 3H), 2.30 (t, J = 9.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.15 (m, 1H).

Step 6: Trans-10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro-1,4a,5, 10b-tetrahydro- 2H, 4H-pyrano[3, 4-c]chromene

The compound was synthesized as previously disclosed method. The racemic mixture can be separated into two pure enantiomers using Chiral OJ column with ethanol as solvent

First fraction: [α] = -138.4 deg. (c = 1.00 in DCM) Second fraction: [α] = 137.2 deg. (c = 1.02 in DCM)

Example 17

Acetone, TsOH

Step 1 : 5,8-Difluoro-2H-chromene oxide

5,8-Difluoro-2H-chromene (35g, 0.21 mole) was dissolved in 500 ml DCM and MCPBA (77%, 93g, 0.42 mole) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. 5Og Na ₂ S ₂ Oa in 500 ml water was added to quench the reaction. The organic layer was washed with 2N NaOH solution (2 x 500ml), brine(200ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was recrystalized from EtOAc/Hexane solution to give rise to 21.6g pure product. The residue from

mother liquor was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 25/75 in 55 minute, additional 1.4g obtained). Total Yield: 23g, 60%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.00 (m, 1H), 6.63 (m, 1H), 4.67 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (m, 2H), 3.84 (d, J = 4.4Hz, 1H).

Step 2: 4-(4-Chlom-phenylsulfanyl)-5, 8-difluoro-chroman-3-ol

5,8-Difluoro-2H-chromene oxide (23g, 0.125mole) and 4-ChIoro-benzenethiol (18.1g, 0.125mmole) were dissolved in 500ml DCM and InCI ₃ (2.9g, 0.013mole) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. 200ml DCM and 200ml water were added. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 50/50 in 55 minute). Yield: 23.2g, 57%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (m, 1H), 6.64 (m, 1 H), 4.63 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.32-4.41 (m, 2H), 4.12 (m, 1 H).

Step 3: 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyi)-5, 8-difluoro-2H-chromene

4-(4-Chloro-pheny!sulfanyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-ol (23.2, 71mmole) was dissolved in 200 ml DCM and MCPBA (77%, 31.7g, 142mmole) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. 10g Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ in 50 ml water was

added to quench the reaction. The organic layer was washed with 1 N NaOH solution (2x100ml), brine(IOOml), dried over Na2SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 200 ml DCM, mesyl chloride (16.1g, 142 mmole) and triethylamine (14.3g, 142 mmole) were added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for one hour. The reaction solution was washed with brine(100ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was recrystalized from EtOAc/Hexane solution to give rise to 8.4 g pure product. The residue from mother liquor was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 25/75 in 55 minute, 7.1g). Total yield: 15.5g, 64%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.84 (dd, J = 8.8 and 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.30 (t, J = 4.4Hz, 1H), 7.00 (m, 1H), 6.54 (m, 1H), 4.99 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, 2H).

Step 4: ^Benzyloxy-i-ft-ft-chloro-benzenesulfonyty-δ.δ-difluoro-ch roman-S-ylJ-butan-

2-one

Diisopropylamine (1.23g, 12.2mmole) was dissolved in 150 ml dry THF and the reaction was cooled to O ⁰ C. n-Butyllithium (2.5 ml in Hexane, 4.5ml, 11.2mmole) was added and the reaction was stirred at 0 ⁰ C for 10 minutes. The reaction was cooled to -100 ⁰ C and 4-benzyloxy-2-butanone (1.83g, 10.3mmole) in 50 ml dry THF (pre-cooled to -78°C) was added. The reaction was stirred for 30 minutes at -78 ⁰ C. 4-(4-Chloro- benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2H-chromene (3.2g, 9.36mmole) in 20 ml THF (pre- cooled to -78 ⁰ C) was added. The reaction was stirred at -78 ⁰ C for 1 hour. 20ml water was added at -78 ⁰ C to quench the reaction. After the reaction was warmed up to room temperature, 200ml EtOAc was added. The organic layer was washed with brine (2x100ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 40/60 in 45 minute).Yield, 2.6g, 53%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.82 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, J = 8.1 Hz,

2H), 7.20-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.47 (m, 1H), 4.89 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1H) ₇ 4.42 (s, 3H), 4.24 (dt, J = 12.4 and 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.65 (t, J = 5.9Hz, 2H), 3.31 (m, 1H), 2.33-2.67 (m, 4H).

Step 5: 3-[2-(2-Benzyioxy-ethyl)-[1,3]dioxolan-2-ylmethyl]-4-(4-chlo ro-benzene- sulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman

4-Benzyloxy-1-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chr oman-3-yl]-butan- 2-one (1Og, 19.2mmole), ethylene glycol (20ml) and toluene sulfonic acid (1g) were dissolved in 300 ml toluene. The reaction was refluxed for four hours with a Dean- Stark trap. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and 200ml water and 200ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (2x50ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 50/50 in 55 minute). Yield: 6.3g, 58%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.74 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.39 (m, 5H), 7.02 (m, 1 H), 6.42 (m, 1 H), 4.89 (dd, J = 11.0 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.84 (s, 1 H), 4.40 (d, J = 2.0 Hz, 2H), 4.21 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.85 (m, 4H), 3.46 (t, J = 5.9Hz, 2H), 3.03 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 1H), 1.75-1.90 (m, 3H), 1.54-1.61 (m, 1H).

Step 6: Trans-10a-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6a,9,10, 10a- tetrahydrospiro[6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8(7H),2'-[1,3]dioxolane ]

3-[2-(2-Benzyloxy-ethyl)-[1,3]dioxolan-2-ylmethyl]-4-(4-chlo ro-benzenesulfonyl)- 5,8-difluoro-chroman (6.3g, 11.2mmole) was dissolved in 200 ml EtOAc and Pd(OH) ₂ (0.5g) was added. Hydrogen was introduced via a balloon. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes. The catalyst was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 200ml DCM and MsCI (1.4g, 12mmole) and NEt ₃ (1.7g, 17mmole) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for ten minutes. 200 ml water and 100 ml DCM were added. The organic layer was washed with 1N HCI (100ml), water (100 ml), brine (100ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 200ml THF and KOt-Bu (1M in THF, 14ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for twenty minutes. 200 ml water and 200 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (200ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 25/75 in 45 minutes). Yield: 3.1g, 61%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (m, 1 H), 6.42 (m, 1 H), 5.23 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.12 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.88- 4.01 (m, 4H), 2.97 (dt, J = 13.2 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 2.53 (dt, J = 13.1 and 2.9Hz, 1H), 2.33 (tt, J = 13.2 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 1.62-1.81 (m, 3H), 1.23-1.35 (m, 1 H).

Step 7: Trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,9,10, 10a-tetrahydro- 6H, 7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one

Trans-10a-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,9,10,1 Oa- tetrahydrospiro[6H-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8(7H),2'-[1 ,3]dioxolane] (3.1g, 6.8mmole) was dissolved in 200ml acetone and 10ml water. Toluenesulfonyl chloride (1g) was added and the mixture was refluxed overnight. Acetone was removed. 100 water and 100 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with water (50 ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was pure enough for next step. Yield: 2.8g, 100%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.63 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 1 H), 6.64 (m, 1 H), 5.27 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.13 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.18 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.79 (dt, J = 12.4 and 3.7Hz, 1H), 2.4-2.57 (m, 4H), 2.04-2.17 (m, 1H).

Example 18:

10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-ol.

Trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,1 Oa-hexahydro- 6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol (1.Og, 2.4mmole) was dissolved in 50ml THF and sodium hydride (0.3g) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. 100ml water and 100 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50ml), dried over Na2SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 50/50 in 35 minutes). Yield: 0.81g of 18A and 60mg of 18B

18A: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.58 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.61 (m, 1H), 5.22 (dd, J = 8.8 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.15 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1H), 3.78 (m, 1 H), 2.78 (dt, J = 13.2 and 2.9Hz, 1H), 2.60 (dt, J = 13.2 and 2.9Hz, 1 H), 1.90-2.06 (m, 3H), 1.42 (m, 1 H), 0.96-1.08 (m, 1 H).

18B: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.50 (d, 2H, J=9.0 Hz), 7.10-7.04 (m, 1H), 6.45-6.39 (m, 1H), 5.28 (dd, 1H, J=2.8 Hz), 4.10 (d, 1H, J=11.6 Hz), 4.04 (dd, 1H, J=2.8 Hz), 3.10-3.06 (m, 1H), 2.54-2.46 (m, 1H), 2.37-2.33 (m, 1H), 1.85-1.59 (m, 3H), 1.49 (br s, 1H), 1.33-1.26 (m, 1H).

Example 19:

Step 1 : Cis-8-Azido-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 1Oa- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene

Trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,1 Oa-hexahydro- 6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol (0.81g, 2.0mmole) was dissolved in 1OmI DCM. Mesyl chloride (0.23g, 2.0mmole) and triethylamine (0.5ml) were added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. 50ml brine and 50 ml DCM were added. The organic layer was washed with 1N HCI solution (50ml), water (50 ml), brine (50ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 20 ml DMF. Sodium azide (0.5g, 7.4mmole) and 50 mg 18-crown-6 were added. The rection was heated to 80 ⁰ C over the weekend. 50 ml EtOAc and 50 ml hexane were added. The organic layer was washed with water (2 x 50 ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was pure product and it was used in next step without further purification. Yield: 0.68g, 79%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1 H), 6.42 (m, 1 H), 5.25 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.12 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1H) ₁ .3.87 (m, 1H), 2.96 (dt, J = 11.7 and 2.9Hz, 1 H), 2.27-2.42 (m, 2H) ₅ 1.79-1.92 (m, 2H), 1.61-1.70 (m, 1H), 1.23-1.31 (m, 1H).

Step 2: (6aR)-10aS-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9,10, 10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-amine (racemic)

Cis-8-Azido-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-d ifluoro-6a,7,8,9, 10,1 Oa- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene (0.63g, 1.43mmole) was dissolved in 25 ml THF and triphenylphosphine (0.45g, 1.72mmole) was added. 2ml water was added and the reaction was refluxed for 4 hours. The reaction was cooled to room temperature. 10ml 1N NaOH soluton was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. 50ml water and 50 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with water (2 x 50 ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column (EtOAc/2.5N NH3 in MeOH from 100/0 to 80/20 in 45 minutes). Yield: 0.46g, 78%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.40 (m, 1H), 5.24 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.07 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1H), 3.24 (bs, 1H), 3.09 (m, 1H), 2.52 (tt, J = 13.9 and 2.9 Hz, 1H) ₁ 2.27 (d, J = 13.9 Hz, 1H), 1.49-1.31 (m, 3H),1.30 (m, 1H).

Example 20:

N-[(6aR)-10aS-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7, 8,9,10,1 Oa-hexahydro- 6H-benzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-yl]-1 , 1, 1 -trifluoro-methanesulfonamide

19A 2OA

(6aR)-10aS-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9, 10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-amine(150mg, 0.36mmole) was dissolved in 25 ml DCM and trifluoromethanesulfonyl chloride (0.15g, 0.54mmole) in 5 ml DCM was added, followed by triethylamine (0.2ml). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. 50ml water and 50 ml DCM were added. The organic layer was separated, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 25/75 in 35 minutes). Yield: 0.18g, 91% of racemic compound 2OA. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.57 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (m, 1H), 6.42 (m, 1H), 6.07 (d, J = 8.1Hz, 1H), 5.25 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.13 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (bs, 1H), 2.96 (dt, J = 13.2 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 2.52 (dt, J = 13.9 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 2.25 (tt, J = 13.9 and 2.2 Hz, 1H), 1.81-2.01 (m, 3H),1.41 (tt, J = 14.6 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H).

The racemic mixture can be separated into two pure enantiomers 2OB and 2OC using Chiral OJ column with hexane/isopropanol (65/35) as solvent. First fraction: [α] = -72.2 deg. (c = 0.90 in DCM)- Compounds 20B.

Second fraction: [α] = 67.2 deg. (c = 0.95 in DCM)- Compounds 2OC

Using methods similar to those in Example 20 (i.e., methods similar to those used for the preparation of compound 20A) and substituting an appropriate acyl or sulfonyl halide, the compounds in Table 11 were prepared.

Table11

Example 21 :

Step 1 : S-ft-ft-Chloro-benzenesulfonyO-δ^-difluoro-chroman-S-ylamin oJ-propan-i-ol

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2H-chromene (0.3g, 0.88 mmole) was dissolved in 15ml THF and 3-aminopropanol (1 ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. 50 saturated Na ₂ CC> ₃ solution and 50 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 50/50 to 100/0 in 45 minutes). Yield: 0.31 g, 84%. ¹ H NMR

(CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.69 (d, J = 8.8 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.1 Hz), 6.99 (td, J = 9.5, 5.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.38 (td, J = 9.5, 3.7 HZ ₁ 1H) ₁ 4.80 (dd, J = 12.5, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.53 (s, 1 H), 4.43 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.78 (s, 1H), 3.61 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.86-2.71 (m, 2H), 2.25 (bs, 1H), 1.57 (p, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H).

Step 2: Methanesulfonic acid 3-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3- ylaminoj-propyl ester

Methanesulfonic acid 4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl ester (0.29g, 0.69mmol) was dissolved in 50ml of dichloromethane. Methanesulfonyl chloride (64μl_, 0.83mmol) and triethylamine (117μL, 0.83mmol) were added respectively and stirred at room temperature overnight. The solution was quenched with water (40 ml) and dichloromethane (40 ml). The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was washed with dichloromethane. The combined organics were dried

over Na ₂ SU ₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The product was used in next step without further purification. Crude yield: 280mg, 81%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.71 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (td, J = 10.3, 5.1 Hz), 6.41 (td, 8.8, 3.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.80 (dd, J = 11.8, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.53 (s, 1 H), 4.48 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (t, 5.9 Hz, 2H) ₁ 3.75 (s, 1 H), 2.93 (s, 3 H) ₁ 2.82-2.67 (m, 2H), 1.79 (p, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H).

Step 3: 4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,3,4,4a, 10, 10a~hexahydro-1H-9- oxa-1 -aza-phenanthrene

Methanesulfonic acid 3-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chrorrtan-3- ylamϊno]-propyl ester (0.28g, 0.57mmol) was dissolved in 25 ml of tetrahydrofuran then 1 M potassium tert-butoxide solution (2.40ml, 2.40mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 h. The reaction was quenched with 50 ml of water and washed with 50 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over Na ₂ SO* and concentrated. The product was purified by prep TLC (EtOAc/Hex. 50/50). Yield: 140mg, 60%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (td, J = 9.5, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 6.47-6.40 (m, 1H), 5.21 (dd, J = 11.8, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.33 (d, J = 11.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.70 (s, 1 H), 3.00 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.76 (td _r J = 12.4 Hz, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 2.68 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.17(tt, J = 13.2, 2.9 Hz 1H) ₁ 1.66-1.44 (m, 2H), 1.21-1.07(m, 1H).

Examples 22 and 23:

4a-(4'Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)- 1 -ethyl-5, 8~difluoro-2, 3, 4, 4a ,10,1 Oa-hexahydro- 1 H-9- oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene and 1-[4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro- 2, 3, 4, 4a, 10,10a-hexahydro-9-oxa-1 -aza-phenanthren-1-yl]-ethanone

22 23

4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-diffuoro-2,3 ₎ 4 ,4a, 10,10a-hexahydro-1 H-9- oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene (73mg, 0.18mmol) was dissolved in 5 ml of tetrahydrofuraπ then acetic anhydride (182mg, 1.78mmol) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. Lithium borohydride (64mg, 2.91 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. The reaction was quenched with 25 ml of water then 25 ml of ethyl acetate was added. The organic layer was dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 50/50 in 40 minutes). Two compounds were isolated.

4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-2,3,4,4a, 10 _t 10a-hexahydro- 1H-9-oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene (22): Yield: 20.8mg, 26%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.07-6.99 (m, 1H), 6.43-6.35 (m, 1H), 5.16 (dd, J = 13.2, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 4.67 (dd, J = 13.2, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 3.34 (s, 1H),

3.15-3.04 (m, 1H), 2.84-2.67 (m, 2H), 2.61-2.51 (m, 2H), 2.04-1.94 (m, 1H), 1.66-1.58 (m, 1 H), 1.39-1.27 (m, 1 H), 1.00 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H).

1-[4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difIuoro-2,3,4,4a,10,10 a-hexahydro~9- oxa-1-aza-phenanthren-1-yl]-ethanone(23): Yield: 36.6mg, 46%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (td, J = 9.5, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 6.60-6.51 (m, 1H), 5.40 (bs, 1H), 4.50 (dd, J = 11.8, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 4.20 (dd, J =

11.8, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 3.62 (bs, 1H) ₁ 2.90 (bs, 1H), 2.70-2.60 (m, 1H), 2.50-2.40 (m, 1H), 2.22-2.03 (m, 4H), 1.52-1.41 (m, 1H).

Example 24: Example 24A and 24B:

Trans- 10b-(4-chforo-benzenesulfonyl)- 7, 10-difluoro-cis-4-methyl-1 ,4a, 5, 1 Ob- tetrahydro-2H, 4H-pyrano[3, 4~c]chromene and trans- 10b-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)- 7, 10-difluoro- trans-4-methyl-1 ,4a,5, 10b-tetrahydro-2H,4H-pyrano[3,4-c]chromene

similar to Example 16, Steps 3-7 separately on each alcohol

Example 24A Example 24B

Step i

A solution of the product from Example 16 Step 2 (500 mg, 1.46 mmol) in DCM (3 mL) was treated with Dess-Martin periodinane (732 mg, 1.72 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 h before excess sodium thiosulfate was added. The slurry was diluted with EtOAc and half-saturated NaHCO3, washed with half-saturated NaHCO3, dried over Na ₂ SO4 and concentrated. The resulting aldehyde (500 mg) could be used as such in the next step.

Step 2

A solution of anhydrous cerium chloride (1.23 g, 5.00 mmol) in THF (6 mL) was stirred 90 min at RT then methylmagnesium bromide 3N in Et ₂ O (1.66 mmol, 5.00 mmol) was added at 0 C. The slurry was stirred at 0 C for another hour then treated with a solution of aldehyde from Step 1 (500 mg) in THF (3 mL), and stirred 1 h at 0 C. The final mixture was poured in saturated NH4CI, extracted with EtOAc, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to AcOEt) to afford, in order of elution, 217 mg (42%) of isomer A followed by 140 mg (27%) of isomer B.

Step 3

The isomer A product from Step 2 (217 mg, 0.61 mmol) was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Step 3 of Example 16 to give 153 mg (51%) of an intermediate. This intermediate (153 mg, 0.31 mmol) was oxidized with MCPBA according to conditions similar to the ones described in Step 4 of Example 16 then hydrogenated with 20% Pd(OH)2 over charcoal in AcOEt at 1 atm for 1 h to provide 116 mg of alcohol intermediate. This alcohol intermediate (116 mg, 0.27 mmol) was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Steps 6 and 7 of Example 16 to provide 64 mg of Example 24A: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.64 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.45 (m, 1H) ₁ 5.17 (dd, 1H) ₁ 4.43 (d, 1H), 3.87 (m, 1H), 3.40 (m, 1 H), 3.18 (t, 1H), 2.45-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.33 (m, 1H), 1.38 (d, J = 6 Hz, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 415.2; retention time = 4.86 min.

The isomer B product from Step 2 (140 mg, 0.40 mmol) was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described above to afford 26.5 mg of Example 24B: ¹ H- NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.50 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.01 (m, 1H), 6.42 (m, 1 H), 4.88 (dd, 1 H), 4.36 (m, 1H), 4.12 (dd, 1H), 3.88 (m, 1H), 3.63 (m, 1H), 2.97 (m, 1H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 2.53 (m, 1H), 1.17 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 415.2; retention time = 4.73 miri.

Following procedures similar to those described for the preparation of

Examples 24A and 24B, the compound in Table 12 was prepared.

TABLE 12

Example 25: Example 25A and 25B:

Trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro~6H- benzo[c]chromen-trans-7-oI and trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro- 6a,7,8,9, 10, lOa-hexahydro-βH-benzofcJchromen-cis^-ol

isomer A

from isomer A from isomer B

Step j

A solution of the product from Example 16 Step 2 (7.0, 20.0 mmol) was subjected to conditions similar to the ones describe in Steps 1 and 2 of Examples 24a and 24b, but using allylmagnesium bromide instead of methylmagnesium bromide to afford after similar flash-chromatography and in the same order of elution, 1.40 g (21 %) of isomer A followed by 850 mg (11 %) of isomer B.

Step 2

To a solution of isomer A product from Step 1 (1.62 g, 4.23 mmol) in THF (50 ml_) was added NaH 60% (540 mg, 13.4 mmol) followed by benzylbromide (1.5 mL, 13.4 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at 55 C overnight. The cooled mixture was poured into water, extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na ₂ SCXj and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with

Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to 50:50) to afford 1.07g (53%) of allylbenzylether isomer A.

The isomer B product from Step 1 (950 mg, 2.48 mmol) was subjected to conditions similar to the one described above for the preparation of allylbenzylether isomer A to give 700 mg (59%) of allylbenzylether isomer B.

Step 3

To a solution of allylbenzylether isomer A product from Step 2 (900 mg, 1.90 mmol) in THF(2 mL) was added borane dimethylsulfide 2N in THF (4.7 mL, 9.4 mmol) and the reaction was stirred 90 min at RT and 30 min at 55 C. The reaction was then quenched with 3N NaOH (4 mL) followed by 30% H ₂ O ₂ (4 mL) and stirred for 1 hr.

The final mixture was diluted with water, extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated to provide 1.52 g of crude alcohol isomer A.

The allylbenzylether isomer B product from Step 2 (550 mg, 1.16 mmol) was subjected to conditions similar to the one described above for the preparation of alcohol isomer A to give 800 mg of crude alcohol isomer B.

Step 4

The crude alcohol isomer A product from Step 3 (1.52 g) was oxidized with MCPBA according to conditions similar to the ones described in Step 4 of Example 16 then the resulting intermediate was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Steps 6 and 7 of Example 16 to provide 320 mg of O-benzylated isomer A direct precursor of Example 25A: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.40-7.60 (m, 4H), 7.15-7.30 (m, 3H), 7.03 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.95 (m, 1 H), 6.24 (m, 1H), 5.18 (m, 1 H), 4.39 (m, 2H), 4.27 (d, 1 H), 3.94 (br s, 1 H), 2.75 (m, 1 H), 2.63 (m, 1 H), 1.95-2.10 (m, 2H), 1.40-1.65 (m, 3H).

The crude alcohol isomer B product from Step 3 (800 mg) was oxidized with MCPBA according to conditions similar to the ones described in Step 4 of Example 16 then the resulting intermediate was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Steps 6 and 7 of Example 16 to provide 223 mg of O-benzylated isomer B direct precursor of Example 25B: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.40 (m, 5H), 7.07 (m, 1 H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 5.06 (m, 1 H), 4.88 (d, 1 H), 4.63 (d, 1 H), 4.48 (d, 1 H), 3.25 (m, 1 H) ₁ 2.63 (br d, 1 H), 2.55 (d, 1H), 2.16 (m, 1H), 1.70-1.95 (m, 2H), 1.00-1.45 (m, 2H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 505.3; retention time = 5.31 min.

Step 5 The O-benzylated isomer A product from Step 4 (320 mg) in EtOAc was hydrogenated at 1 atm with over 20% Pd(OH)2 over charcoal for 1 h then filtered over Celite and concentrated to provide 220 mg of Example 25A: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.40-7.55 (m, 4H), 7.02 (m, 1H), 6.83 (m, 1H), 5.28 (dd, 1 H), 4.49 (d, 1 H), 4.27 (br s, 1H), 2.60-2.70 (m, 2H), 1.90-2.15 (m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 1.40-1.70 (m, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 415.2; retention time = 4.12 min. .

The O-benzylated isomer A product from Step 4 (223 mg) in EtOAc (5 mL) was hydrogenated at 1 atm with over 20% Pd(OH)2 over charcoal (30 mg) for 1 h then filtered over Celite and concentrated to provide 146 mg of Example 25B: ¹ H-NMR

(CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H) ₁ 6.98 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.40 (m, 1 H), 5.07 (m, 1 H), 4.86 (d, 1 H), 3.43 (m, 1 H), 2.59 (br d, 1 H), 2.40 (d, 1 H), 2.28 (m, 1 H), 1.85-2.05 (m, 2H), 1.76 (m, 1 H), 1.38 (m, 1 H), 1.08 (m, 1 H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 415.2; retention time = 4.13 min.

EXAMPLE 26:

Trans- 1 Oa-ft-chloro-benzenesulfonyO-IA-difluoro-cis-J-methoxy-βa, 7, 8, 9,10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene

Step i

To a solution of Example 25A (15 mg, 0.036 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was added 60% NaH (3 mg, 0.072 mmol) followed by MeI (22 uL, 0.36 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at RT for 2 h then worked-up in water and EtOAc. The mixture was subjected to flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 99:1 to 50:50) to yield 13.5 mg of Example 26: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (m, 1H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 5.05 (m, 1 H), 4.81 (d, 1 H), 2.97 (m, 1 H), 2.62 (br d, 1 H) ₁ 2.45 (d, 1 H), 2.16 (m, 1 H), 1.89 (m, 1 H), 1.78 (m, 1H), 1.25 (m, 1H), 1.06 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 429.2; retention time = 5.15 min.

Example 27A and 27B :

Trans-11a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyf)-1,4-difluoro-6,6a, 7,8,9,10, 11,11 a-octahydro- cycfohepta[c]chromen-cis-8-ol and trans-11 a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro- 6,QaJ, 8,9, 10, 11, 11a-octahydro-cyclohepta[c]chromen-trans-8-ol

similar to Example 25 Steps 2-5

(on the mixture of isomers A and B)

Example 27 A Example 27B

Step j

A solution of the product from Example 8 Step 2 (35.0 g, 109 mmol) in THF (500 ml_) was cooled to -78 C and nBuLi 2.5N in hexanes (45.3 ml_, 113.2 mmol) was added over 5 min. The reaction was stirred 10 min at -78 C and 2(5H)furanone (8.2 mL, 120 mmol) was added over 10 min. The mixture was slowly allowed to warm to

-45 C over 2 h and kept at this temperature for another hour. The final mixture was quenched with saturated NH ₄ CI, extracted with EtOAc and DCM, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 90:10 to EtOAc) to afford, in order of elution, 17.9 g of starting material and 10.4 g of lactone product.

Step 2

To a solution of lactone product from Step 1 (17.5 g, 43.2 mmol) in THF (500 mL) was added lithium borohydride (3.74 g, 172 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at RT overnight. The final mixture was slowly poured into 0.1 N HCI, extracted with

EtOAc and DCM, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with DCM/EtOAc 99:1 to EtOAc) to provide 18.0 g (100%) of diol.

Step 3

A solution of diol product from Step 2 (18.0 g, 43.2 mmol) and imidazole (7.5 g, 110 mmol) in DMF (150 mL) was treated with TBDPSCI (11.4 mL, 44.0 mmol) and the reaction was heated overnight at 45 C. The mixture was diluted with water, extracted with Et ₂ O, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash- chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 99:1 to 50:50) to provide 28.7 g (100%) of monoprotected diol, as a mixture of isomers.

Step 4

A solution of monoprotected diol product from Step 3 (5.5 g, 8.5 mmol) in THF (50 mL) was treated with NaH 60% in hexanes (375 mg, 9.4 mmol) and the reaction was heated at 60 C overnight. The final mixture was poured into 10% citric acid, extracted with DCM, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated and the residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 99:1 to 50:50) to provide 4.8 g (90%) of O-protected chromene.

Step 5

A solution of O-protected chromene product from Step 4 (15.7 g, 25.0 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was treated with TBAF 1N in THF (30 mL, 30.0 mmol) and the reaction

was stirred 3 h at 60 C. The final mixture was worked-up in water in EtOAc, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated and the residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 99:1 to EtOAc) to provide 9.91 g (100%) of alcohol.

Step 6

To a solution of alcohol product from Step 5 (3.0 g, 7.7 mmol) in DCM (50 ml_) was added Dess-Martin periodinane (6.5 g, 15.4 mmol) and the reaction was stirred 2 h at RT. The reaction was quenched with saturated sodium thiosulfate, diluted with saturated NaHCO3, extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to yield 3.25 g (100%) of crude aldehyde.

Step 7

To a solution of crude aldehyde product from Step 6 (3.25 g, 8.4 mmol) in THF (60 ml_) at -78 C was slowly added allylmagnesium bromide 1N in Et2O (12.6 mL,

12.6 mmol) and the reaction was stirred 2 h at -50 C then warmed to 0 C another 2 h. The final mixture was poured into saturated NH4CI, extracted with EtOAc, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 99:1 to EtOAc) to provide 1.50 g (50%) of allylalcohol as a mixture of isomers A and B.

Step 8

The allylalcohol mixture of isomers product from Step 7 was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Steps 2 to 5 of Examples 25A and 25B to provide, after separation by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with

Hexanes/EtOAc 99:1 to EtOAc), Example 27A followed by Example 27B. Example 27A: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.66 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 6.91 (rη, 1 H), 5.18 (dd, 1 H), 4.15-4.25 (m, 2H), 3.65 (br d, 1 H), 2.96 (m, 1H), 2.15 (m, 1 H), 1.98 (m, 1 H), 1.70-1.90 (m, 3H), 1.35-1.65 (m, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 429.2; retention time = 4.19 min. Example 27B: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1H), 6.90 (m, 1H), 5.10 (dd, 1H), 4.26 (d, 1H), 3.94 (m, 1 H), 2.99 (br d, 1 H), 2.88 (m, 1H), 2.18 (m, 1 H), 1.80-2.00 (m, 3H), 1.60-1.80 (m, 3H), 1.16 (m, 1 H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 429.2; retention time = 4.03 min.

Example 28: :

Trans-11a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6,6a, 7,8,9, 10, 11,11 a-octahydro- cyclohepta[c]chromen-cis-8-trifluoromethanesulfonamide

Example 27A Step 1

Example 27A was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Examples 19 and 20 SCH 1372731 to provide Example 28: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.92 (m, 1H), 5.64 (br s, 1 H), 5.10 (dd, 1 H), 4.19 (dd, 1 H), 4.03 (br s, 1 H), 3.49 (d, 1 H), 3.27 (br d, 1H), 2.95 (m, 1H), 2.05-2.25 (m, 2H), 1.80-2.00 (m, 3H), 1.65-1.75 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 560.3; retention time = 4.78 min.

Example 29:

4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro-4, 4a, 10,1 Oa-tetrahydro- 1 H, 3H-9-oxa-2- thia-phenanthrene

Step 1

2-[4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl methylsulfanyl]-ethanol

Methanesulfonic acid 4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3- ylmethyl ester described in Example 10, Step 6 (230 mg, 0.51 mmol) was dissolved in 7.0 mL of methanol and treated with 992 mg (12.7 mmol) of 2-mercaptoethanol and 2.0 mL of 1 M aqueous NaOH. The mixture was heated with a reflux condenser at 77 ⁰ C overnight. The mixture was cooled and partitioned between water and DCM. Aqueous phase was extracted with DCM. Combined organic phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using 20% of EtOAc in hexanes as the eluent (140 mg, 63%)

Step 2

Methanesulfonic acid 2-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro-chroman-3- ylmethylsulfanylj-ethyl ester

The product of step 1 was mesylated according to the procedure of Example 10, Step 6, except that the reaction was conducted at O ⁰ C.

Step 3

(4aS)-10bS-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-7,10-difluoro-1,4a, 5,10b-tetrahydro-2H,4H- thiopyrano[3, 4-c][1]benzopyran (racemic)

The product of Step 2 (140 mg, 0.273 mmol) was dissolved in 2.7 ml_ of THF, cooled to 0 ⁰ C, and treated with 0.273 ml_ (0.273 mmol) of 1 M solution of potassium tert-butoxide in THF. The mixture was stirred at 0 ⁰ C for 10 min, quenched with water, extracted with DCM. Organic phase was dried over MgSθ ₄ and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography using 10% of EtOAc in hexanes as the eluent (50 mg, 44%). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.59 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.50 (d, J=8,5 Hz, 2 H), 7.11 (m, 1 H), 6.46 (m, 1 H), 5.32 (dd, J=2.8 and 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.21 (d, J=11.7 Hz, 1 H), 2.94-2.86 (m, 2 H), 2.77 (2, J=12.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.6-2.28 (ser. m., 4 H).

Oxone acetone :water

Examples 30-31

Diastereomer A Diastereomer B Example 32

Example 30 Example 31

A solution 30 mg (0.072 mmol) of Example 29 in 0.38 ml_ of acetone was treated with 0.095 ml_ of water and 48.7 mg (0.079 mmol) of Oxone™. After 4 hrs of stirring, the mixture was partitioned between water and DCM. Organic phase was dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated. The following three products were separated by prep. TLC using 30% of EtOAc in hexanes as the eluent.

Example 30

(4aS)-10bS-[(4-ChlorophenyOsulfonyl]-7,10-difluoro-1 _t 4a,5,10b-tetrahydro-2H,4H- thiopyrano[3,4-c][1]benzopyran, 3-oxide (racemic) (sulfoxide diastereomer A)

LCMS m/z=433.2 (M+H)\ ret. time 3.65 min, ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.68 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.54 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.14 (m, 1 H), 6.53 (m, 1 H), 5.44 (dd, j=2.7 and 12.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.14 (d, J=12.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.57 (d, J=12.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.17 (tt, J=14.8 and 3.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.02 (dt, J=14.0 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 2.91 (dm, J=14.5 Hz, 1 H), 2.60 (dm, J=14.3 Hz, 1 H), 2.45 (dd, J=12.0 and 14.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.24 (td, J=14.0 and 2.0 Hz, 1 H).

Example 31

(4aS)-10bS-[(4'Chlorophenyl)sulfonyt]-7,10-difluoro-1,4a, 5,10b-tetrahydro-2H,4H- thiopyrano[3,4-c][1]benzopyran, 3-oxide (racemic) (sulfoxide diastereomer B)

LCMS m/z=433.2 (M+H)\ ret. time 3.57 min, ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.58 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.52 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.17 (m, 1 H), 6.52 (m, 1 H), 5.31 (dd, J=3.1 and 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.22 (dd, J=11.9 and 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.49 (s, 1 H), 3.39 (tt, J=13.0 and 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.34-3.28 (ser. m, 1 H), 3.13 (dm, J=12.2 Hz, 1 H) ₁ 2.84 (dd, J=13.5 and 6.9 Hz, 1 H), 2.69 (t, J=13.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.37 (t, J=12.0 Hz, 1 H).

Example 32

(4aS)-10bS-[(4-Chlorophenyt)sulfonyl]-7,10-difluoro-1,4a, 5,10b-tetrahydro-2H,4H- thiopyrano[3,4-c][1]benzopyran, 3,3-dioxide (racemic)

LCMS m/z=449.1 (M+H) ⁺ , ret. time 4.10 min, ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, ./=8.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.54 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.20 (m, 1 H), 6.56 (m, 1 H), 5.38 (dd, J=2.7 and 12.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.18 (d, J=12.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.46 (dm, J=12.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.13- 2.69 (ser. m., 6 H).

Example 33:

Example 33

Step 1 tert-Butyl-^RyS-^^-chloro-benzenesulfonyO-δ.S-difluoro-chro man-S-yloxyJ-butoxy}- dirnethylsifane

To a solution of 1.80 g (8.77 mmol) of (R)-4-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)- butan-2-ol in THF (10 ml_) at O ⁰ C was added dropwise 0.28 ml_ (0.96 mmol) of 2.5 M n-BuLi in hexanes. The mixture was stirred for a few minutes and 300 mg of the product of Example 17, step 3 was added. Continued stirring at O ⁰ C for 30 minutes. The reaction was quenched with water, extracted with EtOAc, washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated. The product (550 mg) was isolated by flash chromatography using gradient from 0% to 40% of EtOAc in hexanes as the eluent

Step 2

(R)-3-[4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chmman-3 ~y1oxy]-butan-1-ol

To the product of Step 1 (95 mg, 0.174 mmol) was dissolved in 2.0 mL of 3% TFA solution of DCM. The mixture was stirred for 40minutes. The reaction was washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated. The product (60 mg) was isolated by prep. TLC using 40% EtOAc in hexanes as the eluent.

Step 3

(4aR)-10bR-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-7, 10-difluoro-1 , 2, 3, 4a, 5, 10b-hexahydro-3(R)- methylpyrano[2, 3-c][1]benzopyran

The product of Step 2 was mesylated according to the procedure of Example 10, Step 6 followed by cyclization according Example 29, Step 3. The desired compound was isolated from diastereomeric mixture by prep. TLC using 15% EtOAc in hexanes as the eluent.

¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.49 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2 H) ₁ 7.05 (m, 1 H), 6.38 (m, 1 H), 5.05 (dd, J=12.2 and 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.58 (m, 1 H), 4.40 (dd, J=12.2 and 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.12 (m, 1 H), 2.58 (tt, J=13.0 and 3.1 Hz, 1 H) ₁ 2.44 (tt, J=13.7 and 4.0 Hz, 1 H), 1.71-1.62 (ser. m., 1 H), 4.53-1.46 (ser. m., 1 H), 1.37 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 3 H).

Example 34:

Example 34

Step j

S-ft-μ-Chloro-benzenesulfonyQ-δβ-difluoro-chroman-S-yl oxyJ-propan-i-ol

This compound was prepared similarly to the procedure of Example 33 using 1,3-propanediol as the starting material.

Step 2 (4aS)-10bS-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-7, 10-difJuoro-1,2,3,4a,5, 10b- hexahydropyrano[2, 3-c][1]benzopyran (racemic)

The product of Step 1 , was mesylated according to Example 10, Step 6 and cyclized according to Example 29, Step 3. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.59 (d, J=8.7

Hz, 2 H), 7.49 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.07 (m, 1 H), 6.39 (m, 1 H), 5.07 (dd, J=12.2 and 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.48 (d, J=13.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.30 (s, 1 H), 3.94 (dd, J=11.2 and 4.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.59 (td, J=11.9 and 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.49 (d, J=5.5 Hz, 1 H), 2.72 (dm, J=13.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.30 (tt, J=13.0 and 3.3 Hz, 1 H), 1.53-1.40 (ser. m., 1 H).

Example 35:

Example 35

Step j

S-ft-ft-Chloro-benzenesulfonyty-S.δ-difluoro-chroman-S-y lsulfanylJ-propan-i-ol

This compound was prepared similarly to Example 33, Step 1 , except that 3- mercapto-propan-1-ol was used as the reagent and potassium carbonate as the base.

Step 2

(4aS)-10bS-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-7,10-difluoro-i,2,3 ,4a,5,10b- hexahydrothiopyrano[2, 3-c][1Jbenzopyran (mcemic)

The product of Step 1 , was mesylated according to Example 10, Step 6 and cyclized according to Example 29, Step 3. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.57 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.49 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.10 (m, 1 H) ₁ 6.44 (m, 1 H), 5.44 (dd, J=12.2 and 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.25 (d, J=12.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.01 (s, 1 H), 2.86 (td, J=12.5 and 2.7 Hz, 1 H), 2.67 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.46 (d, J=13.5 Hz, 1 H), 2.04-1.90 (ser. rα, 2 H), 1.53-1.40 (ser. m., 1 H).

Examples 36 and 37:

Example 36 Example 37

The product obtained in Example 35 was treated with oxone according to the procedure described in Examples 30-32. The two products, sulfoxide (Example 36) and sulfone (Example 37), were separated by prep. TLC using 30% EtOAc in hexanes as the eluent.

Example 36

(4aR)-10bR-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-7, 10-difluoro-1 , 2,3,4a, 5, 10b- hexahydrothiopyrano[2,3-c][1]benzopyran, 4-oxide (racemic)

LCMS m/z=433.2 (M+H)\ ret. time 3.65 min. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.59 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.52 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 2 H) ₁ 7.13 (m, 1 H), 6.46 (m, 1 H), 5.43 (d, J=13.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.16 (d, J=13.1 Hz, 1 H), 3.51 (s, 1 H), 3.45 (d, J=13.1 Hz, 1 H), 2.83 (td, J=13.0 and 3.3 Hz, 1 H), 2.70 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 1 H), 2.23-2.08 (ser. m., 2 H), 1.5- 1.43 (ser. m., 1 H). Example 37

(4aR)-10R-[(4-chlorophenyI)sulfonyl]-7,10-difiuoro-1,2,3, 4a,5,10b- hexahydrothiopyrano[2,3-c][1Jbenzopyran, 4, 4-dioxide (racemic)

LCMS m/z=449.2 (M+H) ⁺ , ret. time 4.19 min. ¹ H NMR(CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) 7.53- 7.49 (m, 4 H), 7.12 (m, 1 H), 6.42 (m, 1 H), 5.27 (s, 2 H), 3.99 (t, J=2.9 Hz, 1 H), 3.19- 3.05 (ser. m., 2 H), 2.85 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 1 H), 2.32-2.16 (ser. m., 2 H), 1.96 (m, 1 H).

Example 38: 1, 4-Difluoro- 10a-(4-trifluoromethyf-benzenesulfonyl)-6a, 9,10,1 Oa- tetrahydro-6H, 7H-benzo[cJchromen-8-one O-methyl-oxime

To a solution of trans-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro- ea.θ.iO.IOa-tetrahydro-eHJH-benzolclchromen-δ-one (40 mg, 0.10 mmol) in EtOH (2mL) was added O-methyl hydroxylamine hydrochloride (20 mg, 0.23mmol), and NEt ₃ (20 uL, 0.14 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight and then PS- dimethylaminoethyl resin was added, the stirring was continued for 2h and then the resin removed by filtration. The solvent was removed under a stream of N2 and the residue purified by preparative TLC eluting with 25% ethyl acetate in hexanes (22 mg, 47 %).

Table 14

The compounds in the examples in Table 15 were prepared by a similar procedure as for Example 38.

Table 15

Example 39:

4-Methylbenzθnesulfonic acid, [(E)(6aR)-10aS-[(4-chlorophenyl )sulfonyl]-1 ,4-difluoro- 6a, 9,10,10a-tetrahydro-6H-dibenzo[h, d]pyran-8(7H)-ylidine]hydrazide.

To a solution of trans-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro- 6a,9,10,10a-tetrahydro-6H,7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one in (160 mg, 0.38 mmol) in THF (1.5 mL) was added pTolylsulfonyl hydrazine (80 mg, 0.43 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at rt for 2 h and then concentrated. The residue was purified on silica gel to give a white.solid -1 :1 mixture of isomers (205 mg, 96 %). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.77 (dd, 2H), 7.57 (d, 2H), 7.49 (d, 1 H), 7.38 (s, 1 H, isomer B) 7.34 (s, 1H, isomer A), 7.30 (dd, 2H), 7.10-7.04 (m, 1H), 6.46-6.4 (m, 2H), 5.23 (dd, 3H, isomer B), 5.15 (s, 3H, isomer A), 4.10 (dd, 1H), 2.91-2.77 (m, 1H), 2.71-2.44 (m, 2H), 2.28-2.16 (m, 5H); LCMS(MH ⁺ ) 581 au.

Example 40:

10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4, 7-trifIuoro-6a,9, 10, 10a-tetrahydro-6H,7H~ benzo[c]chromen-8-one

To a solution of trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,9, 10,1 Oa- tetrahydro-6H,7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one in DMF (4 ml_) was added Selectfluor®. The reaction mixture was heated at 50 ⁰ C overnight, cooled to rt and water was added to precipitate the desired product. The product was isolated by filtration washing with water then dried under vacuum to provide a colorless solid. ¹ H NMR CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.53 (d, 2H), 7.19-7.14 (m, 1 H), 6.55-6.49 (m, 1 H), 5.20 (d, 1 H), 4.74 (dd, ² JH-F= 46.7 Hz, ³ J _H-F = 11.8 Hz, 1 H) 4.66 (d, 1 H), 3.18 (t, 1 H), 2.9 (m, 1H), 2.53 (m, 1 H), 2.41 (m, 1H), 2.18 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) 431.

Using a similar procedure, the compound of Example 4OB was prepared:

H NMR CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ : 7.84 (s,4H), 7.22-7.16 (m, 1 H), 6.56-6.50 (dt 1H), 4.75

( dddd,, ²² JJHH--FF== 4455..77 HHzz,, ³³ JJ _HH --FF== 1100..88 HHzz,, 11HH)),, 44..6617 (d, 1H), 3.23 (t, 1H), 2.88 (dt, 1H), 2.60-2.53 (m, 1 H), 2.45 (tt,1 H), 2.18 (td, 1 H).

Examples 41 A and 41 B:

The compounds of Examples 41 A and 41 B (Table 16) were prepared according to the protocol described for the preparation of Example 18.

Table 16

Examples 42A, 42B and 42C:

The compounds of Examples 42A, 42B and 42C were prepared according to the procedure of Example 20.

Table 17

Examples 43A. 43B. 43C and 43D:

Examples 43A and 43B

To a solution of the trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro- 6a,9,10,10a-tetrahydro-6H,7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one (100 mg, 0.24 mmol) at 0 ⁰ C was added MeMgBr (500 μl_, 1 M in THF), the bath was allowed to expire and reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and treated with 1N HCI followed by NH4CI (sat. aq.). The aqueous was extracted with 2 additional portions of ethyl acetate. The dried organics were combined, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated. The products were purified and separated by chromatography on silica gel eluting with dichloromethane /methanol mixtures.

Table 18

Using a similar procedure to that for Examples 43A and 43B, the compounds of Examples 43C and 43D (Table 19) were prepared.

Table 19

Example 44

10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesu\fony\)-7,10-dffluoro-1Aa,5,10bAet rahydro-2H,4H- chromeno[3,4-c]pyridin-3-ylamine

To a stirred solution of 0.09 g (0.22 mmol) of the amine and 0.035 g (0.5 mmol) of sodium nitrite in 3 ml_ of water and 5 mL of THF was added 0.024 g (0.4 mmol) of acetic acid slowly. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. It was quenched with 15 mL of saturated sodium bicarbonate, and extracted with two 40 mL portions of methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were concentrated, the residue was dissolved in 5 mL of THF and cooled to 0 ⁰ C. To this solution was added 0.6 mL (0.6 mmol) of lithium aluminum hydride in THF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and quenched with 15 mL of water. It was extracted with two 40 mL portions of methylene chloride, and the combined organic extracts were concentrated to give 0.089 g of the title compound.

Table 20

Examples 45 and 46

Using procedures described in Example 20, the compounds in Table 21 were prepared starting with the hydrazine of Example 44.

Table 21

Example 47:

10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4~difluoro-8-trimethylsi lanyl-6a, 7,8,9,10, 10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol

To a solution of 0.06 g (0.145 mmol) of the ketone and 1 ml_ (0.5 mmol) of trifluorotrimethylsilane in THF was added 0.005 g (cat.) of CsF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, and quenched with 3 ml_ of 3N HCI. The mixture was stirred overnight, and then diluted with 40 mL of methylene chloride. It was washed with 20 mL of brine. The aqueous layer was extracted with 20 mL of methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were concentrated to give a crude product, which was dissolved in 5 mL of methanol. The unreacted ketone was reduced with 0.01 g (0.25 mmol) of sodium borohydride. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the residue was purified by preparative TLC eluting with 40% ethyl acetate in hexanes to give the title compound, Example 47 in the Table 22.

Table 22

Example 48:

10a-(4~Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4,8-trifluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromene

To a solution of 0.054 g (0.13 mmol) of the alcohol and 0.06 g (0.4 mmol) of DBU in 5 mL of toluene was added 0.06 g (0.2 mmol) of perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride in 1 mL of toluene at 0 ⁰ C. The mixture was stirred at 0 - 5 ⁰ C for 1 h and left in refrigerator (4 ⁰ C) overnight. It was concentrated, the residue was purified by preparative TLC eluting with 20% ethyl acetate in hexanes to give 0.036 g of the product.

Table 23

Examp.e 49:

Alternate synthesis of the product of Example 17

10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,9, 10, 10a-tetrahydro-6H, 7H- benzo[c]chromen-8-one

A mixture of 10.8 g (31.5 mmol) of the vinylsulphone product of step 3 of Example 17 and 24 g (165 mmol) of the 3-trimethylsiloxy-1 ,3-butadiene in 100 ml_ of trifluorotoluene in a sealed tube was heated at 150 ⁰ C for 15 h. It was concentrated, the residue was dissolved in 50 ml_ of THF. To this solution was added 3 mL of 1 N HCI, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. It was diluted with 300 mL of methylene chloride, washed with 50 mL of brine, and concentrated. The residue was recrystalized from ethyl acetate to give 6.8 g of the ketone. Chromatography of the mother liquid gave additional 3.4 g of the ketone.

Example 50

2-[ 10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1, 4-difluoro-8-oxo-6a, 7, 8, 9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-7~yl]-acetamide

To a stirred solution of 3.0 g (7.27 mmol) of the ketone in 40 mL of THF was added 10 mL (10 mmol) of LiHMDS at -78 ⁰ C. After 45 min., a solution of 1.83 g (11 mmol) of iodoacetonitrile was added. The mixture was stirred at -78 ⁰ C for 2 h, then warmed to room temperature over 5 h. It was quenched with 15 mL of water, and the

mixture was stirred overnight. It was diluted with 100 ml_ of water, the precipitate was collected by filtration to give the title compound (Table 24).

Table 24

Example 51

3-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-8-hydroxy- 6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro- 6H-benzo[c]chromen-7-ylJ-propionitrile

To a suspension of the 0.41 g (1 mmol) of the ketone in 15 ml_ of t-BuOH were added 0.08 g (1.5 mmol) of acrylonitrile and 0.03 g (0.265 mmol) of potassium tert- butoxide. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 days, additional 0.03 g of potassium tert-butoxide and 5 ml_ of THF was added. It was stirred for 2 h, quenched with 30 ml_ of brine, and extracted with three 40 ml_ portions of methylene chloride. It was concentrated to give a crude product, that we used directly in the next step.

Step 2

The prodict of step 1 was dissolved in 4 mL of THF. It was cooled to -78 ⁰ C, and 3 mL (3 mmol) of L-Selectride in THF was added. After 2 h, it was quenched with 15 mL og brine, and extracted with three 40 mL portions of methylene chloride. The combined organic extracts were concentrated, the residue was purified by chromatography eluting with 15% to 50% ethyl acetate in hexanes to give the title compound (Example 51 Table 25).

Using a similar procedure as described in step 2, the compounds of Examples 52 and 53 (Table 25) are prepared.

Table 25

Examples 54 and 55:

The compounds of Examples 54 and 55 (Table 26) are prepared using the method described for Example 18.

Table 26

Example 56:

4-(1 ,4-Difluoro-8-oxo-6, 6a, 7, 8, 9, 10-hexahydro-benzo[c]chromene- 10a-sulfonyl)- benzonitrile

A mixture of 1.5 g (3.63 mmol) of the chloro ketone , 0.19 g (0.2 mmol) of Pd ₂ (dba) ₃ , 0.23 g (0.4 mmol) of dppf, 0.3 g (2.5 mmol) of zinc cyanide and 0.065 g (1 mmol) of zinc power in 18 ml_ of DMA in a sealed tube was heated at 150 ⁰ C for 1 h in

microwave (Biotage). It was diluted with 100 mL of water, and extracted with three 80 ml_ portions of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were concentrated, the residue was purified by chromatography eluting with 10% to 40% ethyl acetate in hexanes to give 0.8 g of the title compound.

Table 27

Example 57:

The compound of Example 57 (Table 28) was prepared using the methods from Example 19.

Table 28

Examples 58 and 59:

The compounds of Examples 58 and 59 (Table 29) were prepared using the methods from Example 20.

Table 29

Example 60:

1 _r 4-Difluoro-7, 7-dimethyl-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-6a,9, 10, 1Oa- tetrahydro-6H,7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one.

1 ,4-Difluoro-7-methyl-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl) -6a,9,10,10a- tetrahydro-6H,7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one (48 mg, 0.104 mmol) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (2 m!_). This solution was cooled in a dry ice/acetone bath, and then a 1.0 M solution of L-Selectride in tetrahydrofuran (0.16 ml_) was added. The reaction was allowed to warm slowly as the cooling bath warmed. After 2 h, acetone was added to the reaction. The cooling bath was removed, and then aqueous 10% NH ₄ OH was added. After being stirred for 1 h, this mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na ₂ SO.*, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting crude residue was purified by silica gel chromatography with ethyl acetate/hexanes (0/100 to 40/60 over 20 min) to afford Example 60 (32 mg, 66%).

Example 60: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ , 400 MHz) δ 7.86 (d, 2H), 7.78 (d, 2H), 7.10- 7.04 (m, 1H), 6.47-6.41 (m, 1H), 5.18 (dd, 1H), 4.51 (d, 1H), 3.75 (brs, 1H), 2.78 ( br d, 1 H) ₁ 2.54 (dddd, 1 H), 2.26 (br d, 1 H), 1.79 (dq, 1 H), 1.63-1.58 (m, 1 H), 1.32 (br t, 1H), 1.18 (d, 3H). LCMS: (M+1) = 463.3, retention time = 4.46 min.

Example 61 :

2-[1,4-Difluoro-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-6 a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-

6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl]-ethylamine

Example 61 A

Raney-Ni

Example 61

Step i

[1,4-Difluoro-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-6a, 9, 10, 10a-tetrahydro-6H, 7H- benzotcjchromen-δ-ylidenej-acetonitrile.

To a 0 ⁰ C mixture of 60% NaH oil dispersion (60 mg) in tetrahydrofuran (11 mL) was added diethyl cyanomethylphosphonate (0.235 mL). After being stirred for 10 min at O ⁰ C, 1 ,4-difluoro-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-6a,9,10, 10a- tetrahydro-6H,7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one (0.50 g, 1.12 mmol) was added to the resulting clear and colorless solution. After 1 h, saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI was added to the reaction solution. This mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4, filtered, and concentrated. The resulting crude residue (0.574 g) was used without further purification.

Step 2

[1,4-Difluoro-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-henzenesulfonyl)-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- henzo[c]chromen-8-yl]-acetonitrile

Example 61A

To a -78 ⁰ C solution of crude [1,4-difluoro-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl- benzenesulfonyl)-6a,9,10,10a-tetrahydro-6H,7H-benzo[c]chrome n-8-ylidene]- acetonitrile (0.574 g) in tetrahydrofuran (22 mL) was added 1.0 M L-Selectride in tetrahydrofuran (1.8 mL). The reaction was allowed to warm slowly as the cooling bath warmed. After 1.5 h, brine(1.8 mL), aqueous 1 M NaOH (1.8 mL), and then aqueous 30% H2O2 (0.75 mL) were added to the reaction. After being stirred another 0.5 h, aqueous 25% Na ₂ Sθ3 (5 mL) was added. This mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered, and absorbed onto silica gel (5 g). This absorbed crude material was purified by silica gel chromatography with ethyl acetate/hexanes (0/100 to 50/50 over 25 min) to afford Example 61 A (0.330 g, 62% over two steps).

Example 61A: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ , 400 MHz) δ 7.79 (br s, 4H), 7.13-7.08 (m, 1H), 6.45-6.39 (m, 1H), 5.26 (dd, 1H), 4.14 (d, 1H), 2.81 (ddd, 1H), 2.58 (d, 2H), 2.40 (ddd,

1H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.12 (dddd, 1H), 1.82-1.73 (m, 3H), 1.42 (dddd, 1H). LCMS: (M+1) = 472.3, retention time = 4.53 min.

Step 3 2-[1 ,4-Difluoro-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro- 6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl]-ethylamine

Example 61

To a room temperature mixture of [1 ,4-difluoro-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl- benzenesulfonyl)-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl]- acetonitrile. (Example 61.1) (23 mg) in 7 M NH ₃ in MeOH (1 ml_) was added Raney 2800 Nickel. The reaction vessel was then fitted with a balloon of H ₂ . After being stirred overnight at room temperature, this reaction mixture was diluted with MeOH/CH ₂ CI ₂ (1 :1 ) and filtered through Celite. The filtrate was concentrated. This resulting crude material was purified by silica gel chromatography with MeOH/NH.jOH/ CH ₂ CI ₂ (0/0/100 to 10/1/89 over 15 min) and then by reverse phase HPLC using CH ₃ CN/H ₂ O with 0.1 % formic acid (5/95 to 95/5 over 10 min) to afford the formate salt of Example 61 (13.6 mg).

Example 61: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ , 400 MHz) δ 7.98 (br s, 2H), 7.77 (br s, 4H), 7.10-7.04 (m, 1H) ₇ 6.40-6.34 (m, 1H), 5.13 (d, 1 H), 4.07 (d, 1H), 3.25-2.95 (m, 4H), 2.82 (br d, 1H), 2.30 ( brd, 1H), 2.19 (brt, 1H), 1.93 (br s, 2H), 1.76 (br s, 1H), 1.70- 1.61 (m, 2H), 1.51 (br d, 1H). 1.25 (brt, 1H). LCMS: (M+1) = 476.3, retention time = 3.12 min.

Examples 62 and 63: Following procedures similar to those described in Example 20, the compounds in Table 30 were prepared.

Table 30

Example 64:

Following procedures similar to those described in Steps 1 and 2 of Example 61, the compounds of Example 64A and 64B (Table 31) were prepared.

Example 64A Example 64B

Table 31

Examples 65 - 108

Following procedures of Example 23 the compounds in Table 32 are prepared.

Table 32

Examples 109 - 116:

Using the procedure described in Example 21 Step 1 , the compounds in Table 33 were prepared.

Table 33

Examples 117 and 118: Using the procedure described in Example 20, the compounds in Table 34 were prepared

Table 34

Example 119:

(4aS)-10bS-[(4-CHLOROPHENYL)SULFONYL]-7, 10-DIFLUORO-1 ,4a, 5, 1 Ob- TETRAHYDRO-2H-[1JBENZOPYRANO[3,4-b]PYRIDIN-3(4H)-ONE (RACEMlC)

4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,3 _J 4,4a,10,1 Oa-hexahydro-1 H-9- oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene (96.8mg, 0.242mmol) was dissolved in 2.35 ml of water, 11.5mg of acetonitrile, and 11.5 ml of ethyl acetate. Then sodium periodate (399mg, 1.86mmol) and ruthenium dioxide (20.5mg, 0.154mmol) were added respectively and stirred overnight. The reaction was quenched with 50 ml of water and washed with 75 ml of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was treated with 50 ml of isopropanol and left for 2.5 h. The solution was filtered through celite, washed with brine, and dried over sodium sulfate. The product was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the eluent (gradient from 50/50 to 100/0 in 60 minutes). Yield: 30.0mg, 30%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.65 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (td, J = 9.5, 5.1

Hz, 1H), 7.01 (bs, 1H), 6.50-6.41 (m, 1H), 5.10 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.50 (s, 1H), 4.32 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.80-2.70 (m, 1H), 2.60-2.41 (m, 1H), 2.06-1.93 (m, 1H), 1.68 (bs, 1H).

The compounds in Table 35 were made by a similar procedure to that of Example 119.

Table 35

Example 122:

TRANS-9-CHLORO-10b-[(4-CHLOROPHENYL)SULFONYL]-7, 10-DI FLUORO-

1,3,4,4a,5,10b-HEXAHYDRO-2H-[1]BENZOPYRANO[3,4-b]PYRIDINE (RACEMIC)

β-Chloro^a-W-chloro-benzenesulfonyO-δβ-difluoro^S^^a^O^Oa -hθxahydro-IH-Q- oxa- 1 ~aza-phenanthrene

4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,3 _J 4,4a,10,10a-hexahydro-1H-9- oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene (1.019Og, 2.5475mmol) was dissolved in 75 ml dichloromethane and cooled to O ⁰ C then triethylamine (1.1mL) was added. The solution was stirred at 0 ⁰ C for 10 minutes then Il was added slowly and the solution was stirred at O ⁰ C for 3 h. Then the reaction was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with 50 ml of ice water. The organic layer was washed with 50 ml of 1 N HCI solution and dried over sodium sulfate. The product was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 50/50 in 45 minutes). Yield: 124.0mg, 11%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.57 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.23 (dd, J = 9.5, 6.6 Hz, 1 H), 5.19 (dd, J = 8.8, 6.6 Hz, 1H), 4.32 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.69 (s, 1H), 2.99 (d, J = 13.1 Hz, 1H), 2.74 (td, J = 13.1, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 2.64 (d, J = 13.1 Hz, 1H), 2.20-2.11 (m, 1 H), 1.62 (d, J = 13.1 Hz ₇ 2H), 1.19-1.06 (m, 1H).

Table 36

Example 123:

Step 1 : {2-[4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesυlfonyl)-5, 8-difIuoro-2, 3, 4, 4a, 10,1 Oa-hexahydro-9- oxa-1 -aza-phenanthren-1 -yl]-2-oxo-ethyl}-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester

BOC-Glycine was dissolved in 150 ml of DMF. 0.5 ml of diisopropylamine was added followed by HATU (2.54g, 6.68mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 25 minutes then 4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro- 2,3,4,4a, 10,10a-hexahydro-1H-9-oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene (541mg, 1.35mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred overnight. The reaction was quenched with water and washed with 1:1 mixture of ethyl acetate and hexanes solution. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the eluent (0/100 to 25/75 in 35 minutes). Yield: 594.6mg, 79%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.57 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.41 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (td, J = 8.8, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 6.57-6.49 (m, 1H), 5.60-5.55 (m, 1H), 5.35 (bs, 1H) ₁ 4.49 (dd, J = 11.7, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (dd, J = 11.7, 5.9 Hz, 1H), 4.00 (s, 1H), 3.90 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 1 H), 3.54 (bs, 1 H), 2.95-2.80 (m, 1 H), 2.65-2.56 (m, 1 H), 2.52-2.41 (m, 1 H), 2.13-1.98 (m, 1H), 1.51-1.40 (m, 1H), 1.40 (s, 9H).

Step 2: 2-Amino-1-[4a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,3,4, 4a, 10, 10a- hexahydro-9-oxa- 1-aza-phenanthren- 1 -yl]-ethanone

Trifluoroacetic acid (2mL, 27.0mmol) was dissolved in 16 ml of dichloromethane. The solution was added to {2-[4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8- difluoro-2,3,4,4a,10,10a-hexahydro-9-oxa-1-a2a-phenanthren-1 -yl]-2-oxo-ethyl}- carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (260mg, 0.467mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched by washing with Sat. sodium carbonate solution. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. Yield: 20.0mg, 9%. %. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (td, J = 8.8, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 6.61-6.52 (m, 1H), 5.41 (bs, 1 H), 4.52 (dd, J = 11.0, 3.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.21 (dd, J = 11.7, 5.1 Hz, 1 H), 3.53 (bs, 2H), 2.86 (bs, 1H), 2.70-2.61 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.45 (m, 1H), 2.15-2.03 (m, 1H), 1.75- 1.44 ( _m , 4H).

Ste ^p 3: N-{2-[4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,3,4,4a, 10, 10a-hexahydro- 9-oxa-1 -aza-phenanthren-1-yl]-2-oxo-ethyl}-C, C, C-trifluoro-methanesulfonamide

2-Amino-1-[4a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,3,4 ,4a, 10,10a- hexahydro-9-oxa-1-aza-phenanthren-1-yl]-ethanone (40.0mg, 0.0875mmol) was dissolved in 1 ml of dichloromethane and triethylamine (1 ml) and trifluorosulfonic anhydride (343mg, 1.54mmol) were added respectively. The solution was stirred at room temperature overnight. 50 ml of 1 N HCI was added and then washed with 50 ml of dichloromethane. The aqueous layer was washed with an additional 50 ml of dichloromethane. The combined organics were dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated, The product was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the eluent (0/100 to 100/0 in 35 minutes). Yield: 35.2mg, 68%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.47-7.41 (m, 1 H), 7.07 (td, J = 9.50, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 6.62-6.53 (m, 2H), 5.40 (bs, 1 H), 4.52 (dd, J = 11.7, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 4.26-4.12 (m, 2 H), 3.44 (bs,

H), 2.95 (bs, 1H), 2.71-2.59 (m, 1H), 2.61-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.20-2.06 (m, 1H), 1.70 (bs, H), 1.61-1.49 (m, 1H).

The compounds in Table 37 were made following similar procedures to those f Example 123.

Step 1 : 3-{(3-Benzy\oxy-propyl)-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesu\fonyl)-5,Q-di fluoro-chroman-3- yl]-amino}-propan-1 -o/

Benzyl 3-bromopropyl ether (7.8475g, 34.27mmol) was dissolved in 50 ml of THF then 3-aminopropanol (2.56g, 34.13mmol) was added the reaction was stirred at room temperature for three days. The reaction was quenched with 100 ml of Sat. potassium carbonate solution and the solution was washed with ethyl acetate. The organic layer washed with Sat. potassium carbonate solution (2x100 mL) then dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. This amine solution was used without any further purification. The amine solution (3.91 g, 17.5 mmol) was dissolved in 100 ml of THF. 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2H-chromene (2.0486g, 5.97mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. Triethylamine (3 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Then additional amine solution (2.85g, 12.8mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred overnight at room temperature then warmed to reflux and stirred overnight. The reaction was quenched with water (100 ml) and washed with ethyl acetate (100 ml). The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 100/0 in 45 minutes). Yield: 570mg, 17%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ7.64-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.45-

7.40 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.25 (m, 5H), 7.00 (td, J = 9.5, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 6.42 (td, J = 8.8, 3.7 Hz, 1H), 4.74 (dd, J = 12.4, 5.1 Hz ₁ 1H), 4.65 (s, 1H), 4.42 (s, 2H), 4.32-4.26 (m, 1 H), 4.06-4.01 (m, 1H), 3.59 (t, J = 5.4 Hz, 2H), 3.41 (t, J = 5.9 Hz, 2H), 2.87 (bs, 1H), 2.71-2.53 (m, 3H), 2.50-2.42 (m, 1H), 1.74-1.62 (m, 3H), 1.60-1.50 (m, 1H).

Step 2: 1-(3-Benzyloxy-propyl)-4a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-dif luoro-

2,3,4,4a, 10, 10a-hexahydro-1H-9-oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene

3-{(3-Benzyloxy-propyl)-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-di fluoro-chroman-3- yl]-amino}-propan-1-ol (570mg, 1.01 mmol) was dissolved in 50 ml of DCM methanesulfonyl choride (439μl_, 5.68mmol) and triethylamine (2 ml) were added respectively. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with 50 ml of water and washed with 50 ml of DCM. The organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The Methanesulfonic acid 3-{(3- benzyloxy-propyl)-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfoπyl)-5,8-difluor o-chroman-3-yl]-amino}- propyl ester was used without further purification.

The Methanesulfonic acid 3-{(3-benzyloxy-propyl)-[4-(4-chloro- benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl]-amino}-propyl ester was dissolved in 60 ml_ of THF then potassium tertbutoxide (1M solution in tertbutanol, 3.27ml, 3.27mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction was quenched with 100 ml of brine and 100 ml of ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate then concentrated. The product was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the eluent (gradient from 0/100 to 100/0 in 35 minutes). Yield: 438.8mg, 80. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) 57.61 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.37-7.24 (m, 5H), 7.04 (td, 9.5, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 6.43-6.36 (m, 1H), 5.14 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.72 (d, J = 13.9 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (dd, J = 28.5, 11.7 Hz, 2H), 3.42 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.29 (s, 1H), 2.90-2.82 (m, 2H), 2.82-2.75 (m, 1H),

2.57 (d, 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.45 (td, J = 11.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 2.03-1.93 (m, 1H), 1.83-1.64 (m, 2H), 1.63-1.59 (m, 1H), 1.36-1.23 (m, 1H).

Step 3: 3-[4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,3,4,4a,10, 10a-hexahydro-9- oxa-1-aza-phenanthren-1-yl]-propan-1-ol

1-(3-Benzyloxy-propyl)-4a-(4-chIoro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-dif luoro- 2,3,4,4a,10,10a-hexahydro-1H-9-oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene (399.1mg _I 0.728mmol) was dissolved in 20 ml of ethyl acetate. Palladium hydroxide (20 % on carbon, 105mg) was added and the system was purged with hydrogen gas. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h. More palladium hydroxide on carbon was added (203mg) The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3.5 h. Palladium hydroxide (307mg) was added again and stirred for 1 h. The reaction was filter through a celite cake and concentrated. The product was purified by column using Hex./EtOAc as the eluent (gradient from 100/0 to 50/50 in 35 minutes, then to 0/100). This resulted in three products the desired product and two dechloronation products.

3H^a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-2,3,4,4a,10,10a -hexahydro-9- oxa-1-aza-phenanthren-1-yl]-propan-1-ol: Yield: 14.8mg, 4.4%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) 57.62 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (td, 9.5, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 6.46-6.38 (m, 1H), 5.21 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 4.81 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 3.68-3.55 (m,

2H), 3.22 (s, 1H), 3.20-3.11 (m, 1 H), 3.05 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1H), 2.70 (s, 1H), 2.61-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.25(td, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 2.02 (tt, J = 13.2, 3.2 Hz, 1 H), 1.85-1.74 (m, 1 H), 1.69-1.56 (m, 2H), 1.35-1.22 (m, 1 H).

4a-Beπzenesulfonyl-1 -(3-benzyloxy-propyl)-5,8-difIuoro-2,3,4,4a,10,1 Oa- hexahydro-1H-9-oxa-1-aza-phenanthrene: Yield: 7.1mg, 1.9%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ7.68 (t, J = 8.4 Hz ₁ 3 H), 7.69 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.37-7.25 (m, 5H) ₁ 7.02 (td, J = 9.5, 5.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.42-6.34 (m, 1H), 5.19 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 4.72 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (dd, J = 28.6, 11.7 Hz, 2H), 3.42 (t, J = 6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.27 (s, 1H), 2.90-2.83 (m, 2H), 2.78 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, 1 H), 2.62 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, 1H), 2.45 (td, J = 11.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H) ₁ 1.99 (tt, J = 13.1, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 1.82-1.64 (m, 2 H), 1.62-1.56 (m, 1 H), 1.36-1.23 (m, 1H).

3-(4a-Benzenesulfonyl-5,8-difluoro-2,3,4,4a,10,10a-hexahydro -9-oxa-1-aza- phenanthren-1-yl)-propan-1-ol: Yield: 17.9mg, 1.9%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) 57.68 (t, J = 8.8 Hz, 3H), 7.51 (t, J = 7.7 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (td, J = 9.5, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 6.44- 6.34 (m, 1H), 5.24 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.81 (d, J = 13.9 Hz, 1H), 3.68-3.54 (m, 2H), 3.22 (s, 1 H), 3.20-3.10 (m, 1 H), 3.04 (d, J = 10.9 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (bs, 1H), 2.64-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.25 (td, J = 11.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 2.02 (tt, J = 13.1 , 3.3 Hz, 1H), 1.85-1.73 (m, 1H) ₁ 1.67-1.55 (m, 2H), 1.37-1.22 (m, 1H).

The compounds in Table 38 were prepared via a simlar procedure to that of Example 133.

Table 38

Example 139:

(-) enantiomer (+) enantiomer

Step 1 : [4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesuIfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-1,2,3,4,4a,9, 10, 10a-octahydro- phenanthren-1 -yl]-methanol (+) and (-) enantiomers

[4a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-1 ,2,3,4,48,9,10,1 Oa-octahydro- phenanthren-1-yl]-methanol racemic mixture (1.11g, 2.59mmol) was dissolved in isopropanol separated on an OD column using Hexanes/isopropanol in an 80/20 ratio as the eluent.

^a^-Chloro-benzenesulfonyO-δ.β-difluoro-I^.S^^a.θ.iO.I Oa-octahydro- phenanthren-1-yl]-methanol (-): Yield: 470mg, 42%. [α] = -153.4 (c = 1.035 in DCM). 98.3% enantiomerically pure by analytical OJ column. μa^-Chloro-benzenesulfonyO-δ.δ-difluoro-I^.S^^a.θJO.IOa- octahydro- phenanthren-1-yl]-methanol (+): Yield: 450mg, 41%. [α] = +158.6 (c = 0.955 in DCM). 97.9% enantiomerically pure by analytical OJ column.

Examples 140-148:

The compounds in Table 40 were prepared using a similar procedure to that of Example 139.

Table 40

Example 149:

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-thiochroman

NaH, THF, reflux

Step 1 :

To a stirred solution of 2,3,6-trifluorobenzylaldehyde (10 g, 60.6 mmol) in toluene (100 ml_) was added 1-triphenyl-phosphoranylidene-2-propanone (24.3 g, 72.7 mmol, 1.2 equiv.), and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50 ⁰ C for 3 hrs. It was quenched with water, aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3x100 mL), the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane: 10% then 20%) to afford Wittig reaction product (11.47 g, 85% yield). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ: 7.74 (d, J = 16.84 Hz, 1 H), 7.22-7.06 (m, 1H), 6.82-6.67 (m, 1H), 6.77 (d, J = 16.84 Hz, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H).

Step 2: To the α, β- unsaturated ketone (1.948 g, 9.01 mmol) from step 1 in THF (20 mL) was added 4-chlorothiophenol (1.303 g, 9.01 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and K ₂ CO3 (1.1 g, 7.96 mmol, 0.88 equiv.), the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight, and the starting material wasn't consumed completely. Followed by addition of excess 4-chlorothiophenol (0.65 g, 0.5 equiv.) and K ₂ CO ₃ (0.6 g, 0.5 equiv.), the reaction mixture was then stirred at 40 ⁰ C for an hour. It was cooled to room temperature, diluted with EtOAc (200 mL), washed with water, 1N NaOH, and brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified with column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane: 5% to 50%), and the product was still contaminated with certain thiophenol. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ: 7.31 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.26-7.20 (2H), 7.03-6.98 (m, 1 H), 6.75-6.73 (m, 1 H), 4.95 (t, J = 8.05 Hz, 1H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.13 (d, J = 8.05 Hz, 2H).

To the Michael adduct product from the above step in DCM (150 mL) was added m-cpba, it was stirred at room temperature for 2 hrs, and quenched with saturated Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ to reduce the excess m-cpba. The reaction mixture was then

washed with 1N NaOH and brine, dried over MgSθ4, filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 10% to 100%), and sulfoxide was obtained (1.443 g, 3.67 mmol, 41% for two steps.) ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ: 7.65 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.20-7.10 (m, 1H), 6.90-6.70 (broad s, 1H), 5.16 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 3.66 (s, 3H), 3.52 (dd, J = 6.0, 17.6 Hz, 1H), 3.32 (dd, J = 8.8, 17.6 Hz, 1H).

Step 3:

To the sulfoxide from step 2 (1.35 g, 3.44 mmol) in THF (15 ml_) was added LAH in Et ₂ O (1.0 M, 6.9 ml_, 2. 0 equiv.) dropwise at 0 ⁰ C, it was stirred for an hr at this temperature. The reaction was quenched with saturated NaHCO ₃ , extracted with EtOAc (3X100 mL), the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was obtained (1.289 g, quantitative.). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ: 7.63 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.16-7.10 (m, 1H), 6.90-6.68 (m, 1H), 6.92 (dd, J = 5.6, 9.4 Hz, 1H), 3.87 (m, 1H), 3.47 (m, 1H), 2.70-2.50 (m, 2H).

Step 4:

To the alcohol from step 3 (0.849 g, 2.33 mmol) in DCM (50 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was added Et ₃ N (0.65 mL, 0.471 g, 4.65 mmol, 2.0 equiv.) and MsCI (0.27 mL, 0.399 g, 3.49 mmol, 1.5 equiv.) respectively in the presence of molecule sieves, it was stirred at 0 °C for 50 mins, and quenched with 1.0 mL of CH ₃ OH. It was filtered through a pad of Celite, the filtrate was diluted with DCM (100 mL), washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was obtained (1.215 g, quantitative.). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ: 7.63 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.22-7.15 (m, 1H), 6.96-6.67 (m, 1H), 4.81 (dd, J = 5.6, 9.6 Hz, 1H), 4.48 (m, 1H), 4.13 (m, 1H), 3.14-3.05 (m, 1 H), 2.95 (s, 3H), 2.84-2.70 (m, 1H). The Mesylate (2.33 mmol) from previous step and KSAc (1.064g, 9.32 mmol, 4.0 equiv.) in DMF was stirred at 90 ⁰ C for 30 mins. It was cooled to room temperature, diluted with EtOAc (100 mL), and washed with water. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3x50 mL), the combined organic phase was washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography. (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 5% to 50%),

and the thioacetate was obtained (0.848 g, 2.00mmol, 86% for two steps). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ: 7.62 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.21-7.10 (m, 1H), 6.90-6.70 (m, 1H), 4.74-4.68 (m, 1 H), 3.04-2.94 (m, 1H), 2.85-2.50 (m, 3H), 2.29 (s, 3H). To the thioacetate (0.542 g) in CH ₃ OH (10 mL) was added 1 N NaOH (10 ml_) at 0 ⁰ C, it was warmed to rt slowly and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc (100 mL), and acidified with 1 N HCI (12 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3x50 mL), the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction residue was subjected to the next ring cyclization directly. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ: 7.62 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.25-7.10 (m, 1H), 6.90-6.70 (m, 1H), 4.85-4.76 (m, 1H), 2.86-2.64 (m, 3H), 2.55-2.40 (m, 1H).

Step 5: To the thiol (0.5 g) from step 4 in THF (30 mL) was added NaH (0.2 g, excess), and it was stirred at 60 ⁰ C overnight. The reaction was cooled to room temperature, quenched with saturated NH ₄ CI, and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 2% to 50%), and 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-thiochroman was obtained (0.176 g, 0.49 mmol, 38% for two steps). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ: 7.67 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.00-6.92 (m, 1H), 6.60-6.50 (m, 1H), 4.68 (s, 1H), 3.87 (dt, J = 3.6, 13.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.17 (d, J = 15.2 Hz, 1H), 3.04 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.04 (t, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H).

Example 150: 4-(4-CNoro-benzenesulfonyl)~4-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-thiochroman

To 4-(4-ChIoro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difIuoro-thiochroman (0.246 g, 0.68 mmol) in THF (20 ml_) was added K-fOBu (1.0 M, 2 mL, 3.0 equiv.) and EtI (0.318 g, 0.16 mmol, 3.0 equiv.) separately. After 20 mins' stirring, TLC showed the completion of the reaction. It was queched with saturated NH ₄ CI, diluted with EtOAc, the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (3x20 mL), the combined organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 2% to 50%), and ethylated thiochroman was obtained (0.143 g, 0.37 mmol, 54%). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.60 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.00-6.95 (m, 1H), 6.60-6.52 (m, 1H), 3.93 (t, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.92 (dd, J = 4.2, 12.6 Hz, 1H), 2.82 (d, J = 15.2 Hz, 1H), 2.70-2.48 (m, 1 H), 2.33 (dt, J = 4.0, 14.4 Hz, 1H), 1.92-1.80 (m, 1H), 0.775 (t, J = 7.4 Hz- 3H).

Example 151: 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-4-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-thiochroma n 1 -oxide and 4-(4- Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-4-ethyl-5, 8-difluoro-thiochroman 1, 1 -dioxide

To 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyI)-4-ethyl-5,8-difluoro-thiochroma n (0.119 g, 0.31 mmol) in DCM (20 mL) was added m-cpba (0.137 g, 0.61 mmol, 2.0 equiv.), and it was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr, and TLC showed the consumption of starting material. The reaction was quenched with satutated Na _s S ₂ θ3, diluted with DCM (100 mL), washed with 1N NaOH (20 mL) and brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eleunt: EtOAc/hexane = 25% to 75%), both sulfone (0.063 g, 0.15 mmol, 48%) and sulfoxide (0.028 g, 0.07 mmol, 22%) were obtained. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3 400 MHz) for sulfone δ: 7.65 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.36-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.08 (m, 1H), 4.70 (td, J = 2.9, 14.3 Hz, 1H), 3.40-3.32 (m, 1H), 3.10- 3.00 (m, 1H), 2.87 (dt, J = 4.1, 8.2 Hz, 1H), 2.70-2.58 (m, 1H), 1.90-1.76 (m, 1H), 0.83

(t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for sulfoxide δ: 7.65 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.35-7.25 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.10 (m, 1H), 4.05 (td, J = 2.8, 14.8 Hz, 1H), 3.30-3.12 (m, 2 H), 2.76-2.64 (m, 1 H), 2.53 (d, J = 16.4 Hz, 1H), 1.89-1.77 (m, 1H), 0.85 (t, J = 7.00 Hz, 3H).

Example 152:

11b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-8, 11-difluoro-1, 4,4a, 5,6, 11 b-hexahydro-2H-3,7-dioxa- dibenzofa, cjcycloheptene

NaH ₁ THF , NaH, BnOEtBr , reflux, O/N THF, reflux, O/N

Step 1 :

At -78 ⁰ C, to 2-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonylmethyl)-1 ,3,4-trifluoro-benzene (6.51 g, 20.3 mmol) in THF (100 mL) was added n-BuLi (2.0 M in pentanem 12.2 ml_, 24.4 mmol, 1.2 equiv.) dropwise, it was stirred at this temperature for 30 mins, followed by addition of α,β-unsatu rated methyl ester. The reaction was warmed to room temperature slowly over the night. It was quenched with water, extracted with EtOAc

(3x150 ml_), the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 5% to 75%), Michael adduct was obtained (2.637 g, 4.78 mmol, 24%) as mixture of diastereomers, and starting material (29%) was recovered. The ester (2.637 g, 4.78 mmol) in THF was treated with LAH (1.0 M in Et ₂ O, 9.6 mL, 2.0 equiv.) at 0 ⁰ C, it was stirred for an hr., and quenched with saturated NaHCO ₃ . The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3x100 mL), the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was separated with the column chromatograohy (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 10% to 50%), and three different fractions were obtained (1.457 g, 58%) and all had the right mass according to LCMS ([M+H] ^í = 523). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for the first fraction δ: 7.81 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.01-6.95 (m, 1H), 6.86-6.80 (m, 1H), 4.77 (s, 1H), 4.48 (s, 1H), 4.18-4.04 (m, 1H), 3.96 (t, J = 9.6 Hz, 1H), 3.67 (dd, J = 5.6, 10.0 Hz, 1H), 3.48 (dd, J = 6.8, 10.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.31-3.23 (m, 2H), 0.71 (s, 9H) ₁ 0.03 (s, 3H), 0.04 (s, 3H). ¹ H-

NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for the second fraction δ: 7.59 (dd, J = 2.8, 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.37 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.12-6.98 (m, 1H), 6.90-6.48 (m, 1H), 4.87 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 1H), 3.96-3.77 (m, 2H), 3.73 (t, J = 10.2 Hz, 1H), 3.31 (t, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 3.17-3.02 (m, 1H), 2.60-2.41 (m, 1H), 2.31-2.11 (m, 1H), 0.75 (s, 9H), -0.16 (s, 3H), -0.32 (s, 3H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3 400 MHz) for the third fraction δ: 7.75-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.29 (m, 2H), 7.11-6.98 (m, 1 H), 6.92-6.52 (m, 1 H), 5.09 (t, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.28 (dt, J = 3.6, 10.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.92-3.80 (m, 1H), 3.72-3.48 (m, 2H), 3.19-3.06 (broad s, 1 H), 1.60- 1.48 (m, 2H), 0.90 (s, 9H), 0.13 (d, J = 5.2 Hz, 3H), 0.10 (d, J = 3.2 Hz, 3H).

Step 2:

All three fractions from Step 1 in THF were treated with NaH, and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60 ⁰ C overnight. It was quenched with saturated NH ₄ CI, extracted with EtOAc, the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO-v, filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 5% to 50%), all three reactions afford the same ring cyclized product. ¹ H-NMR (CDC13400 MHz) δ: 7.54 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.06-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.60-6.54 (m, 1H), 4.93 (d, J =

4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.41-4.34 (m, 1H), 3.93-3.87 (m, 1H), 3.70-3.58 (m, 2H), 3.03 (broad s, 1H), 2.58-2.44 (m, 1H), 1.88-1.76 (m, 1H), 0.83 (s, 9H), 0.01 (s, 3H), -0.03 (s, 3H).

Step 3: At 0 ⁰ C to the bi-cyclic product (0.552 g, 1.10 mmol) from step 2 in THF (30 ml_) was added TBAF (1.0 M in THF, 1.6 mL, 1.5 equiv.) slowfy, it was stirred at this temperature for an hour, and quenched with saturated NH ₄ Ci. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3x50 mL), the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 5% to 100%), and the alcohol was obtained (0.394 g, 1.01 mmol, 92%). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.54 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (dt, J = 5.2, 9.0 Hz, 1H), 6.59 (dt, J = 3.6, 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.89 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.40-4.30 (m, 1 H), 3.95-3.85 (m, 1H), 3.75 (dd, J = 6.2, 10.6 Hz, 1H), 3.66 (dd, J = 7.6, 9.2 Hz, 1H), 3.09 (broad s, 1H), 2.48-2.36 (m, 1 H), 2.00-1.86 (broad s, 1 H, -OH), 1.86-1.74 (m, 1 H).

Step 4:

To alcohol from step 3 (0.469 g, 1.20 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added NaH (0.096 g, 2.0 equiv.), it was stirred at room temperature for 30 miπs, followed by addition of benzyl 2-bromoethyl ether (0.401 g, 0.30 mL, 1.5 equiv.), and the reaction mixture was stirred under reflux overnight. It was cooled to room temperature, quenched with saturated NH4CI, and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 10% to 75%), and alkylated product was obtained (0.459 g, 0.88 mmol, 73% yield). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.53 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.35 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.33- 7.20 (m, 5H), 7.02 (dt, J = 5.2, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.55 (dt, J = 4.0, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 4.88 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.50 (s, 2H), 4.40-4.30 (m, 1H), 3.91-3.80 (m, 1H), 3.62-3.44 (m, 6H), 3.23-3.12 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.50 (m, 1 H), 1.88-1.74 (m, 1H).

Step 5:

The product of step 4 was converted to the title compound folowing the procedures desribed in Example 16. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.50 (d, J = 8.0 Hz,

2H), 7.41 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (dt, J = 4.4, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 6.54 (ddd, J = 4.4, 9.2, 13.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.50-4.33 (broad s, 1H), 4.28-4.11 (broad s, 1H), 4.10-3.97 (m, 2H), 3.77 (dd, J = 7.2, 12.0 Hz, 1H), 3.56-3.39 (broad s, 1H), 3.06-2.98 (m, 1H), 2.80-2.60 (broad s, 1H), 2.57-2.35 (m, 2H), 2.14-2.00 (m, 1H). LCMS (M+1, retention time)= 415.2, 4.24 min

Example 153

10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-7-hydroxymeth y[-6a, 7,8,9, 10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol

Step i:

At 0 ⁰ C, to a suspension of NaH (3.93 g, 98.3 mmol, 1.06 Equiv.) in THF (100 ml_) was added methyl acetoacetate dropwise within 30 mins by syringe pump, it was stirred at this temperature for another 30 mins. The reaction mixture was then cooled to -25 ⁰ C, and 51 mL of n-BuLi (2.0 M in pentane, 102 mmol, 1.1 Equiv.) was added

dropwise by dropping funnel over 15 mins, ft was stirred at this temperature for another 30 mins after addition, followed by addition if BOMCI (14.2 mL, 15.98 g, 102.0 mmol, 1.1 Equiv.) slowly. It was stirred at -25 ⁰ C for 1 hr., and the reaction was quenched with 100 mL of ice cold 1N HCI. It was diluted with 100 mL of EtOAc, the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3x100 mL), and the combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eleunt: EtOAc/Hexane = 10% to 40%), and the pure product was obtained (9.14 g, 38.7 mmol, 41%). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.40-7.20 (m, 5H), 4.51 (s, 2H), 3.75 (t, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.51 (s, 2H), 2.83 (t, J = 6.0Hz, 2H).

Step 2:

At 0 ⁰ C, to the β-keto methylester (3.825 g, 16.2 mmol, 1.05 Equiv.) in THF (100 mL) was added NaH (0.648 g, 16.2 mmol, 1.05 Equiv.), it was stirred at this temperature for 30 mins, followed by addition of vinyl sulfone (5.285 g, 15.4 mmol, 1.0 Equiv.). It was quenched with saturated NH ₄ CI when starting material was consumed, the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3x150 mL), and the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography, and the Michael adduct was obtained (7.21 g, 12.4 mmol, 80%) as diastereomers (ratio: 1/1). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3 400 MHz) δ: 7.85 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.80 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.22 (m, 8 H), 7.18 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 2H), 7.12-6.97 (m, 2H), 6.55 (dt, J = 3.66, 8.78 Hz, 1H), 6.48 (dt, J = 3.66, 8.78 Hz, 1H), 4.91 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.81 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 4.51-4.28 (m, 7H), 4.25 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.74-3.65 (m, 5H), 3.61-3.53 (m, 5H), 3.53-3.47 (m, 4H), 2.89-2.75 (m, 2H), 2.72-2.55 (m, 2H).

Step 3:

At 0 ⁰ C, to the Michael adduct (10.59 g, 18.3 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) in THF (200 mL) was added LAH (2.92 g, 73.2 mmol, 4.0 equiv.), it was stirred at this temperature for 2 hrs, and quenched with 1 N HCI (50 mL). It was extracted with EtOAc (3x100 mL) and DCM (3x100 mL), the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the

column chromatography ( Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 30% to 50%), and the diol was obtained (9.42 g, 17.0 mmol, 93%). To the diol (9.42 g, 17.1 mmol) in acetone (200 mL) was added p-TsOH (0.324 g, 1.7 mmol, 10% cat.) and 2,2-dimethoxy-propane (1.774 g, 2.1 mL, 170 mmol, 10 equiv.) respectively, it was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was diluted with EtOAc (500 mL), washed with saturated NaHCO ₃ , and extracted with EtOAc (2x100 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 10% to 25%), and two fraction were obtained (5.66 g, 9.54 mmol, 56% for two steps).

Step 4:

The two fractions from Step 3 were treated by the standard ring closure procedure from Example 16.

Step 5:

The mixture of acetonide protected tricyclic diols in DCM was treated with TFA (5%) at room temperature for an hr., it was quenched with saturated NaHCO ₃ , extracted with DCM, and the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 35% to 75%). to give four isomers of the title compound. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for A δ: 7.65 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.12-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.50-6.40 (m, 1H), 5.22 (d.J = 12.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.55 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.17-4.07 (m, 2H), 3.93 (d, J = 11. 2Hz, 1 H), 3.28 (d, J = 11.6Hz, 1 H), 2.98-2.89 (broad s, 1 H), 2.83-2.74 (broad s, 1 H), 2.55 (t, J = 13.6 Hz, 1H), 2.32 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 1.74 (dd, J = 3.0, 14.4 Hz, 1H), 1.52 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 1.30 (t, J = 14.8 Hz, 1H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for B δ: 7.51 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.08-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.48-6.37 (m, 1H), 5.04 (dd, J = 4.0, 11.6 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (dd, J = 3.6, 11.6 Hz, 1H), 4.10-4.03 (m, 1H), 3.84 (dd, J = 4.0, 10.0 Hz, 1H), 3.29 (dd, J = 5.2, 9.6 Hz. 1H), 3.22 (t, J = 9.8 Hz, 1H), 2.80 (t, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.45-2.29 (m, 2H), 1.86-1.78 m, 1 H), 1.68-1.58 (m, 1H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for C δ:7.61 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.13-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.49-6.39 (m, 1H), 5.17 (dd, J = 3.2, 13.2 Hz, 1H), 4.53 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (dd,

J = 2.92, 10.25 Hz, 1 H), 3.89 (dd, J = 6.0, 10. 8 Hz, 1 H), 3.78 (dt, J = 4. 4, 10.4 Hz, 1H), 2.74 (d.J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 2.60-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.01-1.92 (m, 2H), 1.58-1.42 (m, 1 H), 1.20-1.07 (m, 1 H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for D δ: 7.44 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.39 (d, J = 9.6 Hz, 2H), 7.06-6.95 (m, 1H), 6.50-6.36 (m, 1H), 4.99 (dd, J = 4.8, 11.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.29 (dd, J = 5.2, 11.6 Hz, 1 H) ₁ 4.21-4.14 (m, 1 H), 3.88 (dd, J = 4.8, 11.2 Hz, 1H), 3.60 (dd, J = 8.4, 9.8 Hz, 1H), 2.98 (dd, J = 5.2, 10.0 Hz, 1H), 2.76-2.68 (m, 1H), 2.56 (t, J = 5.8, 2H), 2.04-1.98 (m, 1H), 1.72-1.60 (m, 1H). LCMS data for A, B ₁ C and D are given in Table 41.

Table 41

Examples 154 and 155:

10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-7-methoxymeth yl-6a, 7,8,9, 10,1 Oa- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol and 10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 , 4- difluoro-8-methoxy-7-methoxymethyl-6a, 7, 8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromene

At 0 ⁰ C, to diol (0.101 g, 0.22 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added NaH (0.014g, 0.34 mmol, 1.5 equiv.), it was stirred for 30 mins, followed by addition of CH ₃ I (16 uL, 0.25 mmol, 1.1 equiv.). The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature slowly, and quenched with saturated NH4CI. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (3x50 mL), the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ ,

filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography, followed by preparative TLC to give the title compounds.. ¹ H-NMR for lOa^-Chloro-benzenesulfonyO-i^-difluoro-Z-methoxymethyl-ea.Z .δ.θJO.IOa- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol: (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.65 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.12-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.51-6.39 (m, 1H), 5.21 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.03 (s, 1H), 3.94-3.87 (m, 1H), 3.65-3.59 (m, 1H), 3.40 (s, 3H), 3.25 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.58 (t, J = 11.8 Hz, 1H), 2.23 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 1.86-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.56 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1 H), 1.21 (t, J = 13.6 Hz, 1H).

Table 42

Example 156

10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-7-methyl-6a,9 , 10, 10a-tetrahydro-6H, 7H- benzo[c]chromen-8-one,

10a-(4-Chlόro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-7,7-dimetbyl -6a,9,10,10a-tetrahydro-

6H, 7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one, and

10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1, 4-difluoro-7, 9-dimethyl-6a, 9,10,1 Oa-tetrahydro-

6H, 7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one.

At -78 ⁰ C, to tricyclic ketone (0.484 g, 1.17 mmol) in THF (20 mL) was added

LiHMDS (1.0 M in THF, 1.3 mL, 1.3 mmol, 1.1 equiv.) dropwise, it was stirred at this temperature for 30 mins, followed by addition of CH3I slowly. The reaction was warmed to room temperature slowly, and stirred at room temperature overnight. It was quenched with water, extracted with EtOAc (3x50 mL), the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO. ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 5% to 50%), and three alkylated ketone were obtained (A, 41%; B, 4%; C, 3%). ¹ H- NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for A δ: 7.64 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.52 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.19-7.08 (m, 1 H), 6.56-6.44 (m, 1 H) ₁ 5.26 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.50 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 2.83-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.52-2.28 (m, 3H), 2.21-2.09 (m, 1H), 1.26 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for B δ: 7.58 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.15-7.02 (m, 1H), 6.45-6.32 (m, 1H), 5.22 (dd, J = 4.4, 13.4 Hz, 1H), 4.68 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.96 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, 1H), 2.81-2.64 (m, 2H), 2.60-2.47 (m, 1H), 2.47-2.35 (m, 1H), 1.33 (S, 3H), 0.96 (s, 3H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for C δ: 7.62 d, J = 8.8 Hz,

2H) ₁ 7.52 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.19-7.07 (m, 1H), 6.57-6.44 (m, 1H), 5.27 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.77 (dd, J = 4.0, 12.8 Hz, 1H), 2.72 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 2.44-2.32 (m, 1 H), 2.26-2.14 (m, 1 H), 2.09 (dd, J = 2.8, 13.2 Hz, 1H), 1.24 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H), 0.98 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H).

Examples 157 to 161

Using similar procedures to that of Example 156 the compounds in Table 43 were prepared.

Table 43

Examples 162 to 165:

The compounds in Table 44 were made following the procedure of Example 18.

Table 44

Example 166:

Cyclopropanesulfonic acid [10a-(4~chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-8-hydroxy- 6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-7-ylmethyl]-amide

Stepi :

At 0 ⁰ C ₁ to the nitrile alcohol (0.052 g, 0.12 mmol) in THF (10 ml_) was added LAH (1.0 M in THF, 0.24 mL) dropwise, it was stirred for 1.5 hr, and diluted with DCM (20 mL). The reaction mixture was neutralized with 4 drops of saturated NaHCO ₃ , and stirred for 15 mins, followed by addition of Na ₂ SO ₄ (solid). It was filtered, washed with CH3OH/DCM (40%) several times, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the preparative TLC (Elueπt: CH3OH/DCM = 30%), and hydroxyl amine was obtained (0.034 g, 0.08 mrnol, 65%). ¹ H-NMR (CD3OD 400 MHz) δ: 7.69 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.23-7.14 (m, 1H), 6.61-6.51 (m, 1H), 5.15 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 4.51 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 3.98 (s, 1H), 3.57 (s, 1H), 3.34 (s, 1H), 3.16-2.96 (m, 1H), 2.91 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 2.53 (t, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 1.77 (d, J = 14.4 Hz, 1H), 1.63-1.47 (m, 2H), 1.36-1.20 (m, 1H).

StGP 2:

The product of Step 1 was converted to the title compound using the prodedures described in Example 20.

Table 45

Examples 167 and 168:

Example 167

N-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesu/fonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-7-methyl-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-

6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl]-C, C, C-trifluoro-methanesulfonamide

The title compound of Example 167 was prepared following the general procedures from Example 19 and 20. The compound of Example 168 (Table 46) was prepared following procedures similar to those of Example 167.

Table 46

Example 169

N-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-7-ylmethyI]-methanesulfonamide

Step 1 :

At 0 ⁰ C, to the ester in THF (40 ml_) was added NH(Z-Pr) ₂ (4.0 ml_, 2.86 g, 28.3 mmol, 3.0 Equiv.) first, followed by n-BuLi (11.3 mL, 28.3 mmol, 3.0 Equiv.) dropwise, it was stirred at this temperature for 10 mins before cooling to -78°C. The reaction mixture was then stirred at -78 ⁰ C for an hour followed by addition of vinyl sulfone (3.226 g, 9.43 mmol) in THF (20 mL) slowly, it was stirred at this temperature for another hr., quenched with water (40 mL), and warmed to room temperature slowly. It was extracted with EtOAc (3x100 mL), the combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction was obtained as a mixture of diastereomers (9.95 g), and was reduced directly. The Michael addition product was dissolved in EtOAc (100 mL), and stirred under H ₂ (1 atm) on catalysis of Pd(OH) ₂ /C (10%, 3.0 g). When the reaction completed, it was filtered through a pad of Celite, rinsed with EtOAc, and evaporated under vacuum. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 10% to 75%), and the alcohol was obtained (3.039 g, 6.60mmol, 70% for two steps).

The ring cyclization followed the general procedure from Example 16, and a pair of diastereomers was epimerized to the desired ester. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for methyl ester δ: 7.61 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 9.2 HZ, 2H), 7.14-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.50-6.35 (m, 1H), 5.19 (dd, J = 3.2, 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.20 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.98 (d, J = 12.0 Hz, 1H) ₁ 2.64 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.45 (dt, J = 4.4, 12.8 Hz ₁ 1H), 1.98-1.87 (m, 2H), 1.82-1.73 (m, IH), 1.54 (dd, J = 4.0, 12.8 Hz, 1H), 1.18-1.02 (m, 1H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) fort-Butyl ester δ: 7.60 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.14-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.48-6.35 (m, 1H), 5.18 (dd, J = 2.8, 12.0 Hz, 1H), 4.23 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 2.90 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1H), 2.65 (d, J = 14.0 Hz, 1H), 2.31 (dt, J = 4.0, 12.0 Hz, 1 H), 1.96-1.84 (m, 2H), 1.80-1.70 (m, 1 H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.54-1.40 (m, 1H), 1 16-1.06 (m, 1H).

Step 2:

To the ester (0.454 g, 0.99 mmol) in THF/EtOH (10 ml_/50 ml_) was added LiBH ₄ (0.433 g, 19.88 mmol, 20 Equiv.), and it was stirred overnight. Most solvent was removed under vacuum, the residue was dissolved in water, extracted with EtOAc, the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent EtOAc/Hexane = 5% to 75%), and alcohol (0.285 g, 0.66 mmol, 67%) was obtained. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.61 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.09-7.04 (m, 1H), 6.46-6.39 (m, 1H), 5.16 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.63 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (d, J = 4.4, 10.8 Hz, 1H), 3.70 (dd, J = 2.8, 11.2 Hz, 1H), 2.69 (d, J = 11.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.56 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1 H), 1.94-1.83 (m, 1 H), 1.80-1.36 (m, 6H), 1.16- 1.02 (m, 1H).

Step 3:

The transformation from alcohol to amine followed the general procedure from Example 19.

Step 4:

The synthesis of title compound followed the general procedure from Example 20.

Table 47

Examples 170 to 182

Using similar procedures to that of Example 169, the compounds in Table 48 were prepared.

Example 183:

N-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7, 8, 9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-7-ylmethyt]-N-ethyl-methanesulfonamide

Step 1:

To the alcohol (0.431 g, 1.00 mmol) in DCM (10 mL) was added TEMPO (0.10 mmol, 10mol%) and DIAB (0.363 g, 1.10 mmol, 1.1 Equiv.), it was stirred at room temperature until the completion of the reaction. It was diluted with DCM (100 mL), washed with saturated Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ , and extracted with DCM (3x50 mL). The combined

organic layers were washed with saturated NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 5% to 75%), and aldehyde (0.311 g, 0.73 mmol, 73%) was obtained. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3 400 MHz) δ: 9.66 (s, 1 H), 7.61 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.11-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.47-6.40 (m, 1H), 5.16 (dd, J = 2.8, 12.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.32 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1 H), 3.00 (d, J = 11.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.67 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.56-2.48 <m, 1 H), 2.00-1.80 (m, 3H), 1.78-1.65 (m, 1H), 1.20-1.06 (m, 1H).

Step 2:

To aldehyde (0.271 g, 0.63 mmol) in CH3OH/CH3OH (10 mL/10 mL) was added ethylamine (2.0 M in CH ₃ OH, 0.48 mL, 0.95 mmol, 1.5 Equiv.) and Ti(OZPr) ₄ (0.271 g, 0.28 mL, 0.95 mmol, 1.5 Equiv.), after being stirred overnight at room temperature, NaBH(OAc) ₃ was added, and it was stirred for 4 hrs. The reaction mixture was quenched with 10 mL of H ₂ O, and stirred for 30 mins, it was filtered through a pad of Celite, rinsed with CH ₃ OH, filtered, and concentrated. The residue was diluted with saturated NaHCO ₃ , extracted with EtOAc (3x100 mL) and DCM (100 mL), the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: DCM/CH ₃ OH (0.7 N NH ₃ ) = 5% to 50%), and amine

Example 183A was obtained (0.169 g, 0.37 mmol, 59%). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.60 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.47 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.08-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.48-6.33 (m, 1H), 5.70-5.30 (broad s, 1H), 5.14 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.60 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 2.71-2.63 (m, 3H), 2.55 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 2H), 2.04-1.82 (m, 7H), 1.82-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.60-1.48 (m, 1 H), 1.30-1.16 (m, 1H), 1.10 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H).

Step 3:

The synthesis of sulfonamides and amide followed the general procedure from Example 20. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3 400 MHz) δ: 7.62 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.11-7.04 (m, 1H), 6.49-6.42 (m, 1H), 5.18 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.56 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 3.40 (dd, J = 4.0, 13.6 Hz, 1H), 3.32-3.11 (m, 3H), 2.84 (s, 3H), 2.56 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.45 (d, J = 11.2 Hz, 1H), 1.95 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1 H), 1.86 (t, J = 13.2

Hz, 1 H), 1.66 (d _f J = 9.6 Hz, 1 H), 1.68-1.60 (m,1 H), 1.16 (t, J = 7.2 Hz ₁ 3H), 1.05-0.98 (m, 1H).

Examples 184 to 188 Using similar procedures to that of Example 183, the compounds in Table 49 were prepared.

Table 49

Example 189:

4-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[cJchromen-7-yl]-butan-2-ol

Example 189A

Example 189B Example 189C

Step 1:

To aldehyde (0.049 g, 0.11 mmol) in toluene (10 mL) was added the ylide (0.055 g, 0.17 mmol, 1.5 Equiv.), and it was stirred at 90 ⁰ C overnight. Solvent was removed, and the crude residue was purified by preparative TLC (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 20%), and Wittig reaction product was obtained (0.039 g, 0.08 mmol, 76%). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.60 (d, J = 9.2 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (dd, J = 9.4, 6.0Hz, 1H), 6.47-6.40 (m, 1H), 6.20 (d, J = 16.0 Hz, 1H), 5.09 (d, J = 9.2 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (d, J = 12.0Hz, 1H), 2.62 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.51 (d, J = 10.8 Hz, 1H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.26-2.18 (m, 1H), 1.94 (t, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 1.80-1.74 (m, 1H), 1.71-1.57 (m, 1H), 1.39 (dq, J = 4.0, 12.8, 16.0 Hz, 1H), 1.12 (q, J = 13.2, 16.4 Hz, 1H).

Step 2:

The α,β-unsaturated ketone was treated with hydrogenation on catalysis of Pd(OH)2 in EtOAc ₁ the catalyst was filtered off through a pad of Celite, and the filtrate was dried under vacuum. The crude reaction mixture was purified by preparative TLC (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 20%), and reduced product was obtained (0.0188 g, 0.04 mmol, 54%). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ:7.60 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.08-7.02 (m, 1H), 6.44-6.32 (m, 1 H), 5.15 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.55 (d, J = 10.8 Hz, 1H), 2.52-2.44 (m, 1H), 2.44-2.38 (m, 1H), 2.34 (d, J = 11.2 Hz, 1H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 2.08-1.96 (m, 1H), 1.86 (t, J = 12.8 HZ ₁ 1H), 1.70 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 2H), 1.60-1.48 (m, 1H), 1.44-1.28 (m, 1H), 1.14-0.96 (m, 2H).

Step 3:

The ketone was reduced by use of the general procedure from Example 18, and a pair of diastereomer (1/1) was obtained. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) δ: 7.60 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.09-7.02 (m, 1 H) ₁ 6.45-6.38 (m, 1H), 5.15 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.64-4.58 (m, 1 H), 3.82-3.70 (m, 1 H), 2.54 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1 H), 2.37 (d, J = 10.8 Hz, 1H), 1.96-1.22 (m, 9H), 1.20 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.16-.98 (m, 1H).

Example 190:

1-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyf)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-7-yl]-ethanol

Example 190B

Following the general procedure from Example 24 Step two, two diastereomers (Example 190A and 190B) of the title compound were obtained. ¹ H- NMR (CDCI3 400 MHz) for 190A δ: 7.62 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.09-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.46-9.39 (m, 1H), 5.17 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.73 (d, J = 12.0 Hz, 1H), 4.32-4.22 (m, 1H), 2.81 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 1H), 1.87 (t, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 1.77 (d, J = 13.6 Hz, 1H), 1.70-1.60 (m, 1H), 1.40-1.22 (m, 3H), 1.19 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.10- 0.98 (m, 1H). ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for 190B δ: 7.60 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.10-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.48-6.39 (m, 1H), 5.16 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.51 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.36-4.24 (m, 1H), 2.56-2.42 (m, 2H), 1.92-1.84 (m, 2H), 1.84- 1.72 (m, 1H), 1.72-1.52 (m, 2H), 1.20 (d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.12-0.96 (m, 1H).

Example 191:

1-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-7-yl]-ethanone

The oxidation followed the general procedure from Example 24 step one. ¹ H- NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for δ:7.61 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.12- 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.48-6.42 (m, 1H), 5.13 (dd, J = 2.8, 12.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.10 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 3.02 (d, J = 10.8 Hz, 1H), 2.70-2.58 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.96-1.74 (m, 3H), 1.32-1.20 (m, 1H), 1.20-1.08 (m, 1H).

Example 192:

Methyl-carbamic acid 10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9, 10, 10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-7-ylmethyl ester

Step 1:

To alcohol (0.147 g, 0.34 mmol) in DCM (20 ml_) was added Py (0.28 mL, 0.271 g, 3.43 mmol, 10 Equiv.) and Phosgene (20% in toluene, 1.44 mL, 1.356 g, 2.74 mmol, 8.0 Equiv.), it was stirred at room temperature for 30mins, and quenched with water (10 mL), The aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (50 mL), the combined organic phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the column chromatography (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 5% to 35%), and chloroformate (0.073 g, 0.15 mmol, 43%) was obtained. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for δ: 7.62 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.12-7.05 (m, 1 H), 6.48-6.42 (m, 1H), 5.22 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 4.54 (dd, J = 4.4, 11.6 Hz, 1 H), 4.49 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.38 (dd, J = 3.0, 11.8 Hz, 1 H), 2.65 (d, J = 11.6 Hz, 1 H), 2.57 (d, J = 12.8 Hz, 1H), 1.92 (t, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 1.84-1.68 (m, 3H), 1.50-1.36 (m, 1H), 1.18-1.02 (m, 1H).

Step 2:

To the chloroformate (0.036 g, 0.074 mmol) from step 1 in DCM (4 mL) was added CH ₃ NH ₂ in THF (2.0 M, 74 uL, 0.15 mmol, 2.0 Equiv.), it was stirred at room temperature for 20 mins, and diluted with DCM, washed with brine, dried over MgSO- _t , filtered, and evaporated. The crude reaction mixture was purified by the preparative TLC (Eluent: EtOAc/Hexane = 35%), and the carbamate (0.014 g, 0.029 mmol, 39%) was obtained. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI3400 MHz) for δ: 7.60 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.10-6.98 (m, 1H), 6.50-6.38 (m, 1 H), 5.15 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.71 (s, 1 H), 4.60 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.35 (d, J = 12.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.07 (d, J = 12.0 Hz, 1 H) ₁

2.82 (d, J =4.8 Hz, 3H), 2.62 (d, J = 10.4 Hz, 1H), 2.54 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 1.88 (t, J = 13.2 Hz, 1 H), 1.80-1.50 (m, 4H), 1.48-1.32 (m, 1 H), 1.16-1.00 (m, 1 H).

Example 193:

Using similar procedures to that in Example 192, the compound in Table 50 was prepared.

Examples 194 to 196

The compounds in Table 51 were prepared according to Example 20.

TABLE 51

Examples 197 to 199:

Following procedures similar to the ones described in Example 26, the compounds in Table 52 were prepared.

TABLE 52

Ex. STRUCTURE Mass Spec (MH ⁺ except

No. otherwise noted); retention time (min)

Example 200

10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro~4,4-dimethyl -1,4a,5,10b-tetrahydro- 2H, 4H-pyrano[3, 4-c]chromene

isomer A isomer B

Step 1

A solution of isomeric mixture A and B from Example 24 Step 2 (400 mg, 1.12 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was treated with Dess-Martin period inane (715 mg, 1.68 mmol) and stirred at RT for 1 h before excess sodium thiosulfate was added. The slurry was diluted with AcOEt and half-saturated NaHCO3, washed with sat NaHCO3, dried and concentrated. The crude ketone (-430 mg) was used as such in the next step.

Step 2

The crude ketone from Step 1 was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Steps 2 and 3 of Example 24 to provide Example HJ1: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.55 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.18 (m, 1H), 6.40 (m, 1 H), 5.18 (dd, 1 H), 4.46 (m, 1 H), 3.72 (m, 1 H), 3.41 (t, 1 H), 2.71 (d, 1 H), 2.53 (br d,

1H), 2.37 (m, 1H), 1.40 (s, 3H), 0.98 (s, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 429.2; retention time 4.83 min.

Example 201 :

1-[10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7, 10-difluoro-1,4a,5, 10b-tetrahydro-2H,4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-yl]-butan-2-ol

oxone

on isomer A

isomer A isomer B

Step j

A solution of the product from Example 16 Step 2 (20.0 g, 58.6 mmol) in DCM (25 ml_) at -78 ⁰ C was treated with 1 ,2-bistrimethylsitylgiycol (18.7 ml_, 76.2 mmol) and trimethylsilyltriflate (0.60 mL, 3.5 mmol) and the reaction was allowed to warm to RT overnight. The final mixture was diluted with sat. NaHCO3, extracted with DCM, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to 50:50) to give 15.50 g (70%) of ketal.

Step 2

To a solution of ketal from Step 1 (13.72 g, 35.65 mmol) in DCM (200 mL) was added allyltrimethylsilane (28.7 mL, 180 mmol) followed by boron trifluoride etherate (22.6 mL, 180 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at 38 ⁰ C overnight then poured into water, extracted with DCM and AcOEt, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 95:5 to 70:30) to provide in order of elution 7.11 g (47%) of allyl alcohol isomer A followed by allyl alcohol isomer B.

Step 3

A solution of allyl alcohol isomer A from Step 2 (7.11 g, 16.65 mmol) and oxone (30.75 g, 50.0 mmol) in acetone (100 mL) and water (25 mL) was stirred at RT overnight then filtered, diluted with water and AcOEt, extracted with AcOEt, dried and concentrated. The residue is purified was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to 60:40) to provide 5.50 g (72%) of allylsulfone.

Step 4

To a solution of allylsulfone from Step 3 (1.78 g, 3.87 mmol) in DCM (40 ml_) was added methanesulfonyl chloride (480 uL, 6.20 mmol) followed by triethylamine (730 uL, 5.2 mmol) and the reaction was stirred overnight at RT. Workup with diluted HCI and DCM afforded 2.46 g of mesylate intermediate. This mesylate intermediate (2.46 g) in THF (40 ml_) was treated slowly with tBuOK 1N in THF (10 mL, 10 mmol) and the reaction was stirred 35 min at RT then diluted with water, extracted with AcOEt and DCM, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash- chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 95:5 to 60:40) to give 1.5O g (88%) of allyl pyrane.

Step 5

To a solution of allyl pyrane from Step 4 (2.0 g, 4.35 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) at -78 ⁰ C was bubbled ozone until blue color persists. Nitrogen was then bubbled until the solution turns colorless and triphenylphosphine (1.87 g, 7.12 mmol) was added in one portion and the reactions was left to stir to RT for 1 h. The residue obtained after concentration was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 95:5 to 60:40) to provide 2.6 g (100%) of aldehyde.

Step 6

To a solution of aldehyde product from Step 5 (75 mg, 0.17 mmol) at -78 ⁰ C in THF (1 mL) was added EtMgBr 3N in Et2O (120 uL, 0.36 mmol) then the reaction was allowed to warm to 0 ⁰ C over 30 min, quenched into saturated NH4CI, extracted with DCM and AcOEt, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 7:3) to provide 65.8 mg of Example 201 as a 1 :1 diastereoisomeric mixture: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 1 H), 6.46 (m, 1 H), 5.14 (d, 1 H), 4.41 (m, 1 H), 3.92 (m, 1H), 3.65-3.85 (m, 1 H), 3.45-3.60 (m, 1H) ₁ 3.18 (m, 1H), 2.62 (m, 1H), 2.53 (m, 1H), 2.33 (m, 1 H), 1.85-2.05 (m, 1H), 1.60-1.80 (m, 1H), 1.45-1.55 (m, 1H), 0.95-1.00 (m, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 473.3; retention time = 4.51 min.

Example 202:

1-[10b-(4-CNoro-benzenesulfonyl)-7, 10-difluoro-1,4a, 5, 10b-tetrahydro-2H, 4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-yl]-butan-2-ol

MeMgBr Dess-Martin

Step i

A solution of the product from Example HJ2 Step 4 (433 mg, 0.98 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was treated with borane dimethylsulfide 2N in THF (1.5 mL, 1.50 mmol) and the reaction was stirred overnight at RT then treated at 10 ⁰ C slowly with 3N

NaOH (9 mL) and 30% H2O2 (9 mL). After 1 h at RT the final mixture was diluted with water and extracted with DCM and AcOEt, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 95:5 to 60:40) to afford 281 mg (63%) of alcohol.

Step 2

A solution of alcohol from Step 1 (281 mg, 0.61 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) was treated with Dess-Martin periodinane (320 mg, 0.75 mmol) and the reaction was stirred 45 min at RT then diluted with AcOEt, washed with sat NaHCO3, dried and concentrated. The residue was diluted with DCM then filtered and concentrated to give 391 mg of crude ketone.

Step 3

A solution of crude ketone from Step 2 (178 mg) in THF (2 ml_) was treated at 78 ⁰ C by MeMgBr 3N in Et2O (350 uL, 1.05 mmol) then the reaction was allowed to warm to 0 C over 45 min and poured into sat NH4CI. After extraction with DCM and AcOEt followed by drying over Na2SO4 and concentration, the residue purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 95:5 to 60:40) to afford 95 mg of alcohol.

Step 4 The alcohol from Step 3 (95 mg, 0.20 mmol) was subjected to the conditions described in Step 2 to afford, after purification over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 8:2), 69 mg of Example 202: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (m, 1H), 6.44 (m, 1H), 5.14 (m, 1H), 4.48 (m, 1H), 3.86 (m, 1H), 3.23 (m, 1H), 3.10 (m, 1 H), 2.60-2.70 (m, 1H), 2.45-2.55 (m, 3H), 2.10-2.35 (m, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 1.78 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 471.3; retention time = 4.55 min.

Example 203:

4-[10h-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro-1, 4a,5,1 '0b-tetrahydro-2H, 4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-ylJ-1, 1, 1-trifluoro-butan-2-ol

Step 1

To a solution of product from Example 202 Step 2 (33.3 mg, 0.072 mmol) and tributylphosphine (20 uL) in DMF (0.6 ml_) was added trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane (200 u) followed, slowly in a water bath, by TBAF 1N (65 uL). The reaction was stirred at RT for 60 hours then worked up with water and DCM then AcOEt. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 8:2) to give 11 mg of Example HJ4

as a 1:1 diastereoisomeric mixture: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.53 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.26 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 1H) ₁ 6.46 (m, 1H), 5.17 (m, 1H), 4.44 (m, 1H), 3.83 (m, 2H), 3.31 (m, 1H), 3.10-3.20 (m, 1 H), 2.50-2.65 (m, 2H), 2.33 (m, 1 H) ₁ 2.14 (m, 1H), 1.65-1.95 (m, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 527.3; retention time = 4.74 min.

Example 204:

(4S)-[10b(S)-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyO-7,10-difiuoro-1,4a,5 _r 10b-tetrahydro-2H _t 4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-yl]-butan-(2S)-ol

Step 1

The ketone product of Example 202 was purified over Chiracel OD ^® column using Hexanes/isopropanol (30/70) as the mobile phase to afford, in order of elution, the (-) enantiomer ([α]D ²⁰ = -1.17° (c = 1, DCM)) followed by the (+) enantiomer

(WD ²⁰ = +0.98° (c = 1, DCM)). To a solution of (-) enantiomer (10 mg, 0.021 mmol) in THF (200 uL) at 0 ⁰ C was added (R)-methyl-CBS-oxazaborolidine 1N in toluene (15 uL, 0.015 mmol) then, 5 min later, borane dimethylsulfide 2N in THF (30 uL, 0.06 mmol) over 5 min. The reaction was stirred 45 mfn at 0 ⁰ C then diluted with DCM, quenched with MeOH (-0.5 ml_) and stirred for 5 min, diluted with sat NaHCO3, extracted with DCM and AcOEt. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 6:4) to give 8.4 mg of Example 204: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.50 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.45 (m, 1H), 5.17 (m, 1H), 4.46 (m, 1H), 3.89 (m, 1H), 3.77 (m, 1H), 3.26 (m, 1H), 3.14 (m, 1H), 2.50-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 1H), 2.00 (m, 1H), 1.45-1.70 (m, 3H), 1.19 (d, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 473.3; retention time = 4.37 min.

Examples 205-218

Following procedures similar to the ones described in Examples 200 to 204, the compounds in Table 53 were prepared.

TABLE 53

Example 219:

Ethanesulfonic acid [10b~(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7, 10-difluoro-1,4a,5, 10b- tetrahydro-2H, 4H-pyrano[3, 4-c]chromen-4-ylmethyl]-amide

Stop i

A solution of ketal product from Example 201 Step 1 (15.0 g, 39.0 mmol) in acetone (480 ml_) and water (120 mL) was added oxone (51.0 g, 82.0 mmol) and the reaction was stirred at RT 48 h. The final mixture was filtered, rinced with DCM, then diluted with water and extracted with DCM. After drying and concentrating, the residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to 50:50) to give 13.5 g (70%) of sulfone ketal.

Step 2 To a solution of sulfone ketal from Step 1 (5.0 g, 12.0 mmol) in DCM (100 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was added trimethylsilylcyanide (2.40 mL, 18.0 mmol) followed by borontrifluoride etherate (1.50 mL, 12.0 mmol) and the reaction was warmed to RT over 1 h. Additional trimethylsilylcyanide (1.20 mL, 9.0 mmol) and borontrifluoride etherate (0.75 mL, 6.0 mmol) were added and the mixture was stirred 1 h. The final mixture was diluted with DCM and water, extracted with DCM, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with a slow gradient of DCM/AcOEt 99:1 to 60:40) to give 2.20 g (41%) of cyano alcohol isomer A (41%) followed by 2.8 g (52%) of cyano alcohol isomer B.

Step 3

To a solution of cyano alcohol isomer A from Step 2 (2.70 g, 6.08 mmol) in THF (200 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was added lithium aluminum hydride 1N in THF (12.0 mL, 12.0 mmmo!) and the reaction was stirred 1 h at RT. The final mixture was diluted with DCM, quenched slowly with 3 mL of sat. NaHCO3, stirred 15 min at RT then treated with Na2SO4 and filtered over Celite (eluted with DCM/MeOH 9:1). Upon concentration, 2.60 g (96%) of amino alcohol was obtained.

Step 4

To a solution of amino alcohol from Step 3 (2.60 g, 5.81 mmol) in DCM (60 mL) was added triethylamine (1.60 mL, 12.0 mmol) followed by tert-butyldicarbonate (1.50 g, 6.88 mmol) and the reaction was stirred overnight at RT. The final mixture was concentrated and purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 80:20 to 20:80) to provide 2.80 g (88%) of Boc-amino alcohol.

Step δ

To a solution of Boc-amino alcohol from Step 4 (2.80 g, 5.11 mmol) in DCM (60 mL) was added methaπesulfonyl chloride (0.60 mL, 7.60 mmol) followed by diisopropylethylamine (1.80 mL, 10.2 mmmol) and the reaction was stirred overnight at RT. The final mixture was concentrated and purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eiuted with Hexanes/AcOEt 80:20 to AcOEt) to provide 3.0 g (94%) of mesylate intermediate. This mesylate intermediate (3.0 g, 4.80 mmol) in THF (60 mL) was treated at -30 ⁰ C with tBuOK 1N in THF (10 mL, 10 mmol) and the reaction was stirred 30 min then diluted with water, extracted with AcOEt and DCM, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eiuted with Hexanes/AcOEt 80:20 to AcOEt) to provide 2.20 g (90%) of Boc-amino pyrane.

Step 6

To a solution of Boc-amino pyrane from Step 5 (900 mg, 1.70 mmol) in DCM (60 mL) was added TFA (1 mL) and the reaction was stirred 1 h at RT. Workup by adding 0.5 N NaOH followed by extraction with DCM, drying and concentration afforded 700 mg (95%) of aminopyrane.

Step 7

A solution of aminopyrane from Step 6 (25 mg, 0.058 mmol) in DCM (1 mL) was treated with ethanesulfonyl chloride (50 uL) followed by diisopropylethylamine (100 uL) and the reaction was stirred overnight at RT then purified over silica gel (eiuted with Hexanes/AcOEt 50:50) to afford 19.0 mg of Example 219: ¹ H NMR

(CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.64 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.54 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 1H), 6.49 (m, 1 H), 5.17 (m, 1 H), 4.56 (m, 1 H), 4.43 (m, 1 H), 3.90 (m, 1 H), 3.35-3.50 (m, 3H), 3.20 (m, 1H), 3.00-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.88 (m, 1H), 2.61 (m, 1H), 2.15 (m, 1H), 1.37 (t, 3H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 522.3; retention time = 4.23 min.

Following procedures similar to the ones described in Examples 20 and 219 including the use of the same sub sequential procedures of cyano alcohol isomer A

from Step 2 on cyano alcohol isomer B from Step 2, the compounds in Table 54 were prepared

TABLE 54

Example 234:

10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro-1,4a,5,10b-t etrahydro-2H,4H- pymno[3,4-c]chromene-4-carbonitrile

tBuOK

isomer B Example 234 Step j

To a solution of cyano alcohol isomer B product from Example 219 Step 2 (50 mg, 0.11 mmol) in THF (I mL) at -40 ⁰ C was added tBuOK 1 N in THF (0.17 ml, 0.17 mmol) and the reaction was stirred 30 min at this temperature then 2 h at 0 ⁰ C. The final mixture was diluted with water, extracted with AcOEt, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 50:50) to give 5.7 mg of Example 234: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.15 (m, 1H), 6.52 (m, 1H), 5.25 (m, 1H), 4.60 (m, 1H), 4.15 (m, 1 H), 4.00 (m, 1H), 3.19 (m, 1H), 3.03 (m, 1H), 2.58 (m, 1H), 2.38 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ +H2O) = 443.3; retention time = 4.61 min.

Examples 235 and 236

Following procedures similar to the ones described in Example 234 using tBuOK/KOH mixture instead of pure tBuOK, and also including the possible subsequential addition of a N-alkylating agent, the compounds in Table 55 were prepared

TABLE 55

Example 237:

N-{2-[10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro-1,4a,5 ,10b-tetrahydro-2H,4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-yf]-ethyl}-methanesulfonamide

Step 1

To a solution of aldehyde product from Example 201 Step 5 (1.50 g, 3.39 mmol) in MeOH (50 ml_) was slowly added sodium borohydride (160 mg, 4.23

mmmol) and the reaction was stirred 2 h at RT. The mixture was then diluted with brine and DCM, extracted with DCM, dried and concentrated to give 1.54 g (100%) of alcohol.

Step 2

The alcohol from Step 1 was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Examples 19 and 20 to provide Example 237: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 6.47 (m, 1H), 5.66 (m, 1H), 4.84 (m, 1H), 4.38 (m, 1H), 3.90 (m, 1H), 3.10-3.45 (m, 4H), 2.90 (s, 3H), 2.45-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.30 (m, 1H), 2.17 (m, 1H), 1.82 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 522.3; retention time = 4.02 min.

Examples 238 to 243:

Following procedures similar to the ones described in Examples 20 and 237 including similar procedures on the alcohol product from Step 1 , the compounds in Table 56 were prepared.

Example 244

3-[10b-(4-Chforo-benzenesulfonyl)-7, 10-difluoro- 1,4a, 5, 10b-tetrahydro-2H, 4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chrornen-4-ylmethyl]-fsoxazole

To a solution of aldehyde product from Example 201 Step 5 (250 mg, 0.56 mmol) in EtOH (5 ml_) were added hydroxylamine hydrochloride (150 mg) and sodium acetate (300 mg). The reaction was stirred at RT overnight then filtered and

concentrated and the residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to AcOEt) to give 209 mg (82%) of hydroxime.

Step 2 To a solution of hydroxime from Step 1 (35 mg, 0.076 mmol) and trimethylsilylacetylene (25 uL) in EtOH (1 ml_) and water (0.3 ml.) was added chloramines-T trihydrate (28.1 mg, 0.10 mmol) and the reaction was stirred 1 h at RT. It was then diluted with water and extracted with DCM and AcOEt, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 6:4) to give 15 mg of TMS isoxazole.

Step 3

A solution of TMS isoxazole from Step 2 (15 mg) and CsF (40 mg) in acetonitrile (2 mL) and EtOH (0.4 mL) were refluxed for 10 min then concentrated and purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 7:3) to give 8 mg of Example 244: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 8.32 (s, 1H), 7.62 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 1 H), 6.48 (m, 1 H) ₁ 6.30 (s, 1 H), 5.14 (m, 1 H), 4.56 (m, 1 H), 3.91 (m, 1H), 3.52 (m, 1 H), 3.10-3.20 (m, 2H), 2.70-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.56 (m, 1H) ₁ 2.46 (m, 1 H), 2.21 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 482.3; retention time = 4.62 min.

Example 245

Following procedures similar to the ones described in Example 244, the compound in Table 57 was prepared.

TABLE 57

Example 246:

2-[10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7, 10-difluoro- 1 , 4a, 5, 10b-tetrahydro-2H, 4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-ylmethyl]-benzothiazole

StθP i

To a solution of aldehyde product from Example 201 Step 5 (35 mg, 0.08 mmol) and 2-aminothiophenol (8 uL, 0.10 mmol) in DCM (0.6 mL) was added DDQ (23 mg, 0.10 mmol) and the reaction was stirred overnight at RT then purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 7:3) to provide 17.9 mg of Example 24612: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.98 (d, 1H), 7.83 (d, 1H) ₁ 7.62 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (t, 1H), 7.35-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 6.49 (m, 1H), 5.20 (m, 1H), 4.65 (m, 1 H), 3.96 (m, 1H), 3.77 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.65 (m, 2H), 3.21 (m, 1H) ₁ 2.55-2.65 (m, 2H), 2.23 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 548.3; retention time = 5.16 min.

Examples 247 and 248:

Following procedures similar to the ones described in Example 246 including the use or not of oxidant such as air, the compounds in Table 58 were prepared.

TABLE 58

Example 249:

1-{2-[10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7, 10-difluorp-1 ,4a, 5, 10b-tetrahydro-2H, 4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-yl]-ethyl}-1H-imidazole

Step i

To a solution of alcohol product from Example 237 Step 1 (50 mg) in DCM (3 ml_) was added methanesulfonyl chloride (10 uL) followed by triethylamine (30 uL) then the reaction was stirred 30 min at RT, filtered over a pad of silica gel and concentrated. The residue was taken up in DMF (0.5 ml_), Na2CO3 ( 24 mg) followed by imidazole (12 mg) were added and the mixture was heated at 60 C for 48 h. The reaction was diluted with water, extracted with AcOEt, dried and concentrated then purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 60:40) to give 6 mg of Example 249: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.64 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.40 (br s, 1H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 7.03 (br s, 1H), 6.89 (br s, 1H), 6.47 (m, 1H), 5.17 (m, 1H), 4.38 (br d, 1H), 4.00-4.15 (m,, 2H), 3.93 (m, 1H), 3.05-3.15 (m, 2H), 2.50-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.25-2.40 (m, 2H), 1.97 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 495.3; retention time = 3.04 min.

Example 250: Following procedures similar to the ones described in Example 249, the compound in Table 59 was prepared.

TABLE 59

Examples 251 and 252

Example 251 : 10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7, 10-difluoro-1, 10b-dihydro-2H- pyrano[3, 4-c]chromen-4a-ol

LAH

Example 251

Step i To a mixture of NaH 60% in hexanes (10.0 g, 250 mmol) in THF (300 mmL) at

RT was added tetrahydro-4H-pyran-4-one (10.0 g, 100 mmol) followed, 30 min later by dimethylcarbonate (21.0 mL, 250 mmol) then the mixture was heated at 45 ⁰ C overnight. The final mixture was poured into 0.01 N HCI and Et2O, filtered over Celite,

diluted with AcOEt, washed with brine and concentrated. The lower liquid was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to 60:40) to give 1.30 g of ketoester.

Step 2 To a solution of ketoester product from Step 1 (2.22 g, 14.0 mmol) in THF (60 ml_) at -78 ⁰ C was added NaHMDS 1N in THF (15.4 mL, 15.4 mmmol) followed, 10 min later by N-phenylbis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide) (5.50 g, 15.4 mmol) in THF (20 mL). The reaction was allowed to warm to RT overnight, poured into 1N HCI, extracted with DCM and AcOEt, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to 60:40) to give 6.76 g of enol triflate.

Step 3

A mixture of enol triflate from Step 2 (5.65 g, 19.5 mmol), 2,3,6- trifluorophenylboronic acid (4.46 g, 25.4 mmol), sodium acetate (6.00 g, 73 mmol) and tetrakistriphenylphosphine palladium (0) (1.75 g, 1.50 mmol) in dioxane (75 mL) was stirred overnight at 50 ⁰ C then at 85 ⁰ C for 3 h then cooled down, diluted with AcOEt, washed with brine, dried and concentrated. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/DCM 80:20 to DCM) to give 4.80 g of aryl unsaturated ester.

Step 4

To a solution of aryl unsaturated ester from Step 3 (4.40 g, 16.2 mmol) in THF (40 mL) at -78 ⁰ C was slowly added LAH 1N in THF (16.2 mL, 16.2 mmol) and the reaction was allowed to warm to RT over 45 min. It was then quenched with sat. NaHCO3, diluted with AcOEt, Na2SO4 was added and the mixture was filtered over Celite and concentrated. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to AcOEt) to afford 2.42 g of unsaturated alcohol.

Step 5 To a solution of unsaturated alcohol from Step 4 (2.42 g, 9.90 mmol) in THF

(20 mL) at -20 ⁰ C was added t-BuOK 1 N in THF (10.0 mL, 10.0 mmol) and the reaction was allowed to warm to RT over 30 min. It was then quenched with sat.

NH4CI, extracted with DCM, dried and concentrated then purified over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/AcOEt 99:1 to 60:40) to give 1.03 g of unsaturated pyrane.

Step 6

The unsaturated pyrane from Step 5 was subjected to conditions described in Example 284 Steps 6 to 8 to afford Example 251: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7,12 (m, 1H), 6.45 (m, 1H), 5.13 (d, 1H), 4.23 (br s, 1 H), 4.04 (d, 1H) ₁ 3.98 (m, 1H), 3.62 (m, 1 H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 3.25 (m, 1 H), 2.84 (m, 1H), 2.57 (m, 1H); LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 417.2; retention time = 3.94 min.

Following procedures similar to the ones described in Example 251, the compound of Example 252 in Table 60 was prepared.

TABLE 60

Examples 253 to 255

Following procedures similar to those described in Schemes 1-A, 1-B and 2-A, the compounds in Table 61 were prepared.

TABLE 61

Examples 256 to 263

Following procedures similar to those described for preparing Example 8, the compounds in Table 62 were prepared.

Table 62

Example 264:

Following procedures of Example 16 the following compound was prepared.

(MS: 435.2 (M + 1); 4.69 min).

Examples 265 to 282

Using methods similar to those in Example 20 (i.e., methods similar to those used for the preparation of compound 20A) and substituting an appropriate acyl or sulfonyl halide, the compounds in Table 63 were prepared.

Table 63

Example 283:

[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesuIfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-yJ]-pyridin-2-yl-amine

To a vial containing 18 mg (0.043mmol) of the amine from Example 19 were added 3.5 mg (0.018mmol) of tris(dibenzylidineacetone)palladium(0), 5.4 mg (0.004mmol) of 2-(di-t-butylphosphine)diphenyl, 0.5 ml_ of anhydrous THF, 2- bromopyridine (O.Hmmol), and lithium hexamethyldisilazide (O.Hmmol). The mixture was purged with nitrogen and heated to 65°C for 14 h. The crude was directly purified by prep TLC plate using 3% MeOH in DCM with 1 % NH ₃ . ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.40 (rn, 1 H) 1.80 (m, 2 H) 2.00 (m, 2 H) 2.40 (m, 1 H) 3.00 (m, 1 H) 3.90 (m, 1 H) 4.15 (d, J = 11.9 Hz, 1 H) 5.24 (d, J = 11.9 Hz, 1 H) 6.41 (m, 2 H) 6.66 (m, 1 H) 7.10 (m, 1 H) 7.50-7.62 (m, 4 H) 8.10 (m, 1 H).

Exam ^p le 284: 10aR-[(4-CHLOROPHENYL)SULFONYL]-1,4-DIFLUORO-6a,9, 10, 10a-

TETRAHYDRO-6aR-HYDROXY-6H-DIBENZO[b,d]PYRAN-8(7H)-ONE

Step 1

NaH (60% oil dispersion, 24.36 g, 2 eq) was washed with hexane three times. A solution of ketone (47.51 g, 304.6 mmol) in THF (1.2 L) was added to NaH under nitrogen at rt and the resulting solution was stirred for 30 minutes followed by addition of dimethyl carbonate (54.82 g, 2 eq). The mixture was stirred for 60 h at rt. The reaction was quenched by water. 0.6 L of EtOAc, 0.6 L of hexane was added. The crude was washed with 1.75 N HCI (350 mL, 2.01 eq). After drying over Na ₂ SO ₄ , evaporation of the solvent resulted in 60 g of the keto ester as white solid in 89% yield. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.80 (m, 2 H) 2.50 (m, 4 H) 3.70 (s, 3 H) 4.00 (s, 4 H) 12.15 (s, 1 H).

Step 2

NaH (60% oil dispersion, 5 g, 1.1 eq) was added to the keto ester from Step 1 (24.28 g; 113.5 mmol) in THF (1 L) at 0 ⁰ C under nitrogen. 10 min later, N-phenyl- bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide) (44.59 g, 1.1 eq) was added. The resulting red solution was stirred at rt for 24 h. At this point, another 0.5 g of NaH and 2.4 g of N- phenyl-bis(trifluoromethanesulfonimide) was added and the mixture was further stirred for 24 h. Saturated NH ₄ CI (100 mL) was added. After most of THF solvent was evaporated, 800 mL of EtOAc was added. The organic layer was washed with 1 N HCI, saturated NaHCO ₃ , water and brine and dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ . Flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc 90 : 10) afforded the triflate (35.3 g) in 90% yield. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.90 (m, 2 H) 2.60-2.70 (m, 4 H) 3.80 (s, 3 H) 4.00 (m, 4 H)-

Step 3

To a solution of the product from Step 2 (10.0 g, 28.9 mmol) in Toluene (160 mL) and EtOH (50 mL) was added 2,3,6-trifluorophenylboronic acid (6.1 g, 1.2 eq), tetrakistriphenylphosphinepalladium (1.2 g, 0.05 eq), 2. M Na ₂ CO ₃ (28.9 mL, 2 eq). The mixture was purged with argon and heated to 48 ⁰ C for 14 h. The mixture was cooled to rt and filtered through celite. Upon removal of the solvent, EtOAc was added. After washing with water, brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentration, the crude was purified by flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc 70 : 30) to provide 6.4 g of the Suzuki coupling product in 68% yield. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.90 (m, 2

H) 2.60 (m, 2 H) 2.75 (br s, 2 H) 2.60-2.70 (m, 4 H) 3.58 (s, 3 H) 4.00 (m, 4 H) 6.80 (m, 1 H) 7.00 (m, 1 H).

Step 4 The product from Step 3 (10.0 g, 30.49 mmol)/300 ml_ THF was treated with

LiAIH ₄ (2.3 N in THF, 13.25 mL, 0.9 eq) at -78 ⁰ C under nitrogen. After warming up to 0 ⁰ C in 2 h, the reaction was quenched by water (1.2 mL), 15% NaOH (3.6 mL), water (1.2 mL) and the mixture was stirred for 10 min and filtered through celite. Upon removal of the solvent, EtOAc was added. After washing with water, brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentration, the crude was was obtained as the desired product (8.7 g, 95% yield) without further purification. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.90 (m, 2 H) 2.42 (m, 2 H) 2.60 (br s, 2 H) 3.84 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, 2 H) 4.06 (m, 4 H) 6.83 (m, 1 H) 7.10 (m, 1 H).

Step 5

The product from Step 4 (11.8 g, 39.33 mmol)/400 mL THF was treated with KOtBu (1 N in THF, 1 eq) at 0 ⁰ C. After 1.5 h, EtOAc was added and the organic layer was washed with water, brine and dried over Na2SO4. Upon removal of solvent, the crude was washed with cold ethyl ether and white solid was collected as the desired cyclized product (5.8 g, 53% yield). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.90 (m, 2

H) 2.30 (br s, 2 H) 2.80 (m, 2 H) 4.00 (br s, 4 H) 4.55 (br s, 2 H) 6.55 (m, 1 H) 6.84 (m, 1 H).

Step β The product from Step 5 (0.16 g, 0.57 mmol)/5 mL DCM was treated with

MCPBA (70% pure, 0.28 g, 2 eq) at it After 40 min, 10 mL of 10% Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ was added. The organic layer was washed with 1 N NaOH, saturated Na ₂ HCO ₃ , water, brine and dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ ,. Upon removal of solvent, 0.18 g of the crude was obtained and was used for the next step. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.60 (m, 1 H) 1.80 (m, 1 H) 1.92 (d, J = 14.1 Hz, 1 H) 2.17 (d, J = 15.2 Hz, 1 H) 2.56 (m, 1 H) 2.82 (m, 1 H) 3.90 (m, 4 H) 4.05 (d, J = 12.1 Hz, 1 H) 4.35 (d, J = 12.1 Hz, 1 H) 6.59 (m, 1 H) 6.90 (m, 1 H).

Step 7

To a solution of the epoxide product from Step 6 (1.0 g, 3.4 mmol)/15 ml_ DCM was added 4-chlorothiophenol (1.03 g, 2 eq), indium trichloride (80 mg, 0.1 eq) at 0 ⁰ C. The mixture was stirred at rt for 14 h and quenched by saturated Na ₂ CO ₃ . After washing with water, brine, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentration, the crude was purified by flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc 5 : 1 ) to provide 0.32 g of the cis adduct (first eluent, 21% yield) and 1.14 g of the trans adduct (second eluent, 76% yield). Cis adduct: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.43 (dt, J = 2.6, 13.8 Hz, 1 H) 1.70 (m, 1 H) 1.83 (dd, J = 3.1 , 14.2 Hz, 1 H) 2.06 (d, J = 14.4 Hz, 1 H) 2.38 (m, 1 H) 2.95 (br d, J = 14.7 Hz, 1 H) 3.90 (m, 5 H) 4.40 (s, 1 H) 4.80 (d, J = 11.1 Hz, 1 H) 6.21 (m, 1 H) 6.82 (m, 1 H) 7.13 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2 H) 7.24 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2 H).

Trans adduct: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.84 (m, 2 H) 2.20-2.40 (m, 2 H) 2.58 (m, 1 H) 2.65 (m, 1 H) 4.00 (s, 4 H) 4.06 (d, J = 10.9 Hz, 1 H) 4.75 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H) 5.00 (s, 1 H) 6.19 (m, 1 H) 6.80 (m, 1 H) 7.13 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 2 H) 7.24 (d, J a 7.9 Hz, 2 H).

Step 8

To a solution of the cis adduct from Step 7 (0.32 g, 0.73 mmol)/6 mL DCM was added 0.36 g MCPBA (70% pure, 2 eq) at rt and the mixture was stirred for 1 h. 5 mL of 10% Na ₂ S ₂ O ₃ was added. The organic layer was washed with 1 N NaOH, saturated Na ₂ HCO ₃ , water, brine and dried over Na ₂ SO*,. Upon removal of solvent, 0.35 g of the crude was obtained and was used for the next step. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.46 (dt, J = 3.8, 14.0 Hz, 1 H) 1.60 (dd, J = 2.9, 14.6 Hz ₁ 1 H) 1.80 (m, 1 H) 1.95 (d, J = 14.6 Hz, 1 H) 2.40 (m, 1 H) 2.99 (br d, J = 15.2 Hz, 1 H) 3.90 (m, 5 H) 4.38 (s, 1 H) 5.28 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H) 6.41 (m, 1 H) 7.05 (m, 1 H) 7.42 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2 H) 7.70 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2 H).

Step 9

To a solution of the product from Step 8 (0.35 g, 0.73 mmol)/20 mL acetone, 5 mL of water was added 0.12 g p-toluenesulfonic acid at rt and the mixture was stirred at 70 ⁰ C for 14 h. Additional p-toluenesulfonic acid (60 mg) was added and the mixture was stirred at 70 ⁰ C for 5 h. The solvent was removed and EtOAc added. The organic layer was washed with saturated NaHCO ₃ , water, brine and dried over

Na ₂ SO ₄ . Upon removal of solvent, the crude was purified by flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc 65 : 35) to provide the desired ketone product (0.21 g, 66% yield). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 2.10 (m, 1 H) 2.40-2.60 (m, 4 H) 3.01 (m, 1 H) 4.10 (d, J = 11.0 Hz) 4.60 (d, J = 2.8 Hz, 1 H) 5.15 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H) 6.45 (m, 1 H) 7.10 (m, 1 H) 7.50 (m, 4 H).

Step 10

To a solution of the product from Step 9 (70 mg, 0.16 mmol)/0.6 ml_ THF/0.3 mL EtOH was added 7.3 mg of NaBH ₄ . After stirring at rt for 3 h, the reaction was quenched by MeOH. Upon removal of the solvent, the crude was purified by Prep

TLC (hexane/EtOAc 2 : 1) to provide the desired cis diol (16 mg, 23% yield) and trans diol (40 mg, 57% yield). Cis diol: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.43 (m, 1 H) 1.80- 1.99 (m, 3 H) 2.50 (m, 1 H) 2.82 (m, 1 H) 3.40 (m, 1 H) 4.00 (br s, 1 H) 4.06 (d, J = 11.1 Hz, 1 H) 5.10 (m, 1 H) 5.12 (d, J = 11.1 Hz, 1 H) 6.43 (m, 1 H) 7.10 (m, 1 H) 7.50 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2 H). 7.62 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2 H).

Trans diol: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.18 (m, 1 H) 1.60 (m, 2 H) 2.00 (m, 2 H) 2.42 (m, 1 H) 2.70 (m, 1 H) 4.07 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H) 4.10 (m, 1 H) 4.60 (s, 1 H) 5.10 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H) 6.40 (m, 1 H) 7.10 (m, 1 H) 7.50 (m, 4 H).

Examples 285 to 288:

Following similar procedures to that of Example 284 , the compounds in Table 64 were prepared.

TABLE 64

Examples 289 to 296:

Example 289

N-[10aR-[(4-CHLOROPHENYL)SULFONYL]-1,4-DIFLUORO-6a,7,8,9 _r 10,10a- HEXAHYDRO-6aS-HYDROXY-6H-DIBENZO[b,d]PYRAN-8(R)-YL]-1, 1, 1- TRIFLUOROMETHANESULFONAMIDE (CIS)

W

- 297 -

The compound of Example 289, and the compounds of Examples 290 to 296 (Table 65), were prepared following similar procedures to that of Examples 19 and 20.

TABLE 65

Example 297:

Using methods similar to those in Example 20 (i.e., methods similar to those used for the preparation of compound 20A) and substituting an appropriate acyl or sulfonyl halide, the compound in Table 66 was prepared.

Example 298:

N-{2-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-8-oxo-8 , 9,10,10a-tetrahydro-7H- benzo[c]chromen-6a-yloxy]-ethyl}-C,C,C-trifluoro-methanesulf onamide

pTsOH

Step 1

The cis adduct from Example 284 step 7 (1.19 g, 2.70 mmol)/20 ml_ THF was treated with 0.13 g of NaH (60% oil dispersion, 1.2 eq) under nitrogen at rt. 30 min later, 0.83 g of methyl bromoacetate (0.83 g, 2 eq) was added and the mixture was heated to 80 ⁰ C for 16 h. Upon removal of the solvent, EtOAc was added and the organic layer was washed with water, brine and dried over Na ₂ SO _4f . Flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc 5 : 1) afforded the recovered starting alcohol (0.6 g) and the desired product (0.61 g ) as white solid in 44% yield. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.40 (m, 1 H) 1.70 (m, 1 H) 1.94 (d, J = 15.9 Hz, 1 H) 2.13 (m, 1 H) 2.56 (m, 1 H) 2.67 (m, 1 H) 3.79 (s, 3 H) 3.83 (m, 2 H) 3.93 (m, 2 H) 4.01 (d, J = 11.2 Hz, 1 H) 4.13 (d, J = 15.3 Hz, 1 H) 4.36 (d, J = 15.3 Hz, 1 H) 4.85 (d, J = 1011.2 Hz, 1 H) 6.35 (m, 1 H) 6.84 (m, 1 H) 7.12 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2 H) 7.37 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 2 H).

Step 2

The product from step 1 (0.45 g, 0.88 mmol)/30 mL THF was treated with LiAIH ₄ (2.3 M in THF, 0.38 mL, 1 eq) under nitrogen at -78 ⁰ C. The reaction was slowly warmed up to rt overnight. After quenching with 5 drops of brine, EtOAc was added and the crude was filtered through celite. Flash chromatography (hexane/EtOAc 1 : 1) afforded the desired product (0.23 g ) as white solid in 54%

yietd. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.36 (dt, J = 2.9, 13.9 Hz, 1 H) 1.70 (m, 1 H) 1.92 (d, J = 15.3 Hz, 1 H) 2.23 (dt, J = 2.9, 15.4 Hz, 1 H) 2.60 (m, 1 H) 2.80 (m, 1 H) 3.60-4.04 (m, 8 H) 4.16 (d, J = 10.1 Hz, 1 H) 4.94 (d, J = 10.9 Hz, 1 H) 6.24 (m, 1 H) 6.84 (m, 1 H) 7.12 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H) 7.22 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H).

Steps 3-7

Following similar procedures in Examples 19 and 20, the desired product was obtained. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 1.31 (m, 1 H) 1.75 (m, 2 H) 2.10 (m, 1 H) 2.60 (m, 1 H) 2.80 (m, 2 H) 3.18 (m, 1 H) 3.35 (m, 1 H) 3.58 (m, 1 H) 3.70 (m, 1 H) 3.80 (m, 2 H) 3.90-4.03 (m, 2 H) 4.15 (d, J = 12.2 Hz, 1 H) 5.36 (d, J = 12.2 Hz, 1 H) 6.35 (m, 1 H) 7.08 (m, 1 H) 7.36 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 2 H) 7.54 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2 H).

Steps 8

Similar procedures to that of Step 9 of Example 284 were followed. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 2.14 (m, 1 H) 2.42-2.60 (m, 2 H) 2.68 (m, 1 H)

2.95 (m, 1 H) 3.20 (m, 1 H) 3.42-3.60 (m, 2 H) 3.66 (m, 1 H) 3.78 (m, 1 H) 4.26 (d, J = 10.3 Hz, 1 H) 5.60 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H) 6.30 (m, 1 H) 6.70 (m, 1 H) 7.10 (m, 1 H) 7.40 (m, 4 H).

Example 299:

Following similar procedures to that of Example 298 the following compound was was synthesized.

¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz, 1 : 1 rotamers) δ 0.97 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1.5 H, rotamer 1) 1.02 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 1.5 H, rotamer 2) 2.30 (m, 1 H) 2.40-2.60 (m, 2 H) 2.65-2.90 (m, 5 H) 2.90-3.10 (m, 1 H) 3.20-3.39 (m, 2 H) 3.95 (m, 1 H) 4.13 (dt, J = 3.6, 13.1

Hz, 1 H) 4.26 (dd, J = 5.8, IChθ Hz, 1 H) 5.50 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1 H) 6.60 (m, 1 H) 7.18 (m, 1 H) 7.40 (m, 2 H) 7770 (m, 2 H).

Example 300 (6As)-10Ar-[(4-chlorophenyt)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6A, 7, 8,9, 10, 10A- hexahydro-6h-dibenzo[B,D]pyran-8(s)-methanol, 4-methylbenzenesuffonate (racemic)

Example 300

Step 1 : To a solution of Ph ₃ PCH ₂ OCH ₃ ⁺ Cr (17.62 g, 0.051 mol) in THF (100 mL) at -

78°C was added LiHMDS (50.4 mL, 1.0M in THF) dropwise under nitrogen. After addition, the reaction was raised to room temperature and left for stir for 1 hour. The reaction solution turned orange. This mixture was cooled to -78 ⁰ C and treated with trans-IOA-^-chlorophenyOsulfonyπ-i^-difluoro-θA.θ.IO.IOA- tetrahydro-βh- dibenzo[B,D]pyran-8(7h)-one (racemic) (5.2 g, 0.0126mol) in THF (100 mL) dropwise. The reaction mixture was left stir for 2 hours at -78 ⁰ C, then raise to room temperature and quenched with saturated ammonia chloride solution. The mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate (200 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted again with ethyl acetate (200 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with brine (200 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 30/70). Yield 4.74g, 85%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400

MHz ) δ 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.44 (m, 1H), 5.80 (s, 1 H), 5.24 (d, 1H), 4.22 (m, 1H), 3.53 (s, 1H), 2.64-2.84 (m, 1 H), 2.58-2.63 (m, 2H), 1.62-2.10 (m, 4H).

Step 2:

To a solution of the vinyl ether product from Step t (2.Og, 0.0045 mol) was added trichloroacetic acid and stirred at room temperature for 30 Min. The reaction was quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with dichloromethane (100mI_X2). The combined organic layer was washed with brine (100 mL), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in THF and treated with NaBH4 at 0 ⁰ C. The reaction mixture was raised to room temperature and left for stir for 30 Min, then was quenched with water. It was then extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL X2). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated.The product was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 50/50). Yield 1.65g, 84.8%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz ) δ 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.07 (m, 1 H), 6.39 (m, 1 H), 5.22 (m, 1 H), 4.17 (m, 1H), 3.75 (m, 1H), 3.38 (t, 1 H), 2.63-2.72 (m, 2H), 1.74-1.89 (m, 3H), 1.35-1.47 (m, 1H), 0.65-1.17 (m, 1H).

Step 3:

To a solution of the alcohol product from Step 2 (1.65 g, 0.0038 mol) in DCM (100 mL) was added triethylamine (1.1 ml, 0.0079 mol), p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (1.1 g, 0.0058 mol), left it for stir over night. The reaction mixture was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, then extracted with DCM (50 mL X2). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 40/60). Yield: combination of cis and trans isomer is1.82g, 82.1%. The desired cis- isomer Example 300 0.82 g, yield 37%.

Example 300: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz ) δ 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.42-7.52 (m, 6H), 7.09 (m, 1H), 6.39 (m, 1H), 5.09 (dd, 1 H), 4.12 (d, 1H), 3.96 (d, 1H), 2.49 (m, 4H), 2.33 (d, 1H), 2.06 (m, 1H), 1.92 (t, 1H), 1.67 (m, 2H), 1.58 (m, 1H). LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 583.3; retention time = 5.10 min.

Examples 301 to 320:

Example 301

Example 302 Example 303

Step 1 : To a solution of Example 300 (0.25 g, 0.43 mmol) in DMF (4 mL) was added potassium thioacetate and heated this suspension to 12O ⁰ C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was added brine and extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL X2). The combined

organic layer was washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. The residue was redissolved in methanol (20 ml_), treated with aqueous 1 N NaOH solution and left for stir at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was added brine and extracted with ethyl acetate (50 mL X3). The combined organic layer was washed with brine, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. The product Example 301 was purified by reverse-phase HPLC using water and acetonitrile as eluent. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz ) δ 7.58 (dd, 2H), 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.43 (m, 1H) ₁ 5.24 (d, 1H), 4.13 (dd, 1H), 2.86 (d, 2H), 2.77 (d, 1H), 2.40 (d, 1 H), 2.08 (m, 2H), 1.68-1.84 (m, 3H), 1.26-1.34 (m, 2H).

Step 2:

To a solution of Example 301 (0.22 g, 0.49 mmol) in acetonitrile (20 mL) at O ⁰ C was added KNO3 and SO ₂ CI ₂ and left for stir at 0 ⁰ C for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was quenched with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed again with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and brine, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to give an oil. This sufonyl chloride was used as is in the next step.

Step 3: To a DCM solution of the crude sulfonyl chloride (0.02g, 0.039 mmol) from

Step 2 was added 2N methyl amine in THF (0.098 mL, 0.196 mmol), left it for stir over night. Solvent of the reaction mixture was evaporated and the products were purified by reverse-phase HPLC using water and acetonitrile as eluent. Two product were isolated from this reaction mixture. Example 302: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz ) δ 7.56 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.11 (m, 1 H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 5.25 (dd, 1H), 4.16 (m, 2H), 3.19 (d, 2H), 2.86 (d, 3H), 2.79 (d, 1H), 2.47 (m, 2H), 2.10 (t, 1H), 1.70-1.94 (m, 3H), 1.36 (m, 1H). LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 506.3; retention time = 4.28 min. Example 303: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz ) δ 7.57 (m, 4H), 7.25 (m, 1H), 5.24 (dd, 1H), 4.17 (m, 2H), 3.19 (m, 2H), 2.86 (d, 3H), 2.68 (d, 1 H), 2.40-2.46 (m, 2H), 1.62-2.06 (m, 4H), 1.38 (m, 1H). LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 542.3; retention time = 4.55 min.

Following procedures similar to those described for Examples 301 to 303, the compounds of Examples 304 to 320 in Table 67 were prepared.

Tabie 67

Examples 321 to 326

Example 321

Following procedures similar to those described in Example 337, the compounds in Table 68 were prepared.

TABLE 68

Examplβs 327 and 328:

(6As)-10Ar-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-dJfJuoro-6A, 7,8,9, 10, 10A-hexahydro-8(s)- (iodomethyl) 6h-dibenzo[B, DJpyran (racemic)

To a solution of Example 300 (0.016g, 0.027 mmol) in 2 mL acetone was added NaI (0.02g, 0.13mmol), heated to reflux for 12 hours. All solvent was removed in vacuo. The material was subjected to preparative TLC over silica gel (eluted with ethyl acetate/hexane 30/70) to give 0.013g product Example 327. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz ) 57.57 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.10 (m, 1H), 6.43 (m, 1H) ₁ 5.25 (dd, 1H), 4.12 (d, 1H), 3.40 (d, 2H), 2.79 (d, 1H), 2.35 (d, 1H), 2.12 (m, 2H), 1.93 (m, 2H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 1.35 (m, 1H).

Example 328 (Table 69) was prepared following similar procedures described in Example 327.

TABLE 69

Following procedures similar to those described in Examples 301-303 Step-1 except using potassium acetate as the reagent the compound of Example 329 was ^• prepared.

Example 329:

(6As)-10Ar-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6A, 7,8,9, 10, 10A-hexahydro-6h- dibenzo[B, D]pyran-8(s)-methanol (racemic)

Following procedures similar to those described in Examples 301-303 Step-1 except using potassium acetate as the reagent the compound of Example 329 was prepared.

Example 300 Example 329

Example 329. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz ) δ 7.57 (d, 2H), 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 5.19 (d, 1H), 4.12 (d, 1 H), 3.75 (d, 2H), 2.79 (d, 1 H), 2.38 (d, 1H), 2.11 (m, 1H), 1.58-1.88 (m, 3H), 1.24-1.37 (m, 3H), LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 429.2; retention time = 4.15 min.

Following procedures similar to those described in Scheme 1-B Step 3. Example LQ-31/LQ-Scheme-6 was prepared.

Example 330:

(6As)-10Ar-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difIuoro-6A, 7,8,9, 10, 10A-hexahydro-6h- dibenzo[B,D]pyran-8(s)-methanol, methylcarbamate (racemic)

Following procedures similar to those described in Scheme 1-B Step 3. Example 330 was prepared

similar to Scheme 1-B Step 3

Example 330

Example 330 was made following procedures similar to those described in Scehme 1-B Step 3. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz ) δ 7.57 (d, 2H), 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.10 (m, 1H), 6.43 (m, 1H), 5.20 (d, 1H), 4.70 (m, 1H), 4.19-4.21 (m, 2H), 4.12 (d, 1 H), 2.83 (d, 3H), 2.38 (m, 1H), 2.19 (m, 1H), 1.99 (m, 1H), 1.66-1.73 (m, 2H), 1.25 (m, 2H), LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 486.3; retention time = 4.44 min.

Example 331

2-[10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro~1,4a,5,10 b-tetrahydro-2H,4H- pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-yl]-ethanol

Step i

A stream of Oswas bubbled through a stirring solution of the alkene (1,57g, 3.56 mmol) in DCM (120 mis) at -78°C. When the blue color persisted, the O ₃ addition was stopped. Continued stirring at -78 ⁰ C for 10 min. A stream of N ₂ was bubbled through the reaction until it became colorless. The PPhβ (1.4Og, 5.34 mmol) was added in portions. The reaction was then stirred at room temperature for 2.5 hrs. This solution was dried over anhydrous Na ₂ SO ₄ . Filtration followed by evaporation to give an oil (~1.58g of the aldehyde). This aldehyde was used as is in the next step.

Step 2

The crude aldehyde (~1.58g, 3.56 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (50 mis) and cooled to 0 ⁰ C. The NaBH ₄ (135 mg, 3,56 mmol) was added in portions. The reaction was continued to be stirred at 0 ⁰ C for 15 min and then at room temperature for 1 hr. The NaBH ₄ was quenched with the dropwise addition of H ₂ O (2 mis). The EtOH was evaporated under vacuum. The residue was partitioned between DCM (150 mis) and H ₂ O (2 x 75 mis). The DCM was washed with brine (75 mis) and dried over anhydrous Na ₂ SO ₄ . The DCM was evaporated to give a solid residue. This material was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel (eluted with hexane/EtOAc 95:5 to 50:50) to give the expected product as a solid (1.58g, 100%).

Examples 332 to 335:

(wherein R is identified in Table 70)

Step 1A

A solution of the alcohol (10 mg, 0.0224 mmol) and ethyl isocyanate (1.6 mg, 0.0224 mmol) in 1,2-dichloroethane (0.50 mis) containing 1m HCI /ether (1 drop) was stirred at room temperature. After 2 hrs, the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by preparative tic (50% EtOAc/hexane, 1000 micron silica gel GF) to give a solid (9.7 mg, 84%).

Step 1 B

A solution of the alcohol (10 mg, 0.0224 mmol), 4-nitrophenylchloroformate (6.8 mg, 0.0337 mmol) and pyridine (2.7 mg, 0.0337 mmol) in THF (0.50 mis) was stirred at room temperature. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. The 1M MeNH ₂ in THF (1.4 mg, 0.0448 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the crude product was purified by preparative tic (50% EtOAc/hexane, 1000 micron silica gel GF) to afford a solid (11 mg, 98%). Using the general procedure of Steps 1A and 1B, the compounds in Table 70 were prepared

Table 70

Example 336:

3-[10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7, 10-difluoro-1,4a, 5, 10b-tetrahydro-2H,4H pyrano[3,4-c]chromen-4-yl]-propionitrile

Step i

The alcohol (1.06g, 2.38 mmol) and TosCI (907 mg, 4.76 mmol) were dissolved in DCM (20 mis) at room temperature. The Et ₃ N (482 mg, 4.76 mmol) was added dropwise to the stirring solution. The reaction was stirred overnight. It was diluted with DCM (100 mis) and was extracted with saturated NaHCO ₃ (50 mis) and H ₂ O (2 x 50 mis). The DCM solution was dried over anhydrous Na ₂ Sθ ₄ and was evaporated to an oil. The crude product was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel (eluted with EtOAc/ hexane 5:95 to 50:50) to yield a solid (1.34g, 94%).

Step 2

A stirring solution of the tosylate (100mg, 0.167 mmol) and NaCN (25mg, 0.501 mmol) in DMF (2 mis) was heated to 110-120 ⁰ C for 3 hrs. The reaction was diluted with an EtOAc(2mls)/hexane(2 mis) mixture and was partitioned with H ₂ O (2 x 3 mis). The organic phase was dried over anhydrous Na ₂ SO ₄ and was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel (eluted with EtOAc/hexane 5:95 to 100:0) to give a solid (62mg, 82%).

Table 71

Example 337:

10b-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro-4-[2-(propan e-2-sulfonyl)-ethyl]- 1, 4a, 5, 10b-tetrahydro-2H, 4H-pyrano[3, 4-c]chromene

Step 1

A stirring mixture of the tosylate (96mg, 0.160 mmol), isopropyl mercaptan (24mg, 0.32 mmol) and 1M KOH in EtOH (13.5mg, 24 mmol) in EtOH (3 mis) was heated to 70-75 ⁰ C for 30 min. The reaction mixture was evaporated. The residue was taken up with DCM (15 mis) and was washed with H ₂ O (2 x 5 mis). The DCM was dried over anhydrous Na ₂ SO ₄ and was evaporated to a solid (79mg).This product was used as is in the subsequent reaction.

Step 2 A stirring solution of the sulfide (73mg, 0.145 mmol) in DCM (3 mis) at room temperature was treated with mCPBA (75mg, 0.435 mmol). After 1 hr, the reaction was diluted with DCM (10 mis) and was extracted with saturated NaHCO ₃ (2 x 5 mis) and H ₂ O (5 mis). The DCM was dried over anhydrous Na ₂ SO ₄ and was concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography on silica gel (eluted with EtOAc/hexane 5:95 to 80: 20) to yield a the expected product as a solid (57mg, 73%).

Table 72

Example 338: Using the general procedure of Example 337, the compound in Table 73 was prepared.

Table 73

Examples 339 and 340:

The compounds in Table 74 were prepared according to Example 24.

Table 74

Example 341 : ;

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro-2-methyl- 1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-quinoline

A solution of 2,5-difluoroaniline (5.0 g, 38.7 mmol) in ether (50 ml_) was treated with a solution of HCI (1 M in Et ₂ θ, 39 mL) and concentrated in vacuo. The resulting powder was dissolved in EtOH (30 mL) and cooled to 0 ⁰ C. Acetaldehyde (2.2 mL, 39 mmol) was added dropwise and the solution warmed to ambient temperature. After 30 min, the reaction mixture was diluted with H ₂ O (6 mL) and 4-chlorophenyl sodium sulfinate (3.5 g, 17.7 mmol) was added quickly. After 4h, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was diluted with saturated aqueous NaHCO3 and extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (2x). The combined organic extracts were dried over M9SO ₄ and concentrated. Flash chromatography (5— >10% EtOAc/Hex) afforded Example 341 (1.23 g, 19%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.70 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (m, 1H), 6.00 (m, 1H), 4.53 (dd, J = 5.1 , 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.35 (br

s, 1H), 4.18 (m, 1H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 1.68 (ddd, J - 14.6, 12.4, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 1.33 (d, J 6.6 Hz, 3H).

Example 342:

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro-1 ,2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-quinoline

Step i:

2N-[3-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-(2 _f 3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-propyl]-4-methyl- benzenesulfonamide

A solution of 2-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonylmethyl)-1 ,3,4-trifluoro-benzene (5.6 g, 17.5 mmol) in THF/TMEDA (5:1 , 180 mL) at -78 ⁰ C was treated with n-BuLi (12 mL, 17.5 mmol, 1.5 M in hexanes). After 15 min, a solution of N-p-toluenesulfonyl aziridine (3.5 g, 17.5 mmol, prepared as described in Eur. J. Org. Chem 2002, 3004) in THF (10 mL) was added, and the reaction mixture warmed slowly to ambient temperature. After 4h, the reaction mixture was quenched with 1N HCI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (25— >50% EtOAc/Hex) provided the title compound (4.9 g, 54%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.64 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.57 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, J

= 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.28 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 1H), 6.75 (m, 1H), 4.81 (m, 1H), 3.17 (ddd, J = 7 A , 7.1, 5.6 Hz, 1 H), 2.96 (m, 1H), 2.64 (m, 1H), 2.47 (m, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H).

Step 2:

3-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)-p ropylamine

A solution of 2N-[3-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)- propyl]- 4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide (500 mg , 0.97 mmol) was in 48% HBiVH ₂ O (4 ml_) was treated with phenol (282 mg, 3.0 mmol) was heated to reflux. After 7 h, another portion of 48% HBr/H ₂ θ (3 mL) was added. After an additional 36 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and quenched dropwise with 1N NaOH. The reaction mixture was extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (4x) and the combined organic layers were dried over MgSO4, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography [1% MeOH/CH ₂ CI ₂ →5% NH ₄ OH/MeOH (1 :9)/CH ₂ CI ₂ ) provided the title compound (240 mg, 68%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.64 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.43 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.14 (m, 1H), 6.78 (m, 1 H), 4.89 (dd, J = 9.5, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 2.87 (m, 1H), 2.56- 2.40 (m, 3H), 1.22 (s, 2H).

Step 3: 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro -quinoline

A solution of 3-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-3-(2,3,6-trifluoro-phenyl)- propylamine (100 mg, 0.27 mmol) in DMF (3 ml_) was heated to 80 ⁰ C. After 4 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2x), brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (20% EtOAc/Hex) provided Example 342 (78 mg, 84%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.69 (dd, J = 8.1 , 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (dd, J = 8.1 , 2.2 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (m, 1 H), 6.03 (m, 1 H) ₁ 4.52 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.50 (br s, 1 H), 3.95 (ddd, J = 12.4, 12.4, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.48 (m, 1H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 2.00 (m, 1H).

Example 343::

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5, 8-difluoro-1 -methyl-1 , 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-quinoline

A solution of 4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-1 ,2,3,4-tetrahydro- quinoline (50 mg, 0.145 mmol) in CH ₃ CN (1 mL) was treated with K ₂ CO ₃ (4 mg, 0.16 mmol), MeI (10 μl_, 0.16 mmol) and heated to 50 ⁰ C. After 6h, the reaction mixture was treated with MeI (10 μl_, 0.16 mmol) and heated to 80 ⁰ C. After 12h, the reaction mixture was transferred to a sealed tube and diluted with propionitrile (2 mL). Potassium carbonate (20 mg) and MeI (50 μl_) were added and the reaction mixture was heated to 80 "C After 48 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to. ambient temperature, diluted with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic layers were with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Preparative thin layer chromatography (20% EtOAc/Hex) provided Example 343 (25.6 mg, 49%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.67 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 6.87 (m, 1H), 6.12 (m, 1 H), 4.53 (d, J = 5.1 Hz, 1H), 3.69 (ddd, J = 13.9, 11.7, 4.4 Hz, 1H), 3.32 (m, 1H), 3.13 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, 3H), 2.82 (m, 1H), 2.07 (m, 1H).

Example 344: :

Trans-11a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6,6a,7, 8,9, 10, 11,11a-octahydro- cyclohepta[c]chromβn-cis-8-ol and trans-11 a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro- 6,6a,7,8,9, 10,11, 11a-octahydro-cyclohepta[c]chromen-trans-8-ol

Example 344A Example 344B

Step 1 :

4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-3-(2-iodo-ethyl )-chroman

A solution of the product from Example 27 Step 5 (2.7 g, 6.94 mmol) in CH ₃ CN/tol (1 :2, 70 ml_) at 0 ⁰ C was treated with Ph ₃ P (2.2 g, 8.3 mmol), imidazole (0.61 g, 9.0 mmol), iodine (2.1 g, 8.3 mmol) and warmed to ambient temperature. After 1h, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated aqueous NaHCθ ₃ /Na ₂ S ₂ θ3 (1 :1) and extracted with Et ₂ O (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with 1 N HCI, saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (2— »10% EtOAc/Hex) provided the title compound (3.47 g, 99%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.77 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (dd, J ~ 8.1 , 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1 H), 6.46 (m, 1 H), 4.92 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.31

(dd, J = 11.7, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (s, IH), 3.17-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.97(t, J = 6.6 Hz ₁ 1 H), 1.89 (m, 1H), 1.74 (m, 1H).

Step 2:

S-ft-ft-Chloro-benzenesulfonyty-δ.δ-difluoiO-chroman-S- ylJ-propionitrile

A solution of 4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-3-(2-iodo-ethyl)- chroman (3.47 g, 6.94 mmol) in CH ₃ CN (70 mL) was treated with n-Bu ₄ NCN (2.2 g, 8.0 mmol). After 12 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with 1N HCI and extracted with Et ₂ O (3x). The combined organic extracts were washed with 1N HCI (2x), saturated aqueous NaHCO3, brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (2.6 g, 94%): ¹ H NMR (CDCi ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.74 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.55 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (m, 1H), 6.46 (m, 1H), 4.99 (dd, J = 12.4, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.34 (dd, J = 12.4, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.32 (s, 1 H), 2.99 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 1 H), 2.47 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.76 (m, 1 H), 1.65 (m, 1 H).

Step 3:

S-ft-ft-Chloro-benzenesulfQnyiyδ.δ-difluoro-chroman-S-y lJ-propionaldehyde

A solution of 3-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl]- propionitrile (500 mg, 1.26 mmol) in CH ₂ Cb (15 mL) at -78 ⁰ C was treated with

DIABAL (1 M in hexanes, 1.5 mL, 1.5 mmol) and warmed to 0 ⁰ C over 1 h. After 1 h further, the reaction mixture was quenched with 1N HCI, stirred vigorously for 30 min, and extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (3x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H ₂ O, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (8— »60% EtOAc/Hex) afforded the title compound (455 mg, 90%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 9.75 (s, 1 H), 7.73 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.51 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1H), 6.43 (m, 1H), 4.90 (dd, J = 12.4, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.32 (dd, J = 12.4, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (s, 1H), 2.83 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 1H), 2.56 (m, 1H), 1.76-1.54 (m, 3H).

Step 4:

1 -[4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl) -5, 8-difluoro-chroman~3-yl]-hex-5-en-3-ol

A solution of 3-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl]- propionaldehyde (1.79 g, 4.47 mmol) in THF (45 mL) at -78 ⁰ C was treated with allylmagnesium bromide (1 M in Et ₂ O ₁ 5.8 mL, 5.8 mmol) and warmed to 0 ⁰ C over 1 h. The reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH4CI, and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed saturated aqueous NaHCO3, brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (2—10% EtOAc/CH ₂ CI ₂ ) afforded the title compound (1.3 g, 66%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.71 (dd, J = 8.1 , 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.53 (dd, J = 8.1 , 1.5 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 5.76 (m, 1H), 5.16-5.08 (m, 2H), 4.93 (ddd, J = 11.7, 2.9, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.32 (dd, J = 12.4, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.31 (s, 1 H), 3.59 (m, 1 H), 2.85 (m, 1 H), 2.29- 2.10 (m, 2H), 1.68-1.43 (m, 4H).

Step 5: tert-Butyl-fi^-^^-chloro-benzenesulfonyO-δ.β-difluoro-chro man-S-ylJ-ethylJ-but-S- enyloxy) -dimethyl-silane

A solution of ^^-(^chloro-benzenesulfonyO-S.β-difluoro-chroman-S-ylj-hex- S- en-3-ol (1.30 g, 2.93 mmol) in DMF (29 ml_) 0 ⁰ C was treated with imidazole (0.41 g, 6.0 mmol), TBSCI (0.66 g, 4.4 mmol) and warmed to ambient temperature. After 36 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed H ₂ O (3x), saturated aqueous NaHCO3, brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (1→10% EtOAc/Hex) afforded the title compound (1.45 g, 89%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.71 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (dd, J = 8.1, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 6.42 (m, 1H), 5.72 (m, 1 H), 5.01-4.89 (m, 3H), 4.33 (dd, J = 11.0, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (s, 1 H), 3.62 (m, 1H), 2.74 (m, 1H), 2.12-2.10 (m, 2H), 1.55-1.24 (m, 4H), 0.78 (s, 4.5H), 0.76 (s, 4.5H), -0.01 (s, 3H), -0.08 (s, 3H).

Step 6:

S-ftert-Butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxyys-^-f^chloro-benzenesul fonyO-S.δ-diπuorO- chroman-3-yl]-pentan-1-ol

A solution of tert-butyl-(1-{2-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro- chroman-3-yl]-ethyl}-but-3-enyloxy)-dimethyl-silane (1.45 g, 2.60 mmol) in 1 :1 MeOH/CH ₂ CI ₂ (25 mL) at -78 ⁰ C was purged with ozone until the blue color persisted. The reaction mixture was then purged with N ₂ for 5 min, treated with NaBhU (300 mg, 7.8 mmol) portionwise and slowly warmed to ambient temperature. Over the next 4.5 h, 2 additional portions of NaBH ₄ (500 mg each) were added, and the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH4CI and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (3x). The combined organic extracts were washed saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (5-→40% EtOAc/Hex) afforded the title compound (730 mg, 50%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.72 (dd, J = 8.8, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (dd, J = 8.8, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (m, 1 H), 6.38 (m, 1H), 4.90 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.2 Hz ₁ 1 H), 4.33 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (s, 1 H), 3.85 (m, 1 H), 3.73-3.64 (m, 2H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 1.91 (br s, 1 H), 1.71- 1.22 (m, 6H), 0.80 (s, 4.5H), 0.79 (s, 4.5H), 0.03 (s, 3H), -0.04 (s, 3H).

Step 7: tert-Butyl-[11a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6,6a,7,8,9, 10,11 , 11a- octahydro-cyclohepta[c]chromen-9-yloxy]-dimethyl-siIane

A solution of 3-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-silanyloxy)-5-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesul fonyl)-

5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl]-pentan-1-ol (730 mg, 1.30 mmol) in CH ₂ CI ₂ (10 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was treated with Et ₃ N (360 μL, 2.6 mmol) followed by MsCI (150 μl_, 1.95 mmol). After 30 min, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH4CI and extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo to provide the crude product. The residue was dissolved in THF (13 mL), cooled to 0 ⁰ C and treated with KOt-Bu (1 M in THF, 3.0 mL, 3.0 mmol). After 1 h, the reaction mixture

was quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound (700 mg, 99% over 2 steps): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (dd, J = 8.8, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (dd, J - 8.8, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1 H), 6.43 (m, 1 H), 5.07 (dd, J = 10.9, 2.2 Hz ₁ 1 H), 4.23 (m,1 H), 4.04 (m, 0.5H), 3.58 (m, 0.5H), 2.97 (m, 1 H), 2.71-2.26 (m, 2H), 2.10 (m, 1H), 1.83-1.43 (m, 5H), 0.90 (s, 4.5H), 0.77 (s, 4.5H), 0.03 (s, 3H), -0.01 (s, 3H).

Step 8; 11 a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6, 6a, 7,8,9,10,11,11 a-octahydro- cyclohepta[c]chromen-9-ol

Example 344A1 Example 344B1

A solution of tert-butyl-[11a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro- 6,6a,7,8,9,10,11 ,11a-octahydro-cyclohepta[c]chromen-9-yloxy]-dimethyl-silane (700 mg, 1.30 mmol) in THF (10 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was treated with TBAF (1 M in THF, 2.6 ml_, 2.6 mmol) and warmed to ambient temperature. After 12 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (2— »20% EtOAcZCH ₂ CI ₂ ) afforded Example 344A1 (200 mg, Rf = 0.49, 10% EtOAc/CH ₂ CI ₂ ): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J - 8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1H), 6.40 (m, 1H), 5.13 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.26 (dd, J = 11.0, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.14 (m, 1H), 2.85 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 1H), 2.52 (ddd, J = 14.6, 10.3, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 2.34 (m, 1H), 2.22 (m, 1 H), 1.87-1.62 (m, 5H); followed by Example 344B1 (130 mg, Rf = 0.33, 10% EtOAc/CH ₂ CI ₂ ): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.64 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1 H), 6.40 (m, 1 H), 5.13 (dd, J = 11.0, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.26 (dd, J

= 11.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.67 (m, 1H), 2.96 (m, 1H), 2.75 (m, 1H), 2.19 (m, 1H), 2.02 (m, 1H), 1.81-1.49 (m, 5H).

Example 345

N-[11a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-clifluoro-6,6a,7,8, 9,10, 11,11a~octahydro- cyclohepta[c]chromen-9-yl]-C,C,C-trifluoro-methanesulfonamid e

Step 1 :

A solution of Example 344A was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Example 20 to provide Example 345A: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1 H), 6.41 (m, 1 H), 5.15 (dt, J = 11.7, 9.5, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.28 (dd, J = 11.7, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.46 (m, 1 H), 2.97 (d, J = 10.2 Hz, 1H), 2.34-2.28 (m, 2H), 2.09-1.91 (m, 2H), 1.81 (m, 1H), 1.66-1.52 (m, 2H).

Using methods similar to those in Example 345 and substituting an appropriate isocyanate, acyl or sulfonyl halide, the compounds in Table 75 were prepared.

Table 75

Example 354:

11a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,10, 11,11a-hexahydro-6H-5,9- dioxa-cyclohepta[a]naphthalene

Step 1:

S-fi-Allyloxy-ethyO^-^-chloro-benzenesulfonyty-S.S-diffuo ro-chroman

A solution of the product from Example 27 Step 5 (268 mg, 0.692 mmol) in THF (7 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was treated with 60% NaH (30 mg, 0.76 mmol) and allyl iodide (76 μl_, 0.83 mmol) and warmed to ambient temperature. After 12 h, the reaction mixture was heated to 60 ⁰ C. After an additional 6 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (5→30% EtOAc/Hex) provided the title compound (200 mg, 67%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.74 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.02 (m, 1H), 6.44 (m, 1 H), 5.80 (m, 1 H), 5.23-5.18 (m, 2H), 4.94 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.57 (s, 1 H), 4.33 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.88-4.83 (m, 2H), 3.50-3.35 (m, 2H), 2.96 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 1 H), 1.68 (m, 1 H), 1.50 (m, 1 H).

Step 2:

A solution of 3-(2-allyloxy-ethyl)-4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluo ro- chroman was subjected to conditions similar to the ones described in Example 345 steps 6 and 7 to provide Example 354: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) 7.57 (d, J = 8.8 Hz ₁ 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.44 (m, 1H), 5.15 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.25 (dd, J= 11.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.99-3.90 (m, 2H), 3.82 (dd, J = 13.1 , 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 3.66 (m, 1 H), 3.21 (m, 1 H), 2.96 (m, 1 H), 2.40 (m, 1 H), 1.95-1.85 (m, 2H).

Example 355 ((+)-isomerV. Acetic acid 10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-

6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl ester

A solution of cis-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol (Example 18B) (50 mg, 0.121 mmol) in pyridine (1 mL) was treated with acetyl chloride (40 μt_, 0.54 mmol), DMAP (10 mg) and heated to 80 ⁰ C. After 12 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and diluted with EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with 1 N HCI, saturated aqueous NaHS03, brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Preparative thin layer chromatography (25% EtOAc/Hex) afforded the title compound (Example 355) (24.9 mg, 45%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J

= 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 5.28 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.96 (m, , 1 H), 4.12 (m, 1 H), 3.02 (m, 1 H), 2.41-2.37 (m, 2H), 2.11 (s, 3H), 1.97-1.85 (m, 2H) ₁ 1.67 (m, 1H), 1.31 (Tn, 1 H).

Using methods similar to those in Example 355 and substituting an appropriate acyl halide, the compounds in Table 76 were prepared.

Table 76

Example 358A: lOa-ζ^Chloro-benzenesulfonyO-i ^-difluoro-S-methoxy-δaJ.δ.θ.iO.IOa-hexahydro- 6H-benzo[c]chromene

A solution of cis-10a-(4~chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9,10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol (Example 18B) (75 mg, 0.180 mmol) in THF (1 ml_) at 0 ⁰ C was treated with 15-crown-5 (60 μl_, 0.30 mmol) and NaH (60% in oil, 12 mg, 0.27 mmol). After 30 min, MeI (20 μL, 0.32 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was warmed to ambient temperature. After 1.5 h, the reaction mixture was directly purified via preparative thin layer chromatography (25% EtOAc/Hex) to provide the title compound (Example (-)-358A) (56.5 mg, 73%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.41 (m, 1 H), 5.21 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.09 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.40 (m, 1 H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 3.00 (d, J - 13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.41-2.26 (m, 2H), 1.99-1.87 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 1H), 1.15 (m, 1 H).

Using methods similar to those in Example (-)-358 and substituting an appropriate alkyl halide, the compounds in Table 77 were prepared.

Table 77

Example 362:

N-fa-πOa^-Chloro-benzenesulfonyO-i^-difluoro-β.aJ.S.Q.I O.IOa-hexahydro-βH- benzo[c]chromen-8-yloxy]-ethyl}-C,C,C-trifluoro-methanesulfo namide

Step i:

8-Allyloxy-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyI)-1,4-difluoro-6a , 7,8,9, 10,10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromene

A solution of cis-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol (Example 18B) (1.00 g, 2.41 mmol) in THF (20 ml_) was treated with 15-crown-5 (0.80 ml_, 4.00 mmol) and 60% NaH (150 mg, 3.80 mmol). After 20 min, allyl iodide (460 μL, 5.00 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was heated to reflux. After 18 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, quenched with 1N HCI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (2→20% EtOAc/Hex) provided the title compound (990 mg, 90%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.40 (m, 1 H), 5.90 (m, 1H), 5.27- 5.22 (m, 2H), 5.15 (d, J = 10.2 Hz, 1H), 4.12 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1H), 3.99-3.92 (m, 2H),

3.55 (m, 1H), 3.01 (m, 1H), 2.41-2.34 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.86 (m, 2H), 1.50 (m, 1H), 1.13 (m, 1H).

Step 2: 2-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-yloxyJ-ethanol

A solution of 8-allyloxy-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro- 6a, 7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene (1.55 g, 3.41 mmol) in 1:1 MeOH/CH ₂ CI ₂ (30 mt_) at -78 ⁰ C was purged with O ₃ until a blue color persisted. The reaction mixture was then purged with nitrogen until the blue color dissipated, NaBH ₄ (0.39 g, 10.2 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was warmed slowly to ambient temperature, After 18 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH4CI and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was diluted with water and extracted with CH2CI2 (3x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (1.46 g, 93%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 5.23 (dd, J = 11.7. 3.7 Hz, 1H), 4.13 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.76 (t, J = 5.1 Hz, 2H), 3.56-3.50 (m, 3H), 2.99 (m, 1 H), 2.40-2.30 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.84 (m, 2H), 1.60 (br s, 1 H), 1.54 (m, 1 H), 1.16 (m, 1 H).

Step 3:

Methanesulfonic acid 2-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzene sulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro- 6a, 7, 8, 9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yloxy]-ethyl ester

A solution of 2-[10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4~difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yloxy]-ethanol (1.09 g, 2.54 mmol) in CH ₂ CI ₂ (25 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was treated with Et ₃ N (0.37 mL) and MsCI (0.65 mL), the reaction mixture was slowly warmed to room temperature. After 14 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCC»3, dried over MgSC- ₄ and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (1.24 g, 97%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.58 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (m, 1H), 6.40 (m, 1H), 5.23 (dd, J=2.9, 11.7 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (dd, J= 3.7, 4.4 Hz, 2H), 4.11 (d, J= 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.72 (m, 2H), 3.58 (m, 1H), 3.13 (s, 1H), 3.01 (m, 1H), 2.40 (m, 2H), 1.87 (m, 2H), 1.56 (ddd, J= 1.6, 14.7, 14.7 Hz, 1H), 1.14 (m, 1H).

Step 4:

8-(2-Azido-ethoxy)-10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesuJfonyl)-1,4-dif luoro-6a, 7,8, 9, 10, 10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene

A solution of methanesulfonic acid 2-[10a-(4-chloro-benzene sulfonyl)-1 ,4- difluoro-eaJ.δ.θ.iO.IOa-hexahydro-βH-benzoIclchromen-δ-y loxyJ-ethyl ester (180 mg, 0.355 mmol) in DMF (5 ml_) was treated with NaN ₃ (46 mg, 0.707 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated to 80 ⁰ C. After 16 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and diluted with saturated aqueous NH4CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H ₂ O, saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound (153 mg, 95%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (m, 1 H), 6.42 (m, 1 H), 5.25 (dd, J=2.9, 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.12 (d, J=11.7 Hz), 3.60 (m, 2H), 3.36 (m, 2H), 3.02 (m, 1 H) ₁ 2.37 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 2H), 1.56 (m, 2H), 1.16 (m, 2H).

Step 5:

2-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzene sulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-yloxy]-ethylamine

A solution of 8-(2-azido-ethoxy)-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro- 6a,7,8,9 ₍ 10,10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene (110 mg, 0.242 mmol) in 4:1 THF/H2O (5 ml_) was treated with Ph ₃ P (127 mg, 0.484 mmol) and the reaction was heated to 6O ⁰ C. After 16 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature and concentrated in vacuo to remove the THF. The reaction mixture was diluted with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with CH ₂ CI2 (3x). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (10% MeOH/CH ₂ CI ₂ ) provided the title compound (52 mg, 52%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1 H), 6.43 (m, 1 H),

5.22 (dd, J=10.9, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.11(d, J=11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.51 (m,iH), 3.41 (m, 2H), 2.98 (m, 1H), 2.88 (br s, 2H,), 2.39 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 2H), 1.49 (m, 3H), 1.13 (m, 1 H).

Step 6:

N-{2-[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-yloxy]-ethyl}-C,C,C-trifluoro-methanesulfo namicIe

A solution of 2-[10a-(4-chloro-benzene sulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,7 ,8,9, 10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yloxy]-ethylamine (71 mg, 0.168 mmol) in CH2CI2 (5 mL) at -78°C was treated with 2,6-lutidine (33 μL, O.284 mmol), Tf ₂ O (45 μL, 0.948 mmol) and warmed slowly to ambient temperature. After 17 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with CH ₂ CI2 (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO3, dried over MgSθ4, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by preparative- chromatography over silica gel (eluted in hexanes/EtOAc 1:1) to afford the title compound (29 mg, 30%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.44 (m, 1H), 5.22 (dd, J=11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.12 (d,

J=11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.57 (m, 3H), 3.01 (m, 1H), 2.56 (m, 1 H), 2.33 (m, 1H), 1.91 (m, 2H), 1.56 (m, 1H), 1.15 (m, 2H).

Using methods similar to those in Example 362 and substituting an appropriate acyl halide, isocyanate or sulfonyl halide, the compounds in Table 78 were prepared.

Table 78

Example 368 (A and B):

Cis and trans-1 -[10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,10 a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene-8-sulfonyl]-pyrrolidine

Step 1 :

Thioacetic acid S-[10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl] ester

A solution of trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difIuoro-

6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ol (Example 18A) (750 mg, 1.81 mmol) at 0 ⁰ C was treated with Et ₃ N (750 μl_, 5.40 mmol), MsCI (560 μL, 7.20 mmol) and warmed to ambient temperature. After 1.5h, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo to provide the crude product. The residue was dissolved in DMF (15 ml.), treated with KSAc (270 mg, 2.30 mmol) and heated to 120 ⁰ C. After 3 h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with H2O (3x), saturated aqueous NaHCOe, brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (2→20% EtOAc/Hex) gave the title compound (420 mg, 61% over 2 steps): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.58 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.07 (m, 1 H), 6.41 (m, 1 H), 5.21 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.10 (d, J = 10.3 Hz,1H), 3.88 (m, 1H), 2.83 (m, 1H), 2.50 (d, J = 14.6 Hz, 1H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.18 (m, 1H), 1.92-1.77 (m, 3H), 1.53 (m, 1H).

Step 2:

10a-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyI)-1,4-difIuoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromene-8-thiol)

" A solution of thioacetic acid S-[10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-

6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl] ester (420 mg, 0.888 mmol) in MeOH (8 mL) was treated with 1N NaOH (2 mL) followed by THF (3 ml_). After 4h, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, diluted with 1N HCI and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , brine, dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (2-→20% EtOAc/Hex) gave the disulfide of the title compound (133 mg, 17%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 4H), 7.51 (d, J - 8.8 Hz, 4H), 7.07 (m, 2H), 6.41 (m, 2H), 5.24 (dd, J = 11.0, 2.9 Hz, 2H), 4.11 (d, J = 11.0 Hz,2H), 3.48 (m, 2H), 3.14 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 2H), 2.55 (m, 2H), 2.42 (m, 2H), 1.92-1.52 (m, 8H); followed by the title compound (169 mg, 44%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (dd, J = 8.8, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (dd, J = 8.8, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.42 (m, 1H), 5.25 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.11 (d, J = 11.0 Hz ₁ IH), 3.11 (m, 1H), 2.95 (d, J = 12.5 Hz, 1H), 2.40-2,38 (m, 2H), 2.04-1.82 (m, 3H), 1.49 (m, 1H).

The disulfide of the title compound was converted to the title compound by the following method:

A solution of the disulfide of the title compound (380 mg, 0.44 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was treated with NaBH ₄ (50 mg, 1.30 mmol) and heated to 60 ⁰ C, After 4h, the reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, quenched with 1 N HCI and extracted with Et ₂ θ (2x). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (2— >20% EtOAc/Hex) gave the title compound (370 mg,98%).

Step 3:

10a-(4-Chloro-henzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8, 9, 10,10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromene-8-suffonyl chloride

A solution of 10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene-8-thiol (370 mg, 0.860 mmol) in CH ₃ CN (30 mL) at - 10 ⁰ C was treated with KNO ₃ (191 mg, 1.89 mmol) followed by SO ₂ CI ₂ (152 μL, 1.89 mmol) dropwise. After 3h, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NaHCθ3 and extracted with EtOAc (2x). The combined organic extracts were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCθ3, brine, dried over MgSθ4 and concentrated in vacuo to provide the title compound (380 mg, 89%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.11 (m, 1 H), 6.48 (m, 1 H), 5.24 (dd, J - 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.22 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 3.17 (d, J = 12.4 Hz ₁ 1H), 2.64- 2.48 (m, 5H) ₁ 1.67 (m, 1H).

Step 4:

Cis and trans- 7 -[10a-(4-Ch!oro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9, 10,1 Oa- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene-8-sulfonyf]-pyrrolidine.

A solution of 10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene-8-sulfonyl chloride (50 mg, 0.10 mmol) in CH ₂ Cb (1.0 ml_) was treated with Et ₃ N (30 μl_, 0.20 mmol) followed by pyrrolidine (20 μL, 0.24 mmol). After 12h, the reaction mixture was quenched with saturated aqueous NH ₄ CI and extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (2x). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Preparative thin layer chromatography (33% EtOAc/Hex) afforded Example 368A (7.1 mg, 13%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (dd, J - 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (m, 1H), 6.46 (m, 1H), 5.22 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (d, J - 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.39-3.35 (m, 4H), 3.27 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 3.12 (m, 1H), 2.71 (m, 1 H), 2.46 (m, 1H), 2.31-2.27 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.93 (m, 4H), 1.82 (m, 1H), 1.50 (m, 1H); followed by Example 368B (12.0 mg, 22%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.56 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (dd, J = 8.8, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 7.10 (m, 1 H), 6.42 (m, 1 H), 5.24 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.20 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.34-3.30 (m, 4H), 3.13 (m, 1H), 2.78-2.74 (m, 2H), 2.13-2.02 (m, 3H), 1.90-1.87 (m, 4H), 1.78 (m, 1 H), 1.38 (m, 1H).

Using methods similar to those in Example 368 and substituting an appropriate amine, the compounds in Table 79 were prepared.

Table 79

Example 374:

8-Aminomethyl-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)- 1 , 4-difluoro-6a, 7, 8, 9,10,1 Oa- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ylamine

A solution of trans-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-

6a,7,8,9,10,10a-tetrahydro-6H, 7H-benzo[c]chromen-8-one (as described in Example 17, step 7)(2.50 g, 6.06 mmol) in cone NH ₄ OH/MeOH (1:1, 40 ml_) was treated with KCN (0.51 g, 7.9 mmol) and NH ₄ CI (0.42 g, 7.9 mmol). After 12 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, diluted with H ₂ O and extracted with CH ₂ Cb (4x). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. The crude reaction mixture was dissolved with THF (20 ml_) and added dropwise to a suspension of LAH (0.41 g, 10.9 mmol) in THF (40 ml_) at 0 ⁰ C. After 1 h, the reaction mixture was quenched via sequential addition of H ₂ O (400 μl_), 1N NaOH (800 μl_), H ₂ O (800 μl_), and stirred for 15 min. The suspension was filtered, rinsed with

CH2CI2, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. Flash chromatography (1 %→15% NH ₄ OH/MeOH(1:9), CH ₂ CI ₂ ) afforded Example 374 (950 mg, 35% over 2 steps): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.54 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.44 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 6.38 (m, 1 H), 5.17 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.10 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 1H), 2.80 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.70 (m, 1H), 2.69 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.40 (m, 1H), 2.04 (m, 1H), 1.77-1.68 (m, 2H), 1.34 (dd, J = 13.9, 13.2 Hz, 1H), 1.13 (br s, 4H) ₁ 0.95 (ddd, J = 13.9, 13.9, 2.9 Hz, 1H).

Example 375 :

A solution of 8-aminomethyl-10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro- 6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-ylamine (Example 374) (50 mg, 0.113 mmol) in CH ₂ CI ₂ (1 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was treated with Et ₃ N (31 μi_, 0.22 mmol), cyclopropyl sulfonyl chloride (20 μl_, 0.14 mmol), and warmed to ambient temperature. After 12 h, the reaction mixture was diluted with saturated aqueous NaHCO ₃ , and extracted with CH ₂ CI ₂ (2x). The combined organic extracts were dried over MgSO ₄ and concentrated in vacuo. Preparative thin layer chromatography (5% NH ₄ OHZMeOH (1:9), 95% CH ₂ CI ₂ ) afforded Example 375 (8.4 mg, 14%): ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.59 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.48 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.09 (m, 1H), 6.43 (m, 1H) _F 5.21 (dd, J = 11.7, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 5.01 (br s, 1H), 4.12 (d, J - 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.19 (d, J = 13.2 Hz, 1H), 3.15 (d, J - 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.78 (d, J = 12.4 Hz, 1H), 2.55 (m, 1H), 2.42 (m, 1H), 2.10 (m, 1H), 1.86-1.79 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.18 (m, 6H), 1.04- 1.00 (m, 2H).

Example 376 ((-1-376 and (-H-376):

10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difIuoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-ol.

(-) <♦>

The racemic mixture, prepared according to the procedure in Example 20 can be separated into two pure enantiomers using Chiral OD column with hexane/isopropanol (75/25) as solvent.

First fraction ((-)-isomer): [α] = -162.3 deg. (c = 1.095 in DCM).

Second fraction ((+)-isomer): [α] = 137. deg. (c = 0.95 in DCM).

Starting with the (-)-isomer of Example 376, and using methods similar to those in Example 20 and substituting an appropriate acyl orsulfonyl halide, the compounds in Table 80 were prepared.

Table 80

Example 380:

Step1

10a-(4-chloro~benzenesulfonyl)-1,4~difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-yl chloroformate.

10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10,10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-ol (0.46g, 1.11mmole) was dissolved in 30 ml DCM. Phosgene (20% in toluene, 4ml) and pyridine (1ml) were added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. 20 ml DCM was added and the reaction was

quenched by slowly adding 10 ml water. The organic layer was washed with 50 ml 1 N HCI solution, dried over sodium sulfate. After the solvent was removed, the residue was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the solvent (gradient from 0/100 to 25/75 in 25 minutes). Yield: 0.37g, 70%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.50 (d, 2H, J=8.8 Hz), 7.06-7.13 (m, 1 H), 6.40-6.47 (m, 1 H), 5.28 (dd, 1 H ₁ J=11.7 and 2.9 Hz), 5.05 (s, 1H,), 4.14 (d, 1 H, J=11.7 Hz), 3.02 (dt, J=13.2 and 2.9Hz, 1H), 2.31-2.49 (m, 2H), 2.01-2.16 (m, 2H),1.66-1.75 (m, 1H), 1.30-1.40 (m, 1H).

Step 2

(6aR)-10aS-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9, 10,10a-hexahydro-6h- dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-hydroxy-1-pyrrolinecarboxylate (racemic).

10a-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10,10a-hexahydro-6H- benzo[c]chromen-8-yl chloroformate (40mg) was dissolved in 5 ml DCM. 2(R)- hydroxypyrroline (4OuI) and diisopropylethylamine (5OuI) were added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour 20 ml DCM was added and the reaction was washed with 50 ml saturated sodium carbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column using EtOAc/Hex. as the solvent (gradient from 25/75 to 100/0 in 25 minutes). Yield: 42mg, 95%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (m, 2H), 7.49 (m, 2H), 7.03-7.11 (m, 1 H), 6.37-6.46 (m, 1 H), 5.21-5-28 (m, 1H), 4.87 (s, 1H,), 4.49 (d, J=15.3 Hz, 1H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.33-3.55(m, 4H), 2.89 (d J=12.4Hz, 1H), 2.48 (m, 2H), 2.32 (m, 1H), 1.95 (m, 3H),1.61(m, 1H), 1.26 (m, 1H).

Using methods similar to those in Example 380 and substituting appropriate amines, the compounds in Table 81 were prepared.

Table 81

Example 387:

N-KCβaRJ-IOaS-K^chlorophenyOsulfonyη-i ^-difluoro-eaJ.S.θ.IO.IOa-hexahydro-eh- dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-yl]methanesulfonamide

(racemic)

Step 1

(6aR)-10aS-[(4-ch!orophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6h- dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-carbonitrile (racemic) Trans-1 Oa-(4-ch!oro- benzenesulfonylJ-i^-difluoro-βa.y.S.θ.IO.IOa-hexahydro-δH -benzotcJchromen-β-ol (1.3g, 3.1mmole) was dissolved in 10ml DCM. Mesyl chloride (0.53g, 4.7mmole) and triethylamine (1ml) were added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. 100ml brine and 50 ml DCM were added. The organic layer was washed with 1N HCI solution (50ml), water (50 ml), brine (50ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 50 ml toluene. Tetrabutylammonium cynide (1.6g, 6.1mmole) was added. The rection was heated to 80 ⁰ C overnight. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and 100 ml EtOAc was added. The organic layer was washed with brine (2 x 100 ml), dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and concentrated. The

residue was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 50/50 in 35 minutes). Yield: 0.7Og, 53%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.64 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.52 (d, J =

8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.06-7.13 (m, 1H), 6.42-6.49 (m, 1H), 5.29 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (d, J = 11.7 Hz ₁ 1H), 2.94-3.02 (m, 2H), 2.62 (d, J = 13.9Hz, 1H), 2.34 (tt, J = 13.8 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 1.94-2.09 (m, 2H), 1.66-1.75 (m, 1 H), 1.30-1.40 (m, 1 H).

Step 2

(6aR)-10aS-[(4-chloroρhenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-6h- dι ^' benzo[b, d]pyran-8(R)-yl-aminomethane (racemic) (6aR)-10aS-[(4-ch!orophenyl)sulfonyl]-1 ,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9,10, 1 Oa-hexahydro-

6h-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-carbonitrile (0.34g, O.δOmmole) was dissolved in 50ml THF and the reaction was cooled to 0 ⁰ C. LAH (1 M in ether, 1.6ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. 100ml 1N NaOH solution and 100 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (2x100ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column

(EtOAc/2.5N NH3 in MeOH from 100/0 to 80/20 in 35 minutes). Yield: 0.24g, 70%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.57 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.02-

7.09 (m, 1H), 6.35-6.43 (m, 1H), 5.19 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.10 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 2.70-2.85 (m, 3H), 2.33 (tt, J = 13.2 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 2.08 (m, 1H), 1.58-1.80 (m, 4H), 1.20-1.30 (m, 1 H).

Step 3

N-[[(6aR)-10aS-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6a , 7,8,9, 10, 10a- hexahydro-6h-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-ylJmethanesulfonamide (racemic) (6aR)-10aS-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6a,7,8,9, 10,10a-hexahydro-

6h-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8(R)-yl-aminomethane (50mg, 0.12mmole) was dissolved in 5 ml DCM, Mesyl chloride (5OuI) and triethylamine(30ul) were added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for two hours. 50ml saturated sodium carbonate solution and 50 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50ml), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 100/0 in 35 minutes). Yield:38mg, 64%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.57 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.03-7.09 (m, 1H), 6.36-6.43 (m, 1H), 5.17 (dd, J = 11.0 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 4.81 (t, J = 6.6 Hz, 1H)

4.09 (m, 1H), 3.22 (t, J = 7.3, 2H), 2.98 (s, 3H), 2.75(d, J = 12.5 Hz, 1H), 2.36 (d, J = 13.9 Hz, 1H), 2.08 (t, J= 13.9Hz, 1H), 1.59-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.20-1.30 (m, 1H).

Using methods similar to those in Example 387 and substituting an appropriate acyl or sulfonyl halide, the compounds in Table 82 were prepared.

Table 82

Example 395:

Step 1 : β-Benzyloxy-iζRycyanomethyl-propylj-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (3-Benzyloxy-1-hydroxymethyl-propyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (7.4g,

25mmole) was dissolved in 10OmI DCM. Mesyl chloride (4.3g, 37.5mmole) and triethylamine (5.Og, 50mmole) were added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes. 100ml DCM and 100ml water were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (100ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 200ml tolune. Tetraammonium cynide (10g,

37.5mmole) was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. The organic layer was washed with water (2x100ml), brine (100ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 100/0 to 30/70 in 45 minutes). Yield, 6.4g, 84%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.29- 7.38 (m, 5H) ₁ 5.20 (d, J = 5.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.50(m, 2H), 3.91 (m, 1 H), 3.54-3.66 (m, 2H), 2.60-2.77 (m, 2H), 1.89-1.99(m, 2H), 1.44 (s, 9H).

Step 2: δ-BenzyloxySζRy^-ζ^chloro-benzenesulfonyO-δ.δ-difluoro- chroman-S-ylamino]- pentanenitrile

[3-Benzyloxy-1 (R)-cyanomethyl-propyl]-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (6.4g, 21mmole) was dissolved in 20ml DCM. 4N HCI in dioxane (20ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The solvent was removed and the residue was dissolved in 200ml THF and 4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8- difluoro-2H-chromene was added. Diisopropylethylamine (10 ml) was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight then refluxed for 5 hours. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and 100 ml EtOAc was added. The organic layer was washed with brine (100 ml), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 100/0 to 30/70 in 45 minutes). 6.0g, 58%, it is a mixture of two diastereomers.

Step 3:

S-ft-ft-Chloro-benzenesulfonylJ-δ.δ-difluoro-chroman-S-yl- fRJ-aminoJ-δ-hydroxy- pentanenitrile. 5-Benzyloxy-3(R)-[4-(4-chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro- chroman-3- ylamino]-pentanenitrile (0.9g, 1.64mmole) was dissolved in 20 ml DCM and the reaction was cooled to -78°C. Boron trichloride (1M in Hexane, 8.2m!) was then added and the reaction was stirred 30 minutes. The reaction was quenched by adding 50 ml Saturated NaHCO ₃ solution and 100ml DCM was added. The organic layer was washed with brine (100ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 75/25 in 40 minutes). Yield: 0.64g, 88%. It is a mixture of diastereomers.

Step 4:

(4aR)-10bR-[(4-Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro-1,3,4A a,5,10b-hexahydro-2H- [1]benzopyrano[3,4-b]pyridine-3(S)-acetonitriIe

3-[4_(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difIuoro-chroman-3-yl-(R )-amino]-5- hydroxy-pentanenitrile (1.7g, 3.7mmole) was dissolved in 50ml DCM. Mesyl chloride (1ml) and triethylamine (2ml) were added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 5 minutes. 500ml DCM and 50ml water were added. The organic layer was washed with 1N HCI solution (2x100ml), brine (100ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 100ml dry THF and KOt-Bu (1 M in t-BuOH, 4.5ml) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. 100ml EtOAc was added. The organic layer was washed with brine (2x100ml), dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 100/0 to 40/60 in 45 minutes). Yield: 0.72g, 44% (0.51 g trans compound was also isolated from the reaction). ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.59 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.06-7.13 (m, 1H), 6.40-6.47 (m, 1H), 5.18 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.29(dd, J = 11.7 and 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 3.82 (d, J =7.3 Hz, 1H), 3.36 (bs, 1H), 2.62-2.82 (m, 2H), 2.32-2.52(m, 2H), 2.70-2.86 (m, 2H), 1.52 (m, 1H).

Step 5:

(4aR)-10bR-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-7,10-difluoro-1,3,4,4a ,5,10b-hexahydro-2H- [1]benzopyran[3,4-b]pyridine-3(S)-ethylamine (pure enantiomer) (4aR)-10bR-[(4- Chlorophenylsulfonyl)-7,10-difluoro-1 ,3,4,4a, 5, 10b-hexahydro-2H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4- b]pyridine-3(S)-acetonitrile (0.47g, 1.1mmole) was dissolved in 100ml THF and boron trichloride (2M in THF, 5.4ml) was added. The reaction was heated to 60 ⁰ C for three hours. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and 100ml water was added dropwise to quench the reaction. 100ml 2N NaOH solution and 200 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (100ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 100ml methanol. 10ml 1N HCI in ether was added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for one hour. Solvent was removed and the residue was partitioned between 100ml 1N NaOH solution and 100 ml EtOAc. The organic layer was washed with brine (100ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column

(DCM/0.7N NH3 in MeOH from 0/100 to 50/50 In 45 minutes). Yield: 0.4Og, 84%.. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz δ 7.59 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2H), 7.02-7.10 (m, 1 H), 6.37-6.45 (m, 1 H), 5.15 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.25(dd, J = 11.7 and 1.5 Hz, 1H), 3.86 (s, 1H) ₁ 2.95-3.03 (m, 1H), 2.82 (t, J =5.8 Hz, 2H), 2.38-2.45(m, 2H), 1.94-2.05 (m, 1H), 1.45-2.55 (m, 2H), 1.32-1.44 (m, 1H).

Following procedures similar to those of Example 395, the compounds in Table 83 were obtained.

Table 83

Examples 403 to 410:

(wherein R is identified in Table 84)

Step 1 :

Tmns-^ft-chloro-phenylsulfanyQ-δβ-difluoro-chroman-S-ca rbaldehyde

Trans-[4-(4-chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl ]-methanoi (Example 16 Step 2) (2.8g, δ.δmmole) was dissolved in 15ml DCM and Dess-Martin reagent (4.1 g, 9.7mmole) was then added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for three hours. 40 ml EtOAc and 30 ml saturated sodium thiosulfate solution were added and the organic layer was washed with saturated sodium . bicarbonate solution, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was used in next step without further purification. ). Yield: 2.8g, 100%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃

400 MHz) δ 9.70 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.34 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 6.93-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.59-6.65 (m, 1H), 4.92 (dt, J = 11.7 and 2.2 Hz, 1H) ₁ 4.89 (br, 1H), 4.74 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.9 Hz, 1 H), 2.83(m, 1 H).

Step 2:

2-{[4-(4-Chloroφhenylsulfanyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-yl methyl]-amino}-ethanol.

Trans-4-(4-chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3- carbaldehyde (2.2g,

5.9mmole) and ethanolamine (1.1g, 18mmole) were dissolved in 20 ml THF. The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight. 2g Sodium borohydride and 10 ml MeOH were added and the reaction was stirred for three hours. 100 ml water and 100ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane from 25/75 to 100/0 in 45 minutes). Yield, 0.40g, 17.5%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.45 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.31 (d, J = 8.1Hz, 2H), 6.92-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.54-6.60 (m, 1H), 4.62 (dd, J = 8.8 and 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.48 (br, 1H), 4.38 (dt, J = 11.7 and 2.2 Hz, 1H), 3.55 (t, J =5.1 Hz, 2H), 2.67 (dd, J = 12.4 and 7.3 Hz, 1H), 2.62 (t, J = 5.1Hz, 2H), 2.48 (dd, J =12.4 and 8.1 Hz, 1H), 2.09(m, 1 H).

Step 3:

[4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5β-difluoro-chroman-3-ylme thyl]-(2-hydiOxy-ethyl)- carbamic acid tert-butyl ester

2-{[4-(4-Chloro-phenylsulfanyl)-5,8-difIuoro-chroman-3-ylmet hyl]-amino}- ethaπol (0.4g, I.Ommole) was dissolved in 20 ml DCM and Boc∑O (0.24g, 1.2mmole) was added. The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. MCPBA (77%, 0.8g, 3.6mmole) was then added and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for two hours. 2g sodium thiosulfate ϊn 50 ml water was added to quench the reaction and 100 ml EtOAc was added to extract the product. The organic layer was washed with 1 N NaOH solution (50ml), brine (50ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/Heaxane from 0/100 to 50/50 in 45 minutes). Yield: 0.44g, 85%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.71 (d, J = 8.1Hz, 2H) ₁ 7.49 (d, J = 8.1Hz, 2H), 6.98-7.05 (m, 1H), 6.36-6.44 (m, 1H), 4.90 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.40 (br, 1 H), 4.28 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.70 (br, 2H), 3.15- 3.40 (m, 5H), 1.26(s, 9H).

Step 4:

1, 1-dimethylethyl (4aR)-10bS-[(4-Chloropheny)sulfonyl]-7, 10-difluoro-1,4a,5, 10b- tetrahydro~2H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyridine-3(4H)-carboxylat e (racemic)

[4-(4-Chloro-benzenesulfonyl)-5,8-difluoro-chroman-3-ylmethy lϊ-(2-hydroxy- ethyl)-carbamic acid tert-butyl ester (0.44g, 0.85mmole) was dissolved in 5ml DCM. Mesyl chloride (0.11g, I.Ommole) and triethylamine (0.86g, 8.5mmole) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for two hours. 50 ml water and 50 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with water (50 ml), brine (50ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in 5ml THF and KOt-Bu (1M inTHF, 2ml) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for two hours. 50 ml water and 50 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with brine (50ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The product was purified by column (EtOAc/hexane from 0/100 to 25/75 in 45 minutes). Yield: 0.23g, 54%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.60 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.50 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.06-7.13 (m, 1H), 6.40-6.47 (m, 1H), 5.20 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.23 (d, J = 11.7 Hz ₁ 1 H), 4.10 (br, 2H), 2.76 (br, 2H), 2.57 (d, J =12.7 Hz ₁ 1H), 2.43 (br, 1H), 2.11 (m, 1H), 1.44(s, 9H).

Step 5.

(4aR)-10bS-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-7,10-difluoro-1,3,4 ,4a,5,10b-hexahydro-2H- [1 ]benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyridine (racemic)

1 ,1-dimethylethyi (4aR)-10bS-[(4-Chloropheny)sulfonyl]-7,10-diffuoro-

1,4a,5,10b-tetrahydro-2H-[1]benzopyrano[3,4-c]pyridiπe-3(4H )-carboxylate (0.21 g, 0.42rηmole) was dissolved in 20 ml DCM and Il 5 ml TFA. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour. 100ml saturated sodium carbonate solution and 100 ml EtOAc were added. The organic layer was washed with saturated sodium carbonate solution (50ml), dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated. The residue was was recrystallized from EtOAc/hexane. Yield: 0.16g, 100%. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.61 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.8Hz, 2H), 7.05-7.12 (m, 1H), 6.39-6.46 (m, 1H), 5.18 (dd, J = 11.7 and 2,2 Hz, 1 H), 4.26 (d, J = 11.7 Hz, 1H), 3.08 (d, J =

9.5Hz, 1H), 301 (dt, J = 13.2 and 2.9 Hz, 1H), 2.58-2.73 (m, 3H), 2.35 (td, J =12.4 and 1.5 Hz, 1H), 2.09 (dt, J = 12.4 and 2.9Hz, 1H).

The product of Step 5 is converted to the compounds in Table 84 using the method described in Example 20.

Table 84

Example 411:

Alternate synthesis of the compound 18B in Example 18

Step j

To a solution of I (2.0 g, 6.2 mmol) in THF (30 mL) was slowly added nBuLi (2.8 mL, 6.9 mmol, 2.5M Hexanes) at -78 ⁰ C. After stirring for 15 min, Eschenmoser salt (1.3 g, 7.0 mmol) was added at once and the reaction mixture was allowd to warm gradually to room temperature over 16 h period. The reaction mixture was quenched into saturated NH4CI solution and extracted with EtOAc. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluting with hexanes/EtOAc 75:25) to provide 1.11g of the title compound. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.68 - 7.65 (m, 2H), 7.48 - 7.44 (m, 2H) 7.21 - 7.09 (m, 1 H), 5.29 (s, 1 H), 4.79 (d, J = 4.2, 4.2 Hz,, 1 H), 3.44 - 3.33 m, 1H) ₁ 3.14 - 3.10, m, 1H), 2.19 (s, 6H).

Step 2

A solution of the amine product from step 1 (4.57g, 12.1 mmol), acetic anhydride (3.6 mL, 38.0 mmol) and toluene (40 mL) was heated at reflux for 2 h. After cooling to room temperature, the reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluting with hexanes/EtOAc 75:25) to provide 2.57g of the title compound as white solid. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J - 6.3 Hz, 2H) 7.10 -7.04 (m, 1H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 6.83 - 6.72 (m, 1H), 6.10 (s, 1H).

Step 3

Isomer A Isomer B

A solution of the alkene product from step 2 (7.8g, 23.8 mmol), (E)-1,4-Bis(te/f- butldimethylsiloxy)-2,4-pentadiene [Frey, B.; Schnaubelt, J.; Hans-Ulrich, R .; Eur. J. Org. Chem. 1999. (6), 1377-1384] (3.95g, 11.9 mmol) and o-xylene (10 mL) was heated at reflux in a sealed tube for 16 h. After cooling to room temperature, the solvent was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in ice-cold solution of 1 N HCI in DCM (140 mL). The reaction mixture was kept at OoC for 1h, then carefully neutralized to PH 8 with saturated NaHCO3. Separated layers, extracted aqueous ohase with DCM, washed combined organic phase with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluting with hexanes/EtOAc 75:25) to provide 1.26 g of Isomer A and 1.08 g Of Isomer B.

Isomer A: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.71 - 7.35 (m, 4H), 7.26 - 7.17 (m, 1H), 7.90 - 6.53 (m, 1H), 3.94 (s, br, 1H) ₁ 3.77 - 3.75 (m, 1H), 3.62 - 3.55 (m, 2H), 3.27 - 3.20 (m, 2H), 3.00 - 2.80 (m, 1 H), 2.53 - 2.45 (m, 2H), 0.72 (s, 9H), -1.00 (s, 3H), -1.10 (s, 3H).

Isomer B: ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) 7.41 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 2H), 7.22 - 7.14 (m, 1H), 7.00 - 6.45 (m, 1H), 4.71 (dd J = 2.4, 11.2 Hz, 1H), 4.10 (dd, J = 4.4, 11.0 Hz, 1 H), 3. 97 (s, br, 1 H), 3.30 -3.26 (m, 1 H), 2.98 - 2.95 (m, 1 H), 2.68 - 2.59 (m, 2H), 2.25 - 2.09 (m, 2H), 0.92 (s, 9H), 0.15 (s, 3H), 0.1. (s, 3H).

Step 4

To a solution of Isomer A from step 3 (1.26 g, 2.3 mmol) in THF (60 ml_) at O ⁰ C was added CeCI ₃ .7H ₂ O(2.0 g, 5.3 mmol) followed by BaBH4 (0.575 g, 15.2 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 16h, the reaction mixture was cooled to O ⁰ C and quenched with water. It was then extracted with EtOAc, the organic phase washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The residue purified by flash- chromatography over silica gel (eluting with hexanes/EtOAc 1:1) to provide 1.19 g of the title product. ^"1 H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.40 - 7.30 (m, 4H), 7.20 - 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.85 - 6.50 (m, 1H), 4.23 - 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.70 - 3.50 (m, 2H), 3.05 - 2.10 (m, 4H), 2.90 - 2.30 (m, 3H) ₇ 0.95 - 0.85 (m, 1 H), 0.80 (s, 9H), -1.00 (s, 3H), -2.05 (s, 3H).

Step 5

To a solution of the alcohol product from step 4 (1.19 g, 2.17 mmol) in THF (40 mL) was added TBAF at 0 ⁰ C. The cooling bath was removed and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2h. The solvent was concentrated and the residue purified by flash-chromatography over silica gel (eluting with hexanes/EtOAc 1:1) to provide 403 mg of the title product. ¹ H NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.63 (d, J = 6.0 Hz, 2H), 7.49 (d, J= 6.0 Hz, 2H), 7.10 - 7.94 (m, 1 H), 6.45 - 6.39 (m, 1 H), 5.26 (d, J = 12.9Hz, 1H), 4.10 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.05 (s, br, 1H), 3.07 (d, J = 9.9 Hz, 1H), 2.51 - 2.48 (m, 1 H), 2.37 - 2.34 (m, 1 H), 1.85 - 1.26 (m. 5H).

Example 412:

(3aR)-9bS-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-6,9-difluoro-1,2,3,3a _t 4,9b-hexahydro-2- (phenylmethyl)[1Jhenzopyrano[3, 4-c]pyrrole (racemic)

To a solution of vinyl sulfone (50 mg, 0.145 mmol) and dipole precursor (100 mg, 0.42 mmol) in CHCI3 (2 ml_) was added TFA (10 mg) at OoC and stirred at that temperature for 2 h and then worked-up in water and EtOAc. The mixture was subjected to preparative TLC over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 80:20) to yield 50 mg of Example 412: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.47 (d, 2H) ₁ 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.21 (m, 5H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 6.60 (m, 1H), 4.40 (m, 1H), 3.67 (m, 4H), 3.41 (m, 2H), 2.95 (m, 1H), 2.43 (m, 1H) LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 476.3; retention time = 3.29 min.

Example 413:

(3aR)-9bS-[(4-Chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-6,9-difluoro-1,2,3,3 a,4,9b-hexahydro-2- methylenebenzo[b]cyclopenta[d]pyran (racemic)

ple 413

To a solution of vinyl sulfone (100 mg, 0.29 mmol) and dipole precursor (70 mg, 0.37 mmol) in THF (4 mL) was added dppf (10 mg) followed by Pd(PPh3)4 (20 rrig, 0.017 mmol) at room temperature and the reaction mixture was heated at 80oC for 12h. The reaction mixture was passed through a short pad of celite. The mixture was subjected to preparative TLC over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 80:20)

to yield 20 mg of Example 413: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.59 (d, 2H), 7.48 (d, 2H) ₁ 7.0 (m, 1H), 6.41 (m, 1H), 4.90 (s, 1H), 4.85 (s, 1H), 4.74 (d, 1H), 4.14 (d, 1H), 3.41 (m, 2H), 3.15 (d, 2H),2.76 (m, 1H), 2.33 (m, 1H)

Examples 414 to 416:

The compounds in Table 85 were prepared following the procedure described in Example 61.

Table 85

Examples 417 and 418:

(6aR)-10aS-[(4-ChIorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-8(ή- hydroxy-6h-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8-methanol (racemic)

Example 414 Example 417 Example 418

To a solution of olefin (10 mg, 0.024 mmol) in DCM (2 ml_) was added mCPBA (10 mg, 2 eq) at room temperature and stirred for 2h. Sodium thiosulfate (200 mg in 0.5 ml_ water) was added and extracted with DCM. The solvent was removed in vacuo and redissolved in THF (2 mL) and treated with 2 drops of con. H2SO4 and stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. Saturated aq. NaHCO3 solution (2 mL) was added and extracted with DCM. The mixture was subjected to preparative TLC over silica gel (eluted with DCM/MeOH 95:5) to yield 4 mg of Example 417 and 4 mg of 418.

Example 417: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.62 (d, 2H) ₁ 7.49 (d, 2H), 7.0 (m, 1H) ₁ 6.41 (m, 1H), 5.30 (d, 1H), 4.12 (d, 1H), 3.61 (s, 1H), 3.44 (m, 3H), 3.05 (m, 2H), 2.48 (m, 2H),1.78 (m, 1 H), 1.25 (m, 2H).

Table 86

Examples 419 and 420:

(6aR)-1 _r 4-difluoro-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-8(S)-hydroxy-10aS-[[4- (trifluoromethyl)phenyl]sulfonyl]-6h-dibenzo[b, d]pyran-7(R)'iriethanol (racemic)

Example 419

To a solution of tricyclic ketone (5 g, 0.0112 mol) in THF (50 ml_) was added LHMDS (1 M in THF, 13.44 mL, 1.2 eq) at -78oC and stirred for 30 minutes. In a separate flask, SEM-CI (2.24 g, 0.0134 mo!) and NaI (2 g, 0.0133 mol) were taken in THF (50 mL) and cooled to -78oC. The ketone enolated generated was transferred to the SEM-CI/Nal mixture via cannula and stirred at -78oC for 6h. The reaction mixture was slowly warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight and then poured into saturated NH ₄ CI and extracted with EtOAc The residue was purified by flash- chromatography over silica gel (eluted with hexanes/EtOAc 0-20% EtOAc) to afford 1.7 g (26%) of product.

The above product (1.6 g, 0.0027 mol) was dissolved in DCM (50 mL) and treated with BF3:OEt2 (0.3 mL) at OoC and stirred for 3 h. Aqueous sodium hydroxide (5 mL, 2.5 M) solution was added and extracted with EtOAc. The solvent was removed in vacuo and redissolved in THF (10 mL) and treated with NaBH4 (500 mg) at OoC. The reaction mixture was stirred at OoC for 2 h and warmed to room temperature and stirred for another 2h. Aqueous work up followed by EtOAc extraction and silica gel column chromatography afforded the comounds of Examples 419 and 420.

Example 420: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.77 (s, 4H) ₁ 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.39 (m, 1H), 5.16 (d, 1H), 4.12 (d, 1H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 2.74 (d, 1H) ₁ 2.56 (d, 1H), 2.01 (m, 6H), 1.36 (m, 1H), 0.98 (m, 1H).

Examples 421 to 426

Examples 421 and 422

(6aR)-10aS-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6a, 7, 8,9, 10, 10a-hexahydro-7(R)-

[[2-(trimethylsi!yI)ethoxy]methyI]-6h-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8 (s)-oI (racemic)

Example 421 Example 422

To a solution of tricyclic ketone (100 mg, 0.24 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was added LHMDS (1 M in THF, 0.29 mL, 1.2 eq) at -78 ⁰ C and stirred for 30 minutes. In a separate flask, SEM-CI (200 mg, 1.1 mol) and NaI (50 mg) were taken in THF (2 mL) and cooled to -78oC. The ketone enolated generated was transferred to the SEM- Cl/Nal mixture via cannula and stirred at -78oC for 2h. The reaction mixture was slowly warmed to room temperature and stirred for 4 h and then poured into saturated NH4CI and extracted with EtOAc The mixture was subjected to preparative TLC over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 80:20) to yield 18 mg of product. This product was dissolved in isopropanol (1 mL) and treated with NaBH4 (5 mg, 5 eq) at -40oC and stirred for 1h. The reaction mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred overnight. Citric acid solution (8% aqueous, 1 mL) was added and extracted with EtOAc. The mixture was subjected to preparative TLC over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 80:20) to yield 2 mg of productof Example 421. ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) 57.60 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 6.43 (m, 1 H), 5.17 (d, 1H), 4.48 (d, 1H), 3.89 (d, 1H), 3.60 (m, 3H), 3.17 (s, 1H), 2.68 (d, 1H),2.51 (d, 1 H), 1.97 (m, 2H), 1.15 (m, 1H), 1.12 (m, 1H), 0.94 (m, 3H), 0.02 s, 9H). Compound TKS-11 was also isolated.

The compounds of Examples 423 to 426 in Table 88 were prepared according to the procedure of Examples 421 and 422.

Table 88

Example 427:

(6aR)-10aS-[(4-chlorophenyl)sulfonyl]-1,4-difluoro-6A, 7,8,9, 10, 10A-hexahydro-6h- dibenzo[B,D]pyran-8(R)-acetonitriJe (racemic)

To a solution of tosylate (20 mg, 0.034 mmol) in DMF (2 ml_) was added NaCN (5 mg, 0.102 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at 120oC for 2 h and then worked-up in water and EtOAc. The mixture was subjected to preparative TLC over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 50:50) to yield 11 mg of Example 427. ¹ H-

NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.48 (d, 2H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.43 <m, 1H), 5.24 (d, 1H), 4.12 (d, 1 H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 2.55 (d, 2H), 2.44 (d, 1H), 2.22 (m, 1H),2.07 (m, 1H), 1.76 (m, 3H), 1.56 (s, 1H), 1.41 (m, 1H) LCMS (MH ⁺ ) = 83.2; retention time = 4.43 min.

Examples 428 and 429:

Example 428

(6aR)-1,4-difluoro-6a,9, 10, 10a-tetrahydro-7(S)-[2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethyl]-10aS-[[4-

(trifluoromethyl)phenyf]sulfonyl]-6h-dibenzo[b,d]pyran-8( 7h)-one (racemic)

To a solution of tricyclic ketone (115 mg, 0.25 mmol) and phenyl vinyl sulfone (50 mg, 0.29 mmol) in tBuOH/THF (3+1 mL) was added KtBuO solution (1M in THF, 0.025 mL, 10 mol%) at room temperature and stirred for 4 h and then worked-up in water and EtOAc. The mixture was subjected to preparative TLC over silica gel (eluted with Hexanes/EtOAc 80:20) to yield 25 mg of Example 428: ¹ H-NMR (CDCI ₃ 400 MHz) δ 7.91 (d, 2H), 7.82-7.59 (m, 7H), 7.19 (m, 1H), 6.52 (m, 1 H), 5.21 (d, 1 H), 4.40 (d, 1H), 3.25 (m, 2H), 2.86 (d, 1H), 2.72 (m, 1H), 2.44 (m, 3H), 2.11 (m, 3H).

Using a similar procedure, the compound in Table 89 was prepared.

Table 89

Example 430:

The compound in Table 90 was made according to the method described for Example 19.

Table 90

Examples 431 to 436

The compounds in Table 91 were made according to the method described for Example 20.

Table 91

Examples 437 to 439:

Example 437

Step i :

Ethyl 2-((6a,8,10a)-1, 4-difluoro-10a-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)- 6a, 7,8,9, lO.IOa-hexahydro-βH-benzolcJchromen-δ-ytyacetate

Example 437 To a 0 ⁰ C mixture of 60% NaH oil dispersion (0.12 g) in tetrahydrofuran (22 ml_) was added triethyl phosphonoacetate (0.58 ml_). After being stirred for 0.5 h at 0 ⁰ C, 1 ,4- difluoro-10a-(4-trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonyl)-6a,9,10,10a -tetrahydro-6H,7H- benzo[c]chromen-8-one (1.0 g, 2.24 mmol) was added to the resulting clear and colorless solution. After 0.5 h, saturated aqueous NH4CI was added to the reaction solution. This mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered, and absorbed onto silica gel (5 g). This absorbed crude material was purified by silica gel chromatography with ethyl acetate/hexanes (0/100 to 30/70 over 30 min) to afford 0.89 g of a white foam.

A portion of this white foam (0.62 g) was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (22 ml_). This solution was cooled to -78 ⁰ C, and then 1.0 M L-Selectride in tetrahydrofuran (1.8 ml.) was added. The cooling bath was then kept between -55 ⁰ C and -25 ⁰ C for 4.5 h. After this 4.5 h period, brine(1.8 mL), aqueous 1 M NaOH (1.8 mL), and then aqueous 30% H ₂ O ₂ (0.7 ml_J were added to the reaction. After being stirred another 0.5 h, aqueous 25% Na ₂ SO ₃ (6 mL) was added. This mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered, and absorbed onto silica gel (5 g). This absorbed crude material was purified by silica gel chromatography with ethyl acetate/hexanes (0/100 to 40/60 over 40 min) to afford Example 437 (0.236 g) as a white foam.

Example 437: LCMS: (M+1) = 519.3, retention time = 5.11 min.

Step 2:

2-((6a,8, 10a)-1, 4-Difluoro-10a-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)-6a,7,8,9, 10, 10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl)acetic acid

Example 438

A mixture of ethyl 2-((6a,8,10a)-1 ,4-difluoro-10a-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)- ea.T.δ.θ.iO.IOa-hexahydro-eH-benzotclchromen-δ-ylJacetate (Example 437, 0.23 g), lithium hydroxide (93 mg), water (3 ml_), and tetrahydrofuran (9 ml_) was placed in a 65 ⁰ C oil bath. After being stirred for 2.5 h at 65 ⁰ C, the reaction mixture was diluted with water and acidified to pH 1-2. This mixture was then extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , filtered, and concentrated to afford Example 438 (0.202 g, 94%) as a white solid.

Example 438: LCMS: (M+1 ) = 491.3, retention time = 4.30 min.

Step 3: 2-((6a,8, 10a)-1, 4-Difluoro-10a-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)-6a, 7,8,9, 10, 10a- hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8-yl)-N-ethylacetamide

Example 439

To a room temperature mixture of EDCI (39 mg) in THF was added a 2 M solution of ethylamine in tetrahydrofuran (0.1 ml_), followed by HOBT (28 mg). To this resulting mixture was added a solution of 2-((6a,8,10a)-1 ,4-Difluoro-10a-(4- (trifluoromethyl)phenylsulfonyl)-6a,7,8,9,10, 10a-hexahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromen-8- yl)acetic acid (Example 438, 67 mg) in THF (3 ml_). After being stirred for 16 h at room temperature, the reaction mixture was absorbed onto silica gel and purified by silica gel chromatography with ethyl acetate/hexanes (45/65 to 100/0 over 20 min) to afford Example 439 (66.5 mg, 94%) as a clear and colorless oil.

Example 439: LCMS: (M+1) = 518.3, retention time = 4.29 min.

Following procedures similar to those described for Example 439, the compounds in Table 92 were prepared.

Table 92

ASSAY

The pharmacological properties of the compounds of this invention may be evaluated by a number of pharmacological assays. The exemplified pharmacological assays, which are described later, have been carried out with the compounds according to the present invention, as well as with salts thereof.

Gamma-secretase activity was determined as described by Zhang et al. (Biochemistry, 40 (16), 5049 -5055, 2001), which is herein incorporated by reference. Activity is expressed either as a percent inhibition or as the concentration of compound producing 50% inhibition of enzyme activity. Reagents.

Antibodies W02, G2-10, and G2-11 were obtained from Dr. Konrad Beyreuther (University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany). W02 recognizes residues 5-8 of Aβ peptide, while G2-10 and G2-11 recognize the specific C-terminal structure of Aβ 40 and Aβ 42, respectively. Biotin-4G8 was purchased from Senetec (St. Louis, MO). All tissue culture reagents used in this work were from Life Technologies, Inc., unless otherwise specified. Pepstatin A was purchased from Roche Molecular Biochemicals; DFK167 was from Enzyme Systems Products (Livermore, CA).

cDNA Constructs, Tissue Culture, and Cell Line Construction.

The construct SPC99-lon, which contains the first 18 residues and the C- terminal 99 amino acids of APP carrying the London mutation, has been described (Zhang, L., Song, L., and Parker, E. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 8966-8972). Upon insertion into the membrane, the 17 amino acid signal peptide is processed, leaving an additional leucine at the N-terminus of Aβ. SPC99-lon was cloned into the pcDNA4/TO vector (Invitrogen) and transfected into 293 cells stably transfected with pcDNA6/TR, which is provided in the T-REx system (Invitrogen). The transfected cells were selected in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's media (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 units/mL penicillin, 100 g/mL streptomycin, 250 g/mL zeocin, and 5 g/mL blasticidin (Invitrogen). Colonies were screened for Aβ production by inducing C99 expression with 0.1 g/mL tetracycline for 16-20 h and analyzing conditioned media with a sandwich immunoassay (see below). One of the clones, designated as pTRE.15, was used in these studies.

Membrane Preparation.

C99 expression in cells was induced with 0.1 g/mL tetracycline for 20 h. The cells were pretreated with 1 M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and 1 M brefeldin A (BFA) for 5-6 h at 37 C before harvesting. The cells were washed 3 times with cold phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and harvested in buffer A containing 20 mM Hepes (pH 7.5), 250 mM sucrose, 50 mM KCI, 2 mM EDTA, 2 mM EGTA, and Complete protease inhibitor tablets (Roche Molecular Biochemicals). The cell pellets were flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -70 ⁰ C before use.

To make membranes, the cells were resuspended in buffer A and lysed in a nitrogen bomb at 600 psi. The cell lysate was centrifuged at 1500 g for 10 min to remove nuclei and large cell debris. The supernatant was centrifuged at 10000Og for 1 h. The membrane pellet was resuspended in buffer A plus 0.5 M NaCI, and the membranes were collected by centrifugation at 200000 g for 1 h. The salt-washed membrane pellet was washed again in buffer A and centrifuged at 10000Og for 1 h. The. final membrane pellet was resuspended in a small volume of buffer A using a

Teflon-glass homogenizer. The protein concentration was determined, and membrane aliquots were flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -70 ⁰ C.

γ-Secretase Reaction and Aβ Analysis.

To measure γ-secretase activity, membranes were incubated at 37°C for 1 h in 50 μL of buffer containing 20 mM Hepes (pH 7.0) and 2 mM EDTA. At the end of the incubation, Aβ 40 and Aβ 42 were measured using an electrochemiluminescence (ECL)-based immunoassay. Aβ 40 was identified with antibody pairs TAG-G2-10 and biotin-W02, while Aβ 42 was identified with TAG-G2-11 and biotin~4G8. The ECL signal was measured using an ECL-M8 instrument (IGEN International, Inc.) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The data presented were the means of the duplicate or triplicate measurements in each experiment. The characteristics of γ- secretase activity described were confirmed using more than five independent membrane preparations.

The compounds of Examples 1-A, 1-B, 1-C, 1-D, 1-E, 1-1, 1-P, 1-Q, 1-U, 3G, 5- B, 7-A, 7-B, 8-A, 8-I, 8-L, 8-M, 8-P, 8-U, 8-Y, 8-Z, 9-B, and 11-C had an IC ₅₀ higher than about 10 μM.

All other compounds from the other Examples had an IC50 within the range of about 10 nM to about 10 μM.

The compounds of Examples 1 , 2, 1-J, 1-K, 1-O, 1-R, 1-S, 1-T, 3, 4, 3-A, 3-B, 3-C, 3-E, 3-F, 3-H, 5, 6, 6-A, 7, 7-C, 7-E, 8, 8-B, 8-D, 8-J, 8-K, 8-O, 8-T, 8-V, 8-W, 10, 10-A, 10-B, 10-C, 10-D, 11 , 11-B, 12, 13, 13A, 15, 15A, 16, 17, 18A, 18B, 19A, 20A- 20L.21-23, 24A-C, 25A, 25B, 26, 27A, 27B, and 28 had an IC ₅₀ within the range of about 10 nM to about 3000 nM.

The compounds in Table 93 had a membrane IC ₅₀ in the range of 1 nM to 100 nM.

Table 93

The IC50 data for the compounds of Examples 2OA, 141 , 144, 180, 202, 208, 9, 338, and 442, are given in Table 94.

Table 94

While the present invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments set forth above, many alternatives, modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. All such alternatives, modifications and variations are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.