Background of the invention Glucagon is a key hormonal agent that, in co-operation with insulin, mediates homeostatic regulation of the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucagon primarily acts by stimulating certain cells (mostly liver cells) to release glucose when blood glucose levels fall. The action of gluca- gon is opposed by insulin which stimulates cells to take up and store glucose whenever blood glucose levels rise. Both glucagon and insulin are peptide hormones.

Glucagon is produced in the alpha islet cells and insulin in the beta islet cells of the pancreas.

Diabetes mellitus, the common disorder of glucose metabolism, is characterized by hypergly- cemia, and can present as type 1, insulin-dependent, or type 11, a form that is non-insulin- dependent in character. Subjects with type I diabetes are hyperglycemic and hypoinsulinemic, and the conventional treatment for this form of the disease is to provide insulin. However, in some patients with type I or 11 diabetes, absolute or relative elevated glucagon levels have been shown to contribute to the hyperglycemic state. Both in healthy animals as well as in animal models of type I and 11, removal of circulating glucagon with selective and specific anti- bodies has resulted in reduction of the glycemic level (Brand et al. Diabetologia 37,985 (1994); Diabetes 43, [suppl 1], 172A (1994); Am J Physiol 269, E469-E477 (1995); Diabetes 44 [suppl 1], 134A (1995); Diabetes 45,1076 (1996)). These studies suggest that glucagon suppression or an action antagonistic to glucagon could be a useful adjunct to conventional antihypergly- cemia treatment of diabetes. The action of glucagon can be suppressed by providing an an- tagonist or an inverse agonist, substances that inhibit or prevent glucagon induced response.

The antagonist can be peptide or non-peptide in nature. Native glucagon is a 29 amino acid- containing peptide having the sequence:

H is-S er-G lu-G ly-Th r-Phe-Thr-Ser-As p-Tyr-Ser-Lys-Tyr-Leu-As p-Ser-Arg-Arg-Ala-Gln-Asp-<BR> Phe-Val-Gln-Trp-Leu-Met-Asn-Thr-NH2.

Glucagon exerts its action by binding to and activating its receptor, which is part of the Glu- cagon-Secretin branch of the 7-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor family (Jelinek et al. Science 259,1614, (1993)). The receptor functions by activation of the adenyiyl cyclase second messenger system and the resuit is an increase in cAMP levels.

Several publications disclose peptide antagonists. Probably, the most thoroughly character- ized antagonist is DesHis' [Glu9]-glucagon amide (Unson et al., Peptides 10,1171 (1989); Post et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90,1662 (1993)). Other antagonists are eg DesHis', Phe6 [Glu9]-glucagon amide (Azizh et al., Bioorganic & Medicinal Chem. Lett. 16, 1849 (1995)) or NLeu9, Ala"'6-glucagon amide (Unson et al., J. Biol. Chem. 269 (17), 12548 (1994)).

Peptide antagonists of peptide hormones are often quite potent; however, they are defective as drugs because of degradation by physiological enzymes, and poor biodistribution. Therefore, non-peptide antagonists of the peptide hormones are preferred. Among the non-peptide gluca- gon antagonists, a quinoxaline derivative, (2-styryl-3- [3- (dimethylamino) propylmethyl- amino]-6, 7-dichloroquinoxaline was found to displace glucagon from the rat liver receptor (Collins, J. L. et al. (1992) Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters 2 (9): 915-918). West, R. R. et al. (1994), WO 94/14426 discloses use of skyrin, a natural product comprising a pair of linked 9,10-anthracenedione groups, and its synthetic analogues, as glucagon antagonists.

Anderson, P. L., U. S. Patent No. 4,359,474 discloses the glucagon antagonistic properties of 1- phenyl pyrazole derivatives. Barcza, S., U. S. Patent No. discloses substituted disi- lacyclohexanes as glucagon antagonists. WO 98/04528 (Bayer Corporation) discloses substi- tuted pyridines and biphenyls as glucagon antagonists. Furthermore, WO 97/16442 (Merck & Co., Inc.) discloses substituted pyridyl pyrroles as glucagon antagonists and WO 98/21957 (Merck & Co., Inc.) discloses 2,4-diaryl-5-pyridylimidazoles as glucagon antagonists. These glucagon antagonists differ structurally from the present compounds.

Description of the invention Definitions The following is a detailed definition of the terms used to describe the compounds of the inven- tion: The term"C, 4-alkyl"as used herein, alone or in combination, represents a branched or straight hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Typical C, 4-alkyl groups in- clude, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, buy, isobuy, sec-butyl, tert- butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl and the like.

The term "C1-6-alkoxy" as used herein, alone or in combination, refers to the group -O-C,. where C, 4-alkyl is as defined above. Representative examples are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, sec-butoxy, tert-butoxy, pentoxy, isopentoxy, hexoxy, isohexoxy and the like.

The term"C34-cycloalkyl"as used herein, alone or in combination, represents a carbocyclic group having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms eg cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl and the like.

The term"halogen"as used herein means Cl, Br, t, or F.

Description of the invention The present invention is based on the unexpected observation that compounds having a se- lected nitrogen-bearing central motif and the general structural features disclosed below an- tagonize the action of glucagon.

Accordingly, in one aspect the invention relates to 1,4-substituted indoles of the formula (I) :

wherein R'is chloro, fluoro, nitro or cyano; K is or-CHR2-;-CH2-CH2-O- wherein dis0 or1; R2 is hydrogen or C1-6-alkyl)- ; D is wherein

Q or-S-;-O- Y is-CH= or-N=; R3, R4, R5, R6 and R'independently are hydrogen, C,--alkyl, trifluoromethyl, difiuoromethoxy, trifluoromethoxy, halogen, carboxamido, hydroxymethyl, phenyl, dimethylamino, C, 4-alkoxy or nitro; as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment R'is chloro.

More preferred R'is cyano.

In a further preferred embodiment K is-CH2-or-CH (C1-6-alkyl)-.

In another preferred embodiment K is-C (O)-or-C (O)-CH2-.

In yet another preferred embodiment D is

In yet a preferred embodiment D is In still a further preferred embodiment D is In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to the following compounds of the formula (I):

as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The following syn- thesis protocols refer to intermediate compounds and final products identified in the specifi- cation and in the synthetic schemes. The preparation of the compounds of the present in- vention is described in detail using the following examples, but the chemical reactions de- scribed are disclosed in terms of their general applicability to the preparation of the glucagon antagonists of the invention. Occasionally, the reaction may not be applicable as described to each compound included within the disclosed scope of the invention. The compounds for which this occurs will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art. In all such cases, ei- ther the reactions can be successfully performed by conventional modifications known to those skilled in the art, that is, by appropriate protection of interfering groups, by changing to other conventional reagents, or by routine modification of reaction conditions. Alternatively, other reactions disclosed herein or otherwise conventional will be applicable to the prepara- tion of the corresponding compounds of the invention. In all preparative methods, all starting materials are known or can readily be prepared from known starting materials. All tempera- tures are set forth in degrees Celsius and uniess otherwise indicated, all parts and percent- ages are by weight when referring to yields and all parts are by volume when referring to solvents and eluents.

General procedure for the synthesis of 1-substituted indole-4-carboxaldehydes followed by hydrazone formation : The 1-substituted indole-4-carboxaldehydes may be prepared according to Scheme (I) below by N-alkyiation of the indole-4-carboxaldehyde using various electrophilic alkylating agents that introduce the-K-D moiety as defined above, such as halides (fluorides, chlorides, bro- mides, iodides), methanesulfonates, toluenesulfonates or triflates.

SCHEME (I) 0 H. NH : p I \ HO' I Ohm H'a,-K \-1 R ?"' H 1\ 1) Base, solvent D Solvent R' wherein X, is a leaving group such as-F,-Cl,-Br,-I,-OSO2CH3,-OSO2p-tolyl or-OSO2CF3 and R', K and D are as defined for formula (f).

According to Scheme (I) the 1-substituted indole-4-carboxaldehydes can be prepared by stir- ring indole-4-carboxaldehyde in a solvent such as acetone, methyiethyl ketone, dimethylfor- mamide, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, sulfolane, diethyl- ether, dimethylsulfoxide, water or a compatibie mixture of two or more of the above solvents with an equimolar amount of X,-K-D, e. g. a substituted benzyl halide, or a carboxylic acid an- hydride in the presence of 1 to 15 equivalents (preferably 1 to 5 equivalents) of a base such as sodium hydride, potassium hydride, sodium or potassium methoxide, ethoxide or tert-butoxide, sodium, potassium or cesium carbonate, potassium or cesium fluoride, sodium or potassium hydroxide or organic bases such as diisopropylethylamine, 2,4,6-collidine or benzyidimethyl ammonium methoxide or hydroxide. The reaction can be performed at 0°C to 1 50°C, prefera- bly at 20°C to 100°C and preferably in an inert atmosphere of N2 or Ar. When the reaction is complete the mixture is filtered, concentrated in vacuo and the resulting product is optionally purified by column chromatography on silica gel using ethyl acetate/hexane as eluent. The compound can also (when appropriate) be purified by recrystallization from a suitable solvent such as ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcool, water, hexane, toluene or their compati- ble mixture.

The resulting carboxaldehydes are then treated with the corresponding acylhydrazide in a sol- vent. The solvent may be one of the following: ethyl alcool, methyl alcool, isopropyl alcool, tert-butyl alcohol, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, chlorobenzene, anisote, benzene, chloro- form, dichioromethane, dimethylsulfoxide, acetic acid, water or a compatible mixture of two or more of the above solvents. A catalyst such as acetic acid or trifluoroacetic acid can be added.

A dehydrating reagent such as triethyiorthoformate can also be added to the reaction mixture.

The reaction is performed by stirring the reaction mixture preferably under an inert atmosphere

of N2 or Ar at temperatures between 0°C to 140°C, preferably between 10°C to 80°C. In many cases the product simply crystallizes out when the reaction is completed and is isolated by suction filtration. It can be further recrystallized if necessary from a solvent such as the above described reaction solvents. The product can also be isolated by concentration of the reaction mixture in vacuo, followed by column chromatography on silica gel using a solvent system such as chloroform/methanol or dichloromethanelmethanol or chloroform/ethyl acetate.

Libraryprocedure for indole alkylation: Preparation of the sodium salt of the indole: Indole-4-carboxaldehyde (1.45 g) was dissolved into 8.6 mL of dry dimethyiformamide in a dried and cooled 100 mL 3-necked round bottom flask.

While maintaining a steady flow of nitrogen or argon through the 3-necked round bottomed <BR> <BR> <BR> flask, 1.1 equivalent of sodium hydride (0.27 g of dry 95% reagent) was transferred to the indole solution. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, while maintaining flow of inert gas.

Preparation of the halide solutions : Amber glass vials (for preparing stock solutions) were dried for at least four hours at 110 °C, then were allowed to cool under an argon atmosphere in a desiccator. Halide solutions (1.0 M) were prepared in anhydrous dimethylformamide in the dried vials. Each halide solution (100 uL) was added to its corresponding well of a deep-well plate.

Alkvlation of the indole sodium salt: 100 uL of the 1.0 M indole salt solution was quickly delivered to each halide in the deep- well plates. The plates were vortexed briefly to mix, then allowed to react for two hours.

Library procedure for hydraxone formation: 3-Substituted 4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazides (10 mmoles) were dissolved in 5 mL of dry dimethylsulfoxide, followed by trifluoroacetic acid (0.77 mL). The resulting solutions were di- luted to final volumes of 10.0 mL. 100 uL of the 1.0 M acid hydrazide trifluoroacetic acid salt solution was added to each well of the deep-well plate. The plate was vortexed for one min- ute to mix, then allowed to react for 30 minutes.

The products were purified by chromatography on silica gel with ethyl acetate/hexane elu- ent.

EXAMPLE 1:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 5.54 (s, 2H), 7.07 (d, 1 H), 7.20 (t, 1 H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.31 (s, 4H), 7.58 (d, 1 H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 8.01 (d, 1 H), 8.66 (s, 1 H), 11.98 (brd s, 1H), 11.71 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI (= atmospheric pressure chemical ionization), negative): 0, 488.0.

EXAMPLE2:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 1.13 (s, 3H), 1.15 (s, 3H), 2.83 (sept, 1 H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 7.07-7.30 (m, 7H), 7.58 (d, 1 H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1 H), 10.95 (s, 1H), 11.70 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, neg.): 444.0,446. 1.

EXAMPLE 3: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 2.08 (s, 6H), 2.21 (s, 6H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 6.77 (d, 1 H), 7.04 (m, 3H), 7.26 (t, 1H), 7.35 (d, 1 H), 7.77 (m, 2H), 7.97 (s, 1 H), 8.67 (s, 1 H), 11.00 (brd s, 1H), 11.67 (s, 1H); MS (APCI): 460.2,461.2,462.2.

EXAMPLE4: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 5.61 (s, 2H), 7.04 (d, 1 H), 7.17 (t, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.34 (d, 2H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.67 (m, 3H), 7.79 (d, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 10.97 (brd s, 1 H), 11.72 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI): 472.1.

EXAMPLE5: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 5.51 (s, 2H), 7.01 (d, 1 H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.22 (t, 1 H), 7.27 (m, 1H), 7.30 (d, 1 H), 7.49 (s, 1 H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.68 (d, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 8.01 (d, 1 H), 8.66 (brd s, 1 H), 10.95 (brd s, 1 H), 11.72 (brd s, 1 H); MS (APCI, negative): 9,473.9.

EXAMPLE 6:

'H NMR (DMSO-de): 8 2.08 (s, 6H), 2.21 (s, 6H), 5.37 (s, 2H), 6.78 (s, 1 H), 7.05 (m, 3H), 7.26 (t, 1H), 7.34 (d, 1H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 8.64 (s, 1H), 11.68 (s, 1H).

MS (APCI): 451.2,452.2,453.2.

EXAMPLE 7: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 5.61 (s, 2H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.18 (t, 1H), 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.34 (d, 2H), 7.54 (d, 1 H), 7.66 (s, 1 H), 7.69 (d, 2H), 8.08 (d, 1 H), 8.25 (s, 1 H), 8.64 (s, 1 H), 11.78 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI): 463.1,464.2.

EXAMPLE8: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 2.17 (s, 6H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 5.33 (s, 2H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 6.94 (s, 2H), 7.07 (d, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H), 7.24 (t, 1H), 7.32 (d, 1H), 7.69 (d, 1H), 7.78 (d, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1H), 11.00 (brd s, 1H), 11.68 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI): 4461.1,448.1.

EXAMPLE 9:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 5.53 (s, 2H), 7.14 (d, 1H), 7.20 (d, 1H), 7.25 (d, 1 H), 7.30 (d, 1 H), 7.41 (t, 1H), 7.57 (d, 1H), 7.67 (d, 1H), 7.75 (d, 1H), 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.97 (s, 1 H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1 H), 8.65 (s, 1H), 11.77 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, negative): 436.1,437.1.

EXAMPLE10: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 5.45 (s, 2H), 6.03 (s, 2H), 6.37 (s, 1H), 7.08 (d, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 7.22 (t, 1 H), 7.25 (d, 1 H), 7.32 (d, 1H), 7.53 (s, 1 H), 7.56 (m, 1H), 7.79 (d, 1 H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 8.67 (s, 1H), 10.97 (brd s, 1H), 11.73 (brd s, 1H); MS (APCI, negative): 480.0,481.0,482.0.

EXAMPLE 11: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 5.60 (s, 2H), 6.58 (d, 1 H), 6.88 (d, 1 H), 6.98 (d, 1 H), 7.06 (d, 1H), 7.53 (d, 1 H), 7.64 (s, 2H), 7.77 (dd, 1 H), 7.85 (s, 1 H), 7.98 (d, 1 H), 8.49 (s, 1 H), 10.94 (brd s, 1 H), 11.60 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI, negative): 9,443.9.

EXAMPLE 12:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 5.56 (s, 2H), 7.08 (d, 1H), 7.22 (t, 1H), 7.27-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.66 (d, 1H), 7.72 (s, 1H), 7.80 (dd, 1H), 7.99 (t, 2H), 8.33 (d, 1H), 8.65 (s, 1H), 10.86 (brd s, 1H), 11.72 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI) : 473.0,475.0.

EXAMPLE 13: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 2.17 (s, 6H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 5.33 (s, 2H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 6.93 (s, 2H), 7.08 (s, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1H). 7.22 (t, 1H), 7.28 (d, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 8.65 (s, 1 H), 11.72 (brd s, 1 H); MS (APCI) : 2,439.2.

EXAMPLE 14: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : # 6.88 (d, 1H), 7.45 (t, 4H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.85-7. 90 (m, 2H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 8.15 (s, 1H), 8.32 (d, 1H), 8.66 (brd s, 1H), 11.77 (s, 1H); MS (APCI): 427.1,428. 1.

EXAMPLE 15:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 2.85 (s, 6H), 4.28 (s, 2H), 6.68 (d, 2H), 7.06 (d, 1H), 7.18 (d, 1H), 7.39 (t, 1 H), 7.47-7.51 (m, 2H), 8.05 (d, 1 H), 8.21 (s, 1 H), 8.40 (d, 1 H), 8.62 (s, 1 H), 11.82 (s, 1H); MS (APCI) : 466.2,467.3.

EXAMPLE 16: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 7.01 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, 1H), 7.45 (t, 1H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.98 (d, 1 H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 8.24 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, 1H), 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.65 (s, 1H), 11.86 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, neg.): 1.

EXAMPLE 17: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 (m, 2H), 1.50-1.65 (m, 5H), (m, 2H), 2.33 (sept, 1H), 3.09 (d, 2H), 7.05 (d, 1 H), 7.39 (t, 1 H), 7.49 (m, 3H), 8.02 (d, 1H), 8. 07 (s, 1H), 8.21 (s, 1 H), 8.44 (d, 1 H), 8.63 (s, 1 H), 11.82 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI): 415.2,416.2.

EXAMPLE 18: 3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid {1- [ (4-methyl-2-pyridinyl) methyl]-indol-4-yl) methylidene hy- drazide

4-Formyl-1- [ (4-methyl-2-pyridinyl) methyl]-indole: The compound was prepared from 4-formylindole and 2-chloromethyl-4-methyl pyridine [prep. from 2,4-lutidine acc. G. E. Jeromin et al. Chem. Ber. 120,1987,640-451] following the general procedure for alkylation of indoles.

'H NMR (CDCI3): 8 2.19 (s, 3H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 6.54 (s, 1H). 7.01 (d, J = 4.8 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.39 (d, J=3.0 Hz, 1H), 7.43 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, 1H), 8.45 (s, 1H), 10.27 (s, 1H).

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylidene hydrazones from the condensation of 4-formyl-1- [ (4-methyl-2-pyridinyl) methyl]- indole and 3-cyano-4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide.

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 1.53 (s, 3H), 5.50 (s, 2H), 6.86 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, J = 5.0 Hz, 1H), 7.13 (d, J=8. 7 Hz, 1H), 7.17 (dd, J = J' = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.24 (d, J = 2.7 Hz, 1H), 7.30 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J = 2. 7 Hz, 1 H), 8. 07 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 8.25 (s, 1H), 8.37 (d, J = 4. 9 Hz, 1 H), 11.76 (s, 2H); MS (APCI, pos.): 410.

EXAMPLE 19: 3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid {1-[(4,5-dichloro-2-hydroxymethyl)benzyl]-indol-4- yl} methylidene hydrazide

4-Formyl-1- (4, 5-dichloro-2-hydroxymethylbenzyl)-indole: This compound was prepared from 4-formylindole and 4,5-dichloro-2-tetrahydropyranyloxy benzylchloride [prep. from 1,2-dihydroxymethyl-4, 5-dichloro benzene acc. W. Y. Lee et al. J.

Org. Chem. 57,1992,4074-4079] following the general procedure for alkylation of indoles.

After treatment of the product with 1 N HCI in tetrahydrofuran, 4-formyl-1- (4, 5-dichioro-2- hydroxymethylbenzyl) indole was obtained.

'H NMR (CDCI3): S 4.65 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 6.81 (s, 1 H), 7.26 (s, 1 H), 7.27 (d, J = 3.4 H8 Hz, 1 H), 7.32 (d, J =7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.36 (d, J =3.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.51 (d, J =6.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d, J = 7.2 Hz, 1H), 10.25 (s, 1H).

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylidene hydrazones from the condensation of 4-formyl-1- (4. 5-dichloro-2-hydroxy- methylbenzyl)-indole and 3-cyano-4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide.

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 5 4.55 (s, 2H), 5.51 (s, 3H), 6.60 (s, 1 H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.20 (m, 1 H), 7.30 (m, 2 H), 7.49 (d, J =8.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (s, 1 H), 7.66 (s, 1 H), 8.8 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1 H), 8.65 (s, 1 H), 11.79 (s, 2H); MS (APCI, pos.): 493.

EXAMPLE 20: 3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid {1-[(5-phenyl-3-pyridinyl)methyl]-indol-4-yl}methylidene hy- drazide

4-Formyl-1- [ (5-phenyl-3-pyridinyl) methyl]-indole: The compound was prepared from 4-formylindole and 3-chloromethyl-5-phenyl pyridine [prep. from 5-methyl-3-phenylpyridine by chlorination with NCS/AIBN] following the general procedure for alkylation of indoles.

'H NMR (CDCI3): 5 5.49 (s, 2 H), 7.40 (m, 2 H), 7.43-7.46 (m, 3H), 7.50 (m, 1 H), 7.66 (dd, J = 0.8,7.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.67 (s, 1 H), 8.78 (s, 1 H), 10.26 (s, 1H).

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylidene hydrazones from the condensation of 4-formyl-1-[(5-phenyl-3-pyridinyl) methyl]- indole and 3-cyano-4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 5.61 (s, 2 H), 6.97 (d, 1H), 7.20 (dd, 1 H), 7.27 (dd, 1H), 7.37-7.47 (m, 3H), 7.59-7.66 (m, 3H), 7.74 (d, 1H), 7.90 (s, 1H), 7.97 (d, 1H), 8.14 (d, 1H), 8.42 (s, 1 H), 8.60 (s, 1 H), 8.73 (s, 1 H), 11.67 (s, 2H); MS (APCI, pos.): 472.

EXAMPLE21: 3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid {1-[(2-hydroxymethyl) benzyi]-indol-4-yl} methylidene hy- drazide

4-Formyl-1-(2-hydroxymethylbenzyl)-indole: This compound was prepared from 4-formylindole and 2-tetrahydropyranyloxy benzylchloride [prep. from 1,2-benzene dimethanol acc. W. Y. Lee et al. J. Org. Chem. 57,1992,4074- 4079] following the general procedure for alkylation of indoles. After treatment of the product with 1 N HCI in tetrahydrofuran, 4-formyl-1- (2-hydroxymethylbenzyl)-indole was obtained.

'H NMR (CDC13): 8 4.72 (s, 2H), 5.53 (s, 2H), 6.73 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 7. 20 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.27-7.35 (m, 4H), 7.39 (d, J = 7. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.56 (d, J = 8. 1 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (d, J = 7. 2 Hz, 1H), 10.24 (s, 1H).

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkyiidene hydrazones from the condensation of 4-formyl-1-(2-hydroxymethylbenzyl)-indole and 3-cyano-4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide. <BR> <BR> <P>'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 4.60 (s, 1 H), 5.30 (s, 1 H), 5.55 (s, 2 H), 6.47 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.08 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 7.18 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.20-7.32 (m, 3H), 7.43 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.46 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.08 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1 H), 8.65 (s, 1H), 11.78 (s, 2H).

The following preferred group of compounds of the formula (1) were made according to the above library procedures:

A further preferred embodiment of the invention are the following compounds of the formula (1):

In a further aspect the invention relates to amides of 1-naphthylamine of the general formula (II): wherein R'is chloro, fluoro, nitro or cyano; and D is C3-8-cycloalkyl, wherein R3 and R4independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, acetoxy, C1-6-alkoxy, methylsulfonylorC1-6-alkyl;benzyloxy,trifluoromethyl, -O-or-S-;andQis

R8 is hydrogen or C14-alkyl; as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment D is In another preferred embodiment R'is chloro.

More preferred R'is cyano.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

The compounds of the general formula (II) may be prepared according to the general proce- dure outlined in the below reaction Scheme (II) :

SCHEME (Il) Step A: 4-Nitro-1-methylnaphthalene.

To a cold (0°C) suspension of 1-methyinaphthalene (5 g) in HN03 was added H2S04 (5 mL) dropwise. After stirring the reaction for one hour, the solution was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with water (3x), aqueous saturated NaHC03 (2x) and brine, dried over MgS04, and concentrated. The product was purified by silica gel column chromatography using ethyl acetate: hexane (5: 95) and recrystallized from methanol to give yellow needles.

1H NMR (CDCl3) : # 2. 79 (s, 3H), 7.38 (d, 1 H), 7.65-7.73 (m, 2H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 8. 14 (d, 1H), 8.61 (d, 1H).

Step B: 4-Aminonaphthaldehyde.

To a stirring boiling solution of sulfur (3.7 g) in 12% aqueous NaOH (50 mL) was added a solution of 4-nitro-1-methyinaphthalene (8 g) in ethanol (50 mL). After refluxing the solution for one hour, the reaction was diluted with 500 mL of ethyl acetate and washed with water and brine, dried over MgS04, and concentrated. The product was purified via silica gel col- umn chromatography using ethyi acetate: hexane (5: 95 to 10: 90). The product (2.54 g, 34%) was stored at-78°C.

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 6.55 (d, 1H), 6.95 (brd s, 2H), 7.25 (t, 1H), 7.45 (t, 1H), 7.60 (d, 1H), 8.05 (d, 1H), 9.10 (d, 1H), 9.68 (s, 1H).

Step C: General procedure for the acylation of 4-aminonaphthaldehyde with acid chlorides.

To a solution of 4-aminonaphthaldehyde, diisopropylethylamine (1.1 eq), and 4-dimethyl- aminopyridine (1.1 eq) in minimum volume of anhydrous dimethylformamide was added the desired acid chloride (1.1 eq). After stirring the mixture overnight, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 1 N HCI (2x), water, aqueous NaHC03 (3x), water and brine, dried over MgS04, and concentrated. The acylated products were purified by silica gel column chromatography using ethyi acetate/hexane. The yield ranged from 50-90% yield.

Step D: General procedure for the preparation of hydrazones.

Hydrazones were prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylid- ene hydrazones from the condensation of the appropriate 3-substituted 4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide and the above acylated afdehydes.

Combinatorial Format: General procedure for the formation of acylated hydrazones in paral- lel synthesis format. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P> To a solution of 4-aminonaphthyimethyl 3-substituted hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide (50 je 0.2 M) was added a solution of the desired acid chloride (55 pL, 0.2 M), a solution of diiso- propylethylamine (55 uL, 0.2 M), and a solution of4-dimethyiaminopyridine (55 uL, 0.2M).

The reaction mixtures were left under stirring overnight to give the desired products. The products were purified by HPLC equipped with a reverse phase column. All solutions were prepared using anhydrous dimethyiformamide.

Examples of products of the formula (ll): EXAMPLE 22:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 0.96 (d, 6H), 1.55-1.68 (m, 4H), 2.55 (m, 1H), 7.10 (d, 1H), 7.63-7.71 (m, 2H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.89 (qt, 2H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, 1H), 8.91 (d, 1H), 9.04 (s, 1H), 10.04 (s, 1H). 10.99 (s, 1H), 11.78 (s, 1H); MS (APCI): 438.1.

EXAMPLE 23: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : # 1. 61 (m, 2H), 1.71 (m 2H), 1.82 (m, 2H), 1.90 (m, 2H), 3.06 (quintet, 1H), 7.10 (d, 1H), 7.65 (quintet, 2H), 7.83 (qt, 2H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, 1H), 8.90 (d, 1H), 9.04 (s, 1H), 10.01 (s, 1H), 10.99 (s, 1 H), 11.78 (s, 1H); MS (APCI): 436.1, 438.2.

EXAMPLE24: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : # 1. 34 (s, 9H), 7.17 (d, 1H), 7.54 (d, 1H), 7.66 (quintet, 2H), 7.88 (d, 1 H), 7.96 (t, 2H), 8.06 (s, 1H), 8.83 (d, 1 H), 9.27 (s, 1H), 9.63 (s, 1H), 11.18 (brd s, 1H), 12.09 (s, 1H); MS (APCI): 424.0.

EXAMPLE 25:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 6.76 (s, 1H), 7.11 (d, 1H), 7.44 (d, 1H), (m, 3H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 8.02 (m, 3H), 8.07 (d, 1H), 8.90 (d, 1H), 9.09 (s, 1H), 10.49 (s, 1H), 11.01 (s, 1H), 11.84 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI) : 0.

EXAMPLE26: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 5 3.87 (s, 2H), 7.08 (d, 1H), 7.44 (s, 4H), 7.66 (m, 2H), 7.80-7.89 (m, 3H), 8.01 (s, 1 H), 8.20 (d, 1 H), 8.90 (d, 1 H), 9.04 (s, 1 H), 10.32 (s, 1 H), 11.99 (s, 1H), 11. 78 (s, 1H) ; MS (APCI): 490.3,492.1,493.1.

EXAMPLE27: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 1.12 (s, 3H), 2.01 (quintet, 1H), 5.00 (t, 1H), 7.00 (t, 1H), 7.10 (m, 3H), 7.40 (t, 2H), 7.60 (t, 1H), 7.70 (t, 1H), 7.72 (d, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.90 (d, 1 H), 7.95 (d, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 8.80 (d, 1 H), 9.10 (s, 1H), 10.40 (s, 1H), 10.90 (s, 1H), 11.80 (s, 1H); MS (APCI): 502.2,503.2,504.2.

EXAMPLE 28:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 4.93 (s, 2H), 7.10 (d, 3H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.67 (t, 1H), 7.70 (t, 1H), 7.82 (d, 2H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1 H), 8.11 (d, 1H), 8.90 (d, 1H), 9.06 (s, 1H), 10.33 (s, 1H), 11.02 (s, 1H), 11.82 (s, 1H); MS (APCI): 1,510.1.

EXAMPLE29: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 1. 27 (s, 9H), 4.88 (s, 2H), 6.99 (d, 2H), 7.10 (d, 1H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.61 (t, 1H), 7.69 (t, 1H), 7.81 (d, 2H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 8.02 (s, 1H), 8.06 (d, 1H), 8.90 (d, 1H), 9.09 (s, 1H), 10.30 (s, 1H), 11.04 (brd s, 1H), 11.86 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI): 2.

EXAMPLE30: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 7.00 (d, 1 H), 7.55-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.80 (d, 2H), 7.85 (d, 3H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H), 8.20 (d, 1 H), 8.90 (d, 1H), 9.20 (s, 1H), 10.70 (s, 1H), 11.00 (s, 1H), 11.80 (s, 1H); MS (APO): 480.1.

The following compounds of the formula (II) may also be prepared using the above men- tioned synthesis methodologies:

In a further aspect the invention relates to the following compounds: <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyf}-2- (2-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)acetamide; {4-[(3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxy-3- phenylpropynoicacid phenyl}amide;

N-(4-[(3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyp henyl}-2-(4-chlorophenyl)- acetamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyi) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (3-chloro-phenyl)- acetamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyi) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (4-trifluoromethyl- phenylsuifanyl)acetamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 5-methoxybenzofuran-2-carboxylic acid {4-[(3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3- methoxyphenyl) amide; 2-benzo[b]thiophen-3-yl-N-{4-[(3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hyd razonomethyl]-3-methoxy- phenyl}acetamide; N- {4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyi) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (3, 4-difluoro- phenyl)acetamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyi]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (4-chlorophenyl-<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> sulfanyl) acetamide;<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-3- (4-chlorophenyl)- propionamide; N-{4-[(3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyp henyl}-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)- acetamide; N-(4-[(3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyph enyl}-2-(2-trigluoromethyl- phenyl) acetamide; {4-[(3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxy-3-p henylpropynoicacid phenyl} amide;

N- {4- [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (4-chlorophenyl)- acetamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyll-2- (3-chlorophenyl)- acetamide; N-{4-[(3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyph enyl}-2-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenyisulfanyl)acetamide; {4-[(3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-5-methoxybe nzofuran-2-carboxylicacid methoxyphenyl)amide; 2-benzo [b] thiophen-3-yf-N- {4- [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxy- phenyl}acetamide; N- {4- [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (3, 4-difluoro- phenyl)acetamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (3-trifluoromethyl- phenyl) acetamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyi) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-3- (4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)propionamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (4-chlorophenyl- sulfanyl)acetamide; <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- {4- [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-3- (4-chlorophenyl)- propionamide; N-{4-[(3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzyol)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyph enyl}-3-(4-cyanophenoxy)- acetamide;

as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

General procedure for synthesis of the compounds Preparation of [Building block 2] (4-Formyl-3-methoxyphenyl) carbamic acid 9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl ester: Methyl 4-amino-2-methoxybenzoate (14.7 g, 7.3 mmol) and Fmoc-OSu (26.1 g, 77.3 mmol) were stirred in a mixture of acetonitrile and water (1: 1,320 mL) at reflux for 16 hr. The reac- tion mixture was concentrated to half the volume and the precipitate isolated by filtration.

The isolated solid was dissolved in ethyl acetate (300 mL) and washed with 0.4 N hydrochlo- ric acid (200 mL), 0.2 N hydrochloric acid (200 mL), water (200 mL) and a 20% saturated solution of sodium chloride (200 mL). After drying (magnesium sulphate) the organic phase was concentrated in vacuo, and the solid residue was washed with methanol and dried.

The crude product (12 g) was dissolved in dichloromethane (1 L) under nitrogen and a solu- tion of diisobutylaluminium hydride (90 mL, 1.2 M in toluene) was dropwise added at 0-5°C.

The reaction mixture was stirred at 20°C for 16 hr and quenched by dropwise addition of water (58 mL) at 0-5°C. The reaction mixture was stirred at 20°C for 3 hr and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude product (6.8 g) was suspended in di- chloromethane (400 mL) and manganese dioxide (15.6 g, 180 mmol) was added. The mix- ture was stirred for 16 hr at 20°C and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to give 5.1 g of the title compound.

M. p. 187-188°C.

HPLC-MS (METHOD A): R, = 15.1 min; m/z= 374.

Micro analysis: Calculated: C, 73.98; H, 5.13; N, 3.75% Found: C, 73.44; H, 5.20; N, 3.56%.

HPLC-MS (METHOD A): The following instrumentation is used: * Sciex API 100 Single quadropole mass spectrometer Perkin Elmer Series 200 Quard pump Perkin Eimer Series 200 autosampler Applied Biosystems 785A UV detector cedex 55 evaporative light scattering detector A Valco column switch with a Valco actuator controlled by timed events from the pump.

The instrument control and data acquisition is done by the Sciex Sample control software running on a Macintosh PowerPC 7200 computer.

The HPLC pump is connected to four eluent reservoirs containing: A: acetonitrile B: water C: 0.5 % trifluoroacetic acid in water D: 0.02 M ammonium acetate The requirements for samples are that they contain approximately 500 llg/mL of the com- pound to be analyse in an acceptable solvent such as methanol, ethanol, acetonitrile, tetra- hydrofuran, water and mixtures thereof. (High concentrations of strongly eluting solvents will interfere with the chromatography at low acetonitrile concentration.) The analysis is performed at room temperature by injecting 20 LL of the sample solution on the column which is eluted with a gradient of acetonitrile in either 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid or 0.002 M ammonium acetate. Depending on the analysis method varying elution conditions are used.

The eluate from the column is passed through a flow splitting T-connector which passes ap- proximately 20 41/min (1/50) through approx. 1 m. 75 4 fused silica capillary to the API inter- face of API 100 spectrometer.

The remaining 1.48 mUmin (49/50) is passed through the UV detector and to the ELS de- tector.

During the LC-analysis the detection data are acquired concurrently from mass spectrome- ter, UV detector and ELS detector.

The LC conditions, detector settings and mass spectrometer settings used for the different methods are given in the following tables. Method h8 LC-MS 100-800 YMC Column YMC ODS-A 120A s-. 50 mm x 3 mm id Gradient 5%-90% acetonitrile in 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid linearly during 15 min at 1mUmin Detection UV: 214 nm ELS: 40°C MS Experiment: Start: 100 amu Stop: 800 amu Step: 0.2 amu Dwell: 0.571 msec Method Scan 284 times = 9.5 min State file* PPG-POS ddmmyy Cal file**Q1 MCAL ddmmyy *) The conditions for the ion source and ion analyser given in the state file are adjusted dur- ing the weekly tuning and maintenance of the instrument.

**) The mass calibration values given in the Calibration file is adjusted during the weekly tuning and maintenance of the instrument.

EXAMPLE31: <BR> <BR> N- 4- [ (3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (2-trifluoromethyl- phenyl) acetamide

Step 1: Coupling of aldéhyde [building block 21 to resin [building block 1]. <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>0.75 g resin (Wang resin loaded with 3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide, [building block 1]) was swelled in dimethylformamide (6 mL) for 30 min and drained. The aidehyde (4- formyl-3-methoxyphenyl) carbamic acid 9H-fluoren-9-ylmethyl ester, 0.5 g, 1.36 mmol) dis- solved in dimethylformamide (3 mL) was added followed by addition of triethylorthoformate (1.5 mL). The mixture was shaken for 16 hr at 20°C and drained. The resin was washed with dimethylformamide (5x4 mL), dichloromethane (5x4 mL) and dimethyiformamide (5x4 mL).

The coupling of the aldehyde was repeated twice.

Step 2: Deprotection of aniline.

The resin was swelled in dimethylformamide (5 mL) and piperidine added (1.25 mL). After shaking for 30 min, the resin was drained and washed with dimethylformamide (5x4 mL), N- methylpyrrolidinone (5x4 mL) and dimethylformamide (5x4 mL).

Step 3: Coupling of carboxylic acid [building block 3] to resin [building block 1] [building block 2].

The resin [building block 1] [building block 2] (0.5 g) was swelled in dimethylformamide (2.5 mL) and drained. The acid (2-trifluorophenylacetic acid, 2.3 mmol) was dissolved in di- methylformamide (2 mL) together with diisopropylcarbodiimide (2.3 mmol) and after 10 min this mixture was added to the drained resin. After 30 min of shaking a 1 M solution of di- methylaminopyridine in dimethylformamide (0.32 mL) was added and the mixture was shaken for 16 hr and drained. The resin was washed with dimethylformamide (5x4 mL) and dichloromethane (5x4 mL). The coupling of the acid was repeated twice.

Step 4: Cleavage from the resin.

The resin was swelled in dichioromethane (2 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (2 mL) was added. After shaking for 30 min the resin was drained. The eluent was collecte and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized from methanol to the title compound.

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) R, = 6.5 min; m/z = 506.

'H NMR, 400 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 8 11.6 (s, 1H), 10.9 (s, 1H), 10.45 (s, 1H) 8.7 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1 H), 7.8-7.4 (m, 7H), 7.15 (d, 1 H), 7.05 (d, 1 H), 3.95 (s, 2H), 3.8 (s, 3H).

The following examples were prepared using the same synthesis methodology as described for the example above and can be prepared in parallel on solid support: EXAMPLE32: {4-[(3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxy-3- Phenylpropynoicacid phenyl} amide HPLC-MS (METHOD A) R, =5.95min; m/z = 448.

EXAMPLE33: <BR> N- {4- [ (3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (4-chlorophenyl)- acetamide

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) R, = 6.33 min; m/z = 472.

'H NMR, 400 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 8 11.6 (s, 1H), 10.9 (s, 1H), 10.4 (s, 1H) 8.7 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1 H), 7.8-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1 H), 7.4-7.3 (m, 4H), 7.25 (d, 1 H), 7.05 (d, 1 H), 3.8 (s, 3H), 3.7 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE34: N-{4-[(3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyp henyl}-2-(3-chloro- phenyl) acetamide

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) R, = 6.33 min; m/z = 472.

'H NMR, 400 MHz, (DMSO-d6) : 8 11.6 (s, 1H), 10.9 (s, 1H), 10.4 (s, 1H) 8.7 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H), 7.8-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.4-7.25 (m, 4H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 7.05 (d, 1H), 3.8 (s, 3H), 3.7 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 35: N-{4-[(3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyp henyl}-2-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenyisuifanyi) acetamide

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) Rt = 6.88 min; m/z = 538.

'H NMR, 400 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 5 11.6 (s, 1H), 10.9 (s, 1H), 10.5 (s, 1H) 8.7 (s, 1H), 8.0 (s, 1H), 7.8-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.6 (d, 2H), 7.5 (s, 1H), 7. 15 (d, 1H), 7.05 (d, 1H), 4.05 (s, 2H), 3.8 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE36: 5-Methoxybenzofuran-2-carboxylic acid {4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3- methoxyphenyl) amide

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) Rt = 6.42 min; m/z = 494.

Micro analysis: Calculated for C25H20N3O6Cl, 0.2 mole CH2CI2: C, 58.87; H, 4.01; N, 8.16%.

Found: C, 59.33; H, 4.31; N, 8.17%. <BR> <BR> <P>'H NMR, 400 MHz, (DMSO-d6) : 8 11.7 (s, 1H), 10.9 (s, 1H), 10.6 (s, 1H) 8.7 (s, 1H), 8.0 (s, 1 H), 7.9-7.7 (m, 4H), 7.6 (d, 1 H), 7.55 (d, 1 H), 7.3 (d, 1 H), 7.1 (dd, 1 H), 7.05 (d, 1 H) 3.9 (s, 3H), 3.8 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 37: 2-Benzo [b] thiophen-3-yl-N- {4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxy- phenyllacetamide HPLC-MS (METHOD A) Rt = 6.1 min; m/z = 494.

Micro analysis: Calculated for C25H20N3O4SCl, 1½H2O : C, 57.64; H, 4.45; N, 8.07%.

Found: C, 57.79; H, 3.96; N, 7.78%.

'H NMR, 400 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 8 11.6 (s, 1H), 10.9 (s, 1H), 10.5 (s, 1H) 8.7 (s, 1H), 8. 1-7.7 (m, 4H), 7.6 (d, 2H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.2 (d, 1 H), 7.05 (d, 1 H), 3.95 (s, 2H), 3.8 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE38: N- {4- ( (3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (3, 4-difluoro- phenyi) acetamide HPLC-MS (METHOD A) R, = 6.12 min; m/z = 474. <BR> <BR> <P>'H NMR, 400 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 8 11.6 (s, 1H), 10.9 (s, 1H), 10.4 (s, 1H) 8.7 (s, 1H), 7.95 (s, 1H). 7.8-7.7 (m, 2H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.3 (m, 2H), 7.15 (d, 2H), 7.05 (d, 1 H), 3.8 (s, 3H), 3.7 (s, 2H).

EXAMPLE 39: N- {4- [ (3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyphenyl}-2- (3- trifluoromethylphenyl) acetamide 2-Methoxy-4- [2- (3-trifluoromethylphenyl) acetylamino] benzoic acid methyi ester : Diisopropyicarbodiimide (8.1 g, 42 mmol) was added to a solution of 3- (trifiuoromethyi)- phenylacetic acid (17 g, 83 mmol) in dichloromethane (50 mL). After 10 min methyl 4-amino- 2-methoxybenzoate (5.0 g, 28 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at reflux tem-

perature for 4 hr and at 20°C for 16 hr. The mixture was diluted with dichioromethane (100 mL) and extracted with a saturated solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate (3 x 50 mL) and water (3 x 50 mL). The organic phase was dried (magnesium sulphate), filtered and evapo- rated in vacuo to give crude 2-methOxy4-[2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl) acetetyiamino] benzOic acid methyl ester that was purified by column chromatography on silica (120 g) using hep- tane and ethyl acetate (3: 2) as eluent.

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) R, = 6.17 min; m/z = 368.

Micro analysis: Calculated for C18H16NO4: C, 58.86; H, 4.39; N, 3.81 % Found: C, 58.97; H, 4.41; N, 3.75%.

'H NMR, 300 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 5 10.5 (s, 1 H), 7.7-7.5 (m, 6H), 7.2 (d, 1 H), 3.85 (s, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.7 (s, 3H).

N-(4-Hydroxymethyi-3-methOxyphenyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphen yl) acetamide:(4-Hydroxymethyi-3-methOxyphenyl)-2-(3-trifluorome thylphenyl) acetamide 2-Methoxy-4-[2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)acetylamino]benzoic acid methyl ester (2.0 g, 5.4 mmol) was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (100 mL) under nitrogen and cooled to-20°C. Diisobutylaluminum hydride (1.2 M in toluene, 18.9 mmol, 16 mL) was dropwise added over 40min. The reaction mixture was heated to 20°C and stirred at this temperature for 2 hr. Af- ter dilution with dichloromethane (100 mL) the reaction mixture was quenched by dropwise addition of water (10 mL) at 20-25°C. The mixture was filtered after 16 hr and the organic phase was dried (magnesium sulphate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give crude N- (4-hydroxymethyl-3-methoxyphenyl)-2- (3-trifluoromethylphenyl) acetamide that was purified by column chromatography on silica (30 g) using heptane and ethyl acetate (3: 2) as eluent.

'H NMR, 300 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 8 10.2 (s, 1H), 7.7-7.5 (m, 4H), 7.35 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, 1H), 7.1 (d, 1 H), 4.9 (t, 1H), 4.4 (d, 2H) 3.8 (s, 2H), 3.7 (s, 3H).

N- (4-Formyl-3-methoxyphenyl)-2- (3-trifluoromethylphenyl) acetamide:

N- (4-Hydroxymethyl-3-methoxyphenyl)-2- (3-trifluoromethylphenyl) acetamide (0.7 g, 2 mmol) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (40 mL) and manganese dioxide (3 g, 34 mmol) was added.

The reaction mixture was stirred at 20°C for 3 hr and filtered. The organic phase was con- centrated in vacuo to give crude N-(4-formyl-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)- acetamide that was used for the next step without further purification.

1H NMR, 300 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 810.65 (s, 1H), 10. 2 (s, 1H). 7.7-7.5 (m, 6H), 7.2 (d, 1H), 3.85 (s, 5H).

N- (4-Formyl-3-methoxyphenyi)-2- (3-trifluoromethylphenyi) acetamide (0.67 g, 2 mmol) was dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (10 mL). 3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide (0.35 g, 2 mmol) was added followed by addition of glacial acetic acid (0.3 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 hr at 20°C, diluted with ethyl acetate (125 mL) and washed with water (100 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL) and the organic phases combined, dried (magnesium sulphate) and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was crystallised from methanol and dichloromethane (1: 9) to give 0.5 g of the title compound.

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) R, = 6.03 min; m/z = 497.

'H NMR, 400 MHz, (DMSO-d6): 8 11. 8 (s, 1H), 11.7 (s, 1H), 10.5 (s, 1H), 8.7 (s, 1H), 8.2 (s, 1H), 8.05 (dd, 1 H), 7.8 (d, 1 H), 7.7 (s, 1 H), 7.65-7.5 (m, 4H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 7.1 (d, 1H), 3.8 (s, 5H).

EXAMPLE40: N-{4-[(3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyph enyl}-3-(4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)propionamide

'H NMR, 300 MHz, (DMSO-d6): # 11. 8 (s, 1H), 11.7 (s, 1H), 10.2 (s, 1H), 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.06 (dd, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.68 (d, 2H), 7.5 (m, 3H), 7.18 (d, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1 H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.03 (t, 2H), 2.72 (t, 2H).

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) Rt = 5.62 min; m/z = 511.

Micro analysis: Calculated for C26H21 N4O4F3, ½ DMSO, 1 H2O : C, 57.14; H, 4.62; N, 9.87%.

Found: C, 57.18; H, 4.60; N, 9.78%.

EXAMPLE 41: N-{4-[(3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]-3-methoxyph enyl}-2-(4-chlorophenyl)- acetamide 'H NMR, 300 MHz, (DMSO-d6) : 8 11.8 (bs, 1H), 11.6 (s, 1H), 10.4 (s, 1H), 8.68 (s, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 8.07 (dd, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1H), 7.4-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.18 (d, 1 H), 7.10 (d, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.68 (s, 2H).

HPLC-MS (METHOD A) R, = 5.33 min ; m/z = 463.

The following compounds may be prepared using the same synthesis methodology as de- scribed above: In yet a further aspect the invention relates to 1,5-substituted naphthalenes of the general formula (ill):

wherein R1 is chloro, fluoro, nitro or cyano; K is mis0or1; D is halogen, hydroxy,

wherein R4independentlyarehydrogen,halogen,cyano,trifluoromethyl,tri fluoromethoxyorR3and Cl-,-alkyl; with the proviso that when K is as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment R'is chioro.

More preferred R'is cyano.

In still a preferred embodiment m is 1, K is and D is wherein R'and R4 are as defined for formula (Itl) above.

In another preferred embodiment m is 1, K is and D is

wherein R3 and R4 are as defined for formula (III) above.

In another preferred embodiment m is 1, K is and D is halogen, hydroxy, wherein R'and R'are as defined above for formula (vil).

In the above preferred embodiments R'is preferably hydrogen and R'is halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy or C1-6-alkyl.

In a further preferred embodiment the invention relates to the following compounds:

as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Preparation of intermediates: 5-Hvdroxvmethyl-1-naphthaldehvde Methyl5-bromo-1-naphthylcarboxylate: To a suspension of 5-bromo-1-naphthytcarboxylic acid (5 g, 20 mmol) in 200 mL anhydrous MeOH was added 5 mL concentrated H2SC4 and refluxed overnight. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and concentrated to one-third the volume. The residue was di- luted with water and extracted with diethyl ether. The organic layer was separated and washed with water (2x), dried over MgS04, and concentrated. Silica gel column chromatog- raphy using hexane/ethyl acetate (2/1) gave 4.91 g (92%) of the product.<BR> <BR> <P>'H NMR (CDC13): 8 4.01 (s, 3H), 7.44 (dd, 1H), 7.61 (dd, 1 H), 7.85 (dd, 1 H), 8.22 (dd, 1 H), 8.51 (d, 1H), 8.90 (d, 1H).

Methyl5-cyano-1-naphthylcarboxylate: A mixture of methyl 5-bromo-1-naphthylcarboxylate (5.2 g, 19 mmol) and CuCN (3.4 g, 38 mmol) in 100 mL anhydrous dimethylformamide was refluxed overnight. After cooling the reaction to 70°C, a solution of NaCN (2 g) in 50 mL water was added to destroy the copper complex. Ethyl acetate was added and the two layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgS04, and concentrated. Silica gel column chromatography using hexane/ethyl acetate (5/1) gave the product (3.8 g, 95%). <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>'H NMR (CDC13): 8 4.01 (s, 3H), 7.60-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.98 (d, 1H), 8.30 (d, 1H), 8.45 (d, 1H), 9.21 (d, 1H).

5-Hydroxymethyl-1-naphthaldehyde: To a cooled (0°C) solution of methyl 5-cyano-1-naphthylcarboxylate (1 g, 5 mmol) in 20 mL anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was added DIBAL (1 M in hexane, 20 mL, 20 mmol) via syringe.

The mixture was then kept between 50-60°C ovemight. The mixture was then cooled to room temperature. The mixture was poured into a cold (0°C) solution of 2 N HCI (100 mL).

The product was extracted with ether (2x). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgS04 and concentrated. Silica gel column chromatography using hexane/ethyl ace- tate (2/1) gave 0.85 g (91%) of the product.

'H NMR (CDC13): # 4.95 (s, 2H), 7.45-7.58 (m, 3H), 7.82 (dd, 1H), 8.24 (d, 1H), 9.03 (dd, 1H), 10.21 (s, 1H).

General procedure for the alkylation of 5-hydroxymethyl-1-naphthaldehyde: To a solution of the above 5-hydroxymethyl-1-naphthaldehyde (1 mmol), alkyl halide (1.5 mmol) and 100 mg n-Bu, NCI in 20 mL CH2CI2 was added aqueous 5% KOH (20 mL) solu- tion. The reaction was refluxed overnight, and the two layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with water, brine, dried over MgS04 and concentrated. The desired prod- uct was purified via silica gel column chromatography using hexane/ethyl acetate.

Examples of alkylated products: 5-(4-Isopropylbenzyloxy)methyl-1-naphthaldehyde:

'H NMR (CDCl3) : 6 1.25 (d, 6H), 2.90 (m, 1 H), 4.56 (s, 2H), 4.98 (s, 2H), 7.25 (dd, 4H), 7.52 -7.68 (m, 3H), 7.97 (d, 1 H), 8.42 (d, 1 H), 9.24 (d, 1 H), 10.38 (s, 1 H).

5- (4-Trifluoromethoxybenzyloxy) methyl-1-naphthaldehyde

'H NMR (CDC13): 8 4.54 (s, 2H), 5.05 (s, 2H), 7.21 (d, 2H), 7.39 (d, 2H), 7.59-7.74 (m, 3H), 8.01 (d, 1 H), 8.45 (d, 1H), 9.30 (d, 1 H), 10.43 (s, 1H).

General procedure for the formation of the 1,5-substituted naphthalenes of the general for- mula (III): SCHEME (III)

wherein R', K, m and D are as defined for formula (III) above.

The resulting carbonyl compounds, prepared as described above, are treated with the corre- sponding acylhydrazide prepared as decribed in the foregoing in a solvent. The solvent may be one of the following: ethyl alcool, methyl alcool, isopropyl aicohol, tert-butyl alcool, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, chlorobenzene, anisole, benzene, chioroform, dichloromethane, di- methylsulfoxide, acetic acid, water or a compatible mixture of two or more of the above sol- vents. A catalyst such as acetic acid can be added. A dehydrating reagent such as triethylor- thoformate can also be added to the reaction mixture. The reaction is performed by stirring the reaction mixture preferably under an inert atmosphere of N2 or Ar at temperatures between 0°C to 140°C, preferably between 10°C to 80°C. In many cases the product simply crystallizes out when the reaction is completed and is isolated by suction filtration. It can be further recrystal- lized if necessary from a solvent such as the above described reaction solvents. The product can also be isolated by concentration of the reaction mixture in vacuo, followed by column chromatography on silica gel using a solvent system such as chloroform/methanol or di- chloromethane/methanol or chloroform/ethyl acetate.

The following compounds of the general formula (III) according to the invention were pre- pared as examples of compounds that can be prepared using this methodology: EXAMPLE 42:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 4.67 (s, 2H), 5.05 (s, 2H), 7.11 (d, 1 H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.57-7.75 (m, 3H), 7.82 (d, 1H), 7.95-8.08 (m, 2H), 8.22 (d, 1 H), 8.78 (s, 1H), 9.14 (s, 1H), 11.01 (s, 1H), 11.85 (s, 1 H); LC-MS (APCI, neg.): 527.

EXAMPLE43: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : # 1.13 (d, 6H), 2.82 (m, 1 H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 4.95 (d, 2H), 7.04 (d, 1H), 7.15-7.24 (dd, 4H), 7.57-7.62 (m, 3H), 7.76 (d, 1H), 7.90-7.97 (m, 2H), 8.14 (d, 1H), 8.70 (s, 1H), 9.08 (s, 1H), 10.99 (s, 1H), 11.78 (s, 1H).

LC-MS (APCI, neg.): 485.1.

EXAMPLE44: EXAMPLE 45:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): b 7.09 (d, 1H), 7.58 (t, 1H), 7.79 (m, 2H), 7.96-8.01 (m, 3H), 8.27 (d,<BR> <BR> 1H), 8. 86 (d, 1H), 9.09 (s, 1 H), 11.0 (s, 1 H), 11.88 (s, 1H); LC-MS (APCI, neg.): 403.1.

EXAMPLE46:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 5 4.98 (d, 2H), 5.37 (t, 1 H), 7.08 (d, 1 H), 7.62 (dr, 3H), 7.79 (d, 1 H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 8.18 (d, 1H), 8.67 (s, 1H), 9.12 (s, 1 H) ; LC-MS (APCI, pos.): 355.

EXAMPLE47:

1H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 11.8 (b, 1H), 10.5 (b, 1H), 9.0 (s, 1H), 8.7 (d, 1H), 8.1 (m, 2H), 8.0 (d, 1 H), 7.9 (d, 1 H), 7.5 (m, 6H), 7.3 (d, 2H), 7.0 (d, 2H), 5.0 (s, 1 H), 4.6 (s, 1 H); MS (M+1): 568.

General procedure for the synthesis of further derivatized hydrazides of the general formula vil : According to one embodiment of the invention the compounds of the general formula (IIIa) may be prepared as indicated in the below Scheme (Illa), that is, by converting an alkylidene hy- drazide (prepared according to the general method shown above) into a further derivatized al- kylidene hydrazide. Thus, by reacting an amine with an alkylidene hydrazide that contains a leaving group X, such as Cl, Br or OSO2Me, a new alkylidene hydrazide of formula (IIIa) can be formed.

SCHEME (Illa) i. N i N'I'll (Ila) i solvent, base Ho R'

wherein X, is a leaving group, such as chioro, bromo or OSO2CH3, R'is as defined for for- mula (III) and D'is the subset of D that contains a primary or secondary amine that can react as a nucleophile.

Specific examples illustrating the preparation of further derivatized hydrazides of formula (III) are provided below: EXAMPLE48:

EXAMPLE 49: EXAMPLE 50:

EXAMPLE 51: EXAMPLE 52: The following compounds of the formula (vil) may also be prepared using the above men- tioned methodologies:

In yet a further aspect the invention relates to the naphthalene sulfonamides of the general formula (IV):

wherein R'is chloro, fluoro, nitro or cyano; D is

wherein R'and R4 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy or C1-6-alkyl; as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention D is

In another preferred embodiment of the invention R'is chloro.

More preferred R'is cyano.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

General procedure for the preparation of hydrazones of naphthalene sulfonamides of the formula (IV): SCHEME (IV) CH3 CH3 Br w W w w _ I w w Step A Step B Step C soa oscs //D 0 0 0 N'NH2 H I o, 0 0// I N. N w Step D ( H O=, S, p HO I/D R' (IV) Step A: General procedure for the synthesis of 4-methyl-1-naphthalene sulfonamides.

To a solution of 4-methyl-1-naphthalene sulfonylchloride (2.0 g, 8.3 mmol) (prepared ac- cording to P. Cagniant, D. Cagniant, Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr. 1966,2037-2042) in dichloro- methane was added dropwise the amine (1 eq) at 0°C. The mixture was stirred at room tem-

perature for 16 hr, diluted with dichloromethane (15 mL), extracted with IN HO (10 mL), brine (10 mL), dried (MgS04), and concentrated to give the corresponding 4-methyi-1- naphthalene sulfonamide.

Examples of sulfonamides prepared: 4-Methyl-1-naphthalenediethylsulfonamide:

'H NMR (CDCI3): # 1. 08 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 6H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 3.37 (q, J = 6.8 Hz, 4H), 7.37 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.66 (m, 2H), 8.08 (dd, J = 2. 1,4. 2 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.67 (dd, J = 6 Hz, 1H).

GC-MS (pos.): 278.

1- (2-Ethylpiperidinylsulfonyl)-4-methyinaphthalene :

'H NMR (CDCl3) : # 0.74 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.21 (m, 2H), 1.47-1.66 (m, 6H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 3.01 (t, J = 13. 4 Hz, 1H), 3.69 (dd, J = 3.5,13. 4 Hz, 1H), 3.99 (m, 1H), 7.37 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.61-7.66 (m, 2H), 8.08 (dd, J = 2.1,6.5 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.62 (dd, J = 5 Hz, 1H).

GC-MS (pos.) : 318.

1-(4-Morpholinosulfonyl)-4-methylnaphthalene:

lHNMR (CDCI3): 5 2.78 (s, 3H), 3.15 (t, J = 4. 7 Hz, 4H), 3.68 (t, J = 4. 7 Hz, 4H), 7.42 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.67 (m, 2H), 8.09-8.14 (m, 2H), 8.78-8.81 (m, 1 H).

GC-MS (pos.): 292.

4-Methyl-1-naphthalene cyclopentylsulfonamide: 'H NMR (CDC13): 5 1.21-1.66 (m, 8H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 3.54 (m, 1 H), 4.60 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.63-7.68 (m, 2H), 8.12 (dd, J = 2.0,7.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.19 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.65 (dd, J = 2 Hz, 1 H); GC-MS (pos.): 290.

Step B: General procedure for the synthesis of 4-bromomethyl-1-naphthalene sulfonamides.

A mixture of 4-methyl-1-naphthalene sulfonamide (1 eq), N-bromosuccinimide (1.1 eq) and a catalytic amount of benzoyl peroxide in CC14 was refluxed for 2 hr. The mixture was filtered, and the filtrate was concentrated. Flash chromatography (hexane: ethyl acetate, 5: 1) pro- vided a mixture of starting material and desired product, which was used without further pu- rification in the next step.

Step C: General procedure for the synthesis of 4-formyl-1-naphthalene sulfonamides.

Nitrogen was bubbled through a suspension of 1.3 g sodium bicarbonate in dimethylsulfox- ide (5 mL) for 20 min. The 4-bromomethyl-1-naphthalene sulfonamide from step B dissolved in 5 mL dimethylsulfoxide was added. The mixture was placed in oil bath at 110°C for 1.5 hr.

The mixture was cooled, diluted with water (10 mL), and extracted with ethyl acetate (3x10

mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgS04), and concentrated. Flash chroma- tography (silicagel, hexane: ethyl acetate, 5: 1) provided the title compound.

Examples of 4-formyl-1-naphthalene sulfonamides: 4-Formyl-1-naphthalenediethylsulfonamide: tHNMR (CDCI3): 5 1.12 (t, J = 6. 8 Hz, 6H), 3.41 (q, J = 6. 8 Hz, 4H), 7.74-7.79 (m, 2H), 8. Q4 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (d, J =7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.78 (dd, J = 2.1,7.7 Hz, 1H), 9.28 (dd, J = 7 Hz, 1H), 10.50 (s, 1H). GC-MS (pos.): 292.

1- (2-Ethylpiperidinylsulfonyl)-4-formyinaphthalene: 'H NMR (CDCl3) : 5 0.74 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 1.21 (m, 2H), 1.47-1.66 (m, 6H), 3.02 (dd, J = 2.2,11.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (dd, J = 3.6 Hz, 1 H), 3.97 (m, 1 H), 7.73-7.78 (m, 2H), 8.04 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.45 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.73 (dd, J = 2.1,7.8 Hz, 1 H), 9.28 (dd, J = 7 Hz, 1H), 10.50 (s, 1H).

1- (4-Morpholinosulfonyl)-4-formylnaphthalene:

'H NMR (CDC13): 5 3.21 (t, J = 4.7 Hz, 4H), 3.70 (t, J = 4.7 Hz, 4H), 7.73-7.78 (m, 2H), 8.08 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.37 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.87 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 9.30 (dd, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), 10.52 (s, 1H).

4-Formyl-1-naphthalene cyclopentylsulfonamide:

'H NMR (CDCl3) : # 1.23-1.27 (m, 2H), 1.42-1.53 (m, 4H), 1.62-1.69 (m, 2H), 3.65 (m, 1H), 4.82 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.73-7.82 (m, 2H), 8.07 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.46 (d, J =7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.75 (dd, J = 6 Hz, 1 H), 9.31 (dd, J 7 Hz, 1H), 10.51 (s, 1H).

Step D: General procedure for the synthesis of the naphthalene sulfonamides of the general formula (IV).

These compounds were prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylidene hydrazones from the condensation of 4-formyl-1-naphthalene sulfonamides from step C and the appropriate 3-substituted 4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide.

EXAMPLE 53: 4- {[2-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazono] methyl}-N, N-diethyl-1- naphthalenesulfonamide

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 1.11 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 6H), 3.32 (q, J = 7.0 Hz, 4H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (m, 3H), 8.01-8.17 (m, 3H), 8.63 (m, 1 H), 7.79 (m, 1H), 9.16 (s, 1 H), 11.20 (bs, 1H), 12.02 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, pos.): 460.1,462.1.

EXAMPLE54: 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-N-4 [- (4-morpholinosuifonyl)-1-naphthyl]-methyiene hydrazide

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 3.08 (m, 4H), 3.74 (m, 4H), 7.09 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.78-7.83 (m, 4H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 8.13 (m, 1H), 8.21 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1H), (m, 2 H), 9.17 (s, 1H), 12.06 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, pos.): 474.0,476.1.

EXAMPLE 55: 4-{[2-(3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazono]methyl}-N-cyclope ntyl-1-naphthalenesulfon- amide

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 1.15-1.25 (m, 4H), 1.27 (m, 4H), 3.40 (m, 1H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.75-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.98 (s, 1 H), 8.04-8.07 (m, 2H), 8.22 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 8.73- 8.77 (m, 2H), 9.15 (s, 1H), 12.00 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, pos.): 472,474.

EXAMPLE 56: 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid 4-[(2-ethyl-1-piperidinyl)sulfonyl]-1-naphthylmethylene hy- drazide

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 0.64 (t, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H), 0.93 (m, 2H), 1.22-1.66 (m, 6H), 3.02 (t, J = 11.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.72 (m, 1 H), 3.85 (m, 1 H), 7.08 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.75-7.80 (m, 3H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.07 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.30 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 8.62 (m, 1H), 8.76 (m, 1 H), 9.17 (s, 1H), 12.00 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, pos.) : 500,502.

The following compounds of the formula (IV) may also be prepared using the above men- tioned methodologies:

In another aspect the invention relates to 1,5-alkylated indoles of the formula (V):

wherein R'is chloro, fluoro, nitro or cyano; D is wherein Q or-S-;-O- Y is-CH= or-N=; R5andR6independentlyarehydrogen,C1-6-alkyl,trifluoromethy,tr ifluoromethyl,trifluoromethoxy,R3,R4, halogen or C,-,-alkoxy; as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment R'is chloro.

More preferred R'is cyano.

In still another preferred embodiment D is

The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

General procedure for the synthesis of 1-substituted indole-5-carboxaldehvdes followed by hydrazone formation: The 1-substituted indole-5-carboxaldehydes may be prepared according to the below Scheme (V) by N-alkylation of the indole-4-carboxaldehyde using various electrophilic alkylating agents that introduce the-CH2-D moiety as defined above such as halides (fluorides, chlorides, bro-. mides, iodides), methanesulfonates, toluenesulfonates or triflates.

SCHEME (V) 0CH, 0 CH2 I N. NH2 0 N'D OHC OHC I H N > I-o H N H X,-c 2 D-a CH R'H (V) Base, solvent D Solvent R' wherein X, is a leaving group such as-F,-Cl,-Br,-I,-OSO2CH3,-OSO2p-tolyl or-OSO2CF3 and D and R'are as defined for formula (V).

According to Scheme (V) 1-substituted indole-5-carboxaidehydes can be prepared by stirring indole-5-carboxaldehyde in an organic solvent such as acetone, methylethyl ketone, dimethyl- formamide, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, sulfolane, dieth-

ylether, dimethylsulfoxide, water or a compatible mixture of two or more of the above solvents with an equimolar amount of the appropriate halide in the presence of 1 to 15 equivalents (preferably 1 to 5 equivalents) of a base such as sodium hydride, potassium hydride, sodium or potassium methoxide, ethoxide or tert-butoxide, sodium, potassium or cesium carbonate, po- tassium or cesium fluoride, sodium or potassium hydroxide or organic bases such as diisopro- pylethylamine, 2,4,6-collidine or benzyidimethyl-ammonium methoxide or hydroxide. The re- action can be performed at 0°C to 150°C, preferably at 20°C to 100°C and preferably in an in- ert atmosphere of N2 or Ar. When the reaction is complete the mixture is filtered, concentrated in vacuo and the resulting product optionally purified by column chromatography on silica gel using ethyl acetate/hexane as eluent. The compound can also (when appropriate) be purified by recrystallization from a suitable solvent such as ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, isopropyl aico- hol, water, hexane, toluene or their compatible mixture.

The resulting carbonyl compounds are then treated with the corresponding acylhydrazide in a solvent. The solvent may be one of the following: ethyl alcool, methyl alcool, isopropyl alco- hol, tert-butyl alcohol, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, chlorobenzene, anisole, benzene, chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethylsulfoxide, acetic acid, water or a compatible mixture of two or more of the above solvents. A catalyst such as acetic acid or trifluoroacetic acid can be added. A dehydrating reagent such as triethylorthoformate can also be added to the reaction mixture. The reaction is performed by stirring the reaction mixture preferably under an inert at- mosphere of N2 or Ar at temperatures between 0°C to 140°C, preferably between 10°C to 80°C. In many cases the product simply crystallizes out when the reaction is completed and is isolated by suction filtration. It can be further recrystallized if necessary from a solvent such as the above described reaction solvents. The product can also be isolated by concentration of the reaction mixture in vacuo, followed by column chromatography on silica gel using a solvent system such as chloroform/methanol or dichloromethane/methanol or chloroform/ethyi acetate.

Library procedure for indole alkylation : Preparation of the sodium salt of the indole : Indole-5-carboxaldehyde (1.45 g) was dissolved into 8.6 mL of dry dimethylformamide in a dried and cooled 100 mL 3-necked round bottom flask. While maintaining a steady flow of nitrogen or argon through the 3-necked round bottomed flask, 1.1 equivalent of sodium hy-

dride (0.27 g of dry 95% reagent) was transferred to the indole solution. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes, while maintaining flow of inert gas.

Preparation of the halide solutions : Amber glass vials (for preparing stock solutions) were dried for at least four hours at 110 °C, then were allowed to cool under an argon atmosphere in a desiccator. Halide solutions (1.0 M) were prepared in anhydrous dimethylformamide in the dried vials. Each halide solution (100 uL) was added to its corresponding well of a deep-well plate.

Alkvlation of the indole sodium salt : 100 uL of the 1.0 M indole salt solution was quickly delivered to each alkyl halide in the deep-well plates. The plates were vortexed briefly to mix, then allowed to react for two hours.

Library procedure for hydrazone formation: 3-Substituted 4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazides (10 mmoles) were dissolved in 5 mL of dry dimethylsulfoxide, followed by trifluoroacetic acid (0.77 mL). The resulting solutions were di- luted to final volumes of 10.0 mL. 100 uL of the 1.0 M acid hydrazide trifluoroacetic acid salt solution was added to each well of the deep-well plate. The plate was vortexed for one min- ute to mix, then allowed to react for 30 minutes.

The products were purified by chromatography on silica gel with ethyl acetate/hexane eluent.

EXAMPLE 57: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 5.54 (s, 2H), 7.07 (d, 1H), 7.20 (t, 1 H), 7.26 (m, 2H), 7.31 (s, 4H), 7.58 (d, 1H), 7.68 (s, 1H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 8.01 (d, 1H), 8.66 (s, 1 H), 11.98 (brd s, 1 H), 11.71 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI, negative): 0.

EXAMPLE 58:

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 5.54 (s, 2H), 7.08 (d, 1 H), 7.19 (t, 1H), 7.27-7.31 (m, 5H), 7.57 (d, 1 H), 7.67 (s, 1 H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 8.01 (d, 1 H), 8.66 (s, 1 H), 10.97 (brd s, 1 H), 11.71 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI, neg.) : 486.0,487.0,488.0.

Similarly, the following compounds of the formula (V) may be prepared: In a further aspect the invention relates to the following compounds: 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 3.83 (s, 6H), 4.98 (s, 2H), 7.03 (s, 2H) 7.14 (d, 1H), 7.36 (d, 2H), 7.58 (d, 2H), 8.04 (d, 1 H), 8.21 (s, 1 H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 11.80 (bs, 2H); MS (APCI, pos.): 517.2; 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 3,83 (s, 6H), 5.05 (s, 2H), 7.03 (s, 2H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.69 (d, 2H), 7.74 (d, 2H), 8.03 (dd, 1 H), 8.20 (d, 1 H), 8.34 (s, 1 H), 11.80 (s, 1 H), 11.89 (s, 1 H) ; MS (APCI, pos.): 500.1; 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : # 1.00-2.00 (m, 10H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 2.97 (m, 1H), 3.09 (m, 1H), 4.20 (s, 3H), 6.58 (d, 1 H), 7.07 (d, 1 H), 7.53-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.78-7.81 (d, 2H), 8.02 (s, 1 H) 8.35 (d, 1 H), 8.90-8.97 (d, 2H), 11.47 (s, 1 H) ; LC-MS (APCI, pos.) : 487 ; 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 2.75-2.92 (d, 2H), 3.58-3.61 (d, 2H), 4.22 (s, 1H), 4.38 (s, 1H), 4.58 (s, 1H), 4.82 (s, 1H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.21-7.75 (m, 10H), 7.84 (d, 1H), 8.10 (t, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 8.82 (t, 1 H), 9.11 (s, 1H), 11.91 (s, 1H); LC-MS (APCI, pos.): 534; 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 1.08-1.32 (m, 4H), 1.50-1.59 (m, 5H), 2.66 (m, 0.5H), 3.12 (m, 0.5H), 3.77 (m, 0.5H), 4.17 (s, 2H), 4.27-4.32 (m, 1H), 4.74 (m, 0.5H), 7.14 (d, 1H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 7.64 (m, 2H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 8.01 (d, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1H), 8.85 (d, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 11.86 (s, 2H); IR (KBr): 2230,1608 cm-' ; MS (APCI, pos.): 455; 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 1.04 (t, 3H), 1.15 (t, 3H), 3.29 (q, 2H), 3.45 (q, 2H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 3.45 (q, 2H), 4.18 (s, 2H), 7.15 (d, 1H), 7.43 (d, 1H), 7.57-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.87 (d, 1H), 8.09 (dd, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1 H), 8.84 (d, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1H), 11.87 (bs, 2H); IR (KBr): 2229,1607 cm-1; MS (APCI, pos.): 429.2; 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 2.54 (m, 1H), 2.61 (m, 1H), 3.74 (m, 2H), 4.15 (m, 1H), 4.28 (m, 1H), 5.19 (m, 1H), 5.24 (m, 1H), 6.26 (s, 1 H), 7.07 (t, 1H), 7.16 (d, 1 H), 7.41 (dd, 2H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.63 (dd, 1H), 7.71 (dd, 1H), 7.81 (d, 1H), 8.09 (d, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1 H), 8.36 (d, 1 H), 8.92 (s, 1H), 9.01 (d, 1H), 11.74 (s, 1H), 11.88 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, pos.): 0;

'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : 8 2.21 (m, 1H), 2.29 (m, 1H), 2.50 (m, 2H), 3.11 (m, 2H), 3.49 (s, 2H), 3.84 (m, 1H), 3.88 (m, 1H), 7.16 (d, 1H), 7.31 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d, 2H), 7.52 (d, 1H), 7.66 (m, 2H), 7.83 (d, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 8.11 (d, 1H), 8.28 (s, 1H), 8.87 (d, 1H), 9.08 (s, 1H), 11.95 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, pos.): 552.2; as well as any optical or geometric isomers or tautomeric forms thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The compounds were prepared in analogy with the foregoing methods of preparation.

In another aspect the invention relates to the compounds of the general formula (Vl):

wherein R'is chloro, fluoro, nitro or cyano; R9 is C, 4-alkyl; as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment R'is chloro.

More preferred R'is cyano.

In another preferred embodiment the invention relates to 3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid [4- (1-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-naphth-1-ylmethyiene] hydrazide as well as any optical or geomet- ric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically ac- ceptable salt thereof.

In yet another preferred embodiment the invention relates to 3-cyano-4-hydroxy-benzoic acid [4- (1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-naphth-1-ylmethylene] hydrazide as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceuti- cally acceptable salt thereof.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples of the formula (VI) which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. General procedure for the preparation of compounds according to formula (VI): SCHEME (VI)

Step A: General procedure for the preparation of mono-protected naphthalene-1,4- dicarboxaldehydes.

To a solution of naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxaldehyde in a solvent, such as tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, toluene, benzene, or ethylenglycol dimethyl ether, is added a slight excess (1.1 equivalent) of a diol, such as 1,2-ethanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3- propanediol (neopentylglycol) and the like and an acidic catalyst, such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, BF3-etherate. The resulting mixture is stirred at 20-150 °C, preferably at room temperature or at the boiling point of the mixture. Extraction and/or flash chromatography affords the desired mono-protected naphthalene-1,4-dicarbox- aldehyde.

Step B: General procedure for the preparation of protected 4- (1-hydroxyalkyl)-naphthalene- 1-carboxaldehydes.

To a solution of the mono-protected naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxaldehyde in tetrahydrofuran is added the desired alkyl magnesium chloride dissolved in tetrahydrofuran. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 3 hr, diluted with satd. NH, CL, and extracted with ethyl ace-

tate. The combined organic extracts are dried (MgSO4) and concentrated. The product is isolated by flash chromatography.

Step C: General procedure for the preparation of 4- (l-hydroxyalkyl)-naphthalene-l- carboxaidehydes.

Hydrolysis of the protected aldehyde is performed under acidic aqueous conditions, eg with a mixture of water and one of the following acids: hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, perchloric acid or sulfuric acid. Extraction and flash chromatography affords the desired 4- (1-hydroxyalkyl)- naphthalene-1-carboxaldehyde.

In certain cases the protection/deprotection sequence (Step A and Step C) in the preparation of the 4- (1-hydroxyalkyl)-naphthalene-1-carboxaldehyde can be omitted as described below: To a solution of 1,4-diformyinaphthalene in tetrahydrofuran is added the desired alkyl mag- nesium chloride dissolved in tetrahydrofuran. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for 3 hr, diluted with satd. NH, CI, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic ex- tracts are dried (MgS04) and concentrated. The product is isolated by flash chromatography.

Step D: General procedure for the preparation of hydrazones.

Hydrazones are prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylidene hydrazones from the condensation of the appropriate 3-substituted 4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide and the above 4- (1-hydroxyalkyl) naphthaidehydes.

EXAMPLE 59: 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid [4- (1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl) naphth-1-ylmethylene] hy- drazide

4-Formyl-1- (1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl) naphthalene: To a solution of 1,4-diformyinaphthalene (490 mg, 2.66 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (12 mL) was added dropwise at 0°C isopropyl magnesium chloride (1.3 mL of a 2 M solution in tetra- hydrofuran). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hr, diluted with satd. NH, CI (10 mL), and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x10 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO4) and concentrated. Flash chromatography (silicagel, hexane: ethyl acetate, 5: 1) provided the title compound (81 mg, 14%).

'H NMR (CDCI3): 8 0.83 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 3H), 1.03 (d, J = 6.5 Hz, 3H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 5.21 (m, 1 H), 5.33 (d, J = 4.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.62-7.64 (m, 1 H), 7.70 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.84 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (d, J = 7.4 Hz, 1H), 8.15 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 9.35 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 10.29 (s, 1H); GC-MS: 228.

3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid 4-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)naphthyl methylene hydrazide: The compound was prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylid- ene hydrazones from the condensation of 4-formyl-1- (1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl) naphtha- lene and 3-chloro-4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide. <BR> <BR> <P> 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 80.88 (d, J = 6. 5 Hz, 3H), 0.95 (d, J = 6. 5 Hz, 3H), 2.03 (m, 1H), 5.11 (dd, J = J' = 4.5 Hz, 1H), 5.38 (d, J=4. 5Hz, 1H), 7.08 (d, J=8. 5Hz, 1H), 7.62 (m, 2H), 7.69 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.80 (d, J = 8. E Hz, 1 H), 7.92 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.00 (d, J = 1.8 Hz.

1 H), 8.24 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.82 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 9.07 (s, 1 H), 11.04 (s, 1 H), 11.78 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, pos.): 1.

EXAMPLE 60: 3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid [4- (1-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-naphth-1-ylmethylene] hy- drazide

Step A: 4- (5, 5-Dimethyl-1, 3-dioxan-2-yi)-l-naphthaldehyde.

A solution of mmol) [prep. acc. Ried et al. Chem. Ber. 91, 1958,2479] neopentylgiycole (2.1 g, 24 mmol), and p-TsOH (250 mg) in toluene (100 mL) was refluxed for 16 hours using a Dean-Stark-trap to remove water. The solution was ex- tracted with satd. NaHCO3 solution (3 x 30 mL), dried (MgS04) and concentrated. The resi- due was purified by flash chromatography (silicagel, hexane: ethyl acetate, 9: 1) to provide 4.0 g (66%) of the desired product.

'H NMR (CDCI3): 8 0.88 (s, 3H), 1.37 (s, 3H), 3.80 (d, J = 11.0 Hz, 2H), 3.91 (d, J =11.0 Hz, 2H), 6.04 (s, 1 H), 7.09 (m, 2H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.65 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.75 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1 H), 9.83 (s, 1 H); GC-MS (pos.): 270.

Step B: 1- [4- (5, 5-Dimethyl-1, 3-dioxan-2-yl)-1-naphthyl]-3-methyl-1-butanol.

4- (5, 5-Dimethyl-1, 3-dioxan-2-yl)-1-naphthaldehyde (4.0 g, 14.8 mmol) was dissolved in di- ethyl ether (80 mL). Magnesium bromide diethyl etherate (2.8 g, 10.8 mol) was added fol- lowed by a 2M solution of isobutyl magnesium chloride in diethyl ether (8.0 mL, 16 mmol).

The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours, diluted with methanol (1 mL), water (1 mL), and 1 N HCI (20 mL). The phases were separated, and the aqueous phase was extracted with ether (3 x 50 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgS04), and concentrated. Flash chromatography of the residue provided the 1.76 g (36%) desired product. <BR> <BR> <P> HNMR (CDCI3): # 0. 87 (s, 3H), 0.97 (d, J = 6. 7 Hz, 3H), 1.14 (d, J = 6. 7 Hz, 3H), 1.67-2.11<BR> (m, 4H), 5.65 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.98 (s, 1 H), 7.60-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.00 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1H), 9.34 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1H), 10.36 (s, 1H); GC-MS (pos.): 243.

Step C: 4-(1-Hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-1-napththaldehyde.

To a solution of 1- [4- (5, 5-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxan-2-yl)-1-naphthyl]-3-methyl-1-butanol (1.76 g, 5.35 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (10 mL) was added water (1mL) and conc. HCI (1 mL). The solution was stirred at room temp. for 16 hr, diluted with NaHCO3-solution (20 mL), and ex- tracted with ether (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried and concentrated.

Flash chromatography (silicagel, hexanes: ethyl acetate, 4: 1) provided 900 mg (70%) colour- less oil.

'H NMR (CDCI3): 8 0.99 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 3H), 1.08 (d, J = 6.7 Hz, 3H), 1.36 (s, 3H), 1.67-1.92 (m, 4H), 5.55 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 1H), 5.98 (s, 1 H), 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.67 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (d, J = 7.5 Hz, 1H), 8.11 (dd, J = 2.5,7.2 Hz, 1 H), 8.24 (dd, J = 2.5,8.5 Hz, 1H).

Step D: 3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid 4-(1-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl) naphthyl methylidene hydrazide.

The compound was prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylid- ene hydrazones from the condensation of 4- (1-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-1-naphthaldehyde from step C and 3-cyano-4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide.

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 0.89 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 3 H), 1.05 (d, j = 6.6 Hz, 3 H), 1.50 (m, 1 H), 1.61 (m, 1H), 1.63 (m, 1 H), 5.39 (m, 2H), 7.15 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.64 (m, 2H), 7.76 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.92 (d, J = 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.09 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 1H), 8.17 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1H), 8.27 (s, 1 H), 8.85 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 9.05 (s, 1 H), 11.84 (s, 1H), 11.89 (s, 1H); MS (APCI, pos.): 402.

By use of the aforementioned methodology the following compounds may be produced: 3-Cyano-4-hydroxy-benzoic acid [4- (1- hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-naphth-1-yl- methylene] hydrazide 3-Chloro-4-hydroxy-benzoic acid [4- (1- <BR> <BR> hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-naphth-1-yl- methyiene] hydrazide

In another aspect the invention relates to the compounds of the general formula (VII) : wherein R'is nitro, fluoro, chloro or cyano; D is C14-alkyl, as weli as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment R'is chloro.

More preferred R'is cyano.

In another preferred embodiment D is isopropyl, The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

General procedure for the preparation of compounds described by the general formula (VII): SCHEME (VII) Step A: General procedure for the preparation of carbamates.

To a solution of hydroxymethyinaphthaldehyde dissolved in anhydrous dimethylformamide is added the desired isocyanate (excess). After stirring the reaction overnight at room tem- perature, hexane was added to help precipitate the product. The crude product was col- lected by filtration and recrystallized from dichloromethane.

Step B: General procedure for the preparation of hydrazones.

Hydrazones were prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylid- ene hydrazones from the condensation of the appropriate 3-substituted 4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide and the above carbamate-aldehydes.

EXAMPLE 61: <BR> (4-Trifluoromethylphenyl) carbamic acid 4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl]- naphth-1-ylmethyl ester 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 5 5.70 (s, 2H), 7.09 (d, 1 H), 7.66 (m, 4H), 7.73 (m, 3H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.94 (d, 1H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 8.20 (m, 1 H), 8.90 (d, 1H), 9.10 (d, 1H), 10.24 (s, 1H), 10.99 (brd s, 1H) 11.85 (brd s, 1H); MS (APCI): 541.8,543.8.

EXAMPLE62: <BR> <BR> (3-Trifluoromethylphenyi) carbamic acid 4- [ (3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyi) hydrazonomethyl]- naphth-1-yimethyl ester 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 5 5.69 (s, 2H), 7.12 (d, 1H), 7.33 (d, 1H), 7.51 (t, 3H), 7.68-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.84 (d, 1 H), 7.93 (s, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 8.04 (s, 1 H), 8.20 (m, 1 H), 8.86 (d, 1 H), 9.22 (s, 1H) 10.20 (s, 1H) 11.10 (brd s, 1H), 12.01 (brd s, 1H); MS (APCI): 8.

EXAMPLE63: 4-[(3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1-Isopr opylcarbamicacid ylmethylester 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 8 1.06 (d, 6H), 3.62 (oct, 1 H), 5.51 (s, 2H), 7.08 (d, 1 H), 7.22 (d, 1 H), 7.62-7.69 (m, 3H), 7.80 (dd, 1 H), 7.90 (d, 1H), 8.00 (d, 1H), 8.10 (d, 1H), 8.86 (d, 1H), 9.08 (s, 1 H) 11.00 (brd s, 1 H) 11.82 (brd s, 1 H); MS (APCI): 439.8 EXAMPLE64: 4-[(3-chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1-ylmet hylCyclohexylcarbamicacid ester

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 1.03-1.21 (m, 6H), 1.63-1.77 (m, 4H), 3.28 (m, 1 H), 5.49 (s, 2H), 6.54 (d, 1 H), 7.23 (d, 1H), 7.57-7.70 (m, 4H), 7.84 (d, 1 H), 7.87 (d, 1 H), 8.07 (m, 1 H), 8.83 (d, 1 H), 9.05 (s, 1 H) 11.53 (s, 1 H) ; MS (APCI): 479.9,480.9.

EXAMPLE 65: <BR> 2- {4- [ (3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl] naphth-1-ylmethoxycarbonylamino}-4- methylpentanoic acid ethyl ester

By use of the aforementioned methodology the following compounds of the formula (VII) may be produced: 4-(4-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-carbamicacid <BR> <BR> <BR> [ (3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-hydrazono- methyl] naphth-1-ylmethyl ester 4-(3-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-carbamicacid [(3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazono- methyl] naphth-1-ylmethyl ester Isopropylcarbamic acid 4- [ (3-cyano-4- hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1- ylmethylester Cyclohexylcarbamic acid 4- [ (3-cyano-4- hydroxybenzoyl) hydrazonomethyl] naphth-1- ylmethyl ester 2-{4-[(3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)- hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1-ylmethoxy- ethycarbonylamino}-4-methylpentanoicacid ester In a further aspect the invention relates to the compounds of the general formula (VIII) :

wherein R'is chloro, fluoro, nitro or cyano; R'° is hydrogen, C1-6-alkyl or phenyl-C1-6-alkyl; R11 and R12 independently are hydrogen, C14-alkyl, phenyl or phenyl-C14-alkyl; as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment R'is chloro.

More preferred R'is cyano.

In another preferred embodiment R"and R12 are both hydrogen.

In yet another preferred embodiment R10 is benzyl, sec-butyl or isobutyl, preferably benzyl.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

General procedure for the preparation of compounds described by the formula (Vlil): SCHEME (vil) Step A: General procedure for the preparation of naphthylmethyl-amino-amides.

To a solution of bromomethylnaphthaldehyde in anhydrous dimethyiformamide was added diisopropylethylamine (1.2 eq) and the desired amino-amide (1.1 eq). After stirring the reac- tion for four hours the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and washed with 1 N HCI (2x), water (2x), brine, dried over MgS04, and concentrated. The products were purified via silica gel column chromatography.

Step B: General procedure for the preparation of hydrazones.

Hydrazones were prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylid- ene hydrazones from the condensation of the appropriate 3-substituted 4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide and the above amino-amide-aldehydes.

EXAMPLE 66: 2-({4-[(3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1-y lmethyl}amino)-3- amidemethylpentanoicacid

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 0.77 (t, 3H), 0.82 (d, 3H), 1.09 (m, 1 H), 1.54 (m 2H), 2.86 (d, 1H), 3.95 (d, 1H), 4.20 (d, 1H), 7.09 (m 2H), 7.44 (brd s, 1H), 7.59-7.64 (m, 3H), 7.80 (d, 1H), 7.87 (d, 1 H), 8.02 (s, 1 H), 8.29 (d, 1H), 8.85 (d, 1H), 9.08 (s, 1 H), 10.90 (brd s, 1H), 11.79 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI): 466.9,468.9.

EXAMPLE67: 2-({4-[(3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1-y lmethyl}amino)-4- methylpentanoic acid amide 'H NMR (DMSO-d6): # 0.76 (d, 3H), 0.86 (d, 3H), 1.35 (d, 2H), 1.72 (oct, 1 H), 3.09 (t, 1 H), 3.17 (s, 1 H), 3.36 (m, 3H), 4.00 (d, 1H), 4.20 (d, 1 H), 7.08 (s, 1H), 7.10 (d, 1H), 7.47 (d, 1H), 7.59-7.67 (m, 3H), 7.80 (d, 1 H), 7.87 (d, 2H), 8.01 (d, 1 H), 8.26 (d, 1 H), 8.84 (s, 1 H), 9.08 (s, 1 H), 11.80 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI): 466.9,468.9.

EXAMPLE 68: S-2-({4-[(3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1 -ylmethyl}amino)-4- methylpentanoic acid amide 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) : # 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.89 (m, 1 H), 3.99 (d, 1 H), 4.14 (d, 1H), 7.12 (m, 2H), 7.24 (m, 5H), 7.48 (m, 2H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.64 (m, 1H), 7.80 (m, 2H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.11 (d, 1 H), 8.82 (d, 1 H), 9.06 (s, 1 H), 11.00 (brd s, 1 H), 11.79 (s, 1 H) ; MS (APCI):

EXAMPLE69: R-2-({4-[(3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoyl)hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1 -ylmethyl}amino)-3- phenylpropionamide 'HNMR (DMSO-d6): # 2. 74 (m, 1H), 2.88 (m, 1H), 3.98 (d, 1H), 4.16 (d, 1H), 7.11 (s, 1 H), 7.20 (m, 1H), 7.24 (m, 5H), 7.47-7.60 (m, 3H), 7.64 (t, 1 H), 7.79 (m, 2H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.11 (d, 1H), 8.80 (d, 1 H), 9.06 (s, 1 H), 11.78 (s, 1H); MS (APCI): 9.

By use of the aforementioned methodology the following compounds of the formula (VIII) produced:maybe 2-({4-[(3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)- hydrazonomethyl] naphth-1-ylmethyl} amino)- 3-methylpentanoic acid amide 2-({4-[(3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)- <BR> <BR> hydrazonomethyl] naphth-1-ylmethyl} amino)- 4-methylpentanoic acid amide S-2-({3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)- hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1-ylmethyl}amino)- 4-methylpentanoic acid amide R-2-({4-[(3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoyl)- hydrazonomethyl]naphth-1-ylmethyl}amino)- 3-phenylpropionamide In a further aspect the invention relates to the compounds of the general formula (IX):

wherein R'is chloro, fluoro, nitro or cyano; and R3 and R4 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, nitro, acetoxy, C1-alkoxy, benzyloxy, trifluoromethyl, methylsulfonyl or C1^-alkyl; as well as any optical or geometric isomer or tautomeric form thereof including mixtures of these or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

In a preferred embodiment R'is chloro.

More preferred R1 is cyano.

In a further preferred embodiment R3 is hydrogen and R4 is halogen.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following representative examples which are, however, not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLE70: 3-cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid { 8- (4-chlorobenzyloxy])-4-quinolinyi] methylidene} hydrazide

SCHEME (IX) Step A: 8- (4-Chlorobenzyloxy)-4-methylquinoline.

4-Methyl-8-hydroxy quinoline (2.65 g, 16.6 mmol) [prep. acc. P. Belser, S. Bernhard, U.

Guerig, Tetrahedron 52,1996,2937-2944] was dissolved in a warm solution of KOH (930 mg, 16.6 mmol) in ethanol (50 mL). The mixture was heated to reflux and a solution of 4- chlorobenzyl chloride (3.5 g, 21.7 mmol) in ethanol (20 mL) was added dropwise to the re- fluxing solution during a period of 30 min. Refluxing was continued for 16 hr. The solution was filtered by suction, and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was diluted with ethyl acetate (100 mL), extracted with water (100 mL), dried (MgS04) and concentrated. Flash chromatography (silicagel, hexane: ethyl acetate, 3: 1) provided 1.6 g (34%) of a solid.

'H NMR (CDC13): 5 2.69 (s, 3H), 5.41 (s, 2 H), 7.00 (d, J =7.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.30 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.33 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.40 (dd, J = 7.7,8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.47 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2 H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.85 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 1 H); GC-MS (pos.): 283.

Step B: 8- (4-Chlorobenzyloxy)-4-formylquinoline.

Selenium dioxide (620 mg, 5.6 mmol) was suspended in dioxane (5 mL); a few drops of wa- ter was added until a clear solution was obtained. The mixture was heated to 100°C and 8- (4-chlorobenzyioxy)-4-methyl quinoiine (1.6g, 5.6 mmol) in dioxane (20 mL) was added

dropwise during a period of 2 hours. The mixture kept at 100°C for 4 hours, filtered hot and concentrated. The residue was treated with 1 N HCI (200 mL), and filtered. The filtrate was neutralized with 3N NaOH, and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 mL). The combined or- ganic extracts were dried (Na2SO4), and concentrated. Recrystallization from toluene pro- vided 1.02 g (62%) of a solid.

'H NMR (CDC13): 8 5.42 (s, 2H), 7.12 (d, J =7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 7.46 (d, J = 8. 5 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (dd, J = 8.1,8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.85 (d, J=4. 3Hz, 1H), 8.57 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 9.25 (d, J = 4.3 Hz, 1 H), 10.53 (s, 1 fez; GC-MS (pos.): 297.

Step C: 3-Cyano-4-hydroxybenzoic acid {[8-(4-chlorobenzyloxy])-4-quinolinyl]methylidene} hydrazide.

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alkylidene hydrazones from the condensation 8-(4-chlorobenzyloxy)-4-formylquinoline from step B and 3-cyano-4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide.

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 55.33 (s, 2H), 7.13 (d, J =8. 8 Hz, 1H), 7.36 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.63 (dd, J=J'=7.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.86 (s, 1 H), 8.08 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.21 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.26 (s, 1 H), 8.95 (d, J=4.6 Hz, 1 H), 9.04 (s, 1 H), 12.10 (s, 1H); IR (KBr): 2230,1653,1605 cm-'; MS (APCI, pos.): 457.

EXAMPLE 71: 3-Chloro-4-hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide This compound was prepared according to the general procedure for the synthesis of alky- lidene hydrazones from the condensation 8- (4-chlorobenzyloxy)-4-formylquinoline from step B and 3-chloro-4-hydroxy benzoic acid hydrazide.

'H NMR (DMSO-d6): 5 5.33 (s, 2H), 7.06 (d, J =8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.35 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8. 4Hz, 2H), 7.58 (d, J = 8. 3 Hz, 2H), 7.59 (m, 1H), 7.79 (dd, J = 1.9,8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.85 <BR> <BR> <BR> (d, J =4.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.00 (d, J=1.8 Hz, 1 H), 8.20 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 8.94 (d, J = 4.4 Hz, 1 H), 9.05 (s, 1 H), 12.05 (s, 1 H); MS (APCI, pos.): 466.

The compounds of the present invention may have one or more asymmetric centres and it is intended that any optical isomers, as separated, pure or partially purified optical isomers or racemic mixtures thereof are included in the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, one or more carbon-carbon or carbon-nitrogen double bonds may be present in the compounds which brings about geometric isomers. It is intended that any geometric isomers, as separated, pure or partially purified geometric isomers or mixtures thereof are included in the scope of the invention.

Furthermore, the compounds of the present invention may exist in different tautomeric forms, eg the following tautomeric forms: It is intended that any tautomeric forms which the compounds are able to form are included in the scope of the present invention.

The present invention also encompasses pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present compounds. Such salts include pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, pharma- ceutically acceptable metai salts, ammonium and alkylated ammonium salts. Acid addition salts include salts of inorganic acids as well as organic acids. Representative examples of suitable inorganic acids include hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, phosphoric, sulfuric, nitric acids and the like. Representative examples of suitable organic acids include formic, acetic, trichloroacetic, trifluoroacetic, propionic, benzoic, cinnamic, citric, fumaric, glycolic, lactic, maleic, malic, malonic, mandelic, oxalic, picric, pyruvic, salicylic, succinic, methane- sulfonic, ethanesulfonic, tartaric, ascorbic, pamoic, bismethylene salicylic, ethanedisulfonic, gluconic, citraconic, aspartic, stearic, palmitic, EDTA, glycolic, p-aminobenzoic, glutamic,

benzenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic acids and the like. Further examples of pharmaceutically acceptable inorganic or organic acid addition salts include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts listed in J. Pharm. Sci. 1977,66,2, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Examples of metal salts include lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium salts and the like.

Examples of ammonium and alkylated ammonium salts include ammonium, methyiammonium, dimethylammonium, trimethylammonium, ethylammonium, hydroxyethytammonium, diethylammonium, butylammonium, tetramethylammonium salts and the like.

Also intended as pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are the hydrates which the present compounds are able to form.

Furthermore, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts comprise basic amino acid salts such as eg lysine, arginine and omithine.

The acid addition salts may be obtained as the direct products of compound synthesis. In the altemative, the free base may be dissolved in a suitable solvent containing the appropriate acid, and the salt isolated by evaporating the solvent or otherwise separating the salt and solvent.

The compounds of the present invention may form solvates with standard low molecular weight solvents using methods well known to the person skilled in the art. Such solvates are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

The invention aiso encompasses prodrugs of the present compounds which on administra- tion undergo chemical conversion by metabolic processes before becoming active pharma- cological substances. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the present compounds which are readily convertible in vivo into the required compounds. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in"Design of Prodrugs", ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

The invention also encompasses active metabolites of the present compounds.

The compounds according to the present invention act to antagonize the action of giucagon and are accordingly useful for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders and diseases in which such an antagonism is beneficial.

Accordingly, in a further aspect the invention relates to a compound according to the inven- tion for use as a medicament.

The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising, as an active ingredi- ent, at least one compound according to the invention together with one or more pharma- ceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.

Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of a compound according to the invention for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of a disorder or disease, wherein a glucagon antagonistic action is beneficial.

The invention also relates to a method for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders or diseases, wherein a glucagon antagonistic action is beneficial the method comprising ad- ministering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound according to the invention.

Owing to their efficacy in antagonizing the glucagon receptor the present compounds may be suitable for the treatment and/or prevention of any glucagon-mediated conditions and dis- eases.

Accordingly, the present compounds may be applicable for the treatment of hypergiycemia as- sociated with diabetes of any cause or associated with other diseases and conditions, eg IGT (impaired glucose tolerance), insulin resistance syndromes, syndrome X, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, hypertipidemia, dyslipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, glucagonomas, acute pancreati- tis, cardiovascular diseases, cardiac hypertrophy, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes as a con- sequence of obesity etc. Furthermore, they may be applicable as diagnostic agents for identi- fying patients having a defect in the glucagon receptor, as a therapy to increase gastric acid secretions and to reverse intestinal hypomobility due to glucagon administration.

The present invention furthermore relates to methods of treating type I or type 11 diabetes or hyperglycemia which methods comprise administering to a subject in need thereof an effec- tive amount of a compound according to the invention.

Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of lowering blood glucose in a mammal, comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of a compound according to the invention.

The present invention is also concerne with the use of a compound according to the inven- tion for the manufacture of a medicament for treating type I or type 11 diabetes or hypergly- cemia, or for lowering blood glucose in a mammal.

In a further embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the manufac- ture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of hyperglycemia.

In yet a further embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the manu- facture of a medicament for lowering blood glucose in a mammal.

In another embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of iGT.

In still another embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the prepa- ration of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of Type 2 diabe- tes.

In yet another embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the prepa- ration of a pharmaceutical composition for the delaying or prevention of the progression from IGT to Type 2 diabetes.

In yet another embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the prepa- ration of a pharmaceutical composition for the delaying or prevention of the progression from non-insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes to insulin requiring Type 2 diabetes.

In a further embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of Type 1 diabetes.

Such treatment and/or prevention is normally accompanied by insulin therapy.

In still a further embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the prepa- ration of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of obesity.

In yet another embodiment of the invention the present compounds are used for the prepa- ration of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of an appetite regulation or energy expenditure disorder.

Pharmaceutical formulations and administration methods The compounds according to the invention, which may also be referred to as an active ingredi- ent, may be administered for therapy by any suitable route including oral, rectal, nasal, pul- rr, onal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), transdermal, vaginal and parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous and intradermal), the oral route being preferred. It will be appreciated that the preferred route will vary with the condition and age of the recipient, the nature of the condition to be treated, and the chosen active ingredient.

The compounds of the invention are effective over a wide dosage range. A typical dosage is in the range of from 0.05 to about 1000 mg, preferably of from about 0.1 to about 500 mg, such as of from about 0.5 mg to about 250 mg for administration one or more times per day such as 1 to 3 times per day. It should be understood that the exact dosage will depend upon the frequency and mode of administration, the sex, age, weight and general condition of the subject treated, the nature and severity of the condition treated and any concomitant diseases to be treated as well as other factors evident to those skilled in the art.

The pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be formulated with phar- maceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as well as any other known adjuvants and ex- cipients in accordance with conventional techniques such as those disclosed in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19'" Edition, Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1995.

The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form by methods known to those skilled in the art.

For parenteral routes, such as intravenous, intrathecal, intramuscular and similar administra- tion, typically doses are on the order of about half the dose employed for oral administration.

The compounds of this invention are generally utilized as the free substance or as a pharma- ceutically acceptable salt thereof. One example is an acid addition salt of a compound having the utility of a free base. When a compound according to the present invention contains a free base such salts are prepared in a conventional manner by treating a solution or suspension of a free base of the compound with a chemical equivalent of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid, for example, inorganic and organic acids, for example: maleic, fumaric, benzoic, ascorbic, pamoic, succinic, bismethyiene salicylic, methanesulfonic, ethanedisulfonic, acetic, oxalic, propionic, tartaric, salicylic, citric, pyruvic, gluconic, lactic, malic, mandeiic, cinnamic, citraconic, aspartic, stearic, palmitic, EDTA, glycolic, p-aminobenzoic, glutamic, benzenesulfonic, p-tolu- enesulfonic, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric or nitric acids. Physiologically ac- ceptable salts of a compound with a hydroxy group include the anion of said compound in combination with a suitable cation such as sodium or ammonium ion.

The compounds of the invention may be administered alone or in combination with pharma- ceutically acceptable carriers, in either single or multiple doses.

For parenteral administration, solutions of the novel compounds according to the present in- vention in sterile aqueous solution, aqueous propylene glycol or sesame or peanut oil may be employed. Such aqueous solutions should be suitable buffered if necessary and the liquid dilu- ent first rendered isotonic with sufficient saline or glucose. The aqueous solutions are particu- lariy suitable for intravenous, intramuscufar, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal administration.

The sterile aqueous media employed are all readily available by standard techniques known to those skilled in the art.

Suitable pharmaceutical carriers include inert solid diluents or filles, sterile aqueous solution and various organic solvents. Examples of solid carriers are lactose, terra alba, sucrose, cy- clodextrin, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate, stearic acid or lower alkyl ethers of cellulose. Examples of liquid carriers are syrup, peanut oil, olive oil, phospholipids,

fatty acids, fatty acid amines, polyoxyethylene or water. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include any sustained release material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or mixed with a wax. The pharmaceutical compositions formed by combining the novel compounds according to the present invention and the pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are then readily administered in a variety of dosage forms suitable for the disclosed routes of administration. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form by methods known in the art of pharmacy.

Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as dis- crete units such as capsules or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient, and which may include a suitable excipient. These formulations may be in the form of powder or granules, as a solution or suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquid emulsion.

If a solid carrier is used for oral administration, the preparation may be tablette, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form or it can be in the form of a troche or lozenge.

The amount of solid carrier will vary widely but will usually be from about 25 mg to about 1 g.

If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may be in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension or solution.

A typical tablet which may be prepared by conventional tabletting techniques may contain: Core: Active compound (as free compound or salt 100 mg thereof) Colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil) 1.5 mg Cellulose, microcryst. (Avicel) 70 mg Modified cellulose gum (Ac-Di-Sol) 7.5 mg Magnesium stearate

Coating: HPMC approx. 9 mg *Mywacett 9-40 T approx. 0.9 mg *Acylated monoglyceride used as plasticizer for film coating.

For nasal administration, the preparation may contain a compound according to the present invention dissolved or suspended in a liquid carrier, in particular an aqueous carrier, for aerosol application. The carrier may contain additives such as solubilizing agents, e. g. pro- pylene glycol, surfactants, absorption enhancers such as lecithin (phosphatidylcholine) or cyclodextrin, or preservatives such as parabenes.

In a further aspect of the invention the present compounds may be administered in combination with one or more further pharmacologically active substances eg selected from antidiabetics, antiobesity agents, antihypertensive agents and agents for the treatment and/or prevention of complications resulting from or associated with diabetes.

Suitable antidiabetics comprise insulin, GLP-1 derivatives such as those disclosed in WO 98/08871 to Novo Nordisk A/S which is incorporated herein by reference as well as orally active hypoglycaemic agents.

The orally active hypoglycaemic agents preferably comprise sulphonylureas, biguanides, meglitinides, oxadiazolidinediones, thiazolidinediones, glucosidase inhibitors, glucagon antagonists, GLP-1 agonists, potassium channel openers such as those disclosed in WO 97/26265 and WO 99/03861 to Novo Nordisk A/S which are incorporated herein by reference, insulin sensitizers, inhibitors of hepatic enzymes involved in stimulation of gluconeogenesis and/or glycogenolysis, glucose uptake modulators, compounds modifying the lipid metabolism such as antihypedipidemic agents and antifipidemic agents, compounds lowering food intake, PPAR and RXR agonists and agents acting on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the (3-celles.

In one embodiment of the invention the present compounds are administered in combination with insulin.

In a further embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a sulphonylurea eg tolbutamide, glibenciamide, glipizide or glicazide.

In another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a biguanide eg metformin.

In yet another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a meglitinide eg repaglinide.

In still another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with a thiazolidinedione eg troglitazone, ciglitazone, pioglitazone, rosiglitazone or the compounds disclosed in WO 97/41097 to Dr. Reddy's Research Foundation, especially 5- [ [4- [ (3,4- dihydro-3-methyl-4-oxo-2-quinazolinylmethoxy] phenyl]-methyl]-2, 4-thiazolidinedione.

In a further embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with an a-glucosidase inhibitor eg miglitol or acarbose.

In another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with an agent acting on the ATP-dependent potassium channel of the icells eg tolbutamide, glibenclamide, glipizide, glicazide or repaglinide.

In still another embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with an antihyperlipidemic agent or antilipidemic agent eg cholestyramine, colestipol, clofibrate, gemfibrozil, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin, probucol or dextrothyroxine.

In a further embodiment the present compounds are administered in combination with more than one of the above-mentioned compounds eg in combination with a sulphonylurea and metformin, a sulphonylurea and acarbose, repaglinide and metformin, insulin and a sulphonylurea, insulin and metformin, insulin and troglitazone, insulin and lovastatin, etc.

Furthermore, the compounds according to the invention may be administered in combination with one or more antiobesity agents or appetite regulating agents.

Such agents may be selected from the group consisting of CART agonists, NPY antagonists, MC4 agonists, orexin antagonists, H3 antagonists, TNF agonists, CRF agonists, CRF BP antagonists, urocortin agonists, j33 agonists, MSH (melanocyte-stimulating hormone) agonists, MCH (melanocyte-concentrating hormone) antagonists, CCK agonists, serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, mixed serotonin and noradrenergic compounds, 5HT agonists, bombesin agonists, galanin antagonists, growth hormone, growth hormone releasing compounds, TRH agonists, uncoupling protein 2 or 3 modulators, leptin agonists, DA agonists (bromocriptin, doprexin), lipase/amylase inhibitors, PPAR modulators, RXR modulators or TR ß agonists.

In one embodiment of the invention the antiobesity agent is leptin.

In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is dexamphetamine or amphetamine.

In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is fenfluramine or dexfenfluramine. in still another embodiment the antiobesity agent is sibutramine.

In a further embodiment the antiobesity agent is orlistat.

In another embodiment the antiobesity agent is mazindol or phentermine.

Furthermore, the present compounds may be administered in combination with one or more antihypertensive agents. Examples of antihypertensive agents are p-biockers such as alprenolol, atenolol, timolol, pindolol, propranolol and metoprolol, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors such as benazepril, captopril, enalapril, fosinopril, lisinopril, quinapril and ramipril, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine, felodipine, nicardipine, isradipine, nimodipine, diltiazem and verapamil, and a-blockers such as doxazosin, urapidil, prazosin and terazosin. Further reference can be made to Remington: The Science and Practice of Phanmacy, 1 9t Edition, Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, 1995.

It should be understood that any suitable combination of the compounds according to the invention with one or more of the above-mentioned compounds and optionally one or more further pharmacologically active substances are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Experimental In the foilowing section binding assays as well as functional assays useful for evaluating the efficacy of the compounds of the invention are described.

Glucagon Binding Assay m Binding of compounds to the glucagon receptor was determined in a competition binding as- say using the cloned human glucagon receptor.

In the screening setup, antagonism was determined as the ability of the compounds to inhibit the amount of cAMP formed in the presence of 5 nM glucagon.

For full characterization, antagonism was determined in a functional assay, measured as the ability of the compounds to right-shift the glucagon dose-response curve. Using at least 3 different antagonist concentrations, the Ki was calculated from a Schild plot.

Receptor binding was assayed using cloned human receptor (Lok et al, Gene 140,203-209 (1994)). The receptor inserted in the pLJ6'expression vector using EcoRI/SSt1 restriction sites (Lok et al) was expressed in a baby hamster kidney cell line (A3 BHK 570-25). Clones were selected in the presence of 0.5 mg/mL G-418 and were shown to be stable for more than 40 passages. The Kd was shown to be 0.1 nM.

Plasma membranes were prepared by growing cells to confluence, detaching them from the surface and resuspending the cells in cold buffer (10 mM trislHCI), pH 7.4 containing 30 mM NaCI, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 5 mgil leupeptin (Sigma), 5 mg/l pepstatin (Sigma), 100 mg/l baci- tracin (Sigma) and 15 mg/l recombinant aprotinin (Novo Nordisk)), homogenization by two 10-s bursts using a Poltron PT 10-35 homogenizer (Kinematica), and centrifugation upon a layer of <BR> <BR> <BR> 41 w/v% sucrose at 95.000 * g for 75 min. The white band located between the two layers was<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> diluted in buffer and centrifuged at 40.000 * g for 45 min. The precipitate containing the plasma membranes was suspended in buffer and stored at-80°C until required.

Glucagon was iodinated according to the chloramine T method (Hunter and Greenwood, Na- ture 194,495 (1962)) and purified using anion exchange chromatography (Jorgensen et al,

Hormone and Metab. Res. 4,223-224 (1972). The specific activity was 460 pLCilpLg on day of iodination. Tracer was stored at-18°C in aliquots and were used immediately after thawing.

Binding assays were carried out in triplicate in filter microtiter plates (MADV N65, Millipore).

The buffer used in this assay was 25 mM HEPES pH 7.4 containing 0.1% human serum albu- min (Sigma, grade V). Glucagon was dissolved in 0.05 M HCI, added equal amounts (w/w) of HSA and freeze-dried. On the day of use, it was dissolved in water and diluted in buffer to the desired concentrations.

175 pL of sample (glucagon or test compounds) was added to each well. Tracer (50.000 cpm) was diluted in buffer and 15 µL was added to each well. 0.5 p9 freshly thawed plasma mem- brane protein diluted in buffer was then added in 15 pL to each well. Plates were incubated at 25°C for 2 hours. Non specific binding was determined with 104 M glucagon. Bound and un- bound tracer were then separated by vacuum filtration (Millipore vacuum manifold). The plates were washed once with 150 L buffer/well. The plates were air dried for a couple of hours, whereafter filters were separated from the plates using a Millipore Puncher. The filters were counted in a y counter.

Functional Assay (I) The functional assay was carried out in 96 well microtiter plates (tissue culture plates, Nunc).

The resulting buffer concentrations in the assay were 50 mM tris/HCI, 1 mM EGTA, 1.5 mM MgSO4, 1.7 mM ATP, 20 ptM GTP, 2 mM IBMX, 0.02% tween-20 and 0.1 % HSA. pH was 7.4 Glucagon and propose antagonist were added in 35 4L diluted in 50 mM tris/HCI, 1 mM EGTA, 1.85 mM MgSO4, 0.0222% tween-20 and 0.111 % HSA, pH 7.4.20 µL of 50 mM tris/HCI, 1 mM EGTA, 1.5 mM MgS04,11.8 mM ATP, 0.14 mM GTP, 14 mM iso-buthyl-methyl- xanthine (IBMX) and 0.1% HSA, pH 7.4 was added. GTP was dissolved immediately before the assay.

50 gL containing 5 ig plasma membrane protein was added in a tris/HCI, EGTA, MgS04, HSA buffer (the actual concentrations were dependent upon the concentration of protein in the stored plasma membranes).

The total assay volume was 140 1L. The assay was incubated for 2 hours at 37°C with con- tinuous shaking. Reaction was terminated by addition of 25 4L 0.5 N HCI. cAMP was meas- ured by the use of a scintillation proximity kit (Amersham).

G ! ucaaon Binding Assay ftU Receptor binding was assayed using the cloned human receptor (Lok et al, Gene 140,203-209 (1994)). The receptor inserted in the pLJ6'expression vector using EcoRI/SSt1 restriction sites (Lok et al) was expressed in a baby hamster kidney cell line (A3 BHK 570-25). Clones were selected in the presence of 0.5 mg/mL G-418 and were shown to be stable for more than 40 passages. The Kd was shown to be 0.1 nM.

Plasma membranes were prepared by growing cells to confluence, detaching them from the surface and resuspending the cells in cold buffer (10 mM tris/HCI), pH 7.4 containing 30 mM NaCt. 1 mM dithiothreitol, 5 mgA leupeptin Sigma), 5 mg/I pepstatin (Sigma), 100 mg/l baci- tracin (Sigma) and 15 mg/l recombinant aprotinin (Novo Nordisk)), homogenization by two 10-s bursts using a Poltron PT 10-35 homogenizer (Kinematica), and centrifugation. The ho- mogenate was resuspended and centrifuged again. The final precipitate containing the plasma membranes was suspended in buffer and stored at-80°C until required.

Binding assays were carried out in duplicate in polypropyiene tubes or microtiter plates. The buffer used in this assay was 25 mM HEPES pH 7.4 containing 0.1 % bovine serum albumin (Sigma, fraction V). Sample (glucagon (Bachem CA) or test compounds) was added to each tube or well. Tracer (-25000 cpm) was diluted in buffer and was added to each tube or well.

0.5 u. g freshfy thawed plasma membrane protein diluted in buffer was then added in aliquots to each tube or well. Tubes or plates were incubated at 37°C for 1 hour. Non specific binding was <BR> <BR> <BR> determined with 10-7M glucagon. Bound and unbound tracer were then separated by vacuum filtration (Brandel). The tubes or wells were washed twice with buffer. The filters or plates were counted in a gamma counter.

Functional Assay (II) The functional assay determined the ability of the compounds to antagonize glucagon- stimulated formation of cAMP in a whole-cell assay. The assay was carried out in borosilicate glass 12 x 75 tubes. The buffer concentrations in the assay were 10 mM HEPES, 1 mM EGTA, 1.4 mM MgC12, 0. 1 mM IBMX, 30 mM NaCI, 4.7 mM KCI, 2.5 mM NaH2PO,, 3mM glucose and

0.2% BSA. The pH was 7.4. Loose whole cells (0.5 mL, 106/mL) were pretreated with various concentrations of compounds for 10 min at 37°C, then challenge with glucagon for 20 min.

Some aliquots (500 u. L) of cells were treated with test compounds (55 uL) alone to test for agonist activity. The reactions were terminated by centrifugation, followed by cell lysis with the addition of 500 IlL 0.1% HCI. Cellular debris was pelleted and the supematant containing cAMP evaporated to dryness. cAMP was measured by the use of an RIA kit (NEN, NEK-033).

Some assays were carried out utilizing the adenyiate cyclase FlashPlate system from NEN.

It should be apparent from the foregoing that other starting materials and other intermediate compounds can be substituted in the above procedures to prepare all of the compounds of the invention. The methods disclosed herein are based on established chemical techniques, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore all of the compounds of the invention are broadly enabled by the preceding disclosure.

Accordingly, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all re- spects only as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indi- cated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All modifications which come within the meaning and range of the lawful equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.