EP 0,240, 050 discloses 1-methyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives for controlling weeds.

US 3,354, 173 discloses imidazole carboxylates as hypnotics.

US 4,182, 624 discloses benzhydryl-imidazole derivatives having carboxyl functions in the imidazole ring. The compounds are described as having valuable properties in plant protection and growth regulation in agriculture and horticulture.

EP 0,000, 373 relates to imidazole carbonic acid derivatives and their use for plant protection.

WO 01/17974 and Organic Process Research and Development, 2002,6 (5), 674-676 relates to the synthesis of 1 substituted 5- (hydroxymethyl) imidazole derivatives.

WO 00/75135 describes biaryl inhibitors of prenyl-protein transferase.

Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1980,30 (7), 1051-1056 describes imidazole derivatives with potential biological activity.

US 4,762, 850 relates to 2-mercapto-1-(phenylalkyl)-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives as dopamine P-hydroxylase inhibitors.

EP 294,973 relates to 1-aralkyl-5- (piperazinomethyl)-imidazole-2-thiols as dopamine P-hydroxylase inhibitors.

DE 2,618, 370 relates to imidazo [5, 1-c] (1, 4) -benzoxazepines and their preparation.

EP 146,228 describes substituted 2-mercapto-imidazoles useful in the preparation of phenylethylimidazole derivatives of therapeutic interest.

WO 01/09127, WO 01/09124 and WO 99/41248 relates to condensed heterocyclic system derivatives as farnesyl transferase inhibitors.

WO 00/01674 relates to the preparation of 1-benzylimidazoles from benzylamines, hydroxyketones and thiocyanates.

WO 92/10182, WO 92/10186, WO 92/10188 and EP 437,103 concern imidazole derivatives as intermediates in the preparation of angiotensin II receptor antagonists.

J. Heterocyclic Chemistry, 1982,19 (3), 561-566 concerns the synthesis of imidazole derivatives with potential biological activity.

WO 02/066458 concerns 2-thio-substituted imidazole derivatives useful to treat diseases which are related to the dysfunction of the immune system.

The compounds of the invention differ from the prior art compounds in structure, in that they exert a pharmaceutical activity, in their pharmacological activity and/or pharmacological potency.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a compound of formula a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein R1 represents hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl ; R2 represents halo, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxy, C1-6alkylthio, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, polyhaloCl-6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl) amino, nitro, aryl or aryloxy; R3 represents hydrogen, cyano, Cl 6alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, C (=O)- O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7 ; R4 represents hydrogen, cyano, Cl 6alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, C (=O)- O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7 ; Rs represents hydrogen, Cl 6alkyl, hydroxyCl 6alkyl, C26alkenyl, C26alkynyl, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxyC1-6alkyl, aminoC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)aminoC1-6alkyl, aminocarbonylC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)aminocarbonylC1-6alkyl, aryl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl; wherein pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl may optionally be substituted with CI 4alkyl ; R6a and R6b each independently represent hydrogen, CI-6alkyl, amino, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)amino, arylNH-, aminoC1-6alkyl or mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)amino Cl 6alkyl ; or R6a and R6b taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl;

R7 represents hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, hydroxyC1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxyC1-6alkyl, aminoC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)aminoC1-6alkyl, aminocarbonylC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) aminocarbonylCl 6alkyl or aryl; nis 1,2, 3, 4 or 5 ; aryl represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxy, polyhaloCl 6alkyl, polyhaloCl 6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino or nitro; heteroaryl represents furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, each of said heterocycles optionally being substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from halo, Cl- 6alkyl, Cl 6alkyloxy, polyhaloCI 6alkyl, polyhaloCl 6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino or nitro; provided that at least one of R3 or R4 is other than hydrogen; and that if R3 represents C (=O)-OH, C (=O)-O-C1-6alkyl or C (=O)-O-C26alkenyl, then R4 is other than hydrogen; and that if R3 represents CH2OH and RI represents hydrogen, then R4 is other than hydrogen; and that if R3 represents C (=O)-NH-C1-4alkyl-NH2 and RI represents hydrogen, then R4 is other than hydrogen; and that if R3 represents N ) t \/ 0 represents hydrogen, then R4 is other than hydrogen.

The present invention also relates to a compound of formula (I) as defined above for use as a medicine provided that at least one of R3 or R4 is other than hydrogen; and that if R3 represents C (=O)-OH or C (=O)-O-Cl 6alkyl ; Rl represents aryl and n is 1, then R4 is other than hydrogen; and that if R3 represents C (=O)-NH-C1-4alkyl-NH2 or C (=O)-OH and Ri represents hydrogen, then R4 is other than hydrogen. Thus, the present invention also relates to a compound for use as a medicine wherein the compound is a compound of formula

a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein RI represents hydrogen, Cl 6alkyl, C37cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; R2 represents halo, C1_6alkyl, Ci_6alkyloxy, Cl-6alkylthio, polyhaloCl-6alkyl, polyhaloCl-6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino, nitro, aryl or aryloxy; R3 represents hydrogen, cyano, Cl 6alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, C (=O)- O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7; R4 represents hydrogen, cyano, C1-6alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, C (=O)- O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7; Rs represents hydrogen, c1-6alkyl, hydroxyC1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl, polyhaloCl 6alkyl, Cl 6alkyloxyCl 6alkyl, aminoCl 6alkyl, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)aminoC1-6alkyl, aminocarbonylC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (C1- 4alkyl) aminocarbonylCl-6alkyl, aryl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl ; wherein pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl may optionally be substituted with Cl 4alkyl ; R6a and R6b each independently represent hydrogen, Cl-6alkyl, amino, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino, arylNH-, aminoCl-6alkyl or mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino Cl 6alkyl ; or R6a and R6b taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl; R7 represents hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, hydroxyC1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxyC1-6alkyl, aminoC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)aminoC1-6alkyl, aminocarbonylC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)aminocarbonylC1-6alkyl or aryl; n is 1, 2,3, 4 or 5 ; aryl represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxy,

polyhaloCl 6alkyl, polyhaloCl 6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino or nitro; heteroaryl represents furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, each of said heterocycles optionally being substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from halo, Cl- 6alkyl, Cs 6alkyloxy, polyhaloCl 6alkyl, polyhaloCl 6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (C1- 4alkyl) amino or nitro; provided that at least one of R3 or R4 is other than hydrogen; and that if R3 represents C (=O)-OH or C (=O)-O-Cl 6alkyl ; Ri represents aryl and n is 1, then R4 is other than hydrogen; and that if R3 represents C (=O)-NH-Cl 4alkyl-NH2 or C (=O)-OH and R1 represents hydrogen, then R4 is other than hydrogen.

Another aspect of the present invention is the use of the compounds of formula (I) as defined above for the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating diseases mediated through activation of the CCR2 receptor, in particular for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases.

Thus, the present invention also relates to the use of a compound for the manufacture of a medicament for preventing or treating diseases mediated through activation of the CCR2 receptor, in particular for preventing or treating inflammatory diseases, wherein said compound is a compound of formula (I) a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein R1 represents hydrogen, CI-6alkyl, C3-7Cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; R2 represents halo, C1_6alkyl, CI 6alkyloxy, CI-6alkylthio, polyhaloCl-6alkyl, polyhaloCl-6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (Cs 4alkyl) amino, nitro, aryl or aryloxy;

R3 represents hydrogen, cyano, Cl 6alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, C (=O)- O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7; R4 represents hydrogen, cyano, Cl 6alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxy, C (=O)- O-R5, C (=0)-NR6aP6b, S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7; Rs represents hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, hydroxyC1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl, polyhaloCl_6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxyCl-6alkyl, aminoCl_6alkyl, mono-or di (Cl4alkyl) aminoCl-6alkyl, aminocarbonylCl 6alkyl, mono-or di (Cl-4alkyl) aminocarbonylCl 6alkyl, aryl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl; wherein pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl may optionally be substituted with C1-4alkyl ; R6a and R6b each independently represent hydrogen, Cl 6alkyl, amino, mono-or di (CI 4alkyl) amino, arylNH-, aminoCI-6alkyl or mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)amino Cl 6alkyl ; or R6a and R6b taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl or thiomorpholinyl; R7 represents hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, hydroxyC1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxyC1-6alkyl, aminoC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl)aminoC1-6alkyl, aminocarbonylC1-6alkyl, mono-or di (CI 4alkyl) aminocarbonylCl 6alkyl or aryl; n is 1, 2,3, 4 or 5 ; aryl represents phenyl or phenyl substituted with one, two, three, four or five substituents each independently selected from halo, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxy, polyhaloCl 6alkyl, polyhaloCl 6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino or nitro; heteroaryl represents furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, each of said heterocycles optionally being substituted with one or two substituents each independently selected from halo, C 6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxy, polyhaloCl-6alkyl, polyhaloCl-6alkyloxy, cyano, aminocarbonyl, mono-or di (C1-4alkyl) aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino or nitro provided that at least one of R3 or R4 is other than hydrogen.

As used hereinbefore or hereinafter Cl 4alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, 1-methylethyl, butyl; Cl 6alkyl as a group or part of a group defines straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms such as the group defined for Cl 4alkyl and pentyl, hexyl, 2- methylbutyl and the like; C37cycloalkyl is generic to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl; C2-6alkenyl defines straight and branched chain hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms containing a double bond such as ethenyl, propenyl, butenyl, pentenyl, hexenyl and the like; C2-6alkynyl defines straight and branched chain hydrocarbon radicals having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms containing a triple bond such as ethynyl, propynyl, butynyl, pentynyl, hexynyl and the like.

As used herein before, the term (=O) forms a carbonyl moiety when attached to a carbon atom, a sulfoxide moiety when attached to a sulfur atom and a sulfonyl moiety when two of said terms are attached to a sulfur atom.

The term halo is generic to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo. As used in the foregoing or hereinafter, polyhalomethyl as a group or part of a group is defined as mono-or polyhalosubstituted methyl, in particular methyl with one or more fluoro atoms, for example, difluoromethyl or trifluoromethyl; polyhaloCz 6alkyl as a group or part of a group is defined as mono-or polyhalosubstituted Cl-6alkyl, for example, the groups defined in polyhalomethyl, 1,1-difluoro-ethyl and the like. In case more than one halogen atoms are attached to an alkyl group within the definition of polyhalomethyl or polyhaloCl 6alkyl, they may be the same or different.

The term heteroaryl in the definition of Rs is meant to include all the possible isomeric forms of the heterocycles, for instance, pyrrolyl comprises 1H-pyrrolyl and 2H- pyrrolyl.

The aryl, heteroaryl or heterocyclic ring systems listed in the definitions of the substituents of the compounds of formula (I) (see for instance Rl and Rs) as mentioned hereinabove or hereinafter may be attached to the remainder of the molecule of formula (I) through any ring carbon or heteroatom as appropriate, if not otherwise specified.

Thus, for example, when heteroaryl is imidazolyl, it may be 1-imidazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl and the like.

When any variable (eg. R6a, R6b) occurs more than one time in any constituent, each definition is independent.

Lines drawn from substituents into ring systems indicate that the bond may be attached to any of the suitable ring atoms.

For therapeutic use, salts of the compounds of formula (I) are those wherein the counterion is pharmaceutically acceptable. However, salts of acids and bases which are non-pharmaceutically acceptable may also find use, for example, in the preparation or purification of a pharmaceutically acceptable compound. All salts, whether pharmaceutically acceptable or not are included within the ambit of the present invention.

The pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts as mentioned hereinabove are meant to comprise the therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salt forms which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form. The latter can conveniently be obtained by treating the base form with such appropriate acids as inorganic acids, for example, hydrohalic acids, e. g. hydrochloric, hydrobromic and the like; sulfuric acid; nitric acid; phosphoric acid and the like; or organic acids, for example, acetic, propanoic, hydroxy- acetic, 2-hydroxypropanoic, 2-oxopropanoic, oxalic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, 2-hydroxy-1, 2,3-propanetricarboxylic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, 4-methylbenzenesulfonic, cyclohexanesulfamic, 2-hydroxybenzoic, 4-amino-2-hydroxybenzoic and the like acids. Conversely the salt form can be converted by treatment with alkali into the free base form.

The compounds of formula (I) containing acidic protons may be converted into their therapeutically active non-toxic metal or amine addition salt forms by treatment with appropriate organic and inorganic bases. Appropriate base salt forms comprise, for example, the ammonium salts, the alkali and earth alkaline metal salts, e. g. the lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium salts and the like, salts with organic bases, e. g. primary, secondary and tertiary aliphatic and aromatic amines such as methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, isopropylamine, the four butylamine isomers, dimethylamine, diethylamine, diethanolarnine, dipropylamine, diisopropylamine, di-n- butylamine, pyrrolidine, piperidine, morpholine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, quinuclidine, pyridine, quinoline and isoquinoline, the benzathine, N methyl-D-glucamine, 2-amino-2- (hydroxymethyl)-1, 3-propanediol, hydrabamine salts, and salts with amino

acids such as, for example, arginine, lysine and the like. Conversely the salt form can be converted by treatment with acid into the free acid form.

The term addition salt also comprises the hydrates and solvent addition forms which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form. Examples of such forms are e. g. hydrates, alcoholates and the like.

The term"quaternary amine"as used hereinbefore defines the quaternary ammonium salts which the compounds of formula (I) are able to form by reaction between a basic nitrogen of a compound of formula (1) and an appropriate quaternizing agent, such as, for example, an optionally substituted alkylhalide, arylhalide or arylalkylhalide, e. g. methyliodide or benzyliodide. Other reactants with good leaving groups may also be used, such as alkyl trifluoromethanesulfonates, alkyl methanesulfonates, and alkyl p-toluenesulfonates. A quaternary amine has a positively charged nitrogen.

Pharmaceutically acceptable counterions include chloro, bromo, iodo, trifluoroacetate and acetate. The counterion of choice can be introduced using ion exchange resins.

The N-oxide forms of the present compounds are meant to comprise the compounds of formula (I) wherein one or several tertiary nitrogen atoms are oxidized to the so-called N-oxide.

It will be appreciated that some of the compounds of formula (I) and their N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines and stereochemically isomeric forms may contain one or more centers of chirality and exist as stereochemically isomeric forms.

The term"stereochemically isomeric forms"as used hereinbefore defines all the possible stereoisomeric forms which the compounds of formula (I), and their N-oxides, addition salts, quaternary amines or physiologically functional derivatives may possess.

Unless otherwise mentioned or indicated, the chemical designation of compounds denotes the mixture of all possible stereochemically isomeric forms, said mixtures containing all diastereomers and enantiomers of the basic molecular structure as well as each of the individual isomeric forms of formula (I) and their N-oxides, salts, solvates or quaternary amines substantially free, i. e. associated with less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, in particular less than 2% and most preferably less than 1% of the other isomers. Thus, when a compound of formula (1) is for instance specified as (E), this means that the compound is substantially free of the (Z) isomer.

In particular, stereogenic centers may have the R-or S-configuration; substituents on bivalent cyclic (partially) saturated radicals may have either the cis-or traits-

configuration. Compounds encompassing double bonds can have an E (entgegen) or Z (zusammen) -stereochemistry at said double bond. The terms cis, trans, R, S, E and Z are well known to a person skilled in the art.

Stereochemically isomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I) are obviously intended to be embraced within the scope of this invention.

For some of the compounds of formula (I), their N-oxides, salts, solvates, quaternary amines and the intermediates used in the preparation thereof, the absolute stereochemical configuration was not experimentally determined. In these cases the stereoisomeric form which was first isolated is designated as"A"and the second as "B", without further reference to the actual stereochemical configuration. However, said"A"and"B"stereoisomeric forms can be unambiguously characterized by for instance their optical rotation in case"A"and"B"have an enantiomeric relationship. A person skilled in the art is able to determine the absolute configuration of such compounds using art-known methods such as, for example, X-ray diffraction. In case "A"and"B"are stereoisomeric mixtures, they can be further separated whereby the respective first fractions isolated are designated"A1"and"B1"and the second as"A2" and"B2", without further reference to the actual stereochemical configuration.

Some of the compounds of formula (I) may also exist in their tautomeric form. Such forms although not explicitly indicated in the above formula (I) are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. For instance, it is intended that formula (I) includes the tautomeric form of compounds of the present invention include compounds of formula Whenever used hereinafter, the term"compounds of formula (I)"is meant to also include their N-oxide forms, their salts, their quaternary amines and their stereochemically isomeric forms. Of special interest are those compounds of formula (I) which are stereochemically pure.

Whenever used hereinbefore or hereinafter that substituents can be selected each independently out of a list of numerous definitions, such as for example for R6a or R6b, all possible combinations are intended which are chemically possible.

A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to those compounds of formula (1) wherein R1 represents hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl or phenyl; R2 represents halo, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxy, polyhaloC1-6alkyl ; R3 represents hydrogen, cyano, Cl 6alkyl substituted with hydroxy, C (=O)-O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b ; R4 represents hydrogen, cyano, CI-6alkyl, C (=O)-O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b ; Rs represents hydrogen, Cl 6alkyl, hydroxyCl_6alkyl, aminocarbonylCl-6alkyl, mono-or di (C1- 4alkyl) aminocarbonylCl 6alkyl ; R6a and R6b each independently represent hydrogen, Cl 6alkyl or R6a and R6b taken together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl ; n is 1 or 2.

Other particular embodiments of the present invention relates to those compounds of formula (I) wherein one or, where possible, more of the following restrictions apply : a) RX represents C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl ; b) R1 represents hydrogen, C1-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl or heteroaryl; c) R2 represents halo, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxy, C1-6alkylthio, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, polyhaloCl 6alkyloxy, aminocarbonyl, amino, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) amino, nitro, aryl or aryloxy; d) R3 represents hydrogen, cyano, C1-6alkyl, C (=O)-O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6bX S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7 ; e) if R4 is hydrogen then R3 represents cyano, Cl 6alkyl, C (=O)-O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7 ; f) R3 and R4 each independently represent hydrogen, cyano, hydroxyCl-6alkyl, C (=O)- O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, S (=0) 2-NR6aR6b, C (=O)-R7; g) if R3 represents C (=O)-O-Rs or C (=O)-NR6aR6b then Rs is hydrogen, Ci-6alkyl, C3-7cycloalkyl or heteroaryl.

Further interesting compounds of formula (I) are those compounds wherein one or, where possible, more of the following restrictions apply: a) R I represents Cl 6alkyl or C3-7cycloalkyl, in particular Cl 6alkyl ; b) n is 2 and said two R2 substituents are placed in position 3 and 4; c) R2 represents halo, C1-6alkyl, C1-6alkyloxy, polyhaloC1-6alkyl, in particular halo or polyhalomethyl;

d) R3 represents hydrogen, cyano, C (=O)-O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, in particular C (=O)-O-Rs or C (=O)-NR6aR6b ; e) R4 represents hydrogen, cyano, C (=O)-O-R5, C (=O)-NR6aR6b, in particular C (=O)-O-R5 or C (=O)-NR6aR6b ; f) Rs represents Cl 6alkyl ; g) R6a and R6b each independently represent hydrogen or C1-6alkyl ; h) R3 and R4 are both other than hydrogen, in particular R3 and R4 each independently represent cyano, C (=O)-O-R5 or C (=O)-NR6aR6b, in particular C (=O)-O-R5 or C (=O)-NR6aR6b.

Another particular embodiment of the present invention concerns those compounds of formula (I) wherein both R3 and R4 are other than hydrogen.

Also a particular embodiment of the present invention concerns those compounds of formula (I) wherein R4 is hydrogen and R3 is other than hydrogen, in particular R3 is Cl 6alkyloxycarbonyl, hydroxyCl 6alkyloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, mono-or di (Cl 4alkyl) aminocarbonyl or cyano.

A further particular embodiment of the present invention concerns those compounds of formula (1) wherein R3 is hydrogen and R4 is other than hydrogen, in particular R4 is Cl 6alkyloxycarbonyl, hydroxyCl 6alkyloxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, mono-or di (C, 4alkyl) aminocarbonyl or carboxyl.

Again another particular embodiment of the present invention concerns those compounds of formula (1) wherein R3 is other than C (=O)-O-R5 when R4 is hydrogen.

Preferred compounds of formula (I) are compounds 6,37, 39,9, 66,46, 5,19, 20,50, 57,34, 21,15, 7,8, 1,3, 43,14, 48,12, 61,10, 71,63, 51,55, 56,2, 4,32, 35,17, 38, 54, and 59 (see table 1 hereinafter).

Most preferred compounds of formula (I) are compounds 39,46, 50,21, 15,8, 55,4, 32,17 and 59.

In general compounds of formula (I) wherein R3 is other than hydrogen, said R3 being represented by R3 and R4is hydrogen, said compounds being represented by formula (I-a), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (II) with HC (=O)-O-CH3 (formic acid, methyl ester) in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example NaOCH3 or NaOC (CH3) 3, followed by treatment with a suitable acid, such as for example hydrochloric acid (36%) and the like, and KSCN in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

(I-a) When starting from a stereoisomeric pure intermediate of formula (II), the above reaction results in the preparation of a stereoisomeric pure compound of formula (1-a).

When R3 in the intermediates of formula (II) represents CN, said intermediates being represented by formula (II-a), the above reaction may result in a compound of formula (I-a-1) and (I-a-2) as represented below.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R3 and R4 are both other than hydrogen, said R3 and R4 substituents being represented by R3, and R4', and said compounds being represented by formula (I-b), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (II) with an intermediate of formula (ici) in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example NaOCH3 or NaOC (CH3) 3, followed by treatment with a suitable acid, such as for example hydrochloric acid (36%) and the like, and KSCN in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

The above reaction can also be performed by using R4'-C (=O)-Cl instead of an intermediate of formula (III).

When R3 and R4} in the intermediates of formula (II) and (III) represent C (=O)-O-Cl 6alkyl, said intermediates being represented by formula (11-b) and (III-b), the above reaction may result in a compound of formula (I-b-1) and (I-b-2) as represented below. <\ o R + KSCN + Cl-6alkyl0At O-Cl-6alkyl O o- (u-b) RI N /O-C1-6alkyl 0 (1-b-l) (I-b-2)

Compounds of formula (1) wherein R3 represents R3', said compounds being represented by formula (I-c), can also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (IV) with KSCN in the presence of a suitable acid, such as for example hydrochloric acid and the like, and a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e. g. ethanol.

Compounds of formula (1) wherein both R3 and R4 are cyano, said compounds being represented by formula (I-b-3), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (V) with Cl-C (=S)-Cl in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example N, N diethylethanamine, and a suitable solvent, such as for example methylene chloride.

Compounds of formula (I-a) wherein R3 represents C (=O)-NR6aR6b, said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-3), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (VI) wherein Ws represents a suitable leaving group, such as for example a halogen, e. g. chloro and the like, with an intermediate of formula (VII), such as for example NH3 (or acetic acid ammonium salt), pyrrolidine and the like, in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example acetone, tetrahydrofuran, N, N- dimethylformamide and the like.

Compounds of formula (I-a) wherein R3 represents C (=O)-O-Rs wherein Rg- represents Cl 6alkyl or hydroxyCl 6alkyl, said compounds being represented by formula (I-a-4), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (VI) with an appropriate alcohol of formula HO-R5 in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein R3 is hydrogen and R4 is C (=O)-O-C1-6alkyl, said compounds being represented by formula (I-d), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (VE) wherein Wa represents a suitable leaving group, such as for example Cl 6alkylthio, Cl 6alkyloxy or C6H5-CH2-S-, with an alcoholate base, such as for example NaOCi-galkyI, in the presence of the corresponding alcohol Cl 6alkyl- OH. OH. , Sn \ I HN N HO-C1_6alkyl O-C1-6alkyl O N A\N (I W2 (Vin) The compounds of formula (I) may further be prepared by converting compounds of formula (I) into each other according to art-known group transformation reactions.

The compounds of formula (I) may be converted to the corresponding N-oxide forms following art-known procedures for converting a trivalent nitrogen into its N-oxide form. Said N-oxidation reaction may generally be carried out by reacting the starting material of formula (I) with an appropriate organic or inorganic peroxide. Appropriate inorganic peroxides comprise, for example, hydrogen peroxide, alkali metal or earth alkaline metal peroxides, e. g. sodium peroxide, potassium peroxide; appropriate organic peroxides may comprise peroxy acids such as, for example, benzenecarboper- oxoic acid or halo substituted benzenecarboperoxoic acid, e. g. 3-chlorobenzenecarbo- peroxoic acid, peroxoalkanoic acids, e. g. peroxoacetic acid, alkylhydroperoxides, e. g. tert. butyl hydro-peroxide. Suitable solvents are, for example, water, lower alcohols,

e. g. ethanol and the like, hydrocarbons, e. g. toluene, ketones, e. g. 2-butanone, halogenated hydrocarbons, e. g. dichloromethane, and mixtures of such solvents.

Compounds of formula (I-a), (I-b) or (I-d) wherein R3' and/or R4' represent C (=O)-O-CI-6alkyl, may be converted into a compound of formula (I-a), (I-b) or (I-d) wherein R3' and/or R4' represent CH2-OH by reaction with a suitable reducing agent, such as for example LiHBEt3 in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran.

Compounds of formula (I-a), (I-b) or (I-d) wherein Rs-and/or R4'represent C (=O)-O-Cl-6alkyl, can also be converted into a compound of formula (I-a), (I-b) or (I- d) wherein R3 and/or R4 represent C (=O)-OH by reaction with a suitable base, such as NaOH, in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example H20, tetrahydrofuran or an appropriate alcohol, e. g. methanol and the like.

Compounds of formula (I-a), (I-b) or (I-d) wherein R3 and/or R4 represent C (=O)-O-Cl-6alkyl, can also be converted into a compound of formula (I-a), (I-b) or (I- d) wherein R3' and/or R4' represent C (=O)-NR6aR6b, by reaction with the appropriate base of formula NHR6aR6b in a suitable solvent, such as for example H2O.

Compounds of formula (I-a), (I-b) or (I-d) wherein R39 or R4> represent cyano or C (=O)-O-C1-6alkyl, can be converted into a compound of formula (I-a), (I-b) or (I-d) wherein R3' or R4' represent aminocarbonyl by reaction with NH4OH.

Some of the compounds of formula (I) and some of the intermediates in the present in- vention may contain an asymmetric carbon atom. Pure stereochemically isomeric forms of said compounds and said intermediates can be obtained by the application of art-known procedures. For example, diastereoisomers can be separated by physical methods such as selective crystallization or chromatographic techniques, e. g. counter current distribution, liquid chromatography and the like methods. Enantiomers can be obtained from racemic mixtures by first converting said racemic mixtures with suitable resolving agents such as, for example, chiral acids, to mixtures of diastereomeric salts or compounds; then physically separating said mixtures of diastereomeric salts or compounds by, for example, selective crystallization or chromatographic techniques, e. g. liquid chromatography and the like methods; and finally converting said separated diastereomeric salts or compounds into the corresponding enantiomers. Pure stereochemically isomeric forms may also be obtained from the pure stereochemically

isomeric forms of the appropriate intermediates and starting materials, provided that the intervening reactions occur stereospecifically.

An alternative manner of separating the enantiomeric forms of the compounds of formula (1) and intermediates involves liquid chromatography, in particular liquid chromatography using a chiral stationary phase.

Some of the intermediates and starting materials are known compounds and may be commercially available or may be prepared according to art-known procedures.

Intermediates of formula (II) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (IX) with a H-C (=O)- introducing agent, such as for example formic acid or n-butyl formate, in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example xylene. / " Formic Ri CN-,, 0 (six) (ID The above reaction may result in stereochemically pure intermediates of formula (II) when starting from stereochemically pure intermediates of formula (IX).

Intermediates of formula (IX) can be prepared by reacting an intermedtae of formula (X) with an intermediate of formula (XI) wherein W3 represents a suitable leaving group, such as for example a halogen, e. g. bromo and the like, in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example N, N-diethylethanamine or N, N diisopropylethanamine, and in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example N, N-dimethylformamide.

The above reaction may result in stereochemically pure intermediates of formula (IX) when starting from stereochemically pure intermediates of formula (X).

Intermediates of formula (X) can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (XII) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as H2, a suitable catalyst, such as for example Raney Nickel, a suitable catalyst poison, such as for example a thiophene solution, and a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e. g. methanol, in the presence of a suitable base, e. g. NH3. Alternatively, said reaction can also be performed in the presence of Zn and a suitable acid, such as for example acetic acid.

Intermediates of formula (XII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XIII) with NH2-OH in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example NaOC (=O) CH3, and a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e. g. methanol.

Alternatively to the methods described above, intermediates of formula (X) can also be prepared from an azido derivative of formula (XIV) by reaction with triphenylphosphine in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran and H20.

Intermediates of formula (X) can also be prepared from an intermediate of formula (XIV) by catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of H2, a suitable catalyst, such as for

example Pt/C (5%), and a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e. g. methanol.

Intermediates of formula (XIV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XV) with phosphorazidic acid diphenylester in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example 2,3, 4,6, 7,8, 9, 10-Octahydropyrimido [1, 2-a] azepine and toluene.

Intermediates of formula (XV) wherein Rl is Cl 6alkyl, said intermediates being represented by formula (XV-a), can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XIII) wherein R1 represents hydrogen, said intermediates being represented by formula (XIII-a), with (Cl 6alkyl) 2Zn, N, N'-1, 2-cyclohexanediylbis [l, l, l- trifluoro] methanesulfonamide, Ti (i-PrO) 4 and toluene. / (CI-6alkyl) \/ g 0 HO (XIII-a) (XV-a) Intermediates of formula (IV) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (X) with an intermediate of formula (XVI) wherein W4 represents a suitable leaving group, such as for example a halogen, e. g. chloro and the like, in the presence of a suitable base, such as for example N, N diethylethanamine, and a suitable solvent, such as for example N, N dimethylformamide.

Intermediates of formula (V) can be prepared by reducing an intermediate of formula (XVII) in the presence of a suitable reducing agent, such as for example NaBH4, and a suitable solvent, such as for example tetrahydrofuran and an alcohol, e. g. methanol.

Intermediates of formula (XVII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XIII) with 2, 3-diamino-2-butenedinitrile in the presence of P205 (phosphorus anhydride) and a suitable solvent, such as an alcohol, e. g. ethanol and the like.

(XVII) Intermediates of formula (VI) wherein Wl represents chloro, said intermediates being represented by formula (VI-a), can be prepared by reacting a compound of formula (I- a) wherein R3 represents C (=O)-OH, said compound being represented by formula (I- a-5), with SOC12.

Intermediates of formula (VIII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (XVIII) with an intermediate of formula (XIX) in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as for example toluene. Intermediates of formula (XVIII) can be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (X) with l, l-dimethoxy-N, N-dimethylmethanamine.

The compounds of formula (I) show CCR2 receptor antagonistic properties.

The C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) and its ligand monocyte chemoattractant (chemotactic) protein (MCP-1 ; in new chemokine nomenclature also called CCL2) are recognized to be implicated in both acute and chronic inflammatory processes.

Chemokines (contraction of"chemotactic cytokines") are most important regulators of leukocyte trafficking. This biological role is exerted by interacting-on target cells- with seven-transmembrane-domain receptors that are coupled to heterodimeric G proteins. Chemokines are mainly grouped into 2 families (C-C or C-X-C family) dependent on the presence of an amino acid (represented by X) between the two conserved cysteine residues (represented by C) near the amino terminus. In general, chemokines from the C-C family attract monocytes, macrophages, T cells and NK cells.

A chemokine, which acts through the CCR2 receptor, is MCP-1 as indicated above.

Therefore, the CCR2 receptor is also known as the Chemoattractant protein-1 receptor.

MCP-2 and MCP-3 may also act, at least in part, through this receptor.

It is recognized that the CCR2 receptor and MCP-1 play a role in the pathophysiology of various inflammatory diseases. Therefore, CCR2 receptor antagonists, which block the CCR2 receptor, have potential as pharmaceutical agents to combat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, glomerular nephritides, lung fibrosis, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, hepatitis, inflammatory conditions of the brain such as Alzheimer's disease, restenosis, alveolitis, asthma, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions of the skin, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uveitis. CCR2 receptor antagonists may also be useful to treat autoimmune diseases such as diabetes or transplant rejection, stroke, reperfusion injury, ischemia and myocardial infraction.

The compounds of the present invention may also be used to inhibit the entry of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) into monocytes and lymphocytes, thereby having a therapeutic role in the treatment of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

The CCR2 receptor exists in two isoforms, namely the CCR2A and the CCR2B receptor.

Due to their CCR2 receptor antagonistic activity, in particular their CCR2B receptor antagonistic activity, the compounds of formula (I), their N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, quaternary amines and stereochemically isomeric forms are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions mediated through the activation of the CCR2 receptor, in particular the CCR2B receptor. Diseases or conditions related to an activation of the CCR2 receptor comprise arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, glomerular nephritides, lung fibrosis, sarcoidosis, vasculitis, hepatitis, inflammatory conditions of the brain such as Alzheimer's disease, restenosis, alveolitis, asthma, atherosclerosis, psoriasis, delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions of the skin, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), uveitis, auto-immune diseases (diabetes, transplant rejection), stroke, reperfusion injury, ischemia, myocardial infraction. In particular, the compounds of formula (I) are useful in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In view of the above-described pharmacological properties, the compounds of formula (I), their N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts, quaternary amines and stereochemically isomeric forms, may be used as a medicine. In particular, the present compounds can be used for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing diseases mediated through activation of the CCR2 receptor, in particular the CCR2B receptor. More in particular, the compounds of the invention can be used for the manufacture of a medicament for treating or preventing inflammatory diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In view of the utility of the compounds of formula (I), there is provided a method of treating warm-blooded animals, including humans, suffering from or a method of preventing warm-blooded animals, including humans, to suffer from diseases mediated through activation of the CCR2 receptor, in particular mediated through the CCR2B receptor. Said methods comprise the administration of an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), a N-oxide form, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine or a possible stereoisomeric form thereof, to warm-blooded animals, including humans.

The blockade of the CCR2 receptor by the present compounds of formula (I) inhibits the normal function of MCP-1. Therefore, the present compounds can also be described as MCP-1 inhibitors and hence can be used to prevent or treat diseases mediated through MCP-1.

The present invention also provides compositions for preventing or treating diseases mediated through activation of the CCR2 receptor, in particular the CCR2B receptor.

Said compositions comprise a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated into various pharmaceutical forms for administration purposes. As appropriate compositions there may be cited all compositions usually employed for systemically administering drugs.

To prepare the pharmaceutical compositions of this invention, an effective amount of the particular compound, optionally in addition salt form, as the active ingredient is combined in intimate admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, which carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending on the form of preparation desired for administration. These pharmaceutical compositions are desirable in unitary dosage

form suitable, particularly, for administration orally, rectally, percutaneously, or by parenteral injection. For example, in preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed such as, for example, water, glycols, oils, alcohols and the like in the case of oral liquid preparations such as suspensions, syrups, elixirs, emulsions and solutions; or solid carriers such as starches, sugars, kaolin, diluents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like in the case of powders, pills, capsules, and tablets. Because of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit forms, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are obviously employed. For parenteral compositions, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, at least in large part, though other ingredients, for example, to aid solubility, may be included. Injectable solutions, for example, may be prepared in which the carrier comprises saline solution, glucose solution or a mixture of saline and glucose solution. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. Also included are solid form preparations, which are intended to be converted, shortly before use, to liquid form preparations. In the compositions suitable for percutaneous administration, the carrier optionally comprises a penetration enhancing agent and/or a suitable wetting agent, optionally combined with suitable additives of any nature in minor proportions, which additives do not introduce a significant deleterious effect on the skin. Said additives may facilitate the administration to the skin and/or may be helpful for preparing the desired compositions.

These compositions may be administered in various ways, e. g. , as a transdermal patch, as a spot-on, as an ointment.

The compounds of the present invention may also be administered via inhalation or insufflation by means of methods and formulations employed in the art for administration via this way. Thus, in general the compounds of the present invention may be administered to the lungs in the form of a solution, a suspension or a dry powder. Any system developed for the delivery of solutions, suspensions or dry powders via oral or nasal inhalation or insufflation are suitable for the administration of the present compounds.

The compounds of the present invention may also be topically administered in the form of drops, in particular eye drops. Said eye drops may be in the form of a solution or a suspension. Any system developed for the delivery of solutions or suspensions as eye drops are suitable for the administration of the present compounds.

It is especially advantageous to formulate the aforementioned pharmaceutical compositions in unit dosage form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage.

Unit dosage form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active ingredient calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. Examples of such unit dosage forms are tablets (including scored or coated tablets), capsules, pills, powder packets, wafers, suppositories, injectable solutions or suspensions and the like, and segregated multiples thereof.

The exact dosage and frequency of administration depends on the particular compound of formula (I) used, the particular condition being treated, the severity of the condition being treated, the age, weight, sex, extent of disorder and general physical condition of the particular patient as well as other medication the individual may be taking, as is well known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is evident that said effective daily amount may be lowered or increased depending on the response of the treated subject and/or depending on the evaluation of the physician prescribing the compounds of the instant invention.

The compounds of formula (I) may also be used in combination with other conventional anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agents, such as steroids, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs, TNF-a antibodies, such as for example acetyl salicylic acid, bufexamac, diclofenac potassium, sulindac, diclofenac sodium, ketorolac trometamol, tolmetine, ibuprofen, naproxen, naproxen sodium, tiaprofen acid, flurbiprofen, mefenamic acid, nifluminic acid, meclofenamate, indomethacin, proglumetacine, ketoprofen, nabumetone, paracetamol, piroxicam, tenoxicam, nimesulide, fenylbutazon, tramadol, beclomethasone dipropionate, betamethasone, beclamethasone, budesonide, fluticasone, mometasone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone, celecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, infliximab, leflunomide, etanercept, CPH 82, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, antilymphocytory immunoglobulines, antithymocytory immunoglobulines, azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus substances, ascomycin, rapamycin, muromonab-CD3.

Thus, the present invention also relates to the combination of a compound of formula (I) and another anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive agent. Said combination may be used as a medicine. The present invention also relates to a product containing (a) a compound of formula (I), and (b) another anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive compound, as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the treatment of diseases mediated through activation of the CCR2 receptor, in particular mediated through the CCR2B receptor. The different drugs in such products

may be combined in a single preparation together with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. Alternatively, such products may comprise, for example, a kit comprising a container with a suitable composition containing a compound of formula (I) and another container with a composition containing another anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive compound. Such a product may have the advantage that a physician can select on the basis of the diagnosis of the patient to be treated the appropriate amounts of each component and the sequence and timing of the administration thereof.

The following examples are intended to illustrate the present invention.

Experimental part Hereinafter,"DIPE"is defined as diisopropyl ether, "DMA"is defined as N, N-dimethylacetamide,"DMF"is defined as N, N-dimethylformamide and"THF"is defined as tetrahydrofuran.

A. Preparation of the intermediates Example A1 a. _ Preparation of intermediate 1 l- [4-fluoro-3- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-l-propanone (0.0441 mol) in methanol p. a.

(200 ml) was stirred on an ice bath. NaOAc (0.0883 mol) was added, then hydroxylamine. hydrochloride (0.0574 mol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0°C for 90 minutes and at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvent was evaporated, the residue was stirred in CH2C12 and washed with a 10% aq. NaHC03 solution. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated, then co-evaporated with toluene (2x). Yield: intermediate 1. b. Preparation of intermediate 2 A solution of intermediate 1 (0.044 mol) in CH30H/NH3 (7N) (250 ml) was hydrogenated at 14°C with Raney Nickel (cat. quant. ) as a catalyst in the presence of thiophene solution (1 ml). After uptake of Ha (2 equiv. , gas), the catalyst was filtered off and washed with CH30H. The filtrate was evaporated, then co-

evaporated 2 times with toluene. The residue was dissolved in 2-propanol (75 ml) and converted into the hydrochloric acid salt (1: 1) with HCl/2-propanol (25 ml, 6N). The solvent was evaporated and the precipitate (salt) was stirred in DIPE (100 ml), filtered off, washed, then dried (vac., 50°C). Yield: 9.67 g of intermediate 2 (85. 3 %) c. Preparation of intermediate 3 A solution of intermediate 2 (0.373 mol) and 2-bromoacetic acid methyl ester (0.045 mol) in DMF (p. a. , dried on molecular sieves) (100 ml) was stirred under N2-flow, then Et3N (0.112 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hours at room temperature. Extra 2-bromoacetic acid methyl ester (1.25 ml) was added and the mixture was stirred for 68 hours at room temperature. The resulting precipitate was filtered off and washed with DMF. The precipitate/DMF mixture was filtered and the filtrate was treated with Et2O (600 ml) and washed with H20 (3 times 300 ml). The organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated, then co-evaporated 2 times with toluene. Yield: 10.94 g of intermediate 3. d_ Preparation of intermediate 4 A solution of intermediate 3 (0.0372 mol) in formic acid (3.75 ml) and xylene, p. a.

(110 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 6 hours, then the reaction mixture was stirred overnight, washed 2 times with H2O, with a saturated aq. NaHC03 solution and with brine. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 11.3 g of intermediate 4.

Example A2 a. _ preparation of intermediate 5 A mixture of cyclopropyl (3, 4-dichlorophenyl) methanone oxime (0.16 mol) and Zn (75 g) in acetic acid (750 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, then the reaction mixture was filtered over celite and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was stirred in H2O and dissolved, then the solution was treated with Na2C03 and extracted with CH2C12. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 2-propanol and converted into the hydrochloric acid salt (1: 1) with HCl/2-propanol. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with DIPE, then dried. Yield: 26. 8 g of intermediate 5. b. PreE) aratiqn of in_ermediate 6 and 7 NH2 NH2 CI' llr_l C1 -C2H402 Intermediate 6 Intermediate 7

A mixture of (3, 4-dichlorophenyl) phenylmethanone oxime (0.132 mol) and Zn (70 g) in acetic acid (700 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, then the reaction mixture was filtered over decalite (to remove Zn) and the filtrate was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in H20 ( 150 ml) and converted into the acetic acid salt (1: 1). The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 31 g of intermediate 6. The filtrate was treated with Na2CO3 and extracted with CH2C12.

The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 2-propanol and converted into the hydrochloric acid salt (1: 1) with HCI/2-propanol. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 5 g of intermediate 7.

Example A3 Preparation of intermediate 8 A mixture of3, 4-dichloro- (x-ethylbenzenemethanamine (0.0098 mol) and 2-chloro-3- oxo-butanoic acid methyl ester (0.0166 mol) in Et3N (5 ml) was stirred in DMF (50 ml) at room temperature for 18 hours, then the reaction mixture was poured out into H20 (200 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether (150 ml). The ether layer was washed 3 times with H20 (200 ml), dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: intermediate 8.

Example A4 <BR> <BR> a. Preparation of in_ermediate 9

A mixture of N, N'-1, 2-cyclohexanediylbis [1, 1, 1-trifluoromethanesulfonamide] (lR-trans) (0.189 g) and Ti (iPrO) 4 (0.030 mol) in toluene was degassed, placed under Ar flow, then stirred for 20 minutes at 40°C. The mixture was cooled to- 78°C and Et2Zn (0.03 mol) was added dropwise. After 20 minutes, 3,4- dichlorobenzaldehyde (0.0250 mol) in toluene was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm up to 0°C. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature, then quenched with 2 N HCI. This mixture was extracted with CH2C12.

The separated organic layer was washed, dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated.

Yield: 5.1 g of intermediate 9 (S-isomer). b. _ Preparation of intermediate 10 A mixture of intermediate 9 (0.025 mol) and phosphorazidic acid diphenyl ester (0.030 mol) in toluene (50 ml) was stirred at 0°C. 2,3, 4,6, 7, 8, 9,10- octahydropyrimido [1, 2-a] azepine (0.030 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 0°C, then overnight at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with water and toluene. The organic layer was separated, washed once with water, once with 5% HC1, and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: intermediate 10 (R-isomer). c. _ Preparation of intermediate 11. A mixture of intermediate 10 (0.025 mol), P (Ph) 3 (0.027 mol) in THF (70 ml) and H20 (20 ml) was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was treated with 10% HCI. The acidic layer was washed with DIPE, then alkalized, followed by an extraction with CH2C12. The separated organic layer was dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 1.1 g of intermediate 11 (R- isomer). d. Preparation of intermediate 12 A solution of intermediate 11 (0.0116 mol) in Et3N (0.013 mol) and DMF p. a. (20 ml) was stirred on an ice bath. A solution of chloroacetonitrile (0.0128 mol) in DMF p. a. (2.5 ml) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at room

temperature for 6 hours. Three more portions of chloroacetonitrile were added over the next 68 hours until the reaction was complete. The precipitate was filtered off.

The filtrate was poured out into Et20 (200 ml) and washed with H20/NaHCO3 (10% ; 100 ml) and H20 (2x). The separated organic layer was dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated and coevaporated with toluene. The residue was purified over silica gel (eluent: CH2Cl2/MeOH 99: 1). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated and coevaporated with toluene.

Yield: 2.3 g of intermediate 12 (81.6%). e. _ Preparation of intermediate 13

A mixture of intermediate 12 (0.00946 mol) and n-butyl-formate (15 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 4 days. The solvent was evaporated, then co-evaporated with toluene. Yield: 2.68 g of intermediate 13.

Example A5 Preparation of intermediate 14

Compound 22 (prepared according B14) (0.0107 mol) was treated with SOC12 (20 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60°C for 2 hours. Excess of SOC12 was evaporated, then the residue was co-evaporated 2 times with toluene (2 x 30 ml).

Yield: intermediate 14.

Example A6 a. _ Preparation of intermediate 15

A mixture of 1- (3, 4-dichlorophenyl) ethanone (0.0278 mol) and 2, 3-diamino-2- butenedinitrile (0.0278 mol) was stirred in EtOH (p. a) (75 ml) under N2-atm., then P205 (phosphorus anhydride) (0.0106 mol) was added portionwise, the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours and stood overnight. The resulting precipitate was filtered off, washed with EtOH, with DIPE and with H2O, then dried. Yield: 2.85 g of intermediate 15 (36.7 %) b. _ Prearation of intermediate 16

NaBH4 (0.013 mol) was added portionwise to a solution of intermediate 15 (0.01 mol) in CH30H (30 ml) and THF, p. a. (40 ml), then the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The mixture was diluted with H20 (275 ml) and extracted with CH2CI2.

The organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was stirred in CH2Cl2/CH30H (99.5/0. 5), then the precipitate was filtered off, washed with CH2C12, with DIPE and dried (vac., 45°C).

Yield: 0. 86 g of intermediate 16.

Example A7 a. _ Preparation of intermediate 17 A mixture of 3, 4-dichloro-α-ethylbenzenemethanamine (0.04 mol) in 1,1- dimethoxy-N, N-dimethylmethanamine (80 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 3 hours, then the solvent was evaporated and co-evaporated 2 times with toluene. Yield:

intermediate 17. b. Preparation of intermediate 18 A solution of intermediate 17 (0.035 mol) and 2- [ (phenylmethyl) thio] -5 (4H)- thiazolone (0.035 mol) in toluene, p. a. (200 ml) was stirred at 60°C for 2.5 hours, stirred overnight at room temperature, then stirred at 60°C for 2 hours. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by filtration over silica gel (eluent: CH2Cl2/Hexane 50/50). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, then co-evaporated with CH30H. Yield: 5.9 g of intermediate 18.

Example A8 a. _ Preparation of intermediate 19

A mixture of intermediate 11 (prepared according to A4. c) (0.0054 mol), bromo- acetic acid methyl ester (0.0055 mol) and Et3N (0.006 mol) in DMF (q. s. ) was stirred overnight at room temperature, then poured out into water. This mixture was extracted with CH2C12. The separated organic layer was dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated. Yield: 1.3 g of intermediate 19 (R-isomer). b _ Preparation of intermediate 20

A mixture of intermediate 19 (0.0054 mol) in CHOOH (3 ml) and xylene (50 ml) was stirred and refluxed for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled, washed with water, dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated. Yield: 1.3 g of intermediate 20 (R-isomer).

B. Preparation of the final compounds of formula (I) Example B 1 a. _ Preparatiqn of compound 1

A solution of intermediate 4 (prepared according to Al. d) (0.0177 mol), formic acid methyl ester (0.05 mol) and THF (p. a. , dried on molecular sieves) (30 ml) was stirred under N2-flow, then NaOMe (prepared in situ; see note below) (0.0185 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours.

The solvent was evaporated, the residue was stirred in H20 (40 ml) and washed 2 times with Et2O. MeOH (35 ml), then HC1 (36%, p. a. ) (4.2 ml) was added to the separated aqueous layer. KSCN (0.03 mol) was added and the resulting solution was stirred at 50°C for 6 hours, then for 20 hours at room temperature, at 80°C for 3 hours and finally stirred overnight at room temperature. The resulting precipitate was filtered off, washed with CHsOHVHzO (1/2) and dried (vac., 60°C). Yield: 4.25 g of compound 1.

Note: NaOMe was generated in situ with NaH (0.74 g, 60 % in mineral oil) and

MeOH (0.74 ml) in THF (15 ml; p. a. , dry). b. _ Preparation of compound 2 o ci, A mixture of (prepared according to Al. d) (0.02 mol) and

formic acid methyl ester (0.06 mol) in THF (100 ml) was stirred at room temperature, then 2-methyl-2-propanol sodium salt (0.025 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated, the residue was stirred in H20 ( 100 ml) for 15 minutes and washed with EtzO. The aqueous layer was separated, then HC1 (conc.) (0.06 mol) was added. CH30H ( 100 ml) was added, then KSCN (0.03 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 hours at 60°C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours, then stirred in hexane. The precipitate was filtered off and dried. Yield: 6.4 g of compound 2.

Example B2 a. Preparation of compound 3

A solution of intermediate 4 (prepared according to Al. d) (0.0174 mol), ethanedioic acid dimethyl ester (0.03 mol) and THF (p. a., dried on molecular sieves) (30 ml) was stirred, then NaOMe (prepared in situ; see note below) (0.0185 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvent was evaporated, the residue was stirred in H20 (50 ml) and washed with Et20 (2 times). MeOH (35 ml), then HCI (36%, p. a.) (4. 2 ml) was added to the separated aqueous layer. KSCN (0.03 mol) was added and the resulting solution was stirred at 50°C for 18 hours. The mixture was allowed to

reach room temperature, then extra H20 was added and the mixture was extracted with CH2C12. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH2Cl2/CH3OH 98. 5/1. 5). The purest product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was further purified by flash column chromatography on Flash Tubes (eluent: CH2Clz/THF 95/5). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated, then the resiude was filtered off and dried. Yield: 0.0186 g of compound 3.

Note: NaOMe was generated in situ with NaH (0.74 g, 60 % in mineral oil) and MeOH (0.74 ml) in THF (15 ml; p. a. , dry). b _ Pre, paration of compound 4 i o ci1 A mixture of (prepared according to Al. d) (0.02 mol) and ethanedioic acid dimethyl ester (0.04 mol) in THF (100 ml) was stirred at room temperature, then 2-methyl-2-propanol sodium salt (0.025 mol) was added in one portion and the reaction mixture was stirred for 18 hours at 60°C. Extra 2-methyl-2- propanol sodium salt (0.025 mol) was added portionwise at 60°C and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at 60°C. Again, extra 2-methyl-2-propanol sodium salt (0.005 mol) was added at 60°C and the mixture was stirred further at 60°C for 3 hours. The solvent was evaporated, the residue was stirred in Ha0 and washed with Et20. The aqueous layer was separated, then HC1 (conc.) (5 ml) was added. A solid was precipitated and CH30H was added (until the solution was clear), then KSCN (0.03 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 20 hours at 60°C.

The organic solvent (CH30H) was evaporated and the aqueous concentrate was extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by filtration over silica gel (eluent: CH2C12/CH3OH 98/2). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was crystallised from DIPE, filtered off and dried.

Yield: 2 g of compound 4. c. _ Preparation of com-poun. d 5

Intermediate 13 (prepared according to A4. e) (0.0136 mol) was added to a mixture of NaH (60%) (0.6 g) in THF (50 ml), then ethanedioic acid dimethyl ester (0.0152 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 5 hours at room temperature. The mixture was poured out into H20 and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH2C12. The organic layer was separated and acidified, then the aqueous layer was extracted with CH2C12. The organic layer was filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was treated with CH30H (20 ml), with H20 (20 ml) and with HC ! (5 ml, 1N). A mixture of KSCN (1 g) in Ha0 (10 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 60°C for 18 hours. The resulting precipitate was filtered off and purified by column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH2Cla/CH30H 90/10). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.700 g of compound 5. d__ Preparation of compounds 37 and 6 ci I ci N N compound 37 compound 68 CL A solution of cl) (0. 0618 mol) and ethanedioic acid dimethyl ester (0.11 mol) in THF (p. a. , dried on molecular sieves) (100 ml) was stirred under N2-atm., then 2-methyl-2-propanol sodium salt (0.066 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours and another for 24 hours. Finally the mixture was stirred at 60°C for 4 hours. Extra 2-methyl-2- propanol sodium salt (4 g) and extra ethanedioic acid dimethyl ester (6 g) were added and the reaction mixture was stirred over the weekend at room temperature.

The solvent was evaporated, the residue was dissolved in H20 (250 ml) and washed 2 times with Et20. The aqueous layer was separated and CH30H (200 ml), KSCN (10 g) and HC1 (36%, p. a. ) (q. s. ) were added, then the mixture was stirred for 18 hours at 60°C. The solvent was partly evaporated and the concentrate was extracted

with CH2C12. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue (5 g) was purified by filtration over silica gel (eluent: CH2C12/CH30H 99/1). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was triturated under Hexane, filtered off, washed, then dried (vac., 50°C.) Yield: 5.2 g of compound 37. The fractions containing a side-product were combined and the solvent was evaporated, then co-evaporated with Hexane/DIPE. The residue was stirred in Et20/Hexane and the resulting precipitate was filtered off, washed with hexane, then dried (vac., 50°C). Yield: 0.28 g of compound 68.

Example B3 6

A mixture of intermediate 8 (prepared according to A3) (0.0079 mol) and KSCN (0.031 mol) in HCI (1N) (5 ml) was stirred in EtOH (50 ml) at 80°C for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was poured out into H20 and extracted with CH2C12. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by reversed phase chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated to fifty percent less of the initial volume. The residue was extracted with CH2C12, then the organic layer was separated, dried, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.3 g of compound 6.

Example B4 <BR> Preparation_of compounds 7 and 8 ci cl S I HN compound 7 compound 8

A solution of intermediate 13 (prepared according to A4. e) (0.0094 mol), formic acid methyl ester (0.027 mol) and THE (p. a. , dried on molecular sieves) (15ml) was stirred under N2 flow. NaOMe (prepared in situ; see note) (0.01 mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The solvent was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in H20 (20 ml) and washed with Et20 (2x2

Oml). MeOH (15 ml) was added to the separated aqueous layer. Then HC1 (36%, p. a.) (2.25 ml) was added. KSCN (1.52 g) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50°C for 5 hours, at room temperature for 16 hours and refluxed for 5 hours. Then it was allowed to cool to room temperature. The liquid layer was decanted. The oily layer was dissolved in CH2Cl2/MeOH (95: 5) and washed with H20. The separated organic layer was dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by flash column chromatography over silica gel (eluent: CH2Cl2/MeOH gradient). The desired fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield Fraction 1: 0.065 g of compound 7 and yield Fraction 2: 0.063 g of compound 8 Note: NaOMe was generated in situ with NaH (0.4g, 60 % in mineral oil) and MeOH (0. 4ml) in THF (10ml ; p. a. , dry).

Example B5 a. _ Preparation of compound 9

A mixture of intermediate 14 (prepared according to A5) (0.00158 mol) and acetic acid ammonium salt (0.00649 mol) was stirred in acetone (q. s. ) for 2 hours at room temperature, then the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by reversed phase chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the aqueous layer was evaporated to fifty percent less of the initial volume. The resulting concentrate was extracted with CH2C12, then the organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield : 0. 27 g of compound 9. b. _ Preparation of compound 10

A solution of 3- [1- (4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl) propyl]-2-mercapto-3H- imidazole-4-carbonyl chloride (prepared according to A5) (0.0003 mol) in THF (p. a. , dried on molecular sieves) (1 ml) was added in one portion to stirring NH3 (1 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. H20 was added and the mixture was extracted with CH2C12. The organic layer was separated, then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in acetone (5 ml) and treated with a S02-flow for 15 minutes.

The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by reversed phase high- performance liquid chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. CH2C12 (6 ml) and an aq. K2CO3 solution. (1 ml, 10 %)

were added, then the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and filtered over an ISOLUTE HM-N cartridge. The filtrate was evaporated. Yield: 0.0289 g of compound 10.

Example B6 <BR> , Preparation_of compound

A mixture of intermediate 14 (prepared according to A5) (0.00126 mol) in pyrrolidine (0.00599 mol) was stirred in DMF (q. s. ) for 4 hours at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was stirred in acetone (50 ml), then treated with SO2 for 10 minutes. The acetone was evaporated and the concentrate was purified by reversed phase chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated to fifty percent less of the initial volume. The resulting concentrate was extracted with CH2C12, then the organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0. 180 g of compound 11.

Example B7 a. _ Prepa ation of comI ? ound_12

A solution of 3- [l- (4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl) propyl]-2-mercapto-3R- imidazole-4-carbonyl chloride (prepared according to A5) (0.0003 mol) in THF (p. a. , dried on molecular sieves) (1 ml) was added in one portion to stirring EtOH, p. a. (1 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was stirred in CH2Cl2/H20. The organic layer was separated, then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in acetone (5 ml) and treated with a SOz-flow for 15 minutes. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. CH2C12 (6 ml) and an aq.

K2CO3 solution. (1 ml, 10 %) were added, then the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and filtered over an ISOLUTE HM-N cartridge. The filtrate was evaporated. Yield: 0.0369 g of compound 12. b. _ Prepa_ation of coml ? ound 61

A solution of 3- [l- (4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl) propyl]-2-mercapto-3H- imidazole-4-carbonyl chloride (prepared according to A5) (0.0003 mol) in THF (p. a., dried on molecular sieves) (1 ml) was added in one portion to stirring 1,2- ethanediol (1 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. H20 was added and the mixture was extracted with CH2C12. The organic layer was separated, then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in acetone (5 ml) and treated with a SO2- flow for 15 minutes. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. CH2C12 (6 ml) and an aq. K2CO3 solution. (1 ml, 10 %) were added, then the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes and filtered over an ISOLUTE HM-N cartridge. The filtrate was evaporated. Yield: 0.0215 g of compound 61.

Example B8 Preparation of compound 13 A mixture of intermediate 16 (prepared according to A6. b) (0.000356 mol) in CH2C12 p. a. (2 ml) was stirred under N2-atm., carbonothioic dichloride (0.00045 mol), then N, N-diethylethanamine (0.125 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 hour at room temperature. The mixture was quenched with Ha0 and extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic layer was separated, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the organic solvent was evaporated. The aqueous concentrate was extracted with CH2C12, then the organic layer was separated, filtered and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.0072 g of compound 13.

Example B9 Preparation of compound 14

NaOMe in MeOH (0.4 ml) was added to a solution of intermediate 18 (prepared according A7. b) (0.0001 mol) in methanol, p. a. (1.5 ml) and the reaction mixture was stirred under N2-flow for 18 hours at room temperature. The mixture was quenched with acidic water and extracted with CH2C12. The organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was purified by filtration over a Flash Tube (eluent: CH2C12), then the product fractions were collected, taken up in CH2C12/CH3OH and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.0136 g of compound 14.

Example B 10 Preparation of. compounds 16andJJ7 i 0 ci N ci (R) compound 16 (S) compound 17 o ci Compound 15 Ci (prepared according to Bl. a or Bl. b) (0. 001 mol) was

separated and purified by chiral column chromatography over a ProChrom D. A. C. column (I. D. 5 cm; 500 g AD chiral phase; Injection: 360 mg in 1 x 35 ml of ethanol; eluent: Ethanol (isocratic) ). Two product fraction groups were collected and their solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.156 g of compound 16 ((A) = (+)-(R)) and 0.153 g of compound 17 ((B) = (-)-(S)).

Example B 11 Preparation of compound 16

(R) NaH, CH30H (0.005 mol) was added to a mixture of intermediate 20 (prepared according to A8. b) (0.00427 mol) and formic acid methyl ester (1 g) in THF (20 ml).

The mixture was stirred for 24 hours at room temperature. The mixture was concentrated by evaporation and the concentrate was diluted with water and washed with EtO2. A mixture of HCl (5 ml) and KCN (1 g) in methanol (25 ml) was added to the aqueous layer and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred and refluxed overnight.

The gummy solid was separated from the water layer and taken up into CH2C12. The organic solution was dried, filtered and the solvent evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography over silica gel. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.50 g of compound 16 (R-isomer).

Example B 12 Preparation CL SNOH N H Do b ce A mixture of compound 15 N (prepared according to B a or B b)

(0.00032 mol) in LiBEt3, 1 M (superhydride) (2.5 ml) and THF (2 ml) was stirred for 2 hours at room temperature. Methanol was added, and then evaporated again. The residue was purified by reversed-phase HPLC (gradient elution). The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.0142 g of compound 18.

Example B 13 Preparation of compounds_19 and 20 ci C1 /N NAH22 N N H compound 19 compound 20

Compound 5 (prepared according to B2. c) (0.00054 mol) was reacted with NAH (q. s. ) in a closed vessel for 18 hours at 100°C, then the solvent was evaporated and the residue was purified by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Two product fraction groups were collected and each solvent was evaporated. Yield Fraction group 1: 0.075 g of compound 19. Yield Fraction group 2: 0.080 g of compound 20.

Example B 14 a. _ Preparation of compound 22 o i A mixture of compound 21 F (prepared according to Bl. a or Bl. b) (0. 0128 mol) in NaOH (25%) (50 ml) was stirred for 36 hours, then the solution was treated with HC1 (conc.) at 0°C. The resulting precipitate was filtered off and dried (vac. ). Yield: 3.2 g of compound 22. b-Preparation of compound 23 > o i A solution of compound 15 (prepared according to Bl. a or b)

(0.004 mol) in NaOH (1N) (7.5 ml), CH30H, p. a. (10 ml) and THF, p. a. (20 ml)

was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours, then stirred for 5 days at 75°C. Extra NaOH (IN) (7.5 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 75°C, then the mixture was allowed to reach room temperature. H20 (45 ml), then Et20 (50 ml) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min. The aqueous layer was separated, washed with EtOAc/Hexane (2 x 50 ml, 1/1) and acidified with HCI (IN) to pH 3. The mixture was extracted with CH2C12/CH30H (95/5), then the organic layer was separated, dried (MgS04), filtered and the solvent was evaporated. The residue was dissolved in Et20/Hexane/CH2Cl2 (1/1/1) and concentrated at 60°C (without vacuum) until crystallisation started, then the mixture stood for 30 minutes. The precipitate was filtered off, washed with Hexane/Et2O (3/1) and dried (vac., 50°C), then dried with vacuum pump for 5 hours. Yield: 0.55 g of compound 23 (41.5 %) Example B 15 Preparation of compound 69 o Cl/N A n-fixture (prepared according to B2. a/B2. b) A (0.00072 mol) in CH3NH2 (aqueous solution) (5 ml) was stirred for 18 hours at 100°C in a closed vessel, then the reaction mixture was cooled and the solvent was evaporated under N2-flow. The residue was purified by reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The product fractions were collected and the solvent was evaporated to fifty percent less of the initial volume. The concentrate was extracted with CH2C12, the organic layer was separated, dried and the solvent was evaporated. Yield: 0.180 g of compound 69.

Table 1 list the compounds of formula (I) which were prepared according to one of the above examples (Ex. No.).

In the right column headed by"Physical data", the mass value of the compounds together with the retention time is indicated. Said data were generated as described below:

The HPLC gradient was supplied by a Waters Alliance HT 2790 system with a columnheater set at 40°C. Flow from the column was split to a Waters 996 photodiode array (PDA) detector and a Waters-Micromass ZQ mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source operated in positive and negative ionization mode.

Reversed phase HPLC was carried out on a Xterra MS C18 column (3.5 jmi, 4.6 x 100 mm) (12 minutes column) with a flow rate of 1.6 ml/min. Three mobile phases (mobile phase A: 95% 25mM ammoniumacetate + 5% acetonitrile; mobile phase B: acetonitrile; mobile phase C: methanol) were employed to run a gradient condition from 100 % A to 50% B and 50% C in 6.5 minutes, to 100 % B in 1 minute, 100% B for 1 minute and reequilibrate with 100 % A for 1.5 minute. An injection volume of 10 jL was used.

Mass spectra were acquired by scanning from 100 to 1000 in ls using a dwell time of 0.1 s. The capillary needle voltage was 3kV and the source temperature was maintained at 140°C. Nitrogen was used as the nebulizer gas. Cone voltage was 10 V for positive ionzation mode and 20 V for negative ionization mode. Data acquisition was performed with a Waters-Micromass MassLynx-Openlynx data system.

Table 1 R2b R2a Rl R3 N SC N R4 Co. Ex. no. Rl Rza R2b R3 R4 Physical data no. no. retention time minutes) 24 BlaBlb Cl H C113 25 B H Cl 0-ICH3 26 Bla/Blb methyl Cl /CH3 "o' 27 B methyl CH H Co. Ex. no. Rl R2. R4 Physical data no. [M time minutes) 0 28 Bla/Blb H H OCH3 Jl, H - rr 29 Bla/Blb H Cl H cH3 0 31 Bla/Blb methyl H Cl JL H _ 32 Bla/Blb methyl Cl Cl H 330 3. 76 _ 33 B7 ethyl ci Cl J CH3 H 373 9. 67** 0 H3 34 B6 ethyl Cl H 344 3. 48 N H 18 B 0 23 B 14b ethyl CI H __ _ _ 35 Bla/BIb c ___ 21 Bla/Blb ethyl F F CH3 _ _ __ _ _ __ 16 B ethyl Cl Cl H 344 9. 10 .......... 17 BIO ethyl Cl H 344 9. 10-211. _ 15 Bla/Blb ethyl ci Cl H mp. 0 166°C 22 B ethyl F F 10H H 298 4. 55 _ 36 B6 ethyl F F 311 6. 99 H H _ 37 B2a/B2d ethyl Cl c c% 403 4. 55 _ 68 B ethyl Br Br S H 419 6. 26 OU 7 . 7 38 B ethyl C1 7. 76 H 8 8 Co. Ex. no. Rl Rza R2b Physical data no. no. retention time minutes) 39 B2a/B2b ethyl F F Ite WCH3 370 4. 96 0 40 B ethyl ci CI OH 374 4. 4 OH 1 Bla/Blb ethyl CF3 F Zt, 5. 7 _ __ _ 3 B2a/B2b ethyl CF3 F CH3 421 5. 35 _ o 9 B5a ethyl F H 297 4. 9 -" 66 0 CH 41 B6 ethyl F F H 367 4. 8 o 41 42 B6 ethyl F F No H 365 5. 44 N, 43 BlalBlb ethyl F CF3 H 363 5. 76 _. _ _ _ _ _ ____ __ __ _ 11 B6 ethyl F F 351 5. S 44 B6 ethyl F 353 5. 59 H _. ... . 45 B6 ethyl F F N H 353 5. 57 H*I^y CL3 CH3 ....-_. _ 47 67 B ethyl CF3 F H 349 3. 63 OH 14 B9 ethyl ci ci H JLH, 345 5. 73 __ __ _o_ ___ __ 5 B2c ethyl Cl C1-C-N 370 5. 05 ___ _ __ ___ __ _ _ _ 48 B2a/B2b ethyl F CF3 c% c 5. 52 I_ _ o __ o__ 12 B7 ethyl CP3 H 378 5. 79 Co. Ex. no. Ri R2a R2b R3 R4 Physical data no. no. * time minutes) 61 B7b ethyl CF3 F H 393 5. 13 OH OH _ 49 B6 ethyl CF3 F tHzcH3 H 362 4. 92 N 10 B5b ethyl CF3 F JlNH2 H 348 4. 66 _ 62 B7b ethyl CF3 F 11° 462 5. 68 ~onf 0 19 B ethyl ci Cl-C=N NH2 355 4. 29 2 20 B ethyl ci Cl 373 4. 45 -" NH rH 71 B ethyl ci Cl H 331 4. 43 __ 64 B7a ethyl ci ci H to 373 6. 05 0 CH3 __ __ __ 50 B2a/B2b ethyl Br Br 0 492 5. 36 o 63 B7b ethyl ci ci H OH __ ___ _O_H 51 B5a ethyl ci ci H NH2 330 4. 86 "NH2 52 B6 H N"CH3 344 4. 99 H H 53 B6 ethyl ci Cl H 399 4. 61 NH 54 B5a methyl ci Cl J H 315 4. 65 'NH 55 B2a/B2b methyl ___.. _ 65 B7a ethyl CF3 F Jl H O+CCHH33 CHg 56 B2a/B2b phenyl C1 450 5. 93 o

Co. Ex. no. Ri R2a R2b R3 R4 Physical data no. time 'mye minutes) 69 B cH3 , cH3 458 5. 1 H 57 B ethyl Br Br 2 I, 460 5. 4 -NH NH2 70 B ethyl Cl C1-CN 368 4. 26 N H 58 B H 329 02 A-isomer ; NHZ NH2 59 B ethyl Cl ci H 329 5. 02 B-isomer ; 'NH NH2-202. 60 B2a/B2b n-propyl Cl Cl lie OCH3 _ _ _ o 72 Bla/Bl j c H 398 6. 82 -- 2 2 7 H 356 5. 99 o 68 B2d ethyl ci Cl cH, __ 4 B2a/B2b 414 5. 81 73 B2B2b ] % c 6. 64 73 B2a/B2b Ae 74 30 N, 75 ethyl Cl 76 B ethyl Br Br,, H 0 ¢* [M+] defines the mass of the compound **retention time obtained on a 18 minutes column.

1[α]D20 at concentration of 2.40 g/100 ml in CHCl3; 2[α]D20 at concentration of 3.42 g/100 ml in CHCl3; 3[α]D20 at concentration of 0.2152 g/100 ml in CH3OH; 4[α]D20 at concentration of 0.2216 g/100 ml in CHCl3

C. Pharmacological example Inhibition of MCP-1 induced Ca-J7lux in human THP-1 cells MCP-1 binding to the CCR2 receptor induces a rapid and transient intracellular release of Ca2+ (secondary messenger) in several cell lines (Charo et al, PNAS 1994). Free Ca2+ levels can be measured using a Ca2+ sensitive dye. When the CCR2 receptor is blocked with a CCR2 receptor antagonist, the MCP-1 induced release of Ca2+is inhibited.

Human THP-1 cells (monocytic cell line, ATCC TIB-202) were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10 % fetal calf serum (FCS), 1% L-Glutamine, penicillin (50 U/ml) and streptomycin (50 p. g/ml) (all GIBCO BRL, Gent). After centrifugation, cells were loaded for 30 minutes with the Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent dye Fluo-3 AM (Molecular Probes, Leiden, Netherlands) (2 million cells/ml in RPMI medium containing 4 uM Fluo-3 AM, 20 mM HEPES, 0.1 % Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and 5 mM probenecid). Excess dye was removed by 3-fold washing with buffer (5 mM HEPES, 140 mM NaCl, 1 mM MgCl2, 5 mM KC1, 10 mM glucose, 2.5 mM probenecid, 1.25 mM CaC12, 0.1 % BSA; all further incubations were done in this buffer). Cells were plated at a density of 150 000 cells/well in dark-wall 96-well plates (Costar, Cambridge, MA) and sedimented by centrifugation (1 minute). The cells were pre-incubated for 20 minutes with test compound. Then, 10-7 M hMCP-1 (Bachem, Bubendorf, Switserland) was added. Changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration were measured using the Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR, Molecular Devices, Munchen, Germany). Fluorescence was recorded every second from 10 seconds before the addition of the MCP-1 till 2 minutes after the addition (first minute: 60 records with 1 second intervals, second minute 20 records with 3 second intervals).

The maximal fluorescence obtained during this time frame was used for further calculations.

Table 2 reports pICso values obtained in the above-described test for compounds of formula (I). pICso defines-log ICso wherein ICso is the molar concentration of the test compound which inhibits 50 % of specific MCP-1 induced Ca2+ flux.

Table 2 Comp. No. pIC50 32 6. 6 34 6. 7 35 6. 9 21 6. 0 17 7. 1 15 6. 9 3 6. 7 37 8. 2 7 6. 2 8 7.4 39 7.8 1 6. 0 3 7. 7 9 5. 8 66 6. 1 43 5. 6 46 8. 0 14 6. 2 5 7. 5 48 7. 0 12 6. 4 61 6. 6 10 6. 7 19 7. 0 20 7. 2 50 7. 6 63 6. 0 51 6. 0 54 6. 0 55 7. 6 56 6. 7 57 6. 8 59 7. 4 Comp. No. pIC50 2 5. 6 4 7. 6