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Title:
NOVEL COMPOUNDS WITH ANALGESIC EFFECT
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1997/023466
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Compounds of formula (I) as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds. The novel compounds of formula (I) are useful in the management of pain.

Inventors:
ROBERTS EDWARD (CA)
PLOBECK NIKLAS (CA)
WAHLESTEDT CLAES (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/SE1996/001635
Publication Date:
July 03, 1997
Filing Date:
December 11, 1996
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
ASTRA PHARMA INC (CA)
ASTRA AB (SE)
ROBERTS EDWARD (CA)
PLOBECK NIKLAS (CA)
WAHLESTEDT CLAES (CA)
International Classes:
A61K31/00; A61K31/4427; A61K31/443; A61K31/445; C07D295/04; A61K31/4465; A61K31/47; A61K31/495; A61K31/496; A61K31/4965; A61P25/04; C07D211/32; C07D211/34; C07D215/14; C07D241/04; C07D295/096; C07D295/112; C07D295/135; C07D295/155; C07D295/185; C07D295/205; C07D307/81; C07D401/04; C07D401/06; C07D401/10; C07D401/14; C07D403/06; C07D405/04; C07D405/06; C07D405/10; C07D405/14; C07D409/06; (IPC1-7): C07D241/04; C07D295/04; A61K31/495; A61K51/04
Domestic Patent References:
WO1993015062A11993-08-05
WO1995004051A11995-02-09
Foreign References:
FR2696744A11994-04-15
DE2431178A11975-01-16
EP0133323A11985-02-20
EP0289227A11988-11-02
GB2076403A1981-12-02
DE2900810A11980-07-24
GB2210366A1989-06-07
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Claims:
Claims
1. A compound of the general formula (I) wherein G is a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom; A is selected from (i) phenyl substituted by any of COOH. CONH2, COOCH3, CN, NH2 or COCH3; (u) naphtyl, benzofuranyl, and quinolinyl; and wherein the phenyl ring of each A substituent may be optionally and independently substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from hydrogen, CH3, (CH2)oCF3, halogen, CONR7R8, CO2R7, COR7, (CH2)oNR?R8. (CH2)oCH3(CH2)oSOR7, (CH2)0SO2R7 and 7 8 7 8 (CH2)0SO2NR R wherein o is 0, 1, or.
2. and R and R are as defined below; R is selected from hydrogen; a branched or straight C 1 C(, alkyl, C 1 Cβ alkenyl, CO(CιC6 alkyl); (CjCό alkyl)B wherein B is as defined below; C3C8 cycloalkyl, C Cg (alkylcycloalkyl) wherein alkyl is C2 alkyl and cycloalkyl is C3C6 cycloalkyl; CgCio aryl; and heteroaryl having from 5 10 atoms selected from any of C, S, N and O; and whereby the C6C10 aryl and the heteroaryl may optionaUy be substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from hydrogen, CH3, halogen, CONR7R8, CO2R7, COR7, (CH2)oNR7R8, (CH2)oCH3(CH2)oSOR7, (CH2)0SO2R7 and (CH2)0SO2NR7R8 ; 7 8 wherein o is 0, 1, or 2, and R and R are as defined below; 7 8 1 R and R is each and independently as defined for R above; R2 is selected from hydrogen, CH3, OR1, CO2R1, and CH2CO2R1 wherein R is as defined above; D9 _ 10 D ll D 12 n 13 D 14 _ 15 D 16 D 17 . D 18 . , , . . , . . _ , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , and R , is each and independently as defined for Rl above; B is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic; an optionally substituted C5C10 hydroaromatic; a heteroaromatic or a heterohydroaromatic moiety, each having from 5 to 10 atoms selected from any of C, S, N and O, and each being optionally substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, CH3, CF3, halogen, (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pNR7R8, (CH2)pCOR7, (CH2)pCO2R7, OR7, (CH2)pSOR7, (CH2)pSO2R7, and (CH2)pSO2NR7R8; 7 8 wherein p is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and wherein R and R are as defined above; A ^ _C R , R , R and R is each and independently selected from R7, (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pNR?R8, (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pCO2R7, (CH2)pPh, (CH2)p(pOH Ph), (CH2)p3indolyl, (CH2)pSR7, and (CH2)pOR7; 7 8 wherein p is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, and R and R are as defined above; as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the formula (I), isomers, hydrates, isoforms and prodrugs thereof; with the proviso that when A is a phenyl ring substituted by a CN group or by a NH2 group, B may not be wherein Z is hydroxy, and esters thereof; hydroxymethyl, and esters thereof; or amino, and carboxamides and sulfonamides.
3. 2 A compound of the formula I according to claim 1 , wherein G is a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom; A is selected from (i) phenyl substituted by any of COOH, CONH2, COOCH3, CN, NH2 or COCH3; (ϋ) naphtyl, benzofuranyl, and quinolinyl; and (iii) wherein the phenyl ring of each A substituent may be optionaUy and independently substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from hydrogen, CH3, (CH )0CF3, halogen, CONR7R8, CC^R7, COR7, (CH2)oNR7R8, (CH2)0CH3(CH2)0SOR7, (CH^SC^R7 and 7 8 7 8 (CH )0SO2NR R , wherein o is 0, 1, or 2, and R and R are as defined below; 1 7 8 R , R and R is each and independently selected from hydrogen; a branched or straight C1C4 alkyl, allyl, CO(CιC6 alkyl); ( Cό alkyl)B wherein B is as defined below; C3C5 cycloalkyl, C4C8 (alkylcycloalkyl) wherein alkyl is C1C2 alkyl and cycloalkyl is C3C6 cycloalkyl; and phenyl; 2 1 1 R is hydrogen, methyl, or OR wherein R is as defined above; R , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , and R . is each and independently as defined for R above; B is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, pyrryl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, indanyl, indenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, tetrahy droquinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyrrohdinyl, indazolinyl, and each B group being optionaUy substituted by 12 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, CH3, CF3, halogen, (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pNR7R8, (CH2)pCOR7, (CH2)pCO2R7, and OR7, 7 8 wherein p is 0 or 1 , and wherein R and R are as defined above; and R , R , R and R is each and independently selected from hydrogen, CH3, CH(Me)2, CH2CH(Me)2, CH(Me)CH2CH3 (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pNR7R8, (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pCO2R7, (CH2)pPh, (CH2)p(pOH Ph), (01^.
4. indolyl, (CH2)pSR7, and 7 7 8 (CH2)pOR , wherein p is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and wherein R and R are as defined above; with the proviso that when A is a phenyl ring substituted by a CN group or by a NH2 group, B may not be wherein Z is hydroxy, and esters thereof; hydroxymethyl, and esters thereof; or amino, and carboxamides and sulfonamides.
5. 3 A compound of the formula I according to claim 1, wherein G is a nitrogen atom; A is selected from wherein D9 D10 Dll D12 D13 D14 _15 D16 D17 ,D18. , . . R ,R ,R ,R ,R ,R ,R ,R ,R , and R is each an ethyl group; R1 is selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, aUyl, or CH2cyclopropyl; 2 1 R is H, methyl, or OR ; B is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, indanyl, indenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, tetrahydroquinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, indazolinyl, and each B group being optionaUy substituted by 12 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, CF3, halogen, (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pNR7R8, (CH2)pCOR7, (CH2)pCO2R7, and OR7, 7 8 1 wherein p is 0, 1 , or 2, and wherein R and R are as defined for R above; R , R , R and R is each and independently selected from H, CH3, CH(Me)2, CH2CH(Me)2, CH(Me)CH2CH3 (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pNR7R8, (CH2)pCONR7R8, (CH2)pCO2R7, (CH2)pPh, (CH2)p(pOH Ph), (CH2)p3indolyl, (CH2)pSR7, and (CH2)pOR7 7 8 wherein p is 0, 1 or 2, and wherein R and R are as defined above.
6. A compound of the formula (I) of claim 1 above, being anyone of (±)trans 1 (3methoxyα( 1 naphthyl)benzyl)2 ,5dimethylpiperazine (compound 3); (±)3((cxR*/S*)α((2S*,5R*)4AUyl2,5climethyllρipera2inyl)lnaphthyl)anisole (compound 4 and 5); (±)trans 1 (3methoxyα(2naphthyl)benzyl)2,5dimethylpiperazine (compound 8); (±)3((αR*/S*)α((2S*,5R*)4AUyl2,5dimethyllpiperazinyl)2naphthyl)anisole (compound 9 and 10); (±)transl(3methoxyα(2'benzofuranyl)benzyl)2,5dimethylpiperazine (compound 13); (±)3((αR*/S*)α((2S*,5R*)4AUyl2,5dimethyllpiperazinyl)2benzofuranyl)anisole (compound 14 and 15); (±)3((αR*/S*)α((2S*,5R*)4Cyclopropylmethyl2,5dimethyllpiperazinyl)2 benzofuranyl)anisole (compound 16 and 17); (±)transl(3methoxyα(6,quinolinyl)benzyl)2.5dimethylpiperazine (compound 20 and 21); (±)3((otR*/S*)α((2S*,5R*)4AUyl2,5dimethyllpiperazinyl)6quino_inyl)anisole (compound 22); (±)3((αR*/S*)α((2S*,5R*)4AUyl2,5dimethyllpiperazinyl)6qunoUnyl)anisole (compound 23); (±)3((αR*/S*)α((2S*,5R*)4Cyclopropylmemyl2,5dimethyllpiperazinyl)6 quinoUnyl)anisole (compound 24 and 25); (±)transl(3methoxyα(4quinolinyl)benzyl)23<iimemylpiperazine (compound 28); (±)3((αR*/S*)α((2S*,5R*)4 yl2,5dimemyllpiperazinyl)4quinolinyl)anisole (compound 29 and 30); (±) 4((α(lPiperazinyl))4chlorobenzyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide (compound 33); (±) 4((a((4AUyl)lpipenainyl))4^hlorobenzyl)NJ,Jdiethylbenzamide • 2hcl (compound 34); (±) 4((α(lHperazinyl))2naphtylmethyl)N^diethylbenzamide (compound 37); (±) 4((α((4AUyl)lpiperazinyl))2naphtylmethyl>N^_diethylbenzamide (compound 38); (±) 4((α(lPiperazinyl))4xylyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide (compound 41); (±) 4((α((4AUyl)lpiperazinyl))4xylyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide • 2HC1 (compound 42); (±) 4((α(lPiperazinyl))3xylyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide • 2HC1 (compound 45); (±) 4((α(lPiperazinyl))cyclohexy_methyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide (compound 48); (±) 4((α( 1 Piperazinyl))3,4dimethylbenzyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide (compound 51 ); (±) 4((α(lPiperazinyl))lnaphtylmethyI)N,Ndiethylbenzamide (compound 54); 4(4(2Dimethyl5methylpiperazinyl)3methoxybenzyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide dihdrochloride (compound 57); 4(4(lAUyl2d_methyl5methylpiperazinyl)3methoxybenzyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 58); 4( 1 (4AUyl2dimethyI5methylpiperazinyl)3methoxybenzyl) N,Ndiethyl benzamide dihydrochloride (compound 60); 4(l(2dimethyl5methylpiperazinyl)3methoxybenzyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 61); 4((lpiperazinyl)benzyl) N,Ndiethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 64); 4((4Allyllpiperazinyl)benzyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 65); 4((4Acetyllpiperazinyl)benzyl) N,Ndiethylbenzamide hydrochloride (compound 77); 4(4(2Hydroxymethyl5methyl)piperazinylbenzyl)N.Ndiethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 69); 4(( (2Hydroxymethyl5methyl)piperazinyl)3methoxybenzyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 70); 4((4(lAUyl2hydroxymethyl5methyl)piperazinyl)3methoxybenzyl)N,N diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 71); Methyl 3(( 2naphtyl)(3memylpiperazinyl)_τ_ethyl)phenyl ether dihydrochloride (compound 75); Methyl 3((2naphtyl)(4aUyl2methylpiperazinyl)methyl)phenyl ether dihydrochloride (compound 76); 4((lpiperazinyl)benzyl)benzoic acid dihydrochloride (compound 79); 4((lpiperazinyl)benzyl)Nethylbenzamide hydrochloride (compound 83); Methyl 4((4tbutoxycarbonyl 1 piperazinyl)benzyl)benzoate (compound 80); Methyl 4((lpiperazinyl)benzyl)benzoate dihydrochloride (compound 81); 4(lpiperazinylbenzyl)benzonitril dihydrochloride (compound 84); 4(lpiperazinylbenzyl)acetophenone dihydrochloride (compound 85); 4((α4piperidinyl)benzyl)N,Ndiethylbenzamide (compound 88); N,NDiethyl4(3methoxybenzyllpiperazinyl)benzamide OΞxample 50); N,NDiethyl4[(4aUyllpiperazinyl)3methoxybenzyl]benzamide (Example 51); 4[(Nbenzyllpiperazinyl)benzyl]aniline (compound 91); 4[(Nbenzyllpiperazinyl)benzyl]acetanUide (compound 92); 4[(Nbenzyllpiperazinyl)benzyl]methanesulfonamide (Example 54); MethylN4[(Nbenzyllpiperazinyl)benzyl]2methylacetate (Example 55); and 4[(Nbenzyllpiperazinyl)3fluorobenzyl]acetanilide (compound 95).
7. A compound according to any of claims 14, in form of its hydrochloride salt.
8. A compound according to any of claims 15, for use in therapy.
9. A compound according to claim 6, wherein the therapy is pain management.
10. A compound according to claim 6, wherein the therapy is directed towards gastrointestinal disorders.
11. A compound according to claim 6, wherein the therapy is directed towards spinal injuries.
12. A compound according to claim 6, wherein the therapy is directed to disorders of the sympathetic nervous system.
13. Use of a compound according to any of claims 15 for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of pain.
14. Use of a compound according to any of claims 15 for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.
15. Use of a compound according to any of claims 15 for the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of spinal injuries.
16. A compound according to any of claims 15, further characterized in that it is isotopically IabeUed.
17. Use of a compound according to claim 14 as a diagnostic agent.
18. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any of claims 15 as an active ingredient, together with a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable carrier.
19. A process for the preparation of a compound according to any of claims 15, whereby A) (i) An aldehyde or ketone is treated with a nucleophile, giving the corresponding alcohol; (ii) the alcohol is converted into a suitable leaving group, which in turn is displaced with a nucleophile; and (iii) a N(4)unsubstituted piperazine derivative is substituted via its organo halide or equivalent species, or acylated; or B) (i) A Nprotected amino acid ester is reacted with a second amino acid ester, and thereafter treated with an acid, giving a piparazinedione; (ii) the dione is reduced to the corresponding piperazine; and (iii) the piperazine is alkylated or acylated on one or more of the nitrogens.
20. A method for the treatment of pain, whereby an effective amount of a compound according to any of claims 1 5 is administered to a subject in need of pain management.
Description:
NOVEL COMPOUNDS WITH ANALGESIC EFFECT

Field of the invention

The present invention is related to novel compounds, to a process for their preparation, their use and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds. The novel compounds are used in therapy, and in particular for the treatment of pain.

Background and prior art

The δ receptor has been identified as having a role in many bodily functions such as circulatory and pain systems. Ligands for the δ receptor may therefore find potential use as analgesics, and/or as antihypertensive agents. Ligands for the δ receptor have also been shown to posess immunomodulatory activities.

The identification of at least three different populations of opioid receptors (μ, δ and K) is now well established and all three are apparent in both central and peripheral nervous systems of many species including man. Analgesia has been observed in various animal models when one or more of these receptors has been activated.

With few exceptions, currently available selective opioid δ ligands are peptidic in nature and are unsuitable for administration by systemic routes. Some non-peptidic δ antagonists have been available for some time (see Takemori and Portoghese, 1992, Ann. Rev. Pharmacol. Tox., 32: 239-269. for review). These compounds, e.g. naltrindole, suffer from rather poor (i.e., < 10-fold) selectivity for the δ receptor vs μ receptor binding and exhibit no analgesic activity, a fact which underscores the need for the development of highly selective non- peptidic δ agonists..

Recently, a non-peptidic δ agonist, BW 373U86, was described by Chang et al., 1993, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Then, 267: 852-857., as the first δ-selective non-peptide with analgesic activity, however, it shows significant affinity for the μ receptor.

Thus, the problem underlying the present invention was to find new analgesics having excellent analgesic effects, but also with an improved side-effect profile over current μ agonists and potential oral efficacy.

Analgesics that have been identified and are existing in the prior art have many disadvantages in that they suffer from poor pharmacokinetics and are not analgesic when administered by systemic routes. Also, it has been documented that preferred compounds, described within the prior art, show significant convulsive effects when administered systemically.

In WO 93/15062 and WO 95/045051 , some diarylmethylpiperazine and diarylmethyl- piperidine compounds, including BW 373U86, are disclosed, but these prior art compounds are structurally distinct from the compounds acccording to the present invention.

The problem mentioned above has been solved by developing novel piperazine and piperidine compounds, as will be described below.

Outline of the invention

The novel compounds according to the present invention are defined by the formula (I)

wherein

G is a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom; A is selected from

(i) phenyl substituted by any of -COOH, - CONH2, COOCH3, -CN, NH2 or -COCH3;

(ϋ) naphtyl, benzofuranyl, and quinolinyl; and

wherein the phenyl ring of each A substituent may be optionally and independently substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from hydrogen, CH3, (CH2) 0 CF3, halogen, CONR 7 R 8 , CO 2 R 7 , COR 7 , (CH 2 )oNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 )oCH3(CH 2 )oSOR 7 , (CH 2 ) 0 SO 2 R 7 and

7 8 7 8

(CH2)oSO2NR R wherein o is 0, 1, or 2, and R and R are as defined below;

R is selected from hydrogen; a branched or straight Ci-Cό alkyl, C1-C6 alkenyl, -CO(Cι-C6 alkyl); (Ci-Cβ alkyl)-B wherein B is as defined below; C3-C8 cycloalkyl, C4-C8 (alkyl-cycloalkyl) wherein alkyl is Cj -C2 alkyl and cycloalkyl is C3-C6 cycloalkyl; C6-C10 aryl; and heteroaryl having from 5 - 10 atoms selected from any of C, S, N and O; and whereby the Cβ-Cio aryl and the heteroaryl may optionally be substituted by 1 or 2

7 8 7 substituents selected from hydrogen, CH3, (CH2) 0 CF3, halogen, CONR R , CO2R ,

COR 7 , (CH 2 )oNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 )oCH 3 (CH2)oSOR 7 , (CH 2 )oSO 2 R 7 and (CH 2 )oSO 2 NR 7 R 8 ,

7 8 wherein o is 0, 1, or 2, and R and R are as defined below;

7 8 1

R and R is each and independently as defined for R above;

2 1 1 1

R is selected from hydrogen, CH3, OR , CO2R , and CH2CO2R wherein R is as defined above;

R , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , and R , is each and independentiy as defined for R above;

B is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic; an optionally substituted C5-C10 hydroaromatic; a heteroaromatic or a heterohydroaromatic moiety, each having from 5 to 10 atoms selected from any of C, S, N and O, and each being optionally and independently substituted by 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, CH3, CF3, halogen, (CH 2 ) p CONR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 )pNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p COR 7 , (CH 2 )pCO 2 R 7 , OR 7 , (CH 2 ) p SOR 7 , (CH 2 ) p SO 2 R 7 , and (CH 2 ) p SO 2 NR 7 R 8 ;

7 8 wherein p is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and wherein R and R are as defined above;

1 A K _£

R , R , R and R is each and independently selected from R 7 , (CH 2 ) p CONR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 )pNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p CONR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 7 , (CH 2 )pPh,

(CH 2 ) p (p-OH Ph), (CH 2 ) p -3-indolyl, (CH 2 ) p SR 7 , and (CH 2 ) p OR 7 ;

7 8 wherein p is 0, 1 , 2, 3, or 4, and R and R are as defined above;

with the proviso that when A is a phenyl ring substituted by a -CN group or by a -NH2 group, B may not be

wherein

Z is hydroxy, and esters thereof; hydroxymethyl, and esters thereof; or amino, and carboxamides and sulfonamides.

Within the scope of the invention are also pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the formula (I), as well as isomers, hydrates, isoforms and prodrugs thereof.

Preferred compounds according to the invention are compounds of the formula (I) wherein

G is a carbon atom or a nitrogen atom; A is selected from

(i) phenyl substituted by any of -COOH, - CONH 2 , COOCH3, -CN, NH2 or -COCH3;

(ii) naphtyl, benzofuranyl, and quinolinyl; and

(iii)

wherein the phenyl ring of each A substituent may be optionally and independently substituted by 1 or 2 substituents selected from hydrogen, CH3, (CH2) 0 CF3, halogen, CONR 7 R 8 , CO 2 R ? , COR 7 , (CH 2 )oNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 )oCH 3 (CH2)oSOR 7 , (CH 2 ) 0 SO2R 7 and (CH2) 0 SO2NR 7 R 8 , wherein o is 0, 1, or 2, and R 7 and R 8 are as defined below;

R , R and R is each and independently selected from hydrogen; a branched or straight

C1-C4 alkyl, allyl, -CO-(Cι-Cό alkyl); (Cj-Cό alkyl)-B wherein B is as defined below;

C3-C5 cycloalkyl, C4-C8 (alkyl-cycloalkyl) wherein alkyl is C1-C2 alkyl and cycloalkyl is

C3-C6 cycloalkyl; and phenyl;

2 1 1

R is hydrogen, methyl, or OR wherein R is as defined above;

n 9 _, 10 n l l D 12 D 13 D 14 D 15 D 16 D 17 . D 18 . . , . . , . . e .

R , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , R , and R , is each and independently as defined for R above;

B is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, pyrryl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, indanyl, indenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, tetrahydroquinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, pyrrolidinyl, indazolinyl, and

each B group being optionally substituted by 1-2 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, CH 3 , CF 3 , halogen, (CH 2 ) p CONR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 )pNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p COR 7 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 7 , and OR 7 ;

7 8 wherein p is 0 or 1 , and wherein R and R are as defined above; and

R , R , R and R is each and independently selected from hydrogen, CH3, CH(Me)2, CH 2 CH(Me) 2 . CH(Me)CH 2 CH (CH 2 ) p CONR 7 R 8 , (CH2)pNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p CONR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 7 , (CH 2 )pPh, (CH 2 ) p (p-OH Ph), (CH 2 ) p -3-indolyl, (CH 2 ) p SR 7 , and

7 7 8

(CH2) p OR , wherein p is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and wherein R and R are as defined above;

with the proviso that when A is a phenyl ring substituted by a -CN group or by a -NH2 group, B may not be

wherein

Z is hydroxy, and esters thereof; hydroxymethyl, and esters thereof; or amino, and carboxamides and sulfonamides.

Especially preferred compounds according to the invention are compounds of the formula (I) wherein

G is a nitrogen atom; A is selected from

wherein

D 9 n 10 ,.,11 ,.,12 n 13 D 14 „15 „16 n 17 Jrι 18. . . ,

R ,R ,R ,R ,R ,R ,R ,R ,R , and R is each an ethyl group;

R is selected from hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, allyl, or CH2-cyclopropyl;

2 1 R is H, methyl, or OR , wherein Rl is as defined above;

B is selected from phenyl, naphthyl, indolyl, benzofuranyl, dihydrobenzofuranyl, benzothiophenyl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, cyclohexyl, cyclohexenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopentenyl, indanyl, indenyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, tetrahydroquinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, indazolinyl, and

each B group being optionally substituted by 1-2 substituents independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, CF 3 , halogen, (CH 2 ) p CONR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 )pNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p COR 7 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 7 , and OR 7 ,

7 8 1 wherein p is 0, 1, or 2, and wherein R and R are as defined for R above;

R , R , R and R is each and independently selected from H, CH3, CH(Me)2, CH 2 CH(Me) 2 , CH( e)CH 2 CH 3 (CH 2 ) p CONR ? R 8 , (CH 2 )pNR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p CONR 7 R 8 , (CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 7 , (CH 2 )pPh, (CH 2 ) p (p-OH Ph), (CH 2 ) p -3-indolyl, (CH 2 ) p SR 7 , and (CH 2 ) p OR 7

7 8 wherein p is 0, 1 or 2, and wherein R and R are as defined above;

The substituents A and B respectively, may optionally be substituted at any position of the ring.

By "halogen" we mean chloro, fluoro, bromo and iodo.

By "aryl" we mean an aromatic ring having from 6 - 10 carbon atoms, such as phenyl and naphtyl.

By "heteroaryl" we mean an aromatic ring in which one or more of the 5 - 10 atoms in the ring are elements other than carbon, such as N, S and O.

By "hydroaromatic" we mean a partly or fully saturated aromatic ring structure having 5-10 carbon atoms in the ring.

By "heterohydroaromatic" we mean a partly or fully saturated aromatic ring structure in which one or more of the 5-10 atoms in the ring are elements other than carbon, such as N, S and O.

By "isomers" we mean compounds of the formula (I), which differ by the position of their functional group and/or orientation. By "orientation" we mean stereoisomers, diastereoisomers, regioisomers and enantiomers.

By "isoforms" we mean compounds of the formula (I) which differ by their crystal lattice, such as crystalline compound and amorphous compounds.

By "prodrug" we mean pharmacologically acceptable derivatives, e.g. esters and amides, such the resulting biotransformation product of the derivative is the active drug. The reference by Goodman and Gilmans, The Pharmacological basis of Therapeutics, 8th ed., McGraw-Hill, Int Ed. 1992, "Biotransformation of Drugs, p. 13-15, describing prodrugs generally, is hereby incorporated.

The novel compounds of the present invention are useful in therapy, especially for the treatment of pain.

The compounds are also useful for modulating the analgesic effects acting at the μ opioid receptor subtype, the modulation of side effects seen with agents acting at the μ opioid

receptor subtype such as morphine, especially respiratory depression, gut motility and abuse liability.

Compounds of the invention are also useful as immunomodulators, especially for autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis, for skin grafts, organ transplants and similar surgical needs, for collagen diseases, various allergies, for use as anti tumour agents and anti viral agents.

Compounds of the invention arc useful in disease states where degeneration or dysfunction of opioid receptors is present or implicated in that paradigm. This may involve the use of isotopically labeled versions of the compounds of the invention in diagnostic techniques and imaging applications such as positron emission tomography (PET).

Compounds of the invention arc useful for the treatment of diarrhea, depression, urinary incontinence, various mental illnesses, cough, lung oedema, various gastro-intestinal disorders, spinal injury and drug addiction, including the treatment of alcohol, nicotine, opioid and other drug abuse and for disorders of the sympathetic nervous system for example hypertension.

The best mode of performing the present invention known at present, is to use the compounds according to Example 21 (compound 33), Example 22 (compound 34), Example 23 (compound 37), Example 24 (compound 38), Example 25 (compound 41), Example 26 (compound 42), Example 27 (compound 45), Example 29 (compound 51), Example 30 (compound 54), Example 35 (compound 64), Example 36 (compound 65), Example 50, and Example 51. The numbering of the compounds is in accordance with the Examples below, as well as in accordance with the numbering in the Schemes presented in the following.

Methods of preparation

Generalized Method A

An aldehyde or ketone is treated with a nucleophile such as a Grignard or organolithium species to produce the corresponding alcohol. This alcohol may then be converted into a suitable leaving group (X) such as an ester, sulphonate or halide which may in turn be displaced with a nucleophilic species such as a substituted or unsubstituted piperazine. N- (4)-unsubstituted piperazine derivatives may then be suitably substituted with a variety of groups via their organo halide or equivalent species, or acylated with a number of different acylating compounds. This sequence of events will give rise to compounds according to general formula I.

Generalized Method B

An N-protected amino acid, as its activated ester, may be reacted with a second amino acid ester. On treatment with an acid this species may then cyclize to form a piperazinedione. This dione may be reduced via a number of standard methods to the corresponding piperazine (e.g. a reducing agent such as lithium aluminium hydride, by conversion to the thioamide and subsequent desulphurization, hydrogenation in the presence of POCI3 etc.) This piperazine may then be alkylated or acylated on one or more of the nitrogens and/or may be used subsequently in generalized method A.

Deprotection of functional groups or further modifications may then be necessary, these are described for each individual case. Specific examples for the above transformations are given in the experimental.

All transformations contemplated use reagents (including salts) and solvents known to the art of chemistry and to biotransformations carried out in a suitable biological medium to bring about these transformations and includes all reaction enhancing agents (e.g. HMPA), and chiral resolutions using chiral salt formation and chiral biological resolutions.

Detailed description of the invention

The invention will now be described in more detail by the following examples, which are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

Scheme 1 f±)-3-((αR*/S*)-α-((2S*.5R*)-4-Allyl-2.5-dimethyl-l-DiDer azinvn-l-naDhthτl,anisole

(4 & 5

EXAMPLES

The compounds according to Examples 1-3 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 1 above.

A. Preparation of 3-methoxy-α-(l-naphthyl_ benzyl alcohol (compound 1)

To a solution of 3-bromoanisole (5.61 g, 30.0 mmol) in dry THF (80 mL) was dropwise added n-butyl lithium-hexane solution (1.6 M, 37.5 mL, 60 mmol) under nitrogen at -78°C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to r.t. in 2h and cooled down again to -78°C prior to addition of 1-naphthaldehyde (4.69 g, 30.0 mmol, in 10 mL THF). The mixture was warmed to r.t. in 3h, and then quenched with aqueous NH 4 CI solution, extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 50 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO 4 . Removal of solvents in vacuo provided 3-methoxy-α-(l-naphthyl)benzyl alcohol (4.25 g, 54%). GC-MS (R t = 10.41 min) 264 (M + ), 245, 231, 215, 202, 155, 135, 128, 109.

π. Preparation of 3-methoxy-α-(l-naphthyl)benzyl chloride (compound 2)

To a solution of 3-methoxy-α-(l-naphthyl)benzyl alcohol (2.5 g, 9.5 mmol) in diethyl ether (5 mL) was added 35% hydrochloric acid (10 mL) at 0°C. The reaction mixture was warmed to r.L in lh, and then extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with aqueous NH4CI solution and brine, dried over MgSO 4 . Evaporation of solvents gave 3-methoxy-α-( l-naphthyl)benzyl chloride ( 1.94 g, 72%). GC- MS (R t = 10.30 min) 282 (M+), 247, 232, 215, 202, 189, 163, 151, 139, 123, 101.

Example 1

Preparation of (±_-trans-l-(3-methoxy-α-(l-naphthyl_benzy0-2.5-dirnethylp iperazine

(compound 3)

A mixture of trα/w-2,5-dime thylpiperazine (456 mg, 4.0 mmol), 3-methoxy-α-( 1 - naphthyl)benzyl chloride (430 mg, 1.5 mmol) and triethylamine (2 mL) in dry DMF (10 mL) was refluxed for 2h under nitrogen, after cooling down to r.t, the reaction mixture was quenched with 1 N aqueous NH4OH solution, and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 50 mL).

The combined organic layers were washed with 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution, saturated aqueous NH4CI and brine, dried over MgSO4. Removal of solvents gave (±)-trans- 1-(3- methoxy-α-(l '-naphthyl)benzyl)-2,5-dimethylpiperazine, which was used directly in the next step: GC-MS (two isomers: R t = 12.98 & 13.10 min) 360 (M + ), 301, 276, 247, 232, 215, 189, 165, 131, 113.

Example 2 and 3

Preparation of (±)-3>((αR*/S*)-α-((2S*^R*)-4-Allyl-2.5-dimethyl-l-pip erazinvn-l- naphthyl .anisole (compounds 4 & 5)

A mixture of above (±)-trans-l-(3-methoxy-α-(l-naphthyl)benzyl)-2,5-dimethylp iperazine, K2CO3 (276 mg, 2.0 mmol) and allyl bromide (242 mg, 2.0 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) THF (10 mL) was stirred for 3h at r.t The reaction mixture was quenched with 1 N NH4OH and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 50 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous NH4CI and brine, dried over MgSO4. Evaporation of solvents provided crude (±)-3-((αR*/S*)-α-((2S*,5R*)-4- Allyl-2,5-dimethyl- 1-piperazinyl)- 1 - naphthyl)anisole, which were purified by silica gel column eluting with AcOEt-Hexane(2 : 98 → 100 : 0) to yield the two isomers (totally 267 mg, 45% from 2):

The first isomer, compound 4: GC-MS (R t = 14.84 min) 401.15 (M++1, 0.3%), 400.15 (M+, 0.9), 359.15 (0.6), 330.15 (0.4), 302.15 (3.2), 274.15 (8.0), 247.05 (23.0), 215.10 (12.7), 202.05 (7.8),153.15 (100), 126.15 (10.1); 5H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1-02 (d, J=6.4 Hz,

6H), 2.15 (dd, J=l 1.2, 6.4 Hz, IH), 2.31 (dd, J=l 1.2, 6.4 Hz, IH), 2.60 (m, IH), 2.74 (dd, J=l 1.2, 3.2 Hz, IH), 2.80 (dd, J=l 1.2, 3.2 Hz, IH), 2.94 (dd, J=13.6, 7.2 Hz, IH), 3.03 (dt, J=6.4, 3.2 Hz, IH), 3.20 (dd, J=13.6, 5.6 Hz, IH), 3.73 (s, 3H), 5.12 (m, 2H), 5.73 (brs, IH), 5.83 ( , IH), 6.68 (dd, J=8.0, 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.00 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.12 (m, 2H), 7.42 (m, 3H), 7.62 (d, J=7.2 Hz, IH), 7.71 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.80 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 8.28 (brs, IH); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 13.2, 14.2, 35.6, 52.1, 53.0, 55.1, 55.2, 57.2, 63.8, 111.6, 114.4, 117.2, 121.1, 123.8, 125.2, 125.7, 125.8, 127.2, 127.5, 127.8, 128.9, 132.1, 134.0, 135.5, 137.4, 145.5, 159.5

Its HCl salt: m.p. 124-135°C (Ether); v^ (KBr) cm "1 3483, 1601 , 1264; Anal. Calcd. for C 2 7H 3 2N 2 O.2Hα.l.0H 2 O: C, 65.98; H, 7.38; N, 5.70. Found: C, 66.12; H, 7.25; N, 5.42.

The second isomer, compound 5: GC-MS (R t = 14.65 min) 401.25 (M++1, 0.2%), 400.25 (M + , 0.8), 359.15 (0.4), 330.15 (0.4), 302.15 (3.1), 274.15 (8.0), 247.05 (21.7), 215.10 (13.0), 202.05 (7.0),153.15 (100), 126.15 (9.7); δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 0.93 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.15 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 2.14 (m, 2H), 2.37 ( , IH), 2.60 (dd, J=11.6, 2.8 Hz, IH), 2.84 (m, 2H), 2.96 (m, IH), 3.35 (dd, J=13.2, 5.2 Hz, IH), 5.13 (m, 2H), 5.81 (s, IH), 5.86 (m, IH), 6.73 (dd, J=8.0, 2.8 Hz, IH), 6.81 (s, IH), 6.84 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.16 (m, IH), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.70 ( , 2H), 7.80 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 8.15 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH); δ C -i3 (100 MHz, CDC1 3 15.7, 16.3, 38.8, 53.6, 55.0, 55.6, 56.8, 59.3, 63.6, 111.5, 1 15.6, 117.4,

121.9, 124.6, 125.0, 125.1, 125.4, 126.2, 127.4, 128.5, 128.9, 131.6, 133.9, 135.0, 138.3, 142.2, 159.4.

Its HCl salt: rap. 150.5-153°C (Ether); v^ (KBr) cm *1 3483, 1600, 1262; Λna/.Calcd.for C 27 H 32 N 2 O.2HCl. 0.75H 2 O: C, 66.59; H, 7.35; N, 5.75. Found: C, 66.41; H, 7.03; N, 5.48.

Scheme 2 (±)-3-((αR*/S*)-α-((2S*.5R* ι-4-Allyl-2-5-dimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-2-naphthvnanisole ( 9 & 10 ) .

The compounds according to Examples 4-6 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 2 above.

I. Preparation of 3-methoxy-α-(2-naphthyl)benzyl alcohol (compound 6) The compound 6 was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 1, but substituting 1-naphtaldehyde for 2-naphtaldehyde.

GC-MS (R t = 10.68 min) 264 (M + ), 247, 231 , 215, 202, 155, 135, 128, 109; δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 3.15 (brs, IH), 3.59 (s, 3H), 5.71 (s, IH), 6.69 (dd, J=8.4, 2.8 Hz, IH), 6.87 (m, 2H), 7.11 (t, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.29 (dd, J=8.4, 1.2 Hz, IH), 7.35 (m, 2H), 7.63 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 7.70 (m, 3H); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 55.0, 75.9, 112.1, 112.8, 118.9, 124.6, 124.9, 125.7, 125.9, 127.5, 127.9, 128.1, 129.3, 132.7, 133.1, 141.0, 145.2, 159.5.

π. Preparation of 3-methoxy-ot-(2-naphthyl)benzyl chloride (compound 7)

The compound 7 was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2, but substituting compound 1 for compound 6.

GC-MS (R t = 10.58 min) 282 (M + ), 247, 231, 215, 202, 189, 151, 123, 101.

Example 4

Preparation of (±,-trans-l-(3-methoχy-α-(2-naphthv0benzyl -2.5-dimethylpiperazine (compound 8)

The compound 8 was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3, but substituting compound 2 for compound 7.

Used directly in the next step: GC-MS (R t = 14.03 min) 360 (M + ), 331, 301, 276, 247, 219, 169, 131, 113.

Example 5 and 6

Preparation of (±)-3-( ( αR*/S*l-α-((2S*.5R* ) -4-Allyl-2.5-dimethyl-l-piperazinvn-2. nanhthyl lanisole (compounds 9 & 10)

The compounds of these Examples were prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, but substituting compound 3 for compound 8.

Compound 9 (one pure isomer): GC-MS (R t = 16.05 min) 401.25 (0.2%), 400.25 (0.8), 359.15 (0.4), 330.15 (0.4), 302.15 (3.1), 274.15 (8.0), 247.05 (21.7), 215.10 (13.0), 202.05 (7.0),153.15 (100), 126.15 (9.7); bu (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.36 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.41 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 3.16 (dd, J=13.2, 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.26 (d, J=13.2 Hz, IH), 3.46 (m, IH), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.94 (dd, J=11.2, 2.8 Hz, IH), 4.10 (m, 2H), 4.46 (m, 2H), 5.58 (m, 2H), 5.78 (s, IH), 6.05 (m, IH), 6.96 (dd, J=8.0, 2.0 Hz, IH), 7.18 (s, IH), 7.33 (m, IH), 7.44 (m, IH), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.83 (m, 3H), 8.04 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 8.13 (s, IH), 13.6 (brs, 2H).

Its HCl salt: m.p. 129-138°C (Ether); v^ (KBr) cm "1 3426, 1600, 1262; Λ/tα/.Calcd.for C 27 H 32 N 2 O.2HCl.0.75H 2 O: C, 66.59; H, 7.35; N, 5.75. Found: C, 66.80; H, 7.11; N, 5.42.

Compound 10 (a mixture of two isomers) Its HCl salt: m.p. 160-162.5°C (Ether); Vj β ∞ ( (KKBBrr)) ccmm ""11 33338800,, 11660000,, 11226611;; ΛΛnnαα//..CCaallccdd..ffoorr CC; 27 H 32 N 2 O.2HCl. 0.50H 2 O: C, 67.21; H, 7.31; N, 5.81. Found: C, 67.13; H, 6.97; N, 5.47.

Scheme 3 f±>-3-ffαR*/S*)-α-f(2S*.SR*l-4-Alkyl-2.5-dimethvM-pipe razinvn-2- benzofuranvPanisole (14. 15. 16 & 17).

R = cyclopropy I methyl: 16

The compounds according to Examples 7-11 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 3 above.

Preparation of 3-methoxy-α-(2-benzofuranyl)benzyl alcohol (compound 11)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Example 1.

GC-MS (R t = 9.54 min) 254.15 (M + , 100%), 237.10 (73.8), 221.05 (19.6), 194.10 (17.8), 165.10 (30.3), 147.05 (76.7), 135.10 (69.2), 118.10 (35.4), 108.10 (26.5), 91.10 (47.1); δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 3.21 (brs, IH), 3.72 (s, 3H), 5.82 (s, IH), 6.47 (s, IH), 6.80-7.50 (m, 8H).

O. Preparation of 3-methoxy-o (2-benzofuranyl)benzyl chloride (compound 12)

The compound 12 was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2, but substituting compound 1 for compound 11..

GC-MS (R t = 9.08 min) 272.05 (M+, 4.1%), 237.10 (100), 221.05 (4.5), 194.10 (14.7), 165.10 (23.1); δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 3.78 (s, 3H), 6.11 (s, IH), 6.56 (s, IH), 6.85-7.50 (m, 8H).

Example 7

Preparation of (±)-trans-l-(3-methoχy-α-(2 ' -benzofuranyl)ben2yl)-2.5- dimeth ylpioerazine (compound 13)

The compound 13 was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3, but substituting compound 2 for compound 12.

GC-MS (R t = 11.87 min & R t = 12.09 min) 351.15 (M++1, 2.2%), 350.15 (M+, 8.6), 321.20 (0.4), 308.15 (0.2), 294.20 (18.3), 266.10 (58.6), 237.10 (100), 221.05 (3.0),

194.10 (10.0), 178.05 (4.1), 165.10 (13.0), 131.05 (2.9), 113.10 (43.8); δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) (iso er at R t = 1 1.87 min) 0.92 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.20 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.92 (dd, J=l 1.2, 10.8 Hz, IH), 2.44 (m, IH), 2.69 (dd, J=l 1.2, 10.8 Hz, IH), 2.83 (m, 2H), 2.90 (m, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 5.56 (s, IH), 6.61 (s, IH), 6.80 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.00 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.10 (s, IH), 7.24 (m, 3H), 7.46 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.56 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH); (isomer at R t = 12.09 min) 0.96 (d, J =6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.22 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.83 (dd, J=l 1.2, 10.8 Hz, IH), 2.40 (m, IH), 2.65 (m, IH), 2.90 (m, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 5.47 (s, IH), 6.63 (s, IH), 6.84 (m, 2H), 7.21 (m, 2H), 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.46 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.51 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH).

Its HCl salt: m.p. 115-125°C (Ether); v^ (KBr) cm "1 3373, 1595, 1257; Λnα/.Calcd.for C22H26N2O2.I.7OHCI. 0.20H 2 O: C, 63.51; H, 6.81; N, 6.73. Found: C, 63.60; H, 6.80; N, 6.70.

Example 8 and 9

Preparation of (±)-3-((αR*/S*)-α-((2S*.5R*)-4-Allyl-2.5-dimethyl-l-piper azinyl)-2- benzofuranyl.anisole (compounds 14 & 15)

The compounds of these Examples were prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, but substituting compound 3 for compound 13..

The first isomer, compound 14: GC-MS (R t = 13.03 min) 390.20 (M + , 1.5%), 349.15 (0.4), 320.10 (0.3), 292.10 (1.7), 264.10 (4.2), 237.10 (25.1), 221.05 (1.4), 194.10 (5.2), 165.10 (5.5), 153.15 (100), 126.15 (4.8), 98.05 (8.7), 84.10 (17.8); bu (400 MHz, CDCI3) 0.97 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.21 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 2.12 (m, 2H), 2.35 ( , IH), 2.65 (m, IH), 2.75 (dd, J=l 1.6, 2.4 Hz, IH), 2.81 (m, 3H), 3.42 (dd, J=13.6, 5.2 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 5.14 (m, 2H), 5.51 (s, IH), 5.85 (m, IH), 6.61 (s, IH), 6.81 (dd, J=8.0, 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.01 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.11 (s, IH), 7.24 (m, 3H), 7.44 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.54 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH ) ; δc_ 13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 17.2, 17.5, 53.1, 54.4, 55.2, 56.0, 56.6, 59.2, 60.4, 106.8,

111.3, 112.1, 114.2, 117.8, 120.6, 120.7, 122.6, 123.8, 128.1, 129.0, 134.8, 141.4, 154.9, 155.2, 159.6.

Its HCl salt: m.p. 122-128°C (Ether); v^ (KBr) cm "1 3490, 1602, 1253; Λnα/.Calcd.for C25H30N2O2.2HCI. 0.25H 2 O: C, 64.17; H, 7.00; N, 5.99. Found: C, 64.27; H, 6.92; N, 5.92.

The second isomer, compound 15: GC-MS (R t = 13.23 min) 390.20 (M + , 3.1%), 349.15 (0.5), 292.10 (2.2), 264.10 (5.5), 237.10 (33.2), 221.05 (1.8), 194.10 (7.1), 165.10 (7.7), 153.15 (100), 126.15 (7.1), 98.15 (18.4), 84.10 (25.0); δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.00 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.21 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 2.12 (m, 2H), 2.48 ( , IH), 2.61 (m, IH), 2.78 (dd, J=l 1.6, 2.4 Hz, IH), 2.83 (m, 3H), 3.42 (dd, J=13.6, 5.6 Hz, IH), 3.79 (s, 3H), 5.15 (m, 2H), 5.40 (s, IH), 5.85 (m, IH), 6.64 (s, IH), 6.86(m, 3H), 7.20 (m, 3H), 7.44 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.50 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH).

Its HCl salt: m.p. 97-104°C (Ether); Vmax (KBr) cm "1 3438, 1601 (s), 1260; Λnα/.Calcd.for C2 5 H3oN 2 O 2 .2HCl.0.50H 2 O: C, 63.56; H, 7.04; N, 5.93. Found: C, 63.70; H, 6.68; N, 5.83.

Example 10 and 11

Preparation of (±)-3-((αR»/S*)-α-(f2S*.5R*).4-Cvclopropylmethyl-2 -dimethyl-l- piperazinyl)-2-benzofuranyl)anisole (compounds 16 & 17)

The compounds of these Examples were prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, except using cyclopropyl methyl iodide and substituting compound 3 for compound 13.

The first isomer, compound 16: GC-MS (R t = 14.87 min) 405.25 (M + + 1, 2.3%), 404.25 (M+, 8.2), 362.20 (0.5), 349.15 (0.4), 320.20 (0.8), 292.20 (4.1), 291.10 (3.4), 265.10 (16.5), 237.10 (65.9), 194.10 (11.5), 167.20 (100), 140.20 (3.9), 124.15 (4.6), 98.15

(44.0); δH (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 0.05 (m, 2H), 0.46 (m, 2H), 0.80 (m, IH), 0.92 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H), 1.21 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H), 2.01 (dd, J=12.8, 7.2 Hz, IH), 2.17 (m, 2H), 2.35 (m, IH), 2.64 (dd, J=13.2, 6.4 Hz, IH), 2.66 (m, IH), 2.72 (dd, J=12.0, 2.4 Hz, IH), 3.04 (dd, J=l 1.2, 3.2 Hz, IH), 3.75 (s, 3H), 5.50 (s, IH), 6.58 (s, IH), 6.79 (dd, J=8.0, 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.01 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.09 (s, IH), 7.20 (m, 3H), 7.41 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.51 (m, IH); δ C-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 3.2, 4.7, 7.4, 17.4, 17.7, 53.1, 54.5, 55.2, 56.0, 58.3, 59.2, 60.8, 106.8, 111.3, 1 12.0, 114.2, 120.6, 120.7, 122.6, 123.7, 128.0, 129.0, 141.4, 154.8, 155.2, 159.6.

Its HCl salt: m.p. 162-164°C (Ether); v max (KBr) cm "1 3414, 1599, 1255; Λnα/.Calcd.for C 26 H3 2 N 2 O 2 .2HCl. 0.5H 2 O: C, 64.19; H, 7.25; N, 5.76. Found: C, 64.43; H, 7.30; N, 5.78.

The second isomer, compound 17: GC-MS (R t = 15.17 min) 405.25 (M++1 , 2.2%), 404.25 (M+, 8.9), 362.10 (0.6), 349.15 (0.4), 320.10 (0.8), 292.10 (5.0), 291.10 (3.9), 265.10 (19.4), 237.10 (72.2), 194.10 (12.8), 167.20 (100), 140.10 (3.9), 124.15 (4.8), 98.15 (45.5); δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 0.08 (m, 2H), 0.48 (m, 2H), 0.82 (m, IH), 0.97 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.25 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 2.10 (m, 2H), 2.28 (dd, J=11.2, 10.0 Hz, IH), 2.49 (m, IH), 2.62 (dd, J=13.2, 6.0 Hz, IH), 2.63 (m, IH), 2.83 (dd, J=11.2, 2.8 Hz, IH), 3.02 (dd, J=l 1.2, 3.2 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 5.43 (s, IH), 6.64 (s, IH), 6.87 (m, 3H), 7.21 (m, 3H), 7.45 (dd, J=7.6, 1.2 Hz, IH), 7.50 (m, IH); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 3.3, 4.6, 7.4, 17.0, 17.6, 52.6, 55.2, 55.4, 55.6, 58.3, 60.3, 61.6, 105.7, 11 1.3, 1 12.5, 115.9, 120.5, 122.1, 112.5, 123.5, 128.4, 128.9, 137.3, 155.0, 158.3, 159.3.

Its HCl salt: m_p. 92-105°C (Ether); Vm^ (KBr) cm "1 3398, 1599, 1257; Λnα/.Calcd.for C 2 6H 32 N 2 O 2 .2HCl. 0.5H 2 O: C, 64.19; H, 7.25; N, 5.76. Found: C, 64.38; H, 7.14; N, 5.73.

Scheme 4 (+)-3-((αR*/S*)-α-((2S».5R*)-4-Alkyl-2.5-dimethyl-l-piper azinyl)-6- αuinolinyl .anisole (22.23.24 & 25).

trans-2,5- dimethylpiperazine

20 R = cyclopropylmethyl: ^4 21

Ώ.

I. Preparation of 6-Ouinolinecarboxaldehvde

A mixture of 6-methylquinoline (5.72 g, 40.0 mmol) and selenium oxide (4.44 g, 40.0 mmol) was heated to 220°C for lh. After cooling down the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100 mL). The organic solution was washed with brine, dried over MgSO_j. Evaporation of solvents provided a solid, which was recrystalized from ether-hexane (1 : 1) mixture to give 6-quinolinecarboxaldehyde (3.45 g, 55%).

GC-MS (R t = 5.29 min) 157.15 (M + , 100%), 156.15 (92.2), 128.15 (62.9), 101.15 (16.0); δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 7.53 (m, IH), 8.21 (m, 2H), 8.33 (m, 2H), 9.06 (m, IH), 10.21 (s, IH); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCl 3 ) 122.1, 126.6, 127.6, 130.7, 133.5, 134.2, 137.3, 150.8, 153.0, 191.3.

The compounds according to Examples 12-17 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 4 above.

π. Preparation of 3-methoxy-α-(6-Quinolinvi. benzyl alcohol (compound 18)

The compound 18 was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 1, but substituting 1-naphtaldehyde for 6-quinolinecarboxaldehyde.

GC-MS (R t = 11.13 min) 265.10 (M+ 49.0%), 248.05 (2.3), 204.05 (9.7), 156.05 (37.6), 135.00 (100), 109.00 (43.5); π (400 MHz, CDCI3) 3.73 (s, 3H), 5.94 (s, IH), 6.78 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 6.95 (m, 2H), 7.22 (m, IH), 7.31 (m, IH), 7.61 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 7.83 (s, IH), 7.95 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 8.07 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 8.73 (m, IH); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 55.2, 75.7, 112.3, 113.1, 119.1, 121.2, 124.6, 128.5, 129.4, 129.6, 136.3, 142.1, 145.2, 147.6, 150.1, 159.8.

IH. Preparation of 3-methoxy-α-(6-ouinolinyl)benzyl chloride (compound 19)

The compound 19 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2, but substituting compound 1 for compound 18.

Used directly in the next step: δH (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 3.73 (s, 3H), 5.98 (s, IH), 6.8-8.2 ( , 9H), 8.80 (s, IH).

Example 12 and 1 Preparation of (±)-trans-l-(3-methoχy-c.-(6 , -guinolinyl)benzvP-2.5- dimethylpjperazine (compounds 20 & 21)

The compounds of these Examples were prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3, but substituting compound 2 for compound 19.

GC-MS (R t = 14.91 min) 361.20 (M + , 0.8%), 332.15 (0.3), 306.15 (0.6), 302.15 (14.4), 277.15 (52.5), 248.05 (100), 233.00 (10.6), 204.05 (17.1), 176.05 (2.7), 151.05 (1.4), 142.10 (1.8), 113.10 (19.9).

The first isomer, compound 20: δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.06 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.24 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.84 (dd, J=l 1.6, 9.2 Hz, IH), 2.60 (m, 2H), 2.77 (m, 2H), 3.06 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 5.44 (s, IH), 6.77 (s, IH), 6.83 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 6.88 (dd, J=8.0, 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.31 (m, IH), 7.37 ( , IH), 7.82 (s, IH), 7.84 (m, IH), 8.03 (d, J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.09 (d, J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.87 (m, IH).

Compound 21 (a mixture of two isomers, -25% compound 20): ba (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.20 (m, 6H), 2.05 (m, IH), 2.73 (m, 2H), 2.87 (m, IH), 3.13 (m, 2H), 3.73 & 3.76 (s, 3H), 5.38 (s, IH), 6.38 (brs, NH), 6.70-8.15 (m, 9H), 8.84 (m, IH).

Example 14

Preparation of (±)-3-((αR»/S*)-α-((2S*.5R*)-4-Allyl-2.5-dimethyl-l-pipe razinyl)-6- αuinolinyQanisole (compound 22)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, but substituting compound 3 for compound 20.

GC-MS (R t = 17.22 min) 401.25 (M+, 0.3%), 360.20 (0.3), 331.10 (0.2), 303.20 (1.7), 276.10 (4.5), 248.10 (17.2), 233.10 (4.5), 204.10 (8.0), 176.10 (1.3), 153.20 (100), 126.20 (5.4); δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.0 (d. J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.21 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.99 (m, IH), 2.20 (m, IH), 2.56 (m, IH), 2.66 (m, IH), 2.71 (m, IH), 2.85 (m, IH), 2.90 ( , IH), 3.37 (dd, J=13.2, 4.0 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 5.17 (m, 2H), 5.35 (s, IH), 5.87 (m, IH). 6.82 (m, 3H), 7.26 (t, J=7.6 Hz, IH), 7.36 (m, IH), 7.81 (s, IH), 7.88 (d. J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.03 (d, J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.09 (d, J=7.6 Hz, IH), 8.87 (m, IH); 6 -13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 15.7, 16.4, 52.0, 53.7, 55.2, 55.5, 56.8, 58.9, 65.9, 1 12.1, 116.3, 117.8, 120.9, 122.5, 126.5, 127.9, 128.9, 129.0, 130.2, 134.8, 136.0, 139.2, 141.1, 147.6, 150.0, 159.5.

Its HO salt: m.p. 128-140°C (Ether); Vmax (KBr) cm '1 3376, 1596, 1263; Λnα/.Calcd.for C 2 6H ιN 3 O.2.30HCl. 0.1H 2 O: C, 64.10; H, 6.93; N, 8.62. Found: C, 64.08; H, 6.92; N, 8.35.

Example 15

Preparation of (±)-3-((αR*/S»)-α-(f2S*_5R*)-4-Allyl-2.5-dimethyM-pipera _dnyl).6- αuinolinyl )anisole (compound 23)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, but substituting compound 3 for compound 21.

GC-MS (R t = 17.21 min) 401.35 (M+ 0.4%), 360.30 (0.2), 331.20 (0.2), 303.20 (1.6), 276.10 (4.8), 248.10 (17.3), 233.10 (4.4), 204.10 (8.1), 176.10 (1.3), 153.20 (100), 126.20 (5.6); δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.01 (d, J=6.0 Hz. 3H), 1.21 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H), 1.95 (m, IH), 2.16 (m, IH), 2.56 (m, IH), 2.66 (m, IH), 2.74 (m, IH), 2.80 (m, IH), 2.87 (m, IH), 3.30 (dd, J=13.6, 5.6 Hz, IH), 3.77 (s, 3H), 5.13 (m, 2H), 5.34 (s, IH), 5.82 (m, IH), 6.77 (dd, J=8.0, 2.4 Hz, IH), 6.99 (d, J=7.6 Hz, IH), 7.11 (s, 1H), 7.21 (d, J=8.0 Hz, lH), 7.38 (dd, j=8.4, 4.0 Hz, IH), 7.59 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 7.66 (s, IH), 8.03 (d, J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.11 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 8.88 ( , IH); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 15.3, 16.2, 51.9, 53.4, 55.2, 55.3, 56.8, 58.5, 66.1 , 1 1 1.8, 114.0, 1 17.6, 120.6. 121.1. 127.9, 128.3, 128.9, 129.1, 131.4, 134.9, 136.0, 137.1, 144.1, 147.7, 150.2, 159.6.

Its HCl salt: m.p. 177-182°C (Ether); v^ (KBr) cm " 1 3405, 1597, 1260; Λnα/.Calcd.for C26H31N3O.2.8OHCI: C, 62.01; H, 6.76; N, 8.34. Found: C, 61.98; H, 6.77; N, 8.03.

Example 16 and 17

Preparation of (±)-3-((αR*/S*)-α-((2S*^R»)-4-Cyclopropylmethτl-2^-dime thyl-l- piperazinyl)-6-αuinolinyl)anisole (compounds 24 & 25)

The compounds of these Examples were prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, but substituting allylbromide for cyclopropylmethylioidide.

The first isomer, compound 24: GC-MS (R t = 20.77 min) 415.25 (M+, 3.8%), 344.15 (2.4), 302.10 (9.5), 276.10 (58.8), 248.15 (79.1), 233.10 (17.2), 204.10 (29.4), 176.10

(4.2), 167.15 (100), 138.15 (14.2), 112.15 (47.0); δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 0.10 (m, 2H), 0.51 (m, 2H), 0.86 (m, IH), 0.97 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.25 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.98 (dd, J=l 1.2, 8.8 Hz, IH), 2.14 (dd, J=13.2, 6.4 Hz, IH), 2.32 (dd, J=10.8, 5.6 Hz, IH), 2.58 (m, 2H), 2.66 (dd, J=11.6, 2.8 Hz, IH), 2.73 (m, IH), 3.07 (dd, J=11.2, 3.2 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 5.39 (s, IH), 6.79 (s, IH), 6.84 (m, 2H), 7.26 (t, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.35 (dd, J=8.4, 4.0 Hz, IH), 7.83 (s, IH), 7.89 (d, J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.03 (d, J=9.2 Hz, IH), 8.09 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 8.86 (dd, J=4.0, 2.0 Hz, IH); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 3.4, 4.4, 7.6, 16.2, 16.9, 52.1, 53.8, 55.2, 55.6, 58.5, 59.7, 65.6, 1 12.0, 1 16.3, 120.9, 122.6, 126.5, 127.9, 128.8, 129.0, 130.2, 136.0, 139.1, 141.1, 147.6, 149.9, 159.4.

Its HCl salt: m.p. 127-157°C (Ether); v,^ (KBr) cm "1 3402, 1596, 1262; Λnα/.Calcd.for C27H33N3O.3HCI. 0.75H 2 O: C, 60.23; H, 7.02; N, 7.80. Found: C, 60.49; H, 7.00; N, 7.73.

The second isomer, compound 25: GC-MS (R t = 20.73 min) 415.25 (M + , 3.2%), 344.05 (2.3), 302.10 (7.7), 276.10 (48.5), 248.15 (69.6), 233.10 (15.7), 204.10 (25.8), 176.10 (3.7), 167.15 (100), 138.15 (12.2), 112.15 (46.8); δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 0.17 (m, 2H), 0.56 (m, 2H), 0.97 (m, IH), 1.1 1 (brs, 3H), 1.27 (brs, 3H), 2.24 ( , IH), 2.38 (m, IH), 2.51 (m, IH), 2.61 (m, IH), 2.87 (m, 3H), 3.13 (m, IH), 3.77 (s, 3H), 5.34 (s, IH), 6.78 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 6.98 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.08 (s, IH), 7.22 (t, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.39 (dd, J=8.4, 4.4 Hz, IH), 7.60 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 7.73 (s, IH), 8.04 (d, J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.16 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 8.89 (d, J=4.0 Hz, IH); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 4.07, 4.37, 6.9, 14.8, 15.1, 51.4, 55.2, 56.2, 58.2, 60.3, 66.4, 111.8, 114.2, 120.6, 121.2, 128.0, 128.1, 129.2, 131.0, 136.0, 137.0, 143.8, 147.7, 150.3, 159.6.

Its HCl salt: m.p. 92-105°C (Ether); v^ (KBr) cm '1 3345, 1596, 1259.

Scheme 5 (±)-3-((αR*/S»).α.(f2S*.5R*)-4.Alkyl-2-5-dimethyl-l-pipe razinyl)-4- αuinolinvDanisole (29 & 30)

allyl bromide

The compounds according to Examples 18-20 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 5 above.

Preparation of 3-methoχy-α-(4-αuinolinyl)benzyl alcohol (compound 26)

The compound 26 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 1, but substituting 1-naphtaldehyde for 4-quinolinecarboxaldehyde..

GC-MS (R t = 10.81 min) 266.10 (M++1, 11.8%), 265.10 (M + , 61.0), 248.05 (6.1), 232.00 (6.2), 216.05 (4.7), 204.00 (10.5), 191.05 (2.0), 176.00 (3.8), 156.00 (13.9), 135.10 (100), 129.10 (86.6), 109.10 (68.2), 102.10 (25.5); bu (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 3.67 (s, 3H), 5.30 (brs, IH), 6.41 (s, IH), 6.76 (d, J=7.2 Hz, IH), 6.90 (m, 2H), 7.18 (t, J=7.6 Hz, IH), 7.38 (m, IH), 7.56 (t, J=7.6 Hz, IH), 7.62 (m, IH), 7.92 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 8.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 8.64 (dd, J=4.4, 1.2 Hz, IH); δ C -i3 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 55.1, 72.1, 113.0, 1 13.2, 1 18.5, 1 19.5, 123.9. 125.7, 126.5, 129.0, 129.5, 129.7, 143.8, 147.8, 149.1, 149.9. 159.7.

fl. Preparation of 3-methoxy-α-(4-αuinolinyl)benzyl chloride (compound 27)

The compound 27 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2, but substituting compound 1 for compound 26.

Used directly in the next step: GC-MS (R t = 10.54 min) 285.10 (M++2, 11.5%), 283.10 (M+, 33.10), 268.05 (0.2), 248.15 (100), 233.10 (37.0), 217.05 (27.2), 204.10 (45.5), 178.10 (5.9), 176.10 (11.5), 151.10 (5.7), 139.05 (2.1), 108.60 (11.0), 102.10 (17.4).

Example 18

Preparation of (±)-trans-l-(3-methoxy-α-(4-αuinolinγl)benzvI)-2.5-dimet hyl- p j perazine (compound 28)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3. but substituting compound 2 for compound 27.

GC-MS (R t = 13.96 min) 362.20 (M++1, 1.4%), 361.20 (M + , 6.6), 306.10 (2.0), 302.15 (18.3), 277.15 (59.6), 248.15 (100), 233.10 (15.8), 204.10 (20.9), 176.10 (3.8), 151.00 (1.8), 143.15 (1.4), 113.15 (15.8); δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 0.92 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.12 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H), 1.82 (dd, J=l 1.6, 10.0 Hz, IH), 2.52 (brs, IH), 2.62 (dd, J=l 1.6, 2.8 Hz, IH), 2.72 (m, IH), 2.77 (m, IH), 2.88 (m, IH), 2.98 (dd, J=l 1.6, 2.0 Hz, IH), 3.72 (s, 3H), 5.86 (s, IH), 6.69 (s, IH), 6.72 (d, J=8.0, IH), 6.78 (dd, J=8.0, 2.4 Hz, IH), 7.20 (t, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.37 (t, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.60 (t, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.65 (d, J=4.4 Hz, IH), 7.99 (d, J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.09 (d, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 8.89 (d, J=4.4 Hz, IH).

Example 19 and 20

Preparation of (± -3-((αR*/S*)-α-((2S*.5R*)- -Allyl-2.5-dimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-4- αuinolinvDanisole (compounds 29 & 30)

The compounds of these Examples were prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, but substituting compound 3 for compound 28.

The first isomer, compound 29: GC-MS (R t = 15.97 min) 401.15 (M + , 0.8%), 360.20 (0.8), 303.15 (3.3), 27615 (5.7), 248.05 (15.3), 217.05 (6.3), 204.10 (10.4), 176.00 (2.2), 153.20 (100), 126.10 (5.3), 98.10 (13.8); δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 0.96 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H), 1.14 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 3H), 2.01 (m, IH), 2.16 (t, J=10.0 Hz, IH), 2.47 (m, IH), 2.59 (d, J=l 1.2 Hz, IH), 2.86 (m, 2H), 2.95 (t, J=6.0 Hz. IH), 3.36 (dd, J=13.6, 4.4 Hz, IH), 3.72 (s, 3H), 5.15 (m, 2H), 5.77 (s, IH), 5.85 (m, IH), 6.74 ( , 3H), 7.17 (t, J=7.6 Hz, IH), . 7.38 (t, J=8.0 Hz, IH), 7.60 (dd, J=7.2, 0.8 Hz, IH), 7.73 (d, J=4.4 Hz, I H), 8.00 (d, J=8.4 Hz, IH), 8.08 (d, J=8.8 Hz, IH), 8.90 (d, J=3.6 Hz, IH); δ C -i3 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 15.9, 16.6, 53.8, 55.1, 55.5, 56.7, 59.4, 63.2. 1 12.0, 1 15.7, 117.7, 120.6, 121.9. 124.4, 126.0, 126.8, 128.6, 129.3, 130.1, 134.8, 140.3, 148.5, 148.6, 150.2, 159.5.

Its HCl salt: m.p. 158-166°C (AcOEt-Ether); v^ (KBr) cm "1 3400, 1596, 1263;

Λnα/.Calcd.for C26H31N3O .3.0HC1.0.9H 2 O: C, 59.24; H, 6.85; N, 7.97. Found: C, 59.31; H, 6.94; N, 7.80.

The second isomer, compound 30: GC-MS (R t = 16.19 min) 401.25 (M + , 0.5%), 386.20 (0.2), 360.20 (0.7), 331.10 (0.3), 303.15 (3.3), 276.15 (4.7), 248.15 (13.7), 233.10 (5.8), 217.05 (4.9), 204.10 (9.8), 176.10 (1.8), 153.20 (100), 126.20 (5.2), 98.10 (13.9); bu (400 MHz, CDCI3); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3).

Its HCl salt: m.p. 155-165°C (AcOEt-Ether).

The compounds according to Examples 21-22 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 6 above.

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Hydroxy)-4-chlorobenzyl)-NJ .-diethvIbenzaιnide (compound 31)

4-Formyl-N,N-diethylbenzamide (2.088 g, 10.1 mmol) was dissolved in 45 ml of anhydrous THF. The solution was cooled down to -78 °C, foUowed by a dropwise addition of 10.1 ml

(10.1 mmol) of a 1.0 M solution of 4-Chloro-phenylmagnesium bromide in ether. The mixture was warmed up to room temperature within 3 hours. Then 50 ml of a saturated NFL^Cl-solution was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3x30 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (2 x 30 ml) and brine (1 x 30 ml), dried (Na 2 SO4), filtered and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with methanol.dichloromethane (1:125 - 3:125) to yiled the title compound as a colorless oil.

Vmax (KBrVcm "1 3329, 2977, 1595, 1461, 1289, 1094, 1051, 830; δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.09 (3H, br s), 1.21 (3H, br s), 3.22 (2H, br s), 3.33 (IH, d, J 3), 3.50 (2H, br s), 5.74 (IH, d, J 3), 7.22-7.34 (m, 8H);

π. Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Chloro)-4-chlorobenzyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 32)

The compound 32 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2, but substituting compound 1 for compound 31.

Used for the next step without further purification.

Example 21

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-(l-PiperazJnyl))-4-chlorobenzyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide

(compound 33)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3, but substituting compound 2 for compound 32.

m.p. 112-113°C (from acetonitrile), Vmax (KBrVcm "1 3347, 2947, 2809, 1615, 1451, 1318, 1284, 1094, 836; δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.10 (3H, br s), 1.21 (3H, br s), 1.69 (IH, br s), 2.33 (4H, br s), 2.86-2.89 (4H, m), 3.24 (2H, br s), 3.51 (2H, br s), 4.22 (IH, s), 7.23-7.41 (8H, m); C 22 H 28 N 3 0C1 • 0.3 H 2 O requires:

C: 67.52 H: 7.37 N: 10.74 Found: C: 67.68 H: 7.37 N: 10.73.

Example 22

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-((4-AHyl)-l-piperazinyl))-4-chlorobenzyl)-N-N- diethylbenzamide * 2HCI (compound 34)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, but substituting compound 3 for compound 33.

m.p. 147-163°C (from ether), Vmax (KBrVcm " 1 3418, 2974, 2355, 1626, 1435, 1286, 1092, 945, 812; δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.06 (3H, br s), 1.19 (3H, br s). 3.0-3.7 (14H, m), 5.4-5.6 (2H, ), 6.0-6.2 (IH, br m), 7.2-7.8 (9H, m); C25H34N3OCI3 requires: C: 60.18 H: 6.87 N: 8.42 Found: C: 60.48 H: 6.89 N: 8.31.

The compounds according to Examples 23-24 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 7 above.

Ω. Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Hvdroχy)-2-napht ylmethyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 35)

The compound 35 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 1, but substituting 3-bromoanisole for 2-bτomoanisole, and 1-naphtaldehyde for N,N-diethyl-4-carboxybenzamide..

Vmax (KBrVcm "1 3302, 2976, 1607, 1430, 1290, 1098, 813; δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.09 (3H, br s), 1.22 (3H, br s), 2.60 (IH, d, J 3), 3.24 (2H, br s), 3.52 (2H, br s), 6.00 (IH, d, J 3), 7.30-7.50 (7H, m), 7.76-7.88 (4H, m);

H. Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Chloro)-2-naphtyl-methyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 36)

The compound 36 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2, but substituting compound 1 for compound 35.

Used for the next step without further purification.

Example 23 Preparation of (±) 4-((α-(l-Piperazinyl))-2-naphtylmethyl)-N,N-diethylbenzamid e (compound 37)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Example 1, but substituting compound 2 for compound 36.

m.p. 106-108°C (from acetonitrile), Vmax (KBrVcm "1 3324, 3052, 2964, 2810, 2774, 1613, 1465, 1287, 1130, 1098; δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.07 (3H, br s), 1.19 (3H, br s), 1.89 (IH, br s), 2.40 (4H, br s), 2.89-2.92 (4H, m), 3.21 (2H, br s), 3.50 (2H, br s), 4.41 (IH, s), 7.24-7.84 (1 IH, 3m); C26H31N3O • 0.9 H 2 O requires: C. 74.75 H: 7.91 N: 10.06 Found: C: 74.68 H: 7.56 N: 10.38.

Example 24

Preparation of (±) 4-(.α-(.4-Allyl)-l-piperazinyl))-2-naphtylmethyl)-N N- diethylbenzamide (compound 38)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3, but substituting compound 3 for compound 37.

Vm (KBrVcm "1 3053, 2968, 2805, 1629, 1426, 1288, 1141, 1095, 921, 817; bu (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.06 (3H, br s), 1.19 (3H, br s), 2.49 (6H, br s), 3.00 (2H, m), 3.20 (2H, br s), 3.49 (2H, br s), 4.41 (IH, s), 5.08-5.22 (2H, m), 5.78-5.92 (IH, m), 7.26-7.84 (1 IH, m); C25H3 4 N3OCI3 • 0.6 H 2 O requires: C: 76.99 H: 8.07 N: 9.29 Found: C: 77.06 H: 8.09 N: 9.32 %.

Scheme 8

The compounds according to Examples 25-26 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 8 above.

IL Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Hydroxy)-4-xyly|)-N.N-diethylbenzamide

(compound 39)

The compound 39 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 31, but substituting 4-chlorophenylmagnesiumbromide for 4- toluylmagnesiumbromide.

Vmax (KBrVcm "1 3364, 2970, 1602, 1455, 1381, 1291 , 1101 , 1054, 802; δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.09 (3H, br s), 1.22 (3H, br s), 2.33 (3H, s), 2.55 (IH, br s), 3.24 (2H, br s), 3.52 (2H, br s), 5.78 (IH, d, J 3), 7.11-7.41 (8H, m);

H. Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Chloro)-4-xylyl )-N J .-diethylbenzamide (compound 40)

The compound 40 was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2.

Used for the next step without further purification.

Example 25

Preparation of (±) 4- ( (α-(l-Piperazinyl) )-4-xylyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound

411

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

m.p. 129-132°C (from acetonitrile), v,^ (KBrVcm "1 3320, 2957, 2811, 1610, 1437, 1285, 1128, 1010, 838; δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.10 (3H, br s), 1.20 (3H, br s), 1.83 (IH, br s), 2.30 (3H, s), 2.34 (4H, br s), 2.86-2.89 (4H, m), 3.24 (2H, br s), 3.51 (2H, br s), 4.20 (IH, s), 7.06-7.46 (8H, 3m); C23H31N3O requires:

C: 75.58 H: 8.55 N: 11.50 Found: C: 75.30 H: 8.54 N: 11.56.

Example 26

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-(.4-AHyl)-l-piperazinyl))-4-xylyl)-N.N-diethylbenzami de * 2HCI (compound 42)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3.

m.p. >160°C dec. (from ether); v^ (KBrVcm "1 3437, 2973, 2402, 1625, 1433, 1289, 1097, 944, 809; δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3, free base) 1.10 (3H, br s), 1.20 (3H, br s), 2.29 (3H, s), 2.35-2.60 (6H, m). 3.03 (2H, m), 3.24 (2H, br s), 3.52 (2H, br s), 4.22 (IH, s), 5.12-5.23 (2H, m), 5.81-5.93 (IH, m), 7.05-7.45 (8H, 3m);

Scheme 9

The compounds according to Examples 27 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 9 above.

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Hvdroxy)-3-χylyl)-N.N-diethylbenzaιnide (compound 43)

The compound 43 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 31, but substituting 4-chlorophenylmagnesiumbromide for m-toluylmagnesiumbromide.

Vmax (KBrVcm "1 3406, 2972, 1613, 1429, 1360, 1287, 1097, 1053, 789; u (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.10 (3H, br s), 1.22 (3H, br s), 2.34 (3H, s), 2.55 (IH, d, J 3.5), 3.25 (2H, br s), 3.52 (2H, br s), 5.80 (IH, d, J 3), 7.12-7.42 (8H, m);

fl. Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Chloro)-3-χγlyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 44)

The compound 44 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2.

10

Used for the next step without further purification.

Example 27

Preparation of (±) 4-.(α-( l-Piperazinyl))-4-xylyl)-N.N-diethγlbenzamide • 2HCI i5 (compound 45)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

20 m.p. >130°C dec. (from ether), v^ (KbrVcm "1 2971, 2805, 2715, 1624, 1434, 1289, 1096, 783; δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3, free base) 1.10 (3H, br s), 1.20 (3H, br s), 2.31 (3H, s), 2.35-2.45 (5H, m), 2.89-2.92 (4H, m), 3.25 (2H, br s), 3.51 (2H, br s), 4.19 (IH, s), 6.98- 7.46 (8H, 4m);

Scheme 10

46 47

piperazine

The compounds according to Example 28 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 10 above.

J Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Hvdroχy)-cyclohexylmethyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 46)

The compound 46 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 31.

δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 0.85-2.0 (18H, m), 3.26 (2H, br s), 3.53 (2H, br s), 4.35-4.43 (IH, ), 7.28-7.36 (4H, m);

DL Preparation of (±) 4-f(α-Chloro)-cvclohexylmethyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 47)

The compound 47 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2.

Used for the next step without further purification.

Example 28

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-(l-Piperazinyl))-cvclohexylmethyl)-N.N-diethylbenzami de (compound 48)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

m.p. 113-116°C (from acetonitrile), Vm∞ (KBrVcm "1 3330, 2936, 2845, 1623, 1431, 1286, 1096, 823; bu (400 MHz, CDCI3) 0.64-2.02 (18H, m), 2.18-2.40 (4H, m), 2.75-2.87 (4H, m), 3.06 (IH, d, J 8.8), 3.27 (2H, br s), 3.52 (2H, br s), 7.11 (2H, d, J 8.4), 7.29 (2H, d, J 8.4);

Scheme 11

piperazine

The compounds according to Examples 29 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 11 above.

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Hydroxy)-3.4-dimethylbenzyl)-NJ .-diethylbenzamide (compound 49)

The compound 49 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 1.

δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.09 (3H, br s), 2.23 (6H, s), 2.85 (IH, d, J 3), 3.24 (2H, br s), 3.51 (2H, br s), 5.73 (IH, d, J 2), 7.03-7.12 (m, 3H), 7.26-7.39 ( , 4H);

fl. Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Chloro,-3.4-dimethylbenzyl )-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 50)

The compound 50 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2.

Used for the next step without further purification.

Example 29

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-(l-Piperazinyl))-3.4-dimethylbenzyl)-N.N-diethγlbenz amide

(compound 51)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

Vmax (KBrVcm "1 3304, 2939, 2810, 1626, 1429, 1286, 1096, 846; δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.11 (3H, br s), 1.20 (3H, br s), 1.87 (IH, br s), 2.20 (3H, s), 2.22 (3H, s), 2.34 (4H, br s), 2.86-2.89 (4H, m), 3.25 (2H, br s), 3.51 (2H, br s), 4.15 (IH, s), 7.02-7.15 (3H, m), 7.26- 7.30 (2H, m), 7.42-7.46 (2H, m);

Scheme 12

The compounds according to Examples 30 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 12 above.

Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Hydroχy)-l-naphtylmethyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 52)

The compound 52 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 1.

δ H (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.06 (3H, br s), 1.20 (3H, br s), 3.01 (IH, d, J 4), 3.21 (2H, br s), 3.49 (2H, br s), 6.47 (IH, d, J 4), 7.24-7.48 (7H, m), 7.55-7.58 (IH, m), 7.78-7.87 (2H, m), 7.98-8.01 (IH, m);

EL Preparation of (±) 4-((α-Chloro)-l-naphtylmethyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 53)

The compound 53 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2.

Used for the next step without further purification.

Example 30 Preparation of (±) 4-(fα-(l-Piperazinyl))-l-naphtylmethyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamid e (compound 54)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

Vmax (KBrVcm "1 3307, 3050, 2966, 2814, 1625, 1431, 1287, 1098, 843, 797; u (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.04 (3H, br s), 1.17 (3H, br s), 2.14 (IH, br s), 2.40 (2H, br s), 2.46 (2H, br s), 2.83-2.95 (4H, m), 3.17 (2H, br s), 3.48 (2H, br s), 5.05 (IH, s), 7.22-7.28 (2H, m), 7.40-7.54 (5H, m), 7.70-7.94 (3H, m), 8.40-8.43 (IH, m);

Piperazine ring modifications: General Experimental and Examples

The compounds according to Examples 31-42 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 13 below.

M. Preparation of 2-Dimethyl-5-methyl-piperazine-3.5-dione (compound 55)

N-t-Butoxycarbonyl-2-aminoisobutyric acid (5.0g, 25mmol) and D,L-alanine methylester hydrochloride (3.5g, 25mmol) was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (50mL) and cooled to 0°C. Triethylamine (3.5mL, 25mmol) and then l-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethyl- carbodϋmide hydrochloride (4.8g, 25mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at 0°C until lumps dissolved. The reaction mixture was then left in the freezer 4d at -20°C. The organic solution was washed with water, IM citric acid (aq.), water, dried (Na 2 SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to give 6.0g (83%) of coupling product. Most of the coupling product (5g) was dissolved in formic acid (50mL) and stirred 12h at 25°C. The acid was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in 2-butanol and heated at reflux for 4h. The solution was cooled to 0°C and the crystals filtered off and dried in vacuo at 100 C C. Yield 2.6g of pure compound 55 (82%) which could be recrystalUzed from methanol , mp: >300°C. IR (Kbr) (cm-1): 3000 (br), 1680 (s) (C=O ). l H NMR (D 2 O): δ = 4.75 (s, 2H, NH), 4.21 (q, IH, CHMe), 1.50-1.42 (m, 9H, 3Me). C 7 2 N 2 O 2 requires C: 53.83, H: 7.74, N: 17.94. Found C: 53.89, H: 7.90, N: 17.79.

EL Preparation of 2-Dimethyl-5-methyl-piperazine dihydrochloride (compound 56)

Compound 55 (2.2g, 14mmol) was dissolved on dry THF (120mL). Lithium aluminum hydride (42mL, IM in THF) was added in small portions. When addition complete, the solution was heated at reflux over night. The solution was aUowed to cooL then excess hydride was destroyed by dropwise addition of water (1.6mL), NaOH (1.6mL, 15% solution) and water (4.8mL). The granular precipitate was filtered off and solvent evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane, dried (K2CO3) and

evaporation of solvent in vacuo gave 1.5g (84%). Treatment with excess HQ in ether gave the dihydrochloride compound 56 which could be recrystallized from methanol/ether mp: >300°C IR (cm-1) ,KBr: 2760, 1570 (R 2 NH 2 +). MS (amine): 128, 113, 84, 71, 58. l H NMR ( D 2 O+DSS): δ = 2.70-2.50 (m, 5H, CH 2 -N, CH-N), 1.14 (s, 3H, 1 Me), 1.00-0.94 (s+d, 6H, 2 Me). C 7 Hi6N 2 x2HCl requires C: 41.80, H: 9.02, N: 13.93. Found C:42.03, H:9.24, N: 14.00.

Example 31

Preparation of 4-(4-(2-Dimethyl-5-methyl-pjperazinyl)-3-methoxybenzyl)-N.N- diethylbenzamide dihdrochloride (compound 57)

4-(Chloro-(3-methoxyphenyl)methyl)-N,N-diethylbenzamide (0.61g, 2.0mmol) and compound 56 (0.50g, 3.9mmol) was dissolved in dry acetonitrile (5mL). Potassium carbonate (0.26g, 2.0mmol) was added and the mixture heated at reflux for 2d. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silica

(CH 2 α2/MeOH/NH 3 (aq.)), 98: 1 : 1 to 95:5:1 to yield 0.65g (79%). Treatment with excess of HCl in ether, filtering and drying crystals in vacuo over KOH gave the dihydrochloride compound 57, mp: 134-36°C. ER (HCl salt, KBr) (cm-1): 3400 (br, OH), 2900 (br, R 2 NH +), 1600 (s, C=O or R 2 NH 2 +), 1283, 1038 (C-O). MS (amine) 3 peaks: 423, 353, 325, 296, 127. l H NMR: (amine, CDC1 3 ): δ = 7.40-6.60 ( , 8H, Ar-H), 5.26, 5.25, 4.61 (3s, IH, CHAτ 2 ), 3.70 (s, 3H, MeO), 3.4, 3.2 (2 br. s, 4H, MeCH 2 ), 3.1-2.0 (m, 5H, piperazine-H), 1.3-0.9 (m, 15H, 5Me). C26H37N3O2 x2HCl requires C: 62.89, H: 7.92, N: 8.46. Found C: 63.41, H: 8.38, N: 8.56.

Example 32

Preparation of 4«(4-(l-Allyl-2-dimethγl-5-methγ;-pip^rfl y inγ|)-3-methoχybenzyl)- N-N-diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 58)

Compound 57 (0.39g,0.92mmol) was dissolved in dry acetonitrile (5mL). Potassium carbonate (0.13g, 0.92mmol) and aUyl bromide (90μL, 1.02mmol) was added. After 3h at

25 °C the solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silica (CH2Cl2/MeOH), 98:2 to 95:5 to give a total of 0.39g (92%). Treatment with excess of HCl in ether, filtering and drying crystals in vacuo over KOH gave the dihydrochloride, compound 58, mp: 105-21 °C. IR (HCl salt, Kbr) (cm-1): 3400 (br, OH), 2500 (br, R 2 NH 2 +), 16200 (s) (C=O or R 2 NH2+) > 1285, 1043 (C-O). l H NMR: (amine, CDC1 3 ): δ = 7.50-6.60 (m, 8H, Ar-H), 5.70 (m, IH, aUyl-H), 5.00 (m, 2H, aUyl-H), 4.70 (s, IH, CHAi 2 ), 3.70 (s, 3H, MeO), 3.5 +3.3 (2 br. s, 4H, MeCH2), 3.0-1.9 (m, 7H, piperazine-H), 1.2-0.8 (m, 15H, 5Me). C29H41N3O2 x2HCl requires C: 64.91, H: 8.08, N: 7.83. Found C: 65.70, H: 8.60, N: 8.29.

L Preparation of 4-A.lyl-2-dimethyl-5-methyl-piperazine (compound 59)

Compound 56 (0.14g,0.91mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile and aUyl bromide (80μL, 0.91 mmol) was added at O°C. After lh another portion of aUyl bromide was added. After 2h the solvent was evaporated and the residue purified by flash chromatography on silica (CH 2 Cl2/MeOH), 95:5 to 80:20 to give the monoaUyl compound 59, 116mg (69%).

Example 33

Pre p aration of 4- ( l- ( 4-Allyl-2-dimethyl-5-methyl-pi p eraπnγl)-3.methoχ y benz y l ) ' N.N-diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 60)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for Example 3.

Mp: 125-30°C. IR (2HC1, KBr) (cm-1): 3430(br), 2978, 2480(br.), 1607, 1436, 1285. MS(free aπώιe):366 , 296, 167. *H NMR: (D 2 O +DSS): δ = 7.60-6.90 (m, 9H, Ar-H), 6.0- 5.5 ( , 4H, aUyl-H + Aτ 2 CH), 3.80 (2s, 3H, MeO), 4.0-3.7 (m, 1 IH, aUyl-H , piperazine-H,

amide-CH 2 ), 1.3-1.0 (m, 15H, piperazine-Me, amide-Me). Anal. calc. for C29H41N3O2 x 2HC1 x 2.9 H 2 O: C:59.15, H:8.35, N:7.14. Found: C: 59.05, H:8.00, N: 7.22.

Exam le 34 Preparation of 4-(l-(2-dimethyl-5-methγ»-piner^πny|).3-methoχybenzy|)-N .N- diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 61)

56 (42mg,0.33mmol) and potassium carbonate (46mg, 0.33mmol) was dissolved in water (2mL) and di-t-butyl dicarbonate (79mg, 0.36mmol) was added. After stirring lh the solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on silica (CH2Cl2/MeOH), 90: 10 to give 43 mg of the mono-N-Boc protected 55 which was dissolved in dry acetonitrile together with potassium carbonate (26mg, 0.19mmol) and 4- (Chloro-(3-methoxyphenyl)methyl)-N,N-diethylbenzamide (63mg. 0.19mmol). After heating 4 days at reflux, the solvent was removed in vacuo and residue purified by chromatography on silica (CH 2 Cl2/MeOH). 100:0, 95:5. Treatment with formic acid (5mL) for 3h, evaporation of solvent in vacuo and extraction of the residue with CH2Q2ΛM NaOH, drying of the organic phase (K2CO3) and evaporation of solvent in vacuo gave 27mg (33%) of the free amine. Treatment with excess HCl in ether gave the dihydrochloride which was dissolved in water and freezedried., mp:145-50°C. IR (2HC1. KBr) (cm-1): 3500-3400(br), 1601, 1442, 1285. MS(free amine): 423, 296, 325, 127. H NMR: (CDCI3): δ = 7.4-6.6 (m, 8H, Ar-H), 5.39, 5.36 (2s, IH, Ar 2 CH), 3.75 (s, 3H, MeO), 3.5, 3.25 (2 br. s, 4H, amide-Me), 2.80, 2.50, 2.05 (3m, 5H, piperazine-H), 1.5 (br.s, IH, N-H), 1.25-1.0 (br. m, 6 H, amide-Me), 1.15 (s, 3H, Me), 0.90 (d, 3H, Me), 0.85 (s, 3H, Me). Calc. for C 2 6H37N 3 O 2 x2HCl x 7.4 H 2 O: C.49.58, H:8.61, N:6.67. Found: C: 49.61, H:7.73, N: 6.56.

L. Preparation of 4-(Phenyl-hvdroxymethyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 62)

The compound 62 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 1.

MS: 282, 211, 165, 105. l H NMR: (CDC1 3 ): δ = 7.38-7.20 ( , 9H), 5.80 (d, J=3.5Hz, 1 H), 3.5, 3.2 (2br.s, 4H), 1.2, 1.05 (2br. s, 6H).

EL Preparation of 4-(Chloro-phenyl-methyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide (compound 63)

The compound 63 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2.

GC-MS (2 peaks):296, 225, 165, 121. and 300, 266, 229, 195, 165. H NMR: (CDCI3): δ = 7.45-7.20 (m, 9H), 6.09 (s, IH), 3.4 (br. m, 4H), 1.1 (br. m, 6H).

Example 35

Preparation of 4-((l-piperazinyl)-benzγl)- N.N-diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 64)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

Mp: 157-69°C. IR (amine, CDCI3 in KBr ceU) (cm-1): 3690, 3630, 1613, 1435, 1265. MS (free amine): 351, 306, 295, 266, 194, 165. l H NMR: (free amine, CDCI3): δ= 7.46-7.16 (m, 9H, Ar-H), 4.24 (s, IH, CHAr 2 ), 3.5 + 3.2 (2 br. s, 4H, MeCH 2 ), 2.89 ( , 4H, piperazine-H), 2.36 (br. s, 4H, piperazine-H), 1.94 (br s, IH, NH), 1.2 +1.1 (2 br. s, 6H, 2Me). Anal. calc. for C 22 H 2 9N 3 O x 2HC1 xl.90 H 2 O, C: 57.61, H: 7.65, N: 9.16. Found C: 57.59, H: 7.66, N: 8.92.

Example 36 Preparation of 4-((4-Allyl-l-piperazinyl)-benr. l)-N.N-diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 65)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3.

Mp: 175-205°C. IR (amine, CDCI3 in KBr cell) ιcm-1): 3689, 1613, 1455, 1434, 1290, 1143. MS (free amine): 391, 165, 125. *H NMR: (free amine, CDCI3): δ = 7.42-7.12 (m, 9H, Ar-H), 5.81 ( , IH, aUyl-H), 5.10 (m, 2H, aUyl-H), 4.23 (s, IH, CHAr 2 ), 3.5 + 3.2 (2 br. s, 4H, MeCH 2 ), 3.00 (m, 2H, aUyl-H), 2.6-2.4 (br. s, 8H, piperazine-H), 1.1 (2 br. s, 6H, 2Me). Anal. calc. for C25H35N3O x2HCl xl.O H 2 O, C: 62.23, H: 7.73, N: 8.71. Found C: 62.22, H: 7.49, N: 8.42.

£ Preparation of 2-Hvdroxymethyl-5-methy|-piperazine-3-5-dione (compound 66)

(D,L)-N-t-Butoxycarbonyl-alanine (5.0g, 26mmol) was dissolved in methylene chloride (50mL) with triethyl amine (8.1mL), dried with 4A molecular sieves and transfered to dry flask under nitrogen. i-Butyl chloroformate (3.8mL, 29mmol) was added at -10°C. The Solution was stirred 15min , then D,L-serine methylester hydrochloride (4.1g, 26mmol) was added and the solution was allowed to reach 25°C and strirred 12h. Washing the solution

with brine, drying (MgSO4) and evaporating solvent in vacuo gave a sotid which was treated with formic acid for lh. The acid was removed in vacuo and the residue dissolved in anhydrous 2-butanol (5mL) and heated at reflux 2 days. The solvent was removed and the residue crystallized when treated with acetone to give lg of compound 66 (24%).

π. Preparation of 2-Hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-piperazine (compound 67)

The compound 67 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 55.

II. Preparation of 2-(f-Butyldiphenylsilyloxy)methyl-5-methyl-piperazine (compound 68)

Compound 67 (0.41g, 3.1mmol) was dissolved in dry DMF (5mL). Chloro-t- butyldiphenylsilane (0.95g, 3.4mmol) and immidazole (0.47g, 6.9mmol) was added and stirring was continued 12h. The product was extracted by adding ethyl acetate, brine and IM NaOH and shaking. The organic phase was dried and evaporated in vacuo. Chromatography of the residue on sihca (CH2Cl2/MeOH, 100:0, 95:5, 90:10 and 80:20) gave 0.39g (34%) pure compound 68.

Example 37

Preparation of 4-(4-(2-Hydroχymethyl-5-methyl)piperazinyl-benzyl)-N.N-diet hyl- benzamide dihydrochloride (compound 69)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

Mp:145-50°C. IR (2HC1 ,KBr) (cm-1): 3300(br), 2700(br), 1612, 1446, 1382, 1296, 1080. MS(free amine):381, 218, 181, 91. ! H NMR: (free amine, CDCI3): δ = 7.44-7.18 (m, 9H,

Ar-H), 5.17, 5.14 (2s, lH,ArCH 2 ), 3.75-2.60 (m, 12H, piperazine-H, amide-CH 2 ), 2.02 (m, IH, piperazine-H), 1.30-1.05 (m, 9H, piperazine-Me + amide-Me). Anal. calc. for C2 4 H33N3O2 x2HCl x 1.8 H 2 O: C: 57.55, H: 7.77, N: 8.39. Found: C: 57.05, H: 7.67, N: 8.19.

Example 38

Preparation of 4-((4-(2-Hvdroxymethyl-5-methyl)piperazinyl)-3-methoχγbenz yl)-N.N- diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 70)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

Mp: 185-90°C. IR (2HC1, KBr) (cm-1): 3500- 2500 (br), 1596, 1440, 1045. H NMR: (free amine, CDCI 3 ): δ = 7.40-6.60 (m, 8H, Ar-H), 5.05, 5.10 (2s, IH, Ar 2 CH), 3.70 (s, 3H, MeO), 3.8-2.5 (m, 12H, piperazine, amide CH2) 1.2-1.0 (br. s, 9H, amide-Me, piperazine- Me).

Example 39

Preparation of 4-.(4-(l-Allyl-2-hvdroxymethyl-5-methyl)piperazinyl)-3- methoxybenzyl)-N.N-diethylbenzamide dihydrochloride (compound 71)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Examples 2 and 3.

Mp: 125-30°C. IR (2HC1, KBr) (cm-1): 3400(br), 1603, 1445, 1285. MS(free amine): two peaks: 310, 239, 135 and 312, 241, 135. ! H NMR: (free amine, CDCI3): δ = 7.50-6.70 (m, 8H, Ar-H), 5.80, 5.20, 5.00 (3m, 3H, allyl-H), 4.0-2.3 (m, 14H, piperazine-H,allyl-H, amide-CH 2 ) 3.80 (s, 3H, MeO), 1.2 (br. s, 6H, amide-Me). Anal.calc. for C25H35N3O3 x2HCl x3.7 H 2 O: C55.57, H:8.06, N:6.94. Found: C: 55.53, H:7.82, N: 7.16.

L Preparation of Methyl 3-(hvdroxy-(2-naphtyl)methyl)phenyl ether (compound

72}

The compound 72 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 1.

MS: 264, 155, 135, 128, 109, 101. J H NMR: (CDC1 3 ): δ = 7.90-6.78 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 5.98 (d, J = 3.5Hz, IH, Ar 2 H), 3.78 (s, 3H, MeO), 2.32 (d, J = 3.5Hz, IH, OH).

fi. Preparation of Methyl 3-(chloro-(2-naphtyl)methyl)phenyl ether (compound 73)

The compound 73 was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 2.

GC-MS (2 peaks): 278, 247, 215, 171, 155, 135 and 282, 248, 247, 231, 215. ! H NMR: (CDCI3): δ = 7.86-6.81 (m, 1 IH, Ar-H), 6.25 (s, IH, Ar 2 H), 3.76 (s, 3H, MeO).

HI. Preparation of 4-Allyl-2-methylpiperazine (compound 74)

2-Methylpiperazine (0.4g, 4mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (5mL) and allyl bromide (86μL, lmmol) was added at 0°C. Stirring was continued at 0°C for lh , then at 25°C for 6h. Evaporation of solvent in vacuo and chromatography on silica (CH2α2/MeOH, 80:20) gave 80mg (57%) pure compound 74.

Example 40

Preparation of Methyl 3-(( 2-naphtyl)- (3-methyl-pipera_anyl)methyl)phenyl ether dihydrochloride (compound 75)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 3.

Mp: 170-74°C. IR (KBr) (cm-1): 3461, 2458, 1600, 1439, 1263, 1043. MS (amine): 386, 247, 215, 139, 112. H NMR: (amine, CDC1 3 ): δ = 7.84-6.66 (m, 1 IH, Ar-H), 4.33 ( s, IH, CHAr 2 ), 3.74, 3.73 (2s, 3H, MeO), 3.00-2.70 (m, 6H, piperazine-H). 1.95, 1.65 (2m, 2H, piperazine-H), 0.98-0.92 (2d, J = 6.4 Hz, 3H, piperazine-Me). Anal. calc. for C23H26N2O x2HCl xl.8 H 2 O, C: 61.14, H: 7.05, N: 6.20. Found, C: 61.05, H: 6.48, N: 6.07.

Example 41 Preparation of Methyl 3-((2-naphtyl)-(4-allyl-2-methγl-piperazinyl)methyl)pbenyl ether dihydrochloride (compound 76)

The compound of this Example was prepared by following the synthesis procedure as described for Example 3.

Mp: 173-82°C. IR (KBr) (cm-1): 3430, 2500, 2355, 1601, 1436, 1265, 1047. MS (amine): 386, 274, 247, 215, 139, 125. l NMR: (amine, CDC13): δ = 7.86-6.66 (m, 11H, Ar-H), 5.82 (m, IH, aUyl-H), 5.12 (m, 2H, aUyl-H), 4.95 (br. s, IH, CHAr 2 ), 3.76, 3.75 (2s, 3H, MeO), 3.04-2.32 (m, 9H, piperazine-H), 1.15-1.11 (2d, 3H, Me). Anal. calc. for C 26 H 32 N 2 O x2HCl x0.4 H 2 O, C: 66.92, H: 7.08, N: 6.00. Found C: 67.03, H: 7.09, N: 5.88.

Example 42

Preparation of 4-((4-Acetyl-l-piperazJnγl)-benzyP- N J .-diethylbenzamide hydrochloride (compound 77)

The free amine of compound 64 (100 mg, 0.28 mmol) was dissolved in methylene chloride (5 ml), cooled to 0°C. Triethyl amine (43 μl, 0.31 mmol) was added and then acetyl chloride (22 μl, 0.31 mmol) was added dropwise. After 10 min, the solution was washed with potassium carbonate (10 %), dried (K2CO3) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on siUca (CH2 _2/ eOH/NH3, 95:5:0.5) to give 1 16 mg of compound 77 (- 100 %).

Mp: 140-50°C. IR (KBr) (cm-1): 3480(br), 2987, 2500(br), 1623, 1429, 1285,1245. MS (free amine): 393, 267, 165, 127. l H NMR: (free amine, CDCI3): δ = 7.46-7.18 (m, 9H, Ar- H), 4.25 (s, IH, CHAr 2 ), 3.70- 3.15 (m, 8H, amide-CH 2 , piperazine-H), 2.36 (m, 4H, piperazine-H), 2.05 (s, 3H, MeCO), 1.15 (br. m, 6H, amide-Me). Anal. calc. for

C24H31N3O2 xlHCl x0.80 H 2 O, C: 64.87, H: 7.62. N: 9.46. Found C: 65.01 , H:7.76, N: 9.42.

60

66

72 73

Diethylbenzamide replacements etc

The compounds according to Examples 43-48 were prepared as shown in Scheme 14 below.

L Preparation of 4-((4-<-Butoxycarbonyl-l-piperazinyl)-benzyl)-benzoic acid (compound 78)

Compound 64 (6.0g, 17mmol) was dissolved in 6N hydrochloric acid and heated at 120°C for 3 days. The solution was then neutralized with aquous NaOH (~12g). The solution was concentrated to lOOmL, mixed with THF (lOOmL) and di-t-butyl dicarbonate (3.7g, 17mmol) added dissolved in THF (50mL). After stirring lh at 25°C, the aquous phase was acidified with IM citric acid and extracted two times with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried (K2CO3) and evaporated, and the residue purified by chromatography on silica (EtOAc/ heptane/ AcOH, 10:90:0 to 66:33:1) to give a total of 3.85g (57%) of compound 78.

Example 43 Preparation of 4-((l-piperazinyl)-benzyl)-benzoic acid dihydrochloride (compound

791

Compound 78 (150mg, 0.38mmol) was treated with excess HCl in acetic acid lh. Acid removed in vacuo and residue dissolved in methanol and precipitated by addition of ether. The precipitate was dried in vacuum at 100°C. Mp: 172-80°C. IR ( KBr) (cm-1):

3000(br),1700, 1606, 1454. λ H NMR: (DMSO-d6): δ = 12.85 (s, IH, CO 2 H), 8.95 (s, 2H, NH), 7.92 -7.20 (m, 9H, Ar-H), 4.56 (s, IH, Ar 2 CH), 3.33 (s, 8H, piperazine-H). Anal, calc. for Cι 8 H 20 N 2 O 2 x2HCl, C58.54, H:6.00, N:7.59. Found: C:59.9, H:6.47, N:7.88.

Example 44 and 45

Preparation of Methyl 4-((4-t-butoχγcarbonyl-l-piperazinγl)-benzyl)benzoate (compound 80) and Methyl 4-((l-piperazinyl)-benzyl)benzoate dihydrochloride (compound 81)

Compound 78 (0.15g, 0.38mmol) and cesium carbonate (0.25g, 0.76mmol) was mixed in DMF (2mL) and methyl iodide (72μL, 1.1 mmol) was added. After 2h at 25°C, potassium carbonate (10% ,aq.) and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. After evaporation of solvent in vacuo, the residue was purified by chromatography on siUca (EtOAc/ heptane, 30:70) to yield 0.13g (87%) of the methyl ester, compound 80. Boc-deprotection was acheived by treatment with excess HCl in methanol at 50°C. The solvent was removed and the residue was purified again on sUica. The dihydrochloride, compound 81 (35mg), was prepared according to previous methodology. Mp: 185-95°C. IR (KBr) (cm-1): 3400(br), 2700(br), 1720, 1612, 1430, 1285. 1 190, 1112. MS (El, free amine): 310, 265, 225, 206, 165. l NMR: (D 2 O/CD 3 OD + DSS): δ = 8.20-7.34 ( , 9H, Ar-H), 5.03 (s, IH, CHAr 2 ), 3.89 (s, 3H, MeO), 3.42 (m. 4H, piperazine-H), 3.08 (m, 4H, piperazine-H). Anal. calc. for C1 H22N2O2 x2HCl x lH 2 O, C:56.86, H:6.53, N:6.98. Found C:56.82, H:6.54, N:7.00.

&

L Preparation of 4-(. l-piperazinvI)-benzγ|)-benzamide dihydrochloride (compound

22}

Compound 78 (0.11 g, 0.28mmol) was dissolved in dry methylene chloride/ THF, 1 : 1 (5mL) and cooled to -20°C. Triethylamine (78μL, 0.56mmol) was added and then i-butyl chloroformate (37 μL, 028mmol). After 10 min, ammonia in methylene chloride (0.5 lmL, 1.1M, 0.56mmol) was added and the temperature was aUowed to rise slowly to 25°C. After 3h, the solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue was purified by chromatograpy on silica (CH 2 α2 MeOH/ NH 3 , 95:5: 1 and 90: 10: 1 ) to give 70mg (62%). Treatment with HCl in methanol 3h at 50°C, removal of solvent in vacuo and chromatograpy on sUica (CH2CI2/ MeOH/ NH 3 , 90: 10: 1 and 80:20: 1 ) gave the free amine which was converted to the dihydrochloride salt 82. Mp: 192-200°C. IR ( KBr) (cm-1): 3939(br), 3184(br), 2700(br), 1665, 1610, 1565, 1426. MS (amine): 295, 250, 210, 165, 152.^ NMR: (amine, CD3OD): δ = 7.96 -7.22 (m, 9H, Ar-H), 4.93 (s, 2H, NH), 4.40 (s, IH, Ar 2 CH), 2.94 + 2.46 (2m, 8H, piperazine-H). Anal. calc. for Cι 8 H 2 ιN O x2HCl xl.lH 2 O, C:55.70, H.6.54, N: 10.83. Found C:55.83, H:6.76. N: 10.75.

Example 46

Preparation of 4-((l-piperaanvI)-benzyl)-N-ethylbenzamide hydrochloride (compound 83)

The compound of this Example was prepared by foUowing the synthesis procedure as described for compound 82, but substituting ammonia for ethylamine.

Mp: 180-85°C. IR ( KBr) (cm-1): 3331(br), 2700(br), 1640, 1545, 1440, 1308. MS: (El, amine) 323, 278, 267, 238, 195, 165. l H NMR: (amine, CD3OD): δ = 7.84 -7.14 (m, 9H, Ar-H), 4.9 (br. s, NH), 4.45 (s, IH, Ar 2 CH), 3.40 (m, 2H, ethyl-CH^, 3.25, 2.65 (2m, 8H, piperazine-H), 1.20 (m, 3H, ethyl-Me).

Example 47

Preparation of 4-(l-piperazinyl-benzyl)-benzonitril dihydrochloride (compound 84)

Compound 82 (45mg, 0.1 lmol) was dissolved in dry THF (2mL) and cooled to 0°C. Pyridine (36μL, 0.44mg) and trifluoroacetic anhydride (31 μL, 0.22mmol) was added and stirring was continued for lh at 25°C. Water was added and the solution was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase was washed with dilute NaHCO3 (aq), dried (K2CO3) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was treated with HCl in methanol 3h at 50°C. Removal of solvent in vacuo and chromatograpy on silica (CH 2 CI 2 MeOH/ NH 3 , 90: 10: 1 ) of residue gave 15mg (49%). Treatment with excess HCl in ether/ methanol gave the dihydrochloride compound 84 which was precipitated, dissolved in water and freezedried. Mp: 141-45°C. IR (KBr) (cm-1): 3400(br), 2700(br), 2230, 1434. MS (free amine): 277, 232, 192, 165. l H NMR: (free amine, CDCI3): δ = 7.58-7.18 (m, 9H, Ar-H), 4.27 (s, IH, CHAr 2 ) 2.89, 2.35 (2m, 8H, piperazine-H), 1.70 (s, NH). Anal. calc. for Cι 8 9 N 3 x2HCl xlH 2 O, C:58.70, H: 6.29, N: 11.41. Found C: 58.88, H: 6.46, N: 11.24.

Example 48

Preparation of 4-(l-piperazinyl-benzyl)-acetophenone dihydrochloride (compound 85}

Compound 78 (0.20g, 0.50mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (5mL) and cooled to 0°C under nitrogen. Methyl Uthium (3.1mL, 0.8M in ether, 2.5mmol) was added during 1 min and stirring was continued for 2h. ChlorotrimethylsUane (0.63mL, 5.0mmol) was added and the temperature was aUowed to reach 25 °C, then ammonium chloride (aq) was added. The organic phase was decanted off, evaporated and the residue purified by chromatography on silica (CH 2 α 2 / MeOH/ NH3, 95:5: 1) to give 0.1 lg (75%) of ketone without Boc-group. The dihydrochloride salt, compound 85 was prepared by treatment with excess HQ in ether. Mp: 175-85°C. IR (KBr) (cm-1): 3400(br), 2700(br), 1680, 1607, 1424, 1269. MS (El, free amine): 294, 249, 209, 165. ! H NMR: (free amine, CDCI3): δ = 7.77-7.04 (m, 9H,

Ar-H), 4.22 (s, IH, CHAr 2 ), 2.92 ( , 4H, piperazine-H), 2.43 (s, 3H, MeCO), 2.40 (m,

4H, piperazine-H).

Anal. calc. for C 19 H 22 N 2 O x2HCl xl.6 H 2 O, C: 57.61, H: 6.92, N: 7.07. Found C: 57.54,

H: 6.75, N: 6.91.

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

The compounds according to Example 49 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 15 above.

I. Preparation of 4-benzoyl-N-t-butoxylcarbonylpipendine (compound 86)

A mixture of 4-benzoylpiperidine hydrochloride (6.77 g, 30.0 mmol), di-tert- butyldicarbonate (7.2 g, 33.0 mmol) and KHCO3 (6.0 g, 60 mmol) in H 2 O-THF (50/20 mL) was refluxed for lh. The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO Removal of solvents gave 4-benzoyl-N-t-butoxylcarbonyl-piperidine (8.54 g, 98 %); (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.47 (s, 9H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.83 (m, 2H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 3.42 (m, 2H), 4.18 (brs, 2H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.56 (m, IH), 7.93 (m, 2H).

π. Preparation 4-(α 1vdroχγ-α-(4-N -butoχγcarbonylpiperidinyl)-benzyl)-N.N- diethyl benzamide (compound 87)

To a solution of 4-iodo-N,N-diethylbenzamide (3.03 g, 10.0 mmol) and TMEDA (1.28 g, 1 1.0 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL) was added t-butyUithium (10.0 mL, 1.7 M, 17.0 mmol) at - 78°C. After 10 min, 4-benzoyl-N-t-butoxylcarbonylpiperidine (2.89 g, 10.0 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was dropwise added. The reaction mixture was warmed to r.t and then quenched with aqueous NH4CI solution and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over MgSO Removal of solvents gave a crude product, which was purified by sihca gel column eluting with MeOH-CH 2 Q2 (0 : 100 → 2 : 98) to provide 4-(α-hydroxy-α-(4-N-t-butoxylcarbonylpiperidinyl)-benzyl)- N,N-diethylbenzamide (MTL 0327, 2.60 g, 56%): m.p.: 100-103°C (CH 2 C1 2 ): v,^ (KBr) cm "1 3426, 2973, 1687, 1618, 1428, 1289, 1 168; δ H (400 MHz, CDCI3) 1.08 (brs, 3H), 1.20 (brs, 3H), 1.30 (m, 4H), 1.41 (s, 9H), 2.50 (t, J=l 1.2 Hz, IH). 2.66 (m, 2H), 2.86 (s, OH), 3.22 (brs, 2H), 3.50 (brs, 2H), 4.09 (brs, 2H), 7.18 (m, IH), 7.26 ( , 4H), 7.45 (m, 4H); δc-13 ( 100 MHz, CDCI3) 12.8, 14.1 , 26.2, 28.3, 39.1, 43.2, 44.3, 53.3, 79.2, 79.4, 125.75, 125.79, 126.2, 126.6, 128.1, 135.1, 145.3, 146.8, 154.6, 171.0.

Example 49

Preparation 4-((α-4-piperidinyl)-benzyl)-N.N-diethγlben_eamide (compound 88)

To a solution of 4-(α-hydroxy-α-(4-N-t-butoxylcarbonylpiperidinyl benzyl)-N,N- diethylbenzamide (466 mg, 1.0 mmol) and triethylsUane (232 mg, 2.0 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (10 mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (10.0 mL) at r.t After 30 min at r.t, more triethylsilane (232 mg, 2.0 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 14 h at r.t., and then condensed. The residue was dissolved in AcOEt (100 ml). The resulting solution was washed with 1 N NaOH solution, aqueous NH4CI solution and brine, dried over MgSO Removal of solvents gave a crude product, which was purified by sUica gel column eluting with NH4OH (1 N)-MeOH-CH 2 Cl 2 (2.5 : 15 : 82.5) to provide 4-((α-4-

piperidinyl)-benzyl)-N,N-diethylbenzamide (245 mg, 70%): m.p.: 160-162°C (CH 2 Q 2 ); vma (KBr) cm '1 3325, 2937, 1613, 1461, 1283, 1095; (400 MHz, CDC1 3 ) 1.05 (brs, 3H), 1.07 (m, 2H), 1.19 (brs, 3H), 1.53 (m, 2H), 2.04 (brs, NH), 2.20 (m, IH), 2.55 (t, J=11.6 Hz, 2H) , 3.01 (m, 2H), 3.23 (brs, 2H), 3.51 (d, J=10.4 Hz, IH), 3.52 (brs, 2H), 7.15 (m, IH), 7.27 (m, 8H); δc-13 (100 MHz, CDCI3) 12.8, 14.1, 32.2, 39.0, 39.9, 43.1, 46,5, 59.0, 126.1, 126.5, 127.9, 128.0, 128.3, 134.8, 143.0, 144.7, 171.0.

Example gQ Preparation of N.N-DiethvN4-(3-methoχybenzyl-l-piperazinyl)-benzamide

Procedure as for N,N-Diethy 1-4- [ (2,5, 5-trimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-3-methoxy benzyl] - benzamide. N,N-Diethyl-4-(chloro-3-methoxybenzyl)-benzamide (1.6g, 4.8mmol) was reacted with piperazine (1.6g, 19mmol) in acetonitrile (20mL) for 4 h at 80 °C to give a total of 1.lg product (63%) which was converted into the dihydrochloride salt. Mp: 165-82 °C. IR (amine. CDC1 3 in KBr ceU) (cm-1): 3688. 1611. 1458, 1436, 1285. MS(free amine): 381, 336, 296, 224, 196, 165, 152, 112. Η NMR: (amine, CDClj): δ = 1.05, 1.15 (2 br. s, 6H, 2Me), 2.51, 3.02 (2br. s, 8H, piperazine-H), 3.2, 3.45 (2 br. s, 4H, MeCH 2 ) 3.72, 3.73 (2s, 3H, MeO), 4.21 (s, IH, CHAτ 2 ), 4.5 (br. s. IH. NH), 6.60- 7.40 (m, 8H, Ar-H). C23H3-N3O2 x2HCl xθ.80 H 2 O requires: C: 58.92, H: 7.44, N: 8.96. Found: C: 58.98, H: 7.76, N: 8.86.

Example 51

Preparation of N.N-Diethyl- -r(4-aHyl-l-pip r?πnγl)-3-methoχybenzvn-benzamide

Procedure as for N,N-DiethyM-[(4-aUyl-2,5^trimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-3-methoxyb enzyl]- benzamide.

N^-I_Hethyl-4-(3-meAoxybenzyl-l-piperazinyl)-benzamide (0.16g, 0.42mmol) gave 30mg product (20%) which was converted to dihydrochloride salt Mp: 151-76 °C. IR (amine,

CDClj in KBr ceU) (cm-1): 3688, 1611, 1457, 1435, 1288. MS(free amine): 421, 125. Η NMR: (amine, CDC1 3 ): δ =1.1 (2 br. s, 6H, 2Me), 2.3- 2.6 (br. s, 8H, piperazine-H), 3.00 (m, 2H, aUyl-H), 3.2- 3.5 (2 br. s, 4H, MeCH 2 ), 3.78 (s, 3H, MeO), 4.20 (s, IH, CHAr 2 ), 5.14 (m, 2H, aUyl-H), 5.85 (m, IH, aUyl-H), 6.70-7.46 (m, 8H, Ar-H). xl.4 H 2 O requires: C: 60.09, H: 7.72, N: 8.08. Found C: 60.12, H: 7.59, N: 7.88.

Ph

The compounds of Examples 52 - 55 were synthesized as shown in Scheme 16 above.

I

Compound 1: 4-(α-hvdroxybenzγl)-nitrobenzene

4-nitrobenzoin (4.55g, 20.1mmol) was dissolved in 70ml of anhydrous methanol cooled down to 0°C in an ice bath, NaBRt (0.915g, 24.2mmol) was then added under N 2 , the mixture was stirred at r.t., for overnight, quenched with NH_ιCI sat'd aqueous solution, MeOH was evaporated and EtOAc was added, the mixture was washed with water, the organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated to give a soUd as the desired product(~4.58g, -100% yield).

Η NMR (CDC1 3 , TMS):δ(ppm): 2.40 (s, br, IH, OH); 5.92 (d, 7= 3.2Hz,lH, Ar-CH-OH); 7.30-7.40 (m, 5H, Ar); 7.58 (d, J=8.6. 2H, Ar-NO 2 ); 8.18 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, Ar-NO 2 ).

Compound II: 4-(α-chlorobenzyl)«nitrobenzene

Compound I (4.58g, 20mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous CH2CI2, thionyl chloride (4.68g, 39.4mmol) was then added to the mixture under N 2 , the reaction mixture was refluxed for 5 hr and was cooled down to r.t., the solvent and excess of thionyl chloride were evaporated under vacuum to give a yeUowish soUd as the desired product (~100%yield).

'H NMR (CDCI3, TMS):δ(ppm): 6.16 (s, IH, -CH-C1); 7.30-7.40 (m, 5H, Ar); 7.59 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, Ar-NC ); 8.20 (d, J=8.6Hz, 2H, Ar-NO∑).

Compound HI: 4-ffN-henzyl-l-pip p raπnvlWbenzvπ-nitrobenzene

To compound II (l.Og, 4.1 mmol) and N-benzylpiperazine (1.45g, 8.2mmol) dissolved in anhydrous acetoniltrile, catalytic amount of potassium carbonate was added and the reaction mixture was then refluxed overnight After cooling down to r.t., the mixture was washed with brine, the organic layer was concentrated under vacuum to give an oU, it was then

purified by MPLC using CH 2 Cl 2 /MeOH/NH 4 OH=95.5/1 as the eluent to give the pure desired product (1.2g, 76% yield).

1H NMR(CDCl3, TMS):δ: 2.41-2.48 (8H, br, piperazin ring), 3.51 (2H, s, P -CEz), 4.34 (IH, s, Ar-CH-Ar), 7.20-8.12 (14H, Ar)ppm.

I3 C NMR(CDC1 3 , TMS): b: 51.7, 53.1, 62.9, 75.5, 123.8, 127.0, 128.1, 128.5, 128.7, 129.2, 137.9, 140.9, 146.8, 150.6ppm.

Example 52 Preparation of 4-r(N-benzvM-piperazinyl)-benzyll-aniline (compound 91)

To compound m (900mg, 2.33mmol) dissolved in 10ml of MeOH, Ra-Ni (150mg) was added and the temperature was increased to 35°C, hydrazine (380mg, 11.63mmol) was then added slowly via a syringe whole it was stirring, the temperature of the mixture was increased to 70°C, until the evolution of the gas seized, the reaction mixture was cooled down to r.t., filtered over ceUte and concentrated to give an oil, which was purified by MPLC using CH 2 C_ 2 /MeOH= 99/1 — 99/5 as the eluent to give a yeUowish solid as the desired product (660mg, ~80%yield).

Elemental Analysis Calcd.for: C 2 4H 2 7N3.O.2H2O: C, 79.64; H, 7.43; N, 11.55. Found: C, 79.83; H, 7.65; N, 11.64.

IR (NaCl Film): v =2807, 1620, 1513, 1451, 1282, 1137cm 1 .

1H NMR(CDC13, TMS):δ: 2.3-2.48 (8H, br, piperazine ring), 3.45 (2H, s, br, -NBb), 3.48 (2H, s, Ph-Cifc), 4.10 (IH, s, Ar-CH-Ar), 6.51 (2H, , Ar), 7.11-7.37 (12H, , Ar)ppm.

Example 53

Preparation of 4-r(N-benzγl-l-piperazJnγl.-benzyll-acetanUide (compound 92)

To 4-[(N-bcnzyl-l-piperazinyl benzyl]-aniline (compound 91) (50mg, 0.14mmol) and anhydrous pyridine(excess) were dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane, foUowed by the

addition of acetic anhydride (4eq.). The reaction mixture was stirred at r.t., for 30 min. and quenched by H 2 O, then washed with sat'd NaHCQ) aqueous solution and brine, the organic layer was dried over anhydrous MgSO ) filtered and concentrated to give an oU as the product (44mg, 80%yield).

Η NMR: (CDC1 3 , TMS) δ: 2.1(3H, s, -CE 2 ), 2.3-2.48 (8H, br, pipyrazin ring), 3.48 (2H, s, Ph-CHj), 4.16 (IH, s, Ar-CH-Ar), 7.20-8.12 (14H, Ar)ppm.

Elemental Analysis Calcdfor: C 2 6H 2 9N3O. 2.1HC1. 0.3H 2 O: C, 64.83; H, 6.64; N, 8.40. Found: C, 64.86; H, 6.64; N, 8.73

Example 54

Preparation of 4-.(N-benzyl-l-piperazinγl)-benzvπ-methanesulfonamide

To 4-[(N-benzyl-l-piperazinyl)-benzyl]-aniline (compound 91) (lOOmg, 0.28mmol) and pyridine (excess) were dissolved in anhydrous dichloromethane (5 ml) foUowed by the addition of methanesufonic anhydride(97.55mg, 0.56mmol), the reaction mixture was stirred at rt. for 20 min. foUowed by TLC, then it was quenched by adding drop of water, 10 ml of EtOAc was added, the mixture was washed with saturated NH Q aqueous solution and brine, the organic layer was dried over MgSO , concentrated and purified by MPLC using CH 2 Cl 2 /MeOH=99/l~95/5 as the solvent to give the pure product as a white soUd (~90mg, ~70%yield).

Melting point: 195~200°C(dcp.)

Η NMR: (CDClj, TMS) δ: 2.3-2.48 (8H, br, pipyrazin ring), 2.96 (3H, s, CH 3 SO 2 ), 3.51 (2H, s, Ph-CIt), 4.21 (IH, s, Ar-CH-Ar), 6.25 (IH, br, S-NH-), 7.10-7.41 (14H, m, Ar)ppm.

,3 C NMR:(CDC1 3 ) δ: 142.4, 140.2, 137.9, 135.3, 129.2, 129.1, 128.5, 128.1, 127.9, 127.0, 121.0, 75.5, 63.0, 53.2, 51.8, 39.3ppm.

Elemental analysis: Calcd.for: C 2 5H 2 9N3O2S. 0.9H 2 O: C, 66.46; H, 6.87; N, 9.30. Found: C, 66.53; H, 6.61; N, 9.23.

Example 55

Preparation of Methγl-N-4-f(N-benzyl-l-piperazinγl)-benzyπ-2-methylaceta te

To 4-[(N-benzyl-l-piperazinyl)-benzyl]-aniline (compound 91) (lOO g, 0.28mmol), Lithium hydride (2.5mg, 0.3mmol) and 1-bromomethylacetate (44.16mg, 0.28mmol) were mixed in anhydrous THF, the reaction mixture were refluxed for 2 hr. and cooled down to rt., then quenched with drops of water, washed with brine twice, dried over anhydrous MgSO 4 and concentrated to an oil, purified by MPLC using as the solvent to give an oil as the product (~23mg, 20%).

IR (NaCl FUm): HCl salt v =3404(br), 2922(br), 1745,1610, 1517, 1439, 1207cm '1

1H NMR: (CDCI3) δ: 2.40 (8H, br, piperazine ring), 3.50 (2H, s, PI1-CH2), 3.75 (3H, s, -O- CH3), 3.85 (2H, d, /=5.2Hz, N-CH 2 ), 4.12 (IH, s, Ar-CH-Ar), 4.18 (IH, t, J=5.2Hz, Ar- NH-CH 2 ), 6.49 (2H, d, J=8.4Hz, -N-Ar), 7.14-7.38 (12H, m, Ar)ppm. Λ,ω/.Calcd.for: C 2 _H 3 ,N 3 O 2 »3HCl: C, 60.17; H, 6.36; N, 7.80. Found: C, 59.97; H, 6.61; N, 7.46.

Compound IV: 4-(3-fluoro-α-hvdroxybenzyl)-acetonitrile

To l-Fluoro-3-iodo-benzene (7.53g, 33.9mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF and was cooled down to -78°C, n-Butyllithium (2.5M in THF, 33.9mmol) was added slowly into the reaction mixture via a syringe, the mixture was stored for 10 min. foUowed by the addition of the solution of 4-Acetamidobenzaldehyde (1.84g, 11.3mmol) in 5ml of dry DME, the reaction mixture was then stirred at -78°C for 30 min. before quenched with NRtCl aqueous solution. The organic layer was washed with brine and dried over anhydrous MgSO 4 , filtered and concentrated to an oU, purified by MPLC using 10% heptane in CH2CI2 and 100%CH 2 C1 2 to give the pure product (1.65g, 56% yield).

Η NMR: (CDCI 3 ) δ: 2.14 (3H, s, OCCHj), 2.55 (IH, s, br, OH), 5.76 (IH, d, 7=3.2Hz, Ar-CH-Ar), 7.35 (IH, s, CONH), 6.90-7.50 (8H, m, Ar)ppm.

Compound V: 4-(3-fluoro-α-chlorobenzyl)-acetonitrile

This was prepared using the same method as described for the preparation of compound (II) but using compound (IV). It was used directly for the next step reaction without purification.

1H NMR: (CDCI3) δ: 2.15 (3H, s, OCCH3), 6.10 (IH, s, Ar-CH-Ar), 7.84 (IH, s, CONH), 6.90-7.6 (8H, m, Ar), 7.84 (IH, s, CONH)ppm.

Example 56

Preparation of 4-f(N-benzγl-T-p'pft'?"n y l ) -3-fluorobenz γ n-acetanilide (compound 95)

This was prepared using the same method as described for the preparation of compound (III) but using compound (V).

1H NMR: (CDCI 3 ) δ: 2.14 (3H, s, OCCHj), 2.40 (8H, br, piperazine), 3.51 (2H, s, Ph- CEb), 4.19 (IH, s, Ar-CH-Ar), 6.80-7.40 (13H, m, Ar)ppm. ANALYSIS: Λna/.Calcd.for: C 26 H 2 βFN 3 θ C, 56.24; H, 6.02; N, 7.13. Found: C, 56.29; H, 6.10; N, 6.88.

Pharmaceutical compositions

The novel compounds according to the present invention may be administered per oraUy, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneaUy, intrathoraciaUy, intravenously, intrathecaUy and intracerebroventricularly.

The dosage will depend on the route of administration, the severity of the disease, age and weight of the patient and other factors normaUy considered by the attending physician, when determining the individual regimen and dosage level at the most appropriate for a particular patient

For preparing pharmaceutical compositions from the compounds of this invention, inert, pharmaceuticaUy acceptable carriers can be either soHd or tiquid. SoUd form preparations include powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules, cachets, and suppositories.

A sohd carrier can be one or more substances which may also act as dUuents, flavoring agents, solubilizers, lubricants, suspending agents, binders, or tablet disintegrating agents; it can also be an encapsulating material.

In powders, the carrier is a finely divided solid which is in a mixture with the finely divided active component In tablets, the active component is mixed with the carrier having the

necessary binding properties in suitable proportions and compacted in the shape and size desired.

For preparing suppository compositions, a low-melting wax such as a mixture of fatty acid glycerides and cocoa butter is first melted and the active ingredient is dispersed therein by, for example, stirring. The molten homogeneous mixture is then poured into convenient sized molds and aUowed to cool and soUdify.

Suitable carriers are magnesium carbonate, magnesium stearate, talc, lactose, sugar, pectin, dextrin, starch, tragacanth, methyl ceUulose, sodium carboxymethyl ceUulose, a low-melting wax, cocoa butter, and the like.

PharmaceuticaUy acceptable salts are acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bitartrate, bromide, calcium acetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, cetrate, dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, glucaptate, gluconate. glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate, hydrabamine, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, malate, maleate, mandelate mesylate, methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, pamoate (embonate), pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, subacetate, succinate, sulfate, tannata, tartrate, teoclate, triethiodide, benzathine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, meglumine, procaine, aluminium, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc.

Preferred pharmaceuticaUy acceptable salts are the hydrochlorides and citrates.

The term composition is intended to include the formulation of the active component with encapsulating material as a carrier providing a capsule in which the active component (with or without other carriers) is surrounded by a carrier which is thus in association with it Similarly, cachets are included.

Tablets, powders, cachets, and capsules can be used as solid dosage forms suitable for oral administration.

Liquid from compositions include solutions, suspensions, and emulsions. Sterile water or water-propylene glycol solutions of the active compounds may be mentioned as an example of liquid preparations suitable for parenteral administration. Liquid compositions can also be formulated in solution in aqueous polyethylene glycol solution.

Aqueous solutions for oral administration can be prepared by dissolving the active component in water and adding suitable colorants, flavoring agents, stabilizers, and thickening agents as desired. Aqueous suspensions for oral use can be made by dispersing the finely divided active component in water together with a viscous material such as natural synthetic gums, resins, methyl ceUulose, sodium carboxymethyl ceUulose, and other suspending agents known to the pharmaceutical formulation art

Preferably the pharmaceutical compositions is in unit dosage form. In such form, the composition is divided into unit doses containing appropriate quantities of the active component. The unit dosage form can be a packaged preparation, the package containing discrete quantities of the preparations, for example, packeted tablets, capsules, and powders in vials or ampoules. The unit dosage form can also be a capsule, cachet or tablet itself, or it can be the appropriate number of any of these packaged forms.

Biological evaluation

A) 7N VITRO MODEL Cell culture

Human 293S ceUs expressing cloned human μ, δ, and K receptors and neomycin resistance were grown in suspension at 37°C and 5% CO 2 in shaker flasks containing calcium-free DMEM 10% FBS, 5% BCS, 0.1% Pluronic F-68, and 600 μg/ml geneticin.

Membrane preparation

CeUs were peUeted and resuspended in lysis buffer (50 mM Tris, pH 7.0, 2.5 mM EDTA, with PMSF added just prior to use to 0.1 mM from a 0.1 M stock in ethanol), incubated on ice for 15 min, then homogenized with a polytron for 30 sec. The suspension was spun at lOOOg (max) for 10 min at 4°C. The supernatant was saved on ice and the pellets resuspended and spun as before. The supernatants from both spins were combined and spun at 46,000 g(max) for 30 min. The pellets were resuspended in cold Tris buffer (50 mM Tris/ Cl, pH 7.0) and spun again. The final pellets were resuspended in membrane buffer < 50 mM Tris, 0.32 M sucrose, pH 7.0). AUquots (1 ml) in polypropylene tubes were frozen in dry ice/ethanol and stored at -70°C until use. The protein concentrations were determined by a modified Lowry assay with SDS.

Binding assays

Membranes were thawed at 37°C, cooled on ice, passed 3 times through a 25-gauge needle, and diluted into binding buffer (50 mM Tris, 3 mM MgCl 2> 1 mg/ml BSA (Sigma A- 7888), pH 7.4, which was stored at 4°C after filtration through a 0.22 m filter, and to which had been freshly added 5 μg/ml aprotinin, 10 μM bestatin, 10 μM diprotin A, no DTT). Aliquots of 100 μl (for μg protein, see Table 1) were added to iced 12x75 mm polypropylene tubes containing 100 μl of the appropriate radioligand (see Table 1) and 100

μl of test peptides at various concentrations. Total (TB) and nonspecific (NS) binding were determined in the absence and presence of 10 μM naloxone respectively. The tubes were vortexed and incubated at 25°C for 60-75 min, after which time the contents are rapidly vacuum-filtered and washed with about 12 ml/tube iced wash buffer (50 mM Tris, pH 7.0, 3 mM MgCl∑) through GF/B filters (Whatman) presoaked for at least 2h in 0.1 % polyethyleneimine. The radioactivity (dpm) retained on the filters was measured with a beta counter after soaking the filters for at least 12h in minivials containing 6-7 ml scintillation fluid. If the assay is set up in 96-place deep well plates, the filtration is over 96-place PEI- soaked unifilters, which were washed with 3 x 1 ml wash buffer, and dried in an oven at 55°C for 2h. The filter plates were counted in a TopCount (Packard) after adding 50 μl MS-20 scintillation fluid/weU.

Data analysis

The specific binding (SB) was calculated as TB-NS, and the SB in the presence of various test peptides was expressed as percentage of control SB. Values of IC50 -nd HiU coefficient (nπ) for ligands in displacing specificaUy bound radioligand were calculated from logit plots or curve fitting programs such as Ligand, GraphPad Prism, SigmaPlot, or ReceptorFit. Values of Kj were calculated from the Cheng-Prussoff equation. Mean ± S.E.M. values of IC50, Kj and ΠH were reported for ligands tested in at least three displacement curves.

Receptor saturation experiments

RadioUgand K $ values were determined by performing the binding assays on ceU membranes with the appropriate radioUgands at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 5 times the estimated Kg (up to 10 times if amounts of radioligand required are feasable). The specific radioligand binding was expressed as pmole/mg membrane protein. Values of Kg and BQ UX from individual experiments were obtained from nonlinear fits of specifically bound (B) vs. nM free (F) radioUgand from individual according to a one-site model.

B) BIOLOGICAL MODEL (IN VIVO MODEL )

FREUND'S COMPLETE ADJUVANT (FCA), AND SCIATIC NERVE CUFF

INDUCED MECHANO-ALLODYNIA IN RAT

Animals Male Sprague-Dawley rats (Charles River, St-Constant, Canada) weighing 175-200g at the time of surgery were used. They were housed in groups of three in rooms thermostaticaUy maintained at 20° C with a 12: 12 hr Ught/dark cycle, and with free access to food and water. After arrival, the animals were aUowed to acclimatize for at least 2 days before surgery. The experiments were approved by the appropriate Medical Ethical Committee for animal studies.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE

FREUND'S COMPLETE ADJUVANT

The rats were first anesthetized in a Halothane chamber after which lOμl of FCA was injected s.c. into the dorsal region of the left foot, between the second and third external digits. The animals were then aUowed to recover from anesthesia under observation in their home cage.

SCIATIC NERVE CUFF

The animals were prepared according to the method described by Mosconi and Kruger (1996). Rats were anesthetized with a mixture of Ketamine / Xylazine i.p. (2ml/kg) and placed on their right side and an incision made over, and along the axis of, the lateral aspect of the left femur. The muscles of the upper quadriceps were teased apart to reveal the sciatic nerve on which a plastic cuff (PE-60 tubing, 2mm long) was placed around. The wound was then closed in two layers with 3-0 vicryl and silk sutures.

DETERMINATION OF MECHANO-ALLODYNIA USING VON FREY TESTING

Testing was performed between 08:00 and 16:00h using the method described by Chaplan et al. (1994). Rats were placed in Plexiglas cages on top of a wire mesh bottom which aUowed access to the paw, and were left to habituate for 10-15 min. The area tested was the mid-plantar left hind paw, avoiding the less sensitive foot pads. The paw was touched with a series of 8 Von Frey hairs with logarithmicaUy incremental stiffness (0.41, 0.69, 1.20, 2.04, 3.63, 5.50, 8.51, and 15.14 grams; Stoelting, UI, USA). The von Frey hair was applied from underneath the mesh floor perpendicular to the plantar surface with sufficient force to cause a stight buckling against the paw, and held for approximately 6-8 seconds. A positive response was noted if the paw was sharply withdrawn. Flinching immediately upon removal of the hair was also considered a positive response. Ambulation was considered an ambiguous response, and in such cases the stimulus was repeated.

TESTING PROTOCOL The animals were tested on postoperative day 1 for the FCA-treated group and on post¬ operative day 7 for the Sciatic Nerve Cuff group. The 50% withdrawal threshold was determined using the up-down method of Dixon (1980). Testing was started with the 2.04 g hair, in the middle of the series. Stimuli were always presented in a consecutive way, whether ascending or descending. In the absence of a paw withdrawal response to the initiaUy selected hair, a stronger stimulus was presented; in the event of paw withdrawal, the next weaker stimulus was chosen. Optimal threshold calculation by this method requires 6 responses in the immediate vicinity of the 50% threshold, and counting of these 6 responses began when the first change in response occurred, e.g. the threshold was first crossed. In cases where thresholds feU outside the range of stimuh, values of 15.14 (normal sensitivity) or 0.41 (maximaUy aUodynic) were respectively assigned. The resulting pattern of positive and negative responses was tabulated using the convention, X = no withdrawal; O = withdrawal, and the 50% withdrawal threshold was interpolated using the formula:

50% g threshold = itf**** / 10,000

where Xf = value of the last von Frey hair used (log units); k = tabular value (from Chaplan et al. (1994)) for the pattern of positive / negative responses; and δ = mean difference between stimuU (log units). Here δ = 0.224.

Von Frey thresholds were converted to percent of maximum possible effect (% MPE), according to Chaplan et al. 1994. The foUowing equation was used to compute % MPE:

% MPE = Drug treated threshold (g) - allodynia threshold (g) X 100 Control threshold (g) - allodynia threshold (g)

ADMINISTRATION OF TEST SUBSTANCE

Rats were injected (subcutaneously, intraperitoneaUy, or oraUy) with a test substance prior to von Frey testing, the time between administration of test compound and the von Frey test varied depending upon the nature of the test compound.