TITLE

Novel Heterocyclic Compounds as mGlu5 Antagonists

DESCRIPTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to novel heterocyclic compounds having selective affinity for the mGlu5 subtype of metabotropic receptors and to pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds.

Background of the Invention

Lower urinary tract disorders encompass an assortment of syndromes that affect normal micturition. Lower urinary tract disorders may develop through combination of pathological and/or age-related changes of the urogenital system, or other etiology, e.g., neurological disorders. Individuals suffering from lower urinary tract disorders suffer from impaired quality of life, including embarrassment, poor self-perception, and a general reduction in emotional well-being, social function, and general health. Lower urinary tract disorders, moreover, may be associated with other physical ailments, including cellulitis, pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, falls with fractures, sleep deprivation, social withdrawal, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Older individuals suffering from lower urinary tract disorders may require more care from care providers, both family and profession, which may be a factor in decisions to place them in institutions.

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 35 million Americans are estimated to suffer lower urinary tract disorders. Lower urinary tract disorders are more common among women than men (2:1) until age 80, after which men and women are equally affected. The prevalence of lower urinary tract disorders increases with age. By the age 65, lower urinary tract disorders affect 15% to 30% of all individuals and approximately 50% of individuals in long-term care.

Agents with various modes of action have been used to treat lower urinary tract disorders. These include agents that act directly on the lower urinary tract, e.g., antimuscarinics and alpha 1 antagonists, and agents that act through the central nervous system, e.g., serotonin and/or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors. According to the NIH, however, while some progress has been made in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of lower urinary tract disorders, these disorders frequently remain intractable. Thus, there is

a continued need for improved agents, formulations and therapies to treat lower urinary tract disorders.

Glutamic acid, an excitatory amino acid, is present at synapses throughout the central nervous system and is known to act on at least two types of receptors: ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors.

The principle function of ionotropic glutamate receptors is that their activation forms ligand-gated ion channels and, thereby, directly mediates electrical signaling of nerve cells, producing rapid and relatively large conductance changes in the post-synaptic membranes. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) regulate electrical signaling indirectly, by influencing intracellular metabolic processes via G-proteins. Changes in the post-synaptic cell that are mediated through mGluRs are consequently relatively slow over time and are not linked to rapid and large changes in neuronal membrane conductance.

Three subtypes of ionotropic glutamate receptors have been described, i.e., the NMDA, AMPA and kainate subtypes. Eight subtypes of metabotropic glutamate receptors have been cloned. The subtypes are classified into three groups on the basis of sequence similarities, and pharmacological and biochemical properties (Spooren et al., Trends Pharmacol. ScL 22: 331-337, 2001): Group I mGlu receptors (mGlul and mGlu5), Group II mGlu receptors (mGlu2 and mGlu3) and Group III mGlu receptors (mGlu4, mGluό, mGlu7 and mGlu8). Group I receptor mGluS (either human or rat) is known to comprise at least two subtypes, "a" and "b". Subtype "b" is longer than subtype "a", because of an alternative splicing of a 32-amino-acid stretch in the C-terminal (intracellular) domain, 50 residues downstream of the beginning of the domain. The human mGlu5b is 1212 amino acids long, while the "a" form lacks the amino acids from 877 to 908 (n. 828 being the first of the intracellular domain). The rat mGlu5b is 1203 amino acids long, while the "a" form lacks the amino acids from 876 to 907 (n. 827 being the first of the intracellular domain). (Hermans and Challis, Biochem. J 359: 465-484, 2001).

The mGlu receptors, belonging to family 3 of GPCRs, are characterized by two distinct topological domains: a large extracellular N-terminal domain containing a Venus fly-trap module responsible for agonist binding and the 7-TM domain plus intracellular C- terminal domain that is involved in receptor activation and G-protein coupling.

The 7-TMD of mGlu I receptors has been shown to form a binding pocket for positive and negative allosteric modulators; the negative ones have been identified thanks to high throughput screening technologies and act as non-competitive antagonists, having no

effect on agonist binding. The most interesting property of these molecules, in addition to their high potency, is their remarkable subtype selectivity.

The 7-TM binding region is located in a pocket-lined by TM-III, TM-V, TM-VI and TM-VII; this site corresponds to the retinal binding pocket in rhodopsin. Allosteric modulators of mGlu5 represent an exciting advance in demonstrating the potentiality for developing novel research tools and therapeutic agents that regulate activity of specific mGluR subtypes.

The compounds of the instant invention are always reported as mGlu5 antagonist but actually are negative allosteric modulators acting at the 7-TM binding region. WO 00/63166 discloses tricyclic carbamic acid derivatives useful for the treatment of different diseases, including urinary incontinence. The derivatives are disclosed to be agonists or antagonists of Group I mGlu receptors with specificity for the mGlul receptor.

WO 01/32632 discloses pyrimidine derivatives useful for the treatment of different diseases, including urinary incontinence. The derivatives are disclosed as selective antagonists of the mGlu 1 receptor with at least 10-fold selectivity for the mGlul receptor over the mGlu 5 receptor.

WO 01/27070 discloses new bisarylacetamides useful for the treatment of urinary incontinence, among other conditions. The molecules are discosed to be agonists or antagonists selective for the mGlu 1 receptor. US 6,369,222 discloses heterocycloazepinyl pyrimidine derivatives useful for the treatment of urinary incontinence, among other conditions. The derivatives are disclosed to be antagonists of the mGlu 1 receptor.

The aforementioned applications and patent, therefore, disclose mGlul receptor antagonists as useful for treating urinary incontinence. None of the references, however, provide experimental support for treatment of urinary incontinence, either in human patients or in an animal model for lower urinary tract disease.

We have tested the activity of selective mGlul and selective mGlu5 antagonists, in a rat model useful to detect activity on the lower urinary tract. Surprisingly, good activity was found for antagonists selective for the mGlu5 receptor, whereas two commercially available antagonists selective for mGlul receptor failed to exhibit an effect. An antagonist selective for Group II mGluR receptors also failed to exhibit an effect in the rat model. Given these results, selective mGlu5 antagonists can be an effective means to treat lower urinary tract disorders.

- -

Accordingly, the present inventors have unexpectedly found that administration of negative allosteric modulators of the glutamate mGlu5 receptor, in this document called mGlu5 antagonists, provide a potent inhibition of the micturition reflex. These modulators are thus useful for treatment of lower urinary tract disorders and symptoms thereof, International Patent Application WO04/067002 (Recordati).

Description of the Invention

The invention provides compounds having the general formula I

wherein

R' represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy group or is absent; Z represents a group of the formula

(i) (ϋ) or (iii)

X ¹ represents an oxygen atom or a methylene group; Ri represents

• a hydrogen or halogen atom,

• a hydroxy, cyano, phenyl, Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Cj-C ₆ alkylcarbonyl, Cj-C ₆ alkoxy, Cj-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyl, Cj-C ₆ alkylcarbonyloxy, Cj-C ₆ alkoxycarbonyloxy, Cj-C ₆ alkylthio, di-(Cj-C ₆ alkyl)-amino or C ₃ -Cj ₄ cycloalkyl group, or

• an optionally substituted C1-C9 heterocyclic group containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur;

R ₃ represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci-C ₆ alkyl group or is absent; R ₂ represents

• an optionally substituted mono- or bicyclic C1-C9 heterocyclic group containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur,

• an optionally substituted mono-, bi- or tricyclic C ₆ -C _H aryl group,

• an optionally substituted Cj-C ₆ alkyl group,

• an optionally substituted C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl group, or

• an optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl group, or R ₂ represents a group -C(O)-R ₂ A wherein R ₂ A is defined as R ₂ above; R ₃ represents

• a hydrogen atom,

• an optionally substituted C i-C ₆ alkyl group,

• an optionally substituted mono-, bi- or tricyclic C ₁ -Cu heterocyclic group containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur,

• an optionally substituted mono, bi or tricyclic C ₆ -Ci ₄ aryl group,

• an optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl group, or

• an optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkenyl group,

Y represents a group of the formula -C(O)- , -C(S)- , -NH-C(O)- , -N(CpC ₆ alkyl)-C(O)- , - 0-C(O)- , -NH-C(S)- , -N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-C(S)- , -0-C(S)- or -SO ₂ - or is absent, m is O, 1 or 2; n is O, 1 or 2; — represents an optional double bond; and

*> represents the point of attachment to the illustrated nitrogen containing ring. Enantiomers, diastereomers, N-oxides and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds I are included within the invention.

Preferred compounds according to the invention are those in which Z represents a group of the formula (i-a)

(i-a)

Also preferred are compounds in which m is 1, n is 1 and the illustrated nitrogen containing ring is fully saturated. Combining these preferences with the preferred group Z, one has the following compounds II

as most preferred.

In the compounds I, the substituents for each optionally substituted group are

• a halogen atom or an oxo, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, carbamoyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylsulphonyl, Ci- C ₆ alkylthio, Ci-C ₆ alkylcarbonyl or Ci-C ₆ alkylcarbonyl-(Ci-C ₆ )alkyl group or a group of the formula -NR* R* wherein each R* independently represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci-C ₆ alkyl, Ci-C ₆ alkylcarbonyl, phenyl or benzyl group, or

• a Ci-C ₆ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₆ alkynyl or Ci-C ₆ alkoxy group, each of which may optionally bear from 1 to 8 independently selected oxo, halo, cyano, nitro, amino, hydroxy or phenyl substituents,

• a C ₃ -C ₉ mono- or bicycloalkyl group optionally bearing from 1 to 3 independently selected Ci-C ₆ alkyl, oxo, halo, cyano, nitro, amino, hydroxy or phenyl substituents, or

• a group of the formula -A, -O-A, -C(O)-A, -(CH ₂ )q-A, -NR**-A, -C(O)NR**-A, - NR**C(0)-A or -OC(O)-A, wherein A represents a phenyl group or a Ci-C ₈ heterocyclic group containing from 1 to

3 heteroatoms chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, each of which groups A may optionally bear from 1 to 3 independently selected halo, hydroxy, cyano, nitro and CpC ₆ alkyl substituents, each R** independently represents a hydrogen atom or a Ci-C ₆ alkyl group, and q is 0 or an integer from 1 to 6.

The compounds of the invention are mGlu5 antagonists useful in the treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, migraine and in gastroesophagael reflux disease (GERD) in mammals. In jurisdictions in which methods of treatment of humans and animals are considered patentable, the invention extends to methods for the treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower urinary tract, for the treatment of migraine and for the terartment of gastroesophagael reflux disease (GERD) in mammals.

Y preferably represents a group of the formula -C(O)- , -NH-C(O)- , -N(Ci-C ₆ alkyl)-C(O)- ,-O-C(O)- , -NH-C(S)- or -SO ₂ - or is absent.

Ri preferably represents a hydrogen or fluorine atom or a methyl, phenyl, hydroxy, methoxy, methoxycarbonyloxy, dimethylamino or piperidino group. When Z represents a group of the formula (i-a), Ri preferably represents a hydrogen or fluorine atom or a methyl or phenyl group. R ₂ preferably represents

• an optionally substituted mono or bicyclic Ci -C ₉ heterocyclic group containing from 1 to 3 heteroatoms chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur,

• an optionally substituted phenyl group,

• an optionally substituted Ci-C ₆ alkyl group, • an optionally substituted C ₂ -C ₆ alkenyl group,

• an optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl group, or a group -C(O)-R _2A wherein R _2A is as defined as R ₂ above.

More preferably, R ₂ represents an optionally substituted pyrrolidinyl, thiazolyl, pyridyl, quinolyl, quinoxalinyl or phenyl group, the substituents for each optionally substituted group being a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom or an oxo, nitro, cyano, cyanomethyl, acetyl, methyl, methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, acetamino, 2,2-dimethylpropanoylamino, 3,3-dimethyl-2-oxo-l- azetidinyl, 1-pyrrolidinylmethyl, lH-pyrazol-1-yl, 3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl or morpholino group. Particularly preferred amongst this group are compounds in which R ₂ represents a pyridyl or phenyl group substituted with a fluorine atom and/or a methyl group, further substituents being optional.

Most preferably, R ₂ represents a 6-methyl-2-pyridyl, 5-cyano-2-pyridyl, 3- fluorophenyl, 2,5-difluorophenyl group or 3,5-difluorophenyl group.

R ₃ preferably represents • a Ci-C ₆ alkyl group substituted with an optionally substituted group A,

• an optionally substituted mono- or bicyclic C]-C ₉ heterocyclic group containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur,

• an optionally substituted phenyl group,

• an optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkyl group, or • an optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₆ cycloalkenyl group.

More preferably R ₃ represents a mono- or bicyclic Ci-C ₉ heterocyclic group containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms chosen from nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur and at least 2 adjacent carbon atoms, one of which is bonded to the nitrogen atom of the illustrated

nitrogen containing ring (Y being absent) and the other of which bears a cyano or nitro substituent, further substituents being optional.

Alternatively R ₃ may represent an optionally substituted pyrrolidinyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, isoxazolyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, piperidyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, morpholinyl, imidazo[2,l-b]thiazolyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, imidazo[l,2- ajpyridyl, 1,2,3-benzotriazolyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, quinoxalinyl, pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazinyl, 1 ,4-benzoxazinyl or phenyl group, the substituents for each optionally substituted group being a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom or a methyl, isopropyl, methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, cyano, nitro, trifiuoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, acetyl, acetamino, phenyl, benzyloxy, phenyl carbamoyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3-fluoro-4-methylphenyl, 2-furyl, 2-thienyl, 4-pyridyl, piperidino, 2-pyrimidinyl, 2-pyrimidinyloxy, l,3-thiazol-2-yl, 2-methyl-l,3- thiazol-4-yl, 2-oxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl, 5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl, 2,5-dimethyl-lH-pyrrol- 1 -yl group.

Most preferably R ₃ represents a 6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl, 6-methyl-3-cyano-2- pyridyl, 4-methoxy-3-cyano-2-pyridyl, 3 -cyano-2 -thienyl, or 3-cyano-2-pyrazinyl group.

The most preferred compounds according to the invention are those prepared in the Examples hereinbelow.

The selectivity of the compounds of the invention may be measured by (a) individually measuring the binding affinity of a test compound for the mGlu5 receptor, mGlul receptor and Group II mGlu receptors;

(b) identifying those test compounds that:

(1) bind to a mGlu5 receptor with an affinity of at least 10-6 M, and

(2) bind to a mGlu5 receptor with an affinity at least 10-fold stronger than the affinity for the mGlul receptor and Group II mGlu receptors. (c) individually measuring the ability of each of the compounds identified in step (b) to act as an antagonist or inverse agonist at the mGlu5 receptor.

Preferably, the activity of compounds identified in steps (a), (b), and (c) above is confirmed by evaluating the activity of the compound in treatment of lower urinary tract disease in humans or an animal model system. More preferably the compounds identified exhibit activity in increasing bladder volume capacity in conscious rats.

The term "salts" can include acid addition salts or addition salts of free bases. Preferably, the salts are pharmaceutically acceptable. Examples of acids which may be employed to form pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include, but are not limited to, salts derived from nontoxic inorganic acids such as nitric, phosphoric, sulphuric,

or hydrobromic, hydroiodic, hydrofluoric, phosphorous, as well as salts derived from nontoxic organic acids such as aliphatic mono- and dicarboxylic acids, phenyl-substituted alkanoic acids, hydroxyl alkanoic acids, alkanedioic acids, aromatic acids, aliphatic and aromatic sulphonic acids, and acetic, maleic, succinic, or citric acids. Non-limiting examples of such salts include napadisylate, besylate, sulphate, pyrosulphate, bisulphate, sulphite, bisulphite, nitrate, phosphate, monohydrogenphosphate, dihydrogenphosphate, metaphosphate, pyrophosphate, chloride, bromide, iodide, acetate, trifluoroacetate, propionate, caprylate, isobutyrate, oxalate, malonate, succinate, suberate, sebacate, fumarate, maleate, mandelate, benzoate, chlorobenzoate, methylbenzoate, dinitrobenzoate, phthalate, benzenesulphonate, toluenesulphonate, phenylacetate, citrate, lactate, maleate, tartrate, methanesulphonate, and the like. Also contemplated are salts of amino acids such as arginate and the like and gluconate, galacturonate (see, for example, Berge, et al. "Pharmaceutical Salts," J. Pharm. ScL 1977;66: 1).

Typically, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a compound I may be readily prepared by using a desired acid or base as appropriate. The salt may precipitate from solution and be collected by filtration or may be recovered by evaporation of the solvent.

For example, an aqueous solution of an acid such as hydrochloric acid may be added to an aqueous suspension of a compound I and the resulting mixture evaporated to dryness

(lyophilized) to obtain the acid addition salt as a solid. Alternatively, a compound I may be dissolved in a suitable solvent, for example an alcohol such as isopropanol, and the acid may be added in the same solvent or another suitable solvent. The resulting acid addition salt may then be precipitated directly, or by addition of a less polar solvent such as diisopropyl ether or hexane, and isolated by filtration.

The acid addition salts of the compounds I may be prepared by contacting the free base form with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce the salt in the conventional manner. The free base form may be regenerated by contacting the salt form with a base and isolating the free base in the conventional manner. The free base forms differ from their respective salt forms somewhat in certain physical properties such as solubility in polar solvents, but otherwise the salts are equivalent to their respective free base for purposes of the present invention.

Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts are formed with metals or amines, such as alkali and alkaline earth metals or organic amines. Examples of metals used as cations are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and the like. Examples of suitable

amines are N,N'-dibenzylethylenediamine, chloroprocaine, choline, diethanolamine, dicyclohexylamine, ethylenediamine, N-methylglucamine, and procaine.

The base addition salts of said acidic compounds are prepared by contacting the free acid form with a sufficient amount of the desired base to produce the salt in the conventional manner. The free acid form may be regenerated by contacting the salt form with an acid and isolating the free acid.

Compounds of the invention may have both a basic and an acidic center and therefore be in the form of zwitterions.

Those skilled in the art of organic chemistry will appreciate that many organic compounds can form complexes with solvents in which they are reacted or from which they are precipitated or crystallized. These complexes are known as "solvates". For example, a complex with water is known as a "hydrate". Solvates of the compound of the invention are within the scope of the invention. The salts of the compounds I may form solvates (e.g., hydrates) and the invention also includes all such solvates. The meaning of the word "solvates" is well known to those skilled in the art as a compound formed by interaction of a solvent and a solute (i.e., solvation). Techniques for the preparation of solvates are well established in the art (see, for example, Brittain. Polymorphism in Pharmaceutical solids.

Marcel Decker, New York, 1999.).

Compounds I can exist in racemic mixtures or in any other combination. Racemic mixtures can be subjected to methods for enantiomeric enrichment, to yield compositions enriched in a particular enantiomer, or resolved to a composition comprising a single enantiomer.

Purification of complex mixtures of diastereomers into enantiomers typically requires two steps. In a first step, the mixture of diastereomers is resolved into enantiomeric pairs. In a second step, enantiomeric pairs are further purified into compositions enriched for one or the other enantiomer or, more preferably resolved into compositions comprising pure enantiomers. Resolution of enantiomers typically requires reaction or molecular interaction with a chiral agent, e.g., solvent or column matrix. Resolution may be achieved, for example, by converting the mixture of enantiomers, e.g., a racemic mixture, into a mixture of diastereomers by reaction with a pure enantiomer of a second agent, /. e. , a resolving agent. The two resulting diasteromeric products can then be separated. The separated diastereomers are then reconverted to the pure enantiomers by reversing the initial chemical transformation.

Resolution of enantiomers can also be accomplished by differences in their non- covalent binding to a chiral substance, e.g., by chromatography on homochiral adsorbants. The noncovalent binding between enantiomers and the chromatographic adsorbant establishes diastereomeric complexes, leading to differential partitioning in the mobile and bound states in the chromatographic system. The two enantiomers therefore move through the chromatographic system, e.g., column, at different rates, allowing for their separation.

Chiral resolving columns are well known in the art and are commercially available

(e.g., from MetaChem Technologies Inc., a division of ANSYS Technologies, Inc., Lake

Forest, CA). Enantiomers can be analyzed and purified using, for example, chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for HPLC. Chiral HPLC columns typically contain one form of an enantiomeric compound immobilized to the surface of a silica packing material.

D-phenylglycine and L-leucine are examples of Type I CSPs and use combinations of π - π interactions, hydrogen bonds, dipole-dipole interactions, and steric interactions to achieve chiral recognition. To be resolved on a Type I column, analyte enantiomers must contain functionality complementary to that of the CSP so that the analyte undergoes essential interactions with the CSP. The sample should preferably contain one of the following functional groups: π -acid or π -base, hydrogen bond donor and/or acceptor, or an amide dipole. Derivatization is sometimes used to add the interactive sites to those compounds lacking them. The most common derivatives involve the formation of amides from amines and carboxylic acids.

The MetaChiral ODM™ is an example of a type II CSP. The primary mechanisms for the formation of solute-CSP complexes is through attractive interactions, but inclusion complexes also play an important role. Hydrogen bonding, π - π interactions, and dipole stacking are important for chiral resolution on the MetaChiral™ ODM. Derivatization maybe necessary when the solute molecule does not contain the groups required for solute- column interactions. Derivatization, usually to benzylamides, may be required for some strongly polar molecules like amines and carboxylic acids, which would otherwise interact strongly with the stationary phase through non-specific-stereo interactions.

Compounds of formula I can be separated into diastereomeric pairs by, for example, separation by column chromatography or TLC on silica gel. These diastereomeric pairs are referred to herein as diastereomer with upper TLC Rf; and diastereomer with lower TLC Rf.

The diastereomers can further be enriched for a particular enantiomer or resolved into a single enantiomer using methods well known in the art, such as those described herein.

The relative configuration of the diastereomeric pairs can be deduced by the application of theoretical models or rules (e.g., Cram's rule, the Felkin-Ahn model) or using more reliable three-dimensional models generated by computational chemistry programs. In many instances, these methods are able to predict which diasteromer is the energetically favored product of a chemical transformation. As an alternative, the relative configuration of the diastereomeric pairs can be indirectly determined by discovering the absolute configurations of a single enantiomer in one (or both) of the diastereomeric pair(s).

The absolute configuration of the stereocenters can be determined by very well known method to those skilled in the art (e.g., X-Ray diffraction, circular dichroism). Determination of the absolute configuration can be useful also to confirm the predictability of theoretical models and can be helpful to extend the use of these models to similar molecules prepared by reactions with analogous mechanisms (e.g., ketone reductions and reductive animation of ketones by hydrides).

The present invention also encompasses stereoisomers of the syn-anti type, and mixtures thereof encountered when is a double bond and R ₂ is an alkyl group and/or m is not 1. The group of highest Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority attached to one of the terminal doubly bonded atoms of the oxime, is compared with hydroxyl group of the oxime. The stereoisomer is designated as Z (zusammen = together) or Syn if the oxime hydroxyl lies on the same side of a reference plane passing through the C=N double bond as the group of highest priority; the other stereoisomer is designated as E (entgegen = opposite) oτAnti.

The invention also encompasses pro-drugs of the compounds I, i.e., compounds which release an active parent drug according to formula I in vivo when administered to a mammalian subject. A pro-drug is a pharmacologically active or more typically an inactive compound that is converted into a pharmacologically active agent by a metabolic transformation. Pro-drugs of compounds I are prepared by modifying functional groups present in the compounds I in such a way that the modifications may be cleaved in vivo to release the parent compound. In vivo, a pro-drug readily undergoes chemical changes under physiological conditions [e.g., are acted on by naturally occurring enzyme(s)] resulting in liberation of the pharmacologically active agent. Pro-drugs include compounds I wherein a hydroxy, amino, or carboxy group is bonded to any group that may be cleaved in vivo to regenerate the free hydroxy, amino or carboxy group, respectively. Examples of pro-drugs include, but are not limited to esters (e.g., acetate, formate, and benzoate derivatives) of compounds I or any other derivative which upon being brought to the physiological pH or through enzyme action is converted to the active parent drug. Conventional procedures for

the selection and preparation of suitable pro-drug derivatives are described in the art (see, for example, Bundgaard. Design of Pro-drugs. Elsevier, 1985).

Pro-drugs may be administered in the same manner as the active ingredient to which they convert or they may be delivered in a reservoir form, e.g., a transdermal patch or other reservoir which is adapted to permit (by provision of an enzyme or other appropriate reagent) conversion of a pro-drug to the active ingredient slowly over time, and delivery of the active ingredient to the patient.

The present invention also encompasses metabolites. "Metabolite" of a compound disclosed herein is a derivative of a compound which is formed when the compound is metabolised. The term "active metabolite" refers to a biologically active derivative of a compound which is formed when the compound is metabolised. The term "metabolised" refers to the sum of the processes by which a particular substance is changed in the living body. In brief, all compounds present in the body are manipulated by enzymes within the body in order to derive energy and/or to remove them from the body. Specific enzymes produce specific structural alterations to the compound. For example, cytochrome P450 catalyses a variety of oxidative and reductive reactions while uridine diphosphate glucuronyltransferases catalyse the transfer of an activated glucuronic-acid molecule to aromatic alcohols, aliphatic alcohols, carboxylic acids, amines and free sulphydryl groups.

Further information on metabolism may be obtained from The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics , 9th Edition, McGraw-Hill (1996), pages 11-17.

Metabolites of the compounds disclosed herein can be identified either by administration of compounds to a host and analysis of tissue samples from the host, or by incubation of compounds with hepatic cells in vitro and analysis of the resulting compounds. Both methods are well known in the art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a plot showing the time course of the effect on rat bladder volume capacity of the compound of Example 1, administered at 1 and 3 mg/kg, orally, vs vehicle treated controls. Figure 2 is a plot showing the time course of the effect on rat bladder volume capacity of the compound of Example 10, administered at 0.3 and 1 mg/kg, orally, vs vehicle treated controls.

Figure 3 is a plot showing the time course of the effect on rat bladder volume capacity of the reference compound, MTEP, administered at 1 and 3 mg/kg, orally, vs vehicle treated controls.

Lower-Urinary Tract Disorders

The nomenclature of lower urinary tract symptoms and pathologies used herein is set forth in Abrams et al., Neurol, and Urodyn. 21:167-178 (2002) and Andersson et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 56:581-631 (2004).

Voiding dysfunctions can be roughly classified as disturbances of storage or emptying. Storage symptoms are experienced during the storage phase of the bladder, and include increased daytime frequency, nocturia (the waking at night one or more times to void), urgency (a sudden, compelling desire to pass urine that is difficult to defer), and urinary incontinence (the any involuntary leakage of urine). Urinary incontinence may be further characterized according to symptoms. Stress urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage on effort or exertion, or on sneezing or coughing. Urge urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine accompanied by or immediately preceded by urgency. Mixed urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine associated with urgency and also with exertion, effort, sneezing or coughing. Overflow incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine occurring after the bladder capacity has been exceeded, e.g., from a failure to empty. Enuresis also refers to any involuntary loss of urine. Nocturnal enuresis is the loss of urine occurring during sleep.

Voiding symptoms include slow stream, splitting or spraying of the urine stream, intermittent stream (intermittency, i.e., the stopping and restarting of urine flow during micturition, hesitancy (difficulty in initiating micturition resulting in a delay in the onset of voiding after the individual is ready to pass urine), straining and terminal dribble (a prolonged final part of micturition, when the flow has slowed to a trickle/dribble).

Lower urinary tract disorders may further be categorized by a constellation of symptoms (i.e., a syndrome) or by etiology. Individuals suffering from overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome, e.g., typically suffer from symptoms of urgency, urge incontinence, increased daytime frequency or nocturia. OAB occurs as a result of detrusor muscle overactivity referred to as detrusor muscle instability. Detrusor muscle instability can arise from non-neurological abnormalities, such as bladder stones, muscle disease, urinary tract infection or drug side effects or can be idiopathic.

Neurogenic overactive bladder (or neurogenic bladder) is a type of overactive bladder which occurs as a result of detrusor muscle overactivity referred to as detrusor hyperreflexia, secondary to known neurological disorders. Patients with neurological disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or spinal cord lesions often suffer from neurogenic overactive bladder.

Cystitis (including interstitial cystitis) is a lower urinary tract disorder of unknown etiology that predominantly affects young and middle-aged females, although men and children can also be affected. Symptoms of interstitial cystitis can include voiding symptoms, increased daytime frequency, urgency, nocturia or suprapubic or pelvic pain related to and relieved by voiding. Many interstitial cystitis patients also experience headaches as well as gastrointestinal and skin problems. In some cases, interstitial cystitis can also be associated with ulcers or scars of the bladder.

Prostatitis and prostadynia are other lower urinary tract disorders that have been suggested to affect approximately 2-9% of the adult male population. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate, and includes bacterial prostatitis (acute and chronic) and nonbacterial prostatitis. Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis are characterized by inflammation of the prostate and bacterial infection of the prostate gland, usually associated with symptoms of pain, increased daytime frequency and/or urgency. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is distinguished from acute bacterial prostatitis based on the recurrent nature of the disorder. Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis is characterized by inflammation of the prostate which is of unknown etiology accompanied by the presence of an excessive amount of inflammatory cells in prostatic secretions not currently associated with bacterial infection of the prostate gland, and usually associated with symptoms of pain, increased daytime frequency and/or urgency. Prostadynia is a disorder which mimics the symptoms of prostatitis absent inflammation of the prostate, bacterial infection of the prostate and elevated levels inflammatory cells in prostatic secretions. Prostadynia can be associated with symptoms of pain, increased daytime frequency and/or urgency.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that is very common in men over 40 years of age. BPH is thought to be due to excessive cellular growth of both glandular and stromal elements of the prostate. Symptoms of BPH can include increased frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, nocturia, and voiding symptoms, including slow stream, splitting or spraying of the urine stream, intermittency, hesitancy, straining and terminal dribble.

Effective amounts of a compound I may be used for treating lower urinary tract disorders in a patient in need of such treatment. Treatment of lower urinary tract disorders includes treatment of storage symptoms or voiding symptoms. Treatment of lower urinary tract disorders also includes treatment of increased daytime frequency, nocturia, urgency, urinary incontinence, including urge incontinence, stress incontinence, mixed incontinence and overflow incontinence, enuresis, including nocturnal enuresis, slow stream, splitting or spraying of the urine stream, intermittency, hesitancy, straining and terminal dribble.

Treatment of lower urinary tract disorders also includes treatment of OAB syndrome, including treatment of one or more symptoms of urgency, urge incontinence, daytime frequency or nocturia.

Treatment of lower urinary tract disorders further encompasses treatment of any of the aforementioned conditions, symptoms and/or syndromes when caused by or associated with cystitis, including interstitial cystitis, prostatitis, BPH, neurological disorders, decreased urinary compliance (i.e., decreased bladder storage capacity). A compound I may be used to treat the involuntary passage of urine, i.e., urinary incontinence, e.g., urge incontinence, stress incontinence, mixed incontinence or overflow incontinence. Such urinary incontinence may be caused by and/or associated with OAB or BPH.

Pharmaceutical compositions

While it is possible that a compound I may be administered as the bulk substance, it is preferable to present the active ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation, e.g., wherein the agent is in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound I, or an enantiomer, diastereomer, N-oxide or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier..

Compounds I may be used in combination with other therapies and/or active agents. Accordingly the invention provides, in a further aspect, a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound I or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, a second active agent and, optionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

When combined in the same formulation it will be appreciated that the two compounds must be stable and compatible with each other and the other components of the

formulation. When formulated separately they may be provided in any convenient formulation, conveniently in such manner as are known for such compounds in the art.

The term "carrier" refers to a diluent, excipient, and/or vehicle with which an active compound is administered. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may contain combinations of more than one carrier. Such pharmaceutical carriers can be sterile liquids, such as water, saline solutions, aqueous dextrose solutions, aqueous glycerol solutions, and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. Water or aqueous solution saline solutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions are preferably employed as carriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in

"Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences" by E. W. Martin, 18th Edition.

The compounds of the invention may be formulated for administration in any convenient way for use in human or veterinary medicine and the invention therefore includes within its scope pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention adapted for use in human or veterinary medicine. Such compositions may be presented for use in a conventional manner with the aid of one or more suitable carriers. Acceptable carriers for therapeutic use are well-known in the pharmaceutical art, and are described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Co. (A. R. Gennaro edit. 1985). The choice of pharmaceutical carrier can be selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. The pharmaceutical compositions may comprise as, in addition to, the carrier any suitable binder(s), lubricant(s), suspending agent(s), coating agent(s), and/or solubilizing agent(s).

Preservatives, stabilizers, dyes and even flavoring agents may be provided in the pharmaceutical composition. Examples of preservatives include sodium benzoate, ascorbic acid and esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Antioxidants and suspending agents may be also used.

The compounds of the invention may be milled using known milling procedures such as wet milling to obtain a particle size appropriate for tablet formation and for other formulation types. Finely divided (nanoparticulate) preparations of the compounds of the invention may be prepared by processes known in the art, for example see WO 02/00196

(SmithKline Beecham).

Routes of Administration and Unit Dosage Forms

The routes for administration (delivery) include, but are not limited to, one or more of: oral (e.g., as a tablet, capsule, or as an ingestible solution), topical, mucosal (e.g., as a nasal spray or aerosol for inhalation), nasal, parenteral (e.g., by an injectable form), gastrointestinal, intraspinal, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intravenous, intrauterine, intraocular, intradermal, intracranial, intratracheal, intravaginal, intracerebroventricular, intracerebral, subcutaneous, ophthalmic (including intravitreal or intracameral), transdermal, rectal, buccal, epidural and sublingual.

Therefore, the compositions of the invention include those in a form especially formulated for, e.g., parenteral, oral, buccal, rectal, topical, implant, ophthalmic, nasal or genito-urinary use. In preferred embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are formulated in a form that is suitable for oral delivery.

There may be different composition/formulation requirements depending on the different delivery systems. It is to be understood that not all of the compounds need to be administered by the same route. Likewise, if the composition comprises more than one active component, then those components may be administered by different routes. By way of example, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be formulated to be delivered using a mini-pump or by a mucosal route, for example, as a nasal spray or aerosol for inhalation or ingestible solution, or parenterally in which the composition is formulated by an injectable form, for delivery, by, for example, an intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous route. Alternatively, the formulation may be designed to be delivered by multiple routes.

Where the agent is to be delivered mucosally through the gastrointestinal mucosa, it should be able to remain stable during transit though the gastrointestinal tract; for example, it should be resistant to proteolytic degradation, stable at acid pH and resistant to the detergent effects of bile. For example, a compound I may be coated with an enteric coating layer. The enteric coating layer material may be dispersed or dissolved in either water or in a suitable organic solvent. As enteric coating layer polymers, one or more, separately or in combination, of the following can be used; e.g., solutions or dispersions of methacrylic acid copolymers, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate butyrate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose phthalate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate trimellitate, carboxymethylethylcellulose, shellac or other suitable enteric coating layer polymer(s). For environmental reasons, an aqueous

coating process may be preferred. In such aqueous processes methacrylic acid copolymers are most preferred.

Where appropriate, the pharmaceutical compositions can be administered by inhalation, in the form of a suppository or pessary, topically in the form of a lotion, solution, cream, ointment or dusting powder, by use of a skin patch, orally in the form of tablets containing excipients such as starch or lactose, or in capsules or ovules either alone or in admixture with excipients, or in the form of elixirs, solutions or suspensions containing flavoring or coloring agents, or they can be injected parenterally, for example intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. For buccal or sublingual administration the compositions may be administered in the form of tablets or lozenges, which can be formulated in a conventional manner.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be administered parenterally, e.g., by infusion or injection. Where the composition of the invention is to be administered parenterally, such administration includes one or more of: intravenously, intraarterial Iy, intraperitoneally, intrathecally, intraventricularly, intraurethrally, intrasternally, intracranially, intramuscularly or subcutaneously administering the agent; and/or by using infusion techniques. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for injection or infusion may be in the form of a sterile aqueous solution, a dispersion or a sterile powder that contains the active ingredient, adjusted, if necessary, for preparation of such a sterile solution or dispersion suitable for infusion or injection. This preparation may optionally be encapsulated into liposomes. In all cases, the final preparation must be sterile, liquid, and stable under production and storage conditions. To improve storage stability, such preparations may also contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Prevention of the action of micro-organisms can be achieved by the addition of various antibacterial and antifungal agents, e.g., paraben, chlorobutanol, or acsorbic acid. In many cases isotonic substances are recommended, e.g., sugars, buffers and sodium chloride to assure osmotic pressure similar to those of body fluids, particularly blood. Prolonged absorption of such injectable mixtures can be achieved by introduction of absorption- delaying agents, such as aluminium monostearate or gelatin. Dispersions can be prepared in a liquid carrier or intermediate, such as glycerin, liquid polyethylene glycols, triacetin oils, and mixtures thereof. The liquid carrier or intermediate can be a solvent or liquid dispersive medium that contains, for example, water, ethanol, a polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol or the like), vegetable oils, non-toxic glycerine esters and suitable mixtures thereof. Suitable flowability may be maintained, by

generation of liposomes, administration of a suitable particle size in the case of dispersions, or by the addition of surfactants.

For parenteral administration, the compound is best used in the form of a sterile aqueous solution which may contain other substances, for example, enough salts or glucose to make the solution isotonic with blood. The aqueous solutions should be suitably buffered (preferably to a pH of from 3 to 9), if necessary. The preparation of suitable parenteral formulations under sterile conditions is readily accomplished by standard pharmaceutical techniques well-known to those skilled in the art.

Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by mixing a compound of formulas I, II, or III with an appropriate solvent and one or more of the aforementioned carriers, followed by sterile filtering. In the case of sterile powders suitable for use in the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, preferable preparation methods include drying in vacuum and lyophilization, which provide powdery mixtures of the aldosterone receptor antagonists and desired excipients for subsequent preparation of sterile solutions. The compounds according to the invention may be formulated for use in human or veterinary medicine by injection {e.g., by intravenous bolus injection or infusion or via intramuscular, subcutaneous or intrathecal routes) and may be presented in unit dose form, in ampoules, or other unit-dose containers, or in multi-dose containers, if necessary with an added preservative. The compositions for injection may be in the form of suspensions, solutions, or emulsions, in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilizing, solubilizing and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively the active ingredient may be in sterile powder form for reconstitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g., sterile, pyrogen-free water, before use.

The compounds of the invention can be administered {e.g., orally or topically) in the form of tablets, capsules, ovules, elixirs, solutions or suspensions, which may contain flavoring or coloring agents, for immediate-, delayed-, modified-, sustained-, pulsed-or controlled-release applications.

The compounds of the invention may also be presented for human or veterinary use in a form suitable for oral or buccal administration, for example in the form of solutions, gels, syrups, mouth washes or suspensions, or a dry powder for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use, optionally with flavoring and coloring agents. Solid compositions such as tablets, capsules, lozenges, pastilles, pills, boluses, powder, pastes, granules, bullets or premix preparations may also be used. Solid and liquid compositions for oral use may be prepared according to methods well-known in the art. Such

compositions may also contain one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients which may be in solid or liquid form.

The tablets may contain excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, dibasic calcium phosphate and glycine, disintegrants such as starch (preferably corn, potato or tapioca starch), sodium starch glycolate, croscarmellose sodium and certain complex silicates, and granulation binders such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), sucrose, gelatin and acacia.

Additionally, lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, stearic acid, glyceryl behenate and talc may be included.

The compositions may be administered orally, in the form of rapid or controlled release tablets, microparticles, mini tablets, capsules, sachets, and oral solutions or suspensions, or powders for the preparation thereof. In addition to the new solid-state forms of pantoprazole of the present invention as the active substance, oral preparations may optionally include various standard pharmaceutical carriers and excipients, such as binders, fillers, buffers, lubricants, glidants, dyes, disintegrants, odorants, sweeteners, surfactants, mold release agents, antiadhesive agents and coatings. Some excipients may have multiple roles in the compositions, e.g., act as both binders and disintegrants.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable disintegrants for oral compositions useful in the present invention include, but are not limited to, starch, pre-gelatinized starch, sodium starch glycolate, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, croscarmellose sodium, microcrystalline cellulose, alginates, resins, surfactants, effervescent compositions, aqueous aluminum silicates and cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable binders for oral compositions useful herein include, but are not limited to, acacia; cellulose derivatives, such as methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose or hydroxyethylcellulose; gelatin, glucose, dextrose, xylitol, polymethacrylates, polyvinylpyrrolidone, sorbitol, starch, pre-gelatinized starch, tragacanth, xanthane resin, alginates, magnesium-aluminum silicate, polyethylene glycol or bentonite. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable fillers for oral compositions include, but are not limited to, lactose, anhydrolactose, lactose monohydrate, sucrose, dextrose, mannitol, sorbitol, starch, cellulose (particularly microcrystalline cellulose), dihydro- or anhydro-calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable lubricants useful in the compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to, magnesium stearate, talc, polyethylene glycol, polymers of ethylene oxide, sodium lauryl sulphate, magnesium lauryl sulphate, sodium oleate, sodium stearyl fumarate, and colloidal silicon dioxide. Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable odorants for the oral compositions include, but are not limited to, synthetic aromas and natural aromatic oils such as extracts of oils, flowers, fruits (e.g., banana, apple, sour cherry, peach) and combinations thereof, and similar aromas. Their use depends on many factors, the most important being the organoleptic acceptability for the population that will be taking the pharmaceutical compositions.

Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable dyes for the oral compositions include, but are not limited to, synthetic and natural dyes such as titanium dioxide, beta- carotene and extracts of grapefruit peel.

Examples of useful pharmaceutically acceptable coatings for the oral compositions, typically used to facilitate swallowing, modify the release properties, improve the appearance, and/or mask the taste of the compositions include, but are not limited to, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose and acrylate-methacrylate copolymers.

Suitable examples of pharmaceutically acceptable sweeteners for the oral compositions include, but are not limited to, aspartame, saccharin, saccharin sodium, sodium cyclamate, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, lactose and sucrose.

Suitable examples of pharmaceutically acceptable buffers include, but are not limited to, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium bicarbonate, dibasic sodium phosphate, magnesium oxide, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. Suitable examples of pharmaceutically acceptable surfactants include, but are not limited to, sodium lauryl sulphate and polysorbates.

Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in gelatin capsules. Preferred excipients in this regard include lactose, starch, a cellulose, milk sugar or high molecular weight polyethylene glycols. For aqueous suspensions and/or elixirs, the agent may be combined with various sweetening or flavoring agents, coloring matter or dyes, with emulsifying and/or suspending agents and with diluents such as water, ethanol, propylene glycol and glycerin, and combinations thereof.

The compounds of the invention may also, for example, be formulated as suppositories e.g. , containing conventional suppository bases for use in human or veterinary medicine or as pessaries e.g., containing conventional pessary bases.

The compounds according to the invention may be formulated for topical administration, for use in human and veterinary medicine, in the form of ointments, creams, gels, hydrogels, lotions, solutions, shampoos, powders (including spray or dusting powders), pessaries, tampons, sprays, dips, aerosols, drops (e.g., eye ear or nose drops) or pour-ons.

For application topically to the skin, the agent of the present invention can be formulated as a suitable ointment containing the active compound suspended or dissolved in, for example, a mixture with one or more of the following: mineral oil, liquid petrolatum, white petrolatum, propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene compound, emulsifying wax, sorbitan monostearate, a polyethylene glycol, liquid paraffin, polysorbate

60, cetyl esters wax, cetearyl alcohol, 2-octyldodecanol, benzyl alcohol, and water. Such compositions may also contain other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, such as polymers, oils, liquid carriers, surfactants, buffers, preservatives, stabilizers, antioxidants, moisturizers, emollients, colorants, and odorants.

Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable polymers suitable for such topical compositions include, but are not limited to, acrylic polymers; cellulose derivatives, such as carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose or hydroxypropylcellulose; natural polymers, such as alginates, tragacanth, pectin, xanthan and cytosan.

Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable oils which are so useful include but are not limited to, mineral oils, silicone oils, fatty acids, alcohols, and glycols.

Examples of suitable pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carriers include, but are not limited to, water, alcohols or glycols such as ethanol, isopropanol, propylene glycol, hexylene glycol, glycerol and polyethylene glycol, or mixtures thereof in which the pseudopolymorph is dissolved or dispersed, optionally with the addition of non-toxic anionic, cationic or non-ionic surfactants, and inorganic or organic buffers.

Suitable examples of pharmaceutically acceptable preservatives include, but are not limited to, various antibacterial and antifungal agents such as solvents, for example ethanol, propylene glycol, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, quaternary ammonium salts, and parabens (such as methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, etc.).

Suitable examples of pharmaceutically acceptable stabilizers and antioxidants include, but are not limited to, ethylenediaminetetriacetic acid (EDTA), thiourea, tocopherol and butyl hydroxyanisole.

Suitable examples of pharmaceutically acceptable moisturizers include, but are not limited to, glycerine, sorbitol, urea and polyethylene glycol.

Suitable examples of pharmaceutically acceptable emollients include, but are not limited to, mineral oils, isopropyl myristate, and isopropyl palmitate.

The compounds may also be dermally or transdermally administered, for example, by use of a skin patch. For ophthalmic use, the compounds can be formulated as micronized suspensions in isotonic, pH adjusted, sterile saline, or, preferably, as solutions in isotonic, pH adjusted, sterile saline, optionally in combination with a preservative such as a benzylalkonium chloride.

As indicated, the compounds of the present invention can be administered intranasally or by inhalation and is conveniently delivered in the form of a dry powder inhaler or an aerosol spray presentation from a pressurized container, pump, spray or nebulizer with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorotetrafluoroethane, a hydrofluoroalkane such as 1,1,1,2- tetrafluoroethane (HFA 134AT) or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFA 227EA), carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In the case of a pressurized aerosol, the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. The pressurized container, pump, spray or nebulizer may contain a solution or suspension of the active compound, e.g., using a mixture of ethanol and the propellant as the solvent, which may additionally contain a lubricant, e.g., sorbitan trioleate. Capsules and cartridges (made, for example, from gelatin) for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulated to contain a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.

For topical administration by inhalation the compounds according to the invention may be delivered for use in human or veterinary medicine via a nebulizer. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may contain from 0.01 to 99% weight per volume of the active material. For topical administration, for example, the composition will generally contain from 0.01-10%, more preferably 0.01-1% of the active material.

The active agents can also be administered in the form of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles, large unilamellar vesicles and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can be formed from a variety of phospholipids, such as cholesterol, stearylamine or phosphatidylcholines. The pharmaceutical composition or unit dosage forms comprising an effective amount of the present invention may be administered to an animal, preferably a human, in need of treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction of the lower urinary tract described by E. J. McGuire in "Campbell's UROLOGY", 5 ^th Ed., 616-638, 1986, W.B. Saunders Company.

As used herein, the term "effective amount" refers to an amount that results in measurable amelioration of at least one symptom or parameter of a specific disorder. In a preferred embodiment, the compound treats disorders of the urinary tract, such as urinary urgency, overactive bladder, increased urinary frequency, reduced urinary compliance

(reduced bladder storage capacity), cystitis (including interstitial cystitis), incontinence, urine leakage, enuresis, dysuria, urinary hesitancy and difficulty in emptying the bladder. In another preferred embodiment the compound treats migrane. In other preferred embodiment the compound is used to treat GERD.

The pharmaceutical composition or unit dosage form of the present invention may be administered according to a dosage and administration regimen defined by routine testing in the light of the guidelines given above in order to obtain optimal activity while minimizing toxicity or side effects for a particular patient. However, such fine tuning of the therapeutic regimen is routine in the light of the guidelines given herein.

The dosage of the active agents of the present invention may vary according to a variety of factors such as underlying disease conditions, the individual's condition, weight, sex and age, and the mode of administration. An effective amount for treating a disorder can easily be determined by empirical methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, for example by establishing a matrix of dosages and frequencies of administration and comparing a group of experimental units or subjects at each point in the matrix. The exact amount to be administered to a patient will vary depending on the state and severity of the disorder and the physical condition of the patient. A measurable amelioration of any symptom or parameter can be determined by a person skilled in the art or reported by the patient to the physician. It will be understood that any clinically or statistically significant attenuation or amelioration of any symptom or parameter of urinary tract disorders is within the scope of the invention. Clinically significant attenuation or amelioration means perceptible to the patient and/or to the physician.

For example, a single patient may suffer from several symptoms of dysuria simultaneously, such as, for example, urgency and excessive frequency of urination or both, and these may be reduced using the methods of the present invention. In the case of incontinence, any reduction in the frequency or volume of unwanted passage of urine is considered a beneficial effect of the present method of treatment.

The amount of the agent to be administered can range between about 0.01 and about 25 mg/kg/day, preferably between about 0.1 and about 10 mg/kg/day and most preferably between 0.2 and about 5 mg/kg/day. It will be understood that the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention need not necessarily contain the entire amount of the agent that is effective in treating the disorder, as such effective amounts can be reached by administration of a plurality of doses of such pharmaceutical formulations.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compounds I are formulated in capsules or tablets, preferably containing 10 to 200 mg of the compounds of the invention, and are preferably administered to a patient at a total daily dose of 10 to 300 mg, preferably 20 to 150 mg and most preferably about 50 mg, for relief of urinary incontinence and other dysfunctions.

A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration contains from about 0.01% to about 100% by weight of the active agents of the present invention, based upon 100% weight of total pharmaceutical composition. Generally, transdermal dosage forms contain from about 0.01% to about 100% by weight of the active agents versus 100% total weight of the dosage form.

For treatment of lower urinary tract disorders, a compound I may be administered in combination with at least one compound of an additional class of therapeutic agents. Such additional class could be that of antimuscarinic drugs such as, without limitation, oxybutynin, tolterodine, darifenacin, solifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine and temiverine.

Combination therapy with at least one compound I may further include treatment with a selective or non selective COX inhibitor. Examples of COX inhibitors include, without limitations, ibuprofen, naproxen, benoxaprofen, flurbiprofen, fenoprofen, fenbufen, ketoprofen, indoprofen, pirprofen, carprofen, tioxaprofen, suprofen, tiaprofenic acid, fluprofen, indomethacin, sulindac, tolmetin, zomepirac, diclofenac, fenclofenac, ibufenac, acetyl salicylic acid, piroxicam, tenoxicam, nabumetone, ketorolac, azapropazone, mefenamic acid, tolfenamic acid, diflunisal, acemetacin, fentiazac, clidanac, meclofenamic acid, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid, flufenisal, sudoxicam, etodolac, salicylic acid, benorylate, isoxicam, 2-fluoro-α-methyl[l,l '-biphenyl]-4-acetic acid 4-(nitrooxy)butyl ester

(see Wenk et al. Europ. J. Pharmacol. 453, 319-324 (2002)), meloxicam, parecoxib, nimesulide.

Combination therapy with at least one compound I may further include treatment with an alpha 1 -adrenergic antagonist. Preferred alpha 1 -adrenergic antagonists suitable for administration in combination with mGlu5 antagonists are, for example, and without limitation, prazosin, doxazosin, terazosin, alfuzosin, silodosin, and tamsulosin. Additional alpha 1 -adrenergic antagonists suitable for administration in combination with mGlu5antagonists are described in US 5990114, US 6306861, US 6365591, US 6387909 and US 6403594. Combination therapy with at least one compound I may further include treatment with a serotonin and/or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor. Examples of serotonin and/or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors include, without limitation, duloxetine, milnacipran, amoxapine, venlafaxine, des-venlafaxine, sibutramine, tesofensine and des- methylsibutramine. In certain embodiments, a serotonin and/or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor suitable for administration in combination with mGlu5 antagonists is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor {i.e., an SSRI). In certain embodiments, a serotonin and/or noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors suitable for administration in combination with mGlu5antagonists is a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (i.e., a NARI). The pharmaceutical composition or unit dosage form may be administered in a single daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered in divided doses. In addition, co-administration or sequential administration of another compound for the treatment of the disorder may be desirable. To this purpose, the combined active principles are formulated into a simple dosage unit. For combination treatment where the compounds are in separate dosage formulations, the compounds can be administered concurrently, or each can be administered at staggered intervals. For example, the compound of the invention may be administered in the morning and the antimuscarinic compound may be administered in the evening, or vice versa. Additional compounds may be administered at specific intervals too. The order of administration will depend upon a variety of factors including age, weight, sex and medical condition of the patient; the severity and aetiology of the disorders to be treated, the route of administration, the renal and hepatic function of the patient, the treatment history of the patient, and the responsiveness of the patient. Determination of the order of administration may be fine-tuned and such fine-tuning is routine in the light of the guidelines given herein.

Synthesis of the Compounds of the Invention

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it may be desirable to use protected derivatives of intermediates used in the preparation of the compounds I. Protection and deprotection of functional groups may be performed by methods known in the art (see, for example, Green and Wuts Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis. John

Wiley and Sons, New York, 1999.). Hydroxy or amino groups may be protected with any hydroxy or amino protecting group. The amino protecting groups may be removed by conventional techniques. For example, acyl groups, such as alkanoyl, alkoxycarbonyl and aroyl groups, may be removed by solvolysis, e.g., by hydrolysis under acidic or basic conditions. Arylmethoxycarbonyl groups (e.g., benzyloxycarbonyl) may be cleaved by hydrogenolysis in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium-on-charcoal.

The synthesis of the target compounds is completed by removing any protecting groups which may be present in the penultimate intermediates using standard techniques, which are well-known to those skilled in the art. The deprotected final products are then purified, as necessary, using standard techniques such as silica gel chromatography, HPLC on silica gel and the like, or by recrystallization.

The compounds of the invention where Ri is H are generally prepared according to the following schemes:

In Scheme 1, Ak represents an alkyl group, L represents a leaving group and the remaining variables are as defined for the general formula I.

3-Bromo-l-trimethylsilyl-l-propyne (1) is added at a temperature of -10°C to 25 ⁰ C to a solution of the pre-formed phosphanion generated in situ from an appropriate dialkyl phospite (e.g. diethyl phosphite) treating with a base, preferably sodium or lithium bis- trimethylsilylamide, in an aprotic solvent, preferably THF or DME at a temperature between -50°C and 0°C. This procedure affords compound 2 (see also Gibson, A. W.; Humphrey, G. R.; Kennedy, D. J.; Wright, S. H. B.; Synthesis 1991 (5), 414).

Compound 2 is then converted to the corresponding stabilized ylide by reaction with a base, preferably sodium or lithium bis-trimethylsilylamide (LiHMDS), in an aprotic solvent, preferably THF or DME at a temperature between -78°C and 0°C. This ylide is then reacted with the piperidones 3 in the same reaction vessel at -60 - 0°C affording compounds 4 (Gibson, A. W.; Humphrey, G. R.; Kennedy, D. J.; Wright, S. H. B.;

Synthesis 1991 (5), 414 or Boehmer, J.; Schobert, R.; J Chem Res, Synop, 1998, (7), 372- 373).

The acetylenic compounds 4 could be alternatively obtained by reacting the piperidones 3 with the ylide obtained from (3-trimethylsilyl-2-propynyl)- triphenylphosphonium bromide and e.g. BuLi in THF (Harm, M. M.; Sammes, P. G.; Kennewell, P. D.; Taylor, J. B.; J Chem Soc, Perkin Trans 1, 1982, 307 or Nicolaou, K. C; Webber, S. E.; J Am Chem Soc 1984, 106, 5734) and reacting it in a similar way as above. Another suitable procedure consists in using (3-2-propynyl)triphenylarsonium bromide (Shen, Yanchang; Liao, Quimu; J. Organomet. Chem.; 346; 1988; 181-184) and generating the arsenic ylide with BuLi or other suitable base and reacting it with piperidones 3.

The silyl protecting group of 4 is then removed by treatment with tetrabutylammonium fluoride in THF at a temperature in the range from ambient temperature to reflux or by hydrolysis with base (K ₂ CO ₃ or KOH in MeOH) or other suitable method chosen from those reported in Greene- Wuts (Greene's Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd Edition, Peter G. M. Wuts, Theodora W. Greene 1999, Wiley Interscience page 654-659) and well known by those skilled in the art. The so-obtained acetylenic compounds 5 are then transformed into compounds I by reacting them with R ₂ -L following the well known Sonogashira procedure (Science of Synthesis, H. Heaney and S. Christie, October 2003, Vol. 3, Page 402 and following), that uses cuprous iodide and a palladium complex chosen from (Ph ₃ P) ₂ PdCl ₂ , (Ph ₃ P) ₂ Pd(OAc) ₂ , (Ph ₃ P) ₄ Pd (which can also be generated in situ e.g. from triphenylphosphine and Pd(OAc) ₂ ) and all the other palladium complexes cited in the literature and used for this kind of reaction, in the presence of a base such as TEA, DEA, DIPEA, TMA, butylamine, piperidine. Solvents are chosen among THF, DME, DMF, DMA, EtOAc, DMSO, toluene and others suitable for the purpose of the reaction; or the same base in excess can be used as the reaction solvent. If one carries out the reaction in DMF or DME, the isolation of compounds 5 can be avoided by adding the tetrabutylammonium fluoride or tetrabutylammonium chloride directly to the reaction medium containing 4, before the coupling (Sorensen, U.S., Pombo-Villar, E. Tetrahedron 2005, 61, 2697-2703). The R ₂ substituents are introduced using aryl or heteroaryl halides (preferred in decreasing order iodide, bromide, chloride), aryl or heteroaryl triflates, alkyl halogenides or acyl chlorides, aroyl chlorides, heteroaroyl chlorides. Triflates are synthesized using very well known method to people who have skills in the art, e.g. ^' from phenols or hydroxyaryls (heteroaryls) using trifluoromethanesulphonic anhydride in a chlorinated solvent or using N-phenyltriflimide in toluene or a chlorinated solvent in the

presence or not of a base (e.g. TEA). Both processes can be accelerated with the aid of microwaves performing the reaction in a microwave oven. Other suitable leaving groups L for R ₂ -L are nonaflates, tosylates and potassium trifluoborates.

Piperidones 3 are commercially available or can be easily prepared from piperidones, with the keto group free or protected as ketal, following easy procedures of acylation, (thio)carbamoylation, reductive amination, alkylation, arylation at the basic nitrogen very well known to those skilled in the art and well documented in the literature.

Scheme 2

Scheme 2 represents a feasible and possible alternative to Scheme 1 for the obtention of compound I with Ri = H. In Scheme 2, Ak represents an alkyl group, PG represents a protecting group and the remaining variables are as defined for the general formula I.

This synthetic path makes use of N-protected piperidones (commercially available or easily prepared by standard procedures), where PG is an appropriately chosen protective group such as t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc), fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc), benzyl (Bn), benzyloxycarbonyl (Z), trityl (Tr), arylsulphonyl or other. The protected piperidones 6 are reacted by the same methods described for compounds 3 to afford compounds 7, well designed derivatives provided with orthogonal protection. So, compounds 7 can be sequentially converted, as described above for Scheme 1, to compounds 8 and 9 and deprotected to 10, following standard deprotection procedures chosen from those reported in Greene- Wuts (Greene's Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 3rd Edition, Peter G. M. Wuts, Theodora W. Greene 1999, Wiley Interscience page 654-659). 10 are synthons useful for synthesizing by simple reaction procedures compounds I with a previously determined and fixed R ₂ substituent.

Alternatively, compounds 8 can be further N-deprotected by known procedures to afford compounds 11, which , on turn, are sequentially N-derivatized and subjected to the acetylenic CH derivatization as described above for 5 in scheme 1.

Alternatively, selective deprotection of the N-PG groups of 7 leads to compounds 12, which can be reacted as described above to provide compounds 4, further derivatizable following scheme 1 to afford compounds I.

The compounds I of the invention where Ri is as described in the general formula I (H also included) can be generally prepared according to the following scheme 3:

Scheme 3

In Scheme 3, Q represents a protecting group or a group R ₃ -Y-, Hal represents a halogen atom and the remaining variables are as defined for the general formula I.

Compounds 14 can be obtained from 13 using standard olefination conditions such as Wittig, Horner-Hemmons, Petersen or arsenic based methodologies. Some general reviews of these methodologies and directions are contained in the following references: 'The Wittig reaction and related methods', N. J. Lawrence in Preparation of Alkenes, J. M. J. Williams, Ed., OxfordUniversity Press, Oxford (1996); pp 19-58; Phosphorus Ylides, O. I. Kolodiazhnyi, Wiley, N. Y. (1999); A. W. Johnson, Ylides and Imines of Phosphorus, Wiley, N. Y. (1993); Ager, D. J. Org. React. 1990, 38, 1-223.

When the reaction is conducted using a triphenylphosphonium salt, butyl lithium or LDA (lithium diisopropylamide) or LHMDS (litium hexamethyldisilylamide) can be used to generate the phosphorus ylide in THF or other aprotic solvent (e.g. DME) and the ylide is reacted with the proper piperidone to provide the desired product. The phosphinate, phosphine oxide or phosphonate based reagents could be used with similar bases or with

sodium or potassium methoxide or ethoxide in alcoholic solvents or with sodium hydride in aprotic solvents.

Compounds 14 are then easily converted to compounds 16, usually without isolation of the intermediate dihaloderivatives 15, carrying out first a dihalogenation of the olefϊnic bond (Br ₂ , NCS, NBS or other reagents in a suitable solvent e.g. AcOH or a chlorinated solvent) then by dehydrohalogenation of compounds 15 by using a base (K ₂ CO ₃ , DBU,

DMAP or alike).

If one carries out on 13 the same olefϊnation reactions as above using CHBr ₃ or CBr ₄ or CHFBr ₂ or CFBr ₃ and triphenylphosphine (or other triarylphosphine bounded or not to a polymeric resin) in the presence or not of a catalyst like ZnBr ₂ or diethylzinc, compounds

17 are easily obtained. Use of CBr ₄ leads to the obtention of the 1,1-dibromovinyl derivative 17, which can be reacted on turn with an organometallic species e.g. methylmagnesium bromide to give the derivative 16 (Rl = Alkyl, Phenyl) or reacted with a strong organic base (e.g. BuLi or NaHMDS or alike) to generate the carbanion, which is on turn reacted with an electrophile (e.g. CH ₃ I) to afford 16 (Rl = Alkyl, Phenyl).

The use of an halomethylphosphorous reagent (e.g. chloromethyltriphenyl phosphonium chloride or diphenylchloromethylphenylphosphonate) leads, using the same methodologies described above for the Horner reaction, directly to compounds 16 starting from Compounds 13. An alternative methodology useful for executing the conversion of 13 to 17 concerns the use of CH ₂ Br ₂ or CH ₂ I ₂ or CH ₂ Cl ₂ or CHI ₃ in the presence of TiCl ₄ and Magnesium or in the presence of a Titanium complex or with CrCl _2.

Compounds 16 (or Compounds 17 where (Hal, Hal is fluorine plus iodide or fluorine plus bromide) are then reacted in a Sonogashira fashion (see above) to give Compounds 18 (I) with Ri = F.

Compounds 18, where Q is equal to PG (Protecting Group), must be submitteted to a further deprotection step leading to Compounds 19, as described above in Scheme 2. Compounds 19 can be properly converted into Compounds I with the standard procedures described above.

Scheme 4

In Scheme 4, L represents an appropriate leaving group (halogen, mesylate, tosylate or other), PR represents a Phosphorous containg residue (e.g. dialkoxyphosphoryl or diphenoxyphosphoryl or triphenylphosphinyl or triphenylarsinyl), Q represents a protecting group or a group R ₃ -Y-, Ri represents an alkyl or phenyl group and the remaining variables are as defined for the general formula I.

Scheme 4 describes an alternative procedure for preparing compounds 14 with Ri = alkyl or phenyl. In this method, compounds 20 (which are commercially available or easily prepared by standard procedures well known to those skilled in the art), are reacted following the Arbuzov procedure or other suitable method to generate phosphonium salts or phosphonates or oher phosphorous intermediates, which in turn can be coupled with an alkyl aldehyde or benzaldehyde by a Wittig-Horner procedure to afford compounds 14 (Ri = alkyl or phenyl).

Scheme 5

Scheme 5, in which PG represents a protecting group, Q represents a protecting group or a group R ₃ -Y- and the remaining variables are as defined for the general formula I, shows another synthetic opportunity to obtain compounds 18 (I). Easily prepared Weinreb's amides 22 (L. De Luca, G. Giacomelli, M. Taddei, J Org. Chem., 2001, 66, 2535-2537) can be reacted according to the well known methods, with Grignard's reagents or lithium reagents to afford ketones 24. In the case where compounds 24 are commercially available or are very easily synthesized from commercially available starting materials. The facile conversion to enol triflates or enol sulphonates 25 (R = CF ₃ SO ₂ , P-MePhSO ₂ ) guarantees a good starting material for the following conversion to compounds 18 (I) by

Sonogashira coupling described above.

Alternatively compounds 23 (Corley, E. G. et al., J Org Chem, 69, (15), 2004, 5120- 5123) can be reacted in a Palladium-catalyzed coupling with acyl chlorides to afford compounds 24.

Compounds 24 can be also condensated with acetylenic compounds R ₂ C≡CH using Lewis' acid methodologies or Aldol type reactions by the use of bases to afford compounds 26 (I), which can be on turn dehydrated to give Compounds 18 (I).

Compounds 18 and 26, where Q is equal to PG (Protecting Group), must be submitted to a further deprotection step leading to N-deprotected compounds, as described above in Scheme 2. The so-obtained compounds can be properly N-derivatized to Compounds I with the standard procedures described above.

Scheme 6

Scheme 6, in which L represents an appropriate leaving group (halogen, mesylate, tosylate or other), Q represents a protecting group or a group R ₃ -Y-, and the remaining variables are as defined for the general formula I, describes the synthetic pathways useful for the preparation of Compounds 30, in which a single bond joins Z [formula (i)] to the illustrated nitrogen containing ring. Compounds 27 are commercially available or easily prepared by standard procedures well known to those skilled in the art. They can be reacted with acetylenic compounds in aprotic solvents after deprotonation of the acetylenic CH by the use of a strong base (e.g. butyl lithium). An alternative procedure consists in converting aldehydes 28, which are commercially available or easily prepared by standard procedures very well known to those skilled in the art, into acetylenes 29 (T. Gibtner et al., Chem. Eur. J, 2002, 68, 408-432). This transformation can be done by using e.g. the Corey-Fuchs procedure or other similar procedures, cited in the literature.

A convenient procedure expecially when R2 is alkyl, consists in reacting the aldehyde 28 with lithiated dichloromethane (eg. by LDA), that leads to the dichloromethyl alcohol, which is then tosylated in situ and eliminated by BuLi generating the alkynyl lithium species, quenched by an electrophile (Organic Syntheses, Vol. 81, p.157 (2005)).

Compounds 30 or 29, where Q is equal to PG (Protecting Group), must be submitted to a further deprotection step leading to N-deprotected compounds, as described above in Scheme 2. The so-obtained compounds can be properly N-derivatized to Compounds I with the standard procedures described above. The syntheses of other compounds of the invention included in the Examples, which are not currently described in this general description of the synthesis of the compounds of the invention are well documented inside the experimental part of this invention.

The free bases of formula I, their diastereomers or enantiomers can be converted to the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salts under standard conditions well known in the art. For example, the free base is dissolved in a suitable organic solvent, such as methanol, treated with, for example one equivalent of maleic or oxalic acid, one or two equivalents of hydrochloric acid or methanesulphonic acid, and then concentrated under vacuum to provide the corresponding pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The residue can then be purified by recrystallization from a suitable organic solvent or organic solvent mixture, such as methanol/diethyl ether.

The N-oxides of compounds of formula I can be synthesized by simple oxidation procedures well known to those skilled in the art.

Examples of the Invention. The following examples illustrate the invention.

Example 1 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridylV4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylid ene ^" l-piperidine

Diethyl (3-trimethylsilylprop-2-vnyl)phosyhonate (Compound Ia)

Into a solution of LiHMDS (IM in THF, 63.8 ml, 63.8 mmol) in anhydrous THF (162 ml) was added dropwise under stirring at -10 ⁰ C in nitrogen atmosphere diethyl phosphite (7.4 ml, 63.8 mmol). The obtained solution was stirred at the same temperature for 20 min.. Afterwards, 3-brorno-l-trimethylsilyl-l-propyne (10 ml, 63.8 mmol) was dropped into and the reaction mixture was stirred at -10 ⁰ C for 2 h., then quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford 14.86 g of the title product. ¹ H-NMR (CDCU, S): conform to Feringa, Ben L. et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., Volume 3 (14), 2005, 2524-2533 MS: [M+NH4] ⁺ = 266.15

l-β-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(3-trimethvsilyl-prop-2-vnylidene)-p iperidine (Compound Ib) Into a solution of Compound Ia (0.68 g, 2.74 mmol) in anhydrous THF (15 ml) stirred at - 6O ⁰ C under N ₂ stream, was dropped a solution of LiHMDS (IM in THF, 2.74 ml, 2.74 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at -6O ⁰ C for 15 min.. To the resulting solution was added dropwise a solution of l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-oxo-piperidine (0.55 g, 2.49 mmol) in anhydrous THF(12 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at -60° for 15 min., then it was allowed to warm up to ambient temperature over 2 h.. Afterwards, it was quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford 0.79 g of the title product. The crude was pure enough to be used in the following step without any further purification MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 316.16

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(prop-2-vnylidene)-piperidine (Compound Ic) A solution of Compound Ib (0.57 g, 1.81 mmol), tetra-ra-butylammonium fluoride hydrate (0.57 g, 2.03 mmol) in 38 ml of THF was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1 : 9) giving the title product (0.21 g). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 244.13

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vn ylidenel-piperidine

A mixture of Compound Ic (0.21 g, 0.86 mmol), 2-bromo-6-methylpyridine (0.11 ml, 0.95 mmol), /e/ra&/.y(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (70 mg, 0.06 mmol), CuI (16 mg, 0.09 mmol) in anhydrous and degassed triethylamine (10 ml) was heated at 80°C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h in sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 3.5 : 6.5) affording the title product (0.20 g). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.48-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.80-2.85 (m, 2H), 3.50-3.58 (m, 4H),

5.66 (s, IH), 6.75-6.80 (m, IH), 7.09 (d, IH, J = 7.46 Hz), 7.24-7.29 (m, IH), 7.55 (t, IH, J = 7.46 Hz), 8.14-8.19 (m, IH), 8.35-8.38 (m, IH)

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 335.12

Example 2

1 -ft-butoxycarbony l)-4- 1 ^" 3 -(6-methyl-2-pyridyO-prop-2-vnylidene1 -piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(3-trimethysilyl-prop-2-ynylidene)-pi peridine (Compound 2a) The title compound was obtained following the procedure described for Compound Ib but using l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-piperidine instead of l-(3-nitro2-pyridyl)-4-oxo- piperidine. After the usual work-up procedure, evaporation of the combined EtOAc extracts afforded a crude which was enough pure to be used in the next step without further purification. 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 0.21 (s, 9H), 1.50 (s, 9H), 2.21-2.27 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.53 (m, 2H), 3.40-

3.51 (m, 4H), 5.40 (s, IH) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 294.29

l-( t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(prop-2-ynylidene)-piperidine (Compound 2b) The title compound was obtained following the procedure described for Compound Ic but using Compound 2a instead of Compound Ib. After the usual work-up procedure, evaporation of the combined EtOAc extracts afforded a crude which was pure enough to be used in the next step without further purification.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.50 (s, 9H), 2.20-2.27 (m, 2H), 2.48-2.53 (m, 2H), 3.02 (s, IH), 3.40-

3.51 (m, 4H), 5.48 (s, IH) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 222.23

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-vyridyl)-prop-2-yny lidenel-piperidine

The title compound was obtained following the procedure described for the Compound of Example 1 , but starting from Compound 2b intead of Compound 1 c. After the usual workup procedure, evaporation of the combined EtOAc extracts afforded a crude which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 3.5 : 6.5) affording the title product.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.50 (s, 9H), 2.29-2.35 (m, 2H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.59-2.65 (m, 2H), 3.45-

3.55 (m, 4H), 5.60 (s, IH), 7.09 (d, IH, J = 7.51 Hz), 7.26(d, IH, 7.51 Hz), 7.55 (t, IH, J = 7.51 Hz)

- -

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 313.27

Example 3

4-f3-r6-methyl-2-pyridyD-prop-2-ynylidene]-piperidine To a solution of the compound of Example 2 (17 g, 54.4 mmol) in CHCl ₃ (840 ml) was added trifluoroacetic acid (60 ml, 779 mmol) and the reaction mixture was then stirred at 70°C for 15 min. until the complete conversion of the reagent was observed by LC-MS. After cooling to ambient temperature, water was added followed by aq. NaOH (2N) to make alkaline the pH. Separation of the organic layer and extraction of the aqueous layer with CH ₂ Cl ₂ , washing with brine and drying over Na ₂ SO ₄ afforded the title compound (11.6 g). 1H-NMR (CDO ₃ S): 2.29-2.35 (m, 2H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.59-2.65 (m, 2H), 2.91-2.99 (m, 4H),

5.52 (s, IH), 7.07 (d, IH, J = 7.54 Hz), 7.24(d, 2H, 7.54 Hz), 7.53 (t, IH, J = 7.54 Hz) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 213.25

Example 4 l-f2-nitrophenyl)-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridylVprop-2-vnylidenel -piperidine A well homogenised mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (20 mg, 0.09 mmol) and 1- bromo-2-nitrobenzene (22.8 mg, 0.11 mmol) was stirred at 90°C for 0.5 h, then at 110°C for 1 h. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 3 : 7 to 4 : 6) affording the title product (8.3 mg).

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.50-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.82-2.87 (m, 2H), 3.1 1-3.16 (m, 2H),

3.16-3.21 (m, 2H), 5.62 (s, IH), 7.03-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.19 (d, IH, J = 7.51 Hz), 7.26-7.30 (m,

IH), 7.48 (t, IH, J = 7.51 Hz), 7.52-7.64 (m, IH), 7.81 (d, IH)

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 334.30

Example 5 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-pro p-2-vnylidene1-piperidine

A well homogenised mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (23 mg, 0.11 mmol) and 2- chloro-6-methyl-3-nitropyridine (26.2 mg, 0.15 mmol) was stirred at 12O ⁰ C for 0.5 h. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 3 : 7 to 4 : 6) affording the title product (21 mg).

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.49-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 2.81-2.86 (m, 2H), 3.49-

3.55 (m, 2H), 3.56-3.60 (m, 2H), 5.66 (s, IH), 6.61 (d , IH, J=8.2Hz), 7.13-7.18 (m, IH), 7.29-7.35 (m, IH), 7.60-7.70 (m, IH), 8.09 (d ,1H, J = 8.2Hz) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 349.41

Example 6 l-( ^" 6-methoxy-3-nitro-2-pyridvπ-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop- 2-vnylidene]-piperidine A well homogenised mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (23 mg, 0.11 mmol) and 2- chloro-5-methoxy-3-nitropyridine (24.4 mg, 0.13 mmol) was stirred at 120°C for 0.5 h. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 2 : 8 to 3 : 7) affording the title product (24 mg). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.50-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.85-2.90 (m, 2H), 3.50-3.55 (m, 2H),

3.60-3.65 (m, 2H), 3.97 (s, 3H), 5.68 (s, IH), 6.17 (d , IH, J=8.76Hz), 7.13-7.18 (m, IH), 7.29-7.35 (m, IH), 7.60-7.70 (m, IH), 8.25 (d , IH, J=8.76Hz) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 365.36

Example 7 l-( ^" 5-methyl-2-nitrophenyl)-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vny lidene1-piperidine A well homogenised mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (19 mg, 0.89 mmol) and 3- fluoro-4-nitrotoluene (20.2 mg, 0.13 mmol) was stirred at 120°C for 0.5 h. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 2 : 8 to 3 : 7) affording the title product (18 mg). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.52-2.57 (m, 2H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 2.85-2.92 (m, 2H), 3.10-

3.15 (m, 2H), 3.17-3.22 (m, 2H) ₅ 5.64 (s, IH), 6.85 (d , IH, J=8.19Hz), 6.93 (s, IH), 7.13- 7.20 (m, IH), 7.30-7.37 (m, IH), 7.60-7.72 (m, IH), 7.78 (d ,1H, J=8.19Hz) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 348.36

Example 8 l-(5-methoxy-2-nitrophenvπ-4-[3-( ^' 6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine A well homogenised mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (20 mg, 0.93 mmol) and 2- fluoro-4-methoxynitrobenzene (21.3 mg, 0.12 mmol) was stirred at 120°C for 0.5 h. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1 : 1) affording the title product (21 mg).

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.55-2.62 (m, 2H), 2.80 (s, 3H), 2.93-3.02 (m, 2H), 3.10-3.18 (m, 2H),

3.22-3.28 (m, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H) ₅ 5.66 (s, IH), 6.51-6.59 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.31 (m, IH), 7.36- 7.46 (m, IH), 7.73-7.87 (m, IH), 8.05 (d ,1H) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 364.31

Example 9 l-( ^" 3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[ ^" 3-(2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene]-piperidine

The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 1 , reacting Compound 1 c with 2-iodopyridine instead of 2-bromo-6-methylpyridine. The crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1 : 1) affording the title compound. 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.50-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.85(m, 2H), 3.50-3.60 (m, 4H), 5.68 (s, IH),

6.78 (dd, IH, J=4.6 and 7.8Hz), 7.27-7.32 (m, IH), 7.48 (d, IH, J=7.84Hz), 7.81 (t, IH, J = 4.2 Hz), 8.16 (dd, IH, J= 7.8 Hz and 1.7Hz), 8.36 (dd, IH, J=IJ Hz and 4.2 Hz), 8.60-8.65 (m, IH)

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 321.10

Example 10 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(3-phenyl-prop-2-vnylidene)-piperidi ne The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 1 , reacting Compound Ic with iodobenzene instead of 2-bromo-6-methylpyridine. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 65:35 afforded the title product. 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.50-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.76-2.81(m, 2H), 3.52-3.60 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH),

6.80 (dd, IH, J=4.6 and 7.8Hz), 7.30-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.43-7.47 (m, 2H), 8.19 (d, IH, J= 7.8 Hz), 8.38 (d, lH, J=4.2 Hz) MS: [M+H] ⁺ - 320.24

Example 11

1 -(3 -nitro-2-pyridyl)-4- T3 -(3 -pyridyl)-prop-2- ynylidene] -piperidine The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 1, reacting Compound Ic with 3-iodopyridine instead of 2-bromo-6-methylpyridine. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 6 : 4 afforded the compound of Example 11.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.52-2.57 (m, 2H), 2.74-2.79(m, 2H), 3.50-3.60 (m, 4H), 5.67 (s, IH),

6.82 (dd, IH, J=4.4 and 7.8Hz), 7.66-7.74 (m, IH), 8.13-8.21 (m, 2H), 8.38 (dd, IH), 8.58- 8.63 (m, IH), 8.72-8.77 (m, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 321.30

Example 12 l-phenylcarbamoyl-4-f3-( ^' 6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine To a solution of the Compound of Example 3 (0.11 g, 0.52 mmol) in CH ₂ Cl ₂ (IO ml) was added phenylisocyanate (0.06 ml, 0.54 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at ambient temperature. Evaporation and purification of the crude by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with a gradient Petroleum Ether - EtOAc from 87 : 13 to 0 : 100 gave the title product (154 mg). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.41-2.46 (m, 2H), 2.64 (m, 3H), 2.74-2.79 (m, 2H), 3.57-3.62 (m,

4H), 5.65 (s, IH), 6.58 (s, IH), 7.05 (t, IH, J = 7.52 Hz), 7.14 (d, IH, J = 7.88 Hz), 7.28- 7.34 (m, 3H), 7.38-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.63 (t, IH, J = 7.88 Hz) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 332.4

Examples 13-26 (Table I)

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 12 substituting reagent B (see table I below) for phenylisocyanate. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with a gradient Petroleum Ether - EtOAc from 100:0 to 20:80. The compounds of Example 17 and 18 were further purified by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-C 18 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient.

TABLE I

Example 27 l-benzyl-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene]-piperid ine

A mixture of the compound of Example 3 (0.22 g, 1.04 mmol), benzaldehyde (0.13 ml, 1.25 mmol), sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.33 g, 1.56 mmol) and 15 ml Of CH ₂ Cl ₂ was stirred overnight at ambient temperature. Afterwards, it was diluted with water, the organic layer was separated, washed with brine (2 x 15 ml), dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and evaporated to dryness in vacuo the give a crude, which was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with a gradient Petroleum Ether - EtOAc from 85:15 to 0:100 affording the title compound, which was further purified by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-C 18 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient (0.12 g). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ δ): 2.34-2.80 (m, HH), 3.57-3.74 (m, 2H), 5.54 (s, IH), 7.07 (d, IH, J =

7.65Hz), 7.23 (d, IH, J = 7.65Hz), 7.29-7.43 (m, 5H), 7.52 (t, IH, J = 7.65Hz). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 303.3

Example 28

1 -butyl-4- [3 -(6-methy l-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene] -piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 27, but substituting butyraldehyde for benzaldehyde. After the usual work-up procedure, the crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with a gradient Petroleum Ether - (EtOAc + 1.4 N methanolic ammonia 1 : 0.1) from 90 : 10 to 30 : 70 affording the title compound.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 0.96 (t, 3H), 1.35 (sextet, 2H), 1.62 (br, 2H), 2.4-2.9 (m, 13H), 5.56 (s, IH), 7.07 (d, IH, J = 7.65Hz), 7.25 (d, IH, J = 7.65Hz), 7.54 (t, IH, J = 7.65Hz). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 269.3

Example 29 l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-l-phenyl-prop -2-vnylidenel-piperidine Into a solution of l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(l-phenyl-3-trimethylsilylprop-2nylid ene)- piperidine (0.08 g, 0.216 mmol) prepared as described in US 2004/0063744 in degassed DMF (2 ml) was dropped a solution of TBAF (0.056 g, 0.21 mmol) in DMF (ImL). After 15 min. stirring at ambient temperature, TEA (0.06 ml, 0.43 mmol), CuI (0.002 g, 0.01 mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.012 g, 0.01 mmol) and 2-bromo-6- methylpyridine (0.026 ml, 0.23 mmol) were added. The reaction mixture was heated at 80°C over 2 h., then it was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 2:8) affording the title product (0.03 g).1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.50 (s, 9H), 2.36-2.43(m, 2H), 2.56 (s, 3H) ₅ 2.81-2.89 (m, 2H), 3.37-3.46 (m, 2H), 3.58-3.63 (m, 2H), 7.07 (d, IH, J = 7.65Hz), 7.23 (d, IH, J = 7.65Hz), 7.29-7.43 (m, 5H), 7.52 (t, IH, J = 7.65Hz). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 389.45

Example 30

1 -(t-butoxycarbony 1V4- [3 -( ^" 6-methyl-2-pyridyl ^* )-prop-2- ynyll -piperidine

l-t-(butoxycarbonyl)-4-(prop-2-ynyl)-piperidine( Compound 30a) Method A: The title compound was synthesized following the methodology described in U.S. Patent 6,265,434 (Caldwell et al, July 24, 2001).

Method B: The title compound was synthesized following the methodology described for Compound Ic but using l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(3-trimethylsilylprop-2-ynyl)-piperid ine (Tatsunori S. et Al. Heterocycles 54(2), 747-755, 2001) instead of Compound Ib. Traditional work-up procedure followed by flash column chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 0.5 : 9.5) gave the title product as a colourless oil.

Method C: Into a solution of trimethylsilyldiazomethane (1.65 ml, 3.3 mmol) in THF (5 ml) cooled at -78°C was dropped BuLi (2.5 N in «-hexane, 1.14 ml, 2.86 mmol). The reaction mixture was kept at the same temperature for 30 min., then l-Boc-4-oxoethylpiperidine (0.5 g, 2.2 mmol) dissolved in THF (25 ml) was dropped and stirring was continued at the same temperature for 1 h. After having allowed the reaction to reach spontaneously ambient temperature, it was quenched with a saturated aq. solution of ammonium chloride and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1.5 : 8.5) affording the title product (0.19 g). ¹ H-NMR (CDO ₃ S): 1.17-1.33 (m, 2H), 1.47 (s, 9H), 1,60-1.71 (m, IH), 1.73-1.82 (m, 2H),

2.12-2.14 (dd, IH), 2.18-2.21 (dd, 2H), 2.69-2.74 (m, 2H), 4.12-4.20 (m 2H) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 224.4

l-(t'butoxycarbonyl)-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-yny ll-pweridine The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 1, but using Compound 30a instead of Compound Ic in the last step. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 7:3 afforded the final product.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.45-1.88 (m, HH), 1.94-2.04 (m, 3H), 2.44-2.50 (m, 2H), 2.63 (s,

3H), 3.07 (m, 2H), 3.88 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.19 (m, IH), 7.25-7.32 (m, IH), 7.61-7.67 (m, IH), MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 315.6

Example 31 l-G-nitro-2-pyridyiy4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyl1-p iperidine

4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl) -prop-2-ynyl] -piper idine (Compound 31a) The title compound was prepared following the method described for the Compound of Example 3 but using as a starting material the Compound of Example 30 instead of the compound of Example 2. The crude was used without further purification in the next step. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 215.4

l-β-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-f3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vn yll-piperidine

A well homogenised mixture of Compound 31a (24 mg, 0.11 mmol) and 2-chloro-3- nitropyridine (19.5 mg, 0.12 mmol) was stirred at 12O ⁰ C for 40 min. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 3:7) affording the title product (20 mg). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.45-2.58 (m, 2H), 1.96-2.04 (m, 3H), 2.48-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.68 (s, 3H),

3.07 (t, 2H, J - 13.3 Hz), 3.88 (d, 2H, J = 13.3 Hz), 6.70-6.75 (m, IH), 7.13-7.20 (m, IH), 7.28-7.33 (m, IH), 7.60-7.70 (m, IH), 8.10-8.16 (m, IH), 8.31-8.35 (m, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ 337.39.

Example 32

1 -(3 -nitro-2-pyrid vD-4- [3 -(4-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel -piperidine

The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 1 , but reacting Compound Ic with 4-iodopyridine instead of 2-bromo-6-methylpyridine. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 6.5 : 3.5 afforded the compound of Example 32.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.52-2.57 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.80(m, 2H), 3.50-3.60 (m, 4H), 5.68 (s, IH),

6.79-6.84 (m, IH), 7.44-7.48 (m, 2H), 8.18 (d, IH), 8.36-8.39 (m, IH), 8.48-8.82 (m, 2H). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 321.29

Example 33 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridylV4-( ^' 3-(3-quinolyl ^' )-prop-2-vnylidene]-piperidine

A well homogenised mixture of the Compound Ic (50 mg, 0.21 mmol), 3-bromoquinoline (0.039 ml, 0.21 mmol), 6w-(triphenylphosphine)palladium dichloride (5 mg, 0.007 mmol) and tej>-fl-butylammonium fluoride (215 mg, 0.82 mmol) was stirred at 80 ⁰ C for 1 h in a

sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 2 : 8 to 4 : 6) affording the title product (0.51 g).

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.52-2.58 (m, 2H), 2.79-2.80 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.62 (m, 4H), 5.71 (s, IH),

6.78-6.84 (m, IH), 7.68-7.74 (m, IH), 7.82-7.92 (m, 2H), 8.16-8.21 (m, IH), 8.36-8.49 (m, 3H), 8.98 (s, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 371.38

Example 34

1 -(3 -nitro-2-pyridyl)-4- [3 -(6-morpholino-3 -pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 33, but reacting Compound Ic with 5-iodo-2-morpholino-pyridine instead of 3-bromoquinoline. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 6 : 4 afforded the compound of Example 34. 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.48-2.52 (m, 2H), 2.71-2.76 (m, 2H), 3.50-3.58 (m, 4H), 3.66-3.78

(m, 4H), 3.81-3.92 (m, 4H), 5.62 (s, IH), 6.68-6.70 (m, IH), 6.77-6.81 (m, IH), 7.60-7.66 (m, IH), 8.14-8.18 (m, IH), 8.32 (s, IH), 8.31-8.38 (m, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 406.28

Example 35 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridylV4-r3-( ^' 6-fluoro-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 33, but using 5-bromo-2-fluoropyridine instead of 3-bromoquinoline in the coupling with Compound Ic. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 6 : 4 afforded the compound of Example 35. 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.50-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.74-2.78 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.59 (m, 4H), 5.64 (s, IH),

6.80-6.84 (m, IH), 6.90-6.95 (m, IH), 7.80-7.85 (m, IH), 8.19 (d, IH), 8.31 (s, IH), 8.39- 8.41 (m, IH).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 339.14

Example 36 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(6-acetyl-2-pyridvP-prop-2-vnylid enel-piperidine

The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 33, but using 2-acetyl-6-bromopyridine instead of 3-bromoquinoline in the coupling with Compound Ic. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 6 : 4 afforded the title compound. 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.53-2.58 (m, 2H), 2.77 (s, 3H), 2.81-2.86 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.61 (m, 4H),

5.70 (s, IH), 6.80-6.84 (m, IH), 7.58-7.62 (m, IH), 7.78-7.84 (m, IH), 7.95-7.99 (m, IH), 8.18-8.22 (m, IH), 8.38-8.41 (m, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 363.28

Example 37 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(6-isopropoxy-3-pyridvπ-prop-2-v nylidenel-piperidine The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 33, but using 5-iodo-2-isopropoxypyridine instead of 3-bromoquinoline in the coupling with Compound Ic. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 3.5 : 6.5 afforded the title compound.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.40 (s, 6H), 2.48-2.52 (m, 2H), 2.72-2.77 (m, 2H), 3.51-3.58 (m, 4H),

5.32-5.42 (m, IH), 5.63 (s, IH), 6.73 (d, IH), 6.78-6.82 (m, IH), 7.65-7.70 (m, IH), 8.16-

8.19 (m, IH), 8.29 (m, IH), 8.37-8.41 (m, IH).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 379.30

Example 38 l-r3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(3-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynyl idenel-piperidine

The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 33, but using

2-iodo-3-methoxypyridine instead of 3-bromoquinoline. Purification by flash chromatography with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 1 : 1 afforded the compound of Example

38.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.50-2.56 (m, 2H), 2.86-2.92 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.60 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s, 3H),

5.75 (m, IH), 6.76-6.81 (m, IH), , 7.35-7.38 (m, 2H), 8.16-8.19 (m, IH), 8.23-8.31 (m, IH), 8.35-8.41 (m, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 351.24

Example 39

1 -( ^" t-butoxycarbonylV4-r 1 -hydroxy-3-f6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynyn-piperidine

A mixture of zinc trifluoromethanesulphonate (0.07g , 0.19 mmol) and triethylamine (0.065 ml, 0.47 mmol) in anhydrous toluene (5 ml) was stirred at room temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. After 1 h, 2-ethynyl-6-methyl-pyridine (0.13 g, 1.13 mmol) prepared as described in WO200544267 was added and after 15 min was dropped a solution of l-Boc-4- piperidinecarboxaldehyde (0.2 g, 0.938 mmol) in toluene (1 ml): the resulting mixture was heated at 100°C for 6h. Afterwards, it was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to give a crude, which was purified twice by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with CHCl ₃ - MeOH 98 - 2 affording the title product (0.13 g) as a brown oil.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.27-1.5 (m, 12H), 1.85-2.01 (m, 3H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 2.65-2.82 (m, 2H)

4.15-4.31 (m, 2H), 4.44-4.49 (m, IH), 7.15-7.18 (m, IH), 7.27-7.30 (m, IH), 7.61-7.65 (m,

IH).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 331.6

Example 40

1 -(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-| ^" 1 -dimethylamino-3-(6-methyl-2-pyπdylVprop-2-vnyl]-piperidine A mixture of 2-ethynyl-6-methyl-pyridine (0.08g, 0.7 mmol), l-Boc-4- piperidinecarboxaldehyde (O.lg, 0.47 mmol), CuI (0.001 g, 0.11 mmol) and 33% w/w aqueous dimethylamine (0.077 ml, 0.56 mmol) in water (3 ml) was sonicated for 2 h in a laboratory ultrasonic bath. Afterwards, it was extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to give a crude, which was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1 : 1 affording the title product (0.11 g). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.25-1.48 (m, 2H), 1.51 (s, 9H), 1.65-1.73 (m, IH), 2.05-2.1 1 (m, 2H),

2.23-2.40 (br, 6H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.69-2.77 (m, 2H), 3.21-3.39 (m, IH), 4.09-4.21 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.1 1 (m, IH), 7.27-7.30 (m, IH), 7.53-7.56 (m, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 358.6

Example 41 l-( ^" t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-r3-r6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-l-piperidino-pro p-2-vnyll-piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 40, but substituting piperidine for dimethylamine. After the usual work-up

procedure, the crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 70 : 30 affording the title compound. 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ O): 1.05-2.1 1 (m, 20H), 2.35-2.86 (m, 9H), 3.15-3.35 (br, IH), 4.05-4.21

(m, 2H), 7.08-7.14 (m, IH), 7.25-7.30 (m, IH), 7.52-7.57 (m, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 398.7

Example 42 l-phenyl-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridvπ-prop-2-vnylidenej-piperid ine

A mixture of the compound of Example 3 (0.22 g, 1.04 mmol), bromobenzene (0.17 g, 1.04 mmol), cesium carbonate (0.68 g, 2.1 mmol), BINAP (0.03 Ig, 0.05 mmol), palladium(II)acetate (0.01 mg, 0.05 mmol), in anhydrous and degassed toluene (10 ml) was heated at HO ⁰ C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 12 h in a sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 2 : 8) affording the title product (0.30 g).η-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.40-2.65 (m, 5H), 2.86 (brd,

2H), 3.38 (brd, 4H), 5.63 (s, IH), 6.8-7.20 (m, 6H), 7.32(d, IH, J = 7.65Hz), 7.58 (t, IH, J =

7.65Hz).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 289.3

Example 43 l-(2-cvanophenvπ-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene l-piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 42, but substituting 2-bromobenzonitrile for bromobenzene. Purification by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 3 : 7) affording the title product.

¹ H-NMR (CDClαD): 2.55-2.65 (m, 5H), 2.91 (brd, 2H), 3.25-3.35 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH),

6.80-7.08 (m, 2H), 7.14 (d, IH, J = 7.65Hz), 7.31 (d, IH, J = 7.65Hz),7.48 (t, IH, J =

7.65Hz), 7.55-7.65 (m, 2H).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 314.3

Example 44 l-r4-methoxy-2-nitrophenvπ-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl ^' )-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 42, but substituting 4-bromo-3-nitroanisole for bromobenzene. Purification by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 3 : 7) affording the title product. 1H-NMR (CDC1 _D D): 2.45-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.75-2.85 (m, 2H), 3.00-3.15 (m, 4H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 5.60 (s, IH), 7.05-7.20 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.35 (m, 2H) 7.59 (t, IH, J = 7.65Hz). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 364.3

Example 45 l-(t-butoxycarbonvπ-4-[3-(5-cvano-3-pyridyl ^' )-prop-2-vnylidene]-piperidine

A mixture of Compound 2b (0.5 g, 2.26 mmol), 5-bromonicotinonitrile (0.511 g, 2.26 mmol), Aw(1;riphenylphosphine)palladium(II)dichloride (80 mg, 0.05 mmol), CuI (43.1 mg, 0.1 mmol) in anhydrous and degassed triethylamine (12.6 ml) was heated at 80 ⁰ C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h in a sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, filtered on Celite, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc — Petroleum Ether gradient from 4 :96 to 30:70) affording the title product (0.731 g). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 324.2

Example 46 l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-| ^" 3-(6-cvano-3-pyridylVprop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 45, but substituting 5-bromo-2-cyanopyridine for 5-bromonicotinonitrile. Purification by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 5 : 95 to 40 : 60) afforded the title product. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 324.2

Examples 47 and 48 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-('5-cvano-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyli dene]-piperidine l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(6-cyano-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylid enel-piperidine

4-[3-(5-cyano-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine (Compound 47a) 4-[3-(6-cyano-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynylidene]-piperidine (Compound 48a) The title compounds were prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 3 but starting respectively from the compounds of Example 45 and 46 instead of the compound of Example 2. The crudes were used in the next step without further purification. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 224.3 MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 224.3

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-ϊ3-(5-cyano-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-yn ylidenel-piperidine (Compound J 4 X l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-f3-(6-cvano-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylid enel-piperidine (Compound 481

Using 2-bromo-3-nitropyridyne instead of l-bromo-2 -nitrobenzene and carrying out the reaction as described in Example 4, but stirring overnight at ambient temperature in N,N- dimethylacetamide in the presence of a molar equivalent of TEA the title products were easily synthesized. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 346.2 MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 346.2

Example 49

1 -(t-butoxycarbonvD-4-r3-(2-methyl- 1 ,3-thiazol-4-yl ^* )-prop-2-vnylidene ^" l-piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-bromomethylene-piperidine (Compound 49a)

Lithium i/s-trimethylsilylamide (1 M in THF, 7.38 ml, 7.38 mmmol) was dropped into a suspension of bromomethyltriphenylphsphonium bromide (3.22 g, 7.38 mmol) at -15°C under nitrogen atmosphere. After 15 min. under stirring at the same temperature, N-Boc piperidone (1.4 g, 7.03 mmol) dissolved in THF (10 ml) was added. Stirring was maintained and after 2 h at ambient temperature, the reaction misture was quenched with water and with EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness. The crude residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 98 : 2) affording the title product (1.27 g). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 276.2

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[3-( ^' 2-methyl-l,3-thiazol-4-yl)-prop-2-vnylidene]-piperidine A solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride hydrate (818 mg, 2.93 mmol) in DMF (8 ml) was dropped into a solution of 2-methyl-4-trimethylsilanylethynylthiazole (Yasuyoshi et al., J. Med. Chem., 49, 3, 2006, 1080 - 1100, 0.52 g, 2.66 mmol) in DMF (7 ml). After 2 h under stirring, was added 6ώftriphenylphosphine)palladium(H)dichloride (93 mg, 0.13 mmol), CuI (51 mg, 0.27 mmol) and anhydrous and degassed triethylamine (1 ml) was heated at 80°C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h in sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc — Petroleum Ether gradient from 4 :96 to 30:70) affording the title product (0.847 g). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 319.2 Example 50 4-f3-(2-methyl-l,3-thiazol-4-yl)-prop-2-vnylidene ^~ |-piperidine

The title product was synthesized according to Example 3 but starting from the Compound of Example 49 instead of the Compound of Example 2. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 219.2

Example 51

1 -(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(2 -methyl- 1 ,3-thiazol-4-yl)-prop-2-vnylidene ^" |-piperidine The title product was synthesized according to Example 47 but starting from the Compound of Example 50, instead of Compounds 47a. After the usual work-up procedure, the crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 8 : 92 to 40 : 60) affording the title product. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 341.1

Examples 52 to 58 (Table H)

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 42, but substituting Reagent B (Table II) for bromobenzene. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 95 :5 to 30 : 70.

TABLE II

Example 59 l-(2-pyridyl ^' )-4-[3-( ^' 6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine

A solution of the Compound of Example 3 (100 mg, 0.47 mmol), 2-fluoropyridine (45.5 μl,

0.52 mmol), TEA (102 μl) in N-methylpyrrolidone was heated in a microwave oven at

160°C for 20 min.. Afterwards, the reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on

Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 7 : 93 to 40 : 60) affording the title product (0.02 g). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 290.34

Examples 60 to 65 (Table IIP

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 59 substituting Reagent B for 2-fluoropyridine. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 95 : 5 to 30 : 70.

TABLE III

l-rt-butoxycarbonyl)-4-ri-fluoro-3-phenyl-prop-2-vnylidene1- piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[bromo(fluoro)methylenel-piperidine (Compound 66a) To a solution of l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-oxo-piperidine (500 mg, 2.52 mmol), triphenylphosphine (808 mg, 3.02 mmol) and tribromofluoromethane (818 mg, 3.02 mmol) in 50 ml of anhydrous THF was added dropwise a solution of diethylzinc (1 M in hexane, 3.02 ml, 3.02 mmol) stirring at ambient temperature. After 2.5h, the reaction mixture was quenched with MeOH (10 ml), stirred for 30 min., evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 95 :5:0 to 90 : 10 to afford the title compound (326 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 295.16

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[l-fluoro-3-phenyl-prop-2-vnyliden e]-piperidine

The title product was prepared following the procedure reported for the Compound of Example 45 but using phenylacetylene instead of instead of Compound 2b and Compound 66a instead of 5-bromonicotinomtrile. The residue coming from the usual work-up procedure was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether gradient from 5 :95 to 10:90).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 316.22

Example 67 l-π-nitro-2-pyridyl ^' )-4-ri-fluoro-3-phenyl-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

4- (1 -fluoro-3-ϋhenyl-prop-2-vnylidene)-piperidine (Comvound 67a) The title product was synthesized following the procedure reported for Example 3 but starting from the Compound of Example 66 instead of the compound of Example 2. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 216.22

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[l-fluoro-3-phenyl-prov-2-vnylidenel -piperidine The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the Compound of Example 47, but replacing Compound 47a with Compound 67a. The crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1 : 9). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 338.22

Example 68 l-( ^" 2-methoxyethoxycarbonyl ^' )-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridvπ-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine To a solution of 2-methoxyethanol (26.9 μl, 0.34 mmol) and ditrichloromethyl carbonate (37.2 mg, 0.125 mmol) in CH ₂ Cl ₂ (1.5 ml) stirred at ambient temperature, was added dropwise a solution of DEA (139 μl, 0.814 mmol) in 1.5 ml Of CH ₂ Cl ₂ over 30'. After 40 min., was added a solution of the Compound of Example 3 (72 mg, 0.339 mmol) and 70 μl of DEA in 0.8 ml Of CH ₂ Cl ₂ . After 24h, the reaction misture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo and the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 7 :3 to 3 : 7 to afford the title compound (57 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 315.17

Examples 69 to 82 (Table IV)

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 68, but substituting reagent B (see table IV below; commercially available) for 2-methoxyethanol. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 100:0 to 20:80 or CH ₂ Cl ₂ - EtOAc from 100:0 to 20:80. The compound of Example 82 was further purified by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-C 18 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient.

TABLE IV

Example 83 l-(N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamoyl)-4-r3-r6-methyl-2-pyridylVprop -2-vnylidene1-piperidine To a solution of ditrichloromethyl carbonate (43.6 mg, 0.147 mmol) in CH ₂ Cl ₂ (1 ml) stirred at ambient temperature, was added dropwise a solution of N-methylaniline (48.2 μl, 0.445 mmol) and DEA (168 μl, 0.98 mmol) in 1.5 ml Of CH ₂ Cl ₂ over 30'. After 40 min.,

was added a solution of the Compound of Example 3 (94.4 mg, 0.445 mmol) and 168 μl of DEA in 2 ml di CH ₂ Cl ₂ . After 24h, the reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo, taken up with water and extracted with EtOAc. The residue from extraction was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 4 :6 to 2 : 8 to afford the title compound (123 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 346.22

Examples 84 to 91 (Table V)

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 83 but substituting reagent B (see table V below; commercially available) for N-methylaniline. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 100:0 to 20:80 or CH ₂ Cl ₂ - EtOAc from 100:0 to 20:80.

TABLE V

Example 92 l-(p-tolylsulphonyl)-4-r3-f6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylid enel-piperidine A solution of the Compound of Example 3 (60 mg, 0.283 mmol), p-toluenesulphonyl chloride (80.9 mg, 0.425 mmol) and TEA (0.425 mmol) in 5 ml of CHCl ₃ was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 h. The chloroform solution was washed with NaOH 0.1 N, water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1 : 1), afforded 67 mg of the title product. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 367.13

Examples 93 to 115 (Table VD

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 92 but substituting reagent B (see table VI below; commercially available) for p-toluenesulphonyl chloride. Purification was carried out by flash chromatography eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc.

TABLE VI

Example 116 l-(2-nitrobenzovπ-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl ^' )-prop-2-vnylidene]-piperidine To a solution 2-nitrobenzoic acid (42.6mg, 0.25 mmol) in CH ₂ Cl ₂ (2 ml) and DMF (0.5 ml) stirred at 0-5°C, was added 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (50 mg, 0.322 mmol) and, after 30', 1- ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (62 mg, 0.323 mmol). Afterwards, the Compound of Example 3 (53 mg, 0.25 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 2 h and kept overnight at the same temperature. After dilution with water and 1 N NaOH, the organic layer was separated and washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (CHCl ₃ - 1.4 N MeOH/NH ₃ 100:0.1) yielded the title compound (82 mg).

Examples 117 to 162 (Table VII)

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 1 16 but substituting reagent B (see table VII below; commercially available) for 2-nitrobenzoic acid. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 100:0 to 20:80 or CH ₂ Cl ₂ - EtOAc from 100:0 to 20:80.

TABLE VII

Example 163

1 -phenylacetyl-4- [3 -(6-methyl-2-pyridylV prop-2-vnylidenei-piperidine

To a solution of phenylacetic acid (61.5 mg, 0.452 mmol) in 10 ml of CH ₂ Cl ₂ was added

PS-carbodiimmide 1,25 mmol/g (480 mg, 0.6 mmol), while gently stirring at ambient temperature. After 20 min., the Compound of Example 3 (64 mg, 0.301 mmol) was added.

A very slow stirring was maintained overnight. Filtration, followed by washing the resin with CH ₂ Cl ₂ and evaporation afforded a crude which was purified by flash chromatography

(CHCl ₃ - 1.4 N MeOH/NH ₃ 100 : 0.2) yielding the title product (80 mg).

Examples 164 to 189 (Table VIII)

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 163 but substituting reagent B (see table VIII below; commercially available) for phenylacetic acid. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 100 : 0 to 20 : 80 or CH ₂ Cl ₂ - EtOAc from 100 : 0 to 20 : 80.

TABLE VIII

Example 190 l-(3-chloro-4-methyl-2-thienylcarbonylV4-f3-f6-methyl-2-Pyri dylVprop-2-vnylidene]- piperidine

To a solution of the Compound of Example 3 (64 mg, 0.301 mmol) and TEA (70 μl) in

CH ₂ Cl ₂ (8 ml) stirred at ambient temperature was added 3-chloro-4-methylthienyl chloride

(66.6 mg, 0.331 mmol) in 2 ml of CH ₂ Cl ₂ . The reaction mixture was stirred for 6 h at ambient temperature. After dilution with water and 1 N NaOH, the organic layer was

separated and washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (CHCl ₃ ) yielded the title compound (112 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 371.86

By the same method the following compounds were obtained using the appropriate commercial acid chlorides:

Example 191 l-[3-(l J-thiazol-2-yiybenzoyll-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vny lidenel-piperidine

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 400.70 Example 192 l-[3-(2-pyrimidinvπ-benzoyl]-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridylVprop- 2-vnylidene1-piperidine

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 395.51

Example 193 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridvD-4-(4-oxo-pent-2-vnylidene)-piperidine To a solution of Compound Ic (52 mg; 0.213 mmol), acetyl chloride (46 μl, 0.647 mmol),

Z>w(triphenyl)palladium(II)dichloride (4.49 mg, 0.0064 mmol) and copper (I) iodide (1.62 mg, 0.085 mmol) in anhydrous THF (5 ml), was added triethylamine (85 μl, 0.61 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred, in a closed vessel, at 6O ⁰ C for 5 h, cooled to ambient temperature poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed with NaOH 0.1N, water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo.

Purification by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 25 : 75), afforded 17.5 mg of the title product.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 286.10

Examples 194 to 198 (Table IX )

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 193 but substituting reagent B (see table IX below; commercially available) for acetyl chloride. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 100:0 to 20:80 or CH ₂ Cl ₂ - EtOAc from 100:0 to 20:80.

TABLE IX

Example 199 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl ^' )-4-( ^' 3-(3,5-difluoro-4-methoxyphenyl)-prop-2-ynylidene ^' |-piperidine A mixture of Compound Ic (50 mg, 0.206 mmol), 4-bromo-2,6-difluoroanisole (45.9 ml, 0.206 mmol), 6/5 ⁱ (triphenylphosphine)palladium(II)dichloride (7.23 mg, 0.012 mmol), CuI (3.92 mg, 0.206 mmol) in anhydrous and degassed triethylamine (3 ml) was heated at 80°C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h in a sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, filtered on Celite, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 10:90) affording the title product (22 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 386.52

Examples 200 to 215 (Table X) These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described in Example 199 but substituting reagent B (see table X below; commercially available) for 4-bromo-2,6-

difluoroanisole. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 100:0 to 20:80.

TABLE X

Example 216 l-ft-butoxycarbonyiy4-r3-phenyl-prop-2-ynyl]-piperidine

The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 1 , but using in the last step Compound 30a instead of Compound Ic and iodobenzene instead of 2-bromo-

6-methylpyridine. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 6 : 4 affording the title product as a brownish oil.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 300.32

Example 217 l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-( ^' hept-2-vnylidene)-piperidine

A mixture of palladium tetrakis(triphenylphosphine) (21 mg, 0.018 mmol), butylamine (2.5 ml) and Compound 49a (200 mg, 0.724 mmol) were stirred at room temperature for 45 minutes. Copper iodide (10.3 mg, 0.05 mmol) was then added, followed by hex-1-yne (41.6 μl, 0.362 mmol). The solution was heated for 3-5 hours at 70 ⁰ C till change in colour to depth blue. The reaction was quenched with ammonium chloride, extracted with diethyl ether, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered, concentrated to dryness and purified by preparative HPLC-MS e affording the title product (78 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 278.4

Examples 218 to 226

These compounds were synthesized following the procedure described below (method A or method B, Table XI) using commercially available starting materials. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 100:0 to 20:80 or by classical flash chromatography (Petroleum Ether - EtOAc mixtures).

Method A: A mixture of Compound Ic (36 mg; 0.148 mmol), Reagent B (0.296 mmol), Z ⁾ w(triphenylposphine)palladium(II)dichloride (3.60 mg, 0.0051 mmol) and

tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride (155 mg, 0.593 mmol) was heated in a sealed vessel at 8O ⁰ C and the melted mixture was stirred at 8O ⁰ C for 1.5 hours, cooled to ambient temperature and rinsed with EtOAc. The EtOAc solution was washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (EtOAc-ETP 15:85), afforded the title products.

Method B:A solution of Compound Ic (23 mg; 0.946 mmol), Reagent B (0.253 mmol), te?ra&z.s(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (8 mg, 0.0069 mmol) and copper(I) iodide (2 mg, 0.0105 mmol) in triethylamine (4 ml), in a sealed vessel, was stirred at 90 ⁰ C for 2 h, cooled to ambient temperature, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The EtOAc solution was washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. Purification by flash chromatography (EtOAc-ETP 2:8), afforded the title products.

TABLE XI

Example 227 l-(5-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-( ^' 6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 59, but substituting NMP with N,N-dimethylacetamide and substituting 2- fluoropyridine with 2-bromo-5-nitropyridine. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with CHCl ₃ - 1.4 N MeOH NH ₃

100 : 0.5.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl j, S): 2.42 - 2.54 (m, 2H), 2.67 (s, 3H); 2.75 - 2.90 (m, 2H), 3.83 - 3.95 (m,

4H), 5.70 (s, IH), 6.60 - 6.70 (m, IH), 7.12 - 7.20 (m, IH); 7.28 - 7.38 (m, IH); 7.60 - 7.70

(m, IH); 8.20 - 8.30 (m, IH); 9.08 (d, J = 4 Hz, IH).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 335.17

- -

Example 228 l-(6-methoxy-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-r3,5-difluorophenyl)-pr op-2-vnylidene]-piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-prop-2-vny lidenel-pιperidine ('Compound 228a)

A mixture of the Compound 49a (0.110 g, 0.40 mmol), palladium (0.023 g, 0.02 mmol), copper(I) iodide (0.0078 g, 0.04 mmol) and l-ethynyl-3,5-difluorobenzene (49 μL, 0.4 mmol) and TEA (2.5 ml) was heated for 3 h at 80 ⁰ C. Afterwards, the reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue (0.062 g.), used in the next step without further purification.

¹ H-NMR [CDCl ₃ , δ): 1.50 (s, 9H), 2.27-2.37 (m, 2H), 2.52-2.60 (m, 2H),_3.45-3.55 (m, 4H), 5.56 (s, IH), 6.74-6.82 (m, IH), 6.91-6.98 (m, 2H). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 334.15

4-l ^~ 3-β, 5-difluorophenyl)-prop-2-vnylidene J-pipeήdine {Compound 228b)

To a solution of Compound 228a (0.090 g, 0.27 mmol) in CHCl ₃ (1 ml) was added trifluoroacetic acid (0.42 ml, 5.4 mmol) and the reaction mixture was then stirred at 70°C for 15 min. until the complete conversion of the reagent was observed by LC-MS. After cooling to ambient temperature, water was added and the solution wasalkalinized by addition of 2 N NaOH. The solution was extracted with CH ₂ Cl ₂ , the organic layer washed with brine and dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ affording the title compound (0.051 g). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ , S): 1.85 (s, IH, broad), 2.27-2.38 (m, 2H), 2.52-2.62 (m, 2H), 2.90-3.00 (m, 4H), 5.49 (s, IH), 6.72-6.81 (m, IH), 6.90-6.98 (m, 2H). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 234.26

l-(6-methoxy-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-pr op-2-ynylidenel-piperidϊne A solution of Compound 228b (0.046 mg, 0.197 mmol), 2-chloro-6-methoxy-3- nitropyridine (34.6 mg, 0.18 mmol), potassium carbonate (50.3 mg, 0.36 mmol) in N,N- dimethylacetamide was heated in a microwave oven at 165°C for 3 min. Afterwards, the reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water arid extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo

to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 5 : 95) affording the title product (0.058 g). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 386.16

Example 229 l-(5-bromo-2-pyrimidinyl)-4-| ^" 3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 59, but substituting NMP with N,N-dimethylacetamide and substituting 2- fluoropyridine with 5-bromo-2-iodopyrimidine and reacting the mixture at ambient temperature. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with CHCl ₃ - 1.4 N MeOH NH ₃ 100 : 0.5. White solid. Yield: 64.1%.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ , δ): 2.35 - 2.45 (m, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H); 2.63 - 2.75 (m, 2H), 3.83 - 3.95 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH), 7.04 - 7.14 (m, IH), 7.22 - 7.30 (m, IH); 7.50 - 7.60 (m, IH); 8.32 (s, 2H).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 370.10

Example 230 l-(3-methyl-5-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-pro p-2-vnylidenel-piperidine The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 59, but substituting N,N-dimethylacetamide for NMP and substituting 2-bromo-3- methyl-5-nitropyridine for 2-fluoropyridine. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with CHCl ₃ - 1.4 N MeOH NH ₃ 100 :

0.25. Yellow solid. Yield: 97.3%. 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ , S): 2.39 (s, 3H), 2.46 - 2.56 (m, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H); 2.74 - 2.85 (m, 2H),

3.51 - 3.61 (m, 4H), 5.66 (s, IH), 7.10 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 7.27 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.56 (t,

J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 8.15 (s, IH), 8.98 (s, IH).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 349.23

Example 231 l-r5-cvano-3-methyl-2-pyridvπ-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-pro p-2-vnylidenel-piperidine The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 59, but substituting N,N-dimethylacetamide for NMP and substituting 5-cyano-2- fluoro-3-methylpyridine for 2-fluoropyridine. Purification was carried out by automated

flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 2:8. Yellowish solid. Yield: 81.3%.

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ , δ): 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.45 - 2.56 (m, 2H), 2.66 (s, 3H); 2.77 - 2.88 (m, 2H), 3.40 - 3.51 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH), 7.15 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 7.32 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.57 (s, IH); 7.58 - 7.75 (m, IH), 8.40 (s, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 329.22

Example 232 l-(6-cvano-3-pyridyl)-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyli dene]-piperidine A mixture of the compound of Example 3 (0.102 g, 0.48 mmol), 5-bromo-2-cyanopyridine (0.073 g, 0.40 mmol), cesium carbonate (0.658 g, 2 mmol), l,3-bis(2,6- diisopropylphenyl)imidazolium chloride (8.8 mg, 0.05 mmol), palladium(II) acetate (0.0046 mg, 0.05 mmol), in anhydrous and degassed THF (3 ml) was heated in a microwave oven at 110°C for 15 min in a sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1:1) affording the title product (0.013 g). 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ , S): 2.45 - 2.54 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.72 - 2.90 (m, 2H), 3.48 - 3.60 (m, 4H), 5.68 (s, IH) ₃ 7.05 - 7.20 (m, 2H), 7.22 - 7.35 (m, IH); 7.50 - 7.70 (m, 2H); 8.35 (s, IH).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 315.17

Example 233

1 -(4-methyl-3 -pyridyl)-4- [ ^" 3 -(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene] -piped dine A mixture of the compound of Example 3 (0.102 g, 0.48 mmol), 3-bromo-4-methylpyridine (0.046 g, 0.40 mmol), cesium carbonate (0.658 g, 2 mmol), 2- (dicyclohexylphosphino)biphenyl (8.8 mg, 0.024 mmol), palladium(II) acetate (0.0027 mg, 0.012 mmol), in anhydrous and degassed toluene (3 ml) was heated in a microwave oven at at 150°C for 15 min in a sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (CHCl ₃ - 1.4 N MeOH NH ₃ 100 : 0.25) affording the title product (0.008 g).

¹ H-NMR (CDCh, S): 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.47 - 2.54 (m, 2H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.77 - 2.87 (m, 2H), 3.04 - 3.12 (m, 4H), 5.63 (s, IH), 7.05 - 7.12 (m, IH), 7.13 - 7.20 (m, IH), 7.25 - 7.30 (m, IH); 7.50 - 7.60 (m, IH); 8.20 - 8.30 (m, 2H). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 304.19

Example 234 l-f4-isoquinolyl)-4-f3-(6-methyl-2-pyridviyprop-2-ynylidene ^' l-piperidine

A mixture of the compound of Example 3 (0.076 g, 0.36 mmol), 4-bromoisoquinoline

(0.064 g, 0.30 mmol), cesium carbonate (0.494 g, 1.5 mmol), 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)- 1,1 'binaphthalene (0.01 Ig, 0.024 mmol), palladium(II) acetate (0.0027 mg, 0.012 mmol) in anhydrous and degassed toluene (3 ml) was heated at reflux under a nitrogen atmosphere for 18 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (CHCl ₃ - 1.4 N MeOH NH ₃ 100 : 0.25) affording the title product (0.061 g).

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ , S): 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.62 - 2.73 (m, 2H), 2.91 - 3.02 (m, 2H), 3.23 - 3.36 (m, 4H), 5.70 (s, IH), 7.11 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 7.29 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH), 7.57 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.75 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.89 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 8.10 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 8.15 (s, IH); 8.23 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 9.04 (S, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 340.21

Example 235 l-(4-methyl-5-oxo-cvclopentenyl)-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridvπ-p rop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine A mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (500 mg, 2.36 mmol), 3-methyl-l,2- cyclopentanedione (350 mg, 3.1 1 mmol), acetic acid (0.18 ml, 3.11 mmol) in ethanol (10 ml) was refluxed for 8 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 85 : 15, affording the title product as a brown solid. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 307.61

Example 236 l-Ct-butoxycarbonylV4-ri-methoxycarbonyloxy-3-( ^' 6-methyl-2-pyridylVprop-2-vnyl1- piperidine

To a solution of the Compound of Example 39 (50 mg, 0.15 mmol), triethylamine (65 DL, 0.45 mmol) and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (10 mg, 0.07 mmol) in 3 ml of CH ₂ Cl ₂ cooled at

0-5 ⁰ C, methyl chloroformate (23 μl, 0.30 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. Afterwards, it was evaporated to dryness and purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 8 : 2 affording the title product (0.28 g) as a brown oil.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 389.51

Example 237 l-r3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-ri-hvdroxy-3-r6-methyl-2-pyridvn-pro p-2-vnyl1-piperidine

4-[l-hvdroxy-3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyll-piperidi ne (Compound 237 a)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 3, using the Compound of Example 39 instead of the Compound of Example 2.

After the usual work-up procedure, the crude was used in the next step without further purification.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ =231.23

1 -(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-f 1 -hvdroxy-3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyl] -piperidine

A well homogenised mixture of Compound 237a (200 mg, 0.86 mmol), 2-bromo-3- nitropyridine (194 mg, 0.95 mmol) and triethylamine (249 μl, 1.74 mmol) in N,N- dimethylacetamide (15 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 h. Afterwards, the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 7 : 3, affording the title product (225 mg) as a yellow oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ =353.40

Example 238

1 -(3 -nitro-2-thienyl)-4- [3 -(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1 -piperidine

- -

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 237, using the Compound of Example 3 instead of Compound 237a and 2-chloro- 3-nitrothiophen instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether- EtOAc 1 :1 affording the title product as a yellow solid. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 340.45

Example 239 l-r5-nitro-2-furvπ-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylide ne1-piperidine A suspension of the Compound of Example 3 (100 mg, 0.47 mmol), 2-bromo-5-nitrofuran (98 mg, 0.51 mmol) and potassium carbonate (72 mg, 0.52 mmol) in DMF (2 ml) was stirred at ambient temperature for 4 h. Afterwards, the reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 6 : 4 affording the title product (94 mg) as a yellow solid. MS: [M+H] ⁺ =324.33

Example 240 l-(5-phenylcarbamoyl-2-furylV4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridvπ-prop- 2-vnylidene]-piperidine

A well homogenised mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (100 mg, 0.47 mmol) and N- phenyl-5-bromofuran-2-carboxamide (125 mg, 0.47 mmol) was stirred at 120°C for 8 h.

The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography eluting with Petroleum

Ether - EtOAc 7 : 3, affording the title product (36 mg) as a brown solid.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ =398.51

Example 241 l-(2-methyl-4-nitro-lH-5-imida2olyl)-4-r3-r6-methyl-2-pyridy l)-prop-2-vnylidenel- piperidine

A well homogenised mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (100 mg, 0.47 mmol), 5- bromo-2-methyl-4-nitro-lH-imidazole (97 mg, 0.47 mmol) and potassium bicarbonate was stirred at 120 ⁰ C for 8 h. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted with

EtOAc The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage), eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 7 : 3, affording the title product as a brown solid. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 338.40

Example 242

1 -( ^" 3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[ ^" 1 -methoxy-3-( ^" 6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyll-piperidine

To a solution of the Compound of Example 237 (70 mg, 0.19 mmol) in THF anhydrous was added 60% sodium hydride in mineral oil (12 mg, 0.3 mmol) and the resulting suspension was stirred at ambient temperature; after 30 min. was dropped iodomethane (25 μl, 0.4 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred overnight at ambient temperature. Afterwards, it was quenched with a saturated aq. solution of ammonium chloride and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 65 : 35, affording the title product (48 mg) as a yellow oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 367.51

Example 243 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[l-methoxycarbonyloxy-3-(6-methyl-2- pyridyl ^' )-prop-2-vnyll- piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 236, but using the Compound of Example 237 instead of the Compound of Example 39. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™

- Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 8 : 2, affording the title product as a oil.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 395.44

Example 244 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-phenyl-prop-2-vnyll-piperidine

4-(3-Phenyl-prop-2-vnyl)-piperidine (Compound 244a)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 3, using the Compound of Example 216 instead of the Compound of Example 2.

After the usual work-up procedure, the crude was used for the next step without purification.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ =200.31

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-phenyl-prop-2-vnylJ-piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 237, using the Compound 244a instead of Compound 237a. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether/EtOAc 9 - 1, affording the title product as a yellow oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 322.45

Example 245 l-r6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridylV4-[3-phenyl-prop-2-vnyl]-piper idine

The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 244, but using 2-chloro-3-nitro-6-picoline instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 6 : 4 affording the title product as a brownish oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 300.32

Example 246 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl ^' )-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyll-piperidine The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the Compound of Example 31, using 2-chloro-3-nitro-6-picoline instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether/EtOAc 7 : 3, affording the title product as a yellow oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 351.51

Example 247 l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-443-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-prop-2-vnyl]-p iperidine The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 1, but using in the last step Compound 30a instead of Compound Ic and 3,5-difluoro-iodobenzene instead of 2-bromo-6-methylpyridine. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 85 .15, affording the title product as a colorless oil.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 336.98

Example 248 l-r6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-| ^" 3-r3.5-difluorophenyl)-prop-2-vnyll-piperidine

4-[3-(S, 5-difluorophenyl-)prop-2-ynyl-lpweridine (Compound 248a) The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the the Compound of Example 3, using the Compound of Example 247 instead of the Compound of Example 2. After the usual work-up procedure, the crude was used for the next step without further purification.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ =236.32

l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-yyridyl)-4-F3-(3.5-difluorophenyl)- prop-2-ynyll-piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 237, but using Compound 248a instead of Compound 237a and 2-chloro-3-nitro-6- picoline instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 9 : 1, affording the title product as a yellow oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 372.45

Example 249 l-(2-cvanophenyl)-4-r3-0,5-difluorophenyl)-prop-2-vnyl1-pipe ridine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of

Example 42, but using Compound 248a instead of the Compound of Example 3 and 2- bromobenzonitrile instead of bromobenzene. The crude was purified by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-Cl 8 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient, affording the title product as a brown oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 337.45

Example 250

1 -ft-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[ 1 -fluoro-3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyl ^" l-piperidine

Into a solution of the Compound of Example 39 (300 mg, 0.91 mmol) in anhydrous CH ₂ Cl ₂

(10 ml) cooled at -78°C was dropped diethylaminosulphur trifluoride (144 μl, 1.01 mmol).

The reaction mixture was kept at the same temperature for 2 h, then warmed up to ambient temperature, quenched with water and extracted with CH ₂ Cl ₂ . The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 7 : 3, affording the title product (140 mg) as an oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 333.44

Example 251 1 -(6-methyl-3 -nitro-2-pyridyl >4- [ 1 -fluoro-3 -(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynyl1 -piperidine

4-[l-βuoro-3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-Orop-2-ynyl] -piperidine (Compound 25 Ia) The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 3, using Compound 250 instead of the Compound of Example 2. After the usual work-up procedure, the crude was used for the next step without further purification. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 233.24

1 -(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[ 1 -fluoro-3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynyl] '-piperidine

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 237, using Compound 251a instead of Compound 237a and 2-chloro-3-nitro-6- picoline instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon ^M - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 9 : 1, affording the title product as a yellow oil.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 369.44

Example 252 l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-( ^' 3EV3-| ^' 3-(6-methyl-2-pyridylVprop-2-ynylidenel-pyrrolidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-(3E)-3-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop-2-ynyl idene)-pyrrolidine (Compound 252a)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for Compound Ib using N-boc-3-pyrrolidinone instead of l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-oxo-piperidine. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 85 : 15, affording the title product as a colorless oil.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 280.52

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-(3E)-3-(-prop-2-vnylidene)-pyrrolidine (Compound 252b) The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for Compound Ic using Compound 252a instead of Compound Ib. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 95 : 5, affording the title product as a colorless oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 208.74

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-(3E)-3-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop- 2-ynylidene]-pyrrolidine

The title compound was obtained as described for the Compound of Example 1, but using in the last step Compound 252b instead of Compound Ic. The crude was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 7 : 3, affording the title product as a brownish oil. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 299.40

Example 253 and 254 l-( ^' 3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-( ^' 4-phenyl-but-3-vn-2-ylidene)-piperidine 1 -(3 -nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(4-phenyl-but-3 - vn- 1 -en-2-vO-piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2-hydroxy-4-phenyl-but-3-yn-2-yl)-pi peridine (Compound 253 a) Into a solution of l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-acetylpiperidine (0.67 g, 2.95 mmol), prepared as described in WO 2004/041777, in THF (20 ml) cooled at -10 ⁰ C was dropped a IM solution of phenylethynylmagnesium bromide in THF (4.5 ml, 4.5 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. Afterwards, it was quenched with a saturated aq. solution of ammonium chloride and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 7:3, affording the title product as a pale yellow oil.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ =330.54

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(4-phenyl-but-3-vn-2-ylidene)-pipe ridine (Compound 253b) l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(4-phenyl-but-3-vn-l-en-2-yl)-piperid ine (Compound 253c)

A well homogenised mixture of Compound 253a (0.3 g, 0.91 1 mmol) and Burgess' reagent (Methyl N-(triethylammoniumsulphonyl)carbamate) (0.35 g, 1.49 mmol) was heated at 60°C for 2 h. Afterwards, the reaction mixture was cooled, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc 95:5, affording the title products as an oily mixture. MS: [M+H] ⁺ =312.54

4-(4-phenyl-but-3-vn-2-ylidene)-piperidine (Compound 253d) 4-(4-phenyl-but-3-yn-l-en-2-yl)-piperidine (Compound 253e)

The title compounds were prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 3, but using the mixture of Compounds 253b and 253c instead of the Compound of Example 2 . After the usual work-up procedure, the crude was used for the next step without further purification. MS: [M+H] ⁺ =212.32

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(4-phenyl-but-3-yn-2-ylidene)-piv eridine l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(4-phenyl-but-3-yn-l-en-2-yl)-piperi dine The title compounds were prepared following the procedure described for the compound of Example 237, but using the mixture of Compounds 253d and 253e instead of Compound 237a and 2-chloro-3-nitropyridine instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. The crude was purified by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-C 18 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient affording the two title products.

MS (Examples 253 and 254) [M+H] ⁺ = 333.35

¹ H-NMR (Example 253) (CDC ₃ S): 1.97 (s, 3H), 2.57-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.86 (m, 2H),

3.50-3.56 (m, 4H), 6.73-6.76 (m, IH), 7.28-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.44-7.46 (m, 2H), 8.13-8.17 (m, IH), 8.36-8.37 (m, IH) 1H-NMR (Example 254) (CDCl ₃ S): 1.80-1.98 (m, 4H), 2.37-48 (m, IH), 3.08-3.15 (m, 2H),

3.93-3.97 (m, 2H), 5.39 (s, IH), 5.49 (s, IH), 6.73-6.75 (m, IH), 7.28-7.33 (m, 3H), 7.44- 7.46 (m, 2H), 8.13-8.17 (m, IH), 8.36-8.37 (m, IH)

Example 255

1 -(3 -nitro-2-pyridyl)-4- 1Y2E V3 -phenyl-prop-2-enylidenei -piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-f(2E)-3-phenyl-prop-2-enylidenel-pipe ridine (Compound 255a) Lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (IM sol. in THF, 2.63 ml, 2.63 mmol) was added at -60°C under nitrogen atmosphere to a solution of diethyl cinnamylphosphonate (0.629 ml, 2.64 mmol). After 15 min. under stirring at the same temperature, N-Boc-4-piperidone (500 mg, 2.51 mmol) dissolved in THF (5 ml) was added. Stirring and cooling was maintained for 30 min and, after 2 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with water and with EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness affording the title product (752 mg), that was used in the next step without further purification. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 300.25

4-[(2E)-3-phenyl-prop-2-enylidenel -piperidine (Compound 255b) To a solution of Compound 255a (752 mg, 2.51 mmol) in CHCl ₃ (15 ml) was added trifluoroacetic acid (0.967 ml, 12.6 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 25°C for

24 h, until the complete conversion of the reagent was observed by LC-MS. Water was added followed by aq. NaOH (2 N) to give alkaline pH. Separation of the organic layer and extraction of the aqueous layer with CH ₂ Cl ₂ , washing with brine and drying over Na ₂ SO ₄ the combined organic layers, afforded the title compound. The crude was purified by flash chromatography (CHCl ₃ - 1.6 M methanolic ammonia 100:5) affording the title product (359 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 200.22

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[(2E)-3-phenyl-prop-2-enylidene) '-piperidine

A well homogenised mixture of Compound 255b (175 mg, 0.878 mmol), 2-chloro-3- nitropyridine (153 mg, 0.966 mmol) and triethylamine (0.139 ml, 0.97 mmol) was stirred at

25 °C for 24 h. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 8:2) affording the title product (270 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 322.20

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.45-2.50 (m, 2H), 2.65-2.70 (m, 2H), 3.50-3.60 (m, 4H), 6.14 (d, IH),6.56 (d, IH), 6.70-6.80 (m, IH), 6.95-7.15 (m, IH) 7.20-7.45 (m, 5H), 8.16 (d, IH), 8.37 (d, IH).

Example 256

1 -(3 -nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-hydroxy-4-(3 -phenyl-prop-2- ynyl)-piperidine

l-oxa-6-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-6-azaspiro[2.5] octane (Compund 256a) Trimethylsulphoxonium iodide (580 mg, 2.64 mmol) was added to a suspension of NaH (106 mg, 2.64 mmol) at 0°C under nitrogen atmosphere. After 15 min. under stirring at the same temperature, N-Boc-4-piperidinone (500 mg, 2.51 mmol) dissolved in DMF (5 ml) was added. Stirring was continued and, after 2 h at ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was quenched with water and EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness. The crude residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 9 : 1) affording the title product (380 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 214.19

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-hydroxy-4-(3-phenyl-prop-2-vnyl)-pipe ridine (Compound 256b) Boron trifluoride diethyl etherate (0.131 ml, 1.03 mmol) followed by lithium phenylacetylide (IM in THF, 1.03 ml, 1.03 mmol) was dropped into a solution of Compound 256a (200 mg, 0.938 mmol) in THF (5 ml) stirred at -75°C under nitrogen atmosphere. Stirring and cooling were kept on for 2 h and after overnight stirring at ambient temperature, the reaction mixture was quenched with water and EtOAc. The combined extracts were washed, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 85:15) affording the title product (272 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 316.26

4-hydroxy-4-(3-phenyl-prop-2-ynyl)-piperidine (Compound 256c)

To a solution of Compound 256b (179 mg, 0.57 mmol) in CHCl ₃ (3 ml) was added trifluoroacetic acid (0.219 ml, 2.84 mmol) and the reaction mixture was then stirred at 25°C for 24 h until the complete conversion of the reagent was observed by LC-MS. Afterwards, to the reaction mixture was added water, followed by aq. 2 N NaOH to give alkaline pH. Separation of the organic layer and extraction of the aqueous layer with CH ₂ Cl ₂ , washing the combined organic layers with brine and drying over Na ₂ SO ₄ afforded the title compound (122 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 216.15

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-hydroxy-4-(3-phenyl-prop-2-vnyl)-pip eridine A well homogenised mixture of the Compound 256c (1 15 mg, 0.53 mmol), 2-chloro-3- nitropyridine (93.1 mg, 0.587 mmol) and triethyl amine (0.092 ml, 0.641mmol) was stirred at 25 °C for 24 h. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 8:2) affording the title product (178 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 338.15

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.80-2.0 (m, 4H), 2.68 (s, 2H), 3.40-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.60-3.75 (m, 2H), 6.70-6.80 (m, IH), 7.25-7.50 (m, 5H) 8.10-8.15 (m, IH), 8.30-8.40 (m, IH).

Example 257 l-(3-nitro-imidazo[l,2-a]pyridin-2-ylV4-| ^" 3-(6-methyl-2-pyridylVprop-2-vnylidene]- piperidine

A well homogenised mixture of the Compound of Example 3 (150 mg, 0.71 mmol), 2- chloro-3-nitroimidazo[l,2-a]pyridine (154 mg, 0.778 mmol) and triethylamine (0.152 ml, 1.06 mmol) was stirred at 25°C for 24 h. The reaction crude was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 1 :1) affording the title product (146 mg).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 374.22

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.50-2.70 (m, 5H), 2.85-2.90 (m, 2H), 2.78-2.87 (m, IH), 3.75-3.85

(m, 4H), 5.68 (s, IH), 7.25-7.30 (m, IH), 7.45-7.65 (m, 3H), 9.50 (d, 2H).

Example 258

1 -(3 -nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-( 1 -oxo-3 -phenyl-prop-2-ynyl)-piperidine

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-ethoxycarbonyl-pipeήdine {Compound 258a) A mixture of 2-chloro-3-nitropyridine (1 g, 6.31 mmol), ethyl 4-pyridinecarboxylate (1.19 g, 7.57 mmol) and potassium carbonate (1.31 g, 9.47 mmol) in rc-butanol (25 ml) was stirred at reflux for 2 hours, cooled to ambient temperature, poured into water and extracted with diethyl ether. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 2 : 8) affording the title product (1.38 g). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 280.09

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-carboxy-piperidine (Comyound 258b)

To a solution of KOH (0.46 g, 8.16 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) and water (30 ml) was added Compound 258a (1.14 g, 4.08 mmol). The solution was stirred at ambient temperature for 1.5 hours, poured into water, acidified with 2M HCl and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford the title product (1.38 g). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 252.12 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.82-2.00 (m, 2H), 2.02-2.12 (m, 2H), 2.61-2.73 (m, IH), 3.10-3.22 (m,

2H), 3.75-3.90 (m, 2H), 6.75-6.82 (m, IH), 8.15 (dd, IH, J = 4 Hz, J = 8 Hz), 8.38 (dd, IH, J= 1.5 Hz, J= 4 Hz),

l-f3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-π-oxo-3-phenyl-prop-2-ynyl>pi peridine

To a solution of Compound 258b in anhydrous toluene (10 ml), thionyl chloride (0.29 ml,

3.98 mmol was added and the resulting mixture was stirred at reflux for 1 hour, cooled to r.t and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in anhydrous toluene (5 ml); to this solution was added phenylacetylene (0.09 ml, 0.80 mmol), palladium(II)acetate (18 mg, 0.08 mmol), triethylamine (0.34 ml, 2.4 mmol). The mixture was stirred in a microwave oven at 110°C for 1 hour, cooled to ambient temperature, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 25 : 75) affording the title product (77 mg).MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 336.18 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 1.90-2.04 (m, 2H), 2.15-2.22 (m, 2H), 2.78-2.87 (m, IH), 3.18-3.28

(m, 2H), 3.88-3.95 (m, 2H), 6.75-6.82 (m, IH), 7.40-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.48-7.52 (m, IH), 7.60- 7.65 (m, 2H), 8.15 (dd, 1H, J= 4 Hz, J = 8 Hz), 8.38 (dd, IH, J= 1.5 Hz, J= 4 Hz).

Example 259 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(3-trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-prop-2 -ynylidene]-piperidine A mixture of Compound Ic (60 mg, 0.25 mmol), 3-trifluoromethoxy-iodobenzene (41,6 μl, 0.26 mmol), 6w(triphenylphosphine)palladium(II)dichloride (8.65 mg, 0.01 mmol), CuI (4.69 mg, 0.1 mmol) in anhydrous and degassed triethylamine (3 ml) was heated at 80°C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 2 h in a sealed vessel. The reaction mixture was cooled, filtered on Celite, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic

layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 5 : 95) affording the title product (57 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 404.35 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.50-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.78 (m, 2H), 3.53-3.58 (m, 4H), 5.64 (s, IH),

6.78-6.81 (m, IH), 7.17-7.19 (m, IH), 7.28-7.30 (m, IH) 7.34-7.37 (m, 2H), 8.17-8.19 (m, IH), 8.37-8.38 (m, IH).

Example 260 1 -(3-nitro-2-pyridvD-4-( 1 -oxo-3-phenyl-prop-2-vnyl ^* )- 1 ,2,5,6-tetrahvdropyridine

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-carboxy-l,2, 5, 6-tetrahydropyridine (Compound 260a)

A well homogenised mixture of isoguvacine hydrochloride (497 mg, 3.04 mmol), 2-chloro-

3-nitro-pyridine (482 mg, 3.04 mmol) and potassium carbonate (882 mg, 6.38 mmol), was stirred at 60 ⁰ C for 1.5 h. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into a solution of water and formic acid (pH=3) and extracted with dichloromethane. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether-Acetic Acid 20 : 80 : 0.05) affording the title product (332 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 250.2

1 -(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(N-methoxy-N-methyl-carbamoyl)-l ,2, 5, 6-tetrahydropyridine

(Compound 260b)

To a solution of Compound 260a (100 mg, 0.40 mmol) in methanol (10 ml) stirred at ambient temperature, was added DMT-MM 4-(4,6-Dimethoxy-l,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-4- methylmorpholinium chloride, 142 mg, 0.52 mmol), N-methylmorpholine (88.4 μl, 0.81 mmol) and N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (60 mg, 0.615 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 h. The solvent was evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The residue was diluited with aq. IN NaOH and dichloromethane. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether

60 : 40) affording the title product (90 mg).

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 293.3

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(l-oxo-3-phenyl-prop-2-vnyl)-L2,5,6- tetrahvdropyridine Into a solution of phenylacetylene (69.3 μl, 0.631 mmol) in anhydrous THF (15 ml) stirred at -78°C under N ₂ stream, was dropped a solution of butyllithium (2.5 M in THF, 253 DL, 0.63 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at -78°C for 20 min. To the resulting solution was added dropwise a solution of Compound 260b (84 mg, 0.29 mmol) in anhydrous THF (5 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at -50° for 1.5 h., then it was allowed to warm up to - 10°C. Afterwards, it was quenched with ammonium chloride and extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried on Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo to afford a residue, which was purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc - Petroleum Ether 20 : 80) affording the title product (69 mg). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 334.3 1H-NMR (CDCl ₃ S): 2.68 (m, 2H), 3.72-3.75 (m, 2H), 4.16-4.17 (m, 2H), 6.81-6.84 (m,

IH), 7.35-7.40 (m, IH), 7.40-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.51 (m, IH), 7.61-7.63 (m, 2H), 8.20- 8.22 (m, IH), 8.39-8.40 (m, IH).

Example 261 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(2-oxo-l-pyrrrolidinyl ^' )-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(3-bromo-prop-2-ynylidene)-piperidin e (Compound 261a) A mixture of Compound Ic (200 mg, 0.82 mmol), CBr ₄ (0.54 mg, 1.65 mmol), potassium hydroxide (0.138 mg, 2.46 mmol), 18-C-6 crown ether (21.8 mg, 0.823 mmol) and 10 ml of benzene was stirred at 65 °C for 11 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with EtOAc, washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 98:2 to 80:20, affording the title product (111 mg) as a mixture with the starting material (77:23 Compound 261a : Compound Ic ) and used as it was in the next reaction step.

l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-F3-C2-oxo-l-pyrrrolidinyl)-prop-2-yn ylidene]-piperidine A mixture of Compound 261a (111 mg, 0.345 mmol), cupric sulphate (11 mg, 0.69 mmol), 1,10-phenantroline (24.9 mg, 0.138 mmol), K ₂ CO ₃ (95.4 mg, 0.69 mmol), 2-pyrrolidone (39.7 μl, 0.518 mmol) and 5 ml of toluene was stirred at 80 °C for 12 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with EtOAc, washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The crude residue was purified by

automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 98:2 to 0:10, giving the title product (2 mg) MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 327.15

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.10-2.20 (m, 2H), 2.41-2.53 (m, 4H), 2.65-2.70 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.52 (m, 4H), 3.72-3.76 (m, 2H), 5.60 (s, IH), 6.75-6.78 (m , IH ₁ ), 8.14-8.17 (m, IH), 8.35 (s, IH)

Example 262 l-(5-trifluoromethyl-3-pyridvπ-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl ^' )-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine A vial was filled with a mixture of the compound of Example 3 (84.9 mg, 0.4 mmol), 3- bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)-pyridine (93 mg, 0.4 mmol), DIPEA (140 μL, 0.8 mmol), 1 ml of anhydrous N-methylpyrrolidone and sealed. The vial was heated in a microwave oven at 160 ⁰ C (200 W) for 2 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with EtOAc, washed with water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. The crude black oily residue was purified by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-C 18 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient affording 1.8 mg of the title compound. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 358.4 1H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.42-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.79-2.82 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.47 (m, 4H), 5.67 (s, IH), 7.10 (d, IH, J = 8.0), 7.27 (d, IH, J = 8.0 Hz), 7.35 (s, IH), 7.56 (t, IH, J = 8.0 Hz), 8.33 (S ₅ IH), 8.50 (s, IH).

Example 263 l-r3-cvano-5-phenyl-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-r6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-pro p-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

Following the procedure reported above for the compound of Example 262 but replacing 5- (trifluoromethyl)-pyridine with 2-chloro-5-phenylnicotinonitrile the title product was synthesized. After the reaction work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 9: 1 to 4:6, affording the title product ( 10 %). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 391.35

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.52-2.57 (m, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 2.75-2.80(m, 2H), 3.85-3.95 (m, 4H), 5.68 (s, IH), 7.08-7.15 (m, IH), 7.25-7.70 (m, 7H), 8.00 (s, IH), 8.61 (s, IH). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 391.35

Example 264

M2-propoxy-3-pyridyl)-4-[3-f6-methyl-2-pyridylVprop-2-vnylid ene]-piperidine Into a flamed flask flushed with nitrogen a mixture of CuI (19.4 mg. 0.1 mmol)), K ₃ PO ₄ (425 mg, 2 mmol), ethylene glycol (112 μl), 3-iodo-2-propoxypyridine (263 mg, 1 mmol) in 1 ml of «-Butanol were added 255 mg of the compound of Example 3 dissolved in 1 ml of «-Butanol. The suspension was heated at 100 ⁰ C for 5 h. The reaction mixture was then cooled to ambient temperature, diluted with EtOAc, washed with aq,. NaHCO ₃ and water, dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo. After the work-up the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc 8:2. affording the title product (32 mg, 10 %). MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 348.43

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 1.10 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 3H); 1.85 - 1.92 (m, 2H); 2.53 - 2.56 (m, 2H); 2.58 (s, 3H); 2.83 - 2.85 (m, 2H); 3.14 - 3.19 (m, 4H); 4.35 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H); 5.60 (s, IH); 6.82 - 6.85 (m, IH); 7.08 - 7.10 (m, 2H); 7.26 - 7.28 (m, IH); 7.55 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.80 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH).

Example 265 l-rpyridor2,3-b]pyrazin-7-yl)-4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop -2-vnylidene1-piperidine Following the procedure reported for the compound Example 234 and using 7- bromopyrido[2,3-b]pyrazine instead of 4-bromoisoquinoline the title compound was prepared. Purification was done by automated flash liquid chromatography (HorizonTM-

Biotage) eluting with CHCl ₃ - 1.4 N NH ₃ sol. in MeOH 100 : 0.25. Yield: 16 %.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 342.41 1H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.50 - 2.70 (m, 5H); 2.85 - 2.88 (m, 2H); 3.60 - 3.64 (m, 4H); 5.70

(s, IH); 7.11 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.28 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.54 - 7.58 (m, 2H); 8.80 (m,

2H); 9.95 (d, J = 4.0 Hz, IH).

Example 266 l-(3-cvano-2-thienyl)-4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyli dene1-piperidine

Following the procedure reported for the compound of Example 234 and using 2-bromo-3- cyanothiophene instead of 4-bromoisoquinoline the title compound was prepared. Purification was by RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-C 18 XTerra column 30x50 mm

eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient affording the compound of the title. Yield: 22 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 320.36

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.53 - 2.58 (m, 5H); 2.83 - 2.85 (m, 2H); 3.58 - 3.60 (m, 4H); 5.66 (s, IH); 6.51 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 6.90 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.10 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.27 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.56 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, IH).

Example 267

1 -(6-ethoxy-3 -pyridyl>4- [ ^" 3 -(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2- ynylidene] -piperidine Following the procedure reported for the compound of Example 234 and using 5-bromo-2- ethoxypyridine instead of 4-bromoisoquinoline and tol-BINAP (2,2'-bis(di-p- tolylphosphino)-l,l'-binaphthyl) instead of BINAP the title compound was prepared. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc 8:2. affording the title product as a yellow oil. Yield: 10%.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 334.19

¹ H-NMR (CDCb, S): 1.40 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, 3H); 2.45 - 2.56 (m, 2H); 2.59 (s, 3H); 2.75 - 2.87 (m, 2H); 3.10 - 3.30 (m, 4H); 4.32 (q, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H); 5.61 (s, IH); 6.69 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.10 (d, J = 8.0 Hz ₅ IH); 7.27 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.30 - 7.40 (m, IH); 7.56 (t, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.83 (s, IH).

Example 268 l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(2,6-difluorophenyl)-prop-2-ynyli dene1-piperidine

The title compound was prepared as described for the compound of Example 237 but starting from Compound 248a instead of compound 237a and using diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) instead of triethylamine and 2-chloro-3-nitropyridine instead of 2-bromo-3- nitropyridine. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 9:1 to 7:3 affording the title product. Yellow oil. Yield: 55%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 356.34

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.5-2.6 (m, 2H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 3.5-3.6 (m, 4H), 5.7 (m, IH), 6.75-6.85 (m, IH), 6.9-7.0 (m, 2H), 7.2-7.3 (m, IH), 8.15-8.20 (m, IH), 8.35-8.40 (m, IH)

Examples 269 to 272 (Table XID

These compounds (see table XII) were prepared following the procedure described in Example 199 but substituting reagent B for 4-bromo-2,6-difluoroanisole. Purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with Petroleum Ether - EtOAc gradient from 100:0 to 20:80.

TABLE XII

Example 273

1 -(6-methyl-3 -nitro-2-pyridyl)-4- F3 -(4-fluoro-2-pyridyl)-prop-2- ynylidenel -piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-[3-(4-fluoro-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vny lidenel-viperidine (Compound

273a)

The title compound was prepared following the procedure described for the Compound of

Example 199, but using Compound 2b instead of Compound Ic and 2-chloro-4- fluoropyridine instead of 4-bromo-2,6-difluoroanisole. After the usual work-up procedure,

purification was carried out by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 95:5 to 60:40. Yield: 38.5 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 317.2

4-[3-(4-fluoro-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynylidene 1-pweridine (Compound 273b)

Compound 273 a was converted into the title compound by using the procedure described for Compound 228b. Compound 273b was used in the next step without further purification. Yield: 76 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 217.2

l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[3- (4-iluoro-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynylidene 1-piperidine The title product was prepared following the method described above for the Compound of Example 237 replacing 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine with 2-chloro-6-methyl-3-nitropyridine and using N-methylpyrrolidone instead of N,N-dimethylacetamide. Purification by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with a PE - EtOAc gradient from 95:5 to 60:40 afforded the title compound as a yellow solid. Yield: 36%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 353.2

¹ H-NMR (CDCU <5): 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.50-2.57 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.85(m, 2H), 3.45-3.60 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH), 6.63 (d, J=8Hz, IH), 6.95-7.05 (m, IH), 7,17 (d, J=8Hz, IH), 8.10 (d, J=8Hz, IH), 8.52-8.60 (m, IH).

Example 274 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(3,5-difluorophenylVprop -2-vnylidenel-piperidine

4-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop-2-vnylidene)-piperidine (Compound 274a)

The title compound was synthesized following the procedure described for the compound of Example 3 starting from Compound 2a instead of the Compound of Example 2.

An alternative procedure that can be utilized to carry out the reaction includes stirring at ambient temperature (instead at 70°C) for 4 h and overnight resting. The reaction mixture was washed with water and aq. K ₂ CO _3> dried on anhydrous Na ₂ SO ₄ and evaporated to dryness in vacuo and used in the next step without further purification.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 194.24

l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop-2 -ynylidene)-piperidine (Compound 274b)

Method A: The title compound was synthesized following the procedure described for the Compound of Example 273, but replacing Compound 273a and 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine respectively with Compound 274a and 2-chloro-6-methyl-3-nitropyridine. The crude residue obtained from a standard work-up procedure was used in the next step without further purification.

Method B: The title compound was prepared starting from l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)- 4-piperidone instead of l-(3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-piperidone and following the procedure described for Compound Ib. The crude residue was used as an intermediate without further purification. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 330.27

l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyndyl)-4-(prop-2-ynylidene)-piperidin e (Compound 274c) The title compound was synthesized following the procedure described for Compound Ic, but using Compound 274b instead of Compound Ib. Purification by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with a PE - Acetone gradient from 97:3 to 9:1 afforded the title compound. Yield: 29%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 258.08

l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-F3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-pro p-2-ynylidenel-piperidine To a suspension of Compound 274c (70 mg, 0.27 mmol), sodium acetate trihydrate (74.2 mg, 0.55 mmol) and l-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene (33.5 μl, 0.27 mmol) in 2.05 ml of DMF flushed with nitrogen was added fetrafoy(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (15.8 mg, 0.014 mmol) and the reaction mixture was put into a microwave oven (Biotage) at 12O ⁰ C for 10 min. Dilution with EtOAc, washing with H ₂ O and drying over Na ₂ SO ₄ followed by evaporation and purification of the residue by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) (PE-CH ₂ Cl ₂ 6:4) afforded 74 mg (73.7%) of the title compound. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 370.27 1H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.49-2.53 (s and m, 5H), 2.72-2,78 (m, 2H) , 3.51-3.59 (m, 4H), 5.61 (s, IH), 6.64 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 6.75-6.82 (m, IH), 6.94-6.98 (m, 2H), 8.1 1 (d, IH, J=8Hz)

The following compounds were prepared in the same way as the Compound of Example 274 but substituting l-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene respectively with the shown halo derivatives:

Example 275 l-r6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl ^' )-4-r3-(3-fluorophenyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine From l-bromo-3-fluorobenzene. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc gradient from 97.5:2.5 to 9:1. Orange solid. Yield: 82 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 352.49

¹ H-NMR (CDC1 _A S): 2.48-2.51 (m, 5H), 2.74-2,77 (m, 2H) , 3.51-3.58 (m, 4H), 5.62 (s, IH), 6.62 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 6.98-7.07 (m, IH), 7.14 (d, IH, J= 8Hz), 7.22 (m, IH), 7.27- 7.33 (m, IH), 8.11 (d, IH, J=8Hz)

Example 276 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyli dene1-piperidine

From 2-bromopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ -

Biotage) PE - EtOAc gradient from 9:1 to 7:3. Yellow solid. Yield: 42 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 335.34 1H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.48-2.53 (s and m, 5H), 2.78-2,83 (m, 2H) , 3.49-3.59 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH), 6.62 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 7.21-7.26 (m, IH), 7.43-7.47 (dd, IH), 7.66-7.71 (m,lH), 8.10 (d, IH, J=8Hz),8.59-8.63 (dd, IH)

Example 277 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridylV4-r3-(6-fluoro-2-pyridvD-prop- 2-vnylidene1-piperidine

From 2-bromo-6-fluoropyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc gradient from 95: 5 to 9: 1. Yellow oil. Yield: 68 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 353.33

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.49-2.54 (s and m, 5H), 2.77-2,82 (m, 2H) , 3.51-3.59 (m, 4H), 5.64 (s, IH), 6.64 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 6.86-6.91 (dd, IH), 7.27-7.34 (dd, IH), 7.73-7.80 (m,lH),

8.12 (d, lH, J=8Hz

Example 278 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl ^' )-4'r3-(6-fluoro-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

From 5-bromo-2-fluoropyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc gradient from 95: 5 to 8:2. Yellow solid. Yield: 54 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 353.33

¹ H-NMR (CDC1 _A δ)\ 2.49-2.53 (s and m, 5H), 2.73-2,78 (m, 2H) , 3.51-3.59 (m, 4H), 5.62 (s, IH), 6.64 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 6.90-6.95 (dd, IH), 7.79-7.85 (dd, IH), 8.11 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 8.31 (s,lH)

Example 279 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridvπ-4-r3-f2-fluoro-4-pyridyl)-pro p-2-vnylidene]-piperidene From 4-iodo-2-fluoropyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™

- Biotage) PE - EtOAc gradient from 9: 1 to 8:2. Yellow solid. Yield: 60 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 353.33

¹ H-NMR (CDCb, δ): 2.51-2.55 (s and m, 5H), 2.74-2,79 (m, 2H) , 3.52-3.60 (m, 4H), 5.64 (s, IH), 6.65 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 6.94 (s, IH), 7.16-7.19 (dd, IH), 8.12 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 8.185 (d,lH, J = 4Hz )

Example 280

1 -(6-methyl-3 -nitro-2-pyridyl)-4- [3 -(5 -fluoro-3 -pyridylVprop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

From 3-bromo-5-fluoropyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc gradient from 93: 7 to 7:3. Yellow solid. Yield: 56 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 353.33

¹ H-NMR (CDCb, δ): 2.49-2.54 (s and m, 5H), 2.73-2,78 (m, 2H) , 3.51-3.60 (m, 4H), 5.64

(s, IH), 6.64 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 6.45-6.49 (m, IH), 8.11 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 8.41 (s,lH ), 8.50

(s,lH)

Example 281 l-f6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(5-cvano-3-pyridyl)-prop -2-ynylidenel-piperidine

From 5-bromonicotinonitrile. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™

- Biotage) PE - EtOAc gradient from 9: 1 to 7:3. Yellow solid. Yield: 73 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 360.33

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.51-2.55 (s and m, 5H), 2.74-2,79 (m, 2H) , 3.52-3.61 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH), 6.65 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 7.97 (s, IH), 8.12 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 8.77 (s,lH ), 8.84 (s, IH).

Example 282 l-r6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridvπ-4-r3-r2,5-difluorophenvπ-pro p-2-vnylidene]-piperidine From 2,5-difluoro-iodobenzene. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 97.5: 2.5. Yellow solid. Yield: 63 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 370.34

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S)- 2.49-2.53 (s and m, 5H), 2.75-2,80 (m, 2H) , 3.51-3.59 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH), 6.63 (d, IH, J = 8Hz), 6.96-7.08 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.15 (m, IH), 8.1 1 (d, IH, J=8Hz).

Example 283 l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-pro p-2-vnylidene]-piperidine

The title compound was synthesized following the procedure reported for the compound of

Example 59 replacing the compound of Example 3, 2-fluoropyridine and TEA respectively with Compound 228b, 2-chloro-6-methylnicotinonitrile and potassium carbonate.

Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc 95: 5. Yellow solid. Yield: 61 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 350.11

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.40 - 2.55 (m, 5H); 2.70 - 2.80 (m, 2H); 3.75 - 3.88 (m, 4H); 5.60

(s, IH); 6.63 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 6.70 - 6.88 (m, IH); 6.90 - 7.00 (m, 2H); 7.68 (d, J = 8.0

Hz, IH).

Example 284 l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-f3-(3-fluorophenyl)-prop-2- vnylidene1-piperidine

l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop-2 -vnylidene)-piperidine (Compound 284a)

The title compound was prepared by refluxing a solution of DIPEA and Compound 274a in MeCN for 20 h with 2-chloro-6-methylnicotinonitrile. After the usual work-up, the crude residue was purified by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage)eluting with PE - EtOAc 98:2. Yield: 51 %. The purified product contained an amount of the corresponding desilylated alkyne, but was used as an intermediate without further purification.

l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyndyl)-4-[3-(3-nuorophenyl)-prop-2 -vnylidenel-vweridine

The title compound was prepared in the same way as the Compound of Example 274 but replacing l-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene with l-fluoro-3-iodobenzene and Compound 274c with Compound 284a. The residue from the work-up procedure was purified by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-C 18 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient affording the title compound as a colourless oil. Yield: 20.4 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 332.40

¹ H-NMR (CDCU <5): 2.45 - 2.55 (m, 5H); 2.72 - 2.82 (m, 2H); 3.78 - 3.90 (m, 4H); 5.62 (s, IH); 6.63 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 6.98 - 7.06 (m, IH); 7.12 - 7.18 (m, IH); 7.21 - 7.26 (m, IH); 7.26 - 7.34 (m, IH); 7.68 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH).

The following compounds were prepared in the same way as the Compound of Example 284 but susbstituting respectively the shown haloderivatives for l-fluoro-3-iodobenzene:

Example 285 l-f3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-f3-(4-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyli denel-piperidine

From 4-iodopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ -

Biotage) PE - EtOAc 7: 3. Beige solid. Yield: 84.7 %.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 315.25 1H-NMR (CDCU <5): 2.47 (s, 3H); 2.51 - 2.55 (m, 2H); 2.72 - 2.83 (m, 2H); 3.78 - 3.90

(m, 4H); 5.65 (s, IH); 6.64 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.36 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H); 7.68 (d, J = 8.0 Hz,

IH); 8.59 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H).

Example 286 1 -(3 -cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4- [3 -f 6-fluoro-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel -piperidine

From 2-bromo-6-fiuoropyridine.. Purification by automated flash chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 9: 1. Pale yellow oil. Yield: 81.7 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 333.38

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.47 (s, 3H); 2.48 - 2.55 (m, 2H); 2.75 - 2.85 (m, 2H); 3.77 - 3.90 (m, 4H); 5.63 (s, IH); 6.63 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 6.85 - 6.93 (m, IH); 7.30 - 7.35 (m, IH);

7.67 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.70 - 7.80 (m, IH).

Example 287 l-( ^' 3-cyano-6-methyl-2-pyridvπ-4-r3-( ^' 5-cvano-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine

From 5-bromonicotinonitrile. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™

- Biotage) PE - EtOAc 9: 1. White solid. Yield: 65.1 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 340.38

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.50 (s, 3H); 2.50 - 2.60 (m, 2H); 2.72 - 2.83 (m, 2H); 3.79 - 3.92 (m, 4H); 5.64 (s, IH); 6.66 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.70 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.98 (s, IH); 8.78 (s, IH); 8.84 (s, IH).

Example 288

1 -(3 -cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4- [3 -(2-fluoro-4-pyridyl)-prop-2- ynylidenel -piperidine From 2-fluoro-4-iodopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™

- Biotage) PE - EtOAc 95: 5. White solid. Yield: 62.2 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 332.45

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.50 (s, 3H); 2.50 - 2.60 (m, 2H); 2.73 - 2.83 (m, 2H); 3.79 - 3.92 (m, 4H); 5.64 (s, IH); 6.66 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 6.95 (s, IH); 7.19 (d, J = 4.0 Hz, IH); 7.71 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 8.19 (d, J = 4.0 Hz, IH).

Example 289 l-(3-cyano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(2-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynyli dene]-piperidine

From 2-iodopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 72: 28. Orange oil. Yield: 76.2 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 315.46

¹ H-NMR (CDCU <5): 2.46 (s, 3H); 2.47 - 2.57 (m, 2H); 2.77 - 2.88 (m, 2H); 3.77 - 3.92 (m, 4H); 5.65 (s, IH); 6.62 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.22 - 7.30 (m, IH); 7.42 - 7.53 (m, IH); 7.61- 7.77 (m, IH); 8.60 - 7.65 (m, IH).

Example 290 l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridylV4-r3-(2,5-difluorophenyl)-prop -2-vnylidene]-piperidine From 2,5-difluoro-iodobenzene. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - Et ₂ O 85: 15. Orange solid. Yield: 96.2 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 350.46

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.50 (s, 3H); 2.51 - 2.57 (m, 2H); 2.74 - 2.85 (m, 2H); 3.79 - 3.92 (m, 4H); 5.65 (s, IH); 6.64 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 6.95 - 7.08 (m, 2H); 7.09 - 7.16 (m, IH); 7.70 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH).

Example 291 l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridvπ-4-[3-( ^' 5-cvano-2-pyridvπ-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine From 2-chloro-5-cyanopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - Et ₂ O 6: 4. Yellow solid. Yield: 45.2 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 340.38

¹ H-NMR (CDCU <5): 2.52 (s, 3H); 2.53 - 2.60 (m, 2H); 2.78 - 2.89 (m, 2H); 3.81 - 3.93 (m, 4H); 5.68 (s, IH); 6.66 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.52 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.72 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.92 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 8.85 (s, IH).

Example 292 l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridvπ-4-r3-(6-fluoro-3-pyridvπ-pro p-2-vnylidenel-piperidine From 5-bromo-2-fluoropyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE-EtOAc 95: 5. Brownish oil. Yield: 54.8 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 333.31 1H-NMR (CDCU ty 2-50 (s, 3H); 2.50 - 2.57 (m, 2H); 2.72 - 2.82 (m, 2H); 3.79 - 3.92 (m, 4H); 5.62 (s, IH); 6.65 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 6.88 - 6.98 (m, IH); 7.70 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.77 - 7.89 (m, IH); 8.31 (s, IH).

Example 293 l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(5-fluoro-3-pyridyl)-pro p-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

From 3-bromo-5-fluoropyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 85:15. Yellowish solid. Yield: 42.8 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 333.38

¹ H-NMR (CDCIA S): 2.48 (s, 3H); 2.49 - 2.58 (m, 2H); 2.72 - 2.83 (m, 2H); 3.79 - 3.92 (m, 4H); 5.63 (s, IH); 6.64 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, IH); 7.42 - 7.50 (m, IH); 7.69 (d, J = 8.0 Hz,

IH); 8.41 (s broad, IH); 8.50 (s broad, IH).

Example 294 l-(3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(3-fluorophenyl)-prop-2 -ynylidene]-piperidine

l-(3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-4-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop- 2-vnylidene)-pweridine (Compound 294a)

The title compound was synthesized following the procedure described for the Compound of Example 262, but replacing 3-bromo-5-(trifluoromethyl)-pyridine with 2-chloro-4-

methoxynicotinonitrile, the compound of Example 3 with compound 274a and stirring at 135° C. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 100:30 afforded an ivory solid. Yield: 35 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 326.31

l-(3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-4-f3-(3-fluorophenyl)-prop-2 -vnylidene]-piperidine The title compound was prepared in the same way as the Compound of Example 274 but replacing Compound 274c with Compound 294a and l-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene with 1- fluoro-3-iodobenzene and adding 1 molar equivalent of tetrabutylammonium fluoride monohydrate to the starting reaction mixture.. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 100:30, then by CHCl ₃ followed by a final purification by by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-C 18 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient afforded a colourless oil. Yield: 20.4 %. LCPREP. Colourless oil. Yield: 20.4 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 348.43

¹ H-NMR (CDCU <5): 2.51-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.77-2.79 (m, 2H), 3.81-3.87 (m, 4H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 5.62 (s, IH), 6.39 (d, IH, J 8Hz), 7.00-7.05 (m, IH), 7.13-7.16 (m, IH), 7.22-7.24 (m, IH), 7.27-7.32 8M, IH), 8.23 (d, IH, J 4Hz)

The following compounds were prepared in the same way as the Compound of Example 294 but susbstituting l-fluoro-3-iodobenzene respectively with the shown haloderivatives:

Example 295

1 -(3 -cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl V 4- F3 -f 3 ,5 -difluorophenyl)-prop-2-vnylidene]-piperidine From 3,5-difluoro-bromobenzene. Purification by automated flash chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) CHCl ₃ - MeOH/NH ₃ 100:0.1. Ochre yellow solid. Yield: 65 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ =366.35

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.50-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.74-2.77 (m, 2H), 3.79-3.85 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s,

3H), 5.60 (s, IH), 6.37 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 6.76-6.81 (m, IH), 6.95-6.97 (m, 2H), 8.22 (d, IH, J 8Hz)

Example 296 l-r3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pvridvl)-4-r3-( ^' 2.5-difluorophenvl)-prop-2-vnvlidenel-piperidine

From 2,5-difluoro-iodobenzene. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) CHCI ₃ - MeOH/NH ₃ 100:0.07. Ivory solid. Yield: 84 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ =366.35

¹ H-NMR (CDCb, <5): 2.51-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.77-2.80 (m, 2H), 3.80-3.85 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 5.64 (s, IH), 6.37 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 6.97-7.07 (m, 2H), 7.10-7.15 (m, IH), 8.22 (d, IH, J 8Hz).

Example 297

1 -(3 -cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-4- [3 -C2-pyridyl Vprop-2-ynylidenei -piperidine From 2-bromopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ -

Biotage) CHCI ₃ - MeOH/NH ₃ 100:0.05. Pale yellow oil. Yield: 25 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 331.35

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.51-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.81-2.84 (m, 2H), 3.79-3.84 (m, 4H), 3.97 (s,

3H), 5.66 (s, IH), 6.37 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 7.24-7.27 (m, IH), 7.46-7.48 (m, IH), 7.69-7.73 (m, IH), 8.22 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 8.61-8.62(m, IH).

Example 298 l-r3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(6-fluoro-2-pyridyl)-pr op-2-vnylidene]-piperidine

From 2-bromo-6-fluoropyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) CHCl ₃ - MeOH/NH ₃ 100:0.05. Vitreous yellow solid. Yield: 47 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 349.41

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.51-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.78-2.81 (m, 2H), 3.79-3.84 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s,

3H), 5.63 (s, IH), 6.37 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 6.87-6.89 (m, IH), 7.28-7.33 (m, IH), 7.72-7.78 (m,

IH), 8.22 (d, IH, J 4Hz).

Example 299 l-(3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-4-| ^" 3-(6-fluoro-3-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

From 5-bromo-2-fluoropyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) CHCl ₃ - MeOH/NH ₃ 100:0.05. Ivory solid. Yield: 40 % 1H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.51-2.53 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.78 (m, 2H), 3.80-3.85 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s,

3H), 5.62 (s, IH), 6.38 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 6.91-6.94 (m, IH), 7.80-7.85 (m, IH), 8.22 (d, IH, J

4Hz), 8.31 (s, IH)

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 349.41

Example 300 l-( ^' 3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridvπ-4-r3-( ^' 2-fluoro-4-pyridyl ^' )-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine From 2-fluoro-4-iodopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 10:3. Hazel-brown solid. Yield: 97 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 349.41

¹ H-NMR (CDCb, 2.52-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.78 (m, 2H), 3.80-3.85 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 5.63 (s, IH), 6.38 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 6.95 (s, IH), 7.17-7.19 (m, IH), 8.18 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 8.22 (d, IH, J 4Hz)

Example 301 l-(3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl ^' )-4-[3-(5-fluoro-3-pyridylVprop-2-vnylidene]-piperidine

From 3-bromo-5-fluoroyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 10:3. Ivory solid. Yield: 76 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 349.41 1H-NMR (CDCU δ)\ 2.51-2.54 (m, 2H), 2.75-2.78 (m, 2H), 3.80-3.85 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s,

3H), 5.63 (s, IH), 6.38 (d, IH, J 8Hz), 7.43-7.46 (m, IH), 8.22 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 8.41 (s, IH),

8.50 (s, IH).

Example 302 l-(3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(5-cvano-3-pyridyl)-pro p-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

From S-bromo-S-cyanopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography

(Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 10:3. Vitreous rosy solid. Yield: 71 %

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 356.41

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.52-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.76-2.78 (m, 2H), 3.81-3.85 (m, 4H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 5.64(s, IH), 6.39 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 7.98 (s, IH), 8.22 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 8.77 (s, IH), 8.84 (s,

IH)

Example 303 l-(3-cvano-4-methoxy-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(5-cvano-2-pyridyl)-pro p-2-vnylidene1-piperidine From 2-chloro-5-cyanoyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 10:3. Vitreous yellow solid. Yield: 7 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 356.48

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.52-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.80-2.82 (m, 2H), 3.81-3.85 (m, 4H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 5.67(s, IH), 6.39 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 7.52 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 7.92 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 8.22 (d, IH, J 4Hz), 8.85 (s, IH).

Example 304 l-(3-cvano-6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-(4-phenyl-but-3-vn-2-yliden e)-piperidine The title compound was synthesized following the procedure described for the Compound of Example 262 replacing 3-bromo-5-(trifluorornethyl)-pyridine with 2-chloro-6- methylnicotinonitrile and the compound of Example 3 with Compound 253d. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc 9:1 afforded a colorless oil. Yield: 35 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 328.51

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 1 -98 (s, 3H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.57-2.60 (m, 2H), 2.84-2.87 (m, 2H), 3.83-3.88 (m, 4H), 4.18 (s,3H), 6.59-6.61 (m, IH), 7.34-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.45-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.70 (m, IH).

Example 305 l-f6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridylV4-r3-(6-bromo-2-pyridy0-prop-2 -vnylidene ^" l-piperidine

Method A:

The title compound was prepared in the same way as the Compound of Example 274 but susbstituting l-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene with 2,6-dibromopyridine. Purification by automated flash chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) PE - EtOAc gradient from 1 :0 to 8:2. Yellow solid. Yield: 30 % MS: [M+H] ⁺ : 413.2

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.45-2.60 (m, 5H), 2.72-2.85 (m, 2H), 3.45-3.60 (m, 4H), 5.65 (s, IH), 6.63 (d, J=8Hz, IH) 7.25-7.58 (m, 3H), 8.11 (d, J=8Hz, IH).

Method B: l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-f3-(6-bromo-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylide ne]-piperidine (Compound 305a)

The title compound was prepared from Compound 2a (in place of Compound 274c) following the procedure described for the compound of Example 274, using 2,6- dibromopyridine instead of l-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene and adding 1 molar equivalent of

tetrabutylammonium fluoride monohydrate to the starting reaction mixture. After the workup, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 10:0 to 8:2 affording the title product. White solid. Yield: 68%.

4-[3-(6-bromo-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel-vweridine (Compound 305b) The title product was prepared following the method described for the Compound of Example 3 but using as starting material Compound 305a instead of the Compound of Example 2 and stirring at ambient temperature for 3 days. The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness in vacuo, taking up the residue several times with chloroform to remove excess trifluoroacetic acid.

l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(6-bromo-2-vyridyl)-O rop-2-ynylidene]-piperidine The title compound was prepared as described for the compound of Example 237 but starting from Compound 305b instead of compound 237a and 2-chloro-6-methyl-3- nitropyridine instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. An additional equivalent of TEA was used.. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from PE: EtAc 95:5 to 6:4 affording the title product. Yellow oil. Yield: 95%.

Example 306 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridylV4-[3-r3-ethoxyphenyl)-prop-2-v nylidene1-piperidine

The title Compound was prepared from Compound 274c following the procedure described for the compound of Example 274 but using 3-ethoxybromobenzene instead of 1-bromo- 3,5-difluorobenzene and adding 1 molar equivalent of tetrabutylammonium fluoride monohydrate to the starting reaction mixture.. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from PE:EtAc 1:0 to 8:2 affording the title product. Yellow solid. Yield: 46 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ 378.44 1H-NMR (CDCU δ): 1.4-1.5 (m,3H), 2.5-2.6 (m, 5H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 3.5-3.6 (m, 4H), 4.0-4.1 (m, 2H), 5.6 (m,lH), 6.6 (d,lH), 6.85-6.9 (d, IH), 6.95-7.0 (s, IH), 7.1 (d, IH), 7.2-7.3 (m, IH), 8.10-8.15 (d, IH)

Example 307 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(3-acetylphenvπ-prop-2- vnylidene1-piperidine The title compound was prepared in the same way as the Compound of Example 199 but substituting Compound 274c for Compound Ic and 3-acetyl-iodobenzene for 4-bromo-2,6- difluoranisole. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 9:1 to 8:2 affording the title product. Yellow oil. Yield: 84.3 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ 376.43

Example 308 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-[3-(3-acetamidophenyl)-prop -2-vnylidene]-piperidine The title Compound was prepared from Compound 274c following the procedure described for the compound of Example 274 using 3-bromoacetanilide instead of l-bromo-3,5- difluorobenzene and adding 1 molar equivalent of tetrabutylammonium fluoride monohydrate to the starting reaction mixture. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 7:3 to 4:6 affording the title product. Orange oil. Yield: 54%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ 391.44 1H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.2 (s,3H), 2.5-2.6 (m, 2H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 3.5-3.6 (m, 4H), 5.6 (m,lH), 6.6 (d,lH), 7.05-7.15 (s,lH), 7.18-7.22 (d, IH), 7.25-7.35 (m, IH), 7.45-7.55 (d, IH), 7.6 (s, IH), 8.10-8.15 (d, IH).

Example 309 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-r3-(3-acetonylphenyl)-prop- 2-vnylidene1-piperidine The title Compound was prepared from Compound 274c following the procedure described for the compound of Example 274 using 3-bromophenylacetone instead of l-bromo-3,5- difluorobenzene and adding 1 molar equivalent of tetrabutylammonium fluoride monohydrate to the starting reaction mixture. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 9:1 to 7:3 affording the title product. Orange oil. Yield: 41%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ 390.45

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₃ , S): 2.2 (s,3H), 2.5-2.6 (s, 5H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 3.5-3.6 (rh, 4H), 3.7 (s,2H), 5.6 (m,lH), 6.6 (d,lH), 7.1-7.2 (m,lH), 7.25 (m, IH), 7.35 (m, IH), 7.5 (d, IH), 8.10-8.15 (d, IH).

Examples 310 and 31 1 l-C6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridvπ-3-( ^' 3Z ^' )-[3-( ^' 6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1-piperidine l-( ^' 6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl')-3-( ^' 3E ^' )-[3-('6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidenel-piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-3-(3Z)-[3-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop-2-y nylidene)-piperidine

(Compound 310a) l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-3-(3E)-[3-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop-2-ynyl idene)-piperidine

(Compound 31 Ia) The title compounds were synthesized following the procedure described for Compound 1 b but using l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-piperidin-3-one instead of l-(3-nitro2-pyridyl)-piperidin-4- one. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography

(SP1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from PE - EtOAc 95:5 to 8:2 affording the title product. The less polar collected fractions corresponded to Compound 310a (9.5 %). The last eluted collected fractions were attributed to Compound 31 Ia (10.3%).

Compound 310a MS: [M+H] ⁺ 294.24

Compound 31 Ia MS: [M+H] ⁺ 294.26

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-3-(3Z)-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop- 2-ynylidenel-piperidine Compound 310b) l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-3-(3E)-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-y nylidenel-piperidine

Compound 311b)

Starting respectively from compounds 310a and 311a the title compounds were prepared following the procedure reported for the compound of example 274 but replacing 1 -bromo- 3,5-difluorobenzene with 2-bromo-6-methylpyridine. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE -

EtOAc gradient from PE - EtOAc 85:15 to 5:5 affording the title products. Compound

310b: 61 %. Compound 311b: 47%

Compound 310b MS: [M+H] ⁺ 313.35 CompoundJ311b_ MS: [M+H] ⁺ 313.33

3- (3Z)-F3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-ynylidenel-piperidine (Compound 310c) 3-(3E)-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyndyl)-prop-2-ynylidene]-piperidine (Compound 311 c)

The title compounds were obtained following the procedure described for the compound of Example 3 and replacing respectively the Compound of Example 2 with Compound 310b or 311b and used without further purification in the next step. Compound 310c MS: [M+H] ⁺ 213.33 Compound 311c MS: TM+H1 ⁺ 213.41

l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-3-(3Z)-(3-(6-methyl-2-yyridyl )-proD-2-ynylidene)-piperidine l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-3-(3E)-(3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl )-prop-2-ynylidene)-piperidine The title compounds were prepared as described for the compound of Example 237 but starting from Compound 310c or 31 1c instead of compound 237a and using 2-chloro-6- methyl-3-nitropyridine instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from PE - EtOAc 7:3 to 6:4 affording the title products. Example 310: 18 %. Example 310: 11% Compound 310 MS: [M+H] ⁺ 349.41

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₅ , δ): 1.87 (s, 2H), 2.46-2.53 (m, 5H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 3.61 (s, 2H), 4.35 (s, 2H), 5.62 (s, IH), 6.57-6.59 (d , IH,), 7.11-7.13 (m, IH), 7.35-7.37 (s, IH), 7.61 (bs, IH), 8.06-8.08 (d, IH) Compound 311 MS: [M+H] ⁺ 349.34 1H-NMR (CDCU δ): 1.86-1.92 (m, 2H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.62 (s, 3H) 2.75-2.78 (m, 2H), 3.46- 3.49 (m, 2H), 4.30 (s, 2H), 5.69 (s, IH), 6.59-6.61 (d, IH), 7.11-7.13 (m, 2H), 7.56-7.69 (s, IH), 8.08-8.10 (d, IH)

Example 312 l-( ^" 6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridvπ-4-r2-hvdroxy-4-(6-methyl-2-pyrid vπ-but-3-vn-2-vn- piperidine

l-(t-butoxycarbonyl)-4-(2-hydroxy-but-3-yn-2-yl)-piperidine (Compound 312a) Using ethynylmagnesium bromide instead of phenylethynylmagnesium bromide the title compound was prepared following the procedure reported for Compound 253a. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc 7:3. White solid. Yield: 73%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 254.63

4-(2-hydroxy-but-3-vn-2-yl)-piperidine (Compound 312b)

The title compound was obtained following the procedure described for the compound of Example 3 and replacing the Compound of Example 2 with Compound 312a refluxing for 6h. The crude was used without further purification in the next step. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 154.35 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-(2-hvdroxy-but-3-yn-2-yl)-v iperidine (Compound 312c) The title compound was prepared as described for the compound of Example 237 but starting from Compound 312b instead of Compound 237a and 2-chloro-6-methyl-3- nitropyridine instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc from PE:EtOAc 9:1 affording the title products as yellow oil. Yield: 93%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 290.35

l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-f2-hvdroxy-4-(6-methyl-2 -pyridyl)-but-3-vn-2-ylJ- piperidine

According to the Method B detailed for Examples 218-226 starting from Compound 312c and using 2-bromo-6-methylpyiridine the title compound was prepared. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc 1 : 1 affording the title product as a yellow oil. Yield: 41 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 381.46

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 1.71 (s, 3H), 1.85-1.94 (m, 3H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.67, (s, 3H), 3.00-306 (m, 2H), 3.91-4.02 (m, 2H), 6.54-6.56 (m, IH), 7.20-7.22 (m, IH), 7.32-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.67- 7.71 (m,lH), 8.05-8.07 (m, IH).

Example 313 l-(6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-( ^' 4-phenyl-but-3-vn-2-ylidene)-piperidine The title compound was prepared as described for the compound of Example 237 but starting from Compound 253d instead of Compound 237a and 2-chloro-6-methyl-3- nitropyridine instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc 9:1 affording the title products as yellow oil. Yield: 87%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 348.52

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 1.97 (s, 3H), 2.51 (s, 3H), 2.56-2.59 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.86 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.56 (m, 4H), 6.59-6.61 (m, IH), 7.31-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.44-7.46 (m, 2H), 8.09-8.1 1 (m, IH).

Example 314

1 -(I -methyl -4-nitro-lH-imidazol-5-yl)-4-f4-phenyl-but-3-yn-2-ylidene)-p iperidine The title compound was prepared as described for the compound of Example 237 but starting from Compound 253d instead of compound 237a and using 5-chloro-l-methyl-4- nitroimidazole instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ - MeOH 98:2; affording the title product as a pale yellow oil. Yield: 36.6 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 337.41

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₅ , S): 2.00 (s, 3H), 2.55-2.57 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.84 (m, 2H), 3.20-3.26 (m, 4H), 3.63 (s, 3H), 6.59-6.61 (m, IH), 7.28-7.36 (m, 4H), 7.45-7.47 (m, 2H).

Example 315 l-(l-methyl-4-nitro-lH-imidazol-5-vπ-4-r3-(3,5-difluorophen yl)-prop-2-vnylidene1- piperidine

1 -(I -methyl-4-nitro-l H-imidazol-5-yl)-4-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop-2-vnylidene)-piper idine

(Compound 315a)

A mixture of Compound 274a (600 mg, 3.01 mmol), 5-chloro-l-methyl-4-nitroimidazole

(752 mg, 4.68 mmol) and DIPEA (1.1 ml, 6.2 mmol) in 20 ml of DMF was stirred at 135°C for 5h. After the usual work-up procedure, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with EtOAc - MeOH gradient from

98:2 to 90:10; affording 250 mg of the title compound as mixture with the corresponding desilylated product.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ 319.38

l-(l-methyl-4-nitro-lH-imidazol-5-yl)-4-[3-(3,5-difluorop henyl)-prop-2-ynylidenel- piperidine

The title compound was prepared according to the final two steps described for the compound of Example 274 but using Compound 315a instead of Compound 274b. After the usual work-up procedure, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid

chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with EtOAc - MeOH gradient from 1 :0 to

92:8; affording the title compound. Yield: 53%.

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.51-2.54 (m, 2H); 2.75-2.77 (m, 2H); 3.24-3.29 (m, 4H); 3.63 (s,

3H); 5.63 (s, IH); 6.67-6,81 (m, IH); 6.95-6.97 (m, 2H); 7.28 (s, IH) MS: [M+H] ⁺ 359.35

Example 316 l-d-methyl-4-nitro-lH-imidazol-5-yl)-4-( ^' 3-( ^' 6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnylidene1- piperidine

The title compound was prepared according to the final two steps described for the compound of Example 274 using Compound 315a instead of Compound 274b and 2-bromo-

6-methylpyridine instead of l-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene. After the usual work-up procedure, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ -

Biotage) eluting with EtOAc - MeOH gradient from 1 :0 to 92:8; affording the title compound. Yield: 50%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ 338.42

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.51-2.54 (m, 2H); 2.62 (s, 3H) 2.84 (bs, 2H); 3.24-3.29 (m, 4H);

3.63 (s, 3H); 5.68 (s, IH); 7.12-7.14 (m, IH); 7.28 (s, IH); 7.32 (s, IH); 7.60 (bs, IH).

Example 317 l-( ^" 4-nitro-lH-imidazol-5-ylV4-[3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vn ylidene]-piperidine

To a solution of 1 ,4-dinitroimidazole (207 mg, 1.31 mmol) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (242 mg, 2.88 mmol) in 4 ml of water and 0.16 ml of acetone was added drop wise a solution of the compound of Example 3 (278 mg, 1.31 mmol) in acetone. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 h, poured into water and extracted with EtOAc. The crude residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (Horizon™ - Biotage) eluting with EtOAc - MeOH gradient from 1 :0 to 92:8; affording the title compound not enough pure. So, it was purified again by preparative RP LC-MS chromatography, using MS-Cl 8 XTerra column 30x50 mm eluting with ammonium bicarbonate 20 mM pH 8 buffer - acetonitrile gradient affording 4 mg of the title compound. MS: [M+H] ⁺ 324.42

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.52 (bs, 2H); 2.60 (s,3H); 2.75 (bs, 2H); 3.73 (bs, 4H); 5.63 (s,lH); 7.12-7.14 (d, IH); 7.43-7.47 (s; IH); 7.55 (s, IH); 7.58-7.62 (s, IH); 7.0-7.50 (bs, IH).

Example 318 l-(3-cvano-2-thienyl)-4-r3-(2,5-difluorophenyr)-prop-2-ynyli dene ^' )-piperidine

l-(3-cvano-2-thienyl)-4-(3-trimethylsilyl-prop-2-vnylidene)- piperidine (Compound 318a) The title compound was prepared following the procedure reported for the compound of Example 42 replacing 2-bromobenzene with 2-bromothiophene-3-carbonitrile, palladium(II)acetate with tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0), and the compound of Example 3 with Compound 274a. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - Diethyl Ether 95:5 affording the title product. Yellowish oil. Yield: 89%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 301.37

¹ H-NMR (CDCl ₅ , δ): 0.23 (s, 9H); 2.43-2.51 (m, 2H); 2.69-2.78 (m, 2H); 3.49-3.62 (m, 4H); 5.45 (s, IH); 6.47 - 6.53 (m, IH); 6.86 - 6.92 (m, IH).

l-(3-cvano-2-thienyl)-4-[3-(2,5-difluorophenyl)-prop-2-vn ylidenehpiperidine

The title Compound was prepared from Compound 318a following the procedure described for the compound of Example 274 using 2,5-difluoro-iodobenzene instead of l-bromo-3,5- difiuorobenzene and adding 1 molar equivalent of tetrabutylammonium fluoride monohydrate to the starting reaction mixture. After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc 98:2 affording the title product. Yellow solid. Yield: 66%. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 341.43

¹ H-NMR (CDCU S): 2.51-2.62 (m, 2H); 2.77-2.88 (m, 2H); 3.55-3.78 (m, 4H); 5.67 (s, IH); 6.47 - 6.57 (m, IH); 6.92 - 6.95 (m, IH); 6.96 -7.18 (m, 3H).

Example 319 l-( ^" 6-methyl-3-nitro-2-pyridyl)-4-{3-f3-(3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazo l-5-yl)-phenyll-prop-2- ynylidene-piperidine

The title Compound was prepared from Compound 274c following the procedure described for the compound of Example 274 using 5-(3-bromophenyl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole instead of l-bromo-3,5-difluorobenzene and adding 1 molar equivalent of tetrabutylammonium fluoride monohydrate to the starting reaction mixture.. After the workup, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage)

eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 9:1 to 7:3 affording the title product. Yellow oil.

Yield: 61%.

MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 416.45

¹ H-NMR (CDCU δ): 2.45-2.55 (m, 8H); 2.75-2.85 (m,2H); 3.45-3.55 (m, 2H); 3.55-3.65

(m, 2H); 5.63 (s,lH); 6.6 (d, IH); 7.45-7.55 (m; IH); 7.65 (d, IH); 8.00-8.05 (d, IH); 8.10

(d, 1H); 8.2 (S,1H).

Example 320 l-(2-cvano-3-pyrazinylV4-r3-(6-methyl-2-pyridyl)-prop-2-vnyl idene]-piperidine

The title compound was prepared as reported for the compound of Example 237 but starting from the compound of Example 3 instead of Compound 237a and using 2-chloro-3- cyanopyrazine instead of 2-bromo-3-nitropyridine After the work-up, the residue was purified by automated flash liquid chromatography (SP 1™ - Biotage) eluting with PE - EtOAc gradient from 7:3 affording the title product. Yellowish solid. Yield: 81 %. MS: [M+H] ⁺ = 316.51

¹ H-NMR (CDCb, S): 2.52-2.55 (m, 2H); 2.60 (s, 3H); 2.81-2.84 (m, 2H); 3.87-3.93 (m, 4H); 5.69 (s, IH); 7.11 (d, IH, J 8Hz); 7.27-7.29 (bs, IH); 7.56-7.59 (m, IH); 8.04 (s, IH); 8.28 (s, IH).

Example 321

Affinity of Selected Antagonists for mGlu5 Receptor Subtype

Radioligand Binding Assay at metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in rat brain.

Methods a) Membrane preparation: male Sprague Dawley rats (200-30Og, Charles River, Italy) were killed by cervical dislocation and the forebrain (cortex, striatum and hippocampus) was homogenized (2x20 sec) in 50 vols of cold 50 mM Tris buffer pH 7.4, using a Politron homogenizer (Kinematica). Homogenates were centrifuged at 48000xg for 15 min, resuspended in 50 vols of the same buffer, incubated at 37°C for 15 min and centrifuged and resuspended two more times. The final pellets were frozen and stored at -80 ⁰ C until use. b) Binding assay: pellets from rat forebrain were resuspended in 100 vols of 2OmM HEPES, 2 mM MgCl ₂ , 2mM CaCl ₂ , pH 7.4. The membranes were incubated in a final volume of 1 ml for 60 min at 25°C with 4 nM [ ³ H]MPEP in the absence or presence of

competing drugs. Non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 10 μM MPEP (Spooren W. et al, Trends Pharmacol Sci. 22, 331-337, 2001). The incubation was stopped by the addition of cold Tris buffer pH 7.4 and rapid filtration through 0.5% polyethyleneimine pretreated Filtermat 1204-401 (Wallac) filters. The filters were then washed with cold buffer and the radioactivity retained on the filters was counted by liquid scintillation spectrometry. c) Data Analysis: the inhibition of specific binding of the radioligands by the tested compounds was analyzed to estimate the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) value by using the non-linear curve-fitting software Prism 4.0 (Graphpad, San Diego, CA). The IC50 value was converted to an affinity constant (Ki) by the equation of Cheng & Prusoff

(Cheng, Y.C.& Prusoff, W.H. Biochem. Pharmacol. 22, 3099-3108, 1973).

Results

The affinity (Ki) of the compounds of the instant invention for mGlu5 receptor is between

0.1 and 1000 nM. For instance, Compound of Example 1 has a Ki of 0.37 nM.

Example 322

Affinity of Selected Antagonists for mGlul Receptor Subtype

Radioligand Binding Assay at metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 in rat brain.

Methods a) Membrane preparation: male Sprague Dawley rats (200-30Og, Charles River, Italy) were killed by cervical dislocation and the cerebella were homogenized (2x20 sec) in 50 vols of cold 50 mM Tris buffer pH 7.4, using a Politron homogenizer (Kinematica). Homogenates were centrifuged at 48000xg for 15 min, resuspended in 50 vols of the same buffer, incubated at 37°C for 15 min and centrifuged and resuspended two more times. The final pellets were frozen and stored at -80°C until use. b) Binding assay: pellets from rat cerebellum were resuspended in 50 mM Tris, 1.2 mM MgCl ₂ , 2mM CaCl ₂ , pH 7.4; membranes were incubated in a final volume of 1 ml for

30 min at 0°C with 1.5 nM [^H] R214127 in absence or presence of competing drugs. Nonspecific binding was determined in the presence of 1 μM R214127 (Lavreysen H et al MoI. Pharmacol. 63: 1082-1093, 2003). The incubation was stopped by the addition of cold Tris buffer pH 7.4 and rapid filtration through 0.5% polyethyleneimine pretreated Filtermat 1204-401 (Wallac) filters. The filters were then washed with cold buffer and the radioactivity retained on the filters was counted by liquid scintillation spectrometry.

c) Data Analysis: the inhibition of specific binding of the radioligands by the tested compounds was analyzed to estimate the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) value by using the non-linear curve-fitting software Prism 4.0 (Graphpad, San Diego, CA). The IC50 value was converted to an affinity constant (Ki) by the equation of Cheng & Prusoff (Cheng, Y.C.& Prusoff, W.H. Biochem. Pharmacol. 22, 3099-3108, 1973). Results

The affinity of the compounds of the instant invention for mGlul receptor is at least 10 times lower than their affinity for mGlu5 receptor.

Example 323

Affinity of Selected Antagonists for Group II (mGlu2+ mGlu3) Receptor Subtypes Radioligand Binding Assay at Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors in rat brain. Methods a) Membrane preparation: male Sprague Dawley rats (200-30Og, Charles River, Italy) were killed by cervical dislocation and the forebrain (cortex, striatum and hippocampus) was homogenized (2x20 sec) in 50 vols of cold 50 mM Tris buffer pH 7.4, using a Politron homogenizer (Kinematica). Homogenates were centrifuged at 48000xg for 15 min, resuspended in 50 vols of the same buffer, incubated at 37°C for 15 min and centrifuged and resuspended two more times. The final pellets were frozen and stored at -80°C until use. b) Binding assay: pellets of rat forebrain were washed three times with ice-cold assay buffer (10 mM potassium phosphate + 100 nM potassium bromide, ph 7,6). Final pellets were resuspended in 200 vols of the assay buffer and membranes incubated in a final volume of 1 ml for 30 min at 0°C with 1 nM [^H]LY341495 in the absence or presence of competing drugs. Non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 1 mM 1- glutamate (Wright R. A. et al. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 298:453-460, 2001; Mutel V et al.

J.Neurochem. 75, 2590-2601, 2000). The incubation was stopped by the addition of cold

Tris buffer pH 7.4 and rapid filtration through 0.5% polyethyleneimine pretreated Filtermat

1204-401 (Wallac) filters. The filters were then washed with cold buffer and the radioactivity retained on the filters was counted by liquid scintillation spectrometry. c) Data Analysis: the inhibition of specific binding of the radioligands by the tested compounds was analyzed to estimate the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) value by using the non-linear curve-fitting software Prism 4.0 (Graphpad, San Diego, CA). The

IC50 ^va l ^{ue was} converted to an affinity constant (Ki) by the equation of Cheng & Prusoff

(Cheng, Y.C.& Prusoff, W.H. Biochem. Pharmacol. 22, 3099-3108, 1973).

Results

The compounds of the instant invention did not affect pH]LY341495 binding to Group II (mGlu2+ mGlu3) metabotropic glutamate receptors up to 1000 nM.

Example 324

Determination of Functional Activity at mGlu5 receptor as Accumulation of Inositol Phosphate To determine the mode of action (agonist, antagonist or inverse agonist) of the test compounds at mGlu5 receptor, the concentration dependence of the stimulation of inositol phosphate production in response to the agonist (glutamate or quisqualic acid) was compared in the absence and presence of different concentrations of the test compounds themselves, measured in cells expressing mGlu5 receptor. The cells were preincubated with the glutamate-degrading enzyme (lU/ml glutamate pyruvate transaminase) and 2 mM pyruvate to avoid the possible action of glutamate released from the cells. The stimulation was then conducted in a medium containing 10 mM LiCl, and different concentrations of the agonist (glutamate or quisqualic acid) or compounds to be tested for agonistic activity. When antagonist activity was studied, test compounds were added to cell cultures 20 min prior to the addition of the agonist and further incubated in the presence of the agonist. The incubation was stopped adding ice cold perchloric acid then samples were neutralized, centrifuged and the supernatant utilized for the determination of inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation using the The Biotrak D-røyo-Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate assay system from Amersham Biosciences. D-myø-Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP ₃ ) may be measured in the range 0.19-25 pmol (0.08-10.5 ng) per tube. In the assay, unlabelled IP ₃ competes with a fixed amount of [ ³ H] -labelled IP ₃ for a limited number of bovine adrenal IP ₃ binding proteins. The bound IP ₃ is then separated from the free IP ₃ by centrifugation, which brings the binding protein to the bottom of the tube. The free IP ₃ in the supernatant can then be discarded by simple decantation, leaving the bound fraction adhering to the tube. Measurement of the radioactivity in the tube enables the amount of unlabelled IP ₃ in the sample to be determined by interpolation from a standard curve.

EC _5O /IC _5O were determined by nonlinear regression analysis using the software Prism 4.0 (Graphpad, San Diego, CA).

Results

The compounds of the instant invention showed antagonistic activity.

Example 325 Effect on Cystometry in Conscious Rats Methods:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats [CrI: CD ^® (SD) IGS BR] of 300-40Og b.w. supplied by Charles River Italia were used. The animals were housed with free access to food and water and maintained on a forced 12-hour-light/12-hour-dark cycle at 22-24°C of temperature, except during the experiment. To quantify urodynamic parameters in conscious rats, cystometrographic studies were performed according to the procedure previously reported (Guarneri et al., Pharmacol. Res. 24: 175, 1991).

Briefly, the rats were anaesthetised by intraperitoneal administration of 3 ml/kg of Equithensin solution (pentobarbital 30 mg/kg and chloral hydrate 125 mg/kg) and placed in a supine position. An approximately 10mm long midline incision was made in the shaved and cleaned abdominal wall. The urinary bladder was gently freed from adhering tissues, emptied and then cannulated via an incision in the bladder body, using a polyethylene cannula (0.58mm internal diameter, 0.96mm external diameter) which was permanently sutured with silk thread. The cannula was exteriorised through a subcutaneous tunnel in the retroscapular area, where it was connected to a plastic adapter in order to avoid the risk of removal by the animal. For drug testing, the rats were utilised one day after implantation. On the day of the experiment, the rats were placed in modified Bollman cages, i.e., restraining cages that were large enough to permit the rats to adopt a normal crouched posture, but narrow enough to prevent turning around. After a stabilisation period of about 20 minutes, the free tip of the bladder cannula was connected through a T-shaped tube to a pressure transducer (Statham P23XL) and to a peristaltic pump (Gilson Minipuls 2) for continuous infusion of a warm (37°C) saline solution into the urinary bladder, at a constant rate of 0.1 ml/minute. The intraluminal-pressure signal during infusion of saline into the bladder (cystometrogram) was continuously recorded on a polygraph (Rectigraph-8K San-ei with BM614/2 amplifier from Biomedica Mangoni) or stored on PC by data acquisition system (PowerLab, Chart 4 software, AD Instruments). From the cystometrogram, bladder volume capacity (BVC) was evaluated. BVC (in ml) is defined as the volume of saline infused into the bladder necessary to induce detrusor contraction followed by micturition. Basal BVC value was evaluated as the mean of the values observed in the cystometrograms

recorded in an initial period of 30-60 minutes. At this point in the assay, the infusion was interrupted and the test compounds were administered orally by a stomach tube. The bladder infusion restarted and changes in BVC were evaluated from the mean values obtained in the cystometrograms observed during 1, 2, and 3 hours after treatment. The compounds were administered in a volume of 2 ml/kg. Groups of control animals received the same amount of vehicle corresponding to a solution 0.5% methocel in water.

Under the given test conditions, measurement of BVC is equivalent to measurement of interval time between micturitions.

Statistical Analysis Each experimental group was composed of 4-11 animals. All data were expressed as mean

± standard error. The percent change of BVC versus the basal value, as well as δ value

(difference in ml) of BVC (BVC at time "x" minus basal value), were also evaluated for each rat/time. In the figures, data are reported as % change versus the basal value.

Statistical analysis on BVC values, as well as on δ values, was performed by S. A. S. /STAT software, version 6.12. The difference between vehicle and active treatment effect was evaluated on δ values of BVC, whereas the difference between the values at different times versus the basal values was evaluated on original BVC data.

Results

The time course of the effects of the orally administered doses of Example 1 is shown in Figure 1. The compound administered at 1 and 3 mg/kg p.o. proved effective in increasing the bladder volume capacity (Figure 1).

The time course of the effects of the orally administered doses of Example 10 is shown in

Figure 2. The administration of 0.3 mg/kg sligthly increased the bladder volume capacity

(not statistical significant); the dose of 1 mg/kg proved effective in increasing bladder volume capacity (effect statistically significant after 2 and 3 hours from treatment).

The same results were obtained with Example 5 and 6.

The time course of the effect of the reference compound MTEP, orally administered at 1 and 3 mg/kg, is shown in Figure 3. The dose of 1 mg/kg showed only a slight increase of bladder volume capacity, whereas the dose of 3 mg/kg induced a sustained increase of this parameter, that resulted statistically significant from the vehicle group after 3 hours from treatment.

The activity of compounds of the invention and reference standard expressed as MED (i.e. Minimal Effective Dose that induces statistically significant increase of bladder volume capacity) is given in Table XIII.

TABLE XIII

Example 326

Plasma Extravasation in the Dura Mater of Rats Induced by Electrical Stimulation of the

Trigeminal Ganslion

Electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion induces inflammation in the dura mater which causes plasma extravasation. This animal model is widely accepted for testing drugs useful in migraine. Male Wistar rats weighing 175-190 g are anaesthetised with 50 mg/kg i.p. of pentobarbital and the jugular vein is cannulated for injection of drugs. The animals are placed in a stereotaxic frame. Symmetrical boreholes are drilled 3.0 mm laterally and 3.2 mm posteriorly from bregma and the electrodes are lowered 9.5 mm from dura mater. The test compound or control-vehicle solution are administered intravenously 10 min prior to electrical stimulation of the right trigeminal ganglion (5 min; 2.0 mA, 5 Hz, 5 ms duration and Evans blue (30 mg/kg i.v.), is given 5 min prior to electrical stimulation as a marker of plasma protein extravasation. 15 minutes after the end of the stimulation period the animals

are perfused with 50 ml saline via the left cardiac ventricle to remove intravascular Evans blue. The dura mater is removed, blotted dry and weighed. Tissue Evans blue is extracted in 0.3 ml formamide at 50° C. for 24 h. Dye concentrations are measured with a spectrophotometer at 620 ran wavelength, interpolated on a standard curve and expressed as ng Evans blue content per mg tissue weight.

Extravasation is expressed as the quotient calculated by dividing the Evan's blue content of the stimulated side by the Evan's blue content of the unstimulated side.

Example 327 GERD model in dogs

Beagle dogs are equipped with a chronic esophagostomy to allow passage of a manometric catheter and a pH probe along the esophagus and the stomach.

Following recording of the basal pressure of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter and the stomach, compounds under evaluation and vehicle for control are administered by intravenous route.

Transient Lower Esophageal Sphincter Relaxations (TLESRs) and acid reflux are induced by infusion of an acidified meal followed by stomach distension using a peristaltic pump infusing air at 40 ml/min, in accordance to Stakeberg J. and Lehmann A., (Neurogastroenterol. Mot. (1999) 11 : 125-132). Active compounds reduce dose- dependently the frequency of TLESRs and TLESRs associated with acid reflux. The activity is determined as % inhibition of both parameters as compared to vehicle control.