60/516,561, filed October 31,2003.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT The research and development of the invention described below was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention features 4-((phenoxyalkyl) thio) -phenoxyacetic acids and analogs, compositions containing them, and methods of using them.

A member of the nuclear receptor family, a group of ligand-activated transcription factors, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR alpha or PPARa) is a necessary transcription factor regulating genes relating to fatty acid metabolism and insulin action.

PPAR alpha receptors are found predominantly in the liver. The genes regulated by PPAR alpha include enzymes involved in the beta-oxidation of fatty acids, the liver fatty acid transport protein, and apo A1, an important component of high density lipoproteins (HDL). Selective, high affinity PPAR alpha agonists increase hepatic fatty acid oxidation, which in turn decreases circulating triglycerides and free fatty acids. Known as treatments for hyperlipidemia, fibrates are weak PPAR alpha agonists.

Examples of known PPAR alpha agonists variously useful for hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or atherosclerosis include fibrates such as fenofibrate (Fournier), gemfibrozil (Parke-Davis/Pfizer, Mylan, Watson), clofibrate (Wyeth- Ayerst, Novopharm), bezafibrate, and ciprofibrate and ureidofibrates such as GW 7647, GW 9578, and GW 9820 (GlaxoSmithKline).

Diabetes is a disease caused, or contributed to, by multiple factors and characterized by hyperglycemia which may be associated with increased and premature mortality due to an increased risk for microvascular and macrovascular diseases such as nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, atherosclerosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypertension, ischemia, stroke, and heart disease. Type I diabetes (IDDM) results from genetic deficiency of insulin, the hormone regulating glucose metabolism. Type II diabetes is known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and is due to a profound resistance to insulin regulator effect on glucose and lipid metabolism in the main insulin-sensitive tissues, i. e., muscle, liver and adipose tissue. This insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity results in insufficient insulin activation of glucose uptake, oxidation and storage in muscle and inadequate insulin repression of lipolysis in adipose tissue as well as glucose production and secretion in liver. Many Type II diabetics are also obese, and obesity is believed to cause and/or exacerbate many health and social problems such as coronary heart disease, stroke, obstructive sleep apnoea, gout, hyperlipidemia, osteoarthritis, reduced fertility, and impaired psychosocial function.

A class of compounds, thiazolidinediones (glitazones), have been suggested to be capable of ameliorating many symptoms of NIDDM by binding to the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) family of receptors. They increase insulin sensitivity in muscle, liver and adipose tissue in several animal models of NIDDM resulting in correction of the elevated plasma levels of glucose,

triglycerides and nonesterified free fatty acids without any occurrence of hypoglycemia. However, undesirable effects have occurred in animal and/or human studies including cardiac hypertrophy, hemadilution and liver toxicity.

Many PPARy agonists currently in development have a thiazolidinedione ring as a common structural element. PPARy agonists have been demonstrated to be extremely useful for the treatment of NtDDM and other disorders involving insulin resistance. Troglitazone, rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone have been approved for treatment of type 11 diabetes in the United States. There is also some indication that benzimidazole-containing thiazolidinedione derivatives may be used to treat irritable bowel disorder (IBD), inflammation, and cataracts (JP 10195057).

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is prevalent in the world and is often associated with other disease states such as diabetes and obesity. Many population studies have attempted to identify the risk factors for CVD; of these, high plasma levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high plasma levels of triglycerides (>200 mg/dl), and low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are considered to be among the most important. Currently, there are few therapies targeting low HDL-C and triglycerides.

The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are metabolic sensors regulating the expression of genes involved in glucose and lipid homeostasis. Agonists of the PPARa subtype, such as LOPID° (gemfibrozil) and TRICORN (fenofibrate), and agonists of the PPARysubtype, such as AVANDIAe (rosiglitazone maleate), are used for the treatment of dyslipidemia and diabetes, respectively. Another member of this nuclear receptor family, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPAR delta or PPAR8) is also a necessary transcription factor reported to be involved in regulating genes involved in lipid metabolism and energy expenditure. PPAR delta has been

shown to act as a"gateway"receptor modulating the expression of the other PPARs (Shi et al., 2002, Proc Natl. Acad. Sci USA, 99 (5): 2613-2618). Each receptor subtype has a distinct tissue distribution: 1) PPARa shows the highest expression in liver, 2) PPARy appears primarily in adipose tissue, and 3) PPAR5 has the widest distribution--ubiquitously in adult rat (Braissant et al., 1996, Endocrinology 137 (1) : 354-366) and in all the human tissues tested to date, including liver, kidney, abdominal adipose and skeletal muscle (Auboeuf et al., 1997, Diabetes 46 (8): 1319-1327).

Recently, potent ligands for PPAR8 have been published, providing a better understanding of its function in lipid metabolism. The main effect of these compounds in db/db mice (Leibowitz et al., 2000, FEBS Lett. 473 (3): 333-336) and obese rhesus monkeys (Oliver et al., 2001, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98 (9): 5306-5311) was an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and a decrease in triglycerides, with little effect on glucose (although insulin levels were decreased in monkeys). HDL-C removes cholesterol from peripheral cells through a process called reverse cholesterol transport. The first and rate- limiting step, a transfer of cellular cholesterol and phospholipids to the apolipoprotein A-l component of HDL, is mediated by the ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) (Lawn et al., 1999, J. Clin. Investigation 104 (8) : R25- R31). PPARb activation has been shown to increase HDL-C level through transcriptional regulation of ABCA1 (Oliver et al., 2001, Proc. Nati. Acad. Sci.

USA 98 (9) : 5306-5311). Through induction of ABCA1 mRNA expression in macrophages, PPAR8 agonists may increase HDL-C levels in patients and remove excess cholesterol from lipid-laden macrophages, thereby inhibiting the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Existing therapy for hypercholesterolemia includes the statin drugs, which decrease LDL-C but show little effect on HDL-C, and the fibrates, the PPARa agonists that have low potency and induce only modest HDL-C elevation. In addition, like the fibrates, PPAR8 agonists may also reduce triglycerides, an additional risk factor for

cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Elevated free fatty acid level has been shown to contribute to insulin resistance and progression of diabetes (Boden, G.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN PHYSICIANS (1999 May-Jun), 111 (3), 241-8).

Examples of known PPAR delta agonists variously useful for hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or atherosclerosis include L-165041 (Leibowitz et al., 2000) and GW501516 (Oliver et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (2001), 98 (9), 5306-5311).

Treatment of differentiated THP-1 monocytes with GW501516 induced ABCA1 mRNA expression and enhanced cholesterol efflux from these cells.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention features compounds of Formula (I) below : Wherein m is 1, 2 or 3 ; n is 0 or 1 ; X is S or O ; Y is S, CH2 or O ;

Ri and R2 are independently selected from H, C14 alkyl, C13 alkoxy, halo, and-NRaRb, wherein each of Ra and Rb is independently selected from H and C 1-4 alkyl ; each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, halo, cyano, Ci-4 alkyl, C1-3 alkoxy, and NRcRd, wherein each of Rc and Rd is independently selected from H and C 1-4 alkyl ; and wherein at least one of R3 and R4 is not H; and each of Rg and R6 is independently selected from H, 61. alkyl, Ci-5 alkoxy, Ca. cycloalkyl, (C3-5 cycloalkyl)C1-3 alkyl, and NReRf, wherein each of Re and Rf is independently selected from H and C 1-4 alkyl ; or R5 and R6 together to form spiro C3-6 cycloalkyl, or spiro 5-or 6-membered heterocyclyl having between 1 and 3 heteroatoms selected from O, S, and N; and each of R7 and R8 is independently selected from H, d-s alkyl, and C3-5 cycloalkyl ; or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof.

The invention also features compositions that include one or more compounds of Formula (I) and a pharmaceutical carrier or excipient.

These compositions and the methods below may further include additional pharmaceutically active agents, such as lipid-lowering agents or blood-pressure lowering agents, or both.

Another aspect of the invention includes methods of using the disclosed compounds or compositions in various methods for treating, preventing, or inhibiting the progression of, a condition directly or indirectly mediated by PPAR delta. Said condition includes, but is not limited to, diabetes, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypertension, ischemia, stroke, irritable bowel disorder, inflammation, cataract, cardiovascular diseases, Metabolic X Syndrome, hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia, dyslipidemia (including hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, mixed hyperlipidemia, and hypo- HDL-cholesterolemia), atherosclerosis, obesity, and other disorders related to lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis complications thereof.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method for treating a PPAR mediated condition, such as a PPAR delta-mediated condition and optionally one or more PPAR alpha-or PPAR gamma-mediated conditions, which PPAR alpha-or PPAR gamma-mediated condition (s) may be the same as or different from said PPAR delta-mediated condition, said method comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment a pharmaceutical effective amount of a compound or composition described herein.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for inhibiting the onset and/or inhibiting the progression of a PPAR delta-mediated condition, said method comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment a pharmaceutical effective amount of a compound or composition described herein.

Examples of conditions that can be treated with a PPAR-delta agonist include, without limitation, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Metabolic X Syndrome, hypercholesterolemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, hyper-LDL- cholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and obesity. Dyslipidemia includes hypertriglyceridemia, and mixed hyperlipidemia. For example,

dyslipidemia (including hyperlipidemia) may be one or more of the following conditions: low HDL (< 35 or 40 mg/dl), high triglycerides (> 200 mg/dl), and high LDL (> 150 mg/dl).

Examples of conditions that can be treated with a PPAR alpha-agonist include Syndrome X (or Metabolic Syndrome), dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, obesity, impaired fasting glucose, insulin resistance, type 11 diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed discussion, examples, and claims below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention features compositions containing compounds of Formula (I) in the above Summary section, and methods of using them.

Preferred compounds of the invention are PPAR delta agonists that have at least one and preferably two or three of the following characteristics when administered to patients with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, low- HDL-C, obesity, diabetes and/or Metabolic X Syndrome: 1) increasing HDL-C level, 2) lowering triglycerides, 3) lowering free fatty acids, and 4) decreasing insulin levels. Improvement in HDL-C and triglyceride levels is beneficial for cardiovascular health. In addition, decreased level of triglycerides and free fatty acids contributes to reduce obesity and ameliorate or prevent diabetes.

According to one aspect of the invention, the compounds of the invention are dual PPAR compounds, in other words, they are both PPAR delta agonists and PPAR alpha agonists, preferably where the compound's EC50 potency relating to PPAR delta is less than 0. 2 u. M and the potency relating to PPAR alpha is less than 3 p, M. For example, more preferred dual PPAR alpha-delta agonists are those compounds having an EC5o potency relating to PPAR delta that is less than 0.03 RM and where the potency relating to PPAR alpha is less than 1 uM.

According to another aspect of the invention, the compounds of the invention are pan-PPAR agonists, namely, compounds having PPAR alpha, PPAR delta, and PPAR gamma agonist activity, preferably where the EC50 potency for PPAR delta is less than 0. 2 uM ; the potency for PPAR alpha is less than 3 RM ; and the potency for PPAR gamma is less than 1 uM. More preferred pan-PPAR agonists have an ECso potency for PPAR delta that is less than 0.03

, uM ; a potency for PPAR alpha that is less than 1)-iM ; and a potency for PPAR gamma that is less than 0. 7 ; j. M.

PPAR delta, being ubiquitously expressed, can act as a gateway receptor that regulates the expression/activity of other nuclear receptors such as other PPARs. For instance, PPAR delta has been shown to block PPAR-mediated adipogenesis and acyl-CoA oxidase expression; it has also been shown to be associated with the nuclear receptor corepressors SMRT (silencing mediator for retinoid and thyroid hormone receptors), SHARP (SMART and histone deacetylase-associated repressor protein), and HDACs (histone deacetylase).

Thus, conditions directly mediated by these nuclear receptors, such as obesity and type 11 diabetes, can be indirectly mediated by PPAR delta (See, for example, Shi et al., 2002, Proc Natl. Acad. Sci USA, 99 (5): 2613-2618).

Some aspects of the invention relate to treating hypertriglyceridemia, raising levels of HDL, lowering levels of LDL, and/or lowering total cholesterol.

Preferably, the methods of treatment are associated with improvements in the extent, duration, or degree of side effects, such as edema, normally associated with other existing therapies.

The invention is further described below. The specification is arranged as follows : A) Terms; B) Compounds; C) Synthesis; D) Formulation and Administration; E) Use; F) Biological Examples ; G) Other Embodiments; and claims.

A. Terms The term"subject"as used herein, refers to an animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human, who has been the object of treatment, observation or experiment.

The term"therapeutically effective amount"as used herein, means that amount of active compound or pharmaceutical agent that elicits the biological or medicinal response in a tissue system, animal or human that is being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which includes alleviation, prevention, treatment, or the delay of the onset or progression of the symptoms of the disease or disorder being treated.

Conditions directly or indirectly mediated by PPAR include, but are not limited to, diabetes, nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypertension, ischemia, stroke, irritable bowel disorder, inflammation, cataract, cardiovascular diseases, Metabolic X Syndrome, hyper-LDL- cholesterolemia, dyslipidemia (including hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia ; mixed hyperlipidemia, and hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia), atherosclerosis, obesity, and other disorders related to lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis complications thereof.

For therapeutic purposes, the term"jointly effective amount"as used herein, means that amount of each active compound or pharmaceutical agent, alone or in combination, that elicits the biological or medicinal response in a tissue system, animal or human that is being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which includes alleviation of the symptoms of the disease or disorder being treated. For prophylactic purposes (i. e. , inhibiting the onset or progression of a disorder), the term""jointly effective amount"refers to that amount of each active compound or pharmaceutical agent,

alone or in combination, that treats or inhibits in a subject the onset or progression of a disorder as being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician. Thus, the present invention provides combinations of two or more drugs wherein, for example, (a) each drug is administered in an independently therapeutical or prophylactically effective amount; (b) at least one drug in the combination is administered in an amount that is sub-therapeutic or sub-prophylactic if administered alone, but is therapeutic or prophylactic when administered in combination with the second or additional drugs according to the invention ; or (c) both (or more) drugs are administered in an amount that is sub- therapeutic or sub-prophylactic if administered alone, but are therapeutic or prophylactic when administered together.

Unless otherwise noted, as used herein and whether used alone or as part of a substituent group,"alkyl"and"alkoxy"include straight and branched chains having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, such as C16, C1-4, C3 s, C25, or any other range, and unless otherwise noted, include both substituted and unsubstituted moieties. For example, C16alkyl radicals include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, 3-(2-methyl) butyl, 2-pentyl, 2-methylbutyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, 2-hexyl and 2-methylpentyl. Alkoxy radicals are formed from the previously described straight or branched chain alkyl groups."Alkyl"and "alkoxy"include unsubstituted or substituted moieties with one or more substitutions, such as between 1 and 5,1 and 3, or 2 and 4 substituents. The substituents may be the same (dihydroxy, dimethyl), similar (chloro, fluoro), or different (chlorobenzyl-or aminomethyl-substituted). Examples of substituted alkyl include haloalkyl (such as fluoromethyl, chloromethyl, difluoromethyl, perchloromethyl, 2-bromoethyl, trifluoromethyl, and 3-iodocyclopentyl), hydroxyalkyl (such as hydroxymethyl, hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxypropyl), aminoalkyl (such as aminomethyl, 2-aminoethyl, 3-aminopropyl, and 2-aminopropyl), alkoxylalkyl, nitroalkyl, alkylalkyl, cyanoalkyl, phenylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclylalkyl, phenoxyalkyl, heteroaryloxyalkyl (such as 2-pyridyloxyalkyl),

heterocyclyloxy-alkyl (such as 2-tetrahydropyranoxy-alkyl), thioalkylalkyl (such as MeS-alkyl), thiophenylalkyl (such as phS-alkyl), carboxylalkyl, and so on. A di(C 1-3 alkyl) amino group includes independently selected alkyl groups, to form, for example, methylpropylamino and isopropylmethylamino, in addition dialkylamino groups having two of the same alkyl group such as dimethyl amino or diethylamino.

The term"alkenyl"includes optionally substituted straight chain and branched hydrocarbon radicals as above with at least one carbon-carbon double bond (sp2). Alkenyls include ethenyl (or vinyl), prop-1-enyl, prop-2-enyl (or allyl), isopropenyl (or 1-methylvinyl), but-1-enyl, but-2-enyl, butadienyls, pentenyl, hexa-2, 4-dienyl, and so on. Hydrocarbon radicals having a mixture of double bonds and triple bonds, such as 2-penten-4-ynyl, are grouped as alkynyls herein.

Alkenyl includes cycloalkenyl. Cis and trans or (E) and (Z) forms are included within the invention."Alkenyl"may be substituted with one or more substitutions including, but not limited to, cyanoalkenyl, and thioalkenyl.

The term"alkynyl"includes optionally substituted straight chain and branched hydrocarbon radicals as above with at least one carbon-carbon triple bond (sp). Alkynyls include ethynyl, propynyls, butynyls, and pentynyls.

Hydrocarbon radicals having a mixture of double bonds and triple bonds, such as 2-penten-4-ynyl, are grouped as alkynyls herein. Alkynyl does not include cycloalkynyl.

The term"Ac"as used herein, whether used alone or as part of a substituent group, means acetyl (CH3CO). The term"acyl"as used herein, referes to a substituent that has a carbonyl group (C=O) and one or more alkyl or alkylen groups. For example, C 2-4 acyl includes without limitation, acetyl, CH3CH2- (C=O)-CH2-, and CH3 CH2 CH2 (C=O)-.

The term"halogen"or"halo"shall include iodo, bromo, chloro and fluoro.

The terrris"aryl"or"Ar"as used herein refer to an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic hydrocarbon ring system such as phenyl and naphthyl. When the Ar or aryl group is substituted, it may have one to three substituents which are independently selected from Cl-C8 alkyl, C1-C8 alkoxy, fluorinated C1-C8 alkyl (e. g., trifluoromethyl), fluorinated C1-C8 alkoxy (e. g., trifluoromethoxy), halogen, cyano, C1-C8 alkylcarbonyl such as acetyl, carboxyl, hydroxy, amino, nitro, C1-C4 alkylamino ti. e.,-NH-C1-C4 alkyl), C1-C4 dialkylamino (i. e.,-N-[C1-C4 alkyl] 2 wherein the alkyl groups can be the same or different), or unsubstituted, mono-, di-or tri-substituted phenyl wherein the substituents on the phenyl are independently selected from C1-C8 alkyl, C1-C8 alkoxy, fluorinated Ci-Ce alkyl, fluorinated Ci-Ce alkoxy, halogen, cyano, acetyl, carboxyl, hydroxy, amino, nitro, alkylamino, dialkylamino or five or six membered heteroaryl having 1-3 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S.

The term"heteroaryl"as used herein represents a stable, unsubsituted or substituted five or six membered monocyclic or bicyclic aromatic ring system which consists of carbon atoms and from one to three heteroatoms selected from N, O and S. The heteroaryl group may be attached at any heteroatom or carbon atom which results in the creation of a stable structure. Examples of heteroaryl groups include, but are not limited to, benzimidazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, benzofuranyl, benzopyrazolyl, benzothiadiazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothienyl, benzotriazolyl, benzoxazolyl, furanyl, furazanyl, furyl, imidazolyl, indazolyi, indolizinyl, indolinyl, indolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isoindolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, purinyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, quinolinyl, quinolyl, thiadiazolyl, thiazolyl, thiophenyl, or triazolyl. When the heteroaryl group is substituted, the heteroaryl group may have one to three substituents including, but not limited to, C1-C8 alkyl, halogen, and aryl.

The term"heterocyclyl"includes optionally substituted nonaromatic rings having carbon atoms and at least one heteroatom (O, S, N) or heteroatom moiety (SO2, CO, CONH, COO) in the ring. A heterocyclyl may be saturated, partially saturated, nonaromatic, or fused. Examples of heterocyclyl include cyclohexylimino, imdazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl, piperidyl, pyridyl, pyranyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, and thienyl.

Unless otherwise indicated, heteroaryl and heterocyclyl may have a valence connecting it to the rest of the molecule through a carbon atom, such as 3-furyl or 2-imidazolyl, or through a heteroatom, such as N-piperidyl or 1- pyrazolyl. Preferably a monocyclic heterocyclyl has between 5 and 7 ring atoms, or between 5 and 6 ring atoms; there may be between 1 and 5 heteroatoms or heteroatom moieties in the ring, and preferably between 1 and 3, or between 1 and 2 heteroatoms or heteroatom moieties.

Heterocyclyl and heteroaryl also include fused, e. g., bicyclic, rings, such as those optionally fused with an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic five-or six-membered aromatic ring. For example,"heteroaryl" includes an optionally substituted six-membered heteroaromatic ring containing 1,2 or 3 nitrogen atoms fused with an optionally substituted five-or six- membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic aromatic ring. Said heterocyclic five-or six-membered aromatic ring fused with the said five-or six-membered aromatic ring may contain 1,2 or 3 nitrogen atoms where it is a six-membered ring, or 1,2 or 3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur where it is a five- membered ring.

It is intended that the definition of any substituent or variable at a particular location in a molecule be independent of its definitions elsewhere in that molecule. It is understood that substituents and substitution patterns on the compounds of this invention can be selected by one of ordinary skill in the art to

provide compounds that are chemically stable and that can be readily synthesized by techniques known in the art as well as those methods set forth herein.

Where chemical moieties are combined, such as in ethoxymethyl or phenylethyl, the term is described in the direction from the periphery to the connection point of the rest of the molecule. For example, ethoxymethyl is CH3CH20CH2-and phenylethyl is a phenyl group linked by-CH2CH2-to the rest of the molecule (and not a phenyl group linked to the molecule with a CH3CH2 group as a substituent on the phenyl.) Where parentheses are used, they indicate a peripheral substitution.

As used herein, the term"composition"is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combinations of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

Compounds of the invention are further described in the next section.

B. Compounds The present invention features compositions containing and methods of using compounds of Formula (I) as described above. Unless otherwise noted, in Formula (I), each hydrocarbyl (alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, etc) or heterocarbyl (heterocyclyl, heteroaryl, heteroatom moiety such as sulfonyl, amino, amido, etc. ) may be substituted or unsubstituted, for example,"alkyl" includes substituted and unsubstituted alkyl and"heterocyclyl"and"aryl"and "alkoxy"and so on, may also be substituted or unsubstituted. For example, where R4 is"methyl or methoxy", unless otherwise indicated, these terms collectively include: methyl, methoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, fluoromethyl, fluoromethoxy, chlorodifluoromethyl, chlorodifluoromethoxy, dichlorofluoromethyl, and dichlorofluoromethoxy, and so on.

Examples of compounds of the invention include compounds of Formula (I) wherein: (a) m is 1 or 2; (b) m is 1; (c) n is 1; (d) X is O ; Y is S or O ; (e) Y is S; (f) R1 is selected from H, C12 alkyl, C12 alkoxy and halo ; (g) R1 is selected from halo, methyl, and methoxy, and if methyl or methoxy, R1 may be substituted or unsubstituted; (h) R2 is H, halo, methoxy, or methyl ; (i) R2 is H, fluoro, or chloro ; (j) each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, halo, C14 alkyl, C13 alkoxy, and NRcRd ; (k) each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, fluoro, chloro, C1-2 alkyl, and C1-2 alkoxy ; (I) each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, fluoro, chloro, methyl, methoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethyl, difluoromethoxy, fluoromethyl, fluoromethoxy, trifluoroethyl, and trifluoroethoxy ; (m) each of R5 and R6 is independently selected from H, Ci-3 alkyl, and C1-3 alkoxy ; (n) at least one of R5 and R6 Is methyl, methoxy, ethyl, and ethoxy; and the other is selected from H, methoxy, methyl, ethyl, and ethoxy; (o) each of R7 and Rs is independently selected from H and C1_3 alkyl ; (p) one of R7 and R8 is H and the other is H, methyl, or ethyl ; (q) each of R7and R8is H; (r) X

is O ; Y is S or O ; R1 is selected from H, C 1-2 alkyl, C 1-2 alkoxy, and halo; each of R5 and R6 is independently selected from H, C1-3 alkyl, and C1-3 alkoxy ; and each of R7 and R8 is independently selected from H and C1-3 alkyl ; (s) m is 1 or 2 and n is 1 ; (t) each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, fluoro, chloro, C12 alkyl, and C12 alkoxy ; and R1 is selected from H, C1-2 alkyl, C1-2 alkoxy and halo ; (u) each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, fluoro, chloro, methyl, methoxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoroethyl, and trifluoroethoxy ; or combinations of the above.

Examples of compounds of formula (I) also include those wherein: (v) m is 1 or 2 ; n is 0 or 1 ; X is S or O ; Y is S, CH2 or O ; Ri and ? 2 are independently selected from H, C1-4 alkyl, C1-3 alkoxy, halo, and-NRaRb, wherein each of Ra and Rb is independently selected from H and C 1-4 alkyl ; each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, halo, cyano, C1-4 alkyl, C1-3 alkoxy, and NRcRd, wherein each of Rc and Rd is independently selected from H and C 1-4 alkyl ; and wherein at least one of R3 and R4 is not H; and each of R5 and R6 is independently selected from H, C1-5 alkyl, C1-3 alkoxy, C3-5 cycloalkyl, (C3-5 cycloalkyl) C13 alkyl, and NReRf, wherein each of Re and Rf is independently selected from H and C 1-4 alkyl ; or R5 and R6 together to form spiro C3-6 cycloalkyl ; and each of R7 and R8 is independently selected from H and C1-2 alkyl.

Example of compounds of formula (I) also include those compounds wherein: (w) m is 1 or 2 ; n is 0 or 1; X is S or O ; Y is S or O ; R1 and R2 are independently selected from H, C1-2 alkyl, C1-2 alkoxy, halo, and-NRaRb, wherein each of Ra and Rb is independently selected from H and C1-4 alkyl ; each of R3 and R4 is independently selected from H, halo, cyano, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, and NRcRd, wherein each of Rc and Rd is independently selected from H and C1-4 alkyl ; and wherein at least one of R3 and R4 is not H; and each of R5 and R6 is independently selected from H, C13 alkyl, C12 alkoxy ; and each of R7 and R8 is H.

Specific examples of compounds of formula (I) include:

2-Methyl-2- [2-methyl-4- (3-p-tolyl- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl)- phenoxy] -propionic acid; 2-Methyl2-{2-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazot- 5-ylmethoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid 2-{4-[3-(4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ; 2- {4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ytmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionicacid ; 2- {4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid; 2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2- methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid; 2- {4- [3- (2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2'- methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid; 2-{4-[3-(3,4-Dimethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2- methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ; 2- {4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2- methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid; 2- {4- [3- (3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid; 1-[2-Methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid; 1- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2- methyl-phenoxy}-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid; 2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3- ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid; 2- {4- [5- (4-Chloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ;

2- {4- [5- (4- 1 sopropyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ; 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [5- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-3- ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid ; 2-{4-[5-(4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4]thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ; 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid; {2-Methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid ; 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- ytmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid; and 2-Methyl-2-{4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid.

According to one aspect, preferred compounds include 2-Methyl-2- 2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol- 5-ylmethoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid 2-methyl-2-{3-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thia diazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid 2- {4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfany 1]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid 2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- 2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-Methyl-2-{3-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thia diazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenylsulfanyl}-propionic acid 2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- 2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-propionic acid 2- {4-[3-(3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-propioni c acid 2- {4-[3-(4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl] - 2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-propionic acid and

2-Methyl-2- (2-methyl-4- {3- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1,2, 4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-propyl}-phenoxy)-propionic acid According to another aspect, preferred compounds include : 2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid 2-Methyl-2- (2-methyl-4- {2- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1,2,4]thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethyl}-phenoxy)-propionic acid 2- (4- { 2- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-yl]-ethyl}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2- (4-t2- [3- (3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-yl]-ethyl}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2- (4- { 2- [3- (3-Fluoro-4-methyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-yl]-ethyl}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-Methyl-2- (2-methyl-4- {2- [3- (4-trifluoromethyI-phenyl)- [l, 2, 4]- thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethylsulfanyl}-phenoxy)-propionic acid 2- (4-12- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- yl]-ethylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-(4-{2-[3-(3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-S- yl]-ethylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [ 1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenylsulfanyl}-propionic acid 2- {4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl- methylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-{4-[3-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-propioni c acid 2- {4- [3- (3-Fluoro-4-methyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- 2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-propionic acid Examples of the most preferred compounds include : 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-ylmethoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thia diazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid

2-Methyl-2-f2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thia diazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid 2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl] - 2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid, and 2- {4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5- ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid.

Additional preferred compounds include I 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thia diazol-5-ylmethoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid 2-{4-[3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy] - 2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-14- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol- 5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-Methyl-2-(2-methyl-4-{2-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-phenoxy)-propionic acid 2- (4-12- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]- ethyl}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionicacid 2-Methyl-2-(2-methyl-4- {2- [3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1,2, 4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethyl}-phenoxy)-propionic acid 2- (4-12- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-yl]-ethyl}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-(4-{2-[3-(3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-yl]-ethoxy}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2- (4-12- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]- ethoxy}-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2-Methyl-2-(2-methyl-4-{2-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethoxy}-phenylsulfanyl)-propionic acid 2- (4- { 2- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5 -yl]-ethoxy]-2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2- (4- {2- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-yl]- ethyl}-2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl)-2-methyl-propionic acid

2-Methyl-2- (2-methyl-4- {2- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [ 1, 2, 4] thi adi azol-5-yl]-ethylsulfanyl}-phenylsulfanyl)-propionic acid 2,- (4-12- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]- ethyl sulfanyl}-2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl)-2-methyl-propionic acid 2- (4- {2- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethylsulfanyl}- 2-methyl-phenylsulfanyl)-2-methyl-propionic acid The pharmaceutical compounds of the invention include a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound of claim 1,20, 22,24, 25,26, 27 or 28 as described in the appended claims.

Where the compounds according to this invention have at least one chiral center, they may accordingly exist as enantiomers. Where the compounds possess two or more chiral centers, they may additionally exist as diastereomers.

It is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, some of the crystalline forms for the compounds may exist as polymorphs and as such are intended to be included in the present invention. In addition, some of the compounds may form solvates with water (i. e. , hydrates) or common organic solvents, and such solvates are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of this invention.

The invention provides the disclosed compounds and closely related, pharmaceutical acceptable forms of the disclosed compounds, such as salts, esters, amides, hydrates or solvate forms thereof; masked or protected forms; and racemic mixtures, or enantiomerically or optically pure forms.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and amides include carboxylate salts (e. g. , C 1-8 alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, or non-aromatic heterocyclic) amino acid addition salts, esters, and amides which are within a reasonable benefit/risk ratio, pharmacologically effective and suitable for contact with the

tissues of patients without undue toxicity, irritation, or allergic response.

Representative salts include hydrobromide, hydrochloride, sulfate, bisulfate, nitrate, acetate, oxalate, valerate, oleate, palmitate, stearate, laurate, borate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylat, citrate, maleat, fumarate, succinate, tartrate, naphthylate, mesylate, glucoheptonate, lactiobionate, and laurylsulfonate. These may include alkali metal and alkali earth cations such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, as well as non-toxic ammonium, quaternary ammonium, and amine cations such as tetramethyl ammonium, methylamine, trimethylamine, and ethylamine. See example, S. M. Berge, et al., "Pharmaceutical Salts, "J. Pharm. Sci. , 1977,66 : 1-19, which is incorporated herein by reference. Representative pharmaceutical acceptable amides of the invention include those derived from ammonia, primary C 1_6 alkyl amines and secondary di (C 1-6 alkyl) amines. Secondary amines include 5-or 6-membered heterocyclic or heteroaromatic ring moieties containing at least one nitrogen atom and optionally between 1 and 2 additional heteroatoms. Preferred amides are derived from ammonia, C 1-3 alkyl primary amines, and di (C 1-2 alkyl) amines.

Representative pharmaceutical acceptable esters of the invention include C 1-7 alkyl, C 5 7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, and phenyl (C 1_6) alkyl esters. Preferred esters include methyl esters.

The invention also includes disclosed compounds having one or more functional groups (e. g. , amino, or carboxyl) masked by a protecting group. Some of these masked or protected compounds are pharmaceutically acceptable ; others will be useful as intermediates. Synthetic intermediates and processes disclosed herein, and minor modifications thereof, are also within the scope of the invention.

HYDROXYL PROTECTING GROUPS

Protection for the hydroxyl group includes methyl ethers, substituted methyl ethers, substituted ethyl ethers, substitute benzyl ethers, and silyl ethers.

Substituted Methyl Ethers Examples of substituted methyl ethers include methyoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl t-butylthiomethyl, (phenyidimethylsilyl) methoxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyloxymethyl, (4-methoxyphenoxy) methyl, guaiacolmethyl, t-butoxymethyl, 4-pentenyloxymethyl, sitoxymethyl, 2- methoxyethoxymethyl, 2,2, 2-trichloroethoxymethyl, bis (2-chloroethoxy) methyl, 2- (trimethylsilyl) ethoxymethylX tetrahydropyranyl, 3-bromotetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrothiopyranyl, 1-methoxycyclohexyl, 4-methoxytetrahydropyranyl, 4- methoxytetrahydrothiopyranyl, 4-methoxytetrahydrothiopyranyl S, S-dioxido, 1- [(2-chloro-4-methyl)phenyl]-4-methoxypiperidin-4-yl, 1, 4-dioxan-2-yl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydrothiofuranyl and 2,3, 3a, 4,5, 6,7, 7a-octahydro-7,8, 8- trimethyl-4, 7-methanobenzofuran-2-yl.

Substituted Ethyl Ethers Examples of substituted ethyl ethers include 1-ethoxyethyl, 1- (2- chloroethoxy)ethyl, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl, 1-methyl-1-benzyloxyethyl, 1- methyl-1-benzyloxy-2-fluoroethyl, 2,2, 2-trichloroethyl, 2-trimethylsilylethyl, 2- (phenylselenyl) ethyl, t-butyl, allyl, p-chlorophenyl, p-methoxyphenyl, 2,4- dinitrophenyl, and benzyl.

Substituted Benzyl Ethers Examples of substituted benzyl ethers include p-methoxybenzyl, 3,4- dimethoxybenzyl, o-nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-halobenzyl, 2, 6-dichlorobenzyl, p-cyanobenzyl, p-phenylbenzyl, 2-and 4-picolyl, 3-methyl-2-picolyl N-oxido, diphenylmethyl, p, p'-dinitrobenzhydryl, 5-dibenzosuberyl, triphenylmethyl, a- naphthyldiphenylmethyl, p-methoxypheny (diphenylmethyl, di (p- methoxyphenyl) phenylmethyl, tri (p-methoxyphenyl) methyl, 4- (4'-

bromophenacyloxy)phenyldiphenylmethyl, 4,4', 4"-tris (4,5- dichlorophthalimidophenyl) methyl, 4,4', 4"-tris (levulinoyloxyphenyl) methyl, 4, 4', 4"-tris (benzoyloxyphenyl) methyl, 3-(lmidazol-1-ylmethyl) bis (4', 4"- dimethoxyphenyl) methyl, 1,1-bis (4-methoxyphenyl)-1'-pyrenylmethyl, 9-anthryl, 9- (9-phenyl) xanthenyl, 9- (9-phenyl-10-oxo) anthryl, 1, 3-benzodithiolan-2-yl, and benzisothiazolyl S, S-dioxido.

Silyl Ethers Examples of silyl ethers include trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, triisopropylsilyl, dimethylisopropylsilyl, diethylisopropylsilyl, dimethylthexylsilyl, t- butyldimethylsilyl, t-butyldiphenylsilyl, tribenzylsilyl, tri-p-xylylsilyl, triphenylsilyl, diphenylmethylsilyl, and t-butylmethoxyphenylsilyl.

Esters In addition to ethers, a hydroxyl group may be protected as an ester.

Examples of esters include formate, benzoylformate, acetate, chloroacetate, dichloroacetate, trichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, methoxyacetate, triphenylmethoxyacetate, phenoxyacetate, p-chlorophenoxyacetate, p-P- phenylacetate, 3-phenylpropionate, 4-oxopentanoate (levulinate), 4,4- (ethylenedithio) pentanoate, pivaloate, adamantoate, crotonate, 4- methoxycrotonate, benzoate, p-phenylbenzoate, 2,4, 6- trimethylbenzoate (mesitoate) Carbonates Examples of carbonates include methyl, 9-fluorenylmethyl, ethyl, 2,2, 2- trichloroethyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl, 2-(phenylsulfonyl)ethyl, 2- (triphenylphosphonio) ethyl, isobutyl, vinyl, allyl, p-nitrophenyl, benzyl, p- methoxybenzyl, 3, 4-dimethoxybenzyl, o-nitrobenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, S-benzyl thiocarbonate, 4-ethoxy-1-naphthyl, and methyl dithiocarbonate.

Assisted Cleavage Examples of assisted cleavage include 2-iodobenzoate, 4-azidobutyrate, 4-nitro-4-methylpentanoate, o- (dibromomethyl) benzoate, 2- formylbenzenesulfonate, 2-(methylthiomethoxy)ethyl carbonate, 4- (methylthiomethoxy) butyrate, and 2-(methylthiomethoxymethyl)benzoate.

Miscellaneous Esters Examples of miscellaneous esters include 2, 6-dichloro-4- methylphenoxyacetate, 2, 6-dichloro-4-(1, 1,3, 3-tetramethylbutyl) phenoxyacetate, 2,4-bis (1, 1-dimethylpropyl) phenoxyacetate, chlorodiphenylacetate, isobutyrate, monosuccinoate, (E)-2-methyl-2-butenoate (tigloate), o- (methoxycarbonyl) benzoate, p-P-benzoate, a-naphthoate, nitrate, alkyl N, N, N', N'-tetramethylphosphorodiamidate, N-phenylcarbamate, borate, dimethylphosphinothioyl, and 2, 4-dinitrophenylsulfenate Sulfonates Examples of suífonates include sulfate, methanesulfonate (mesylate), benzylsulfonate, and tosylat AMINO PROTECTING GROUPS Protection for the amino group includes carbamates, amides, and special - NH protective groups.

Examples of carbamates include methyl and ethyl carbamates, substituted ethyl carbamates, assisted cleavage carbamates, photolytic cleavage carbamates, urea-type derivatives, and miscellaneous carbamates.

Carbamate

Examples of methyl and ethyl carbamates include methyl and ethyl, 9- fluorenylmethyl, 9- (2-sulfo) fluorenylmethyl, 9- (2, 7-dibromo) fluorenylmethyl, 2,7- di-t-butyl-[9-(10,10-dioxo-10, 10,10, 10-tetrahydrothioxanthyl)]methyl, and 4 methoxyphenacyl.

Substituted Ethyl Examples of substituted ethyl carbamates include 2,2, 2-trichloroethyl, 2- trimethylsilylethyl, 2-phenylethyl, 1- (1-adamantyl)-1-methylethyl, 1, 1-dimethyl-2- haloethyl, 1, 1-dimethyl-2, 2-dibromoethyl, 1, 1-dimethyl-2, 2, 2-trichloroethyl, 1- <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> methyl-1- (4-biphenylyl) ethyl, 1- (3, 5-di-t-butylphenyl)-1-methytethyl, 2- (2'- and 4'- pyridyl) ethyl, 2-(N,N-dicyclohexylcarboxamido)ethyl, t-butyl, 1-adamantyl, vinyl, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> allyl, 1-isopropylallyl, cinnamyl, 4-nitrocinnamyl, 8-quinolyl, N-hydroxypiperidinyl, alkyldithio, benzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, p-bromobenzyl, p- chlorobenzyl, 2, 4-dichlorobenzyl, 4-methylsulfinylbenzyl, 9-anthrylmethyl and diphenylmethyl.

Assisted Cleavage Examples of assisted cleavage include 2-methylthioethyl, 2- methylsulfonylethyl, 2-(p-toluenesulfonyl)ethyl, [2-(1,3-dithianyl)]methyl, 4- methylthiophenyl, 2, 4-dimethylthiophenyl, 2-phosphonioethyl, 2- triphenylphosphonioisopropyl, 1, 1-dimethyl-2-cyanoethyl, m-chloro-p- acyloxybenzyl, p-(dihydroxyboryl) benzyl, 5-benzisoxazolylmethyl, and 2- (trifluoromethyl)-6-chromonylmethyl.

Photolvtic Cleavage Examples of photolytic cleavage include m-nitrophenyl, 3,5- dimethoxybenzyl, nitrobenzyl, 3, 4-dimethoxy-6-nitrobenzyl, and phenyl (o- nitrophenyl) methyl.

Urea-Type Derivatives

Examples of urea-type derivatives include phenothiazinyl- (10)-carbonyl derivative, N'-p-toluenesulfonylaminocarbonyl, and N'-phenylaminothiocarbonyl.

Miscellaneous Carbamates Examples of miscellaneous carbamates include t-amyl, S-benzyl thiocarbamate, p-cyanobenzyl, cyclobutyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclopropylmethyl, p-decyloxybenzyl, diisopropylmethyl, 2,2- dimethoxycarbonylvinyl, o- (N, N-dimethylcarboxamido) benzyl, 1, 1-dimethyl-3- (N, N-dimethylcarboxamido) propyl, 1, 1-dimethylpropynyl, di (2-pyridyl) methyl, 2- furanylmethyl, 2-iodoethyl, isobornyl, isobutyl, isonicotinyl, p-(p'- methoxyphenylazo) benzyl, 1-methylcyclobutyl, 1-methylcyclohexyl, 1-methyl-1-<BR> cyclopropylmethyl, 1-methyl-1- (3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl) ethyl, 1-methyl-1- (p- henylazophenyl)ethyl, 1-methyl-1-phenylethyl, 1-methyl-1-(4-pyridyl)ethyl, phenyl, p- (phenylazo) benzyl, 2,4, 6-tri-t-butylphenyl, 4- (trimethylammonium) benzyl, and 2,4, 6-trimethylbenzyl.

Examples of amides include : Amides N-formyl, N-acetyl, N-chloroacetyl, N-trichloroacetyl, N-trifluoroacetyl, N- phenylacetyl, N-3-phenylpropionyl, N-picolinoyl, N-3-pyridylcarboxamide, N- benzoylphenylalanyl derivative, N-benzoyl, N-p-phenylbenzoyl.

Assisted Cleavage N-o-nitrophenylacetyl, N-o-nitrophenoxyacetyl, N-acetoacetyl, (N'- dithiobenzyloxycarbonylamino) acetyl, N-3- (p-hydroxyphenyl) propionyl, N-3- (o- nitrophenyl) propionyl, N-2-methyl-2- (o-nitrophenoxy) propionyl, N-2-methyl-2- (o- phenylazophenoxy) propionyl, N-4-chlorobutyryl, N-3-methyl-3-nitrobutyryl, N-o- nitrocinnamoyl, N-acetylmethionine derivative, N-o-nitrobenzoyl, N-o- (benzoyloxymethyl) benzoyl, and 4, 5-diphenyl-3-oxazolin-2-one.

Cvclic Imide Derivatives N-phthalimide, N-dithiasuccinoyl, N-2, 3-diphenylmaleoyl, N-2,5- dimethylpyrrolyl, N-1,1,4,4-tetramethyldisilylazacyclopentane adduct, 5- substituted 1, 3-dimethyl-1, 3, 5-triazacyclohexan-2-one, 5-substituted 1,3- dibienzyl-1, 3, 5-triazacyclohexan-2-one, and 1-substituted 3, 5-dinitro-4-pyridonyl.

SPECIAL-NH PROTECTIVE GROUPS Examples of special NH protective groups include N-Alkyl and N-Aryl Amines N-methyl, N-allyl, N-[2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]methyl, N-3-acetoxypropyl, N- (1-isopropyl-4-nitro-2-oxo-3-pyrrolin-3-yl), quaternary ammonium salts, N-benzyl, N-di (4-methoxyphenyl) methyl, N-5-dibenzosuberyl, N-triphenylmethyl, N- (4- methoxyphenyl) diphenylmethyl, N-9-phenylfluorenyl, N-2, 7-dichloro-9- fluorenylmethylene, N-ferrocenylmethyl, and N-2-picolylamine N'-oxide.

Imine Derivatives N-1, 1-dimethylthiomethylene, N-benzylidene, N-p-methoxybenzylidene, N- diphenylmethylene, N-[(2-pyridyl)mesityl]methylene, and N- (N', N'- dimethylaminomethylene).

PROTECTION FOR THE CARBOXYL GROUP Esters Examples of esters include formate, benzoylformate, acetate, trichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, methoxyacetate, phenoxyacetate, p- chlorophenoxyacetate, benzoate.

Substituted Methyl Esters Examples of substituted methyl esters include 9-fluorenylmethyl, methoxymethyl, methylthiomethyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, <BR> <BR> <BR> methoxyethoxymethyl, 2- (trimethylsilyl) ethoxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl, phenacyl, p-bromophenacyl, a-methylphenacyl, p-methoxyphenacyl, carboxamidomethyl, and N-phthalimidomethyl.

2-Substituted Ethyl Esters Examples of 2-substituted ethyl esters include 2,2, 2-trichloroethyl, 2-haloethyl, #-chloroalkyl, 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl, 2-methylthioethyl, 1, 3-dithianyl- 2-methyl, 2-(p-nitrophenylsulfenyl) ethyl, 2-(p-toluenesulfonyl) ethyl, <BR> <BR> <BR> 2-(2'-pyridyl) ethyl, 2-(diphenylphosphino) ethyl, 1-methyl-1-phenylethyl, t-butyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, allyl, 3-buten-1-yl, 4-(trimethylsilyl)-2-buten-1-yl, cinnamyl, a-methylcinnamyl, phenyl, p- (methylmercapto) phenyl and benzyl.

Substituted Benzyl Esters Examples of substituted benzyl esters include triphenylmethyl, diphenylmethyl, bis (o-nitrophenyl) methyl, 9-anthrylmethyl, 2- (9, 10- dioxo) anthrylmethyl, 5-dibenzosuberyl, 1-pyrenylmethyl, 2- (trifluoromethyl)-6- chromylmethyl, 2,4, 6-trimethylbenzyl, p-bromobenzyl, o-nitrobenzyl, p- nitrobenzyl, p-methoxybenzyl, 2, 6-dimethoxybenzyl, 4-(methylsulfinyl) benzyl, 4- sulfobenzyl, piperonyl, 4-picolyl and p-P-benzyl.

Silyl Esters Examples of silyl esters include trimethylsilyl, triethylsilyl, t-butyldimethylsilyl, i-propyldimethylsilyl, phenyldimethylsilyl and di-t- butylmethylsilyl.

Activated Esters Examples of activated esters include thiols.

Miscellaneous Derivatives Examples of miscellaneous derivatives include oxazoles, 2-alkyl-1,3- oxazolines, 4-alkyl-5-oxo-1,3-oxazolidines, 5-alkyl-4-oxo-1,3-dioxolanes, ortho esters, phenyl group and pentaaminocobalt (III) complex.

Stannyl Esters Examples of stannyl esters include triethylstannyl and tri-n-butylstannylX

C. Synthesis The invention provides methods of making the disclosed compounds according to traditional organic synthetic methods as well as matrix or combinatorial synthetic methods. Schemes A through G describe suggested synthetic routes. Using these Schemes, the guidelines below, and the examples of compounds 1-28, a person of skill in the art may develop analogous or similar methods for a given compound that are within the invention. These methods are representative of the preferred synthetic schemes, but are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

One skilled in the art will recognize that synthesis of the compounds of the present invention may be effected by purchasing an intermediate or protected intermediate compounds described in any of the schemes disclosed herein. One skilled in the art will further recognize that during any of the processes for preparation of the compounds in the present invention, it may be necessary and/or desirable to protect sensitive or reactive groups on any of the molecules concerned. This may be achieved by means of conventional protecting groups, such as those described in"Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", John Wiley & Sons, 1991. These protecting groups may be removed at a convenient stage using methods known from the art.

Where the processes for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention give rise to mixture of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. The compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution. The compounds may, for example, be resolved into their components enantiomers by standard techniques, such as the formation of diastereomeric pairs by salt formation. The compounds may also be resolved by formation of diastereomeric esters or

amides, followed by chromatographic separation and removal of the chiral auxiliary. Alternatively, the compounds may be resolved using a chiral HPLC column.

Examples of the described synthetic routes include Examples 1 through 38. Compounds analogous to the target compounds of these examples can be made according to similar routes. The disclosed compounds are useful in basic research and as pharmaceutical agents as described in the next section.

General Guidance Scheme 1. Synthesis of Intermediate 1-D ? i o Ri HO 1 EtO2CC (RsR6) Br J. L o 1 CIS03H base Et0 RR6 I R2'-' 1-A 1-B O R1 O R1 O R1 ° R1 EtO 0 R2 Reduction 0 EtO--'0 R2 /Rs R6 f/ 1 5 S02CI R6 SH ReL RRe J ""SOgCt "SH 1-C 1-D In accordance with Scheme 1, wherein R1, R2, R5 and R6 are as described above (except that R5 and R6 do not form spiro C3-6 cycloalkyl or spiro 5-or 6- membered heterocyclyl), phenol 1-A, a variety of which are commercially available (such as 3-methylphenol, 2-ethylphenol, 2-propylphenol, 2,3- dimethylphenol, 2-chlorophenol, 2, 3-dichlorophenol, 2-bromophenol, and 2- aminophenol), is alkylated to form phenoxyacetic acid ethyl ester 1-B with a suitable haloacetic acid ester such as bromoacetic acid ethyl ester or 2-brom-2- methylpropionic acid ethyl ester, in the presence of an appropriate base such as Cs2CO3, K2C03, or NaH, in a suitable solvent such as CH3CN or THF.

Sulfonation of the phenoxyacetic acid ethyl ester 1-B with an appropriate

sulfonating agent, such as chlorosulfonic acid, occurs selectively at the para position to provide 4-chlorosulfonylphenoxyacetic acid ethyl ester 1-C.

Transformation of the sulfonylchloride 1-C to benzenethiol 1-D is accomplished using a metal as a reducing agent, such as tin or zinc, in an acidic medium such as ethanol or dioxane.

Scheme 2. Synthesis of Compound 2-F R3 R3 Ra \ O R4 W. II N=C02Et R4t Jk R44Xf N CO2Et 2-A p toluene 2-B N-S 1, 2-dichlorobenzene, 160°C R3 R3 0 R4) Reduction + EtOzUxo@R2 IN C02Et I-OH 1-D R5 R6 SH SH 2-C N-S 2-D N-S 0 Ri 0 Ri 0 0 ru EtOl<0 R2 R4 HydroJysis HO 0 R2 4 Rs Rs /S I-N I \ Rs R5 Rs /S i-N y Rs I 2-E S--N 2-F S-N 2-E S N 2-F S-N In Scheme 2, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as described above (except that R5 and R6 do not form spiro C3-6 cycloalkyl or spiro 5-or 6- membered heterocyclyl), phenyl oxathiazolone 2-B is formed by reaction of benzamide 2-A, many of which are commercially available (such as R3 = CF3, or R4-OCF3, CF3, OCH3, Cl, Br, or 1, or R3 = R4 = Cl), with chlorocarbonylsulfenyl chloride in a suitable solvent such as toluene. Thermolysis of oxathiazolone 2-B and trapping of the generated benzonitrile sulfide with ethyl cyanoformate in a suitable high boiling point solvent such as chlorobenzene or 1,2- dichlorobenzene, furnishes phenyl- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl esters 2-C. Thiadiazole ester 2-C is reduced to the corresponding alcohol 2-D using a suitable reducing agent such as sodium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride, or diisobutylaluminium hydride. Phenoxyacetic acid ethyl ester 2-E could be obtained in two steps: (1) conversion of the alcohol 2-D to a mesylate under standard conditions by employing methanesulfonyl chloride and triethyl amine in an appropriate solvent such as CH2CI2, or conversion of the alcohol 2-D to a bromide or chloride in the presence of triphenylphosphine and carbon tetrabromide or carbon tetrachloride, (2) alkylation of benzenethiol 1-D, prepared according to Scheme 1 above, with the mesylate, bromide, or chloride intermediate using a suitable base such as CS2CO3, K2CO3, or NaH, in an appropriate solvent such as CH3CN, DMF or THE, under nitrogen. Alternatively, synthesis of phenoxyacetic acid ethyl esters 2-E may be accomplished in one step under standard Mitsunobu conditions. Preferred conditions include using a triarylphosphine such as triphenylphosphine and an azodicarbonyl reagent such as diethyl azodicarboxylate, in a suitable solvent such as THF. Under standard saponification conditions phenoxyacetic acid ethyl ester 2-E is converted to acid 2-F under nitrogen. The preferred hydrolysis conditions include using NaOH as a base in an aqueous alcoholic solvent system such as water-methanol, or using LiOH as a base in a water-THF milder system.

Scheme 3. Synthesis of Compound 2-F

R3 R1 Ri HO H R2 HO R2 4 WNfoH 3-A wSH wSaN+R3 2-D N S 3-B S N 0 Ri O. R1 'Bu02C (R5R6) CBr or H02C (R5R6) CBr (HO or) tBuoSw XRR4 base 5 Rs SN R s R 3_C S-N o R1 0 Ri Optional step R2 R5 Rs N w Hydrolysis 2-F S-N

Alternatively, synthesis of [1,2, 4] thiadiazole phenoxyacetic acid 2-F may be carried out as shown in Scheme 3, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Rs and R6 are as described above (except that R5 and R6 do not form spiro C3-6 cycloalkyl or spiro 5-or 6-membered heterocyclyl), by installing the substituted acetic acid side chain in a later step of the synthesis. Compound 3-B may be obtained in two steps: (1) conversion of the alcohol 2-D to mesylate under standard conditions by employing methanesulfonyl chloride and triethyl amine in an appropriate solvent such as CH2C12, (2) selectively alkylation of 4-mercaptophenol 3-A with the mesylate intermediate using a suitable base such as Cs2CO3, K2CO3, or NaH, in an appropriate solvent such as CH3CN or THF, under nitrogen. Alternatively, synthesis of compound 3-B may be accomplished in one step under standard Mitsunobu conditions. Preferred conditions include using a triarylphosphine such as triphenylphosphine, and an azodicarbonyl reagent such as diethyl azodicarboxylate, in a suitable solvent such as THF. In the presence of an appropriate base such as Cs2CO3 or NaH, the substituted acetic acid side chain is installed by alkylation of the phenol group in 3-B using a suitable substituted holoacetic acid such as 2-bromoisobutyric acid or holoacetic acid ester such as tert-butyl 2-bromoisobutyrate to give 3-C. When the side chain in 3-C is an

acetic acid ester, the carboxylic acid group could be released by using conventional reactions well known in arts. For example, tert-butyl acetate derivative 3-C is converted to acid 2-F by employing a suitable strong acid such as trifluoroacetic acid, in an appropriate solvent such as dichloromethane.

Scheme 4. Synthesis of Intermediate 4-F O R1 O UUon n. j ! D n''1 Me0 _ 4_C Me0 basé LJ VI/ 4-A 4-B base 4-D NBS-MeO R1 O R1 NBS Me0 R2 NaH, Tips-SH Me0 R2 I/Pd (PPh3) 4 I/ 4-E 4-F 4-E In accordance with Scheme 4, wherein R1 and R2 are as described above in Formula (1), 1-bromocyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester 4-B is prepared by bromination of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid 4-A with bromine in the presence of a strong acid such as chlorosulfonic acid followed by methylation in refluxing methanol. Alkylation of phenol 4-C with 1-bromocyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester 4-B by using a suitable base such as Cs2CO3 provides 1- phenoxycyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester 4-D. Aromatic bromination of 4-D with N-bromosuccinimide in an appropriate solvent such as CH3CN occurs to give bromide 4-E. Triisopropylsilanylsulfide 4-F is obtained by reaction of bromide 4-E with triisopropylsilanethiol in the presence of a suitable base such as NaH and a palladium catalyst such as tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium Scheme 5. Synthesis of Compound 5-C a R 9 Pi Rs 73 U o 1 nNsf OH s<Br 2-D N S 5-A N-S Base Ri O R1 MeO R2 R Hydrolysis HO"5 R2 R4 /S I-NI Rs > V i S I-NI Rs 5-B S-N 5-C S-N 5-B S N 5-C S-N

In Scheme 5, wherein Ri, R2, R3, and R4 are as described above in Formula (I), alcohol 2-D is converted to bromide 5-A in the presence of triphenylphosphine and carbon tetrabromide. Phenoxycyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester 5-B is obtained by reaction of the bromide 5-A with triisopropylsilanylsulfide 4-F, prepared according to Scheme 4 above, using a suitable base such as Cs2CO3 or tetrabutylammonium fluoride, in an appropriate solvent such as CH3CN, DMF or THF. Under standard saponification conditions methyl ester 5-B is converted to carboxylic acid 5-C under nitrogen. The preferred hydrolysis conditions include using NaOH as a base in an aqueous alcoholic solvent system such as water-methanol, or using LiOH as a base in a water-THF milder system.

Scheme 6. Synthesis of Compound 6-G O R ci O 0 O CO Et 4 -4 y ly R3aCN 6-C R N C02Et H2N OEt S-N 3 ly a 0 Ri R O R1 4 Reduction etc) \ EtO w R2 R3t wOH R5 R6 wSH 1-D ----E R3/Nw,/OH 6_E S IN O R1 O R1 0 2 4 Hydrolysis ok 0 R I I R''R I I 5 6 S^'N\ \ R3 5 6 S ^' [\ \ Y 6-F N-S 6-G N-S

In accordance with Scheme 6, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are as described above in Formula (I), oxathiazolone 6-B is formed by reaction of ethyl oxamate 6-A with chlorocarbonylsulfenyl chloride in a suitable solvent such as toluene. Thermolysis of oxathiazolone 6-B and trapping of the generated nitrile sulfide with benzonitrile 6-C in a suitable high boiling point solvent such as chlorobenzene or 1, 2-dichlorobenzene, furnishes phenyl- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazole-3- carboxylic acid ethyl ester 6-D. Thiadiazole carboxylic ester 6-D is reduced to the corresponding alcohol 6-E using a suitable reducing agent such as sodium borohydride, lithium aluminum hydride, or diisobutylaluminium hydride.

Phenoxyacetic acid ethyl ester 6-F can be prepared in two steps: (1) conversion of the alcohol 6-E to a bromide or chloride in the presence of triphenylphosphine and carbon tetrabromide or carbon tetrachloride, (2) alkylation of benzenethiol 1- D, prepared according to Scheme 1 above, with the bromide or chloride intermediate using a suitable base such as Cs2CO3, K2CO3, or NaH, in an appropriate solvent such as CH3CN, DMF or THF, under nitrogen. Under standard saponification conditions phenoxyacetic acid ethyl ester 6-F is converted to carboxylic acid 6-G. The preferred hydrolysis conditions include using NaOH as a base in an aqueous alcoholic solvent system such as water- methanol-THF, or using LiOH as a base in a water-THF milder system.

Scheme 7. Synthesis of Compound 7-G Cs2C03 o O mCPBA. O 11 n Dioxane /100 °C 7-A 7-B p 7-C p NaOEt O CszC03 ETOH CH, CN R3 0 0 R4 Ra I i N 7_E R4 \_ ! UL'7-F N-S D39 R3 = Cl, R4 = Me D44 R3 = F, R4 = CF3 D34 R3 = R4 = Me 0 R Nach HO I , Ra HO R4 S-N S-N 7-G

In accordance with Scheme 7, wherein R3 and R4 are as described above in Formula (I), reaction of 7-A and 7-B provides 7-C, which upon oxidation with mCPBA gives 7-D. 7-D is hydrolyzed to give 7-E. Treating with compounds like D39, D44 and D34 leads to 7-F and further hydrolysis gives compounds of 7-G.

EXAMPLES Example 1 {2-Methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid Scheme A1

CIS03H \ Sn, HC) 9. t Et0 I Et0/Et0 EtOH, Dioxane S02CI SH A1 a A1 b, 93% A1 c, 98%

A1b (4-Chlorosulfonyl-2-methyl-phenoxy)-acetic acid ethyl ester To a flask containing chlorosulfonic acid (15.0 mL, 226 mmol) at 4°C was added ethyl (2-methylphenoxy) acetate A1 a (10.0 g, 51.6 mmol) slowly. The mixture was stirred at 4°C for 30 min and room temperature for 2 h, and then poured into ice water. The precipitated white solid was filtered, washed with water, and dried under vacuum overnight to provide 14.0 g (93%) of A1 b as a white solid ; H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.87-7. 84 (m, 2 H), 6.80 (d, J= 9.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.76 (s, 2 H), 4.29 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.37 (s, 3 H), 1.31 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz, 3 H) : MS (ES) m/z: 315 (M+Na+).

A1c (4-Mercapto-2-methyl-phenoxy)-acetic acid ethyl ester

To a solution of Alb (4.70 g, 16.1 mmol) in EtOH (20 mL) was added 4.0 M HCI in dioxane (20 mL) followed by 100 mesh tin powder (9.80 g, 82.6 mmol) portionwise. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h, poured into CH2CI2/ice (100 mL), and filtered. The filtrate was separated, and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH2CI2. The combined organic phases were washed with water, dried, and concentrated to give 3.56 g (98%) of A1c as a yellow oil ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) # 7.14-7. 03 (m, 2 H), 6.59 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.60 (s, 2 H), 4.25 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.24 (s, 3 H), 1.29 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H).

Scheme A2

F3C \ O FsC \ N= C02Et NH2 CI''S'C I/O O- A2a o toluene A2b, 39% NS 0 toluene A2b, 39% N-S 1. MsCI, Et3N, CH2C12 NaBH4, EtOH p It C02Et '/N 2. Cs2C03 CH3CN, EtO , o A2c, 92% N-S A2d, 97% N-S A1 c ISH SH O O EtOtOA SCF3 NaOH MeOH, H2O HOt ß SCF3 /N W/N 100%-Ira A2e, 64% S-N S-N A2b 5-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one The reaction mixture of 4-trifluoromethylbenzamide A2a (2.57 g, 13.6 mmol), chlorocarbonylsulfenyl chloride (3.57 g, 27.2 mmol) in toluene (35 mL) was heated at 60°C for 15 h and concentrated. CH2CI2 was added and the

mixture was filtered. The white solid was washed with CH2CI2 and dried under high vacuum to give 922 mg (36%) of 4-trifluoromethylbenzamide A2a as recovered starting material. The filtrate was concentrated and column chromatographed (EtOAc/hexane) to provide 1.31 g (39%) of A2b as white crystals ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.11 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.77 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2 H).

A2c 3- (4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A reaction mixture of A2b (448 mg, 1.81 mmol) and ethyl cyanoformate (722 mg, 7.29 mmol) in 1, 2-dichlorobenzene (7 mL) was heated at 160for20 h. After cooling down to room temperature, the reaction mixture was purified by column chromatography to give 505 mg (92%) of A2c as a yellow solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.50 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.76 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 4.57 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 1.49 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 303 (M+H+).

A2d [3- (4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-methanol To a solution of A2c (200 mg, 0.662 mmol) in EtOH (10 mL) at room temperature was added NaBH4 (64 mg, 1.7 mmol). After stirring for 2 h, a few drops of water were added to quench excess of hydride. EtOH was evaporated, and the residue was partitioned between CH2CI2 and water. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to provide 167 mg (97%) of A2d as off-white crystals ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 5 8. 40 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.74 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 5. 20 (s, 2 H), 2.65 (brs, 1 H); MS (ES) m/z: 261 (M+H+).

{2-Methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-acetic acid ethyl ester A mixture of A2d (88 mg, 0.34 mmol), methanesulfonyl chloride (58 mg, 0.51 mmol), and triethylamine (70 mg, 0.69 mmol) in CH2C12 (3 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h. The mixture was washed with water and the aqueous phase was back extracted with CH2CI2. The combined organic layers were dried and concentrated to provide 111 mg of the mesylate as a yellow solid.

A mixture of the crude mesylate (111 mg) and (4-mercapto-2-methyl- phenoxy) acetic acid ethyl ester A1 c (111 mg, 0.491 mmol) in CH3CN (4 mL) was degassed under N2 for about 15 min. After the addition of Cs2CO3 (214 mg, 0.656 mmol), the mixture was stirred overnight under N2, concentrated, and purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane) to give 102 mg (64%, 3 steps) of A2e as a white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.35 (d, J= 8. 1 Hz, 2 H), 7.71 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.30 (d, J = 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.23 (dd, J = 8.6, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.62 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.61 (s, 2 H), 4.41 (s, 2 H), 4.24 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2. 25 (s, 3 H), 1.27 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 491 (M+Na+). {2-Methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid A mixture of A2e (77 mg, 0.16 mmol) and 2 M NaOH (0.30 mL, 0.60 mmol) in MeOH (4 mL) was stirred under N2 for 30 min and concentrated. EtOAc

and water were added, and the mixture was acidified with concentrated HCI. The organic phase was separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc.

The combined organic layers were dried and concentrated to give 70 mg (97%) of the target compound, Compound 1, as an off-white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOH-d4) 8 8.37 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.78 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.28 (s, 1 H), 7.26 (m, 1 H), 6.76 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.66 (s, 2 H), 4.53 (s, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 441 (M+H+) ; FAB-HRMS (M+). Calcd 440.0476, found 440.0465.

Example 2 2-Methyl-2- {4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid Scheme B

B1 4- [3- (4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenol To a solution of A2d (795 mg, 3.06 mmol) in CH2CI2 (30 mL) at 0°C were added methanesulfonyl chloride (518 mg, 4.52 mmol) and triethylamine (617 mg, 6.11 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h and then partitioned between water and CHzCts (80 mL). The organic layer was washed with brine, dried, concentrated, and column chromatographed (EtOAc/hexane) to provide 859 mg (83%) of the mesylate as a white solid.

A mixture of the mesylate (210 mg, 0.621 mmol) and 4-mercaptophenol (113 mg, 0. 897 mmol) in CH3CN (8 mL) was degassed under N2 for about 10 min. After the addition of Cs2CO3 (242 mg, 0.742 mmol), the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 min, concentrated, and purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane) to give 228 mg (100%) of B1 as a white crystalline solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 6 8.35 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.71 (d, J = 8. 3 Hz, 2 H), 7.36 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 6.78 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 4.97 (s, 1 H), 4.40 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 369 (M+H+).

B2 2-Methyl-2-f 4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}- propionic acid tert-butyl ester To a three-necked flask containing NaH (36 mg, 0.90 mmol ; 60% in mineral oil) was added a solution of B1 (220 mg, 0.598 mmol) in THF. To the mixture at 40°C was added tert-butyl 2-bromoisobutyrate (287 mg, 1.29 mmol).

After heating at 70°C for 2 h, more ter-butyl 2-bromoisobutyrate (215 mg, 0.970

mmol) was added and the heating was continued overnight. The mixture was quenched with water (0.1 mL), concentrated, and chromatographed (EtOAc/hexane) to give 81 mg (27%) of B2 ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) b 8.35 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.71 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.34 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 2 H), 6.78 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 4.42 (s, 2 H), 1.55 (s, 6 H), 1.38 (s, 9 H); MS (ES) m/z: 511 (M+H+).

2-Methyl-2- {4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethyisulfanyl]-phenoxy}-propionic acid The mixture of B2 (80 mg, 0.16 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1.5 mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (0.5 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h, concentrated, and column chromatographed twice (EtOAc/hexane, CH2CI2/MeOH) to give 40 mg (56%) of the target compound, Compound 2, as a light yellow solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.34 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 7.71 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.37 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2 H), 6.87 (d, J= 8. 8 Hz, 2 H), 4. 45 (s, 2 H), 1.59 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 453 (M-H+).

Example 3 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid Scheme C

C1 2-Methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1., 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenol Replacing 4-mercaptophenol with 4-mercapto-2-methylphenol and following the same procedure as in the preparation of B1 gave C1 (95%, white crystalline solid) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.35 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 7.71 (d, J = 8. 2 Hz, 2 H), 7.26 (s, 1 H), 7.20 (dd, J= 8.0, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.71 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.83 (s, 1 H), 4. 40 (s, 2 H), 2. 21 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 383 (M+H+).

2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid

To a solution of C1 (39 mg, 0.10 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was added NaH (20 mg, 0.50 mmol ; 60% in mineral oil) and the mixture was heated at 60°C for 30 min, during which the solution changed to blue then brown color. 2- Bromoisobutyric acid (34 mg, 0.20 mmol) was added, and the mixture was heated at the same temperature for 1 h, acidified with 1 N HCl, and diluted with CH2CI2. The organic phase was separated, washed with brine, dried, concentrated, and column chromatographed (EtOAc/hexane) to isolate 10 mg (21%) of the target compound, Compound 3, as a yellow oil ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CD C13) 5 8. 35 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 7.71 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.28 (m, 1 H), 7.18 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.43 (s, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H), 1.61 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 469 (M+H+). Anal. Cålcd. ForC21H19F3N203S20. 30 H20 : C, 53.22 ; H, 4.17 ; N, 5.91. Found: C, 53.36 ; H, 3.88 ; N, 5.62.

Example 4 2-Methyl-2- (2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yimethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid Scheme D1 t 0 t Ho/4 EtO2CC (Me) 2Br 'O CIS03H Et0' /Cs2CO3, dioxane D1 a, 68%

D1a 2-Methyl-2-o-tolyloxy-propionic acid ethyl ester To a mixture of 2-bromo-2-methylpropionic acid ethyl ester (8. 27 mL, 64.0 m'mol) and 2-methylphenol (7.60g, 70.2 mmol) in dioxane (100 mL) was added Cs2CO3 (31.3 g, 96.0 mmol). After the mixture was refluxed at 100°C for 4 hours and allowed to cool down to room temperature, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in Et20, washed with 1 N NaOH, dried, and concentrated to give 9.69 g (68%) of D1a ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7. 13 (d, J = 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.03 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 1 H), 6. 87 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.66 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.24 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H), 1.59 (s, 6 H), 1.25 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz).

D1b 2- (4-Chlorosulfonyl-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester To a flask containing D1 a (11.3 g, 0.0510 mol) at 0°C was slowly added CISOsH (15.2 mL, 0.229 mol). The temperature was allowed to warm to room temperature and the solution was stirred for 1 hour. Upon stirring, the reaction mixture was poured into ice. The solid was filtered, washed with water, and vacuum dried to give 7.7 g (47%) of D1 b ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) b 7.82 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.75 (dd, J= 8.9, 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.67 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.23 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.31 (s, 3 H), 1.70 (s, 6 H), 1.22 (t, J = 7.1 Hz); MS (ES) m/z: 343 (M+Na+).

D1c 2- (4-Mercapto-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester

To a solution of D1b (2.00 g, 6.25 mmol) in EtOH (7.8 mL) were added HCI in dioxane (4.0 M, 7.8 mL, 31 mmol) and tin powder (3.70 g, 31.2 mmol).

The mixture was refluxed for 3 hours, poured into ice, and extracted with CH2CI2 (50 mL x 3). The organic layers were combined and dried over Na2SO4. After filtration, the filtrate was concentrated to give 3.37 g ( 100%) of D1c ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.12 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.00 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (d, J= 8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 4.23 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.31 (s, 1 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1. 57 (s, 6 H), 1.25 (t, J= 7.1 Hz); MS (ES) m/z: 255 (M+H+).

Scheme D2

D2b 3- (4-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester Following the same procedure as in the preparation of A2c gave D2b (white solid, 97%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.42 (m, 2 H), 7.33 (dd, J= 8.9, 0.8 Hz, 2 H), 4.56 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.49 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz, 3 H).

D2c [3- (4-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yi]-methanol Following the same procedure as in the preparation of A2d gave D2c (white solid, 70%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.32 (m, 2 H), 7.31 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 5.17 (d, J = 5.8 Hz, 2 H), 1.26 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz, 1 H); MS (ES) m/z: 277 (M+H+).

5-Bromomethyl-3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1,24]thiadiazol e To a solution of D2c (679 mg, 2.46 mmol) in CH2CI2 (10 mL) were added carbon tetrabromide (896 mg, 2.70 mmol) and triphenylphosphine (707 mg, 2.70 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0°C for 1 h and room temperature for 1 h, concentrated, and purified by column chromatography to give 678 mg (81 %) of D2d as a white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.32 (m, 2 H), 7.31 (dd, J= 8. 9,0. 8 Hz, 2 H), 4.82 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 339 (M+H+).

D2e 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid ethyl ester

To a mixture of D2d (73 mg, 0.22 mmol) and 2- (4-mercapto-2-methyl- phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester D1c (52 mg, 0.21 mmol) in CH3CN (1.5 mL) and DMF (0.1 mL) was added Cs2CO3 (100 mg, 0.31 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 15 min, the mixture was concentrated. The residue was diluted with EtOAc, washed with water and brine, dried, concentrated, and column chromatographed to give 82 mg (78%) of D2e ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.27 (d, J= 8.9 Hz, 2 H), 7.29 (dd, J= 8.9, 0.9 Hz, 1 H), 7. 26 (m, 2 H), 7.13 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.40 (s, 2 H), 4.20 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.20 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 513 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C23H23F3N204S2 : C, 53.90 ; H, 4.52 ; N, 5.47. Found: C, 54.25 ; H, 4.37 ; N, 5.40.

2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifl uoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid A solution of D2e (80 mg, 0.16 mmol) in MeOH (1.0 mL) and THF (1.0 mL) was treated with 2 N NaOH (1.0 mL, 2.0 mmol) for 4 h and concentrated. The residue was diluted with EtOAc and water, and acidified with concentrated HCI.

The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried, concentrated, and column chromatographed to provide 71 mg (95%) of Compound 4,'H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.27 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.30-7. 23 (m, 3 H), 7.17 (d, J = 8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J=8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 4.42 (s, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H), 1.60 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 507 (M+Na+). Anal. Calcd. For C21H19F3N204S2 : C, 52.06 ; H, 3.95 ; N, 5. 78. Found: C, 52.38 ; H, 3.74 ; N, 5.52.

Example 5

D1 5-p-Tolyl- [1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one Following the same procedure as in the preparation of A2b gave D1 ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.86 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 7.29 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 2.43 (s, 3 H).

D2 3-p-Tolyl- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester Following the same procedure as in the preparation of A2c gave D2 ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.25 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.30 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 4.55 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.42 (s, 3 H), 1.49 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3 H).

D3 (3-p-Tolyi- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl)-methanol Following the same procedure as in the preparation of A2d gave D3 ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.16 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.28 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 5.16 (s, 2 H), 2.69 (brs, 1 H), 2.41 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 207 (M+H+).

D4 5-Bromomethyl-3-p-tolyl- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole Following the same procedure as in the preparation of D2d gave D4 ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.16 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.28 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 4.82 (s, 2 H), 2.42 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 271 (M+H+).

D5 2-Methyl-2- [2-methyl-4- (3-p-tolyl- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl)-phenoxy]- propionic acid ethyl ester Following the same procedure as in the preparation of D2e gave D5 ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.12 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.27-7. 24 (m, 3 H), 7.14 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.3 Hz, 1 H); 6.56 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.40 (s, 2 H), 4.19 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.40 (s, 3 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.19 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz, 3 H) ; MS (ES) m/z: 443 (M+H+).

2-Methyl-2- [2-methyl-4- (3-p-tolyl- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethyisulfanyl)-phenoxy]-propionic acid Following the same procedure as in the preparation of Compound 4 gave Compound 5 ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8. 11 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.28-7. 24 (m, 3 H), 7.17 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.71 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.42 (s, 2 H), 2.40 (s, 3 H), 2.05 (s, 3 H), 1.59 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 415 (M+H+).

Example 6

D6 5-(4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)-[1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one D6 (clear oil, 70%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.90 (m, 2 H), 7.50 (m, 2 H), 1.35 (s, 9 H).

D7 3- (4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester D7 (yellow crystal, 81%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 8 8.29 (m, 2 H), 7.51 (m, 2 H), 4.55 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 1. 48 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz, 3 H), 1.37 (s, 9 H) ; MS (ES) m/z: 291 (M+H+).

D8 . [3- (4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-methanol D8 (100%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) b 8. 19 (m, 2 H), 7.50 (m, 2 H), 5.16 (s, 2 H), 1.36 (s, 9 H); MS (ES) m/z : 249 (M+H+).

D9 5-Bromomethyl-3-(4-tert-butyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole D9 (white crystal, 55%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.19 (m, 2 H), 7.49 (m, 2 H), 4. 82 (s, 2 H), 1.36 (s, 9 H); MS (ES) m/z: 313 (M+H+).

D10 <BR> <BR> 2- {4- [3- (4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl- propionic acid ethyl ester D10 (light yellow oil, 58%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) b 8. 15 (m, 2 H), 7.47 (m, 2 H), 7.26 (m, 1 H), 7. 13 (dd, J = 8. 5,2. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.40 (s, 2 H), 4.20 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.57 (s, 6 H), 1.35 (s, 9 H), 1.19 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 485 (M+H+).

2-{4-[3-(4-tert-Butyl-phenyl)-[1,2,4]thiadiazol-5-ylmethy lsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 6 (yellow gummy material, 81%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.14 (m, 2 H), 7.47 (m, 2 H), 7.28 (d, J= 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.17 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.43 (s, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.60 (s, 6 H), 1.35 (s, 9 H); MS (ES) m/z : 457 (M+H+) Anal. Calcd. For C24H28N203S2 : C, 62.27 ; H, 6.25 ; N, 6.05. Found: C, 62.48 ; H, 6.11 ; N, 5.83.

Example 7

D11 5- (4-Chloro-phenyl)- [1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one D11 (pale beige crystalline solid, 63%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 5 7.91 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.48 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2 H).

D12 3- (4-Chloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester D12 (white solid, 94%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.31 (m, 2 H), 7.47 (m, 2 H), 4.55 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.48 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 269 (M+H+).

D13 [3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-methanol D13 (off-white solid, 87%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.22 (m, 2 H), 7.45 (m, 2 H), 5.17 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 227 (M+H+).

D14 5-Bromomethyl-3- (4-chloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole

D14 (white solid, 65%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 8 8.22 (m, 2 H), 7.45 (m, 2 H), 4.81 (s, 2 H).

D15 2-{4-[3-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl- propionic acid ethyl ester D15 (light yellow oil, 92%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.17 (m, 2 H), 7.42 (m, 2 H), 7.26 (m, 1 H), 7.14 (dd, J = 8. 5,2. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.39 (s, 2 H), 4.20 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.19 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 463 (M+H+).

2-14- [3- (4-Chloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-pr opionic acid Compound 7 (light yellow solid, 70%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8. 17 (m, 2 H), 7.42 (m, 2 H), 7.28 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.18 (dd, J = 8. 5,2. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.42 (s, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.61 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z : 435 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C20H19ClN2O3S2 : C, 55.23 ; H, 4.40 ; N, 6. 44.

Found: C, 54. 87 ; H, 4.20 ; N, 6.24.

Example 8

D16 5-(3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one D16 (beige solid, 88%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8. 12 (d, J= 2. 0 Hz, 1 H), 7.92 (dd, J= 8.7, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.45 (dd, J= 8.6, 1.1, 1 H).

D17 3-(3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester D17 (white crystal, 36%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8. 52 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 8.31 (dd, J = 8. 6,2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.44 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.4, 1 H), 4.56 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.49 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 375 (M+Na+).

D18 [3-(3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-methanol D18 (beige solid, 93%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.42 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 8.21 (dd, J = 8. 6,2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.42 (dd, J= 8.6, 1.4, 1 H), 5. 18 (s, 2 H).

D19 5-Bromomethyl-3-(3-chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole D19 (65%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8. 42 (d, J= 2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 8.21 (dd, J = 8. 6,2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.42 (dd, J= 8.6, 1.5, 1 H), 4.81 (s, 2 H).

D20 2- {4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester D20 (pale yellow oil, 90%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.37 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.16 (dd, J = 8. 6,2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.40 (dd, J= 8.6, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.26 (m, 1 H), 7.13 (dd, J= 8. 5,2. 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.39 (s, 2 H), 4.20 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.20 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz, 3 H) ; MS (ES) m/z: 547 (M+H+).

2-{4-[3-(3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 8 (pale yellow gummy material, 34%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) b 8.37 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 8.16 (dd, J= 8.6, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.40 (dd, J= 8.6, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.28 (d, J = 2. 0 Hz, 1 H), 7.17 (dd, J= 8. 4,2. 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J = 8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.42 (s, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H), 1.61 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z : 519 (M+H+).

Example 9

D21 5-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one D21 (off-white solid, 94%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.07 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7. 80 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7. 58 (d, J = 8. 4,1 H).

D22 3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester D22 (yellow solid, 91%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDOs) § 8.48 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.20 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.57 (d, J = 8.4, 1 H), 4.56 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.49 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 303 (M+H+).

D23 [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazoi-5-yl]-methanol D23 (pale yellow solid, 86%); 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 8.33 (d, J= 1. 9 Hz, 1 H), 8.15 (m, 1 H), 7.82 (d, J = 8. 4,1 H), 4.99 (s, 2 H).

D24 5-Bromomethyl-3- (3, 4-dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole D24 (white solid, 57%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCts) 8 8.39 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.11 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (d, J= 8.4, 1 H), 4.81 (s, 2 H).

D25 2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- 2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester D25 (light yellow oil, 99%); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.34 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.06 (dd, J = 8. 4,2. 0 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.27 (m, 1 H), 7.13 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.39 (s, 2 H), 4.20 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.20 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 497 (M+H+).

2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- 2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 9 (light yellow solid, 82%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.34 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.06 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.28 (d, J = 2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.17 (dd, J= 8. 4,2. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.73 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.41 (s, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H), 1.61 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 469 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C20H18Cl2N2O3S2 0. 10 H20 : C, 50.98 ; H, 3.89 ; N, 5.94. Found: C, 50.60 ; H, 3.53 ; N, 5.71.

Example 10

D26 5-(2,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one D26 (off-white solid, 54%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.81 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.56 (d, J = 2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.39 (m, 1 H).

D27 3-(2,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4jthiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester D27 (beige solid, 55%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.99 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.56 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.38 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 4.56 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.48 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 303 (M+H+).

D28 [3-(2,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-methanol D28 (white solid, 56%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.91 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (d, J = 2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.36 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 5.20 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 261 (M+H)+.

D29 5-Bromomethyl-3-(2,4-dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole D29 (white solid, 87%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.92 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.55 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.37 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.84 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 325 (M+H+).

D30 2- {4- [3- (2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- 2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester D30 (clear oil, 88%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7. 85 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.33 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.25 (m, 1 H), 7.15 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.57 (d, J=8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.41 (s, 2 H), 4. 21 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.59 (s, 6 H), 1.21 (t, J = 7. 1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 497 (M+H+).

2-{4-[3-(2,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsu lfanyl]-2-methyl-pehnoxy}- 2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 10 (pale yellow solid, 81%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 87. 85 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.33 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.28 (d, J = 2. 2 Hz, 1 H), 7.19 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.73 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.44 (s, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H), 1.61 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z : 469 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C2oHi8CI2N203S2 : C, 51.17 ; H, 3.87 ; N, 5.97. Found: C, 50.80 ; H, 3.53 ; N, 5.72.

Example 11

D31 5- (3, 4-Dimethyl-phenyl)- [1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one D31 (white solid, 47%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.74 (s, 1 H), 7.69 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.24 (d, J=8. 2 Hz, 1 H), 2.33 (s, 6 H).

D32 3-(3,4-Dimethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester D32 (brown crystal, 47%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.15 (s, 1 H), 8.09 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.24 (m, 1 H), 4.55 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.35 (s, 3 H), 2.33 (s, 3 H), 1.48 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 263 (M+H+).

D33 [3- (3, 4-Dimethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yi]-methanol D33 (white solid, 85%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) b 8.06 (s, 1 H), 8.00 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.24 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1 H), 5.17 (s, 2 H), 2.62 (brs, 1 H), 2.34 (s, 3 H), 2.32 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 221 (M+H+).

D34 5-Bromomethyl-3-(3,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole D34 (white solid, 91%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC ! s) 8 8.05 (s, 1 H), 7.99 (d, J= 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.23 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.82 (s, 2 H), 2.34 (s, 3 H), 2.32 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 285 (M+H+).

D35 2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dimethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl- propionic acid ethyl ester D35 (clear oil, 97%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8. 01 (s, 1 H), 7.96 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7. 29 (s, 1 H), 7.22 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.15 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6. 56 (d, J=8. 3 Hz, 1 H), 4.41 (s, 2 H), 4.20 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2. 34 (s, 3 H), 2.32 (s, 3 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.20 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 457 (M+H+).

2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dimethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 11 (light yellow solid, 76%) ;'H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.00 (s, 1 H), 7.94 (dd, J = 7.8, 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.28 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.21 (d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.17 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.71 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.42 (s, 2 H), 2.32 (s, 3 H), 2.31 (s, 3 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.59 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z : 429 (M+H+).

Example 12 5-(3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)-[1, 3,4] oxathiazol-2-one D36 (light brown solid, 57%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 7.96 (d, J= 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.75 (dd, J= 8.0, 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.35 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 1 H).

D37 3-(3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester D37 (white solid, 87%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.37 (d, J= 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.15 (dd, J= 7. 9,1. 7 Hz, 1 H), 7.35 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.55 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.44 (s, 3 H), 1.49 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 283 (M+H+).

D38 [3-(3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-methanol D38 (white solid, 90%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.28 (d, J= 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.06 (dd, J= 7.9, 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.33 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 1 H), 5.17 (s, 2 H), 2.44 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 241 (M+H+).

D39 5-Bromomethyl-3-(3-chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole D39 (white solid, 75%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.27 (d, J= 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.05 (dd, J= 7.9, 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.33 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 4.81 (s, 2 H), 2.44 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 305 (M+H+).

D40 2- {4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- 2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester D40 (white solid, 98%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) â 8.22 (d, J= 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.01 (dd, J= 7.9, 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.30 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.26 (s, 1 H), 7.14 (dd, J= 8. 5, 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.39 (s, 2 H), 4.20 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.42 (s, 3 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.20 (t, J=7. 1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 477 (M+H+),

2-{4-[3-(3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 12 (light yellow solid, 75%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.21 (d, J = 1. 7 Hz, 1 H), 8.01 (dd, J = 8.0, 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.30 (d, J=8. 2 Hz, 1 H), 7.27 (s, 1 H), 7.17 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.41 (s, 2 H), 2.42 (s, 3 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.59 (s, 6 H).

Example 13

D41 5-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1,3, 4] oxathiazol-2-one D41 (off-white solid, 96%); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.87 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.83 (d, J= 10. 6 Hz, 1 H), 7.77 (m, 1 H).

D42 3- (3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester D42 (brown crystal, 69%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CLOS) 8 8.26 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 8.22 (d, J= 11. 2 Hz, 1 H), 7.74 (t, J= 7. 6 Hz, 1 H), 4.57 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 1.50 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 321 (M+H+).

D43 [3- (3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-methanol D43 (yellow oil, 88%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 5 8.17 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 8.13 (d, J= 11.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.71 (m, 1 H), 5.19 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 279 (M+H+).

D44 5-Bromomethyl-3- (3-fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole D44 (white solid, 66%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) S 8.17 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.12 (d, J= 11.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.72 (t, J=7. 6 Hz, 1 H), 4.82 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 343 (M+H+).

D45 2-{4-[3-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- 2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester D45 (clear oil, 79%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.11 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 8. 07 (d, J= 11. 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.69 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.26 (m, 1 H), 7.14 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.57 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.40 (s, 2 H), 4.20 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 . H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.20 (t, J=7. 1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 515 (M+H+).

2-{4-[3-(3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 13 (yellow oil, 99%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.11 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 1 H), 8.06 (d, J= 11.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.69 (t, J=7. 6 Hz, 1 H), 7.28 (m, 1 H), 7.17 (dd, J= 8.6, 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.42 (s, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H), 1.61 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 487 (M+H+).

Example 14 1- {2-Methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid Scheme E1

E1a 1-Bromo-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester To a solution of cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (1.14 g, 10.0 mmol) in 1,2- dichloroethane (50 mL) were added bromine (1.60 g, 10.0 mmol) and chlorosulfonic acid (1.17 g, 10.0 mmol). The reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 h and concentrated. The residue was dissolved in MeOH (30 mL) and the mixture was refluxed overnight. After removal of the solvent, the residue was diluted with Et20, washed with water (x 2) and brine, dried over Na2SO4, filtered, and concentrated to give 1. 79 g (86%) of Ela ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 3.80 (s, 3 H), 2.33-2. 28 (m, 4 H), 2.03-1. 95 (m, 2 H), 1. 85-1. 75 (m, 2 H).

E1b 1-Tolyloxy-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester To a solution of 2-methylphenol (90 mg, 0.83 mmol) in CH3CN (2 mL) was added Cs2CO3 (678 mg, 2.08 mmol) followed by Ela (207 mg, 1.00 mmol). The mixture was heated at 70°C for 4.5 h, diluted with water, and extracted with Et20.

The extracts were dried, concentrated, and column chromatographed (EtOAc/hexane : 1/12) to give 52 mg (22%) of E1b ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.13 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.03 (m, 1 H), 6.83 (td, J=7. 4,0. 7 Hz, 1 H), 6.45 (d, J =8. 1 Hz, 1 H), 3.73 (s, 3 H), 2.29-2. 17 (m, 4 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H), 1.84-1. 76 (m, 4 H); MS (ES) m/z: 235 (M+H+).

E1C 1- (4-Bromo-2-methyl-phenoxy)-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester To a solution of E1b (76 mg, 0.32 mmol) in CH3CN (1.5 mL) was added N- bromosuccinimide (63 mg, 0.35 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 1.5 h, additional N-bromosuccinimide (29 mg, 0.16 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred for another 1 h. After removal of the solvent under reduced pressure, the residue was purified by column chromatography (CH2CI2/hexane : 1/1) to provide 95 mg (95%) of E1c ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 8 7.25 (d, J= 0.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.13 (dd, J=8. 6,2. 4 Hz, 1 H),, 6. 32 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1 H), 3.73 (s, 3 H), 2. 28-2. 12 (m, 4 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.82-1. 77 (m, 4 H); MS (ES) m/z : 314 (M+H+).

E1d 1-(2-Methyl-4-triisopropylsilanylsulfanyl-phenoxy)-cyclopent anecarboxylic acid methyl ester To a suspension of NaH (17 mg, 0.43 mmol ; 60% in mineral oil) in toluene (1.5 mL) was added triisopropylsilanethiol (82 mg, 0.43 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 30 min, to the mixture a solution of E1 c (122 mg, 0.390 mmol) in THF (1 mL) and tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium (45 mg, 0.039 mmol) were added, and the mixture was degassed under N2. After heating at 90°C for 4 h, the solvents were evaporated and the residue was purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane : 1/8) to afford 135 mg (82%) of E1d ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7. 25 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.13 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.32 (d, J= 8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 3. 70 (s, 3 H), 2.25-2. 13 (m, 4 H), 2.16 (s, 3 H), 1. 82- 1.77 (m, 4 H), 1. 27-1.19 (m, 3 H), 1.07 (s, 9 H), 1.04 (s, 9 H); MS (ES) m/z: 423 (M+H+).

Scheme E2

E2a 5-Chloromethyl-3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole To a solution of D2c (483 mg, 1.75 mmol) in CH2CI2 (6 mL) at 0°C were added methanesulfonyl chloride (607 mg, 5.30 mmol) and triethylamine (886 mg, 8.77 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 23 h and partitioned between water and CH2CI2. The organic phase was washed with brine, dried, concentrated, and column chromatographed to provide 197 mg (38%) of E2a as a light yellow solid ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 5 8.32 (m, 2 H), 7.32 (dd, J=8. 9,0. 9 Hz, 2 H), 4.99 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z : 295 (M+H+).

E2b 1- {2-Methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}- cyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester To a mixture of E2a (53 mg, 0.18 mmol) and E1d (76 mg, 0.18 mmol) in THF (0.5 mL) at 0°C was added 1.0 M tetrabutylammonium fluoride (0. 18 mL, 0. 18 mmol) in THF dropwise. After stirring at the same temperature for 15 min, the mixture was concentrated and the residue was purified by column chromatography to afford 88 mg (94%) of E2b as a clear oil ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 88. 27 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2 H), 7.30-7. 26 (m, 3 H), 7.14 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.37 (d, J= 8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.39 (s, 2 H), 3.70 (s, 3 H), 2.27-2. 12 (m, 4 H), 2. 18 (s, 3 H), 1. 80-1. 76 (m, 4 H); MS (ES) m/z: 525 (M+H+).

1- {2-Methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}- cyclopentanecarboxylic acid Compound 14 (68%) ;'H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.27 (m, 2 H), 7.30- 7.27 (m, 3 H), 7. 17 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.50 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.40 (s, 2 H), 2.36-2. 27 (m, 2 H), 2.21-2. 15 (m, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.82-1. 78 (m, 4 H).

Anal. Calcd. For C23H21F3N2O4S2: C, 54.11 ; H, 4.15 ; N, 5.49. Found: C, 53.98 ; H, 4.15 ; N, 5.29.

Example 15 E2c 1- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}- cyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester E2c (pale yellow oil, 93%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 8 8. 35 (d, J= 2. 0 Hz, 1 H), 8.07 (dd, J=8. 4,2. 0 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.26 (s, 1 H), 7.13 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.37 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.38 (s, 2 H), 3. 70 (s, 3 H), 2.28-2. 12 (m, 4 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.81-1. 76 (m, 4 H) ; MS (ES) m/z: 509 (M+H+).

1-{4-[3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid

Compound 15 (light yellow oil, 35%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.34 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.06 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.28- 7.26 (m, 1 H), 7. 17 (dd, J=8. 4,2. 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.50 (d, J=8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 4. 39 (s, 2 H), 2.36-2. 27 (m, 2 H), 2.21-2. 15 (m, 2 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H), 1.82-1. 79 (m, 4 H); MS (ES) m/z : 495 (M+H+).

Example 16 2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyi]- phenoxy}-propionic acid Scheme F

F2 2-Oxo- [1, 3,4] oxathiazole-5-carboxylic acid ethyl ester

To a suspension of ethyl oxamate (8.80 g, 75.2 mmol) in toluene (75 mL) was added chlorocarbonylsulfenyl chloride (8.85 g, 67.5 mmol). The mixture was refluxed for 7 h and then stirred at room temperature overnight. The unreacted ethyl oxamate as white precipitate was filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated. The residue was dissolved in toluene, washed with saturated NaHCO3 and brine, dried over MgS04, and concentrated to give 8.02 g (61%) of F2 as a light brown oil ;'H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 4.47 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.43 (t, J= 7. 1 Hz, 3 H).

F3 5-(4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester A mixture of F2 (1.77 g, 10.1 mmol) and 4-trifluoromethylbenzonitrile (8. 63 g, 50.5 mmol) in 1, 2-dichlorobenzene (10 mL) was heated at 160°C for 4 days.

After cooling down to room temperature, the mixture was purified by column chromatography to provide 120 mg (3.9%) of F3 as light brown crystals ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8. 17 (d, J= 8. 1 Hz, 2 H), 7.80 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 4.56 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.50 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 303 (M+H+).

F4 [5- (4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-yl]-methanol Following the same procedure as in the preparation of A2d gave F4 (yellow solid, 93%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.09 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7. 78 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 5.01 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z : 261 (M+Hi).

F5 3 (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole Following the same procedure as in the preparation of D2d gave F5 (light yellow oil, 72%) ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.10 (d, J= 8. 2 Hz, 2 H), 7. 78 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 4.71 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 323 (M+H+).

F6 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [5- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid ethyl ester Following the same procedure as in the preparation of D2e gave F6 (clear oil, 88%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8. 05 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.76 (d, J= 8. 2 Hz, 2 H), 7.24 (d, J=1. 9Hz, 1 H), 7.11 (dd, J=8. 5,2. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.55 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.34 (s, 2 H), 4.22 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.22 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 497 (M+H+).

2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid Compound 16 (56%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCts) 8 8.05 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.76 (d, J= 8*2 Hz, 2 H), 7.28 (d, J=2.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.18 (dd, J= 8. 5,2. 3 Hz, 1 H), 6.73 (d, J=8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.37 (s, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.60 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 469 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C21H19F3N2O3S2 : C, 53.84 ; H, 4.09 ; N, 5.98.

Found: C, 54.26 ; H, 4.12 ; N, 5. 68.

Example 17

F7 5- (4-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester F7 (white solid, 34%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8. 10 (m, 2 H), 7.37 (d, J= 8.0 Hz, 2 H), 4.55 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.49 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 319 (M+H+).

F8 [5-(4-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-yl]-methanol

F8 (white solid, 94%) ; H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.01 (m, 2 H), 7.35 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 4.99 (s, 2 H), 2.70 (brs, 1 H).

F9 3-Bromomethyl-5-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole F9 (clear oil, 87%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.02 (m, 2 H), 7.35 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 4.69 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 341 (M+H+).

F10 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [5- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid ethyl ester F10 (clear oil, 92%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.97 (m, 2 H), 7.33 (d, J = 8. 1 Hz, 2 H), 7.24 (d, J=2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.11 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.55 (d, J = 8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.32 (s, 2 H), 4.22 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H), 1. 57 (s, 6 H), 1.23 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 513 (M+H').

2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4[5-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]- phenoxy}-propionic acid Compound 17 (clear gummy material, 80%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.97 (m, 2 H), 7.33 (d, J=8. 1 Hz, 2 H), 7.27 (s, 1 H), 7.17 (dd, J=8. 5,2. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.73 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4. 35 (s, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.60 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 485 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C21H19F3N2O4S2 : C, 52.06 ; H, 3.95 ; N, 5.78.

Found: C, 52. 16 ; H, 3.70 ; N, 5.63.

Example 18 F11 5- (4-Chloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester F11 (beige solid, 13%) ;'H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) $ 7.99 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.51 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 2 H), 4.55 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 1.49 (t, J=7. 1 Hz, 3 H) ; MS (ES) m/z: 269 (M+H+).

F12 [5- (4-Chloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-yl]-methanol F12 (97%); 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.91 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.49 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 4.98 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z : 227 (M+H+).

F13 3-Bromomethyl-5- (4-chloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole F13 (white solid, 84%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6 7.92 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.49 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 4.68 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 289 (M+H+).

F14 2- {4- [5- (4-Chioro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl- propionic acid ethyl ester F14 (clear oil, 83%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.87 (m, 2 H), 7.47 (m, 2 H), 7.24 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.11 (dd, J = 8.5, 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.55 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.32 (s, 2 H), 4.22 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.17 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.23 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 463 (M+H+).

2-{4-[5-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 18 (clear gummy material, 55%) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 7.87 (m, 2 H), 7.47 (m, 2 H), 7.27 (m, 1 H), 7.18 (dd, J = 8.4, 2.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.73 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.34 (s, 2 H), 2.19 (s, 3 H), 1.60 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 435 (M+H+).

Example 19

F15 5-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazole-3-carboxylic acid ethyl ester F15 (off-white solid, 31%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.19 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.85 (dd, J= 8.3, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.61 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.55 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 1.49 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 305 (M+H+).

F16 [5-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4] thiadiazol-3-yl]-methanol F16 (white solid, 84%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) # 8. 09 (d, J= 2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.78 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.59 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.99 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 261 (M+H+).

F17 3-Bromomethyl-5-(3,4-dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2, 4]thiadiazole F17 (white solid, 83%) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDOs) 5 8.03 (d, J= 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.71 (dd, J = 8.3, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.52 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 4.61 (s, 2 H); MS (ES) m/z: 349 (M+Na+).

F18 2-{4-[5-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl- propionic acid ethyl ester F18 (clear oil, 79%); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8. 06 (d, J=2. 0 Hz, 1 H), 7.74 (dd, J= 8. 3, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.57 (d, J=8. 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.24 (d, J= 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.10 (dd, J= 8.5, 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.55 (d, J= 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.32 (s, 2 H), 4.22 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.18 (s, 3 H), 1.58 (s, 6 H), 1.23 (t, J=7. 1 Hz, 3 H) ; MS (ES) m/z : 497 (M+H+).

2-{4-[5-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-2-methyl- phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 19 (white gummy material, 86%) ;'H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) 8 8.06 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.73 (dd, J= 8.3, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.57 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.26 (m, 1 H), 7.16 (m, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.34 (s, 2 H),. 2.20 (s, 3 H), 1.60 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 469 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For 2N203S2 : C, 51.17 ; H, 3.87 ; N, 5. 97. Found: C, 51.06 ; H, 3.68 ; N, 5.63.

Example 20

2- (4-Acetyl-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester As shown in Scheme 7 hereinabove, mixture of compound 7-A (7.93 g, 40.65 mmol), 7-B (6. 10 g, 40.65 mmol) and cesium carbonate (13.2 g, 40.65 mmol) was refluxed in dioxane (100 mL) for 18 h. After cooling, the mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layers were dried and concentrated. Purification by column chromatography (EtOAc/Hexane) gave compound 7-C (6. 169 g, 57%) as a colorless oil : 1HNMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 6 7. 78 (d, J = 1.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.67-7. 70 (dd, J = 2.1, 8. 6 Hz, 1 H), 6.60-6. 63 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 1H), 4.19-4. 26 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 1.66 (s, 6H), 1.24 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3H); MS (ES) m/z: 265 (M+H+).

Example 21 2- (4-Acetoxy-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester Compound 7-C (2.14 g, 8.10 mmol) was dissolved in CHaOs (25 mL). mCPBA (77 wt%, 3.18 g, 14.17 mmol) and TsOH monohydrate (154 mg, 0.81 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred at refluxing for 4 h and cooled. Solid Na2S203 was added, followed by saturated aqueous Na2S203, NaHCOs and brine. The organic phase was dried and evaporated. Purification by column chromatography eluting with EtOAc/Hexane gave compound 7-D (1. 858g, 82%) as a light yellow oil : HNMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 6 6. 88 (d, J= 2.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.74-

6.78 (dd, J = 2.8, 8. 8 Hz, 1 H), 6.66 (d, J = 8.8 Hz, 1 H), 4.20-4. 27 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.58 (s, 6H), 1.23-1. 27 (t, J= 7. 1 Hz, 3H); MS (ES) m/z : 298 (M+H+).

Example 22 2- (4-Hydroxy-2-methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester Compound 7-D (1.858 g, 6.63 mmol) was mixed with THF (10 mL). NaOEt in EtOH (2.68 M, 6.63 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at r. t. for 2 h and concentrated. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc and H20. The organic phase was dried and concentrated. Purification by column chromatography eluting with EtOAc/Hexane provided compound 7-E (1.28g, 81%) as a light yellow oil :'HNMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6 6. 62-6. 65 (m, 2H), 6.48- 6.52 (dd, J = 3. 0,8. 7 Hz, 1 H), 4.51 (s, 1 H), 4.22-4. 29 (q, J = 7. 1 Hz, 2H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 1.53 (s, 6H), 1.26-1. 30 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3H); MS (ES) m/z: 261 (M+Na) Example 23 2- (4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propion ic acid ethyl ester Compound 7-E (124 mg, 0.521 mmol) and compound D39 (157 mg, 0.521 mmol) were mixed with MeCN. After adding cesium carbonate (340 mg, 1.04 mmol), the mixture was stirred at r. t. for 2 h and then partitioned between EtOAc and water. The organic phase was dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography eluting with EtOAc/Hexane to give compound 7F1 (198 mg, 83%) as a white solid :'HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) 6 8.29 (d, J= 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.06-8. 08 (dd, J = 1.6, 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.34 (d, J = 7. 9 Hz, 1 H), 6.85 (s, 1 H), 6.71 (s, 2H), 5.44 (s, 2H), 4.23-4. 28 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.55 (s, 6H), 1.26-1. 30 (t, J =. 7. 1 Hz, 3H); MS (ES) m/z: 461 (M+H+).

Example 24

2- {4- [3- (3-Chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-meth yl-propionic acid To a solution of compound 7F1 (183 mg, 0. 398 mmol) in THF (2.0 mL) and MeOH (1.0 mL) was added 2N NaOH. The resulting red solution was stirred at r. t. for 5.5 h and then acidified with 1 N HCl. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc and the organic extracts were dried and concentrated. Purification with column chromatography eluting with CH2CI2/MeOH provided compound 7G1 (compound 20, 71 mg, 41%) as a light yellow solid :'HNMR (400 MHz, CD30D) 5 6.72 (s, 1 H), 6.57 (d, J=7. 9 Hz, 1 H), 5.89 (d, J = 7. 7 Hz, 1 H), 5.40 (s, 1 H), 5. 26- 5.33 (m, 2H) ; 4.0 (d, J= 1.5 Hz, 2H), 1. 77 (s, 6H), 0.90 (s, 3H), 0.70 (s, 3H); MS (ES) m/z : 433 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. for C21H21CIN204S : C, 58. 26; H, 4. 89 ; N, 6.47 ; Found: C, 57. 85 ; H, 4.86 ; N, 6.46.

Example 25 2-{4-[3-Fluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-m ethyl-propionic acid ethyl ester Compound 7F2 was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7F1 (78%) as a colorless oil.'HNMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 5 8.12- 8.20 (m, 2H), 7.69-7. 75 (t, J = 6. 6 Hz, 1H), 6.86 (s, 1 H), 6.71 (s, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.22-4. 29 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 1.56 (s, 6H), 1.25-1. 30 (t, J=7. 1 Hz, 3H); MS (ES) m/z : 499 (M+H+).

Example 26

2- {4- [3- (3-Fluoro-4-trif luoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methy I-propionic acid Compound 7G2 (compound 21) was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7G1 (78%) as a colorless oil : 1HNMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 8.18-8. 26 (m, 2H), 7. 99-8. 03 (t, J=7. 9 Hz, 1 H), 7.00 (d, J= 3.0 Hz, 1 H), 6.87-6. 90 (m, 1 H), 6.74 (d, J = 8. 9 Hz, 1 H), 5.66 (s, 2H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 6H); MS (ES) m/z: 471 (M+H+), 469 (M-H+) ; HRMS for C21H18F4N2O4S : Found 470.0914 (calcd. 470.0923).

Example 27 2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dimethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-m ethyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester Compound 7F3 was prepared according to the procedure used for compound 7F1 (77%) as a white solid : 1 HNMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 5 8.07 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (s, 1 H), 6.85 (s, 1 H), 6.70 (d, J = 1. 3 Hz, 2H), 5.45 (s, 2H), 4.22-4. 29 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2H), 2.34 (d, J= 7.1 Hz, 6H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.53 (s, 6H), 1.25-1. 30 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3H); MS (ES) m/z : 441 (M+H+).

Example 28

2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dimethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy] -2-methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 7G3 (compound 22) was prepared according to the procedure used for compound 7G1 (24%) as a white solid :'HNMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) # 8.07 (s, 1 H), 8.02 (d, J = 7. 7 Hz, 1 H), 7.23 (s, 1 H), 6.85-6. 91 (m, 2H), 6.75-6. 79 (dd, J= 3.2, 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 2.34 (d, J= 7.0 Hz, 6H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.57 (s, 6H); MS (ES) m/z : 411 (M-H+), 413 (M+H+) ; HRMS (M+H+) for C22H24N204S : 413. 1533 (calcd. 413.1535).

Example 29

2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl methoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid ethyl ester Compound 7F4 was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7F1 (72%) as a white solid ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.39 (d, J = 8. 1 Hz, 2 H), 7.73 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 2 H), 6.88 (s, 1 H), 6.70 (s, 2 H), 5.45 (s, 2 H), 4.25 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.24 (s, 3 H), 1.56 (s, 6 H), 1.28 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 481 (M+H+).

Example 30

7G4 2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-ylmethoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid Compound 7G4 (compound 23) was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7G1 (99%) as a white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOH-d4) 8 8.48 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.81 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 6.95 (s, 1 H), 6.83 (s, 2 H), 5.56 (s, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H), 1. 54 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 453 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C21H1sF3N204S : C, 55.75 ; H, 4.23 ; N, 6.19. Found: C, 55.57 ; H, 4.00 ; N, 6.03.

Example 31

7F5 2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yimeth oxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid ethyl ester Compound 7F5 was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7F1 (92%, white crystalline solid) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 6 8.33 (d, J = 8.9 Hz, 2 H), 7.32 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 6. 85 (s, 1 H), 6.71 (s, 2 H), 5.45 (s, 2 H), 4.25 (q, J=7. 1 Hz, 2 H), 2.24 (s, 3 H), 1.56 (s, 6 H), 1.28 (t, J=7. 1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 497 (M+H+).

Example 32

7G5 2-Methyl-2- {2-methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-ylmethoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid Compound 7G5 (compound 24) was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7G1 (78%, white crystalline solid) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CD30D) 8 8.39 (d, J= 8.8 Hz, 2 H), 7.41 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 2 H), 6.94 (d, J = 2.5 Hz, 1 H), 6. 83 (m, 2 H), 5.54 (s, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H), 1.53 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 469 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C21H19F3N2O5S : C, 53.84 ; H, 4.09 ; N, 5. 98. Found : C, 53.69 ; H, 3.91 ; N, 5.82.

Example 33 7F6 2-{4-[3-(3-Chloro-4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-m ethyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester Compound 7F6 was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7F1 (90%, white crystalline solid) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.41 (d, J = 2. 0 Hz, 1 H), 8.19 (dd, J= 8.6, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.40 (d, J= 8.6, 1 H), 6.81 (s, 1 H), 6.70 (s, 2 H), 5.41 (s, 2 H), 4.25 (q, J = 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.26 (s, 3 H), 1.55 (s, 6 H), 1.28 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 531 (M+H+).

Example 34

7G6 2-Methyl-2-{2-methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-[1,2,4 ]thiadiazol- 5-ylmethoxy]-phenoxy}-propionic acid Compound 7G6 (compound 25) was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7G1 (88%, white crystalline solid); 1H NMR (300 MHz, CD30D) 5 8.47 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.32 (dd, J= 8.6, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.58 (dd, J = 8.6, 1.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.94 (s, 1 H), 6.83-6. 82 (m, 2 H), 5.55 (s, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H), 1.53 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 503 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C21H18ClF3N2O5S: C, 50.16 ; H, 3.61 ; N, 5.57. Found : C, 50. 16 ; H, 3.33 ; N, 5.43.

Example 35 7F7 2-{4-[3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2-methyl-pheno xy}-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester Compound 7F7 was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7F1 (76%, white crystalline solid) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) â 8.40 (d, J=2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.11 (dd, J=8. 4,2. 1 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.85 (s, 1 H), 6.71 (m, 2 H), 5.42 (s, 2 H), 4.22 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H), 1.55 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 481 (M+H+).

Example 36

7G7 2- {4- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethoxy]-2- methyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound 7G7 (compound 27) was prepared following the same procedure as described for compound 7G1 (35%, white crystalline solid) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CD30D) 8 8.40 (s, 1 H), 8.19 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.66 (d, J= 8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.92 (d, J=2. 6 Hz, 1 H), 6.87 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.79 (d, J= 8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 5.53 (s, 2 H), 2. 23 (s, 3 H), 1.52 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 453 (M+H+).

Example 37 2- (4- {2- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethylsulfanyl}-2- methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid NCCH2CO2Et EtO N \ I NaBH EtOH/THF D21 ° SA, 14% S-N G 160°C S-N Cl D21 Cl 8A, 14% D21 8A, 14% I CI CBr¢, PPh3 Br\ N SB 8B Ci CH2CI2 SN Ci 0) 0 i 8C, 50% for 2 steps O EtO I Et0 w N /CI SH r I \ Cs2CO3, CH3CN/DMF 1 : s s I 92% 8D, 92% 0 6N HCI/Dioxane HO) 9 N ; <CI gSs N CI 8E, 40%

8A [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-yl]-acetic acid ethyl ester I A reaction mixture of D21 (1 g, 4.03 mmol) and ethyl cyanoacetate (1.8 g, 16.1 mmol) in 1, 2-dichlorobenzene (18 mL) was heated at 160°C for 20 h. After cooling down to room temperature, the reaction mixture was purified by column chromatography to give 180 mg (14%) of 8A as a white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.39 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 8.11 (dd, J = 8.4 Hz, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 4. 33 (q, J= 7.1 Hz, 2 H), 4.25 (s, 2H), 1.36 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 317 (M+H+).

8B 2- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-yl]-ethanol To a solution of 8A (180 mg, 0.57 mmol) in EtOH-THF (8 mL-2mL) at room temperature was added NaBH4 (136 mg, 3.6 mmol). After stirring for 20 h, a few drops of water were added to quench excess of hydride. The solvent was evaporated, and the residue was partitioned between CH2CI2 and water. The organic phase was dried and concentrated. The crude mixture was purified by column chromatography to provide 100 mg (64%) of 8B as a white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.39 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.11 (dd, J= 8.4 Hz, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 4. 11 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2 H), 3.41 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 2 H).

5- (2-Bromo-ethyl)-3- (3, 4-dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole To a solution of 8B (100 mg, 0.36 mmol) in CH2CI2 (4 mL) at 0°C was added CBr4 (157, mg, 0.47 mmol) and PPh4 (124 mg, 0.47 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 20 h, the solvent was evaporated, and the residue was purified by column chromatography to provide 106 mg (86%) of 8C as a white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 5 8. 39 (d, J= 2. 0 Hz, 1 H), 8.11 (dd, J=8. 4 Hz, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 3.83-3. 78 (m, 2 H), 3.73-3. 69 (m, 2 H).

8D 2-(4-{2-[3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethylsulfanyl}-2-methyl-phen oxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 8C (106 mg, 0.314 mmol) and (4-mercapto-2-methyl- phenoxy) acetic acid ethyl ester A1c (84 mg, 0.330 mmol) in CH3CN (4 mL) was added Cs2CO3 (154 mg, 0.472 mmol), the mixture was stirred 1 h under N2, concentrated, and purified by column chromatography (EtOAc/hexane) to give 140 mg (87%) of 8D as a white solid; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.37 (d, J= 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.10 (dd, J= 8.4 Hz, 2.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.53 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.26 (s, 1 H), 7.15 (dd, J = 8.5 Hz, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.60 (d, J=8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.23 (q, J = 7.1, 2 H), 3.37 (t, J= 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.26 (t, J= 6.3 Hz, 2 H), 2.21 (s, 3 H), 1.60 (s, 6 H), 1.24 (t, J = 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 511 (M+H+).

2- (4- {2- [3- (3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-ethylsulfanyl}-2- methyl-phenoxy)-2-methyl-propionic acid A mixture of 8D (37 mg, 0.072 mmol) and 6 N HCI (2 mL) in 1,4-dioxane (1 mL) was heated at 100°C for 24 h. After cooling down, the reaction mixture was extracted with ether (5mL x 3). The combined organic layers were dried, concentrated and purified by column chromatography to give 20 mg (40%) of the target compound 8E (compound 27) as a white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CD30D) 8 8. 29 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 8.07 (dd, J = 8.4 Hz, 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.58 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7. 23 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.15 (dd, J= 8.3 Hz, 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 6.70 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.38 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2 H), 3.31 (m, 2 H), 2.15 (s, 3 H), 1.56 (s,

6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 483 (M+H+). HRMS/z calcd for C21H20Cl2N2O3S2 : 482.0292 ; found: 482.0302.

Example 38 HO fSN CH2CI2/<CF3 CH2CI2 9B 9C, 44%, 2 steps 0 O EtO I Et0 W N'J/CF3 su R I Cs2CO3, CH3CN/DMF S S-N 9D, 100% o 6N HCI/Dioxane-3 /N -6s sN 9E, 40%

9A [3- (4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol- 5-yl]-acetic acid ethyl ester Replacing D21 with A2b and following the same procedure as in the preparation of 8A gave 9A (12%, white crystalline solid) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) # 8.41 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.73 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 4.34 (q, J= 7.2 Hz, 2 H), 4.27 (s, 2H), 1.37 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 317 (M+H+).

9B 5- (2-Bromo-ethyl)-3- (4-trifluoromethyl- phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazole To a solution of 8A (220 mg, 0.696 mmol) in EtOH-THF (3 mL-2mL) at room temperature was added NaBH4 (136 mg, 3.6 mmol). After stirring for 20 h, a few drops of water were added to quench excess of hydride. The solvent was evaporated, and the residue was partitioned between CH2CI2 and water. The organic phase was dried and concentrated to provide 190 mg crude alcohol.

To a solution of the above crude intermediate in CH2CI2 (4 mL) at 0°C was added CBr4 (299 mg, 0.901 mmol) and PPh4 (236 mg, 0.901 mmol). After stirring at room temperature for 20 h, the solvent was evaporated, and the residue was purified by column chromatography to provide 100 mg (44%, 2 steps) 9C as a white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 8.42 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.74 (d, J= 8. 2 Hz, 2 H), 3.84-3. 80 (m, 2 H), 3. 76-3. 71 (m, 2 H).

9D 2-Methyl-2- (2-methyl-4- {2- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]- ethylsulfanyl}-phenoxy)-propionic acid ethyl ester Replacing 8D with 9C and following the same procedure as in the preparation of 8E gave 9D (100%, white solid) ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.39 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.73 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.28 (s, 1 H), 7.16 (dd, J= 8.5 Hz, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.59 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1 H), 4.23 (q, J= 7.1, 2 H), 3.40 (t, J= 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 3.28 (t, J= 6.4 Hz, 2 H), 2.20 (s, 3 H), 1.59 (s, 6 H), 1.22 (t, J= 7.1 Hz, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 511 (M+H+).

2-Methyl-2- (2-methyl-4- {2- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)- [1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-yl]-ehty Isuffanyl}-phenoxy)-propionic acid Replacing 8D with 9D and following the same procedure as in the preparation of 8E gave 9E (compound 28,40%, white solid) ;'H NMR (300 MHz, CD3OD) b 8.42 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.78 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.23 (d, J= 1. 8 Hz, 1 H), 7.17 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.76 (d, J= 8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 3.43 (t, J = 6.1 Hz, 2 H), 3.30 (m, 2 H), 2.16 (s, 3 H), 1.54 (s, 6 H); MS (ES) m/z: 481 (M-H+). HRMS/z calcd for C2iH2OCI2N203S2 : 482.0946 ; found: 482.0952.

D. Formulation and Administration The present compounds are PPAR delta agonists and are therefore, useful in treating or inhibiting the progression of PPAR delta mediated conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, Metabolic X Syndrome, hypercholesteroiemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, obesity, and complications thereof. For instance, complications of diabetes include such conditions as neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy.

The invention features a method for treating a subject with a PPAR delta mediated disease, said method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutical effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention. The invention also provides a method for treating or inhibiting the progression of diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance in a subject, whereinithe method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutical effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention.

The compounds of the present invention may be formulated into various pharmaceutical forms for administration purposes. To prepare these pharmaceutical compositions, an effective amount of a particular compound, in base or acid addition salt form, as the active ingredient is intimately mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

A carrier may take a wide variety of forms depending on the form of preparation desired for administration. These pharmaceutical compositions are desirably in unitary dosage form suitable, preferably, for oral administration or parenteral injection. For example, in preparing the compositions in oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may be employed. These include

water, glycols, oils, alcohols and the like in the case of oral liquid preparations such as suspensions, syrups, elixirs and solutions ; or solid carriers such as starches, sugars, kaolin, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like in the case of powders, pills, capsules and tablets. In view of their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the most advantageous oral dosage unit form, in which case solid pharmaceutical carriers are generally employed. For parenteral compositions, the carrier will usually comprise sterile water, at least in large part, though other ingredients, for example, to aid solubility, may be included. Injectable solutions, for example, may be prepared in which the carrier comprises saline solution, glucose solution or a mixture of saline and glucose solution. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared in which case appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may be employed. In the compositions suitable for percutaneous administration, the carrier optionally comprises a penetration enhancing agent and/or a suitable wetting agent, optionally combined with suitable additives of any nature in minor proportions, which additives do not cause a significant deleterious effect to the skin. Such additives may facilitate the administration to the skin and/or may be helpful for preparing the desired compositions. These compositions may be administered in various ways, e. g. , as a transdermal patch, as a spot-on, as an ointment. Acid addition salts of the compounds of formula 1, due to their increased water solubility over the corresponding base form, are more suitable in the preparation of aqueous compositions.

It is especially advantageous to formulate the aforementioned pharmaceutical compositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used in the specification herein refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active ingredient calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.

Examples of such dosage unit forms are tablets (including scored or coated

tablets), capsules, pills, powder packets, wafers injectable solutions or suspensions, teaspoonfuls, tablespoonfuls and the like, and segregated multiples thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include the therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salts of disclosed compounds. The latter can conveniently be obtained by treating the base form with an appropriate acid.

Appropriate acids comprise, for example, inorganic acids such as hydrohalic acids, e. g. hydrochloric or hydrobromic acid; sulfuric ; nitric; phosphoric and the like acids; or organic acids such as, for example, acetic, propanoic, hydroxyacetic, lactic, pyruvic, oxalic, malonic, succinic, maleic, fumaric, malic, tartaric, citric, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, p- toluenesulfonic, cyclamic, salicylic, p-aminosalicylic, palmoic and the like acids.

The term addition salt also comprises the solvates which the disclosed compounds, as well as the salts thereof, are able to form. Such solvates are for example hydrates, alcoholates and the like. Conversely the salt form can be converted by treatment with alkali into the free base form.

Stereoisomeric forms define all the possible isomeric forms which the compounds of Formula (1) may possess. Unless otherwise mentioned or indicated, the chemical designation of compounds denotes the mixture of all possible stereochemically isomeric forms, said mixtures containing all diastereomers and enantiomers of the basic molecular structure. More in particular, stereogenic centers may have the (R)-or (S)-configuration ; substituents on bivalent cyclic saturated radicals may have either the cis-or trans-configuration. The invention encompasses stereochemically isomeric forms including diastereoisomers, as well as mixtures thereof in any proportion of the disclosed compounds. The disclosed compounds may also exist in their tautomeric forms. Such forms although not explicitly indicated in the above and

following formulae are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Those of skill in the treatment of disorders or conditions mediated by the PPAR delta could easily determine the effective daily amount from the test results presented hereinafter and other information. In general it is contemplated that a therapeutical effective dose would be from 0.001 mg/kg to 5 mg/kg body weight, more preferably from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.5 mg/kg body weight. It may be appropriate to administer the therapeutical effective dose as two, three, four or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day. Said sub-doses may be formulated as unit dosage forms, for example, containing 0.05 mg to 250 mg or 750 mg, and in particular 0.5 to 50 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form. Examples include 2 mg, 4 mg, 7 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 25 mg, and 35 mg dosage forms. Compounds of the invention may also be prepared in time- release or subcutaneous or transdermal patch formulations. Disclosed compound may also be formulated as a spray or other topical or inhalable formulations.

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

The next section includes detailed information relating to the use of the disclosed compounds and compositions.

E. Use The compounds of the present invention are pharmaceutical active, for example, as PPAR delta agonists and preferably as PPAR alpha/delta dual agonists. According to one aspect of the invention, the compounds are preferably selective PPAR delta agonists, having an activity index (e. g. , PPAR delta potency over PPAR alpha/gamma potency) of 10 or more, and preferably 15,25, 30,50 or 100 or more. According to another aspect, the compounds are dual PPAR alpha and PPAR delta agonists.

According to the invention, the disclosed compounds and compositions are useful for the amelioration of symptoms associated with, the treatment of, and the prevention of, the following conditions and diseases: phase I hyperlipidemia, pre-clinical hyperlipidemia, phase 11 hyperlipidemia, hypertension, CAD (coronary artery disease), atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesteremia, and hypertriglyceridemia, type 11 diabetes, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, and low HDL-C. Preferred compounds of the invention are useful in lowering serum levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), and/or small-density LDL and other atherogenic molecules, or molecules that cause atherosclerotic complications, thereby reducing cardiovascular complications. Preferred compounds also are useful in elevating serum levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), in lowering serum levels of triglycerides, LDL, and/or free fatty acids. It is also desirable to lower fasting plasma glucose (FPG)/HbA1 c.

PPAR alpha-mediated diseases include Syndrome X (or Metabolic Syndrome), dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, obesity, insulin resistance,

impaired fasting glucose, type 11 diabetes, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-C.

According to one aspect of the invention, the disclosed compounds may be used in a method for treating or inhibiting the progression of a PPAR-delta mediated condition and, optionally, an additional PPAR-alpha mediated condition, said method comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment a pharmaceutical effective amount of a composition of the invention.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of use wherein the PPAR-delta mediated condition is selected from hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesteremia, type 11 diabetes, insulin resistance, and impaired glucose tolerance, and other conditions disclosed herein; and a PPAR-alpha mediated condition is selected from Syndrome X (or Metabolic Syndrome), dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, obesity, and impaired fasting glucose, insulin resistance, type 11 diabetes and other conditions disclosed herein.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for treating at least one PPAR-delta mediated condition and at least one PPAR-alpha mediated condition in a patient, said method comprising administering to a patient in need of treatment a pharmaceutical effective amount of a composition of the invention.

The invention also features pharmaceutical compositions which include, without limitation, one or more of the disclosed compounds, and pharmaceutical acceptable carrier or excipient.

1. Dosages

Those skilled in the art will be able to determine, according to known methods, the appropriate dosage for a patient, taking into account factors such as age, weight, general health, the type of symptoms requiring treatment, and the presence of other medications, In general, an effective amount will be between 0.1 and 1000 mg/kg per day, preferably between 1 and 300 mg/kg body weight, and daily dosages will be between 10 and 5000 mg for an adult subject of normal weight. Capsules, tablets or other formulations (such as liquids and film-coated tablets) may be of between 5 and 200 mg, such as 10, 15,25, 35,50 mg, 60 mg, and 100 mg and can be administered according to the disclosed methods.

2. Formulations Dosage unit forms include tablets, capsules, pills, powders, granules, aqueous and nonaqueous oral solutions and suspensions, and parenteral solutions packaged in containers adapted for subdivision into individual doses.

Dosage unit forms can also be adapted for various methods of administration, including controlled release formulations, such as subcutaneous implants.

Administration methods include oral, rectal, parenteral (intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous), intracisternal, intravaginal, intraperitoneal, intravesical, local (drops, powders, ointments, gels or cream), and by inhalation (a buccal or nasal spray).

Parenteral formulations include pharmaceutically acceptable aqueous or nonaqueous solutions, dispersion, suspensions, emulsions, and sterile powders for the preparation thereof. Examples of carriers include water, ethanol, polyols (propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol), vegetable oils, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Fluidity can be maintained by the use of a coating such as lecithin, a surfactant, or maintaining appropriate particle size. Carriers for solid dosage forms include (a) fillers or extenders, (b) binders, (c) humectants, (d) disintegrating agents, (e) solution retarders, (f) absorption accelerators, (g) adsorbants, (h) lubricants, (i) buffering agents, and (j) propellants.

Compositions may also contain adjuvants such as preserving, wetting, emulsifying, and dispensing agents; antimicrobial agents such as parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, and sorbic acid; isotonic agents such as a sugar or sodium chloride ; absorption-prolonging agents such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin ; and absorption-enhancing agents.

3. Combination Therapy The compounds of the present invention may be used in combination with other pharmaceutical active agents. These agents include lipid lowering agents, and blood pressure lowering agents such as statin drugs and the fibrates.

Methods are known in the art for determining effective doses for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes for the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions or the disclosed drug combinations, whether or not formulated in the same composition. For therapeutic purposes, the term"jointly effective amount"as used herein, means that amount of each active compound or pharmaceutical agent, alone or in combination, that elicits the biological or medicinal response in a tissue system, animal or human that is being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, which includes alleviation of the symptoms of the disease or disorder being treated. For prophylactic purposes (i. e. , inhibiting the onset or progression of a disorder), the term""jointly effective amount"refers to that amount of each active compound or pharmaceutical agent, alone or in combination, that treats or inhibits in a subject the onset or progression of a disorder as being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician. Thus, the present invention provides combinations of two or more drugs wherein, for example, (a) each drug is administered in an independently therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount; (b) at least one drug in the combination is administered in an amount that is sub-therapeutic or sub-prophylactic if administered alone, but is therapeutic or prophylactic when administered in combination with the second or

additional drugs according to the invention; or (c) both (or more) drugs are administered in an amount that is sub-therapeutic or sub-prophylactic if administered alone, but are therapeutic or prophylactic when administered together.

Anti-diabetic agents include thiazolidinedione and non-thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizers, which decrease peripheral insulin resistance by enhancing the effects of insulin at target organs and tissues.

Some of the following agents are known to bind and activate the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR) which increases transcription of specific insulin-responsive genes. Examples of PPAR- gamma agonists are thiazolidinediones such as: (1) rosiglitazone (2, 4-thiazolidinedione, 5- ( (4- (2- (methyl-2- pyridinylamino) ethoxy) phenyl) methyl)-, (Z) -2-butenedioate (1: 1) or 5- ( (4- (2- (methyl-2-pyridinylarriino) ethoxy) phenyl) methyl)-2, 4- thiazolidinedione, known as AVANDIA ; also known as BRL 49653, BRL 49653C, BRL 49653c, SB 210232, or rosiglitazone maleat) ; (2) pioglitazone (2, 4-thiazolidinedione, 5- ( (4- (2- (5-ethyl-2- pyridinyl) ethoxy) phenyl) methyl)-, monohydrochloride, (+-)-or 5- ( (4- (2- (5-ethyl-2-pyridyl) ethoxy) phenyl) methy) -2, 4- thiazolidinedione, known as ACTOS, ZACTOS, or GLUSTIN ; also known as AD 4833, U 72107, U 72107A, U 72107E, pioglitazone hydrochloride (USAN) ); (3) troglitazone (5- ( (4- ( (3, 4-dihydro-6-hydroxy-2, 5,7, 8-tetramethyl -2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl) methoxy) phenyl) methyl)-2, 4- thiazolidinedione, known as NOSCAL, REZULIN, ROMOZIN, or PRELAY; also known as Cl 991, CS 045, GR 92132, GR 92132X); (4) isaglitazone ( (+)-5- [ [6- [ (2-fluorophenyl) methoxy] -2- naphthalenyl] methyl]-2, 4-thiazolidinedione or 5- ( (6- ( (2- fluorophenyl) methoxy)-2-naphthalenyl) methyl-2, 4-, thiazolidinedione or 5- (6- (2-fluorobenzyloxy) naphthalen-2-

methyl) thiazolidine-2, 4-dione, also known as MCC-555 or neoglitazone) ; and (5) 5-BTZD.

Additionally, the non-thiazolidinediones that act as insulin sensitizing agents include, but are not limited to: (1) JT-501 (JTT501, PNU-1827, PNU-716-MET-0096, orPNU 182716: isoxazolidine-3, 5-dione, 4- ( (4- (2-phenyl-5-methyl)-1, 3- oxazolyl) ethylphenyl-4) methyl-) ; (2) KRP-297 (5- (2, 4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)-2-methoxy-N- (4- (trifluoromethyl) benzyl) benzamide or 5- ( (2, 4-dioxo-5- thiazolidinyl) methyl)-2-methoxy-N- ( (4- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) m ethyl) benzamide); and (3) Farglitazar (L-tyrosine, N- (2-benzoylphenyl)-o- (2- (5-methyl-2 - phenyl-4-oxazolyi) ethyl)-or N- (2-benzoylphenyl)-0- (2- (5- methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl) ethyl)-L-tyrosine, or GW2570 or GI-262570).

Other agents have also been shown to have PPAR modulator activity such as PPAR gamma, SPPAR gamma, and/or PPAR delta/gamma agonist activity. Examples are listed below : (1) AD 5075; (2) R 119702 5- (4- (5-Methoxy-1 H-benzimidazol-2- methoxy) benzyl) thiazolin-2, 4-dione hydrochloride, or Cl 1037 or CS 011) ; (3) CLX-0940 (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha agonist/ peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist); (4) LR-90 (2,5, 5-tris (4-chlorophenyl)-1, 3-dioxane-2-carboxylic acid, PPARdelta/agonist) ; (5) Tularik (PPARy agonist);

(6) CLX-0921 (PPARy agonist) ; (7) CGP-52608 (PPAR agonist); (8) GW-409890 (PPAR agonist); (9) GW-7845 (PPAR agonist); (10) L-764406 (PPAR agonist); (11) LG-101280 (PPAR agonist); (12) LM-4156 (PPAR agonist); (13) Risarestat (CT-112) ; (14) YM 440 (PPAR agonist); (15) AR-H049020 (PPAR agonist); (16) GW 0072 (4- (4- ( (2S, 5S) -5- (2- (bis (phenylmethyl) amino) -2- oxoethyl)-2-heptyl-4-oxo-3-thiazo lidinyl) butyl) benzoic acid); (17) GW 409544 (GW-544 or GW-409544); (18) NN 2344 (DRF 2593) ; (19) NN 622 (DRF 2725) ; (20) AR-H039242 (AZ-242); (21) GW 9820 (fibrate) ; (22) GW 1929 (N- (2-benzoylphenyl)-0- (2- (methyl-2- pyridinylamino) ethyl)-L-tyrosine, known as GW 2331, PPAR alpha/ agonist); (23) SB 219994 ( (S)-4- (2- (2-benzoxazolylmethylamino) ethoxy) - alpha- (2,2, 2-trifluoroethoxy) benzen epropanoic acid or 3- (4-- (2- (N- (2-benzoxazolyl)-N-methylamino) ethoxy) phenyl)-2 (S) - (2, 2, 2-trifluoroethoxy) propionic acid or benzenepropanoic acid, 4- (2- (2-benzoxazolylmethylamino) ethoxy)-alpha- (2,2, 2-trifluoroethoxy) -, (alphaS)-, PPARalpha/agonist) ; (24) L-796449 (PPAR alpha γ agonist) ; (25) Fenofibrate (Propanoic acid, 2- [4- (4-chlorobenzoyl) phenoxy] -2- methyl-, 1-methylethyl ester, known as TRICOR, LIPCOR, LIPANTIL, LIPIDIL MICRO PPAR alpha agonist);

(26) GW-9578 (PPAR alpha agonist); (27) GW-2433 (PPAB alpha/agonist) ; (28) GW-0207 (PPARy agonist) ; (29) LG-100641 (PPARy agonist) ; (30) LY-300512 (PPARy agonist) ; (31) NID525-209 (NID-525) ; (32) VDO-52 (VDO-52); (33) LG 100754 (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist); (34) LY-510929 (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist); (35) bexarotene (4- (1- (3,5, 5,8, 8-pentamethyl-5, 6,7, 8-tetrahydro-2- naphthalenyl) ethenyl) benzoic acid, known as TARGRETIN, TARGRETYN, TARGREXlN ; also known as LGD 1069, LG 100069, LG 1069, LDG 1069, LG 69, RO 264455); and (36) GW-1536 (PPAR alpha/agonist).

(B) Other insulin sensitizing agents include, but are not limited to: (1) INS-1 (D-chiro inositol or D-1,2, 3,4, 5,6- hexahydroxycyclohexane) ; (2) protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 B (PTP-1B) inhibitors; (3) glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) inhibitors; (4) beta 3 adrenoceptor agonists such as ZD 2079 ( (R)-N- (2- (4- (carboxymethyl) phenoxy) ethyl)-N- (2-hydroxy-2-phenethyl) ammonium chloride, also known as ICI D 2079) or AZ 40140; (5) glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors; (6) fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase inhibitors; (7) chromic picolinate, vanadyl sulfate (vanadium oxysulfate) ; (8) KP 102 (organo-vanadium compound); (9) chromic polynicotinate ; (10) potassium channel agonist NN 414;

(11) YM 268 (5, 5'-methylene-bis (1, 4-phenylene) bismethylenebis (thiazolidine-2, 4-dione); (12) TS 971 ; (13) T 174 ( (+-)-5- (2, 4-dioxothiazolidin-5-ylmethyl)-2- (2- naphthylmethyl) benzoxazole) ; (14) SDZ PGU 693 ((+) - trans - 2 (S- ( (4-chlorophenoxy) methyl)- 7alpha- (3, 4-dichlorophenyl) tetrahydropyrrolo (2,1-b) oxazol-5 (6H) -one); (15) S 15261 ( (-)-4- (2- ( (9H-fluoren-9-ylacetyl) amino) ethyl) benzoic acid 2- ( (2-methoxy-2- (3- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl) ethyl) amino) ethyl ester) ; (16) AZM 134 (Alizyme) ; (17) ARIAD ; (18) R 102380 ; (19) PNU 140975 (1- (hydrazinoiminomethyl) hydrazino) acetic acid; (20) PNU 106817 (2- (hydrazinoiminomethyl) hydrazino) acetic acid; (21) NC 2100 (5- (7- (phenylmethoxy)-3-quinolinyl) methyl)-2, 4- thiazolidinedione ; (22) MXC 3255; (23) MBX 102 ; (24) ALT 4037; (25) AM 454; (26) JTP 20993 (2- (4- (2- (5-methyl-2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl) ethoxy) benzyl)-malonic acid dimethyl diester); (27) Dexlipotam (5 (R) - (1, 2-dithiolan-3-yl) pentanoic acid, also known as (R)-alpha lipoic acid or (R) -thioctic acid); (28) BM 170744 (2, 2-Dichloro-12- (p-chlorophenyl) dodecanoic acid); (29) BM 152054 (5- (4- (2- (5-methyl-2- (2-thienyl) oxazol-4-yl) ethoxy) benzothien-7-ylmethyl) thiazolidine-2, 4-dione);

(30) BM 131258 (5- (4- (2- (5-methyl-2-phenyloxazol-4-yl) ethoxy) benzothien-7-ylmethyl) thiazolidine-2, 4-dione); (31) CRE 16336 (EML 16336); (32) HQL 975 (3- (4- (2- (5-methyl-2-phenyloxazol-4-yl) ethoxy) phenyl)-2 (S) - (propylamino) propionic acid); (33) DRF 2189 (5- ( (4- (2- (1-Indolyl) ethoxy) phenyl) methyl) thiazolidine-2, 4-dine) ; (34) DRF 554158 ; (35) DRF-NPGC ; (36) CLX 0100, CLX 0101, CLX 0900, or CLX 0901; (37) IkappaB Kinase (IKK B) Inhibitors (38) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors p38 MAPK Stimulators (39) phosphatidyl-inositide triphosphate (40) insulin recycling receptor inhibitors (41) glucose transporter 4 modulators (42) TNF-a antagonists (43) plasma cell differentiation antigen-1 (PC-1) Antagonists (44) adipocyte lipid-binding protein (ALBP/aP2) inhibitors (45) phosphoglycans (46) Galparan ; (47) Receptron; (48) islet cell maturation factor; (49) insulin potentiating factor (IPF or insulin potentiating factor-1) ; (50) somatomedin C coupled with binding protein (also known as IGF- BP3, IGF-BP3, SomatoKine); (51) Diab II (known as V-411) or Glucanin, produced by Biotech Holdings Ltd. or Volque Pharmaceutical ; (52) glucose-6 phosphatase inhibitors; (53) fatty acid glucose transport protein;

(54) glucocorticoid receptor antagonists; and (55) glutamin : fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) modulators.

(C) Biguanides, which decrease liver glucose production and increases the uptake of glucose. Examples include metformin such as: (1) 1, 1-dimethylbiguanide (e. g. , Metformin-DepoMed, Metformin- Biovail Corporation, or METFORMIN GR (metformin gastric retention polymer)) ; and (2) metformin hydrochloride (N, N-dimethylimidodicarbonimidic diamide monohydrochloride, also known as LA 6023, BMS 207150, GLUCOPHAGE, or GLUCOPHAGE XR.

(D) Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, which inhibit alpha-glucosidase. Alpha- glucosidase converts fructose to glucose, thereby delaying the digestion of , carbohydrates. The undigested carbohydrates are subsequently broken down in the gut, reducing the post-prandial glucose peak. Examples include, but are not limited to: (1) acarbose (D-glucose, 0-4, 6-dideoxy-4- ( ( (1S- (1 alpha, 4alpha, 5beta, 6alpha))-4, 5,6-trihydroxy-3- (hydroxymethyl) -2-cyclohexen-1-yl) amino)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-4) - O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-4) -, also known as AG-5421, Bay-g-542, BAY-g-542, GLUCOBAY, PRECOSE, GLUCOR, PRANDASE, GLUMIDA, or ASCAROSE); (2) Miglitol (3,4, 5-piperidinetriol, 1- (2-hydroxyethyl)-2- (hydroxymethyl)-, (2R (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha, 5beta) )-or (2R, 3R, 4R, 5S)-1- (2-hydroxyethyl)-2- (hydroxymethyl-3, 4,5- piperidinetriol, also known as BAY 1099, BAY M 1099, BAY-m-1099, BAYGLITOL, DIASTABOL, GLYSET, MIGLIBAY, MITOLBAY, PLUMAROL);

(3) CKD-711 (0-4-deoxy-4- ((2, 3-epoxy-3-hydroxymethyl-4, 5,6- trihydroxycyclohexane-1-yl) amino)-alpha-b-glucopyranosyl- (1- 4)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl- (1-4)-D-glucopyranose) ; (4) emigrate (4- (2- ( (2R, 3R, 4R, 5S) -3, 4,5-trihydroxy-2- (hydroxymethyl)-1-piperidinyl) ethoxy) benzoic acid ethyl ester, also known as BAY o 1248 or MKC 542); (5) MOR 14 (3, 4, 5-piperidinetriol, 2- (hydroxymethyl)-1-methyl-, (2R- (2alpha, 3beta, 4alpha, 5beta) )-, also known as N- methyideoxynojirimycin or N-methylmoranoline) ; and (6) Voglibose (3,4-dideoxy-4- ((2-hydroxy-1- (hydroxymethyl) ethyl) amino) -2-C- (hydroxymethyl)-D-epi-inositol or D-epi- Inositol, 3,4-dideoxy-4- ((2-hydroxy-1- (hydroxymethyl) ethyl) amino) -2-C- (hydroxymethyl)-, also known as A 71100, AO 128, BASEN, GLUSTAT, VOGLISTAT.

(E) Insulins include regular or short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long- acting insulins, non-injectable or inhaled insulin, tissue selective insulin, glucophosphokinin (D-chiroinositol), insulin analogues such as insulin molecules with minor differences in the natural amino acid sequence and small molecule mimics of insulin (insulin mimetics), and endosome modulators. Examples include, but are not limited to: (1) Biota; (2) LP 100 ; (3) (SP-5-21)-oxobis (1-pyrrolidinecarbodithioato-S, S') vanadium, (4) insulin aspart (human insulin (28B-L-aspartic acid) or B28-Asp- insulin, also known as insulin X14, INA-X14, NOVORAPID, NOVOMIX, or NOVOLOG); (5) insulin detemir (Human 29B- (N6- (1-oxotetradecyl)-L-lysine)- (1A - 21 A), (1 B-29B)-Insulin or NN 304);

(6) insulin lispro ("28B-L-lysine-29B-L-proline human insulin, or Lys (B28), Pro (B29) human insulin analog, also known as lys-pro insulin, LY 275585, HUMALOG, HUMALOG MIX 75/25, or HUMALOG MIX 50/50); (7) insulin glargine (human (A21-glycine, B31-arginine, B32-arginine) insulin HOE 901, also known as LANTUS, OPTISULIN) ; (8) Insulin Zinc Suspension, extended (Ultralente), also known as HUMULIN U or ULTRALENTE; (9) Insulin Zinc suspension (Lente), a 70% crystalline and 30% amorphous insulin suspension, also known as LENTE ILETIN II, HUMULIN L, or NOVOLIN L; (10) HUMULIN 50/50 (50% isophane insulin and 50% insulin injection); (11) HUMULIN 70/30 (70% isophane insulin NPH and 30% insulin injection), also known as NOVOLIN 70/30, NOVOLIN 70/30 PenFill, NOVOLIN 70/30 Prefilled ; (12) insulin isophane suspension such as NPH ILETIN II, NOVOL : IN N, NOVOLIN N PenFill, NOVOLIN N Prefilled, HUMULIN N; (13) regular insulin injection such as ILETIN II Regular, NOVOLIN R, VELOSULIN BR, NOVOLIN R PenFill, NOVOLIN R Prefilled, HUMULIN R, or Regular U-500 (Concentrated); (14) ARIAD ; (15) LY 197535; (16) L-783281; and (17) TE-17411.

(F) Insulin secretion modulators such as: (1) glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its mimetics; (2) glucose-insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and its mimetics; (3) exendin and its mimetics; (4) dipeptyl protease (DPP or DPPIV) inhibitors such as

(4a) DPP-728 or LAF 237 (2-pyrrolidinecarbonitrile, 1- ( ( (2- ( (5- cyano-2-pyridinyl) amino) ethyl) amino) acetyl), known as NVP- DPP-728, DPP-728A, LAF-237); (4b) P 3298 or P32/98 (di- (3N- ((2S, 3S)-2-amino-3-methyl- pentanoyl)-1, 3-thiazolidine) fumarate); (4c) TSL 225 (tryptophyl-1, 2,3, 4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3- carboxylic acid); (4d) Valine pyrrolidide (valpyr) ; (4e) 1-aminoalkylisoquinolinone-4-carboxylates and analogues thereof; (4f) SDZ 272-070 (1- (L-Valyl) pyrrolidine) ; (4g) TMC-2A, TMC-2B, or TMC-2C ; (4h) Dipeptide nitriles (2-cyanopyrrolodides) ; (4i) CD26 inhibitors; and (4j) SDZ 274-444; (5) glucagon antagonists such as AY-279955; and (6) amylin agonists which include, but are not limited to, pramlintide (AC- 137, Symlin, tripro-amylin or pramlintide acetate).

The present compounds may also increase insulin sensitivity with little or no increase in body weight than that found with the use of existing PPAR gamma agonists. Oral anti-diabetic agents may include insulin, sulfonylureas, biguanides, meglitinides, AGI's, PPAR alpha agonists, and PPAR gamma agonists, and dual PPAR alpha/gamma agonists.

The present compounds also may increase fat and/or lipid metabolism, providing a method for losing weight, losing fat weight, lowering body mass index, lowering lipids (such as lowering triglycerides), or treating obesity or the condition of being overweight. Examples of lipid lowering agents include bile acid sequestrants, fibric acid derivatives, nicotinic acid, and HMGCoA reductase inhibitors. Specific examples include statins such as LIPITOR@, ZOCOR@,

PRAVACHOL LESCOL, and MEVACOR, and pitavastatin (nisvastatin) (Nissan, Kowa Kogyo, Sankyo, Novartis) and extended release forms thereof, such as ADX-159 (extended release lovastatin), as well as Colestid, Locholest, Questran, Atromid, Lopid, and Tricor.

Examples of blood pressure lowering. agents include anti-hypertensive agents, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (Accupril, Altace, Captopril, Lotensin, Mavik, Monopril, Prinivil, Univasc, Vasotec, and Zestril), adrenergic blockers (such as Cardura, Dibenzyline, Hylorel, Hytrin, Minipress, and Minizide) alpha/beta adrenergic blockers (such as Coreg, Normodyne, and Trandate), calcium channel blockers (such as Adalat, Calan, Cardene, Cardizem, Covera-HS, Dilacor, DynaCirc, Isoptin, Nimotop, Norvace, Plendil, Procardia, Procardia XL, Sula, Tiazac, Vascor, and Verlan), diuretics, angiotensin 11 receptor antagonists (such as Atacand, Avapro, Cozaar, and Divan), beta adrenergic blockers (such as Betapace, Blocadren, Brevibloc, Cartrol, Inderal, Kerlone, Lavatol, Lopressor, Sectral, Tenormin, Toprol-XL, and Zebeta), vasodilators (such as Deponit, Dilatrate, SR, Imdur, Ismo, Isordil, Isordil Titradose, Monoket, Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, Nitrolingual Spray, Nitrostat, and Sorbitrate), and combinations thereof (such as Lexxel, Lotrel, Tarka, Teczem, Lotensin HCT, Prinzide, Uniretic, Vaseretic, Zestoretic).

F. Biological Examples Transfection assay method for PPAR receptors HEK293 cells were grown in DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 10% FBS and glutamine (Invitrogen) and incubated in a 5% C02 incubator at 37°C.

The cells were co-transfected using DMRIE-C reagent (Invitrogen) in serum free medium (Opti-MEM, Invitrogen) with two mammalian expression plasmids, one containing the DNA sequence coding for the ligand binding domains of either PPARa, g or d fused to the yeast GAL4 DNA binding domain and the other containing the promoter sequence of the yeast GAL4 (UAS) fused to the firefly luciferase cDNA reporter. The next day, the medium was changed to DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with 5% charcoal treated serum (Hyclone) and glutamin.

After 6 hrs the cells were trypsinized and seeded at a density of 50,000 cells/well into 96 well plates and incubated overnight as above. The cells were then treated with test compounds or vehicle and incubated for 18-24 hrs as above.

Luciferase reporter activity was measured using the Steady-Glo Luciferase Assay Kit from Promega. DMRIE-C Reagent was purchased from GIBCO Cat.

No. 10459-014. OPTI-MEM I Reduced Serum Medium was purchased from GIBCO (Cat. No. 31985). Steady-Glo Luciferase Assay Kit was purchased from Promega (Part# E254B).

A variety of example compounds have been made and tested, with a range of in vitro results. Below are representative compounds and data ; in some cases, where multiple Eco's are shown, multiple measurements were taken.

Naturally, different compounds in Formula (l) may have not have activities identical to any one compound below.

Table 1. In Vitro Data Compound Structure ECso EC50 ECso Number (delta) (alpha) (gamma) rim nM nM O- HO'V / 1 N CF3 10 468 lu-ou S-N 0 0 HOyi r< = as>NX 20 155 nui S-N 0 0, CF3 n" '3 I 'S-N "r T 0 4 N 3. 2 33 11643 Vira S--N 0 Ho-Y r=Y" 5 ts9zN 1< 47 222 >3000 S-N S-N O Ho C (CH3) 3 6 93 64 >3000 S-N S-N S-N 0. H0>ri rT* 7 HO S"Y N ci 18 186 >3000 S-N T H o _ _ 8 \ O , OCF3 HO I/N \ 2. 28. >3000 s-N 0 - O O /Cl 9" 6. 1, 1 tl 13 104 >3000 S-N S-N it. I raCC, S-N SS9t XCI i \ w s N 0 CH3 HOi fY 11 aS9 ? XCH3 93 115 >3000 SU S-N 0 J .-O 12 Ho-<--6s H3 27 68 669 lu-accu S-N 0 0) 13 Ho (.).. LJ, 5. 2 34 640 S-N T tuf S-N 0 i H0-°. =Y 0 cri H C' S-N 0 ! C ! H0> r' ! tsS>NA >1000 >3000 >3000 S-N S-N 0 j HO' Ho" r 16 N 26 425 >3000 N-s N-S "0 ! O , OCF3 17. Sw X 5S 656 >3000 -O N-S 0 u JL r*t Ho"<" rY . 18 tSwN 237 >3000 >3000 N-S 0 cl O HO ci 19 SN a 229 >3000 >3000 0 N-S ci N-S p cri Ho 20 to<w/148 297 >3000 S-N S-N O F CF3 095 A S-N S-N 0)) HO 534 643 >3000 / N W S-N 0 ! Caf3 23 Ho N CF3 3. 05 94 >3000 lr--a S-N zu HO- rY° I'I 12. 3 93. 5 >3000 0 ci S-N S-N O CL O , OCF3 25 t i i j. 13 96. 8 >3000 S-N SN S-N 0 cri 1. 1 1 ci 26 HO N 1 113. 8 503. 7 >3000 OU S-N S-N 27 H//\o \ CI //9. 3 123 >1000 gSN Ci O o 28 /Tl Y'1-7 373 465 S N The compounds in Table 2 are also of interest, which have been made and tested likewise.

Table 2. In Vitro Data for Compounds of Interest

Compound Structure EC50 EC50 EC50 of Interest (delta) (alpha) (gamma) nM nM nM O ci 'O w, CI a Ho ci 412 >3000 >3000 i O S-N 0 F F b Ho I F 1. 6 >3000 >3000 S i N-S O F n' c F 4. 5 >1000 >3000 S S-N 0 HO F F d H , 'I F 150 >3000 >3000 S S-N if H F e //\/ F 37 >3000 >3000 W W ", N N O O ,, CF3 f uSv 20 >3000 >3000 O-N 0 , O CF3 HO 1. 5 2208 >3000 S N-0 The following are the physical data of these compounds of interest (a-g):

2-{4-[3-(3,4-Dichloro-phenyl)-[1, 2,4] thiadiazol-5-ylmethanesulfinyl]-2-me thyl-phenoxy}-2-methyl-propionic acid Compound a : 1HNMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 8.16 (d, J= 1.8 Hz, 1H), 7.99-8. 02 (dd, J= 1.8, 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.77-7. 80 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (s, 1H), 7.25 (d, J = 8. 4 Hz, 1H), 6.78 (d, J=8. 5 Hz, 1 H), 4.84-5. 05 (dd, J = 3. 6,8. 6 Hz, 2H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 3H), 1.40 (s, 3H); MS (ES) m/z: 484 (M+H+); Anal.

Calcd for C20H18Cl2N2O4S2.0.40H2O : C, 48.76 ; H, 3.85 ; N, 5.69 ; Found: C, 48.62 ; H, 3.58 ; N, 5. 56.

{2-Methyl-4-[5- (4-tritluoromethyl-phenyl)-isothiazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-ph enoxy}-acetic acid Compound b :'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 5 7.69 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, 2 H), 7.65 (d, J= 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.35 (s, 1 H), 7.18 (s, 1 H), 7.16 (m, 1 H), 6.64 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.66 (s, 2 H), 4.17 (s, 2 H), 2.22 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 440 (M+H+). Anal.

Calcd. For C20H16F3NO3S2.0.6 H2O : C, 53.35 ; H, 3.85 ; N, 3. 11. Found: C, 53.20 ; H, 3. 51; N, 2.91.

c {2-Methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-isothiazol-5-ylmet hylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid Compound c : H NMR (300 MHz, CDC13) 5 7.96 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.67 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7. 32 (s, 1 H), 7.24 (d, J= 1.7 Hz, 1 H), 7.19 (dd, J=8. 4,2. 2 Hz, 1 H), 6.63 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 4.67 (s, 2 H), 4.26 (s, 2 H), 2.23 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 440 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C20H16F3NO3S2 : C, 54.66 ; H, 3.67 ; N, 3.19. Found: C, 54.30 ; H, 3.52 ; N, 3.06.

{2-Methyl-4-[3-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-isothiazol-4-ylmet hylsulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid Compound d :'H NMR (300 MHz, MeOH-d4) 6 8.56 (s, 1 H), 7.75 (s, 4 H), 7.01 (s, 1 H), 6.99 (m, 1 H), 6.66 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1 H), 4.67 (s, 2 H), 4.10 (s, 2 H), 2.14 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 440 (M+H+). Anal. Calcd. For C2oH16F3NO3S2 : C, 54.66 ; H, 3.67 ; N, 3.19. Found: C, 54.54 ; H, 3.53 ; N, 3.01.

{2-Methyl-4[5-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-pyridin-3-ylmethyls ulfanyl]-phenoxy}-acetic acid Compound e :'H NMR (400 MHz, MeOH-d4) 8 8.67 (brs, 1 H), 8.35 (brs, 1 H), 7. 78 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 2 H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.69 (d, J=8. 0 Hz, 2 H), 7.14 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.09 (d, J = 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.73 (d, J=8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 4.65 (s, 2 H), 4.08 (s, 2 H), 2.15 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 434 (M+H+). f {2-Methyl-4- [3- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-isoxazol-5-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phen oxy}-acetic acid Compound f: as a white solid ; tH NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 8 7.87 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 2 H), 7.70 (d, J= 8. 0 Hz, 2 H), 7.25 (s, 1 H), 7.20 (dd, J= 8. 3, 1.9 Hz, 1 H), 6.65 (d, J= 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 6.34 (s, 1 H), 4.68 (s, 2 H), 4.10 (s, 2 H), 2.24 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z : 446 (M+Na+). g<BR> <BR> {2-Methyl-4- [5- (4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-isoxazol-3-ylmethylsulfanyl]-phen oxy}-acetic acid Compound g : as an off-white solid ; 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) b 7.84 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H), 7.71 (d, J=8. 3 Hz, 2 H), 7.22 (d, J= 1.6 Hz, 1 H), 7.17 (dd, J= 8.4, 2.1 Hz, 1 H), 6.63 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.56 (s, 1 H), 4.65 (s, 2 H), 4.05 (s, 2

H), 2. 22 (s, 3 H); MS (ES) m/z: 446 (M+Na+). Anal. Calcd. For C20H16F3NO4S : C, 56.73 ; H, 3.81 ; N, 3.31. Found: C, 56.76 ; H, 3.46 ; N, 3.20.

G. Other Embodiments The features and principles of the invention are illustrated in the discussion, examples, and claims herein. Various adaptations and modifications of the invention will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art and such other embodiments are also within the scope of the invention. Publications cited herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference.