SULFONYL AMINO CYCLIC DERIVATIVES AND USE THEREOF

Field of the invention

The present invention is related to sulfonyl amino cyclic derivatives of Formula (I),

5 pharmaceutical composition thereof, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases and fibrosis and methods of preparation thereof. Specifically, the present invention is related to sulfonyl amino cyclic derivatives for the modulation, notably the inhibition of the activity or iunction of matrix io metalloproteinases, such as gelatinases and metalloelastases.

Background of the invention

Metalloproteinases are a superfamily of proteinases (enzymes) named for their dependence on a metal ion (zinc) in the active site.

I ₅

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) form a metalloproteinase sub-family having as one of major biological function to catalyse the breakdown of connective tissue or extracellular matrix through their ability to hydrolyse various components of the tissue or matrix, such as collagens, gelatins, proteoglycans, fibronectins and elastin.

20 The matrix metalloproteinase family is further divided according to their function and substrates (Visse al., 2003, Circ. Res., 92, 827-839) and comprises collagenases (MMP-I, MMP-8, MMP-13 and MMP- 18), gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), stromelysins (MMP- 3, MMP-IO and MMP-Il), membrane-type MMPs (MT-MMP-I to MT-MMP-6 and MMP-14, MMP-15, MMP-16, MMP-17, MMP-24 and MMP-25), matrilysins (MMP-7 and

2 ₅ MMP-26) and other unclassified MMPs such as metalloelastase (MMP- 12), enamelysin (MMP-20), epilysin (MMP-28), MMP- 19, MMP-22 and MMP-23.

Apart from their role in degrading connective tissue, MMPs are involved in the biosynthesis of TNF-alpha and in the post-translational proteolysis processing, or shedding

30 of biologically important membrane proteins (Hooper et al., 1997, Biochem J., 321, 265-

27P). MMPs for example contribute to the local growth and spread of malignant lesions and therefore have been a target for anti-tumor drug development (Fingleton et al, 2003, Expert Opin. Ther. Targets, 7(3): 385-397). Disorders such as inflammatory disorders like arthritis {Clark et al., 2003, Expert. Opin. Ther Targets, 7(1): 19-34), respiratory disorders such as emphysema, atherosclerosis (Galis et al., 2002, Circ. Res., 90:251-262), neurological disorders such as degenerative nervous system diseases, multiple sclerosis (Leppert et al., 2001, Brain Res. Rev., 36:249-257), periodontitis (Ingman et al., 1996, J. clin. Periodontal., 23:127-1132), pre-term labor (Makrakis et al., 2003, J. Matern Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, 14(3): 170-6) and wound healing have been demonstrated to be associated with MMPs expression and/or activity.

A wide variety of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) has been developed (Skiles et al., 2001, Current Medicinal Chemistry, 8, 425-474; Peterson, 2004, Heart Failure Reviews, 9, 63-79; Henrotin et al, 2002, Expert Opin. Ther. Patents, 12(1): 29-43). However, many MMPIs exhibit a muscoskeletal syndrome (tendonitis, fibroplasias, mylasia, arthralasia) as a dose-limiting side effect. It has been proposed that inhibition of MMP-I or MMP-14 may be responsible for these effects.

Therefore, there is an increasing need to develop matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors with a well-defined specificity profile.

Specific inhibitors, especially towards MMP-I, have been reported, including MMP-13 inhibitors (Stotnicki et al., 2003, Current Opinion in Drug Discovery and Development, 6(5): 742-759), MMP-12 inhibitors (WO 01/83461; WO03/070711), MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibitors (Wada et al, 2002, J. Med. Chem. 45, 219-232).

The high relevance of the metalloproteinase pathway in some widely spread diseases stresses the need to develop inhibitors, including selective inhibitors of MMPs, such as gelatinases like MMP-2 and/or MMP-9 and/or MMP-12.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide substances which are suitable for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders related to autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases, preterm labor and fibrosis.

It is further an object of the present invention to provide substances which are suitable for the treatment and/or prevention of multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and fibrosis.

It is notably an object of the present invention to provide chemical compounds which are able to modulate, especially inhibit the activity or iunction of matrix metalloproteinases, such as gelatinases and/or elastase in mammals, especially in humans.

It is iurthermore an object of the present invention to provide a new category of pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of and/or diseases mediated selected from autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases, preterm labor and fibrosis.

It is iurthermore an object of the present invention to provide processes for making chemical compounds according to the invention.

It is furthermore an object of the present invention to provide new compounds useiul in such processes for making chemical compounds according to the invention.

It is finally an object of the present invention to provide a method for the treatment and/or prevention of disorders selected from autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases, preterm labor and fibrosis.

In a first aspect, the invention provides sulfonyl amino cyclic derivatives of Formula (I):

wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n andp are defined in the detailed description.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) for use as a medicament.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a use of a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of a disorder selected from autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, cancer, respiratory diseases, preterm labor and fibrosis.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient thereof.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of treatment comprising the administration of a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) in a patient in need thereof.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides methods of synthesis of a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I).

In a seventh aspect, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (II):

(") wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are defined in the detailed description.

In an eigth aspect, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (III):

(III) wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are in the detailed description.

In a ninth aspect, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (VIII):

(VIII) wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p in the detailed description.

In a tenth aspect, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (VII):

(VII) wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are in the detailed description.

Detailed description of the invention:

The following paragraphs provide definitions of the various chemical moieties that make up the compounds according to the invention and are intended to apply uniformly throughout the specification and claims unless an otherwise expressly set out definition provides a broader definition.

The term "MMPs" refers to "matrix metalloproteinases". For recent reviews of MMPs, see Visse et al, 2003 above; Fingleton et al., 2003, above; Clark et al., 2003, above and Doherty et al., 2002, Expert Opinion Therapeutic Patents 12(5): 665-707.

Illustrative but not limiting examples of such MMPs are:

Collagenases: usually associated with diseases linked to breakdown of collagen-based tissue e.g. rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis:

MMP-I (also known as collagenase 1, or fibroblast collagenase), substrates: collagen I, collagen II, collagen III, gelatin, proteoglycans. Over-expression of this enzyme is believed to be associated with emphysema, with hyperkeratosis and atherosclerosis, overexpressed alone in papillary carcinoma.

MMP-8 (also known as collagenase 2, or neutrophil collagenase), substrates: collagen I, collagen II, collagen III, collagen V, collagen VII, collagen IX, gelatin over-expression of which can lead to non-healing chronic ulcers.

MMP- 13 (also known as collagenase 3), substrates: collagen I, collagen II, collagen III, collagen IV, collagen IX, collagen X, collagen XIV, fibronectin, gelatin, recently identified as being over-expressed alone in breast carcinoma and involved in rheumatoid arthritis.

Stromelysins:

MMP-3 (also known as stromelysin 1), substrates: collagen III, collagen IV, collagen V, collagen IX, collagen X, larninin, nidogen, over-expression believed to be involved in atherosclerosis, aneurysm and restenosis.

Gelatinases - inhibition believed to exert a favorable effect on cancer, in particular invasion and metastasis.

MMP-2 (also known as gelatinase A, 72 kDa gelatinase, basement membrane collagenase, or proteoglycanase), substrates: Collagen I, Collagen II, Collagen IV, Collagen V, Collagen VII, Collagen X, Collagen XI, collagen XIV, elastin, fibronectin, gelatin, nidogen, believed to be associated with tumor progression through specificity for type IV Collagen (high expression observed in solid tumors and believed to be associated with their ability to grow, invade, develop new blood vessels and metastasize) and to be involved in acute lung inflammation and in respiratory distress syndrome {Krishna et al., 2004, Expert Opin. Invest. Drugs, 13(3): 255-267). MMP-9 (also known as gelatinase B, or 92 kDa gelatinase), substrates: Collagen I, Collagen III, Collagen IV, Collagen V, Collagen VII, collagen X, Collagen XIV, elastin, fibronectin, gelatin, nidogen. The above enzyme is believed to be associated with tumor progression through specificity for type IV Collagen, to be released by eosinophils in response to exogenous factors such as air pollutants, allergens and viruses, to be involved in the inflammatory response in multiple sclerosis (Opdenakker et al., 2003, The Lancet Neurology, 2, 747-756) and asthma and to be involved in acute lung inflammation, respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and/or asthma (Krishna et al., 2004, above). MMP-9 is also thought to be involved in stroke (Horstmann et al., 2003, Stroke 34(9), 2165-70).

Unclassified MMPs:

MMP-12 (also known as metalloelastase, human macrophage elastase, or HME), substrates: fibronectin, larninin. MMP-12 is believed to play a role in tumour growth inhibition and regulation of inflammation such as multiple sclerosis (Vos et al., 2003, Journal of Neuroimmunology, 138, 106-114) and rheumatoid arthritis (Liu et al, 2004, Arthritis & Rheumatism, 50(10), 3112-3117). MMP-12 is also believed to play a pathological role in emphysema, COPD (Belvisi et al., 2003, Inflamm. Res. 52; 95-100), in atherosclerosis, aneurysm and restenosis.

The expression "MMP-associated disorder" refers to a disorder which is treatable according to the invention and that encompasses all disorders in which the expression and/or activity of at least one MMP needs to be decreased irrespective of the cause of such disorders. Such disorders include, for example, those caused by inappropriate extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Illustrative but not limiting examples of such MMP-associated disorders are:

Cancer such as breast cancer and solid tumors; inflammatory disorders such as for example inflammatory bowel diseases and neuroinflammation such as multiple sclerosis; lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), emphysema, asthma, acute lung injury, and acute respiratory distress syndrome; pre-term labor; dental diseases such as periodontal disease and gingivitis; joint and bone diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; liver diseases such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and chronic liver disease; fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, pancreatitis, lupus, glomerulosclerosis, systemic sclerosis skin fibrosis, post-radiation fibrosis and cystic fibrosis; vascular pathologies such as aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiomyopathy and myocardial infarction; restenosis; opthalmological disorders such as diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, macula degeneration and corneal ulceration and degenerative diseases of the central nervous system such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

"C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl" refers to monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. This term is exemplified by groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, tert-

butyl, pentyl, n-hexyl and the like. By analogy, "C ₁ -C ₁₂ -alkyl" refers to monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, including "C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl" groups and heptyl, octyl, nonyl, decanoyl, undecanoyl and dodecanoyl groups and "C ₁ -C _1O -alkyl" refers to monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, "C ₁ -C ₈ -alkyl" refers to monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms and "d-Cs-alkyl" refers to monovalent alkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.

"Heteroalkyl" refers to C ₁ -C ₁₂ -alkyl, preferably C ₁ -C ₆ -alkyl, wherein at least one carbon has been replaced by a heteroatom selected from O, N or S, including 2-methoxy ethyl. "Aryl" refers to an unsaturated aromatic carbocyclic group of from 6 to 14 carbon atoms having a single ring (e.g., phenyl) or multiple condensed rings (e.g., naphthyl). Aryl include phenyl, naphthyl, phenantrenyl and the like.

"d-Ce-alkyl aryl" refers to aryl groups having a d-Ce-alkyl substituent, including methyl phenyl, ethyl phenyl and the like. "Aryl d-Ce-alkyl" refers to CrC _ό -alkyl groups having an aryl substituent, including 3- phenyl propyl, benzyl and the like.

"Heteroaryl" refers to a monocyclic heteroaromatic, or a bicyclic or a tricyclic fused-ring heteroaromatic group. Particular examples of heteroaromatic groups include optionally substituted pyridyl, pyrrolyl, pyrimidinyl, iuryl, thienyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, pyrazolyl, 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl, 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4- oxadia-zolyl, 1,2,5-oxadiazolyl, l,3,4-oxadiazolyl,l,3,4-triazinyl, 1,2,3-triazinyl, benzoiuryl, [2,3-dihydro]benzoiuryl, isobenzofuryl, 1,3 benzodioxol-5-yl, benzothienyl, benzotriazolyl, isobenzothienyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, benzimidazolyl, imidazo[l,2-a]pyridyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoxa-zolyl, quinolizinyl, quinazolinyl, pthalazinyl, quinoxalinyl, cinnolinyl, napthyridinyl, pyrido[3,4-b]pyridyl, pyrido[3,2- bjpyridyl, pyrido[4,3-b]pyridyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, tetrazolyl, 5,6,7,8- tetrahydroquinolyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolyl, purinyl, pteridinyl, carbazolyl, xanthenyl or benzoquinolyl.

"d-Cό-alkyl heteroaryl" refers to heteroaryl groups having a Ct-Cό-alkyl substituent, including methyl iuryl and the like.

"Heteroaryl Ct-Cό-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having a heteroaryl substituent, including iuryl methyl and the like.

"C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl" refers to alkenyl groups preferably having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1 or 2 sites of alkenyl unsaturation. Preferable alkenyl groups include ethenyl (-CH=CH ₂ ), n-2-propenyl (allyl, -CH ₂ CH=CH ₂ ) and the like.

"C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl aryl" refers to an aryl groups having a C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl substituent, including vinyl phenyl and the like.

"Aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl" refers to a C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl groups having an aryl substituent, including phenyl vinyl and the like. "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl heteroaryl" refers to heteroaryl groups having a C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl substituent, including vinyl pyridinyl and the like.

"Heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl" refers to C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl groups having a Heteroaryl substituent, including pyridinyl vinyl and the like.

"C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl" refers to alkynyl groups preferably having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms and having at least 1-2 sites of alkynyl unsaturation, preferred alkynyl groups include ethynyl

(-C≡CH), propargyl (-CH ₂ C=CH), and the like.

"C ₃ -C8-cycloalkyl" refers to a saturated carbocyclic group of from 3 to 8 carbon atoms having a single ring (e.g., cyclohexyl) or multiple condensed rings (e.g., norbornyl). C ₃ -C ₈ - cycloalkyl include cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, norbornyl and the like. "Heterocycloalkyl" refers to a C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl group according to the definition above, in which up to 3 carbon atoms are replaced by heteroatoms chosen from the group consisting of O, S, NR, R being defined as hydrogen or methyl. Heterocycloalkyl include pyrrolidine, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, tetrahydrofurane and the like.

"Ci-Cό-alkyl cycloalkyl" refers to C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl groups having a Ct-Cό-alkyl substituent, including methyl cyclopentyl and the like.

"Cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl" refers to d-C _ό -alkyl groups having a C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl substituent, including 3-cyclopentyl propyl and the like.

"Ct-Cό-alkyl heterocycloalkyl" refers to heterocycloalkyl groups having a Ct-Cό-alkyl substituent, including 1-methylpiperazine and the like.

"Heterocycloalkyl d-Co-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having a heterocycloalkyl substituent, including 4-methyl piperidyl and the like.

"Carboxy" refers to the group -C(O)OH.

"Carboxy CrCo-alkyl" refers to CrC _ό -alkyl groups having an carboxy substituent, including 2-carboxyethyl and the like.

"Acyl" refers to the group -C(O)R where R includes "d-C^-alkyl", preferably "C ₁ -C ₆ - alkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl Q-Ce-alkyl",

"heteroaryl Ct-Ce-alkyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl" or "heterocycloalkyl C ₁ -C ₆ - alkyl". "Acyl CrCe-alkyl" to CrC _ό -alkyl groups having an acyl substituent, including acetyl, 2- acetylethyl and the like.

"Acyl aryl" refers to aryl groups having an acyl substituent, including 2-acetylphenyl and the like.

"Acyloxy" refers to the group -OC(O)R where R includes H, "d-Ce-alkyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ - alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl",

"aryl Ct-Ce-alkyl" or "heteroaryl Ct-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ - alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl",

"heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl".

"Acyloxy d-Co-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having an acyloxy substituent, including propionic acid ethyl ester and the like.

"Alkoxy" refers to the group -O-R where R includes "d-Ce-alkyl" or "aryl" or "heteroaryl" or "aryl Ct-Cό-alkyl" or "heteroaryl d-Co-alkyl". Preferred alkoxy groups include for example, methoxy, ethoxy, phenoxy and the like.

"Alkoxy d-Ce-alkyl" refers to alkoxy groups having an d-C _ό -alkyl substituent, including methoxy, methoxyethyl and the like.

"Alkoxycarbonyl" refers to the group -C(O)OR where R includes H, "Ct-Ce-alkyl" or

"aryl" or "heteroaryl" or "aryl d-Ce-alkyl" or "heteroaryl d-Ce-alkyl" or "heteroalkyl".

"Alkoxycarbonyl Ct-Cό-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cs-alkyl groups having an alkoxycarbonyl substituent, including 2-(benzyloxycarbonyl)ethyl and the like.

"Aminocarbonyl" refers to the group -C(O)NRR' where each R, R' includes independently hydrogen or d-C _ό -alkyl or aryl or heteroaryl or "aryl Ct-C _ό -alkyl" or "heteroaryl C ₁ -C ₆ - alkyl", including N-phenyl formamide. "Aminocarbonyl CrCo-alkyl" refers to CrC _ό -alkyl groups having an aminocarbonyl substituent, including 2-(dimethylaminocarbonyl)ethyl, N-ethyl acetamide, N,N-Diethyl- acetamide and the like.

"Acylamino" refers to the group -NRC(O)R' where each R, R' is independently hydrogen, "Ct-Ce-alkyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "aryl d-Ce-alkyl" or "heteroaryl d-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "cycloalkyl Ct-Ce-alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl".

"Acylamino d-Cό-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having an acylamino substituent, including 2-(propionylamino)ethyl and the like. "Ureido" refers to the group -NRC(O)NR ⁵ R" where each R, R', R" is independently hydrogen, "Ct-Ce-alkyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "aryl Ct-Ce-alkyl" or "heteroaryl Ct-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ - alkynyl", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", and where R' and R", together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, can optionally form a 3-8- membered heterocycloalkyl ring.

"Ureido Ct-Cό-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having an ureido substituent, including 2-(JV-methylureido)ethyl and the like.

"Carbamate" refers to the group -NRC(O)OR' where each R, R' is independently hydrogen, "Ci-C ₆ -alkyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "Ct-Ce-alkyl aryl" or "heteroaryl Ct-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ - alkynyl", "cycloalkyl Ci-C ₆ -alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl Ci-C ₆ -alkyl".

"Amino" refers to the group -NRR' where each R ₅ R' is independently hydrogen or "C ₁ -C ₆ - alkyl" or "aryl" or "heteroaryl" or "d-Ce-alkyl aryl" or "d-Ce-alkyl heteroaryl", or

"cycloalkyl", or "heterocycloalkyl", and where R and R', together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, can optionally form a 3-8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring. "Amino CrCe-alkyl" refers to CrCs-alkyl groups having an amino substituent, including 2-(l-pyrrolidinyl)ethyl, diethylamino methyl and the like. "Ammonium" refers to a positively charged group -N ⁺ RR ⁵ R", where each R ₅ R', R" is independently "d-Ce-alkyl" or "d-Ce-alkyl aryl" or "d-Ce-alkyl heteroaryl", or "cycloalkyl", or "heterocycloalkyl", and where R and R', together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, can optionally form a 3-8-membered heterocycloalkyl ring. "Ammonium d-Co-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having an ammonium substituent, including 1-ethylpyrrolidinium and the like.

"Halogen" refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo atoms.

"Sulfonyloxy" refers to a group -OSO ₂ -R wherein R is selected from H, "d-Cό-alkyl", "d-Ce-alkyl" substituted with halogens, e.g., an -OSO ₂ -CF ₃ group, "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ - C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "aryl C ₁ -C ₆ - alkyl" or "heteroaryl d-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl".

"Sulfonyloxy Ct-Cό-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having a sulfonyloxy substituent, including 2-(methylsulfonyloxy)ethyl and the like. "Sulfonyl" refers to group "-SO ₂ -R" wherein R is selected from H, "aryl", "heteroaryl", "d-Ce-alkyl", "d-Ce-alkyl" substituted with halogens, e.g., an -SO ₂ -CF ₃ group, "C ₂ -C ₆ - alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "aryl d-Ce-alkyl" or "heteroaryl d-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ - alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl".

"Sulfonyl Ct-Cό-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cs-alkyl groups having a sulfonyl substituent, including 2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl and the like.

"Sulfinyl" refers to a group "-S(O)-R" wherein R is selected from H, "Ct-Ce-alkyl", "C ₁ - C ₆ -alkyl" substituted with halogens, e.g., a -SO-CF ₃ group, "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ - alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "aryl Ci-C ₆ -alkyl"

or "heteroaryl d-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ - alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl C ₁ -C ₆ - alkyl".

"Sulfinyl CrC _ό -alkyl" refers to CrC _ό -alkyl groups having a sulfinyl substituent, including 2-(methylsulfinyl)ethyl and the like.

"Sulfanyl" refers to groups -S-R where R includes H, "d-Ce-alkyl", "d-Ce-alkyl" substituted with halogens, e.g., a -SO-CF ₃ group, "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ - Cg-cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "aryl d-Ce-alkyl" or "heteroaryl Ci-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "alkynylheteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ ", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl". Preferred sulfanyl groups include methylsulfanyl, ethylsulfanyl, and the like. "Sulfanyl d-Cό-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cs-alkyl groups having a sulfanyl substituent, including 2-(ethylsulfanyl)ethyl and the like. "Sulfonylamino" refers to a group -NRSO ₂ -R' where each R, R' includes independently hydrogen, "Ct-Ce-alkyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "aryl Ct-Ce-alkyl" or "heteroaryl Ct-Ce-alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ - alkynyl", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl". "Sulfonylamino d-Co-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having a sulfonylamino substituent, including 2-(ethylsulfonylamino)ethyl and the like.

"Aminosulfonyl" refers to a group -SO ₂ -NRR where each R, R' includes independently hydrogen, "Ct-Ce-alkyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl", "aryl Ci-C ₆ -alkyl" or "heteroaryl Ci-C ₆ -alkyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "aryl C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl", "heteroaryl C ₂ -C ₆ - alkynyl", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", "heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl".

"Aminosulfonyl Ct-Cό-alkyl" refers to Ct-Cό-alkyl groups having an aminosulfonyl substituent, including 2-(cyclohexylaminosulfonyl)ethyl and the like.

"Substituted or unsubstituted": Unless otherwise constrained by the definition of the indi- vidual substituent, the above set out groups, like "alkenyl", "alkynyl", "aryl", "heteroaryl",

"cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl" etc. groups can optionally be substituted with from 1 to 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of "d-Co-alkyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl", "C ₂ -C ₆ - alkynyl", "cycloalkyl", "heterocycloalkyl", "aryl Q-Ce-alkyl ", "heteroaryl d-Ce-alkyl ", "cycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl ", "heterocycloalkyl d-Ce-alkyl", "amino", "ammonium", "acyl", "acyloxy", "acylamino", "aminocarbonyl", "alkoxycarbonyl", "ureido", "aryl", "carbamate", "heteroaryl", "sulfinyl", "sulfonyl", "alkoxy", "sulfanyl", "halogen", "carboxy", trihalomethyl, cyano, hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, and the like.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable salts or complexes" refers to salts or complexes of the below-specified compounds of Formula (I). Examples of such salts include, but are not restricted, to base addition salts formed by reaction of compounds of Formula (I) with organic or inorganic bases such as hydroxide, carbonate or bicarbonate of a metal cation such as those selected in the group consisting of alkali metals (sodium, potassium or lithium), alkaline earth metals (e.g. calcium or magnesium), or with an organic primary, secondary or tertiary alkyl amine. Amine salts derived from methylamine, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, ethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, morpholine, N-Me-D-glucamine, N, N'-bis(phenylmethyl)-l,2-ethanediamine, tromethamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-methylmorpholine, procaine, piperidine, piperazine and the like are contemplated being within the scope of the instant invention.

Also comprised are salts which are formed from acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids (e.g. hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, and the like), as well as salts formed with organic acids such as acetic acid, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, ascorbic acid, benzoic acid, tannic acid, pamoic acid, alginic acid, polyglutamic acid, naphthalene sulfonic acid, naphthalene disulfonic acid, and poly-galacturonic acid.

"Pharmaceutically active derivative" refers to any compound that upon administration to the recipient, is capable of providing directly or indirectly, the activity disclosed herein. The term "indirectly" also encompasses prodrugs which may be converted to the active

form of the drug via endogenous enzymes or metabolism. Said prodrug is comprised of the active drug compound itself and a chemical masking group.

"Enantiomeric excess" (ee) refers to the products that are obtained and can be separated by 5 an asymmetric synthesis, i.e. a synthesis involving non-racemic starting materials and/or reagents or a synthesis comprising at least one enantio-selective step, whereby a surplus of one enantiomer in the order of at least about 52% ee is yielded.

An "interferon" or "EFN", as used herein, is intended to include any molecule defined as such io in the literature, comprising for example any types of IFNs mentioned in the above section "Background of the Invention". In particular, EFN-α, IFN-β and IFN-γ are included in the above definition. EFN-β is the preferred EFN according to the present invention. EFN-β suitable in accordance with the present invention is commercially available e.g. as Rebii® (Serono), Avonex® (Biogen) or Betaferon® (Schering).

I ₅

The term "interferon-beta (EFN-beta or EFN-β)", as used herein, is intended to include fibroblast interferon in particular of human origin, as obtained by isolation from biological fluids or as obtained by DNA recombinant techniques from prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells, as well as its salts, functional derivatives, variants, analogs and active fragments. 20 Preferably, EFN-beta is intended to mean recombinant Interferon beta- Ia.

EFN-β suitable in accordance with the present invention is commercially available e.g. as Rebif® (Serono), Avonex® (Biogen) or Betaferon® (Schering). The use of interferons of human origin is also preferred in accordance with the present invention. The term interferon, 2 ₅ as used herein, is intended to encompass salts, iunctional derivatives, variants, analogs and active fragments thereof.

Rebif® (recombinant interferon-β) is the latest development in interferon therapy for multiple sclerosis (MS) and represents a significant advance in treatment. Rebif® is

interferon (IFN)-beta Ia, produced from mammalian cell lines. It was established that interferon beta- Ia given subcutaneously three times per week is efficacious in the treatment of Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS). Interferon beta-la can have a positive effect on the long-term course of MS by reducing number and severity of relapses and reducing the burden of the disease and disease activity as measured by MRI.

The dosing of EFN-β in the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS according to the invention depends on the type of EFN-β used.

In accordance with the present invention, where EFN is recombinant EFN-β Ib produced in E. CoIi, commercially available under the trademark Betaseron®, it may preferably be administered sub-cutaneously every second day at a dosage of about of 250 to 300 μg or 8 MEU to 9.6 MEU per person.

En accordance with the present invention, where EFN is recombinant EFN-βla, produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CEEO cells), commercially available under the trademark Avonex®, it may preferably be administered intra-muscularly once a week at a dosage of about of 30μg to 33 μg or 6 MEU to 6.6 MEU per person.

En accordance with the present invention, when EFN is recombinant IFN-βla, produced in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells (CHO cells), commercially available under the trademark Rebif®, it may preferably be administered sub-cutaneously three times a week (TEW) at a dosage of 22 to 44 μg or 6 MEU to 12 MEU per person.

Compounds according to the present invention also comprise pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the Formula (I) are acid addition salts formed with pharmaceutically acceptable acids like hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate or bisulfate, phosphate or hydrogen phosphate, acetate, benzoate,

succinate, iumarate, maleate, lactate, citrate, tartrate, gluconate, methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, and/rørø-toluenesulfonate salts.

It has now been found that compounds of the present invention are modulators of the matrix metalloproteinases such as gelatinases and elastase, including MMP-2 and/or MMP-

9, preferably MMP-12. When the matrix metalloproteinase enzyme is inhibited by the compounds of the present invention, the inhibited MMP(s) is (are) unable to exert its enzymatic, biological and/or pharmacological effects. The compounds of the present invention are therefore useful in the treatment and prevention of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, cancer, pre-term labor, respiratory diseases and fibrosis.

In one embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I):

α> wherein:

A is -CR ⁴ R ⁵ , including gem-dimethyl;

B is -CR ⁴ R ⁵ , including methylenyl;

R ¹ is selected from optionally substituted aryl, including optionally substituted phenyl such as phenyl, halogeno phenyl (e.g. 4-fluorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3-chloro phenyl), alkoxyphenyl (e.g. 4-((phenylmethyl)oxy)phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-methoxy phenyl, 3-methoxyphenyl, 4-(phenyloxy)phenyl, 4-(ethyloxy)phenyl, 3,4- dimethoxyphenyl), optionally substituted C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl phenyl (e.g. 4-trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-methylphenyl) and optionally substituted bi-phenyl (e.g. 4-biphenyl-4-yl); optionally substituted heteroaryl, including optionally substituted pyridinyl such as pyridinyl (e.g.

pyridin-2-yl), optionally substituted d-Co-alkyl pyridinyl (e.g. 5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2- yl) and halogeno pyridinyl (e.g. 5-chloropyridin-2-yl, 5-bromopyridin-2-yl), optionally substituted pyrimidinyl (e.g. pyrimidin-2-yl), optionally substituted benzodioxol (e.g. 1,3- benzodioxol-5-yl); optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl and optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl;

R ² is selected from H; optionally substituted Ct-Cό-alkyl, including methyl; optionally substituted C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl and optionally substituted C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl;

R ³ is selected from H; optionally substituted amino Ci-Cβ-alkyl, including 4-diethylaminomethyl; optionally substituted Ct-C _ό -alkyl, including ethyl, propyl, butyl and pentyl; optionally substituted aryl, including substituted phenyl such as phenyl, halogeno phenyl (4-fluorophenyl, 3 -fluorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl), alkoxyphenyl (e.g. 3-methoxyphenyl), optionally substituted heteroaryl phenyl such as oxadiazol phenyl (e.g. l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl phenyl); optionally substituted heteroaryl, including optionally substituted pyridinyl such as pyridinyl (e.g. pyridin-3-yl), optionally substituted benzodioxol (e.g. l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl), optionally substituted quinolinyl (e.g. 3-quinolin- 3-yl); optionally substituted aryl Ct-Cό-alkyl, including aryl methyl such as phenyl methyl; optionally substituted heteroaryl Ct-Cβ-alkyl; optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl C ₁ - C ₆ -alkyl; optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl Ct-Cό-alkyl, including moφholinomethyl (e.g. moφholino-4-ylmethyl) and pyrrolidinylmethyl (e.g. pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl); optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl and optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl;

R ⁴ , R ⁵ , R ⁴ and R ⁵ are independently selected from H; halogen; optionally substituted C ₁ -

C ₆ -alkyl, including methyl; optionally substituted C ₂ -C ₆ -alkenyl and optionally substituted

C ₂ -C ₆ -alkynyl;

X is selected from C, CH and N; Y is selected from CH and CH ₂ ; and the group -X Y- is selected from -C=CH-, -CH-CH ₂ - , and -N-CH ₂ -; m is selected from 0, 1 and 2; n is selected from 0 and 1 ; p is selected from 1 and 2; as well as its optically active forms as enantiomers, diastereomers and its racemate forms, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is optionally substituted aryl, including optionally substituted phenyl such as 4- fluororophenyl, 4-benzyloxyphenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 4-chlorophenyl, 3- chloro phenyl, 4-((phenylmethyl)oxy)phenyl, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2-methoxy phenyl, 3- methoxyphenyl, 4-(phenyloxy)phenyl, 4-(ethyloxy)phenyl, 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl, 4- trifluoromethylphenyl, 4-methylphenyl and 4-biphenyl-4-yl.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is optionally substituted heteroaryl, including optionally substituted pyridinyl such as pyridin-2-yl, 5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl, 5-chloropyridin-2-yl, 5-bromopyridin-2-yl; including optionally substituted pyrimidinyl such as pyrimidin-2-yl and including optionally substituted benzodioxol such as l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R ² is H.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R ³ is selected from optionally substituted aryl, including optionally substituted phenyl such as phenyl, 3 -methoxyphenyl, 4-fluorophenyl, 3 -fluorophenyl, 2-fluorophenyl, 1,2,4- oxadiazol-3-yl phenyl and optionally substituted heteroaryl, including optionally substituted pyridinyl such as pyridin-3-yl; including optionally substituted benzodioxol such as l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl; including optionally substituted quinolinyl such as 3- quinolin-3-yl and including optionally substituted benzodioxolyl such as 1,3-benzodioxol- 5-yl.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R ³ is selected from optionally substituted d-Co-alkyl, including ethyl, propyl, butyl and pentyl; optionally substituted aryl Ct-Cό-alkyl, including 4-phenyl methyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl Ct-Cό-alkyl, optionally substituted heteroaryl Ct-Cό-alkyl; optionally substituted C ₃ -C ₈ -cycloalkyl d-C _ό -alkyl; and optionally substituted heterocycloalkyl C ₁ -

C ₆ -alkyl, including morpholinomethyl such as morpholino-4-ylmethyl) and pyrrolidinylmethyl such as pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein s R ³ is H.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R ³ is optionally substituted amino Ct-Cβ-alkyl, including diethyl amino methyl.

io In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein R ³ is -Si(CH ₃ ) ₃ .

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein Y is CH ₂ .

I ₅

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein X is CH and Y is CH ₂ .

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein 20 X is N and Y is CH ₂ .

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein A is a gem-dimethyl.

2 ₅ In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein B is methyl.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein n is 0.

30

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein m is 0.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein 5 n is 1.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein m is 1.

io In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein n and m are 1.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein p is 1.

I ₅

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides derivatives of Formula (I) wherein p is 2.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative 20 according to Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is selected from optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; R ² is H or methyl; Y is CH ₂ ; X, A, B, n, m, p and R ³ is as defined above.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative 2 ₅ according to Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is selected from optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; R ² is H or methyl; Y is CH ₂ ; p is 1; X, A, B, n, m and R ³ is as defined above.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative 30 according to Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is selected from optionally substituted aryl and

optionally substituted heteroaryl; R ² is H or methyl; X is N; Y is CH ₂ ; p is 2; A, B, n, m and R ³ is as defined above.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is selected from optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; R ² is H or methyl; A is C(CH ₃ ) ₂ ; B is CH ₂ ,; n and m are 1 ; X, Y, B, p and R ³ is as defined above.

In another preferred embodiment, the invention provides a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is selected from optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; R ² is H; X is N; Y is CH ₂ ; n and m are 0; p is 1; R ³ is as defined above.

In a iurther preferred embodiment, the invention provides a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is selected from optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; R ² is H; X is N; Y is CH ₂ ; n and m are 0; p is 1; and R ³ is selected from optionally substituted Ct-Cβ-alkyl; optionally substituted aryl C ₁ -C ₆ - alkyl and optionally substituted heteroaryl Ci-Cβ-alkyl.

In another iurther preferred embodiment, the invention provides a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) wherein R ¹ is selected from optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl; R ² is H; X is N; Y is CH ₂ ; n and m are 0; p is 1; and R ³ is selected from optionally substituted aryl and optionally substituted heteroaryl.

Sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative of Formula (I) according to the invention include in particular those selected from the following group:

3 -(1 ,3 -benzodioxol-5 -yl)- 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)-2- propynyl(hydroxy)formamide;

1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)-3 -(trimethylsilyl)-2-propynyl (hydroxy)formamide;

hydroxy[ 1 - { [(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin- 1 -yl)sulfonyl]methyl} -3 -(trimethylsilyl)prop-2-yn-l - yljformamide;

1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)-3 -phenyl-2-propynyl(hydroxy) formamide; ⁵ 1 "[( {4-[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]- 1 -piperazinyl} sulfonyl)methyl]-2-octynyl(hydroxy) formamide;

1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)-4-phenyl-2-butynyl(hydroxy) formamide;

1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)-2-octynyl(hydroxy)formamide; io 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)-3 -(3 -pyridinyl)-2-propynyl

(hydroxy )formamide; hydroxy[ 1 -( { [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl} methyl)-3 -(3-pyridinyl)-2- propynyl]formamide; hydroxy [3 -(3 -methoxyphenyl)- 1 -( { [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)- i ₅ 2-propynyl]formamide;

4-(diethylamino)- 1 -( { [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)-2-butynyl

(hydroxy )formamide; hydroxy(l - { [(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin- 1 -yl)sulfonyl]methyl}prop-2-yn- 1 -yl)formamide; hydroxy! l-[({4-[4-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperidin-l-yl}sulfonyl)methyl]- 3-phenylprop-2-yn- 20 l-yl}formamide; hydroxy(l-{[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl]methyl}he x-2-yn-l-yl)formamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(2-fluorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yl]hydroxyformamide; hydroxy( 1 - { [(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin- 1 -yl)sulfonyl]methyl } oct-2-yn- 1 -yl)formamide; hydroxy {l-[({4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazin-l-yl}sulfonyl)m ethyl]oct-2-yn-l-yl} 2 ₅ formamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperidin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yl]hydroxyformamide; hydroxy {l-[({4-[4-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperidin-l-yl}sulfonyl)methyl] oct-2-yn-l-yl} formamide;

{ 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)-3 -[3 -(methyloxy)phenyl]prop-2- ₃ o yn-l-yl}hydroxyformamide;

[l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)hex-2 -yn-l-yl]hydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)-3 -quinolin-3 -ylprop-2-yn- 1 -yl] hydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperidin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl} methyl)-3 -phenylprop-2-yn- 1 - yl]hydroxyformamide; hydroxy(3-phenyl-l-{[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl] methyl}prop-2-yn-l-yl) formamide; hydroxy {3-phenyl-l-[({4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazin-l-yl}s ulfonyl)methyl]prop-

2-yn- 1 -yl } formamide ; hydroxy { 1 -[( {4-[4-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperazin- 1 -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]-3 -phenylprop-2- yn-l-yl} formamide;

{ 1 -({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l -yl]sulfonyl}methyl)-3-[4-(l ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl) phenyl]prop-2-yn- 1 -yl } hydroxyformamide; hydroxy { 1 -[( {4-[4-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperazin- 1 -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]oct-2-yn- 1 -yl} formamide;

(1 -{ [(4-biphenyl-4-ylpiperazin-l -yl)sulfonyl]methyl} -3-phenylprop-2-yn-l -yl)hydroxy formamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(5 -chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yl]hydroxy formamide; hydroxy(l-{[(4-pyrimidin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl]methyl} oct-2-yn-l-yl)formamide; hydroxy(l-{[(4-phenylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl]methyl}oct-2-yn -l-yl)formamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yl]hydroxyformamide; hydroxy { 1 -[( {4-[2-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperazin- 1 -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]oct-2-yn- 1 -yl} formamide; hydroxy { 1 -[( {4-[3-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperazin- 1 -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]oct-2-yn- 1 -yl} formamide;

[l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)-2 ,2-dimethyl-5-phenylpent^-yn-

1 -yl]hydroxyformamide;

{4-(diethylamino)-l-[({4-[4-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperidin-l -yl}sulfonyl)methyl]but-2-yn- l-yl}hydroxyformamide;

hydroxy {l-[({4-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]piperazin-l-yl}sulf onyl)methyl]oct-2-yn- l-yl}formamide; hydroxy { 1 -[( {4-[4-(phenyloxy)phenyl]piperazin-l -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]oct-2-yn- 1 - yl}formamide; [ 1 "( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl} methyl)hept-2-yn- 1 -yljhydroxy formamide;

{3 -(2-fluorophenyl)- 1 - [( {4-[4-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperidin- 1 -yl } sulfonyl)methyl]prop-2- yn-1 -yl}hydroxyformamide;

{3 -(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 - [( {4-[4-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperidin- 1 -yl } sulfonyl)methyl]prop-2- yn- 1 -yl } hydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperidin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yljhydroxyformamide; hydroxy[ 1 -( { [4-(4-methylphenyl)piperidin- 1 -yljsulfonyl} methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yljformamide;

{3 -(3 -fluorophenyl)- 1 - [( {4-[4-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperidin- 1 -yl } sulfonyl)methyl]prop-2- yn- 1 -yl } hydroxyformamide; hydroxy {l-[({4-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]-l,4-diazepan-l-yl} sulfonyl)methyl]oct-2- yn-l-yl} formamide;

{ 1 -[({4-[4-(ethyloxy)phenyl]piperazin-l -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]oct-2-yn-l -yl} hydroxy formamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(5 -bromopyridin-2-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yljhydroxy formamide;

[l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)-4 -morpholin-4-ylbut-2-yn-l-yl] hydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(3 -chlorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yljhydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(l ,3 -benzodioxol-5 -yl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yljhydroxy formamide; hydroxy { 1 -[( {4-[3-(methyloxy)phenyl]piperazin- 1 -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]-3 -phenylprop-2- yn-1 -yl} formamide; hydroxy [ 1 -( { [4-(4-methylphenyl)piperidin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl} methyl)-3 -phenylprop-2-yn- 1 -yl] formamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl} methyl)-3 -phenylprop-2-yn- 1 -yl] hy droxyformamide ;

{ 1 -[({4-[4-(ethyloxy)phenyl]piperazin-l -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]-3-phenylprop-2-yn-l -yl} hydroxyformamide; [ 1 "( { [4-(5 -bromopyridin-2-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)-2 ,2-dimethyl-5-phenylpent-

4-yn-l-yl] hydroxyformamide;

{2,2-dimethyl-5-phenyl- 1 -[( {4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazin- 1 -yl} sulfonyl) methyl]pent-4-yn- 1 -yl } hydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(5 -chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)hex-2-yn- 1 -yl]hydroxy formamide;

{ 1 -[({4-[4-(ethyloxy)phenyl]piperazin-l -yl} sulfonyl)methyl]-2,2-dimethyl-5-phenylpent-4- yn-l-yl} hydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(3 ,4-dimethoxyphenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yl]hydroxy formamide; [ 1 "( { [4-(4-ethyloxyphenyl)- 1 ,4-diazepan- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)oct-2-yn- 1 -yl]hydroxyl formamide;

[l-({[(2R)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylpiperazin-l-yl]sulf onyl}methyl) oct-2-yn-l-yl] hydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)-2 ,2-dimethylpent-4-yn- 1 -yl] hydroxyformamide;

[l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)-4 -pyrrolidin-l-ylbut-2-yn-l-yl] hydroxyformamide;

[ 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methyl)-2 ,2-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-yl hex-4-yn- 1 -yl]hydroxyformamide; [ 1 -( { [4-(4 -fluoropheny l)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } methy l)-2 ,2 -dimethyl hept-4 -yn- 1 -yl] hydroxyformamide.

In another embodiment of the invention, are provided a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to Formula (I) for use as a medicament.

In another embodiment of the invention, is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative according to the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, is provide a use of according to Formula (I) for the preparation of a medicament for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a disorder selected from autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases, including including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis; stroke, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, pre-term labor, respiratory diseases including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and fibrosis, including liver and pulmonary, pancreatic fibrosis and liver fibrosis.

In another embodiment of the invention, is provided a use of derivatives according to Formula (I) for the modulation, in particular for the inhibition, of the matrix metalloproteinase activity. Particularly, is provided a use according to the invention wherein said matrix metalloproteinase is selected from MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-12. Preferably, compounds according to the invention are selective inhibitors of metalloproteinease MMP-12 over MMP-I.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of treatment and/or prophylaxis of a disease comprising the administration of a compound according to Formula (I), in a patient in need thereof and wherein the disease is selected from autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases, including including multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis; stroke, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, pre-term labor, respiratory diseases including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); and fibrosis, including liver and pulmonary, pancreatic fibrosis and liver fibrosis.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a process for the preparation of derivative of Formula (I) according to the invention, comprising the step of reacting a compound of Formula (II) with a formylating agent of Formula (FA):

(II) (FA)

5 wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m m,, n n a anndd p p a arree d deeffiinneedd a abboovvee;; L LCG ₁ is a group selected from OH, -OAc, -O-Piv, -OCH ₂ CN, -OCH ₂ -CF ₃ , -O-Phenyl and OPfp.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (II):

(H) io wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are defined above.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (II) selected from the group:

N-[3 -( 1 ,3 -benzodioxol-5 -yl)- 1 -( { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 -piperazinyl] sulfonyl } methyl)-2- i ₅ propynyljhydroxylamine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-3 -butynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-3 -butynyl] sulfonyl } -4-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)^-phenyl-3-butynyl] sulfonyl}piperazine; l-[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]^-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3-nonynyl] sulfonyl}piperazine; 20 l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-5-phenyl-3-pentynyl] sulfonyl}piperazine;

l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3-nonynyl] sulfonyl} piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)^-(3-pyridinyl)-3-but ynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3 -pyridinyl)-3 -butynyl] sulfonyl} -4-(4-methoxyphenyl) piperazine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-butynyl]sulfonyl} -4-(4-methoxyphenyl) piperazine;

N,N-diethyl-4-(hydroxyamino)-5- { [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 -piperazinyljsulfonyl} -2-pentyn

-1 -amine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)but-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl } -4-pyridin-2-yl piperazine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-(4-me thoxyphenyl)piperidine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)hept-3-yn-l -yljsulfonyl} -4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine; l-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfony l}piperazine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl} -4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-[4-(trifluorom ethyl)phenyl]piperazine; 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfony l}piperidine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl } -4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)b ut-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl} piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)hept-3-yn-l-yl]sulfon yl}piperazine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-[4-(t rifluoromethyl)phenyl] piperazine;

3 -[4- { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } -3 -(hydroxyamino)but- 1 -yn- 1 -yl] quinoline;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)^-phenylbut-3-yn-l -yl]sulfonyl}piperidine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-pyrid in-2-ylpiperazine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-(4-me thoxyphenyl)piperazine;

1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4-( {2-(hydroxyamino)^-[4-(l ,2,4-oxadiazol-3 -yl)phenyl]but-3 -yn- 1 - yl} sulfonyl)piperazine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl } -4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazine; 1 -biphenyl-4-yM- { [2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } piperazine;

1 -(5 -chloropyridin-2-yl)-4- { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl }piperazine;

2-(4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}piperazin-l -yl)pyrimidine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl} -4-phenylpiperazine; l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfony l}piperazine; 1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl } -4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl } -4-(3 -methoxyphenyl)piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3,3-dimethyl-6-pheny lhex-5-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl} piperazine;

N,N-diethyM-(hydroxyamino)-5-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperid in-l-yl]sulfonyl}pent-2- yn-1 -amine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-[5-(trifluorom ethyl)pyridin-2-yl] piperazine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl } -4-(4-phenoxyphenyl)piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)oct-3-yn-l-yl]sulfony l}piperazine; 1 - { [4-(2-fluorophenyl)-2-(hydroxyamino)but-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } -4-(4-methoxy phenyl)piperidine;

1 - { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(hydroxyamino)but-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } -4-(4-methoxy phenyl)piperidine;

4-(4-chlorophenyl)-l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulf onyl}piperidine; 1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl } -4-(4-methylphenyl)piperidine;

1 - { [4-(3 -fluorophenyl)-2-(hydroxyamino)but-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } -4-(4-methoxy phenyl)piperidine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl} ^-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]- 1 ,4- diazepane; l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfony l}piperazine;

1 -(5 -bromopyridin-2-yl)-4- { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl }piperazine;

4-[5-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-(hydr oxyamino)pent-2-yn-l-yl] morpholine; l-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfony l}piperazine; l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)^-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]su lfonyl}piperazine;

1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl} -4-(3 -methoxyphenyl)piperazine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-(4-me thylphenyl)piperidine; l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3-yn-l-y l]sulfonyl}piperazine; l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenylbut-3-yn-l-y l]sulfonyl}piperazine; l-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3,3-dimethyl-6- phenylhex-5-yn-l-yl] sulfonyl} piperazine; l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3,3-dimethyl-6-phenylhex-5-yn-l-yl]sulf onyl}-4-[4-(trifluoiO methyl)phenyl] piperazine;

1 -(5 -chloropyridin-2-yl)-4- { [2-(hydroxyamino)hept-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } piperazine; l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3,3-dimethyl-6-pheny lhex-5-yn-l-yl] sulfonyl}piperazine;

1 -(3 ,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4- { [2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l -yl]sulfonyl}piperazine; l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl]sulfony l}-l,4-diazepane;

(2R)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)non-3-yn-l-yl ]sulfonyl} -2 -methyl piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3,3-dimethylhex-5-yn -l-yl]sulfonyl}piperazine;

1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [2-(hydroxyamino)-5-pyrrolidin-l -ylpent-3 -yn-1 -yl] sulfonyl}piperazine;

4-[7-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}-6-(hydr oxyamino)-5,5-dimethylhept-2- yn-l-yl] morpholine;

1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [2-(hydroxyamino)-3 ,3 -dimethyloct-5 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl }piperazine.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a process for the preparation of derivative of Formulae (I) or (II) according to the invention, comprising the step of reacting a compound of Formula (III) with hydroxylamine or a hydroxylamine derivative of Formula (HA):

wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are defined above; W is selected from H, Benzyl, TMS, TBDMS and THP.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (III):

(III) wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are defined above.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (III) selected from the group: l-{[(lE)-4-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-l-buten-3-ynyl]sulfonyl}^- (4-fluorophenyl)piperazine;

1 - { [( 1 Z)-4-(l ,3 -benzodioxol-5 -yl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl} -4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-l-buten-3-yny l]sulfonyl}piperazine;

1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [( 1 Z)-4-(trimethylsilyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl }piperazine; 1 -(2-pyridinyl)-4- { [( 1 E)-4-(trimethylsilyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl } piperazine; l-(2-pyridinyl)-4-{[(lZ)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-l-buten-3-ynyl] sulfonyl}piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-phenyl-l-buten-3-ynyl] sulfonyl}piperazine;

1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [( 1 Z)-4-phenyl- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl } piperazine; benzyl 4-{4-[(lE)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl]-l-piperazinyl} phenyl ether; benzyl 4-{4-[(lZ)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl]-l-piperazinyl}phenyl ether; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-5-phenyl-l-penten-3-ynyl]sulfony l}piperazine;

l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lZ)-5-phenyl-l-penten-3-ynyl]sulfony l} piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-[(lE)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl] piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-[(lZ)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl]piperazine ;

1 -(4 -fluorophenyl)-4- { [( 1 E)-4-(3 -pyridinyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl } piperazine ; 1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [( 1 Z)-4-(3 -pyridinyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl }piperazine;

1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)^- { [( 1 E)^-(3 -pyridinyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl } piperazine;

1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)-4- { [( 1 Z)-4-(3 -pyridinyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl } piperazine; l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l-buten-3-y nyl]sulfonyl}piperazine;

1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)^- { [( 1 Z)^-(3 -methoxyphenyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl} piperazine; N,N-diethyl-N-((4E)-5-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-piperazinyl]su lfonyl}-4-penten-2-ynyl) amine;

N,N-diethyl-N-((4Z)-5-{[4-(4-methoxy phenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}-4-penten-2-ynyl) amine; l-[(lE)-but-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]-4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine ; l-[(lZ)-but-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]-4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine ;

4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l - { [-4-phenylbut-l -en-3-yn-l -yl]sulfonyl}piperidine;

1 -[-hept-1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -ylsulfonyl]-4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine; l-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]piperazine ;

1 -[-non- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -ylsulfonyl]-4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine; 1 -[-non- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -ylsulfonyl]^-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]piperid ine;

4-(4-methoxyphenyl)- 1 - [-non- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -ylsulfonyl]piperidine;

1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [-4-(3 -methoxyphenyl)but- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl }piperazine;

1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4-[-hept-l -en-3-yn-l -ylsulfonyl]piperazine; 1 - { [-4-phenylbut-l -en-3-yn-l -yl]sulfonyl} -4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine;

3 -((3E)-4- { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } but-3 -en- 1 -yn- 1 -yl)quinoline;

4-(4-fluorophenyl)- 1 - { [-4-phenylbut- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl }piperidine;

1 - { [^-phenylbut-1 -en-3-yn-l -yl]sulfonyl} -4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine;

1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)-4- { [-4-phenylbut-l -en-3-yn-l -yl]sulfonyl}piperazine;

l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-({-4-[4-(l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyl]bu t-l-en-3-yn-l-yl}sulfonyl) piperazine;

1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)-4- [-non- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -ylsulfonyljpiperazine;

1 -biphenyl-4-yl-4- { [-4-phenylbut- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -yl]sulfonyl}piperazine; 1 -(5 -chloropyridin-2-yl)-4-[-non- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -ylsulfonyljpiperazine;

2- {4-[-non-l -en-3-yn-l -ylsulfonyl]piperazin-l -yl}pyrimidine;

1 -[-non- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -ylsulfonyl]-4-phenylpiperazine; l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l -ylsulfonyljpiperazine;

1 -(2-methoxyphenyl)^- [-non- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -ylsulfonyljpiperazine; 1 -(3 -methoxyphenyl)-4- [-non- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -ylsulfonyljpiperazine;

1 - { [-3 ,3 -dimethyl-6-phenylhex- 1 -en-5-yn-l -yljsulfonyl} -4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine;

N,N-diethyl-5- { [4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-l -yl]sulfonyl}pent-4-en-2-yn-l -amine;

1 -[-non- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -ylsulfonyl]-4-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]piperazine;

1 -[-non- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -ylsulfonyl]-4-(4-phenoxyphenyl)piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-[-oct-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]piperazine ;

1 - { [-4-(2-fluorophenyl)but-l -en-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl} -4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidine;

1 - { [-4-(4-fluorophenyl)but-l -en-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl} -4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidine;

4-(4-chlorophenyl)-l-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]piperid ine;

4-(4-methylphenyl)-l-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]piperid ine; 1 - { [^-(3-fluorophenyl)but-l -en-3 -yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl} -4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidine; l-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]-4-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridi n-2-yl]-l,4-diazepane;

1 -(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-[-non- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -ylsulfonyljpiperazine; l-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl)-4-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l -ylsulfonyljpiperazine;

4-(-5- { [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l -yl]sulfonyl}pent-4-en-2-yn-l -yl)moφholine; l-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l -ylsulfonyljpiperazine; l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-4-[-non-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]pipe razine;

1 -(3 -methoxyphenyl)^- { [-4-phenylbut- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } piperazine;

4-(4-methylphenyl)-l - { [^-phenylbut-1 -en-3-yn-l -yl]sulfonyl}piperidine; l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-{[-4-phenylbut-l-en-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl} piperazine; 1 -(4-ethoxyphenyl)^- { [-4-phenylbut- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -yl]sulfonyl}piperazine;

1 -(5 -bromopyridin-2-yl)-4- {[-3,3 -dimethyl-6-phenylhex- 1 -en-5-yn- 1 -yljsulfonyl } piperazine;

1 - { [-3 ,3 -dimethyl-6-phenylhex- 1 -en-5-yn-l -yljsulfonyl} -4-[4-(trifluoiOmethyl)phenyl] piperazine; 5 1 -(5 -chloropyridin-2-yl)-4-[-hept- 1 -en-3 -yn- 1 -ylsulfonyljpiperazine;

1 - { [-3 ,3 -dimethyl-6-phenylhex- 1 -en-5-yn-l -yljsulfonyl} -4-(4-ethoxyphenyl)piperazine;

1 -(3 ,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[-non-l -en-3-yn-l -ylsulfonyljpiperazine;

1 -(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-[-non- 1 -en-3-yn- 1 -ylsulfonylj- 1 ,4-diazepane;

(2R)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-l -[-non- 1 -en-3-yn-l -ylsulfonyljpiperazine; io 1 - { [-3 ,3 -dimethylhex-1 -en-5-yn-l -yljsulfonyl} -4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[-5-pyrrolidin-l-ylpent-l-en-3-yn-l-yl ]sulfonyl}piperazine;

4-(7-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}-5,5-dim ethylhept-6-en-2-yn-l-yl) morpholine;

1 - { [-3 ,3 -dimethyloct- 1 -en-5-yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } -4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine.

I ₅

In another embodiment, the invention provides a process for the preparation of derivative of Formulae (I), (II) or (III) according to the invention, comprising the step of reacting a compound of Formula (VIII) with a reagent such as MsCl, TMSCl, DBU, HCl.

(VIM)

20 wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are defined above.

2 ₅

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (VIII):

(ViIi) wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are defined above.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a process for the preparation of derivative of Formulae (I), (II), (III) or (VIII) according to the invention, comprising the step of reducing the ketone group of a compound of Formula (VII) in the presence of a reducing agent such as NaBH ₄ in alcoholic solvent like MeOH or EtOH.

(VII) wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are defined above.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a compound according to Formula (VII):

(VIi) wherein A, B, R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, m, n and p are defined above.

The compounds of invention have been named according the standards used in the programm "ACD/Name" from Advanced Chemistry Development Inc., ACD/Labs (7.06 Release).

The compounds of Formula (I) are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, cancer, pre-term labor, respiratory diseases and fibrosis, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver and pulmonary fibrosis.

Compounds according to the present invention also comprise their tautomers, geometrical isomers, optically active forms as enantiomers, diastereomers and racemate forms, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Preferred pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds according to Formula (I) are acid addition salts formed with pharmaceutically acceptable acids like hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate or bisulfate, phosphate or hydrogen phosphate, acetate, benzoate, succinate, fumarate, maleate, lactate, citrate, tartrate, gluconate, methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, and /rørø-toluenesulfonate salts.

The derivatives exemplified in this invention may be prepared from readily available starting materials using the following general methods and procedures. It will be appreciated that where typical or preferred experimental conditions (i.e. reaction temperatures, time, moles of reagents, solvents etc.) are given, other experimental conditions can also be used unless otherwise stated. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvents used, but such conditions can be determined by the person skilled in the art, using routine optimisation procedures.

When employed as pharmaceuticals, the compounds of the present invention are typically administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition. Hence, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient therefore are also within the scope of the present invention. A

person skilled in the art is aware of a whole variety of such carrier, diluent or excipient compounds suitable to formulate a pharmaceutical composition.

In another embodiment, the compounds of the invention can be used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, especially demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, alone or in combination with a co-agent useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, wherein the co-agent is for example selected from the following compounds:

(a) Interferons, e. g. pegylated or non-pegylated interferons, e. g. administered by subcutaneous, intramuscular or oral routes, preferably interferon beta;

(b) Glatiramer, e. g. in the acetate form; (c) Immunosuppressants with optionally antiproliferative/antineoplastic activity, e. g. mitoxantrone, methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, or steroids, e. g. methylprednisolone, prednisone or dexamethasone, or steroid-secreting agents, e. g.

ACTH;

(d) Adenosine deaminase inhibitors, e. g. Cladribine; (e) Inhibitors of VCAM-I expression or antagonists of its ligand, e. g. antagonists of the α4/βl integrin VLA-4 and/or alpha-4-beta-7 integrins, e. g. natalizumab

(ANTEGREN).

Further co-agents such as anti-inflammatory agents (in particular for demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis) are described below:

A farther anti-inflammatory agent is Teriflunomide which is described in WO 02/080897

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is Fingolimod which is described in EP-727406, WO 2004/028251 and WO 2004/028251.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is Laquinimod which is described in WO 99/55678.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is Tensirolimus which is described in WO 02/28866.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is Xaliprodene which is described in WO 98/48802.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is Deskar Pirfenidone which is described in WO 03/068230.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is the below benzothiazole derivative which is described in WO 01/47920.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is one of the hydroxamic acid derivatives described in WO 03/070711.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is MLN3897 which is described in WO 2004/043965.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is CDP323 which is described in WO 99/67230.

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is Simvastatin which is described in WO 01/45698.

Chiral

Still a further anti-inflammatory agent is Fampridine which is described in US 5,540,938.

The compounds of the invention, together with a conventionally employed adjuvant, carrier, diluent or excipient may be placed into the form of pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosages thereof, and in such form may be employed as solids, such as tablets or filled capsules, or liquids such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, elixirs, or capsules filled with the same, all for oral use, or in the form of sterile injectable solutions for parenteral (including subcutaneous use). Such pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosage forms thereof may comprise ingredients in conventional proportions, with or without additional active compounds or principles, and such unit dosage forms may contain any suitable effective amount of the active ingredient commensurate with the intended daily dosage range to be employed.

Pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of this invention can be prepared in a manner well known in the pharmaceutical art and comprise at least one active compound. Generally, the compounds of this invention are administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount. The amount of the compound actually administered will typically be determined by a physician, in the light of the relevant circumstances, including the condition to be treated, the chosen route of administration, the actual compound administered, the age, weight, and response of the individual patient, the severity of the patient's symptoms, and the like.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention can be administered by a variety of routes including oral, rectal, transdermal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular and intranasal. The compositions for oral administration can take the form of bulk liquid solutions or suspensions, or bulk powders. More commonly, however, the compositions are presented in unit dosage forms to facilitate accurate dosing. The term "unit dosage forms" refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects and other

mammals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with a suitable pharmaceutical excipient. Typical unit dosage forms include prefilled, premeasured ampoules or syringes of the liquid compositions or pills, tablets, capsules or the like in the case of solid compositions. In such compositions, the derivative of the invention is usually a minor component (from about 0.1 to about 50% by weight or preferably from about 1 to about 40% by weight) with the remainder being various vehicles or carriers and processing aids helpiul for forming the desired dosing form.

Liquid forms suitable for oral administration may include a suitable aqueous or nonaqueous vehicle with buffers, suspending and dispensing agents, colorants, flavors and the like. Solid forms may include, for example, any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatine; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dio- xide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.

Injectable compositions are typically based upon injectable sterile saline or phosphate-buffered saline or other injectable carriers known in the art. As above mentioned, the sulfonyl amino cyclic derivatives of Formula (I) in such compositions is typically a minor component, frequently ranging between 0.05 to 10% by weight with the remainder being the injectable carrier and the like.

The above described components for orally administered or injectable compositions are merely representative. The compounds of this invention can also be administered in sustained release forms or from sustained release drug delivery systems. Further materials as well as processing techniques and the like are set out in Remington 's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 20 ^th Edition, 2000, Marck Publishing Company, Easton, Pennsylvania (for example in Part 5) which is incorporated herein by reference.

Synthesis of compounds of the invention:

The novel derivatives according to Formula (I) can be prepared from readily available starting materials by several synthetic approaches, using both solution-phase and solid- phase chemistry protocols or mixed solution and solid phase protocols. Examples of synthetic pathways for the will be described.

The following abbreviations refer respectively to the definitions below: aq (aqueous), h (hour), g (gram), L (liter), mg (milligram), MHz (Megahertz), min.

(minute), mm (millimeter), mmol (millimole), mM (millimolar), m.p. (melting point), eq. (equivalent), mL (milliliter), μL (microliter), ACN (acetonitrile), BINAP (2,2'-bis(di phenylphosphino)-l,l'-binaphthalene), Boc (tert-Butoxycarbonyl), BuLi (Butyl Lithium), CDCb (deuterated chloroform), CD3OD (Deuterated methanol), c-Hex (Cyclohexane), DBU (l,5-diazabicyclo(5,4,0)undec-5-ene), DCC (dicyclohexyl carbodiimide), DCM (Dichloromethane), DEA (diethylamine), DEAD (Diethyl azodicarboxylate), DIC (Diisopropyl carbo diimide), DIEA (Diisopropylethylamine), DMF (Dimethylformamide), DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide), DMSO-d ₆ (Deuterated dimethylsulfoxide), EDC (l-(3- Dimethyl-amino-propyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide), EtOAc (Ethyl acetate), ESI (Electro-spray ionization), Et ₂ O (Diethyl ether), EtOH (Ethanol), FA (Formic acid), Fmoc (9-Fluorenyl methoxycarbonyl), HATU (Dimethylamino-([ 1 ,2,3]triazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yloxy)- methylene]-dimethyl-ammonium hexafluorophosphate), HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), i-PrOH (2-propanol), LC (Liquid Chromatography), LDA (Litium diisopropyl amide), LiHMDS (Litium Hexa methyl) MeOH (Methanol), MS (mass spectrometry), MsCl (Mesylchloride), MTBE (Methyl tert-butyl ether), MW (micro-wave irradiation), NMM (N-methyl morpholine), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), OMs (O-mesyl), O-Piv (O-Pivaloyl), OPfp (O-pentafluorophenol), OTs (O-Tosyl), rt (room temperature), SPE (solid phase extraction), TBDMS (tert-Butyldimethylsilyl), TBTU (2- (l-H-benzotriazole-l-yl)-l,l,3,3-tetramethyluromium tetrafluoro borate), TEA (Triethylamine), TFA (Trifluoroacetic acid), THF (Tetrahydrofuran), THP (Tetrahydropyranyl), TLC (Thin Layer Chromatography), TMAD (N, N, N', N'-tetrametyl

azodicarboxamide), TMS (Trimethylsilyl), TMSCl (Trimethylsilyl chloride), TsCl (Tosyl chloride), UV (Ultraviolet), Z (Benzyloxycarbonyl).

Synthetic approaches: Generally, compounds of Formula (I) may be obtained by formylation of a compound of Formula (II) wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, A, B, n and m are defined as above (Scheme 1 below).

General protocols for such formylation are given below in the examples, and use formylating agents well known from those skilled in the art such as formylating agents of Formula (FA) wherein LG ₁ is a group selected from OH, -OAc, -O-Piv, -OCH ₂ CN, -OCH ₂ - CF ₃ , -O-Phenyl and OPfp.

For example formylating agent may be obtained by reacting formic acid with acetic anhydride. Scheme 1

(H) (I)

A preferred process for preparing a compound of Formula (II) consists in reacting hydroxylamine with a compound of Formula (III) wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, A, B, n, m and p are as defined above, in a suitable solvent like THF at a temperature between 0 ⁰ C and 100 ⁰ C (Scheme 2 below).

Scheme 2

( ^IV ) (V) (III) (II)

A compound of Formula (III) may be obtained by reaction of a sulfonamide of Formula (IV) wherein R ¹ , R ² , X and Y are as defined above, with an aldehyde of Formula (V) wherein R ³ , A, B, n, m and p are as defined above. Preferred conditions involve the metallation of a sulfonamide of Formula (IV) with a base like, but not limited to LiHMDS, LDA or BuLi, followed by the reaction of the resulting metallated sulfonamide with a chlorophosphate such as ClPO(OEt) ₂ and an aldehyde of Formula (V) in a suitable solvent such as THF. Others conditions may involve the metallation of a sulfonamide of Formula (IV) with a base followed directly by the reaction of the resulting metallated sulfonamide with an aldehyde of Formula (V) in the presence or not of an additive such as TMSCl, MsCl or TsCl.

An alternative route for the preparation of compounds of Formula (II) may be the initial reaction of a sulfonamide of Formula (IV), that has been first metallated as described above, with an ester of Formula (VI) wherein R is a C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl or C ₃ -C ₈ cycloalkyl or benzyl and R ³ , A, B, n and m are defined as above to lead to a ketone of Formula (VII) wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, A, B, n, m and p are as defined above (Scheme 3 below).

(ill) Compounds of Formula (II) may result from the reaction of a ketone of Formula (VII) with hydroxylamine in a suitable solvent such as DCM followed by the chemoselective reduction of the formed oxime of Formula (IX) wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, A, B, n, m and p are as defined above. Preferred reducing agent for this transformation may be for example NaBH ₃ CN.

Alternatively, a ketone of Formula (VII) may be chemoselectively reduced in the presence of reducing agent (such as NaBH ₄ in alcoholic solvent like MeOH or EtOH) into an alcohol

of Formula (VIII) wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, A, B, n, m and p are as defined above (Scheme 3 above).

The alcohol group of the alcohol of Formula (VIII) can be eliminated to give an alkene of Formula (III) by reaction with a base such as NaOH, DBU, DIEA or in the presence of MsCl, TMSCl or TsCl. A compound of Formula (II) may then be obtained by reacting hydroxylamine with an alkene of Formula (III) wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , X, Y, A, B, n, m and p are as defined above, in a suitable solvent like THF at a temperature between 0 ⁰ C and 100 ⁰ C (Scheme 3 above).

A complementary route for the preparation of compounds of Formula (II) may result from the transformation of the hydroxy group of an alcohol of Formula (VIII) into a leaving group such as OMs, OTs, Cl, Br or I, following conditions well known to those skilled in the art followed by its displacement with hydroxylamine. Similarly, an alcohol of Formula (VIII) can be reacted with phosphines (e.g. PPh ₃ , P(nBu) ₃ ) in the presence of diazodicarboxylic derivatives such as DEAD, TMAD and hydroxylamine or hydroxylamine derivatives (such as BocO-NHBoc, ZO-NHZ, wherein Z is Benzyloxy carbonyl).

Intermediates of Formula (IV) are prepared by reacting a compound of Formula (X) wherein X, Y, R ¹ , R ² and p are as defined above with mesyl chloride in conditions well known to those skilled in the art (Scheme 4 below).

Scheme 4

(X) (IV)

Intermediates of Formula (X) are commercially available or may be prepared using conditions well known to those skilled in the art. For example, intermediates of Formula

(X) wherein X is a carbon atom may be prepared following procedure described in

Wustrow et al, Synthesis, 1991, 993. Intermediates of Formula (X) wherein X is a nitrogen atom may be prepared following procedure described in Brenner et al, Tetrahedron, 2002, 58(34), 6913-6924 or m Tetrahedron Letters, 1996, 37(26), 4463-4466.

Intermediates of Formula (V) are either commercially available or can be obtained by methods and conditions well known to those skilled in the art. One preferred method to obtain intermediates of Formula (V) consists in the oxidation of an alcohol of Formula (XI) wherein A, B, m, n and R ³ are as defined above using oxidation conditions well known to those skilled in the art like (such as Dess-Martin reagent or MnO ₂ when m and n are 0) (Scheme 5 below).

Scheme 5

(Xl) (V)

Intermediates of Formula (VI) are either commercially available or can be obtained by methods and conditions well known to those skilled in the art. One preferred method to obtain intermediates of Formula (VI) with at least m or n is not 0 and R ³ is an optionally substituted aryl or a optionally substituted heteroaryl consists in the reaction of a compound of Formula (XII) wherein A, B, n and m are as above described and R is a C ₁ -C ₆ alkyl or cycloalkyl or benzyl with R ³ -LG ₂ wherein R ³ is an optionally substituted aryl or a optionally substituted heteroaryl and LG ₂ is an halogen or -OSO ₂ CF ₃ in the presence of a Pd(O) catalyst (Scheme 6 below).

Scheme 6

(XII) (Vl)

Another preferred method to obtain intermediates of formula (VI) wherein n and m are 1 consists in the reaction of a compound of Formula (XIII) wherein, A and R are defined as above and n is 1 with a compound of formula (XIV) wherein LG ₃ is a leaving group such as OMs, OTs, Cl, Br or I, m is 1, and R ³ and B are defined as above. Preferred conditions involve the metallation of intermediate (XIII) with a base like, but not limited to LiHMDS, LDA or BuLi in a suitable solvent such as THF (Scheme 7 below).

Scheme 7

(XIIi) (XiV) (Vi)

According to a further general process, compounds of Formula (I) can be converted to alternative compounds of Formula (I), employing suitable interconversion techniques well known by a person skilled in the art.

Compounds of Formula (I) and its precursors of Formulae (II) and (VIII) contain at least one chiral center, and all individual optically active forms and combinations of these are disclosed as individual and specific embodiments of the invention, as well as their corresponding racemates. The processes outlined in the above Schemes, in particular Schemes 1 and 2, afford compounds of Formula (I) and its precursors of Formulae (II) and (VIII) in racemic form or as mixtures of diastereomers, in cases where additional chiral

centers are present. Pure stereoisomers can be obtained from the mixtures using procedures well known to those skilled in the art including for example separation of isomers by chiral HPLC or formation of diastereoisomeric derivatives having convenient optically active auxiliary species followed by separation and then cleavage of the auxiliary species (see for example Basha et al, 1994, J. Org. Chem., 59, 6103-6106)

In the following the present invention shall be illustrated by means of some examples, which are not construed to be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention.

The following commercially available reagents/resins were used: propargyl alcohol (from Fluka), manganese(rV) oxide or MnO ₂ (from Aldrich), 4-diethylamino-2-butyn-l-ol (from Aldrich), 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-yn-l-ol (from GFS), 2-bromopyrimidine (from Aldrich), copper(I) iodide or CuI (from Aldrich), 2,2-dimethylbut-3-ynoic acid benzylester (from Betapharma), l-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine dihydrochloride (from Aldrich), methane sulfonyl chloride (from Fluka), l-(2-pyridyl)piperazine (from Aldrich), l-[4-(benzyloxy) phenyljpiperazine hydrochloride (from EmkaChem), l-(4-methoxyphenyl) piperazine (from Chess), lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (from Aldrich), diethylchloro phosphate (from Aldrich), hydroxylamine (from Aldrich), acetic anhydride (from Fluka), formic acid (from Fluka), 3-trimethylsilylpropinal (from ABCR), phenylpropioaldehyde (from Fluka), 2-octynal (from Aldrich), ethyl isobutyrate (from Aldrich), 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidine (from Astatech), l-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (from Emkachem), 4-(4- fluorophenyl)piperidine.HCl (from Astatech), l-(biphenyl-4-yl)piperazine (from Apollo), l-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine (from Emkachem), l-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazine (from Acros), l-(3-methoxyphenyl)-piperazine (from Chess), l-[5-(trifluoromethyl) pyridin-2-yl] piperazine (from Maybridge), l-[4-trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-2-yl]-l,4-diazepane (from Acros), 4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperidine (from Astatech), 4-(4-methylphenyl)piperidine (from Astatech), l-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrid-2-yl]-l,4-diazepane (from Fluorochem), l-(4- ethoxyphenyl)piperazine (from Emkachem), l-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl) piperazine (from J&W Pharmlab), l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)piperazine (from Fluorochem), l-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride (from Fluorochem), 1-bromoethoxybenzene

(from Aldrich), 1,4-diazepane (from Aldrich), l-bromo-4-fluorobenzene (from Aldrich), (R)-2-methylpiperazine (from Astatech), Butyradehyde (from Aldrich), 2-hexyn-l-ol (from Aldrich), 3-Quinolin-3-yl-prop-2-yn-l-ol (from Chembridge), 3-hydroxyprop-l- ynyl)benzonitrile (from Maybridge), l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-phenylpiperazine (from Ambinter), l-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (from Ambinter), l-(4- chlorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (from Ambinter), l-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4- (methylsulfonyl)piperazine (from Ambinter), 4-diethylamino-2-butyl-l-ol (from Aldrich), 2-heptyn-l-ol (Aldrich), 3-(3-fluorophenyl)pro-2-yn-l-ol (from Apollo), l-(3- chlorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (from Ambinter).

The HPLC data provided in the examples described below were obtained as followed. HPLC columns: Waters Xterra® MS C ₈ column 50 mm x 4.6 mm at a flow of 2 mL/min, 8 min gradient from 0.1 % TFA in H ₂ O to 0.07 % TFA in CH ₃ CN. The preparative HPLC were obtained with a Waters Xterra® Prep MS C ₈ 10 μm column 300 mm x 30 mm; UV detection (254 nM and 220 nM); flow: 30 mL/min. The MS data provided in the examples described below were obtained as followed: Mass spectrum: LC/MS Waters ZMD (ESI). The GC/MS were obtained with an Agilent 6890 Gas Chromatograph; Column: DB-I HS, 10m x 0.1mm LD. x 0.1 μm; Carrier Gas: Helium at 45 cm/sec at 50 ⁰ C (0.6 mL/min); constant flow mode; Oven: 50 ⁰ C 1 min; 50°C/min to 330 ⁰ C, hold for 5 min. Injector: 250 ⁰ C, 0.2 μL. Detector: Agilent 5973 MSD; transfer line at 325° C, EI SIM. The ¹ H-NMR data provided in the examples described below were obtained with a Bruker DPX-300 MHz NMR machine. Experiences under microwave irradiation were performed using the Emrys Optimizer (from Biotage, previously Personal Chemistry) at the power of 300W.

Intermediate Al: 3-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-propynal

Intermediate Al

To a solution of 3-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)prop-2-yn-l-ol (242 mg, 1.37 mmol, obtained as described in Nugent et al, 1987, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 109, 2788) in anhydrous DCM (12 mL) was added MnO ₂ (2.70 g, 31.1 mmol) portion wise over 2 h. The resulting mixture was stirred at it for one additional hour, then filtered on a bed of Celite and the filtrates were evaporated under reduced pressure to give 123 mg (51%) of the title compound as a brown solid. HPLC, Rt: 2.76 min (purity: 98.9 %). ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 9.37 (s, IH), 7.18 (m, IH), 7.00 (m, IH), 6.82 (d, J=8.3 Hz, IH), 6.03 (s, 2H).

Intermediate Λ2: phenyl-2-butynal

Intermediate A2

4-Phenyl-2-butyn-l-ol (550 mg; 3.76 mmol, obtained as described in Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr, 1954, 816) was dissolved in DCM (10 mL) and MnO ₂ (1.64g; 18.8 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at rt and the reaction was monitored by TLC (EtOAc/c-Hex 10/90, staining with iodine). MnO ₂ was regularly added (1.64 g; 18.8 mmol; three times). MnO ₂ was removed by filtration on a bed of celite. After washing the celite with DCM, the filtrates were then concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the crude by flash chromatography on silica (gradient EtOAc/c-Hex 5:95 to 30:70) gave the title compound as an range oil (60 mg, 11 % yield). ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 9.22 (s, IH), 7.26 (m, 5H), 3.80 (s, 2H).

Intermediate A3: 3-(3-pyridinyl)-2-propynal

Intermediate A3

To a solution of 3-(3-pyridinyl)-2-propyn-l-ol (250 mg, 1.88 mmol, obtained as described in J. Org. Chem. 1998, 63, 1109-1118) in anhydrous DCM (10 ml) under argon was added

MnO ₂ (3.66 g, 42 mmol) portion wise over 1.5 h. The reaction mixture was stirred at it for one additional hour. Then the reaction mixture was poured on the top of a column of silica gel and eluted with cHex/EtOAc (2:1 then 1:1) to give 43 mg (17%) of the title compound as a yellow powder. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 9.46 (s, IH), 8.85 (dd, J=2.1, 0.8 Hz, IH), 8.71 (dd, J=5.0, 1.7 Hz, IH), 7.91 (ddd, J=8.0, 2.1, 1.7 Hz, IH), 7.38 (ddd, J=8.0, 5.0, 0.8 Hz, IH).

Intermediate Λ4: 4-(diethylamino)-2-butynal

Intermediate A4 To a solution of 4-diethylamino-2-butyn-l-ol (1.00 g, 7.08 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (60 mL) was added MnO ₂ (20 g, 230 mmol) portion wise on one hour. The resulting mixture was stirred at it for two additional hours, then filtered on a bed of Celite. The filtrates were evaporated under reduced pressure to give 352 mg (36%) the title compound as anorange oil (352 mg, 36 % yield). ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 9.22 (s, IH), 3.65 (s, 2H), 2.58 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 4H), 1.08 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 6H).

Intermediate Λ5: 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propynal

Intermediate A5

To a solution of 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-yn-l-ol (500 mg, 3.08 mmol) in anhydrous DCM (20 ml) under argon was added MnO ₂ (7.8 g, 90 mmol) portion wise over 2 h. The reaction mixture was stirred at it for one additional hour. Then the reaction mixture was filtered and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel (cHex: EtOAc, gradient 9:1 to 4:1) gave 122 mg (25%) of the

title compound as a yellow oil. HPLC, Rt: 2.9 min (purity: 99.9%). ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 9.43 (s, IH), 7.32 (dd, J=8.3, 7.7 Hz, IH), 7.22 (ddd, J=7.7, 1.4, 1.1 Hz, IH), 7.12 (dd, J=2.6, 1.4 Hz, IH), 7.05 (ddd, J=8.3, 2.6, 1.1 Hz, IH), 3.83 (s, 3H).

Intermediate Λ6: 2,2-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-ylhex-4-ynal

Step a) Formation of Ethyl 2,2-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-ylhex-4-ynoate

To a solution of ethyl isobutyrate (530 μl; 4.08 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (7.30 mL; solutionl.OO M in THF; 7.30 mmol) at -78°C. The mixture was removed from the cooling bath and stirred for 30 min. It was then cannulated over a suspension of 4-(4-chlorobut-2-yn-l-yl)morpholine hydrochloride (prepared as described by Gomez et al, 1997 Tetrahedron, 53(50), 17201-17210; 714 mg; 3.40 mmol) in THF (5 mL) maintained at -78°C. The reaction mixture was left in the cooling bath and allowed to warm up to it. After 3h, it was quenched with water and extracted twice with EtOAc. Combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated. Purification of the crude by flash chromatography on silica (gradient DCMMeOH 100:0 to 90:10) gave the title compound as a colorlesss oil (600 mg, 70% yield). ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 4.11 (qd, J = 7.1 Hz, 2H), 4.14 (m, 4H), 3.31 (t, J = 2.1 Hz, 0.6H), 3.25 (m, 1.4H), 2.52 (m, 4H), 2.43 (t, J = 2.3 Hz, 2H), 1.25 (s, 6H), 1.23 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H).

Step b) Formation of2,2-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-ylhex-4-yn-l-ol

To a solution of ethyl 2,2-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-ylhex-4-ynoate (380 mg; 1.50 mmol) in THF (5 mL) at 0 ⁰ C was added LiAlH ₄ (2.25 mL; solution 1.00 M in THF; 2.25 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0 ⁰ C for Ih and quenched with water (80 μL), 80 μL NaOH 15% (80

μL) and water (3x 80 μL). The suspension thus obtained was then filtrated through a celite pad and rinsed several times with EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give 302 mg of the title compound as an orange oil (307 mg, 97% yield). GC/MS, m/z : 211, Rt : 4.13 min. Step c) Formation of2,2-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-ylhex-4-ynal (A6)

Intermediate A6

To a solution of oxalyl chloride (152 μl; 1.74 mmol) in DCM (4 mL) at -78°C was added a solution of DMSO (237 μl; 3.34 mmol) in DCM (2 mL). The mixture was stirred for 5 min before the addition of a solution of 2,2-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-ylhex-4-yn-l-ol (307 mg; 1.45 mmol) in DCM (2 mL). The mixture was stirred again at -78°C for 15 min and TEA (1.05 mL) was added. It was then brought back to it and stirred for 2h. Water was added. Organic phase was washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO ₃ and brine. It was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated to give the title compound as a colorless oil (303 mg, quantitative). ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 9.51 (s, IH), 3.73 (m, 4H), 3.27 (m, 2H), 2.56 (m, 4H), 2.36 (m, 2H), 1.14 (s, 6H).

Intermediate Bl: l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate Bl To a suspension of l-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine dihydrochloride (2.53 g; 10.0 mmol; 1.0 eq.) in anhydrous DCM (50 mL) was added TEA (3.33 g; 33.0 mmol; 3.3 eq.) and the resulting mixture was chilled at 0 ⁰ C. A IN solution of methanesulfonyl chloride (1.26 g; 11.0 mmol; 1.1 eq.) in DCM (11 mL) was added dropwise. After 20 min at 0 ⁰ C, the reaction mixture was stirred at it for 3h. Water was added and the mixture extracted with

DCM. The combined organic layers were washed with an aqueous saturated solution of NaHCO ₃ , water, brine then dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered and evaporated to give a white powder. Crystallization from EtOAc gave a white solid (1.98 g, 76% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.3 min (purity: 100 %). ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.08-6.83 (m, 4H), 3.41 (m, 4H), 3.22 (m, 4H), s 2.85 (s, 3H).

Intermediate B2: l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine

-S-N N— (f J O

Intermediate B2

The title compound was prepared following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but io starting from l-(2-pyridyl)piperazine (3.59 g, 22 mmol, 1.0 eq.) as a white powder (3.14 g, 65 % yield). ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.22 (d, 4.3Hz, IH), 7.54 (m, IH), 6.71 (m, 2H), 3.71 (m, 4H), 3.35 (m, 4H), 2.82 (s, 3H).

Intermediate B3: 1 -[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

_I5 Intermediate B3

The title compound was prepared following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]piperazine hydrochloride (2.0 g, 6.56 mmol, 1 eq.) as a white powder (1.85 g, 82% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.2 min (purity: 99.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 347.1, M (ESI): 345.0. 0

Intermediate B4 l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate B4

The title compound was prepared following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (1920 mg, 10.0 mmol), as an off-white powder (2180 mg, 81% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.2 min (purity: 99.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 271.1. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 6.91 (m, 2H), 6.83 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.15 (m, 4H), 2.82 (s, 3H).

Intermediate B5: 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine

Intermediate B5

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidine (2.0 g) as a white powder (2.2g, 78.11%). HPLC, Rt: 3.04 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 270.1.

I ₅

Intermediate B6: 1 -(methylsulfonyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperaήne

Intermediate B6

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (2.3 g) as a yellow powder (2.34 g, 76% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.56 min (purity: 99.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 309.1.

Intermediate B7: 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine

Intermediate B7

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from 4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperidine.HCl (2.15 g) as a beige powder (1.79 g, 70% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.18 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 258.1.

Intermediate B 8: 1-[1, 1 '-biphenyl]-4-yl-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperaήne

Intermediate B8 The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl , but starting from l-(biphenyl-4-yl)piperazine (1.79 g), as a white powder (2.12 g, 89% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.60 min (purity: 99.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 317.2.

Intermediate B9: 1 -(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate B9

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but 5 starting from 1 -(5-chloro-2-pyridinyl)piperazine (prepared as described by Swanson et ah, 2005, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 48(6), 1857-1872, 395 mg, 2 mmol) as a beige powder (379 mg, 69% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.60 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 276.2.

Intermediate BlO: 2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl]pyrimidine

Intermediate BlO

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from, l-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine (2.10 g) as a white powder (2.49 g, 80% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.14 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 243.3.

I ₅

Intermediate BIl: l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate BIl

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazine (1.97g, 10 mmol) as a white powder (2.08g, 75% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.02 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 275.2.

Intermediate B12: l-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate B12

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(3-methoxyphenyl)-piperazine (2.27 g) as a white powder (2.58 g, 81% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.13 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 271.3.

Intermediate B13 : 1 -(Methylsulfonyl)-4-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]piperaz ine

Intermediate B 13 To a solution of l-[5-(trifluoromethyl) pyridin-2-yl] piperazine (23 g, 0.099 mol) and TEA (42 mL 0.298mol) in dry dichloromethane (400 mL) maintained at 0 ⁰ C under nitrogen atmosphere, was added methanesulfonylchloride (12.6 g, 0.109 mol) over a period of 20min. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 6h and diluted with water. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated. The crude product was recrystallized from petrol etheπEtOAc (9:1) to afford the title compound as a solid (27 g, 87% yield). TLC: R/ = 0.75 (Chloroform: MeOH; 9:1). ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ , 300MHz) δ: 2.82 (3H, s), 3.32 (4H, m), 3.79 (4H, m), 6.68 (IH, d, J=9Hz), 7.68 (IH, d, J=9Hz), 8.42 (IH, s).

Intermediate Bl 4: 1 -(methylsulfonyl) -4-(4-phenoxyphenyl)piperazine

Intermediate B14 The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(4-phenoxyphenyl)piperazine (prepared as described by Kiritsy et al., 1978, in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 21(12), 1301-1307; 1.0 g; 3.93 mmol) as a beige powder (1.16g, 89% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.38 min (purity: 99.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 333.1, M-(ESI): 331.2. Intermediate B15: 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine

Intermediate B15

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from 4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperidine (700 mg; 3.02 mmol), as a yellow powder (473 mg, 57% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.80 min (purity: 97.5%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 274.1.

Intermediate Bl 6: 4-(4-methylphenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine

Intermediate B16 The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from 4-(4-methylphenyl)piperidine (700 mg; 3.02 mmol), as a white solid (769 mg, 53% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.69 min (purity: 97.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 254.1.

Intermediate Bl 7: l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]-l,4-d iazepane

Intermediate B17

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyrid-2-yl]-l,4-diazepane (500 mg; 2.04 mmol), as an off-white powder (472 mg, 72%). HPLC, Rt: 2.09 min (purity: 99.9%). ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ , 300 MHz) δ: 8.39 (brs, IH), 7.64 (dd, J=9.0, 2.2 Hz, IH), 6.56 (d, J=9.0 Hz, IH), 3.96 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.83 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.51 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 2H), 3.28 (t, J=6.3 Hz, 2H), 2.80 (s, 3H), 2.08 (m, 2H).

Intermediate B18:l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate B18

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)piperazine ( 2.Og, 9.7 mmol), as a beige powder (2.55 g, 92%). HPLC, Rt: 1.74 min (purity: 99.5%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 285.1.

Intermediate B 19: l-(5-Bromopyridin-2-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate B19

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl) piperazine (28 g, 0.116 mol), as a beige solid (29g, 78%). ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 2.82(3H, s), 3.33(4H, t), 3.67(4H, t), 6.59(1H, d, J=9Hz), 7.58- 7.59(1H, m), 8.22(1H, d, J=2.4Hz).

Intermediate B20: l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate B20

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)piperazine (638 mg; 3.09 mmol) as a beige powder (527 mg, 60% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.63 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 285.1.

Intermediate B21: l-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

io Intermediate B21

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-piperazine hydrochloride (2.0 g; 7.73 mmol), as a white powder (1.89g, 81% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.58 min (purity: 99.6%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 301.1.

I ₅

Intermediate B22: l-(4-ethoxyρhenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)-l ,4-diazepane Step a) Formation of l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-l ,4-diazepane dihydrochloride

A solution of homopiperazine (2.74 g), 4-bromophenetole (5.0 g) and sodium tert-butoxide 20 (3.6 g) was prepared in anhydrous toluene (50 ml). Argon was bubbled in the solution for 5 min, then Pd(OAc) ₂ (280 mg) and (+A)-BINAP (620 mg) were added and the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 15 hrs. The reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to give a dark brown solid, which was taken up in DCM and adsorbed on silica.

Purification by flash chromatography on silica (DCM / MeOH) gave the parent compound as a yellow oil. Precipitation in Et ₂ O of the dihydrochloride salt by addition of a IM solution of HCl in Et ₂ O in excess gave 1.06 g (15%) of the title compound as a beige powder. LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 221.2.

Step b) Formation ofl-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)-l,4-diazepane

Intermediate B22

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-l,4-diazepane dihydrochloride (250 mg; 0.85 mmol), as a io orange solid (141 mg, 55% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.59 min (purity: 94.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 299.2.

Intermediate B23: (2R)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperazin Step a) Formation of (3R)-l-(4-Fluorophenyl)-3-methylpiperazine

I ₅

To a mixture of 1-bromo^-fluorobenzene (5.Og, 0.0285mol), (R)-2-methylpiperazine (3.15g, 0.0313mol) and sodium-tert-butoxide (4g, 0.042mol) in dry toluene (100 mL) under nitrogen was added Pd(OAc) ₂ (0.25g, 0.001 lmol) followed by BINAP (0.75g, 0.0012 mol). The reaction mixture was then refluxed for 18h and cooled down to rt. The reaction mixture 20 was washed with water, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated. Purification of the crude by chromatography on silica (chloroform :MeOH, 8:2) gave the title compound as a liquid (2.5g, 46% yield). TLC: R/= 0.25 (Chloroform/MeOH: 9/1).

2 ₅

Step b) Formation of (2R)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl-l -(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

Intermediate B23

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described for Intermediate Bl, but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-(3R)-methylpiperazine (500 mg; 2.57 mmol), as a yellow solid (458 mg, 65% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.85 min (purity: 96.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 273.1.

Example l: 3-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazin yllsulfonvU methvD-2-propynyl (hydroxy)formamide (1) Step a) Formation of a mixture of l-{[(lE)-4-(l ,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-l-buten-3-ynyl] sulfonyl}-4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine and 1-{[(1 Z)-4-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-l-buten-3- ynyl]sulfonyl}-4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine

To a solution of l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate Bl, 175 mg; 0.68 mmol) in THF (5 mL), lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (1.49 mL; solution 1.00M in toluene; 1.49 mmol) was slowly added at -78°C under inert atmosphere. The mixture was then stirred at -78°C for Ih. After this time, diethylchlorophosphate (98 μl; 0.68 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at -78°C for a further 1 hour. A solution of 3-(l,3- benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-propynal (Intermediate Al, 124 mg; 0.71 mmol) in THF (1 mL) was cannulated and the mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 18 h.

Saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution was added and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc. Organic layer was washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated. Purification by flash chromatography on silica (EtOAc: c-Hex,

10:90 to 30:70) gave the title compounds (171 mg of the E isomer and 23 mg of the Z isomer, 69% total yield). E isomer: HPLC, Rt: 4.56 min (purity: 93.0%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI):

415.2. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 6.79-7.00 (m, 6H), 6.78 (dd, J = 11.5, 3.6 Hz, 2H), 6.53 (d, J =

15.1 Hz, IH), 5.99 (s, 2H), 3.45 (m, 4H), 3.19 (m, 4H); Z-isomer: HPLC, Rt: 4.33 min (purity: 96.6%). ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.08 (dd, J = 8.1,1.5 Hz, IH), 6.83-6.93 (m, 5H), 6.77 (d, J = 8.1 Hz, IH), 6.42 (AB, Δ= 41 Hz, J = 11 Hz, 2H), 5.98 (s, 2H), 3.43 (m, 4H), 3.16 (m, 4H).

Step b) Formation ofN-[3-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-pipe razinyl] sulfonyl}methyl)-2-propynyl]hydroxylamine

1 - { [( 1 E)-4-(l ,3 -benzodioxol-5 -yl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl} -4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine (171 mg; 0.41 mmol) was dissolved in THF (6 mL) and a 50% aqueous solution of hydroxylamine (0.70 mL; 11.87 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at 60 ⁰ C for 5 h. THF was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in DCM and washed with brine. Organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated to give 148 mg of a white foam. Purification by flash chromatography on silicagel (EtOAc: c-Hex, 50:50) gave the title compound as a white foam (150 mg, 81% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.39 min (purity: 83.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 448.1. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 6.85-6.94 (m, 6H), 6.41 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, IH), 5.95 (s, 2H), 4.49 (dd, J = 7.8,4.6 Hz, IH), 3.63 (dd, J = 14.1,7.9 Hz, IH), 3.66 (m, 4H), 3.30 (dd, J = 14.1,4.5 Hz, IH), 3.16 (m, 4H).

Step c) Formation of3-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperaz inyl] sulfonyl}methyl)-2-propynyl(hydroxy)formamide

(1)

Acetic anhydride (1.00 mL; 10.59 mmol) was added dropwise to formic acid (5 mL) at 0°C and the mixture was stirred for 30 min. 1 mL of this solution was then added to a solution

of N-[3-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-pipera zinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-2- propynyljhydroxylamine (150.0 mg; 0.34 mmol) in THF (3 mL) and formic acid (0.7 mL) and the mixture was stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was then evaporated to dryness, the residue dissolved in MeOH and heated at 60 ⁰ C for 3h. The solution was

5 allowed to cool down to it and the precipitate obtained was filtered. It was redissolved in EtOAc and precipitated again in pentane, filtered and dried under reduced pressure to give the title compound (1) (80 mg, 50% yield) as a white solid. HPLC, Rt: 3.58 min (purity: 96.9 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 476.3, M ^" (ESI): 474.3. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 9.55 (s, 0.5H), 9.12 (s, 0.5H), 8.1 (m, IH), 6.90-7.09 (m, 7H), 6.05 (s, 2H), 4.81 (s, 0.5H), 4.61 (s, 0.5H), io 3.62 (m, 2H), 3.31 (m, 4H), 3.14 (m, 4H).

Example 2: l-({[4-(4-fluorophenvπ-l-piperazinyllsulfonvUmethvπ-3-(tri methylsilvπ- 2-propynvKhvdroxy)formamide (2)

Step a) Formation of a mixture ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-l-buten-3- i ₅ ynyljsulfonyljpiperazine and 1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{ [(lZ)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-l -buten-3- ynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)^-(methylsulfonyl) piperazine (Intermediate Bl, 258 mg, 20 1.0 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and 3-trimethylsilylpropinal (132 mg, 1.05 mmol, 1.05 eq.) as a white powder. (240 mg, 65% yield). HPLC, Rt: 5.03 min (purity: 99.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 367.1. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.07-6.86 (m, 4H), 6.60 (m, 2H), 3.36 (m, 4H), 3.21 (m, 4H), 0.26 (s, 9H).

Step b) Formation ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(trimethylsilyl) -3- butynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine

The title compound (2) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-l-buten-3-yny l] sulfonyl} piperazine (240 mg, 0.65 mmol, 1.0 eq.), as a white powder. (161 mg, 62% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.89 min (purity: 96.0%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 400.1. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.13-6.84 (m, 4H), 5.35 (bra, 2H), 4.35 dd (J: 4.35 Hz, J=8.23 Hz, IH), 3.61 (m, IH), 3.52 (m, 4H), 3.26 (m, IH), 3.21 (m, 4H), 0.22 (s, 9H).

Step c) Formation ofl-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-3- (trimethylsilyl)-2-propynyl(hydroxy)formamide

(2)

The title compound (2) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)^-(trimethylsilyl)-3- butynyl] sulfonyl}piperazine (40 mg, 0.1 mmol, 1.0 eq.) as a colorless oil. HPLC, Rt: 3.80 min (purity: 61.3%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 428.0.

Example 3: hvdroxy[l-({[4^2-pyridinvO-l-piperazinyllsulfonvUmethvO-3-(t rimethyl silyl)-2-propynyllformamide (3)

Step a) Formation of a mixture ofl-(2-pyridinyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-l-buten-3- ynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine and 1 -(2-pyridinyl)-4-{ [(I Z)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-l -buten-3-ynyl] sulfonyljpiperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine (Intermediate B2, 1291 mg, 5.0 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and 3-trimethylsilylpropinal (1325 mg, 10.5 mmol, 1.05 eq.) as a brownish powder. (1901 mg, 54% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.11 min (purity: 97.6%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 350.2. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.23 (m, IH), 7.54 (m, IH), 6.76-6.62 (m, 2H), 6.61- 6.55 (m, 2H), 3.75-3.65 (m, 4H), 3.35-3.36 (m, 4H), 0.25 (s, 9H).

Step b) Formation ofl-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-3-butynyl]sulfonyl }-4-(2- yridinyl)piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from 1 -(2-pyridinyl)-4- { [( 1 E)-4-(trimethylsilyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl } piperazine (349 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.0 eq.) as a colorless oil. (306 mg, 80% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.08 min (purity: 94.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 383.3. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.22 (m, IH), 7.52 (m, IH), 6.76 (bra, IH), 6.66 (m, 2H), 5.62 (bra, IH), 4.35^.22 (m, IH), 3.73-3.52 (m, 5H), 3.49-3.34 (m, 4H), 3.29-3.15 (m, IH), 0.16 (s, 9H).

Step c) Formation of hydroxy [l-({ [4-(2-pyridinyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-3- (trimethylsilyl) -2-propynylJformamide

(3)

The title compound (3) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c), but starting from l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)^-(trimethylsilyl)-3-butynyl]sulfonyl}^- (2- pyridinyl) piperazine (650 mg, 1.61 mmol, 1.0 eq.) as a white powder. (192 mg, 57% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.33 min (purity: 98.2%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 411.2.

₅

Example 4: l-({[4-(4-fluorophenvO-l<HperazinyllsulfonvUmethvO-3-phen yl-2- propynyl(hvdroxy)formamide (4)

Step a) Formation of a mixture ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-phenyl-l-buten-3-ynyl] sulfonyljpiperazine and l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lZ)-4-phenyl-l-buten-3-ynyl]sulfonyl } o piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate Bl, 1291 mg, 5.0 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and phenylpropioaldehyde (683 mg, 5.25 mmol, 1.05 eq.), as a s white powder. (820 mg, 44% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.71 min (purity: 98.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 371.1. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.35-7.08 (m, 5H), 6.83-6.53 (m, 5H), 6.38 (d, J=I 5.1 Hz, IH), 3.15 (m, 4H), 2.97 (m, 4H).

Step b) Formation ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenyl-3-butynyl ] 0 sulfonyljpiperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)^-{[(lE)-4-phenyl-l-buten-3-ynyl] sulfonyl} piperazine (800 mg, 2.16 mmol, 1.0 eq.) as a white powder. (665 mg, 76% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.51 min s (purity: 98.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 404.1. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.62-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.50- 7.31 (m, 3H), 7.16-6.90 (m, 4H), 5.81 (brs, IH), 5.06 (brs, IH), 4.65 (dd, J=4.5 Hz, J=7.9

Hz, IH), 3.77 (dd, J=17.7 Hz, J=13.9 Hz, IH), 3.62 (m, 4H), 3.45 (dd, J=4.5 Hz, J=14.2 Hz, IH), 3.30 (m, 4H).

Step c) Formation ofl-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-3-p henyl-2- propynyl(hydroxy)formamide

(4)

The title compound (4) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-phenyl-3-butynyl] sulfonyl} piperazine (650 mg, 1.61 mmol, 1.0 eq.), as a white powder. (512 mg, 74% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.71 min (purity: 98.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 432.2, M (ESI): 430.0. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.27 (bra, 0.35H), 7.97 (bra, 0.65H), 7.29-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.06 (m, 3H), 6.87-6.61 (m, 4H), 5.60(brs, 0.45H), 5.08 (bra, 0.55H), 3.75-3.41 (m, IH), 3.27 (m, 4H), 2.96 (m, 4H).

Examples 4a. 4b: [(1S)-I-(I [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-3- phenylprop -2-vn-l-yllhvdroxyformamide (4a) and [(1R)-I-(I [4-(4-fluorophenvD piperazJn-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-3-phenylprop-2-vn-l-yll hvdroxyformamide(4b)

(4a) (4b)

The two enantiomers of l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-3-phe nyl-

2-propynyl(hydroxy)formamide (prepared as in Example 4) were separated by chiral HPLC using a semi-prep CHIRALP ACK AD column (MeOH: i-PrOH: FA, 50:50: 0.1, flow = 10 mL/min). First compound (presumably R enantiomer): HPLC, Rt: 3.67 min (purity:

98.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 432.2, M (ESI): 430.0; chiral HPLC (CHIRALPACK AD-H), Rt = 9.17 min (hexane: EtOH:DEA, 50:50: 0.1, flow = 1 mL/min). Second compound (presumably S enantiomer): HPLC, Rt: 3.61 min (purity: 95.5%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 432.2, M (ESI): 430.2; chiral HPLC (CHIRALPACK AD-H), Rt = 12.8 min (hexane:EtOH:DEA, 50:50: 0.1, flow = 1 mL/min).

Example 5 : 1 - [({4- [4-(benzyloxy)phenyll-l -piper azinyl} sulfonyl)methyll-2-octvnyl (hvdroxy)formamide (5)

Step a) Formation of a mixture of benzyl 4-{4-[(lE)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl]-l-piperazinyl} phenyl ether and benzyl 4-{4-[(lZ)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl]-l-piperazinyl}phenyl ether

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-[4-(benzyloxy) phenyl]-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B3, 346 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and 2-octynal (130 mg, 1.05 mmol, 1.05 eq.), as a white solid (238 mg, 55% yield). HPLC, Rt: 5.27 min (purity: 84.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 453.4. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.48-7.28 (m, 5H), 6.95-6.83 (m, 4H), 6.61 (m, 0.35H), 6.56 (m, 0.65H), 6.45 (s, 0.65H), 6.41 (s, 0.35H), 5.01 (s, 2H), 3.30 (m, 4H), 3.13 (m, 4H), 2.37 (m, 2H), 1.56 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.15 (m, 6H), 0.90 (m, 3H).

Step b) Formation of l-[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl] -4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3-nonynyl] sulfonylj piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from benzyl 4-{4-[(lE)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl]-l-piperazinyl}phenyl ether (238

mg, 0.53 mmol, 1 eq.) as a white solid (211 mg, 83 % yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.89 min (purity: 60.6 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 486.3. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.44-7.27 (m, 5H), 6.95-6.83 (m, 4H), 5.36 (brs, IH), 5.02 (s, 2H), 4.28 (m, IH), 3.60-3.43 (m, 5H), 3.16 (m, 5H), 2.20 (m, 2H), 1.50 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.24 (m, 4H), 0.89 (m, 3H).

Step c) Formation ofl-[({4-[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]-l-piperazinyl}sulfonyl)methyl ]-2- octynyl(hydroxy)formamide

(5) The title compound (5) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c), but starting from l-[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3-nonynyl]sulfo nyl} piperazine (160 mg, 0.33 mmol, 1.0 eq.) as a pink solid. (70 mg, 41% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.15 min (purity: 93.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 514.4, M (ESI): 512.2. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.41 (brs, 0.37H), 8.11 (brs, 0.63H), 7.45-7.27 (m, 5H), 6.96-6.83 (m, 4H), 5.55 (brs, 0.5H), 5.00 (brs, 2.5H), 3.80-3.56 (m, IH), 3.41 (m, 3H), 3.23-3.18 (m, IH), 3.11 (m, 4H), 2.19 (m, 2H), 165-1.43 (m, 4H), 1.40-1.24 (m, 4H), 0.88 (m, 3H).

Example 6 : 1 -({ [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l -piper azinyll sulfonyl} methyl)-4-phenyl-2-butvnyl (hvdroxy)formamide (6)

Step a) Formation of a mixture ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-5-phenyl-l-penten-3-ynyl] sulfonyljpiperazine and l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lZ)-5-phenyl-l-penten-3-ynyl] sulfonyl} piperazine

To a solution of l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate Bl, 107.5 mg; 0.42 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (0.92 mL; 1 M solution in toluene; 0.92 mmol) at -78°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The mixture was

stirred at -78°C for 30 min. Diethylchlorophosphonate (60 μl; 0.42 mmol) was then added and the mixture stirred at -78°C for an additional 30 min. A solution of 4-phenyl-2-butynal (Intermediate A2, 60 mg; 0.42 mmol) in THF (3 mL) was then cannulated and the mixture was stirred at -78 ⁰ C for 1.5 h. The mixture was then quenched with saturated NH ₄ Cl solution and extracted with EtOAc. Organic layer was washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated. Purification of the crude (190 mg) by flash chromatography on silica (EtOAc/c-Hex 10-90 then 20:80) gave the title compounds (133 mg of the E isomer and 28 mg of the Z isomer, 98% total yield). E-isomer: HPLC, Rt: 4.68 min (purity: 94.6 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 385.2, M ^" (ESI): 383.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.30 (m, 5H), 6.81-6.89 (m, 4H), 6.63 (dt, J = 15.3,2.2 Hz, IH), 6.48 (d, J = 15.3 Hz, IH), 3.78 (d, J = 2.1 Hz, 2H), 3.31 (m, 4H), 3.15 (m, 4H); Z-isomer: HPLC, Rt: 4.41 min (purity: 76 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 385.2, M ^" (ESI): 383.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.35 (m, 5H), 6.99 (m, 4H), 6.36 (d, J = 3.0 Hz, 2H), 3.84 (s, 2H), 3.42 (m, 4H), 3.13 (m, 4H).

Step b) Formation ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-5-phenyl-3-pentyny l] sulfonyljpiperazine

To a solution of l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-5-phenyl-l-penten-3-ynyl]sulfony l}piperazine (155 mg; 0.40 mmol) in THF (8 mL) was added hydroxylamine (0.71 mL; 12.1 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at 60 ⁰ C for Ih. It was then diluted with EtOAc, washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated. Purification of the crude (135 mg) by flash chromatography on silica gave the title compound (50 mg, 30% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.84 min (purity: 94.5%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 418.3, M (ESI): 416.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.22-7.31 (m, 5H), 7.01 (m, 4H), 4.33 (m, IH), 3.62 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 2H), 3.53- 3.60 (m, 5H), 3.20-3.27 (m, 5H). ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.30 (m, 5H), 6.95 (m, 4H), 6.32 (d, J = 15.6 Hz, IH), 6.07 (dt, J = 16.1,7.4 Hz, IH), 3.90 (s, 2H), 3.78 (d, J = 6.6 Hz, 2H), 3.22 (m, 4H), 2.91 (m, 4H).

Step d) Formation ofl-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-4-p henyl-2- butynyl(hydroxy)formamide

(6) The title compound (6) was prepared following procedure described in Example 1, step d), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-5-phenyl-3-pentynyl] sulfonyl} piperazine (50 mg, 0.12 mmol), as a yellow oil (40 mg, 75% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.72 min (purity: 85.2%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 446.3, M (ESI): 444.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.44 (brs, 0.4H), 8.10 (brs, 0.6H), 7.36-7.20 (m, 5H), 7.05-6.85 (m, 4H), 5.62 (brs, 0.5H), 5.10 (brs, 0.5H), 3.62 (s, 2H), 3.55-3.25 (m, 5H), 3.15 (brs, 5H).

Example 7: l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazinyllsulfonvUmethyl)-2-octv nyl(hvdroxy) formamide (7)

Step a) Formation of a mixture ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-[(lE)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl] iperazine and l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-[(lZ)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl]piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)^-(methylsulfonyl) piperazine (Intermediate Bl, 258 mg, 1.0 mmol) and 2-octynal (130 mg, 1.05 mmol), as a orange solid. (261 mg, 72% yield). HPLC, Rt: 5.17 min (purity: 99.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 365.3, M (ESI): 363.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.04-6.86 (m, 4H), 6.63 (m, 0.35H), 6.56 (m, 0.65H), 6.45 (s, 0.65H), 6.40 (s, 0.35H), 3.35 (m, 4H), 3.18 (m, 4H), 2.37 (m, 2H), 1.53 (m, 4H), 1.45-1.15 (m, 4H), 0.90 (m, 3H).

Step b) Formation ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3-nonynyl] sulfonyl} piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from benzyl l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-[(lE)-l-nonen-3-ynylsulfonyl] piperazine (264 mg, 0.72 mmol, 1.0 eq.), as a white solid. (169 mg, 69% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.54 min (purity: 73.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 398.2, M (ESI): 396.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 6.97 (m, 2H), 6.87 (m, 2H), 4.29 (m, IH), 3.52-3.43 (m, IH), 3.40 (m, 4H), 3.16 (m, IH), 3.11 (m, 4H), 2.19 (m, 2H), 1.50 (m, 2H), 1.40-1.22 (m, 4H), 0.88 (m, 3H).

10

Step c) Formation ofl-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-2-o ctynyl (hydroxy)formamide

The title compound (7) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c),

I ₅ but starting from l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazinyl] sulfonyl }methyl)-2-octynyl (hydroxy) formamide (162 mg, 0.41 mmol, 1.0 eq.), as an orange solid. (110 mg, 63% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.87 min (purity: 99.2%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 426.3, M (ESI): 424.2. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.41 (brs, 0.4H), 8.08 (brs, 0.6H), 6.97 (m, 2H), 6.88 (m, 2H), 5.55 (brs, 0.36H), 5.01 (brs, 0.64H), 3.82-3.55 (m, IH), 3.42 (m, 4H), 3.27-3.20 (m, IH), 3.14 (m,

20 4H), 2.18 (m, 2H), 1.50 (m, 2H), 1.40-1.20 (m, 4H), 0.89 (m, 3H).

Example 8 : 1 -({ [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l -piper azinyll sulfonyl} methyl)-3-(3 -pyridinvD-2- propynyl(hvdroxy)formamide (8)

Step a) Formation of a mixture ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(3-pyridinyl)-l-buten-3- ynyljsulfonyljpiperazine and l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lZ)-4-(3-pyridinyl)-l-buten-3- ynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl) piperazine (Intermediate Bl, 75 mg, 0.29 mmol) and 3-(3-pyridinyl)-2-propynal (Intermediate A3, 40 mg, 0.30 mmol), as a pale yellow powder (40 mg, 37% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.1 min (purity: 94.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 372.2, M (ESI): 370.0. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.72 (m, IH), 8.61 (m, IH), 7.78 (m, IH), 7.31 (dd, J=7.9, 4.9 Hz, IH), 7.04-6.94 (m, 2H), 6.93-6.83 (m, 2H), 6.84 (d, J=I 5.5 Hz, IH), 6.68 (d, J=15.5 Hz, IH), 3.37 (m, 4H), 3.18 (m, 4H).

Step b) Formation ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3- butynyl] sulfonyljpiperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1 , step b), but starting from 1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [( 1 E)-4-(3 -pyridinyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl } piperazine (36 mg, 0.1 mmol), as a pale yellow powder (15 mg, 38% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.9 min (purity: 94.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 405.2.

Step c) Formation ofl-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-3-( 3- pyridinyl)-2-propynyl(hydroxy)formamide

(8) The title compound (8) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c),

5 but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3-bu tynyl] sulfonyl}piperazine (15 mg, 0.04 mmol) as a pale yellow powder (6.4 mg, 40% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.1 min (purity: 99.0%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 433.3, M (ESI): 431.1. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.66-8.44 (m, 2.6H), 8.15 (bis, 0.4H), 7.78 (d, J=7.5 Hz, IH), 7.32 (m, IH), 7.05-6.86 (m, 4H), 5.91 (brs, 0.6H), 5.31 (brs, 0.4H), 3.95-3.65 (m, IH), 3.60-3.37 (m, 6H), io 3.20 (m, 4H).

Example 9: hvdroxy[l-({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-piperazinyllsulfonvUmethy l)-3-(3- pyridinvD-2-propynyllformamide (9)

Step a) Formation of a mixture ofl-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(3-pyridinyl)-l-buten-3- i ₅ ynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine and 1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-{[(l Z)-4-(3-pyridinyl)-l -buten-3- ynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B4, 338

20 mg, 1.25 mmol) and 3-(3-pyridinyl)-2-propynal (Intermediate A3, 246 mg, 1.88 mmol), as a yellow powder (31 mg, 6.5% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.4 min (purity: 88.1%). LC/MS,

M ⁺ (ESI): 384.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.72 (m, IH), 8.61 (m, IH), 7.77 (m, IH), 7.31 (m, IH), 7.04-6.85 (m, 4H), 6.81 (d, J=15.4 Hz, IH), 6.67 (d, J=15.4 Hz, IH), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.39 (m, 4H), 3.17 (m, 4H).

5 Step b) Formation of l-{ [2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3-pyridinyl)-3-butynyl]sulfonyl}-4-(4- methoxyphenyl)piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from 1 -(4-methoxyphenyl)-4- { [( 1 E)-4-(3 -pyridinyl)- 1 -buten-3 -ynyl] sulfonyl }

10 piperazine (27 mg, 0.07 mmol), as a white powder (15 mg, 51% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.5 min (purity: 97.1%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 417.3. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.71 (bra, IH), 8.55 (bid, J=4.7 Hz, IH), 7.75 (bid, J=7.9 Hz, IH), 7.26 (dd, J=7.9, 4.7 Hz, IH), 6.93 (m, 2H), 6.85 (m, 2H), 4.58 (dd, J=8.2, 4.4 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.70 (dd, J=14.2, 8.2 Hz, IH), 3.52 (m, 4H), 3.34 (dd, J=14.2, 4.4 Hz, IH), 3.17 (m, 4H).

I ₅

Step c) Formation of hydroxy [l-({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-3- (3-pyridinyl)-2-propynyl]formamide

(9)

The title compound (9) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c),

20 but starting from l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3 -pyridinyl)-3-butynyl] sulfonyl} -4-(4-methoxy phenyl)piperazine (15 mg, 0.04 mmol), as a pale yellow powder (11 mg, 70% yield).

HPLC, Rt: 1.6 min (purity: 99.2%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 445.3, M (ESI): 443.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.64 (brs, IH), 8.60-8.44 (m, 1.6H), 8.15 (brs, 0.4H), 7.76 (d, J=7.9 Hz, IH), 7.30 (m, IH), 6.93 (m, 2H), 6.83 (m, 2H), 5.93 (brs, 0.6H), 5.13 (brs, 0.4H), 4.00-3.65 (m, IH), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.49 (m, 6H), 3.16 (m, 4H).

Example 10: hvdroxy[3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l-({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-piper azinyll sulfonvUmethyl)-2-propynyllformamide (10)

Step a) Formation of diethyl {[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl} methyl phosphonate

To a solution of l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B4, 338 mg; 1.25 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) was added a IM solution of lithiumbis (trimethylsilyl)amide in toluene (2.75 mL, 2.75 mmol) at -20 ⁰ C under inert atmosphere. The resulting mixture was stirred at -20 ⁰ C for 30 min. Then diethylchlorophosphate (180 μl; 1.25 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at -20 ⁰ C for 4 additional hours. A saturated aqueous solution of NH ₄ Cl was added and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2x). The organic layers were washed with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO ₃ . The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO ₄ ) and the solvents were removed under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography on silica (cHex: EtOAc, gradient 80:20 to 0:100) gave 255 mg (50%) of the title compound as a yellow powder. HPLC, Rt: 2.22 min (purity: 99.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 407.3, M (ESI): 405.2. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 6.87 (m, 4H), 4.26 (m, 4H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.59 (s, IH), 3.53 (s, IH), 3.50 (m, 4H), 3.16 (m, 4H), 1.39 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 6H).

Step b) Formation of a mixture ofl-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l- buten-3-ynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine and l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-{[(lZ)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)- l-buten-3-ynyl]sulfonyl}piperazine

To a solution of {[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methylphosphona te (250 mg, 0.62 mmol) in anhydrous THF (5 mL) was added a IM solution of lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide in toluene (0.74 mL, 0.74 mmol) at -10 ⁰ C under inert atmosphere. After 15 min, a solution of 3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-propynal (117 mg, 0.74 mmol, Intermediate A5) in anhydrous THF (0.7 mL) was added. The resulting mixture was stirred at -10 ⁰ C for 12 hours. A saturated aqueous solution Of NH ₄ Cl was added and the reaction mixture was extracted with EtOAc (2x). The organic layers were washed with a saturated aqueous solution OfNaHCO ₃ . The combined organic layers were dried (MgSO ₄ ) and the solvents were removed under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography on silica (cHex: EtOAc, gradient 80:20 to 50:50) gave 172 mg (67%) of the title compound as a white powder. HPLC, Rt: 4.1 min (purity: 99.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 413.3. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.29 (m, IH), 7.10 (m, IH), 7.02-6.85 (m, 6H), 6.83 (d, J=15.1 Hz, IH), 6.63 (d, J=15.1 Hz, IH), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.38 (m, 4H), 3.18 (m, 4H).

Step c) Formation ofl-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-butynyl]sulfony l}-4-(4- methoxyphenyl)piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from l-(4-methoxyphenyl)^-{[(lE)^-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l-buten-3-yny l] sulfonyl}piperazine (91 mg, 0.22 mmol), as a white foam (126 mg, 71% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.9 min (purity: 99.1%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 446.4. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 7.21 (m, IH), 7.05 s (m, IH), 6.99-6.85 (m, 6H), 5.91 (brs, IH), 5.08 (brs, IH), 4.54 (dd, J=8.3, 4.2 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.66 (dd, J=14.3, 8.3 Hz, IH), 3.52 (m, 4H), 3.35 (dd, J=14.3, 4.2 Hz, IH), 3.16 (m, 4H).

Step d) Formation of hydroxy [3-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l-({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l- o piperazinyl]sulfonyl}methyl)-2-propynyl]formamide

(10)

The title compound (10) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c), but starting from l-{[2-(hydroxyamino)^-(3-methoxyphenyl)-3-butynyl]sulfonyl}- 4-(4- methoxyphenyl)piperazine (123 mg, 0.8 mmol, 1 eq.), as a pink foam (131 mg, 95% yield). s HPLC, Rt: 3.0 min (purity: 99.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 474.3, M (ESI): 472.1. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.47 (brs, 0.4H), 8.17 (brs, 0.6H), 7.22 (t, IH, J=8.1Hz), 7.03 (m, IH), 6.98- 6.81 (m, 6H), 5.81 (brs, 0.5H), 5.28 (brs, 0.5H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.47 (m, 4H), 3.14 (m, 4H).

Example 11 : 4-(diethylamino)-l -({ [4-(4-methoxyphenvD-l -piper azinyll sulfonyl} methv0-2-butvnyl(hvdroxy)fOrmamide (11)

Step a) Formation of a mixture ofN,N-diethyl-N-((4E)-5-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l- piperazinyl]sulfonyl}-4-penten-2-ynyl)amine andN,N-diethyl-N-((4Z)-5-{[4-(4-methoxy phenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulfonyl}-4-penten-2-ynyl)amine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(4-methoxyphenyl)^-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B4, 450 mg, 1.66 mmol) and 4-(diethylamino)-2-butynal (Intermediate A4, 347 mg, 2.5 mmol), as a yellow powder (391 mg, 60% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.0 min (purity: 93.3%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 392.3. ¹ K NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 6.94-6.84 (m, 4H), 6.63 (dt, J=I 5.0, 1.7 Hz, IH), 6.52 (d, J=15.0 Hz, IH), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.63 (d, J=1.7 Hz, 2H), 3.34 (m, 4H), 3.15 (m, 4H), 2.58 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 4H), 1.10 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 6H).

Step b) Formation ofN,N-diethyl-4-(hydroxyamino)-5-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l- piperazinyl] sulfonyl} -2 -pentyn-1 -amine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from N, N-diethyl-N-((4E)-5-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-piperazinyl]sulf onyl}-4- penten-2-ynyl)amine (391 mg, 1 mmol, 1 eq.), as a yellow oil (165 mg, 39% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.50 min (purity: 53.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 425.3. ¹ H NMR (CDCl ₃ ) δ: 6.95-6.81 (m, 4H), 4.33 (m, IH), 3.76 (brs, 3H), 3.60-3.50 (m, IH), 3.50-3.38 (m, 5H), 3.18-3.05 (m, 4H), 2.53 (q, 4H, J=7.1Hz), 1.05 (t, 6H, J=7.1Hz)

Step c) Formation of4-(diethylamino)-l-({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-piperazinyl]su lfonyl} methyl) -2 -butynyl(hydroxy)formamide

(H)

The title compound (11) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step

₅ c), but starting from N, N-diethyM-(hydroxyamino)-5-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l- piperazinyl] sulfonyl}-2-pentyn-l -amine (163 mg, 0.38 mmol), as a pale yellow foam (70 mg, 40% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.5 min (purity: 99.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 453.3, M (ESI):

451.2. ¹ K NMR (CD ₃ OD) δ: 8.34 (brs, 0.5H), 8.19 (brs, 0.5H), 7.01 (m, 2H), 6.89 (m, 2H),

5.70 (brs, 0.5H), 5.38 (brs, 0.5H), 3.80 (s, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.55(m, 2H), 3.16 (m, 4H), io 2.96 (m, 4H), 1.23 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 6H).

Example 12: hvdroxy(l-{[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-vOsulfonyllmethvUprop -2-yn-l- vOformamide (12)

Step a) Formation of a mixture of l-[(lE)-but-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]-4-pyridin-2- i ₅ ylpiperazine and l-[(lZ)-but-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]-4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine

To a solution of l-(2-pyridinyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(trimethylsilyl)-l-buten-3-ynyl]s ulfonyl} piperazine (prepared as in Example 3, step a; 174.8 mg; 0.50 mmol; 1.0 eq.) in THF (4 mL) at -20 ⁰ C was added a 1 N solution of tetrabutylammonioum fluoride (0.75 mL; 0.75 mmol; 20 1.50 eq). After Ih, a saturated aqueous solution Of NH ₄ Cl was added. The mixture was extracted with EtOAc and the combined organic layers were washed with water, brine, dried over MgSO ₄ , filtered and evaporated to give a brown oil. Purification on silicagel (EtOAc/c-Hex 40/60) gave the title product as a colorless oil (30 mg, 21%). ¹ H NMR

(CDCl ₃ ) δ: 8.01 (m, IH), 7.25 (m, IH), 6.50-6.21 (m, 4H), 3.42 (m, 4H), 3.20 (s, IH), 3.05 (m, 4H).

Step b) Formation of l-{ [2-(hydroxyamino)but-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-pyridin-2-yl piperazine

To a solution of l-[(lE)-l-buten-3-ynylsulfonyl]^-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine (30 mg; 0.11 mmol; 1.00 eq.) in THF (3 mL) was added an aq. solution of hydroxylamine (50%, 0.10 mL; 1.62 mmol; 15.0 eq.) and the resulting reaction mixture was stirred at 60 ⁰ C for 4h. io Evaporation of the solvents (rotavap gave an oil). Purification on silicagel (50/50 up to 70/30 AcOEt-c-Hex) a colorless oil (15 mg, 44% yield). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 311.1, M ^" (ESI): 309.0.

Step c) Formation ofhydroxy(l-{[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl]methyl} prop-2-yn- i ₅ l-yl)formamide

(12)

Acetic anhydride (25 mg; 0.24 mmol; 5.0 eq.) was added to cold (0 ⁰ C) formic acid (111 mg; 2.42 mmol; 50.0 eq.). The mixture was stirred 1 h, then a 1 M solution of l-{[2- (hydroxyamino)-3-butynyl]sulfonyl}-4-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine (15 mg; 0.05 mmol; 1.0 20 eq.) in THF was added. After 4 h, the solvents were evaporated and the crude product was purified on silicagel (80/20 EtOAc/c-Hex) to give the title compound (12) as a colorless oil (2.3 mg, 14% yield). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 339.2, M ^" (ESI): 337.1.

Example 13: Hvdroxy[l-({[4^4-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl )-3- phenylprop-2-vn-l-vHformamide (13)

(13) A solution of 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine (Intermediate B5; 100 mg, 0.37 mmol) was prepared in anhydrous THF (3 mL) and cooled at 0 ⁰ C. A solution of LiHMDS (IM in THF, 0.8 mL, 0.82 mmol) was added dropwise. After 5 min., diethyl chlorophosphate (54 μL, 0.37 mmol) was added. After 5 min., 3-phenylpropionaldehyde (55 μl, 0.45 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 min. Then a 50% aqueous solution Of NH ₂ OH (0.33 mL) was added and the resulting biphasic mixture was heated at 60 ⁰ C for 2.5 hours. Brine (5 mL) was added and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x10 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and the solvents were removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow oil. A mixture of formic acid (1.05 mL) and acetic anhydride (260 mL) was stirred at 0 ⁰ C for 30 min., then a solution of the previous oil in anhydrous THF (2 mL) was added and the resulting mixture was stirred at 0 ⁰ C for 30 min. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was taken up in MeOH (4 mL) and heated at 60 ⁰ C for 30 min. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to give a yellow oil, which was taken up in EtOAc (5 mL) and washed with a saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO ₃ (5 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x5 mL). The organic layers were combined, dried (MgSO ₄ ) and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography on silica gel (gradient cHex:EtOAc 2:1 to 1 :2) gave the title compound as an orange foam (53 mg, 32% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.0 min (purity: 96.3%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 443.3, M (ESI): 441.1.

Example 14 : Hvdroxy(l-{[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyllmethvUhex -2-vn-l- vDformamide (14)

Step a) Formation ofl-[(lE)-hept-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]-4-pyridin-2-ylpiperaz ine

5 The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine (Intermediate B2, 502 mg; 2.08 mmol) and butyraldehyde (200 mg; 2.08 mmol) as a white powder (246 mg, 37% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.48 min (purity: 98.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 320.3, M (ESI): 318.3. ¹ K NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 8.16 (m, IH), 7.46 (m, IH), 6.67 (m, 2H), 6.56 (dt, J = 15.3,2.3 Hz, io IH), 6.38 (d, J = 15.3 Hz, IH), 4.09 (t, J = 5.2 Hz, 4H), 3.23 (t, J = 5.0 Hz, 4H), 2.32 (td, J = 7.0,2.1 Hz, 2H), 1.55 (sx, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 0.96 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H).

Step b) Formation ofl-{[2-(hydroxyamino)hept-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-pyridin-2- ylpiperazine

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 1, step b) but starting from l-[(lE)-hept-l-en-3-yn-l-ylsulfonyl]-4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin e (246 mg; 0.77 mmol) as a colorless oil (158 mg, 58% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.21 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 353.3. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 8.16 (m, IH), 7.49 (m, IH), 6.65 (m, 20 2H), 5.5 (bra, 2H), 4.25 (m, IH), 3.63 (m, 4H), 3.51 (dd, J = 14.1,7.7 Hz, IH), 3.52 (m, 4H), 3.15 (dd, J = 14.0,4.8 Hz, IH), 2.12 (td, J = 7.1, 2.1 Hz, 2H), 1.47 (sx, J = 7.3 Hz, 2H), 0.92 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H).

Step c) Formation ofhydroxy(l-{[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyl]methyl} hex-2-yn- 1 -yl)formamide

(14)

5 To a solution of 1 - { [2-(hydroxyamino)hept-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } -4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazine

(157 mg; 0.45 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was added a solution of acetyl formate (200 mg, prepared as described by Ko lie et al., 1983, Helvetica Chimica Acta, 66(8), 2760-8) in THF

(2 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at it for 5h and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the crude by flash chromatography on silica (EtOAc :c-Hex, io gradient from 50:50 to 100:0) gave the title compound as a white foam (90 mg, 53% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.04 min (purity: 97.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 381.3, M-(ESI): 379.2. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 8.39 (bra, 0.4H), 8.18 (m, IH), 8.08 (bra, 0.6H), 7.48 (m, IH), 6.66 (m, 2H), 5.53 (bra, 0.4H), 5.01 (bra, 0.6H), 3.63 (m, 5H), 3.36 (m, 6H), 2.14 (m, 2H), 1.49 (sx, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 0.93 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H).

I ₅

Example 15: [l-({[4-(2-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct-2- vn-l-yll hydroxyformamide (15)

(15)

20 The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(2-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (300 mg; 1.16 mmol) and 1- octynal (0.17 mL, 1.22 mmol), as an orange oil (102 mg, 20% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.12 min (purity: 99.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 426.3, M (ESI): 424.2.

Example 16: Hvdroxy(l-{[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyllmethvUoct -2-vn-l-yl) formamide (16)

(16)

5 The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-(2-pyridinyl)piperazine (Intermediate B2; 300 mg; 1.24 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.19 ml; 1.31 mmol), as an orange oil (104 mg, 20% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.35 min (purity: 95.2%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 409.3, M-(ESI): 407.1.

io Example 17: Hvdroxy-N-{l-[({4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyllpiperazin-l-vUs ulfonyl) methyll oct-2 -yn-1 -yll formamide (17)

(17)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but

I ₅ starting from l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine (Intermediate B6; 300 mg; 0.97 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.15 mL; 1.02 mmol) as an orange solid (124 mg, 26% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.50 min (purity: 99.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 476.2.

20

Example 18: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperidin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct-2- vn-l-yll-N- hydroxyformamide (18)

(18) The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine (Intermediate B7; 300 mg; 1.17 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.17 mL; 1.22 mmol), as white solid (35 mg, 7% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.31min (purity: 98.2%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 425.3, M-(ESI): 423.1.

Example 19: Hydroxy[l-({ [4-(4-methyloxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct- 2-yn-l-yllformamide (19)

(19)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine (Intermediate B5; 300 mg; 1.11 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.17 mL;1.17 mmol), as an orange solid (54 mg, 11% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.24 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 437.3; M (ESI): 435.2.

Example 20: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-3-(3- methyloxy phenvDprop-2-vn-l-yllhvdroxyformamide (20)

Step a) Formation of diethyl ({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl) phosphonate

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 10, but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (10.3g; 40.0 mmol) as a white powder (11.0 g, 70% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.88 min (purity: 98.9 %).

Step b) Formation of a mixture of l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lE)-4-(3-methyloxyphenyl)but- l-en-3-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}piperazine and -(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[(lZ)-4-(3- methyloxyphenyl) but-1 -en-3-yn-l -yljsulfonyljpiperazine

A suspension of diethyl ({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phosphon ate (404 mg; 1.02 mmol), 3-methoxyphenylpropargylalcohol (Intermediate A5; 249 mg; 1.54 mmol), MnO ₂ (890 mg; 10.2 mmol), lithium hydroxide (74 mg; 3.1 mmol) and molecular sieves (4A, 150 mg) in THF (5 mL) was heated under MW at 150 ⁰ C for 2500s. The mixture was filtered through a celite pad and rinced with EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and purified by flash chromatography on silica (EtOAc:c-Hex, 5:95) to give the title compound as a brown-orange solid (335mg, 82% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.60 min (purity: 93.8 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 401.2. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 7.23 (m, IH), 7.06 (m, IH), 6.83-6.95 (m, 6H), 6.80 (d, J = 15.3 Hz, 0.95H), 6.60 (d, J =

15.3 Hz, 0.95H), 6.46 (AB, J = 11.1,33.5 Hz, 0.1H), 3.80 (s, 2.85H), 3.78 (s, 0.15H), 3.35 (m, 4H), 3.17 (m, 4H).

Step c) Formation ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl )but-3- yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from 1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [4-(3 -methoxyphenyl)but-l -en-3 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } piperazine (335 mg; 0.84 mmol), as a yellow oil (349 mg, 96% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.47 min (purity: 75%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 434.2

Step d) Formation of [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)-3-(3 -methyl oxyphenyl)prop-2-yn-l-yl]hydroxyformamide

(20)

A solution of l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-4-(3-methoxyphenyl)b ut-3-yn-l- yl]sulfonyl}piperazine (349 mg; 0.81 mmol) and acetyl formate (prepared as described by Roller et al, 1983, above 8; 0.58 mL of a 1.39 M solution in THF; 0.81 mmol) was stirred at it for Ih. THF was removed under reduced pressure and replaced by MeOH. The solution was heated at 60 ⁰ C for Ih and concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification of the crude by flash chromatography on silica (EtOAc: c-Hex 60:40 to 100: 0) gave the title compound as an orange oil (90 mg, 24% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.69 min (purity: 99.3%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 462.3. ¹ K NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 8.45 (brs, 0.4H), 8.13 (brs, 0.6H), 7.19

(m, IH), 6.97-7.04 (m, 7H), 5.80 (bra, 0.4H), 5.25 (bra, 0.6H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.68 (bra, IH), 3.44 (m, 6H), 3.14 (m, 4H).

Example 21: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)hex-2 -yn-l-yl] hydroxyformamide (21)

(21)

A suspension of diethyl ({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phosphon ate (prepared in Example 20, step a); 428 mg; 1.09 mmol), 2-hexyn-l-ol (179 μl; 1.63 mmol), MnO ₂ (943 mg; 10.9 mmol), lithium hydroxyde (78 mg; 3.3 mmol) and molecular sieves (4 A, 150 mg) in THF (5 mL) was heated in the MW at 150 ⁰ C for 2500s. The mixture was filtered through a celite pad and rinced with EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and redissolved in THF (4mL). Hydroxylamine (1.8 mL) was added and the mixture was heated at 60 ⁰ C for 2h. THF was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc, washed with saturated NH ₄ Cl and brine. Organic phase was then dried over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated to give 396 mg of a colorless oil. Formylation was performed following the procedure described in example 20, step b). The title compound was obtained as a white solid (125 mg, 29% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.25 min (purity: 98.4%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 398.2, ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 8.40 (bra, 0.4H), 8.07 (bra, 0.6H), 6.87-6.99 (m, 4H), 5.52 (bra, 0.4H), 5.02 (bra, 0.6H), 3.13-3.80 (m, HH), 2.17 (m, 2H), 1.52 (sx, J = 7.2 Hz, 2H), 0.95 (t, J = 7.3 Hz, 3H).

Example 22: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-3-qui nolin-3-yl prop-2-yn-l -yll hydroxyformamide (22)

(22)

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 21, but starting from diethyl ({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phosphon ate (399 mg; 1.01 mmol) and 3-Quinolin-3-yl-prop-2-yn-l-ol (278 mg; 1.52 mmol) as a yellow powder (110 mg, 32% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.08 min (purity: 98.6%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 483.3. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 8.89 (s, IH), 8.55 (s, 0.6H), 8.12 (s, 0.4H), 7.77

10 (m, 2H), 7.77 (m, IH), 7.66 (brs, IH), 7.60 (m, IH), 6.90-7.00 (m, 4H), 5.95 (brs, 0.6H), 5.35 (brs, 0.4H), 3.75 (m, IH), 3.52 (m, 6H), 3.19 (m, 4H).

Example 23: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperidin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-3-phe nylprop-2- yn-l-yllhydroxyformamide (23)

(23)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine (Intermediate B7; 386 mg; 1.5 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (235 mg, 1.8 mmol), as an yellow powder (228 mg,

20 35% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.06min (purity: 99.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 431.3, M-(ESI) : 429.1.

Example 24: Hvdroxy(3-phenyl-l-{[(4-pyridin-2-ylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyll methvU prop-2-yn-l-vDfOrmamide (24)

(24) The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from 4-(2-pyridinyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B2; 362 mg; 1.5 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (235 mg, 1.8 mmol), as an yellow powder (66 mg, 11% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.93 min (purity: 97.5%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 415.2, M (ESI): 413.1.

Example 25: Hydroxy{3-phenyl-l-[({4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyllpiperazin -l-vU sulfonyl)methyllprop-2-yn-l-vUformamide (25)

(25)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from 4-(2-pyridinyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B6; 462 mg; 1.5 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (235 mg, 1.8 mmol), as a beige powder (209 mg, 29% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.27 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 482.2.

Example 26: Hydroxy[l-({ [4-(4-methyloxyphenvDpiperazin-l-yllsulfOnvUmethvD-3- phenylprop-2-vn-l-vHformamide (26)

(26)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B4; 405 mg; 1.5 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (235 mg, 1.8 mmol), as a yellow powder (75 mg, 11% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.88 min (purity: 99.26%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 444.3, M-(ESI): 442.1.

10

Example 27: {!-({ [4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-3-[4-(l,2, 4- oxadiazol-3-yl)phenyllprop-2-vn-l-vUhvdroxyformamide (27)

(27)

I ₅ The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 21, but starting from diethyl ({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phosphon ate (prepared in Example 20, step a); 468 mg; 1.19 mmol) and 3-hydroxyprop-l- ynyl)benzonitrile (279 mg; 1.78 mmol) as a yellow foam (84 mg, 14% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.57 min (purity: 94.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 500.2, M (ESI): 498.1. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6)

20 δ: 8.76 (s, IH), 8.47 (brs, 0.4H), 8.16 (brs, 0.6H), 8.07 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 7.56 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 2H), 6.85-6.99 (m, 4H), 5.85 (brs, 0.4H), 5.28 (brs, 0.6H), 3.4-3.9 (m, 7H), 3.20 (m, 4H).

Example 28: Hydroxy[l-({ [4^4-methyloxyphenvOpiperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethvOoct- 2-vn-l-yllformamide (28)

(28)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in example 13, but starting from l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B4; 300 mg; 1.11 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.17 ml; 1.17 mmol), as a white solid (77 mg, 16% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.25min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 438.3, M-(ESI): 436.1.

io Example 29 : (1 -{ [(4-biphenyl-4-ylpiper azin-1 -vDsulf onyll methvU-3-p henylprop-2 -yn- 1 -vDhydroxyformamide (29)

(29)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but

I ₅ starting from l-[l,l'-biphenyl]-4-yM-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B8; 475 mg; 1.5 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (235 mg, 1.8 mmol), as a beige powder (39 mg, 11% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.32 min (purity: 87.4%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 490.2, M-(ESI): 488.0.

20

Example 30: [!-({ [4-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct-2 -vn-l- yll hydroxyformamide (30)

(30) The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(5-chloiOpyridin-2-yl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B9; 379 mg; 1.37 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.17mL; 1.20 mmol), as a white powder (248 mg, 41% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.61 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 443.2, M-(ESI): 441.0.

Example 31 : Hydroxyd -{ [(4-pyrimidin-2 -ylpiperazin-1 -vDsulfonyll methyUoct-2-yn-l - vDformamide (31)

(31)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from 2-[4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazin-l-yl]pyrimidine (Intermediate BlO; 400 mg; 1.65 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.28 mL; 1.98 mmol), as a pink powder (155 mg, 23% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.11 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 410.3, M-(ESI): 408.1.

Example 32: Hvdroxy(l-{[(4-phenylpiperazin-l-yl)sulfonyllmethvUoct-2-vn- l-yl) formamide (32)

(32)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-phenylpiperazine (400 mg; 1.66 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.29 mL; 2.0 mmol), as an off-white powder (258 mg, 38% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.72 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 408.3, M (ESI): 406.2.

Example 33: [l-({[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct-2- vn-l-yll hydroxyformamide (33)

(33)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate BIl, 400 mg; 1.46 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.25 mL; 1.75 mmol), as an orange powder (192 mg, 30% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.26 min (purity: 99.5%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 442.2, M (ESI): 440.1.

Example 34: hvdroxy[l-({[4-(2-methyloxyphenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmet hyl)oct- 2-vn-l-vHformamide (34)

(34) The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (400 mg; 1.48 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.25 mL; 1.75 mmol), as a beige powder (159 mg, 25% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.30 min (purity: 98.25%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 438.2, M (ESI): 435.9.

Example 35: Hydroxy[l-({ [4-(3-methyloxyphenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct- 2-vn-l-yllformamide (35)

(35)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B12; 500 mg; 1.85 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.32 mL; 2.22 mmol), as a beige powder (451 mg, 56% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.85 min (purity: 99.0 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 438.3, M (ESI): 436.2.

Example 36: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-2,2-d imethyl-5- phenylpent-4-yn-l -yll hydroxyformamide (36)

Step a) Formation ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3,3-dimethyl-6-phe nylhex- 5-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}piperazine

To a solution of l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate Bl; 600 mg; 2.32 mmol) in THF (10 mL) was added Lithiumbis(trimethylsilyl)amide (4.65 mL of a 1.00 M solution in THF; 4.65 mmol) at -78°C under N ₂ . After 30 min, diethylchlorophosphate (0.38 mL; 2.56 mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at - 78°C for one hour. A solution of 2,2-dimethyl-5-phenylpent-4-ynal (prepared as described by Cossy et al, 1997, Journal of Organic Chemistry, 62(23), 7900-7901, 432 mg; 2.32 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was cannulated and the reaction mixture was allowed to warm to it and stirred for 12h. Hydroxylamine (4.1 mL; 70 mmol was then added and the mixture was heated at 60 ⁰ C for 3h. It was finally concentrated under reduced pressure, redissolved in EtOAc, washed with a saturated solution of NH ₄ Cl and with brine, dry over magnesium sulfate, filtrated and concentrated. Purification of the crude by flash chromatography on silica (EtOAc:c-Hex; gradient from 20:80 to 50:50) gave the title compounds as a yellow oil (710mg, 66% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.15 min (purity: 95.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 460.2. ¹ K NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 7.37 (m, 2H), 7.23 (m, 3H), 6.96 (m, 2H), 6.86 (m, 2H), 3.60 (dd, J = 14.2,10.1 Hz, IH), 3.61 (m, 4H), 3.34 (dd, J = 10.1,1.8 Hz, IH), 3.12 (m, 5H), 2.37 (AB, J = 15.9,Δ = 49.3 Hz, 2H), 1.12 (s, 3H), 1.14 (s, 3H).

Step b) Formation of [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)-2,2- dimethyl-5-phenylpent-4-yn-l-yl]hydroxyformamide

(36) The title compound (36) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3,3-dimethyl-6-pheny lhex- 5-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}piperazine (710mg; 1.54 mmol) as a white powder (268 mg, 36% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.08 min (purity: 98.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 488.1, M (ESI): 486.0. ¹ K NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 9.99 (s, 0.3H), 9.78 (s, 0.7H), 8.28 (s, 0.3H), 7.93 (s, 0.7H), 7.28-7.37 (m, 5H), 6.88-7.07 (m, 4H), 4.72 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 0.3H), 7.03 (d, J = 8.3 Hz, 0.7H), 3.48 (m, 2H), 3.41 (m, 4H), 3.10 (m, 4H), 2.41-2.47 (m, 2H), 1.05 (m, 6H).

Example 37: [4-(diethylamino)-l-({[4-(4-methyloxyphenyl)piperidin-l-ylls ulfonvU methyl)but-2 -yn-1 -yll hydro xyformamide (37) Step a) diethyl ({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phospho nate

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 10, step a) but starting from 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine (Intermediate B4; 2.92 g; 10.9 mmol) as a white powder (3.86g, 88% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.65 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 406.3, M (ESI): 404.2. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 7.12 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 6.86 (d, J = 8.6 Hz, 2H), 4.31-4.21 (m, 4H), 3.97 (m, 2H), 3.8 (s, 3H), 3.56 (d, J = 17.3 Hz, 2H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 2.59 (m, IH), 1.94-1.78 (m, 4H), 1.40 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 6H).

Step b) Formation of N,N-diethyl-4-(hydroxyamino)-5-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidi n-l- yl]sulfonyl}pent-2-yn-l -amine

A suspension of diethyl ({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl) phosphonate (558 mg; 1.38 mmol), MnO ₂ (1.2g, 13.8 mmol), lithium hydroxyde (99 mg; 4.13 mmol), molecular sieves (4A, 300 mg) and 4-diethylamino-2-butyl-l-ol (306.21 μl; 2.06 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was heated in the MW at 150 ⁰ C for 2500s. The mixture was filtered through a celite pad and rinced with EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure and redissolved in THF (15 mL), hydroxylamine (2.44 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 60 ⁰ C for 2h. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc, washed with a saturated solution of NH ₄ Cl and with brine. The organic phase was dried over magnesium suliate, filtrated and concentrated. Purification of this crude (524 mg) by flash chromatography on silica (DCM:MeOH:NH ₄ OH 90:10:0.1) gave the title compound as a brown oil (97 mg, 17% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.50 min (purity: 80%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 424.0. ¹ K NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 7.10 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 4.31 (m, IH), 3.91 (m, 2H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.52 (dd, J = 13.9,8.3 Hz, IH), 3.44 (d, J = 1.9 Hz, 2H), 3.16 (dd, J = 13.9,4.3 Hz, IH), 2.91 (m, 2H), 2.56 (qd, J = 7.2 Hz, 4H), 2.53 (m, IH), 1.95 (m, 2H), 1.74-1.88 (m, 2H), 1.07 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 6H).

Step c) Formation of [4-(diethylamino)-l-({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yl]sul fonyl }methyl)but-2-yn-l-yl] hydroxy formamide

(37)

The title compound (37) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c) but starting from N,N-diethyl-4-(hydroxyamino)-5-{[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidi n-l-yl] sulfonyl}pent-2-yn-l -amine (97 mg; 0.23 mmol) as an orange oil (64 mg, 49% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.58 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 452.2, M (ESI): 450.1. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ 11.80 (brs, IH), 8.6 (brs, IH), 8.35 (s, IH), 7.09 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 2H), 5.67 (m, 0.6H), 5.10 (brs, 0.2H), 4.50 (brs, 0.2H), 3.87-4.00 (m, 4H), 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.20-4.42 (m, 6H), 2.86 (t, J = 11.9 Hz, 2H), 2.56 (m, IH), 1.72-1.87 (m, 4H), 1.34 (m, 6H).

Example 38: hvdroxy{l-[({4-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yllpiperazin-l- vUsulfonyl) methyll oct-2 -yn-1 -yll formamide (38)

(38)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-methanesulfonyl-4-(5-trifluoromethylpyridin-2-yl)piperazin e

(Intermediate B13; 500 mg; 1.62 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.28 mL; 1.94 mmol), as a beige

powder (124 mg, 16% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.29 min (purity: 96.7 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 477.4, M (ESI): 475.2.

Example 39: Hydroxy[l-({ [4^4-phenoxyphenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct-2- vn-l-yliformamide (39)

(39)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-(4-phenoxyphenyl)piperazine (Intermediate B14; 500

10 mg; 1.50 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.26 mL; 1.80 mmol), as a white powder (273 mg, 36% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.58 min (purity: 99.7 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 500.3, M (ESI): 498.2.

Example 40: [!-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)hept-2 -vn-l-yll hydroxyformamide (41)

(40)

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 20, but starting from diethyl ({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phosphon ate (prepared in Example 21, step a); 534 mg; 1.35 mmol) and 2-heptyn-l-ol (228 mg; 2.03

20 mmol), as a beige solid (372 mg, 67% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.60 min (purity: 97.4%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 412.2, M (ESI): 410.2. ¹ K NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 10.22 (brs, 0.5H), 9.84 (brs, 0.5H), 8.12 (brs, IH), 7.06 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.97 (dd, J = 9.2,4.7 Hz, 2H), 5.40 (brs, 0.5H), 5.18 (brs, 0.5H), 3.38-3.54 (m, 2H), 3.29 (m, 4H), 3.13 (m, 4H), 2.18 (m, 2H), 1.30- 1.45 (m, 4H), 0.84 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H).

Example 41: [3-(2-fluorophenyl)-l-({[4-(4-methyloxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yl lsulfonvU methyl)prop-2 -yn-1 -yll hydro xyformamide (41 )

(42)

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 21, but starting from diethyl ({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phospho nate (prepared in Example 37, step a); 345 mg; 0.85 mmol), 3-(2-fluorophenyl)pro-2-yn-l-ol (192 mg; 1.28 mmol), as a beige solid (169 mg, 43% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.99 min (purity: 99.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 461.3, M (ESI): 459.1. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 10.42 (brs,0.5H), 10.0 (brs, 0.5H), 8.30 (m, IH), 7.57 (m, IH), 7.47 (m, IH), 7.31 (t, J = 8.7 Hz, IH), 7.25 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, IH), 7.13 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.83 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.56 (m, IH), 3.61-3.94 (m, 7H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 2.60 (m, IH), 1.79 (brd, J = 11.3 Hz, 2H), 1.61 (m, 2H).

Example 42 : [3-(4-fluorophenvD-l -({ [4-(4-methyloxyphenyl)piperidin-l -yll sulfonyl} methyl)prop-2-vn-l-yllhvdroxyformamide (42)

(42)

The title compound (42) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 21, but starting from diethyl ({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phospho nate (prepared in Example 37, step a); 359 mg; 0.89 mmol), 3-(4-fluorophenyl)pro-2-yn-l-ol (199 mg; 1.33 mmol), as a beige solid (153 mg, 37% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.03 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 461.4, M (ESI) 459.2. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 10.44 (brs, 0.5H),

9.99 (bra, 0.5H), 8.18 (m, IH), 7.53 (dd, J = 8.7,5.7 Hz, 2H), 7.25 (t, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.13 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.66 (bra, 0.5H), 5.48 (bra, 0.5H), 3.59-3.94 (m, 7H), 2.92 (m, 2H), 2.60 (m, IH), 1.79 (brd, J = 11.3 Hz, 2H), 1.61 (m, 2H).

Example 43: [l-({[4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperidin-l-yllsulfonvUmethvπoct-2- vn-l-yll hydroxyformamide (43)

(43)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but io starting from 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine (Intermediate B15; 458 mg; 1.67 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.29 mL; 2.01 mmol), as an white powder (162 mg, 22%). HPLC, Rt: 4.68 min (purity: 94.0%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 441.3, M (ESI): 439.2.

Example 44: Hydroxy[l-({[4-(4-methylphenyl)piperidin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl )oct-2- i ₅ yn-1 -yll f or mamide (44)

(44)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from 4-(4-methylphenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine (Intermediate B16; 423 20 mg; 1.67 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.29 mL; 2.01 mmol), as an white powder (246 mg, 35%). HPLC, Rt: 4.64 min (purity: 97.6%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 421.4, M (ESI): 419.2.

Example 45: [3-(3-fluorophenyl)-l-({[4-(4-methyloxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yl lsulfonvU methyl)prop-2 -yn-1 -yll hydro xyformamide (45)

(45) The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 21, but starting from diethyl ({[4-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperidin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phospho nate (prepared in Example 37, step a); 330 mg; 0.81 mmol), 3-(3-fluorophenyl)pro-2-yn-l-ol (183 mg; 1.22 mmol), as a beige powder (25 mg, 7% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.04 min (purity: 99.6%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 461.3, M (ESI) 459.2. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 10.46 (bra, 0.5H), 9.96 (brs, 0.5H), 8.18-8.31 (m, IH), 7.45 (m, IH), 7.26-7.33 (m, 3H), 7.14 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 6.84 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H), 5.68 (brs,0.5H), 5.50 (brs, 0.5H), 3.61^.03 (m, 7H), 2.92 (m, 2H), 2.56 (m, IH), 1.80 (m, 2H), 1.16 (m, 2H).

Example 46 : Hydroxy-1 - [({4-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2 -yll -1 ,4-diazep an-1 -vU sulfonyl)methylloct-2-vn-l-yl}formamide (46)

(46)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(methylsulfonyl)^-[5-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-2-yl]-l .4-diazepane (Intermediate B17; 441 mg; 1.36 mmol) and 2-octynal (203 mg; 1.64 mmol), as an white powder (216 mg, 33%). HPLC, Rt: 3.86 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 491.4, M ^" (ESI): 489.1.

Example 47: [!-({ [4-(4-ethyloxyphenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct-2-vn- l-yll hydroxyformamide (47)

(47) The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)^-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B18; 426 mg; 1.5 mmol) and 2-octynal (225 mg; 1.8 mmol), as an white powder (135 mg, 20%). HPLC, Rt: 3.58 min (purity: 98.4%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 452.3, M (ESI): 450.3.

Example 48: [!-({ [4-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct-2- vn-l- yllhydroxyformamide (48)

(48)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(5-bromo-pyridin-2-yl)-4-(methanesulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B19; 400 mg; 1.25 mmol) and 2-octynal (186 mg; 1.5 mmol), as an white powder (258 mg, 41%). HPLC, Rt: 3.85 min (purity: 99.3%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 488.9, M (ESI): 487.9.

Example 49: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-4-mor pholin-4- ylbut-2-vn-l-yllhvdroxyformamide (49)

(49)

5 The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 20, but starting from diethyl ({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phosphon ate (prepared in Example 21, step a); 558 mg; 1.41 mmol) and 4-morpholin^-ylbut-2-yn-l-ol 329 mg; 2.12 mmol), as a white powder (67 mg, 58% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.91 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 455.3. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 10.35 (bra, 5H), 9.95 (bra, 5H), io 8.15 (m, IH), 6.95-7.09 (m, 4H), 5.45 (bra, 5H), 5.30 (bra, 5H), 3.40-3.60 (m, 6H), 3.27 (m, 6H), 3.14 (m, 4H), 2.43 (m, 4H).

Example 50: [!-({ [4-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct-2-vn-l- yll hydroxyformamide (50)

(50)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(3-chlorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (500 mg; 1.8 mmol) and 2- octynal (270 mg; 2.2 mmol), as a white powder (346 mg, 51%). HPLC, Rt: 4.48min 20 (purity: 99.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 442.1, M (ESI): 439.8.

Example 51: [l-({[4-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl) oct-2-vn-l- yllhydroxyformamide (51)

(51)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(l,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)^-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B20, 500 mg; 1.76 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.30 mL; 2.11 mmol), as an white powder (184 mg, 23%). HPLC, Rt: 3.78 min (purity: 99.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 452.3, M (ESI): 450.1.

Example 52 : hydroxy [1 -({ [4-(3 -methyloxyphenvDpiper azin-1 -yll sulfonyl} methvD-3- phenylprop-2-vn-l-yllformamide (52)

(52)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(3-methoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B12; 500 mg; 1.85 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (0.27 mL; 2.22 mmol), as an beige solid (379 mg, 46%). HPLC, Rt: 3.72 min (purity: 97.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 444.4, M (ESI): 442.2.

Example 53: hvdroxy[l-({[4-(4-methylphenyl)piperidin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl )-3- phenylprop-2-vn-l-vHformamide (53)

(53) The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from 4-(4-methylphenyl)-l-(methylsulfonyl)piperidine (Intermediate B16; 340 mg; 1.34 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (0.20 mL; 1.61 mmol), as an beige solid (252 mg, 44%). HPLC, Rt: 4.20 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 427.4, M (ESI): 425.3.

Example 54: [!-({ [4-(4-chlorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-3-phenylpr op-2- yn-1 -yll hydroxyformamide (54)

(54)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(4-chlorophenyl)^-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate BIl; 500 mg; 1.82 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (0.27mL; 2.18 mmol), as an orange solid (445 mg, 55%). HPLC, Rt: 4.20 min (purity: 99.4%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 448.3, M (ESI): 446.2.

Example 55: [!-({ [4-(4-ethyloxyphenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-3-phenyl prop- 2-vn-l-yllhvdroxyformamide (55)

(55) The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B18; 500 mg; 1.76 mmol) and phenylpropionaldehyde (0.26 mL; 2.11 mmol), as an orange solid (265 mg, 32%). HPLC, Rt: 3.22 min (purity: 99.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 458.4, M (ESI): 456.3.

Example 56: [!-({ [4-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-2,2- dimethyl-5-phenylpent-4-yn-l -yll hydroxyformamide (56)

(56) The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 13, but starting from of l-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl)-4-methanesulfonylpiperazine (Intermediate B19, 512 mg; 1.60 mmol) and 2,2-dimethyl-5-phenylpent-4-ynal (prepared as described by Cossy et al, 1997, above, 298 mg; 1.60 mmol), as a beige powder (149 mg, 17% yield).HPLC, Rt: 3.94 min (purity: 96.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 551.2. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 9.98 (s, 0.4H), 9.78 (s, 0.6H), 8.29 (s, 0.4H), 8.19 (m, IH), 7.95 (s, 0.6H), 7.71 (m, IH),

7.26-7.36 (m, 5H), 6.85 (m, IH), 4.73 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 0.4H), 4.04 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 0.6H), 3.57 (m, 4H), 3.39-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.26 (m, 4H), 2.42-2.52 (m, 2H), 1.05 (m, 6H).

Example 57: {2,2-dimethyl-5-phenyl-l-[({4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyllpip erazin-l- vUsulfonvDmethvπpent-4-vn-l-vUhvdroxyformamide (57)

(57)

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(methylsulfonyl)-4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine (Intermediate B6, 511 mg; 1.66 mmol) and 2,2-dimethyl-5-phenylpent-4-ynal (prepared as described by Cossy et al, 1997, above, 309 mg; 1.66 mmol), as a beige powder (220 mg, 25% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.58 min (purity: 92.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 538.5, M (ESI): 536.4. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 9.99 (s, 0.3H), 9.79 (s, 0.7H), 8.30 (s, 0.3H), 7.95 (s, 0.7H), 7.50 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.38 (m, 5H), 7.00-7.08 (m, 2H), 4.76 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 0.3H), 4.06 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 0.7H), 3.26-3.55 (m, 10H), 2.37-2.52 (m, 2H), 1.06 (m, 6H).

Example 58: [!-({ [4-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)hex-2 -vn-l- yllhydroxyformamide (58)

Step a) Formation of diethyl ({[4-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl} methyl)phosphonate

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 10, step a), but starting from l-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)^-methanesulfonylpiperazine (Intermediate B9; 2.63 g; 9.54 mmol), as yellow powder (2.4 g, 61% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.58 min (purity:

91.9%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 412.1, M (ESI): 410.1. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 8.09 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, IH), 7.43 (dd, J = 9.0,2.6 Hz, IH), 6.57 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH), 4.23 (m, 4H), 3.62 (m, 4H), 3.51 (d, J = 17.3 Hz, 2H), 3.42 (m, 4H), 1.34 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 6H).

Step b) Formation of[l-({[4-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}meth yl)hex-2- yn-1 -yljhydroxyformamide

(58)

The title compound (58) was prepared, following procedure described Example 21, but starting from diethyl ({[4-(5-chloropyridin-2-yl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl} methyl) phosphonate (485 mg; 1.18 mmol) and 2-hexyn-l-ol (195 μl; 1.77 mmol). Hydrochloride salt was obtained by addition of Et ₂ CVHCl to a solution of the title compound in EtOAc. Filtration of the precipitate gave the compound as a brown powder (228 mg, 43 % yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.78 min (purity: 93.0%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 415.3, M (ESI): 413.1. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 10.3 (bra, IH), 8.15 (bra, IH), 8.12 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, IH), 7.63 (dd, J = 9.0,2.6 Hz, IH), 6.93 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, IH), 5.12-5.60 (brm, 2H), 3.59 (m, 4H), 3.16-3.41 (m, 6H), 2.13 (m, 2H), 1.43 (m, 2H), 0.89 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H). CHN analysis: [Ci ₇ H ₂₃ N ₄ O ₄ ClS-HCl] calculated: C45.24%, H5.36%, N12.41%; Found: C45.04%, H5.59%,N12.40%.

Example 59: [!-({ [4-(4-ethyloxyphenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-2,2-dime thyl- 5-phenylpent-4-yn-l -yll hydroxyformamide (59)

(59)

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)^-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B18, 457 mg; 1.61 mmol) and 2,2-dimethyl-5-phenylpent-4-ynal (prepared as described by Cossy et al, 1997, above, 299 mg; 1.61 mmol), as a white powder (40 mg, 4% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.63 min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 514.5, M (ESI): 512.3. ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 9.96 (brs, IH), 8.30 (s, 0.3H), 7.95 (s, 0.7H), 7.31-7.40 (m, 5H), 6.80-6.90 (m, 4H), 4.30 (brs, 2H), 3.94 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 0.3H), 4.05 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 0.7H), 4.73 (qd, J = 9.0 Hz, 2H), 3.43 (m, 2H), 3.32 (m, 4H), 3.06 (m, 4H), 2.48-2.51 (m, 2H), 1.28 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H), 1.07 (m, 6H).

10

Example 60: [!-({ [4-(3,4-dimethyloxyphenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)oct- 2-vn- 1-yllhvdroxyformamide (60)

(60)

I ₅ The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)^-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate B21; 450 mg; 1.50 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.26 mL; 1.81 mmol), as a pink powder (110 mg, 13%). HPLC, Rt: 3.14 min (purity: 99.6%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 468.4, M (ESI): 466.3.

20 Example 61: [!-({[4-(4-ethyloxyphenyl)-l,4-diazepan-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl) oct-2-vn-l- yllhvdroxyformamide (61)

(61)

The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from l-(4-ethoxyphenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)-l,4-diazepane (Intermediate B22; 141 mg; 0.47 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.08 mL; 0.57 mmol), as an orange powder (24mg, 11%). HPLC, Rt: 3.36 min (purity: 76.4%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 466.5, M (ESI): 464.4.

Example 62: [l-({[(2R)-4^4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylpiperazin-l-yllsulfonvU methyl) oct-2-vn-l-yllhvdroxyformamide (62)

(62) io The title compound was prepared, following the procedure described in Example 13, but starting from (2R)^-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methyl- 1 -(methylsulfonyl)piperazine

(Intermediate B23; 460 mg; 1.69 mmol) and 2-octynal (0.29 mL; 2.03 mmol), as an orange powder (282 mg, 38%). HPLC, Rt: 4.45 min (purity: 99.4%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 440.4, M (ESI): 438.3.

I ₅

Example 63: [!-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-2,2-d imethyl pent-4-yn-l -yll hydroxyformamide (63)

(63)

20 The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate Bl; 411 mg; 1.59 mmol) and 2,2-dimethylpent^-ynal (prepared as described by Rigby et al, 2004, J. Org. Chem., 69(20), 6751-6760, 175 mg; 1.59 mmol), as a yellow powder (24 mg, 4% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.00min (purity: 100%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 412.3, M (ESI) : 410.3. ¹ H NMR

(DMSO-d6) δ: 8.33 (s, 0.2H), 7.89 (s, 0.8H), 6.76-7.12 (m, 4H), 4.65 (brd, 0.2H), 4.20 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 0.8H), 3.56 (m, IH), 3.26 (m, 4H), 3.02 (m, 4H), 2.92 (m, IH), 2.12 (m, 2H), 1.97 (m, IH), 0.95 (m, 6H).

Example 64: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazm-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-4-pyrr olidin-l- ylbut-2-vn-l-yllhvdroxyformamide (64)

(64)

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 21, but io starting from diethyl ({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)phosphon ate (prepared in Example 21, step a), 351 mg; 0.89 mmol), 4-pyrrolidin-l-ylbut-2-yn-l-ol (prepared as described by Bieber et al, 2004, Tetrahedron Letters, 45(45); 8281-8283, 186 mg; 1.34 mmol), as an orange oil (9 mg, 2% yield). HPLC, Rt: 1.87 min (purity: 91.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 439.5.

I ₅

Example 65: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-2,2-d imethyl-6- morpholin-4-ylhex-4-yn-l -yll hydro xyformamide (65)

Step a) Formation of4-[7-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}-6-(hydro xyamino)- 5, 5-dimethylhept-2-yn-l -yljmorpholine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 36, step a), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate Bl, 380 mg; 1.45mmol) and 2,2-dimethyl-6-morpholin-4-ylhex-4-ynal (Intermediate A6, 303mg)

as a white powder (250mg, 36% yield). HPLC, Rt: 2.20 min (purity: 98.2%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 483.6.

Step b) Formation of[l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)-2, 2-dimethyl- 6-morpholin-4-ylhex-4-yn-l -yljhydroxyformamide

(65)

The title compound (65) was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c), but starting from 4-[7-{[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}-6-(hydroxy amino)- 5,5-dimethylhept-2-yn-l-yl]morpholine (250 mg, 0.52 mmol) as a white powder (100 mg, 38 % yield). ¹ K NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: HPLC, Rt: 2.34 min (purity: 93.8%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 511.4, M (ESI): 509.3.

Example 66: [l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yllsulfonvUmethyl)-2,2-d imethyl hept-4-yn-l -yll hydroxyformamide (66)

Step a) Formation of l-{[(lE)-3,3-dimethyloct-l-en-5-yn-l-yl]sulfonyl}-4-(4-fluor o phenyl)piperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step a), but starting from l-(4-fluorophenyl)^-(methylsulfonyl)piperazine (Intermediate Bl, 855 mg; 3.31 mmol) and of 2,2-dimethyl-hept^-ynal, 457 mg; 3.31mmol), as a white powder (764 mg, 61% yield). HPLC, Rt: 4.75 min (purity: 97.7%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 379.4, ¹ H NMR (DMSO-d6) δ: 6.97-6.82 (m, 4H), 6.74 (d, J = 15.4 Hz, IH), 6.07 (d, J = 14.9 Hz, IH), 3.26

(m, 4H), 3.15 (m, 4H), 2.21 (m, 2H), 2.01-2.16 (m, 2H), 1.15 (s, 6H), 1.06 (t, J = 7.4 Hz, 3H).

Step b) Formation ofl-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-{[2-(hydroxyamino)-3,3-dimethyloct-5- yn-l-yl] sulfonyljpiperazine

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step b), but starting from 1 - { [( 1 E)-3 ,3 -dimethyloct- 1 -en-5-yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl } -4-(4-fluorophenyl) piperazine (760 mg; 2.01 mmol), as a beige oil (836 mg, quantitative). HPLC, Rt: 3.49 min (purity: 95.0 %). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 412.4.

Step c) Formation of[l-({[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]sulfonyl}methyl)-2, 2- dimethylhept-4-yn-l-ylJhydroxyformamide

(66)

The title compound was prepared, following procedure described in Example 1, step c), but starting from 1 -(4-fluorophenyl)-4- { [2-(hydroxyamino)-3 ,3 -dimethyloct-5 -yn- 1 -yl] sulfonyl} piperazine (836 mg; 2.03 mmol), as a white solid (241 mg, 27% yield). HPLC, Rt: 3.82 min (purity: 93.6%). LC/MS, M ⁺ (ESI): 440.6, M (ESI): 438.5. ¹ H NMR (DMSO- d6) δ: 9.93 (s, 0.3H), 9.71 (s, 0.7H), 8.26 (s, 0.3H), 8.26 (s, 0.7H), 6.95-7.90 (m, 4H), 4.60 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 0.3H), 3.96 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 0.7H), 3.35-3.98 (m, 6H), 3.15 (m, 4H), 2.15 (m, 4H), 1.04 (t, J = 7.2 Hz, 3H), 0.98 (m, 6H).

According to a iurther general process, compounds of Formula (I) and its precursors of Formulae (II) to (XII) can be converted to alternative compounds of Formula (I) respectively, employing suitable interconversion techniques well known by a person skilled in the art.

If the above set of general synthetic methods are not applicable to obtain compounds according to Formula (I) and/or necessary intermediates for the synthesis of compounds of Formula (I), suitable methods of preparation known by a person skilled in the art should be used. In general, the synthesis pathways for any individual compound of Formula (I) will depend on the specific substitutents of each molecule and upon the ready availability of intermediates necessary; again such factors being appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For all the protection and deprotection methods, see Philip J. Kocienski, in "Protecting Groups", Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, New York, 1994 and, Theodora W. Greene and Peter G. M. Wuts in "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis", Wiley Interscience, 3 ^rd Edition 1999. Those skilled in the art will recognize that certain reactions are best carried out when potentially reactive iunctionality on the molecule is masked or protected, thus avoiding side reactions and/or increasing the yield of the reaction. Examples of protecting group moieties may be found in Philip J. Kocienski, 1994 above and in Greene et al., 1999, above. The need and choice of protecting groups for a particular reaction is known to those skilled in the art and depends on the nature of the functional group to be protected (hydroxy, amino, carboxy, etc.), the structure and the stability of the molecule of which the substituent is part of the reaction conditions.

Compounds of this invention can be isolated in association with solvent molecules by crystallization from evaporation of an appropriate solvent. The pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds of Formula (I), which contain a basic center, may be prepared in a conventional manner. For example, a solution of the free base may be treated with a suitable acid, either neat or in a suitable solution, and the resulting salt isolated either by filtration or by evaporation under vacuum of the reaction solvent. Pharmaceutically acceptable base addition salts may be obtained in an analogous manner by treating a solu-

tion of compound of Formula (I) with a suitable base. Both types of salts may be formed or interconverted using ion-exchange resin techniques.

In the following the present invention shall be illustrated by means of some examples, which are not construed to be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Biological assays:

The compounds of the present invention may be subjected to the following assays:

Example 67: Enzyme Inhibition Assays

Compounds of the invention were tested to assess their activities as inhibitors of MMP-I , MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-12.

MMP-9 Assay Protocol Compounds of the invention were tested for inhibitory activity against 92kDa gelatinase (MMP-9) in an assay using a coumarin-labeled peptide substrate, (7 -methoxycoumarin-4- yl)acetyl-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-(3-[2 ,4-dinitrophenyl]-L-2,3diaminopropionyl)-Ala-Arg-NH2 (McaPLGLDpaAR) (Knight et al, 1992, FEBS Lett, 263-266).

Stock solutions were made up as follows: Assay Butter: 100 mM Tris-HCI pH 7.6 containing 100 mM NaCl, 10 mM CaCl ₂ , and 0.05% Brij 35.

Substrate: 0.4 mM McaPLGLDpaAR (from Bachem) (0.437mg/ml) stock solution in 100%

DMSO (stored at -20 ⁰ C). Dilute to 8 μM in assay butter.

Enzyme: Recombinant human 92 kDa gelatinase (MMP-9; APMA (4-aminophenyl mercuric acetate) -activated if necessary) appropriately diluted in assay butter.

Test Compounds were prepared initially as 10 mM compound solution in 100% DMSO, diluted to 1 mM in 100% DMSO, then serially diluted 3-fold in 100% DMSO across columns 1-10 of a 96-well microtitre plate Assay concentration range, lOOμM (column 1) to 5.1 nM (column 10).

The assay was performed in a total volume of 100 μL per well in 96-well microtitre plates. Activated enzyme (20 μL) was added to the wells followed by 20 μL of assay butter. Appropriate concentrations of test compounds dissolved in 10 μL of DMSO were then added followed by 50 μL of McaPLGLDpaAR (8 μM, prepared by dilution of DMSO stock in assay butter). For each as say ten concentrations of test compound were examined in duplicate. Control wells lack either enzyme or test compound. The reactions were incubated at 37°C for 2 hours. The fluorescence at 405 nm was measured immediately with an SLT Fluostar fluorometer (SL T Labinstruments GmbH, Grόdig, Austria) using 320 nm excitation, without stopping the reaction.

The effect of the test compound was determined from the dose response curve generated by the 10 duplicate concentrations of inhibitor. The IC _5O (the concentration of compound required to give a 50% decrease in enzyme activity) was obtained by fitting data to the equation, Y = a + ((b - a) /(l + (c/X) ^d )). (Y = inhibition achieved for a particular dose; X = the dose in nM; a= minimum y or zero % inhibition; b = maximum y or 100% inhibition; c = is the IC ₅ o; d = is the slope). The result was rounded to one significant figure.

MMP-12 Assay protocol

Compounds of the invention were tested for inhibitory activity against metalloelastase (MMP- 12) in an assay using a coumarin-labelled peptide substrate, (7-methoxycoumarin-4- yl)acetyl-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-(3-[2,4dinitrophenyl]-L-2,3-diamin opropionyl)-Ala-Arg-NH2 (McaPLGLDpaAR) (Knight et αl, 1992, above). The protocol for this assay was as described for the MMP-9 assay above.

MMP-I Assay protocol

Compounds of the invention were tested for inhibitory activity against collagenase (MMP- 1) in an assay using a coumarin-labelled peptide substrate, (7 -methoxycoumarin-4- yl)acetyl-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-(3-[2 ,4-dinitrophenyl]-L -2,3diaminopropionyl)-Ala-Arg-NH2 (Mca PLGLDpaAR) (Knight et al, 1992, above). The protocol for this assay was as described for the MMP-9 assay above.

MMP-2 Assay protocol

Compounds of the invention were tested for inhibitory activity against gelatinase B (MMP- 2) in an assay using a coumarin-labelled peptide substrate, (7 -methoxycoumarin-4- yl)acetyl-Pro-Leu-Gly-Leu-(3-[2 ,4-dinitrophenyl]-L -2,3diaminopropionyl)-Ala-Arg-NH2 (Mca PLGLDpaAR) {Knight et al, 1992, above). The protocol for this assay was as described for the MMP-9 assay above.

The results are expressed in terms of IC ₅ O (the concentration of compound required to give a 50% decrease in enzyme activity) and are presented in Table 1 below:

Table 1: IC ₅₀ on different MMPs:

Example 68: IL-2-induced peritoneal recruitment of lymphocytes

Administration of IL-2 intraperitoneally causes migration of lymphocytes into the intraperitoneal cavity. This is a model for the cellular migration that occurs during inflammation. Protocol

C3H/HEN mice (Elevage Janvier, France) were intraperitoneally injected with IL-2 (Serono Pharmaceutical Research Institute, 20 μg/kg, in saline).

Compounds of the invention were suspended in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/ 0.25% tween-20 and were administered by s.c. or p.o. route (10 ml/kg) 15 min prior to administration of IL-2.

Twenty-four hours after administration of IL-2, peritoneal white blood cells were collected by 3 successive lavages of the peritoneal cavity with 5 ml phosphate buffered saline (PBS)- ImM EDTA (+4°C). The suspension was centriiuged (170Og x 10 min at +4°C). The resulting pellet was suspended in 1 ml PBS-ImM EDTA. Lymphocytes were identified and counted using a Beckman/Coulter counter.

Experimental design

The animals were divided into 6 groups (6 mice each group):

Group 1: (baseline) received 0.5% CMC/0.25% tween-20 (vehicle of compound of the invention) and saline (vehicle of IL-2);

Group 2: (control IL-2) received 0.5% CMC/0.25% tween-20 and injection of IL-2;

Group 3: Experimental group (Compound of the invention Dose 1) received a compound of the invention and injection of IL-2;

Group 4: Experimental group (Compound of the invention Dose 2) received a compound of the invention and injection of IL-2;

Group 5: Experimental group (Compound of the invention Dose 3) received a compound of the invention and injection of IL-2;

Group 6: Reference group received reference compound dexamethasone and injection of

IL-2.

Calculation

Inhibition of lymphocyte recruitment was calculated as follows:

1 - (LyX - LyI)

% inhibition = X 100%

(Ly2 - Lyl)

Where Ly 1= Number of lymphocytes in group 1 (E3/μl), Ly 2= Number of lymphocytes in group 2 (E3/μl), Ly X= Number of lymphocytes in group X (3-5) (E3/μl). The ED ₅ o (the concentration of compound required to result in 50% of the inhibitory activity) are calculated andpresentated in Table 2 below.

Table 2: EDsoinIL-2-induced peritoneal recruitment of lymphocytes model:

Example 68: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) model

Compounds of the invention can be evaluated for their ability to prevent cigarette smoke -induced COPD.

Female AJ mice (Harlan, 17 - 25 g) are exposed daily to cigarette smoke (CS) for 11 consecutive days in groups of 5, in individual clear chambers. Animals are weighed prior to treatment, on day 6 of exposure and on day 12. The CS was generated using IRl cigarettes purchased from the Institute of Tobacco Research, University of Kentucky, USA and is allowed to enter the chambers at a flow rate of 100 ml/min. In order to minimise any potential problems caused by repeated exposure to a high level of daily CS, the exposure of the mice to TS is increased gradually over the time to a maximum of 6 cigarettes from day 5 to day 11 (approximately 48 min exposure). A sham group of mice is also exposed to air on a daily basis for equivalent lengths of time as controls (no CS exposure).

Treatment

Compounds of the invention are prepared in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose Na salt (CMC,

Sigma reference C-4888) as vehicle.

Animals are orally dosed twice daily by gavage in a dose volume of 5ml/kg, 1 h prior to air or CS exposure and 6 h after the cessation of the exposure.

Sham animals (n=10) received vehicle and are exposed to air for up to a maximum of 50 minutes per day. The control group (n=10) received vehicle and is exposed to CS (up to a maximum of 6 cigarettes per day). Additional groups are exposed to CS (from up to a maximum of 6 cigarettes per day) and treated with one of the test compounds or the reference compound.

Bronchoalveolar lavage and Cytospin analysis

Twenty-four hours after the last CS exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage is performed as follows: The trachea is dissected under deep anesthesia (sodium pentobarbitone) and cannulated using a Portex nylon intravenous cannula shortened to approximately 8 mm. Phosphate buffered saline (PBS, Gibco) containing 10 units/ml heparin (0.4 ml) is gently instilled and withdrawn 3 times. The lavage fluid is placed in an Eppendorf tube and kept on ice prior to subsequent determinations. Then, lavage fluid is separated from cells by centriftigation. The supernatant is removed and frozen for subsequent analysis. The cell pellet is resuspended in PBS and total cell numbers were calculated by counting a stained aliquot (Turks stain) under a microscope using a haemocytometer.

Differential cell count is then performed as follows: The residual cell pellet is diluted to approximately 105 cells per ml. A volume of 500 μl is placed in the iunnel of a cytospin slide and was centriftiged for 8 min at 800 rpm. The slide is air-dried and stained using 'Kwik-Diff solutions (Shandon) following purchaser instructions. Slides are dried and cover-slipped and differential cell count is done using light microscopy. Up to 400 cells are counted for each slide. Cells were differentiated using standard morphometric techniques.

Statistical Analysis

The mean +/- S. D. is calculated for each experimental group.

Results are analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Statistical significance is considered with p s < 0.05.

Example 69: Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE) model

Compounds according to the invention can be evaluated for their activity in a model for multiple sclerosis in mice. 0

Animals

C57BL/6NCrlBR female mice are used. Mice are kept in wire cages (cm 32x14x13h) with stainless steel feeders and fed on a standard diet (4RF21, Charles River, Italy) and water ad libitum. From day 7, wet pellets are also placed every day on the bottom of the cage. Plastic s bottles are used in addition to the automatic water system.

Experimental procedure

Mice are immunized (day = 0) by injecting s.c. in the left flank 0.2 ml of an emulsion composed of 200 μg MOG _35-55 peptide (Neosystem, Strasbourg, France) in Complete 0 Freund's Adjuvant (CFA, Difco, Detroit, U.S.A.) containing 0.5 mg of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Immediately after, they receive an i.p. injection of 500 ng pertussis toxin (List Biological Lab., Campbell, CA, U.S.A.) dissolved in 400 μL of buffer (0.5 M NaCl, 0.017% Triton X-100, 0.015 M Tris, pH = 7.5). On day 2, the animals are given a second injection of 500 ng pertussis toxin. ₅ On day 7, the mice receive a second dose of 200 μg of MOG _35-55 peptide in CFA injected s.c. in the right flank. Starting approximately from day 8-10, this procedure results in a progressing paralysis, arising from the tail and ascending up to the forelimbs. Animals are individually weighed and are examined for the presence of paralysis that is scored according to the following score-system (1): 0 0 = no signs of disease

0.5 = partial tail paralysis

1 = tail paralysis

1.5 = tail paralysis + partial unilateral hindlimb paralysis

2 = tail paralysis + bilateral hindlimb weakness or partial paralysis 5 2.5 = tail paralysis + partial hindlimb paralysis (lowered pelvi)

3 = tail paralysis +complete hindlimb paralysis 3.5 = tail paralysis + hindlimb paralysis + incontinence

4 = tail paralysis + hindlimb paralysis + weakness or partial paralysis of forelimbs

5 = moribund or dead io Mortality and clinical signs are monitored daily in each group of treatment, by a technician who is unaware of treatments.

Daily treatment with compounds, their vehicle or with a reference compound starts on day 7 and continued for 15 or 21 consecutive days in all groups.

i ₅ Histopathological examination

At the end of the treatment period, each animal is anesthetised with sodium pentobarbital and is transcardially perfused-fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde via the left ventricle. Fixed spinal cords are then carefully dissected out. Spinal cord slices are embedded in paraffin blocks. Sectioning and staining with

20 hematoxylin and eosin and CD45 staining for inflammation, and with Kluver-PAS (Luxol fast blue plus Periodic Acid Schiff staining) and Bielchowski's staining for the detection of demyelination and axonal loss, are performed.

In the spinal cord, the total area of all slices is measured for each animal as points of intersection of a 10x10 grid at a magnification of 0.4x0.4 mm per grid. The perivascular

2 ₅ inflammatory infiltrates are counted in each slice in order to obtain a total value for each animal and evaluated as number of infiltrates per mm ² . Demyelination and axonal loss areas are measured for each animal as points of intersection of 10x10 grid at a magnification of 0.1x0.1 mm per grid and are expressed as a percentage of total demyelination area over the total area of the slices.

30

Data evaluation and Statistical analysis

The results of clinical and histopathological observations are expressed as the mean (±SEM) scores in each treatment group. Values obtained in the test drug-treated groups are compared with that of the positive control group. Significance of differences among groups relating to clinical score are analysed by one-way ANOVA, followed in case of significance (p<0.05) by Fisher test.

Differences among groups for the presence of perivascular inflammatory infiltrates and the extent of demyelination and axonal loss in the spinal cord as well as body weight data are analysed by one-way ANOVA, followed in case of significance (p<0.05) by Fisher test.

Example 70: Preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation

The following formulation examples illustrate representative pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention being not restricted thereto.

Formulation 1 - Tablets

A compound of the invention is admixed as a dry powder with a dry gelatin binder in an approximate 1:2 weight ration. A minor amount of magnesium stearate is added as a lubricant. The mixture is formed into 240-270 mg tablets (80-90 mg) of active sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative per tablet) in a tablet press.

Formulation 2 - Capsules

A compound of the invention is admixed as a dry powder with a starch diluent in an approximate 1:1 weight ratio. The mixture is filled into 250 mg capsules (125 mg of active sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative per capsule).

Formulation 3 - Liquid

A compound of the invention (1250 mg), sucrose (1.75 g) and xanthan gum (4 mg) are blended, passed through a No. 10 mesh U.S. sieve, and then mixed with a previously prepared solution of microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (11 :89,

50 mg) in water. Sodium benzoate (10 mg), flavor, and color are diluted with water and added with stirring. Sufficient water is then added to produce a total volume of 5 mL.

Formulation 4 - Tablets A compound of the invention is admixed as a dry powder with a dry gelatin binder in an approximate 1:2 weight ratio. A minor amount of magnesium stearate is added as a lubricant. The mixture is formed into 450-900 mg tablets (150-300 mg of active sulfonyl amino cyclic derivative) in a tablet press.

Formulation 5 - Injection

A compound of the invention is dissolved in a buffered sterile saline injectable aqueous medium to a concentration of approximately 5 mg/ml.