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Title:
BENZAZEPINE DERIVATIVES AS MAO-B INHIBITORS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2005/039591
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to novel benzazepine derivatives of the following formula: (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5, X, X’, Y and Y’ are as defined in the description and claims, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing said derivatives and their use for the preparation of medicaments useful for the prevention and treatment of diseases in which selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase B activity plays a role or is implicated.

Inventors:
JOLIDON SYNESE (CH)
RODRIGUEZ SARMIENTO ROSA MARIA (CH)
THOMAS ANDREW WILLIAM (CH)
WOSTL WOLFGANG (DE)
WYLER RENE (CH)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2004/011541
Publication Date:
May 06, 2005
Filing Date:
October 14, 2004
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
HOFFMANN LA ROCHE (CH)
JOLIDON SYNESE (CH)
RODRIGUEZ SARMIENTO ROSA MARIA (CH)
THOMAS ANDREW WILLIAM (CH)
WOSTL WOLFGANG (DE)
WYLER RENE (CH)
International Classes:
C07D223/16; (IPC1-7): A61K31/55; C07D223/16; A61P25/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2004056369A12004-07-08
WO2003080573A12003-10-02
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Braun, Axel (Basel, CH)
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Claims:
Claims
1. A compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is hydrogen, (C1C3)alkyl, CH2C(O)NH2, CH (CH3)C(O)NH2, S(O)2CH3 or C(O)R6; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (C1C3)alkyl or O(C1C3) alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,CH3,CH2OCH3,C (O) NH2,CH2C (O) NH2,OCH3,NH2 or NHCH2CH3, XX'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; and YY'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; or XX' is CH2 and YY' is CH2CH2C(O); wherein when one of XX'and YY'isCH2CH2and the other isCH=CH, or when both of XX'and YY'areCH=CH, then R2 isS (O) 2CH3 orC (O) R6 ; or when XX' and YY'areCH2C (O)then R2is hydrogen, (C1C3)alkyl, CH2C (O) NH2 or CH (CH3) C (O) NH2 ; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
2. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein Rl is hydrogen.
3. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein Ra is hydrogen.
4. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein R2 isCH3,CH2C (O) NH2 orCH (CH3) C (O) NH2.
5. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein R2 isS (O) 2CH3 or C(O)R6, wherein R6 is hydrogen,CH3,CH2OCH3,C (O) NH2,CH2C (O) NH2,OCH3,NH2 or NHCH2CH3.
6. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein R3, R4 and R independently are hydrogen or halogen.
7. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein XX'isCH2CH2and YY' isCH2CH2.
8. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein XX'isCH2CH2and YY' isCH2C (O).
9. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein XX'isCH=CHand YY' isCH2C (O).
10. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein XX'isCH2C (O)and YY'isCH2CH2.
11. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein XX' is CH2C(O); and YY'isCH=CH.
12. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein XX'isCH2and YY'is CH2CH2C (O).
13. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 wherein Rl is hydrogen; is hydrogen,CH3,CH2C (O) NH2,CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,S (O) 2CH3 orC (O) R ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (C1C3)alkyl or O(C1C3) alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,CH3,CH20CH3,C (O) NH2, CH2C (O) NH2,OCH3,NH2 or NHCH2CH3, XX'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; and YY'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; or XX' is CH2 and YY' is CH2CH2C(O); wherein when one of XX'and YY'isCH2CH2and the other isCH=CH, or when both of and YY'areCH=CH, then R2 isS (O) 2CH3 orC (O) R6 ; or when XX' and YY'areCH2C (O)then R2 is hydrogen, (C1C3)alkyl, CH2C (O) NH2 or CH (CH3) C (O) NH2.
14. The compound of formula I according to claim 1 selected from 1 [7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2, 4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin3yl]ethanone, 1 [7(3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin3yl] 2methoxy ethanone, 2 [7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin3yl]2oxoacetamide, 3 [7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin3yl]3oxo propionamide, 7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepine3carboxylic acid methyl ester, 7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepine3carbaldehyde, 7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)3methanesulfonyl2, 3, 4, 5tetrahydro1Hbenzo [d] azepine, 7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepine3carboxylic acid amide, 7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepine3carboxylic acid ethylamide, 2 [7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin3yl]acetamide, (RS) 2 [7(3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin3yl]propionamide, 8 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 3dihydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 8(3fluorobenzyloxy)3methyl1, 3dihydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 8 (3fluorobenzyloxy)3methoxyacetyl1, 3dihydrobenzo [dl azepin2one 3acetyl8 (3fluorobenzyloxy)l,3dihydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 8 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 3,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 7 (2,3, 4trifluorobenzyloxy) 1, 3,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 7 (2,3, 4trifluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [c] azepin3one, 7(2,6difluorobenzyloxy)1, 3,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 7(2,6difluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [c] azepin3one, 7benzyloxy1, 3, 4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 3,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 7 (3chlorobenzyloxy)1, 3,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin2one, 3acetyl7 (3chlorobenzyloxy)1, 3,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [d] azepin2one and 7 (3fluorobenzyloxy)1, 2,4, 5tetrahydrobenzo [c] azepin2one.
15. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I in accordance with claim 1 wherein Ru ils hydrogen or methyl; R2 is hydrogen ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (ClC3)alkyl or O(C1C3) alkyl ; XX'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; and YY'isCHCH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O); or XX' is CH2 and YY' is CH2CH2C(O); wherein when one of XX'and YY'isCH2CH2and the other isCH=CH, or when both of XX' and YY' are CH=CH, then R2 isS (0) 2CH3 orC (O) R6 ; or when XX' and YY'areCH2C (O) then R2 is hydrogen, (ClC3)alkyl,CH2C (O)NH2 or CH (CH3) C (O) NH2; comprising cleaving a protecting group P1 off a compound of formula II wherein Pl is a protecting group selected from the group consisting of a tert butoxycarbonyl, a methoxycarbonyl or 9fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl group.
16. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I in accordance with claim 1 wherein Rl is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is hydrogen, (C1C3)alkyl, CH2C (O) NH2,CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,S (0) 2CH3 or C(O)R6; R3, R4 and RS independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (C1C3)alkyl or O(C1C3) alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen, CH3, CH2OCH3, C (O) NH2,CH2C (O) NH2,OCH3,NH2 or NHCH2CH3, XX' is CH2CH2, CH=CH or CH2C(O); and YY'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; or XX'isCH2and YY'isCH2CH2C (O) ; wherein when one of XX' and YY' is CH2CH2 and the other isCH=CH, or when both of and YY'areCH=CH, then R3 isS (0) 2CH3 orC (O) R5 ; or when XX' and YY'areCH2C (O) then R3 is hydrogen, (C1C3)alkyl, CH2C (O) NH2 or CH (CH3) C (O) NH2 ; comprising reacting a compound of formula III with a compound of formula IV wherein Z is OH, or, when R2 isS (O) 2CH3 orC (O) R6, then Z may also be halogen or a sulfonic acid residue.
17. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I in accordance with claim 1 wherein Rl is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is S(O)2CH3 or C(O)R6; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (ClC3)alkyl or0 (CIC3) alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,CH3,CH20CH3,OCH3,NH2 orNHCH2CH3, XX' is CH2CH2, CH=CH or CH2C(O); and YY'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; or XX'isCH2and YY'isCH2CH2C (O) ; wherein XX'and YY'are notCH2C (O) at the same time; comprising reacting a compound of formula I wherein Ruz ils hydrogen, with an activated acyl derivative; or by a condensation reaction of an acid using a condensation reagent; or by reaction with an activated sulfonyl derivative; or by reaction with an isocyanate.
18. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I in accordance with claim 1 wherein Rl is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is S(O)2CH3 orC (O) R6 ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (C1C3)alkyl or O(C1C3) alkyl ; R6 isC (O) NH2 orCH2C (O) NH2, XX'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O); and YY'isCH2CH2,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; or XX' is CH2 and YY' is CH2CH2C(O); wherein XX'and YY'are notCH2C (O) at the same time; comprising reacting a compound of formula I wherein R2 is hydrogen, with an activated acyl derivative; or by a condensation reaction of an acid using a condensation reagent ; and converting the resulting ester function into a corresponding amide.
19. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I in accordance with claim 1 Rl is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is (C1C3)alkyl, CH2C(O)NH2 or CH(CH3)C(O)NH2; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (ClC3)alkyl or O(C1C3) alkyl ; XX' is CH2CH2, CH=CH or CH2C(O); and YY'isCH2CH2,,CH=CHorCH2C (O) ; or XX' is CH2 and YY' is CH2CH2C(O); wherein XX'and YY'are notCH=CHat the same time, or XX'and YY'are not CH2CH2when the other isCH=CH ; comprising reacting a compound of formula I wherein R2 is hydrogen, with an alkylating agent selected from the group consisting of alkylating agents include halides, tosylates, mesylates and triflates.
20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as active ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier therefor.
21. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 20 for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition in which selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase B activity plays a role or is implicated.
22. A method for the treatment of any of the particular indications hereinbefore set forth in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compound of formula I according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
23. A method for treating or preventing a disease or condition in which selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase B activity plays a role or is implicated comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
24. Use of a compound of formula I according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition in which selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase B activity plays a role or is implicated.
25. The use according to claim 24, wherein the disease is Alzheimer's disease or senile dementia.
26. The invention as herein before described.
Description:
Benzazepine derivatives as MAO-B inhibitors The present invention relates to novel benzazepine derivatives, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing said derivatives and their use in the prevention and treatment of diseases.

In a first aspect the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein Ru ils hydrogen or methyl ; R2 is hydrogen, (C1-C3)-alkyl, -CH2C (O) NH2, -CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or -C(O)R6 ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or -O-(C1-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH20CH3,-C (O) NH2, -CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X' is -CH2-CH2-, -CH=CH- or -CH2-C (O)- ; and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)-; or X-X'is-CH2-andY-Y'is-CH2-CH2-C (O)-; wherein when one of X-X'and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-and the other is-CH=CH-, or when both of X-X'and Y-Y'are-CH=CH-, then R2 is-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6 ; or when X-X' andY-Y'are-CH2-C (O)-then R2 is hydrogen, (Cl-C3)-alkyl,-CH2C (O) NH2 or - CH (CH3) C (O) NH2 ; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The invention comprises individual configurational isomers of the compounds herein as well as racemic and non-racemic mixtures thereof.

The following definitions of general terms used in the present patent application apply irrespective of whether the terms in question appear alone or in combination. It must be

noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms"a", "an"and"the"include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term"halogen"denotes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine.

The term" (Cl-C3)-alkyl" as used herein denotes straight-chain or branched saturated hydrocarbon residues with 1 to 3 carbon atoms. Examples for (Cl-C3)-alkyl are methyl, ethyl, n-propyl and i-propyl. The (Cl-C3)-alkyl may be unsubstituted or substituted by halogen. Examples for substituted (Cl-C3)-alkyl include trifluoromethyl.

Examples for substituted phenyl include 3-fluoro-phenyl, 3-chloro-phenyl, 2,6-difluoro- phenyl and 2,3, 4-trifluorophenyl.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable salts"of a compound means salts that are pharmaceutically acceptable, which are generally safe, non-toxic, and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable, and that possess the desired pharmacological activity of the parent compound. These salts are derived from an inorganic or organic acid. If possible, compounds of formula I may be converted into pharmaceutically acceptable salts.

It should be understood that all references to pharmaceutically acceptable salts include solvent addition forms (solvates) or crystal forms (polymorphs) of the same acid addition salt.

Examples for pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like; or formed with organic acids such as acetic acid, benzenesulfonic acid, benzoic, camphorsulfonic acid, citric acid, ethanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, glucoheptonic acid, gluconic acid, glutamic acid, glycolic acid, hydroxynaphthoic acid, 2-hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, mandelic acid, methanesulfonic acid, muconic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, propionic acid, salicylic acid, succinic acid, dibenzoyl-L-tartaric acid, tartaric acid, p- toluene-sulfonic acid, trimethylacetic acid, trifluoroacetic acid, and the like.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I, wherein is hydrogen.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R2 is hydrogen. In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R2 is-CH3,-CH2C (O) NH2, -CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or- C (O) R6, wherein R6 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH20CH3,-C (O) NH2,-CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,

-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3. In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R2 is-CH3,-CH2C (O) NH2 or-CH (CH3) C (O) NH2. In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R2 is-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6, wherein R6 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH20CH3,-C (O) NH2, - CH2C (O) NH2, -OCH3, -NH2 or -NHCH2CH3.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R3, R4 and RS independently are hydrogen or halogen. In still another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R3, R4 and Rs are hydrogen.

In still another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R3, R4 and R5 are fluorine. In still another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R3 and R4 are hydrogen and R5 is fluorine. In still another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R3 is hydrogen and R4 and RS are fluorine.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein X-X'is-CH2-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-. In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein X-X'is-CH2-CH2-and Y-Y'is- CH2-C (O)-. In still another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein X-X'is-CH=CH-and Y-Y'is-CH2-C (O)-. In still another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein X-X'is- CH2-C (O)-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-. In still another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein X-X'is-CH2-C (O)-; and Y-Y'is-CH=CH-.

In still another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein X-X' is -CH2- and Y-Y' is -CH2-CH2-C(O)-.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; R2 is hydrogen, -CH3, -CH2C(O)NH2, -CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6 ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or -O-(C1-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen, -CH3, -CH2OCH3, -C(O) NH2, -CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)- ; and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)- ; or X-X' is -CH2- and Y-Y' is -CH2-CH2-C(O)-; wherein when one of X-X'and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-and the other is-CH=CH-, or when both of X-X'and Y-Y'are-CH=CH-, then W is-S (0) 2CH3 or -C(O)R6; or when X-X'

and Y-Y'are-CH2-C (O)-then R2 is hydrogen, (C1-C3)-alkyl, -CH2C (O) NH2 or - CH (CH3) C (O) NH2.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; R2 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH2C (O) NH2, -CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6 ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or-O- (Cl-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen, -CH3, -CH2OCH3, -C(O)NH2, -CH2C(O)NH2, -OCH3, -NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X' and Y-Y' are -CH2-CH2-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; R2 is-CH2C (O) NH2, -CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or -C(O)R6; R3 is halogen and R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen or halogen; R6 is hydrogen, -CH3, -CH2OCH3, -C(O) NH2, -CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X' and Y-Y' are -CH2-CH2-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; R is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH2C (O) NH2,-CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or -C(O)R6; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or-0- (Ci-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH20CH3,-C (O) NH2,-CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X'is-CH=CH-and Y-Y'is-CH2-C (O)-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen ; R2 is hydrogen, -CH3 or -C(O)R6 ; is halogen and R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen or halogen;

R6 is-CH3 or-CH20CH3 ; X-X' is -CH=CH- and Y-Y' is -CH2-C(O)-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; R2 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH2C (O) NH2,-CH (CH3) C (O) NH2, -S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6 ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or -O-(C1-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH20CH3,-C (O) NH2,-CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X' is -CH2-CH2- and Y-Y' is -CH2-C(O)-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; R is hydrogen; R3 is halogen and R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen or halogen; X-X' is -CH2-CH2- and Y-Y' is -CH2-C(O)-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; R2 is hydrogen, -CH3, -CH2C(O)NH2, -CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6; R3, R4 and RS independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or -O-(C1-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH20CH3,-C (O) NH2, -CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X'is-CH2-C (O)- and Y-Y' is -CH2-CH2-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; R2 is hydrogen or-C (O) R6 ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen or halogen; R6 is-CH3 ; X-X' is -CH2-C(O)- and Y-Y' is -CH2-CH2-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein Rl is hydrogen ; R2 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH2C (O) NH2, -CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6 ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or -O-(C1-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH20CH3,-C (O) NH2,-CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X'is-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-C (O)-.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen; is hydrogen; is halogen and R4 and RS independently are hydrogen or halogen; X-X'is-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-C (O)-.

In one embodiment the present invention provides a compound of formula I selected from 1- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-ethanone, 1- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-2-methoxy- ethanone, 2- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-2-oxo-acetamide, 3- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-3-oxo- propionamide, 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester, 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carbaldehyde, 7-(3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-3-methanesulfonyl-2,3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine, 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid amide, 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid ethylamide, 2- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-acetamide, (RS) -2- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-propionamide, 8- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 8- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-3-methyl-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 8-(3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-3-methoxyacetyl-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one

3-acetyl-8- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 8- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 7- (2, 3, 4-trifluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 7- (2,3, 4-trifluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one, 7-(2,6-difluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 7- (2, 6-difluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one, 7-benzyloxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 7- (3-chloro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, 3-acetyl-7- (3-chloro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-2-one.

In another aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein Rl is hydrogen or methyl; R2 is hydrogen; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or-0- (Ci-C3)- alkyl ; X-X'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)-; and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)- ; or X-X'is-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-C (O)-; wherein when one of X-X'and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-and the other is-CH=CH-, or when both of X-X' and Y-Y'are-CH=CH-, then R2 is-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6 ; or when X-X' and Y-Y'are-CH2-C (O)- then R2 is hydrogen, (C1-C3)-alkyl, -CH2C (O) NH2 or - CH (CH3) C (O) NH2 ; comprising cleaving a protecting group off a compound of formula II wherein P1 is a protecting group like, e. g. a tert-butoxycarbonyl, a methoxycarbonyl or 9- fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyl group.

In another aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein

Rl is hydrogen or methyl; W is hydrogen, (C1-C3)-alkyl, -CH2C(O)NH2, -CH (CH3) C (O) NH2, -S (0) 2CH3 or -C (O) R ; R3, R4 and R independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or -O-(C1-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen,-CH3,-CH20CH3,-C (O) NH2,-CH2C (O) NH2,-OCH3,-NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)- ; and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)-; or X-X'is-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-C (O)-; wherein when one of X-X' and Y-Y' is -CH2-CH2- and the other is-CH=CH-, or when both of X-X'and Y-Y'are-CH=CH-, then R3 is-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R5 ; or when X-X' and Y-Y' are -CH2-C(O)- then R3 is hydrogen, (Cl-C3)-alkyl,-CH2C (O) NH2 or - CH (CH3) C (O) NH2 ; comprising reacting a compound of formula III with a compound of formula IV wherein Z is OH, or, when R2 is-S (0) 2CH3or-C (O) R, then Z may also be halogen or a sulfonic acid residue.

In another aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein Ru ils hydrogen or methyl; R2 is -S(O)2CH3 or -C(O)R6; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (C1-C3)-alkyl or -O-(C1-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is hydrogen, -CH3, -CH2OCH3, -OCH3, -NH2 or -NHCH2CH3, X-X' is -CH2-CH2-, -CH=CH- or -CH-C(O)-; and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)-; or

X-X'is-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-C (O)-; wherein X-X'and Y-Y'are not-CH2-C (O)- at the same time; comprising reacting a compound of formula I wherein R2 is hydrogen, with an activated acyl derivative; or by a condensation reaction of an acid using a condensation reagent; or by reaction with an activated sulfonyl derivative; or by reaction with an isocyanate.

Examples for an activated acyl derivative include acyl halogenides and anhydrides as well as chloroformates.

Examples for an activated sulfonyl derivative include sulfonyl halogenides and anhydrides. Examples for a condensation reagent include carbodiimides.

In another aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein Ru ils hydrogen or methyl; R2 is -S(O)2CH3 or -C(O)R6 ; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (Cl-C3)-alkyl or-O- (Cl-C3)- alkyl ; R6 is-C (O) NH2 or -CH2C(O)NH2, X-X'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)- ; and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)- ; or X-X'is-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-C (O)-; wherein X-X'and Y-Y'are not-CH2-C (O)- at the same time ; comprising reacting a compound of formula I wherein W is hydrogen, with an activated acyl derivative; or by a condensation reaction of an acid using a condensation reagent; and converting the resulting ester function into a corresponding amide.

In another aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I wherein Ru ils hydrogen or methyl; R2 is (Cl-C3)-alkyl,-CH2C (O) NH2 or-CH (CH3) C (O) NH2; R3, R4 and R5 independently are hydrogen, halogen, cyano, (C1-C3)-alkyl or-O- (Cl-C3)- alkyl ; X-X'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)- ; and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-,-CH=CH-or-CH2-C (O)- ; or X-X'is-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2-CH2-C (O)-;

wherein X-X'and Y-Y'are not-CH=CH-at the same time, or X-X'and Y-Y'are not -CH2-CH2-when the other is-CH=CH- ; comprising reacting a compound of formula I wherein W is hydrogen, with an alkylating agent.

Examples for alkylating agents include halides, tosylates, mesylates and triflates.

In accordance with the present invention, compounds of general formula I wherein X-X' and Y-Y'are-CH2-CH2-can, e. g. , be manufactured as described as follows: With the benzazepine derivative V [J. Heterocycl. Chem. (1971) 8 (5), 779-783] as starting material, compounds of formula I, wherein W is hydrogen and X-X'and Y-Y'are -CH2-CH2-, can be obtained using suitably protected benzazepine derivatives of formula VI. As amino protecting groups Pl can be selected those, that can be cleaved in the presence of the benzyl residue to be introduced in the following step, e. g. tert- butoxycarbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, or 9-fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyl.

The alkylation of the phenol VI is effected according to methods which are known per se in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate or cesium carbonate. Chlorides, bromides, iodides, tosylates or mesylates come into consideration as alkylating agents.

The reaction is effected in a solvent which is inert under the reaction conditions, such as e. g. acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, or N, N-dimethylformamide, at a temperature between about 0°C and 140°C. As an alternative approach, the Mitsunobu reaction of optionally substituted benzylalcohols in inert solvents, such as e. g. diethyl ether or tetrahydrofurane, using dialkyl-azo-dicarboxylates, e. g. diethyl or diisopropyl-azo-dicarboxylates, in the presence of phosphines, such as e. g. triphenyl-or tributylphosphine, leads to ethers of formula VII. Especially in benzyl derivatives of formula VII with R3, R4 and R5 = hydrogen, the benzyl group can be used as protecting group and, after its cleavage by hydrogenolysis, be replaced at a later stage by differently substituted benzyl groups using methods mentioned before.

For the preparation of amines of formula I, i. e. wherein R2 is hydrogen, the protecting group has to be cleaved in an appropriate way depending on the nature of Pl generally known to the expert in the field, e. g. by cleavage under acidic conditions in case of the

tert-butoxycarbonyl group, or under basic conditions in case of the methoxycarbonyl-or 9-fluorenyl-methoxycarbonyl group.

The derivatisation of compounds of formula I wherein ruz is hydrogen can lead directly to compounds of formula I wherein R is (Cl-C3)-alkyl,-CH2C (O) NH2,- CH (CH3) C (O) NH2,-S (0) 2CH3 or-C (O) R6. When R2 is an acyl residue, activated acid derivatives, such as e. g. an acid chloride or anhydride, can be used or condensation methods for acids and amines known per se can be applied. When R2 is an alkoxycarbonyl residue, chloroformates can be used. When R2 is an aminocarbonyl residue, isocyanates, e. g. trimethylsilyl-isocyanate or alkyl-isocyanates can be used. When R2 is a sulfonyl residue, activated derivatives, such as e. g. a sulfonyl chloride or anhydride, can be used. When W is representing an alkyl residue, the alkylation is effected according to methods which are known per se in the presence of a base, such as potassium carbonate or cesium carbonate with chlorides, bromides, iodides, tosylates or mesylates as the alkylating agent. The reaction is effected in a solvent which is inert under the reaction conditions, such as e. g. acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, or N, N- dimethylformamide, at a temperature between about 0°C and 140°C.

The derivatisation of compounds of formula I wherein R2 is hydrogen can also be achieved via compounds of formula IX, wherein R2 l contains a functional group that can be transformed in R2, such as e. g. an alkyl ester which by ammonolysis is transformed into the corresponding amide.

Compounds of formula IX can be obtained directly via compounds of formula VIII for R2*1 representing an acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or sulfonyl residue. Compounds of formula VIII can be prepared using procedures as described before in the case of the derivatisation of compounds of formula I wherein R2 is hydrogen.

Compounds of formula I wherein X-X'is-CH=CH-and Y-Y'is-CH2-C (O)- can be ob- tained as outlined as follows via the intermediate 8-hydroxy-1, 3-dihydro- benzo [d] azepin-2-one (XII) and procedures known from the literature or in close analogy thereof, e. g. as described in J. Med. Chem. 33 (5) 1496-1504 (1990).

Starting with the condensation of activated derivatives of 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid wherein R9 has the meaning of methyl or benzyl [Synthesis 9, 1214-1216 (2000) ], the reaction with aminoacetaldehyde acetal, wherein Rl° has the meaning of e. g. methyl or ethyl, leads to amide XI. The ring closure to the seven-membered cycle can be performed under acid conditions, such as e. g. concentrated hydrochloric acid in acetic acid or polyphosphorous acid, under, at least partial, loss of group R9 to yield the azepinone XII.

The further derivatisation to compounds of formula I follows procedures already described above.

When R2 is an acyl, alkoxycarbonyl, or sulfonyl residue, compounds of formula I can be obtained following procedures already described above. When W is alkyl, the alkylation is effected according to methods known per se in the presence of a base, such as e. g. alcoholates, like potassium tert-butanolate, or hydride, like sodium hydride, with chlorides, bromides, iodides, tosylates or mesylates as the alkylating agent and in solvents such as e. g. dimethylsulfoxide, N, N-dimethylformamide or THF.

Compounds of formula I wherein X-X'is-CH2-CH2-and Y-Y'is-CH2C (O)- can be ob- tained via the intermediate XIII by methods described above. The azepinone XIII can be obtained by hydrogenation of XII.

Compounds of formula I wherein X-X'is-CH2C (O)-and Y-Y'is-CH=CH-can be prepared starting from intermediates of formula XVI or XVI-1 as outlined as follows by methods already described above.

The intermediate azepinone XVI can be obtained in different ways: (a) Following a procedure, described in Heterocycles 9 (9), 1197 (1978) for the synthesis of the corresponding six-membered cycle, acylation of phenethylamine XIV by dialkoxy- acetyl chloride yields the dialkoxy-acetamide XV which is cyclised to the azepinone XVI by acid, such as e. g. concentrated sulfuric acid. Herein, Rlo can have the meaning of methyl or benzyl, representing transient groups which, at least partially, can be lost during the cyclisation procedure.

XIV xv xVl (b) Alternatively, following the procedure described in Chem. Pharm. Bull. 37 (4) 939-943 (1989), the cyclisation to the azepinone XVI can be performed by a Pummerer-type reaction, via the sulfide XVIII, its oxidation, e. g. by sodium metaperiodate, to the a- (methylsulfinyl) acetamide XX (Rll = methyl) and cyclisation to the azepinone XX by acid treatment, e. g. 4-toluenesulfonic acid, or by treatment with trifluoroacetic anhydride. The desulfurisation of XX by Raney nickel yields azepinone XXI or XVI depending on the protecting group p2. p2 can represent a typical amino protecting group, such as e. g. tert-butoxycarbonyl or benzyloxycarbonyl.

XIV XVII XVIII

XVIII six xi

(c) The unsaturated analogue of formula XXIV can be obtained in analogy to a procedure described in Chemistry-A European Journal 7 (24), 5286-5298 (2001), wherein the vinyl iodide of formula XXII reacts with the dialkoxy-acetamide in the presence of copper (I) thiophene-2-carboxylate and a base to yield the enamide XXIII.

Cyclisation under acidic conditions, as described before, gives the azepinone XXIV (e. g.

R9 = methyl).

xXll xXlll xXlv xVl The compound of formula XXII can be prepared starting from the corresponding alpha, beta-unsaturated aromatic carboxylic acids by oxidative halodecarboxylation as described e. g. in Tetrahedron Letters 42 (52) 9253 (2001), followed by transhalogenation to the corresponding iodide as described in e. g. Synthesis (3), 236-238 (1988).

Ring expansion reactions as known to those skilled in the art can lead to compounds of formula XXX and XVI-1. Examples of such reactions are outlined as follows, like e. g. the Schmidt rearrangement or the Beckmann rearrangement, both starting, e. g. , from the commercially available 6-methoxy-2-tetralone (XXV).

Treatment of XXV with hydrazoic acid yields a mixture of azepinones of formula XXX and XVI-1 which, after separation, can be transformed to compounds of general formula XIII or I, respectively. The separation can also take place at a later stage of the synthesis.

XXV XXX XVI-1 In an analogous way, via the oxime XXVI by its rearrangement after treatment with reagents such as e. g. phosphorous pentachloride, sulfuric acid or polyphosphoric acid, a mixture of azepinones of formula XXX and XVI-1 can be obtained.

Another approach to obtain azepinones of formula XVI-1 is given by the oxidative ring expansion of an isoquinoline enamide of formula XXVII [compound of formula XXVII can be prepared as described in Tetrahedron Letters 43 (29) 5089-5091 (2002) for R9 = methyl or as described in Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 13 (17), 2853 (2003)] by lead tetraacetate as described in J. Org. Chem. 53,5793-5796 (1988).

XXVII XXVI II<BR> <BR> <BR> XXIX XVI-1 Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula I can be manufactured readily according to methods known per se and taking into consideration the nature of the compound to be converted into a salt. Inorganic or organic acids such as, e. g., hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid or citric acid, formic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, methanesulphonic acid, p-toluenesulphonic acid and the like are suitable for the formation of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of basic compounds of formula I.

The following examples are provided to illustrate the preparation of some examples for compounds of formula I. They should not be considered as limiting the scope of the in- vention, but merely as being representative thereof. The term"room temperature"was abbreviated as"RT".

Example 1 : 1- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]- ethanone a) 7-Hydroxy-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester: The white suspension of 2.3 g (14.1 mmol) of 2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-lH-3- benzazepine [J. Heterocycl. Chem. 8: 779-783 (1971)] in a mixture of 40 ml of water and

80 ml of dioxane was treated at 0°C successively with 4.48 g (42.3 mmol) of sodium carbonate and 6.27 g (28.2 mmol) of di-tert-butyl-dicarbonate. The mixture was left to warm to RT and stirred during 18h. For the working-up, the mixture was treated with a saturated solution of ammoniumchloride and ethylacetate, thereupon, the aqueous layer was separated and washed twice with ethylacetate. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, then the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure. For purification, the crude material obtained (6.21 g of a yellow oil) was chromatographed on silica gel using a 3: 1 mixture of n-hexane and ethyl acetate as the eluent. There were obtained 2.81 g (76% of theory) of 7-hydroxy-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3- carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester as a white solid; MS: m/e = 262 (M+H) +. b) 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid tert- butyl ester: The suspension of 2.75 g (10.4 mmol) of 7-hydroxy-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 33 ml of acetone was successively treated with 1.56 g (11.5 mmol) of potassium carbonate in solid form and 1.48 ml (11.5 mmol) of 3-fluorobenzyl-bromide. The mixture was heated under reflux during 18 h. For the working-up, 1 g of silica gel was added to the cooled reaction mixture, which was then evaporated under reduced pressure. For purification, the residue obtained was chromatographed on silica gel by flash-chromatography using a 4: 1-mixture of n-hexane and ethylacetate as the eluent. There were obtained 3.42 g (88% of theory) of 7- (3-fluoro- benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester as a colourless oil; MS: m/e = 371 (M+H) +. c) 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride: A solution of 3.18 g (8.6 mmol) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in 47 ml methanol was treated with 6.8 ml (85.6 mmol) of hydrochloric acid (37%), and the yellowish solution was heated at 45°C during 1 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 2.42 g (92% of theory) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5- tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride as a white solid which was used in the next step without further purification; MS: m/e = 272 (M+H) +. d) 1- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl] -ethanone : A solution of 50 mg (0.16 mmol) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-lH- benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride in 1 ml dichloromethane was treated with 50 Ill (0.36 mmol) of triethylamine. After cooling to 0°C, 13 Ill (0.18 mmol) of acetylchloride were added to the solution, and stirring at 0°C was continued for 30 min. For the working-up, 2 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of ammonium chloride were added, the organic layer was separated, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to yield 99 mg of crude material. For purification, the material was chromatographed on silica gel using a 98 : 2-

mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. There were obtained 44 mg (87% of theory) of 1- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]- ethanone as a colourless oil; MS: m/e = 313 (M) .

Example 2: 1- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-2- methoxy-ethanone The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example ld) from 7- (3-fluoro-benzyl- oxy) -2,3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example lc)] and methoxy-acetic acid chloride with N-ethyl-diisopropylamine as the base. Yield: 98% of theory as a colourless oil; MS: m/e = 344 (M+H) +.

Example 3: 2- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-2- oxo-acetamide a) [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy) -1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-oxo-acetic acid ethyl ester: The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example ld) from 7- (3- fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example lc)] and ethyl oxalic acid chloride with triethylamine as the base. Yield: 88% of theory as a colourless oil; MS : m/e = 372 (M+H) +. b) 2- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl] -2-oxo-acetamide : In a sealed tube, a mixture of 52 mg (0.14 mmol) of [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl] -oxo-acetic acid ethyl ester and 0.7 ml (4.6 mmol) of an aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution (25%) in 0.5 ml dioxane was heated at 100°C during 2 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC using a gradient of a 95: 5- mixture to a 5: 95-mixture of water and acetonitrile (+0.1% of formic acid) as the eluent, and 43 mg (88% of theory) of 2- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-2-oxo-acetamide were obtained as a white solid; MS: m/e = 360 (M+NH4) +.

Example 4: 3- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-3- oxo-propionamide a) 3- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-3-oxo-propionic acid ethyl ester: The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example ld) from 7- (3- fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example lc)] and ethyl malonic acid chloride with triethylamine as the base. Yield: 70% of theory as a colourless oil; MS: m/e = 386 (M+H) +.

b) 3- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-3-oxo-propion- amide: In a sealed tube, a mixture of 23 mg (0.06 mmol) of 3- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)- 1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-3-oxo-propionic acid ethyl ester and 0.7 ml (4.6 mmol) of an aqueous ammonium hydroxide solution (25%) in 0.3 ml dioxane was heated at 100°C during 4 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by preparative HPLC using a gradient of a 95 : 5-mixture to a 5: 95-mixture of water and acetonitril (+0.1% of formic acid) as the eluent, and 11 mg (52% of theory) of 3- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepin-3-yl] -3-oxo-propionamide were obtained as a white solid; MS: m/e = 357 (M+H) +.

Example 5: 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy) -1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example ld) from 7- (3-fluoro- benzyloxy) -2,3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example 1c)] and methyl chloroformate with triethylamine as the base. Yield: 95% of theory as a colourless oil; MS: m/e = 330 (M+H) +.

Example 6: 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carbalde- hyde A mixture of 147 p1 of acetic anhydride and 74 Ill of formic acid was stirred at 60°C for 2 h. Thereafter, the solution was cooled to RT, diluted with 1 ml of tetrahydrofurane, and treated with a solution of 250 mg (0.9 mmol) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5- tetrahydro-1H-benzo [d] azepine in a mixture of 1 ml of tetrahydrofurane and 2 ml dichloromethane. Immediately after the addition, a suspension had formed which was stirred at RT during 1 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was diluted with dichloromethane and washed twice with water. The organic layer was separated, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. For purification, the material obtained (256 mg of a yellowish oil) was chromatographed on silica gel using a 99: 1-mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. There were obtained 226 mg (82% of theory) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carbaldehyde as a colourless oil; MS: m/e = 300 (M+H) +.

Example 7: 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-3-methanesulfonyl-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-1H- benzo [d] azepine

A solution of 200 mg (0.65 mmol) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-1H- benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example lc)] in 8 ml of tetrahydrofurane was treated with 198 ul (1.4 mmol) of triethylamine. The mixture was cooled to 0°C and 56 ul (0.7 mmol) of methanesulfochloride were added. After 30 min at 0°C, the reaction mixture was extracted twice with water. The organic layer was separated, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated to yield 215 mg (95% of theory) of pure 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)- 3-methanesulfonyl-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine as a white solid; MS: m/e = 349 (M) +.

Example 8: 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy) -1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid amide A mixture of 250 mg (0. 8 mmol) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-lH- benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example lc)] ans423 il (2. 4 mmol) of N-ethyl- diisopropylamine in 2 ml of N, N-dimethylformamide was treated at 0°C with 336 ul (2.4 mmol) of trimethylsilylisocyanate. The mixture was stirred at RT for 4 h. For the working-up, the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure, and, thereupon, the red residue dissolved in dichloromethane. The organic layer was washed twice with water, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. For purification, the crude material obtained (289 mg of a red solid) was chromatographed on silica gel using a 98: 2-mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. There were obtained 175 mg (68% of theory) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid amide as a white solid; MS: m/e = 315 (M+H) +.

Example 9: 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid ethylamide A mixture of 50 mg (0.16 mmol) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-lH- benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example lc)] and 27 pLl (0.2 mmol) of triethylamine in 1 ml of dichloromethane was treated at-20°C with 13 ul (0.16 mmol) of ethylisocyanate.

The mixture was left to warm to RT and stirred for 18 h. For the working-up, the solvent was evaporated. For purification, the crude material obtained (88 mg of a white solid) was chromatographed on silica gel using a 98: 2: 0.1-mixture of dichloromethane, methanol and ammonium hydroxide as the eluent. There were obtained 47 mg (85% of theory) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepine-3-carboxylic acid ethylamide as a white solid; MS: m/e = 343 (M+H) +.

Example 10: 2- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-acet- amide A solution of 70 mg (0.23 mmol) of 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-2, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-lH- benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example lc)] in 1 ml of acetone was successively treated with 69 mg (0.5 mmol) of potassium carbonate and 24 mg (0.25 mmol) of 2- chloroacetamide. The reaction mixture was heated to reflux during 18 h. For the working-up, 1 g of silica gel was added to the cooled reaction mixture, which was then evaporated under reduced pressure. For purification, the crude material obtained was chromatographed on silica gel using a 95: 5: 0. 1-mixture of dichloromethane, methanol and ammonium hydroxide as the eluent. There were obtained 38 mg (51% of theory) of 2- [7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-yl]-acetamideasawhite solid; MS: m/e = 329 (M+H)''. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>Example 11: (RS) -2- [7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> yl]-propionamide The title compound was prepared in analogy to Example 10 from 7- (3-fluoro- benzyloxy) -2,3, 4, 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzo [d] azepine hydrochloride [Example lc)] and (RS) -2-bromo-propionamide with potassium carbonate as the base. Yield: 85% of theory as a white solid; MS: m/e = 343 (M+H) +.

Example 12: 8- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one In analogy to the procedure described in J. Med. Chem. 33: 1496-1504 (1990), the intermediate 8-hydroxy-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one (b) was prepared in the following way: a) 2- (3-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-N- (2, 2-dimethoxy-ethyl)-acetamide : To a suspension of 5.0 g (20.6 mmol) of 3- (benzyloxy) phenylacetic acid [Synthesis 9: 1214-1216 (2000) ] in 50 ml of dichloromethane, 4.5 ml (62 mmol) of thionylchloride were added dropwise at RT within 10 min. The resulting yellowish solution was stirred under reflux during 90 min.

After cooling, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the crude acid chloride kept under HV at RT for 1 h to yield 5.38 g of a yellow-brownish oil.

Thereafter, a solution of the aforementioned acid chloride in 15 ml dichloromethane was added dropwise under cooling to a solution of 2.17 g (20.6 mmol) of aminoacetaldehyde dimethylacetal and 2.09 g (20.6 mmol) of triethylamine in 30 ml of dichloromethane in a way so that the temperature was kept between 5-10°C. The reaction mixture was left to warm to RT and stirring was continued for 1 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture

was diluted with 100 ml of dichloromethane, then washed with 50 ml of water. The organic layer was separated, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. The obtained 6.7 g (98% of theory) of 2- (3-benzyloxy-phenyl)-N- (2, 2-dimethoxy-ethyl)-acetamide were pure enough to be engaged in the next step without further purification. b) 8-Hydroxy-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one: A suspension of 1.0 g (3.0 mmol) of 2- (3-benzyloxy-phenyl)-N- (2, 2-dimethoxy-ethyl) -acetamide in 6 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid was treated with 6 ml of glacial acetic acid. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT during 60 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was hydrolysed on a mixture of ice and water. The precipitated product was collected on a filter funnel, there- after dried under HV at RT. There were obtained 316 mg (59% of theory) of 8-hydroxy- 1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a beige powder; MS: m/e = 174 (M-H) +. c) 8- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one : A solution of 400 mg (2.3 mmol) of 8-hydroxy-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one in a mixture of 15 ml of acetone and 1 ml of N, N-dimethylformamide was treated with 351 mg (2.5 mmol) of potassium carbonate. Thereafter, 500 mg (2.5 mmol) of 3-fluorobenzylbromide were added to the orange coloured solution. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60°C for 18h while a brownish suspension was formed. For the working-up, the cooled reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the residue obtained was directly subjected to a column chromatography on silica gel using a 1 : 1-mixture of heptane and ethylacetate as the eluent. There were obtained 404 mg (62% of theory) of 8- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3- dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a yellowish powder; MS: m/e = 284 (M+H) +.

Example 13: 8- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-3-methyl-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one In a dried flask under an inert atmosphere, 70 mg (0.25 mmol) of 8- (3-fluoro- benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one were dissolved in 5 ml of tetrahydrofurane, and the solution cooled to 0°C. Thereupon, 14 mg (0. 3 mmol) of sodium hydride (50% in oil) were added and stirring continued at 0°C for 15 min.

Finally, 17 Ill (0.3 mmol) of methyliodide were added. The reaction mixture was left to warm to RT and stirring continued for 90 min. For completion of the reaction, the mixture was heated to 40°C during 2 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in 10 ml of ethylacetate, the solution extracted with 4 ml of water, then dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated under reduced pressure. For purification, the crude material obtained was chromatographed on silica gel using a 2: 1-mixture of heptane and ethylacetate as the eluent. There were obtained 51 mg (69% of theory) of 8- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-3-methyl- 1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a yellowish solid; MS: m/e = 297 (M) +.

Example 14: 8- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-3-methoxyacetyl-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2- one In a dried flask under an inert atmosphere, 50 mg (0.18 mmol) of 8- (3-fluoro- benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one were dissolved in 3 ml of dichloromethane, and the solution cooled to 0°C. Thereupon, 21 mg (0.21 mmol) triethylamine were added and stirring continued at 0°C. Finally, 18 Ill (0.2 mmol) of methoxyacetic acid chloride were added. The reaction mixture was left to warm to RT and stirring continued for 18 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure. For purification, the crude material obtained was directly transferred on a column and chromatographed on silica gel using a 99: 1-mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. There were obtained 15 mg (24% of theory) of 8-(3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-3-methoxyacetyl-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a white powder; MS: m/e = 356 (M+H) +.

Example 15 : 3-Acetyl-8- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one In a dried flask under an inert atmosphere, 103 mg (0.36 mmol) of 8- (3-fluoro- benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 72 mg (0.9 mmol) of sodium acetate were suspended in 0. 3 ml of acetic acid anhydride. The solution was heated to 140°C for 4 h. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was cooled, then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was treated with 1.5 ml of ice/water and 4 ml of ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was separated and re-extracted with 4 ml of ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried over sodium sulfate, thereafter the solvent evaporated under reduced pressure. For purification, the crude material obtained was chromatographed on silica gel using a gradient of heptane to a 4: 1-mixture of heptane and ethyl acetate as the eluent. There were obtained 91 mg (77% of theory) of 3-acetyl-8- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a light yellow solid; MS: m/e = 325 (M)'.

Example 16: 8- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one a) 8-Hydroxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one: 70 mg (0.4 mmol) of 8- (3- fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3-dihydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one were dissolved in 2 ml of ethanol.

After addition of 22 mg of palladium (10% on charcoal), hydrogenation was performed at RT and atmospheric pressure. After 60 h, the catalyst was filtered off and the solvent evaporated to yield 62 mg (88% of theory) of crude 8-hydroxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-

benzo [d] azepin-2-one which was engaged in the next step without further purification; MS: m/e = 176 (M-H) +. b) 8-(3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one: A solution of 719 mg (4.1 mmol) of 8-hydroxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one in 30 ml of acetone was treated with 664 mg (4.8 mmol) of potassium carbonate. Thereafter, 883 mg (4.7 mmol) of 3-fluorobenzylbromide were added to the solution and the reaction mixture was stirred at 50°C for 36h. For the working-up, the cooled reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure, and the residue obtained was directly subjected to a column chromatography on silica gel using a 99: 1-mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. There were obtained 210 mg (18% of theory) of 8- (3-fluoro- benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a yellowish powder ; MS: m/e = 286 (M+H) +.

Example 17: 7- (2, 3, 4-Trifluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7- (2,3, 4-trifluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3- one a) 7-Methoxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7-methoxy-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-one: A mixture of 500 mg (2.7 mmol) of 6-methoxy- tetralone and 350 mg (5.4 mmol) of sodium azide in 3.4 ml of acetic acid was heated to 70°C. Thereafter, 0.85 ml (15.2 mmol) of sulfuric acid was added dropwise in a manner so that a temperature of 70°C was maintained. After complete addition, the reaction mixture was hydrolysed on ice, then neutralized with solid sodium hydrogencarbonate, and extracted with dichloromethane. The organic layer was separated, dried over sodium sulfate and evaporated. For purification, the residue was chromatographed on silica gel using a 95: 5-mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. There were obtained 200 mg (39% of theory) of the mixture of 7-methoxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7-methoxy-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-3-one as a brown solid; MS : m/e = 192 (M+H) +. b) 7-Hydroxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7-hydroxy-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one: A solution of 200 mg (1.0 mmol) of a mixture of 7- methoxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7-methoxy-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepin-3-one in 4 ml dichloromethane was cooled to 0°C and treated dropwise with 4. 18 ml (4.2 mmol) of bromotribromide. The reaction mixture was left to warm to RT and stirring was continued for 1 hour. For the working-up, the mixture was treated with 1.05 ml (2.1 mmol) of a solution of sodium hydroxide (2 M) and extracted with dichloromethane. The aqueous layer was acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. The

organic layer was dried over sodium sulfate and, thereafter, evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude mixture of isomers, 74 mg of a brown solid, was engaged in the next step without further purification and characterisation; MS: m/e = 178 (M+H) +. c) 7- (2, 3, 4-Trifluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7- (2, 3,4- trifluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one: A mixture of 60 mg (0.34 mmol) of 7-hydroxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7-hydroxy-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one, 94 mg (0.7 mmol) of potassium carbonate and 86 mg (0.37 mmol) of 2, 3, 4-trifluorobenzylbromide in 4 ml of 2 butanone was heated at 90°C during 18 hours. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was cooled and evaporated under reduced pressure. For purification, the crude product was chromatographed on silical gel using a 98: 2-mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. There were obtained 50 mg (46% of theory) of a 3: 4-mixture of 7- (2,3, 4-trifluoro-benzyloxy)- 1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7- (2,3, 4-trifluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one as a light yellow solid; MS: m/e = 322 (M+H) +.

Example 18 : 7-(2, 6-Difluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7- (2, 6-difluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2, 4,5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one In an analogous manner to that described in Example 17 c), the alkylation of the mixture of 7-hydroxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7-hydroxy-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one [Example 17 b)] by2, 6-difluorobenzylbromide in the presence of potassium carbonate in 2-butanone yielded the mixture of 7- (2, 6-difluoro- benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7- (2,6-difluoro-benzyloxy)- 1,2, 4,5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one.

The aforementioned mixture of isomers was separated on a preparative HPLC column using a 4: 1 mixture of n-heptane and ethanol as the eluent. There were obtained in a 2: 7- ratio the first eluting 7-(2, 6-difluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3- one [MS: m/e = 304 (M+H) +] and the later eluting isomer 7- (2, 6-difluoro-benzyloxy)- 1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one [MS: m/e = 304 (M+H) +], each as a white solid.

Example 19: 7-Benzyloxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one a) 7-Methoxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 7-methoxy-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-3-one: A mixture of 500 mg (2.8 mmo) of 6-methoxy-2- tetralone and 354 mg (5.4 mmol) of sodium azide in 3.4 ml of acetic acid was heated to 70°C. Then, 0.85 ml of sulfuric acid (96%) were added dropwise in such a manner that the temperature was kept at 70°C. After the complete addition, stirring was continued for

15 min. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was hydrolysed on ice, thereupon neutralized by addition of sodium hydroxide-solution (2M) and extracted with dichloromethane. For purification, the crude material obtained was chromatographed on silica gel using a 99: 1-mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. Of the first eluting isomer, 7-methoxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one, there were obtained 180 mg (35% of theory) as a light brown solid [MS: m/e = 191 (M) +], and of the second isomer, 7-methoxy-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-2-one, there were obtained 73 mg (14% of theory) as a light brown solid [MS: m/e = 191 (M) +]. b) 7-Hydroxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one: A solution of 1.07 g (5.6 mmol) of 7-methoxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one in 10 ml of dichloromethane was treated at 0°C with 22.3 ml of a solution of borontribromide in dichloromethane (1M).

After stirring for 1 h at RT, the reaction mixture was evaporated, and the residue was directly submitted to chromatography using a 95: 5-mixture of dichloromethane and methanol as the eluent. There were obtained 625 mg (63% of theory) of 7-hydroxy- 1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a light brown solid; MS: m/e = 178 (M+H) +. c) 7-Benzyloxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one: In an analogous manner to that described in Example 17 c), the alkylation of 7-hydroxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepin-2-one bybenzylbromide in presence of potassium carbonate in 2- butanone at 90°C yielded the 7-benzyloxy-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a white solid; MS: m/e = 268 (M+H) +.

Example 20 : 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one In an analogous manner to that described in Example 17 c), the alkylation of 7-hydroxy- 1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one [Example 19 b)] by 3-fluorobenzylbromide in the presence of potassium carbonate in 2-butanone yielded the 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)- 1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a white solid; MS: m/e = 286 (M+H) +.

Example 21: 7- (3-Chloro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one In an analogous manner to that described in Example 17 c), the alkylation of 7-hydroxy- 1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one [Example 19 b)] by 3-chlorobenzylbromide in the presence of potassium carbonate in 2-butanone yielded the 7- (3-chloro-benzyloxy)- 1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a white solid; MS: m/e = 302 (M+H) +.

Example 22: 3-Acetyl-7- (3-chloro-benzyloxy) -1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [d] azepin-2- one

A mixture of 50 mg (0.2 mmol) of 7- (3-chloro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepin-2-one and 33 mg (0.4 mmol) of sodium acetate in 0.12 ml of acetic acid anhydride was heated to 145°C during 4.5 hours. For the working-up, the reaction mixture was cooled and treated with water and dichloromethane. The organic layer was separated, washed with a saturated solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate, and, finally, evaporated. For purification, the crude material obtained was chromatographed on silica gel using a 4: 1-mixturet of heptane and ethyl acetate as the eluent. There were obtained 45 mg (79% of theory) of 3-acetyl-7- (3-chloro-benzyloxy)-1, 3,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [d] azepin-2-one as a white foam; MS: m/e = 344 (M+H) +.

Example 23 : 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-2-one a) 7-Hydroxy-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-2-one: In an analogous manner to that described in Example 19 b), the ether cleavage of the 7-methoxy-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro- benzo [c] azepin-2-one [Example 19 a)] by boron tribromide yielded the 7-hydroxy- 1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-2-one as a white solid; MS: m/e = 178 (M+H) +. b) 7- (3-Fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5-tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-2-one : In an analogous manner to that described in Example 17 c), the alkylation of the 7-hydroxy-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-2-one by 3-fluoro-benzylbromide in the presence of potassium carbonate in 2-butanone yielded the 7- (3-fluoro-benzyloxy)-1, 2,4, 5- tetrahydro-benzo [c] azepin-2-one as a white solid; MS: m/e = 286 (M+H) +.

Compounds of formula I and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, as individual isomers of the compounds of formula I as well as racemic and non-racemic mixtures thereof (hereinafter: Pharmaceutical Compound) have pharmacological activity and are useful as pharmaceuticals. In particular, Pharmaceutical Compounds selectively inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase B.

The pharmacological activity of the Pharmaceutical Compounds may be demonstrated, e. g. as follows: The cDNA's encoding human MAO-A and MAO-B were transiently transfected into EBNA cells using the procedure described by Schlaeger and Christensen [Cytotechnology 15: 1-13 (1998)]. After transfection, cells were homogenised by means of a Polytron homogenizer in 20 mM Tris HCl buffer, pH 8.0, containing 0.5 mM EGTA and 0.5 mM phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride. Cell membranes were obtained by centrifugation at 45,000 x g and, after two rinsing step with 20 mM Tris HCl buffer, pH 8. 0, containing 0.5

mM EGTA, membranes were eventually re-suspended in the above buffer and aliquots stored at-80°C until use.

MAO-A and MAO-B enzymatic activity was assayed in 96-well-plates using a spectro- photometric assay adapted from the method described by Zhou and Panchuk-Voloshina [Analytical Biochemistry 253: 169-174 (1997)]. Briefly, membrane aliquots were incubated in 0.1 M potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, for 30 min at 37°C with or without various concentrations of the compounds. After this period, the enzymatic reaction was started by the addition of the MAO substrate tyramine together with 1 U/ml horse-radish peroxidase (Roche Biochemicals) and 80 LM N-acetyl-3,7,- dihydroxyphenoxazine (Amplex Red, Molecular Probes). The samples were further incubated for 30 min at 37°C in a final volume of 200 Ill and absorbance was then determined at a wavelength of 570 nm using a SpectraMax plate reader (Molecular Devices). Background (non-specific) absorbance was determined in the presence of 10 uM dorgyline for MAO-A or 10 uM L-deprenyl for MAO-B.

ICSO values were determined from inhibition curves obtained using nine inhibitor concentrations in duplicate, by fitting data to a four parameter logistic equation using a computer program.

The compounds of the present invention are specific MAO-B inhibitors. The IC50 values of compounds of formula I as measured in the assay described above are in the range of 10 uM or less, typically of 1 uM or less, and ideally 0.1 uM or less. The below table shows exemplary IC50 values: Example human MAO-B [IC50 (tM)] human MAO-A [IC50 (µM)] 1 0. 082 >10 2 0. 073 5. 5 30. 024>10 5 0. 068 4. 5 6 0. 007 4. 1 8 0.021 >10 13 0. 15 4. 6 15 0. 13 >9. 5 Pharmaceutical Compounds are accordingly useful as selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase B, e. g. in the treatment or prevention of diseases and conditions in which activity

of monoamine oxidase B plays a role or is implicated. Such conditions include in particu- lar acute and/or chronic neurological disorders.

Acute and/or chronic neurological disorders include psychosis, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive disorders and memory deficits like mild cognitive impairment, age-related cognitive decline, vascular dementia, Parkinsons's disease, memory impairment associated with depression or anxiety, Down's syndrome, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and attention deficit disorder. Other tratable indications are restricted brain function caused by bypass operations or transplants, poor blood supply to the brain, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, hypoxia caused by pregnancy, cardiac arrest and hypoglycaemia. Further treatable indications are acute and chronic pain, Huntington's chorea, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia caused by AIDS, eye injuries, retinopathy, idiopathic parkinsonism or parkinsonism caused by medicaments as well as conditions which lead to glutamate-deficient functions, such as e. g. muscle spasms, convulsions, migraine, urinary incontinence, nicotine addiction, psychotic episodes, opiate addiction, anxiety, vomiting, dyskinesia and depression.

In one embodiment, the acute and/or chronic neurological disorder is Alzheimer's disease. In another embodiment, the acute and/or chronic neurological disorder is mild cognitive impairment or senile dementia.

As used herein, a mammal in need of treatment of an acute and/or chronic neurological disorder means a mammal, e. g. a human, that is suffering from, or is at risk of suffering from, an acute and/or chronic neurological disorder.

As used herein, the terms treat", treating"and treatment", and the like, as applied to an acute and/or chronic neurological disorder, refer to methods that slow, ameliorate, reduce or reverse such a disorder or any symptoms associated with said disorder, as currently afflicting the subject, as well as methods that prevent such a disorder or any symptoms thereof, from occurring.

Pharmaceutical Compounds can be used as medicaments, e. g. in the form of pharmaceutical preparations. The pharmaceutical preparations can be administered orally, e. g. in the form of tablets, coated tablets, dragees, hard and soft gelatine capsules, solutions, emulsions or suspensions. However, the administration can also be effected rectally, e. g. in the form of suppositories, or parenterally, e. g. in the form of injection solutions.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable"such as pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, etc. , means pharmacologically acceptable and substantially non-toxic to the subject to which the particular compound is administered.

"Therapeutically effective amount"means an amount that is effective to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate symptoms of disease or prolong the survival of the subject being treated.

Further objects of the invention are medicaments based on a compound in accordance with the invention and their manufacture as well as the use of the compounds in the control or prevention of diseases mediated by monoamine oxidase B inhibitors, and, respectively, for the production of corresponding medicaments.

Pharmaceutical Compounds can be processed with pharmaceutically inert, inorganic or organic carriers for the production of pharmaceutical preparations. Lactose, corn starch or derivatives thereof, talc, stearic acid or its salts and the like can be used, e. g. , as such carriers for tablets, coated tablets, dragees and hard gelatine capsules. Suitable carriers for soft gelatine capsules are, e. g. , vegetable oils, waxes, fats, semi-solid and liquid polyols and the like; depending on the nature of the active substance no carriers are, however, usually required in the case of soft gelatine capsules. Suitable carriers for the production of solutions and syrups are, e. g., water, polyols, sucrose, invert sugar, glucose and the like.

Adjuvants, such as alcohols, polyols, glycerol, vegetable oils and the like, can be used for aqueous injection solutions of water-soluble salts of compounds of formula I, but as a rule are not necessary. Suitable carriers for suppositories are, e. g. , natural or hardened oils, waxes, fats, semi-liquid or liquid polyols and the like.

In addition, the pharmaceutical preparations can contain preservatives, solubilizers, stabilizers, wetting agents, emulsifiers, sweeteners, colorants, flavorants, salts for varying the osmotic pressure, buffers, masking agents or antioxidants. They may also contain other therapeutically valuable substances.

As mentioned earlier, medicaments containing Pharmaceutical Compound and a therapeutically inert excipient are also an object of the present invention, as is a process for the production of such medicaments which comprises bringing one or more Pharmaceutical Compounds and, if desired, one or more other therapeutically valuable substances into a galenical dosage form together with one or more therapeutically inert carriers.

The dosage can vary within wide limits and will, of course, be fitted to the individual requirements in each particular case. In general, the effective dosage for oral or parenteral

administration is between 0. 01-20 mg/kg/day, with a dosage of 0. 1-10 mg/kg/day being preferred for all of the indications described. The daily dosage for an adult human being weighing 70 kg accordingly lies between 0.7-1400 mg per day, preferably between 7 and 700 mg per day.

Example A: Tablets Tablets of the following composition are produced in a conventional manner: mg/Tablet Active ingredient 100 Powdered lactose 95 White corn starch 35 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 8 Na carboxymethylstarch 10 Magnesium stearate 2 Tablet weight 250 Example B: Tablets Tablets of the following composition are produced in a conventional manner: mg/Tablet Active ingredient 200 Powdered lactose 100 White corn starch 64 Polyvinylpyrrolidone 12 Na carboxymethylstarch 20 Magnesium stearate 4 Tablet weight 400 Example C: Capsules Capsules of the following composition are produced: mg/Capsule Active ingredient 50 Crystalline lactose 60 Microcrystalline cellulose 34 Talc 5 Magnesium stearate 1 Capsule fill weight 150

The active ingredient having a suitable particle size, the crystalline lactose and the microcrystalline cellulose are homogeneously mixed with one another, sieved and thereafter talc and magnesium stearate are admixed. The final mixture is filled into hard gelatine capsules of suitable size.

Example D: Injection solution An injection solution may have the following composition and is manufactured in the usual manner: Active substance 1.0 mg 1 N HC1 20.0 u. l acetic acid 0.5 mg NaCl 8. 0 mg phenol 10.0 mg 1 N NaOH q. s. ad pH 5 H2O q. s. ad 1 mol In accordance with the foregoing the present invention also provides: (a) A pharmaceutical compound for use as a selective inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B activity, for example for use in any of the particular indications as hereinbefore set forth; (b) A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutical compound as under (a) as active ingredient together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier therefor; (c) A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition in which selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase B activity plays a role or is implicated comprising a pharmaceutical compound as under (a) and a carrier; (d) A method for the treatment of any of the particular indications hereinbefore set forth in a subject in need thereof which comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compound as under (a); (e) A method for treating or preventing a disease or condition in which selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase B activity plays a role or is implicated comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compound as under (a); (f) Use of a pharmaceutical compound as under (a) for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition in which selective inhibition of monoamine oxidase B activity plays a role or is implicated; (g) A process for the preparation of a compound as under (a).