GABA-B RECEPTOR MODULATORS

Field of the invention The present invention relates to novel compounds having a positive allosteric GABA _B receptor (GBR) modulator effect, methods for the preparation of said compounds and then- use for the inhibition of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, as well as for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Background of the invention

The lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is prone to relaxing intermittently. As a consequence, fluid from the stomach can pass into the esophagus since the mechanical barrier is temporarily lost at such times, an event hereinafter referred to as "reflux".

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most prevalent upper gastrointestinal tract disease. Current pharmacotherapy aims at reducing gastric acid secretion, or at neutralizing acid in the esophagus. The major mechanism behind reflux has been considered to depend on a hypotonic lower esophageal sphincter. However, recent research (e.g. Holloway & Dent (1990) Gastroenterol. Clin. N. Amer. 19, pp. 517-535) has shown that most reflux episodes occur during transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESR), i.e. relaxations not triggered by swallows. It has also been shown that gastric acid secretion usually is normal in patients with GERD.

Consequently, there is a need for a therapy that reduces the incidence of TLESR and thereby prevents reflux.

GABAs-receptor agonists have been shown to inhibit TLESR, which is disclosed in WO 98/11885 Al.

GABAB receptor agonists

GABA (4-aminobutanoic acid) is an endogenous neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Receptors for GABA have traditionally been divided into GABAA and GABAB receptor subtypes. GABAB receptors belong to the superfamily of G- 5 protein coupled receptors (GPCRs).

The most studied GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (4-amino-3-(p-chloroρhenyl)butanoic acid; disclosed in CH 449046) is useful as an antispastic agent. EP 356128 A2 describes the use of the GABAB receptor agonist (3-aminopropyl)methylphosphinic acid for use in i o therapy, in particular in the treatment of central nervous system disorders.

EP 463969 Al and FR 2722192 Al disclose 4-aminobutanoic acid derivatives having different heterocyclic substituents at the 3-carbon of the butyl chain. EP 181833 Al discloses substituted 3-aminopropylphosphinic acids having high affinities towards

15 GABAB receptor sites. EP 399949 Al discloses derivatives of (3- aminopropyl)methylphosphinic acid, which are described as potent GABAB receptor agonists. Still other (3-aminopropyl)methylphosphinic acids and (3- aminopropyl)phosphinic acids have been disclosed in WO 01/41743 Al and WO 01/42252 Al, respectively. Structure-activity relationships of several phospMnic acid analogues with

20 respect to their affinities to the GABAB receptor are discussed in J. Med. Chem. (1995), 38, 3297-3312. Sulphinic acid analogues and their GABAB receptor activities are described in Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Lett. (1998), 8, 3059-3064. For a more general review on GABA _B ligands, see Curr. Med. Chem.-Central Nervous System Agents (2001), 1, 27-42.

25 Positive allosteric modulation of GABA _B receptors

2,6-Di-tert-butyl-4-(3-hydroxy-2,2-dimethylpropyl)phenol (CGP7930) and 3-(3,5-di-fert- butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanal (disclosed in US 5,304,685) have been described to exert positive allosteric modulation of native and recombinant GABAB receptor activity (Society for Neuroscience, 30 ^th Annual Meeting, New Orleans , La., Nov.

30 4-9, 2000: Positive Allosteric Modulation of Native and Recombinant GABAB Receptor Activity, S. Urwyler et al; Molecular Pharmacol. (2001), 60, 963-971).

N,N-Dicyclopentyl-2-methylsulfanyl-5-mtro-ρyrimidine-4,6-di armne has been described to exert positive allosteric modulation of the GABA _B receptor (The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 307 (2003), 322-330).

For a recent review on allosteric modulation of GPCRs, see: Expert Opin. Ther. Patents (2001), 11, 1889-1904.

Outline of the invention

The present invention relates to a compound of the general formula (I)

⁽ 0 wherein

R ¹ represents C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl; C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkenyl; C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkynyl; or C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, each optionally substituted by one or more OfC ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or

R ¹ represents aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted by one or more of C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, C ₂ -C _1O alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy, C ₁ -C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, SO ₂ R ⁷ , halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ¹ may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy or C ₁ -CiO thioalkoxy, wherein said Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups;

R ² represents NR ⁵ R ⁶ ;

R ³ represents C ₁ -C ₁ O alkoxy, optionally substituted by one or more OfC ₁ -C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, C ₃ -C _1O cycloalkyl, keto, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or R ³ represents C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl; C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkenyl; C ₂ -C ₁ O alkynyl; or C ₃ -C ₁ O cycloalkyl, each optionally substituted by one or more of Ci-C ₁₀ alkoxy, C ₁ -Ci _O thioalkoxy, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, keto, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or

R ³ represents aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted by one or more OfC ₁ -C _1O alkyl, C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C ₃ -CiO cycloalkyl, Ci-C ₁ O alkoxy, Ci-Cio thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or

R ³ represents amino, optionally mono- or disubstituted with C ₁ -Ci _O alkyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl, C ₂ -CiO alkynyl or C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl;

R ⁴ represents Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl; C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkenyl; C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkynyl; C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkoxy; or C ₃ -C] ₀ cycloalkyl, each optionally substituted by one or more of C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy, C ₃ -Ci ₀ cycloalkyl, Ci-C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, keto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , COR ¹⁰ , nitrile, SO ₂ NR ⁸ R ⁹ , SO ₂ R ¹¹ , NR ⁸ SO ₂ R ⁹ , NR C=ONR or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or R ⁴ represents aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted by one or more of Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, C ₁ -C _1O alkoxy, C ₁ -C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , SO ₂ NR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ SO ₂ R ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , SO ₂ R ⁷ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ⁴ may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxy or Ci-C ₁ O thioalkoxy, wherein said C ₁ -C _1O alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups;

R ⁵ represents Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl; C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl; C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkynyl; or C ₃ -Ci ₀ cycloalkyl, each optionally substituted by one or more of Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxy, C ₃ -Ci ₀ cycloalkyl, C ₁ -C _1O thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or

R ⁵ represents aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted by one or more Of C ₁ -C ₁ O alkyl, C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, C ₁ -C ₁ O alkoxy, C ₁ -C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups;

R ⁶ represents Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl; C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkenyl; C ₂ -CiO alkynyl; or C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, each optionally substituted by one or more OfC ₁ -C _1O alkoxy, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, C ₁ -Ci ₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or R ⁶ represents aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted by one or more OfC ₁ -Ci ₀ alkyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl, C ₂ -CiO alkynyl, C ₃ -CiO cycloalkyl, C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkoxy, Ci-Qo thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups;

or R ⁵ and R ⁶ together form a ring consisting of from 3 to 7 atoms selected from C, N and O, wherein said ring is optionally substituted by one or more Of C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkyl, C ₂ -C _1O alkenyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy, Ci-C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, keto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups;

R ⁷ each and independently represents C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkyl;

R ⁸ each and independently represents hydrogen, Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy or C ₁ -Ci ₀ thioalkoxy;

R ⁹ each and independently represents hydrogen, d-Cio alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy or CpCio thioalkoxy;

R ¹⁰ each and independently represents C ₁ -C ₁ O alkyl, optionally substituted by aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), C ₁ -Qo alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy or C ₁ -CiO thioalkoxy;

R ¹¹ represents C ₁ -Ci _O alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, Ci-Qo alkoxy or Ci-Cio thioalkoxy;

wherein each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and cycloalkyl may independently have one or more carbon atom(s) substituted for O, N or S; wherein none of the O, N or S is in a position adjacent to any other O, N or S;

wherein each of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy and cycloalkyl may independently have one or more carbon atom(s) substituted by fluoro;

as well as pharmaceutically and pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof, and enantiomers of the compound of formula (I) and salts thereof;

with the exceptions of lH-Imidazole-5-carboxylic acid, l-[(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4- [[(phenylamino)carbonyl]amino]-2-(l-piperidinyl)-, methyl ester; and IH- Imidazole-5-carboxylic acid, l-[(2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)methyl]-4- [[[(3-memoxypropyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]-2-(l-ρiperidinyl)- , methyl ester. In one embodiment of the present invention, R ¹ represents C ₁ -C ₄ alkyl, optionally substituted by one aryl or two heteroaryl groups.

In another embodiment of the present invention, R ¹ represents heteroaryl, optionally substituted by one or more of C ₁ -CiO alkyl, C ₂ -C ₁₀ alkenyl, C ₂ -Qo alkynyl, C ₃ -Ci _O cycloalkyl, C ₁ -C _1O alkoxy, C ₁ -Ci ₀ thioalkoxy, SO ₂ R ⁷ , halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, keto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrite or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, R ¹ represents aryl, optionally substituted by one or more of C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, C ₂ -CiO alkenyl, C ₂ -CiO alkynyl, C ₃ -C _1O cycloalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxy, Ci-C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, SO ₂ R ⁷ , halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, keto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

Ih a further embodiment of the present invention, R ¹ represents unsύbstituted phenyl.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, R ³ represents Cj-C ₄ alkoxy, optionally substituted by one or more of C ₁ -Ci o thioalkoxy, C ₃ -C _1O cycloalkyl, keto, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, R ³ represents tertiary butyl.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, R ³ represents C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkyl, optionally substituted by one or more of Ci-C ₁₀ alkoxy, C ₁ -Ci ₀ thioalkoxy, C ₃ -Ci ₀ cycloalkyl, keto, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

According to yet a further embodiment of the present invention, R ³ represents C _1-4 alkyl substituted by one C _1-4 alkoxy.

In one embodiment of the present invention, said Ci _-4 alkoxy is methoxy.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, R ⁴ represents Ci-C ₇ alkyl, C ₂ -C ₇ alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₇ alkynyl or C ₃ -C ₇ cycloalkyl, optionally substituted by one or more of Ci- Ci ₀ alkoxy, C ₃ -C _1O cycloalkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid ester, carboxylic acid amide, nitrile, SO ₂ NR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ SO ₂ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ C=ONR ⁹ or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ⁴ may be further substituted by one or more of

halogen(s), Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxy or Ci-C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, wherein said Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, R ⁴ represents Ci-C ₄ alkyl, optionally substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ⁴ may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s) or Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl, wherein said Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, R ⁴ represents Ci-C ₄ alkyl, substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ⁴ may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s) or Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl, wherein said Q -Ci ₀ alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, R ⁴ represents aryl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted by one or more of Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkynyl, C ₃ - Ci ₀ cycloalkyl, Ci-Qo alkoxy, C ₁ -Ci ₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ⁴ may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s) or Ci -Qo alkyl, wherein said Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

In yet a further embodiment of the present invention, R ⁴ represents phenyl optionally substituted by one or more of Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, Ci-Qo alkoxy, Ci-C _1O thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ⁴ may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s) or Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl, wherein said Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, R ⁴ represents phenyl and said phenyl is substituted by one or more of C ₁ -C _1O alkyl, C ₂ -C ₁ O alkenyl, C ₂ -CiO alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cyeloalkyl, Ci-Qo alkoxy, Ci-Qo thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , nitrite or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ⁴ may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s) or C ₁ -CiO alkyl, wherein said C ₁ -CiO alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups.

In another embodiment of the present invention, R ⁵ represents Ci _-4 alkyl.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, R ⁵ represents methyl.

In another embodiment of the present invention, R ⁶ represents C _1-4 alkyl.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, R ⁶ represents methyl.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, R ⁵ and R ⁶ form a ring consisting of 5 or 6 atoms selected from C, O and N.

In one embodiment of the present invention,

R ¹ represents aryl;

R ² represents NR ⁵ R ⁶ ;

R ³ represents C ₁ -Q0 alkoxy; or

R ³ represents C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl; optionally substituted by one or more of Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxy, R ⁴ represents Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl; optionally substituted by one or more OfC ₁ -Ci ₀ alkoxy, C ₃ -CiO cyeloalkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, keto, carboxylic acid,

CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , COR ¹⁰ , nitrite, SO ₂ NR ⁸ R ⁹ , SO ₂ R ¹¹ , NR ⁸ SO ₂ R ⁹ ,

NR ⁸ C=ONR ⁹ or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or

R ⁴ represents aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted by one or more of C ₁ -C _1O alkyl, C2-Q0 alkenyl, C ₂ -C ₁ O alkynyl, C ₃ -Ci ₀ cyeloalkyl, C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkoxy, Ci-C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto. nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , SO ₂ NR ⁸ R ⁹ ,

NR ⁸ SO ₂ R ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , SO ₂ R ⁷ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any

aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R ⁴ may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, C ₁ -C _1O alkoxy or C ₁ -C ₁ O thioalkoxy, wherein said C ₁ -C ₁ O alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups;

R ⁵ represents C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl; R ⁶ represents Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl;

R ⁷ each and independently represents Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl;

R ⁸ each and independently represents hydrogen, Ci-Cio alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s),

C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, Ci-Cio alkoxy or Ci-C ₁₀ thioalkoxy; R ⁹ each and independently represents hydrogen, Q-Qo alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s),

C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, Ci-C ₁ O alkoxy or C ₁ -C ₁ O thioalkoxy;

R ¹⁰ each and independently represents Q-Cio alkyl,;

R ¹¹ represents Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), Ci-C] ₀ alkyl, Ci-Qo alkoxy or Ci-Cio thioalkoxy; wherein each of alkyl may independently have one or more carbon atom(s) substituted for

O, N or S; wherein none of the O, N or S is in a position adjacent to any other O ₅ N or S; wherein each of alkyl may independently have one or more carbon atom(s) substituted by fluoro.;

In one embodiment of the present invention, R ¹ represents phenyl; R ² represents NR ⁵ R ⁶ ; R ³ represents Q -Qo alkoxy; or

R ³ represents Ci-Ci ₀ alkyl; optionally substituted by one or more of Q-Ci ₀ alkoxy, R ⁴ represents Q-C io alkyl; optionally substituted by one or more of Ci-Q ₀ alkoxy, C ₃ -C10 cycloalkyl, Ci-Q ₀ thioalkoxy, halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, keto, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , COR ¹⁰ , nitrile, SO ₂ NR ⁸ R ⁹ , SO ₂ R ¹¹ , NR ⁸ SO ₂ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ C=ONR ⁹ or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups; or

R ⁴ represents aryl or heteroaryl, each optionally substituted by one or more of C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl, C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkynyl, C ₃ -C ₁₀ cycloalkyl, Ci-Qo alkoxy, Q-C ₁₀ thioalkoxy,

halogen(s), hydroxy, mercapto, nitro, carboxylic acid, CONR ⁸ R ⁹ , NR ⁸ COR ⁹ , SO ₂ NR ⁸ R ⁹ ,

NR ⁸ SO ₂ R ⁹ , CO ₂ R ¹⁰ , SO ₂ R ⁷ , nitrile or one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups, wherein any aryl or heteroaryl group used in defining R may be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy or C ₁ -C ₁₀ thioalkoxy, wherein said Q-Cio alkyl may be further substituted by one or two aryl or heteroaryl groups;

R ⁵ represents methyl;

R ⁶ represents methyl;

R ⁷ each and independently represents Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl;

R ⁸ each and independently represents hydrogen, C ₁ -Ci ₀ alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s),

C ₁ -Ci _O alkyl, Q -Qo alkoxy or C ₁ -Ci ₀ thioalkoxy;

R ⁹ each and independently represents hydrogen, Ci-C ₁₀ alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s),

Ci-Cio alkyl, Ci-Ci ₀ alkoxy or C ₁ -C ₁ O thioalkoxy; R ¹⁰ each and independently represents C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl,;

R ¹¹ represents C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, wherein said aryl or heteroaryl may optionally be further substituted by one or more of halogen(s), C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkyl, C ₁ -C ₁₀ alkoxy or Ci-Cio thioalkoxy; wherein each of alkyl may independently have one or more carbon atom(s) substituted for O, N or S; wherein none of the O, N or S is in a position adjacent to any other O, N or S; wherein each of alkyl may independently have one or more carbon atom(s) substituted by fluoro.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a compound selected from: fer^bu1yl 4-[(4-cMorobenzoyl)arnmo]-2-(d^emylamino)-l-phenyl-lH- imidazole- 5- carboxylate; tert-buryl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-4-[(2-phenylbutanoyl)armno3-lH-im idazole-5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 2- (dimethylamino)-4- [(methoxyacetyl)amino]- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole - 5- carboxylate; tert-bntyl 2-(dimethylamino)- l-phenyl-4-[(phenylacetyl)amino]- lH-imidazole-5- carboxylate;

tert-butyl 4- { [(benzyloxy)acetyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-irnidazole-5- carboxylate; ter^butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(3,3-dimethylbutanoyl)amino]-l-phenyl-l H-iinidazole-5- carboxylate; fert-butyl 2-(dimethylammo)-4-[(phenoxyacety^^ carboxylate; tert-butyl4-({[4-(beiizyloxy)phenyl]ace1yl}aiiύno)-2-(dimet hylamino)-l-phenyl-lH- imidazole - 5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- [(2,3-dihydro- 1 -benzoforan-2-ylcarbonyl)ainino]-2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- lH-imidazole- 5- carboxylate; fert-bu1yl 2-(dJmethylaxrύno)-l-phenyl-4-[(2-tihienylacetyl)amino]-lH- rrnidazole-5- carboxylate; tert-hxtyl 4- [(2,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- IH- irnidazole-5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 4-{[(4-chlorophenyl)ace1yl]arnino}-2-(dimethylarnino)-l-phen yl-lH-knidazole-

5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylarαino)-4- [(2-phenoxypropanoyl)amino]- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole-5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- { [(3-cMorophenoxy)ace1yl]arnino}-2-(dimethylarnino)- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; fert-buτyl 4-[(2,3-dihydro-l,4-beπ-zodioxin-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]-2-(dim ethylamrno)-l- phenyl-lH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- {[(2,5-dicWoro-3-thienyl)carbonyl]arnino}-2-(dimethylarnrno) - 1-phenyl- IH- imidazole- 5 - carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- { [(4- chloro- 1,3- dimethyl- lH-pyrazolo [3 ,4- 6]pyridin- 5-yl)carbonyl] amino } -2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4-{[5-(4- chlorophenyl)- 2 -methyl- 3 - furoyl] amino } - 2- (dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- lH-imidazole- 5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- [(2,1 ,3-benzoxadiazol-5-ylcarbonyl)aniino]-2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- { [(acetyloxy)(phenyl)acetyl]arnino } -2-(dimetihLylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole-5-carboxylate;

fert-butyl 4-[(3,4-difluoroberizoyl)amino]-2-(dmie^ carboxylate; tert-butyl4-{[(3-cUoro-l-benzothieit2-yl)carbonyl]amino}-2-( dime1hylainino)-l-phenyl- lH-imidazole- 5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- [(l-benzothien-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]-2-(dimethylainino)- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4-({ [1 -(4-cMorophenyl)cyclopen1yl]carbonyl}amino)-2-(dimethylamino )- 1- phenyl- IH- imidazole- 5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- { [2- (4-chloroph.enyl)-2-methylpropanoyl]amino } -2-(dimethylamino)- 1 - phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-[(4-chlorobenzoyl)ainino]-2-(dimethylainino)-l-phenyl- lH-imidazole- 5- carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1,1- dimethylethyl 4- { [(3-chlorophenoxy)acetyl] amino } -2- (dimethylamino)- 1 - phenyl- IH- imidazole- 5- carboxylate; 2-methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 4- [(2,3-dihydro- 1 ,4-benzodioxin-2- ylcarbonyl)amino]-2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4- [(4-methylbenzoyl)amino]- 1 -phenyl- lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethyle1hyl 4-[(3,4-dichloroberizoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 4- { [(acetyloxy)(phenyl)acetyl] amino } -2- (dimethylamino)- 1 - phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 4- { [(2,5-dicMoro-3-thienyl)carbonyl]arnrno}-2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole-5-carboxylate; fert-buryl 4-[(2-chloro-4-fluorobenzoyl)arnino]-2-(dimethylammo)-l-phen yl-lH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- [(3-chloro-4-fluorobenzoyl)arαino]-2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4-[(4-butoxybenzoyl)ammo]-2-(dimemylarnino)- 1-phenyl- lH-imidazole-5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylarnino)-4-({iV ^' -[(4- methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-L-phenylalanyl}amino)-l- phenyl-lH- imidazole- 5-carboxylate;

tert-butyl 2-(dimethylaπmo)-4-[(3,4-dimethylbenzoyl)amino]- 1 -phenyl- lH-imidazole-5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylarnino)- 1 -phenyl-4-({ [1 -phenyl- 5- (trifluoromethyl)- IH-pyrazoM- yl]carbonyl}amino)-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4-{[(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetyl]arnino}-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl- IH- imidazole - 5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylarnino)- 1 -phenyl-4- { [(I -phenyl- 5-propyl- lH-pyrazoM- yl)carbonyl]amino}-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate;

^r^bu1yl 4-[(5-fer^butyl-2-methyl-3-furoyl)aimno]-2-(dime1iiylamino)- l-phenyl-lH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl4-({[3-chloro-4-(isopropylsulfonyl)-2-thienyl]carb onyl}amino)-2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl4-{[5-(4-cWorophenyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)-3-feoyl] amino}-2-(dimethylamino)-

1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole - 5-carboxylate; tert -butyl 4- ({ [3 - tert-butyl- 1 - (2,4- dichlorobenzyl)- IH-pyrazol- 5 - yl] carbonyl } amino)-2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole-5-carboxylate; fert-butyl 2-(dimetiiylamino)-4-{[(4-meώyl-2-phenyl-l,3-tMazol-5-yl)ca rbonyl]amino}-l- phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 2- (dimethylamino)-4- { [(6-phenoxypyridin- 3 -yl)carbonyl] amino } - 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4-({[l-(4-cblorophenyl)-5-(trifluoromethyl)-lH-pyrazo]r4-yl] carbonyl} amino)-

2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- [(3 ,4-difluorobenzoyl)amino]-2- (dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole- 5 - carboxylate; 2-memoxy-l,l-dimetiiylemyl 4-[(4-bromo-2-chlorobenzoyl)arnmo]-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 4- [(4-bromo-2-me1iiylbenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino> 1- phenyl- 1 H- imidazole- 5 - carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 4- [(4-cWoro-2-meώylbenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)- 1 - phenyl-lH- imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 4- [(2-cMoro-4,5-dimethylbenzoyl)amino]-2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-[(2,4-difluorobenzoyl)ainino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-[(2-cMoro-4-fluorobenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; 5 2-methoxy- 1 ,1 -dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl-4- [(3-phenylpropanoyl)amino]-

IH- imidazole- 5- carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1 ,1 -dimethylethyl 4-[(2-chloro-6-methoxyisonicotinoyl)ammo]-2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-Meώoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(2,4-dimethylbenzoyl)amino]-l- l o phenyl- IH- imidazole- 5-carboxylate; tert -Butyl 4- [(2-chIorobenzoyl)amino]- 1 -phenyl-2-pyrrolidin- 1 -yl- IH- imidazole- 5- carboxylate;

2-Methoxy- 1 ,1-dimethylethyl 4- [(2-bromo-4-fluorobenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)- 1 - phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; is 2-Methoxy- 1,1 -dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[4-fmoro-2-

(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino } - 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-Methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 2- (dimethylamino)-4- [(4-fluoro-2- methoxybenzoyl)amino]-

1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-Methoxy- 1 ,1-dimethylethyl 4-[(4-chloro-2-methoxybenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)- 20 1-phenyl-lH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl-4- { [2-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino}- IH- rmidazole - 5 - carboxylate; tert-buryl4-[(2-cMoroberιzoyl)arriino]-2-(dimethylarnmo)-l- phenyl-lH-hτiidazole-5- carboxylate; 25 tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4- [(2- methoxybenzoyl)amino]- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole- 5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 2- (dimethylamino)-4- { [(5- methyl- 3 -phenylisoxazolr 4-yl)carbonyl] amino } - 1 - phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- { [(3 - chloro-2- thienyl)carbonyl]amino } - 2- (dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- 30 irnidazole-5-carboxylate;

2-methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 4- { [(benzyloxy)acetyl]amino) -2-(dimethylamuio)- 1 -phenyl- lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate;

tert-bu1yl 4-{[4-cUoro-2-(me1hylsulfonyl)benzoyl]amino}-2-(dimetiiylami no)-l-phenyl- lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylainino)-l-phenyl-4-[(3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methoxy-2- phenylproρanoyl)amino]- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; fert-butyl 2-(dimethylamno)-4-[(4-etho carboxylate; fert-bu1yl4-{[(2-chloropyridin-3-yl)carbonyl]ainino}-2-(dime thylaniino)-l-phenyl-lH- imidazole - 5- carboxylate; tert-bulyl4-{[(l-acetylpiperidin-4-yl)carbonyl]amino}-2-(dim etiiylamino)-l-phenyl-lH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 2- (dimethylarnino)-4- { [(5- methyl-2-phenyl-2H- 1 ,2,3-triazol-4- yl)carbonyl]amino}-l-phenyl-lH ^" -imidazole-5-carboxyIate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylaπuno)-4-{[(2-phenoxypyridin-3-yl)carbonyl]amino }-l-plienyl-lH ^' - imidazole- 5- carboxylate; tert-butyl 4- ( { [2- (4- chlorophenoxy)pyridin- 3 -yl] carb onyl } amino)- 2 - (dimethylamino)- 1 - phenyl- 1 H- imidazole- 5- carboxylate; ter^butyl4-{[(l-tert-butyl-3-memyl-lH-pyrazo]r5-yl)carbonyl] amino}-2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole- 5-carboxylate; fert-butyl 4- {[(3 -tert-butyl- l-methyl-lH-pyrazol-5-yl)carbonyl]amino}-2- (dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole- 5-carboxylate; fert-butyl 4-{[(4-bromo-l-ethyl-3-methyl-lH-pyrazolr5-yl)carbonyl]amino }-2-

(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole -5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 4-{[(5-cMoro-l-memyl-lH-pyrazolr4-yl)carbonyl]armno}-2-(dmet hylamino)-l- phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; lH-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid, 4-[[[2-(2,3-dihydro-5-benzofuranyl)-4- thiazolyl] carbonyl] amino] - 2- (dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- , 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl ester; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)- l-phenyl-4- [({ 1 - [4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimidin-2- yl]piperidin-4-yl}carbonyl)amino]- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4- {[(6-phenoxypyridin-3-yl)carbonyl]amino} - 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[(4- methyl- 2-pyrazin- 2- yl-l,3-thiazolr5- yl)carbonyl]arnino}-l-phenyl-lH-itnidazole-5-carboxylate;

ter^butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-({[l-(4-metiioxyphenyl)-5-methyl-lH- ^' pyrazol-4- yl]carbonyl}amino)-l-phenyl-lH-iniidazole-5-carboxylate; tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl-4- [(/V-phenylglycyl)amino]- IH- imidazole-5- carboxylate; tert-bafyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(JV-methyl-7V ^' -phenylglycyl)amino]- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole - 5- carboxylate; fert-bu1yl 4-[(2,3-dihydro-lH-indo]rl-ylacetyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino) -l-phenyl-lH- imidazole - 5- carboxylate; tert-hxtyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4- [(1H- indot 1 -ylacetyl)amino]- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole- 5- carboxylate;

2-metiioxy-l,l-dimemylemyl 4-[(lH-benzimidazoM-ylacetyl)am^

1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole- 5-carboxylate;

2-Methoxy- 1 , 1-dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino>4- {[(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro- IH- indol- 1- yl)acetyl] amino } - 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole- 5- carboxylate; tert-hntyl 2- (dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl-4- { [(2-mienylamino)carbonyl]amino} - IH- imidazole - 5- carboxylate; tert-bvityl 4- { [(benzylamino)carbonyl]ammo}-2-(dimemylamrno)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H-imidazole-

5-carboxylate; and tert-Butyl4-({[(4-chlorophenyl)armno]carbonyl}arnino)-2-(dmi emylamino)-l-phenyl-lH- imidazole-5-carboxylate.

The compounds of formula (I) above are useful as positive allosteric GABAB receptor modulators as well as agonists.

The molecular weight of compounds of formula (I) above is generally within the range of from 300 g/mol to 700 g/mol.

It is to be understood that the present invention also relates to any and all tautomeric forms of the compounds of formula (I).

The general terms used in the definition of formula (I) have the following meanings:

C ₁ -Ci _O alkyl is a straight or branched alkyl group, having from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, for example methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, secondary butyl, tertiary butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl or heptyl. The alkyl groups may contain one or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, i.e. one or more of the carbon atoms may be substituted for such a heteroatom. Examples of such groups are methyl- ethylether, methyl- ethylamine and methyl- thiomethyl. The alkyl group may form part of a ring. One or more of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may be substituted for a fluorine atom. C ₁ -C ₇ alkyl is a straight or branched alkyl group, having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, for example methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, secondary butyl, tertiary butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl or heptyl. The alkyl groups may contain one or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, i.e. one or more of the carbon atoms may be substituted for such a heteroatom. Examples of such groups are methyl- ethylether, methyl- ethylamrne and methyl- thiomethyl. The alkyl group may form part of a ring. One or more of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may be substituted for a fluorine atom.

Ci-C ₄ alkyl is a straight or branched alkyl group, having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, for example methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, secondary butyl or tertiary butyl. The alkyl groups may contain one or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, i.e. one or more of the carbon atoms may be substituted for such a heteroatom. Examples of such groups are methyl-ethylether, methyl- ethylamine and methyl-thiomethyl. The alkyl group may form part of a ring. One or more of the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl group may be substituted for a fluorine atom.

C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkenyl is a straight or branched alkenyl group, having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, for example vinyl, isopropenyl and 1-butenyl. The alkenyl groups may contain one or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, i.e. one or more of the carbon atoms may be substituted for such a heteroatom. One or more of the hydrogen atoms of the alkenyl group may be substituted for a fluorine atom.

C ₂ -Ci ₀ alkynyl is a straight or branched alkynyl group, having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, for example ethynyl, 2-propynyl and but-2-ynyl. The alkynyl groups may contain one or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, i.e. one or more of the carbon atoms may be

substituted for such a heteroatom. One or more of the hydrogen atoms of the alkynyl group may be substituted for a fluorine atom.

C ₃ -C _1O cycloalkyl is a cyclic alkyl, having 3 to 10 carbon atoms such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl. The cycloalkyl may also be unsaturated. The cycloalkyl groups may have one or more heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, i.e. one or more of the carbon atoms may be substituted for such a heteroatom. One or more of the hydrogen atoms of the cycloalkyl group may be substituted for a fluorine atom.

Ci-C ₁₀ alkoxy is an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, for example methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, n-butoxy, isopropoxy, isobutoxy, secondary butoxy, tertiary butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy or a heptoxy group. The alkoxy may be cyclic, partially unsaturated or unsaturated, such as in propenoxy or cyclopentoxy. The alkoxy may be aromatic, such as in benzyloxy or phenoxy.

C ₁ -C ₄ alkoxy is an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, for example methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, n-butoxy, isopropoxy, isobutoxy, secondary butoxy or tertiary butoxy. The alkoxy may be cyclic, partially unsaturated or unsaturated, such as in propenoxy or cyclopentoxy. The alkoxy may be aromatic, such as in benzyloxy or phenoxy.

Ci-C _1O thioalkoxy is a thioalkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, for example thiomethoxy, thioethoxy, n-thiopropoxy, n-thiobutoxy, thioisopropoxy, thioisobutoxy, secondary thiobutoxy, tertiary thiobutoxy, thiopentoxy, thiohexoxy or thioheptoxy group. The thioalkoxy may be unsaturated, such as in thiopropenoxy or aromatic, such as in thiobenzyloxy or thiophenoxy.

The term aryl is herein defined as an aromatic ring having from 6 to 14 carbon atoms including both single rings and polycyclic compounds, such as phenyl, benzyl or naphtyl. Polycyclic rings are saturated, partially unsaturated or saturated.

The term heteroaryl is herein defined as an aromatic ring having 3 to 14 carbon atoms, including both single rings and polycyclic compounds in which one or several of the ring

atoms is either oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur, such as furanyl, thiophenyl imidazopyridine, benzimidazolyl, piperidinyl, furoyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, thiazolyl, imizazole, dihydrobenzofuran, dihydrobenzodioxine, thienyl, benzothienyl or isoxzolyl.Polycyclic rings are saturated, partially unsaturated or saturated.

Halogen(s) as used herein is selected from chlorine, fluorine, bromine or iodine.

The term keto is defined herein as a divalent oxygen atom double bonded to a carbon atom. Carbon atoms are present adjacent to the carbon atom to which the divalent oxygen is bonded.

When the compounds of formula (I) have at least one asymmetric carbon atom, they can exist in several stereochemical forms. The present invention includes the mixture of isomers as well as the individual stereoisomers. The present invention further includes geometrical isomers, rotational isomers, enantiomers, racemates and diastereomers.

Where applicable, the compounds of formula (I) may be used in neutral form, e.g. as a carboxylic acid, or in the form of a salt, preferably a pharmaceutically acceptable salt such as the sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium or magnesium salt of the compound at issue.

The compounds of formula (I) are useful as positive allosteric GBR (GABAB receptor) modulators. A positive allosteric modulator of the GABA _B receptor is defined as a compound which makes the GABA _B receptor more sensitive to GABA and GABAB receptor agonists by binding to the GABAB receptor protein at a site different from that used by the endogenous ligand. The positive allosteric GBR modulator acts synergistically with an agonist and increases potency and/or intrinsic efficacy of the GABAB receptor agonist. It has also been shown that positive allosteric modulators acting at the GABA _B receptor can produce an agonistic effect. Therefore, compounds of formula (I) can be effective as full or partial agonists.

A further aspect of the invention is a compound of the formula (I) for use in therapy.

As a consequence of the GABAB receptor becoming more sensitive to GABAB receptor agonists upon the administration of a positive allosteric modulator, an increased inhibition of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESR) for a GABAB agonist is observed. Consequently, the present invention is directed to the use of a positive allosteric GABAB receptor modulator according to formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the preparation of a medicament for the inhibition of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs).

A further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention of reflux.

Still a further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Effective management of regurgitation in infants would be an important way of preventing, as well as curing lung disease due to aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents, and for managing failure to thrive, inter alia due to excessive loss of ingested nutrient. Thus, a further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of lung disease.

Another aspect of the invention is the use of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABA _B receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the management of failure to thrive.

Another aspect of the invention is the use of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of asthma, such as reflux-related asthma.

A further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of laryngitis or chronic laryngitis.

A further aspect of the present invention is a method for the inhibition of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs), whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to subject in need of such inhibition.

Another aspect of the invention is a method for the prevention of reflux, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABA _B receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such prevention.

Still a further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of regurgitation, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of regurgitation in infants, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

Still a further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment, prevention or inhibition of lung disease, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a

compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment. The lung disease to be treated may inter alia be due to aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents.

Still a further aspect of the invention is a method for the management of failure to thrive, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of asthma, such as reflux- related asthma, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of laryngitis or chronic laryngitis, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

A further embodiment is the use of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGD). Another aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of a functional gastrointestinal disorder, whereby an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject suffering from said condition.

A further embodiment is the use of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Another aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of functional dyspepsia, whereby an effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject suffering from said condition.

Functional dyspepsia refers to pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen. Discomfort may be characterized by or combined with upper abdominal fullness, early satiety, bloating or nausea. Etiologically, patients with functional dyspepsia can be divided into two groups:

1- Those with an identifiable pathophysiological or microbiologic abnormality of uncertain clinical relevance (e.g. Helicobacter pylori gastritis, histological duodenitis, gallstones, visceral hypersensitivity, gastroduodenal dysmotility)

2- Patients with no identifiable explanation for the symptoms.

Functional dyspepsia can be diagnosed according to the following: At least 12 weeks, which need not be consecutive within the preceding 12 months of 1- Persistent or recurrent dyspepsia (pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen) and 2- No evidence of organic disease (including at upper endoscopy) that is likely to explain the symptoms and

3- No evidence that dyspepsia is exclusively relieved by defecation or associated with the onset of a change in stool frequency or form.

Functional dyspepsia can be divided into subsets based on distinctive symptom patterns, such as ulcer- like dyspepsia, dysmotility- like dyspepsia and unspecified (non-specific) dyspepsia.

Currently existing therapy of functional dyspepsia is largely empirical and directed towards relief of prominent symptoms. The most commonly used therapies still include antidepressants.

A further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound according to formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as constipation predominant IBS, diarrhea predominant IBS or alternating bowel movement predominant IBS.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABA _B receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

IBS is herein defined as a chronic functional disorder with specific symptoms that include continuous or recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort accompanied by altered bowel function, often with abdominal bloating and abdominal distension. It is generally divided into 3 subgroups according to the predominant bowel pattern:

1- diarrhea predominant

2- constipation predominant

3- alternating bowel movements.

Abdominal pain or discomfort is the hallmark of IBS and is present in the three subgroups. IBS symptoms have been categorized according to the Rome criteria and subsequently modified to the Rome II criteria. This conformity in describing the symptoms of IBS has helped to achieve consensus in designing and evaluating IBS clinical studies. The Rome II diagnostic criteria are: 1- Presence of abdominal pain or discomfort for at least 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutively) out of the preceding year 2- Two or more of the following symptoms: a) Relief with defecation b) Onset associated with change in stool frequency c) Onset associated with change in stool consistency

A further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound according to formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a . medicament for the treatment or prevention CNS disorders, such as anxiety.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of CNS disorders, such as anxiety, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective

amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABA _B receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

A further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound according to formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of depression.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of depression, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABA _B receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

A further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound according to formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of dependency, such as alcohol or nicotine dependency.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment or prevention of dependency, such as aclohol dependency, whereby a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically effective amount of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is administered to a subject in need of such treatment.

For the purpose of this invention, the term "agonist " should be understood as including full agonists as well as partial agonists, whereby a "partial agonist" should be understood as a compound capable of partially, but not fully, activating GABA _B receptors.

The wording "TLESR", transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations, is herein defined in accordance with Mittal, R.K., Holloway, R.H., Penagini, R., Blackshaw, L.A., Dent, J., 1995; Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation. Gastroenterology 109, pp. 601-610.

The wording "reflux" is defined as fluid from the stomach being able to pass into the esophagus, since the mechanical barrier is temporarily lost at such times.

The wording "GERD", gastroesophageal reflux disease, is defined in accordance with van 5 Heerwarden, M.A., Smout A.J.P.M., 2000; Diagnosis of reflux disease. Bailliere's Clin. Gastroenterol. 14, pp. 759-774.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as functional dyspepsia, can be defined in accordance with Thompson WG, Longstreth GF, Drossman DA, Heaton KW, Irvine EJ, i o Mueller-Lissner SA. C. Functional Bowel Disorders and Functional Abdominal Pain. In: Drossman DA, Tattey NJ, Thompson WG, Whitehead WE, Coraziarri E, eds. Rome II: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Treatment. 2 ed. McLean, VA: Degnon Associates, Inc.; 2000:351-432 and Drossman DA, Corazziari E, Talley NJ, Thompson WG and Whitehead WE. Rome II: A multinational consensus

15 document on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Gut 45(Suppl.2), II1-II81.9-1-1999.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be defined in accordance with Thompson WG, Longstreth GF, Drossman DA, Heaton KW, Irvine EJ, Mueller-Lissner SA. C. Functional Bowel Disorders and Functional Abdominal Pain. In: Drossman DA, Talley NJ, Thompson 20 WG, Whitehead WE, Coraziarri E, eds. Rome II: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology and Treatment. 2 ed. McLean, VA: Degnon Associates, Inc.; 2000:351-432 and Drossman DA, Corazziari E, Talley NJ, Thompson WG and Whitehead WE. Rome II: A multinational consensus document on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Gut 45(Suppl.2), II1-II81.9-1 -1999.

25

A "combination" according to the invention may be present as a "fix combination" or as a "kit of parts combination".

A "fix combination" is defined as a combination wherein (i) a compound of formula (I); 30 and (ii) a GABAB receptor agonist are present in one unit. One example of a "fix combination" is a pharmaceutical composition wherein (i) a compound of formula (I) and (ii) a GABAB receptor agonist are present in admixture. Another example of a "fix

combination." is a pharmaceutical composition wherein (i) a compound of formula (I) and (ii) a GABAB receptor agonist; are present in one unit without being in admixture.

A "kit of parts combination" is defined as a combination wherein (i) a compound of formula (I) and (ii) a GABAB receptor agonist are present in more than one unit. One example of a "kit of parts combination" is a combination wherein (i) a compound of formula (I) and (ii) a GABAB receptor agonist are present separately. The components of the "kit of parts combination" may be administered simultaneously, sequentially or separately, i.e. separately or together.

The term "positive allosteric modulator" is defined as a compound which makes a receptor more sensitive to receptor agonists by binding to the receptor protein at a site different from that used by the endogenous ligand.

The term "therapy" and the.term "treatment" also include "prophylaxis" and/or prevention unless stated otherwise. The terms "therapeutic" and "therapeutically" should be construed accordingly.

Pharmaceutical formulations The compound of formula (I) can be formulated alone or in combination with a GABA _B receptor agonist.

For clinical use, the compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABA _B receptor agonist, is in accordance with the present invention suitably formulated into pharmaceutical formulations for oral administration. Also rectal, parenteral or any other route of administration may be contemplated to the skilled man in the art of formulations. Thus, the compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, is formulated with a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically acceptable carrier or adjuvant. The carrier may be in the form of a solid, semi- solid or liquid diluent.

In the preparation of oral pharmaceutical formulations in accordance with the invention, the compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, to

be formulated is mixed with solid, powdered ingredients such as lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, starch, amylopectin, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, or another suitable ingredient, as well as with disintegrating agents and lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate and polyethylene glycol waxes. The mixture is then processed into granules or compressed into tablets.

Soft gelatine capsules may be prepared with capsules containing a mixture of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, with vegetable oil, fat, or other suitable vehicle for soft gelatine capsules. Hard gelatine capsules may contain a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, in combination with solid powdered ingredients such as lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, potato starch, corn starch, amylopectin, cellulose derivatives or gelatine.

Dosage units for rectal administration may be prepared (i) in the form of suppositories which contain the active substance(s) mixed with a neutral fat base; (ii) in the form of a gelatine rectal capsule which contains a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, in a mixture with a vegetable oil, paraffin oil, or other suitable vehicle for gelatine rectal capsules; (iii) in the form of a ready-made micro enema; or (iv) in the form of a dry micro enema formulation to be reconstituted in a suitable solvent just prior to administration.

Liquid preparations for oral administration may be prepared in the form of syrups or suspensions, e.g. solutions or suspensions, containing a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, and the remainder of the formulation consisting of sugar or sugar alcohols, and a mixture of ethanol, water, glycerol, propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol. If desired, such liquid preparations may contain colouring agents, flavouring agents, saccharine and carboxymethyl cellulose or other thickening agents. Liquid preparations for oral administration may also be prepared in the form of a dry powder to be reconstituted with a suitable solvent prior to use.

Solutions for parenteral administration may be prepared as a solution of a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABA _B receptor agonist, in a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent. These solutions may also contain stabilizing ingredients and/or buffering ingredients and are dispensed into unit doses in the form of ampoules or vials. Solutions for parenteral administration may also be prepared as a dry preparation to be reconstituted with a suitable solvent extemporaneously before use.

In one aspect of the present invention, a compound of formula (I), optionally in combination with a GABAB receptor agonist, may be administered once or twice daily, depending on the severity of the patient's condition. A typical daily dose of the compounds of formula (I) is from 0.1 to 100 mg per kg body weight of the subject to be treated, but this will depend on various factors such as the route of administration, the age and weight of the patient as well as of the severity of the patient's condition.

Methods of preparation

The compounds according to formula (I) of the present invention, wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and R ⁴ are defined as above, may be prepared by the following general method (Scheme 1; related literature: Tetrahedron (1982), 38:1435-1441),

Scheme 1 wherein aπύnoimidazoles (II) efficiently are acylated into (I), using acyl chlorides (typically 1.0 - 2.0 equivalents) in organic solvents such as THF or the like. The reaction is performed either in the presence of bases such as triethylamine and temperatures of 25 - 50 ⁰ C or in the presence of polymer- supported diisopropylethylamine (PS-DIPEA; 1.5-3 equivalents) at ambient temperature to 5O ⁰ C with agitation over 4- 18 hours. Filtration of

the reaction mixture over the nucleophilic anion exchange resin Isolute-NH2, elution with THF and evaporation in vacuo yields the desired products as oils or amorphous solids.

The arninoirnidazoles (II) are prepared from intermediates (III) by heating the reagent under basic conditions with an alpha halo carbonyl compound (Scheme 2; literature: Tetrahedron Lett. (1966), 1885-1889 and Monatshefte fur Chemie (1976), 107:1413-1421)

X is halogen

(II) Scheme 2

Intermediate (III), wherein R ² is a NR ⁵ R ⁶ group as defined above, is prepared by substitution of the thiomethoxy group in intermediate (IV) by the corresponding NR ⁵ R ⁶ group according to Scheme 3.

Intermediate (IV) is prepared by treating dimethylcyanodithioimidocarbonate in ethanol with 1-2 equivalent of the primary amine and reflux for 3-5 hours (see Scheme 4). The reaction mixture is allowed to cool, evaporated in vacuo and then the desired compounds are either collected by filtration directly or subsequently after the product has precipitated out by the addition of water.

Scheme 4

EXAMPLES Example 1:

Synthesis of tert -butyl 4-[(4-chlorobenzoyl)amino]-2-(diniethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- IH- imidazole - 5- caxboxylate

Scheme 5

The lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate (29 mg, 0.1 mmol) was dissolved in TηF (700 μL) in a 1 ml vial. 50 mg of polymer supported diisopropylethylamine (3.5 mmol/g) and subsequently 4-chlorobenzoyl chloride (31 mg, 0.15 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and then filtered over an Isolute-Nη2 column (200 mg) washing through with THF (ImL). The THF was evaporated in vacuo to yield the product (Yield: 46%).

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 10.39 (s, IH), 7.92 (d, 2H), 7.43 - 7.38 (m, 5H), 7.28 -7.20 (m, 2H), 2.72 (s, 6H), 1.18 (s, 9H). MS m/z 441.02 (M+H) ⁺

Example 2:

Synthesis of fert-butyl 4- amino-2-(dimethylamino)-l -phenyl- IH- imidazole-5-carboxylate (used as intermediate)

Scheme 6

K ₂ CO ₃ (7.01 g, 50.75 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of λ^ -cyano-λyV-dimethyl-iV ¹ - phenylguanidine (7.96 g, 42.29 mmol) in DMF (50 mL). tert-Bυiyl bromoacetate (9.90 g, 50.75 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was heated at 60°C for 4 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature before NaOH (4.23 g, 105.72 mmol) in water (100 ml) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 1 hour the resultant gum was decanted from the reaction and dissolved in dichloromethane (100 mL). The organic layer was washed with water (100 mL) and dried over Na ₂ SO ₄ , the mixture was filtered and evaporated to give a solid which was recrystallised from ethyl acetate to give a white solid (yield: 52.4%). ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) δ?7.40 - 7.23 (m, 5H) ₅ 5.02 (s, 2H), 2.61 (s, 6H), 1.22 (s, 9H). MS m/z 303.20 (M+H) ⁺

Example 3:

Synthesis of methyl N"-cyano-N'-phenyl-N,N-dimethylguanidine (used as intermediate)

Methyl N-cyano-N'-phenylimidothiocarbamate (0.156 mol) was added to a freshly made solution of dimethylamine (0.313 mol) in EtOH (600 mL). The resulting suspension was refluxed for 19 hours before evaporated to dryness. The resulting oil was heated in ethyl acetate to precipitate when cooled. The solid was washed with cold ethyl acetate and dried under vacuum and the wanted product was obtained. Yield 55.0%.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 7.31 (t, 2H), 7.12 (t,lH), 6.96 (d, 2H), 2.89 (s, 6H) MS m/z 189.09 (M+H) ⁺

Example 4:

Methyl N-cyano-iV-phenylimidothiocarbamate (used as intermediate)

Scheme 8

Aniline (0,093 mol) was added to a solution of dimethylcyanodithioimidocarbonate (0.146 mol) dissolved in 250 mL of ethanol (99.9%). The suspension was heated for 3 hours. The reaction was allowed to reach room temperature and the resulting precipitate was removed by filtration. The solid was washed with cold ethanol and dried under vacuum to afford the product. Yield: 78%.

¹ HNMR (400 MHz, CDC|) 5 7.91 (s, IH), 7.46-7.24 (m, 5H), 2.47 (s, 3H) MS m/z 192.05 (M+H)

The following compounds were synthesized in an analogous manner/method to the above- described examples:

Example 5:

2-methoxy-l,l - dimethylethyl 4-amino-2 -(dimethylamino) -1-phenyl-LET-imida zole-5- carboxylate

Yield 24.2%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) 5 7.41-7.22 (m, 5H), 5.07 (s, 2H), 3.34-3.26 (m, 5H), 2.63 (s, 6H) 1.30 (s, 6H). MS m/z 333.14 (M+H) ⁺

Example 6: fert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyI-4-[(2-phenylbutanoyl)amino]-ljH ^: -iniidazole-5- carboxylate

s Yield: 36.4%.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz^ CDQ) δ 9.44 (s, IH), 7.43-7.19 (m, 10H), 2.62 (s, 6H), 2.25 (m, IH), 1.88 (m, IH), 1.54 (m, IH), 1.18 (s, 9H), 0.93 (t, 3H). MS m/z 449.14 (M+H) ⁺

Example 7: o fert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(methoxyacetyl)amino]-l-phenyl-lH-imida zole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 19.4%.

¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 9.97 (s, IH), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.23 (m, 2H), 4.02 (m, 2H), 3.45 5 (s, 3H), 2.64 (s, 6H), 1.25 (s, 9H). MS m/z 375.06 (M+H) ⁺

Example 8: tert-butyI 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-4-[(phenylacetyl)amino]-LGr-imida zole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 51.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCIs) δ 9.38 (s, IH), 7.40-7.18 (m, 12H), 2.65 (s, 6H), 1.16 (s, 9H). MS m/z 422.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 9: tert-butyl 4-{[(benzyloxy)acetyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyI-lJϊ -imidazoIe-5- carboxylate

Yield: 6.7%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 10.22 (s, IH), 7.43-7.21 (m, 12H), 4.65 (s, i o 2H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.20 (s, 9H). MS m/z 422.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 10: tert-butyI 2-(dimethyIamino)-4-[(3,3-dimethyIbutanoyl)amino]-l-phenyl-l H- imidazole-5-carboxylate

15

Yield: 49.8%. ¹ HNMR (400 MHz, CDCi) 5 9.34 (s, IH), 7.39 (m, 3H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 2.60 (s, 2H), 1.20 (s, 9H), 1.11 (s, 9H). MS m/z 401.4 (M+H) ⁺

Example 11: tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(phenoxyacetyl)amino]-l-phenyl-lJ9 ^r -imidazole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 52.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) δ 10.38 (s, IH), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.22 (m, 4H), 7.01 (m, 3H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 2.60 (s, 2H), 1.20 (s, 9H). MS m/z 437.3 (M+H) ⁺

Example 12: tert-butyI 4-({[4-(benzyloxy)phenyl]acetyl}amino)-2-(dimethylamino)-l-p henyl-lIT- imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 52.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCIj) δ 9.35 (s, IH), 7.42-7.20 (m, 14H) ₅ 6.93 (d, 2H), 5.02 (s, 2H), 2.65 (s, 6H), 1.18 (s, 9H). MS m/z 527.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 13: tert-butyl 4-[(2,3-dihydro-l-benzofuran-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]-2-(dimethyl amino)-l- phenyl-LfiT-imidazoIe-5-carboxyIate

Yield: 36.4%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ T0.42 (s, IH), 7.39(m, 3H), 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.10 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, IH), 6.87 (t, IH), 5.22 (m, IH), 3.61 (d, 2H), 2.63 (s, 6H), 1.21 (s, 9H). MS m/z 449.2 (M+H) ⁺

Example 14: fert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-4-[(2-thienylacetyl)amino]-lJ3 ^r -imidazole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 32.6%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 9.39 (s, IH), 7.39(m, 3H), 7.24 (m, 4H), 7.19 (d, IH), 7.03 (m, IH), 6.95 (m, IH), 2.67 (s, 6H), 1.18 (s, 9H). MS m/z 427.1 (M+H) ⁺

Example 15: teJt-butyl 4-[(2,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyI-l iϊ- imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 32.6%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ T 1.45 (s, IH), 8.35(d, IH), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.28 (m, 2H), 6.60 (d, IH) ₇ 6.48 (s, IH), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 2.74 (s, 6H), 1.18 (s, 9H). MS m/z 467.1 (M+H) ⁺

Example 16: tert-butyl4-{[(4-chlorophenyl)acetyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino >l-phenyl-liϊ- imidazole -5-carboxylate

Yield: 24.1%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 9.40 (s, IH), 7.42-7.20 (m, 1 IH), 2.64 (s, 6H), 1.18 (s, 9H). MS m/z 455.96 (M+H) ⁺

Example 17: te^-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(2-phenoxypropanoyϊ)amino]-l-phenyI-li y-imidazole- 5-carboxylate

Yield: 23.5%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDGb) 5 10.36 (s, IH), 7.39 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.19 (m, 4H), 7.05-6.92 (m, 3H), 4.80 (m, IH), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.67 (d, 3H), 1.20 (s ₅ 9H). MS m/z 451.09 (M+H) ⁺

Example 18: tert-butyl 4-{[(3-chlorophenoxy)acetyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino)-l-pheny l-lfi ^r - imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 54.6%. ¹ HNMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 70.42 (s, IH), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.27-7.16 (m, 3H), 7.04 (s, IH), 6.97 (d, IH), 6.89 (d, IH), 4.65 (m, 2H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.19 (s, 9H). MS m/z 471.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 19: ter/-butyl 4-[(2,3-dihydro-l,4-benzodioxm-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]-2-(dimeth ylamino)-l- phenyl-LEMmidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 48.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 10.43 (s, IH), 7.39 (m, 3H), 7.24 (m, 2H), 7.06 (m, IH), 6.90-6.84 (m, 3H), 4.81 (m, IH), 4.63 (dd, IH), 4.29 (dd, IH), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.20 (s, 9H). MS m/z 465.2 (M+H) ⁺

Example 20: tert-butyl 4-{[(2,5-dichloro-3-thienyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino )-l-phenyl-

Lff-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 47.1%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 10.12 (s, IH), 7.44-7.35 (m, 3H), 121-120 (m, 3H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.16 (s, 9H). MS nVz 482.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 21: fert-butyl 4-{[(4-cWoro-l,3-dimethyHJϊ-pyrazolo[3,4-ft]pyridin-5- yl)carbonyl]amino}-2-(dimethyIamino)-l-phenyI-l^f-imidazole- 5-carboxylate

Yield: 2.7%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ ϊ0.15 (s, IH), 7.42-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.29-7.24 (m, 3H), 4.06 (s, 3H), 2.72 (s, 6H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 1.53 (s, 9H). MS m/z 511.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 22: tert-butyl 4-{[5-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-3-furoyl]amino}-2-(dimethyIa mino)-l- phenyl-l/f-imidazoIe-5-carboxylate

Yield: 11.6%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 20.01 (s, IH), 7.65-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.48-7.18 (m, 7H), 6.88-6.75 (m, IH), 2.80-2.63 (m, 9H) ₅ 1.20-1.10 (m, 9H). MS m/z522.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 23: tert-butyl 4-[(2,l,3-benzoxadiazol-5-ylcarbonyI)amino]-2-(dimethylamino )-l-phenyl- l£F-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 40.5%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCt) δ 10.64 (s, IH), 8.42 (s, IH), 8.02 (d, IH), 7.93 (d, IH), 7.45-7.37 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.25 (m, 2H), 2.63 (s, 6H), 1.17 (s, 9H). MS nVz 449.1 (M+H) ⁺

Example 24: te^-butyl 4-{[(acetyloxy)(phenyl)acetyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino)-l-phe nyl-lJ9 ^r - imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 69.5%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz; CDCl ₃ ) 5 10.46 (s, IH), 7.54 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.25 (m, 6H), 7.24-7.15 (m, 2H), 6.18 (m, IH), 2.64 (s, 6H), 1.13 (s, 9H). MS m/z 479.2 (M+H) ⁺

Example 25: tert-butyl 4- [(3,4-difluorobenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l -phenyl-1 fT-imidazole-

5-carboxylate

Yield: 68.3%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) δ 70.39 (s, IH), 7.81 (t, IH), 7.67 (m, IH), 7.40-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.26-7.17 (m, 3H) 2.70 (s, 6H), 1.13 (s, 9H). MS m/z 443.2 (M+H) ⁺

Example 26: teri'-butyl 4-{[(3-chloro-l-benzothien-2-yI)carbonyl]amino}-2-(dimethyla mino)-l- phenyI-LH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 15.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 70.65 (s, IH), 7.85 (m, IH), 7.79 (m, IH), 7.48-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.29-7.21 (m, 2H), 2.70 (s, 6H), 1.16 (s, 9H). MS m/z 497.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 27: tert-butyl 4- [(l-benzothien-2-yϊcarbonyl)amino]-2 -(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-lH- imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 7.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl) δ 10.42 (s, IH), 7.91 (s, IH), 7.88-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.29-7.24 (m, 2H) 2.72 (s, 6H), 1.19 (s, 9H). MS m/z 463.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 28: i o tert-butyl 4- ({ [1 -(4- chlorophenyl)cyclopentyl] carbonyl}amino)-2 -(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl-liy-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 28.5%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 9.58 (s, IH), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.38-7.30 (m, 3H), 7.29-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.13 (m, 2H), 2.63 (s, 6H) ₅ 2.06-1.94 (m, 2H) ₅ 1.90-1.79 (m, 2H) ₅ is 1.77-1.48 (m ₅ 4H) ₅ 1.06 (s, 9H). MS m/z 509.20 (M+H) ⁺

Example 29: te^-butyl 4-{[2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methylpropanoyl]amino}-2-(dimethyla mino)-l- phenyl-liϊ-iinidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 24.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCJ) δ 9.50 (s, IH), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.40-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.32 (d, 2H), 7.26-7.20 (m, 2H), 2.65 (s, 6H), 1.68 (s, 6H), 1.19 (s, 9H). MS m/z 483.17 (MH-H) ⁺

Example 30:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-[(4-chlorobenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl-lH-imidazole -5-carboxylate

Yield: 11.1%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ)δ?0.22 (s, IH), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.45-7.36 (m,

5H), 7.32-7.22 (m, 2H), 3.22 (s, 2H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 2.70 (s, 6H), 1.20 (s, 6H). MS m/z 471.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 31: 2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-{[(3-chlorophenoxy)acetyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino)- l-phenyl-liy-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 65.0%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDC] ₅ ) 510.26 (s, IH), 7.47-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.32-7.16 (m, 3H), 7.01 (s, IH), 6.92 (d, IH), 6.87 (d, IH), 3.34-3.16 (m, 5H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.22 (s, 6H). MS m/z 500.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 32:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethyIethyl 4-[(2,3-dihydro-l,4-benzodioxin-2-yIcarbonyl)amino]-2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-llf4midazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 16.1%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) 6 ?0.36 (s, IH), 7.43-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.08-7.02 (m, IH), 6.90-6.83 (m, 3H), 4.87-4.77 (m, IH), 4.61 (d, IH), 4.33-4.25 (m, IH), 3.26 (s, 2H), 3.20 (s, 3H), 2.67 (s, 6H), 1.20 (s, 6H). MS m/z 494.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 33: 2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(4-methylbenzoyl)amino]-l- phenyl-lJϊ-imidazoIe-5-carboxyIate

Yield: 42.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl) δ 10.16 (s, IH), 7.87 (d, 2H), 7.43-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.20 (m, 4H), 3.22 (s, 2H), 3.28 (s, 3H), 2.70 (s, 6H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 1.20 (s, 6H). MS m/z 451.2 (M+H) ⁺

Example 34:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-[(3,4-dichlorobenzoyl)aminol-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 48.7%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz ₅ CDC|) δϊθ.18 (s, IH), 8.04 (s, IH), 7.75 (d, IH), 7.51 (d, IH) ₅ 7.43-7.37 (m, 3H), 7.29-7.23 (m, 2H), 3.22 (s, 2H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 2.70 (s, 6H), 1.20 (s, 6H). MS m/z 506.3 (M+H) ⁺

Example 35:

2-methoxy-l , 1 - dimethylethyl 4- { [(acetyloxy)(phenyl)acetyl]amino}-2 -

(dimethylamino^l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-S-carboxylate

Yield: 74.5%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) δ 10.32 (s, IH), 7.61-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.30 (m, 6H), 7.28-7.20 (m, 2H), 6.18 (s, IH), 3.26-3.20 (m, 5H), 2.66 (s, 6H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.20 (s, 6H). MS m/z 509.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 36:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-{[(2 ₅ 5-dichloro-3-thienyl)carbonyI]amino}-2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-liϊ-imidazole-5-carboxylate

5 Yield: 13.0%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 9.96 (s, IH), 7.25-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.26 (m, 2H), 7.20 (s, IH), 3.20 (s, 2H), 3.18 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 6H) ₅ 1.20 (s, 6H). MS m/z 512.3 (M+H) ⁺

Example 37:

I ₀ fert-butyl 4-[(2-chloro-4-fluorobenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethyIamino)-l-phen yI-li3 ^r - imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 29.1%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 9.88 (s, IH), 7.60 (s, IH), 7.44-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.14 (d, IH), 7.02 (t, IH), 2.66 (s, 6H), 1.15 (s, 9H). MS m/z 459.0 15 (MH-H) ⁺

Example 38: tert-butyl 4- [(3-chloro-4-fluorobenzoyl)amino] -2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-l H- imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 13.2%. ¹ H NMR ^OO MHz ₅ CDCi) δ 70.35 (s, IH), 8.06 (d, IH), 7.87-7.83 (m, IH), 7.44-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.20 (m, 3H), 2.73 (s, 6H), 1.16 (s, 9H). MS m/z 459.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 39: ferf-butyl 4-[(4-butoxybenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyI-l _J fir-imϊdazole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 12.1%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 10.26 (s, IH), 7.93 (d, 2H), 7.43-7.34 (m, 3H), 7.29-7.22 (m, 2H), 6.93 (d, 2H), 4.00 (t, 2H), 2.72 (s, 6H), 1.81-1.73 (m, 2H), 1.53- 1.43 (m, 2H), 1.18 (s, 9H), 0.96 (t, 3H). MS m/z 479.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 40: tert-butyl 2-(dimethyIamino)-4-({iV-[(4-methyIphenyl)sulfonyI]-L- phenyIaIanyl}amino)-l-phenyl-lJ3 ^r -imidazole-5-carboxyIate

Chiral

Yield: 19.5%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) 6 9.05 (s, IH) ₅ 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.45-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.09 (m, 9H), 5.96 (s, IH), 2.66 (s, 6H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 2H) ₅ 1.17 (s, 9H). MS m/z 603.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 41: terr-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(3,4-dimethyIbenzoyl)amino]-l-phenyl-lH ^r -imidazole-

5-carboxylate

Yield: 10%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 10.19 (s, IH) ₅ 7.86 (s, IH), 7.69 (d, IH), 7.44- 7.35 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.19 (m, 3H), 2.73 (s, 6H) ₅ 2.31 (s, 3H) ₅ 2.29 (s, 3H), 1.19 (s, 9H). MS m/z 435.1 (M+H) ⁺

Example 42: ϊer^-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-4-({[l-phenyl-5-(trifluoromethyl) -]Jr-pyraz;ol- 4-yl]carbonyl}amino)-liϊ-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 10%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ ?0.02 (s, IH), 8.02 (s, IH), 7.52-7.35 (m, 7H), 7.30-7.22 (m, 3H), 2.70 (s, 6H), 1.17 (s, 9H). MS m/z 540.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 43: tert -butyl 4- {[(2,4 - dichlorophenoxy)acetyl] amino } ^-(dimethylamino^l-phenyl-LH- imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 11.3%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 10.30 (s, IH), 7.44-7.35 (m, 4H), 7.28-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.19-7.14 (m, IH), 6.88 (d, IH), 4.69 (s, 2H), 2.69 (s, 6H), 1.17 (s, 9H). MS m/z 506.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 44: tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-4-{[(l-phenyl-5-propyl-lJϊ-pyraz ol-4- yl)carbonyl]amino}-lH-imidazoIe-5-carboxylate

Yield: 23.5%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ ϊ0.10 (s, IH), 8.02 (s, IH), 7.52-7.36 (m, 8H), 7.30-7.22 (m, 2H), 3.00 (t, 2H), 2.72 (s, 6H), 2.67-2.53 (m, 2H), 1.19 (s, 9H), 0.82 (t, 3H). MS m/z 514.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 45: tert-butyl 4- [(5-fert-butyI-2-methyl-3-furoyI)aminol -2-(dimethylamino>l-phenyl-12ϊ- imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 35.7%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) 6 9.80-9 Jl (m, IH), 7.44-7.20 (m, 5H), 6.19- 6.10 (m, IH), 2.75-2.56 (m, 9H), 1.30-1.12 (m, 18H). MS m/z 467.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 46: ter_'-butyl 4-({[3-chloro-4-(isopropylsulfonyI)-2-thienyl]carbonyl}amino )-2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 71.1%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDC|)δ 10.68 (s, IH), 8.30 (s, IH), 7.43-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.29-7.20 (m, 2H), 3.60-3.49 (m, IH), 2.70 (s, 6H), 1.34 (d, 6H), 1.14 (s, 9H). MS m/z 554.6 (M+H) ⁺

Example 47: tert-butyl 4- { [5-(4-chlorophenyI) -2-(trifluoromethyl) -3-furoyl]amino} -2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 55.2%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 10.02 (s, IH) ₃ 7.72-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.48-7.20 (m, 7H), 7.02-6.91 (m, IH), 2.76-2.60 (m, 6H), 1.23-1.11 (m, 9H). MS m/z 576.6 (M+H) ⁺

Example 48: tert-butyl 4-({[3-fert-butylrl-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-lia ^r -pyrazol-5-yI]carbonyl}amino)-2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 7.4%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 10.02 (s, IH), 7.45-7.37 (m, 3H), 7.32 (s, IH), 7.28-7.21 (m, 2H), 7.06 (d, IH), 6.67 (s, IH), 6.28 (d, IH), 5.88 (s, 2H), 2.67 (s, 6H), 1.34 (s, 9H), 1.20 (s, 9H). MS m/z 612.6 (M+H) ⁺

Example 49: fert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[(4-methyI-2-phenyl-l,3-thiazol-5- y^carbonylJaminoJ-l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-S-carboxylate

Yield: 6.0%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 10.08 (s, IH), 8.05-7.97 (m, 3H), 7.50-7.40 (m, 6H), 7.31-7.25 (m, 2H), 2.88 (s, 3H), 2.76 (s, 6H), 1.21 (s, 9H). MS m/z 503.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 50: tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[(6-phenoxypyridin-3-yl)carbonyl]amino} -l -phenyl- lJϊ-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 24.2%. ¹ HNMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 10.49 (s, IH), 8.83 (s, IH), 8.32 (d, IH), 7.49-7.40 (m, 5H), 7.33-7.24 (m, 3H), 7.19 (d, 2H), 7.02 (d, IH), 2.73 (s, 6H), 1.17 (s, 9H). MS m/z 499.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 51: tert-butyl 4- ({ [1 -(4- chlorophenyl)-5- (trifluoromethyl)-l .H-pyrazol-4- yl]carbonyl}amino)-2-(dimethylammo)-l-phenyHJϊ-imidazole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 50.0%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 10.08 (s, IH), 8.06 (s, IH), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.48-7.40 (m, 5H) ₅ 7.32- 7.27 (m, 2H), 7.73 (s, 6H), 1.20 (s, 9H). MS m/z 575.99 (M+H) ⁺

Example 52: tert-butyl 4-[(3,4-difluorobenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyI-lJ 3 ^: -imi(iazole- 5-carboxylate

Yield: 68.3%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) δ 70.39 (s, IH), 7.81 (t, IH), 7.67 (m, IH), 7.24-7.15 (m, 2H), 6.18 (m, IH), 2.64 (s, 6H), 1.13 (s, 9H). MS m/z 443.2.2 (M+H) ⁺

Example 53:

2-methoxy-l,l -dimethylethyl 4- [(4-bromo-2-chIorobenzoyl)amino]-2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-lJEr-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 20.6%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ?.23 (s, 6H), 2.59 (s, 6H) ₅ 3.21 (s, 6H), 7.57- 7.33 (m, 5H), 7.58 (s, IH), 7.81 (t, IH), 9.74 (s, IH). MS m/z 550.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 54:

2-methoxy-l ,1 - dimethylethyl 4- [(4-bromo-2- methylbenzoyl)amino] -2- (dimethylamino^l-phenyl-llT-imidazole-S-carboxylate

Yield: 3.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) 5 1.20 (s, 6H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.71 (s, 6H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 3.18 (s, 2H) ₅ 7.26-7.52 (m, 8H). MS m/z 530.4 (M+H) ⁺

Example 55:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl4-[(4-chloro-2-methylbenzoyl)a mino]-2- (dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 8.2%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) 5 1.19 (s, 6H), 2.53 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 3.18 (s, 2H), 7.18-7.46 (m, 7H), 7.51 (d, IH), 9.62 (s, IH). MS m/z 485.99 (M+H) ⁺

Example 56:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-[(2-chloro-4,5-dimethylbenzoyl)amino]-2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-lIf-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 6.7%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) 5 1.22 (s, 6H), 2.23 (s, 6H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 2.69 (s, 3H), 3.21 (s, 2H), 7.16 (s, IH), 7.27-7.50 (m, 6H), 9.70 (s, IH). MS m/z 500.02 (M+H) ⁺

Example 57:

2-methoxy4^-dimethylethyl 4-[(2,4-difluorobenzoyl)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl-lH-imidazoIe-5-carboxylate

Yield: 45.0%. ¹ HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ )δ 1.18 (s, 6H), 2.69 (s, 6H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 3.22 (s, 2H), 6.82-6.92 (m, IH), 6.95-7.01 (m, IH), 7.24-7.44 (m, 5H), 8.10-8.20 (m, IH), 10.27 (m, IH). MS m/z 473.5 (M+H) ⁺

Example 58:

Z-methoxy-l _j l-dimethylethyM-KZ-chloro^-fluorobenzoy^aminol-l-Cdimetlylam ino)- l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 36.7%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDC] ₃ ) δ 1.22 (s, 6H), 2.64 (s, 6H), 3.11 (s, 3H), 3.21 (s, 2H), 7.00-7.06 (m, IH), 7.10-7.17 (m, IH), 7.24-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.44 (m, 5H), 7.65 (s, IH), 9.74 (s, IH). MS m/z 489.95 (M+H) ⁺

Example 59:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-4-[(3- phenylpropanoyl)amino]-liir-imidazole-5-carboxyIate

Yield: 97.8%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) δ 9.22(s, IH), 7.43-7.35(m, 3H), 7.29-7.22 (m,6), 7.20-7.14 (m, IH), 3.33-3.21 (m, 5H), 3.09-3.03 (m, 3H), 2.65 (s, 6H), 1.26 (s, 6H). MS m/z 465.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 60: l-methoxy-ljl-dimethylethyM-fCZ-chloro-ό-methoxyisonicotino y^aminoJ-Z- (dimethyIamino)-l-phenyMiϊ-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 41.4 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) 5 ϊO.15(s, IH), 7.44-7.34(m, 4H), 7.30-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.11 (s, IH), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.23 (s, 2H) ₃ 3.18 (s, 3H), 2.96 (s, 6H), 1.20 (s, 6H). MS nVz 501.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 61:

2-Methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(2,4-dimethylbenzoyl)amino]-l- phenyl-liϊ-imidazole-S-carboxylate

Yield: 26%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 1.18 (s, 6H), 2.31 (s, 3H) ₅ 2.53 (s, 3H), 2.70 (s, 6H), 3.07 (s, 3H), 3.17 (s, 2H), 6.99-7.06 (m, 2H), 7.26- 7.44 (m, 5H), 7.49 (d, IH), 9.61 (s, IH). MS m/z 465.57 (M+H) ⁺

Example 62: tert-ButyM-^-chlorobenzoy^aminol-l-phenyl-l-pyrrolidm-l-yHjE T-imidazole-S- carboxylate

Yield:18%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl) δ 1.14 (s, 9H), 1.70 (s, 4H), 3.11 (s, 4H), 7.22- 7.43 (m, 9H), 7.66 (s, IH), 9.90 (s, IH). MS m/z 467.98 (M+H) ⁺

Example 63:

2-Methoxy-l,l-dimethyIethyl 4-[(2-bromo-4-fluorobenzoyl)amino]-2- (dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-l JET-imidazole-S-carboxylate

Yield: 18%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI) δ 1.25 (s, 6H), 2.62 (s, 6H), 3.13 (s, 3H) ₅ 3.23 (s, 2H), 7.03-7.16 (m, IH), 7.24-7.68 (7H), 9.66 (s, IH). MS m/z 534.01 (M+H) ⁺

Example 64:

2-Methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[4-fluoro-2- (trifluoromethy^benzoyllammoJ-l-phenyl-lJϊ-imidazole-S-carb oxylate

Yield: 19%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 1.26 (s, 6H), 2.61 (s, 6H), 3.00-3.39 (m, 5H) ₅ 7.19-7.76 (m, 8H), 9.62 (s, IH). MS m/z 523.51 (M+H) ⁺

Example 65:

2-Methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(4-fluoro -2- methoxybenzoyl)amino]-l-phenyl-liϊ-imidazole-5-carboxyIate

Yield: 28%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCIs) 8 1.20 (s, 6H), 2.74 (s, 6H), 3.20 (s, 2H), 3.23 (s, 3H), 4.07 (s, 3H), 6.62-6.84 (m, 2H), 1.23-1 Al (m, 5H), 8.26-8.41 (m, IH) ₅ 11.43 (s, IH). MS m/z 485.54 (M+H) ⁺

Example 66:

2-Methoxy-l,l-dimethyIethyl 4-[(4-chloro-2-methoxybenzoyl)amino]-2- (dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-lJEf-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 19%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCIs) 6 1.20 (s, 6H), 2.74 (s, 6H), 3.21 (s, 2H), 3.23 (s, 3H), 4.07 (s, 3H), 6.97-7.00 (m, IH), 7.03-7.09 (m, IH), 7.26-7.46 (m, 5H), 8.27 (d, IH), 11.44 (s, IH). MS m/z 501.99 CM+H) ⁺

Example 67: tert-butyl 2-(dimethyIamino)-l-phenyl-4-{[2-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]am ino}-l _J ET- imidazole -5-carboxyIate

Yield: 31.9 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCIs) 59.64 (s, IH), 7.93-7.61(m, 2H), 7.60-7.44 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.31 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.15 (m, 2H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.12 (s, 9H). MS m/z 475.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 68: tert-butyl4-[(2-chlorobenzoyI)amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l-phe nyl-lH-imidazole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 64.5 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCfe) 59.85 (s, IH), 7.68 (m, IH), 7.43-7.20 (m, 8H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.14 (s, 9H). MS m/z 440.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 69: fe^-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(2-methoxybenzoyI)amino]-l-phenyl-lH-im idazole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 55.4 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCfe)5T1.52 (s, IH), 8.31 (s, IH), 7.48-7.32 (m, 4H), 7.29-7.24 (m, 2H), 7.05 (t, IH) ₅ 6.96 (d, IH), 4.06 (s, 3H), 2.71 (s, 6H), 1.07 (s, 9H). MS m/z 437.3 (M+H) ⁺

Example 70: tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[(5-methyl-3-phenylisoxazoI-4-yl)carbon yl]amino}-l- phenyl-Lff-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 58.9 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 9.35 (s, IH), 7.73-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.30 (m, 6H), 7.21-7.12 (m, 2H), 2.73 (s, 3H), 2.64 (s, 6H), 1.02 (s, 9H). MS m/z 488.1 (M+H) ⁺

Example 71: tert-butyl 4-{[(3-chloro-2-thienyl)carbonyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl-l _J Er- imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 4.1 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl) δ 10.39 (s, IH), 7.45-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.28-7.24 (m, IH) ₅ 6.96 (d, IH), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.15 (s, 9H). MS m/z 447.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 72:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-{[(benzyloxy)acetyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino)-l- phenyl-lH-imidazole-S-carboxylate

Yield: 11.1 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 10.23 (s, IH), 7.48-7.23 (m, 10H), 4.68 (s, 2H), 4.25-4.10 (m, 2H), 3.29 (s, 2H), 3.25 (s, 3H), 2.67 (s, 6H), 1.22 (s, 6H). MS m/z 480.9 (MWH) ⁺

Example 73: fe^-butyH-IH-cMoro^-CmethylsuIfony^benzoyyamino^-Cdimethylam ino)-!- phenyI-lff-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 11.2 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) δ 9.80 (s, IH), 8.07 (s, IH), 7.71-7.16 (m, 7H), 3.49-3.36 (m, 3H), 2.82-2.12 (m, 6H), 1.15 (s, 9H). MS m/z 519.06 (M+H) ⁺

Example 74: fert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-4-[(3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methoxy-2- phenylpropanoyl)ammo]-lJϊ-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 18.7 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQO δ 10.28 (s, IH), 7.72-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 5H), 7.25-7.20 (m, 3H), 3.56 (s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 6H), 1.18 (s, 9H). MS m/z 519.18 (MH-H) ⁺

Example 75: tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(4-ethoxybenzoyl)amino]-l-phenyl-lH ^: -imidazole-5- carboxylate

Yield: 9.6 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 9.88 (s, IH), 7.68-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.12-6.76 (m, 5H), 6.62-6.34 (m, 2H), 3.84-3.52 (m, 2H), 2.37 (s, 6H), 1.20-0.62 (m, 12H). MS m/z 451.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 76: terf-butyl 4-{[(2-chloropyridin-3-yl)carbonyllamino}-2-(dimethylamino)- l-phenyl-li3 ^r - imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 43.9 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 10.08 (s, IH), 8.50-8.39 (m, IH), 8.10-7.90 (m, IH), 7.42-7.20 (m, 6H), 2.80-2.10 (m, 6H), 1.19 (s, 9H). MS m/z 442.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 77: tert-butyl 4-{[(l-acetylpiperidin-4-yl)carbonyl]amino}-2-(dimethylamino )-l-phenyl- lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 6.6 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 9.58 (s, IH), 7.46-7.18 (m, 5H), 2.69 (s, 6H) ₅

2.08 (s, 3H), 1.88-1.40 (m, 8H). MS m/z 456.1 (M+H) ⁺

Example 78: tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[(5-methyl-2-phenyl-2Jϊ-l,2,3-triazol- 4- yl)carbonyl] ami no}-l-phenyI-lJϊ-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 43.4 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 10.47 (s, IH), 8.10-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.50-7.20 (m, 8H), 2.72 (s, 6H), 2.90 (s, 3H), 1.26 (s, 9H). MS m/z 488.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 79: fe^-butyI 2-(dimethyIamino)-4-{[(2-phenoxypyridin-3-yl)carbonyl]amino} -l-phenyl- lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 33.1 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 11.42 (s, IH), 8.64 (d, IH) ₅ 8.22 (m, IH), 7.40-7.10 (m, HH), 2.71 (s, 6H), 1.05 (s, 9H). MS m/z 499.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 80: te^-butyI 4-({[2-(4-chlorophenoxy)pyridin-3-yI]carboiiyl}amino)-2-(dim ethylamino)- l-phenyl-l-fiT-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 42.0 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 11.42 (s, IH), 8.65 (d, IH), 8.22 (m, IH), 7.42-7.13 (m, 10H), 2.71 (s, 6H), 1.05 (s, 9H). MS m/z 533.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 81: tert-butyI 4-{[(l-fe/Y-butyI-3-methyI-liy-pyrazol-5-yl)carbonyl]amino}- 2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-li3 ^* -imidazole-5-carboxylate

5 Yield: 28.6 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 10.50 (s, IH), 7.42-7.22 (m, 5H), 6.62 (s, IH), 2.70 (s, 6H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.70 (s, 9H), 1.22 (s, 9H). MS m/z 467.1 (M+H) ⁺

Example 82: terf-butyl 4-{[(3-teri ^! -butyl-l-methyl-lJJ-pyrazol-5-yl)carbonyl]amino}-2- i o (dimethylammo)-l-phenyl-l H-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 28.6 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz ₅ CDCl ₅ ) δ 10.08 (s, IH), 7.44-7.35 (m, 3H), 7.29-7.22 (m, 2H), 6.55 (s, IH), 4.18 (s, 3H), 2.72 (s, 6H), 1.32 (s, 9H), 1.20 (s, 9H). MS m/z 467.1 (M+H) ⁺ is

Example 83: tert-biityl 4-{[(4-bromo-l-ethyl-3-methyl-l ^j y-pyrazol-5-yl)carbonyI]amino}-2-

(dimethyIamino)-l-phenyI-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 67.2 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 10.00 (s, IH), 7.46-7.17 (m, 5H), 4.48 (q, 2H) ₅ 2.70 (s, 6H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.40 (t, 3H), 1.16 (s, 9H). MS m/z 516.7 (M+H) ⁺

Example 84: te^-butyl 4-{[(5-cMoro-l-methyl-lH-pyrazol-4-yl)carbonyl]amino}-2-

(dimethyIamino)-l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxyIate

Yield: 30.6 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 10.01 (s, IH), 8.00-7.92 (m, IH), 7.45-7.19 (m, 5H), 3.90-3.78 (m, 3H), 2.74-2.55 (m, 6H), 1.28-1.10 (m, 9H). MS m/z 445.0 (M+H) ⁺

Example 85: lff-imidazole-5-carboxylic acid, 4- [[[2-(2,3-dihydro -5-benzofuranyl)-4- thiazolyl]carbonyl]amino]-2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester

Yield: 39.8 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) 5 11.10 (s, IH), 8.08 (s, IH) ₅ 7.90 (s, IH), 7.74 (d, IH), 7.44-7.23 (m, 5H), 6.80 (d, IH), 4.62 (t, 2H), 3.24 (t, 2H), 2.72 (s, 6H), 1.25 (s, 9H). MS m/z 531.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 86: tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyI-4-[({l-[4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrimi din-2- yllpiperidin-4-yl}carbonyl)amino]-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 13.5 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 9.62 (s, IH), 8.48 (d, IH), 7.48-7.25 (m, 5H), 6.73 (d, IH), 4.88 (d, 2H) ₃ 3.06 (t, 2H), 2.72 (s, 9H), 2.15-2.08 (m, 2H), 1.92-1.81 (m, 2H) ₅ 1.22 (s, 9H). MS m/z 559.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 87: fe^-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[(6-phenoxypyridin-3-yI)carbonyl]amino} -l-phenyl- liMmidazole-5-carboxyϊate

Yield: 24.2 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ 10.50 (s, IH), 8.84 (s, IH), 8.32 (d, IH), 7.48-7.22 (m, 8H), 7.19 (d, 2H), 7.01 (d, IH), 2.73 (s, 6H), 1.16 (s, 9H). MS m/z 499.9 (M+H) ⁺

Example 88: tert-butyl 2- (dimethylamino) -4-{ [(4- methyl-2-pyr azin-2-y 1-1 ,3-thiazol-5- yl)carbonyl]amino}-l-phenyl-LBr-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 17.9 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl) δ 10.14 (s, IH), 9.45 (s, IH), 8.66 (s, IH), 8.60 (s, IH), 7.48-7.26 (m, 5H), 2.90 (s, 3H), 2.73 (s, 6H), 1.20 (s, 9H). MS m/z 505.8 (M+H) ⁺

Example 89: 2-(dimethylamino)-4-({[l-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-l£T-pyr azoI-4- yl]carbonyl}amino)-l-phenyl4iir-imidazole-5-carboxyIate

Yield: 2.9 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDClO δ 10.09 (s, IH), 8.04 (s, IH), 7.50-7.35 (m, 7H), 7.02 (d, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 2.76 (s, 6H), 2.62 (s, 3H), 1.22 (s, 9H). MS m/z 516.8 (MH-H) ⁺

Example 90: tert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-4-[(λ ^? -phenyIglycyl)amino]-l _J H ^r -imidazole-5- carboxylate

Scheme 9

The l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate (1 equivalent (eq), 0.33 mmol) and triethylamine (2 eq, 0.66 mmol) were dissolved in DCM (5mL) and bromoacetyl acetate (1.5 eq, 0.49 mmol) was added dropwise. The solution was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature. Then, the reaction was quenched with K2CO ₃ (aqueous (aq)) (1 M, 25 mL) and extracted with ¹ P^O. The organic layers were pooled, dried over Mg ₂ SO ₄ , filtered and evaporated. The residue was used directly without any further purification in the next step. The tert-bntyl 4-[(bromoace1yl)arnino]-2-(dimethylarnino)-l-phenyl- li7-imidazole-5- carboxylate (1 eq) and aniline (2.5 eq) were dissolved in DMF (5 mL) and heated to 100 °C for 1 hour. The solution was evaporated and K ₂ CO ₃ (aq) (1 M, 25 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was subsequently extracted several times with 1-Pr ₂ O. The organic phases were pooled, dried oyer MgSO4, filtered and evaporated. Eventually the residue was purified by preparatory ηPLC, which afforded the desired product. Yield: 18.5 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₃ ) δ 10.3 - 9.1 (d, 2H), 7.37 (m, 3H), 7.23 (m, 3H), 7.14 (dd, 2H), 6.68 (m, 2H), 4.8-3.8 (broad s, 2H), 2.68 (s, 6H), 1.15(s, 9H).

The following compounds (examples 91 - 93) were synthesized in an analogous manner/mehod as described for example 90:

Example 91: fert-butyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-[(N-methyl-iV-phenylglycyl)ammo]-l-pheny l-ljH ^r - imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 3.4 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl ₅ ) δ ?0.3 - 9.9 (bs, IH), 7.35 (m, 3H), 7.20 (m, 5H), 6.77 (m, 2H), 4.4-3.6 (broad s, 2H), 3.10 (s, 3H), 2.66 (s, 6H), LOS (s, 9H).

Example 92: tert-bntyl 4- [(2,3-dihydro-l Jϊ-indol-l-ylacetyl)amino]-2 -(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl- li?-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 12.1 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDQ) δ ?0.5 - 10.1 (bs, IH), 7.36 (m, 3H), 7.21 (d, 2H), 7.09-7.02 (m, 2H), 6.70 (t, IH), 6.52 (d, IH), 4.10-3.70 (s, 2H), 3.51 (t, 2H), 3.04 (t, 2H), 2.67 (s, 6H), 1.09 (s, 9H).

Example 93:

^/t-butyl 2-(dimethylainino)-4-[(liy-indol-l-ylacetyl)amino]-l-phenyl- LH-imidazole- 5-carboxylate

Yield: 6.6 %. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCi) δ 9.32 (s, IH) ₅ 7.60 (d, IH), 7.35 (m, 4H), 7.20 (m, 6H) ₅ 7.07 (t, IH), 6.56 (d, IH), 5.80-4.80 (s, 2H) ₅ 2.66 (s, 6H), 1.09 (s, 9H).

Example 94:

2-methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 4-[(l£T-benzimidazol-l-ylacetyl)amino]-2-

(dimethylamino)-l-phenyl-l#-imidazole-5-carboxylate

2-Methoxy- 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl 4- [(bromoacetyl)amino]-2-(dim.ethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- imidazole-5-carboxylate (35 mg, 1 eq), synthesized in an analogous manner/mehod as described for example 90), benzimidazole (2.5 eq) and K ₂ CO ₃ (22 mg, 2 eq) were dissolved in DMF (5 mL). The reaction was stirred for 1 h at 75 ⁰ C. The solvent was evaporated off and to the residue was added K ₂ CO ₃ (aq) (1 M, 50 mL) and extracted with ether. The organic phases were pooled, dried (MgSO ₄ -H ₂ O) ₅ filtered and evaporated. Eventually the crude material was purified by preparatory HPLC ₅ which gave the desired pure product. Yield: 41 %. ¹ H-NMR d (CDCi): 1.29 (s, 6H) ₅ 2.68 (s, 6H) ₅ 3.27 (s, 2H) ₅ 3.31 (s, 3H) ₅ 5.3-5.9 (s, 2H), 7.24-7.32 (m, 4H) ₅ 7.41 (m, 4H) ₅ 7.80 (d, IH), 8.02 (s, IH), 9.50 (s, IH).

Example 95: 2-Methoxy-l,l-dimethylethyl 2-(dimethylamino)-4-{[(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-liϊ-indol-l- y^acetyllaminoJ-l-phenyl-lH-imidazole-S-carboxylate

2-Methoxy- 1 , 1-dimethylethyl 4- [φromoace1yl)amino]-2-(diinethylamino)- 1 -phenyl- 1 H- irnidazole-5-carboxylate (35 mg, 1 eq, synthesized in an analogous manner/mehod as described for example 90), 2-indolinone (26 mg, 2.5 eq) and K ₂ CO ₃ (22 mg, 2 eq) were dissolved in DMF (5 mL). The reaction was stirred for 1 h at 75 °C. The solvent was evaporated off and to the residue was added K ₂ CO ₃ (aq) (1 M, 50 mL) and extracted with ether. The organic phases were pooled, dried (MgSO ₄ -H ₂ O), filtered and evaporated. Eventually the crude material was purified by preparatory HPLC, which gave pure product. Yield: 12 %. ¹ H-NMR d (400 MHz, CDQ) d 1.27 (s, 6H), 2.66 (s, 6H), 3.25 (s, 2H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 3.62 (s. 2H) ₃ 4.9-5.3 (s, 2H), 6.79 (d, IH), 7.00 (t, IH), 7.22 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.41 (m, 3H), 9.3-9.7 (s, IH).

Example 96:

Synthesis of terf-butyl 2- (dimethylamino)- 1 -phenyl-4- { [(2- thienylamino)carbonyl] amino } - lH-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Scheme 7

The amine (0.05 mmol) and isocyanate (0.06 mmol) were dissolved in dry dichloromethane (2 mL) and stirred over night at room temperature. Water (2 mL) and additional dichloromethane (1 mL) were added. The organic layers were separated using a phase separator. The organic solvent was removed and the crude material was purified

using high performance chromatography using MeCN:NH ₄ OAc-buffer gradient 5:95 - 95:5% as an eluent to afford the desired product.

Yield 43%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCS) δ 1.28 (s, 9H), 2.73 (s, IH), 6.58-6.62 (m, IH), 6.80-6.87 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.47 (m, 5H), 8.55 (s, IH), 11.79 (s, IH). MS m/z 428.54 (M+H) ⁺

The following compounds (example 97 - 98) were synthesized in an analogous manner/mehod as described for example 96:

Example 97: tert-butyl 4-{[(benzylamino)carbonyI]amino}-2-(dimethylammo)-l-phenyI-l H ^r - imidazole -5-carboxyIate

Yield: 27%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCS) δ 1.26 (s, 9H), 2.56 (s, 6H), 4.55-4.61 (m, 2H), 7.20-7.45 (m, 10H), 8.40 (s, IH), 9.15 (s, IH). MS m/z 436.54 (M+H) ⁺

16

Example 98: ter/-Butyl 4-({[(4-chlorophenyl)amino]carbonyl}amino)-2-(dimethylamino) -l-phenyl- liϊ-imidazole-5-carboxylate

Yield: 43%. ¹ H NMR (400 MHz, CDCIs) δ 1.28 (s, 9H), 2.75 (s, 6H), 7.20-7.57 (m, 9H), 8.52 (s, IH), 11.22 (s, IH). MS m/z 456.95 (MH-H) ⁺

Analysis

LC-MS analysis was performed using a Micromass 8 probe MUX-LTC ESP+ system, purity being determined by single wavelength (254nm) UV detection. Chromatography was performed over an XterraTM MS C8 3.5um, 4.6 x30 mm column, 8 in parallel. The flow of 15ml/min was split over the 8 columns to give a flow rate of 1.9ml/min. The 10- minute chromatography gradient was as follows:

Mobile Phase A: 95% ACN + 5% 0,010 M NH ₄ OAc Mobile Phase B: 5% ACN + 95% 0,010 M NH ₄ OAc

lO min 0,0 min 0% A

8,0 miα 100% A

9,0 min 100% A 9,1 min 0% A

NMR analysis was performed at 400MHz.

Biological evaluation

Effects of the positive allosteric GABAB receptor modulator in a functional in vitro assay. The effect of GABA and baclofen on intracellular calcium release in CHO cells expressing the GAB AB ₍ IA, ₂₎ receptor heterodimer was studied in the presence or absence of the positive allosteric modulator. The positive allosteric modulator according to the invention increased both the potency and the efficacy of GABA.

The potency of the compounds i.e. the ability of the compounds to reduce the EC ₅ O of GABA was revealed by the concentration required to reduce GABA's EC ₅ 0 by 50 %.

These potencies were similar to the potency reported for CGP7930 (can be purchased from Tocris, Northpoint, Fourth Way, Avonmouth, Bristol, BSl 1 8TA, UK) by Urwyler et al. CGP7930 increases the potency of GABA from EC50 of about 170-180 nM to EC ₅₀ of about 35-5OnM.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

Materials Nut mix F- 12 (Ham) cell culture media, OPTI-MEM I reduced serum medium, Fetal bovine serum (FBS), penicillin/streptomycin solution (PEST), geneticin, HEPES (4-(2- hydroxyemyl)-l-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (buffer), 1 M solution), Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) and zeocin were from Life technologies (Paisley, Scotland); Polyethyleneimine, probenicid, baclofen and y-ammobutyric acid (GABA) were from Sigma (St Louis, USA); Fluo-3 AM was from Molecular Probes (Oregon, USA). 4-Amino- n-[2,3- ³ H]butyric acid ([ ³ H]GABA) was from Amersham Pharmacia Biotech (Uppsala, Sweden).

Generation of cell lines expressing the GABAB receptor GABABRI a and GABABR2 were cloned from human brain cDNA and subcloned into pCI- Neo (Promega) and pALTER-1 (Promega), respectively. A GABAsRla-G _α qis fusion protein expression vector was constructed using the pCI-Neo- GABA _B R Ia cDNA plasmid

andpLECl-G _αq i ₅ (Molecular Devices, CA). In order to make the G _αq i ₅ pertussis toxin insensitive, Cys356 was mutated to GIy using standard PCR methodology with the primers 5'-GGATCCATGGCATGCTGCCTGAGCGA-S' (forward) and 5'-GCGGCCG CTCAGAAGAGGCCGCCGTCCTT-3' (reverse). The G _α ^ _ut cDNA was ligated into the BamHI andTSTotl sites of pcDNA3.0 (Invitrogen). The GABAβ RIa coding sequence was amplified by PCR frompCI-Neo-GABA _B Rla using the primers, 5'- GGATCCCCGGGGAGCCGGGCCC-3' (forward) and 5'- GGATCCCTTATAAAGCAAATGCACTCGA-3' (reverse) and subcloned into the BamHI

Site of pcDNA3.0-Gocqi5nmt.

In order to optimise the Kozak consensus sequence of GABA _B R2, in situ mutagenesis was • performed using the Altered Sites Mutagenesis kit according to manufacturer's instruction (Promega) with the following primer, 5'-GAATTCGCACCATGGCTTCCC-3 ^l . The optimised GABABR2 was then restricted from pALTER-1 with Xho I + Kpn I and subcloned into the mammalian expression vector pcDNA3.1 (-)/Zeo (Invitrogen) to produce the final construct, pcDNA3.1(-)/Zeo-GABA _B R2.

For generation of stable cell lines, CHO-Kl cells were grown in Nut mix F- 12 (Ham) media supplemented with 10% FBS, 100 U/ml Penicillin and 100 μg/ml Streptomycin at 37° C in a humidified CO ₂ -incubator. The cells were detached with 1 mM EDTA in PBS and 1 million cells were seeded in 100 mm petri dishes. After 24 hours the culture media was replaced with OptiMEM and incubated for 1 hour in a Cθ ₂ -incubator. For generation of a cell line expressing the GABABRI a/GABAsR2 heterodimer, GABABRI a plasmid DNA (4 μg) GABA _B R2 plasmid DNA (4 μg) and lipofectamine (24 μl) were mixed in 5 ml OptiMEM and incubated for 45 minutes at room temperature. The cells were exposed to the transfection medium for 5 hours, which then was replaced with culture medium. The cells were cultured for an additional 10 days before selection agents (300 μg/ml hygromycin and 400 μg/ml geneticin) were added. Twenty- four days after transfection, single cell sorting into 96- well plates by flow cytometry was performed using a FACS Vantage SE (Becton Dickinson, Palo Alto, CA). After expansion, the GABAB receptor functional response was tested using the FLIPR assay described below. The clone with the highest functional response was collected, expanded and then subcloned by single

cell sorting. The clonal cell line with the highest peak response in the FLIPR was used in the present study.

For generation of a stable cell line expressing GABABRI a- G _αq is fusion protein and GABA _B R2, GABA _B Rla-G _αqi5mu t plasmid DNA (8 μg) GABA _B R2 plasmid DNA (8 μg) and lipofectamine (24 μl) were mixed in 5 ml OptiMEM and incubated for 45 minutes at room temperature. The cells were exposed to the transfection medium for 5 hours, which then was replaced with culture medium. After forty- eight hours, the cells were detached and seeded in 6 well plates (2000 cells/well) and grown in culture medium supplemented with geneticin (400 μg/ml) and zeocin (250 μg/ml). After 4 days, cells from single colonies were collected and transferred to a 24- well plate. After 10 days, the cell clones were seeded in T-25 flasks and grown for another 16 days before they were tested for GABAB receptor mediated functional response. The clones that showed the highest peak response were collected and subcloned by seeding the cells in 6-well plates (1000 cells/well) and repeating the steps described above. The clonal cell line that gave the highest peak response in the FLIPR was used in the present study.

Measurement of GABAB receptor dependent release of intracellular calcium in the FLIPR Measurement of GABAB receptor dependent release of intracellular calcium in the fluorescence imaging plate reader (FLIPR) was performed as described by Coward et al. Anal. Biochem. (1999) 270, 242-248, with some modifications. Transfected CHO cells were cultivated in Nut Mix F- 12 (HAM) with Glutamax-I and supplemented with 10%, 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 μg/ml streptomycin, 250 μg/ml zeocin and 400 μg/ml geneticin. Twenty-four hours prior to the experiment the cells (35,000 cells/well) were seeded in black- walled 96- well poly-D- lysine coated plates (Becton Dickinson, Bedford, UK) in culture medium without selection agents. The cell culture medium was aspirated and 100 μl of Fluo-3 loading solution (4 μM Fluo-3, 2.5 mM probenecid and 20 mM Hepes in Nut Mix F- 12 (Ham)) was added. After incubation for 1 hour at 37°C in a 5 % CO ₂ incubator, the dye-solution was aspirated and the cells were washed 2 times with 150 μl of wash solution (2.5 mM probenecid and 20 mM Hepes in HBSS) followed by addition of 150 μl of wash solution. The cells were then assayed in a fluorescence imaging plate

reader (Molecular Devices Corp., CA, USA). Test compounds were diluted to 50 μM concentrations in HBSS containing 20 mM Hepes and 5% DMSO and added in a volume of 50 μl. The fluorescence was sampled every second for 60 s (10 s before and 50 s after the addition of test compound) before GABA (50 μl 7.6 nM-150 μM) was added and sampling continued every sixth second for additional 120 seconds.

GTPγS

[ ³⁵ S]-GTPγS binding assays were performed at 30°C for 45min in membrane buffer (10OmM NaCl, 5mM, ImM EDTA, 5OmM HEPES, pH 7.4) containing 0.025μg/μl of membrane protein (prepared from the cell lines described above) with 0.01% bovine serum albumin (fatty acid free), lOμM GDP, lOOμM DTT and 0.53nM [ ³⁵ S]-GTPγS (Amersham- Pharmacia Biotech) in a final volume of 200μl. Non-specific binding was determined in the presence of 20μM GTPγS. The reaction was started by the addition of GABA at concentration between ImM and 0.InM in the presence or absence of the required concentration of PAM. The reaction was terminated by addition of ice-cold wash buffer (5OmM Tris-HCl, 5mM MgCt, 5OmM NaCl, pH 7.4) followed by rapid filtration under vacuum through Printed Filtermat A glass fiber filters (Wallac) (0.05% PEI treated) using a Micro 96 Harvester (Skatron Instruments). The filters were dried for 30 min at 50°C, then a paraffin scintillant pad was melted onto the filters and the bound radioactivity was determined using a 1450 Microbeta Trilux (Wallac) scintillation counter.

Calculations

GABA dose-response curves in the presence and absence of test compounds were constructed using the 4-parameter logistic equation, V=V _m3x + ((ymm-y _m ax)/l+(x/C) ^D ), where C=EC ₅ O and D=slope factor.

The potency of PAM in GTPγS assays was determined by plotting the log EC ₅₀ for GABA against the log concentration of the positive allosteric modulator in the presence of which the measurement was performed.

Generally, the potency of the compounds of formula (I) ranges from ECsos between 30 μM and 0.001 μM. Examples of individual EC ₅ 0 values:

5 Effect of compounds in IBS model (colorectal distension)

Colorectal Distension (CRD)

For CRD, a 3 cm polyethylene balloon with a connecting catheter (made in-house) is inserted in the distal colon, 2 cm from the base of the balloon to the anus, during light i ₀ isoflurane anaesthesia (Forene ^® , Abbott Scandinavia AB, Sweden). The catheter is fixed to the base of the tail with tape. At the same time, an intravenous catheter (Neoflon ^® , Becton Dickinson AB, Sweden) is inserted in a tail vein for compounds administration. Thereafter, rats are placed in Bollman cages and allowed to recover from sedation for at least 15 min before starting the experiments.

15

During the CRD procedure, the balloons are connected to pressure transducers (P-602, CFM-k33, 100 rnmηg; Bronkhorst Ht- Tec, Veenendal, The Netherlands). A customized barostat (AstraZeneca, Mδlndal, Sweden) is used to control the air inflation and intraballoon pressure. A customized computer software (PharmLab on-line 4.0.1) running

20 on a standard PC is used to control the barostat and to perform data collection and storage. The distension paradigm generated by the barostat are achieved by generating pulse patterns on an analog output channel. The CRD paradigms use consisted on repeated phasic distensions, 12 times at 80 mmHg, with a pulse duration of 30 s at 5 min intervals.

Responses to CRD are assessed by recording and quantitation of phasic changes in intraballoon pressure during the distending pulses. Pressure oscillations during the isobaric inflation of the intracolonic balloon reflect abdominal muscle contractions associated to the distension procedure and, therefore, are considered a valid assessment of the visceromotor response (VMR) associated to the presence of pain of visceral origin.

Data Collection and Analysis

The balloon pressure signals are sampled at 50 Hz and afterwards subjected to digital filtering. A highpass filter at 1 Hz is used to separate the contraction- induced pressure changes from the slow varying pressure generated by the barostat. A resistance in the airflow between the pressure generator and the pressure transducer further enhance the pressure variations induced by abdominal contractions of the animal. In addition, a band- stop filtere at 49-51 Hz is used to remove line frequency interference. A customized computer software (PharmLab off-line 4.0.1) is used to quantify the phasic changes of the balloon pressure signals. The average rectified value (ARV) of the balloon pressure signals is calculated for the 30 s period before the pulse (baseline activity) and for the duration of the pulse (as a measure of the VMR to distension). When performing pulses analysis, the first and last second of each pulse are excluded since they reflect artefact signals produced by the barostat during inflation and deflation of the balloon and do not originate from the animal.

Results

The effect of the positive allosteric modulators is examined on the VMR to isobaric CRD in rats. A paradigm consisting of 12 distensions at 80 rnmHg is used. The compounds are administered at a dose of 1 to 50 μmol/kg and VMR responses to CRD compared to the vehicle control.