This invention relates to novel indole derivatives to processes for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in medicine. In particular it relates to indole derivatives which are potent and specific antagonists of excitatory amino acids.

U.S. Patent No. 4960786 discloses that certain known 2-carboxylic indole derivatives are antagonists of excitatory amino acids. EP-A 0396124 also teaches that certain 2-carboxylic indole derivatives as being therapeuticaliy effective in the treatment of CNS disorders resulting from neurotoxic damage or neurodegenerative diseases.

We have now found a novel group 2-carboxyindole derivatives that have a highly potent and specific antagonist activity at the strychnine insensitive glycine binding site located on the NMDA receptor complex. Accordingly the present invention provides a compound of formula (I).

or a salt, or metaboiicaily labile ester thereof wherein R represents a group selected from halogen, alkyl, alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, hydroxy, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, nitro, cyano, SO2R1 or COR-( wherein R-) represents hydroxy, methoxy, or amino; m is zero or an integer 1 or 2;

A represents an ethynyl group or an optionally substituted ethenyl, or cyclopropyl group; X represents -O- or NH;

R2 represents an aryl group and when X represents an oxygen atom R2 may also represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group;

The compounds represented by formula (I) can exist in more than one isomeric form. Thus when the group A in compounds of formula (I) is an optionally substituted ethenyl or optionally substituted cyclopropyl group there can exist cis and trans isomers and the invention includes all such isomers and mixtures thereof.

For use in medicine the salts of the compounds of formula (I) will be physiologically acceptable thereof. Other salts however may be useful in the preparation of the compounds of formula (I) or physiologically acceptable salts thereof. Therefore unless otherwise stated references to salts includes both physiologically acceptable salts and non-physiologically acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I).

Suitable physiologically acceptable salts of compounds of the invention Include base addition salts and where appropriate acid addition salts. Suitable physiologically acceptable base addition salts of compounds of formula (I) include alkali metal or alkaline metal salts such as sodium, potassium,, calcium, and magnesium, and ammonium salts formed with amino acids (e.g. iysine and arginine) and organic bases ( e.g. procaine, phenylbenzylamine, ethanolamine diethanolamine and N-methyl giucosamine).

It will be appreciated that the compound of formula (I) may be produced in vivo by metabolism of a suitable prodrug. Such prodrugs may be for example physiologically acceptable metabolically labile esters of compounds of the general formula (I). These may be formed by esterification, for example of any of the carboxylic acid groups in the parent compound of general formula (I) with where appropriate prior protection of any other reactive groups present in the molecule followed by deprotection if required. -Examples of such metabolically labile esters include C-^al yl esters e.g. methyl or ethyl esters, substituted or unsubstituted aminoalkyl esters (e.g. aminoethyl, 2-(N,N- dϊethylamino) ethyl, or 2-(4-morphoi.no) ethyl esters) or acyioxyalkyl esters such as, acyloxymethyl or 1-acyloxyethyl e.g. pivaloyloxymethyl, 1-pivaloyloxyethyl, acetoxymethyl, 1- acetoxyethyl, 1-methoxy-1-methyl-ethylcarbonyloxyethyl, 1- benzoyloxyethyl , isopropoxycarbonyloxymethyl , 1 -isopropoxycarbonyloxyethyl, cyclohexylcarbonyloxymethyl, 1-cyclohexylcarbonyloxyethyl ester, cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxymethyL, 1-cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxyethyl, 1-(4- tetrahydropyranyloxycarbonyloxyethyl) or 1-(4- tetrahydropyranylcarbonyloxyethyi.

Preferred metabolically labile esters of compounds of formula (I) include C^alkyl esters more particular methyl or ethyl, aminoalkyl esters more particular 2-(4'-morpholino)ethyl, or acyioxyalkyl esters e.g. acetoxymethyl pivaloxymethyl, 1-cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxyethyl or 1-(4- tetrahydropyranyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl.

The compounds of formula (I) and salts and metabolically labile esters thereof may from solvates e.g. hydrates and the invention includes such solvates.

In the compounds of formula (I) the group R may be at any of the four possible positions on the fused benzene ring and when m is 2 the two R groups may be the same or different.

The term alkyl as used herein as a group or part of a group refers to a straight or branched chain alkyl group containing from 1 to 4 carbon atom examples of such groups include methyl, ethyl propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, secondary butyl or tertiary butyl.

The term halogen refers to a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom.

The term optionally substituted ethenyl means an ethenyl group optionally substituted by 1 or 2 alkyl groups e.g. methyl groups and includes both the cis and trans conformations. Examples of such groups include ethenyl, 1 -methylethenyl, 2-methylethenyl and/or 1 ,2-dimethylethenyl.

The term optionally substituted cyclopropyl means a cyclopropyl group optionally substituted by 1 , 2 or 3 alkyl groups e.g. methyl groups.

For the group R2 the term aryl means an optionally substituted phenyl group, or a 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl group, in which the 5-membered heteroaryl group contains 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulphur or nitrogen and the 6 membered heteroaryl group contains 1 or 2 nitrogen atoms. EΞxamples of suitable heteroaryl groups include furanyl, thienyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, pyridinyl and pyrimidinyl.

The term substituted phenyl refers to a phenyl group substituted with up 3 substituents selected from halogen, C-| .4alkyl, C- _4alkoxy, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, SO2R1 or COR-| when there is more than one substitutent present these may be the same or different.

A preferred class of compounds of formula (I) are. those wherein R is chlorine, m is 1 or 2 and R is at the 4 and/or 6 position, and more particulariy m is 2.

When A is an optionally substituted ethenyl group it is preferably in the E conformation.

When the group R2 is a substituted phenyl group the phenyl moiety is preferably substituted by one or more groups selected from alkoxy, alkyl,

amino, alkylamine, dialkylamino, fluoro, chloro, hydroxy, nϊtro _l trifluoromethyl or COR1, wherein R-j is hydroxy or methoxy.

A preferred class of compound of formula (I) are those wherein R2 is phenyl or phenyl substituted by one or two groups selected from fluorine trifluoromethyl, alkyl e.g. methyl or isopropyl, hydroxy, alkoxy or nitro or more especially R ₂ is phenyl.

A further preferred class of compounds of formula (I) are those wherein X is NH.

A preferred group of compounds of formula (I) are those wherein R is chlorine and m is 1 or more preferably 2, X is NH or O and R2 is an optionally substituted phenyl group. From within this group particularly preferred compounds include those wherein X is NH .

A further preferred group of compounds of formula (I) are those wherein A represents an optionally substituted cyclopropyl group or more particulariy an ethynyi group or a substituted ethenyl group such as 1- methlyethenyi. From within this group particularly preferred compounds includes those wherein X is NH and R2 is optionally substituted phenyl, and more especially phenyl.

For the compounds of formula (I) wherein A respresents an unsubstituted ethenyl group, preferred compounds of the invention include those wherein X is NH, R2 is optionally substituted phenyl and the group A is in the trans (E) configuration. From within this preferred groups of compounds, particularly preferred compounds include those wherein R2 is a phenyl group substituted by one or two groups selected from fluorine, trifluoromethyl, methyl, isopropyl, hydroxy, alkoxy e.g. methoxy or ethoxy, or nitro.

An especailly preferred compound of the invention due to its particularly potent and selective action at the strychinine insensitive gylcine binding site, coupled with very advantageous bioavailability is (E)-3-[2- (phenylcarbamoyI)ethenyl]-4,6,dichioroindole-2-carboxylic acid, physiologically acceptable salts, and metabolically labile esters thereof. Preferred salts of this compound include the potassium and more especially the sodium salt thereof. Preferred metabolically labile esters of this compound include the ethyl and 2- (4-morphoi.no) ethyl esters thereof.

Further particularly preferred compounds include

3-[2-(phenylcarbamoyl)ethynyl]-4,6-dichloroindole-2-carboxyl ic acid, physiologically acceptable salts and metabolically labile esters thereof; 3-[2-(phenylcarbamoyi)propenyl]-4,6-dichloroindole-2-carboxy lic acid, physiologically acceptable salts and metabolically labile esters thereof; Other particularly preferred compounds include:

(E)-3-[2-(4-ethoxyphenyicarbamoyl)ethenyl)-4,6-dichioroin dole-2- carboxylic acid;

(EΞ)-3-[2-(2-hydroxy-5-nitrophenylcarbamoyl)ethenyl)-4,6 -dichioroindole-2 - carboxylic acid; (E)-3-[2-(2-methyl-4-methoxyphenylcarbamoyl)ethenyl)-4,6- dichloroindole-2- carboxylic acid;

(E)-3-[2-(2-isopropylphenylcarbamoyl)ethenyl)-4,6-dichlor oindole -2- carboxylic acid; (E)-3-[2-(2,4-difluorophenylcarbamoyl)ethenyl)-4,6- dichloroindole-2-carboxylic acid;

(E)-3-[2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenylcarbamoyl)ethenyl)-4,6-dichl oroindole-2-carboxyl ic acid; and physiologically acceptable salts thereof e.g. sodium or potassium salts and metabolically labile esters thereof. The compounds of formula (I) and or physiologically acceptable salts thereof are excitatory amino acid antagonists. More particularly they are potent antagonists at the strychnine insensitive glycine binding site associated with the NMDA receptor complex. As such they are potent antagonists of the NMDA receptor complex. Moreover the compounds of the invention exhibit an advantageous profile of activity including good bioavailibiiity. These compounds are therefore useful in the treatment or prevention of neurotoxic damage or neurodegenerative diseases. Thus the compounds are useful for the treatment of neurotoxic injury which follows cerebral stroke, thromboembolic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, cerebral ischemia, cerebral vasospam, hypoglycemia, anaesia, hypoxia, anoxia, perinatal asphyxia cardiac arrest. The compounds are useful in the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as; Huntingdon's disease, Alzheimer's senile dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Glutaric Acidaemia type, multi-infarct dementia, status epilecticus, coπtusive injuries (e.g. spinal cord injury), viral infection induced neurodengeration , (e.g. AIDS, encephalopaties), Down syndrome, epilepsy,

schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, pain, neurogenic bladder, irritative bladder disturbances, drug dependency, including withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, cocaine, opiates- nicotine, benzodiazepine.

The potent and selective action of the compound of the invention at the strychnine- insensitive glycine binding site present on the NMDA receptor complex may be readily determined using conventional test procedures. Thus the ability to bind at the strychnine insensitive glycine binding site was determined using the procedure of Kishimoto H et al. J Neurochem 1981, 37 1015-1024. The selectivity of the action of compounds of the invention for the strychnine insensitive glycine site was confirmed in studies at other ionotropic known excitatory amino acid receptors. Thus compound of the invention were found to show little or no affinity for the kainic acid (kainate) receptor, a-amino- 3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-proprionic acid (AMPA) receptor or at the NMDA binding site. Compounds of the invention have also been found to inhibit NMDA induced convulsions in mice using the procedure Chiamulera C et al. Psychopharmacofogy (1990) 102, 551-552.

The neuroprotective activity of compounds of the invention has also been demonstrated in the middle cerebral artery occulsion preparation in mice, using the procedure described by Chiamulera C et al. European Journal of Pharmacology 216 (1992) 335-336. The compound was active when administered either pre-ischemia or post ischemia.

The invention therefore provides for the use of a compound of formula (I) and or physrologically acceptable salt or metabolically labile ester thereof for use in therapy and in particular use as medicine for antagonising the effects of excitatory amino acids upon the NMDA receptor complex.

The invention also provides for the use of a compound of formula (I) and/or a physiologically acceptable salt or metabolically labile ester thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for antagonising the effects of excitatory amino acids upon the NMDA receptor complex.

According to a further aspect the invention also provides for a method for antagonising the effects of excitatory amino acids upon the NMDA receptor complex, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof an antagonistic amount of a compound of formula (I) and/or a physiologically acceptable salt or metabolically labile ester thereof.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that reference herein to treatment extends to prophylaxis as well as the treatment of established diseases or symptoms.

It will further be appreciated that the amount of a compound of the invention required for use in treatment will vary with the nature of the condition being treated the route of administration and the age and the condition of the patient and will be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician. In general however doses employed for adult human treatment will typically be in the range of 2 to 800mg per day, dependent upon the route of administration. Thus for parenterai administration a daily dose will typically be in the range 20-1 OOmg preferably 60-80mg per day. For oral administration a daily dose will typically be within the range 200-800mg e.g. 400-600mg per day.

The desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or as divided doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example as two, three, four or more sub-doses per day.

While it is possible that, for use in therapy, a compound of the invention may be administered as the raw chemical it is preferable to present the active ingredient as a pharmaceutical formulation.

The invention thus further provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or metabilcially labile ester thereof together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers therefor and, optionally, other therapeutic and/or prophylactic ingredients. The carrier(s) must be 'acceptable' in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

The compositions of the invention include those in a form especially formulated for oral, buccal, parenterai, inhalation or insufflation, implant, or rectal administration. Parenterai administration is preferred.

Tablets and capsules for oral administration may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, for example, syrup, accacia, gelatin, sorbitol, tragacanth, mucilage of starch or polyvinylpyrrolidone; fillers, for example, lactose, sugar, microcrystalline cellulose, maize-starch, calcium phosphate or sorbitol; lubricants, for example, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, talc, polyethylene glycol or silica; disintegrants, for example, potato starch or sodium starch glycollate, or wetting agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate. The tablets

may be coated according to methods well known in the art. Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspensions, solutions emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be presented as a dry product for constitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, for example, sorbitol syrup, methyl cellulose, glucose/sugar syrup, gelatin, hydroxyethyicellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, aluminium stearate gel or hydrogenated edible fats; emulsifying agents, for example, lecithin, sorbitan mono-oleate or acacia; non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), for example, almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, oily esters, propylene glycol or ethyl alcohol; and preservatives, for example, methyl, or propyl p- hydroxybenzoates or ascorbic acid. The compositions may also be formulated as suppositories, e.g. containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides. For buccal administration the composition may take the form of tablets or lozenges formulated in conventional manner.

The composition according to the invention may be formulated for parenterai administration by injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection may be presented in unit dose form in ampoules, or in multi-dose containers with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions, or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formulatory agents such as suspending, stabilising and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively the active ingredient may be in powder form for constitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g. sterile, pyrogen-free water, before use. For administration by inhalation the compounds according to the invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurised packs, with the use of a suitable propellant, such as dichlorodϊfluoromethane, tirchlorofluoromethane, dichloro-tetrafiuoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable propellant, such as dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichloro-tetrafiuoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas, or from a nebuliser. In the case of a pressurised aerosol the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount.

Alternatively, for administration by inhalation or insufflation, the compounds according to the invention may take the form of a dry powder

composition, for example a powder mix of the compound and a suitable carrier such as lactose or starch. The powder composition may be presented in unit dosage form in for example capsules or cartridges of e.g. gelatin, or blister packs from which the powder may be administered with the aid of an inhaler or insufflator.

The composition according to the invention may also be formulated as a depot preparation. Such long acting formulations may be administered by implantation (for example subcutaneously or intramuscularly) or by intramuscular injection. Thus for example, the compounds of the invention may be formulated with suitable polymeric or hydrophobic materials (for example as an emulsion in an acceptable oil) or ion exchange resins, or as sparingly soluble derivatives, for example, as a sparingly soluble salt.

The compositions according to the invention may contain between 0.1 - 99% of the active ingredient, conveniently from 30^ 95% for tablets and . capsules and 3-50% for liquid preparations.

Compounds of general formula (I) and salts thereof may be prepared by the general methods outlined hereinafter. In the following description, the groups R, R ₁ and R ₂ are as defined for the compounds of formula (I) unless otherwise stated. Compounds of formula (I) wherein A is an optionally substituted ethenyl group may be prepared from compound (II) in which R, m and n have the means given above, R3 is a carboxyl protecting group, and R4 is a hydrogen atom or a C-| _4alkyl group.

by reaction with an appropriate phosphorus ylide capable of converting the group CR4O into the group ACOXR2 wherein X and R2 have the meanings defined above for formula (I) followed where necessary or desired by removal of the carboxyl protecting group. Suitable carboxyl protecting groups include allyl, alkyl, trichloroalkyl, trialkylsilylalkyl or arymethyl groups such as benzyl, nitrobenzyl or trityl. In one embodiment of this process the reaction may be carried using a phosphorus ylide of formula (III)

wherein R5 is an alkyl or phenyl group, and X and R3 have the meanings defined above.

The reaction is carried out in aprotic solvent such as acetonitrile or an ether such as 1,4-dioxane and preferably with heating e.g. 40-120^.

In a further embodiment of the process the reaction is carried out using a phosphorus ylide of formula (IV)

(r 0) ₂ 0P=∞0>«, ^ Re

wherein Rg represents hydrogen or C-^alkyi. R7 represents C1.4al.cyl and X and R3 have the meanings defined. The reaction is carried out in an aprotic solvent such as tetrahydrofuran and optionally with heating.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein A is an optionally substituted cyclopropyl group may be prepared by treating the oiefin (V)

(V)

wherein R, Rβ, R4, Rg, and m have the meanings defined above and RQ is a hydrogen atom or a C-^alkyl group, with the diazo derivative (VI), wherein the groups X and R2 are as defined above, followed where necessary or desirable by removal of the carboxyl protecting group R3. The reaction is carried out in a solvent such as 1 ,2-dϊmethoxyethane and in the presence of a Rhodium (11) catalyst such as rhodium acetate or pivalate.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein A is an ethynyl group may be prepared by reaction of the alkyne of formula (VII)

wherein R, m X and R2 have the meanings defined in formula (I) and Rg represents the group (CH3)3SiCH2CH2θCH2-, with hydrochloric acid in ethanol, followed by reaction with a suitable base such as lithum hydroxide. Compounds of formula (I) or protected derivatives thereof may be converted into other compounds of the invention.

Thus compounds of formula (I) wherein A is an unsubstituted ethenyl group with the cis configuration may be prepared from the corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein A is ethynyl by reduction using hydrogen and palladium on a calcium carbonate/lead oxide support as catalyst.

Compounds of formula (I) wherein A is an optionally substituted cyclopropyl group may be prepared by reaction a compound of formula (I) wherein A is an optionally substituted ethenyl group, or a protected derivative thereof, e.g. an ester thereof with diazomethane in the presence of palladium acetate, followed where necessary or desired by the removal of any protecting group. The reaction is carried out in an aprotic solvent e.g. dichloromethane and/or an ether and preferably at a temperature within the range 0-20°. In any of the above reactions the carboxyl protecting group R3 may be removed by conventional procedures known for removing such groups. Thus the group R3 may be removed by hydrolysis using an alkali metal hydroxide e.g. lithium hydroxide in a solvent such as ethanol, followed where desired or necessary by that addition of a suitable acid e.g. hydrochloric acid to give the corresponding free carboxylic acid. Physiologically acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by treating the acid with the appropriate base e.g. alkali or alkaline earth metal hydroxide in an appropriate solvent such as an alkanoi e.g. methanol.

Metabolically labile esters of compounds of formula (I) may be prepared by esterification of the carboxylic acid group or a salt thereof or by trans esterfication using conventional procedures. Thus for example acyioxyalkyl esters may be prepared by reacting the free carboxylic acid or a salt thereof with the appropriate acyloxylalkyl halide in a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide. For the esterifcation of the free carboxyl group this reaction

is preferably carried out in the presence of a quaternary ammonium halide such as tetrabutylammonium chloride or benzyltriethyiammonium chloride.

Aminoalkyl esters may be prepared by transesterfication of a corresponding alkyl ester e.g. methyl or ethyl ester by reaction with the corresponding aminoalkanol at an elevated temperature e.g. 50-150°.

Compounds of formula (II) wherein R3 is a carboxyl protecting group, R4 is hydrogen may be prepared by treating the corresponding indole (VIII).

(vlll) wherein R and m are as defined in formula (I) with N- methylformaniiide and phosphorous oxychloride in a solvent such as 1 ,2-dichloroethane.

Compounds of formula (II) wherein R3 is a carboxyl protecting group, R4 is alkyl and n is zero may be prepared by treating the indole (VIII) with the amide (CH3)2NCOR4 and phosphorous oxychloride in a suitable solvent. Compounds of formula (V) may be prepared by treating the corresponding compound of formula (II) with a reagent capable of introducing the group

CR ₄ =CR6R8-

Thus reaction of a compound of formula (II) witn the triphenylphospine derivative Ph3P ⁺ CH2R6 Br in the presence of a suitable base such as butyl lithum and in an aprotic solvent will give the corresponding compound of formula (V) wherein R3 is hydrogen.

Compounds of formula (V) wherein R4 represents hydrogen and Rg and Rs independently represent C-^alkyl may be prepared by treating a compound of formula (II) in which R4 represents hydrogen with the disubstituted ylide RβRs ^" C-P ⁺ Ph3 in a suitable solvent such as N,N-dimethylformamide. Preferably the disubstituted ylide is prepared in situ by treating the trimethylsilyl derivative (CH3)3SiCR6RsP ⁺ Ph3 Y" wherein Y is an anion, with cesium fluoride. The trimethylsilyl derivative may be prepared by the method of Bestmann and Bomhard. Angew Chem. Int. Ed. Eng. 21 (1982) NO. 7 pages 545-546. Compounds of formula (V) wherein R4, Rg and RQ are each an alkyl group may be prepared from the corresponding compound of formula (II) by reaction with the pheπylsulphonate (PhS0 CHRgRg). The reaction may be carried out using

the general reaction procedure described by Julia and Paris. Tetrahedron

Letters No. 49, 4833-4836 1973.

The compounds of formula (VII) may be prepared by reaction of the bromo acid

(IX)

with the appropriate isocyanate R2NCO or chloroformate R2OCOCI in the presence of a suitable base such as t-butyl lithium and, in an aprotic solvent such as. tetrahydrofuran and subsequent reaction of the crude reaction product with trimethylsilyldiazemethane ((CH3)3SiCHN2). The bromo (IX) acid may be prepared from the indole (II) wherein R4 is hydrogen by the following reaction sequence.

(H)

(X) (XI)

^χ >

The compounds of formula (IX) may be prepared by alkaline hydrolysis of the corresponding ester (X). The ester (X) may be prepared from the corresponding dibromothene (XI) by reaction with a suitable base such as lithium bis-trimethylsilylamide in a solvent such as an ether e.g. tetrahydrofuran. The dibromoethene (XI) may be prepared from the corresponding aldehyde (XII) by reaction with triphenylphospine and carbon tetrabromide in a solvent such as dichloromethane. The N-protected indole (XII) may be prepared from the indole (II; R4=H) by reaction with trimethylsilylethoxymethylchloride in the presence of a base such as sodium bis-trimethylsilylamide in a polar aprotic solvent such as dimethylformamide.

The indoles of formula (VIII) are either known compounds or may be prepared by anaiogus methods to these described for the known compounds. In order that the invention may be more fully understood the following examples are given by way of illustration only.

In the Intermediates and Examples unless otherwise stated: Melting points (m.p.) were determined on a Gallenkamp m.p. apparatus and are uncorrected .All temperature refer to C.lnfrared spectra were mesured on a FT-IR instrument. Proton Magnetic Resonance ( ¹ H-NMR) spetra were recorded at 300 MHz, chemical shifts are reported in ppm downfield (d) from Me4Si, used as internal standard , and are assigned as singlets (s), doublets (d), doublets of doublets (dd), triplets (t), quartets (q) or multiplets (m). Colum chromathography was carrier out over silica gel (Merck AG Darmstaadt, Germany). The following abbrevietions are used in text: EA = ethyl acetate, CH = cyclohexane, DCM = dichlormethane, DBU = 1,8 diazabicyclo [5.4.0]undec- 7-ene. DMF = NM -dimethylformamide , T H F = tetrahydrofuran, LiOH.H ₂ lithium hydroxide monohydrate. Tic refers to a thin layer chromatography on silica plates. Solution were dried over anhydrous sodium sulphate.

Intermediate I

Ethyl 4.6-dichloroindole-2-carboxylate

To a solution of ethyl pyruvate (2.05 ml), in absolute ethanol (38 ml), concentrated sulphuric acid (0.5 ml) was added slowly under vigorous stirring. The resulting mixture was stirred at 23 for 10 minutes, then 3,5- dichlorophenylhydraziπe hydrochloride (4g) was added portionwise. The mixture was heated to reflux for 4 hours, cooled to 23°, poured into cold water (500 ml) and extracted with diethyl ether (3 X 300 ml). The organic layers were separated and dried. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the 2-(3,5-dichlorophenylhydrazone)propionic acid ethyl ester as yellow solid (5g; tic DCM, Rf=0.79, 0.47) in E and Z isomers mixture. The solid was added to polyphosphoric acid (20 g) under stirring and the mixture was heated at 45° for 20 minutes to give a brown product which was crystallized by 95% ethanol (300 ml) to obtain the title compound as a yellow-brown solid (3.3 g;m.p.180°; Tic DCM, Rf=0.54). IR(CDCI ₃ ) Vmax(cm- )3440(NH), 1772- 1709(C=O).

Intermediate 2

Ethyl 3-formyl-4.6-dichloroindole-2-carboxylate

A solution of N-methyl formanilide (5.19 g) and phosporous oxychloride (5.53g) was stirred at 23° for 15 minutes. 1,2- Dichloroethane (60ml) and intermediate I (6g) were added and the resulting suspension was stirred at 80° for 6 hours.The reaction mixture was poured into a 50% aqueous solution of sodium acetate (300 ml) to give , by filtration, the title compound as a yellow solid (4.1 g; tic EA CH:4/6, Rf=0.4).

Intermediate 3

Ethyl 3-formyl-1-f2-trimethylsilyl-ethoxymethvπ-4.6-dichloroindol e-2-carboxylate acid

To a cooled solution of intermediate (2) (700 mg) in dry DMF (20ml) at 0° was added lithium bis-trimethylsilylamide (3.7 ml), 1M solution) in THF. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes at0°, then tri-methylsilylethoxymethyl chloride

(0.817g) was added. After one hour the resulting mixture was poured into water

(25 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 20 ml). The combined organic layers were dried and concentrated under vacuum. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel to afford the title compound (950 mg) as a pale yellow solid.

Rf = 0.3EA CH: 1.9.

Intermediate 4 Ethyl 3-f2.2-dibromovinyl.-1-(trimethylsilyl-ethoxymethvπ-4.6-dic hloroindole-2- carboxylate

Intermediate 3 (300 mg) was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (7 ml) and the solution was cooled to -15° with an ice/salt bath. Then, triphenylphosphine (1.14 g)-and carbon tetrabromide (719 ml) were added and the resulting solution was stirred for 1.5 hrs, while the temperature was gradually increased to o°. Saturated NH ₄ CI (20 ml) was then added, the two phases separated and the water phase extracted twice with dichloromethane. The combined organic phase was dried, concentrated and the obtained residue was passed through a silica gel pad (CH/EA:9/1) to give the title compound (390 mg) as a yellow oil. Rf = 0.62 CH/EA: 9/1

Intermediate 5

Ethyl 3-bromoethvnyl-1-(2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl.-4.6-dichlori ndole-2- carboxylate Intermediate 4 was dissolved in dry THF (50 ml) and the solution was cooled to 0° in an ice/water bath. Lithium bis trimethylsilylamide (7.6 ml, 1.0 M sol. in THF) was slowly added from a syringe, the mixture stirred at 0° for 30 minutes and then quenched with saturated NH ₄ CI (20 ml). Ethyl acetate was added, the two phases separated and the organic layer washed with 1 N hydrochloric acid, dried and concentrated to dryness. The crude product was purified by column chromatography to give the title compound (2.9 g) as a yellow oil. Rf = 0.35 CH/EA: 95/5

Intermediate 6 3-Bromoethynyl-1-.2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyl.-4.6-dichloro indole-2-carboxylic acid

Intermediate 5 (2.9 g) was dissolved in ethanol 95% (40 ml), then LiOH-H ₂ 0 was added and the solution was stirred overnight at 80°. The reaction mixture was then concentrated to dryness and the resulting residue washed with 1 N HCI. After filtration the obtained solid was washed with water and dried over

P ₂ 0 ₅ to yield the title compound (2.6 g) as a white solid.

IR(Nujol)V _max (cm- ¹ ) 1676(C=0), 1600(C=C)

¹ - H-NMR(DMSO) 14.00(s), 7.90(d), 7.38(d), 5.92(s), 3.41 (t), 0.76(t), -0.13(s)

Intermediate 7

Methyl 3-phenylcarbamoylethvnyl-1-(2-trimethylsilylethoxymethyπ-4. 6- dichlorooindole-2-carboxylate

Intermediate 6 (454 mg) was dissolved in dry THF (15 ml) and the solution cooled to -78°. A solution of t-butyl-lithium (1.3 ml, 1.7M in hexane) was slowly added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 2 hrs. Phenylisocyanate (0.12 ml) was then, added and the mixture was gradually warmed to room temperature and stirred for 3 hrs. The reaction was quenched with saturated NH ₄ CI and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with 1N HCI, water and brine, dried and concentrated to dryness. The crude product was then, solubilized in dichloromethane (8 ml) and methanol (2

ml) and treated at room temperature with Me ₃ SiCHN ₂ (1.2 ml, 1.OM sol. in hexane). After 30 min of stirring, the solution was concentrate to dryness and the crude material was purifyed by flash chromatography (CH/EA:85/5) to give the title compound (230 mg,) as a yellow solid.

Intermediate 8 fB-Ethyl 3-f2-(phenylcarbamovπethenvn-1-.2-trimethylsilylethoxymethy l.-4.6- dichloroindole-2-carboxylate

To a cooled (o°) solution of (E)-EthyU3-[2-(phenylcarbamoyl)ethenyl]-4,6- dichloroindole-2-carboxylate (300 mg) in dry DMF (25 ml) a solution of sodium bis-(trimethyisilyl) amide (1M;0.0814ml) was added dropwise. The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes then cooled to 0°. Trimethylsilylethoxymethylchloride (185 mg) was added, and the reaction was stirred for one hour at room temperature. The resulting solution was poured in H ₂ 0 (20 ml) and extracted with diethylether (15 ml x 3). The organic layers were dried, concentrated under vacuum and the product isolated by chromatography on silica gel(CH/EA:83/15) to give the title compound (311 mg). Rf = 0.35 CH/EA:85/15

Intermediate 9

Ethyl 3-ff2-phenylcarbamoyl.-propenvn-1-f2-trimethylsilylethoxymet hvπ-4.6- dichloroindole-2-carboxylate

P,P-Diethyl 2-phosphono-propananilide (644mg) was dissovled in anhydrous

DMF (10ml) and the resulting solution cooled to 0 ⁹ and treated with LiN(Me ₃ Si) ₂ (2.3ml of a 1.OM solution in THF) for 1.5 hour. Intermediate 3 (784mg), separately dissolved in dry DMF (8ml) was added to it and sitrring continued overnight. The reaction was quenched by pouring it into 50ml of saturated NH ₄ CI; the aqueous phase was then extracted with ethyl acetate and the organic layer washed with 1N hydrochloric acid, water and brine, dried, filtered and concentrated. Final purification by column chromatography yielded the title compound (660mg) as an off-white solid. Rf=0.35, CH/EA 8.5/1.5

Example 1 A fB Ethyl-3-r2-(phenylcarbamoyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroiπdole-2- carboxylate

DBU (319mg) was added to a stirred suspension of phenylcarbamoymethyl triphenylphosphoniumbromide (1g) in acetonitrile (10ml) at under nitrogen. Stirring was continued at 0° for 15 minutes then intermediate 2 (680 mg) was added and the mixture refluxed for 6 hours. After dilution with dichloromethane (15ml), the formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound (380 mg ;tlc EA/CH:3/7, Rf=0.5) as a white solid. IR(Nujol) V _max (cm- ¹ )3305-3288(NH), 1678-1662(C=0), 1627-1601 (C=C). ^" Η- NMR (DMSO) 12.61 (s), 10.20 (s), 8.27(d), 7.73(d), 7.52(d), 7.36- 7.30(m), 7.06(m), 6.77(d), 4.39 (q), 1.36(t).

Example 1 B

(E.Ethyl 3-f2-f4-trifluoromethylphenylcarbamoyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroi ndole-2- carboxylate

To a stirred. suspension of 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenylcarbamoyl- methyltriphenylphosphonium chloride (0.99 g) in acetonitrile (10 ml) at 0° under nitrogen, DBU (0.3g) was added. Stirring was continued at 0° for 25 minutes then intermediate 2 (0.56 g) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 8 h.

After dilution with dichloromethane (20ml), the formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound (0.6g;) tic EA/CH:4/6 Rf=0.49 ) as a white solid.

IR(Nujol) Vmax(cnrr ¹ ) 3310(NH),1676(C=O),1632,1612(C=C).

Example 1 C

■ E.Ethyl 3-f2-f2-isopropylphenyl.carbamoylethenvn-4.6-dichloroindole- 2- carboxylate

To a stirred suspension of (2-isopropylphenyl)carbamoyl- phenylmethyltriphenylphosphonium chloride (0.83g) in acetonitrile (10 mi) at 0° under nitrogen, DBU was added.Stirring was continued at 0° for 20 minutes then intermediate 2 (0.5g) was added and the mixture refluxed for 4 h. After dilution with dichloromethane (20ml) the formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound (340 mg; tic EA/CH:4/6 Rf = 0.53) as a white solid.

IR(Nujol)Vmax(cm- )3304(NH), 1676,1659 (C=0).

Example 1 D

,E.Ethyl 3-f2-(2-nitrophenylcarbamoyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroindole-2-ca rb oxylate To a stirred suspension of (2-nitropheny!)carbamoylmethyl- triphenylphosphoπium chloride (0.75g) in acetonitrile (10 ml) at 0° under nitrogen, DBU (238mg) was added. Stirring was continued at 0° for 20 minutes then intermediate 2 (0.45g) was added and the mixture refluxed for 4 h. After dilution with dichloromethane (20ml) the formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound (420 mg; tic EA/CH:4/6 Rf = 0.55) as a yellow solid.

IR(Nujol) Vmax(cm- ¹ ) 3348-3308(NH), 1672(C=0), 1607-1590 (C=C), 1556- 1346(N02).

Example 1 E

(B Ethyl 3-f2-f2-methyl-4-methoxyphenylaminocarbonyl.ethenyl1-4.6- dichloroindole- 2-carboxylate To a suspension of (2-methyl-4-methoxyphenyl)aminocarbonylmethyl- triphenylphosphonium chloride (0.998 g) in acetonitrile (15 ml) at 0° under nitrogen, DBU (0.32 g) was added. Stirring was continued at 0° for 25 minutes then intermediate 2 (0.6 g) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 3 hours. After dilution with dichloromethane (20 ml), the formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound (0.57 g; tic EA/CH:4/6 Rf=0.34) as an off- white solid. IR(Nujol)V _rnax (cιτr )3302-3246(NH) ₁ 1678-1659(C=0), 1624(C=C).

Example 1 F (E) Ethyl 3-f2-(2-hydroxyphenylaminocarbonvflethenyll-4.6-dichloroindo l e-2- carboxylate

To a suspension of (2-hydroxyphenyl)aminocarbonylmethyl- triphenylphosphonium chloride (0.94 g) in acetonitrile (15 ml) at 0°C under nitrogen, DBU (0.32 g) was added. Stirring was continued at 0° for 25 minutes then intermediate 2 (0.6 g) was added and the mixture was stirred for 24 h at room temperature. The suspension was evaporated to dryness and the residue ^" purified by flash- chromatography (EA/CH:3/7 then 4/6) giving the title compound (0.37 g; tic EACH:4/6 Rf=0.39) as a beige solid. IR(Nujol)V _max (cnrr ¹ )3317-3290(NH), 1678-1655(C=0), 1618(C=C).

Example 1G

(E) Ethyl3-f2-f3.4-dimethoxyphenylaminocarbonyl.ethenvn-4.6-dich loroindole-2- carboxylate

To a suspension of (3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)aminocarbonyimethyl- triphenylphosphonium chloride (0.69 g) in acetonitrile (10 ml) at 0° under nitrogen, DBU (0.21 g) was added. Stirring was continued at 0° for 25 minutes then intermediate 2 (0.4 g) was added and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature then refluxed for 3 hours. After dilution with dichloromethane (20 ml), the formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound (0.457 g; tic EA/CH:4/6 Rf = 0.20) as a yellow solid.

IR(Nujol)V _max (cm- ¹ )3317-3254(NH), 1678(C=0), 1620-1600 (C=C).

Example 1 H

■ E) Ethyl 3-f2-(4-ethoxyphenylaminocarbonvflethenyl]-4,6-dichloroindol e-2- carboxylate

To a suspension of (4-ethoxyphenyl)aminocarbonylmethyl- triphenylphosphonium chloride (0.67 g) in acetronitrile (10 ml) at 0° under nitrogen, DBU (0.21 g) was added. Stirring was continued at 0° for 25 minutes then intermediate 2 (0.6 g) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 28 hours. After dilution with dichloromethane (20 ml), the formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound ) (0.265 g; tic EA/CH:4/6 Rf = 0.41) as a light yellow solid. IR(Nujol)V _max (cm- ¹ )3321-3260(NH), 1676(C=0), 1622(C=C).

Example 11

■E. Ethyl 3-f2-f2.4-difluorophenylaminocarbonyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroin dole-2- carboxylate

To a suspension of (2,4-difluorophenyl)aminocarbonylmethyl- triphenylphosphonuim chloride (0.655 g) in acetonitrile (10 ml) at 0 ⁹ under nitrogen, DBU (0.21 g) was added. Stirring was continued at 0°C for 25 minutes then intemediate 2 (0.4g) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 26 hours. After dilution with dichloromethane (20 ml), the. formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound (0 42 g; tic EA/CH:4/6 Rf=0.54) as a light yellow solid. IR(Nujol)V _max (cπrr ¹ )3298(NH), 1678-1661 (C=0), 1624(C=C).

Example U

(B Ethyl 3-f2-f2-fluoro-5-nitrophenylaminocarbonyl.ethenyl1-4.6-dichl oroindole- 2-carboxylate To a suspension of (2-fluoro-4-nitrophenyl)aminocarbonylmethyl- triphenylphosphonium chloride (0.52 g) in acetonitrile (10 ml) atO° under nitrogen, DBU (0.16 g) was added. Stirring was continued at 0° for 25 minutes then intermediate 2 (0.3 g) was added and the mixture was refluxed for 18 hours. After dilution with dichloromethane (20 ml), the formed precipitate was collected by filtration giving the title compound (0.34 g; tic EA/CH :4/6 Rf = 0.41) as a beige solid. IR(Nujol)n _rnax (cm- ¹ )3300(NH), 1680-1666(C=0), 1545-1377(N0 ₂ )

Example 2A fB3-f2-fPhenylcarbamoyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroindole-2-carboxy lic acid

To a solution of Example 1A (250mg) in ethanol (2.5ml), lithium hydroxide (104mg) was added at 23°. The reaction was stirred at 50° for 6 hours then the solvent was evaporated and the residue dissolved in water (5 ml). The aqueous layer was acidified with 1 N hydrocloric acid until a white solid precipitated. The latter was collected by filtration and dried to give the title compound as a white solid (230 mg).

IRfπujol) Vmaxfcm- ¹ ) 3402-3281-3192 (OH.NH), 1661 (C=0), 1607-1579 (C=C). ¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 12.4 (s), 10.1 (s), 8.50(d), 7.74(d), 7.48(s), 7.27(t), 7.16(s), 7.11 (d), 6.99(t).

Using the same, general, procedure the following compounds were prepared:

Example 2B fB3-r2-fTrifluoromethylphenylcarbamoyl.ethenyl1-4.6- dichloroindole-2- carboxylic acid

Starting from Example 1 B (585 mg), the title compound was obtained as a light brown solid (520 mg).

IR(nujol) Vmaxfcnrr ¹ ) 3430-3000(NH,OH), 1700-1678(C=0), 1636- 1614(C=C). H-NMR (DMSO) 14-13.5(s), 12.55(s), 10.54(s), 8.37(d), 7.91 (d), 7.67(d), 7.48(d), 7.30(d), 6.86(d),

Example 2C fE.3-f2-(2-lsopropylphenylcarbamoyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroindo le-2- carboxylic acid, dilithium salt

Starting from Example 1C (317 mg), the title compound was obtained as a light brown solid (288 mg).

IR(nujol) Vmax(crτr ¹ ) 366KNH.OH), 1610(C=O).

¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 12.1 (s), 9.39(s), 8.57(d), 7.57(s), 7.38-7.28(m), 7.28-7.10(m),

3.25(m), 1.15(d).

Example 2D _ fE)3-f2-f2-Nitrophenylcarbamoyl.etheπvn-4.6-dichloroindole- 2- carboxylic acid Starting from Example 1 D (440 mg), the title compound was obtained as a yellow solid (290 mg). IR(nujol) Vmax(cm- ¹ ) 3234(NH,OH), 1684-1636(C=0), 1639(C=C). ¹ H-

NMR (DMSO) 12.2(s), 10.51 (s), 8.59(d), 7.95(dd), 7.81 (dd), 7.69(m), 7.48(d), 7.38-7.28(m), 7.20(d).

Example 2E (E) 3-f2-.2-Methyl-4-methoxyphenylaminocarbonyl.ethenvπ-4.6-dic n loroindole-

2- carboxylic acid

Starting from Example 1E (0.54 g), the title compound was obtained as a yellow solid (0.39 g). -

IR(Nujol)V _max (cm-1)3279(NH,OH), 1703-1661 (C=0), 1630(C=C). ¹ H-NMR(DMSO) 12.41 (s), 9.39(s), 8.26(d), 7.48(d), 7.36(d), 7.27(d), 6.90(d),

6.80(d), 6.75(dd), 3.73(s), 2.19(s).

Example 2F

(E. 3-f2-f2-Hvdroxyphenylaminocarbonyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroindol e- 2- carboxylic acid

Starting from Example 1 F (0.34 g), the title compound was obtained as a yellow-brown solid (0.33 g).

IR(Nujol)V _max (cm- ¹ )3150(NH,OH), 1736-1656(C=0), 1630(C=C).

¹ H-NMR(DMS0) 12.56(s), 9.97(s), 9.76(s), 8.24(s), 7.8(d), 7.49(d), 7.30(d), 6.96(d), 6.96(td), 6.88(dd), 6.79(td).

Example 2G

■B 3-f2-f3.4-Dimethoxyphenylaminocarbonyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroi ndole-2- carboxylic acid

Starting from example 1G (0.4 . g), the title compound was obtained as a light yeilow solid (0.38g).

.IR(Nujθ!)V _max (crτr ^'l )3420-2381 (NH), 1690-1680(0=0), 1620-1607(C=C). 1H-NMR(DMSO) 13.8-13.6(s), 12.53(s), 10.08(s), 8.23(d), 7.47(m), 7.29(d),

7.20(dd), 6.89(d), 6.74(d), 3.37(s), 3.70(s).

Example 2H

( ^" B 3-f2f4-Ethoxyphenylaminocarbonyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroindole- 2-carboxylic acid IV

Starting from example 1H (0.25 g), the title compound was obtained as a light yellow solid (0.22 g).

IR(Nujol)n _max (cm- ^*, )3248(NH,OH), 1663(0=0), 1632-1610(C=C). IH-NMR(DMSO) 13.7(s), 12.50(s), 10.04(s), 8.22(d), 7.61 (d), 7.47(d), 7.29(d),

6.86(d), 6.74(d), 3.97(q), 1.29(t).

Example 21

(B 3-f2-f2.4-Difluorophenylaminocarbonyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroin dole-2- carboxylic acid

Starting from example 11 (0.41 g), the title compound was obtained as a light yellow solid (0.37 g). IR(Nujol)n _max (cm- )3431-3233(NH,OH), 1707-1678(C=0), 1612(C=C).

IH-NMR(DMSO) 14.0-13.6(s), 12.54(s), 9.99(s), 8.29(d), 7.97(m), 7.48(d),

7.30(m), 7.29(d), 7.07(m), 6.90(d).

Example 3 Methyl-3-f2-rphenylcarbamovπethylnvn-4.6-dichlorindole-2-ca rboxylate

Intermediate 7 was dissolved in ethanol 95% (18 ml) then HCI (18 ml; 5 N) was added dropwise and. the solution was refluxed for 3 hrs. After addition of ethyl acetate (50 ml) the two phases were separated and the organic layer washed with water (2 x 40 ml), dried and purified by chromatography. The white solid (140 mg) obtained was dissolved in THF (4 ml), water (2 ml) and stirred at room

temperature for 10 minutes. After cooling to 8°, LiOH-H ₂ 0 (42 mg) was added, the obtained mixture was stirred for 1 h. then poured into a solution of 0.01 N

HCI and extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic layers were dried and concentrated under reduced pressure to give a residue which was titurated in ether affording the title compound (100 mg) as a white solid.

Rf = 0.18 CE/EA: 70/30

IR(Nujol)V _max (cm- ^" l)3273(NH), 2220(C=C), 1686(C=C), 1636(C=0). IH-NMR(DMSO) 13.5(s), 10.71 (s), 7.68(m), 7.52(m), 7.40(d), 7.35(m), 7.11 (m),

3.96(s).

Example 4

3-f2-Phenylcarbamoyl.ethvnvn-4.6-dichloroindole2-carboxyl ic acid

A mixture of -Example 3 (100 mg) tetrahydrofuran (4 ml), water (2 ml) and LiOH-

H ₂ 0 (39 mg) was stirred at 45° for 12 hrs. Then, it was poured into water (15 ml) and HCI (0.05 M, 5 ml) was added dropwise under stirring. The obtained precipitate was collected by filtration to give the title compound as a yellow solid

(63 mg.) m.p. = 207°

IR(Nujol)V _max (cπr ¹ ) 3169(NH-OH), 2240(C=C), 1745(C=0), 1661 (C=0).

I H-NMR(DMSO) 13.05(s), 14.0(s), 12.88(s),10.7(s), 7.67(d), 7.51 (d), 7.35(d), 7.33(m), 7.10(m).

Example 5

■D.L -Trans-ethyl-3-f2-(2-phenylcarbamovhcvclopropyl1-4.6-dichlor oindole-2- carboxylate (a) .D.L..-Trans-ethyl-3-f2-.2-phenylcarbamoyl.cvclopropyn-1-.2- trimethylsilylethoxymethylM.6-dichloroindole-2-carboxylate

To a mixture of Intermediate 8 (0.1 g.) and Palladium(ll)acetate (4 mg) in dichloromethane (10 ml) under nitrogen at 0°, a solution of diazomethane in diethyl ether (8 ml, 0.125M) was added with stirring. A black solid was obtained with effervescence. The reaction was stirred for 15 hours at room temperature then the solvent arid any remaining diazomethane were evaporated under a flow of nitrogen. Dichloromethane was added to the resulting residue which was filtered through celite and evaporated under reduced pressure. Purification by

flash chromatography gave a mixture of starting material and title compound in ratio 0.3:1 (86 mg) as a pale yellow solid.

(b) (D.L..-Trans-ethyl-3-r2-f2-phenylcarbamoyl.cvclopropyn-4.6- dichloroindole-2-carboxylate

HCI (2ml, 5M) was added to the product of Example 5a (66 mg) in ethyl alcohol

(2 ml; 95%) and was stirred under reflux for 2 hours. After cooling, the mixture was poured into cold water (50 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100 ml).

The organic layers were combined, dried and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (tic CH/EA = 6/4; Rf = 0.32).

IR (Nujoi) V ^(cnrr ¹ ) 3312(NH), 1672(C=0), 1648 (0=O), 1599(C=C)

1535(C=C)

¹ H-NMR (CDCIg) 12.1 (s), 10.2(s), 7.60(d), 7.40(d), 7.28(t), 7.01 (m), 4.40(m),

4.25(m), 2.55(m), 1.98(m), 1.49(m), 1.27(t), 1.22(m).

Example 6 fD.L -Traπs-3-r2-phenylcarbamoyl.cvclopropyn-4.6-diichloroindofe -2-carboxylic acid

Starting from -Example 5b (40 mg) and LiOH and using the general procedure of -Example 2a the title compound was obtained as a white solid (23 mg).

IR (Nujol) V maxfcm- ¹ ) 3271 (NH), 1663-1653(C=0), 1599 (C=C).

¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 13.4(s), 11.98(s), 10.11 (s), 7.60(s), 7.37(d), 7.27(t), 7.17(d),

7.00(t), 1.97(m), 1.50(m), 1.47(m), 1.2(m).

Example 7

Ethyl-3-rf2-phenylcarbamovπ-propenvn-4.6-dichloroindole -2-carboxylate

Intermediate 9 (660mg) was dissolved in 95% EtOH (6ml) and treated at reflux with 5N hydrochloric acid (6ml) overnight. The solution was then taken up with ethyl acetate, washed with 1 N hydrochloric acid, water and brine dried filtered and concentrated. Purification by column chromatgoraphy yielded the title compound (220mg) as a white solid.

Rf= 0.30 CH/EA 7.5/2.5

¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 12.48(s,1H), 9.70(s,1H), 7.80-7.72(m,3H), 7.48(d,1H), 7.33(t,2H), 7.26(d,1H), 7.08(m,1H), 4.32(q,2H), 1.79(d,3H), 1.30(t,3H) ppm;

IR (nujol) (V _max =cm- ¹ ) 3317-3288 (str NH), 1678 (str CO).

Example 8

3-f(2-Phenylcarbamoyl.-propenvn-4.6-dichloroindole -2-carboxylic acid Example 7 (210mg) was dissolved in 95% EtOH (6ml) and treated with LiOH- H ₂ 0 (32mg) at 30° for 1.5 days and then at room temperature for 2.5 days. The solution was then concentrated to dryness and treated for 2 hours with 1 N hydrochloric acid. The white precipitate that formed was filtered, dried under high vacuum and then recrystallised from diethyl ethyl to give the title compound (135mg) as a white solid.

¹ H-NMR 13.5(s,1H), 12.37(s,1H), 9.70(s,1H), 7.76(d,2H), 7.75(s,1H), 7.45(d,1 H), 7.31 (t,2H), 7.23(d,1H), 7.06(t,1H), 1.78(d,3H)ppm. IR (nujol) (V ma^cm- ¹ ) 3209(str, NH), 1664 (str, CO).

Example 9

■E. 3-f2-fphenylcarbamovπethenvn-4.6-dichloroindole-2-carboxyli c acid sodium salt

Methanol was added dropwise to a suspension of (E)3-[2- (phenylcarbamoyl)ethenyl]-4,6-dichloroindole-2-carboxylic acid 200mg in 0.5M soldium hydroxide (1.01ml) until a clear solution was obtained. After 15 minutes of stirring, the solution was evaporated to dryness and the residue was dried at

50° for 12 hours to give the title compound as a white solid (150mg).

IR(nujol) Vmaxfcrrr ¹ ) 3404-3126-(NH), 1624(C=O),1600 (C=C). 1H-NMR (DMSO) 11.9(s), 10.06(s), 8.59(d), 7.75(d), 7.44(d), 7.27(f), 7.21 (d),

7.10(d), 6.98(t).

Example 10

■ E.-2-f-2-.N.N-diethylamino.ethvn.3-f2-(phenylaminocarbonvhet henvn-4.6- dichloroindole-2-carboxylate

(E)Ethyl-3-[2-(phenylcarbamoyl)ethenyl]-4,6-dichloroindol e-2-carboxylate (0.3g) and N,N-diethylethanolamine (1.3g) were stirred for 20 minutes before sodium carbonate (0.078g) was added and the mixture heated at 70° for 24hrs. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and the residue left to stand overnight

resulting in a white precipitate. Filtration and crystallisation from ethyl acetate yelded the title compound (0.13g; Rf 0.65 = DCM/MeOH:8.2) as a white solid. lR(nujol) Vmaxfcm- ¹ ) 3300 (NH), 1676(C=0),1624 (C=C). ¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 12.52(s), 10.18(s), 8.22(d), 7.70(d), 7.50(d), 7.32(d), 7.31 (t), 7.04(t), 6.73(d) _r 4.36(t), 2.75(t), 2.49(q), 0.90(t).

Example 11

(B 2-r4-f-2'N-morpholino^ethvn3-f2-fpheπylaminocarbonyl.ethenv n-4.6- dichloroindole-2-carboxylate A mixture of (E) Ethyl-3-[2-(phenylcarbamoyl) ethenyl]-4 _t 6-dichloroindole-2- carboxyfate (400mg), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)morpholine (7ml) and p-toluensulphonic acid (15mg) was stirred at 130° for 120hrs.The mixture was, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 100ml). The organic extracts were dried, concentrated and the precipitate collected to give the title compound as a white solid (110mg Rf 0.51 = DCM/MeOH: 9/1 , m.p=266-267°) .

¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 10.21 (s), 8.28(d), 7.75(d), 7.56-7.35(d,d), 7.35(t), 7.08(t), 6.74(d), 4.46(t), 3.54(m), 2.43(m), 2.70(t).

Example 12 fa. fB-2-ft-Butylcarbonyloxymethyl.3-r2-fphenylaminocarbonvπeth envn-4.6- dichloroiπdole-2-carboxylate

-Example 2 (200mg) was dissolved in DMF (4ml) and tetrabutylammonium chloride (168mg) was added. After stirring 0.5h., chloromethylpϊvalate (118mg) was added dropwise and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 48hrs. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100ml).

The organic layer was washed with brine, dried and evaporated to give a crude product that was purified by flash chromatography to give the title compound as a yellow solid (190mg) m.p. = 205°.

IR(nujol) Vmax^m- ¹ ) . 3383-3308 (NH), 1747 (C=0), 1688 (C=0), 1634- 1603(C=C).

¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 12.75(s), 10.22(s), 8.22(d), 7.73(d), 7.54(d), 7.36(d), 7.33(t),

7.07(t), 6.79(d), 6.02(s), 1.15(s).

Using the same, general procedure the following compound were prepared:

(b) (E.-2-M -π ^" etrahydro-4-pyran-4-yloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl|3-f2-

■Phenylaminocarbonyl.ethenvn-4.6-dichloroindole-2-carbo xylate

From Example 2 (200mg) in dry DMF (11ml), benzyltriethylylammonium chloride

(178mg) and 1-(tetrahydro-4-H-pyran-4-yloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl chloride

(244mg), after 4 days of stirring at room temperature the title compound was obtained as a yellow solid (209mg). m.p. = 209°.

IR(nujol) Vmax(crτr ¹ ) 3300 (NH), 1749 (C=0), 1730 (C=0),

¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 12.73(s), 10.22(s), 8.21 (d), 7.72(d), 7.53(d), 7.34(d), 7.32(t),

7.05(t), 6.90lq), 6.76(d), 4.76(m), 3.72(m), 1.87-1.53(m), 1.61 (d).

■c) .E.-2.1 -■Cvclohexytoxycarbonyloxy thvπ3-.2-

■Phenylaminocarbonyl.ethenyl1-4.6-dichloroindole-2-carb oxylate

From Example 2 (300mg) in dry DMF (8ml), benzyitriethyiammonium chloride

(178mg) and 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl chloride (242mg), after 0.5hrs of stirring at room temperature, the title compound was obtained as a yellow solid (170mg) m.p. = 125°-

IR(nujol) Vmax(cnrr ¹ ) 3300 (NH), 1730 (C=0).

^" Η-NMR (DMSO) 12.71 (sO, 10.21 (s), 8.21 (d), 7.71 (d), 7.51 (d), 7.36-7.26(m),

7.05(t), 6.85(q), 6.76(d), 4.54(m), 1.79(m), 1.51-1.1 (m), 1.6(d).

(d) (E.-2ffMethoxycarbonylmethyl.3-f2-fphenylaminocarbonyl.ethen vn-4.6- dichloroindole-2-carboxylate

From Example 2 (200mg) in dry DMF (4ml), tetrabutylammonium chloride

(168mg) and methyl chloroacetate (85mg), after 48hrs of stirring at room temperature, the title compound was obtained as an off-white solid (21 Omg). m.p. = 241-242°.

IR(nujol) Vmax(crτr ¹ ) 3348(NH), 1749(0=0), 1672(C=0), 1634-1610(C=C).

¹ H-NMR (DMSO) 12.8(s), 10.21 (s), 8.28(d), 7.72(d), 7.54(d), 7.38-7.28(m),

7.06(t), 6.48(d). 5.02(s), 3.73(s).

Pharmacy Examples

A. Capsules/ Tablets

Active ingredient 200. Omg Starch 1500 32.5mg

Microcrystalline Cellulose 60. Omg

Croscarmellose Sodium 6.0mg

Magnesium Stearate 1.5mg

The active ingredient is blended with the other excipients. The blend can be used to fill gelatine capsules or compressed to form tablets using appropriate punches. The tablets can be coated using conventional technqiues and coatings.

The active ingredient is blended with lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and part of the croscarmellose sodium. The blend is granulated with povidone after dispersing in a suitable solvent (i.e. water). The granule, after drying and comminution is blended with the remaining excipients. The blend can be compressed using appropriate punches and the tablets coated using conventional techniques and coatings.

C. Injection Formulation _^

Active ingredient 0.1 - 7.00mg/ml

Sodium phosphate 1.0 - 50.00mg/ml

NaOH qs desidered pH (range 3-10) water for injection qs to 1mf

The formulation may be packed in glass (ampoules) with a rubber stopper (vials, syringes) and a plastic/metal overseal (vials only).

D. Dry Powder for constitution with a suitable vehicle

Active ingredient: 0.1 - lOO.OOmg

Mannitol qs to 0.02 - 5.00mg

packed in glass vials or syringes.with a rubber stopper and (vials only) a plastic metal overseal.

E. Inhalation Cartridges mg/cartridge Active ingredient (micronised) 5.00

Lactose to 25.00

The active ingredient is micronised in a fluid energy mill to a fine particle size range prior to blending with normal tabletting grade lactose in a high energy mixer. The powder blend is filled into a proper unit dose container as blister or capsule for use in a suitable inhalation or insufflation device.

The affinity of the compound of the invention for strychnine insensitvie glycine binding site was determined using the procedure of Kishimoto H. et al J. Neurochem 1981, 37,1015-1024. The pKi values obtained with respresentative compounds of the invention are given in the following table.

Example No. pKi

2a 8.5

2f 8.4

2g 8.1

2h 8.3

2i 8.3

2j 8.0

4 7.7

8 8.32

The ability of compounds of the invention to inhibit NMDA included convulsions in the mouse was determined using the procedure of Chiamulera C et al. Psychopharmacology 1990, 102, 551-552. In this test the ability of the compound to inhibit the generalized seizures induced .by an intracerebroventricular injection of NMDA in mice was examined at a number of dose levels. From these results the dose required to protect 50% of the animals from the convulsive action of the NMDA was calculated,. This expressed as mg kg is referred to as the ED ₅₀ value.

Representative results obtained for compounds of the invention when given by intravenous and oral administration are given in the following table.

Ex No. ED 50 mg/kg

IV po

The compounds of the invention are essentially non toxic at therapeutically use ful doses. Thus for example the compound of Example 9 produced no untoward side effects when administered to rats and mice at doses of 3-30mg/kg iv or 30-300mg kg orally.