BACKGROUND The publications and other materials used herein to illuminate the background of the inven- tion, and in particular, cases to provide additional details respecting the practice, are incorporated by reference.

Mammalian 17a-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17ß-HSDs) are NAD (H) or NADP (H) de- pendent enzymes which catalyse-besides other reactions-the final steps in male and female sex hormone biosynthesis. These enzymes convert inactive 17-keto-steroids into their active 17p- hydroxy-forms or catalyse the oxidation of the 17a-hydroxy-forms into the 17-keto-steroids. Be- cause both estrogens and androgens have the highest affinity for their receptors in the 17p-hydroxy form, 17ß-HSD enzymes play an essential role in the tissue-selective regulation of the activity of sex steroid hormones.

At present, 10 human members of the 17ß-HSD envme family have been described (types 1-5,7, 8,10-12). The human 17, 3-HSD family members share less than 30% similarity in their pri- mary structure. The 17ß-HSDs are expressed in distinct, though in some cases, overlapping pat-

tems. The different types of 17ß-HSDs also differ in their substrate and cofactor specificities. In intact cells in culture, the 17) 3-HSDs catalyse the reaction in a unidirectional way: types 1,3, 5 and 7 use NADP (H) as a cofactor and catalyse the reductive reaction (activation), while types 2,4, 8 and 10 catalyse the oxidative reaction (inactivation) using NAD (H) as a cofactor [see e. g. Labrie et al. (2000) Trends Endocrine) Metab, 11: 421-7, and Adamski & Jakob (2001) Mol Cell Endocrinol, 171: 1-4].

Due to their essential role in the tissue-selective regulation of the activity of sex steroid hor- mones 17ß-HSDs can be involved in the occurrence and development of estrogen-sensitive pa- thologies (f. ex. breast, ovarian, and endometrium cancers etc. ) and androgen-sensitive patholo- gies (f. ex. prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, acne, hirsutism, etc). Furthermore, many types of 173-HSD have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of particular human disor- ders. For example, the 17-HSD3 is known to be involved in the development of pseudohermaph- roditism, the 17ß-HSD8 plays a role in polycystic kidney disease and the 17, 8-HSD4 is related to the occurrence of bifunctional enzyme deficiency. Therefore treatment of sex steroid-sensitive dis- eases by administration of specific inhibitors of the 17w-HSDs enzymes have been suggested, optionally in combination with potent and specific anti-estrogens and anti-androgens [Labrie F et al.

(1997) Steroids, 62: 148-58].

Due to the fact that each type of 17ß-HSD has a selective substrate affinity, directional (re- ductive or oxidative) activity in intact cells, and a particular tissue distribution, the selectivity of drug action could be achieved by targeting a particular 17R-HSD isozyme. By individual modulation of the particular 17ß-HSDs it is possible to influence or even control the local and paracrine concen- tration of estrogens and androgens in different target tissues.

The best characterized member of the 17ß-HSD family is the 17ß-HSD1 [EC 1.1. 1. 62]. This enzyme could be crystallized in different states of functionality (e. g. with and without ligand and/or co-factor). In vitro, the 17ß-HSD1 enzyme catalyses the reduction and the oxidation between es- trone (E1) and estradiol (E2). However, under physiological in vivo conditions the enzyme only catalyses the reductive reaction from the estrone (E1) to the estradiot (E2). The 17ß-HSD1 was found to be expressed in a variety of hormone-dependent tissues, e. g. placenta, mammary gland tissue or uterus and endometrium tissue, respectively. Estradiol itself is, especially in comparison to the significantly less active estrone, a very potent hormone, which regulates the expression of a variety of genes by binding to the nuclear estrogen receptor and plays an essential role in the pro- liferation and differentiation of the target cell. Physiological as well as pathological cell proliferations can be estradiol dependent. Especially many breast cancer cells are stimulated by a locally raised estradiol concentration. Furthermore, the occurrence or course of benign pathologies such as en-

dometriosis, uterine leiomyomas (fibroids or myomas), adenomyosis, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea is dependent from the existence of significantly high estradiol levels.

Endometriosis is a well-known gynaecological disorder that affects 10 to 15% of women in the reproductive age. It is a benign disease defined as the presence of viable endometrial gland and stroma cells outside the uterine cavity. It is most frequently found in the pelvic area. In women developing endometriosis, the endometrial cells entering the peritoneal cavity by retrograde men- struation (the most likely mechanism) have the capacity to adhere to and invade the peritoneal lining, and are then able to implant and grow. The implants respond to steroid hormones of the menstrual cycle in a similar way as the endometrium in the uterus. The infiltrating lesions and the blood from these lesions which are unable to leave the body cause inflammation of the surrounding tissue. The most common symptoms of endometriosis are dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and (chronic) abdominal pain. The occurrence of these symptoms is not related to the extent of the lesions. Some women with severe endometriosis are asymptomatic, while women with mild endo- metriosis may have severe pain. Up to now, no reliable non-invasive test is available to diagnose endometriosis. Laparoscopy has to be performed to diagnose the disease. Endometriosis is classi- fied according to the 4 stages set up by the American Fertility Society (AFS). Stage I corresponds to minimal disease while stage IV is severe, depending on the location and the extent of the endometriosis. Endometriosis is found in up to 50% of the women with infertility. However, currently no causal relation has been proven between mild endometriosis and infertility. Moderate to severe endometriosis can cause tubai damage and adhesions leading to infertility. The aims of treatment of endometriosis are pain relief, resolution of the endometriotic tissue and restoration of fertility (if desired). The two common treatments are surgery or anti-inflammatory and/or hormonal therapy or a combination thereof.

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids or myomas), benign clonal tumours, arise from smooth muscle cells of the human uterus. They are clinically apparent in up to 25% of women and are the single, most common indication for hysterectomy. They cause significant morbidity, including prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure and pain, urinary problems, and, in rare cases, reproductive dysfunction. The pathophysiology of myomas is not well understood. Myomas are found submucosally (beneath the endometrium), intramurally (within the myometrium) and subserosally (projecting out of the serosal compartment of the uterus), but mostly are mixed forms of these 3 different types. The presence of estrogen receptors in leiomyoma cells has been studied by Tamaya et al. [Tamaya et al. (1985) Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 64 : 307-9]. They have shown that the ratios of estrogen receptor compared to progesterone and androgen receptor levels were higher in leiomyomas than in the corresponding normal myometrium. Surgery has long been the main treatment for myomas. Furthermore, medical therapies that have been proposed to treat myomas include administration of a variety of steroids such as the androgenic steroids danazol or

gestrinone, GnRH agonists and progestogens, whereby the administration is often associated a variety of serious side-effects.

Everything that has been said above in relation to the treatment of uterine leiomyomas and endometriosis equally applies to other benign gynaecological disorders, notably adenomyosis, functional menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. These benign gynaecological disorders are all estrogen sensitive and are treated in a comparable way as described herein before in rotation to uterine leiomyomas and endometriosis. The available pharmaceutical treatments, however, suffer from the same major drawbacks, i. e. they have to be discontinued once the side-effects become more seri- ous than the symptoms to be treated and symptoms reappear after discontinuation of the therapy.

Since the aforementioned malign and benign pathologies are all 17ß-estradiol dependent, a reduction of the endogenous 17-estradiol concentraüon in the respective tissue will result in an impaired or reduced proliferation of 17p-estradiol cells in said tissues. Therefore, it may be con- cluded that selective inhibitors of the 17 (3-HSD1 enzyme are well suited for their use to impair en- dogenous productions of estrogens, in particular of 17-estradiol, in myomas, endometriotic, ade- nomyotic and endometrial tissue. The application of a compound acting as selective inhibitor on the 17ß-HSD1 which preferentially catalyses the reductive reaction will result in a lowered intracellular estradiol-concentration since the reductive conversion of the estrone into the active estradiol is reduced or suppressed. Therefore, reversible or even irreversible inhibitors of the 17ß-HSD1 may play a significant role in the prophylaxis and/or treatment of steroid-hormone, in particular 17p- estradiol, dependent disorders or diseases. Furthermore, the reversible or even irreversible inhibi- tors of the 17, 8-HSD1 should have no or only pure antagonistic binding activities to the estradiol receptor, in particular to the estrogen receptor a subtype, since agonistic binding of the estrogen receptor would lead to activation and therefore-by regulation of a variety of genes-to the prolif- eration and differentiation of the target cell. In contrast, antagonists of the estrogen receptor, so called anti-estrogens, bind competitively to the specific receptor protein thus preventing access of endogenous estrogens to their specific binding site.

At present it is described in the literature that several malignant disease as breast cancer, prostate carcinoma, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperpla- sia may be treated by the administration of a selective 17J3-HSD1 inhibitor. Furthermore, a selective 17ß-HSD1 inhibitor may be useful for the prevention of the aforementioned hormone-dependent cancers, especially breast cancer. The international patent application WO 2004/080271 discloses the use of a particular 17ß-HSD1 inhibitor, so called compound A, for prevention or treatment of disorders caused by the 17HSD1 enzyme activity, in particular breast cancer. Furthermore, the international patent application WO 03/017973 describes the use of a selective estrogen enzyme modulator (SEEM) in the manufacture of a drug delivery vehicle for use in a method of treating or

preventing a benign gynaecological disorder in a mammalian female, said benign gynaecological disorder being selected from the group consisting of uterine leiomyomas, endometriosis, adenomy- osis, functional menorrhagia and metrorrhagia, wherein the method comprises the intravaginal administration of the SEEM to the female suffering from the benign gynaecological disorder in a therapeutically effective dosage to prevent or reduce the symptoms of said benign gynaecological disorder, said SEEM being selected from the group consisting of aromatase inhibitors, cydo- oxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors, 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors and combinations thereof.

Several reversible or irreversible inhibitors of the 17ß-HSD1 enzyme of steroidal and even non-steroidal origin are already known from the literature. The characteristics of these inhibitory molecules, which mainly have a substrate or cofactor-like core structure, have been reported in the literature [reviewed in: Poirier D. (2003) Curr Med Chem. 10: 453-77].

For example, Tremblay and Poirier describe an estradiol derivative, 16- [carbamoyl- (bromo- methylfalkyl]-estradiol, and tested the same in respect of its inhibition of the estradiol formation catalysed by the enzyme 17ß-HSD1 [Tremblay & Poirier (1998) J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 66: 179-191]. Poirier and colleagues describe a 6p-thiaheptan-butyl-methyl-amide derivative of es- tradiol as a potent and selective inhibitor of the 17HSD1 enzyme [Poirier et al. (1998) J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 64 : 83-90]. Furthermore, Poirier and colleagues describe new derivatives of 17p-estradiol with N-butyl, N-methyl alkylamide side chains of three different lengths (n=8,10 or 12) at position 15, which might be potential inhibitors of the 17p-HSD enzyme [Poirier et al. (1991) Tetrahedron, 47 (37): 7751-7766]. The biological activity of these compounds was only tested with regard to estrogen receptor binding affinity, estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity [Poirier et al.

(1996) Bioorg Med Chem Lett 6 (21): 2537-2542]. In addition, Pelletier and Poirier describe novel 17p-estradiol derivatives with different bromo-alkyl side chains, which might be potential inhibitors of the 17ß-HSD enzyme [Pelletier & Poirier (1996) Bioorg Med Chem, 4 (10): 1617-1628]. Sam and colleagues describe several estradiol derivatives with a halogenated alkyl side chain in 16a or 17a position of the steroidal D ring which possess 17ß-HSD1 inhibiting properties [Sam et al. (1998) Drug Design and Discovery, 15: 157-180]. Furthermore, the finding that some anti-estrogens, such as tamoxifen, possess weak 17ß-HSD inhibiting properties suggested that it may be possible to develop a potent 17R-HSD1 inhibitor that is also anfi-estrogenic [reviewed in: Poirier D. (2003) Curr Med Chem. 10 : 453-77]. Several of the aforementioned already known compounds also display anü-estrogenic properties (e. g. the 6p-thiaheptan-butyl-methyl-amide derivative of estradiol de- scribed by Poirier and colleagues [Poirier et al. (1998) J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 64: 83-90] ).

None of the aforementioned compounds has been clinically used so far.

Furthermore, the international patent application WO 2004/085457 discloses a variety of es- tron derivatives with different subsituents in C3, C6, C16 and/or C17 position as potent 17ß-HSD1 inhibitors.

Furthermore, the synthesis of different B-, C-and D-ring substituted estradiol carboxylic es- ters was described by Labaree et al. [Labaree et al. (2003) J. Med. Chem. 46: 1886-1904]. How- ever, these esters were only analysed with regard to their estrogenic potential. The related intema- tional patent application WO 2004/085345 discloses 15a substituted estradiol compounds bearing a- (CH2) m-CO-0-R side chain, wherein R is H, a C, to C5 alkyl group, optionally substituted with at least one halogen group, such as CH2CH2F, or other group (e. g. CH2CHF2, CH2CF3 or CF3 group); and m is from 0-5. This 15a estradiol esters are described as locally active estrogens without sig- nificant systemic action.

Accordingly, there is a need for the development of compounds which are suited for the treatment and/or prevention of steroid hormone dependent diseases or disorders such as breast cancer, endometriosis and uterine leiomyomas by selectively inhibiting the 17ß-HSD1 enzyme, while desirably failing to substantially inhibit other members of the 17P-HSD protein family or other catalysts of sex steroid degradation or activation. In particular, it is an aim of the present invention to develop selective inhibitors of the 17D-HSD1 enzyme, whereby in addition the compounds have no or only pure antagonistic binding affinities to the estrogen receptor (both subtypes a and (3).

Furthermore, there is still a need to provide a new type of therapy regimen for estrogen dependent benign gynaecological disorders, particularly for pr-and peri-menopausal females, whereby the therapy should not cause serious side-effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to develop novel inhibitors of the enzyme 17ß-HSD1, which have valuable pharmacological properties and which are suited for the treatment of estrogen dependent diseases and disorders.

It has now been found that the novel 3,15 substituted estrone derivatives bearing a side chain of the amide, ester, carbonyl, hydrazone, alcohol, ether, urea, carbamate,"retro"-amide, sul- fonyl urea, sulfamide, sulfamate,"retro"-sulfonamide,"retro"-carbamate,"retro"-este r or sulfonyl- carbamate type in position 15 would be valuable in therapy, especially in the treatment or preven- tion of steroid hormone dependent diseases or disorders requiring the inhibition of 17ß-HSD en- zymes. In particular, compounds of formula (I) represent potent inhibitors of the 17ß-HSD1 enzyme and possess valuable pharmacological properties for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of malignant steroid dependent diseases or disorders such as breast cancer, prostate carcinoma, ovarian can-

cer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia, but also for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of benign steroid dependent diseases or disorders such as endometriosis, uter- ine fibroids, uterine leiomyoma, adenomyosis, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, pros- tadynia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary dysfunction or lower urinary tract syndrome. Further estrogen-dependent diseases which may be treated and/or prevented with an effective amount of a compound of the invention are multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, colon cancer, tissue wounds, skin wrinkles and cataracts.

Furthermore, it was an objective of the present invention to provide a new therapy regimen for the treatment of estradiol dependent benign gynaecological diseases or disorders such as en- dometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine leiomyoma, adenomyosis, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, met- rorrhagia, or urinary dysfunction by the administration of an effective amount of a selective inhibitor of the 17ß-HSD1 enzyme. Preferably the selective inhibitor of the 17 (3-HSD1 enzyme possesses no or only pure antagonistic binding affinities to the estrogen receptor. In particular, this novel type of therapy regimen for estrogen dependent benign disorders is suited for pre-and peri-menopausal females.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a compound having the structural formula I wherein (i) X represents: (a) a bond, (b)-NR3-, or (c)-0- ; A represents: (a)-CO-, or (b) under the proviso that X represents-NR3-, A represents-SOz- ; Y represents: (a)-NR4-, (b)-0-, under the proviso that X represents a bond or-NR3-,

(c) a bond, (d) -NH-SO2-, under the proviso that X represents -NR3- and A represents -CO-, (e)-NH-SO2-NR4-, under the proviso that X represents-0-, or (f)-NH-NR4-, under the proviso that X represents a bond; or (ii) -X-A-Y-together represent-0- ; and wherein R1 and R3 are independently selected from: (a)-H, (b)- (CI-C6) alkyl, which is optionally substituted with halogen, nitril,-OR6,-SRs, or -COOR6 ; the number of said substituents being up to three for halogen, and up to two for any combination of said halogen, nitril,-OR6, SR6, or-COOR6 moieties, (c) -phenyl, which is optionally substituted with halogen, nitril, -OR6, -SR6, -R6, or -COOR6, the number of said substituents being up to perhalo for halogen, and up to two for any combination of said halogen, nitri -SR6, -R6 or -COOR6 moieties, (d)- (Cl-C4) alkyl-phenyl, in which the alkyl portion is optionally substituted with up to three halogens ; and the phenyl portion is optionally substituted with halogen, nitril, -OR6, -SRs,-R6 or-COORs, the number of substituents on said phenyl portion being up to perhalo for halogen, and up to two for any combination of said halogen, nitril,-ORs,- SR6,-R6 or-COOR6 moieties; R2 and R4 are independently selected from : (a) -H, wherein if X represents a bond, A represents-CO-and Y represents -O- or a bond, then R is different from-H; (b) optionally substituted alkyl, (c) optionally substituted acyl, under the proviso that Y represents -NH-NR4-, (d) optionally substituted aryl, (e) optionally substituted heteroaryl, and (f) optionally substituted cycloheteroalkyl, or, under the proviso that Y represents-NR4-,-NH-NR4-or-NH-Sr2-NR4-, R2 and R4 form together with the nitrogen atom, where R2 and R4 are attached, a heterocyclic 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-or 8-memberred ring, which is optionally saturated, partly unsaturated, or aromatic; which optionally contains up to three additional heteroatoms selected from N, O or S, the num-

ber of additional N atoms being 0,1, 2 or 3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0, 1 or 2; and which ring is optionally part of a multiple condensed ring-system, wherein the ring or the ring-system is optionally substituted; R6 represents H,- (Ci-C4) alkyl or halogenated-(C1-C4) alkyl ; and n represents 0,1, 2,3, 4,5 or 6, wherein, if X represents -NR3- or -O-, then n is different from 0, and all stereoisomers, pharmacologically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof.

Accordingly, the present inventions relates to a compound of the general formula 1, wherein -X-A-Y- together represent (a)-CO-NR4, (b) -CO-O-, (c)-CO-, (d)-CO-NH-NR4, (e)-NR3-CO-NR4-,<BR> (f)-NR3-CO-O-, (g) -NR3-CO-, (h) -NR3-CO-NH-SO2-, (i)-NR3-SOz--NR4, (j) -NR3-SO2-O-, (k) -NR3-SO2- (l) -O-CO-NR4-, (m)-O-CO-, (n) -O-CO-NH-SO2-NR4-, or (ozon In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a compound of the general formula 1, which is an optically pure 15a enantiomer having the formula (II)

or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to the 15a enanti omer having formula (II), wherein n represents 1,2, 3 or 4, if X represents-NR-or-0-, or wherein n represents 0,1, 2, or 3, if X represents a bond.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a compound of the general formula I, which is an optically pure 15P enantiomer having the formula (I II) or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof. In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to the 15 (3 enantiomer having formula (III), wherein n represents 2,3, 4, or 5, if X represents a bond, or wherein n represents 3,4, 5 or 6, if X represents -NR3- or -O-.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of the general formula 1, wherein R'and R3, if R3 is present, are independently selected from H, (C1-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, and phenyl(C1-C4)alkyl, preferably benzyl.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of the general formula 1, wherein R'and R3, if R3 is present, are independently selected from H and methyl.

A further preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of the general formula 1, wherein, if X represents-NR-or-0-and Y represents-NR2R4, then R4 is-H.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to compounds of the general for- mula 1, wherein R2 and R4 are independently selected from : (a) -H, wherein if X represents a bond, A represents-CO-and Y represents -O- or a bond, then R2 is different from-H, (b)- (Ci-Ci2) alkyl, optionally substituted with up to five substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, thiol, nitrile, alkoxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, amino, amido, alkylthio, arylthio, arylalkylthio, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, acyl, carboxyl, acylamino, aryl, which aryl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents independently se- lected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, (Ci-Ce) alkoxy, (CI-C6) alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6)alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6)alkoxy, carboxy-(C1-C6)alkyl, thiol,

nitrile, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, carboxyl, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, (C1-C6) alkylühio, aryl- thio, arylalkylthio, amino, amido, acyl, acylamino and heteroaryl ; or which aryl is optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated or partly unsaturated cyclic 5,6, 7, or 8 mem- bered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2; heteroaryl, which heteroaryl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents inde- pendently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, (Ci-C6) alkoxy, (C1-C6)alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6)alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6)alkoxy, carboxyl-(C1- C6) alkyl, thiol, nitrile, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, carboxyl, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, (Cl- C6) alkylthio, arylthio, arylalkylthio, amino, amido, acyl, acylamino, aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl and aryl ; whereby each aryl group is optionally substituted with up to three substituents in- dependently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (C1- C6) alkoxy, (C1-C6)alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6)alkyl and halogenated (Cl- C6) alkoxy ; and cycloheteroalkyl, which cycloheteroalkyl group is optionally substituted with up to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of oxo, (C1-C8)-alkyl, aryl, aryl-(C1-C4)alkyl, hydroxy, (C1-C6)alkoxy, carboxyl-(C1-C6)alkyl, thiol, nitrile, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, carboxyl, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, (C,-C6) alkylthio, arylthio, arylalkylthio, amino, amido, acyl, and acylamino, whereby each aryl group is optionally substituted with up to three substituents in- dependently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (Ci- C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, and halogenated (Cl- C4)-alkoxy) ; (c) acyl- (C=O)-R', wherein R'represents hydrogen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, aryl, or aryl-(C1-C4)alkyl, or heteroaryl-(C1-C4)alkyl ; which aryl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (Ci-C4) alkoxy, (Ci-C4)-alkyl or halogenated (C1-C4) alkyl ; (d) aryl which aryl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, (C1-C6) alkoxy, (CI-C6) alkyl, halo- genated (Ci-C6) alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6) alkoxy, carboxyl-(C1-C6) alkyl, thiol, nitrile, nitro, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, carboxyl, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, (C1-C6) alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, (C1-C6) alkylthio, arylühio, arylalkylühio, amino, amido, acyl, acylamino and heteroaryl ; or

which aryl is optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated or partly unsaturated cyclic 5,6, 7, or 8- membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2; (e) heteroaryl, which heteroaryl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents independently se- lected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, (Ci-Ce) alkoxy, (Ci-C6) alkyl, halogenated (Ci-C6) alkyl, halogenated (Ci-Ce) alkoxy, carboxyl-(C1-C6) alkyl, thiol, nitrile, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, arylsulfoxy, carboxyl, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, (Cl- C6) alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, (C1-C6)alkylthio, arylthio, arylalkylthio, amino, amido, acyl, acylamino, aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl and aryl, whereby each aryl group is optionally substituted with up to three substituents in- dependently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (C1- C6) alkoxy, (C1-C6)alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6)alkyl and ha) ogenated (Cr C6) alkoxy ; or cycloheteroalkyl, which cycloheteroalkyl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents independ- ently selected from the group consisting of oxo, (C1-C14)-alkyl, aryl, aryl-(C1-C4)- alkyl, hydroxy, (C1-C6)alkoxy, carboxyl-(C1-C6)alkyl, thiol, nitrile, sulfamoyl, sul- fonamide, carboxyl, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, (Ci-C6) alkylthio, arylthio, arylalkylthio, amino, amido, acyl, and acylamino, whereby each aryl group is optionally further substituted with up to three substitu- ents independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, and halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy ; or wherein, under the proviso that Y represents-NR4-,-NH-NR4-or-NHOz-NR4-, R2 and R4 form together with the nitrogen atom, where R2 and R4 are attached, a heterocyclic 4- , 5-, 6-, 7-or 8-memberred ring, which is optionally saturated or partly unsaturated ; which op- tonally contains up to three additional heteroatoms selected from N, O or S, the number of ad- ditonal N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2; and which ring is optionally part of a multiple condensed ring-system, wherein the ring or the ring-system is optionally substituted (i) with up to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (C1-C8)- alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, carboxyl, thiol, nitrile, (C1-C6)-alkoxy, carboxyl- (CI-C6) alkyl, ary- loxy, arylalkyloxy, amino, amido, alkylthio, arylthio, arylalkylthio, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, aryl, aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl, heteroaryl, and cycloheteroalkyl,

wherein the (Cl-C6)-alkyl group is optionally substituted with up to three substituents in- dependently selected among hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, whereby the alkyl-chain of the (C1-C4)-alkoxy moiety is optionally substituted with hydroxyl ; wherein the aryl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents independently se- lected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy and carboxyl-(C1-C6)alkyl, or wherein the aryl moiety is optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated or partly unsaturated cyclic 5,6, 7, or 8 membered ring system, optionally containing up to three het- eroatoms, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2; wherein the heteroaryl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents independ- ently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1- C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy) and carboxyl- (Ci-Ce) alkyl ; wherein the cycloheteroalkyl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents inde- pendently selected from the group consisting of oxo, (C1-C6)-alkyl, aryl, aryl- (Cl- C4)-alkyl, hydroxyl, (Ci-Ce) alkoxy, carboxyl-(C1-C6)alkyl, and carboxyl, whereby each aryl group is optionally further substituted with up to three substitu- ents independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C,-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, and halogenated (C,-C4-alkoxy) ; or (ii) by two groups which are attached to the same carbon atom and are combined into a saturated or partly unsaturated cyclic 4,5, 6,7, or 8-membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2, whereby the cyclic ring system is optionally substituted by up to two substituents inde- pendently selected from oxo, (C1-C6)-alkyl, aryl and aryl- (Ci-C4)-alkyl ; and wherein n represents (a) 1,2, 3,4, 5 or 6, under the proviso that X represents-NR-or-0-, or (b) 0,1, 2,3, 4, or 5, under the proviso that X represents a bond.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the compounds of the general for- mula I the residues R2 and R4 may independently represent-H, wherein if X represents a bond, A represents-CO-and Y represents -O- or a bond, then R2 is different from-H.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the term"optionally substituted alkyl", wherefrom R2 and/or R4 can be independently selected, refers to (i)- (Cl-C8) alkyl, optionally substituted with substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (a) hydroxyl, (b) nitrile, (c)-O-R'' ; (d) -O-phenyl, (e)-0- (CI-C4) alkyl-phenyl, alkylamino, (g) alkylamido, preferably carbamoyl, (h)-S-R7', and (i)- (C=O)-OR8'; the number of substituents on said alkyl portion being up to five for hydroxyl and one, two or three, more preferably up to two for any combination of said other substituents; and wherein R7'represents (C1-C4) alkyl, preferably (C1-C2) alkyl, optionally substituted in the alkyl chain with one or two hydroxyl groups; and R8'represents hydrogen, (CI-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or (CI-C4) alkyl-phenyl, pref- erably benzyl ; (ii)- (Ci-C4) alkyl, substituted with one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (a) aryl, wherein the aryl is preferably selected among phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl, indenyl, and 1,2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl, more preferably the aryl is phenyl or naphthyl, and which aryl is optionally substituted with halogen, hydroxyl, (CI-C6) alkoxy, (Cl- C6) alkyl, halogenated (C1-C4) alkyl, halogenated (C1-C4) alkoxy, sulfamoyl, or alkylamido ; the number of substituents on said aryl portion being up to five, more preferably up to three, for halogen and up to three, more pref- erably up to two for any combination of said other substituents ; or which aryl is optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated cyclic 5 or 6 membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N or O, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O atoms each be- ing 0-2; (b) heteroaryl, wherein the heteroaryl is preferably selected among pyrrolyl, thienyl, furyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, benzothiazolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquino-

linyl, benzoimidazolyl, benzofuran and benzo [b] thiophene, more preferably the heteroaryl is thienyl, furyl, imidazolyl, pyridinyl, indolyl, or benzoimidazolyl, and which heteroaryl is optionally substituted with up to two, preferably one sub- stituent independently selected from the group consisting of (Ci- C4) alkoxy, preferably methoxy, or (Cl-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl ; and (c) cycloheteroalkyl, wherein the cycloheteroalkyl group is preferably selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydro-1H-pyrrolyl, tetra- hydrothiophenyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, azetidinyl, thiazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, 1,3-dihydro- benzoimidazolyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl, oxazepanyl and thiazepanyl, preferably the cycloheteroalkyl group is piperidinyl or morpholinyl ; and which cycloheteroalkyl is optionally substituted with up to three substituents in- dependently selected from the group consisting of oxo, hydroxyl, (CI-C4)- alkyl, phenyl, (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, preferably benzyl,- (C=O)-O- (Ci- C4) alkyl, and alkylamino, preferably the cycloheteroalkyl moiety is not substituted; (iii)-cyclo (C3-Cs) alkyl, optionally substituted with hydroxyl ; (iv)- (Ci-C4) alkyl-cydo (C3-Ca) alkyl, optionally substituted with hydroxyl ; (v) a bicyclic ring system of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably Bicyclo [2.1. 1] hexyl, Bicy- clo [2.2. 1] heptyl, Bicyclo [3.2. 1] octyl, Bicyclo [2.2. 2] octyl, Bicyclo [3.2. 2] nonanyl, Bicy- clo [3.3. 1] nonanyl, Bicyclo [3.3. 2] decanyl ; or (vi) a fused ring system of up to 10 carbon atoms, preferably adamantly.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the term"optionally substituted acyl", wherefrom R2 and/or R4 can be independently selected under the proviso that Y represents-NH- NR4-, refers to acyl- (C=O)-R', wherein R'represents hydrogen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, aryl, or aryl- (Cl- C4) alkyl, or heteroaryl- (CI-C4) alkyl ; which aryl or aryl- (Cl-C4) alkyl is optionally substituted in the aryl, preferably phenyl, moiety with up to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (Ci-C4) alkoxy, (C,-C4)-alkyl or halogenated (Ci-Cd) alkyl.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the term"optionally substituted aryl", wherefrom R2 and/or R4 can be independently selected, refers to aryl, which is preferably selected among phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl, indenyl, and 1,2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl. According to one aspect of the invention, the aryl is optionally substituted with up to five, more preferably up to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (i) hydroxyl, (ii) halogen, preferably fluorine or chlorine, (iii) (C1-C6) alkoxy, preferably (Ci-C2) alkoxy (iv) (Ci-Ce) alkyl, preferably (CI-C4) alkyl

(v) halogenated (Ci-Ce) alkyl, preferably halogenated (C :-C4) alkyl, more preferably trifluoromethyl, (vi) halogenated (C1-C6) alkoxy, preferably halogenated (C1-C4) alkoxy, more preferably trifluoromethoxy ; (vii) - (Ci-C4) alkyl- (C=O)-OR8' (viii) nitrile, (ix) nitro, (x) sulfamoyl, (xi) -(C=O)-R8', <BR> <BR> (xii)- (C=0}-OR°',<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (xiii)-NH- (C=O)-R8', (xiv) -S-R8', (xv) -SO2-R8', (xvi) alkylamino, (xvii) alkylamido, preferably carbamoyl, (xviii) phenyl, and (xix) a further heteroaryl group, optionally substituted with (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably 6-methyl- benzothiazoiyl ; wherein W'represents hydrogen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, preferably benzyl ; or which aryl may be optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated or partly unsaturated cyclic 5,6, 7, or 8 mem- bered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2.

In a further embodiment, the aryl moiety, wherefrom R2 and/or R4 can be independently se- lected, is optionally substituted with halogen, (C1-C6) alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4) alkyl, preferably halogenated methyl, nitro, nitrile, -CO-(C1-C4)alkyl, -CO-O-(C1-C4)alkyl, -NH-CO-(C1-C4)alkyl, (C1- C4) alkyl-sutfonyl, phenyl or heteroaryl, the number of substituents on said aryl portion being up to perhalo for halogen, and up to two for any combination of said (Ci-Ce) alkoxy or halogenated (Ci- C4) alkyl moieties.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the term "optionally substituted heteroaryl", wherefrom R2 and/or R4 can be independently selected, refers to heteroaryl, which is preferably selected among pyrrolyl, thienyl, furyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyra- zolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, benzothiazolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzoimidazolyl, benzofuran and benzo [b] thiophene; more preferably heteroaryl is furyl, thiazolyl,

pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, quinolinyl, or benzo [b] thiophene. The heteroaryl is optionally substituted with up to three, preferably up to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (i) halogen, (ii) (Ci-C4) alkyl, (iii) hydroxyl, (iv) halogenated (Ci-C4) alkyl, (v)- (Ci-C4) alkoxy, (vi)- (Ci-C4) alkyl- oR8', <BR> <BR> <BR> (vii)-O-Ar'',<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (viii)-S02-Ar'', (ix) phenyl, (x)- (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, (xi) nitrile, (xii) alkylamino, and (xiii) alkylamido, preferably carbamoyl ; wherein Re'represents hydrogen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, preferably benzyl ; and Ar' represents phenyl optionally substituted with up to three halogen.

Furthermore, the heteroaryl moiety, wherefrom R2 and/or R4 can be independently selected, is optionally substituted with up to three, preferably up to two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, halogenated (C1-C4) alkyl, preferably halogenated methyl,- (Ci-C4) alkyl-(C=O)-O-(C1-C4)alkyl, -SO2-phenyl, -O-phenyl, and phenyl.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the term"optionally substituted cyclohet- eroalkyl", wherefrom R2 and/or R4 can be independently selected, refers to cycloheteroalkyl, which is preferably selected among pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dihydro-IH-pyrrolyl, tetrahydrothio- phenyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, azetidinyl, thiazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomor- pholinyl, piperazinyl, 1, 3-dihydro-benzoimidazolyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl, oxazepanyl and thiaze- panyl ; more preferably cycloheteroalkyl is pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, piperidinyl or azepanyl, and which cycloheteroalkyl is optionally substituted with up to three, preferably one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (i) oxo, (ii) (Ci-C4) alkyl, (iii) phenyl, (iv) -(C1-C4)alkyl-phenyl, (v) hydroxyl,

(vi) (Ci-C4) alkoxy, and (vii)- (Ci-C4) alkyl-(C=O)-OR8'; wherein R8'represents hydrogen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, preferably benzyl.

Furthermore, the cycloheteroalkyl group, wherefrom R2 and/or R4 can be independently se- lected, is optionally substituted with one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of oxo, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, and (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, preferably benzyl.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to a compound of the general formula 1, wherein, under the proviso that Y represents-NR4-,-NH-NR4or-NH-So2-NR4-, R2 and R4 can form together with the nitrogen atom, where R2 and R4 are attached, a heterocyclic 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-or 8-membered ring, which can be saturated or partly unsaturated, which can contain up to three ad- ditional heteroatoms selected from N, O or S, the number of additional N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2, and which ring can be part of a multiple condensed ring- system. According to one embodiment, said ring or ring system is selected from the group consist- ing of Even more preferred, said ring or ring system is selected from the group consisting of

Said ring or the ring-system may be optionally substituted with up to three substituents inde- pendently selected from the group consisting of (i) hydroxyl, (ii) (C,-C4)-alkyl optionally substituted with up to two hydroxyl and/or (C1-C4)-alkoxy groups, whereby the alkyl-chain of the (C1-C4)-alkoxy moiety may optionally be further substituted with up to two, preferably one hydroxyl ; (iii) cyclo (C3-C8) alkyl ; (iv)- qC=O » O-(C1-C4)-alkyl ; (v) phenyl optionally substituted with halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, preferably methyl, (Ci-C4)- alkoxy, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, preferably halogenated methyl, the number of said substituents on the phenyl moiety being up to three for halogen, and one or two for any combination of said other substituents; (vi) phenyl-(C1-C4)alkyl, preferably benzyl, optionally substituted in the phenyl group by up to three halogen, or optionally substituted in the phenyl group by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated or partly un- saturated cyclic 5 or 6-membered ring system, optionally containing up to two O at- oms; (vii) alkylamido, preferably carbamoyl ; (viii) heteroaryl, wherein the heteroaryl is preferably selected from the group consisting of pyridinyl, furyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, benzoimida- zolyl or benzo [b] thiophene, more preferably the heteroaryl is pyridinyl ; and (ix) cycloheteroalkyl, wherein the cycloheteroalkyl is preferably selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidinyl, 1, 3-dihydro-benzoimidazolyl, morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, piperidinyl and azepanyl ; more preferably the cycloheteroalkyl group is pyrrolidinyl or 1, 3-dihydro-benzoimidazolyl, which cycloheteroalkyl group is optionally substituted with oxo.

Altematively, said ring or the ring-system may be optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to the same carbon atom and are combined into a saturated or partly unsaturated cyclic 4,5, 6,7, or 8-membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as

N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2, whereby the cyclic ring system may optionally be further substituted with up to two substitutents independently selected from oxo and phenyl.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a compound of the general for- mula I, wherein R4 represents (a)-H, under the proviso that X represents -NR3- or that X represents a bond and Y represents-NR4-, (b) an alkyl group selected from (i)- (Ci-Ce) alkyl, optionally substituted with substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, nitrile, alkylamino -O-(C1-C4)alkyl, the number of substituents on said alkyl portion being up to five for hydroxyl and up to three, more preferably up to two for any combination of said other substitu- ents; (ii)- (CI-C4) aikyl, preferably- (CI-C2) alkyl, substituted with up to two, preferably one substituent independently selected among aryl and heteroaryl, wherein the aryl is preferably phenyl or naphthyl, and wherein the heteroaryl is preferably pyridinyl ; (iii) cyclo (C3-C8) alkyl, preferably cyclo (C3-C6) alkyl ; (iv) cyclo (C3-C8) alkyl- (Cl-C4) alkyl-, preferably cydo (C3-C6) alkyl-(C1-C2)alkyl-; or (c) cydoheteroalkyl, wherein the cycloheteroalkyl preferably is piperidinyl, which cyclo- heteroalkyl group is optionally substituted with one or two, preferably one (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, group.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to a compound of the following formula VI wherein R1 represents H, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or phenyl (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; and n represents 0,1, 2,3, 4, or 5.

In this embodiment, R2 preferably represents (i) (C,-C4) alkyl, (ii)- (C3-C8) cycloalkyl

(iii)- (C,-C4) alkyl-aryl, wherein the aryl is phenyl or naphthyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two substituents independently se- lected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, and (Ci-C4) alkoxy ; or which phenyl is optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated cyclic 5 or 6-membered ring system, containing 1 or 2 O atoms; or (iv) heteroaryl or- (Ci-C4) alkyl-heteroaryl, wherein the heteroaryl is furyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, pyridinyl, indolyl, or benzoimidazolyl ; which heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of (C1-C4) alkyl and -(C1-C4)alkyl-(C=O)-O- (Ci-C4) alkyl ; and preferably R'is independently selected from H or (C,-C4)-alkyl ; or R2 and R4 may form together with the nitrogen atom, where R2 and R4 are attached, a ring or ringsystem, which is selected from the group consisting of morpholine and thiomorpholine.

In a further embodiment the invention relates to a compound of the following formula XL wherein R3 is as defined above; preferably R3 represents H; Y represents-NH-, a bond, or-0- ; R'represents H, (C1-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or phenyl (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; and n represents 1,2, 3,4, 5 or 6, preferably 1,2, 3 or 4.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a compound of the following formula XVII,

wherein R3 is as defined above; preferably R3 represents H; R'represents H, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or phenyl (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; and n represents 1,2, 3, or 4, preferably 3 or 4.

In this embodiment, R2 preferably represents (i)- (C1-C4) alkyl, (ii)- (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (iii)- (C1-C4) alkyl-(C3-C8)cycloalkyl, (iv) aryl, wherein the aryl is phenyl or naphthyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two substituents independently se- lected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen,-CO-O (C1-C4) alkyl and (Ci-C4) alkoxy ; or which phenyl is optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated cyclic 5 or 6-membered ring system, containing 1 or 2 O atoms, or (v)- (Cl-C4) alkyl-phenyl.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a compound of the following formula XXIII, wherein R3 is as defined above; preferably R3 represents H; R'represents H, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or phenyl (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; and n represents 1,2, 3, or 4.

In this embodiment, R2 preferably represents (i)- (CI-C4) alkyl, (ii)- (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (iii)- (Ci-C4) alkyl- (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (iv)- (Ci-C4) alkyl, substituted with one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of -O-(C1-C4)alkyl and -O-(C1-C4)akyl-phenyl, (v) phenyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted with one, two or three substituents independ- ently selected from the group consisting of halogen and (Ci-C4) alkoxy ; (vi)- (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl ; or (vii) adamantly.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a compound of the following formula XXIV, wherein R3 is as defined above; preferably R3 represents H or- (Ci-C4) alkyl ; R'represents H, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or phenyl (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; n represents 1,2, 3, or 4.

In this embodiment, R2 preferably represents (i) aryl, wherein the aryl is selected among phenyl and naphthyl, which aryl is optionally substituted with one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, nitro, (Ci-C4) alkoxy, and- (Cl-C4) alkyl ; or (ii) heteroaryl, wherein the heteroaryl is furyl, thienyl, or thiazolyl, or indolyl, which heteroaryl is optionally substituted with one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of S02-phenyl and (Cl-C4) alkyl.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a compound of the following formula XXVI,

wherein R'represents H, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or phenyl (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; n represents 3,4, 5 or 6.

In this embodiment, R2 preferably represents phenyl or naphthyl, which phenyl is optionally substituted with one or two substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, nitro,-CO-O (Ci-C4) alkyl and (Ci- C4) alkoxy and halogenated (Ci-C4) alkyl ; or which phenyl is optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated cyclic 5 or 6-membered ring system, con- taining 1 or 2 O atoms.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a compound of the following formula XXVIII, (XXVIII) wherein R'represents H, (C1-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or phenyl (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; n represents 3,4, 5 or 6.

In this embodiment, R2 preferably represents (i) - (CI-C4) alkyl, (ii)- (C3-C8) cycloalkyl, (iii)- (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, (iv) phenyl, or

(v) heteroaryl or -(C1-C4)alkyl-heteroaryl, wherein the heteroaryl is furyl, thienyl, thiazolyi, pyridinyl, indolyl, or benzoimidazolyl ; and preferably R4 is independently selected from H,- (Ci-C4)-alkyl and- (C,-C4) alkyl-phenyl ; or R2 and R4 may form together with the nitrogen atom, where R2 and R4 are attached, a ring, which is selected from the group consisting of morpholine, thiomorpholine and piperazyl, and which is optionally substituted with (C1-C4)-alkyl.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to a compound of the following formula XXXI, wherein R'represents H, (C1-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or phenyl (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; n represents 1,2, 3,4, 5 or 6, preferably 3 or 4.

Preferred embodiments of the invention relate to the following compounds: No. 1. 3-Hydroxy-15ß-(4-morpholin-4-yl-4-oxo-butyl-estra-1, 3,5 (10) -trien-17-one No. 2. 3-Methoxy-15ß-(4-morpholin-4-yl-4-oxo-butyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one No. 3B. N-benzyl-4-(3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-butyramide No. 3A. N-Benzyl-4-(3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-butylamide No. 31. 4- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-N- [2- (7-methyl-1 H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]- butyramide No. 36. 4- (3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-N- [2- (7-methyl-1 H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl]- butyramide No. 37. N- (2, 4-Difluoro-benzyl)-4- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-butyramide No. 38. N-Benzyl-4- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-methyl-butyramide No. 39. N-Benzyl-4- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15a-yl)-butyramide No. 40. 3-Hydroxy-15a- (4-morpholin-4-yl-4-oxo-butyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10) -trien-17-one No. 105. 3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15α-carboxylicacid(5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl)-amide No. 310. N-Cyclohexyl-3- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-propionamide No. 311. N-Cydooctyl-3- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-propionamide No. 313. N-Cyclohexyl-3- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-methyl-propionamide No. 324. N- [2- (4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-3- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)- propionamide No. 329. 3- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-(5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl)-propionamide

No. 331. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid cyclohexylamide No. 332. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid cyclooctylamide No. 333. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid (furan-2-ylmethyl)-amide No. 335. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid (benzo [1,3] dioxol-5- ylmethyl)-amide No. 338. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid (pyridin-3-ylmethyl)- amide No. 339. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid (pyridin-4-ylmethyl)- amide No. 340. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid benzylamide No. 341. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid 2-methoxy-benzylamide No. 342. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid 3-fluoro-benzylamide No. 343. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid 4-chloro-benzylamide No. 344. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid benzyl-methyl-amide No. 345. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid butylamide No. 346. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-1 (3-yl)-pentanoic acid (2-thiophen-2-yl-ethyl)- amide No. 347. 5- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-pentanoic acid [2- (7-methyl-1H-indol-3- yl)-ethyl]-amide No. 348. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-hexanoic acid cyclohexylamide No. 350. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-hexanoic acid (furan-2-ylmethyl)-amide No. 353. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-hexanoic acid (benzo [1,3] dioxol-5- ylmethyl)-amide No. 354. 3-Methoxy-15ß-(6-morpholin-4-yl-6-oxo-hexyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one No. 355. 3-Methoxy-15p- (6-oxo-6-thiomorpholin-4-yl-hexyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10) -trien-17-one No. 356. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10) trien-153-yl)-hexanoic acid (pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-amide No. 357. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-hexanoic acid (pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-amide No. 359. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)- add benzylamide No. 360. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-1553-yl)-hexanoic acid 2-methoxy-benzylamide No. 361. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-hexanoic acid 3-fluoro-benzylamide No. 363. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-hexanoic acid [2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)- ethyl]-amide No. 364. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-hexanoic acid benzyl-methyl-amide No. 365. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-hexanoic acid butylamide No. 366. 6- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-hexanoic acid (2-thiophen-2-yl-ethylf amide No. 443. 1- [3- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-propyl]-3-(3-methoxy-phenyl)-urea No. 446. 1- [3- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-propyl]-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-urea No. 449. 1-Isopropyl-3- [3- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-yl)-propyl]-urea

No.450. 1-Cyclohexyl-3-[3-(3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-propyl]-urea No.452. 1-Benzyl-3-[3-(3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-propyl]-urea No. 464. 1- (3, 4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-3- [3- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-propyl]- urea No. 465. 1-Benzo [1,3] dioxol-5-yl-3- [3- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-propyl]-urea No. 477. 1-Benzyl-3- [4- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yl)-butyl]-urea No. 488. 1-(3,4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-3-[4-(3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-butyl]-urea No. 490. 4- {3- [4- (3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15α-yl)-butyl]-ureido}-benzoic acid ethyles- ter No. 491. 1-Cyclohexylmethyl-3- [4- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-yl)-butyl]-urea No. 661. Naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-amide No. 662. Thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-amide No. 664. N-(3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-benzenesulfonamide No. 665. 4-Fluoro-N- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-benzenesulfonamide No. 668. N- (3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-benzenesulfonamide No. 677. N- (3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-3-methyl-benzenesulfonamide No. 681. Naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-methyl- amide No. 682. Thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-methyl- amide No. 684. N- (3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-N-methyl-benzenesulfonamide No. 685. 4-Fluoro-N- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-N-methyl- benzenesulfonamide No. 688. N- (3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-N-methyl- benzenesulfonamide No. 693. 3-Chloro-N- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-N-methyl- benzenesulfonamide No. 694. N- (3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-ylmethyl)-3, N-dimethyl- benzenesulfonamide No. 696. 4-Benzenesulfonyl-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15a- ylmethyl)-methyl-amide No. 748. Benzo [1,3] dioxol-5-yl-carbamic acid 3- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)- propylester No. 823. 3-Hydroxy-15p- (3-hydroxypropyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the invention as well as commonly used pro-drugs and active metabolites of these compounds are also within the scope of the inven- tion.

Additionally, the invention relates to a compound of the invention for use as a medicament.

The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the compounds of the invention, or their salts or pro-drugs, as active agent and at least one pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier.

Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of an effective amount of a compound of the in- vention for the treatment or prevention of a steroid hormone dependent disease or disorder in a mammal, in particular a human. Preferably the steroid hormone dependent disease or disorder is an estradiol dependent disease or disorder.

In addition, the invention relates to the use of a compound of the invention for the manufac- ture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of a steroid hormone dependent disease or disorder in a mammal, in particular a human. Preferably the steroid hormone dependent disease or disorder is an estradiol dependent disease or disorder.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the steroid hormone dependent disease or disorder requires the inhibition of a 17D-HSD enzyme, preferably the human 17, 8-HSD1 enzyme.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a method of treating a mammal such as a human having a condition related to 17, 8-HSD1 activity, comprising administering to the mammal an amount of a compound of this invention, or a salt or a prodrug thereof, which amount is effective to treat the condition. Administration of compounds of this invention in combination with other phar- maceuticals used in treatment of the listed conditions is contemplated.

The conditions to be treated include but are not limited to malign estradiol dependent dis- ease or disorder such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometrial cancer, and endometrial hyperplasia.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the estradiol dependent disease is breast can- cer and the mammal is a human post-menopausal female.

Furthermore, the conditions to be treated include but are not limited to benign estradiol de- pendent diseases or disorders such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine leiomyoma, adeno- myosis, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, and urinary dysfunction.

In a further embodiment, the invention relates to use of an effective amount of a compound of the invention for the treatment or prevention of one of the aforementioned benign gynaecological

diseases or disorders in a mammal whereby the mammal is a human, preferably a female and most preferably a pre-or peri-menopausal female.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the steroid hormone dependent disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of prostate carcinoma, prostadynia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary dysfunction and lower urinary tract syndrome.

According to one aspect of the invention, the steroid hormone dependent disease or disorder to be treated requires the lowering of the endogenous 17ß-estradiol concentration in a generalized and/or tissue specific manner.

Therefore, further estrogen-dependent diseases which may be treated with an effective amount of a compound of the invention are rheumatoid arthritis, colon cancer, tissue wounds, skin wrinkles and cataracts.

The disclosed compounds are also useful as diagnostic agents (e. g. in diagnostic kits or for use in clinical laboratories) for screening for the presence or absence of 17 (3-HSD1 activity.

In addition, the present invention relates to the use of a selective inhibitor of the 17, 8-HSD1 enzyme for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a benign estradiol dependent disease or disorder in a mammal, in particular a human, preferably a female and most preferably a pre-or peri- menopausal female.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the selective inhibitor of the 17p-HSD1 enzyme used for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of a benign estradiol dependent disease or dis- order possesses no or only pure antagonistic binding affinities to the estrogen receptor.

The invention also relates to a method of treating a mammal such as a human having a be- nign estradiol dependent condition, comprising administering to the mammal an amount of a selec- tive inhibitor of the 17, 8-HSD1 enzyme, whereby said inhibitor preferably possesses in addition no or only pure antagonistic binding affinities to the estrogen receptor, and which amount is effective to treat the condition. Administration of a selective inhibitor of the 17, 3-HSD1 enzyme which addi- tionally possesses no or only pure antagonistic binding affinities to the estrogen receptor of this invention in combination with other pharmaceuticals used in treatment of the listed conditions is contemplated.

The benign estradiol dependent conditions to be treated with a selective inhibitor of the 17 [3- HSD1 enzyme include but are not limited to endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine leiomyoma, adenomyosis, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, and urinary dysfunction.

The invention also relates to the use of a selective inhibitor of the 17J3-HSD1 enzyme for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of a benign es- tradiol dependent disease or disorder in a mammal. The benign estradiol dependent disease or disorder is preferably endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine leiomyoma, adenomyosis, dysmenor- rhea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, or urinary dysfunction. Furthermore, the inhibitor of the 17ß- HSD1 enzyme preferably possesses in addition no or only pure antagonistic binding affinities to the estrogen receptor.

In a preferred embodiment the invention relates to use of an effective amount of a selective inhibitor of the 17ß-HSD1 enzyme for the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of a benign estradiol dependent disease or disorder in a mammal, whereby the mammal is a human, preferably a female and most preferably a pre-or peri- menopausal female.

In addition, the present invention relates to the use of a selective inhibitor of the 17) 3-HSD1 enzyme showing no or only pure antagonistic binding affinities to the estrogen receptor for the pre- vention of breast cancer in a post-menopausal female, and to the use of said selective inhibitors for the. manufacture of a medicament for the prevention of breast cancer in a post-menopausal female.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions: The following terms are used to describe various constituents of the chemical composition useful in this invention. The terms are defined as follows : As used herein, the terms"comprising"and"including"are used herein in their open, non- limiting sense.

The word"compound"shall here be understood to cover any and all isomers (e. g., enantiomers, stereoisomers, diastereomers, rotomers, tautomers) or any mixture of isomers, prodrugs, and any pharmaceutical acceptable salt of said compound.

Where the plural form is used for compounds, salts, and the like, this is taken to mean also a single compound, salt, or the like.

The term"substituted"means that the specified group or moiety bears one or more substituents. Where any group may carry multiple substituents and a variety of possible substituents is provided, the substituents are independently selected and need not be the same.

The term"unsubstituted"means that the specified group bears no substituents. The term "optionally substituted"means that the specified group is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more substituents.

Any asymmetric carbon atoms may be present in the (R) -, (S) -or (R, S)-configuration, preferably in the (R) -or (S) -configuration, whichever is most active. Substituents at a double bond or a ring may be present in cis- (. =Z-) or trans (=E-) form.

The compounds of the formula I contain at least one chiral carbon atom, namely the carbon atom carrying the side chain in the 15-position of the steroide structure. The compounds can thus be present in two optically active stereoisomeric forms or as a racemate. The present invention includes both the racemic mixtures and the isomerically pure compounds of the formula 1. The position of the substituents within the C15 position is characterized by a or ß. A C15a derivative according to the present invention is represented by a compound of the following formula (II) whereas a C15ß derivative according to the present invention is represented by a compound of the following formula (111) The compounds of the present invention may contain further asymmetric centers on the molecule, depending upon the nature of the various substituents. In certain instances, asymmetry

may also be present due to restricted rotation about the central bond adjoining the two aromatic rings of the specified compounds. It is intended that all isomers (including enantiomers and diastereomers), either by nature of asymmetric centers or by restricted rotation as described above, as separated, pure or partially purified isomers or racemic mixtures thereof, be included within the ambit of the instant invention.

The term"halogen"refers to fluorine (F, Fluor-), bromine (Br, Bromo-), chlorine (Cl, Chloro), and iodine (J, lodo-) atoms.

The terms"dihalogen","trihalogen"and"perhalogen"refer to two, three and four substitu- ents, respectively, each individually selected from the group consisting of fluorine, bromine, chlo- rine, and iodine atoms.

The term"hydroxyl"refers to the group-OH The term"oxo"refers to the group =0 The term"carbamoyl"refers to the group-CO-NH2 The term"thio"refers to the group =S The term"thiol"refers to the group-SH The term"sulfanyl"refers to the group-S- The term"sulfoxy"or"sulfonyl"refers to the group-SO2- The term"sulfamoyl"refers to the group-SO-NH2 The term"nitro"refers to the group-N02 The term"nitrile"or"cyano"refers to the group-CN For the purpose of the present invention, the carbon content of various hydrocarbon contain- ing moieties is indicated by a prefix designating the minimum and maximum number of carbon atoms in the moiety, i. e. , the prefix Ci-Cj defines the number of carbon atoms present from the inte- ger"i"to the integer"j"inclusive. Thus C1-C4-alkyl refers to alkyl of 1-4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and isomeric forms thereof.

The term"alkyl"stands for a hydrocarbon radical which may be linear, cyclic or branched, with single or multiple branching, whereby the alkyl group comprises 1 to 12 carbon atoms. In one embodiment, the term"alkyl"stands for a linear or branched (with single or multiple branching) alkyl chain of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, exemplified by the term (Ci-Ce) alkyl, more preferably of 1 to 6 carbon atoms exemplified by the term (Ci-C6) alkyl. The term (Cl-C8) alkyl is further exemplified by such groups as methyl ; ethyl ; n-propyl ; isopropyl ; n-butyl ; sec-butyl ; isobutyl ; ter-butyl ; n-pentyl ; isopentyl ; neopentyl ; tert-pentyl ; 2-or 3-methylpentyl ; n-hexyl ; isohexyl, heptyl, octyl and the like The alkyl or (Ci-Ce) alkyl group may be partially unsaturated, forming such groups as, for example, vinyl, propenyl (allyl), butenyl, pentenyl, pentinyl, hexenyl, octadienyl, and the like. The term"alkyl" further comprises cycloalkyl groups, preferably cyclo (C3-C8) alkyl which refers to cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl and isomeric forms thereof such as me- thylcyclopropyl ; 2-or 3-methylcyclobutyl ; 2-, or 3-methylcyclopentyl, and the like. The cycloalkyl group may also be partly unsaturated, forming such groups as, for example, cyclohexenyl, cydopentenyl, cyclooctadienyl, and the like. Furthermore, the term"alkyl"comprises a cycloalkyl- alkyl group comprising 4 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably"tC1-C4) alkyl-cydo (C3-C8) alkyl"which refers to a alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms as described above substituted with a cyclo (C3- C8) alkyl group as described above, forming such groups as for example cyclopropylmethyl, cydo- hexylmethyl, cyclopentylethyl or cyclohexenylethyl. The term"alkyl"further comprises bicyclic ring systems of 6 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably Bicyclo [2.1. 1] hexyl, Bicyclo [2.2. 1] heptyl, Bicy- clo [3.2. 1] octyl, Bicyclo [2.2. 2] octyl, Bicyclo [3.2. 2] nonanyl, Bicyclo [3. 3.1] nonanyl, Bicy- clo [3.3. 2] decanyl ; and the like, preferably Bicyclo [2.2. 1] heptyl, and fused ring systems of up to 10 carbon atoms such as adamantyl and the like.

The alkyl group may optionally be substituted by up to five, more preferably by up to three substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, optionally sub- stituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted cycloheteroalkyl, thiol, nitro, nitrile, alkoxy, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, amino, amido, alkylthio, arylthio, arylalkylthio, sulfamoyl, sul- fonamide, acyl, carboxyl, and acylamino, as defined herein. These groups may be attached to any carbon atom of the alkyl moiety. Substituted alkyl is preferably substituted with halogen, nitrile, hydroxyl, C1-C4-alkoxy (wherein the alkyl chain may be optionally further substituted with up to three hydroxyl groups), phenoxy, benzyloxy, C1-C4-alkylthio, alkylamino, a carboxyl group- (C=O)- OR', and alkylamido (preferably carbamoyl), the number of substituents on said alkyl portion being up to five for hydroxyl and up to three, more preferably up to two for any combination of said other substituents ; as well as with optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl, optionally substituted cycloheteroalkyl as defined herein. Cycloalkyl is preferably substituted with hydroxyl.

The alkyl group substituted with up to three independently selected aryl groups preferably re- fers to"aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl"or diaryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl, wherein the aryl is phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl, inde- nyl, or 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl, preferably aryl is phenyl or naphthyl, forming such

groups as for example benzyl, diphenylmethyl, phenethyl, phenylpropyl, diphenylpropyl, phenylbu- tyl, naphthylmethyl or naphthylethyl. The alkyl chain may be further substituted as defined above; for example the alkyl chain may carry an additional hydroxyl group Furthermore, the alkyl chain may be partially unsaturated, such as a vinyl group. The aryl moiety may optionally be substituted as defined herein; preferably the aryl moiety is substituted with substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, (C1-C6)-alkoxy, (Ci-C6)-alkyl, halogenated (C,-C4)-alkyl, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, alkylamido, preferably carbamoyl, and sulfamoyl ; the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other sub- stituents. Furthermore, said aryl may be optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a saturated cyclic 5 or 6 membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N or O, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O atoms each being 0-2, as for example substituted with an [1, 3]-dioxol group.

The alkyl group substituted with up to three independently selected heteroaryl group pref- erably refers to"heteroaryl- (Cl-C4)-alkyl", wherein the heteroaryl is pyrrolyl, thienyl, furyl, imida- zolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzoimidazolyl, benzofuran, benzo [b] thiophene, preferably heteroaryl is furyl, indolyi, benzoimidazolyl, pyridinyl, thienyl or imidazolyl, forming such groups as for example benzoimidazolylmethyl, pyridinylmethyl, thienylmethyl, furylmethyl, indolylethyl, thienylethyl, pyridinylethyl, or imidazolylpropyl. The heteroaryl moiety may optionally be substituted as defined herein; preferably the heteroaryl moiety is substituted with substituents selected from the group consisting of (C1-C4)-alkoxy, preferably methoxy, (C1-C4)-alkyl, preferably methyl, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, the number of said substituents being up to two for any combination of said substitu- ents.

The alkyl group substituted with up to three independently selected cycloheteroalkyl groups preferably refers to"cycloheteroalkyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl", wherein the cycloheteroalkyl is pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, piperazinyl, aze- panyl, diazepanyl, oxazepanyl or thiazepanyl, preferably cycloheteroalkyl is piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, or morpholinyl, forming such groups as for example morpholinylethyl, morpholinylpropyl, piperid- inylethyl or pyrrolidinylethyl.

The term"alkoxy"refers to a group-OR, where R may be alkyl (wherein the alkyl chain may be optionally further substituted as defined herein, preferably with up to three hydroxyl groups or up to five halogen residues), carbonyl, or acyl as defined herein. Preferably, the term"alkoxy"refers to -0- (CI-C6) alkyl (or (Ci-Ce) alkoxy), with the (Ci-Ce) alkyl group as defined above and optionally substituted with up to three hydroxyl groups.

The term"aryloxy"refers to a group-OAr, where Ar represents aryl as defined herein, which is optionally substituted in the aryl group with up to five independently selected substituents, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halo- genated (C1-C4)-alkoxy ; the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. Preferably, aryloxy refers to phenoxy, option- ally substituted as defined above.

The term"arylalkyloxy"refers to a group-O- (Ci-C4) alkyl-Ar, where Ar represents aryl, which is optionally substituted in the aryl group with up to five independently selected substituents, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halo- genated (C1-C4)-alkoxy ; the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. Preferably, arylalkyloxy refers to benzyloxy, optionally substituted as defined above.

The term"acyl"refers to a group- (C=O)-R, where R may be hydrogen, alkyl (optionally substituted in the alkyl chain with up to five independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen or (C1-C4)-alkoxy), aryl or aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl (both optionally substi- tuted in the aryl group with independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particular hy- droxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halogenated (Ci-C4)- alkoxy ; the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combi- nation of said other substituents), heteroaryl or heteroaryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl (both optionally substituted in the heteroaryl group with up to three independently selected substituents as defined herein), as defined herein. Preferably, the term"acyl"refers to a group- (C=O)-R', where R'represents hydro- gen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, phenyl, or phenyl-(C1-C4)alkyl, preferably benzyl, or heteroaryl-(C1-C4) alkyl, pref- erably indolyl-methyl ; whereby the phenyl moiety may be optionally substituted with independently selected substituents, especially hydroxyl, halogen, (Ci-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4)-alkyl or halogenated (Ci-C4) alkyl, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents.

The term"carbonyl"represents a preferred selection of the term"acyl"and refers to the group-CHO.

The term"alkylacyl"represents a preferred selection of the term"acyl"and refers to a group -(C=O)-alkyl, preferably -(C=O)-(C1-C4)alkyl.

The term"carboxyl"refers to a group- (C=0)-OR, where R may be hydrogen, alkyl (option- ally substituted in the alkyl chain with up to five independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen or (C1-C4)-alkoxy), aryl or aryl- (CI-C4)-alkyl (both optionally substituted in the aryl group with independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particu-

lar hydroxyl, halogen, (C,-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C,-C4)-alkyl, or ha) ogenated (Cr C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents), heteroaryl or heteroaryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl (both optionally sub- stituted in the heteroaryl group with up to three independently selected substituents as defined herein), as defined herein. Preferably, the term"carboxyl"refers to a group- (C=O)-OR', where R' represents hydrogen, (Ci-Ca) alkyl, phenyl, or phenyl-(C1-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl ; whereby the phenyl moiety may be optionally substituted with substituents independently selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl, halogen, (Ci-C4) alkoxy, (C1-C4)-alkyl, halogenated (Ci-C4) alkyl and halogenated (Ci-C4) alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents.

The terms"carboxyl-(C1-C6) alkyl"and"carboxyl-(C1-C4) alkyl"refer to groups- (Ci-C6) alkyl- (C=O)-OR and -(C1-C4)alkyl-(C=O)-OR, respectively, which refer to an alkyl group of 1 to 6 and 1 to 4 carbon atoms, respectively, as described above, substituted with a- (C=O)-OR group as de- scribed above. Preferably the carboxyl group refers to- (C=O)-OR', wherein R'represents hydro- gen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, phenyl, or (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, preferably benzyl. Preferred examples of such carboxyi- (Cl-C6) alkyl groups include acetic acid methyl ester, acetic acid ethyl ester, propionic acid benzyl ester, propionic acid ethyl ester, butyric acid methyl ester, and 3-methyl-butyric acid methyl ester.

The term"amino"refers to the group-NRR', where R and R'may independently be hydro- gen, alkyl (optionally substituted in the alkyl chain with up to five independently selected substitu- ents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen or (C1-C4)-alkoxy), aryl or aryl- (Ci-C4)-alkyl (both optionally substituted in the aryl group with up to five independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (Ci-C4)- alkyl, or halogenated (Ci-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents), heteroaryl or heteroaryl- (Cl-C4)- alkyl (both optionally substituted in the heteroaryl group with up to three independently selected substituents as defined herein), as defined herein.

The term"alkylamino"represents a preferred selection of the term"amino"and refers to the group-NRR', where R and R'may independently be hydrogen or (Ci-C4) alkyl.

The term"alkylthio"or"alkylsulfanyl"refers to a group-SR, where R represents alkyl, op- tionally substituted in the alkyl chain with up to five substituents as defined herein, preferably hy- droxyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy or halogen ; preferably R represents (Ci-Ce) alkyl, in particular (Ci-C4) alkyl, as defined above.

The term"arylthio"or"arylsulfanyl"refers to a group-S-Ar, where Ar represents aryl, which is optionally substituted in the aryl group with independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. Preferably, arylthio refers to phenylsulfanyl, optionally substituted as defined above.

The term"arylalkylthio"or"arylalkylsulfanyl"refers to a group-S- (Ci-C4) alkyl-Ar, where Ar represents aryl, which is optionally substituted in the aryl group with independently selected sub- stituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C,-C4)-alkoxy, halo- genated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. Preferably, arylal- kylthio refers to benzylsulfanyl, optionally substituted as defined above.

The term"alkylsulfonyl"refers to a group-S02-R, where R represents alkyl, optionally sub- stituted in the alkyl chain with up to five substituents as defined herein, preferably hydroxyl, (Ci-C4)- alkoxy or halogen; preferably R represents (Ci-C6) alkyl, in particular (Ci-C4) alkyl, as defined above.

The term"aryisulfonyl"refers to a group-SO2-Ar, where Ar represents aryl, which is option- ally substituted in the aryl group with independently selected substituents as defined herein, in par- ticular hydroxyl, halogen, (C,-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. Preferably, arylsulfonyl refers to benzenesulfonyl, optionally substituted as defined above.

The term"arylalkylsulfonyl"refers to a group-SO2- (CI-C4) alkyl-Ar, where Ar represents aryl, which is optionally substituted in the aryl group with independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. Preferably, arylalkylsulfonyl refers to benzyl- sulfonyl, optionally substituted as defined above.

The term"amido"refers to the group- (C=O)-NRR', where R and R'may independently be hydrogen, alkyl (optionally substituted in the alkyl chain with up to five independently selected sub- stituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen or (C1-C4)-alkoxy), aryl or aryl-(C1-C4)- alkyl (both optionally substituted in the aryl group with independently selected substituents as de- fined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)- alkyl, or halogenated (Ci-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents), heteroaryl or heteroaryl- (Ci-C4)-

alkyl (both optionally substituted in the heteroaryl group with up to three independently selected substituents as defined herein), as defined herein.

The term"alkylamido"represents a preferred selection of the term"amido"and refers to the group- (C=O)-NRR', where R and R'may be independently selected from hydrogen or (Cl- C4) alkyl.

The term"acylamino"refers to the group-NR-CO-R', where R and R'may independently be hydrogen, alkyl (optionally substituted in the alkyl chain with up to five independently selected sub- stituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen or (C1-C4)-alkoxy), aryl or aryl-(C1-C4)- alkyl (both optionally substituted in the aryl group with independently selected substituents as de- fined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)- alkyl, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents), heteroaryl or heteroaryl- (Ci-C4)- alkyl (both optionally substituted in the heteroaryl group with up to three independently selected substituents as defined herein), as defined herein. Preferably, acylamino refers to-NH-CO- (Ci-C4)- alkyl.

The term"carbonylamino"represents a preferred selection of the term"acylamino"and re- fers to the group-NR-CO-CH2-R', where R and R'may be independently selected from hydrogen or (Ci-C4) alkyl.

The term"sulfonamide"refers to the group wherein R and R'may independ- ently be selected from hydrogen or (Ci-C4) alkyl.

Halogenated alkyl, halogenated alkoxy and halogenated alkylthio are substituents in which the alkyl moieües (preferably (C1-C6) alkyl, more preferred (Ci-C4) alkyl, and most preferred methyl) are substituted either partially or in full with halogens, generally with chlorine and/or fluorine. Pre- ferred examples of such substituents are trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, trifluoromethylthio, di- chloromethyl, pentafluoroethyl, dichloropropyl, fluoromethyl and difluoromethyl.

The term"cycloheteroalkyl"refers to a four-to eight-membered heterocyclic ring containing at least one heteroatom, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-1, which system may be saturated, partly unsaturated or hydroaromatic, and which ring can be part of a multiple condensed ring-system in which some rings may be aro- matic. Examples of such cydoheteroalkyls include pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, tetrahydrothio- phenyl, tetrahydropyridinyl, azetidinyl, thiazolidinyl, oxazolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomor- pholinyl, piperazinyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl, oxazepanyl, thiazepanyl, dihydro-1 H-pyrrolyl, 3,6-

dihydro-2H-pyridinyl, 1, 3-dihydro-benzoimidazolyl and the like. Preferred examples of such cyclo- heteroalkyl groups are pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuryl, piperidinyl or azepanyl.

The cycloheteroalkyl group may optionally be substituted by up to three substituents, inde- pendently selected from the group consisting of oxo, alkyl, aryl or aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl, hydroxyl, (C1- C6) alkoxy, halogenated (Ci-C6) alkyl, halogenated (C-C6) alkoxy, carboxyl- (Ci-C6) alkyl, thiol, nitrile, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, carboxyl, aryloxy or arylalkyloxy, (C1-C6) alkylthio, arylthio or arylalkylthio, amino, amido, acyl, and acylamino, as defined herein, whereby the aryl groups are optionally sub- stituted with independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particular hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. The substituents of the cycloheteroalkyl groups may be attached to any carbon atom of the cycloheteroalkyl moiety. Substituted cycloheteroalkyl is preferably substituted with oxo, (Cl- C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, phenyl and/or phenyl- (Cl-C4) alkyl, in particular benzyl.

The terms"aryl"or"Ar"refer to an aromatic carbocyclic group comprising 6 to 14, more pref- erably 6 to 10, carbon atoms and having at least one aromatic ring or multiple condensed rings in which at least one ring is aromatic. Preferably, aryl is phenyl, naphthyl, indanyl, indenyl, or 1,2, 3,4- tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl.

The term"heteroaryl"refers to an aromatic carbocyclic group of having a single 4 to 8 mem- bered ring or multiple condensed rings comprising 6 to 14, more preferably 6 to 10, ring atoms and containing at least one heteroatom, such as N, O or S, within at least one ring, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-1; in which group at least one heterocyclic ring is aromatic. Examples of such groups include pyrrolyl, thienyl, furyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, indolyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzothiazolyl, benzoimidazolyl, 1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazolyl, ben- zofuran, benzo [b] thiophene and the like. Preferably, heteroaryl is quinolinyl, furyl, benzoimidazolyl, pyridinyl, thienyl, indolyl, benzo[b]thiophene, pyridinyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl or thiazolyl.

The aryl and the heteroaryl group may optionally be substituted by substituents independ- ently selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxyl, (C1-C6) alkoxy, (C1-C6) alkyl, halo- genated (Ci-Ce) alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6) alkoxy, carboxyl-(C1-C6)alkyl, oxo, thiol, nitro, nitrile, sul- famoyl, sulfonamide, carboxyl, aryloxy or arylalkyloxy, (C1-C6) alkylthio, arylthio or arylalkylthio, alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, amino, amido, acyl, and acylamino, as defined herein, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other sub- stituents ; whereby the aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, arylthio or arylalkylthio group may be further optionally substituted in the aryl moiety with independently selected substituents as defined herein, in particu- lar hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, or halogenated (C-1

C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. The heteroaryl group may further be optionally substituted with an aryl group, which may be optionally substituted in the aryl moiety with substituents, espe- cially hydroxyl, halogen, (Ci-Ce) alkoxy, (C1-C6) alkyl, halogenated (C1-C6) alkyl or halogenated (Ci- C6) alkoxy the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents. The aryl group may further be optionally substituted with a heteroaryl group or a second aryl group.

Substituted aryl is preferably substituted by substituents selected from the group consisting of (Ci-C4) alkyl, halogen, halogenated (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably halogenated methyl, (Ci-C6) alkoxy, halogenated (C1-C6) alkoxy, hydroxyl, alkylacyl, carboxyl, nitro, nitrile, acylamino, (Ci- C4) alkylsulfonyl, arylsulfonyl, and sulfamoyl, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three, preferably up to two, for any combination of said other substituents. Pref- erably substituted aryl is substituted phenyl.

The aryl may be further substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon at- oms and are combined into a saturated or partly unsaturated cyclic 5,6, 7, or 8 membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2. Preferably, the two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms, are combined into a saturated cyclic 5 or 6 membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N or O, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O atoms each being 0-2. This cyclic ring system may optionally be further substituted by an oxo group. Preferred examples of such a substituted aryl groups are benzo [1,3] dioxol and 1, 3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one.

Substituted heteroaryl is preferably substituted by up to three, preferably up to two substitu- ents selected from the group consisting of halogen, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, (C1-C4)-alkyl, preferably methyl, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, preferably halogenated methyl, halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, phenoxy (optionally substituted with up to three, preferably one halogen), benzyloxy, benzenesulfonyl, phenyl or carboxyl- (CI-C4)-alkyl with a carboxyl group- (C=O-OR', wherein R'represents hydro- gen, (Ci-C4) alkyl, preferably methyl, or (Ci-C4) alkyl-phenyl, preferably benzyl.

The statement is made that when two side chains are found on a single N, they can be com- bined, including the N to which they are attached, into a heterocyclic ring of 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-or 8 at- oms, which can be saturated, partly unsaturated or aromatic, which can optionally contain up to three additional heteroatoms selected from N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2; and which ring can be part of a multiple condensed ring- system, in which some rings may be aromatic. Preferred examples of such heterocydic ring sys- tems, including the N to which the respective side chains are attached, are:

The aforementioned heterocyclic ring system can be optionally substituted by up to three substituents, which can be attached to any carbon or nitrogen atom of the heterocyclic ring system.

Preferred examples of substituted heterocyclic ring systems are: The optional up to three independently selected substituents for the heterocyclic ring system may be chosen among optionally substituted alkyl, halogen, hydroxyl, oxo, thiol, nitro, nitrile, (Ci- C6)-alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, optionally substituted cycloheteroalkyl, aryloxy, arylalkyloxy, amino, amido, alkylthio, arylthio, arylalkylthio, sulfamoyl, sulfonamide, acyl, carboxyl, and acylamino, as defined herein, whereby all aryl or heteroaryl moieties may be optionally substituted with up to five, preferably up to three independently selected substituents as defined herein. Preferably, the het- erocyclic ring system is optionally substituted with substituents independently selected from the group of hydroxyl, oxo, carboxyl, carboxyl- (CI-C6) alkyl, amido; optionally substituted cycloheteroal- kyl ; aryl or aryl- (Cl-C4)-alkyl (both optionally substituted in the aryl group with substituents inde- pendently selected among hydroxyl, halogen, (Ci-C4alkyl, (Ci-C4)-alkoxy, halogenated (C-C4)- alkyl, or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents, or wherein the aryl moiety may be optionally substituted by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are com- bined into a saturated or partly unsaturated cyclic 5,6, 7, or 8 membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the

number of O and S atoms each being 0-2), heteroaryl, and (C,-C8)-alkyl (optionally substituted with up to five substituents independently selected among hydroxyl, halogen, (C1-C4)-alkoxy, or halo- genated (C1-C4)-alkoxy, whereby the alkyl-chain of the (C1-C4)-alkoxy moiety may optionally be further substituted with up to three hydroxyl), the number of said substituents being up to three, more preferably up to two for any combination of said substituents. Even more preferred, the het- erocyclic ring system is optionally substituted with substituents independently selected from the group of hydroxyl, oxo, alkylamido, preferably carbamoyl ; (C1-C4)-alkyl ; cyclo (C3-C8) alkyl ; a car- boxyl group- (C=O)-OR' where R'represents hydrogen or (Ci-C4) alkyl; (C1-C4)-alkyl optionally substituted with up to two hydroxyl and/or (C1-C4)-alkoxy groups (whereby the alkyl-chain of the (C1-C4)-alkoxy moiety may optionally be further substituted with up to two, preferably one, hydroxyl groups); phenyl optionally substituted with halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, preferably methyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy or halogenated (C,-C4)-alkyl, preferably halogenated methyl, the number of said substituents on the phenyl moiety being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents; phenyl- (CI-C4) alkyl, preferably benzyl, optionally substituted in the phenyl group by substituents independently selected among halogen, (C1-C4)-alkyl, (C1-C4)-alkoxy or halogenated (C1-C4)-alkyl, preferably halogen, the number of said substituents being up to five for halogen, and up to three for any combination of said other substituents, or optionally substituted in the phenyl group by two groups which are attached to adjacent carbon atoms and are combined into a satu- rated or partly unsaturated cyclic 5 or 6-membered ring system, optionally containing up to two O atoms; heteroaryl, preferably pyridinyl, heteroaryl- (CI-C4) alkyl or cydoheteroalkyl, preferably pyr- rolidinyl or 1, 3-dihydro-benzoimidazolyl, which cycloheteroalkyl group is optionally substituted with oxo.

Furthermore, the aforementioned heterocyclic ring system may be substituted by two groups which are attached to the same carbon atom and are combined into a saturated or partly unsatu- rated cyclic 4,5, 6,7, or 8 membered ring system, optionally containing up to three heteroatoms, such as N, O or S, the number of N atoms being 0-3 and the number of O and S atoms each being 0-2. This cyclic ring system may optionally be further substituted by up to three substitutents inde- pendently selected from oxo, (C1-C6)-alkyl, aryl, preferably phenyl, and aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl, preferably benzyl. Preferred examples of such substituted heterocyclic ring systems are 1,4-dioxa-8-aza- spiro [4.5] decane, 1,3, 8-triaza-spiro [4.5] decane, 1,3, 8-triaza-spiro [4.5] decan-4-one, 1-Phenyl-1, 3,8- triaza-spiro [4.5] decane, and 1-Phenyl-1, 3,8-triaza-spiro [4.5] decan-4-one.

The term"pro-drug"as used herein, represents derivatives of the compounds of the inven- tion that are drug precursors which, following administration to a patient, release the drug in vivo via a chemical or physiological process. In particular, pro-drugs are derivatives of the compounds of the invention in which functional groups carry additional substituents which may be cleaved un- der physiological conditions in vivo and thereby releasing the active principle of the compound (e.

g. , a pro-drug on being brought to a physiological pH or through an enzyme action is converted to the desired drug form).

The term"pharmaceutically acceptable salts"refers to salt forms that are pharmacologically acceptable and substantially non-toxic to the subject being administered the compounds of the invention. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula I include conventional and stoichiometrical acid-addition salts or base-addition salts formed from suitable non-toxic organic or inorganic acids or inorganic bases. Acid addition salts, for example, from compounds of formula I with a basic nitrogen atom are formed preferably with organic or inorganic acids. Suitable inorganic acids are, for example, halogen acids such as hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, or phosphoric acid.

Suitable organic acids are, for example, carboxylic, phosphonic, or sulfonic acids, for example ace- tic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, hydroxybutyric acid, malic acid, malenic acid, malonic acid, salicylic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, adipic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, glutaric acid, 2-or 3-glycerophosphoric acid and other mineral and carboxylic acids well known to those skilled in the art. The salts are prepared by contacting the free base forms with a sufficient amount of the desired acid to produce a salt in the conventional manner. Compounds containing acidic substituents may also form salts with inorganic or organic bases. Examples of suitable bases for salt formation include, but are not limited to, inorganic bases such as alkali or alkaline earth-metal (e. g. , sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, or magnesium) hydroxides, and those derived from am- monium hydroxides (e. g. , a quaternary ammonium hydroxide such as tetramethylammonium hy- droxide). Also contemplated are salts formed with pharmaceutical acceptable amines such as am- monia, alkyl amines, hydroxyalkylamines, N-methylglucamine, benzylamines, piperidines, and pyr- roiidines and the like. Certain compounds will be acidic in nature, e. g. those compounds which possess a carboxyl or phenolic hydroxyl group. Salts of phenols can be made by heating acidic compounds with any of the above mentioned bases according to procedures well known to those skilled in the art.

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

The phrase"effective amount"as used herein, means an amount of a compound or composition which is sufficient enough to significantly and positively modify the symptoms and/or conditions to be treated (e. g. , provide a positive clinical response). The effective amount of an active ingredient for use in a pharmaceutical composition will vary with the particular condition being treated, the severity of the condition, the duration of the treatment, the nature of concurrent therapy, the particular active ingredient (s) being employed, the particular pharmaceutical acceptable excipient (s)/carrier (s) utilized, and like factors within the knowledge and expertise of the attending physician.

Administration forms The method of the invention is primarily intended for treatment in a mammal, preferably in humans and other primates, of steroid hormone dependent diseases or disorders, in particular estradiol dependent diseases or disorders, wherein the steroid hormone dependent disease or disorder preferably requires the inhibition of a 1 (3-HSD enzyme, preferably the 17J3-HSD1 enzyme.

The compounds may be administered orally, dermally, parenterally, by injection, by pulmonal or nasal delivery, or sublingually, rectally or vaginally in dosage unit formulations. The term "administered by injection"includes intravenous, intraarticular, intramuscular (e. g. by depot injection where the active compounds are released slowly into the blood from the depot and carried from there to the target organs), intraperitoneal, intradermal, subcutaneous, and intrathecal injections, as well as use of infusion techniques. Dermal administration may include topical application or transdermal administration. One or more compounds may be present in association with one or more non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries such as excipients, adjuvants (e. g. buffers), carriers, inert solid diluents, suspensing agents, preservatives, fillers, stabilizers, anti- oxidants, food additives, bioavailability enhancers, coating materials, granulating and disintegrating agents, binding agents etc. , and, if desired, other active ingredients.

The pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for example as immediate release, sustained release, pulsatile release, two or more step release, depot or other kind of release formulations.

The manufacture of the pharmaceutical compositions according to the invention may be performed according to methods known in the art and will be explained in further detail below.

Commonly known and used pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries as well as further suitable diluents, flavorings, sweetening agents, coloring agents etc. may be used, depending on the intended mode of administration as well as particular characteristics of the active compound to be used, such as solubility, bioavailability etc. Suitable auxiliaries and further ingredients may be such as recommended for pharmacy, cosmetics and related fields and which preferably are listed in the European Pharmacopoeia, FDA approved or cited in the"GRAS"list (FDA List of food additives that are'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS)).

One mode of application of the compounds of general formula (I) or of pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of said compounds is oral application, e. g. , by tablets, pills, dragees, hard and soft gel capsules, granules, pellets, aqueous, lipid, oily or other solutions, emulsions such as oil-in-water emulsions, liposomes, aqueous or oily suspensions, syrups, elixirs,

solid emulsions, solid dispersions or dispersible powders. For the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions for oral administration, the compounds suitable for the purposes of the present invention as defined above can be admixed with commonly known and used adjuvants and excipients such as for example, gum arabic, talcum, starch, sugars (such as, e. g. , mannitose, methyl cellulose, lactose), gelatin, surface-active agents, magnesium stearate, aqueous or non- aqueous solvents, paraffin derivatives, cross-linking agents, dispersants, emulsifiers, lubricants, conserving agents, flavoring agents (e. g., ethereal oils), solubility enhancers (e. g., benzyl benzoate or benzyl alcohol) or bioavailability enhancers (e. g. Gelucirew). In the pharmaceutical composition, the active ingredients may also be dispersed in a microparticle, e. g. a nanoparticulate, composition.

For parenteral administration, the active agents can be dissolved or suspended in a physiologically acceptable diluent, such as, e. g. , water, buffer, oils with or without solubilizers, surface-active agents, dispersants or emulsifiers. As oils for example and without limitation, olive oil, peanut oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, castor oil and sesame oil may be used. More generally spoken, for parenteral administration the active agent can be in the form of an aqueous, lipid, oily or other kind of solution or suspension or even administered in the form of liposomes or nano- suspensions.

Transdermal application can be accomplished by suitable patches, as generally known in the art, specifically designed for the transdermal delivery of active agents, optionally in the presence of specific permeability enhancers. Furthermore, also emulsions, ointments, pastes, creams or gels may be used for transdermal delivery.

Another suitable mode of administration is via intravaginal devices (e. g. vaginal rings) or intrauterine systems (IUS) containing reservoirs for controlled release of active agents over extended periods of time. For rectal or vaginal administration of the drug the compounds may also be administered in the form of suppositories. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal or vaginal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum or vagina to release the drug.

Another mode of application is by implantation of a depot implant comprising an inert carrier material, such as biologically degradable polymers or synthetic silicones such as e. g. silicone rubber. Such implants are designed to release the active agent in a controlled manner over an extended period of time (e. g. , 3 to 5 years).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the particular method of administration will depend on a variety of factors, all of which are considered routinely when administering therapeutics. It will also be understood, however, that the actual dosages of the agents of this

invention for any given patient will depend upon a variety of factors, including, but not limited to the activity of the specific compound employed, the particular composition formulated, the mode of administration, time of administration, route of administration and the particular site, host, and disease being treated, and furthermore the age of the patient, the body weight of the patient, the general health of the patient, the gender of the patient, the diet of the patient, rate of excretion, drug combinations, and the severity of the condition undergoing therapy. It will be further appreciated by one skilled in the art that the optimal course of treatment, i. e. , the mode of treatment and the daily number of doses of a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof given for a defined number of days, can be ascertained by those skilled in the art using conventional treatment tests. Optimal dosages for a given set of conditions may be ascertained by those skilled in the art using conventional dosage-determination tests in view of the experimental data for a given compound. For oral administration, an exemplary daily dose generally employed will be from about 0. 01 ug/kg to about 100 mg/kg of total body weight, whereby courses of treatment may be repeated at appropriate time intervals. Administration of pro-drugs may be dosed at weight levels that are chemically equivalent to the weight levels of the fully active compounds. The daily dosage for parenteral administration will generally be from about 0.01 Xug/kg to about 100 mg/kg of total body weight. A daily rectal dosage regimen will generally be from about 0. 01 ug/kg to about 200 mg/kg of total body weight. A daily vaginal dosage regimen will generally be from about 0.01 pg/kg to about 100 mg/kg of total body weight. The daily topical dosage regimen will generally be from about 0. 1 ug to about 100 mg administered between one to four times daily. The transdermal concentration will generally be that required to maintain a daily dose of from 0. 01 ug/kg to 100 mg/kg of total body weight.

Abbreviations and Acronyms As employed herein, the following terms have the indicated meanings.

ACN acetonitrile Bn benzyl BOC tert-butoxycarbonyl conc. concentrated EtOAc ethyl acetate d day (s) DCM dichloromethane CH2Cl2 DHP 3, 4-dihydro- [ 2H]-pyran Dibal Diisobutyl-aluminiumhydride DMF N, N-dimethylformamide DMSO dimethylsulfoxide DIPEA N, N-diisopropylethylamine E1 estron E2 estradiol EDCI-HCI 1- (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ER estrogen receptor h hour (s) HMPA hexamethylphosphoramide HOBT 1-Hydroxybenzotriazole Hydrate HSD hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase NAD (P) [H] nicotinamide-adenine-dinudeotide (phosphate) [reduced NAD (P)] NMR nuclear magnetic resonance MeOH methanol min minute (s) PG protection group pTosOH para-toluene sulphonic acid RT room temperature TBME ter-butyl methyl ether THE tetrahydrofuran THP tetrahydropyran TLC thin-layer chromatography TMSCI trimethylsilylchloride

General Preparative Methods The compounds of the present invention may be prepared by use of known chemical reac- tions and procedures. Nevertheless, the following general preparative methods are presented to aid the reader in synthesizing the 17g-HSD1 inhibitors, with specific details provided below in the experimental section to illustrate working examples.

All variable groups of these methods are as described in the generic description if they are not specifically defined below.

It is recognized that compounds of the invention with each claimed optional functional group may not be prepared by each of the below-listed methods. Within the scope of each method, op- tional substituents may appear on reagents or intermediates which may act as protecting or other- wise non-participating groups. Utilizing methods well known to those skilled in the art, these groups are introduced and/or removed during the course of the synthetic schemes which provide the com- pounds of the present invention.

Flow Diagrams Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a bond, A represents CO, Y represents NH or NR4 and n represents an integer from 0 to 5, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram la.

The free acid (IV) may be converted to the reactive acyl halide (V), in particular the acid chlo- ride, by reaction with SOCi2, COCI2, PCIS or PBr3 or the like. The amide derivatives (VI) may be prepared by a base catalyzed addition-elimination reaction, where the halogen residue is substi- tuted with the appropriate amine R2NH2 or R2NHR4 in the presence of a base, for example DIPEA.

Altematively, especially suited for derivatives with n > 2, the amide derivatives may be prepared directly from the free adds by nucleophilic substitution with the appropriate amine. Alternatively, the amide derivatives may be prepared directly from the free acids by nucleophilic substitution with the appropriate amine as shown in Flow Diagram Ib :

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a bond, A represents CO, Y represents O, and n represents an integer from 0 to 5, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Dia- gram li :

The ester derivatives (VII) may be prepared from the free acid (IV) by esterification with the appropriate alcohol R2-OH.

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a bond, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, and n represents an integer from 0 to 5, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram III :

The alcohol (XXXI) may be converted to the corresponding aldehyde (XXXIII) via Dess- Martin Oxidation. Subsequently the aldehyde may be converted by a nucleophilic addition- elimiation reaction with a Grignard or other organometallic reagent, substituted with the appropriate R2 residue to the corresponding secondary alcohol (XXI), which thereafter can be oxidized again to the desired ketone (VIII).

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a bond, A represents CO, Y represents NH-NR4 or NH-NH, and n represents an integer from 0 to 5, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diaaram IVa.

The free acid (IV) may be converted to the reactive acyl halide (V), in particular the acid chlo- ride, by reaction with SOCI2, COCI2, POs or PBr3 or the like. The hydrazide derivatives (XLI) may be prepared by a base catalysed addition-elimination reaction, where the halogen residue is substi- tuted with the appropriate hydrazine H2N-NHR2 or H2N-NR2R4 in the presence of a base, for exam- ple DIPEA. Altematively, especially suited for derivatives with n > 2, the hydrazide derivatives may be prepared directly from the free acids by nucleophilic substitution with the appropriate hydrazine using e. g. polymer bound carbodiimid, HOBT and DCM, as shown in Flow Diagram IVb : Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a NH, A represents CO, Y represents NH, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram Va:

The urea derivatives of the general formula (XVII) may be prepared by the reaction of the amine building block (XV) with an appropriately substituted Isocyanate (R2-N=C=O). After the addi- tion, the ketal function is converted into the keto function. Altematively, the amine may be first re- acted with carbodiimidazol or triphosghen to form a reactive carbamoyl compound, which than can react further with a suitable amine R2R4-NH. A further synthesis variant may use the unprotected amine (XXIX) as starting material for the reaction with an appropriately substituted Isocyanate (R2- N=C=O) as shown in Flow Diaaram Vb Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a NR3, A represents SO2, Y represents NH, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram VI

In a first step, the amine building block (XV) may be converted into a protected, for example Boc-protected, sulfamide compound by a reaction with the appropriately protected chlorosulfonyl isocyanate. In a second step, the protected sulfamide compound is allowed to react with the ap- propriate Bromo-reagent (R2-Br) to provide the still protected, substituted sulfamide derivative of the formula (XVIII). After deprotection, the desired N-substituted sulfamide derivative of formula (XIX) is obtained.

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a NR3, A represents CO, Y represents O, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Dia- gram vn :

The carbamate derivatives of the general formula (XX) may be prepared by the reaction of the amine building block (XV) with an appropriate chloroformic acid ester (R2-O-CO-CI). After the addition-elimination reaction, in a second step the ketal function is converted into the keto function.

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a NR3, A represents SO2, Y represents O, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Dia- gram Vlil :

The sulfamate derivatives of the general formula (XXII) may be prepared by the reaction of the amine building block (XV) with an appropriate chlorosulfonic acid ester (R2-O-SO2-CI). After the addition-elimination reaction, in a second step the ketal function is converted into the keto function.

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a NR3, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram IXa :

The"retro"-amide derivatives of the general formula (XXIII) may be prepared by the reaction of the amine building block (XV) with an appropriate acid halide, e. g. an acid chloride (R2-CO-CI).

After the addition-elimination reaction, in a second step the ketal function is converted into the keto function. Altematively, the reaction with an appropriate acid halide, e. g. an acid chloride (R2-CO- CI), can be performed using the amino-hydrochloride salt of the estrone (XXIX) as starting material as shown in the following Flow Diaaram IXb :

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a NR3, A represents S02, Y represents a bond, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram Xa:

The sulfonamide derivatives of the general formula (XXIV) may be prepared by the reaction of the amine building block (XV) with an appropriate sulfonic acid halide, e. g. a sulfonic acid chlo- ride (R2-SO2-CI). After the addition-elimination reaction, in a second step the ketal function is con- verted into the keto function. Altematively, the reaction with an appropriate sulfonic acid halide, e. g. sulfonic acid chloride (R2-SO2-CI), can be performed using the amino-hydrochloride salt of the es- trone (XXIX) as starting material as shown in the following Flow Diagram Xb:

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a NR3, A represents CO, Y represents NH-S02, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram XI :

The sulfonyl urea derivatives of the general formula (XXV) may be prepared by the reaction of the amine building block (XV) with an appropriately substituted sulfonyl isocyanate (R2-SO2- N=C=O). After the addition, the ketal function is converted into the keto function.

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a O, A represents CO, Y represents NR4, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram XII :

The"retro"-carbamate derivatives of the general formula (XXVI) may be prepared by the re- action of the estrone alcohol building block (XXXI) with an appropriately substituted isocyanate (R2- N=C=O) and subsequent purification.

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a O, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram XIII :

The"retro"-ester derivatives of the general formula (XXVII) may be prepared by the esterifi- cation of the estrone alcohol building block (XXXI) with the appropriate carboxylic acid R2-COOH and subsequent purification.

Certain formula I compounds, in which X represents a O, A represents CO, Y represents NH-S02-NR4, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diagram Xi : The sulfonylcarbamate derivatives of the general formula (XXVIII) may be prepared by a two-step synthesis : In a first step, the estrone alcohol building block (XXXI) is converted to the chlorosulfonylcarbamate intermediate by reaction with chlorosulfonyl isocyanate. Subsequently, the intermediate is allowed to react with the appropriate primary or secondary amine HNR2R4 in in or- der to give the desired sulfonylcarbamate derivative.

Certain formula I compounds, in which X-A-Y represents O, and R2 is different from H may be prepared by a reaction as shown in Flow Diaaram XV:

(X) (XXX) The ether derivatives of the general formula (XXX) may be prepared the reaction of an ap- propriate Grignard reagent BrMg-(CH2)n-O-R2 (for n = 3-6) with the 15,16-unsaturated estrone de- rivative of formula X. Altematively, ether derivatives may be prepared by derivatisation of the corre- sponding alcohol of the general formula (XXXI).

The synthesis of certain formula I compounds, in which X-A-Y represents O, R2 represents H, and n represents an integer from 1 to 6, according to general formula (XXXI) is decribed within the section "Intermediates".

Numbering of compound formulas and intermediates The general structure formulas are typically designated with a number in roman format, fol- lowed by a or (indicating the stereochemistry at the C15 atom of the estron core if necessary. If the number of methylen groups attached at the C15 position is specified (i. e. the value of"n"), the roman number is followed by a hyphen and a number indicating the amount of methylen groups.

Finally, a letter a, b or c is attached after the number"n", indicating the nature of the substituent R1 at the O-atom in C3 position of the estron core (a = hydrogen, b = methyl, and c = benzyl).

For example, compound IV is the general acid building block : Therefore, a compound IV-3a would represent a derivative of IV with ß stereochemistry at C15, three methylen groups and a hydroxy group in C3 position, i. e.:

If particular structures of synthesized examples falling under a general formula are pre- sented, then the designation of the general formula is followed by the particular number of this ex- ample, i. e. Example No. 652 of formula (XXXllla-1a)-652

This example 652 is a particular compound of the general formula XXXllla-1a, wherein R2 is a 4-fluoro-phenyl residue.

Intermediates I. The 15,16-unsaturated Estrone of formula X

The enone intermediate of formula X with R'= Benzyl as protecting group can be prepared according to a procedure described by Labaree and depicted within the following scheme 1 [La- baree et al. (2003) J. Med. Chem. 46: 1886-1904].

SCHEME 1 The starting compound-the ketal-of the formula (IXa) for example can be prepared ac- cording to Nambara [Nambara et al. (1976) Steroids 27: 111-122]. The methyl derivative of formula (IXb, R1=CH3) is prepared using MeJ and acetone, whereas the Benzyl-derivative of formula (IXc, R1=benzyl) is prepared using Benzylbromid, DIPEA and acetone. Enone intermediates with other substituents in R1, in particular optionally substituted C1-C4-alkyl, can be prepared accordingly by using the appropriate optionally substituted C1-C4-alkyl-bromide or C1-C4-alkyl-iodide. Finally, the ketal derivative is hydrolyse to give the appropriate enone-derivative X (Xb for R1=CH3 and Xc for R1=benzyl). Altematively, the enone intermediate of formula X can be prepared according to a procedure described by Poirier et al. [Poirier et al. (1991) Tetrahedron, 47 (37): 7751-7766].

II. The ketal derivative of the Estron-15c-vl-carbaldehvde of formula XIII-0 The protected aldehyde intermediate of formula Bill-0 with R1=CH3 (XIIIb) or R'=Benzyl (Xlllc) can be prepared according to a procedure depicted within the following scheme 2: SCHEME 2

(Xll) (Xlil-O) The 15,16-unsaturated estrone of formula (X) was converted into the corresponding cyano- estrone (XI) by a cyanide Michael addition at the D-ring. The nitrile was introduced in the beta con- figuration as was proven by 2D-NMR. Epimerization of this stereocenter had been accomplished in a following step. First the ketone functionality was protected as the acetal (XII), followed by conver- sion of the nitrile to the corresponding aldehyde (XIII-0) by the addition of Dibal-H to the nitrile and the consecutive hydrolysis of the imine product. At this stage the epimerization took place for about 90% (2D-NMR). Consecutive washing oAf the mixture with aqueous bicarbonate gave the a-isomer with a d. e < 98%.

Detailed Synthesis Cvanoestrone Xlb : 3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-triene-15ß-carbonitrile Cvanoestrone Xlc : 3-Benzvloxy-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10 !-triene-15X-carbonitrile KCN (17. 0g, 261mmol) (NaCN can also be used) was added to DMF (200mL) at ambient temperature. H20 (100-200mL ; minimum amount) was added until an almost clear solution was obtained. Unsaturated estrone Xb or Xc (25mol) was dissolved in DMF (400mL) and added dropwise to the KCN solution as slow as possible during 8-10h and that a clear solution is main- tained. After addition is complete the reaction mixture was stirred overnight. Water (1-2L) was slowly added to the stirring reaction mixture. The product was isolated by filtration and triturated two times with H2O. The white solid was dissolved in DCM, the residual water was removed, and the organic layer was dried with Na2SO4. Evaporation to dryness gave cyano estrone Xlb as a white foam in yields varying from 54%-90% (0.21 mol scale). Cyano estrone Xlc needed additional purification by column chromatography (DCM/TBME, gradient 0-20%): yield 51% as a white foam when carried out on a 20mmol scale.

Ketal Xllb : Ketal of 3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1. 3, 5(10)-triene-15ß-carbonitrile Ketal Xllc : Ketal of 3-Benzvloxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3,5(10)-triene-15ß-carbonitrile A suspension of cyano estrone Xlb or Xlc (89. 2mmol), ethylene glycol (11. 7mL, 178mmol), and p-TSA (0.5g, cat. ) in diglyme (500mL) was stirred overnight. In most cases a clear solution was obtained. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo on a water bath at 70°C until precipita- tion started. After cooling to RT, the product was collected by filtration. The mother liquor was evaporated to dryness and the residue was recrystallized from diglyme. Yield of Xllb : 28.6g (100%) as white flakes. On a 4. 4mmol scale, compound Xllc was also obtained in 100% yield.

Aldehvde XIII-Ob : Ketal of 3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-triene-15a-carbaidehyde Aldehvde XIII-Oc : Ketal of 3-Benzvloxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-triene-15a-carbaldehvde A solution of ketal Xllb or Xllc (3. 7 mmol) in dry THF (50mL) was added dropwise to Dibal-H (20mL, 25% in toluene, 30mmol) in THF at-80°C. After addition is complete the reaction is stirred for 20min and slowly warmed to RT overnight The reaction is quenched at-10-0°C by dropwise addition of 30% AcOH in H20 (100-300mL) until no gas evolves anymore and a clear solution is obtained. EtOAc (200mL) was added and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was ex- tracted with EtOAc (3x200mL). The combined organic layers were washed with NaHCO3 (aq) until no gas evolves and dried with Na2SO4. Column chromatography (DCM to remove impurities, TBME/DCM (1: 1) to collect the product) gave XIII-0c (1. 0g) in 62% yield and Xlil-Ob in 85% yield (0. 14mol flash CH2CI2).

III. Compounds of formula IV (acid building block) : Estron-15-yl-Cn-C5-alkvl-carboxviic acid Acid building block IV-0 : (n = 0) IV-0b : (n = 0 and Ri = CHI) : 3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15α-yl-carboxylic acid IV-Oc : (n = 0 and R1 = Bn): 3-benzvloxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-tien-15a-vl-carboxylic acid The individual steps in the synthesis of acid building block of the formula IV-0b are depicted in the following scheme 3.

SCHEME3

The ketal derivative of the 17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15a-yl-carbaldehyde of formula XIiI- 0 is oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acid and converted into the unprotected 15a- substituted estrone derivative of formula IV-0.

Detailed Synthesis IV-Ob : (n = 0 and R1 = CH3) : 3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15a-vl-carboxvlic acid KMn04 (7.5g, 47. 6mmol) dissolved in H20 (80mL) was added dropwise to a solution of aide- hyde XIII-0b (10.0g, 28mmol) in acetone (400mL) at such a rate that 45°C<T<55°C. After the addi- tion is complete, the mixture was stirred at 50°C for 1h, cooled to RT, and treated (dropwise) with NaHSO3 (aq) until the purple colour had gone. The reaction mixture was filtered through Celite and, consecutively, H20 (400mL) and AcOH (20mL) were added. The emulsion obtained was evapo- rated until a sticky oil was obtained at the bottom of the flask. The clear supematant was removed by decantation. Upon drying of the oil in vacuo, yellowish foam was obtained (10. 0g, 100%). The foam was dissolved in CH2CI2 (100-200mL) and stirred with HCI (100mL, 30% in H2O) during a weekend. The aqueous layer was extracted with CH2CI2 (2x200mL). The combined organic layers were extracted with 4N NaOH (3x200mL). The aqueous layer was acidified to pH-1 and extracted with CH2CI2. The organic layer was dried with Na2S04 and concentrated to #20mL and transferred onto a silca column (CH2CI2). Elution with CH2CI2/AcOH 99: 1 gave compound IV-Ob (4.6g, 50%, 90% purity). Final purification was a recrystallization from CH2CI2/heptane (3x) by evaporation of CH2CI2 at ambient pressure and at reflux temperature until crystallization occurs.

Acid building block IV-1 : (n = 1): IV-1b : (n = 1 and R1 = CH ! : 3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15a-vl-acetic acid IV-1c : (n = 1 and R1 = Bn): 3-Benzvloxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15a-vl-acetic acid The acid building block IV-1 could be synthesized via two different routes. The individual steps of the first synthesis route of acid building block IV-1 are depicted in the following scheme 4. The same kind of procedure can be applied for n = 2 and for other side chains within the R'posi- tion.

SCHEME 4

The ketal derivative of the 17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15a-yl-carbaldehyde of formula XIII-0 is converted into the methyl enol ether of the formula XXXIV via a Wittig reaction with MeOCH2LiP (Ph) 3. Hydrolysis with HC) delivered the unprotected acetaldehyde derivative XXXIII- 1. The acetaldehyde derivative is then further oxidized to the corresponding carboxylic acid IV-1.

Detailed Synthesis XXXIVb : 3-Methoxv-15a- (2-methoxv-vinvl)-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one n-BuLi (16.8mL, 2.5M, in hexanes, 42mmol) was added dropwise to a suspension of (meth- oxymethyl) triphenylphosphonium chloride (14. 4g, 42mmol) in THF (120mL) at-78°C. Upon slowly warming the reaction to RT, the orange suspension turned into an intense red clear solution. After 3h, the reaction mixture was cooled to-78°C and a solution of the aldehyde XIII-0b (10. 0g, 28mmol) in THF (100mL) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to RT overnight and was evaporated to dryness. The residue was suspended in NaOH (1n, 200mL). Extraction with CH2CI2 followed by flash column chromatography (CH2CI2/heptane, 1: 1) to remove the main impurities (OP (Ph) 3) gave a crude mixture of XXXIVb as a white foam (8.9g).

XXXI11-1 b : 3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5(10)-trien-15α-yl-acetaldehyde HCI (6N, 200mL) was added to a mixture containing XXXIVb (8.9g) dissolved in CH2C12 (200mL) and this reaction mixture was stirred overnight. Drying the organic layer (Na2S04) and evaporation to dryness was followed by column chromatography (CH2CI2/heptane, 1: 1 gradually

increasing the polarity to CH2CI2/TBME, 8: 3). Aldehyde XXXIII-1b was isolated as the main product (2.89g, 30%).

IV-1 b : (n = 1 and R1 = CH) : 3-MethoXv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15a-vl-aceticacid Oxidation of XXXIII-1 b (2. 3g, 6. 7mmol), analogously to the procedure for IV-0b (see above), gave compound IV-1b (2.1g, 91%, almost 95% pure) The product was further purified by column chromatography (CH2CI2/AcOH, (95: 5) ) and by a consecutive crystallization from CH2CI2/heptane (3x).

Alternative synthesis route for the acid building block IV-1 : (n = 1): IV-1 b : (n = 1 and R1 = CH) : 3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-15α-yl-acetic acid Altematively, compound IV-1b can be prepared directly from the enone derivative of formula X according to the following synthesis scheme 5: SCHEME 5 (IV-1 b) A Michael addition of the dimethylmalonate-anion to the enone derivative delivered the diester XXXVIb, which was converted into the acid building block of formula IV-b by alkaline ester hydrolysis and decarboxylation in refluxing acetic acid.

Detailed Synthesis XXXVib : Dimethylester of the estrone-carbaldehvde The dimethyl malonate anion was prepared by the dropwise addition of a dimethylmalonate (18. 7g, 142mmol) solution in THF (200mL) to a suspension of NaH (7.42g, 170mol) in THF (200mL) at 0°C. The reaction mixture was kept at 0°C for 1h. The reaction mixture became a grey solid mass which disappears upon reaction by the dropwise addition of enone Xb (10g, 35. 5mmol, in 240mL THF) and stirring at RT during a weekend. The reaction was quenched by the dropwise addition of H20. Consecutively, H20 (400mL) was added and most of the THF was removed by evaporation in vacuo. The product was isolated by filtration and was triturated with heptane. The

solid was dissolved in EtOAc (200-300mL) and dried with Na2SO4. Evaporation to dryness gave XXXVlb (11. Og, 84%) as colourless oil which solidifies upon standing.

IV-1b : (n = 1 and R1 = CH3) : 3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3, 5(10_trien-15α-yl-acetic acid Hydrolysis of diester XXXV) b (11. Og, 29. 8mmol) by dissolving in THF and adding concen- trated NaOH (50mL) and stirring overnight. The organic solvent was removed by evaporation in vacuo, and the residue was acidified with HCI (30%) until pH#1. The product was extracted with CH2CI2 (2x200mL). The combined organic layers were dried with Na2SO4 and evaporated to dry- ness. The residue was a mixture of compounds (partly decarboxylated). Dissolving the residue in AcOH (200mL) and refluxing overnight gave complete decarboxylation. Evaporation to dryness and column chromatography (CH2Cl2/AcOH, (95: 5) ) gave a white solid material IV-1 b (4.92g, 52%). The product was further purified by column chromatography (CH2CI2/AcOH, (95: 5) ) and by a consecu- tive crystallization from CH2CI2/heptane (3x).

Acid building blocks IVß-2, IVß-3, IVß-4, IVß-5, IVß-6 (n = 2, 3, 4. 5. 6) : IVß-3b (n = 3 and R1 = CHa) : 4-(3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15ß-yl)-butyric acid The individual steps in the synthesis of acid building block of the formula IVß-3b are depicted in the following scheme 6. The same kind of procedure can be applied for n = 4,5, or 6 and for other alkyl side chains within the R'position using the appropriate BrMg-C5-C,-alkoxy-THP as Grignard Reagent. Furthermore, this reaction scheme also delivers the estrone-alcohol building block in form of the intermediate of formula XXXIß-4b.

SCHEME 6 SCHEME 6, continued:

4-Bromo-butanol-THP ether was prepared by adding HBr solution to refluxing THF. The re- sulting bromide was dissolved in CH2CI2, p-TosOH and DHP were added at 0°C to give the pro- tected alcohol. This was filtered over Si02 and further purified by column chromatography, yielding 9. 3% over 2 steps. The protected alcohol was dissolved in THF and added to activated magne- sium, and the resulting Grignard reagent added to Cul2 in HMPA. The 15,16-unsaturated Estrone derivative of formula Xb, dissolved in dry THF and TMSCI, was added at-405°C. Subsequently, after hydrolysis of the silyl ether, the resulting compound XXX-4b-THP was deprotected with p- TosOH/MeOH to give the alcohol derivative XXXI-4b, which was converted, without purification, into the free acid IV-3b by a Jones oxidation. The oil was purified by column chromatography, yield- ing the free acid of formula IV-3b in 30% yield over three steps.

Detailed Synthesis : 4-bromo-butanol HBr solution (48% HBr in water, 1280 ml, 11.22 mol) was added dropwise to refluxing dry THF (810 ml, 9.99 mol) over a period of 2.25 hour. After complete addition, 1 H-NMR analysis of a sample showed that the reaction was completed. The reaction mixture was cooled to RT, trans- ferred to a 10 I reaction flask and, while stirred mechanically, carefully neutralized with NaHCO3 solution. The layers were separated and the organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. The resulting yellow oil was used in the next step without further purification 2- (4-Bromo-butoxv)-tetrahvdro-pvran Crude product 4-bromo-butanol was dissolved in DCM (500 ml) and dried over Na2S04 and pTosOH (500 mg) was added. Dihydropyran (1181 ml) was added dropwise at 0°C and during the addition the temperature was kept under 8°C. The reaction was allowed to reach RT overnight, washed with saturated NaHCO3 solution (2x 300 ml) and brine (9. 3 I). The aqueous layers were washed with TBME (300 mi) and the combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous K2CO3.

The mixture was filtered off and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded

593 g (yield = 25% over 2 steps). The obtained 4-bromo-butanol-THP ether was filtrated twice over SiO2 (DCM with 1 % MeOH). Finally, the compound was purified by column chromatography (20 1 SiO2, DCM with 1% MeOH). This yielded 220.6 g of 2- (4-Bromo-butoxy) tetrahydro-pyran (yield = 9.3% over 2 steps) as a TLC-pure light yellow oil.

3-Methoxy-15Q-f4- (tetrahvdro-pvran-2-vloxv)-butvll-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXX-4b-THP) Magnesium (29.6 g, 2.0 mol) was stirred overnight with broken glass under N2 in a flame dried 3 neck flask. The magnesium was extra activated by the addition of some iodine and by add- ing a few drops pure 2- (4-Bromo-butoxy)-tetrahydro-pyran. After the Grignard reaction had started, 2- (4-Bromo-butoxy)-tetrahydro-pyran (121 g, 510 mmol) in 500 ml dry THF was added dropwise, maintaining a gentle reflux. After complete addition of the reaction mixture, it was stirred for 0.5 hour. The solution was transferred to a flame dried 3-neck flask containing copper (I) iodide (9 g, 47 mmol) and HMPA (100 m !). The resulting reaction mixture was cooled to-40 + 5°C after which a mixture of the 15,16-unsaturated estron of the formula Xb (24 g, 85 mmol) and TMSCI (21 ml, 196 mmol), dissolved in dry THF (500 ml), was added dropwise. After complete addition, the mix- ture was allowed to reach RT over 3 days.

10% NH4CI (in water and ice, 1 I) was added to the reaction mixture. The layers were sepa- rated and the water layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x 500 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (500 ml), dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evapo- rator. This yielded 103.6 g of yellow oil, containing HMPA. The oil was then stirred with K2CO3 (12.1 g, 87 mmol) in methanol (2. 75 I) under N2 to hydrolyze the silyl ether. The hydrolysis was followed by TLC (EtOAc/heptane : 1/9), which after 40 minutes showed that the reaction was com- plete. 0.75 I water was added and most of the methanol was removed on the rotary evaporator.

500 ml EtOAc was added, the layers were separated and the water layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x 500 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na2S04 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 82.5 g yellow oil which contains product XXX-4b-THP, HMPA and silyl residues.

15ß-(4-Hydroxy-butyl)-3-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17 -one (XXXIß-4b) Crude compound XXX-4b-THP (82.5 g yellow oil) was dissolved in MeOH (2,5 L) and p- TosOH (6 g, 32 mmol) was added. The reaction was followed by TLC (toluene/acetone : 3/1) and 1H-NMR. After 1 hour the reaction was completed. Most of the MeOH was removed on the rotary evaporator and after this 1 I water was added. The resulting mixture was extracted with DCM (3x 400 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na2S04 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 46.8 g, which was purified by column chromatography (400 g Si02 toluene/acetone : 3/1) to yield 31.9 g of XXXlß-4b as an impure yellow oil.

4- (3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-butyric acid (IVß-3b)

To a cooled solution of alcohol XXXI (3-4b (31.9 g 89 mmol) at 0°C in acetone (1 I) was added dropwise 140 ml of Jones reagent (prepared from 700 ml of water, 300 ml of H2SO4 and 100 g of CrO3). Each drop leaves an orange color, which disappeared shortly after being formed. The color finally changes to green. After complete addition, the reaction was followed by TLC (EtOAc/hep- tane: 1/1) and was complete after 10 minutes. The reaction was stirred for 30 minutes more and then quenched with 500 ml of a cold saturated NaS203 solution and 500 ml of water. The resulting mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3x 400 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na2S04 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. The resulting oil was purified by column chromatography (Si02 ; toluene/acetone : 3/1). This yielded 9.2 g (30% over 3 steps) of the compound of formula (IVß-3b) as a yellow solid with a purity of 93%.

IVß-2b (n = 2 and Ri = CH5) : 3- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-propanoic acid For n = 2, the corresponding carboxylic acid IVß-2b can be prepared by oxidation of the al- cohol derivative of formula XXXIß-3b according to the preparation of the carboxylic acid IVß-3b (see section for the preparation of the alcohol derivatives below for synthesis of XXXlß-3b).

LC-MS (ES-): rt 5.25 min, m/z (rel. Intens) 355 [(M-H)-, 100%] [a] D20 = +79.6 (c = 0.304, MeOH) 'H NMR (400 MHz, CDCI3) (ppm) 1.05 (s, 3H), 1.42-1. 58 (m, 4H), 1.63-1. 81 (m, 3H), 1.90- 2.05 (m, 2H), 2.09-2. 14 (m, 1H), 2.28-2. 51 (m, 7H), 2.85-3. 01 (m, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 6.65 (d, 1H), 6.71 (dd, 1H), 7.19 (d, 1H).

13C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCI3) 8 (ppm) 17.8, 25.5, 26.0, 26.7, 29.5, 33.6, 33.9, 34.0, 36.0, 42.0, 44.6, 47.1, 52.7, 55.3, 111.5, 114.0, 126.0, 132.2, 137.7, 157.8, 178.5, 220.4.

Acid building block IVß-3c : 4- (3-Benzvloxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-butyric acid The individual steps in the synthesis of acid building block of the formula IVß-3c are per- formed according to the procedure depicted in scheme 7. Furthermore, this reaction scheme also delivers the estrone-alcohol building block in form of the intermediate of formula XXXIß-4c. The same kind of procedure can be applied for n = 4, 5, or 6 and for other alkylaryl substitutents within the R'position using the appropriate BrMg-C5-C7-alkoxy-THP as Grignard Reagent.

SCHEME 7

4-Bromo-butanol-THP ether was prepared by adding HBr solution to refluxing THF. The resulting bromide was dissolved in CH2CI2, p-TosOH and DHP were added at 0°C to give the protected al- cohol. This was filtered over Si02 and further purified by column chromatography, yielding 9.3% over 2 steps. The protected alcohol was dissolved in THF and added to the activated magnesium, and the resulting Grignard reagent added to Cul2 in HMPA. The 15,16-unsaturated Estrone deriva- tive of formula Xc, dissolved in dry THF and TMSCI, was added at-405°C. Subsequently, the resulting compound XXX-4c-THP was deprotected with p-TosOH/MeOH to give XXXlß-4c in 47% over 2 steps, which was converted, without purification, into the free acid IVß-3c by a Jones oxida- tion in a yield of 96%.

Detailed Synthesis : 4-bromo-butanol and 2-(4-Bromo-butoxv)-tetrahydro-pyran : see above 3-Benzvloxv-153-i4- (tetrahvdro-pvran-2-vloxv)-butyll-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXX-4c-THP) Magnesium (10 g, 425 mmol) was stirred overnight with broken glass under N2 in a flame dried 3 neck flask The magnesium was extra activated by the addition of some iodine and by add- ing a few drops pure 2- (4-Bromo-butoxy)-tetrahydro-pyran. After the Grignard reaction had started, 2- (4-Bromo-butoxy)-tetrahydro-pyran (25.2 g, 106 mmol) in 200 mi dry THF was added dropwise, maintaining a gentle reflux. After complete addition of the reaction mixture, it was stirred for 0.5 hour. The solution was transferred to a flame dried 3-neck flask containing copper (I) iodide (1.8 g, 9.5 mmol) and HMPA (20 ml). The resulting reaction mixture was cooled to-40 50C after which a mixture of the 15, 16-unsaturated estron derivative of formula Xc (6 g, 18 mmol) and TMSCI (4. 5 mi,

35 mmol), dissolved in dry THF (100 ml), was added dropwise. After complete addition, the mixture was allowed to reach RT over 3 days.

10% NH4CI (in water and ice, 200 ml) was added to the reaction mixture. The layers were separated and the water layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x 150 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (150 ml), dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 22.7 g of yellow oil, containing HMPA. The oil was then stirred with K2CO3 (3 g, 22 mmol) in MeOH (650 ml) under N2 to hydrolyze the silyl ether. The hydrolysis was followed by TLC (EtOAc/heptane : 1/9), which after 60 minutes showed that the reaction was complete. 200 ml water was added and most of the methanol was removed on the rotary evaporator. 150 ml EtOAc was added, the layers were separated and the water layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x 150 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 15.1 g yellow oil which contains product, HMPA and silyl resi- dues.

3-Benzvioxv-15B- (4-Hvdroxv-butvi)-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIß-4c) Crude compound (XXX-4c-THP) (15.1 g yellow oil) was dissolved in MeOH (500 ml) and p- TosOH (1. 2 g, 6.3 mmol) was added. The reaction was followed by TLC (toluene/acetone : 3/1) and 1 H-NMR. After 1.5 hour the reaction was completed. Most of the MeOH was removed on the rotary evaporator and after this 200 ml water was added. The resulting mixture was extracted with DCM (3x 100 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was re- moved on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 8.2 g, which was purified by column chromatography (400 g SiO2, toluene/acetone : 3/1) to yield 3.6 g (8.3 mmol, 47% over 2 steps) of XXXlß-4c as a yellow oil.

4- (3-Benzvloxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-158-vt)-butyric acid (IVß-3c) To a cooled solution of alcohol XXXI P-4c (3.6 g 8.3 mmol) at 0°C in acetone (100 ml) was added dropwise 13.3 mi of Jones reagent (prepared from 700 mi of water, 300 ml of H2S04 and 100 g of Cr03). Each drop leaves an orange color, which disappeared shortly after being formed.

The color finally changes to green. After complete addition, the reaction was followed by TLC (EtOAc/heptane : 1/1) and was complete after 10 minutes. The reaction was then quenched with 100 ml of a cold saturated NaS203 solution, during which the temperature rose from 6 to 18°C, and 300 mi of water and 200 ml of EtOAc. The resulting mixture was stirred overnight and then the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x 100 ml). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator.

This yielded 3.6 g of IVß-3c (8.0 mmol, y = 97%) as a yellow solid.

Acid building block with a stereochemistry at C15 : IVa-3a (n = 3 and R1 = H): 4- (3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10) -trien- 15a-yl)-butyric acid

The individual steps in the synthesis of acid building block of the formula IVa-3a are per- formed according to the procedure depicted in scheme 8. Furthermore, this reaction scheme also delivers the still ketal-protected estrone-alcohol building block in form of the intermediate of formula XLIVa-1c. Debenzylation and deprotection delivers the estrone-alcohol XXXIα-1a.

SCHEME 8

Reduction of the aldehyde Xlil-Oc with NaBH4 (EtOH, 2h, RT) gave the alcohol XLIVa-1c, which was further treated with iodine, triphenylphosphine and imidazole to give the iodide XLV.

Subsequently, ethylacrylate was coupled to iodine XLV and gave compound XLVI after purification by column chromatography. Reduction of compound XLVI was performed under H2 atmosphere to give compound XLVII, which was transformed into the protected carboxylic acid building block XLVllla-3a by saponification. The carboxylic acid IVa-3a was obtained by deprotection.

Detailed Synthesis 17-Ketal derivative of 3-Benzyloxy-15-hydroxymethyl-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one (XLIVα-1c) Aldehyde XIII-0c (1.23 g, 2. 84 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (13 mL) and cooled to 0°C.

NaBH4 (32.8 mg, 0.89 mmol) was added and the temperature was allowed to reach RT. After 2h at RT acetic acid (0. 313 mL) and H20 (33 mL) were added carefully. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 30 min. and was subsequently extracted with CH2CI2 (2 x 25 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over Na2S04 and concentrated to yield 1.2g of colorless oil. Purification was per- formed by column chromatography (eluent : heptane/ethylacetate 3: 1, Rf = 0.3) to give 1.09g (88%) of alcohol XLIVa-1c as a white solid.

Ketal derivative of 3-Benzvloxv-15-iodomethvl-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XLV) Imidazole (749 mg, 11.0 mmol), PPh3 (1. 44 g, 5.5 mmol) and 12 (1.33 g, 5.2. mmol) were stirred in CH2CI2 (20 mL) for 30 min. The mixture was cooled to 0 °C. Dropwise a solution of alco- hol XLIVα-1c (1.09 g, 2.50 mmol) in CH2CI2 (10 mL) was added over a period of 10 min. The reac- tion flask was covered with aluminium foil and the mixture was stirred for 90 min at RT. The solids were filtered off over celite and the filtrate was washed with 10% aq. Na2S204. The organic layer was separated, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to yield an oil which was purified by column chromatography (eluent : heptane/ethylacetate 1: 1, Rf = 0.8) to give 0. 944g (69%) of iodide XLV as a white foam.

Ketal derivative of 4-(3-BenZvioXv-17-oxo-estra-1s3, 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-butvric acid ethyl ester (XLVI) NiC12. 6H20 (409 mg, 1. 72 mmol) was suspended in pyridine (7.3 mL). Subsequently acti- vated zinc (566 mg, 8.66 mmol) and eühylacrylate (868, uL, 8.0 mmol) were added and the mixture was stirred at 56°C for 20 min. A catalytic amount of iodine was added and the heating was switches off. When the temperature became 40°C, a solution of XLV (944 mg, 1.73 mmol) in pyri- dine (5.2 mL) was added dropwise and the stirring was continued for 90 min at RT. Solids were filtered off and the filtrate was concentrated. EtOAc (25mL) was added and the organic layer was washed with brine (3 x 10 mL). The organic layer was separated, dried over Na2S04 and concen- trated to yield 1.18 g of an oil which was purified by column chromatography (eluent : heptane/ ethylacetate 5: 1, Rf = 0.4) to give 0. 449 g (50%) of ethylester XLVI as a colorless oil.

Ketal derivative of4- (3-Hvdroxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-yi)-butvric acid ethyl ester (XLVII) Ethylester XLVI (0.449 g, 0.86 mmol) was dissolved in THF (15 mL). A suspension of a small spoon of Pd/C in THF (2 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for three days at RT with 1 bar H2 pressure. The solids were filtered off over celite and washed with THF (10 mL). Con- centration of the organic layer gave 0.375 mg of compound XLVII as yellow foam. Purification was performed by column chromatography (eluent : heptane/ethylacetate 5: 1, Rf = 0.2) to give 0.313 g (84 %) of compound XLVII as a white solid.

Ketal derivative of 4- (3-Hvdroxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-yl)-butyric acid (XLVIIIα-3a) To a heated (60°C) solution of Phenol XLVII (0.313 g, 0.73 mmol) in MeOH (12 mL) 2N aq.

KOH (3.52 mL) was added. The mixture was stirred for 30 min. 60°C. The mixture was cooled by adding ice to the mixture. The pH was adjusted carefully to 3 a 4 using 5N aq. HCI. The carboxylic acid XLVllla-3a was extracted with TBME (50 mL), the organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to yield 0. 266g (91%) of carboxylic acid XLVllla-3a as a white solid. No purification was needed.

4- (3-Hydroxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-butvric acid (IVa-3a If necessary, the unprotected carboxylic acid may be obtained by treatment of the ketal de- rivative XLVllla-3a with an anorganic acid and subsequent purification.

IV. Compounds of formula XXXI (alcohol derivatives): 15-Hydroxy-C1-C6-alkyl-Estron Alcohol XXXIα-1a: 15α-Hydroxymethyl-3-hydroxy-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one A) coho) XXXia-1b : 15a-Hvdroxvmethvl-3-methoxv-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one Alcohol XXXIa-1c : 3-Benzyloxy-15a-hydroxvmethyl-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one The synthesis of the alcohol derivatives XXXIα-1a (R1 = H), XXXIa-1 b (R'= CH3), and XXXIα-1c (R1 = benzyl) is depicted in the following scheme 9: SCHEME9

(XXXI α-1c) (XXXIα-1a) Reduction of the aldehydes XIII-0b or XIII-0c using NaBH4 followed by ketal hydrolysis gave the corresponding alcohols XXXIa-1b and XXXIa-1c. The alcohol XXXla-1c was debenzylated to give XXXIa-1a using Pd/C and a 5 bar hydrogen atmosphere.

Detailed Synthesis Alcohol XXXia-1b : 15a-Hvdroxvmethvl-3-methoxy-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one Alcohol XXXIα-1c : 3-Benzvloxv-15a-hvdroxvmethvl-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one NaBH4 (500mg, 13. 2mmol) was added in aliquots of 100mg per 10min to a solution of alde- hyde Xlil-Ob or XIII-Oc (2. 3mmol) in THF (20mL) and reaction was continued overnight. The reac- tion was quenched upon the addition of MeOH (20mL). The reaction mixture was evaporated to dryness (high vacuum). The residue was dissolved in CH2CI2 (50mL) and stirred with HCI (15%, 50mL) during 72h. CH2CI2 (50mL) was added and the organic layer was dried with Na2SO4 and evaporated to dryness. A yield of 95-98% was obtained for both products (HPLC-MS: 90% pure). A sample of XXXI-1b (230mg) with a 95% + purity was obtained by crystallization from CH2CI2/MeOH upon standing to air. Compound XXXIα-1c was used in the next step without further purification.

Alcohol XXXIa-1a : 15a-Hvdroxvmethvl-3-hvdroxv-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one A suspension of estrone XXXIa-1c (0. 81g, 90% pure), Pd/C (50-100mg, cat) in MeOH (100mL) was stirred in a 5 bar H2-atmosphere for 30min. Pd/C was removed by filtration through Celite. Evaporation to dryness (0.52g, 90% pure) and recrystallization of the residue from MeOH gave XXXIα-1a as an off-white solid (308mg).

Alcohol building blocks XXXI-3 (n = 3): 15ß-(3-Hvdroxvpronvl)-3-methoxvestra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI-3b) :

Detailed Synthesis : To a solution of 2- (3-bromopropyloxy)-tetrahydro-2H-pyran (4. 45 g, 19.95 mmol) in dry THF (50 mL) at-78°C under nitrogen atmosphere was added t-BuLi (1.5 M solution in pentane, 25 mL, 37 5 mmol). After 30 min stirring CuCN (0.89 g, 9.94 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred for additional 30 min while the reaction mixture is allowed to reach-40 °C. After cooling to-78 °C a solution of the 15,16-unsaturated estron derivative of formula Xb (1. 50 g, 5.24 mmol) and TMSCI (1.3 mL, 10 mmol) in 50 mL THF was added dropwise over a period of 15 min. The mixture was allowed to reach 0°C (over a period of 4h). Then saturated NH4CI-solution was added, the layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The crude product was dissolved in methanol (250 mL) and K2CO3 (0.80 g, 5.97 mmol) was added. After 2 h stirring at RT water (50 mL) was added and most of the methanol was evaporated. The mixture was diluted with EtOAc, the layers were separated and the water layer was extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated. The crude product was dissolved in methanol (250 mL) and p-TosOH (0.80 g, 4.21 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 90 min. Most of the methanol was removed on the rotary evaporator. Water was added and aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed. The crude product was purified by column chromatog- raphy (SiO2, cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 1: 1) to yield compound XXXI-3b (0.81 g, 45 %) as colour- less oil.

LC-MS (ES+): rt 5.75 min, m/z (rel. Intens) 343 [(M+H) +, 40°/O], 360 [(M+NH4+, 100 %] 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) α (ppm) 1.03 (s, 3H), 1.44-1. 76 (m, 9H), 1.88-1. 92 (m, 1H), 2.03- 2.07 (m, 1H), 2.27-2. 48 (m, 5H), 2.91-2. 95 (m, 2H), 3.65-3. 69 (m, 2H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 6.65 (d, 1H), 6.71 (dd, 1H), 7.19 (d, 1H).

'3C NMR (100.6 MHz, CDCI3) 8 (ppm) 17.8, 25.5, 26.8, 27.2, 29.5, 32.8, 34.0, 34.2, 36.1, 42.7, 44.6, 47.1, 52.9, 55.2, 62.6, 76.7, 77.0, 77.4, 111.5, 113.9, 126.0, 132.4, 137.7, 157.7, 221.0.

[a] = +79. 6 (c = 0.314, MeOH) Alcohol buildinq blocks XXXI-3c and XXX1-3a (n = 3, R1=benzvl, n = 3, R'=H) : 3-Benzyloxy-15ß-(3-hydroxypropyl)-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI-3c) 3-Hvdroxv-155- (3-hvdroxvpropvl)-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI-3a)

The synthesis of the alcohol building blocks of formula XXXXI-3c and XXXI-3a is depicted in the following scheme 10.

SCHEME 10

Detailed Synthesis 3-Benzvloxv-15ß-(Dron-2-envl)-estra-1 3, 5 (10) -trien-17-one (XXXV-3c) A 3-neck flask was charged with Cul (18.76 g; 98.5 mol) and lithium chloride (4.17 g; 98.4 mol) and evacuated and purged with N2 (2x). THF (dry, 150 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at RT during 20 minutes. The resulting clear green solution was cooled to-78°C. Allylmag- nesiumbromide (1.0 M solution in diethyl ether; 100 mL; 100 mmol) was added dropwise at-78°C.

After complete addition trimethyl silylchloride (9.1 mL; 71.2 mol) was added, immediately followed by the dropwise addition of a solution of the 15,16-unsaturated estron Xc (10.08 g; 28.1 mol) in THF (dry, 120 mL). After the complete addition the suspension was stirred during 1 hour at-78°C.

The mixture was warmed up to RT and stirred for 3 d. Saturated NH4CI solution (500 mL) was

added and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x 300 mL).

The combined organic layers were washed with HCI (1 M, 2x 300 mL) and aqueous ammonia (25%, 3x 300 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2S04 and the solvent was evaporated. The result- ing brown oil was crystallized from EtOAc to yield XXXV-3c (5.81 g; 51%).

3-Benzyloxy-15ß-(prop-2-enyl)-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-d ioxolane (XXXV-3c-ketal) Triethyl orthoformate (25 mL; 150 mmol) and ethylene glycol (11 mL; 197 mmol) were added to XXXV-3c (10 g; 25.0 mmol). p-TosOH (0.40 g; 2. 10 mmol) was added to the slurry which was heated to 35°C ovemight. Then the reaction mixture was poured into ice (100 mL) and pyridine (3 mL) was added. This mixture was stirred for 5 h. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL). The or- ganic layers were washed with water (2x 100 mL), dried over Na2S04 and evaporated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 9: 1) to yield XXXV-3c-ketal (9.94 g; 90 %).

3-Benzvioxv-15ß-(3-hvdroxvpropyl)-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-dioxolane XXXII-3c Compound XXXV-3c-ketal (9.94g ; 22.36 mmol) was dissolved in THF (500 mL). Borane di- methylsulfide (2M in diethylether ; 72 mL; 144 mmol) was added and the solution was heated at reflux for 2 hours. The solution was then cooled in ice bath and NaOH (3M; 99 mL) was added dropwise. Then H202 (35%; 50 mL) was added and the resulting biphasic system was stirred over- night at 40°C. The excess of peroxide was destroyed by addition of dimethylsulfide. After work-up aX11-3c (8.22g) was obtained which contains-40% of a side product,. The crude product was used in the next step without further purification.

3-Benzvioxv-15ß-(3-hvdroxvDroDvl)-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one XXX-3c Crude compound XXXII-3c (8.82 g) was dissolved in acetone (88 mL) and water (22 mL) and p-TosOH (0.36 g; 1.89 mmol) was added. The solution was stirred for 3 d at RT. After work-up the crude product was purified by column chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 1: 1, Rf 0.3) to yield com- pound XXX-3c (2.90 g; 31 % over 2 steps).

3-Hydroxy-15ß-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one XXX-3a Compound XXX-3c (2.90 g; 6.93 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (250 mL) and Pd/C was added as a slurry in MeOH. The mixture was stirred overnight at RT under a H2 atmosphere. The reaction mixture was filtered over Celite. The filtrate was evaporated and the product was dissolved in EtOAc (50 mL) and crystallized as needles, which were filtered off and washed with pentane to yield compound XXX-3a (1.63 g; 72 %). (LC-MS (ES-): rt 5.75 min, m/z (rel Intens) 327 [(M-H) +, 100 %]).

Alcohol building blocks XXXI-4b, XXXI-5b, XXXI-6b (n = 4, 5, 6): zip (4-Hvdroxv-C4-Cs-alkvl)-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one :

The general synthesis of the alcohol building block of formula XXXI-4/5/6b is depicted in the following scheme 11.

SCHEME 11 General Procedure Magnesium (3-10eq) is added in a dry three-neck flask under N2 atmosphere and activated by iodine. The bromo compound (2-6.5 eq) dissolved in dry THF is added dropwise to the magne- sium. The reaction mixture is allowed to react for 1-2 h at RT or reflux. The solution is transferred to dry three-neck flask containing Cul (0.06-0. 7 eq) and DMPU or HMPA (2-7 eq) in dry THF cooled to-40 °C. The resulting mixture is stirred for 30 min at-40 °C after which a mixture of 15,16- unsaturated estron derivative of formula X (1 eq) and TMSCI (2-2.5 eq) dissolved in THF is added dropwise. After complete addition the mixture is allowed to reach RT. Then NH4CI-solution is added, the layers are separated and the aqueous phase is extracted with ethyl acetate (3x). The combined organic phases are dried over Na2S04 and the solvent is evaporated. The crude product is dissolved in methanol and K2CO3 (1eq) is added to hydrolyse the silyl ether. After complete hy- drolysis water is added and most of the methanol is evaporated. The mixture is diluted with EtOAc, the layers are separated and the water layer is extracted with EtOAc. The combined organic layers are dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent is evaporated. The resulting product of general formula XXX is then further worked-up to give the alcohol of general formula XXXI.

Detailed Synthesis XXXI-4b (n = 4 and R1 = CHa) : 15iL-(4-Hydroxvbutil)-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3. 5f(10)-trien-17-one The detailed synthesis of this compound is already displayed within the section for the syn- thesis of acid building block of the formula IV-3b above.

XXXI-5b (n = 5 and R1 = CHa) : 15ß-(5-HvdroXvsentvl)-3-methoxv-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one According to the general procedure displayed in SCHEME 11, the copper reagent was pre- pared from magnesium (3.80 g, 156 mmol), 2- (5-bromopentyloxy)-THP (23.6 g, 94.00 mmol), Cul (0.54 g, 2.83 mmol) and DMPU (12 mL, 100 mmol) in THF. A mixture of estron derivative of for- mula Xb (13.68 g, 48.5 mmol) and TMSCI (13 mL, 100 mmol) in THF was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to reach RT and was stirred for two days. After work-up and hydroly- sis of the silyl ether the crude product was dissolved in methanol (50 mL) and p-TosOH (11 4 g, 60 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. Most of the methanol was removed on the rotary evaporator. Water was added and aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (Si02, cyclohexane/ethyl acetate gradient from 10: 1 to 2: 1) to yield XXXI-5b (14.21 g, 79 %).

LC-MS (ES+): rt 6.31 min, m/z (rel. Intens) 388 [(M+NH4+, 100 %] [a] D ° = +85.7 (c = 0.105, CH2CI2) XXXI-6b (n = 6 and R1 = CHa) : 15ß-(6-HvdroXvhexvl)-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one According to the general procedure displayed in SCHEME 11, the copper reagent was pre- pared from magnesium (2.19 g, 91. 00 mmol), 2- (6-bromohexyloxy)-THP (20.67 g, 78.00 mmol), Cul (1.98 g, 10.40 mmol) and DMPU (9.4 mL, 78 mmol) in THF. A mixture of estron derivative of formula Xb (7.33 g, 26.00 mmol) and TMSCI (5.56 g, 52.00 mmol) in THF was added dropwise.

The reaction mixture was allowed to reach RT and was stirred for two days. After work-up and hy- drolysis of the silyl ether the crude product was dissolved in methanol (200 mL) and p-TosOH (0.95 g, 5.00 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 1 h. Most of the methanol was re- moved on the rotary evaporator. Water was added and aqueous phase was extracted with DCM (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2S04 and the solvent was removed. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (Si02, cyclohexane/ethyl acetate gradient from 10: 1 to 2: 1) to yield XXXI-6b (7.50 g, 75 %).

LC-MS (ES-): rt 6.63 min, m/z (rel. Intens) 443 [(M+OAc)-, 100 %]

Alcohol building block XXX1-4c (n = 4, R1=benzyl) and XXXI-4a (n = 4. R'=H) 3-Benzyloxy-15ß-(4-hydroxybutyl)-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-o ne (XXXI-4c) 3-Hvdroxv-1 (4-hydroxybutyl)-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI-4a) The detailed synthesis of this compound is already displayed within the section for the syn- thesis of acid building block of the formula IV-3c above. The 3-Hydroxy-Derivative can be obtained by hydrolysis of the XXXI-4c compound.

Alcohol building blocks XXXI-5c and XXXI-5a (n = 5. R'=benzvl, n = 3, R'=H) : 3-Benzyloxy-15ß-(5-hydroxypentyl)-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17- one (XXXI-5c) 3-Hvdroxv-1 (5-Hydroxypentyl)-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI-5a) (R1=benyl, XXXI-5c) (R1=H, XXXI-5a)

The synthesis of the alcohol building block of formula XXXI-5c and XXXI-5a is depicted in the following scheme 12.

SCHEME 12

Detailed Synthesis 3-BenZvloXv-15ß-(DentXenvl)-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXV-5c) Magnesium turnings (4. 43 g; 0.182 mol) were activated by addition of a i2 crystal and a drop of pure bromide. A solution of 5-bromo-1-pentene (19.5 mL; 0.164 mol) in THF (dry, 160 mL) was added drop wise, while maintaining reflux. After complete addition the mixture was stirred at RT for 1 hour. A 3-neck flask was charged with Cul (30.47 g; 0.159 mol) and lithium chloride (6.78 g; 0.159 mol) and evacuated and purged with N2 (2x). THF (dry, 240 mL) was added and the mixture was stirred at RT during 20 minutes. The resulting clear green solution was cooled to-78°C. The Grignard reagent was added drop wise between-78 °C and-70 °C. After complete addition trimethyl silylchloride (20.4 mL; 0.159 mol) was added to the brown reaction mixture at-78°C, im- mediately followed by the drop wise addition of a solution of 15,16-unsaturated estron Xc (22. 94 g; 0.064 mol) in THF (dry, 280 mL). After the complete addition the suspension was stirred during 1 hour at-78 °C. The mixture was warmed up to RT and stirred for 3 d. Saturated NH4CI solution (500 mL) was added and the layers were separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (2x 300 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with HCI (1 M, 2x 300 mL) and aqueous ammonia (25%, 3x 300 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2S04 and the solvent was evapo- rated. The resulting brown oil was crystallized from EtOAc to yield XXXV-5c (18 g; 66%).

3-Benzvloxv-15a-lpent-4-envl)-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-dioxolane (XXXV-5c-ketal) Triethyl orthoformate (42 mL; 252 mmol) and ethylene glycol (19 mL; 340 mmol) were added to compound XXXV-5c (18 g; 42.0 mmol). pTosOH (0.67 g; 3.52 mmol) was added to the slurry which was heated to 35°C overnight. Then the reaction mixture was poured into ice (100 mL) and pyridine (3 mL) was added. This mixture was stirred for 5 h. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, the layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (100 mL). The organic layers were washed with water (2x 100 mL), dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated.

The crude product was purified by column chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 9: 1) to yield) 5c-ketal (18.85 g; 95 %).

3-Benzvloxv-155-hvdroxvpentvl)-estra-1, 3, 5 10)-trien-17-dioxolane (XXXII-5c) Compound XXXV-5c (18.85 g; 39.88 mmol) was dissolved in THF (850 mL). Borane di- methylsulfide (2M in diethylether, 128 mL; 256 mmol) was added and the solution was heated at reflux for 2 hours. The solution was then cooled in ice bath and NaOH (3M; 176 mL) was added dropwise. Then H202 (35%; 89 mL) was added and the resulting biphasic system was stirred over- night at 40°C. The excess of peroxide was destroyed by addition of dimethylsulfide (380 mL). The solvent was evaporated and water (500 mL) and ethyl acetate (500 mL) was added. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (500 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated to yield XXXII-5c (15.36 g). The crude product was used in the next step without further purification.

3-Benzyloxy-15ß-(5-hydroxypentyl)-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien- 17-one (XXXI-5c) Crude compound XXXII-5c (15.36 g) was dissolved in acetone (135 mL) and water (35 mL) and p-TosOH (0.62 g; 3.26 mmol) was added. The solution was stirred for 3 d at RT. Saturated NaHCO3 solution (50 mL) was added and the solvent was evaporated. More sat. NaHCO3 solution (20 mL) was added and the mixture was extracted with CH2CI2 (2x 100 mL). The organic layer was dried over Na 2804 and the solvent was evaporated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (heptane/EtOAc 1: 1, Rf 0.3) to yield XXXI-5c (8.65 g; 49 % over 2 steps).

3-Hydroxy-15ß-(5-Hydroxypentyl)-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17 -one (XXXI-5a) Compound XXXI-5c (8. 65 g; 19.37 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH (95 mL) and Pd/C (2.3 g) was added as a slurry in some MeOH. Ammonium formate (9.77 g; 154.9 mmol) was added and the solution was stirred at RT. After 1 hour 45 minutes NMR (in CD30D) showed complete conver- sion. The reaction mixture was filtered over Celite and washed with MeOH (300 mL). The filtrate was evaporated, remaining a sticky material which was stirred in water (100 mL) at RT. The com- pound became a solid and the water was decanted after 5 hours. EtOH (100 mL) was added and evaporated to remove the water. The oil was evaporated twice from EtOAc (100 mL), yielding 6 g of an white foam, which contained 10 % of the secondary alcohol as an impurity. The side product was removed by transformation to the acetic acid ester (with pyridine and acetic anhydride) and separation by column chromatography (heptane/EtOAc from 2: 1 to 1: 2). The ester was cleaved by heating with potassium carbonate in MeOH. After work-up the product XXXI-5a (2.21 g; 32 %) was obtained as a colourless foam.

LC-MS (ES-): rt 5.23 min, m/z (rel Intens) 355 [(M-H) +, 100 %] Alcohol building blocks XXXI-6c and XXXI-6a (n = 6, R1=benzvl, n = 3, R'=H) : 3-BenzVloXv-15ß-(6-hvdroxvhexvl)-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI-6c) 3-HvdroXv-15ß-(6-hvdroxvhexvl)-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI-6a) 3-Benzvioxv-1 5ß-(6-hvdroxvhexvl)-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI-6c) According to the general procedure displayed in SCHEME 11, the copper reagent was pre- pared from magnesium (6.56 g, 270 mmol), 2- (6-bromohexyloxy) tetrahydro-2H-pyran (47.2 g, 180 mmol), Cul (3.18 g, 17 mmol) and HMPA (33 mL, 190 mmol) in THF. A mixture of the 15,16 un-

saturated estron derivative Xc (10.1 g, 28.00 mmol) and TMSCI (8 ml, 63 mmol) in THF was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to reach RT and was stirred overnight. After work-up and hydrolysis of the silyl ether the crude product was dissolved in methanol (890 mL) and p- TosOH (3.30 g, 17.35 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. Most of the methanol was removed on the rotary evaporator. Water was added and aqueous phase was ex- tracted with DCM (3x). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (SiO2, heptane/ethyl acetate 2: 1) to yield XXXI-6c (7.99 g, 62 %).

3-HvdroXv-15ß-(6-hvdroxvhexvl)-3-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXX1-6a) Compound XXXI-6c (7.99 g; 17.35 mmol) was dissolved in MeOH. Pd/C (in water; 2.3 g) was added, followed by ammonium formate (8.58 g; 136 mmol). The mixture was stirred at RT for 1.5 hour after which the mixture was filtered over Celite. The filtrate was evaporated and dissolved in EtOAc (200 mL) and water (150 mL). The layers were separated, the organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was evaporated. Purification by column chromatography (Si02, hep- tane/EtOAc 1: 1) yielded # (2.69 g; 42 %).

LC-MS (ES-): rt 5.49 min, m/z (rel Intens) 369 [ (M-H)', 100 %] V. Compounds of formula XV (protected amine building block) (n = 1-6) ; R3 preferablv = H XV-1 : (n=1) : XV-1b: Ketal derivative of the 15a-aminomethvl-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one XV-1c : Ketal derivative of the 15α-aminomethyl-3-benzyloxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one The individual steps in the synthesis of amine building block of the formula XV-1 are de- picted in the following scheme 13.

SCHEME 13

(XV-1) (XXIX-1) Dissolving aldehydes Xiii-Ob (R'=CH3) or Xiii-Oc (R1=benzyl) in benzylamine and reduction of the residual imine in THF gave benzylamine XIV-1b (R'=CH3) and XIV-1c (R1=benzyl), which were debenzylated to XV-1b (R'=CH3) and XV-1a (R'=H), using Pd/C and H2 at 5 bar, and dis- solved in dilute HCI to give the respective ammonium chlorides XXIX-1b (R'=CH3) and XXIX-1a (R'=H). Standard purification methods failed due to what seems to be instability of these ammo- nium salts. For these amines it was known that these should be treated as HCI salts since the free amine is not stable (ene-amines), but even the salts seem to be at least heat-sensitive. The crude reaction mixture has a purity of-90% (HPLC-MS).

Detailed Synthesis XIV-1 b : Ketal of 15a-(Benzvlamino-methvl)-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one XIV-1c : Ketal of 15a- (Benzvlamino-methvl)-3-benzvloxv-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one The aldehyde XIIIb or Xlllc (0. 93mmol) was dissolved in benzylamine (0.4 mL, 3. 9mmol) and MeOH (10mL) upon heating and the mixture was stirred for 30min and evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in dry THF and aliquots of 50mg of NaBH4 were added each hour until 300mg (4. 0mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred overnight : only a baseline spot was ob- served on TLC (TBME). The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue was stirred with NaHCO3 (aq) (200 mL) until no gas evolved anymore. The suspension was extracted with CH2CI2 (2x200mL) and upon drying the organic layer with Na2S04 and evaporation to dryness, compounds XlVb and XIVc were obtained as colourless oils : yield 92-100%.

XV-1 b : Ketal derivative of the 15a-Aminomethvl-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one XV-1a : Ketal derivative of the 15α-Aminomethyl-3-hydroxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one A suspension of benzylamines XlVb or XIVc (22 mmol) and Pd/C (10%, 1. 0g, cat) in MeOH (500mL) was stirred in a 5 bar H2-atmosphere for 48h. Filtration through Celite and evaporation to dryness gave crude amines XV-1a and XV-1b. Amine XV-1a was purified by column chromatogra-

phy (CHCI2/MeOH (7N NH3) ; 925: 75) giving XV-1a as a colourless oil (5. 0g, 63% for three steps starting from aldehyde Xlllc). Amine XV-1b decomposed in many products upon standing over- night. Therefore in a second attempt it was used instantly without purification in the next step.

XXIX-1b : 15a-Aminomethvl-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one/HCI XXIX-1 a : 15α-Aminomethyl-3-benzyloxy-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one/HCI A solution of amine XV-1 b (1. 1 mmol) in MeOH (10mL) was added to HCI (5mL, 30% in H2O).

The reaction mixture was stirred overnight and concentrated until crystallization starts. Filtration gave the product XXIX-1 b (130mg, 33%).

A pure sample (95% +) of XXIX-1a was obtained by dissolving XV-1a in 1N HCI (20mL) and isolating XXIX-1a via preprative HPLC (20 runs of 1 mL injections of reaction mixture). Evaporation of the eluent in vacuo at 4045°C introduced the degradation product for 3-4%.

The compound XIV-1 is an example for a secondary amine which can be used as building block for the further synthesis of the compounds according to the invention, in which the R3 residue is other than hydrogen. Further secondary amines according to formula XIV-1 which can be used as building blocks may be synthesized by the addition of the appropriate primary amines in the first step of the above indicated synthesis SCHEME 13.

A further example for a secondary amine which may be used as a building block is 15a- (methylamino-methyl)-3-methoxy-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one : XXXVIII-1a : Ketal of 15a- (Methvlamino-methvl)-3-hvdroxv-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one XXXVIII-1b : Ketal of 15a- (Methylamino-methvl)-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one XXXVIII-1c : Ketal of 15a-(Methvlamino-methvl)-3-benzvioxy-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one The individual steps in the synthesis of secondary amine building block of the formula XXXVIII-1a are depicted in the following scheme 14.

SCHEME 14

Conversion of the aldehyde Xlllc to the methylimine using Ti (i-OPr) 4 and the consecutive imine-reduction gave methylamine XXXVIII-1c. Debenzylation of XXXVIII-1c gave XXXVIII-1a. Dis- solving XXXVIII-1a in dilute HCI and crystallization from MeOH/H2O gave XXXIX-1a.

The individual steps in the synthesis of secondary amine building block of the formulas XXXVIII-1b and XXXVIII-1 c are depicted in the following scheme 15.

SCHEME 15 Conversion of the aldehydes Xlilb (R1=CH3) and XIIIc (R1=benzyl) to the methylimine using Ti (i-OPr) 4 and the consecutive imine-reduction gave respective methylamines XXXVi))-1c and XXXVIII-1b. Dissolving XXXVIII-1c or XXXVIII-1b in dilute HCI and crystallization from MeOH/H20 gave XXXIX-1 b (R=CH3) and XXXIX-1 c (R1=benzyl).

Detailed Synthesis

XXXVIII-1 b : Ketal of 15a- (Methylamino-methyl)-3-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one XXXVIII-1c : Ketal of 15a- (Methvlamino-methvl)-3-benzvloxv-estra-1. 3, 5 10)-trien-17-one NH2Me (9.26mL, 2. 0M in MeOH, 18. 52mmol) was added to a suspension of aldehyde Xlllb or Xlllc (1. 85mmol) in Ti (i-OPr) 4 (0.84mL, 2. 78mmol). The suspension became a clear solution upon stirring for 2.5h. This reaction has to be followed by TLC (TBME/CH2Cl2, 1 : 1). When reaction was complete, NaBH4 was added (500mg, 13. 2mmol) and reaction was continued overnight. Na- HC03 (aq) (200mL) was added and the mixture was evaporated to dryness. The residue was ex- tracted with CHCI3 (100mL) using ultrasound. This extraction was repeated until at least 75% yield was obtained.

XXXVIII-1a : Ketal of 15a- (Methvlamino-methvl)-3-hvdroxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one Debenzylation of XXXVI11-1c with Pd/C (10%, 1. 0g, cat) in MeOH (500mL) in a 5 bar H2- atmosphere for 48h gave the crude amine XXXVIII-a.

XXXVI11-1a : 1 5a-(Methvlamino-methvl)-3-hvdroxv-estra-1, 3 5 (10)-trien-17-one XXXVIII-1 b : 15a- (Methvlamino-methvl)-3-methoxv- estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one A solution of amine XXXVIII-1b or XXXVIII-1a (1.1mmol) in MeOH (10mL) was added to HCI (5mL, 30% in H2O). The reaction mixture was stirred overnight and evaporated to dryness. In case of XXXIX-1a fractioned recrystallization of the residue (#90% pure) from MeOH gave a sample of pure material (110mg). In case of XXXIX-1b a sample (100mg) was isolated by column chromatog- raphy (CH3CI/NEt3/MeOH, 17: 2: 1).

Amine building block XVa-3: (n = 3) : XVa-3a : Ketal derivative ofthe 15a-Aminopropvl-3-hydroxv-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one XVa-3b : Ketal derivative of the 15a-AminoDropvl-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one The individual steps in the synthesis of amine building block of the formula XVa-3 are de- picted in the following scheme 16.

SCHEME 16 :

The protected aldehyde derivative of formula (Xllla-0) is converted into the corresponding aminopropenyl by a Wittig reaction (see also SCHEME 4). The aminopropenyl (XXXVII-3) is sub- sequently reduced to the 15-aminopropyl derivative of formula XVa-3. The protecting ketal group is converted into the 17-oxo group via acid hydrolysis.

The same kind of procedure can be applied using different Wittig reagents of the general formula Hal (Ph) 3P- (CH2)n=3-5-R* in order to obtain amine building blocks with longer side chains (i. e. n = 4,5, or 6), wherein R* for example represents-N=P (Ph) 3,-N3, or-NH-CO-O-CH3.

Amine building block XVa-4 : (n = 4): XVa-4a : Ketal derivative ofthe 15a-Aminobutvl-3-hvdroxv-estra-1 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one XVa-4b : Ketal derivative of the 15α-Aminobutyl-3-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one Furthermore, the amine building block XVa-4b was synthesized corresponding to SCHEME 16 using HaIPh3P-CH2-CH2-CH2-N3 as Wittig reagent. (LC-MS (ES+): rt 4. 57 min, m/z (rel. Intens) 386 [ (M+H) +, 100%]) XV13-4 : (n = 4): XVß-1 b : Ketal derivative of the 15ß-Aminobutyl-3-methoxy-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one XVß-1c : Ketal derivative of the 15ß-Aminobutvl-3-benzvioxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one

The individual steps in the synthesis of amine building block of the formula XVp-4 with p con- figuration at the C15 atom of the steroidal core are depicted in the following scheme 17.

SCHEME 17

In a first step, the 17 oxo function of the butanol derivative of the formula XXXIß-4 (for syn- thesis of XXXlß-4 see above) is converted into the ketal group (compound of formula XXXIIß-4).

Then, the alcohol function is selectively reduced to the aldehyde giving compound of the formula XIIIß-3. The protected aldehyde derivative of the formula XIIIß-3 is converted into a secondary amine by addition of Benzylamine and subsequent reduction (reductive amination). Further reduc- tion of the secondary amine delivers the desired, still protected amine building block of the formula XVp-4. The protecting ketal group can be converted into the 17-oxo group via acid hydrolysis.

The same kind of procedure can be applied for n = 5 or 6 and for other substituents within the R'position.

Furthermore, the compound XlVß4 is an example for a secondary amine which can be used as building block for the further synthesis of the compounds according to the invention, in which the R3 residue is other than hydrogen. Further secondary amines which can be used as building blocks may be synthesized by the addition of the appropriate primary amines in the first step of the above indicated synthesis scheme 17.

Amine building block (n = 1-6); R3 preferably = H of general formula XXIX

Altematively, the synthesis of the amine building blocks of general formula XXIX can also be performed starting with an activated alcohol function and a subsequence substitution reaction, and does not need any protection of the Estron-C17 keto function according to the following general scheme 18.

SCHEME 18

EXAMPLE: XXIXß-4b : 15ß-Aminobutyl-3-methoxy-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one

Detailed synthesis XLIIß-4b: Methanesulfonic acid 4- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-butvl ester (XLII with n=4 and R1=CH_ and B configuration at C15) 4 g (11,22 mMol) alkohol (XXXIß-4b) disolved in 50 ml THF were cooled down to 0°C under dry conditions before adding 1eq TEA and 1eq methansulfonic acid chloride dropwise. After stirring 3 hours at 0°C another 0.25 eq TEA and methansolfonic acid chloride were added; this procedure was repeated after 2 hours to drive the reaction to completeness. For work up, the reaction mixture was pured on ice/water at the next morning. The water was extracted twice with EE, which thereaf- ter was combined and washed with 1 molare NaHCO3 solution. After evaporation 5.19 g oil con- taining compound XLllß-4b (LC MS: MH+ 435, rt 6.50 min, still containing some solvent residues) were obtained, which were used further without any purification.

XLIIIß-4b: 15-(4-Azido-butyl)-3-methoxy-13-methyl-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien -17-one (XLIII with n=4 and R1=CH3 and B configuration at C15) 5.19 of XLIIß-4b obtained in the previous step (approx. 11 mmol) and 0.91 g NaN3 were dis- solved in 150 mi ethanol and kept under reflux for 10 h. Next morning most of the ethanol was dis- tilled off under reduced pressure. Subsequently, the residue was partitioned between water and EE. The water layer was extracted twice with EE. The organic layers were combined, dried with NaSO4 and evaporated yielding 4.4 g oil XLIIIR-4b (LC-MS : MH+=382, rt 7.32 min, still containing some solvent residues), which can be used without further purification.

XXIX5-4b : 15ß-Aminobutvl-3-methoxv-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one 3,3 g azide (XLIIIß-4b) were dissolved in 300 mi ethanol. 20 ml 18 % HOaq and 50 mg Pd/C 5% were added. The suspension was put in a shaker unit which was pesurized with 3 bar hydrogen for 6 hours. After filtration the filtrate was evaporated and the remaining solid dried for 4 hours at 60°C in a vaccum drying oven yielding 3.2 g of the amine hydrochloride salt XXIXß-4b. (LC-MS: MH+: 356; rt: 4.84 min)

Experimental Examples of preparations of compounds of the invention are provided in the following de- tailed synthetic procedures. In the tables of compounds to follow, the synthesis of each compound is referenced back to these exemplary preparative steps.

In single compound synthesis as well as in combinatorial synthesis all reactions were stirred magnetically or shaked with an orbital shaker unless otherwise indicated. Sensitive liquids and solutions were transferred via syringe or canula, and introduced into reaction vessels through rubber septa, in these cases the reaction were carried out under a positive pressure of dry argon or dry nitrogen. Commercial grade reagents and solvents were used without further purification.

Unless otherwise stated, the term"concentration under reduced pressure"refers to use of a Buchi or Heidolph rotary evaporator ("Rotavapor") or vaccum centrifuges ("GeneVac") at approxi- mately 15 mm of Hg. All temperatures are reported uncorrected in degrees Celsius (°C). Unless otherwise indicated, all parts and percentages are by volume.

Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was performed on Merck@ pre-coated glass-backed silica gel or aluminium sheets 60A F-254 250 um plates. Visualization of plates was effected by one or more of the following techniques: (a) ultraviolet illumination (254 nm or 266 nm), (b) exposure to iodine vapor, (c) spraying of the plate with Schlittler's reagent solution followed by heating, (d) spraying of the plate with anisaldehyde solution followed by heating, and/or (e) spraying of the plate with Rauxz reagent solution followed by heating. Column chromatography (flash chromatog- raphy) was performed using 230-630 mesh ICN, SiliTech 60A silica gel.

Melting points (mp) were determined using a Reichert Thermovar melting point apparatus or a Mettler DSC822 automated melting point apparatus and are uncorrected.

Fourier transform infrared spectra were obtained using a Perkin Elmer spectrophotometer.

Proton (1 H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were measured with a Bruker ARX (400 MHz) or Bruker ADVANCE (500 MHz) spectrometer with either Me4Si (8 0.00) or residual protonated solvent (CHCI3 8 7.26 ; CHD20D 8 3.30 ; DMSO-d5 8 2.50) as standard. Carbon ('3C) NMR spectra were measured with a Bruker ARX (100 MHz) spectrometer with either Me4Si (8 0.00) or solvent (CDCI3 8 77.05 ; CD30D 8 49.0 ; DMSO-d6 8 39.45) as standard.

HPLC electrospray mass spectra (HPLC ES-MS) were obtained using the following method and equipment: Samples were separated by reversed phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) coupled to a quadrupol MS. HPLC was performed at a flow of 1000 ul/min using Xter-

raMS C18 columns (i. d. 4.6 mm, length 50 mm, particle size 2. 5 um) or or Phenomenex Luna C18 (2) 30*4.6mm columns. For most samples, a gradient from 0% eluent B to 95% B was run in 10 min, with eluent A consisting of water, 10 mM ammonium-acetate at pH 5 + 5% acetonitrile and eluent B consisting of acetonitrile. Two different setups were used: 1. Waters Alliance 2795 cou- pled to a Waters ZQ MS, a Waters 2996 diode array detector (DAD) and an evaporative light scat- tering detector (ELSD, EL-ELS1000, PolymerLabs). Ionization : electrospray positive and negative mode ES +/-. Or 2. LC200 pump (PE) coupled to an API100 MS (Applied Biosystems Sciex), a variable wavelength detector Waters 2487 set to 225 nm, and an ELSD (Sedex 75), ES+. In both setup versions spectra were scanned with a scan range of m/z 100 to 800 or 100 to 900.

Gas chromatography-mass spectra (GC-MS) analyses were performed with an Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph equipped with an DB-5MS column (0.25 i. d., length 30 m) and an Agilent 5973 MSD quadrupol detector (ionization with electron impact (EI) at 70eV; source temperature 230°C).

Elemental analyses were conducted by a VarioEL elemental analyzer (Elementar Analysen- systeme) for determination of C, H, and N. Acetanilide was used for conditioning and calibration.

NMR spectra, LRMS, elemental analyses and HRMS of the compounds were consistent with the assigned structures.

Examples In order to more fully illustrate the nature of the invention and the manner of practicing the same, the following examples are presented, but they should not be taken as limiting.

EXAMPLES 1,2, 3A, 3B and 4B: No. 1. 3-Hydroxy-15p- (4-morpholin-4-yl-4-oxo-butyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (1 0)-trien-1 7-one (Vl-3a)-1 No. 2. 3-Methoxy-15ß- (4-morpholin-4-yl-4-oxo-butyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (VIß-3b)-2 No. 3. A. N-Benzyl-4- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15p-yi)-butyramide (Vl-3a)-3A No. 3. B. N-Benzyl-4- (3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15i-yl)-butyramide (Vli-3b)-3B No. 4. B. 4- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5(10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-methyl-butyramide (VIß-3b)-4B The individual steps in the synthesis of the examples 1,2, 3. A. , 3. B. and 4. B. are depicted in the following scheme 19.

SCHEME 19 Starting with the free acid building block of formula IVß-3b, the corresponding acid chloride was prepared using oxalylchloride. The acid chloride was reacted with an amine of general struc- ture R2R4NH, which represents morpholine for the synthesis of compounds No. 1 and 2, ben- zylamine for compounds No. 3A and 3B, and methylamine for compound No. 4B, delivering after the first synthesis step the amides of general formula (Vlp-3b) : compound No. 2 (with-NR2R4 = morpholine), 3B (with-NR2R4 =-NH-benzyl) and 4B (with-NR2R4 =-NH-CH3). Compound 3B was purified by column chromatography followed by trituration with Et2O and isolated in 8% yield.

Compound 4B was purified by trituration with Et2O and some MeOH and isolated in a yield of 48%.

Compound 2 was purified by column chromatography and obtained in a yield of 33%.

Demethylation of the 3-hydroxyfunction was successful for compound No. 2 and No. 3B with BBr3, resulting in the amide of general formula (V1p-3a) representing compounds No. 1 and No. 3A in respectively 21 and 48% yield. Compound No. 1 was obtained, after column chromatography, as a mixture of a and ß isomer. Purification of the compound No. 3A was accomplished by column chromatography.

Detailed Synthesis EXAMPLE No. 2: 3-Methoxv-1 (4-morpholin-4-vl-4-oxo-butyl)-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one of formula (VIß-3b)-2 The acid building block IV-3b (1.1 g, 2.7 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (20 ml) and 1 drop DMF was added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and oxalylchloride (0 25 ml, 2.7 mmol) was added dropwise. After stirring the mixture for 1 hour at 0°C, the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. The acid chloride was dissolved in DCM (20 ml) and mor- pholine (0.31 mi, 3.51 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred over- night. Water (20 mi) and DCM (30 mi) were added. After separating the layers, the water layer was extracted with DCM (2x 25 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (20 mi) and brine (60 ml). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 1.3 g of yellow oil, which was dissolved in TBME and Et20/EtOH, some brown solid precipitated. The liquid phase was decanted and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 865 mg yellow/white solid.

HPLC analysis showed that the compound was ca. 80% pure. The solid was purified by col- umn chromatography (50 g SiO2, EtOAc/heptane : 1/2). This yielded 670 mg with a purity of 86% according to HPLC. A second purification by column chromatography (25 g SiO2, EtOAc/heptane: 2/1) finally gave 414 mg (0.94 mmol, 33%) of the desired compound No. 2 as a white solid with a purity of 96% according to HPLC [MS m/z439. 1].

EXAMPLE No. 1: 3-HvdroXv-15ß-(4-morpholin-4-vl-4-oxo-butyl)-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one offormula (Vlß-3a)-1

Methoxy compound (VI (3-3b)-2 (898 mg, 2.0 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (20 mi) and cooled to 0°C. BBr3 solution (12.3 ml, 1 M in CH2CI2) was added dropwise while the tempera- ture was maintained at 0°C. The color changed from colorless to yellow/orange to orange/red to pink. The reaction was followed by TLC (Si02, EtOAc) and after 1 3/4 hour the reaction was completed. 40 mi of water was added followed by 30 ml of a saturated NaHCO3 solution and further 200 mi of water. The layers were separated and the water layer was extracted with DCM. The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was re- moved on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 915 mg yellow oily solid. The product was puri- fied by column chromatography (50 g SiO2, toluene/acetone : 3/1) to afford 183 mg (0.43 mmol, 21%) of the desired compound No. 1 as a yellow solid, with a purity of 95% [MS m/z 425.2] Example No. 3B N-Benzvl-4- (3-methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15i-vl)-butvramide of formula (Vlß-3b)-3B The acid building block IVß-3b (1.2 g, 3.3 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (20 ml) and 1 drop DMF was added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and oxalylchloride (0.28 ml, 3.3 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 1 hour at 0°C and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. The acid chloride was dissolved in 20 ml DCM and benzylamine (0.48 ml, 4.34 mmol) was added dropwise. The yellow/orange solution turned turbid yellow/white. Stirring was continued for 0.5 hour at RT followed by the addition of 20 mi water and 25 mi DCM. The water layer was extracted with DCM (2x 20 ml) and the com- bined organic layers were washed with water (20 mi) and brine (20 ml). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 1.3 g of yellow oil (56% pure according to HPLC analysis), which was then purified by col- umn chromatography (53 g Si02, TBME/heptane: 2/1). This purification yielded 668 mg of a white solid (44%, 87% pure according to HPLC analysis). 400 mg was used for demethyla- tion to prepare (Vli-3a)-3A ; 268 mg was triturated with Et20 to yield 124 mg white solid (0.27 mmol, 8%) with a purity of 94% according to HPLC [MS m/z459. 1].

EXAMPLE: No. 3A N-Benzyl-4-(3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15ß-yl)- butyramide of formula (VIß-3a)-3A

To a solution of the methoxy compound (Vlß-3a)-3B (400 mg, 0.87 mmol) in DCM (100 ml) at 0°C, 5.2 ml of an 1 M solution of BBr3 in DCM was added dropwise at such a rate that the temperature was maintained at 0°C. The color changes from colorless to orange. After complete addition, the reaction was monitored by TLC (EtOAc I heptane : 2/1). The reaction was complete after 1.5 h. Then, water (40 ml), saturated NaHCO3 solution and more water (150 ml) were added. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with DCM (2x 100 m !). The organic layers were combined, dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 310 mg red/purple product, which was puri- fied by column chromatography (15 g SiO2, toluene/acetone : 3/1) to afford 173 mg yellow foam with a purity of 82%. The product was again purified by column chromatography (11 g SiO2, toluene/acetone : 3/1). This purification yielded 160 mg yellow solid (0.36 mmol, 41%) with a purity of 93% according to HPLC [MS m/z445. 1].

EXAMPLE No. 4B: 4-(3-MethoXv-17-oXo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-methyl-butyramide of formula (VIß-3b)-4B The acid building block IVß-3b (846 mg, 2.3 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (20 ml) and 1 drop DMF was added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and oxalylchloride (0.20 ml, 2.3 mmol) was added dropwise. After stirring for 1 hour at 0°C, the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. The acid chloride was dissolved in DCM (20 ml) and 5.7 ml of a 2 M solution of methylamine in THF was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred for 0. 5 hour. Water (20 ml) and DCM (25 ml) were added. After separating the layers, the water layer was extracted with DCM (2x 25 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (20 ml) and brine (20 ml). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 593 mg solid, which was stirred in Et2O and some MeOH. The white solid was isolated, filtered and dried. This yielded 424 mg (1.1 mmol, 48%) with a purity of 95% according to HPLC [MS m/z 383. 2]

EXAMPLES 4A and 4C: No. 4. A. 4- (3-Hvdroxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-methyl-butyramide (VIß-3a) No. 4. C. 4-(3-Benzyloxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-methy l-butyramide (VIß-3a) The individual steps in the synthesis of the examples No. 4A (compound (VIß-3a)-4A) and No. 4C (compound (VI (3-3c)-4C) are depicted in the following scheme 20 (according to general flow diagram lb).

SCHEME 20

Starting with the free acid building block of fommula IVß-3c, the corresponding acid chloride was prepared using oxalylchloride and this was converted into the amide (VI-ß3c)-4C (y = 26%). Finally, this amide was debenzylated to yield compound (Vlß-3a) 4A (y = 13%) as a white solid with a purity of 83% (mixture of a and ß isomer).

Detailed Synthesis No. 4C: 4- (3-Benzvtoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-methyl-butyramide (VIß-3c)-4C

The acid building block IVß-3c (1.9 g, 4.4 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (40 ml) and 1 drop DMF was added. The reaction mixture was cooled to 0°C and oxalylchloride (0.38 ml, 4.4 mmol) was added dropwise. After stirring for 1 h at 0°C, the solvent was removed on the rotary evapora- tor. The acid chloride was dissolved in DCM (20 mi) and 13.1 mi of a 2 M solution of methylamine in THF was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred overnight. To the light yellow mixture was added water (40 ml) and DCM (50 ml) were added. After separating the layers, the water layer

was extracted with DCM (2x 40 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (40 ml) and brine (40 ml). The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and the solvent was removed on the rotary evaporator. This yielded 1.4 g solid, which was purified by column chromatography (42 g SiO2, toluene/acetone : 3/1). This yielded 509 mg (11.2 mmol, 26%) of the compound (Vlß-3c)-4C as a yellow/white solid with a purity of 91% according to HPLC.

No. 4A : 4- (3-Hvdroxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-155i-vl)-N-methvl-butvramide Nla-3a-4A

The compound (Vlß-3c)-4C (509 mg, 11.2 mmol) was dissolved MeOH (75 ml) and N2 was bubbled through for a few minutes. Pd/C (500 mg) was added and a H2 balloon was placed on the flask. The mixture was stirred overnight. The mixture was then filtered over Celite and the MeOH was removed on the rotary evaporator until crystallization started. The white precipitate was filtered off and dried. This purification yielded 54 mg (0.146 mmole) of the compound (VIß-3a)-4A (13%) as a mixture of a and ß isomer, with a purity of 83% according to HPLC [MS m/z 369.1].

EXAMPLES 5 to 35 A variety of formula I compounds (examples 5 to 35), in which X represents a bond, A repre- sents CO, Y represents NR4, n is 3, R'represents CH3, and C15 is substituted in the 3 position, was prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 21 (accord- ing to general flow diagram 1b) : SCHEME 21

A mixture of 0.13 mmol of the acid building block of formula (IVß-3b), 0.19 mmol of the re- spective amine (R2-NH2 or R2-NH-R4), 0.19 mmol hydroxybenzotriazole, 0.19 mmol N- methylmorpholine and 0.19 mmol EDCI were dissolved in DCM and stirred for 24h at RT. DCM was evaporated and replaced by EtOAc. The organic layer was washed twice with water. If neces- sary the material was purified by flash chromatography. The material thereafter was analysed by LC-MS.

The following group of compounds was prepared by this method (table 1): Table 1: Compounds of the formula Vlß-3b, wherein R4 is H and R2 is varied, and with the general name N-"R2"-4-(3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15-yl)-butyramide :

X d g L mS _ v . Mni'S&KSSX. S 5 Cyclopropyl 409. 3 5. 89 6 Cyclohexyl 451. 3 6. 10 7 Furan-2- (449. 3 5. 74 8 Benzo [1, 3] dioxol-5-yl-methyl 503. 3 5. 81 9 2-Morpholin-4-yl-ethyl 482. 2 5. 05 10 3-Morpholin-4-yl-propyl 496. 3 4. 87 11 Pyridin-3-yl-methyl 460. 3 5. 26 12 1-8en I-i eridin-4-I 542. 3 5. 24 f3 Quinolin-3-I 496. 3 5. 98 14 2-Methoxy-benzyl 489. 3 6. 01 15 3, 4-Dichloro-benzyl 527. 2 6. 35 16 3, 4-Dimethoxy-benzyl 519. 3 5. 66 17 2-Hydroxy-2-phenyl-ethyl 489. 3 5. 60 18 2-Dimethylamino-ethyl 440. 3 4. 71 19 2- (2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethyl 457. 3 5. 04 20 2-Hydroxy-ethyl 413. 3 5. 01 21 2-(3, 4-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-ethyl 533. 3 5. 79 22 2- (4-H dro-he I)-eth I 489. 3 5. 50 23 3-Imidazol-1-yl-propyl 477. 3 4. 95 24 lH-Benzoimidazol-2-I-methyf 499. 3 5. 39 Z5 4-HYdroxe-3-methoxe-benzzl 505 3 5. 49 26 Carbamoyl-methyl 426. 2 6. 30 27 Cyclopropyl-methyl 423. 3 5. 72 28 2- (4-Sulfamoyl-phenyl)-ethyl 552. 3 5. 37 29 2-Thio hen-2-I-eth I 479. 3 5. 97 30 4-Trifluoromethoxy-benzyl 543. 3 6. 35 31 2-(7-Methyl-lH-indol-3-yl)-ethYI 526. 3 6. 07 32 4-Fluoro-3-trif luoromethylbenzeI 545. 3 6. 30 33 2-0xo-tetrahydro-furan-3-I 453. 3 5. 32 34 2-Oxo-aze an-3-I 480. 3 5. 33 35 __ 4-Hydroxy-cyclohexyl 467. 3 5. 18

EXAMPLES 36 to 38 Furthermore, the following compounds No. 36-38 of general formula (VIß-3a) were prepared by debenzylation of the acid building block (IVß 3c) by the method described for the synthesis of Example No. 4A but using THF as solvent and subsequent reaction of the obtained acid building block (IVß 3a) with the correspondent amine according to the method described in SCHEME 21. No. 36: 4- 3-Hydroxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15ß-yl)-N-[2-(7-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl butvramide (V) B-3aY-36

C13 NMR: (solvent dDMSO) : 16.6, 17.15, 25.33, 26.09, 28.84, 29.63, 33.47, 33.54, 35.15, 35.6, 39.24, 39.45, 41.97, 43.85, 46.28, 51.76, 112. 22, 112.58, 114.83, 115.71, 118.28, 120.27, 121.26, 122.09, 125.58, 126.8, 130.15, 135. 64, 136.99, 154. 94, 171. 76, 219. 82 ppm.

No. 37: N-(2,4-Difluoro-benzyl)-4-(3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)- trien-15ß-yl)-butyramide (VIß- 3a)-37 LC-MS: MH+ 482; rt 5.50 min; fragments: M-17: 464; M-17: 464 ; M-287: 194 ; M-324: 157; M- 354 : 127 No. 38: N-Benzvl-4--(3-hydroxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-15i-vl)-N-methvl-butvramide (Vla-3a)- 38

Mp: 160-162 °C LC-MS: MH+ 560, Rt 5,77 min C13-NMR : 221.23, 173.42/172. 95 (amide rotamer), 154.13, 137.92, 137.28/136. 53 (amide rotamer), 131.88, 128.99, 128.62, 128.02, 127. 72/127.43 (amide rotamer), 126.20, 126.00, 115.34, 112.80, 53. 48/50. 97 (amide rotamer), 52.84, 47.15, 44.51, 42. 76/42. 72 (amide rotamer), 35.99, 34. 89/34. 38 (amide rotamer), 34.33/34. 27 (amide rotamer), 33.89, 33. 36/332. 83 (amide rotamer), 30.85, 29.29, 26. 70, 25.53, 25.41/25. 17 (amide rotamer), 17.72/17. 68 (amide rotamer) EXAMPLE 39: N-Benzvl-4-(3-hvdroxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15a-v))-butyramide (V) q-3a)-39

Compound (Vla-3a)-39 was prepared in a two step synthesis starting from the ketal protected acid building block XLVllla-3a as depicted in the following scheme 22. In the first step, the acid building block XLVl la-3a is reacted with benzylamine using EDCi, HOBt as coupling reagent and subse- quent purification. Deprotection of the ketone gave the desired compound (Vla-3a).

SCHEME 22 Detailed Synthesis Ketal of N-Benzyl-4-(3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15α-yl)- butyramide (XLIXα-3a) To a solution of carboxylic acid XLVllla-3a (0.266 g, 0.664 mmol) in THF (12.4 mL) were added benzylamine (85 mg, 796 mmol), N-methylmorpholine (218 µL, 1. 98 mmol), HOBt (107 mg, 793 mmol) and EDCi (152 mg, 796 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 32h at RT, concen- trated and taken up in CH2CI2 (50 mL) and washed with 1 N aq. HCI. The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to yield 0.353g of crude benzylamide XLIXa-3a Purification was performed by column chromatography (eluent : heptane/ethylacetate 1: 1, Rf = 0.4) to give 0.220 g (67 %) of benzylamide XLIXa-3a as a nearly white oil.

N-Benzyl-4-(3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15α-yl)- butyramide (VIα-3a)-39 To a solution of benzylamide XLIXa-3a (0.220 g, 0. 44 mmol) in THF (11 mL) was added 4N aq. HCI (2.8 mL). After 1 h at RT CH2CI2 (25 mL) and H20 (25 mL) were added. The organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated to yield 0.178g white foam. Purification was performed by column chromatography (eluent : ethylacetate, Rf = 0.8) to give 0.170 g white solid. The solid was further purified by stirring in Et2O (50 mL) for 30 min. The solid was filtered off, washed with Et2O

(20mL) and dried to give 120mg (60%) pure (Vla-3a)-39 as a white solid (purity 95+% based on LC-MS).

C13 NMR: (solvent CDCI3) : 219.6 ; 172.5 ; 153.7 ; 138.2 ; 137.6 ; 131.8 ; 128. 8 (*2); 127.9 (*2); 127.7 ; 127.0 ; 115.0 ; 113.1 ; 54.8 ; 50.4 ; 44.2 ; 43.8 ; 43.1 ; 39.7 ; 36.8 ; 36.3 ; 36.1 ; 31.6 ; 29.8 ; 27.8 ; 26.5 ; 24.4 ; 15.7 ppm EXAMPLE 40 3-HvdroXv-15a-(4-moroholin-4-vl4-oxo-butvl)-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (Vl a-3a)-40 Furthermore, the following compound No. 40 of general formula (Vla-3a) representing the a stereoisomer of compound No. 1 was prepared according to the method displayed in SCHEME 22 starting with the acid building block of formula (XLVlila-3a) and the appropriate amine (mor- pholine), and subsequent ketal cleavage according to the procedures described for the synthesis of compounds No. 39.

C'3 NMR: (solvent CDCI3) : 219.7 ; 171.7 ; 154.2 ; 137.5 ; 131.3 ; 126. 82 ; 115.1 ; 113.14 ; 66.9 ; 66.8 ; 54.7 ; 50.4 ; 46.1 ; 44.1 ; 43.1 ; 42.1 ; 39.6 ; 36.3 ; 36.1 ; 33.2 ; 31.6 ; 29.8 ; 27.75 ; 26.5 ; 23.8 ; 15.7 ppm EXAMPLES 41 to 309-amides A variety of formula I compounds (examples 41 to 309), in which X represents a bond, A represents CO, Y represents NR4, R'represents CH3, n is 0 (Scheme 23) or 1 (Scheme 24), and C15 is substituted in the a position were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following reaction schemes 23 and 24 (according to general flow diagram la) : SCHEME 23 SCHEME 24

Preparation of the acid chlorides V-Ob and V-1b : 1. 714 g of compound IV-0b (5.219 mmol) were dissolved in 85 ml toluene, 55. 2 ml of a 0. 189 M SOCI2 solution (10A38 mmol SOCI2), which was prepared by dissolving 5.613 g SOCI2 in toluene till 25 ml solution was obtained, were added and stirred for 17 h at RT. Since the reaction was still not completed, again 55.2 ml of a 0.189 M SOCI2 solution (10.438 mmol SOCI2) were added and stirred for further 24 h at RT. The analysis by LC-MS shows a conversion of 96% of the educt to the acid chloride V-Ob (detection with pyrolidine).

1. 670 g of compound IV-1b (4.877 mmol) were dissolved in 85 ml toluene, 51 6 ml of a 0.189 M SOCI2 solution (9. 754 mmol SOCI2), which was prepared by dissolving 5.613 g SOC12 in toluene till 25 ml solution was obtained, were added and stirred for 17 h at RT. The analysis by LCMS shows a conversion of 99% of the educt to the acid chloride V-1b (detection with py- rolidine).

Both solutions were evaporated at 40°Ct using the rotavapor. The oily residues were dis- solved in THF at a concentration of 0.25 M.

Preparation of the amides VI-0b and VI-1b : DIPEA was dissolved in THF to yield a 0.25 M solution. Stock solutions (B) of different amines R2NH2 and R2NHR4 are prepared in THF at a concentration of 0.25 M. The reactions were carried out in a 24 well format. In each well 100 pi of the respective acid chloride V-0b or V-1b were mixed with 100 µl of a amine solution (B) and with 100 pi of the DIPEA solution. The reaction mix- tures in the 24 well plates were allowed to react for 17 h at 30°C with shaking and for additional 48 h at 15°C with shaking. The solutions were evaporated at 40°C for 180 min with final pressure of 5 mbar using the GeneVac. To each oily residue were added 1000 ul of a 5% NaHCO3 solution.

The solution was extracted two times with 1.5 mi of EtOAc, and the obtained extracts were washed two times with 500 ul of water. The washed EtOAc-solutions were transferred into collection vials and then evaporated in the GeneVac under the same conditions as above. The obtained products were analyzed by ESI-MS.

The following groups of compounds were prepared by this method (tables 2 to 4 for n = 0, and tables 5 to 7 for n = 1) : Table 2: Compounds of the formula VI-0b, wherein R4 is H and R2 is varied, of the general name 3- Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15-carboxylic acid"R2"-amide :

! S ! S X t. < e m 41 Cyclohexyl 409. 3 1. 98 422- (lH-Indo)-3-yt)-ethy ! 470. 3 1. 92 43 Benzo [1, 3] dioxol-5-yl-methyl 461. 2 1. 86 44 1-Benzyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl 486. 3 1. 48 45 Cyclopropyl 367. 2 1. 72 46 Pyridin-3-ylmethyl 418. 2 1. 49 47 Phenethyl 431. 2 1. 95 48 Butyl 383. 2 1. 88 49 Cyclopropylmethyl 381. 2 1. 83 50 Cyclohexylmethyl 423. 3 2. 06 51 2, 2-Diphenyl-ethyl 507. 3 2. 12 52 2-thiophen-2-yi-ethyl 437. 2 1. 91 53 2-piperidin-1-yl-ethyl 438. 3 1. 42 54 3, 3-diphenyl-propyl 521. 3 2. 14 55 furan-2-ylmethyl 407. 2 1. 82 56 2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl 432. 2 1. 46 57 1-benzyl-piperidin-4-yl 500. 3 1. 45 58 1H-benzoimidozol-2-yl-methyl 457. 2 1. 51 r 59 cyclopentyl 395. 2 1. 88 60 4-methoxy-benzyl 447. 2 1. 89 61 3-phenyl-propyl 445. 3 2. 01 62 3-imidazol-1-I-ro I 435. 3 1. 37 63 sec-butyl 383. 2 1. 87 64 2-methoxy-benzyl 447. 2 1. 93 | 65 1-ethyl-propyl 397. 3 1. 95 66 bi clo [22. 1] heDt-2-yl 4213 2 02 67 2-methoxy-ethyl 385. 2 1. 68 68 2-pyrrolidin-1-yl-ethyl 424. 3 1. 37 69 2- (5-methoxy-lH-indol-3-yl)-ethyl 500. 3 1. 85 70 pyridin-4-yl-methyl 418. 2 1. 42 71 indan-2-yl 443. 2 1. 97 1 72 l-phenyl-ethyl 431. 2 1. 97 2-hydroxy-ethyl 371. 2 1. 55 743, 5-dimethoxy-benzy) 477. 3 1. 90 3, 4-dimethoxy-benzyl 477. 3 1. 80 76 1-naphthalen-1-yl-ethyl 481. 3 2. 07 77 3-morpholin-4-yl-propyl 454. 3 1. 37 78 2- (2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethyl 415. 2 1. 56 79 4-phenylbutyl 459. 3 2. 08 80- CH2) 3-CO-O-CH3/ (butyric acid methyl ester)-4-yl 427. 2 1. 74 81 1-oxo-1-benzoxy-propan-2-y//489. 3 1. 99 No RZ MS m/z 0 (propionic acid benzy) ester)-2-y) (propionic acid benryl ester)-2-yl (propionic acid benzyl ester)-2-yl 82 3-f luoro-benzyl 435. 2 1. 93 83 1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-naphthalen-1-yl 457. 3 2. 08 84 2-f luoro-benzyl 435. 2 1. 92 85 3-hydroxy-propyl 385. 2 1. 58 86 2, 4-dif luoro-benzyl 453. 2 1. 95 87 2-h dro-2-hen I-eth I 447. 2 1. 79 isobutyl-383. 2 1. 90 89 2-phenyl-propyl 445. 3 2. 02 90 2-c clohex-1-en I-eth 1 435. 3 2. 11 2-hydroxy-l-methyl-ethyl 385. 2 1. 61 92 2-methylsulfanyI-ethyI 401. 2 1. 81 93 3, 4, 5-trimethoxy-benzyl 507. 3 1. 83 94 cyclooctyl 437. 3 2. 13 2-hydroxy-cyclohexyl 425. 3 1. 72 2-thiazol-4-yl-acetic acid ethyl ester 96 4- (acetic acid ethyl ester)-thiazol-2-yl 496. 2 1. 97 | 97 thiophen-2-yl-methyl 423. 2 1. 91 98 2-dimethylamino-ethyl 398. 3 1. 37 99 3-diethylamino-propyl 440. 3 1. 40 100 hexyl 411. 3 2. 08 101 3, 4-difluoro-benz I 453. 2 1. 96 102 2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl 485. 2 2. 05 103 1-h dro meth I clo en I 425. 3 1. 81 [ (3-methyl)-butyric acid methyl ester]-2-yl/ 2- (3-methyl)-butyric acid methyl ester 441. 3 1. 94 | 105 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl 424. 2 1. 95 106 cyclobutyl 381. 2 1. 86 Table 3: Compounds of the formula VI-Ob, wherein R2 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom, where they are attached, are forming a variable ring or ringsystem, and with the general name 15- ["(-NR2R4)"-carbonyl]-3-methoxy-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one : 10mXX m Pm m 107 4-Benzyl-piperidin-1-yl 485. 3 2. 22 108 4-8enzo [1, 3] dioxol-5-yImethyl-piperazin-1-y 530. 3 1. 53 109 3, 4-Dih dro-1H-iso uinolin-2-I 443. 2 2. 05 110 4-hen I-i erazin-1-I 472. 3 2. 06 lii 4-ridin-2-I-i ernzin-1-I 473. 3 1. 63 112 PYrrolidin-1-yl 381. 2 1. 84 113 444-Fluoro-pher, yl)-piperazin-1-yl 490. 3 2. 05 114 4- (2-methoxy-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 502. 3 2. 04 115 4- (4-Chloro-phe I)-4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-I 521. 2 2. 00 116 4-(4-trif luoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 540. 3 2. 18 117 4- (4-Chloro-ben I) i ernzin-1-I 20. 2 1. 67 118 4- (3-Chloro- he I)-i ernzin-1-I 506. 2 2. 16 4 No N R MS mz P. C : 119 4-methyl- [1, 4] diazepan-1-yl 424. 3 1. 41 120 4- [2- (2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethyl]-piperazin-1-y 484. 3 1. 39 121 4- (4-Chloro-phen I)-iperazin-1 yl 506. 2 2. 16 | 122 1, 4-Dioxa-8-aza-spiro [4. 5] decan-8-yl 453. 3 1. 85 1-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester/4- (carboxylic 1. 96 | 123 acid ethyl ester)-piperidin-1-yl 467. 3 124 1, 3, 4, 9-tetrahydro-beta-carbolin-2-yl 482. 3 2. 04 125 4-H dro-4-hen I-i eridin-1-I 487. 3 1. 90 126 4- (2-Chloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 506. 2 2. 20 127 4- (4-metho-he I)-i eruzin-1-I 502. 3 2. 01 1-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid amide/3- (carboxylic acid 1. 63 | 128 amide)-piperidin-1-yl 438. 3 129 Azepan-1-yl 409. 3 2. 03 130 4-meth 1-i eruzin-1-I 410. 3 1. 40 131 3-Hydroxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl 397. 2 1. 61 132 2-methoxymethyl-pyrrolidin-1-I 425. 3 1. 93 1334- (2-FJuoro-pheny))-piperazin-l-y) 490. 3 2. 10 | 134 4-pyridin4-yl-piperazin-1-yl 473. 3 1. 45 l 135 4-Hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl 411. 2 1. 64 136 3-H dro-i eridin-1-I 411. 2 1. 67 137 thiomorpholin-4-yl 413. 2 1. 92 | 138 3, 6-Dihydro-2H-pyridin-1-yl 393. 2 1. 92 1-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester/2- (carboxylic 1. 86 139 acid methyl ester)-pyrrolidin-1-yl 439. 2 1-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid amide/2- (carboxylic acid 1. 60 140 amide)-pyrrolidin-1-yl 424. 2 1 141 2-Hydroxymethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl 411. 2 1. 73 142 4-o-tolyl-piperazin-1-yi 486. 3 2. 21 143 4- (2-Ethoxy-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yi 516. 3 2. 15 144 4 cloh I i erazin-1-I 478. 3 1. 51 145 4-pyrrolidin-1-yl-piperidin-1-yl 464. 3 1. 43 146 thiazolidin-3-yl 399. 2 1. 86 147 Azetidin-1-yl 367. 2 1. 74 Table 4: Compounds of the formula VI-0b, wherein R2 and R4 are individually varied, with the gen- eral name 3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15-carboxylic acid "R2"-"R4"-amide : X gm R sE SSHS NSS iNSSSB 148 methvI 2-pyridin-2-el-ethvI 446. 3 1. 58 149 methyl benzyl 431. 2 2. 04 150 propyl cyclopropylmethyl 423. 3 2. 13 151 2-cyano-ethyl pyridin-3-ylmethyl 471. 3 1. 67 152 methyl naphthalen-1-yl-methyl 481. 3 2. 17 153 methyl cyclohexyl 423. 3 2. 13 154 ben I 2-dimeth lamino-eth I 488. 3 1. 56 155 benzyl ethyl 445. 3 2. 13 156 2-methoxy-ethyl 2-methoxy-ethyl 443. 3 1. 90 m No.,.. ; R2 ;,. :., R : ;..... M5 :.... : HPLC : : Rfi.. 157 meth I 1-meth I-i eridin-4-I 438. 3 1. 43 158 ethyl 2-hydroxy-ethyl 399. 2 1. 71 159 benzyl 2-cyano-ethyl 470. 3 2. 02 160 propyl methyl 383. 2 1. 96 161 propyl propyl 411. 3 2. 11 162 methyl 2-dimethylamino-ethyl 412. 3 1. 42 163 methyl phenethyl 445. 3 2. 08 164 methyl allyl 381. 2 1. 92 165 ethyl pyridin4-yl-methyl 446. 3 1. 61 166 methyl methyl 355. 2 1. 78 Table 5: Compounds of the formula VI-1b, wherein R4 is H and R2 is varied, with the general name 2- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15-yl)-N-(R2)-acetamide : > » >E 167 Benzyl 431. 6 NS'MN ES ! ; S ! % SSSSSS XsSi ! ! S. §$ 167 Benzyl 431. 6 168 Diphertyl-methyl 507. 3 2. 14 169 Cyclohexyl 423. 3 2. 03 170 2-morpholin4-yl-ethyl 454. 3 1. 44 171 naphthnlen-1-Imethyl 481. 3 2. 10 172 2-(lH-Indol-3-yl)-ethyi 484. 3 1. 94 173 Senzofl, 3] dioxol-5-yl-methyl 475. 2 1. 93 174 1-Benzyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl 500. 3 1. 54 175 Cyclopropyl 381. 2 1. 79 176 pyridin-3-yl-methyl 432. 2 1. 57 177 phenethyl 445. 3 1. 99 178 Butyl 397. 3 1. 94 179 Cyclopropylmethyl 395. 2 1. 88 180 Cyclohexylmethyl 437. 3 2. 10 181 2, 2-Diphenyl-ethyl 521. 3 2. 15 182 2-thiophen-2-yl-ethyl 451. 2 1. 96 183 2-iperidin-1-yl-ethyl 452. 3 1. 47 184 3, 3-C) iphenyl-propyl 535 3 2. 19 185 Furan-2-ylmethyl 421. 2 1. 89 186 2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl 446. 3 1. 54 187 1-Benzyl-piperidin4-yl 514. 3 1. 52 188 lH-Benzoimidazol-2-ylmethyl 471. 3 1. 58 189 Cyclopentyl 409. 3 1. 95 190 4-Methoxy-benzyl 461. 3 1. 95 191 3-phenyl-propyl 459. 3 2. 05 192 3-Imidazol-1-yl-propyl 449. 3 1. 44 193 sec-Butyl 397. 3 1. 92 194 2-Methoxy-benzyl 461. 3 1. 98 195 l-Ethyl-propyl 411. 3 1. 99 196 Bicyclo [2. 2. 1] hept-2-yl 435. 3 2. 04 197 2-Methoxy-ethyl 399. 2 1. 74 198 2-pyrrolidin-l-y !-ethyl 438. 3 1. 46 No ;.. :'HPLC' . z . MS m ! z Rt. 199"2- (5-Methoxy-lH-indot-3-y))-ethy) 514. 31. 91 200 Pyridin-4ylmethyl 432. 2 1. 51 201 Indan-2-yl 457. 3 2. 05 202 4-Chloro-benzyl 465. 2 2. 03 203 1-phenyl-ethyl 445. 3 2. 02 204 1, 2-Diphenyl-ethyl 521. 3 2. 17 205 2-Hydroxy-ethyl 385. 2 1. 62 206 2, 6-Dimethoxybenzyl 491. 3 2. 00 207 4-Fluoro-benzyl 449. 2 1. 98 208 3, 5-t) imethoxybenzyl 491. 3 1. 95 209 2-phenoxy-ethyl 461. 3 1. 99 210 3, 4-Dimethoxybenzyl 491. 3 1. 87 211 1-naphthalen-1-y!-ethyl 495. 3 2. 13 212 3-morpholin-4-I-propyl 468. 3 1. 44 213 2- (2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethyl 429. 3 1. 63 214 4-phenylbutyl 473. 3 2. 13 215 2- (propionic acid benzyl ester) 503. 3 2. 04 216 3-Fluoro-benzyl 449. 2 1. 99 217 2-Fluoro-benzyl 449. 2 1. 99 218 3-Hydroxy-propyl 399. 2 1. 63 219 2, 4-Difluoro-benzyl 467. 2 2. 00 220 4-Hydroxy-cyclohexyl 439. 3 1. 69 221 2-Hydroxy-2-phenyl-ethyl 461. 3 2. 06 222 Isobutyl 397. 3 1. 94 223 2-phenyl-propyl 459. 3 2. 06 224 2-Cyclohex-l-enyl-ethyl 449. 3 2. 18 225 2-Hydroxy-l-methyl-ethyl 399. 2 1. 65 226 2-methyIsulfanyI-ethyl 415. 2 1. 85 227 3, 4, 5-trimethoxy-benzyl 521. 3 1. 90 228 Cyclooctyl 451. 3 2. 17 229 2-Hydroxy-cyclohexyl 439. 3 1. 76 2-thiazol4-yl-acetic acid ethyl ester/4-(acetic acid ethyl 510. 2 2. 03 230 ester)-thiazol-2-yl 231 thiophen-2-ylmethyl 437. 2 1. 94 232 2-Dimethylamino-ethyl 412. 3 1. 44 233 3-Diethylamino-propyl 454. 3 1. 49 234 Hexyl 425. 3 2. 11 235 3, 4-Difluoro-benzyl 467. 2 1. 99 236 2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl 499. 2 2. 05 237 1-Hydroxymethyl-cyclopentyl 439. 3 1. 79 (3-methyl-butyric acid methyl ester)-2 yl/2- (3-methyl)- 455. 3 1. 92 238 bu ric acid methyl ester 239 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl 438. 2 1. 95 240 Cyclobutyl 395. 2 1. 85 Table 6: Compounds of the formula VI-1b, wherein R2 and R4 together with the nitrogen atom, where they are attached, are forming a variable ring or ringsystem, with the general name 15- [2- ("- NR2R4")-2-oxo-ethyl]-3-methoxy-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one : s s m w sS" No 1 R'JVlS. mIz HPLC : Rt : 241 4-Benzyl-piperazin-1-yl 500. 3 1. 56 242 4-Benzyl-piperidin-1-yl 499. 3 2. 30 243 4-Benzo [1, 3] dioxcl-5-ylmethyl-piperazin-1-yl 544. 3 1. 54 244 4- (2-oxo-1, 3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-piperidin-1-yl 541. 3 1. 83 245 3, 4-Dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-I 457. 3 2. 12 246 2, 5-Dihydro-pyrrol-1-yl 393. 2 1. 89 247 4-phenyl-piperazin-1-yl 486. 3 2. 11 248 4-ridin-2-I-i erazin-1-I 487. 3 1. 67 249 pyrrolidin-1-yl 395. 2 1. 89 250 4*-Fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 504. 3 2. 10 251 4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 516. 3 2. 08 252 4-(4thloro-phenyl)-4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl 535. 2 2. 04 253 4-(4-trif luoromethyl-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 554. 3 2. 23 254 444Xhloro-benzyl)-piperazin-1-yl 534. 3 1. 66 255 4- (3-Chloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 520. 2 2. 20 256 4-methyl- [1, 4] diaze an-1-1 438. 3 1. 43 257 4- [2- (2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-ethyl]-piperazin-1-yl 498. 3 1. 40 258 4-(4thloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 520. 2 2 20 259 1, 4-Dioxa-8-aza-spiro [4. 5] decan-8-yl 467. 3 1. 89 1-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid ethyl ester/4- (carboxylic 481. 3 1. 98 260 ncid eth 1 ester)-i eridin-1- ( 261 1, 3, 4, 9-tetrahydro-beta-carbolin-2-yl 496. 3 2. 10 262 4-Hydroxy-4-phenyl-piperidin-1-yl 501. 3 1. 94 263 442thloro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 520. 2 2. 25 264 4- (4-metho he I)-i erazin-1-I 516. 3 2. 04 1-piperidine-3-carboxylic acid amide/3<carboxylic acid 452. 3 1. 65 265 amide)-piperidin-1-yl 266 Azepan-1-yl 423. 3 2. 08 267 4-meth I-i erazin-1-I 424. 3 1. 40 268 4- (3 trifluorometh I-he I) i erazin-1-I 554. 3 2. 23 269 3-Hydroxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl 411. 2 1. 62 270 2-methoxymethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl 439. 3 1. 93 271 4-Oxo-l-phenyl-1, 3, 8-triaza-spiro [4. 5] decan-8-y) 555. 3 1. 87 272 4- (2-Fluoro-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 504. 3 2. 14 273 4-ridin-4-I-i ernzin-1-I 487. 3 1. 46 274 4-Hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl 425. 3 1. 64 275 octchydroSuinolin-1-yl 463. 3 2. 29 276 3-Hydroxy-piperidin-1-yl 425. 3 1. 70 277 thiomorpholin-4-yl 427. 2 1. 93 278 3, 6-Dihydro-2H-pyridin-1-yl 407. 2 1. 95 1-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester/2- (carboxylic 453. 3 1. 86 279 acid methyl ester)-pyrrolidin-1-I 1-pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid amide/2- (carboxylic acid 438. 3 1. 62 280 amide)-pyrrolidin-1-I No N, R 11A5 ntlz 3-lPLC ifi :. . : >....... :... ; ;. : Rz. .,.. :. ; :....... 281 2-H dro meth i-rrolidin-1-I 425. 3 1. 73 282 4-o-tolyl-piperazin-1-yl 500. 3 2. 23 283 4-(2-Ethoxy-phenyl)-piperazin-1-yl 530. 3 2. 14 284 4tvclohexyl-piperazin-1-YI 492. 3 1. 48 285 4 rrolidin-1-I-i eridin-1-I 478. 3 1. 42 286 thiazolidin-3-yl 413. 2 1. 89 287 Azetidin-1-I 381. 2 1. 76 Table 7: Compounds of the formula VI-1b, wherein R2 and R4 are individually varied, with the general name 2- (3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-15-yl)-N-"R2"-N-"R4"-acetamide : 1IQ R2 . R4 : Il mx HPL t ! M SSMS'S SMSN 288 methyl 2-pyridin-2-yl-ethyl 460 3 L 66 289 Methyl 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentahydroxy-hexyl 519. 3 1. 49 290 methvl Benz9I 445. 3 2. 08 291 propyl Cyclopropylmethyl 437. 3 2. 17 2-Cyano-ethyl pyridin-3-ylmethyl 485. 3 1. 69 293 meth I na hthalen-1-Imeth I 495. 3 2. 20 294 methyl Cyclohexyl 437. 3 2. 16 295 benzyl 2-dimethylamino-ethyl 502. 3 1. 60 296 benzyl ethyl 459. 3 2. 15 297 benzyl phenethyl 535. 3 2. 31 298 2-methoxy-ethyl 2-methoxy-ethyl 457. 3 1. 90 299 methyl Buty) 411. 3 2. 06 300 meth I 1-meth I-i eridin-4-I 452. 3 1. 40 301 ethyl ~ 2-hydroxy-ethyl 413. 3 1. 72 302 Ben I 2 nno-eth I 484. 3 2. 01 303 propyl methyl 397. 3 1. 97 304 propyl propyl 425. 3 2. 13 305 methyl 2-Dimethylaminoethyl 426. 3 1. 40 306 phenethyl methyl 459. 3 2. 08 Methyl Allyl 395. 2 1. 93 308 ethyI ridin-4-ylmethyl 460. 3 1. 61 309 methyl methyl 369. 2 1. 79

EXAMPLES 310 to 368-amides Further formula I compounds (examples 310 to 368), in which X represents a bond, A repre- sents CO, Y represents NR4, R'represents CH3, and C15 is substituted in the ß position with side chains of different length (n = 2, n = 4 and n = 5) were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reac- tion as shown in SCHEME 21 with the following building blocks (IV-2b, IV-4b and IV-5b) as starting material.

The following groups of compounds were prepared by this method (tables 8,9, and 10).

Table 8: Compounds of the formula VI-2b : : R . R4 lao t mx ' ! l. C t' : ". ' R 310 Cyclohexyl H 437. 29 6. 37 311 Cyclooctyl H 465. 32 6. 86 312 Furan-2-ylmethyl H 435. 24 5. 93 313 Methyl Cyclohexyl 451. 31 6. 86 2-thiazol-4-ylacetic acid ethyl es- ter/4- (acetic acid ethyl ester)- 314 thiazol-2-yl H 524 315 Benzo [1, 3] dioxol-5-ylmethyl H 489. 25 6. 06 316 morpholin-4-yl 425, 57 317 thiomor holin-4-I 441, 23 6. 15 318 pyridin-3-ylmethyl H 446. 26 5. 33 319 pyridin-4-ylmethyl H 446. 26 5. 3 320 benzyl H 321 2-Methoxy-benzyl H 475. 27 6. 25 322 3-Fluoro-benzyl H 463. 25 6. 24 323 4-Chloro-benzyl H 479. 22 6. 45 324 2- (4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl H 475. 27 5. 58 325 Methyl Benzyl 459. 28 6. 59 326 Bu I H 411. 28 6. 1 327 2-thiophen-2-yl-ethyl H 465. 23 6. 18 328 2- (7-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-ethyl H 512. 3 6. 25 1 329 5-methyl-thiazol-2-yl H 452. 21 6. 26 Table 9: Compounds of the formula VI-4b : (VI-4b) 4 e X W m wX W m 330 cyclopropyl H 423. 28 414 331 Cyclohexyl H 465. 32 4. 69 332 cyclooctyl H 493. 36 5. 05 1 333 Furan-2-ylmethyl H 463. 27 4. 34 2-thiazol4-yl-acetic acid ethyl es- 334 ter/4- (acetic acid ethyl ester)-H thiazol-2-yl 552 27 4. 6 335 Benzo [1, 3] dioxol-5-ylmethyl H 517. 28 4. 41 336 mor holin-4-I 453. 29 4. 2 337 thiomorpholin-4-yl 469. 27 4. 57 338 ridin-3-Imeth I H 474. 29 3. 96 339 pyridin-4-ylmethyl H 474. 29 3. 93 340 benzyl H 473. 29 4. 52 341 2-Methoxy-benzyl H 503. 3 4. 56 342 3-Fluoro-benzyl H 491. 28 4. 54 343 4-Chloro-benzyl H 507. 25 4. 7 344 methyl benzyl 487. 31 4. 88 | 345 butyl H 439. 31 4. 49 346 2-thiophen-2-yl-ethyl H 493. 27 4. 54 347 2- (7-methy)-lH-indo)-3-y))-thy) H 540. 34 4. 58 Table 10: Compounds of the formula VI-5b :

4 m m m X Na, . a U1 ml m3 , : .,....... R... :.... : : : 348 Cycloh I H 479, 34 7 349 Cyclooctyl H 507, 37 7, 42 350 Furan-2-ylmethyl H 477, 29 6, 54 351 Methyl Cyclohexyl 493. 36 7. 58 352 2-thiazol-4-yl-acetic acid ethyl es-H 566 4 C, rut HO 'k4 ter 4- (acetic acid ethyl ester)- thiazol-2-yl l 353 Benzo [1, 3] dioxol-5-ylmethyl H 531. 3 6. 65 354 morpholin-4-yl 467, 65 355 thiomorpholin-4-yl 483, 28 6. 86 356 pyridin-3-ylmethyl H 488. 3 5. 98 357 pyridin-4-ylmethyl H 488. 3 5. 94 358 phenyl H 473. 29 7. 00 359 benzyl H 487. 31 6. 78 360 2-Methoxy-benzyl H 517. 32 6. 83 361 3-Fluoro-benzyl H 505. 3 6. 82 362 4-Chloro-benzyl H 521. 27 7. 00 363 2- (4-Hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl H 517. 32 6. 22 364 methyl benzyl 501. 32 7. 25 365 butyl H 453. 32 6. 74 366 2-thiophen-2-I-ethyI H 507. 28 6. 81 367 247-methyl-lH-indol-3-yl)-ethyl H 554. 35 6. 88 368 5-methyl-thiazol-2-I H 494. 26 6. 87 EXAMPLE 329A: 3-(3-Hvdroxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15-yl)-N- (5-methvl-thiazol-2-yl)-nropionamide

Example 329A of formula (VI-2a)-329A was synthesized according to the method displayed in SCHEME 20 using the acid building block IVß-2c as starting material and the appropriate amine, and subsequent debenzylation according to the procedures described for the synthesis of com- pounds No. 4C and 4A.

13C NMR (ppm) 219. 76, 170.78, 156.18, 155.05, 137.17, 134.61, 130.19, 125.90, 125.75, 114.96, 112.67, 51.73, 46.38, 44. 09,41. 47,35. 62, 34. 73,33. 75,33. 40,28. 98,26. 13,25. 92,25. 15, 17. 34, 11.05 EXAMPLE 363A: 6-(3-Hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15-yl)-hexanoci acid [2-(4-hydroxy-phenyl)-ethyl]-amide

Example 363A of formula (VI-5a)-363A was synthesized according to the method displayed in SCHEME 20 using the acid building block IV-5c as starting material and the appropriate amine, and subsequent debenzylation according to the procedures described for the synthesis of com- pounds No. 4C and 4A.

13C NMR (ppm) 214.67, 166. 64, 147.42, 146.66, 129.27, 122.90, 121. 75, 121.20 (*2), 117.39, 106.73, 106.63 (*2), 104.28, 44. 58, 38. 96, 36.38, 34. 28, 32. 65, 28.05, 27. 55, 26.21, 26.17, 25. 65, 22.56, 21.03, 20.89, 20.67, 18.51, 17.49, 17. 24, 8.74 EXAMPLE 369: 6- (3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3. 5 (00-trien-15-yl)-hexanoic acid isopronvl ester One compound of formula 1, in which X represents a bond, A represents CO, Y represents O, n is 5, and C15 is substituted in the p position (VII-5b-369), was prepared by a reaction as shown in the following scheme 25 (according to general flow diagram II) : SCHEME 25 6-(3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15-yl)-hexanoic acid isopropyl ester (VII-5b)-369 A mixture of 0.13 mmol of the free acid of formula (IV-5b), 0.26 mmol isopropanol, 0.26 mmol Hydroxy-benzotriazole, 0.26 mmol N-methylmorpholine and 0.26 mmol EDCi'HC) were dis- solved in DCM and stirred for 4 h at RT. After filtration the organic layer was washed twice with 1 M KHS04 solution. The material was purified by flash chromatography after evaporation (cyclohex- ane/EE 5: 1-> 4: 1) yielding to 29 mg of white foam (VII-5b)-369 (LC-MS: MH+ 441; rt 7, 81 min).

C13 NMR: (Solvent CDCI3) : 17. 74, 21.89, 21.89, 25.58, 26.81, 29.53, 31.00, 33.95, 34.39, 34.61, 36.08, 42.88, 44.55, 47.17, 52. 95,55. 25,67. 44, 111.47, 113.96, 125.99, 132.47, 137.77, 157.73, 173.24, 221.22

EXAMPLE 370: 3-Methoxy-15- (3-oxo-pentyl)-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one One compound of formula 1, in which X represents a bond, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, n is 2, and C15 is substituted in the ß position (VIII-2b-370), was prepared by a reaction as shown in the following scheme 26 (according to general flow diagram 111) : SCHEME 26 Detailed Synthesis 3- (3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-propionaldehvde (XXXIII-2b) : 505 mg of the alcohol (XXX1-3b) (1.47 mmol) were dissolved in 50 ml DCM, and cooled down to 0°C. Than 4.5 ml (2.2 mmol) Dess Martin reagent were added at 0°C and the reaction mixture is stirred for an additional hour. The organic layer was thereafter washed with sat. Na- HCO3, twice with 1 M Na2S203 solution, dried over Na2SO4 an evaporated. After purifying the mate- rial by flash chromatography (solvent Cyclohexane/EE 3: 1) 420 mg of solid material XXXIII-2b were obtained.

15- (3-Hydroxv-aentvl)-3-methoxv-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXI-2b)-370 The aldehyde of formula XXXIII-2b was dissolved in 20 ml dry THF and cooled down to 0°C. At this temperature ethyl magnesia bromide and tetramethyidiaminoethan both dis- solved separately were added slowly. After additional 2 hours stirring the reaction mixture was left over night at roomtemperature. Thereafter 5 ml saturated NH4CI solution were added and the mixture extracted several times with 50 ml EE. After drying the combined organic layers over Na2S04 and evaporating the solvent 160 mg solid material of (XXI-2b)-370 were obtained which were used in the next step without further purification (LCMS: MH+: 371; rt 6,35 min).

3-Methoxv-15- (3-oxo-pentvl)-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (Vill-2b)-370 The previously obtained alcohol (XXI-2b)-370 was dissolved in 10 ml acetone and cooled down to 0°C. At that temperature Jones reagent was added, till the reaction mixture stayed green in color. The reaction was stirred for 1 hour at RT before the excess of Jones reagents was destroyed by adding 2 ml isopropanol. The reaction mixture was afterwards diluted with 200 ml EE and 100 ml saturated NaCI solution. After separation the organic layer was washed with saturated NaCI solution twice before it was dried over Na2S04 and evapo- rated under reduced pressure to dryness. The obtained material was purified by flash chro- matography (cyclohexane/EE 3: 1) yielding 33 mg of solid material (Vl11-2b)-370.

C'3-NMR (solvent CDCI3) : 220.4 ; 210.8 ; 157.6 ; 137.7 ; 132.2 ; 125.9 ; 113.8 ; 111.4 ; 55.2 ; 52.7 ; 47.0 ; 44.6 ; 42.0 ; 41.54 ; 36.1 ; 36.0 ; 33.9 ; 33.8 ; 29.5 ; 26.7 ; 25.4 ; 24.7 ; 17.8 ; 7.8 pm EXAMPLES 371 to 418-Hvdrazides A variety of compounds of formula 1, in which X represents a bond, A represents CO, Y represents NH-NR4 or NH-NH, and C15 is substituted in the P position with side chains of different length (n = 2,3, 4 or 5) were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the fol- lowing scheme 27 (according to general flow diagram IVb) : SCHEME 27 The acids of general formula IV (0.057 mmol per reaction) were used as stock solutions in DCM and were added to a mixture of the respective hydrazine H2N-NR2R4 (0.8eq), polymer bound carbodiimid (3eq), HOBT (1.7 eq), and 5 ml DCM. After stirring for 24 hours at RT approximately 40 mg polymer bound trisaminomethyl was added to scavange excess of acid. After another 24 hours reaction time, the suspsension was filtered and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The obtained products of general formula XLI were analyzed by LC-MS.

Four groups of compounds according to formula XLI-2b, XLI-3b, XLI-4b, XLI-5b were pre- pared by this method as depicted in the following tables 11,12, 13 and 14.

Table 11: Compounds of the formula XLI-2b :

w w mW . F ; 371 morpholin 4 yl 440. 27 3. 62 372 7-chloro-quinolin-4-yl H 531. 23 3. 9 373-CO-phenyl H 474. 25 3. 82 374-CO-CH3/CCetYl H 412. 24 3. 43 375 methyl methyl 398. 26 3. 66 376-CH2-CO-O-CHz-CH3 H 456 26 3. 82 377 2-f luoro-phenyl H 464. 25 4. 21 378-CO- (3, 4, 5-trimetho) phenyl H 564. 28 3. 83 379 benzothiazol-2-yl H 503. 22 4. 86 380 4-methyl-piperazin-1-yí _453. 3 3. 25 Table 12: Compounds of the formula XLI-3b R R4, m v mE 381 Aze nn-1 yl 466. 32 4. 45 382 2- 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)-acetyl | H 541. 29 3. 93 383 mor holin-4-I 454. 28 3. 72 1 384 piperidin 1-yl-452. 3 4. 19 385 7-chloro uinolin-4-I H 54524 4. 01 386-CO-phenyiH488. 27 3. 93 387-CO- (3-Methoxy-) phenyl H 518. 28 3. 99 388 methyl phenyl 474. 29 4. 37 389-CH2-CO-0-CH2-CH3 H 470. 28 3. 92 390 3, 5-dichloro-phenyI H 528. 19 4. 66 391-CO- (3, 4, 5-trimethoxy)-phenyI H 578. 3 3. 92 R2 R4 No a 11A5 tn/z HPLC Rt.. ,.. : :. < z. 392 benzothiazol-2-yl H 517. 24 5 393 3-methoxy-phenyl H 490. 28 4. 19 394 6-chloro-pyridozin-3-yl H 496. 22 4. 47 395 2-methoxymethyl-pyrrolidin-1-yl 482. 31 4. 03 Table 13: Compounds of the formula XLI-4b XX : : w m 396 azepan-l-yl 480. 34 4. 68 396 nze an-1-I 480. 34 4. 68 397 2-1H-indol-3-I-ace I H 555. 31 4. 05 398 morpholin-4-yl 468. 3 3. 88 399piperidin-1-y) 466. 32 4. 38 400 7-chloro-quino ! in-4-yl H 559. 26 4. 16 401 methyl Methyl 426. 29 3. 94 402 benzyl H 488. 3 4. 6 403-CH2-CO-O-CHz-CE"H3 H 484. 29 4. 09 404-CO- (3, 4, 5-trimethoxy)-phenyl H 592. 31 4. 06 405 benzothiazol-2-yl H 531. 26 5. 19 II 406 4-methyl-piperaziri-1 yl 481. 33 3. 46

Table 14: Compounds of the formula (XLI-5b) m b gWW W , m/x m . . | r e < 407 _ azepan-1-yl 494. 35 4. 89 i' "HPLC imins z 408 i eridin-1-I 480. 34 4. 58 408"piperidin-1-y) 480. 34 4. 58 4Û8 piperk n-1-yl 480. 34 4. 58 409 4-methanesulfonyl-phenyl H 566. 28 4. 15 410-CO- (3-Methoxy-) phenyl H 546. 31 4. 26 411 acetyl H 454. 28 3. 8 412 methyl Methyl 440. 3 4. 11 413 benzyl H 502. 32 4. 78 414-CH2-CO-0-CH2-CH3 H 498. 31 4. 25 415 2-f luoro-phenyl H 506. 29 4. 63 416 3, 4-dichloro-phenyl H 556. 23 4. 9 417 3, 5-dichloro-phenyl H 556. 23 5. 0 418 4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl 495. 35 3. 59

EXAMPLES 419 to 440-Urea derivatives : A variety of compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH or NCH3, A represents CO, Y represents NH and n represents 1 and C15 is substituted in the a position, were prepared by paral- lel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 28A and 28B, respectively (accord- ing to general flow diagram Va): SCHEME 28A SCHEME 28B

Detailed Synthesis Step 1: 0.11 mmol Isocyanate (R2-N=C=O) were dissolved in 2 mi ACN. To this solution, 2 ml of the amine building block of formula XV-1a or XXXVIII-1a (0.09 mmol) dissolved in ACN were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h. In order to remove unreacted isocyanate or amine, polymer bound isocyante and trisamine were added. Again the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at RT. The solid material was removed by filtration. The solvent was evaporated in a vac- uum centrifuge. Without further purification this material was used in the next step.

Step 2: The material obtained in step 1 was dissolved in 2 ml acetone. 2 mg of pTsOH were added. The reaction mixture was kept in a microwave oven in a sealed tube at 150°C for 3 minutes.

Thereafter, the solvent was removed in a vacuum centrifuge. The obtained material was separated between EtOAc and NaHCO3 solution. The organic layer was collected and evaporated again. The material thereafter was analysed by LC-MS.

Two groups of compounds according to formula XVI1-1b were prepared by this method as depicted in the following tables 15 and 16.

Table 15: Compounds of the formula XVI 1-1 b, with R3 = H: mm Ww m w m X Ss'MM SStSsS. iS''S SS. tMjSS 419 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 486. 15 4. 14 420 3-nitro-phenyl 436. 22 3. 74 421 3, 4-Dichloro-benzyl 486. 21 3. 98 422 3-Fluoro-phenyl 448. 24 3. 56 423 Benzyl 490. 25 3. 8 424 3, 4-Dimethoxy-phenyl 486. 21 3. 98 425 3-trif luoromethyl-phenyl 384. 24 3. 34 2-benzoic acid methyl ester/ 426 2- (carboxylic acid methyl ester)-DhenvI 468. 24 3. 79 427 4-methoxy-phenyl 463. 21 3. 76 428 3Uyeno-phenyl 432. 24 3. 56 4-benzoic acid ethyl ester/ 429 4-(carboxylic acid ethyl ester)-phenyl 476. 23 3. 94 430 4-trif luoromethoxy-phenyl 443. 22 3. 64 431 4 trifluorometh I hen 1 502. 21 3. 99 432 Biphenyl-2-yl 494. 26 3. 99 433 isopropyl 454. 32 4. 17 S ! : 434 octyl 442. 25 3. 34 435 naphthalen-1-yl 500. 16 3. 84 3-propionic acid ethyl ester/ 436 1-ethoxy-1-oxo-propan-3-yl 478. 25 3. 44 Table 16 : Compounds of the formula XVII-1b, with R3 =-CH3 : 437 octyl 468. 34 4. 39 437 octyl 468. 34 4. 39 437 octyl 468. 34 4. 39 2-benzoic acid methyl ester/ 438 2- (carboxylic acid methyl ester)-phenyl 490. 25 4. 2 439 Cyclohexyl 3. 84 440 isopropyl 398. 26 3. 49

EXAMPLES 441 to 489-Urea derivatives: Further compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH, A represents CO, Y represents NH and n represents 3 or 4 and C15 is substituted in the 3 position, were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following schemes 29A and 29B (according to general flow diagram Vb): SCHEME 29A SCHEME 29B

Detailed Synthesis 0.11 mmol Isocyanate (R2_N=C=O) were dissolved in 2 ml ACN. To this solution, 2 ml of the amine building block of formula XXIX-3b or XXIX4b (0.09 mmol) dissolved in ACN and ap- proximately 40 mg polymere bound diisopropylethylamine were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h. In order to remove unreacted isocyanate or amine, polymer bound isocyante and trisamine were added. Again the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at RT. The solid material was removed by filtration. The solvent was evaporated in a vacuum centrifuge. The obtained mate- rial was analyzed by LC-MS.

Two groups of compounds according to formula XVII-3b and XVII-4b were prepared by this method as depicted in the following tables 17 and 18.

Table 17: Compounds of the formula XVII-3b

. 441 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 528. 19 4. 97 442 3-Fluoro-phenyl 478. 26 4. 45 443 3-Methoxy-phenyl 490. 28 4. 33 444 3-trifluoromethyl-phenyI 528. 26 4. 69 445 4-Fluoro-phenyl 478. 26 4. 36 446 4-methoxy-phenyl 490. 28 4. 24 4-benzoic acid ethyl ester/ 447 4- (carboxylic acid ethyl ester)-phenyl 532. 29 4. 52 448 4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl 528. 26 4. 7 449 Isopropyl 426. 29 4. 04 450 Cyclohexyl 466. 32 4. 36 451 naphthalen-1-yl 510. 29 4. 5 452 benzyl 474. 29 4. 23 2benzoic acid methyl ester/ 453 2- (carboxylic acid methyl ester)-phenyl 518. 28 4. 76 454 3-Cyano-phenyl 485. 27 4. 33 m1 HP4G Rt ,,,....... :.......,. R =..... : z'.... mn,. :. 455 3-Acetyl-phenyl 502. 28 4. 23 456 4-Acetyl-phenyl 502. 28 4. 19 457 4-trif luoromethoxy-phenyl 544. 25 4. 72 458 Bi hen I-2-I 536. 3 4. 79 459 octyl 496. 37 4. 98 460 naphthalen-2-yl 510. 29 4. 63 3-propionic acid ethyl ester/ 461 1-etho-i-oxo-ro an-3-I 48429 4. 02 462 4- (6-meth I-benzothiuzol-2-I)-hen I 463 3, 4-Dichloro-benzyl 542. 21 4. 57 464 3, 4-Dimetho hen I 520. 29 4. 1 465 ßenzoEl, 3] dioxol-5-yl 504. 26 4. 23 Table 18: Compounds of the formula XVII-4b 4 mw 466 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 542. 21 5. 19 467 3-Fluoro-phenyl 492. 28 4. 63 468 3-methoxy-phenyl 504. 3 4. 5 l 469 3-trif luoromethyl-phenyl 542. 28 4. 88 470 4-Fluoro-phenyl 492. 28 4. 54 471 4-methoxy-phenyl 504. 3 4. 42 4-benzoic acid ethyl ester/ 472 4-(carboxylic acid ethyl ester)-phenyl 546. 31 4. 7 473 4-trif luoromethyl-phenyl 542. 28 4. 88 Isopropyl 440. 3 4. 21 475 Cyclohexyl 480. 34 4. 56 476 naphthalen-1-yl 524. 3 4. 7 477 benzyl 488. 3 4. 41 2-benzoic acid methyl ester/ 478 2- (carboxylic acid methyl ester)-phenyl 532. 29 4. 96 479 3-Cyano-phenyl 499. 28 4. 51 480 3-Acetyl-phenyl 516. 3 4. 4 481 4-Acetyl-phenyl 516. 3 4. 37 482 4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl 558. 27 4. 89 483 Biphenyl-2-yl 550. 32 4. 97 484 octyl 510. 38 5. 18 485 na hthalen-2-I 524. 3 4. 82 486 3-propionic acid ethyl ester/498. 31 4. 18 No . z HP4C, Rt ; mou l 1-ethoxy-1-oxo-propan-3-yl 487 3, 4-Dichloro-benzyl 556. 23 4. 76 488 3, 4-Dimethoxy-phenyl 534. 31 4. 28 489 Benzo [l, 3] dioxol-5-yl 518. 28 4. 42

EXAMPLES 490 to 492-Urea derivatives : Further three compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH, A represents CO, Y repre- sents NH, n represents 4, and C15 is substituted in the a position, were prepared by individual synthesis using a reaction as shown in scheme 28C and described above for scheme 28A (accord- ing to general flow diagram Va). The individual compounds of formula XVlla-4a are depicted in Table 19.

SCHEME 28C Table 19: Compounds of the formula XVlla 4a MM- ! s ! Si !. : ass ru M 'sM ? ! ssss} - yMf. t. s. iiSMs&SS MSS ! 3 ; S SS SMsS. sNS,' 4-benzoic acid ethyl ester/ 490 4-(carboxylic acid ethyl ester)-phenyl 532 5. 91 491 Cyclohexylmethyl 480 6. 42 492 Phenyl 1 460 EXAMPLES 493 to 537-sulfamides A variety of compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH, A represents S02, Y repre- sents NH and n represents 2, and C15 is substituted in the a position, may be prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 30 (according to general flow diagram Vl) : SCHEME 30

Detailed Synthesis Step 1: Tert. butyl alcohol (6.5 mi = 5.13 g = 69.3 mmol) in 30 ml DCM is added dropwise to a cold solution of 6.0 ml (9.76 g = 68. 9 mmol.) chlorosulfonyl isocyanate in 40 mi DCM. After 30 min the mixture is diluted with DCM up to 100 ml to get a 0.854 molar stock solution. (18.29 g/100 ml ; density 1.318 g/ml ; LC-MS found the mass M+H 216). 2 ml of this solution are added to the amine building block of formula XV-1b (0.5 mMol) and (1 mMol) triethylamine dissolved in DCM at 0°C. The mixture is stirred overnight at RT. The reaction mixture is worked up by liquid/liquid ex- traction with DCM/water. The crude product is purified on silica gel with DCM as eluent.

Step 2: 0.1 mMol of the Boc-protected sulfamide obtained in step 1 are dissolved in acetone.

0.3 mMol K2CO3 and 0.1 mMol bromo-alkane (or correspondent bromoreagent) are added. The reaction is kept at 60°C for 24 h. After filtration and concentration the crude mixture is purified by column chromatography on silica gel.

Step 3: The material obtained in step 2 is dissolved in 2 ml acetone. 2 mg of p-TosOH were added. The reaction mixture is kept in a microwave oven in a sealed tube at 150°C for 3 minutes.

Thereafter the solvent is removed in a vacuum centrifuge. The obtained material is separated be- tween EtOAc and NaHCO3 solution. The organic layer is collected and evaporated again. Thereaf- ter the material is analysed by LC-MS.

A group of compounds according to formula XIX-2b may be prepared by this method; the compounds listed in Table 12represent reaction products of a compound of formula XV-2b with a bromo-reagent (R-Br). Table 12: Compounds of the formula XIX-2b, which are prepared by reaction with variable R2-Br compounds: , React..,. 493 (2-BROMOETHYL) BENZENE 494 1- (2-BROMOETHYL) NAPHTHALENE 495 1-BROMO-3, 3-DIPHENYLPROPANE l 496 1-BROMO-3-METHYLBUTANE l 497 1-BROMOMETHYL-2-((PHENYLSULFONYL) METHYL) BENZENE 498 2- (BROMOMETHYL) NAPHTHALENE I 499 2-(DIFLUOROMETHOXY) BENZYL BROMIDE 500 2- (N- (2-BROMOETHYL) ANILINO)-ETHANOL 501 2, 5-BIS (TRIFLUOROMETHYL) BENZYL BROMIDE 502 2-BROMOETHYL ACETATE l 503 2-BROMOETHYL N- (l-NAPHTHYL) CARBAMATE 504 2-BROMOETHYL N- (2, 3-DICHLOROPHENYL) CARBAMATE 505 2-BROMOMETHYL-1, 4-BENZODIOXANE 506 2-BROMOMETHYL-5-FLUOROCOUMARAN 507 2-PHENYLBENZYL BROMIDE I 508 342-BROMOETHYL) INDOLE 509 3-(BROMOMETHYL) BENZOIC ACID METHYL ESTER 510 3, 4-DICHLOROBENZYL BROMIDE 511 3, 5-BIS (TRIFLUOROMETHYL) BENZYL BROMIDE 512 3-BENZOYLBENZYLBROMIDE 513 3-BROMO-1, 2-PROPANEDIOL 514 3-BROMOMETHYL-2- (4-CHLOROBENZOYL) BENZOFURAN l 515 3-BROMOPROPIONIC ACID ETYHL ESTER I 516 3-PHENOXYPROPYL BROMIDE 517 4- (2-BROMOETHYL)-ACETOPHENONE I 518 4- (4-BROMOMETHYLPHENYL)-1, 2, 3-THIADIAZOLE 519 4- (BROMOMETHYL) BENZOIC ACID METHYL ESTER I 520 4- (BROMOMETHYL) PHENyLACETIC ACID PWENACVL ESTER 521 44TERT-BUTYL) BENZYL BROMIDE 5224-BROMOBUTYRIC ACID ETHYL ESTER 523 4-BROMOMETHYL-7-METHOXYCOUMARIN 524 4-BROMOMETHYLBENZYL 525 4-METHYLSULFONYLBENZYL BROMIDE 526 4-PHENOXYBUTYL BROMIDE l 527 5-(BROMOMETHYL) ßENZOFURAZAN 528 6-AMINO-9- (2-BROMOETHYL)-9H-PURINE I 529 ALPHA-BROMO-M-TOLUNITRILE 530 ALPHA-BROMO-O-TOLUNITRILE l 531 ALPHA-BROMO-P-TOLUNITRILE 532 BENZOIC ACID 2-BROMOETHYL ESTER l 533 BENZYL BROMIDE 534 CYCLOPROPYLMETHYL BROMIDE 53 DELTA-BROMOBUTYLHYDANTOIN l 536 N- (4-BROMOBUTYL) PHTHALIMIDE 537 PHENACYL 4-BROMOCROTONATE

EXAMPLES 538 and 539-carbamates Two compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH, A represents CO, Y represents O, n represents 1, and C15 is substituted in the a position, were prepared using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 31 (according to general flow diagram VII) : SCHEME 31 Detailed Synthesis Step 1: 0.132 mMol Chloroformic acid ester (R2-O-CO-CI) were dissolved in 2 mi DCM. To this solution 2 ml of the amine building block of formula XV-1a (0.112 mMol) dissolved in DCM were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h. To remove unreacted Chloroformic acid ester or amine polymer bound isocyanate and trisamine were added. Again the reaction mix- ture was stirred for 24 h at RT. The solid material was removed by filtration. The solvent was evaporated in a vacuum centrifuge. Without further purification this material was used in the next step.

Step 2: The material obtained in step 1 was dissolved in 2 ml acetone. 2 mg of p-toluene sul- fonic acid were added. The reaction mixture was kept in a microwave oven in a sealed tube at 150°C for 3 minutes. Thereafter the solvent was removed in a vacuum centrifuge. The obtained material was separated between EtOAc and NaHCO3 solution. The organic layer was collected and evaporated again. The material thereafter was analysed by LC-MS.

Two compounds according to general formula XX-1a were prepared by this method as de- picted in Table 21.

Table 21 : Compounds of the formula XX-1a : No k, R = M ml' HPtT. Rt 538 Tsobutyl 400 5. 58 539 4-Nitro-benZyl 478 5. 62

EXAMPLES 540 to 543-sulfamates A variety of compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH, A represents SO2, Y repre- sents O, and n represents for example 1, and C15 is substituted in the a position, may be prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 32 (according to general flow diagram VIII) : SCHEME 32 Detailed Synthesis Step 1: To a solution of 0.132 mmol chlorosulfonic acid ester (R2-O-SO2-CI) in 2 ml DCM 0.112 mmol of the amine building block XV-1b, dissolved in 2 mi DCM, and an excess of polymer bound morpholine are added subsequently at-40°C. After an hour the reaction mixture is heated to 20°C and left over night. To remove unreacted chlorosulfonic acid ester and amine polymere bound isocyanate and trisamine are added. Again the reaction mixture is stirred for 24 h at RT. The solid material is removed by filtration. The solvent is evaporated in a vacuum centrifuge. Without further purification this material is used in the next step.

Step 2: The material obtained in step 1 is dissolved in 2 mi acetone. 2 mg of p-TosOH are added. The reaction mixture is kept in a microwave oven in a sealed tube at 150°C for 3 minutes.

Thereafter the solvent is removed in a vacuum centrifuge. The obtained material is separated be- tween EtOAc and NaHCO3 solution. The organic layer is collected and evaporated again. The ma- terial thereafter is analysed by LC-MS.

A group of compounds according to formula XXI1-1b may be prepared by this method; the compounds represent reaction products of a compound of formula XV-1 b with a chlorosulfuric acid ester (R2-O-SO2-CI). Table 14 shows the number of the reaction products together with the corre- sponding chlorosulfuric acid ester (R2-O-SO2-CI).

Table 14: Compounds of the formula XXI1-1b, prepared by reaction with (R2-O-SO2-CI) : Na teacfinrt R-Q SOz-CI 537 Chloro sulfonic acid ethyl ester 1 538 Chloro sulfonic acid butyl ester | 539 Chloro sulfonic acid benzyl ester 540 Chloro sulfonic acid phenyl ester

EXAMPLES 544 to 570-"retro"-amides A variety of formula I compounds, in which X represents-NH, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, n represents 1, R'represents CH3, and R2 is varied, and C15 is substituted in the a posi- tion, were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 33 (according to general flow diagram IXa). The group of compounds prepared by this method is listed in table 23.

SCHEME 33 Detailed Synthesis Step 1: 0.132 mMol of the appropriate acid chloride R2-CO-CI were dissolved in 2 ml DCM.

To this solution 2 mi of the amine building block of the formula XV-1b (0.112 mMol) dissolved in DCM and 160 mg morpholine polymer bound were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 48 h. To remove unreacted acid chloride or amine polymer bound isocyanate and trisamine had been added. Again the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at RT. The solid material was removed by filtration. The solvent was evaporated in a vacuum centrifuge. Without further purification this material was used in the next step.

Step 2: The material obtained in step 1 was dissolved in 2 mi acetone. 2 mg of p-toluene sul- fonic acid were added-The reaction mixture was kept in a microwave oven in a sealed tube at 150°C for 3 minutes. Thereafter the solvent was removed in a vacuum centrifuge. The obtained material was separated between EtOAc and NaHCO3 solution. The organic layer was collected and evaporated again. The material thereafter was analysed by LC-MS.

Table 23: Compounds of the formula XXIII-1 b, wherein R2 is varied: XwS 544 3, 5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl 553. 21 4. 73 | 545 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 485. 15 4. 54 2-Methoxy-phenyl 447. 24 4. 36 547 3, 4-Dichloro-phenyI 548 3-Methoxy-phenyl 447. 24 4. 27 549 4-Fluoro-phenyl 435. 22 4. 3 550 4-Methoxy-phenyl 447. 24 4. 21 551 4-Hexyloxy-phenyl 517. 32 5. 25 ffi, e,, v 552 552 4-Trif luoromethyl-phenyl 485. 22 4. 59 | 553 Tert. Butyl 397 26 4. 21 554 Phenoxy-methyl 447. 24 4. 31 555 Methoxy-methyl 385. 23 3. 79 | 556 Benzyl 431 25 4. 19 557 Ethyl 369. 23 3. 81 558 Phenethyl 445. 26 4. 26 559 2-Cyclopentyl-ethyl 437. 29 4. 56 560 Cyclohexyl 423. 28 4. 35 561 Furan-2-yl 407. 21 4. 03 562 Thiophen-2-yl-methyl 437. 2 4. 15 563 Benzyloxy-methyl 461. 26 4. 35 564 Diphenyl-methyl 565 Acetic aeid meth I ester/-CHZ-CO-O-CH3 41322 3. 79 566 Benzo [blthiophen-2-yl 473. 2 4. 64 567 2, 4, 5-Trif luorophenyl 471. 2 4. 51 568 244-Chloro-phenoxy)-pyridin-3-yl 569 1@henyl-5-trif luoromethyl-lH-pyrazol-4-yl 551. 24 4. 53 L 570 _ _Adamantan-1-yl 475. 31 4. 89

EXAMPLES 571 to 593-"retro"-amides : A variety of formula I compounds, in which X represents-NH, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, n represents 4, R'represents H, R is varied, and C15 is substituted in the a position, were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 34 and described above for scheme 33 (according to general flow diagram IXa). The compounds are listed in table 24.

SCHEME 34 Table 24: Compounds of the formula XXllla-4a, wherein R2 is varied: ! ! ? No phenyl 445. 26 5. 59 ;.. :. :., :........ n..... :..,..... ;...... mm.......... : 571 he I 445. 26 5. 59 572 2-bromo-phenyl 52317 5. 71 573 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 513. 18 6. 03 574 2-methoxy-phenyl 475. 27 5. 77 Em-1 ol,, ; v,.... :'. : 575 3-Chloro-henyl 479. 22 5. 98 576 3-methoxy-phenyl 475. 27 64 5"4-Chloro-phenyl 479. 22 5. 95 578 4-methoxy-phenyl 475. 27 5. 58 79 methyl 383. 25 4. 81 580 methoxymethyl 413. 26 5. 01 581 benzyl 459. 28 5. 57 582 2, 2-dimethyl-propyl 439. 31 5. 68 583 phenethyl 473. 29 5. 7 584 1-etho-1-oxo-ro an-3-I 469. 28 5. 25 585 cyclohexyl 45131 5. 79 586 4Uyano-phenyl 470 26 5. 56 587 naDhthalen-1-vI 495 28 5. 94 588 naphthalen-2-yl 495. 28 6. 04 589 3, 5-Dichloro-phenyl 513. 18 6. 3 590 3, 4-Dif luoro-phenyl 481. 24 5. 86 591 Benzyloxy-methyl 489. 29 5. 8 592 3-Cyano-phenyl 470. 26 5. 58 593 Benzotblthiophene-2-yl 501. 23 6. 09

EXAMPLES 594 to 651-"retro"-amides A variety of formula I compounds, in which X represents-NH, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, n represents 3 or 4, R'represents H or CH3, R2 is varied, and C15 is substituted in the a or ß position, were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following schemes 35A, 35B and 35C (according to general flow diagram Xb).

SCHEME 35A SCHEME 35B SCHEME 35C

Detailed Svnthesis : 0.132 mMol of the appropriate acid chloride R2-CO-CI were dissolved in 2 ml DCM. To this solution 2 ml of the amine building block of the formula XXIXα-3a, XXIXß-3b, or XXIXß-4b (0.112 mMol) dissolved in DCM and 160 mg morpholine polymer bound were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 48 h. To remove unreacted acid chloride or amine polymer bound isocyanate and trisamine was added. Again the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at RT. The solid material was removed by filtration. The solvent was evaporated in a vacuum centrifuge. The material there- after was analysed by LC-MS.

Three groups of compounds according to general formulas XIIIα-3a, XXIIIß-3b and XXIII (3- 4b were prepared by this method as depicted in the following tables 25,26 and 27, respectively.

Table 25: Compounds of the formula XXllla-3a, wherein R2 is varied Q r R A fi !' HPLC I 594 phenyl 431. 57 5. 36 594 he I 431. 57 5. 36 595 3-Chloro-phenyl 465. 21 3. 94 596 3-methoxy-phenyl 461. 26 3. 75 597 4-Chloro-benzyl 465. 21 3. 93 598 4-methoxy-phenyl 461. 26 3. 7 599 methyl 369. 23 3. 29 600 methoxy-methyl 399. 24 3. 39 601 benzyl 445. 26 3. 69 602 Phenethyl 459. 28 3. 78 603 Cyclohexyl 437. 29 3. 82 604 3, 4-Difluoro- hen I 467. 23 3. 88 605 Benzylo-methyI 475. 27 3. 84 606 3-Cyanowhenyl 456. 24 3. 72 Table 26: Compounds of the formula XXIIIß-3b, wherein R2 is varied: ? S m X w < < 607 phenyl 445. 26 6. 28 608 2-bromo-phenyl 523. 17 6. 42 609 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 513. 18 6. 74 610 3-Chloro-phenyl 479. 22 6. 68 611 3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 513. 18 7. 02 612 3-methoxy-phenyl 475. 27 6. 33 613 4-Chloro-phenyl 479. 22 6. 64 614 4-methoxy-phenyl 475. 27 6. 27 615 methyl 383. 25 5. 5 616 methoxymethyl 413. 26 5. 72 617 benzyl 459. 28 6. 28 618 2, 2Qimethyl-propyl 439. 31 6. 43 619 Phenethyl 473. 29 6. 43 620 1-ethoxy-1-oxo-propan-3-yl 469. 28 5. 98 621 cyclohexyl 451. 31 6. 51 622 4-Cyano-phenyl 470. 26 6. 24 623 naphthalen-1-yl 495. 28 6. 63 624 naphthalen-2-yl 495. 28,. 6. 73 625 3, 5-Dichloro-phenyl 513. 18 7. 16 626 3, 4-Difluoro-phenyl 481. 24 6. 56 627 Benzyloxy-methyI 489. 29 6. 53 628 2- luoromethyl-phenyl)-vinyl Table 27: Compounds of the formula XXIIIß-4b, wherein R2 is varied:

X=SS $x ! ! s : 629 3, 4-Dif luoro-phenyl 495. 26 6. 84 630 8enzloxy-methyl 503. 3 6. 79 631 Benzotbithiophene-2-515. 25 7. 06 632 243-trif luoromethyl-phenyl)-vinyl 553. 28 7. 09 633 3, 5-Dichloro-phenyl 527. 2 7. 43 634 _ phenyl 459. 28 _ 6. 58 à ffi- S ; . . ,. : :, ; , ; K : s, gMt ! .'., jj, ;', . S 635 2-bromo-phenyl 537. 19 6. 7 636 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 527. 2 7. 01 637 3-Chloro-hen 493. 24 6. 97 638 3, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 527. 2 7. 3 639 3-methoxy-phenyl 489. 29 6. 63 640 4-Chloro-phenyl 493. 24 6. 93 641 4-methoxy-phenyl 489. 29 6. 54 642 methyl 397. 26 5. 77 643 methoxymethyl 427. 27 6. 01 644 benzyl 473. 29 6. 54 645 2, 2-dimethyl-propyl 453. 32 6. 72 646 Phenethyl 487 31 6. 68 647 1-ethoxy-1-oxo-propan-3-yl 483. 3 6. 23 648 cyclohexyl 465. 32 6. 82 649 4-Cynno-phenyl 484. 27 6. 53 650 naphthalen-1-yl 509. 29 6. 93 651 naphthalen-2-yl 509. 29 7. 01

EXAMPLES 652 to 660-"Retro"-amides Alternatively, particular compounds of formula I compounds, in which X represents-NH, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, and R2 is varied, were prepared individually using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 36 (according to general flow diagram IXb), but using the appro- priate free acid R2-COOH instead of the acid chloride R2-CO-CI.

SCHEME 36

Detailed Synthesis : 0.132 mmol of the appropriate acid (R2-COOH) were dissolved in 2 ml DCM. To this solution 2ml of the amine building blocks stock solution in DCM of the general formular XXIX (each vial 0.112 mmol), approximate 120 mg polymer bound morpholine, 120 mg polymer bound carbodiim- ide and 125 mg polymer bound HOBT were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 2 days. To remove unreacted acid and amine approx, 40 mg polymer bound isocyanat and trisamine were added. After stirring the reaction mixture for another 24 hours the solid material was removed by filtration. After solvent removal under reduced pressure the samples were analysed by LC-MS.

EXAMPLE 652: 4-Fluoro-N- (3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15-vimethyl)-benzamide

Example 652 of formula (XXXllla-1a)-652 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXa-1a as starting material (MH+ 422, Rt 5.34 min).

EXAMPLE 653: 3. 4-Dichloro-N-[3-(3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15-y l)-propyl]-benzamide Example 653 of formula (XXXllla-3a)-653 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXa-3a as starting material (MH+ 500; Rt 4. 17 min).

EXAMPLE 654: 3, 4-Dichloro-N- [4- (3-hvdroxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-buty-benzamide Example 654 of formula (XXXllla-4a)-654 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXa-4a as starting material (MH+ 514; Rt 6.31 min).

EXAMPLE 655: 2-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-N-[4-(3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15-yl)-butvil-acetamide Example 655 of formula (XXXllla-4a)-655 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXa-4a as starting material (MH+ 478; Rt 5.72 min).

EXAMPLE 656: 4-Fluoro-N-[4-(3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3, 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-butvll-benzamide

Example 656 of formula (XXXllla-4a)-656 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXa-4a as starting material (MH+ 464 ; Rt 5.70 min).

EXAMPLE 657: 2. 4-Difluoro-N-[4-(3-hydroxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15-y l)-butyl]-benzamide Example 657 of formula (XXXllla-4a)-657 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXa-4a as starting material (MH+ 482; Rt 5.86 min).

EXAMPLE 658: N- 5- (3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-pentvl]-benzamide Example 658 of formula (XXXIIIß-5b)-658 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXß-5b as starting material (MH+ 474; Rt 6.80 min).

EXAMPLE 659: N-t5- (3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-pentvll-acetamide Example 659 of formula (XXXlila-5b)-659 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXß-5b as starting material (MH+ 412; Rt 6.90 min).

EXAMPLE 660: 4-Fluoro N-r5- (3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3, 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-pentvll-benzamide

Example 660 of formula (XXXIIIß-5b)-660 was synthesized according to SCHEME 36 using XXIXß-5b as starting material (MH+ 492 ; Rt 6. 68 min).

EXAMPLES 661 to 697-"retro"-sulfonamides A variety of compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH or NCH3, A represents S02, Y represents a bond, n represents 1, and C15 is substituted in the a position, were prepared by par- allel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 37 (according to general flow diagram Xa). Two groups of compounds according to formula XXIV-1a and XXIV-1a* were pre- pared by this method and are listed in tables 28 and 29 below.

SCHEME 37 Detailed Synthesis : Step 1: 0.062 mMol of the respective sulfonic acid chloride R2-S02-CI were dissolved in 2 ml DCM. To this solution 2 mi of the amine building block of the formula XV1-a or XXXVIII-1a (0.056 mMol) dissolved in DCM and 100 mg morpholine polymer bound were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h. To remove unreacted sulfonic acid chloride polymer bound trisamine was added. Again the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at RT. The solid material was removed by filtration. The solvent was evaporated in a vacuum centrifuge. Without further purification this material was used in the next step.

Step 2: The material obtained in step 1 was dissolved in 2 mi acetone acetone/methanol/ water (1: 10: 0.1). 2 mg of p-TosOH were added. The reaction mixture was kept in a microwave oven in a sealed tube at 150°C for 3 minutes. Thereafter the solvent was removed in a vacuum centrifuge. The obtained material was separated between EtOAc and NaHCO3 solution. The or- ganic layer was collected and evaporated again. The material thereafter was analysed by LC-MS.

Two groups of compounds according to formula XXIV-1a and XXIV-1a* were prepared by this method (Tables 28 and 29).

Table 28: Compounds of the formula XXIV-1 a : No R MS l HPLC iM- >,... :. :. :... : :.,... :. :..,.. :,...... : ".... :..... 661 Naphthalene-2-yl 489. 2 5. 75 662 Thio hene-2-I 445. 14 5. 28 663 Quinoline-8-yl 490. 19 5. 41 664 phenyl 439. 57 665 4-Fluoro-phenyl 457. 17 5. 45 666 4-(N-acetyl)-amino-phenyl 496. 2 4. 83 667 4-nitro-phenyl 484. 17 5. 5 668 4-methoxy-phenyl 469. 19 5. 35 669 propyl 405. 2 5. 04 670 3-trif luoromethyl-phenyl 507. 17 5. 79 671 3. 5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl 575. 16 6. 21 672 2. 5-dimethoxy-phenyl 499. 2 5. 38 673 3. 4-Dichloro-PhenYI 507. 1 5. 98 674 4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyI 523. 16 5. 89 675 2. 5-Dichloro-thiophene-3-yl 513. 06 5. 93 676 3-Chloro-phenyl 473. 14 5. 67 677 3-methyl-phenyl 453. 2 5. 52 678 3. 4timethoxywheml 499. 2 5. 18 679 4-Benzenesulfonyl-thiophene-2-yl 585. 13 5. 6 680 2. 4-Dichloro-phenyl 507. 1 5. 88

Table 29: Compounds of the formula XXIV-1 a* : No', mz tInRfi ; M5 HPIC 681 Naphthalene-2-yl 503. 21 6. 15 682 Thiophene-2-yl 459. 15 5. 67 683 Quinoline-8-yl 504. 21 5. 63 684 phenyl 453. 2 5. 7 685 4-Fluoro-phenyl 471. 19 5. 8 686 4- (N-acetyl)-amino-phenyl 510. 22 5. 17 687 4-nitro-phenyl 498. 18 5. 84 688 4-methoxy-phenyl 483. 21 5. 74 689 3-trif luoromethyl-phenyl 521. 18 6. 13 690 2. 5-dimethoxy-phenyl 513. 22 5. 67 691 4-trif luoromethoxy-phenyl 537. 18 6. 23 692 2. 5-Dichlaro-thio hene-3-I 527. 08 6. 38 693 3-Chloro-phenyl 487. 16 6. 06 694 3-methyl-phenyl 467. 21 5. 92 695 3. 4-dimethoxy-phenyl 5. 22 5. 55 696 4-Benzenesulfonyl-thiophene-2-yl 599. 15 5. 94 697 2.4-Dichloro-phenyl 521. 12 6. 29

EXAMPLES 698 to 737-"retro"-sulfonamides Further compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH, A represents SO2, Y represents a bond, n represents 3 or 4, and C15 is substituted in the (3 position, weren prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following schemes 38A and 38B (according to general flow diagram Xb): SCHEME 38A SCHEME 38B

0.062 mMol of the respective sulfonic acid chloride R2-SO2-CI were dissolved in 2 ml DCM.

To this solution 2 ml of the amine building block of the formula XXIXß-3b or XXIXß-4b (0.056 mMol) dissolved in DCM and 100 mg morpholine polymer bound were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 24 h. To remove unreacted sulfonic acid chloride polymer bound trisamine was added. Again the reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at RT. The solid material was removed by filtration. After solvent removal under reduced pressure the samples were analysed by LC- MS.

Two groups of compounds according to formula XXIVß-3b and XXIVß-4b were prepared by this method (Tables 30 and 31).

Table 30: Compounds of the formula XXIVß-3b : Em9+ 698 Naphthalene-2-yl 531. 24 4. 81 698 Na hthnlene-2-I 531. 24 4. 81 699 Thiophene-2-yl 487. 19 4. 47 700 Quinoline-8-yl 532. 24 4. 6 532. 24 4. 6 701 phenyl 481. 23 4. 53 702 4-Fluoro-phenyl 499. 22 4. 56 703 4-(N-acetyl)-amino-phenyl 538. 25 4. 07 704 4-nitro-phenyl 526. 21 4. 54 705 4-methoxy-phenyl 511. 24 4. 51 706 benzyl 495. 24 4. 51 707 propyl 447. 24 4. 34 708 3-trif luoromethyl-phenyl 549. 22 4. 81 709 3. 5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-phenyl 617. 2 5. 08 710 2. 5-dimethoxy-phenyl 541. 25 4. 57 711 3. 4-Dichloro-phenyl 549. 15 4. 99 712 4-trif luoromethoxy-phenyl 565. 21 M5 m/I, ; R :'mn3 : 713 2. 5-Dichloro-thiophene-3-yl f 555411 5. 04 714 3-Chloro-phenyl 515. 19 4. 77 715 3-methyl-Phenyl 495. 24 4. 67 716 3. 4-dimetho-hen I 541. 25 4. 37 717 4-Benzenesulfonyl-thiophene-2-yl 627. 18 4. 59 718 2 4-Dichloro-phenyl _ 549. 15 4. 94 Table 31 : Compounds of the formula XXIVß-4b : Sm ow w ES ! 3 ! SMi 719 Naphthalene-2-yl 545. 26 4. 98 720 Thio hene-2-I 5012 4. 65 721 Quinoline-8-yl 546. 26 4. 78 722 phenyl 495. 24 4. 7 723 4-Fluoro-phenyl 513. 23 4. 74 724 4-(Nscetyl)-amino-phenyl 552. 27 4. 24 725 4-nitro-phenyl 540. 23 4. 71 726 4-methoxy-phenyl 525. 25 4. 69 727 3-trifluoromethyI-phenyl 563 23 4. 97 728 3. 5-Bis-trif luoromethyl-phenyl 631. 22 5. 23 729 2. 5-dimethoxy-phenyl 555. 27 4. 72 730 3. 4-Dichloro hen I 563. 17 5. 19 731 4-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl 579. 23 5. 03 732 2. 5-Dichloro-thiophene-3-yl 569. 12 5. 23 733 3-Chloro-phenyl 529. 21 4. 95 734 3-methyl-phenyl 509. 26 4. 85 735 3. 4-dimethoxy-phenyl 555. 27 4. 54 736 4-Benzenesulfonyl-thiophene-2-yl 641. 19 4. 74 737 2. 4-Dichloro-phenyl 563. 17 5. 14

EXAMPLES 738 and 739-"retro"-sulfonamides Further two compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH or NCH3, A represents S02, Y represents a bond, n represents 3 or 5, and C15 is substituted in the/3 position, were individually synthesized according to the reaction as shown in schemes 38A and 38B (according to general flow diagram Xb), using the respective amine building blocks as starting material.

EXAMPLE 738: N-[3-(3-Methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15-yl)-propyl]- 4-methyl-benzenesulfonamide

Example 738 of formula (XXIVß-3b)-738 was synthesized according to SCHEME 38A using XXIXß-3b as starting material (MH+ 496; Rt 6.85 min).

EXAMPLE 739: N- 3--(3-Methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-pentvil-4-methvl-benzenesulfonamide Example 739 of fonmula (XXIVß-5b)-739 was synthesized according to SCHEME 38B using XXIXß-5b as starting material (MH+ 524; Rt 6.91 min).

EXAMPLES 740 to 743-sulfonvlurea derivatives A variety of compounds of formula 1, in which X represents NH, A represents CO, Y repre- sents NH-S02-and n represents, for example, 2, and C15 is substituted in the a position, may be prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 39 (according to general flow diagram XI) : SCHEME 39 Detailed Synthesis Step 1: 0.224 mMol of the appropriate sulfonylisocyanate are dissolved in 2 ml THF. To this solution 2 ml of the amine building block of the formula XV-b (0.112 mMol) dissolved in THF are added. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C for 5 h. To remove unreacted sulfonylisocyanate

polymer bound trisamine is added. The reaction mixture is stirred further for 24 h at RT. The solid material is removed by filtration. The solvent is evaporated in a vacuum centrifuge. Without further purification this material is used in the next step.

Step 2: The material obtained in step 1 is dissolved in 2 ml acetone. 2 mg of p-tosOH are added. The reaction mixture is kept in a microwave oven in a sealed tube at 150°C for 3 minutes.

Thereafter the solvent is removed in a vacuum centrifuge. The obtained material is separated be- tween EtOAc and NaHCO3 solution. The organic layer is collected and evaporated again. The ma- terial thereafter is analysed by LC-MS.

A group of compounds according to formula XXV-2b may be prepared by this method; the compounds represent reaction products of a compound of formula XV-2b with a sulfonylisocyanate (R2-S02-N=C=O). Table 17 shows the number of the reaction products together with the corresponding sulfonylisocyanate (R2-S02-N=C=O).

Table 32: Compounds of the formula XXV-2b, which may be prepared by reaction with variable sulfonylisocyanate (R2-SO2-N=C=O) compounds : ' : ' 740 BENZOLSULFONYLISOCyANAT 740 BENZOLSULFONYLISOCYANATE 741 4-CHLORBENZOLSULFONYL ISOCYANATE ll 742 4-TOLUOLSULFONYLISOCYANATE 743 O-TOLUOLSULFONYLISOCYANATE EXAMPLES 744 to 773-"retro"-carbamate A variety of formula I compounds, in which X represents O, A represents CO, Y represents NH, R'represents CH3, n is 3,4, 5 or 6, and C15 is substituted in the, position, were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following schemes 40 (according to general flow diagram Xll) : SCHEME 40

Detailed Synthesis 0.06 mmol of the estrone-alcohol XXXI were dissolved in 5 ml acetonitrile. To this solution 0.072 mmol of the respective isocyanate were added. The whole reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at RT. The excess of isocyanate was scavenged thereafter by adding polymer bound trisamino- ethylamin (approx. 20 mg) and stirring for additional 4h. The suspension was filtered. The solid residue washed twice with 0.5 ml acetonitrile. The filtrated was evaporated under reduced pressure in a vacuum centrifuge. Control with LC-MS showed that further purification was needed, therefore, polymer bound isocyanate was added to scavenge remaining estron-alcohol in the same way as mentioned above. In case further purification was necessary either flash chromatography was used or preparative HPLC.

The following groups of compounds were prepared by this method (table 33 for n = 3, table 34 for n = 4, table 35 for n = 5 and table 36 for n = 3): Table 33: Compounds of the formula XXVI, 3-3b : X mg X :.... :....' :..... :. :... :.....,..., :, 'i".... :.. iisSNOSS. iS'iS ! : S ! iN : SK'M'. S : iSS ! S A.'MS.'tK'" : S ! ! . "'X ! MSK 744 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 529 5. 52 745 4-Trif luoromethyl-phenyl 529 5. 18 746 2-benzoic acid methyl ester 519 5. 48 747 3-C ano-hen I 486 4. 74 748 BenzoL1, 3] dioxol-5-yl-505 4. 68 749 3, 4-Dichloro- he I 529 5. 4 Table 34: Compounds of the formula XXV) p-4b : w wom < w : _,.. :.. : :,... :.. : : :... :. :..... :...... : , z.' :..... ; : 750 2. 4-Dichloro-phenyl 543 5. 76 7502. 4-t) ich) oro-pheny) 543 5. 76 751 3-Fluoro-phenyl 493 5. 1 752 4-benzoic acid ethyl ester 547 5. 19 T <'' T' A r6 1 ; 7 å-. :'P''0, 753 4-Trifluoromethyl-phenyl 543 5. 34 754 3-Nitro-phenyl 520 5. 02 | 755 2-benzoic acid methyl ester 533 5. 67 756 3tvano-Dhenvl 500 4 91 757 3. 4-Dichloro-benzyl 557 5. 29 ! 758 3. 4-Dichloro-phenyl 543 5. 58 Table 35: Compounds of the formula XXVIß-5b : (XXVIß-5b) 1< gSS< w ... : : : :..... > :........ :....... : :.....,... _ :... : : : 759 2. 4-Dichloro-phenyl 557 5. 99 l 760 Naphthalen-1-yl 539 5. 35 | 761 3-Nitro-phenyl 534 5. 21 762 2-benzoic acid methyl ester 547 5. 91 763 3-C ano he I 514 5. 1 764 3. 4-Dichloro-ben l 571 5. 48 765 3. 4-Dichloro-phenyl 557 5. 76 5 Table 36: Compounds of the formula XXVIß-6b : .......... 766 2, 4-Dichloro-phenyl 571 5. 7 767 4-benzoic acid ethyl ester 553 5. 56 768 4-Trifluorometh I hen I 548 5. 39 769 Naphthalen-1-yl 561 6. 12 770 3-Nitro-phenyl 528 5. 29 771 2-benzoic acid methyl ester 571 5. 96 772 3-C ano he I 571 5. 7 773 3, 4-Dichloro- hen I 553 5. 56

EXAMPLES 774 and 775-"retro"-ester Two formula I compounds, in which X represents 0, A represents CO, Y represents a bond, R'represents CH3, n is 4 or 5, and C15 is substituted in the P position, were individually prepared by a reaction as shown in the following scheme 41 (according to general flow diagram XIII) : SCHEME 41 Detailed Synthesis No. 774: 2, 2-Dimethvl-propionic acid 4-(3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15-yl)-butyl ester 124. 6 mg (0.35 mmol) Estron-alcohol XXXIß-4b, 71.4 (0.4 mmol) pivalic acid, 0.7 mmol 4- dimethylaminopyridin (DMAP), and 0.7 mmol EDCI were dissolved in 50 ml dry dichloromethane and stirred for 20 h at RT. TLC control showed complete conversion. For workup, the mixture was extracted twice with 20 mi 1 M KHS04 solution and 20mi 1 M HaHCO3 solution. After evaporation the residue was further purified by flash chromatography on silica gel 60 with cyclohexane/ethy- acetate (ratio 99/1 to 90/10). 184 mg oil was obtained which crystallized over night in ether; the crystals were filtered and dried yielding 87 mg pure material (XXVIIß-4b)-774.

Mp: 75-84°C LC-MS: MH+ 441, Rt 7.85 min No. 775: 2. 2-Dimethvl-propionic acid 5- (3-methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-vl)-Dentyl ester Compound (XXVII (3-5b)-775 was prepared accordingly, using estron-alcohol XXX) p-5b as starting material.

LC-MS: MH+ 455, Rt 8.07 min

EXAMPLES 776 to 819-sulfonvlcarbamate A variety of formula I compounds, in which X represents 0, A represents CO, Y represents NH-S02-NR4, R'represents CH3, n is 3,4, 5 or 6, and C15 is substituted in the P position, were prepared by parallel chemistry using a reaction as shown in the following scheme 42 (according to general flow diagram XIV) : SCHEME 42 Detailed Synthesis The estrone-alcohol XXXI (0.055 mmol) dissolved in 1ml DCM was added drop wise to a cold solution of 1.1 eq. chlorosulfonyl isocyanate (CSI) in 0.5 ml DCM. The mixture was left for 30 min at RT. Then 1.2 eq. of DIPEA and 1.1 eq amine were added and the solution was stirred over night. If desired a TLC (silica gel 60; eluent : 80 toluene/20 ethanol/1 ammonia) can be used to control the reaction. Work up of the reaction mixture was done by extraction with 1 M citric acid.

After evaporation a solid material was obtained, which was subject for further purification by flash chromatography. This procedure was used for single compound synthesis as well as for library production.

The following groups of compounds were prepared by this method (table 37 for n = 5 (single compound synthesis), table 38 for n = 3, table 39 for n = 4, table 40 for n = 5 and table 41 for n = 6, all library production): Table 37: Compounds of the formula XXVIIIß-5b, which were prepared individually : (XXVI ß-Sb) t2 R4 m ; w<m 776 benzyl H 583 4. 79 776 benzy ! H 5834. 79 777 hen I H 569 4. 43 | 778 morpholine4-y 563 4. 45 779 butyl H 549 4. 87 780 methyl butyl 563 5. 2 781 methyl benzyl 597 5. 08 782 2- (lH-Indol-3-yl)-ethyl H 636 4. 78 783 4-methyl-piperazine-1-yl 576 3. 82 784 cyclohexyl I H 575

Beside the products, two by-products could be isolated by flash choromatography showing the following structures, mostlike obtained due to water contamination of the reaction mixtures.

EXAMPLE 785 Carbamic acid 5-(3-methoxy-17-oxo-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-15-yl)-pentyl ester (XXVIß-5b)-785 (XXVIß-5b)-785 LC-MS rt: 4.53 min, MH+ 414 EXAMPLE 786 Sulfamic acid 5- (3-methoxv-17-oxo-estra-1. 3. 5 (10)-trien-15-yl)-pentyl ester (786) No. 786 LC-MS rt: 4.37 min, MH+ 450 Table 38: Compounds of the formula XXVIIIß-3b, which were prepared by library synthesis: R R4, 1 = : W : ; mX ., ' R , 787 phenyl H 540 4. 07 | 788 4-methyl-piperazine,-l-yl 547 3. 44 789 benzyí H 554 4. 34 790 2- (lH-indol-3-yl)-ethyl H 607 4. 36 791 butyl H 520 4. 41 | 792 cyclohexyl H 546 4. 59 793 methyl butyl 534 4. 76 794 methyl benzyl 568 4. 67 795 morpholine-4-I 534 3. 96 5 Table 39: Compounds of the formula XXVIIIß-4b, which were prepared by library synthesis: m w sX t rm m ; , R', : tnnn :.. .. H.. ..... . ... : S : iB SiS 'S : CS M : 796 phenyl H 554 4. 2 797 4-methyl-piperazine-1-yl 561 3. 57 798 benzyl H 568 4. 5 799 2- (lH-indol-3-yl)-ethyl H 621 4. 5 800 butyl H 534 4. 57 801 cycloheI H 560 4. 75 802 methyl benzyl 582 4. 84 803 methyl butyl 548 4. 94 804 tnorpho) ine-4-yt 548 4. 12 Table 40: Compounds of the formula XXVIIIß-5b, which were prepared by library synthesis: (XXVIIIß-5b) R t4 No J, . M5 filz HPLC Rfi . ; min :. : _v .. : 2, :... : _........ :...... :... 805 benzyl H 582 4. 64 806 2- (lH-indol-3-yi)-ethyl H 635 4. 63 807 4-meth I-i erazine-1-1 575 3. 72 | 808 butyl H 548 4. 74 809 cyclohexyl H 574 4. 89 810 Phenyl H 568 4 31 l 811 methyl butyl 562 5. 09 812-_morpholine-4-yl 562 4. 26 5 Table 41 : Compounds of the formula XXVIIIß-6b, which were prepared by library synthesis: HPLC m o mm < Wm67. rEßSg6 j ; m Wy'Xw 813 596 4. 81 814 4-methel-DiDerazine-l-yl 589 3. 88 | | 815 clohe I H 588 5. 09 816 methyl benzyl 610 5. 17 817 butyl H 562 4. 9 818 phenyl H 582 4. 46 819 2-(lH-indol-3-yl)-ethyl H _ 649_ 4. 8

EXAMPLES 820 to 834-alcohols The synthesis of the following estrone-alcohol derivatives of general formula XXXI, which also showed 17ß-HSD1 inhibitory properties, is described in the section"Intermediates, Chapter IV".

EXAMPLE 820: 15a-Hydroxymethyl-3-hydroxy-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIα-1a) EXAMPLE 821: 15a-Hydroxymethyl-3-methoxy-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIα-1b) EXAMPLE 822: 3-Benzyloxy-15a-hydroxymethyl-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIα-1c) EXAMPLE 823: 3-Hydroxy-15p- (3-Hydroxypropyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIß-3a0 EXAMPLE 824: 1 5p-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-3-methoxyestra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIß-3b) EXAMPLE 825: 3-Benzyloxy-15p- (3-hydroxypropyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIß-3c) EXAMPLE 826: 3-Hydroxy-15ß-(4-hydroxybutyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIa-4a) EXAMPLE 827: 15p- (4-Hydroxybutyl)-3-methoxy-estra-1, 3,5 (10) -trien-17-one (XXXIß-4b) EXAMPLE 828: 3-Benzyloxy-15p- (4-hydroxybutylestra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXlß-4c) EXAMPLE 829: 3-Hydroxy-15p- (5-Hydroxypentyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXI (3-5a) EXAMPLE 830: 15ß (5-Hydroxypentyl)-3-methoxy-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIß-5b) EXAMPLE 831: 3-Benzyloxy-15ß-(5-hydroxyphenyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIß-5c) EXAMPLE 832: 3-Hydroxy-15p- (6-hydroxyhexyl)-3-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIß-6a) EXAMPLE 833: 15p- (6-Hydroxyhexyl)-3-methoxy-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIa-6b) EXAMPLE 834 : 3-Benzyloxy-153- (6-hydroxyhexyl)-estra-1, 3,5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXIß-6c) EXAMPLES 835 and 836-ether derivatives Two compounds of formula 1, in which X-A-Y represents 0, R'represents CH3, n is 3 or 4, and C15 is substituted in the ß position, were individually prepared according to general flow dia- gram XV.

EXAMPLE 835: 3-Methoxy-15ß-(3-methoxypropyl)-estra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-on e (XXXß-3b)-835 Compound (XXXp-3b)-835 was prepared as depicted in the following scheme 43 SCHEME 43

Detailed Synthesis According to the general procedure described for SCHEME 11, the copper reagent was pre- pared from magnesium (0.252 g, 10.50 mmol), 1-bromo-3methoxypropane (0.813 g, 5.31 mmol), Cul (0.200 mg, 1.05 mmol) and DMPU (0.53 mL, 4AO mmol) in THF. A mixture of the 15,16- unsaturated estron Xb (0.500 mg, 1.77 mmol) and TMSCI (0.56 mL, 4.38 mmol) in THF was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to reach RT and was stirred over night. After work-up and hydrolysis, compound (XXXß-3b)-835 (0.605 g, 96 %) was obtained (purity by HPLC > 99 %).

LC-MS (ES+): rt 6.8 min, m/z (rel. Intens) 374 [(M+NH4+, 100 %] EXAMPLE 836: 3-Methoxv-150- (4-phenoxvbutyl)-estra-1, 3, 5 (10)-trien-17-one (XXXB-4b)-836 Compound (XXXß-4b)-836 was prepared as depicted in the following scheme 44 SCHEME 44 Detailed Synthesis According to the general procedure described for SCHEME 11 ; the copper reagent was pre- pared from magnesium (0.212 g, 8.72 mmol), 3-phenoxybutylbromid (0.917 g, 4.00 mmol), Cul (0133 mg, 0.70 mmol) and DMPU (0.45 mL, 3.73 mmol) in THF. A mixture of the 15,16- unsaturated estron Xb (0. 282 mg, 1. 00 mmol) and TMSCI (0.32 mL, 2.5 mmol) in THF was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to reach RT and was stirred over night. After work-up and hydrolysis of the silyl ether the crude product was purified by column chromatography (Si02, cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 10: 1) to yie) d (XXXp-4b)-836 (0.240 g, 55 %).

LC-MS (ES+): rt 7.77 min, m/z (rel Intens) 450 [(M+NH4) +, 100 %]

BIOLOGICAL TESTING MATERIALS AND METHODS 1. Inhibition of the 17ß-hVdroxvsteroid dehedroqenase tYPe 1 enzyme 17e-HSD1 purification: Recombinant baculovirus was generated by the"Bac to Bac Ex- pression System" (Invitrogen). Recombinant bacmid was transfected to Sf9 insect cells using "Cellfectin Reagent" (Invitrogen). 60h later cells were harvested; the microsomal fraction was iso- lated as described by Puranen et al. 1994. Aliquots were stored frozen until determination of enzy- matic activity.

Assay-Inhibition of recombinant human 17p-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1: Recombinant protein (0. 1 ug/ml) was incubated in 20 mM KH2Po4 pH 7.4 with 30 nM 3H-estrone and 1 mM NADPH for 30 min at RT, in the presence of potential inhibitors at concentrations of 1 uM or 0.1 pM. Inhibitor stock solutions were prepared in DMSO. Final concentration of DMSO was adjusted to 1 % in all samples. The enzyme reaction was stopped by addition of 10 % tri- chloroacetic acid (final concentration). Samples were centrifuged in a microtiter plate at 4000 rpm for 10 min. Supematants were applied to reverse phase HPLC on a Waters Symmetry C18 column, equipped with a Waters Sentry Guard column. socratic HPLC runs were performed at RT at a flow rate of 1 ml/min of acetonitrile : water 48: 52 as running solvent. Radioactivity was monitored in the eluate by a Packard Flow Scintillation Analyzer. Total radioactivity for estrone and estradiol were determined in each sample and percent conversion of estrone to estradiol was calculated accord- ing to the following formula : % conversion = 100 x {(cpm estradiol in sample with inhibitor)/ [ (cpm estrone in sample with inhibitor) + (cpm estradiol in sample with inhibitor)]} {(cpm estradiol in sample without inhibitor)/ [(cpm estrone in sample without inhibitor) + (cpm estradiol in sample without inhibitor)]}.

Percent inhibition was calculated as follows : % inhibition = 100 - % conversion The values"% inhibition"were determined for exemplified compounds, and the results are summarized in Table 42.

Table 42: Inhibition of 17ß-HSD enzyme type I + i 3 y N 0 0 H o 1 I' H H 49. 9 80. 2 A fla N HO 0 3A HO'\ 51. 6 84. 1 I Fi fi N Ho 0 0 H H 3B w \ NX 77. 4 82. 1 I H Fi N o 0 0 0 4A H 47. 1 66. 0 1"J -\ N- HO 0 0 H 4B No s Á 9 N 30. 5 60. 8 y o o 0 H 7 H__p 28. 7 63. 4 A N 0 0 22 OH 27. 3 57. 8 W 0 MP (). U. C6 e-o o 0 29. 6 69. 3 \ (s N 0 31 52. 8 77. 9 0 o o 0 36 N 72. 9 94. 3 Ho 0 0 F F HO 0 0 HO 0 H B ; q X N31 60, 5 89. 5 H HO Ho 0 H H 39 41. 8 82. 4 zozo I N HO 0 H 0 O H 32. 3 79. 4 H H =H H HA O rez. nd''. r nd str 0 .., 17. 0 ,, 0 , i \ J. . J "N O 152 fr"/ - 3 JC N 33. 8 81. 0 0 0 0 O H 310 I = = 67. 9 91. 7 H H \O N O H O H 311 84. 9 95. 4 0 H H N H-0 0 O H 1 ß 62. 6 93. 0 H H 0 \ O Irihbtion af rec ; ompo nu ,... H H 314 I \ H H H N 33. 6 62. 1 0 0 0 O\ 0 315 XO < NHA 29. 0 74. 4 p -N S 0 N 0 0 316 25. 3 74. 5 H H 0 , 322 45. 7 66. 3 H H H 0 N , 322 y I \ H H/45. 7 66. 3 0 O N o O O H 323 28. 5 72. 7 C N 0 H ou 0 OH 324 0 < N 57. 9 91. 5 H H 0 0 H H Inhbtio of rec ompound StructurE, 17i. HSD, : 'wo : ... : :. : :, :. . ! .. :.. . 1 ! .... : 0 H H 0 H H 327 so m S 28. 7 77. 0 N N O H 0' V''\ JL 0 0 O O H N <> \ b 25. 2 75. 9 0 nez S- o O H 331 J 37. 0 88. 0 S son 0 H N 0 H H H H \O I H N 333 \or X 47. 9 91. 0 bd 0 0 H ou I 335 WX Wo 59, 0 90-5 H H /H t ? D , omp 0 0 0"' H H N H H N \O I/ 0 H ZU 339 25. 9 82. 9 0 H U / O 340 = H _ \/51. 4 91. 9 340 0E A H H H N 0 H 0 0 H 341 HH H N\_g 38. 1 88. 0 0 O \, _ 0 F F 342 H 0 40. 4 89. 2 H H pH 0 H Fi hl --N Nua H 344 H 0 39. 8 88. 9 0 0 H 345 0 33. 0 85. 6 /Fi Fi '.-N pH .......... cl pila .... . H H O H H N 34b _ _ 58 : 2 91. 7 0 \ O O H H N 347 oO X 38. 0 77. 2 wo i/1/ Nez /nu N H 348 H__o 30. 5 82. 4 H H H H O H 349 N 31. 6 75. 2 0 0-0 \O H H H 350 0 <0 27. 7 80. 7 po po 0 H H 353 N 46. 3 89. 5 0 H 0 O O O O 354 28. 7 80. 3 H H O ci < s . '... ..... : :.......... ; : nlA. : 1 .... H S 355 34. 4 85. 1 H H 0 N H H H 356 N 26. 9 83. 9 0 0 N H O H 357 H__// 31. 1 85. 2 Fi Fi \O 0 0 359 T H X 40. 5 88. 3 N O,... O 360 H H 41. 5 85. 6 or 0- 0 0 H/, F 361 A N 35. 8 84. 2 H Fi \O 0 ci O CI 362 H 35. 1 75. 1 hi Fi po O Tnhbtion af rec 6tn0o.. Und' Ou un w cru 0 OH f 363 H 60. 1 94. 3 w = = N,. 3 I ti Fi po 0 p. H 3 ; = N 48. 7 90. 8 N \O 0 0 H 365 H 33. 7 86. 4 H H N 0 0 zu H H S 366 I \ H H N , 56. 3 94. 4 0 367 I H H N.-. 51. 5 73. 5 o i o \/ 0 414 44. 9 49. 9 H H NH 0 0 0 H 443 S \ 39. 8 84. 1 H -N H 0 N b_o uau 7 r S un ,, :,. 0 0- H 446 72. 4 94. 2 H lui /H 0 H H/\ H zon fi hui H N H O H 450 LS 0S X 34. 0 80. 7 H H \ 0 N H ZON H H 451 I H H \ 32. 3 74. 6 H NRD N H 0 N H 452 0 38. 6 82. 9 H N H 0 H 50. 1 77. 2 / 0 N H re ''<' : : T''. vi ; 0 0- O p- X 464 79. 5 87. 3 Jl L J -\ N S H 0 H Zu H 46Y o X SHN 51. 5 83. 6 H H -N 0 N H H H H m A NaO 28. 7 77. 0 i -/ \/° 0 477 > ANHt S 31. 7 79. 5 O N H H H 488 \ I H H (N,. O O-60. 3 91. 6 H H H \/° 0 0 H 490 A H N_ 51. 2 77 3 HO H H .'re c. S... :.. !'' ? :... N v. _. :.... : :'.... : :.. 100 tl4A... ; ° :" 1 l :. ; ; 0 o 491 _ = 0 56. 9 83. 0 I H H : H \ =- _N HA H H H 661 I --. Ho HO/HNS I X 0 0 H 662 H H 76. 9 94. 8 HO/, H-,. S O s 11 664 I --_ 664 60. 5 92. 7 HO/HNISI/ FRIZZ o H 665 I -- : H H vT 54. 6 91. 2 H H F g--° 11 o o 667 30. 3 72. 3 H H Frizz . o I 9 XN5X SX'm m : ; Compound Stcture : ;.', 173 HSDI ; v...,, ; : s' :.... >.'100 rM .. tirn... :' H H 668 52. 4 88. 3 Ho 0 0 H 0 0 677 H H 36. 9 83. 7 HO HN-s o 0 \- 679 H H 26. 5 74. 6 HO S Han-0 ° IS 0 0 0 681 39. 7 87. 1 ho 0 o H 682 H H 49. 2 91. 8 7-10 HO 0 0 H 684 31. 3 86. 9 HA HA 0 'Ss. i : s- :. " : : ; '. ;' J-s$% : . ;- .'Mt ! oM : t'ee. ;- cotndoun tr 685 HO j X 0e 36. 0 85. 6 ... : ;...... l00. MA.. : : 1. ..' o H b85 -- : H H 36. 0 85. 6 HO 11 F su in-a 0 0 H 688 I -- : X t 47. 4 91. 3 H H O o 0 693 I ="CI 693 25. 8 80. 1 HA erz 0 . H 694 I w--v 694 34. 6 87. 3 H H--- 0 HO i11 s 696 H H 35. 7 80. 5 HO o s -'-UL/=\ 0 0 0 744 744 N 37. 1 53. 9 /H- o I I O r 1"-:"4 ec,., 'ut, 0 iKE 0 745 - 745 29. 9 53. 5 H H F O/N \/F I I F F 0 H 74$ 748 48. 7 90. 6 ICH o O H ci 749 H H H 29. 8 57. 3 0. 0y N-6 ci 0 o 0 7Y1 A < N Q 27. 7 67. 7 Fi Fi Ho H 0 H 754 29. 3 65. 1 S Cl w0 I/\v 0 cul CRI 757 0 0-cl 33. 5 50. 3 Fi fui 0 N-0 H H Itihbton of rec d from 0 H 760 29. 2 72. 7 zu 0 0 H 823 76. 1 97. 0 HA Oh -OH

2. Estrogen Receptor Binding Assay The binding affinity of the compounds of the invention to the estrogen receptor a and to the estrogen receptor 5 may be determined according to the in vitro ER binding assays described by Koffmann et al. [Koffmann et al. (1991) J. Steroid. Biochem. Mol. Biol. 38: 135]. Altematively, an estrogen receptor binding assay may be performed according to international patent application PCT/US/17799 (published as WO 00/07996).

3. Estrogen Receptor Transactivation Assays Compounds of the invention showing binding affinity towards the estrogen receptor may be further tested with regard to their individual estrogenic or anti-estrogenic potential (agonist binding or antagonistic binding to the ERa or Ers). The determination of the estrogen receptor agonist activity may be performed according to an in vitro assay system using the MMTV-ERE-LUC re- porter system which is for example described within US patent application No. 10/289079 (pub- lished as US 2003/0170292): To assay estrogen receptor agonist activity, Hela cells are grown in 24-well microtiter plates and then transiently co-transfected with two plasmids using lipofectamine. The first plasmid com- prises DNA encoding human estrogen receptor (either ER-alpha or ER-beta), and the second plasmid comprises an estrogen-driven reporter system comprising: a luciferase reporter gene (LUC) whose transcription is under the control of upstream regulatory elements comprising 4 cop- ies of the vitellogenin estrogen response element (ERE) cloned into the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter (the full name for the reporter system being"MMTV-ERE-LUC"). Cells are exposed to the compounds of the invention in RPMI 1640 medium, supplemented with 10% char-

coal-treated fetal calf serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 0.1 mM non-essentiai amino acids and 1 mM so- dium pyruvate for 42-48 hours at 37°C in a 5% carbon dioxide incubator. Concurrently, cells ex- posed to estradiol (1 nM) serve as positive controls. Replicate wells exposed to the solvent in which the compounds of the invention are dissolved (i. e. ethanol or methanol) are used as negative controls. After the hr incubation period, cells are rinsed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS), lysis buffer (Promega Corp) is added, and cell lysates are collected for measurement of luciferase activity with a luminometer. Estrogenic activity of the compounds of the invention is ex- pressed as fold-increase in luciferase activity as compared to that observed in negative control cells.

Alternatively, the determination of the estrogen receptor transactivation activity (estrogenicity assay or agonist assay) and of the inhibitory potency of transactivation activity (anti-estrogenicity assay or antagonist assay) may be performed according to international patent application PCT/US/17799 (published as WO 00/07996).

CITED LITERATURE Adamski J & Jakob FJ (2001) "A guide to 1773-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases", Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 171: 1-4 Koffmann B et al. (1991) J. Steroid. Biochem. Mol. Biol. 38: 135 Labaree DC et al. (2003) "Synthesis and Evaluation of B-, C-and D-ring substituted estradiol carboxylic acid esters as locally active estrogens"J. Med. Chem. 46: 1886-1904 Labrie F et al. (2000)"Role of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in, sex steroid forma- tion in peripheral intracrine tissues"Trends Endocrinol Metab. , 11: 421-7 Labrie F et al. (1997) "The key role of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases in sex steroid biology."Steroids, 62: 148-58 'bambara T et al. (1976) "Synthesis of Estetrol Monoglucuronides"Steroids 27: 111-122 Pelletier JD & Poirier D (1996) "Synthesis and evaluation of estradiol derivatives with 16a- (bromoalkylamide), 16a- (bromoalkyl) or 16a-(bromoalkynyl) side chain as inhibitors of 17p- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 without estrogenic activity"Bioorg Med Chem, 4 (10): 1617-1628.

Poirier D (2003)"Inhibitors of 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases"Curr Med Chem.

10: 453-77 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> Poirier D et al. (1998) "A 6p- (Thiaheptanamide) Derivative of Estradiol as inhibitor of 17) 3- Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1", J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 64: 83-90 Poirier D et al. (1996) "D-Ring alkylamine derivatives of estradiol : effect on ER-binding affin- ity and antiestrogenic activity"Bioorg Med Chem Lett 6 (21): 2537-2542.

Poirier D et al. (1991) "Synthesis of 17p-estradiol derivatives with N-Butyl, N-methyl alkyla- mide side chain at position 15."Tetrahedron, 47 (37): 7751-7766 Sam KM et al. (1998)"C16 and C17 Derivatives of Estradiol as Inhibitors of 17p- Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1: Chemical Synthesis and Structure-Activity Relation- ships", Drug Design and Discovery, 15: 157-180 Tamaya et al. (1985) "Comparison of cellular levels of steroid receptors in uterine leiomyoma and myometrium. "Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. , 64 : 307-9 Tremblay MR & Poirier D (1998) "Overview of a Rational Approach to Design Type) 17) 3- Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Inhibitors Without Estrogenic Activity : Chemical Synthesis and Biological Evaluation", J. Steroid Biochem. Molec. Biol., 66: 179-191 WO 03/017973-A METHOD OF TREATING BENIGN GYNAECOLOGICAL DISORDERS AND A DRUG DELIVERY VEHICLE FOR USE IN SUCH A METHOD WO 2004/080271-METHOD FOR PROGNOSTICATING THE PROGRESS OF BREAST CANCER AND COMPOUNDS USEFUL FOR PREVENTION OR TREATMENT THEREOF WO 2004/085345-15a-SUBSTITUTED ESTRADIOL CARBOXYLIC ACID ESTERS AS LOCALLY ACTIVE ESTROGENS WO 2004/085457-Compound