BACKGROUND ART Phosphorylation on serine, threonin and tyrosine amino acid residues in downstream proteins forms the major output from growth factor and cytokine receptors, from which a cellular response is built. A large number of growth factor and cytokine- regulated protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) have been identified which can be integral parts of receptor proteins or cytosolic molecules (Al-Obeidi, FA, Wu, JJ & Lam, KS, Biopolym. Pept. Sci. Sect. 47,197-223). These serve to phosphorylate proteins on tyrosine residues within specific primary amino acid sequences which, when phosphorylated, act as docking points for proteins which contain SH2 domains. It is the docking of proteins to phosphorylated tyrosine residues which contributes to the activation of such proteins and the establishment of a signal transduction cascade.

The overall output from signal transduction cascades is derived from the balance between phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of proteins. Phosphotyrosines are returned to their free acid form by the action of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) (Zhang, ZY (1998) Crit. Rev. Biochem. Mol. Biol., 33,1-52). Whilst a large number of PTKs has been identified (Hunter, T (1994) Sem. Cell Biol. 5,367-376), the number of PTPs identified to date is decidedly smaller (van Huijsduijnen, RH (1998) Gene 225,1- 8). Despite the smaller number of enzymes in the PTP family available for investigation, a detailed understanding of the roles they play in signal transduction and disease has not been forthcoming. This is due in part to the lack of small molecule inhibitor molecules which are specific for members of the PTP family and which are permeable to the cell membrane and can thus be used in cell-based experiments.

Furthermore, whilst experiments in transgenic animals can be and have been performed in which individual PTPs can be ablated, the effects of the loss of function of a specific enzyme may be masked by compensation by other members of the PTP family. Thus,

the availability of small molecule inhibitors of PTPs would be very useful to the study of this important family of enzymes.

A role for the PTP family of proteins in ontogeny and disease is now becoming clearer (Li, L & Dixon, JE (2000) Sem. Immunol. 12,75-84). Thus, experiments with gene knockouts in transgenic animals has revealed that the motheaten phenotype of mice in which cells of the haematopoietic lineage undergo hyper-proliferation is due to the loss of normal SHPTP1 function (Schultz, LD, Schweitzer, PA, Rajan, TV, Yi, T & Ihle, JN (1993) Cell 73,1445-1454). Loss of function in the receptor-like subfamily of PTPs leads to conditions such as heightened and reduced sensitivity to insulin (Ren, J- M, Li, P-M, Zhang, W-R, Sweet, LJ, Cline, G, Shulman, GI, Livingston, JN & Goldstein, BJ (1998) Diabetes 47,493-497), stunted growth and neurological disruption (Elchelby, M, Wagner, J, Kennedy, TE, Lanctot, C, Michaliszyn, E, Itie, A, Drouin, J & Tremblay, ML (1999) Nature Genet. 21,330-333) and blockages in T cell maturation (Kishihara, K, Penninger, J, Wallaca, VA, Kundig, TM, Kawai, K, Wakeham, A, Timms, E, Pfeffer K, Ohashi, PS & Thomas PL (1993) Cell 74,143-156).

The recent descriptions of mice in which the PTP PTP1B had been disrupted revealed that loss of function of this enzyme leads to enhanced insulin sensitivity and resistance to the development of obesity, thus revealing a therapeutic need for the development of specific PTP inhibitors (Elchelby, M, Payette, P, Michaliszyn, E, Cromlish, W, Collins, S, Loy, AL, Normandin, D, Cheng, A, Himms. Hagen, J, Chan, CC, Ramachandran, C, Gresser, MJ, Tremblay, ML & Kennedy, BP (1999) Science 283,1544-1548; Klaman, LD, Boss, O, Peroni, OD, Kim, JK, Martino, JL, Zablotny, JM, Moghal, N, Lubkin, M, Kim, Y-B, Sharpe, AH, Stricker-Krongrad, A, Shulman, GI, Neel, BG & Kahn, BB (2000) Mol. Cell. Biol. 20,5479-5489). The mechanism of insulin action depends critically upon the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in several proteins in the insulin-signaling cascade. PTPs that dephosphorylate these proteins are important negative regulators of insulin action. Therefore, the use of specific PTP inhibitors may therapeutically enhance insulin action.

The anabolic effects of insulin are triggered through the activation of a variety of signal transduction cascades which lie downstream of the insulin receptor (Gustafson, T. A., Moodie, SA & Lavan, BE (1999) Rev. Physiol. Biochem. Pharmacol. 137,71- 190). The varieties of signals that are activated by insulin are thought to contribute to the range of effects that insulin controls. However, each pathway is activated by a

common series of biochemical reactions proximal to the insulin receptor. Thus, the insulin receptor undergoes autophosphorylation on tyrosine residues when activated by insulin, and also phosphorylates other proteins, in particular, the insulin receptor substrate proteins (IRSs). It has now become widely accepted that the resistance to insulin that is a feature of type 2 diabetes results in part from dysfunctions in signal transduction activated by the insulin receptor, in particular in steps early in the signaling cascades which are common to different pathways (Virkamaki, A, Ueki, K & Kahn, R C (1999) J. Clin. Invest. 103,931-943; Kellerer, M, Lammers, R & Haring, H-U (1999) Exp. Clin. Endocrinol. Diabetes 107,97-106).

The signals which emanate from the insulin receptor are switched off by the returning of the insulin receptor and other components of the signal transduction cascades to their basal, non-active states. For the insulin receptor and the IRS proteins, this is achieved by dephosphorylation of phosphotyrosine residues. It is now becoming clear that different PTPs may regulate the insulin receptor in different tissues, but the number of candidate enzymes which do this is small (Walchi, S., Curchod, M-L., Pescini Gobert, R., Arkinstall, S. & Hooft van Huijsduijnen, R. (2000) J. Biol. Chem.

275,9792-9796). Thus, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) appears to be the major negative regulator of the insulin receptor in muscle and liver tissues (see for example Elechelby, M, Payette, P, Michalszyn, E, Cromlish, W, Collins, S, Loy, AL, Normandin, D, Cheng, A, Himms-Hagen, J, Chan, C-C, Ramachandran, C, Gresser, MJ, Tremblay, M & Kennedy, B P (1999) Science, 283,1544-1548; Goldstein, BJ, Bittner- Kowalczyk, A, White, M F & Harbeck, M (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275,4283-4289). By contrast, PTP alpha may play a more dominant role in regulating the insulin receptor in adipose tissue (Calera, MR, Vallega, G & Pilch, PF (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275 6308- 6312).

The development of type 2 diabetes is characterized by a protracted period of insulin resistance. In human subjects who are obese and insulin resistant, PTP protein concentrations are increased, which has led to the idea that elevations in the proteins contributes to the cause of the diabetic state (Ahmad, F, Azevedo, JL, Cortright, R, Dohm, G L & Goldstein, BJ (1997) J. Clin. Invest. 100 449-458). The two most significantly elevated are PTP1B and LAR. Considering that loss of LAR activity is associated with insulin resistance and diabetes (Ren, J-M, Li, P-M, Zhang, W-R, Sweet, LJ, Cline, G, Shulman, GI, Livingston, JN & Goldstein, BJ (1998) Diabetes 47 493-

497), these data support the concept that PTP1B is a major contributor to the insulin resistant state and that pharmacological inhibition of its activity may go some way towards pharmaceutically alleviating the condition. Indeed, the recent reports of the knockout mouse in which PTP1B has been ablated confirm that loss of PTP1B activity leads to enhancement of the metabolic effects of insulin (Elechelby, M, Payette, P, Michalszyn, E, Cromlish, W, Collins, S, Loy, AL, Normandin, D, Cheng, A, Himms- Hagen, J, Chan, C-C, Ramachandran, C, Gresser, MJ, Tremblay, M & Kennedy, B P (1999) Science, 283,1544-1548; Klaman, LD, Ross, O, Peroni, OD, Kim, JK, Martino, JL, Zabolotny, JM, Moghal, N, Lubkin, M, Kim, Y-B, Sharpe, AH, Stricker-Krongrad, A, Shulinan, GI, Neel, BG & Kahn, BB (2000) Mol. Cell. Biol. 20 5479-5489).

Furthermore, inhibition of PTP1B with a specific small molecule has been reported to treat the symptoms of diabetes in the ob/ob mouse (Wrobel, J, Sredy, J, Moxham, C, Dietrich, A, Li, Z, Sawicki, DR, Seestaller, L, Wu. L, Katz, A, Sullivan, D, Tio, C & Zhang, Z-Y (1999) J. Med. Chem. 42 3199-3202).

WO 96/40113 discloses heterocyclic nitrogen containing compounds, such as nitropyridine or nitrothiazole, capable of inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. Such molecules are disclosed as being useful to modulate or regulate signal transduction by inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase activity and to treat various disease states including diabetes mellitus.

WO 98/27065 discloses a class of compounds which are stated as being protein tyrosine phosphatase modulating compounds. These prior art compounds are however structurally distinct from the compounds claimed in the present patent application.

WO 97/08934 discloses aryl acrylic acid compounds of a certain structure, which compounds are stated as having protein tyrosine protease modulating activity.

Also these prior art compounds are however structurally distinct from the compounds claimed in the present patent application.

WO 99/58519 discloses certain phenyl oxo-acetic acid compounds. These compounds are stated as being useful in the treatment of metabolic disorders related to insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Also these prior art compounds are however structurally distinct from the compounds claimed in the present patent application.

WO 99/58521 discloses the use of 11-aryl-benzo [b] naphtho [2,3-d] furan and 11- aryl-benzo [b] naphtho [2,3-d] thiophene compounds to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. Such compounds are disclosed as being useful to modulate or

regulate signal transduction by inhibiting protein tyrosine phosphatase activity and to treat various disease states including diabetes mellitus.

The compound 6H-Pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile, 3-amino-2,8- dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-2-phenyl and structurally related compounds have been disclosed by E. G. Paronikyan etal. inKhim. Geterotsikl. Soedin (1996), lO, pp. 1410-1412.

However, E. G. Paronikyan et al. does not disclose or even suggest that these compounds may have therapeutic activity, and particularly not in the diabetes area, such as the area of type 2 diabetes.

The object of the present invention was to provide novel compounds for the specific inhibition of PTPs allowing the study og biological processes in which they are active. Furthermore, a second object of the current invention was to provide novel compounds having improved advantages over drugs currently used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It should be appreciated that the wording"improved advantages"is not necessarily defined as more potent compounds, but as compounds having improved advantages overall, including but not limited to also improved selectivity and less side- effects.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The novel compounds according to the present invention are defined by the general formula I wherein n is an integer of 1 or 2; R, is (i) phenyl or naphthyl, each optionally substituted with up to 5 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of : (a) a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkyl ; (b) a C3-C6 cycloalkyl or a C6-Cso aryl;

(c)-CO-O-(C1-C6 alkyl) wherein the alkyl group is straight or branched; (d) a halogen selected from the group consisting of fluoro, chloro, bromo, and iodo; (e) a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkoxy; (f) nitro; (g) CF3 ; (h)-O-(C1-C6 alkyl)-phenyl wherein the alkyl group is straight or branched; (i) a heteroaryl having 5 or 6 ring atoms, wherein 1 or 2 of the ring atoms are optionally O, N, or S, optionally substituted with one or more methyl or ethyl; (j) a heterocycloalkyl having 5 or 6 ring atoms, wherein 1 or 2 of the ring atoms are optionally O, N, or S; (k)-N (R2)-CO-R3, where W is hydrogen or a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkyl, and R3 is a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkyl ; and (1)-N (R4) (rus), where each of R4 and RS independently is a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkyl ; (ii) phenyl that is fused with a cyclohexyl group or naphthyl that is fused with a cyclohexyl group, wherein 1 or 2 of the carbon atoms are optionally substituted with O, N, or S, and wherein said cyclohexyl group is optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, CF3, a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkyl, a C3-C6 cycloalkyl, and a C6-Clo aryl; or wherein Y is O, S, or N-Rx wherein Rx is a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkyl ; X is (i) an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, or a methylene group; (ii) N-R6 , wherein R6 is (a) benzyl;

(b)-CO- (Cl-C6 alkyl) wherein the alkyl group is straight or branched; (c)-CO-A, wherein A is phenyl, naphthyl, or a heteroaryl; said heteroaryl group having 5 to 10 ring atoms wherein at least one of said ring atoms is O, N, or S; (d)-CO-O-Ry, wherein RY is hydrogen or a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkyl ; (e)-CO-O- (Ci-C6 alkyl)-A wherein A is as defined above; or (f) -SO2-A, wherein A is as defined above; <BR> <BR> <BR> (iii)<BR> CH-CO-O-(C1-C6 alkyl)<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> /, wherein the alkyl group is straight or branched; or<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (iv)<BR> <BR> CH-CO-N(Q1)(Q2)<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> /, wherein each of Qt and Q2 is independently phenyl, naphthyl, or a heteroaryl; said heteroaryl group having 5 to 10 ring atoms wherein at least one of said ring atoms is O, N, or S; each of Ra and Rb is independently hydrogen, C1-C6 alkyl, or Ra and Rb together form a carbonyl group; and Re is hydrogen, a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkyl, or carbonyl; with the proviso that the compound 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile, 3- amino-2,8-dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-2-phenyl is excluded.

A subset of compounds of formula I is defined by formula la below. wherein X, Rl, Ra, Rb and R° are as defined in formula I above.

A further subset of compounds of formula Ia is defined by formula la'below.

wherein X, Rl, Ra, Rb and R° are as defined in formula I above.

Another subset of compounds of formula I is defined by formula Ib below. wherein X, Ru, Ra, Rb and R° are as defined above.

Within the scope of the invention are also pharmaceutically and pharmacologically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula I, Ia, Ia', and Ib, as well as hydrates thereof. Hydrochloride salts and tosylate salts of a compound of the present invention are also within the scope of the invention. Hydrochloride salts are preferred.

Some specific examples of W in accordance with the present invention are phenyl or naphthyl which is optionally and independently substituted by 1,2,3,4 or 5 substituents selected from the group consisting of methyl; ethyl; straight, branched or cyclic propyl, butyl, pentyl, or hexyl ;-CO-O-(CH2) n-CH3 wherein n is an integer 0,1,2, 3,4, or 5; methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butyloxy, pentyloxy, or hexyloxy ;-O- (CH2) p phenyl where n is an integer 0,1,2,3,4,5, or 6.

A more specific example of Rt is phenyl, optionally substituted with a straight or branched Cl-C4 alkyl (e. g., methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or isopropyl), a straight or branched Cl-C6 alkoxy (e. g., methoxy, ethoxy, or propoxy), nitro, CF3, halo (e. g., fluoro, chloro, or bromo; especially fluoro and chloro), cycloalkyl (e. g., cyclohexyl), heterocycloalkyl (e. g., heterocyclohexyl such as morpholino), aryl (e. g., phenyl), heteroaryl (e. g., furan), -CO-O(C1-C4 alkyl) (e. g.,-CO-O-CH3 or-CO-O-CH2CH3), or-N (R2)-CO-R3, where R2 is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, and R3 is a straight or branched C1-C4 alkyl (e. g., -NH-CO-CH3 or-NH-CO-CH2CH3).

Still further specific examples of R1 are shown below: wherein each of ni and na independently is an integer 0,1,2,3,4, or5 ; , wherein n3 is an integer 0,1,2,3,4, or 5; wherein each of n4 and n5 independently is an integer 0,1,2,3,4, or 5 ; Examples of X include an oxygen atom, a sulfur atom, a methylene group, N-R<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> wherein R6 is benzyl, -CO-(C1-C4 alkyl), -CO-O-(C1-C4 alkyl),or \ CH-CO-O-(C1-C4 alkyl)<BR> <BR> . A preferred example of X is oxygen. Another preferred example<BR> <BR> <BR> N-R6<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> of X is Some examples of R1, Rb, and Rc are hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl.

Examples of a compound of the present invention include compounds of formula la'wherein R1 is phenyl, optionally substituted with a straight or branched Cl- C4 alkyl, a straight or branched C1-C6 alkoxy, nitro, CF3, fluoro, chloro, bromo, cyclohexyl, heterocyclohexyl, phenyl, -CO-O-(C1-C4 alkyl), or-N (R2)-CO-R3, where W is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl, and R3 is a straight or branched Cl-C4 alkyl ; X is an N-R6 oxygen atom; a sulfur atom; a methylene group ;/, wherein R6 is benzyl,-CO- (Cl-C4 alkyl), or \ CH-CO-O- (Ci-C4 alkyl) -CO-O- (Cl-C4 alkyl) ; or/ ; and each of Ra, Rb, and W independently is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl.

Examples of a compound of the present invention also include compounds of formual Ia'wherein W is wherein each of nl and n2 independently is an integer 0,1,2,3,4, or 5; wherein n3 is an integer 0,1,2,3,4, or 5; wherein each of n4 and n5 independently is an integer 0,1,2,3,4, or 5 ;

\N-R6 X is an oxygen atom; a sulfur atom; a methylene group ;/,whereinR is benzyl,- <BR> <BR> CH-CO-O- (C1-C4 alkyl)<BR> CO-(C1-C4 alkyl), or-CO-O-(C1-C4 alkyl); or/ ; and each of R, R, and Re independently is hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl.

The compounds of the present invention are useful in therapy, particular for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Also within the scope of the invention is the use of a compound of formula I, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound of formula la (e. g., a compound of formula Ia'), for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Still a further aspect of the invention is the use of a compound of formula Ib, for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of a patient suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereby an effective amount of a compound according to formula I above, is administered to a patient in need of such treatment.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of a patient suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereby an effective amount of a compound according to formula la (e. g., a compound of formula Ia') above, is administered to a patient in need of such treatment.

A further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of a patient suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereby an effective amount of a compound according to formula Ib above, is administered to a patient in need of such treatment.

Still a further aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of a patient suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus, whereby an effective amount of a compound described in each of the following Examples above, is administered to a patient in need of such treatment.

DEFINITIONS As used herein, an alkyl is a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing the indicated number of carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl, n- pentyl, 2-methylpentyl, and n-hexyl.

By cycloalkyl is meant a cyclic alkyl group containing the indicated number of carbon atoms. Some examples of cycloalkyl are cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, adamantyl, and norbornyl. Heterocycloalkyl is a cycloalkyl group containing the indicated number of heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Examples of heterocycloalkyl include piperidinyl, piperazinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuryl, and morpholinyl.

As used herein, aryl is an aromatic group containing the indicated number of ring atoms. Examples of an aryl group include phenyl, naphthyl, phenanthryl, and anthracyl. Heteroaryl is aryl containing the indicated number of heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. Some examples of heteroaryl are pyridyl, furanyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, and imidazolyl.

Each of the cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl groups described herein is optionally substituted with Ci-4 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, 3-6 membered heterocycloalkyl, C610 aryl, 6-10 membered heteroaryl, C7-14 aralkyl, Cl-4 alkyl- heteroaryl with 6-10 ring atoms, C1_4 alkoxy, hydroxy, hydroxyl-C1-4 alkyl, carboxyl, halo, halo-C1-4 alkyl, amino, amino-Cl-4 alkyl, nitro, cyano, C1-5 alkylcarbonyloxy, Cl-5 alkyloxycarbonyl, Cl 5 alkylcarbonyl, formyl, oxo, aminocarbonyl, Cl-5 alkylcarbonylamino, Cl-4 alkylsulfonylamino, aminosulfonyl, aminocarbonyloxy, or C1-4 alkyloxycarbonylamino.

Note that an amino group can be unsubstituted, mono-substituted, or di- substituted. It can be substituted with groups such as CI-4 alkyl, C3-6 cycloalkyl, 3-6 membered heterocycloalkyl, C6-10 aryl, or 6-10 membered heteroaryl. Halo refers to fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo.

METHODS OF PREPARATION The compounds according to the present invention may be prepared by the following methods.

Compounds according to the present invention may be prepared by following the procedure reported by Norayan, Paronikian and Vartanyan, Khim. Geterotsikl.

Soedi71. pp. 1464-6 (1983) (see Scheme I and Scheme II below).

Scheme I Ra Rb Ra Rb Ra Rb CN RRKtK! tO 1. Basel, EtOH, HCOEt X \/N 1 NC 2. Rl-NZ'-Cl'N R'Morpholine, N R DMSO Rc Each of X, Ra, Rb, RC, R1, and n has the same definition as provided above.

Examples of a base that can be used in the reaction of Scheme I include sodium hydride and potassium t-butoxide.

Scheme lI b b b CN O 1. Base', EtoH, R O R NH2 Hco ? E, > I H NCCN R r R (' T 2. R'-Cl-) N R Morpholine, Y N R DMSO Each of X, Ra, Rb, Re, and R1 has the same definition as provided above.

Examples of a base that can be used in the reaction of Scheme I include sodium hydride and potassium t-butoxide.

The invention will now be described in more details by the following working examples, which however should not be construed as limiting the invention.

In the following examples, NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian 400 MHz spectrometer, a Bruker Advance DPX 400 or a Bruker DRX 500 and chemical shifts are given in ppm using tetramethylsilane as an internal standard at 25°C. HPLC analyses were performed using a Waters Xterra MS C18 column (100 x 4.6 mm, 5y) eluting with a gradient of 5% ACN in 95% water to 95% ACN in 5% water (0.2% TFA buffer) over

3.5 min. then 95% ACN in 5% water (0.2% TFA buffer) for a further 2.5 min. at a flow rate of 3 ml/min on a Waters 600E system with monitoring at 254 nm and on a on a Hewlett-Packard 1100 instrument with a Nucleosil C-18 column (250x4.6 mm, 3 go) thermostated at 25 °C, eluting with water (0.1 % TFA)/acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and gradients with a 5 minute isocratic run followed by a 10 min gradient, with W detection at 254 nm.. Thin layer chromatography was carried out using pre-coated silica gel F-254 plates (thickness 0.25 mm). IR spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Spectrum 1000 FTIR spectrometer. Electrospray MS spectra were obtained on a Micromass platform LCMS spectrometer. The Biotage Quad 3 system was used for parallel flash purification. Silica gel column chromatography was performed using YMC gel, silica 120 A S-50 pm.

The following methods (i. e., Methods la, lb, and 2) are employed to prepare compounds 2,3, and 52, which are used as starting materials or intermediates in the following Examples.

Method la (Preparation of compound 2) Scheme 1 To dry ethanol (60 ml) at-20°C was added sodium hydride (slowly) (3.92 g, 0.098 mol). Tetrahydro-4H-pyran-4-one (1) (9.79g, 0.098mol) was then added, followed by ethyl formate (11.9 ml, 0.147 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in water (40 ml). The resultant solution was added to a solution of the diazonium salt of aniline, prepared by the gradual addition of a solution of sodium nitrite (6.76 g, 0.098 mol) in water (20 ml) to a solution of aniline (9.11 g, 0.098 mol) in 2 M HC1 (98 ml, 0.196 mol) at-5 to 0°C. The resultant mixture was stirred at this temperature for one hour. The product (2) was then extracted with DCM, washed with

water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give a brown solid (14.5 g, 73%), the product was then recrystallized from ethanol (8.17g, 41%) ; HPLC (92%, Rr=3. 74) ;'H NMR (CDC13) 6 7.50-7.45 (m, Ph), 4.58 (s, CH2), 4.01 (t, CH2), 2.65 (t, CH2).

Method lb (Preparation of compound 3) Scheme 2 To dry ethanol (2 ml) at-20°C was added sodium hydride (slowly) (0.1 g, 0.0025 mol). Tetrahydro-4H-pyran-4-one (0.25 g, 0.0025 mol) was then added, followed by ethyl formate (0.30 ml, 0.0038 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in water (2 ml). The resultant solution was added to a solution of the diazonium salt of 2, 6-dichloroaniline, prepared by the gradual addition of a solution of i-pentyl nitrite (0.32 g, 0.0028 mol) to a solution of 2, 6-dichloroaniline (0.4 g, 0.0025 mol) in formic acid (4 ml) at 4°C. The resultant mixture was stirred at this temperature for one hour. The product was then extracted with DCM, washed with water, dried (MgSO4) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. This gave the hydrazone as a brown solid (0.68g, 50%); HPLC (68%). Method lb was carried out according to procedures described in Barbero, M. et al. Synthesis, 1171-1175 (1998).

Method 2 (Preparation of compound 52) Scheme 3 0 0 0 \/HgS04 Et2NH. HCI, Hz0 I" HO c. HCI, hydroquinone H2SO4, H20 ° 50 51 52

Diethylaminehydrochloride (50) (110g, lmol), formaldehyde solution (78 ml, 1 mol), diacetone alcohol (125 ml, 1 mol), concentrated HC1 (4 ml; for pH = 1) and hydroquinone (2 g) were heated at 110°C for three hours. The reaction mixture was then distilled under reduced pressure. The product was a green-black solution that was collected at P = 14 mmHg, TVap= 40-100°C. The product was then re-distilled to give the divinyl ketone (51) (9.67g, 9% yield). (P = 15 mmHg, Tvap = 70°C ; lit: b. p. 60-61°C at 22 mmHg) NMR : 61. 95 (s, 3H); 82. 2 (s, 3H); 55. 9-6.25 (m, 4H).

Divinyl ketone (52) (11.17 g, 0.106 mol) was added dropwise to a mixture of HgS04 (0.86 g, 0.0029 mol), H2SO4 (0.86 ml) and water (34 ml) at 85°C with stirring.

Then HgS04 (0.251 g, 0.00073 mol) and H2SO4 (0.22 ml) in water (8.6 ml) were added over a period of one hour. In total the reaction mixture was heated for five hours at 85 to 100°C. This reaction mixture was then steam distilled. The product was then extracted with DCM, washed with water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow liquid. This crude product was then purified over silica (hexane: EtOAc 2: 1), which furnished 2.38g (18%) of 2, 2-dimethyl-tetrahydro- pyran-4-one (52) as a colourless oil. NMR: 81. 27 (s, 6H); 82. 36 (s, 2H); 82. 39 (t, 2H); 84. 01 (t, 2H). Method 2 was carried out according to the procedures described in J.

Gen. Chem. USSR, 33 (5), 1476-1480 (1963); Chem. Abs., 2161 (1949); and J. Org.

Chem., 35 (3), 589 (1970).

EXAMPLES Example 1 Preparation of 3-amino-2-phenyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile (compound 4) Scheme 4 CN O 0) 0, ,, YN 111,, Morpholine 0 DMSO 2 4 To the hydrazone (2) (1 g, 0.0049 mol) in DMSO (3 ml) was added malononitrile (0.32 g, 0.0049 mol) and morpholine (0.43 ml, 0.0049 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid (1.12 g, 91%) ; HPLC (94%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 253.1 ; 1H NMR (DMSO) 6 7.69-7.25 (m, Ph), 6.14 (s, NH2), 5.05-5.01 (m, CH), 4.27-4.25 (m, CH2), 4.18 (s, CH2). The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- phenyl-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile ; HPLC (95%, RI=3. 73); MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 253.1.

Example 2 Preparation of 3-amino-2-phenyl-2, 6,7,8-tetrahydro-4-cinnolinecarbonitrile (compound 5) Synthetic method la was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the

hydrazone (0.15 g, 0.0007 mol), DMSO (3ml), malononitrile (0. 05g, 0.0007mol) and morpholine (0.064 ml, 0.0007 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the solution poured into cold water (20 ml). The resultant precipitate was collected by filtration, recrystallized from ethanol, then freeze- dried. This gave 3-amino-2-phenyl-2,6,7,8-tetrahydro-4-cinnolinecarbonitrile as a brown solid (0.107g, 58%); HPLC (91%, Rr=4. 04); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 251.2 ;'H NMR (CDC13) 6 7.49-7.24 (m, Ph), 5.28 (t, CH), 4.43 (s, NH2), 2.38-2.42 (m, CH2), 2.22-2.25 (m, CH2), 1.77-1.80 (m, CH2).

Example 3 Preparation of 3-amino-2-phenyl-6, 7-dihydro-2H-cyclopenta [c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile (compound 6) Synthetic method 1 a was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0. 5g, 0.0027mol), DMSO (lml), malononitrile (0.18g, 0.0027mol) and morpholine (0.23ml, 0.0027mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 1: 1), then freeze-dried. This gave 3-amino-2-phenyl-6,7-dihydro-2H-cyclopenta [c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile as a green solid (0.33g, 53%); HPLC (93%, Rf=3. 79); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 237.0.

Example 4 Preparation of 3-amino-7-benzyl-2-phenyl-2, 6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 7)

Synthetic method la was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.2 g, 0.0007 mol), DMSO (lml), malononitrile (0.05 g, 0.0007 mol) and morpholine (0.06 ml, 0.0007 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to ethyl acetate), then freeze-dried. This gave 3-amino-7-benzyl-2-phenyl-2, 6,7,8- tetrahydropyrido [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile as an orange solid (0.07g, 30%); HPLC (82%, RT=3. 88); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 342.0.

Example 5 Preparation of 7-acetyl-3-amino-2-phenyl-2, 6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 8) Synthetic method la was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method described in Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.5 g, 0.0021 mol), DMSO (lml), malononitrile (0.14 g, 0.0021 mol) and morpholine (0.18 ml, 0.0021 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to ethyl acetate), then freeze-dried. This gave 7-acetyl-3-amino-2-phenyl-2,6,7,8-

tetrahydropyrido [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile as an orange solid (0.09g, 15%); HPLC (95%, RT=3. 49); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 294.1.

Example 6 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-fluorophenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 9) To the hydrazone (0.405 g, 0.0018 mol) in DMSO (lml) was added malononitrile (0.12g, 0. 0018mol) and morpholine (0.16 ml, 0.0018 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.156g, 32%); HPLC (97%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 271.1. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2-fluorophenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (97%, RT=3. 81); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 271.1.

Example 7 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (4-methylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3, 4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 10) To the hydrazone (0.392 g, 0.0018 mol) in DMSO (lml) was added malononitrile (0.12 g, 0.0018 mol) and morpholine (0.16 ml, 0. 0018mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate

(2: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.346g, 72%); HPLC (96%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 267.1. The HCl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (4-methylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (96%, Ri=3. 96); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 267.1.

Example 8 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [3- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 11) To the hydrazone (0. 622 g, 0.0023 mol) in DMSO (Iml) was added malononitrile (0.15 g, 0.0023 mol) and morpholine (0.2 ml, 0.0023 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (2: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green/brown solid; HPLC (100%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 321. 1. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- [3- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.747g, 91%) ; HPLC (100%, Rr4. 26); MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 321.1.

Example 9 Preparation of 3-amino-2-phenyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H-thiopyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 12)

To the hydrazone (0.1 g, 0.00045 mol) in DMSO (0.3 ml) was added malononitrile (0.03 g, 0.00045 mol) and morpholine (0.04 ml, 0.00045 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid; HPLC (82%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 269.0. The HGl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2-phenyl-2,8-dihydro-6H- thiopyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.086g, 63%); HPLC (82%, RT=3. 75); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 269.0.

Example 10 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (3-methoxyphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 13) To the hydrazone (0.474 g, 0.002 mol) in DMSO (2ml) was added malononitrile (0.132 g, 0.002 mol) and morpholine (0.18ml, 0.002mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0. 15g, 27%); HPLC (93%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 283.1. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (3-methoxyphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride ; HPLC (93%, R=2. 37); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 283. 1.

Example 11 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2, 6-dimethylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 14)

To the hydrazone (0.45 g, 0.0019 mol) in DMSO (2 ml) was added malononitrile (0.13 g, 0.0019 mol) and morpholine (0.17 ml, 0.0019 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (2: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid; HPLC (97%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z281. 1. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2, 6-dimethylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.563g, 94%); HPLC (97%, Rut=3. 42); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 281. 1.

Example 12 Preparation of Ethyl 3-amino-4-cyano-2-phenyl-2, 6,7,8-tetrahydro-7- cinnolinecarboxylate hydrochloride (compound 15) To the hydrazone (0.2 g, 0.00073 mol) in DMSO (0.6 ml) was added malononitrile (0.048 g, 0.00073 mol) and morpholine (0.064 ml, 0.00073 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid; HPLC (92%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 323.1. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give ethyl 3-amino-4-cyano-2-phenyl-2,6,7,8- tetrahydro-7-cinnolinecarboxylate hydrochloride (0.052g, 22%); HPLC (92%, Rut=3. 86); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 323.1.

Example 13 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 16)

To the hydrazone (0. 3 g, 0.0011 mol) in DMSO (2ml) was added malononitrile (0.073 g, 0.0011 mol) and morpholine (0.1 ml, 0.0011 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 2: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid; HPLC (94%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 321. 1. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (3, 4-dichlorophenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3, 4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.127g, 32%); HPLC (94%, Rut=3. 47); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 321.1.

Example 14 Preparation of 7-benzoyl-3-amino-2-phenyl-2, 6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido [3,4- clpyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 17) To the hydrazone (0.37 g, 0.00121 mol) in DMSO (2 ml) was added malononitrile (0.08 g, 0.00121 mol) and morpholine (0.11 ml, 0.00121 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (1: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.11 g, 26%); HPLC (91%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 356.4. The HCl salt of the

pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 7-benzoyl-3- amino-2-phenyl-2, 6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile ; HPLC (91%, Rut=4. 45); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 356.4.

Example 15 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (4-methoxyphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 18) To the hydrazone (0.131 g, 0.00055 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.037 g, 0.00055 mol) and morpholine (0.049 ml, 0.00055 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.095g, 61%); HPLC (98%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 283.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (4- methoxyphenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride ; HPLC (98%, RT=4. 21); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 283. 3.

Example 16 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (4-isopropylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compund 19) To the hydrazone (0.25 g, 0.001 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0. 067 g, 0.001 mol) and morpholine (0.089 ml, 0.001 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by

column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (3: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.103g, 35%); HPLC (94%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze- dried to give 3-amino-2- (4-isopropylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine- 4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (94%, RT=4. 72); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.3.

Example 17 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [4- (4-morpholinyl) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 20) To the hydrazone (0.1 g, 0.00035 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.023 g, 0.00035 mol) and morpholine (0.03 ml, 0.00035 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid (0.026g, 19%); HPLC (95%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 338.5. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- [4- (4- morpholinyl) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (95%, Rr=4. 32); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 338.5.

Example 18 Preparation of 7-acetyl-3-amino-2- (2, 6-dimethylphenyl)-2,6,7,8- tetrahydropyrido [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 21)

To the hydrazone (0.33 g, 0.0012 mol) in DMSO (2ml) was added malononitrile (0.08 g, 0.0012 mol) and morpholine (0.11 ml, 0.0012 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (1: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid (0.1 lg, 28%) ; HPLC (84%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 322.4. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 7-acetyl-3-amino-2- (2, 6- dimethylphenyl)-2,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (84%, Rr=4. 58); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 322.4.

Example 19 Preparation of ethyl 3- (3-amino-4-cyano-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazin-2 (8H)- yl) benzoate hydrochloride (compound 22) To the hydrazone (0.125 g, 0.00045 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.03 g, 0.00045 mol) and morpholine (0.04 ml, 0.00045 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.133g, 91%); HPLC (97%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 325.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give ethyl 3- (3-amino-4-cyano-6H-

pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazin-2 (8H)-yl) benzoate hydrochloride; HPLC (97%, Rut=4. 68); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 325.3.

Example 20 Preparation of ethyl 3-amino-4-cyano-2-phenyl-2, 8-dihydropyrido [3,4- c] pyridazine-7 (6H)-carboxylate hydrochloride (compound 23) To the hydrazone (0.305 g, 0.0011 mol) in DMSO (2 ml) was added malononitrile (0.073 g, 0.0011 mol) and morpholine (0.09 ml, 0.0011 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.14g, 40%); HPLC (94%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 324.4. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give ethyl 3-amino-4-cyano-2-phenyl-2,8- dihydropyrido [3,4-c] pyridazine-7 (6H)-carboxylate hydrochloride; HPLC (94%, Rut=4. 52); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 324.4.

Example 21 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-chloro-6-fluorophenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 24) To the hydrazone (0.46 g, 0.0018 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.12 g, 0.0018 mol) and morpholine (0.16 ml, 0.0018 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane :

ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 1 : 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.224g, 41%); HPLC (98%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 305.2. The HCl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2-chloro-6- fluorophenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride ; HPLC (98%, Rut=4. 45); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 305.2.

Example 22 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-bromo-5-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 25) To the hydrazone (0.1 g, 0.00027 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.02 g, 0.00027 mol) and morpholine (0.024 ml, 0.00027 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid; HPLC (95%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 401.2. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2-bromo-5-trifluoromethylphenyl)- 2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.084g, 70%); HPLC (95%, Rr4. 31) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 401.2.

Example 23 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (1, 3-benzothiazol-6-yl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 26)

To the hydrazone (0.072 g, 0.00028 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.018 g, 0.00028 mol) and morpholine (0.024 ml, 0.00028 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a beige solid; HPLC (91%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 310.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (1, 3-benzothiazol-6-yl)-2,8- dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.06g, 63%); HPLC (91%, Rr=3. 66); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 310.3.

Example 24 Preparation of N- [4- (3-amino-4-cyano-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazin-2 (8H)- yl) phenyl]-N-methylacetamide hydrochloride (compound 27) To the hydrazone (0.37 g, 0.0014 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.089 g, 0.0014 mol) and morpholine (0.12 ml, 0.0014 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid; HPLC (100%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 324.4. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give N- [4- (3-amino-4-cyano-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazin-2 (8H)-yl) phenyl]-N-methylacetamide hydrochloride (0.097g, 20%); HPLC (100%, RT=3. 58) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) rn/z 324.4.

Example 25 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [4- (dimethylamino) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3, 4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 28)

To the hydrazone (0.26 g, 0.0011 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.07 g, 0.0011 mol) and morpholine (0.09 ml, 0.0011 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid; HPLC (91%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 296.4. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- [4- (dimethylamino) phenyl]-2,8- dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.039g, 11%); HPLC (91%, Rut=3. 87) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 296.4.

Example 26 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (4-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 29) To the hydrazone (0.061 g, 0.00024 mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml) was added malononitrile (0.016 g, 0.00024 mol) and morpholine (0.021 ml, 0.00024 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1: 1), then repeated over alumina. This gave 3-amino-2- (4-chloro-2-

methylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride as a green solid (0.016g, 22%); HPLC (91%, RT=4.08) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 301.3.

Example 27 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 30) To the hydrazone (0.87 g, 0.0034 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.23 g, 0.0034 mol) and morpholine (0.3 ml, 0.0034 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (1: 1), then repeated over alumina. This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0. 5g, 49%); HPLC (96%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 301.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2- chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (96%, 3.12); MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 301.3.

Example 28 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-methoxyphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 31) To the hydrazone (0.546 g, 0.0023 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.154 g, 0.0023 mol) and morpholine (0.2 ml, 0.0023 mol) and the

reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a pale green solid (0.265g, 41%) ; HPLC (99%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 283. 3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2- methoxyphenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.084g, 70%) ; HPLC (99%, Rut=4. 35); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 283.3.

Example 29 Preparation of 3-amino-2-mesityl-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 32) To the hydrazone (1.82 g, 0.0074 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.49 g, 0.0074 mol) and morpholine (0.65 ml, 0.0074 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (1: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.262g, 12%); HPLC (91 %) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- mesityl-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride ; HPLC (91%, RT=5. 73); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.3.

Example 30 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-isopropylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- cpyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 33)

To the hydrazone (4.6 g, 0.0187 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (1.24 g, 0.0187 mol) and morpholine (1.63 ml, 0.0187 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (1: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid; HPLC (93%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2-isopropylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (1.5g, 27%); HPLC (91%, Rut=3. 13); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.3.

Example 31 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2, 6-dichlorophenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 34) To the hydrazone (0.68 g, 0.0025 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.16 g, 0.0025 mol) and morpholine (0.22 ml, 0.0025 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1: 1), then repeated over alumina. This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.074g, 9%); HPLC (93%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] m/z 321.3. The

HCl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3- amino-2- (2, 6-dichlorophenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (93%, RT=2. 96); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 321.3.

Example 32 Preparation of 3-amino-2-(2-methyl-4-nitrophenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile tosylate (compound 35) To the hydrazone (0.9 g, 0.0034 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.23 g, 0.0034 mol) and morpholine (0.3 ml, 0.0034 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes. The product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1: 1), then repeated over alumina. This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0. 105g, 10%) ; HPLC (87%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 312.4. The tosylate salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2- methyl-4-nitrophenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile tosylate; HPLC (77%, RI=2. 96); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 312.4.

Example 33 Preparation of benzyl 3-amino-4-cyano-2-phenyl-2, 8-dihydropyrido [3,4- c] pyridazine-7 (6H)-carboxylate hydrochloride (compound 36) To the hydrazone (0.48 g, 0.0014 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.09 g, 0.0014 mol) and morpholine (0.12 ml, 0.0012 mol) and the

reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid; HPLC (94%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 386. 5. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give benzyl 3-amino-4-cyano-2-phenyl-2, 8- dihydropyrido [3, 4-c] pyridazine-7 (6H)-carboxylate hydrochloride (0.32g, 58%); HPLC (90%, RT=3. 38); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 386.5.

Example 34 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-methoxy-6-methylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 37) To the hydrazone (0.44 g, 0. 0018 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.117 g, 0.0018 mol) and morpholine (0.16 ml, 0.0018 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 2: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid; HPLC (91%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 297.0. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2-(2-methoxy-6-methylphenyl)-2, 8- dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (0.29g, 55%); HPLC (88%, RT=2. 98); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 297.0.

Example 35 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3, 4- elpyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 38)

To the hydrazone (0.5 g, 0.0019 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.125 g, 0.0019 mol) and morpholine (0.17 ml, 0.0019 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid (0.154g, 26%); HPLC (93%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 313.2. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (3, 5- dimethoxyphenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (95%, RT=3. 08) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 313.2.

Example 36 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2- (1-methylpropyl) phenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 39) To the hydrazone (0.15 g, 0.00057 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.038 g, 0.00057 mol) and morpholine (0.05 ml, 0.00057 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 1 : 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.086g, 49%); HPLC (89%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 309.2. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2- (l-

methylpropyl) phenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (85%, R-f=3. 22); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 309. 2.

Example 37 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-chloro-5-methoxyphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 40) To the hydrazone (0.413 g, 0.00154 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.102 g, 0.00154 mol) and morpholine (0.13 ml, 0.00154 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (1: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.291g, 60%) ; HPLC (96%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 319.2. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2- chloro-5-methoxyphenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (93%, RT=2. 96); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 319.2.

Example 38 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-tert-butylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3, 4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 41) To the hydrazone (1.09 g, 0.0042 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.28 g, 0.0042 mol) and morpholine (0.37 ml, 0.0042 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the

product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.327g, 25%); HPLC (96%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 309.4. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2-(2-tert- butylphenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride ; HPLC (91%, RT=3.18) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 309.4.

Example 39 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-propylphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 42) To the hydrazone (0.988 g, 0.00402 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.27 g, 0.00402 mol) and morpholine (0.35 ml, 0.00402 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1 : 1). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.102g, 9%); HPLC (91%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.2. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2-propylphenyl)-2, 8- dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride; HPLC (91%, Rut=3. 17); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.2.

Example 40 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2- (4-morpholinyl) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 43)

To the hydrazone (0.15 g, 0.00052 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.035 g, 0.00052 mol) and morpholine (0.045 ml, 0.00052 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80oC for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a brown oil (0. 08g, 46%); HPLC (98%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 338.2. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give BF7550; HPLC (98%, RT=1.41); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 338.2.

Example 41 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (5, 6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-naphthalenyl)-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 44) To the hydrazone (0.989 g, 0.00383 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.253 g, 0.00383 mol) and morpholine (0.33 ml, 0.00383 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80oC for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 2: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid (0.472g, 40%); HPLC (98%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 307.4. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (5, 6,7,8- tetrahydro-l-naphthalenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile ; HPLC (98%, RT=1.68); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 307.4.

Example 42 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [l, l'-biphenyl]-2-yl-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 45)

To the hydrazone (0.351 g, 0.00125 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.083 g, 0.00125 mol) and morpholine (0.11 ml, 0.00125 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80oC for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.407g, 91%) ; HPLC (96%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 329.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- [l, 1'- biphenyl]-2-yl-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile; HPLC (98%, RT=1.75); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 329.3.

Example 43 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [2- (5-methyl-2-furyl) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 46) To the hydrazone (0.26 g, 0.000915 mol) in DMSO (0. 5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.06 g, 0.000915 mol) and morpholine (0.08 ml, 0.000915 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80oC for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid (0.224g, 74%) ;

HPLC (99%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 333.3. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- [2- (5-methyl-2- furyl) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile ; HPLC (99%, RT=1.74); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 333.3.

Example 44 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2, 2,3,3-tetrafluoro-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-5-yl)- 2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 47) To the hydrazone (0.229 g, 0.000686 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.045 g, 0.000686 mol) and morpholine (0.06 ml, 0.00402 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80oC for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a green solid (0.215g, 82%); HPLC (97%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 383.2. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoro-2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxin-5-yl)-2,8-d ihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile ; HPLC (97%, RT=1.83); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 383.2.

Example 45 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [3- (benzyloxy) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 48)

To the hydrazone (0. 42 g, 0.00135 mol) in DMSO (1 ml) was added malononitrile (0.09 g, 0.00135 mol) and morpholine (0.12 ml, 0.00135 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80oC for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a brown solid (0.27g, 56%); HPLC (98%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 359.1 ! The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- [3- (benzyloxy) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile; HPLC (98%, RT=1.93); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 359.1.

Example 46 Preparation of 3-amino-2-phenyl-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-3H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine- 4-carbonitrile (compound 49) Scheme 5 To the pyridazine (4) (0.2 g, 0.0008 mol) in THF/EtOH (2 ml/0.5 ml) was added sodium borohydride (0.06 g, 0.0016 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The solvent was then removed under reduced pressure, the residue dissolved in DCM, washed with water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure, then freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2-phenyl-2,5,6,8-tetrahydro-

3H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (49) as a yellow solid (0. 15g, 74%); HPLC (87%, RT=4. 20); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 255. 3.

Example 47 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-methoxyphenyl)-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (compound 53) To the pyridazine (31) (0.2 g, 0.0007 mol) in dry dioxan/EtOH (8 ml/2 ml) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.751 g, 0.00355 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0°C to room temperature for 12 hours according to the method described in Scheme 5. The reaction mixture was quenched by the gradual addition of water then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried (MgSO4) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure, then freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2- methoxyphenyl)-2,5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (53) as a green solid (0.13g, 65%); HPLC (91%, RT=2. 99); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 285.1.

Example 48 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [1, 1'-biphenyl]-2-yl-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (compound 54) To the pyridazine (45) (0.150 g, 0.00046 mol) in dry dioxan/EtOH (4 ml/0.5 ml) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.485 g, 0.00229 mol) and the reaction

mixture stirred at 0°C to room temperature for 12 hours according to the method described in Scheme 5. The reaction mixture was quenched by the gradual addition of water then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure, then freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- [1, 1'- biphenyl]-2-yl-2,5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (54) as a green solid (0.147g, 97%); HPLC (89%, Ri=3. 72) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 330.6.

Example 49 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2, 6-dimethylphenyl)-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (compound 55) To the pyridazine (14) (0.100 g, 0.00032 mol) in dry dioxan/EtOH (4 ml/0.5 ml) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.344 g, 0.0016 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0°C to room temperature for 12 hours according to the method described in Scheme 5. The reaction mixture was quenched by the gradual addition of water then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure, then freeze-dried to give 3- amino-2- (2, 6-dimethylphenyl)-2,5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile acetate (55) as a yellow solid (0.07g, 71%) ; HPLC (87%, Rut=3. 66); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 310.64.

Example 50 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [4- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (compound 56)

To the corresponding pyridazine (0.02 g, 0.000065 mol) in dry dioxan/EtOH (4 ml/0.5 ml) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.066 g, 0.00031 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0°C to room temperature for 12 hours according to the method described in Scheme 5. The reaction mixture was quenched by the gradual addition of water then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure, then freeze-dried to give 3- amino-2- [4- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-2,5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile acetate (56) as a green powder (0.017g, 81%); HPLC (75%, Rr=4. 09); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) no m/z.

Example 51 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-methoxyphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2,5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH- pyrano [3, 4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (compound 57) 57 To the corresponding pyridazine (0.100 g, 0.00032 mol) in dry dioxan/EtOH (4 ml/0. 5 ml) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.342 g, 0.0016 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0°C to room temperature for 12 hours according to the method described in Scheme 5. The reaction mixture was quenched by the gradual addition of water then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure, then freeze-dried to give 3- amino-2- (2-methoxyphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2,5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4-

c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (57) as a beige solid (0.029g, 29%); HPLC (92%, Rut=3. 31); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 312.62.

Example 52 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (3-methoxyphenyl)-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4- clpyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (compound 58) To the pyridazine (13) (0.110 g, 0.00037 mol) in dry dioxan/EtOH (4 ml/0. 5 ml) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.393 g, 0.0018 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0°C to room temperature for 12 hours according to the method described in Scheme 5. The reaction mixture was quenched by the gradual addition of water then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure, then freeze-dried to give 3- amino-2- (3-methoxyphenyl)-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile acetate (58) as a yellow powder (0.109g, 99%); HPLC (84%, R. T=3. 54); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 298.59.

Example 53 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (3-chlorophenyl)-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile acetate (compound 59)

To the corresponding pyridazine (0.100 g, 0.00035 mol) in dry dioxan/EtOH (4 ml/0.5 ml) was added sodium triacetoxyborohydride (0.371 g, 0.0018 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 0°C to room temperature for 12 hours according to the method describe in Scheme 5. The reaction mixture was quenched by the gradual addition of water then the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure, then freeze-dried to give 3- amino-2- (3-chlorophenyl)-2, 5,6,8-tetrahydro-4aH-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile acetate (59) as a beige solid (0.037g, 32%); HPLC (100%, Rut=3. 75); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 288. 5.

Example 54 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-isopropylphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 60) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.256g, 0.000934mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml).

Malononitrile (0.062g, 0.000934mol) and morpholine (0.08ml, 0.000934mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane: ethyl acetate (3: 1 to 2: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a yellow oil (0. 270g, 89%); HPLC (98%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z323.05. The HCl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 3-amino-2- (2- isopropylphenyl)-6,6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (60); HPLC (100%, Rut=3. 34); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z323.05.

Example 55 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-methoxyphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 61)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0. 360 g, 0.00137 mol) in DMSO (0. 5 ml).

Malononitrile (0.091 g, 0.00137 mol) and morpholine (0.12 ml, 0.00137 mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane: ethyl acetate (5: 1 to ethyl acetate). This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0. 384 g, 90%); HPLC (90%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z311. 18. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 61.

HPLC (100%, Rut=3. 01); MS (electrospray, [M+H] m/z311. 18.

Example 56 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2, 6-dimethylphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 62) 62 The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0. 350g, 0.00135mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml).

Malononitrile (0.089g, 0.00135mol) and morpholine (0.12ml, 0.00135mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the

product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 1: 1). This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0. 235g, 58%); HPLC (96%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z309. 19. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 62. HPLC (100%, Rut=3. 14); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z309.19.

Example 57 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (3-chlorophenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 63) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.344g, 0.0013mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.085g, 0.0013mol) and morpholine (O. 1 lml, 0.0013mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate 4: 1 as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.373g, 91%); HPLC (97%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 314.56. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 63. HPLC (99%, RT=3. 14); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 314.56.

Example 58 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (3-methoxyphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 64)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.47 g, 0.0018 mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml).

Malononitrile (0.119 g, 0.0018 mol) and morpholine (0.16ml, 0.0018mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 1: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.481 g, 86%) ; HPLC (96%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 310.61. The HCl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 64. HPLC (97%, Rut=3. 02); MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 310.61.

Example 59 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-methoxy-6-methylphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 65) 65 The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.291g, 0.001 mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.070g, 0.001 lmol) and morpholine (0.09ml, 0.001 lmol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using using a gradient of hexane: ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 1: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid

(0.379g, 100%) ; HPLC (98%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 325.20. The HCl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 65. HPLC (96%, RT=3. 03); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 325.20.

Example 60 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2-[2-(methylsulfanyl) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 66) 66 The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.291 g, 0. 001 lmol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.084g, 0.0013mol) and morpholine (0. llml, 0.0013mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using using a gradient of hexane: ethyl acetate (2: 1 to 1 : 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.361g, 85%); HPLC (98%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 327.16. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 66. HPLC (100%, RT=3. 13); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 327.16.

Example 61 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [3-isopropylphenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 67)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.39g, 0.0014mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.094g, 0.0014mol) and morpholine (0.12ml, 0.0014mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using using a gradient of hexane: ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 2: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.226g, 50%); HPLC (97%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 323.21. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 67. HPLC (97%, RT=3. 39); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 323.21.

Example 62 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2- [2-phenoxyphenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 68) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.197g, 0.00061mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml).

Malononitrile (0.040g, 0.00061mol) and morpholine (0. 05ml, 0.00061mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using using a gradient of hexane: ethyl acetate (3: 1 to 1: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.141g, 62%); HPLC (98%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 373.17. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 68. HPLC (98%, Rr=3. 41); MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 373.17.

Example 63 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2- [2-chlorophenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 69)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.320g, 0. 0012mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0. 080g, 0.0012mol) and morpholine (0. 1 lml, 0.0012mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 2: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.22g, 58%); HPLC (91%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] m/z 315.1. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 69. HPLC (91%, Rut=1. 70); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 315.1.

Example 64 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [4-fluorophenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3, 4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 70) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.190g, 0.00076mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0. 050g, 0.00076mol) and morpholine (0.07ml, 0.00076mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the

product was purified by column chromatography over silica using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (5: 1 to 2: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.18g, 79%); HPLC (96%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 299.1. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 70. HPLC (96%, Rut=1. 61); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 299.1.

Example 65 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2- [4-chlorophenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 71) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0. 381g, 0.0014mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.094g, 0.0014mol) and morpholine (0.12ml, 0.0014mol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (2: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.164g, 37%) ; HPLC (100%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 315.09. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 71. HPLC (98%, Rut=1. 80); MS (electrospray, [M+H]) m/z 315.09.

Example 66 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2- [3-methylphenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 72)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.253g, 0. 0010mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml).

Malononitrile (0.068g, 0. 0010mol) and morpholine (0.09ml, 0. 0010mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (1: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.132g, 45%); HPLC (98%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.12. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 72. HPLC (98%, Rut=1. 80) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.12.

Example 67 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [3- (dimethylamino) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 73) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.138g, 0. 00050mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml).

Malononitrile (0.033g, 0. 00050mol) and morpholine (0.044ml, 0. 00050mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (1: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0. 18g, 100%); HPLC (99%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 324.17. The HCl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 73. HPLC (98%, Rut=1. 64); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 324.17.

Example 68 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2-[2-methylphenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 74)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetraliydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.259g, 0.001 lmol) in DMSO (1ml).

Malononitrile (0.070g, 0.001 mol) and morpholine (0.092ml, 0.001 mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by column chromatography over silica using hexane: ethyl acetate (1: 1) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.576g, 100%); HPLC (100%); MS (electrospray, [M+H]+) m/z 295.14. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 74. HPLC (100%, RT=1. 65) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 295.14.

Example 69 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2- [3, 5-dichlorophenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 75) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.349g, 0.0012mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.077g, 0.0012mol) and morpholine (0. 101ml, 0.0012mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the

product was purified using the Biotage Quad 3 system using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to ethyl acetate) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.108g, 26%); HPLC (97%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 348.95. The HCl salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 75. HPLC (100%, RT=1. 93); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 348.95.

Example 70 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [5-chloro-2-methoxyphenyl]-2, 8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 76) 76 The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.489g, 0.0017mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.109g, 0.0017mol) and morpholine (0.144ml, 0.0017mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified using the Biotage Quad 3 system using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to ethyl acetate) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.406g, 69%); HPLC (100%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 345.01. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 76. HPLC (99%, Rut=1. 87); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 345.01.

Example 71 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [3, 5- (dimethoxy) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-e] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 77)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the the hydrazone (0.304g, 0. 0010mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.069g, 0. 0010mol) and morpholine (0.09ml, 0. 0010mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified using the Biotage Quad 3 system using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to ethyl acetate) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow solid (0.234g, 69%) ; HPLC (100%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 341.04. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 77. HPLC (99%, RT=1. 83); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 341.04.

Example 72 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2-[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-2,8- dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 78) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.290g, 0.00087mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.057g, 0.00087mol) and morpholine (0.08ml, 0.00087mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified using the Biotage Quad 3 system using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow oil (0.17g,

51%) ; HPLC (90%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 382.9. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 78. HPLC (90%, RT=2. 09); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 382.9.

Example 73 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [2- (methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 79) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.220 g, 0.00071 mol) in DMSO (1 ml).

Malononitrile (0.047 g, 0.00071 mol) and morpholine (0.06 ml, 0.00071 mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified using the Biotage Quad 3 system using a gradient of hexane: ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow oil (0.15 g, 59%); HPLC (97%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 358.9. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 79.

HPLC (97%, Rut=1. 50); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 358.9.

Example 74 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [3-nitrophenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 80) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare

the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.300g, 0.00108mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.072g, 0. 00108mol) and morpholine (0.094ml, 0. 00108mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified using the Biotage Quad 3 system using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as an orange solid (0.16g, 46%) ; HPLC (98%) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 326.0. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 80. HPLC (98%, RT=1. 69); MS (electrospray, [M+H]) mJz 326.0.

Example 75 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2- [3- (methylsulfonyl) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile trifluoroacetate (compound 81) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.240g, 0.00077mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.051 g, 0.00077mol) and morpholine (0.07ml, 0.00077mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified using the Biotage Quad 3 system using a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (2: 1 to ethyl acetate) as eluant. This gave the pyridazine as a yellow oil (0. 1 Og, 36%); HPLC (99%); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 358.7. The HC1 salt of the pyridazine was then prepared and the compound freeze-dried to give 81. HPLC (99%, Rut=1. 55); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 358.7.

Example 76 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [3-fluorophenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile (compound 82)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.57g, 0.00228mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.151g, 0.00228mol) and morpholine (0.2ml, 0.00228mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by prep hplc and then freeze-dried to give the TFA salt of the pyridazine as a yellow solid. 82 (0.273g, 40%); HPLC (100%, Rut=1. 65); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 299.1.

Example 77 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (1, 3-benzothiazol-6-yl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile trifluoroacetate (compound 83) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.30g, 0.00104mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.069g, 0.00104mol) and morpholine (0.09ml, 0.00104mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by prep hplc and then freeze-dried to give the TFA salt of the pyridazine as a yellow solid. 83 (0. 218g, 62%); HPLC (100%, Rr=1. 60) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 337.9.

Example 78 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [4- (lH-imidazol-1-yl) phenyl]-6, 6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile trifluoroacetate (compound 84)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.201g, 0.00067mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml).

Malononitrile (0.045g, 0.00067mol) and morpholine (0.02ml, 0.00067mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by prep hplc and then freeze-dried to give the TFA salt of the pyridazine as a brown oil. 84 (0.162g, 70%); HPLC (95%, Rr1. 22); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 347.34.

Example 79 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [4- (4-morpholinylcarbonyl) phenyl]-2, 8- dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile trifluoroacetate (compound 85) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to

synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.437g, 0.0013mol) in DMSO (lml). Malononitrile (0.084g, 0.0013mol) and morpholine (0. 11m1, 0.0013mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by prep hplc and then freeze-dried to give the TFA salt of the pyridazine as a brown oily-solid. 85 (0.406g, 79%); HPLC (97%, RT=150) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 394.07.

Example 80 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2-[2-bromophenyl]-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile trifluoroacetate (compound 86) The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method 1 a, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.306g, 0.00098mol) in DMSO (lml).

Malononitrile (0.065g, 0.00098mol) and morpholine (0.086ml, 0.00098mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by prep hplc and then freeze-dried to give the TFA salt of the pyridazine as a brown solid. 86 (0.251g, 71%); HPLC (100%, Rut=1. 75) ; MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 358. 74,361.22.

Example 81 Preparation of 2- (diethylamino) ethyl 4- (3-amino-4-cyano-6, 6-dimethyl-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazin-2 (8H)-yl) benzoate trifluoroacetate (compound 87)

The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. Synthetic method la, Scheme 1, was used to prepare the hydrazone intermediate. The method according to Scheme 4 was undertaken to synthesize the pyridazine using the hydrazone (0.053g, 0.00014mol) in DMSO (0. 5ml).

Malononitrile (0.0093g, 0.00014mol) and morpholine (0.012ml, 0.00014mol) was added and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by prep hplc and then freeze-dried to give the TFA salt of the pyridazine as a green oil. 87 (0.038g, 64%); HPLC (100%, Rut=1. 45); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z 424.07.

Example 82 Preparation of 3-amino-6,6-dimethyl-2-[2-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile trifluoroacetate (compound 89) Scheme 5 CN KtBuO 0 NH CIH HC02Et-1 1) PhN2+ci- r ON. N 2) malononitrile morpholine CF3 52 88 89 The starting material 2,2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (52) was prepared according to method 2, Scheme 3. A solution of 2, 2-dimethyl-tetrahydro-pyran-4-one (3.00g, 23.4 mmol) and ethyl formate (3.0 ml, 37.2 mmol) in dry THF (30 mL) was placed under nitrogen. To the solution was added KtBuO (2.63 g, 23.4 mmol) in small portions during 10 min. A yellow precipitate was formed almost immediately. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The solvent was then evaporated and the crude product 88 was dried in vacuum. The crude material was dissolved in EtOH (18 mL) and divided into 6 portions and stored in freezer until used.

A solution of the diazoniumsalt of 2-trifluoromethyl-aniline was prepared by the gradual addition of a solution of sodium nitrite (273 mg, 3.95 mmol) in water (2 mL) to a solution of 2-trifluoromethyl aniline (637 mg, 3.95 mol) in 1.00 M HC1 (7.90 mL, 7.90 mmol) at-5°C. The cold ethanol solution (3 mL) of the the potassium salt of 5- (hydroxymethylene)-2, 2-dimethyltetrahydro-4H-pyran-4-one 88 (3.90 mmol) was added dropwise and the resulting mixture was stirred vigorously at-5° C for 1 h. The

reaction mixture was diluted with DCM and washed with water. The organic phase was dried with MgS04 and evaporated and gave 0.9755 g of the hydrazone intermediate as an orange solid. (83%) lH NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 6 1.36 (s, 6 H), 2.58 (s, 2 H), 4.64 (s, 2 H), 7.08 (t, 1 H), 7.50 (t, 1 H), 7.55 (d, 1 H), 7.86 (d, 1 H), 14.05 (s, 0.7 H). MS (EI) m/z 300.0 (M+). A solution of hydrazone (0.97 g, 3.23 mmol), malononitrile (261 mg, 3.95 mmol) and morpholine (345 jul, 3.95 mmol) in DMSO (2 ml) was heated at 80° C 30 min. The reaction mixture was diluted with CHC13, was washed with water, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with a gradient of hexane : ethyl acetate (4: 1 to 1: 1). The purified material was dissolved in EtOAc and HC1 in EtOAc was added. The product was filtered, washed with EtOAc and dried in vacuum. Gave 0.667 g of the title compound 89. (54%) MS (ESI+) m/z 349.29 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt: 12.46 min (99%).

Example 83 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [3- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-2, 8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3, 4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 90) The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-3-{[3-(trifluoromethyl)- phenyl] hydrazone} was synthesized according to the modified method 1 c described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.948 g, 3.16 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (263 mg, 3.98 mmol) and morpholine (345 pL, 3.96 mmol) was added. The reaction conditions and work-up procedure followed Method 2a and gave 0.514 g of the title compound 90. (42%) MS (ESI+) milz 349.31 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt: 13. 75 min (99 %) Example 84 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (4-methoxyphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 91)

The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3- [ (4-methoxy- phenyl) hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method lc described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.832 g, 3.17 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (265 mg, 4.01 mmol) and morpholine (345 u, L, 3.96 mmol) was added. The reaction conditions and work-up procedure followed Method 2a and gave 0.651 g of the title compound 91. (59%) MS (ESI+) m/z 311.31 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt: 9.74 min Example 85 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-fluorophenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 92) The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3- [ (2- fluorophenyl) hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method lc described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.778 g, 3.16 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (268 mg, 4.06 mmol) and morpholine (345 p, L, 3.96 mmol) was added. The reaction conditions and work-up procedure followed Method 2a and gave 0.625 g of the title compound 92. (60%) MS (ESI+) m/z 299.30 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt: 8 45 min (99%) Example 86 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [4- (2-hydroxyethyl) phenyl]-6,6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 93)

The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3- { [4- (2- hydroxyethyl)-phenyl] hydrazone} was synthesized according to the modified method lc described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.832 g, 3.01 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (266 mg, 4.03 mmol) and morpholine (345 pL, 3.96 mmol) was added. The reaction conditions and work-up procedure followed Method 2a and gave 0.690 g of the title compound 93. (64%) MS (ESI+) m/z 325.33 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt: 5.88 min (97%) Example 87 Preparation of 3-amino-2- [3- (hydroxymethyl) phenyl]-6, 6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 94) The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3-{[3- (hydroxymethyl) phenyl]-hydrazone} was synthesized according to the modified method Ic described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.546 g, 2.08 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (170 mg, 2.57 mmol) and piperidine (255 pL, 2.58 mmol) was added. The reaction conditions and work-up procedure followed Method 2a and gave 0.538 g of the title compound 94 (75%) MS (ESI+) m/z 311.26 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt: 5.35 (94%).

Example 88 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (4-ethylphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 95)

The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3- [ (4- ethylphenyl) hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method I c described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.526 g, 2.02 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (170 mg, 2.57 mmol) and piperidine (255 u. L, 2.58 mmol) was added. The resulting mixture was heated at 80°C for 30 min. The reaction mixture was diluted with CHC13, washed with water, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated.

The crude product was dissolved in EtOAc/Et2O and HC1 in EtOAc was added dropwise. The product was filtered, washed with EtOAc and Et2O and dried in vacuum and gave 0.488 g of the title product 95. (70%) MS (ESI+) m/z 309 (M+H) +. HPLC (30- 60%) rt: 13. 46 min (99%) Example 89 Preparation of 3-amino-2-[(3-carboxymethyl) phenyl]-6, 6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro- 6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyrazidine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 96) The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione [3- (3- carboxymethylphenyl)-hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method lc described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.461 g, 1.59 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (126 mg, 1.91 mmol) and morpholine (170 µL, 1.95 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The reaction mixture was diluted with EtOAc and washed with water, then extracted with 1 M HC1 (aq.) x 3. The aqueous phase was neutralized and the free amine was back-extracted to EtOAc. The organic phase was dried (MgS04) and evaporated. The pure amine was redissolved in EtOAc/Et20 and HC1 (Et2O) was

added. The product was filtered, washed with Et20 and dried in vacuum and gave 0.281 g of the title compound 96. (47%) MS (ESI+) for m/z 339.23 (M+H) +. HPLC (30- 60% in 10 min) rt: 8.36 min (96%) Example 90 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (3-acetamidophenyl)- 6, 6-dimethyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyrazidine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 97)

The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione [3- (3- acetamidophenyl)-hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method I c described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.481 g, 1.66 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (133 mg, 2.01 mmol) and morpholine (170 pL, 1.95 mmol) was added. The reaction conditions and work-up procedure followed the method described in Example 89 and gave 0.337 g of the title compound 97. (54%) MS (ESI+) m/z 338.26 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt: 6.13 min (97%) Example 91 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- (2-nitrophenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 98)

The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3- [ (2-nitrophenyl)- hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method lc described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.443 g, 1.59 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (145 mg, 2.19 mmol) and morpholine (170 p^L, 1.95 mmol) was added.

The reaction conditions and work-up procedure followed the method described in

Example 89 and gave 0.348 g of the title compound 98. (61%). MS (ESI+) m/z 326.23 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt : 9.58 min (97%) Example 92 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-butylphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 99) 99 The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3- [ (2- butylphenyl) hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method lc described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.477 g, 1.65 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (131 mg, 1.98 mmol) and morpholine (170 gel, 1.95 mmol) was added. The reaction conditions and work-up procedure followed the method described in Example 89 and gave 0.339 g of the title compound 99. (55%). MS (ESI+) m/z 337.29 (M+H) +. HPLC (60-90%) rt: 5.39 min (94%).

Example 93 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- (3-phenoxyphenyl)-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 100) The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3- [ (3- phenoxyphenyl)-hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method lc described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.579 g, 1.78 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (2 mL) and malononitrile (132 mg, 2.00 mmol) and morpholine (170 jjL, 1.95 mmol) was added. The reaction conditions and work-up procedure

followed the method described in Example 89 and gave 0.367 g of the title compound 100. (50%) MS (ESI+) m/z 373.23 (M+H) +. HPLC (60-90%) rt: 4.99 min (94%).

Example 94 Preparation of 3-amino-6, 6-dimethyl-2- [2- (4-morpholinyl) phenyl]-2,8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 101)

The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3-1 [2- (4- morpholinyl) phenyl]-hydrazone} was synthesized according to the modified method I c described in example 82, Scheme 5, with the addition of an extra equivalent of acid when forming the diazonium salt. The hydrazone (0.428 g, 1.35 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (10 mL) and malononitrile (187 mg, 2.83 mmol) and piperazinomethyl polystyrene resin (1.30g, 1.08 mmol/g, 1 eq.) was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 80°C for 8 h, then diluted with CH2C12 and the solid phase reagent was filtered and washed with CH2Ck. The organic phase was washed with water, dried (MgS04) and evaporated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica gel with petroleum ether : EtOAc 4: 1. The purified material was dissolved in EtOAc/Et2O and HC1 in Et2O was added dropwise. The product was filtered, washed with Et2O and dried in vacuum and gave 0.302 g of the title compound 101. (51 %) MS (ESI+) m/z 366.28 (M+H) +. HPLC (30-60%) rt : 10. 58 min (98%).

Example 95 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-ethoxyphenyl)-6, 6-dimethyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H- pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile hydrochloride (compound 102)

The intermediate 6,6-dimethyldihydro-2H-pyran-3,4-dione 3- [ (2- ethoxyphenyl) hydrazone] was synthesized according to the modified method 1 c described in example 82, Scheme 5. The hydrazone (0.491 g, 1.78 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (10 mL) and malononitrile (289mg, 4.37 mmol) and piperazinomethyl polystyrene resin (1.67 g, 1.08 mmol/g, 1 eq.) was added. The reaction mixture was heated at 80°C for 12h. The reaction mixture was diluted with CH2C12 and the resin was filtered and washed with CH2C12. The organic phase was washed with water and extracted with 1 M HC1 (aq.) x 3. The aqueous phase was neutralized and the free amine was back-extracted with EtOAc, dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. The pure product was dissolved in Et2O and HC1 in Et20 was added dropwise. The product was filtered, washed with Et2O and dried in vacuum and gave 0.349 g of the title compound 102. (54%) MS (ESI+) nilz 325.29 (M+H) +. HPLC (30- 60%) rt: 12. 23 min (98%).

Preparation of the intermediate monomethyl pyranone according to method 2: S 9 1 0 0 HgS04 Et2NH. HCI, HO /c.HCI, hydroquinone 0 103 Diethylaminehydrochloride (24.87 g, 0.24 mol), formaldehyde solution (19.51 g, 0.24mol), 3-penten-2-one (23.2 ml, 0.24 mol), concentrated HCl (lml; for pH = 1) and hydroquinone (0.53 g) were heated at 80°C for two hours. The reaction mixture was then distilled under reduced pressure. The divinyl ketone was collected at P = 16mmHg, TVap = 45-70°C. (8. 08 g, 35% yield).

Divinyl ketone (8.0 g, 0.083 mol) was added dropwise to a mixture of HgSO4 (0.616 g, 0.0027 mol), H2SO4 (0.616 ml) and water (24 ml) at 85°C with stirring.

Then HgS04 (0.152 g, 0.00052 mol) and H2SO4 (0.152 ml) in water (6 ml) were added over a period of one hour. In total the reaction mixture was heated for five hours at 85 to 100°C. This reaction mixture was then steam distilled. The product was then extracted with DCM, washed with water, dried (MgS04) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure to give a yellow liquid. This crude product 103 (80%) was then used to synthesize the monomethyl analogues. The pyranone (colourless liquid) had a yield

of 2. 38g, 18%. NMR : 81. 29 (d, 3H), 82. 34 (d, 2H), 52. 36 (t, 2H), 63. 77 (t, 2H), 84. 22 (q, 1H).

Example 96 Preparation of 3-amino-6-methyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile trifluoroacetate (compound 104) To the monomethyl hydrazone 103 (0.166 g, 0.00076 mol) in DMSO (0.5 ml) was added malononitrile (0.050 g, 0.00076 mol) and morpholine (0.07 ml, 0.00076 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by prep HPLC and then freeze-dried to give the TFA salt of the pyridazine as a green-brown solid, 104 (0.07g, 35%) ; HPLC (99%, Rut=1. 42); MS (electrospray, [M+H] +) m/z266.99.

Example 97 Preparation of 3-amino-2- (2-ethoxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2, 8-dihydro-6H-pyrano [3,4- c] pyridazine-4- carbonitrile trifluoroacetate (compound 105) 105 To the monomethyl hydrazone 103 (0.248 g, 0.001 mol) in DMSO (1.0 ml) was added malononitrile (0.05 g, 0.001 mol) and morpholine (0.06 ml, 0.001 mol) and the reaction mixture stirred at 80°C for 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled and the product was purified by prep HPLC and then freeze-dried to give the TFA salt of the pyridazine as a green oil, 105 (0.252g, 85%); HPLC (99%, RT=1. 54); MS (electrospray, [M+H]+] m/z297. 12

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS The novel compounds according to the present invention may be administered orally, intranasally, transdermally, subcutaneously, parenterally, intramusculary, as well as intravenously. Oral administration is the preferred route.

The dosage will depend on the route of administration, the severity of the disease, age and weight of the patient, and other factors normally considered by the attending physician when determining the individual regimen and dosage level as the most appropriate for a particular patient.

Either solid or fluid dosage forms can be prepared for oral administration. Solid compositions, such as compressed tablets, are prepared by mixing the compounds of the invention with conventional ingredients such as talc, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium aluminum silicate, calcium sulfate, starch, lactose, acacia, methyl cellulose, or functionally similar pharmaceutical diluents and carriers. Capsules are prepared by mixing the compounds of this invention with an inert pharmaceutical diluent and placing the mixture into an appropriately sized hard gelatin capsule. Soft gelatin capsules are prepared by machine encapsulation of a slurry of the compounds of this invention with an acceptable inert oil such as vegetable oil or light liquid petrolatum.

Syrups are prepared by dissolving compounds of the invention in an aqueous vehicle and adding sugar, aromatic flavoring agents and preservatives. Elixirs are prepared using a hydroalcoholic vehicle such as ethanol, suitable sweeteners such as sugar or saccharin and an aromatic flavoring agent. Suspensions are prepared with an aqueous vehicle and a suspending agent such as acacia, tragacanth, or methyl cellulose.

When the compounds of the invention are administered parenterally, they can be given by injection or by intravenous infusion. Parenteral solutions are prepared by dissolving the compounds of the invention in aqueous vehicle and filter sterilizing the solution before placing in a suitable salable vial or ampule. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same way except a sterile suspension vehicle is used and the compounds of the present invention are sterilized with ethylene oxide or suitable gas before it is suspended in the vehicle.

Thus, a further aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula I, Ia, Ia', and Ib (e. g., a compound specified in the

following Examples) above respectively together with a pharmacologically and pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It is preferred to use pharmaceutically inert carriers which may be solid or liquid. Solid form preparations include but is not limited to powders, tablets, dispersible granules, capsules etc. The skilled person within the formulation field will readily know which carrier to use for the specific circumstance when formulating a composition in accordance with the present invention.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of formula I above, which salts are useful in accordance with the present invention, may be formed from organic and inorganic acids. Examples of such salts are hydrochloride salts, tosylate salts, citrate salts, maleate salts, acetate salts, hydrobromide salts, malate salts, stearate salts, aluminium salts, lithium salts, calcium salts, and magnesium salts among others. This list should however not in any way be regarded as exhaustive. The hydrochloride salts are the preferred salts of the invention.

BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION The compound 6H-Pyrano [3,4-c] pyridazine-4-carbonitrile, 3-amino-2,8- dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-2-phenyl which is commercially available from the company Labotest in Germany, was tested for biological activity in accordance with the present invention, together with other compounds within the scope of the present invention.

Expression andpurification of recombinant human PTPs Human PTP1B (amino acid residues 1-298, cloned from a human placental library), without the GST tag and thrombin cleavage site, was inserted into a pMB replicon and transformed into E. coli BL21 (DE3), a strain containing a chromosomal copy of the gene for T7 RNA polymerase under control of a lacUV5 promoter.

Expression of PTP1B was induced with isopropyl thiogalactose and cells were lysed in lysis buffer comprising 50mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5,10% glycerol, 1mM EDTA, 3rnM DTT, 3mM MgCl2, and 0.2mg/ml lysozyme with lmg/ml DNAse I. The soluble protein was purified by ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction and gel exclusion chromatography for use in assays to identify PTP1B inhibitors. The plasmid pGEX2K- SHP2 which encoded the catalytic domain of human SHP-2 (residues 252-529) was used to transform E. coli cells. After induction of protein expression, cells were lysed in

PBS containing 1 % Triton X100 and lysozyme (2mg/ml). Recombinant protein was purified by glutathione sepharose 4B chromatography followed by Superdex 200 size exclusion chromatography. Recombinant proteins were stored at-70°C until used.

Recombinant T cell PTP (TCPTP) and LAR were purchased from New England Biolabs.

Measurement of PTP activity Human PTP1B activity was measured using p-nitrophenol phosphate (pNPP) as substrate in a 96-well microtiter plate format. An assay pH of 7.2 is used for standard assays (measured extinction coefficient =9800 at pH 7.2).

Standard assays were conducted at room temperature in a total volume of 0.2 ml that contains Hepes buffer (50 mM, pH 7.2), NaCl (50 mM), EDTA (1 mM), DTT (1 mM), bovine serum albumin (1 mg/ml), pNPP (1.25mM) and PTP1B (500ng/ml, 13. 5nM). A master plate was set up for each compound in which a stock solution of compound in DMSO (19mM or lmM) was diluted 1 to 10 with assay buffer in column 1 (giving a 1mM or 100 gM concentration). Substances were subsequently diluted serially by two thirds in all columns across the plate. For enzyme assays, 20 pi of each diluted compound was removed to a new plate and diluted to 200 pi (final volume) with 160, ul pNPP solution and 20 p1 PTP1B solution. Reactions were thus started immediately and were stopped after 60 minutes by addition of 100 pi 0. 1N NaOH. The oD405 was subsequently measured. Two wells on each plate contained DMSO controls and two wells contained sodium orthovanadate (2mM) which inhibits PTPlB-catalyzed hydrolysis of pNPP completely. Data were corrected for background absorbance by the subtraction of the optical densities from a no-enzyme control plate and were expressed as percent inhibition relative to the average of the vanadate controls measured on the same microtiter plate. The activity of the other PTPs was determined in a similar fashion except that the concentration of pNPP was varied according to the Km values for individual enzymes (0.6mM for TCPTP and 6.25mM for each of SHP-2 and LAR) and the buffer used for TCPTP was 25mM Tris-HCl pH 7.2.

Cell-based analysis of compound activity The effects of compounds on the phosphorylation status of the insulin receptor was measured using L6 muscle cells expressing the receptor endogenously. L6

myocytes were cultured in oc-MEM with 10% foetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Cells were differentiated into myotubes in 24-well plates by culturing for 10 days in medium containing 2% serum. The medium was refreshed on alternate days and 0.24mg/ml cytidine was included from day 7 to stop any remaining cycling cells. Cells were starved of serum overnight prior to use. Cells were pretreated with compound at approximately five times the ICso for inhibition of PTP1B for 30 minutes, prior to being stimulated with insulin (25nM) for five minutes. Cells were lysed in buffer comprising 25mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4,150mM NaCl, 1mM EDTA, 1mM EGTA, 1% Nonidet-40, 0.25% sodium deoxycholate, 1mM sodium orthovanadate, lOmM (3-glycerophosphate, 5mM sodium pyrophosphate and protease inhibitors. Cleared lysates were stored at- 70°C until used.

Insulin receptor phosphorylation was assessed using a lanthanide-based fluorescent assay (DELFIA). An anti-insulin receptor antibody was captured on the wells of a 96-well plate using an anti-rabbit IgG antibody. After incubation with lysates containing between 100-2501lu protein which was consistent for all wells in a single experiment, phosphate on the receptor was detected with a biotinylated anti- phosphotyrosine antibody (PY99B from Santa Cruz) and europium-labelled streptavidin.

Results ICSO values were determined for all compounds against each of four PTPs (PTP1B, SHP-2, LAR and TCPTP). Compounds were active across a wide range of concentrations from 100 nM to 50 J. M.

Representative compounds from across the series were analysed in cell-based assays in which effects on insulin-stimulated auto-phosphorylation of the insulin receptor was determined. Compounds caused statistically-significant increases in receptor phosphorylation by between 20% to 70%.