DERIVATIVES

The present invention relates to a class of substituted piperazine derivatives which act on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors, being selective agonists of so-called "5-HT.-like" receptors. They are therefore useful in the treatment of clinical conditions for which a selective agonist of these receptors is indicated.

It has been known for some time that 5-HT--like receptor agonists which exhibit selective vasoconstrictor activity are of use in the treatment of migraine (see, for example, A. Doenicke et al., The Lancet, 1988, Vol. 1, 1309-11; and W. Feniuk and P.P.A. Humphrey, Drug Development Research, 1992, 26, 235-240).

The human 5-HTι-like or 5-HTID receptor has recently been shown by molecular cloning techniques to exist in two distinct subtypes. These subtypes have been termed 5-HTiD _α (or 5-HTID-I) and 5-HTiD _β (or 5-HT1D-2), and their amino acid sequences are disclosed and claimed in WO-A-91/17174.

The 5-HT-D _α receptor subtype in humans is believed to reside on sensory terminals in the dura mater. Stimulation of the 5-HTiD _α subtype inhibits the release of inflammatory neuropeptides which are thought to contribute to the headache pain of migraine. The human 5-HT-D _P receptor subtype, meanwhile, is located predominantly on the blood vessels and in the brain, and hence may play a part in mediating constriction of cerebral and coronary arteries, as well as CNS effects.

Administration of the prototypical 5-HT agonist sumatriptan (GR43175) to humans is known to give rise at therapeutic doses to certain adverse cardiovascular events (see, for example, F. Willett et al., Br. Med. J., 1992, 304, 1415; J.P. Ottervanger et al, The Lancet, 1993, 341, 861-2; and D.N. Bateman, The Lancet, 1993. 341, 221-4). Since sumatriptan

barely discriminates between the human 5-HTiD _a and 5-HT.D _P receptor subtypes (cf. WO-A-91/17174, Table 1), and since it is the blood vessels with which the 5-HTiD _β subtype is most closely associated, it is believed that the cardiovascular side-effects observed with sumatriptan can be attributed to stimulation of the 5-HT p receptor subtype. It is accordingly considered (cf. G.W. Rebeck et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1994, 91, 3666-9) that compounds which can interact selectively with the 5-HTi _Dα receptor subtype, whilst having a less pronounced action at the 5-HT. _D p subtype, might be free from, or at any rate less prone to, the undesirable cardiovascular and other side-effects associated with non-subtype-selective 5-HTID receptor agonists, whilst at the same time maintaining a beneficial level of anti-migraine activity.

The compounds of the present invention, being selective 5-HTι-like receptor agonists, are accordingly of benefit in the treatment of migraine and associated conditions, e.g. cluster headache, chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, headache associated with vascular disorders, tension headache and paediatric migraine. In particular, the compounds according to this invention are potent agonists of the human 5-HTin _a receptor subtype. Moreover, the compounds in accordance with this invention have been found to possess at least a 10-fold selective affinity for the 5-HTiD _α receptor subtype relative to the 5-HTiDp subtype, and they can therefore be expected to manifest fewer side-effects than those associated with non-subtype-selective 5-HT receptor agonists.

Several distinct classes of substituted five-membered heteroaromatic compounds are described in published European patent application 0497512, and published International patent applications 93/18029, 94/02477 and 94/03446. The compounds described therein are stated to be agonists of 5-HTi-like receptors, and accordingly to be of particular use in the treatment of migraine and associated conditions. None of these publications, however, discloses nor even suggests the substituted piperazine derivatives provided by the present invention.

In EP-A-0548813 is described a series of alkoxypyridin-4-yl and alkoxypyrimidin-4-yl derivatives of indol-3-ylalkylpiperazines which are alleged to provide treatment of vascular or vascular-related headaches, including migraine. There is, however, no disclosure nor any suggestion in EP-A-0548813 of replacing the alkoxypyridine or alkoxypyrimidine substituent with a substituted benzyl moiety; nor is there any suggestion therein that the range of substituents specified at the 5-position of the indole moiety might be replaced by a l,2,4-triazol-4-yl ring.

Moreover, nowhere in the prior art mentioned above is there any disclosure of a subtype-selective 5-HTID receptor agonist having a 5-HTi _Dα receptor binding affinity (IC50) below 50 nM and at least a 10-fold selective affinity for the 5-HTiD _α receptor subtype relative to the 5-HTiD _p subtype.

The compounds according to the present invention are subtype- selective 5-HTID receptor agonists having a human 5-HTID _Q receptor binding affinity (IC50) below 50 nM, typically below 10 nM and preferably below 1 nM; and at least a 10-fold selective affinity, typically at least a 50- fold selective affinity and preferably at least a 100-fold selective affinity, for the human 5-HT-D _α receptor subtype relative to the 5-HT.Dp subtype. Moreover, the compounds in accordance with this invention possess interesting properties in terms of their efficacy and/or bioavailability.

The present invention provides a compound of formula I, or a salt or prodrug thereof:

(I)

wherein

R ¹ represents hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, Cj-6 alkoxy or a group of formula (a):

(a)

R ² and R ³ independently represent hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl or Ci-β alkoxy;

E represents a straight or branched alkylene chain containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and Z represents hydroxy, Ci-β alkoxy, aryl(C..6)alkoxy, an imidazolyl or pyrrolidinyl group, or a group of formula (Za) or (Zb):

(Za) (Zb)

in which the broken line represents an optional chemical bond; and R ⁴ represents C.-6 alkyl.

The compounds in accordance with the present invention are encompassed within the generic scope of co-pending International Patent Application No. PCT/GB95/01129, published as WO 95/32196 on 30 November 1995. There is, however, no specific disclosure therein of compounds corresponding to those of formula I above wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , E and Z are as defined above.

As used herein, the expression "C.-G alkyl" includes methyl and ethyl groups, and straight-chained or branched propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl groups. Particular alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, π-propyl,

isopropyl and tert-butyl. Derived expressions such as "Cι-« alkoxy" are to be construed accordingly.

The term "aryl" as used herein includes phenyl and naphthyl. A typical aryl(Cι-6)alkoxy group is benzyloxy. The term "halogen" as used herein includes fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine, especially fluorine.

For use in medicine, the salts of the compounds of formula I will be pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Other salts may, however, be useful in the preparation of the compounds according to the invention or of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of this invention include acid addition salts which may, for example, be formed by mixing a solution of the compound according to the invention with a solution of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid such as hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, methanesulphonic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, carbonic acid or phosphoric acid.

The present invention includes within its scope prodrugs of the compounds of formula I above. In general, such prodrugs will be functional derivatives of the compounds of formula I which are readily convertible in vivo into the required compound of formula I. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in Design of Prodrugs, ed. H. Bundgaard, Elsevier, 1985.

The compounds according to the invention have at least one asymmetric centre, and they may accordingly exist as enantiomers. Where the compounds according to the invention possess two or more asymmetric centres, they may additionally exist as diastereoisomers. It is to be understood that all such isomers and mixtures thereof in any proportion are encompassed within the scope of the present invention. In the compounds of formula I above, the moiety R ¹ suitably represents hydrogen, fluoro, trifluoromethyl, methoxy or a group of

formula (a) as defined above. Particular values of R ¹ include hydrogen, fluoro and trifluoromethyl, especially hydrogen or fluoro.

Suitably, R ² and R ³ independently represent hydrogen, fluoro, trifluoromethyl or methoxy, in particular hydrogen or fluoro. Suitably, one or both of R ² and R ³ represents hydrogen.

Suitably, R ⁴ represents methyl.

The alkylene chain E in the compounds of formula I above may be, for example, methylene, ethylene, 1 -methy lethylene, propylene, 2- methylpropylene or butylene. Suitably, E represents a methylene or ethylene linkage.

Particular values for the substituent Z include hydroxy, methoxy, benzyloxy, imidazol- 1-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, oxazol-2-on-3-yl, oxazolidin-2-on- 3-yl and 5-methyl-l, 2, 4-oxadiazol-3-yl.

A particular sub-class of compounds according to the invention is represented by the compounds of formula II, and salts and prodrugs thereof:

(II)

wherein R ¹ , R ² and R ³ are as defined above; e is 1 or 2; and

Z ¹ represents hydroxy, methoxy, benzyloxy, imidazol- 1-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, oxazol-2-on-3-yl, oxazolidin-2-on-3-yl or 5-methyl-l, 2,4- oxadiazol-3-yl. Particular values of R ¹ in relation to formula II above include hydrogen, fluoro and trifluoromethyl, especially hydrogen or fluoro.

In one embodiment of the compounds of formula II above, R ² is hydrogen and R ³ is other than hydrogen.

In another embodiment of the compounds of formula II above, R ² and R ³ are both hydrogen.

Specific compounds within the scope of the present invention include: l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl 2-(oxazol-2-on-3-yl)-l- p heny lethyl] p ip er azine ; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl -4- 2-(oxazolidin-2-on-3-yl)- l-phenylethyl]piperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl -4- l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-

(oxazolidin-2-on-3-yl)ethyl]piperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl ^■ 4- 3-hydroxy-l- phenylpropyl)piperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl •4- 2-(imidazol-l-yl)-l- phenylethyl]piperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyi; l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2- hydroxyethyl]piperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyI •4- l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2- methoxyethyl]piperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyI -4- 3-(5-methyl-l,2,4- oxadiazol-3-yl)-l-phenylpropyl]piperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl -4- 2-benzyloxy- 1-(4- fluorop he ny l)ethy ljpiperazine ; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyI •4- l-(4-fluorophenyl)-3- methoxypropyl]piperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl -4- l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-

(imidazol- l-yl)ethy ljpiperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl ^■ 4- l-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin-l- yl)ethyl]piperazine;

l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[l-(4-f luσrophenyl)-3- hydroxypropyljpiperazine; l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[3-(imi dazol-l-yl)-l- phenylpropyl]piperazine; and salts and prodrugs thereof.

The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of this invention in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Preferably these compositions are in unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills, capsules, powders, granules, sterile parenteral solutions or suspensions, metered aerosol or liquid sprays, drops, ampoules, auto-injector devices or suppositories; for oral, parenteral, intranasal, sublingual or rectal administration, or for administration by inhalation or insufflation. For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, the principal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g. conventional tableting ingredients such as corn starch, lactose, sucrose, sorbitol, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, dicalcium phosphate or gums, and other pharmaceutical diluents, e.g. water, to form a solid preformulation composition containing a homogeneous mixture of a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. When referring to these preformulation compositions as homogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenly throughout the composition so that the composition may be readily subdivided into equally effective unit dosage forms such as tablets, pills and capsules. This solid preformulation composition is then subdivided into unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from 0.1 to about 500 mg of the active ingredient of the present invention. Typical unit dosage forms contain from 1 to 100 mg, for example 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100 mg, of the active ingredient. The tablets or pills of the novel composition can be coated or otherwise compounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolonged action. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage and an outer

dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelope over the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layer which serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permits the inner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed in release. A variety of materials can be used for such enteric layers or coatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids and mixtures of polymeric acids with such materials as shellac, cetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate.

The liquid forms in which the novel compositions of the present invention may be incorporated for administration orally or by injection include aqueous solutions, suitably flavoured syrups, aqueous or oil suspensions, and flavoured emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil, coconut oil or peanut oil, as well as elixirs and similar pharmaceutical vehicles. Suitable dispersing or suspending agents for aqueous suspensions include synthetic and natural gums such as tragacanth, acacia, alginate, dextran, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone or gelatin.

In the treatment of migraine, a suitable dosage level is about 0.01 to 250 mg/kg per day, preferably about 0.05 to 100 mg/kg per day, and especially about 0.05 to 5 mg/kg per day. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day.

The compounds according to the invention may be prepared by a process which comprises reacting the compound of formula III with a compound of formula IV:

(III)

(IV)

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , E and Z are as defined above, and L ¹ Represents a suitable leaving group.

The leaving group L ¹ is suitably a halogen atom, e.g. chlorine or bromine, or an alkylsulphonyloxy or arylsulphonyloxy group, e.g. methanesulphonyloxy (mesyloxy) or p-toluenesulphonyloxy (tosyloxy).

The reaction between compounds III and IV is conveniently effected by stirring the reactants under basic conditions in a suitable solvent, for example triethylamine or potassium carbonate in V.iV-dimethylformamide or isopropanol, typically in the presence of sodium iodide. In another procedure, the compounds according to the invention may be prepared by a process which comprises reacting the compound of formula III as defined above with a compound of formula V:

(V)

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , E and Z are as defined above; in the presence of a reducing agent.

A suitable reducing agent for effecting this process is sodium cyanoborohydride, and the reaction is conveniently carried out in methanol, typically in the presence of acetic acid, at room temperature. The compound of formula III above may be prepared by a process which comprises reacting the compound of formula VI:

(VI)

with a compound of formula VII, or a carbonyl-protected form thereof:

(VII)

wherein RP represents an amino-protecting group; with subsequent removal of the amino-protecting group RP.

The reaction between compounds VI and VII, which is an example of the well-known Fischer indole synthesis, is suitably carried out by heating the reagents together under mildly acidic conditions, e.g. 4% sulphuric acid at reflux.

Suitable carbonyl-protected forms of the compounds of formula VII include the dimethyl acetal derivatives. The protecting group RP in the compounds of formula VII is suitably a carbamoyl moiety such as terf-butoxycarbonyl (BOC), which can conveniently be removed as necessary by treatment under mildly acidic conditions. Indeed, the acidic conditions of the Fischer indole synthesis reaction will generally suffice to remove the BOC group. The Fischer reaction between compounds VI and VII may be carried out in a single step, or may proceed via an initial non-cyclising step at a lower temperature to give an intermediate of formula VIII:

wherein RP is as defined above; followed by cyclisation using a suitable reagent, e.g. a polyphosphate ester.

The intermediates of formula VII, or carbonyl-protected forms thereof, may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula IX, or a carbonyl-protected form thereof, with a compound of formula X:

(IX) (X)

wherein RP is as defined above, and L ² represents a suitable leaving group.

The leaving group L ² is suitably a halogen atom, e.g. chlorine or bromine.

Where L ² represents a halogen atom, the reaction between compounds IX and X is conveniently effected by stirring the reactants under basic conditions in a suitable solvent, for example potassium carbonate in Λ^iV-dimethylformamide, or triethylamine in tetrahydrofuran or acetonitrile.

The compounds according to the invention may alternatively be prepared by a process which comprises reacting the compound of formula VI as defined above with a compound of formula XI, or a carbonyl- protected form thereof:

(XI)

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , E and Z are as defined above; under conditions analogous to those described above for the reaction between compounds VI and VII.

As for the compounds of formula VII, suitable carbonyl-protected forms of the compounds of formula XI include the dimethyl acetal derivatives.

As with that between compounds VI and VII, the Fischer reaction between compounds VI and XI may be carried out in a single step, or may proceed via an initial non-cyclising step at a lower temperature to give an intermediate of formula XII:

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , E and Z are as defined above; followed by cyclisation using a suitable reagent, e.g. a polyphosphate ester.

The intermediates of formula XI, or carbonyl-protected forms thereof, may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula IX as defined above, or a carbonyl-protected form thereof, with a compound of formula XIII:

(XIII)

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , E and Z are as defined above; under conditions analogous to those described above for the reaction between compounds IX and X.

In an alternative procedure, the compounds of formula III above may be prepared by a process which comprises reacting a compound of formula X as defined above with a compound of formula XIV:

wherein L ³ represents a suitable leaving group; followed by removal of the amino-protecting group RP.

Similarly, the compounds of formula I as defined above may be prepared by a process which comprises reacting a compound of formula

XIII as defined above with a compound of formula XIV as defined above. The leaving group L ³ is suitably an alkylsulphonyloxy or arylsulphonyloxy group, e.g. methanesulphonyloxy (mesyloxy) or p-toluenesulphonyloxy (tosyloxy). Where L ³ represents an alkylsulphonyloxy or arylsulphonyloxy group, the reaction between compound XIV and compound X or XIII is conveniently carried out in a suitable solvent such as 1,2-dimethoxyethane or isopropyl alcohol, typically in the presence of a base such as sodium

carbonate or potassium carbonate, optionally with the addition of sodium iodide.

In one representative approach, the compounds of formula XIV wherein L ³ represents a mesyloxy or tosyloxy group may be prepared by the sequence of steps illustrated in the following reaction scheme (cf. Larock and Yum, J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1991, 113, 6689):

(XV)

wherein L ⁴ represents mesyloxy or tosyloxy, and TMS is an abbreviation for trimethylsilyl. In Step 1 of the reaction scheme, the aniline derivative XV is treated with iodine monochloride, advantageously in methanol in the presence of a base such as calcium carbonate, in order to introduce an iodine atom ortho to the amine moiety. Step 2 involves a palladium- mediated coupling reaction with the protected acetylene derivative TMS-C≡C-(CH2) ₃ -OH, typically using palladium acetate and triphenylphosphine in the presence of lithium chloride and sodium carbonate, suitably in -V,-V-dimethylformamide at an elevated temperature. This is followed in Step 3 by removal of the TMS moiety, ideally in refluxing methanolic hydrochloric acid; followed in turn by mesylation or tosylation, suitably by using mesyl chloride or tosyl chloride respectively in pyridine.

In another representative approach, the compounds of formula XIV wherein L ³ represents a mesyloxy or tosyloxy group may be prepared by reacting 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran with the compound of formula VI as defined

above or a salt thereof, under a variant of the Fischer reaction conditions as described above for the reaction between compounds VI and VII; followed by mesylation or tosylation of the 3-hydroxypropyl-indole derivative thereby obtained, typically by treatment with mesyl chloride or tosyl chloride under standard conditions.

The Fischer reaction with 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran is suitably brought about by heating the hydrazine derivative VI or an acid addition salt thereof, typically the hydrochloride salt, in an inert solvent such as dioxan, advantageously in the presence of a mineral acid such as hydrochloric acid or a Lewis acid such as zinc chloride, at the reflux temperature of the solvent.

In a further procedure, the compounds of formula III above may be prepared by a process which comprises reducing a compound of formula XVI:

(XVI)

wherein RP is as defined above; with subsequent removal of the amino- protecting group RP. Similarly, the compounds according to the invention may be prepared by a process which comprises reducing a compound of formula XVII:

(XVII)

wherein R ¹ , R ² , R ³ , E and Z are as defined above.

The reduction of compound XVI or compound XVII is conveniently effected by treating the appropriate compound with a reducing agent such as lithium aluminium hydride in an appropriate solvent, e.g. diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran, or mixtures thereof.

The compounds of formulae XVI and XVII above may suitably be prepared by reacting the appropriate compound of formula X or XIII with a compound of formula XVIII:

(XVIII)

wherein J represents a reactive carboxylate moiety. Suitable values for the reactive carboxylate moiety J include esters, for example Cι- alkyl esters; acid anhydrides, for example mixed anhydrides with C ₁ . ₄ alkanoic acids; acid halides, for example acid chlorides; and acylimidazoles.

By way of example, the intermediates of formula XVIII above wherein J is an acid chloride moiety may be prepared by treating the corresponding carboxylic acid derivative with thionyl chloride in toluene.

Similarly, the intermediates of formula XVIII wherein J is an

acylimidazole moiety may be prepared by treating the corresponding carboxylic acid derivative with l,l'-carbonyldiimidazole. Alternatively, the reactive carboxylate moiety J may be obtained by treating the corresponding compound wherein J is carboxy with l-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and 1- hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate, optionally in the presence of triethylamine; the resulting activated carboxylate intermediate may then suitably be reacted in situ with the required compound of formula X or XIII.

In a still further procedure, the compounds of formula I above wherein Z represents hydroxy may be prepared by a process which comprises reducing a compound of formula XIX:

(XIX)

wherein E ¹ represents a chemical bond or a straight or branched alkylene chain containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R ^x represents CI.G alkyl, and R ¹ , R ² and R ³ are as defined above.

The reduction of the ester functionality in compound XIX may conveniently be effected by treatment with a reducing agent such as lithium aluminium hydride, typically in a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran.

In a yet further procedure, the compounds of formula I above wherein Z represents imidazol- 1-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, oxazol-2-on-3-yl or oxazolidin-2-on-3-yl may be prepared by a process which comprises reacting a compound of formula XX with a compound of formula XXI:

(XX) (XXI)

wherein Z ² represents imidazol- 1-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, oxazol-2-on-3-yl or oxazolidin-2-on-3-yl, L ⁵ represents a suitable leaving group, and R ¹ , R ² , R ³ and E are as defined above.

The leaving group L ⁵ suitably represents mesyloxy or tosyloxy. Where Z ² represents an oxazol-2-on-3-yl moiety, compound XXI is desirably treated with a strong base such as sodium hydride, in order to generate the anion thereof prior to reaction with compound XX. In this context, a suitable solvent is iV,N-dimethylformamide, and the reaction is typically carried out at room temperature. Otherwise, the reaction between compounds XX and XXI can be effected in the absence of added base, and will conveniently be accomplished in tetrahydrofuran as solvent, at an elevated temperature under sealed tube conditions. Where the leaving group L ⁵ is mesyloxy or tosyloxy, the intermediate of formula XX may conveniently be prepared by mesylation or tosylation respectively of the corresponding compound of formula I wherein Z is hydroxy. The latter compound may conveniently be prepared by reduction of the appropriate compound of formula XIX as described above.

The hydrazine derivative of formula VI above can be prepared by the method described in WO 94/03446, as also can the aniline derivative of formula XV.

Where they are not commercially available, the starting materials of formula IV, V, IX, X, XIII, XVIII, XIX and XXI may be prepared by methods analogous to those described in the accompanying Examples, or by standard procedures well known from the art.

It will be appreciated that any compound of formula I initially obtained from any one of the above processes may, where appropriate, subsequently be elaborated into a further compound of formula I using techniques known from the art. For example, a compound of formula I wherein Z is hydroxy initially obtained may be converted into the corresponding compound wherein Z is amino by mesylation of the hydroxy group with mesyl chloride under standard conditions, followed by treatment with ammonia in methanol/tetrahydrofuran in a sealed tube at an elevated temperature; the resulting amino compound can then be treated with 2-chloroethyl chloroformate to yield the respective chloroethyl carbamate derivative, with subsequent ring closure by treatment with sodium hydride to afford the desired compound of formula I wherein Z represents an oxazolidin-2-on-3-yl moiety.

Where the above-described processes for the preparation of the compounds according to the invention give rise to mixtures of stereoisomers, these isomers may be separated by conventional techniques such as preparative chromatography. The novel compounds may be prepared in racemic form, or individual enantiomers may be prepared either by enantiospecific synthesis or by resolution. The novel compounds may, for example, be resolved into their component enantiomers by standard techniques such as preparative HPLC, or the formation of diastereomeric pairs by salt formation with an optically active acid, such as (-)-dι-p-toluoyl-d-tartaπc acid and/or (+)-dι-p-toluoyl-l-tartarιc acid, followed by fractional crystallization and regeneration of the free base. The novel compounds may also be resolved by formation of diastereomeric esters or amides, followed by chromatographic separation and removal of the chiral auxiliary.

During any of the above synthetic sequences it may be necessary and/or desirable to protect sensitive or reactive groups on any of the molecules concerned. This may be achieved by means of conventional protecting groups, such as those described in Protective Groups m Organic

Chemistry, ed. J.F.W. McOmie, Plenum Press, 1973; and T.W. Greene & P.G.M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, John Wiley & Sons, 1991. The protecting groups may be removed at a convenient subsequent stage using methods known from the art. The following Examples illustrate the preparation of compounds according to the invention.

The compounds in accordance with the present invention potently and selectively bind to the 5-HTiD _α receptor subtype, inhibit forskohn- stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity, and stimulate [ ³⁵ S]-GTPγS binding to membranes from clonal cell lines expressing human cloned receptors.

5-HTι _Dα /5-HT _1D p Radioligand Binding

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) clonal cell fines expressing the human 5-HT-D _α and 5-HTiDp receptors were harvested in PBS and homogenised in ice cold 50 mM Tris-HCl (pH 7.7 at room temperature) with a Kinematica polytron and centrifuged at 48,000g at 4°C for 11 min The pellet was then resuspended in 50 mM Tns-HCl followed by a 10 min incubation at 37°C. Fmally the tissue was recentπfuged at 48,000g, 4°C for 11 mm and the pellet resuspended, in assay buffer (composition in mM Tns-HCl 50, pargyhne 0.01, CaCl ₂ 4; ascorbate 0.1%; pH 7 7 at room temperature) to give the required volume immediately prior to use (0.2 mg protem ml). Incubations were carried out for 30 min at 37°C in the presence of 0.02-150 nM [ H]-5-HT for saturation studies or 2-5 nM [ ³ H]-5- HT for displacement studies The final assay volume was 1 ml. 5-HT (10 μM) was used to define non-specific binding. The reaction was initiated by the addition of membrane and was terminated by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B filters (presoaked in 0.3% PEI/ 0.5% Triton X) followed by 2 x 4 ml washings with 50 mM Tris-HCl The radioactive filters were then counted on a LKB beta or a Wallac beta plate counter. Binding parameters were determined by non-linear, least squares regression

analysis using an iterative curve fitting routine, from which IC50 (the molar concentration of compound necessary to inhibit binding by 50%) values could be calculated for each test compound. The IC50 values for binding to the 5-HTiD _α receptor subtype obtained for the compounds of the accompanying Examples were below 50 nM in each case. Furthermore, the compounds of the accompanying Examples were all found to possess a selective affinity for the 5-HTiD _α receptor subtype of at least 10-fold relative to the 5-HTiDp subtype.

5-HT.D _α /5-HTiDp Adenylyl Cyclase Assay

Studies were performed essentially as described in J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1986, 238, 248. CHO clonal cell lines expressing the human cloned 5-HTiD _α and 5-HTID _P receptors were harvested in PBS and homogenised, using a motor driven teflon/glass homogeniser, in ice cold Tris HC1-EGTA buffer (composition in mM: Tris HCl 10, EGTA 1, pH 8.0 at room temperature) and incubated on ice for 30-60 min. The tissue was then centrifuged at 20,000g for 20 min at 4°C, the supernatant discarded and the pellet resuspended in Tris HC1-EDTA buffer (composition in mM: Tris HCl 50, EDTA 5, pH 7.6 at room temperature) just prior to assay.

The adenylyl cyclase activity was determined by measuring the conversion of α-[ ³³ P]-ATP to [ ³ P]-cyclic AMP. A 10 μl aliquot of the membrane suspension was incubated, for 10-15 min, in a final volume of 50 μl, at 30°C, with or without forskolin (10 μM), in the presence or absence of test compound. The incubation buffer consisted of 50 mM Tris HCl (pH 7.6 at room temperature), 100 mM NaCl, 30 μM GTP, 50 μM cyclic AMP, 1 mM dithiothreitol, 1 mM ATP, 5 mM MgCl ₂ , 1 mM EGTA, 1 mM 3-isobutyl-l- methylxanthine, 3.5 mM creatinine phosphate, 0.2 mg/ml creatine phosphokinase, 0.5-1 μCi α-[ ³³ P]-ATP and 1 nCi [ ³ H]-cyclic AMP. The incubation was initiated by the addition of membrane, following a 5 min preincubation at 30°C, and was terminated by the addition of 100 μl SDS

(composition m mM: sodium lauryl sulphate 2%, ATP 45, eyclic AMP 1.3, pH 7.5 at room temperature). The ATP and cyclic AMP were separated on a double column chromatography system (Anal. Biochem., 1974, 58, 541). Functional parameters were determined using a least squares curve fitting programme ALLFIT (Am. J. Physiol, 1978, 235, E97) from which Emax (maximal effect) and EC50 (the molar concentration of compound necessary to inhibit the maximal effect by 50%) values were obtained for each test compound. Of those compounds which were tested in this assay, the EC50 values for the 5-HTID ₀ receptor obtained for the compounds of the accompanying Examples were below 500 nM m each case. Moreover, the compounds of the accompanying Examples which were tested were all found to possess at least a 10-fold selectivity for the 5-HTiD _α receptor subtype relative to the 5-HTiDp subtype.

5-HT _1Dα /5-HTiD _β GTPγS Binding

Studies were performed essentially as described in Br. J. Pharmacol, 1993, 109, 1120. CHO clonal cell lines expressing the human cloned 5-HTiD _α and 5-HTID _P receptors were harvested in PBS and homogenised using a Kmematica polytron in ice cold 20 mM HEPES containing 10 mM EDTA, pH 7.4 at room temperature The membranes were then centrifuged at 40,000g, 4°C for 15 min The pellet was then resuspended m ice cold 20 mM HEPES containing 0.1 mM EDTA, pH 7.4 at room temperature and recentrifuged at 40,000g, 4°C for 15-25 minutes The membranes were then resuspended in assay buffer (composition in mM: HEPES 20, NaCl 100, MgCl ₂ 10, pargyhne 0.01, ascorbate 0 1%; pH 7.4 at room temperature) at a concentration of 40 μg protein/ml for the 5-HTiD _α receptor transfected cells and 40-50 μg protein/ml for the 5-HTi _D p receptor transfected cells The membrane suspension was then incubated in a volume of 1 ml, with GDP (100 μM for 5-HTiD _α receptor transfected cells, 30 μM for the 5-HTiDp receptor transfected cells) and test compound

at 30°C for 20 min and then transferred to ice for a further 15 min. [ ³⁵ S]-GTPγS was then added at a final concentration of 100 pM and the samples incubated for 30 min at 30°C. The reaction was initiated by the addition of membrane and was terminated by rapid filtration through Whatman GF/B filters and washed with 5 ml water. The radioactive filters were then counted on a LKB beta counter. Functional parameters were determined by a non-linear, least squares regression analysis using an iterative curve fitting routine, from which Emax (maximal effect) and EC50 (the molar concentration of compound necessary to inhibit the maximal effect by 50%) values were obtained for each test compound. Of those compounds which were tested in this assay, the EC50 values for the 5-HTiD _α receptor obtained for the compounds of the accompanying Examples were below 500 nM in each case. Moreover, the compounds of the accompanying Examples which were tested were all found to possess at least a 10-fold selectivity for the 5-HTiD _α receptor subtype relative to the 5-HTiDp subtype.

EXAMPLE 1

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyll-4-r3-h vdroxy-l- phenylpropyl]piperazine. 1.9 Hydrogen Oxalate

Intermediate 1: 4-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)phenylhvdrazine

Prepared as described in WO 94/03446, Example 1.

Intermediate 2: l-(3-[5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yllpropyl)-4-(Hι- piperazine. 3.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

1. 5-f4-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)piperazin-l-vπpentanal dimethyl acetal

a) 5-Bromopentanal dimethyl acetal

To a solution of 5-bromovaleryl chloride (50g, 0.251mol) in anhydrous THF (500ml), at -78°C, was added hthium tτi-tert- butoxyaluminohydride (l.OM solution in tetrahydrofuran, 300ml; 0.30mol), keeping the temperature below -70°C. The solution was stirred at -78°C for 5h and then quenched by dropwise addition of 2M hydrochloric acid (350ml). The mixture was warmed to room temperature and stirred for 16h. Diethyl ether (500ml) was added, the aqueous phase separated and extracted further with ether (x 2). The combined extracts were washed with saturated Na2CO3 solution (x 1), water (x 1) and brine (x 2), dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated to give 5-bromovaleraldehyde (37.5g, 91%). A solution of 5-bromovaleraldehyde (37.5g, 0.227mol) in methanol (250ml) and concentrated sulphuric acid (0.5ml) was stirred at room temperature for 3h. The solvent was removed under vacuum and to the residue was added K2CO3 solution (50ml) and diethyl ether (500ml). The aqueous layer was separated and re-extracted with ether (x 2). The combined extracts were washed with water and brine, dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The crude product was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with diethyl ether/hexane (1:9) to give the title-acetal (27.5g, 57%). δ (250MHz, CDCI3) 1.43-1.67 (4H, m, 2 of CH ₂ ); 1.83-1.94 (2H, m, CH ₂ ); 3.38 (6H, s, CH(OMe) ₂ ); 3.42 (2H, t, J = 7Hz, CH ₂ Br), 4.37 (IH, t, J = 7Hz, CH(OMe) ₂ ).

b) 5-r4-(tertt-Butyloxycarbonyl)piperazin-l-yllpentanal dimethyl acetal A mixture of 5-bromovaleraldehyde dimethyl acetal (27.5 g, 0.13mol), Na ₂ CO (20.7g, 0.195mol), sodium iodide (19.5g, 0.13mol) and tert-butyl- 1-piperazinecarboxylate (25.5g, 0.137mol), in dimethoxyethane (250ml), was heated at 100°C for 3h. Aluminium foil was wrapped around the vessel to exclude light. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and then EtOAc (50ml) added and the mixture filtered again to remove inorganic salts. The solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue

chromatographed on silica gel eluting with EtOAc to give-the title-product (25.7g. 63%). δ (250MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) 1.29-1.71 (6H, m, 3 of CH ₂ ); 1.46 (9H, s, OC(Me) ₃ ); 2.31-2.39 (6H, m, 3 of CH ₂ ); 3.32 (6H, s, CH(OMe) ₂ ); 3.41-3.45 (4H, m, 2 of CH2); 4.36 (IH, t, J = 6Hz, CH(OMe) ₂ ).

2. l-(3-r5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-vD-lH-indol-3-yllpropyl)-4-(H)-pipe razine. 3.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

A mixture of Intermediate 1 (5.0g, 28.6mmol) and 5-[4-(tert- butyloxycarbonyl)piperazin-l-yl]pentanal dimethylacetal (9.03g, 28.6mmol) in 4% sulphuric acid (150ml) was heated at reflux for 48h. The solution was cooled in an ice-bath, basified with solid K ₂ CO3 and extracted with butan-1-ol (x 3). The solvent was removed under vacuum and azeotroped with hexane (x 2). The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with CH2Cl2 MeOH/NH3 (30:8:1) to give the title-indole (3.9g, 44%). The 3.5 hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared using 200mg of free base: mp 90-92°C. (Found: C, 45.97; H, 4.76; N, 13.77. Cι ₇ H22N ₆ .3.5(C2H2θ ) requires C, 46.08; H, 4.76; N, 13.43%); δ (360MHz, D ₂ O) 2.12-2.24 (2H, m, CH ₂ ); 2.93 (2H, t, J = 7Hz, CH ₂ ); 3.46- 3.76 (8H, m, 4 of CH ₂ ); 7.37 (IH, dd, J = 1.9 and 8.7Hz, Ar-H); 7.39 (IH, s, Ar-H); 7.66 (IH, d, J = 8.7, Ar-H); 7.82 (IH, d, J = 1.9Hz, Ar-H); 9.13 (2H, s, Triazole-H).

Step 1: 3-Bromo-3-phenylpropan-l-ol

To a solution of 3-phenylpropan-l-ol (5mL, 0.037mol) in CC1 (60mL) was added N-bromosuccinimide (6.5g, 0.037mol) and benzoyl peroxide (383mg of 70% technical grade, l.lmmol). The mixture was heated at reflux for 3h, after which time the solution was cooled and filtered. The filtrate was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between Et ₂ O (lOOmL) and water (lOOmL). The organic layer was separated, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with petrol:EtOAc (2:1), to give the

bromide (3.7g, 47%) as a colourless oil. Η NMR (250MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.13- 2.26 (IH, m), 2.36-2.49 (IH, m), 3.40-3.53 (2H, m), 5.36 (IH, dd, J=8.9 and 5.9Hz), 7.27-7.49 (5H, m).

Step 2: l-,3-(5-α.2.4-Triazol-4-vD-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl1-4-r3-hvdro xy-l- phenylpropyllpiperazine. 1.9 Hydrogen Oxalate

A solution of Intermediate 2 (250mg, 0.81mmol), 3-bromo-3- phenylpropan-1-ol (191mg, 0.89mmol) and K2CO3 (lllmg, O.δlmmol) in DMF (7mL) was heated at 70°C for 2h. After this time more bromide (38mg, 0.17mmol) was added and heating continued for a further 2h. The solvent was then removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between CH2CI2 (2x20mL) and water (20mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na ₂ SO ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ :MeOH:NH3 (95:5:1), to afford the title piperazine (228mg, 64%) as a colourless oil. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 153°C. C ₂ 6H ₃ 2N ₆ O. 1.9 (C ₂ H ₂ O ) requires: C, 58.14; H, 5.86; N, 13.65%. Found: C, 57.79; H, 5.85; N, 13.92%. Η NMR (360MHz, d _G -DMSO) δ 1.79-1.87 (IH, m), 1.88-2.01 (2H, m), 2.04-2.15 (IH, m), 2.59- 2.80 (4H, m), 2.82-3.39 (10H, m), 3.70-3.77 (IH, m), 7.24-7.36 (7H, m), 7.49 (IH, d, J=8.5Hz), 7.77 (IH, s), 8.99 (2H, s), 11.16 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (445, M+l).

EXAMPLE 2

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyn-4-fl-(4 -fluorophenyl)-3- hvdroxypropyllpiperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

Step 1: Ethyl 3-(4-fluorophenyl)prop-2-enoate

A solution of 4-fluorobenzaldehyde (8.6mL, 0.081mol) and carboethoxymethylene triphenylphosphorane (34g, 0.097mol) in toluene (400mL) was heated at reflux for 3h. After this time the solvent was

removed in vacuo and the residue triturated in petrol:Et ₂ 0 (1:1). The mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with petrol:Et ₂ O (3:1), to afford the ester (14.4g, 92%) as a low-melting colourless solid. *H NMR (major isomer) (250MHz, CDCls) δ 1.34 (3H, t, J=7.0Hz), 4.26 (2H, q, J=7.0Hz), 6.36 (IH, d, J=16Hz), 7.07 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.6HZ and JH _A - _F =8.6HZ), 7.51 (2H, dd, JHB-HA=8.6HZ and JHB-F=5.3HZ), 7.65 (IH, d, J=16Hz).

Step 2: 3-Bromo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propan-l-ol A solution of the alkene (14.4g, 0.074mol) in EtOH (200mL) containing 10% Pd on C (l.Og) was hydrogenated at 40psi for 40 min. After this time the catalyst was removed by filtration and the filtrate evaporated. The residue was azeotroped with EtOH (50mL) and the crude ester (14g) isolated as a colourless oil and used directly without further purification.

To a stirred solution of the saturated ester (14g) in THF (300mL) at -10°C, under nitrogen, was added LiAlH ₄ (78mL of a l.OM solution in Et ₂ O, 78mmol) dropwise. After addition was complete the solution was stirred for a further lh at 0°C. A solution of Na ₂ SO ₄ (sat., 50mL) was added and the solid removed by filtration. The filtrate was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between Et2θ (200mL) and water (200mL). The organic layer was separated, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The crude 3-(4-fluorophenyl)propan-l-ol (llg) was isolated as a colourless oil and used directly without further purification. To a solution of the alcohol (5g, prepared from above) in CC1 (lOOmL) was added N-bromosuccinimide (5.8g, 0.032mol) and benzoyl peroxide (33 lmg of 70% technical grade, 0.96mmol). The mixture was heated at reflux for 3h then the solution was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated and the residue chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with petrol:Et ₂ O (2:1→1:1). The bromide (3.52g, 47%) was isolated as a pale yellow oil. Η NMR (250MHz, CDCL.) δ 2.23-2.36 (IH, m), 2.41-

2.55 (IH, m), 3.67-3.90 (2H, m), 5.22 (IH, dd, J=9.3 and 5Y7Hz), 7.04 (2H, dd, J _HA - _H B=8.6HZ and JHA-F=8.6HZ), 7.39 (2H, dd, and JHB-F=5.3HZ).

Step 3: l-r3-(5-Q.2.4-Triazol-4-ylVlH-indol-3-ylmropyl1-4-, l-(4- fluorophenyl)-3-hvdroxypropynpiperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

Prepared as described in Example 1, Step 2 using Intermediate 2 (381mg, 1.22mmol), 3-bromo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)propan-l-ol (369mg, 1.59mmol), K2CO3 (168mg, 1.22mmol) and DMF (9mL). The crude residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH2Cl2:MeOH

(95:5→90:10), to afford the title piperazine (41 lmg, 73%) as a pale yellow oil. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 134°C. C26H31N6OF. 1.5 (C ₂ H ₂ 0 ₄ ). H ₂ O requires: C, 56.58; H, 5.89; N, 13.65%. Found C, 56.28; H, 6.05; N, 13.44%. Η NMR (250MHz, d _G -DMSO) δ 1.70-2.13 (4H, m), 2.64- 3.39 (14H, m), 3.72-3.76 (IH, m), 7.15 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.9HZ and J _HA - _F =8.9HZ), 7.22-7.30 (4H, m), 7.45 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.73 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 8.97 (2H, s), 11.15 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (463, M+l).

EXAMPLE 3

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyn-4-ri-(4 -fluorophenylV3- methoxypropyllpiperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

Step 1: 3-Bromo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-methoxypropane To a stirred solution of 3-(4-fluorophenyl)propan-l-ol (800mg,

5.2mmol) (see Example 2, Step 2) in DMF (20mL), under nitrogen, was added sodium hydride (250mg of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil, 6.24mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0°C for 20min then iodomethane (389μL, 6.24mmol) was added. Stirring was continued for 30min then the cooling bath was removed and the mixture stirred at room temperature for lh. After this time more sodium hydride (125mg of a 60% dispersion in

mineral oil, 3.1mmol) followed by iodomethane (195μL, 3.τLmmol) were added and the mixture stirred for a further 2h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between ether (2x50mL) and water (50mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The crude methyl ether (593mg), which was isolated as a colourless oil, was used in the subsequent reaction without further purification.

To a solution of the ether (590mg) (prepared as described above) in CCL (20mL) was added N-bromosuccinimide (625mg, 3.51mmol) and benzoyl peroxide (36mg of 70% technical grade, O.lmmol). The mixture was heated at reflux for lh then the solution was cooled to room temperature and filtered. The filtrate was removed in vacuo and the residue chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with petrol:Et2θ (8:1). The bromide (304mg, 35%) was isolated as a colourless oil. Η NMR (250MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.22-2.36 (IH, m), 2.40-2.55 (IH, m), 3.33 (3H, s), 3.36-3.43 (IH, m), 3.49-3.58 (IH, m), 5.17 (IH, dd, J=6.0 and 9.0Hz), 7.02 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.6HZ and 7.38 (2H, dd, JHB-HA=8.6HZ and

Step 2: l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyn-4-fl-(4- fluorophenyl)-3-methoxypropynpiperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

Prepared as described in Example 1, Step 2 using Intermediate 2 (200mg, 0.65mmol), 3-bromo-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-l-methoxypropane (237mg, 0.96mmol), K2CO3 (89mg, 0.65mmol) and DMF (lOmL). The crude residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with

CH ₂ Cl ₂ :MeOH:NH ₃ (90:10:0→90:10:1), to afford the title piperazine (163mg, 53%) as the free base. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 166°C. C27H33N6FO. 1.5(C ₂ H ₂ O ₄ ). 1.2(H ₂ O) requires: C, 56.90; H, 6.11; N, 13.27%. Found: C, 57.23; H, 6.46; N, 13.07%. Η NMR (360MHz, d«- DMSO) δ 1.83-2.05 (3H, m), 2.13-2.22 (IH, m), 2.67-3.35 (17H, m), 3.70- 3.74 (IH, m), 7.18 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.8HZ and JHA-F=8.8HZ), 7.28-7.32 (4H,

m), 7.49 (IH, d, J=8.5Hz), 7.77 (IH, d, J=1.9Hz), 8.99 (2H,-s), 11.15 (IH, br s). MS _. (ES ⁺ ) (477, M+l).

EXAMPLE 4

l-[3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-ylroropyll-4-r3-( 5-methyl-1.2.4- oxadiazol-3-yl)-l-phenylpropyllpiperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

Intermediate 3: 3-f5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indoI-3-vnpropan-l-ol A solution of Intermediate 1 (25g, 143mmol) in dioxan (250mL) was treated with dihydropyran (24g, 286mmol) followed by IM hydrochloric acid (150mL) and heated at reflux for 18h. The mixture was evaporated then azeotroped with toluene. Inorganic solids were removed by treating the residue with a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile. The mother liquors were chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ :MeOH

(9:1→ :1). The compound was recrystallised from acetonitrile to afford the title alcohol (10.24g, 30%) as a colourless solid, mp. 205-207°C. Η NMR (360MHz, d ₆ -DMSO) δ 1.81 (2H, quin, J=7.0Hz), 2.75 (2H, t, J=8.0Hz), 3.46 (2H, dt, J=6.0 and 5.0Hz), 4.43 (IH, t, J=5.0Hz), 7.26 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 7.29 (IH, dd, J=9.0 and 2.0Hz), 7.47 (IH, d, J=9.0Hz), 7.77 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 9.01 (2H, s), 11.05 (IH, br s). MS (CI ⁺ ) (243, M+l).

Step 1: 4-Bromo-4-phenylbutyronitrile

Prepared as described in Example 1, Step 1 using 4- phenylbutyronitrile (5.2mL, 0.034mol), N-bromosuccinimide (6.65g,

0.037mol), benzoyl peroxide (352mg of 70% technical grade. 1. Ommol) and CCL (60mL). The crude residue was chromatographed on silica gel. eluting with petrol:Et ₂ O (3:1). The bromide (5.62g, 74%) was isolated as a colourless oil. »H NMR (250MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 2.36-2.64 (4H, m), 5.00-5.07 (IH, m), 7.29-7.43 (5H, m).

Step 2: 4-(4-<gr<-Butyloxycarbonylpiperazinyl)-4-phenylbu yronitrile

A solution of l-(ter£-butyloxycarbonyl)piperazine (1.73g, 9.3mmol), 4-bromo-4-phenylbutyronitrile (2.5g, llmmol) and K2CO3 (1.4g, 10.2mmol) in DMF (40mL) was heated at 60°C for 4h. After this time the mixture was cooled to room temperature, filtered and the filtrate evaporated. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc (lOOmL) and water (lOOmL). The organic layer was separated, dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromato raphed on silica gel, eluting with petrokEtOAc (2:1). The piperazine (2.69g, 88%) was isolated as a pale yellow oil, which solidified on standing in the fridge. Η NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ 1.41 (9H, s), 1.94- 2.46 (8H, m), 3.32-3.60 (5H, m), 7.15-7.42 (5H, m). MS (ES ⁺ ) (330, M+l).

Step 3: 4-(4-fert-Butyloxycarbonylpiperazinyl)-4-phenylbutyl carboxamide Oxime

To a solution of sodium methoxide in MeOH (183mg sodium in 25mL MeOH, 8.0mmol) was added hydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.55g, 8.0mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15min then 4- (4-terf-butyloxycarbonylpiperazinyl)-4-phenylbutyronitrile (2.62g, 8. Ommol) was added. The mixture was heated at reflux for 16h then the solution was cooled to room temperature. The mixture was filtered, evaporated and the residue partitioned between EtOAc (60mL) and water (60mL). The organic layer was separated, dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ .MeOH (90:10), to afford the amide oxime (934mg, 32%). Η NMR (360MHz, dc-DMSO) δ 1.34 (9H, s), 1.73-2.30 (8H, m), 3.19-3.30 (4H, m), 3.39-3.45 (IH, m), 5.32 (2H, br s), 7.19-7.36 (5H, m), 8.70 (IH, s).

Step 4: 3-f3-f4-(..grf-Butyloxycarbonv piperazin-l-yl]-3-phenvnpropyl-5- methyl- 1.2.4-oxadiazole

To a solution of sodium methoxide in MeOH (59mg sodium in 20mL MeOH, 2.56mmol) at room temperature was added the amide oxime (0.93g, 2.56mmol) followed by EtOAc (1.25mL). The mixture was heated at reflux for 2 days before more sodium (30mg, 1.3mmol) was added. Heating was continued for one further day before the addition of more sodium (30mg, 1.3mmol) followed by EtOAc (1.25mL). Heating at reflux was continued for 3 days before more sodium (30mg, 1.3mmol) and EtOAc (1.25mL) were added. After heating for a further 2 days the solution was cooled to room temperature and the solvent evaporated. The residue was partitioned betwen EtOAc (20mL) and water (2x20mL). The organic phase was separated, dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with petrohEtOAc (1:1→0:1). The oxadiazole (783mg, 79%) was isolated as a colourless oil. Η NMR

(360MHz, CDCh) δ 1.41 (9H, s), 2.08-2.42 (6H, m), 2.53 (3H, s), 2.59-2.70 (2H, m), 3.31-3.48 (5H, m), 7.20-7.38 (5H, m).

Step 5: l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyll-4-r3-(5-m ethyl- 1.2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-l-phenylpropyllpiperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate A solution of the oxadiazole (390mg, 1. Ommol) in CH ₂ C1 ₂ (20mL) and trifluoroacetic acid (4mL) was stirred at room temperature overnight.

The solvent was removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between

CH2CI2 (2x20mL) and aqueous K2CO3 (10%, 20mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The crude amine (276mg) was used without further purification.

To a solution of Intermediate 3 (150mg, 0.62mmol) in THF (80mL), under nitrogen, at room temperature, was added triethylamine (188μL,

1.36mmol) and methanesulphonyl chloride (105μL, 1.36mmol). After stirring for lh more triethylamine (60μL, 0.43mmol) followed by methanesulphonyl chloride (30μL, 0.39mmol) were added. After stirring

for a further 30min more triethylamine (30μL, 0.21mmol) and methanesulphonyl chloride (15μL, 0.20mmol) were added. After a further 30min the solution was filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The crude mesylate was used in the subsequent reaction without further purification.

To a solution of the crude mesylate in iso-propanol (25mL) was added the crude amine (276mg, prepared as described above), sodium iodide (93mg, 0.62mmol) and K2CO3 (297mg, 1.43mmol). The mixture was heated at reflux for 4h. The solution was then cooled and filtered and the filtrate evaporated. The residue was partitioned between CH2CI2 (2x20mL) and water (20mL) and the combined organic layers dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl2:MeOH:NH ₃ (95:5:0→90:10:0→90:10:1). The title piperazine (196mg, 62%) was isolated as a cream-coloured foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 134°C. C29H34N8O. 1.5(C ₂ H2θ ₄ ). 0.5(H ₂ O) requires: C, 58.71; H, 5.85; N, 17.12%. Found: C, 58.65; H, 6.20; N, 16.82%. Η NMR (360MHz, dβ-DMSO) δ 1.90-2.10 (3H, m), 2.26-2.40 (IH, m), 2.42-3.30 (17H, m), 3.57-3.63 (IH, m), 7.25-7.40 (7H, m), 7.49 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.77 (IH, s), 8.99 (2H, s), 11.16 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (511, M+l).

EXAMPLE 5

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-vD-lH-indol-3-yl)propyll-4-ri-(4 -fluorophenyl)-2- hydroxyethyllpiperazine. 1.1 Hydrogen Oxalate

Step 1: Methyl 2-bromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl acetate

To a stirred solution of thionyl chloride (4.8mL, 0.066mol) in MeOH (lOOmL) at 0°C, under nitrogen, was added 4-fluorophenylacetic acid (δ.lg, 0.033mol) portionwise. The cooling bath was removed and the solution stirred at room temperature for 2h. The solvents were removed in vacuo

and the crude methyl ester was isolated as a colourless oil. The ester was used in the subsequent reaction without further purification.

A solution of this ester, N-bromosuccinimide (6.17g, 0.035mol) and benzoyl peroxide (342mg of 70% technical grade, 0.99mol) in CCL (60mL) was heated at reflux, under nitrogen, for lh. After this time the solvent was evaporated and the residue partitioned between ether (lOOmL) and water (lOOmL). The organic layer was separated, dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with petrol:Et ₂ O (3:1), to afford the title bromide (7.33g, 90%) as a pale yellow oH. Η NMR (250MHz, CDC1 ₃ ) δ 3.80 (3H, s), 5.34 (IH, s), 7.05 (2H, dd, JH _A -HB=8.7HZ and JHA-F=8.7HZ), 7.53 (2H, dd, JHB-H _A =8.7HZ and JHB-F=5.2HZ).

Step 2: Methyl 2-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-, l-(3-(5-(1.2.4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3- yl)propyl)piperazin-4-vI)ethyl acetate

In the same was as that described in Example 1, Step 2, using Intermediate 2 (620mg, 2. Ommol), methyl 2-bromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl acetate (543mg, 2.2mmol), K2CO3 (304mg, 2.2mmol) and DMF (15mL). The crude residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl :MeOH (90:10) to afford the ester (0.85g, 82%) as a yellow foam. Η NMR (250MHz, CDCh) δ 1.87-2.03 (2H, m), 2.37-2.71 (10H, m), 2.79 (2H, t, J=7.4Hz), 3.68 (3H, s), 3.97 (IH, s), 7.03 (2H, dd, JHA- _HB =8.6HZ and JHA-F=8.6HZ), 7.12-7.16 (2H, m), 7.38-7.49 (3H. m), 7.55 (IH, dd, J=1.7Hz), 8.44 (IH, br s), 8.46 (2H, s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (477, M+l).

Step 3: l-r3-(5-α.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyI1-4-l -(4- fluorophenyl)-2-hvdroxyethvnpiperazine. 1.1 Hydrogen Oxalate

To a solution of the methyl ester (785mg, 1.65mmol) in THF (30mL) at -10°C, was added LiAlH ₄ (1.65mL of a l.OM solution in ether. 1.65mmol) dropwise. The mixture was stirred at -10°C for 30mιn before more LiAlH (0.33mL of a l.OM solution in ether, 0.33mmol) was added.

After a further 30min Na ₂ SO solution (sat., 2mL) was adαed dropwise and the cooling bath removed. The mixture was stirred for 30min then the undissolved solid was removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated and the residue chromatographed on sihca gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ :MeOH:NH3 (90:10:0→90:10:1). The alcohol (671mg, 91%) was isolated as a pale yellow foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 110°C (dec). C ₂ 5H ₂ 9N ₆ OF. l.l(C ₂ H ₂ O ₄ ). H O requires: C, 57.76; H, 5.92; N, 14.86%. Found: C, 58.06; H, 6.02; N, 14.54%. Η NMR (360MHz, dβ-DMSO) δ 1.91-2.03 (2H, m), 2.37-3.20 (12H, m), 3.50-3.57 (IH, m), 3.63- 3.70 (IH, m), 3.72-3.77 (IH, m), 7.16 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.8HZ and

JH _A -F=8.8HZ), 7.30-7.36 (4H, m), 7.49 (IH, d, J=8.5Hz), 7.77 (IH, s), 9.00 (2H, s), 11.16 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (449, M+l).

EXAMPLE 6

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-v -lH-indol-3-vDpropyn-4-fl-(4-fluorophenyl)-2- (imidazol-l-yl)ethyllpiperazine. 2.6 Hydrogen Oxalate

To a solution of l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[l- (4-fluorophenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]piperazine (200mg, 0.45mmol) in THF (lOmL) at 0°C was added triethylamine (124μL, 0.89mmol) followed by methanesulphonyl chloride (70μL, 0.89mmol). The mixture was stirred at 0°C for 20min then the mixture filtered and the filtrate transferred to a sealed tube. Imidazole (608mg, 8.9mmol) was added and the mixture heated at 70°C for lh. After this time the solvent was evaporated and the residue partitioned between CH ₂ C1 ₂ (50mL) and water (3x40mL). The organic phase was separated, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH2Cl2:MeOH:NH. ₃ (90:10:1). The imidazole (72mg, 32%) was isolated as a pale yellow foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 93°C (dec). C ₂ 8H3 ₁ N ₈ F. 2.6(C ₂ H ₂ O ₄ ). l.l(H ₂ O) requires: C, 52.99; H, 5.14; N, 14.89%. Found: C, 52.76; H, 5.27; N, 15.07%. Η NMR (360MHz. do-DMSO) δ 1.97-2.10 (2H,

m), 2.49-3.60 (14H, m), 5.70-5.75 (IH, m), 7.10 (IH, s), 7.22 (2H, dd, JHA HB=8.8HZ and JHA-F=8.8HZ), 7.30-7.36 (2H, m), 7.41-7.46 (3H, m), 7.50 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.80 (IH, s), 8.21 (IH, s), 9.01 (2H, s), 11.18 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (499, M+l).

EXAMPLE 7

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyll-4-n-(4 -fluorophenyl)-2- (oxazohdin-2-on-3-yl)ethyllpiperazine. 2.0 Hydrogen Oxalate

Step 1: l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyn-4-r2-amino -l-(4- fluorophenvDethyllpiperazine

In the same way as that described in Example 6 using l-[3-(5-(l,2,4- triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2- hydroxyethyljpiperazine (113mg, 0.25mmol), triethylamine (70μL,

O.δOmmol), methanesulphonyl chloride (39μL, O.δOmmol) and THF (5mL). The crude mesylate was converted to the amine in the same manner as that used in Example 6, using ammonia (2.5mL of a 2M solution in MeOH, 5. Ommol). The amine (60mg, 53%) was isolated as a pale yellow foam. ^l H NMR (250MHz, CDCh) δ 1.89-2.01 (2H, m), 2.27-2.85 (14H, m), 4.10 (IH, dd, J=10.1 and 3.8Hz), 7.00 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.7HZ and JHA-F=8.7HZ), 7.13- 7.16 (2H, m), 7.34 (2H, dd, JHB-HA=8.7HZ and JHB-F=5.5HZ), 7.47 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.57 (IH, d, J=1.9Hz), 8.37 (IH, br s), 8.47 (2H, s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (448. M+l).

Step 2: l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl1-4-,2-(2- chloroethylcarbamoyl)-l-(4-fluorophenyl)ethvnpiperazine

To a solution of l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[2- amino-l-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]piperazine (60mg, 0.13mmol) in dioxane (2mL) and water (ImL) was added NaOH (59μL of a 10%(w/v) aqueous solution, O. lδmmol), followed by 2-chloroethyl chloroformate (15μL.

0.14mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 45min then the solution was adjusted to pH 11 using aqeuous NaOH. The mixture was stirred for a further 30min then the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc (2x20mL) and water (20mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH2Ch:MeOH (90:10). The carbamate (47mg, 63%) was isolated as a colourless foam. Η NMR (250MHz, CDCh) δ 1.90-2.03 (2H, ), 2.37-2.92 (14H, m), 3.53-3.77 (2H, m), 4.20-4.31 (2H, m), 4.55-4.69 (IH, m), 5.77-5.88 (IH, m), 7.01 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.7HZ and JHA-F=8.7HZ), 7.13-7.28 (4H, m), 7.47 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.56 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 8.39 (IH, br s), 8.47 (2H, s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (554/556, M+l).

Step 3: l-r3-(5-Q.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyll-4-ri-(4- fluorophenyl)-2-(oxazolidin-2-on-3-yl)ethvnpiperazine 2.0 Hydrogen Oxalate

To a solution of the carbamate (47mg. 0.085mmol) in DMF (5mL) was added sodium hydride (3.4mg of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.085mmol), and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 45min. The mixture was then partitioned between CH2CI2 (2x20mL) and water (20mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ :MeOH:NH ₃ (90: 10:0→90:10:1). The oxazolidinone (15mg, 34%) was isolated as a colourless gum. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared. mp. 128°C (dec). C ₂₈ H3 ₂ N ₇ O ₂ F. 2.0(C ₂ H ₂ O ₄ ). 0.7(H ₂ O) requires: C, 54.11; H, 5.31; N, 13.80%. Found: C, 54.12; H, 5.14; N, 13.73%. Η NMR (360MHz, dc-DMSO) δ 1.98-2.10 (2H, m), 2.67-3.20 (12H, m), 3.21-3.30 (IH, m), 3.51-3.63 (IH, m), 4.19-4.30 (4H, m), 4.98-5.03 (IH, m), 7.20 (2H. dd, JHA-HB=8.9HZ and JHA-F=8.9HZ), 7.31-7.34 (2H, m), 7.40 (2H, dd, J _HB - HA=8.7HZ and 7.49 (IH, d, J=8.7Hz), 7.79 (IH, s), 9.01 (2H. s), 11.17 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (518, M+l).

EXAMPLE 8

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-vD-lH-indol-3-vDpropyn-4-ri-(4-f luorophenyl)-2- methoxyethyllpiperazine 1.4 Hydrogen Oxalate

Step 1: Methyl 2-(4-t.ert.-butyloxycarbonylpiperazin- l-yl)-2-(4- fluoro henvDethyl acetate

To a solution of methyl 2-bromo-2-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl acetate (3.6g, 14.6mmol) in DMF (30mL) was added l-(tert- butyloxycarbonyl)piperazine (2.71g, 14.6mmol) and K ₂ CO ₃ (2.41g, 17.5mmol). The mixture was heated at 50°C for 45min then the solvent was evaporated. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc (150mL) and water (lOOmL). The organic layer was separated, dried (Na ₂ SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with hexane:EtOAc (4:1→2:1), to afford the title piperazine (4.65g, 91%) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (360MHz, d ₆ -DMSO) δ 1.37 (9H, s), 2.30-2.36 (4H, m), 3.26-3.31 (4H, m), 3.62 (3H, s), 4.22 (IH, s), 7.20 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.9HZ and JHA-F=8.9HZ), 7.42 (2H, dd, JHB-HA=8.9HZ and JHB-F=5.6HZ). MS (ES ⁺ ) (353, M+l).

Step 2: 2-f4-fgrf-Butyloxycarbonylpiperazin-l-yl1-2-[4-fluorophenyl1 ethan- l-ol

To a solution of the ester (4.65g, 13.2mmol) in THF (lOOmL) at -10°C was added LiAlH (13.2mL of a l.OM solution in ether, 13.2mmol) dropwise. After stirring at -10°C for lh Na ₂ SO ₄ solution (sat., 13.2mL) was added dropwise and the cooling bath removed. The mixture was stirred for 30min and the solid removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated and the residue chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with EtOAcpetrol (l:l)→EtOAc:MeOH (99:1). The alcohol (4.17g, 97%) was isolated as a colourless oil. ^l H NMR (360MHz, do-DMSO) δ 1.36 (9H. s).

2.24-2.41 (4H, m), 3.20-3.30 (4H, m), 3.42-3.46 (IH, m), 3.61-3.70 (lH, m), 3.74-3.83 (IH, m), 4.52 (IH, t, J=5.3Hz), 7.13 (2H, dd, JHA-HB=8.7HZ and JHA-F=8.7HZ), 7.31 (2H, dd, JHB-HA=8.7HZ and J _HB -F=5.7HZ). MS (ES ⁺ ) (325, M+l).

Step 3: 4-(tert-Butyloxycarbonyl)-l-fl-(4-fluorophenv -2- methoxyethyllpiperazine

To a solution of the alcohol in DMF (20mL) at 0°C, was added sodium hydride (204mg of a 60% dispersion in oil, δ.lmmol). After stirring at 0°C for 20min iodomethane (0.32mL, δ.lmmol) was added and the mixture stirred at 0°C for a further 30min. More sodium hydride (74mg of a 60% dispersion in oil, 1.9mmol) followed by iodomethane (0.12mL, 1.9mmol) were then added and the mixture stirred for 20min at 0°C followed by 30min at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated and the residue partitioned between EtOAc (2x50mL) and water (50mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na ₂ SO ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on sihca gel, eluting with EtOAchexane (1:1) to afford the methyl ether (1.46g, 93%) as a colourless oil. ^J H NMR (360MHz, dc-DMSO) δ 1.36 (9H, s), 2.26-2.37 (4H, m), 3.19 (3H, s), 3.24- 3.33 (4H, m), 3.δ9-3.71 (3H, m), 7.13 (2H, dd, J _H A- _H B=8.9HZ and

J _H A- _F =8.9HZ), 7.33 (2H, dd, JHB-HA=8.9HZ and J _HB - _F =5.7HZ), MS (ES ⁺ ) (339, M+l).

Step 4: l-fl-(4-FIuorophenyl>-2-methoxyethyripiperazine To a solution of 4-(tert-butyloxycarbonyl)-l-[l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2- methoxyethyl]piperazine (1.46g, 4.3mmol) in CH ₂ C1 ₂ (40mL) was added trifluoroacetic acid (4mL), and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 3h. The solvent was evaporated and the residue azeotroped with toluene (2x20mL). The residue was partitioned between EtOAc (2x50mL) and Na ₂ COβ solution (sat., 50mL). The combined organic phases were dried

(Na ₂ SO.ι) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel.

eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ :MeOH:NH3 (90:10:1), to afford the piperazine (0.9δg, 92%) as a pale yellow oil. Η NMR (360MHz, CDCh) δ 2.37-2.δδ (4H, m), 2.86-2.89 (4H, m), 3.29 (3H, s), 3.4δ-3.48 (IH, m), 3.61 (IH, dd, J=9.9 and 5.2Hz), 3.71 (IH, dd, J=9.9 and 5.8Hz), 7.00 (2H, dd, JH _A -HB=8.7HZ and δ J _HA - _F =8.7HZ), 7.27 (2H, dd, JHB-HA=8.7HZ and J B-F=δ.6Hz). MS (ES ⁺ ) (239, M+l).

Step 5: l-r3-(δ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-vI H-indol-3-ylroropyll-4-ri-(4- fluorophenyl)-2-methoxyethyllpiperazine. 1.4 Hydrogen Oxalate

10 To a solution of Intermediate 3 (125mg, 0.52mmol) in THF (80mL) was added triethylamine (144μL, 1.03mmol) and methanesulphonyl chloride (80μL, 1.03mmol). .After stirring at room temperature for 2h more triethylamine (72μL, O.δlmmol) followed by methanesulphonyl chloride (40μL, O.δlmmol) were added and the mixture stirred for a further lh. lδ After this time the mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The crude mesylate was used in the subsequent reaction without further purification.

To a suspension of the crude mesylate (prepared above) in iso¬ propanol (20mL) was added K2CO3 (214mg, l.δδmmol), sodium iodide

20 (77mg, O.δ2mmol) and a solution of l-[l-(4-fluorophenyl)-2- methoxyethyl]piperazine (615mg, 2.6mmol) in iso-propanol (5mL). The mixture was heated at reflux, in the dark, for 3h. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature and the precipitate removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated and the residue partitioned

25 between CH2CI2 (2x50mL) and water (δOmL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO ₄ ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on sihca gel, eluting with C C MeOH (9:1→4: 1), to give the title indole (232mg, 97%) as a pale yellow foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 100°C (dec). C ₂ 6H ₃ ιN ₆ OF. 1.4(C ₂ H ₂ O ).

30 l.δ(H ₂ O) requires: C, δ6.19; H, 6.03; N, 13.6δ%. Found: C, δ6.56; H, 6.35; N, 13.34%. Η NMR (360MHz, d _G -DMSO) δ 1.91-2.03 (2H, m), 2.50-3.23

(15H, m), 3.δ8-3.62 (IH, m), 3.67-3.71 (2H, m), 7.16 (2H, dd, J _HA - _HB =8.9HZ and JHA-F=8.9HZ), 7.30-7.37 (4H, m), 7.49 (2H, d, J=8.δHz), 7.78 (IH, d, J=1.9Hz), 9.00 (2H, s), 11.17 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (463, M+l).

δ EXAMPLE 9

l-r3-(δ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl ^> )-lH-indol-3-ylroropyll-4-r2-benzyloxy-l-(4- fluorophenvDethvI)piperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

0 Step 1: l-r2-Benzyloxy-l-(4-fluorophenyl.ethyl1-4-(tert- butyloxycarbonvDpiperazine

In the same way as that described in Example 8, Step 3 using 2-[4- iert-butyloxycarbonylpiperazin- 1 -yl] -2- [4-fluorophenyl]ethan- 1 -ol ( 1.5 g, 4.6mmol), sodium hydride (204mg of a 60% dispersion in oil, δ.lmmol) and 5 benzyl bromide (0.61mL, δ.lmmol). After stirring at room temperature for 30min more sodium hydride (37mg of a 60% dispersion in oil, 0.92mmol) followed by benzyl bromide (0.1 ImL, 0.92mmol) was added. The residue was chromatographed on sihca gel, eluting with EtOAchexane (1:4→1:2), to afford the benzyl ether (l.δδg, 82%) as a colourless oil. Η NMR 0 (250MHz, CDCh) δ 1.43 (9H, s), 2.30-2.5δ (4H, m), 3.33-3.4δ (4H, m), 3.δl- 3.60 (IH, m), 3.61-3.71 (IH, m), 3.73-3.85 (IH, m), 4.48 (2H, s), 6.96-7.04 (2H, m), 7.20-7.40 (7H, m). MS (ES ⁺ ) (415, M+l).

Step 2: l-[2-Benzyloxy-l-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyllpiperazine 5 In the same way as that described in Example 8, Step 4 using l-[2- benzyloxy-l-(4-fluorophenyl)ethyl]-4-(t:ert-butyloxycarbonyl )piperazine (1.58g, 3.8mmol), trifluoroacetic acid (δmL) and CH2CI2 (50mL). The piperazine (l.llg, 92%) was isolated as a colourless oil. ^] H NMR (250MHz, CDCh) δ 2.36-2.57 (4H, m), 2.84-2.89 (4H, m), 3.49-3.54 (IH, m), 0 3.65 (IH, dd, J=9.9 and 5.4Hz), 3.79 (IH, dd, J=9.9 and 5.8Hz), 4.47 (2H,

s), 6.99 (IH, dd, JHA-HB=8.7HZ and JHA-F=8.7HZ), 7.20-7.35-(7H, m). MS (ES ⁺ ) (315, M+l).

Step 3: l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-v -lH-indol-3-ylroropyll-4-f2-benzyloxy-l- δ (4-fluorophenyl)ethvI]piperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

In the same way as that described in Example 8, Step 5, using Intermediate 3 (lOOmg, 0.41mmol), triethylamine (172μL, 1.24mmol), methanesulphonyl chloride (96μL, 1.24mmol) and THF (70mL). After stirring at room temperature for 3h more triethylamine (δ7μL, 0.41mmol)

10 followed by methanesulphonyl chloride (32μL, 0.41mmol) were added.

After stirring at room temperature for a further 90min the resultant crude mesylate was obtained and used crude in the subsequent reaction.

The crude mesylate (prepared above), l-[2-benzyloxy-l-(4- fluorophenyl)ethyl]piperazine (649mg, 2.07mmol), K2CO3 (171mg, lδ 1.24mmol), sodium iodide (62mg) and iso-propanol (20mL) were converted to the title compound in the same way as that described in Example 8, Step δ. The crude residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ :MeOH (92.δ:7.δ->8δ:lδ), to afford the piperazine (136mg, 61%) as a pale yellow foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 65°C

20 (dec). C32H35N6OF. 1.5(C ₂ H ₂ O ₄ ). 0.3(H ₂ O) requires: C, 61.90; H, 5.73; N, 12.38%. Found: C, 61.90; H, 5.89; N, 12.46%. Η NMR (360MHz, d ₆ - DMSO+TFA) δ 2.00-2.08 (2H, m), 2.50-3.76 (12H, m), 3.89-3.97 (IH, m), 4.02-4.11 (IH, m), 4.57-4.6δ (3H, m), 7.27-7.46 (9H, m), 7.51-7.61 (3H, m), 7.95 (IH, s), 9.81 (2H, s), 11.33 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (539, M+l).

2δ

30

EXAMPLE 10

l-r3-(δ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyn-4-r2-( imidazol-l-yl)-l- phenylethyllpiperazine. 2.δ Hydrogen Oxalate δ

Intermediate 4: l- ⁽ 3-rδ- ⁽ 1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-vnpropyD-4-r2- hvdroxy-1-phenylethyllpiperazine

a) Methyl 2-phenyl-2-fl-(3-(δ-(1.2.4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-

10 yl)propyl)piperazin-4-yllethyl acetate

In the same way as that described in Example 1, Step 2, using Intermediate 2 (200mg, 0.64mmol), methyl α-bromophenyl acetate (112μL, 0.71mmol), K2CO3 (98mg, 0.71mmol) and DMF (δmL). The crude residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with CH2Cl2:MeOH (93:7), to lδ afford the ester (205mg, 70%) as a cream foam. Η NMR (250MHz, CDCh) δ 1.92-2.02 (2H, m), 2.42-2.70 (10H, m), 2.78 (2H, t, J=7.4Hz), 3.67 (3H, s), 4.00 (IH, s), 7.10-7.18 (2H, m), 7.27-7.41 (δH, m), 7.48 (IH, d, J=8.δHz), 7.δ4 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 8.47 (2H, s), 9.0δ (IH, br s).

20 b) l-(3-rδ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-vnpropyl)-4-r2-hvdr oxy-l- phenylethyllpiperazine

In the same way as that described in Example δ, Step 3, using methyl 2-phenyl-2-[l-(3-(δ-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3- yl)propyl)piperazin-4-yl]ethyl acetate (620mg, 1.3δmmol), LiAlH ₄ (1.62mL

2δ of a l.OM solution in ether, 1.62mmol), THF (20mL) and Na ₂ SO ₄ solution (sat., δmL). The alcohol (48δmg, 84%) was isolated as a colourless foam. Η NMR (360MHZ, CDCh) δ 1.81-1.90 (2H, m), 2.32-2.70 (10H, m), 2.74 (2H, t, J=7.6Hz), 3.64-3.70 (2H, m), 3.96 (IH, t, J=llHz), 7.11-7.19 (4H, m), 7.28-7.3δ (3H, m), 7.45 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.52 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 8.35

30 (IH, br s), 8.44 (2H, s). MS (431, M+l).

- 4δ -

l-r3-(δ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyll-4-r2- (imidazol-l-yl)-l- phenylethvf|piperazine. 2.δ Hydrogen Oxalate

In the same way as that described in Example 6, using l-(3-[δ- (l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl]propyl)-4-[2-hydroxy-l- δ phenylethyl]piperazine (lOOmg, 0.23mmol), triethylamine (6δμL,

0.47mmol), methanesulphonyl chloride (36μL, 0.47mmol) and THF (5mL). The crude mesylate was then reacted with imidazole (317mg, 4.7mmol) in the same way as that described in Example 6. The title compound (13mg, 12%) was isolated as a pale yellow gum. The hydrogen oxalate salt was 10 prepared, mp. 130°C (dec). C28H32N8. 2.5(C ₂ H ₂ O4). 1.2(H ₂ O) requires: C, δ4.δ0; H, δ.46; N, lδ.41%. Found: C, δ4.36; H, δ.48; N, 15.59%. Η NMR (250MHz, de-DMSO) δ 1.95-2.12 (2H, m), 2.45-3.δ0 (14H, m), δ.6δ-δ.70 (IH, m), 7.12 (IH, s), 7.33-7.δl (9H, m), 7.79 (IH, d, J=1.9Hz), 8.27 (IH, s), 9.02 (2H, s), 11.19 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (481, M+l). lδ

EXAMPLE 11

l-r3-(δ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl ropyn-4-ri-phenyl-2-(pyrrolidin- l-vDethyllpiperazine. 2.4 Hydrogen Oxalate

20 In the same way as that described in Example 6, using l-[3-(δ-

(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[2-hydroxy-l - phenylethyljpiperazine (167mg, 0.39mmol), triethylamine (108μL, 0.78mmol), methanesulphonyl chloride (60μL, 0.78mmol) and THF (8mL). The crude mesylate was then reacted with pyrrolidine (0.65mL, 7.8mmol)

25 in the same way as that described in Example 6. The title amine (39mg, 21%) was isolated as pale yellow foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 135°C (dec). C29H37N7. 2.4(C ₂ H ₂ O ). H ₂ O requires: C, 56.56; H, 6.15; N, 13.66%. Found: C, 56.6δ; H, 6.3δ; N, 13.37%. Η NMR (360MHz, dc-DMSO) δ 1.66-1.86 (4H, m), 1.97-2.07 (2H, m), 2.43-3.33

30 (18H, m), 4.43-4.51 (IH, m), 7.29-7.34 (2H, m), 7.42-7.52 (6H, m), 7.79 (IH, s), 9.01 (2H, s), 11.17 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (484, M+l).

EXAMPLE 12

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-vDpropyll-4-r2-(o xazohdin-2-on-3-v - 5 1-phenylethyllpiperazine. 1.2δ Hydrogen Oxalate

Step 1: l-r3-(δ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl ⁾ -lH-indol-3-ylroropyl1-4-r2-amino-l- phenylethyllpiperazine

In the same way as that described in Example 7, Step 1 using l-[3-

10 (δ-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[2-hydroxy- l- phenylethyl]piperazine (330mg, 0.77mmol), triethylamine (214μL, l.δ3mmol), methanesulphonyl chloride (118μL, l.δ3mmol) and THF (lδmL). The crude mesylate was then reacted with ammonia (7.7mL of a 2.0M solution in MeOH, lδ.3mmol) in the same way as that described in lδ Example 7, Step 1. The amine (18δmg, 56%) was isolated as a pale yellow foam. Η NMR (2δOMHz, CDCh) δ 1.88-2.00 (2H, m), 2.38-2.76 (12H, m), 2.79 (2H, t, J=7.δHz), 4.11 (IH, dd, J=10.4 and 3.6Hz), 7.13-7.18 (2H, m), 7.22-7.39 (δH, m), 7.47 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.δ9 (IH, s), 8.34 (IH, br s), 8.46 (2H, s). MS (430, M+l).

20

Step 2: l-r3-(δ-Q.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl1-4-r2-(2- chloroethylcarbamoyl)-l-phenylethvUpiperazine

In the same way as that described in Example 7, Step 2, using l-[3- (δ-( 1 , 2, 4-triazol-4-yl)- lH-indol-3-yl)propyl] -4- [2-amino- 1 -

2δ phenylethyljpiperazine (138mg, 0.32mmol), 2-chloroethyl chloroformate (3δμL, 0.34mmol), NaOH solution (142μL of a 10% (w/v) solution, 0.3δmmol), dioxane (3mL) and water (1.5mL). The carbamate (106mg, 62%) was isolated as a colourless foam. Η NMR (360MHz, CDCh) δ 1.88- 1.99 (2H, m), 2.37-2.68 (12H, m), 2.77-2.83 (2H, m), 3.50-3.77 (2H, m),

30 4.20-4.33 (2H, m), 4.61-4.71 (IH, m), 5.77-5.85 (IH, m), 7.13-7.16 (2H, m),

7.21-7.35 (5H, m), 7.46 (IH, d, J=8.δHz), 7.δ6 (IH, d, J=2J)Hz), 8.37 (IH, br s), 8.46 (2H, s). MS(ES ⁺ ) (δ36/δ38, M+l).

Step 3: l-13-(δ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyll-4-r2-(ox azolidin-2- δ on-3-yl)-l-phenylethyllpiperazine. 1.2δ Hydrogen Oxalate

In the same way as that described in Example 7, Step 3, using l-[3- (δ-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[2-(2-chlor oethylcarbamoyl)- 1 -phenylethyljpiperazine (106mg, 0.2mmol), sodium hydride (lOmg of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.2δmmol) and DMF (4mL). The crude

10 residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with

CH ₂ Cl2:MeOH:NH3 (9δ:δ:0.δ). The title compound (87mg, 87%) was isolated as a colourless foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 136°C (dec). C28H33N7O2. 1.2δ(C ₂ H ₂ O ₄ ). 0.2δ(H ₂ O) requires: C, δ9.41; H, δ.88; N, 15.90%. Found: C, 59.32; H, 5.96; N, lδ.78%. Η NMR lδ (360MHz, de-DMSO) δ 1.9δ-2.07 (2H, m), 2.49-3.14 (14H, m), 3.26-3.34

(IH, m), 3.δ6-3.65 (IH, m), 4.20-4.33 (2H, m), 4.98-5.0δ (IH, m), 7.30-7.41 (7H, m), 7.49 (IH, d, J=8.δHz), 7.80 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 9.01 (2H, s), 11.16 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (δOO, M+l).

20 EXAMPLE 13

l-r3-(5-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyn-4-r2-(o xazol-2-on-3-yl)-l- phenylethyl]piperazine. 1.5 Hydrogen Oxalate

To a solution of l-[3-(5-(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[2-

2δ hydroxy- 1 -phenylethyljpiperazine (lOOmg, 0.23mmol) in THF (δmL) at 0°C, was added triethylamine (49μL, 0.35mmol) followed by methanesulphonyl chloride (27μL, 0.3δmmol). The cooling bath was removed and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 3δmin. The sohd was removed by filtration and the filtrate partially evaporated

30 (approx. 3mL remaining) and diluted with DMF (5mL). This filtrate was then added to a solution of oxazol-2-one sodium salt in DMF (2mL). (The

sodium salt was prepared by adding sodium hydride (18.6jng of a 60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.47mmol) to a solution of oxazol-2-one (40mg, 0.47mmol) in DMF (2mL) and stirring for lh at room temperature). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 90min then the solvent was δ removed in vacuo and the residue partitioned between CH2CI2 (2x2δmL) and water (20mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na ₂ SO ) and evaporated. The residue was chromatographed on sihca gel, eluting with CH ₂ Cl ₂ :MeOH:NH3 (90:10:0→90:10:1). The title compound (30mg, 26%) was isolated as a cream foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, 10 mp. 12δ°C (dec). C28H31N7O2. l.δ(C ₂ H ₂ O ₄ ). 0.5(H ₂ O) requires: C, 58.03; H, 5.δ0; N, lδ.28%. Found: C, δ8.23; H, δ.73; N, 15.38%. Η NMR (360MHz, de-DMSO) δ 1.93-2.07 (2H, m), 2.47-3.30 (14H, m), 5.1δ-δ.21 (IH, m), 7.21 (IH, d, J=2.0Hz), 7.27-7.40 (8H, m), 7.49 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.79 (IH, d, J=1.9Hz), 9.01 (2H, s), 11.16 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (498, M+l). lδ

EXAMPLE 14

l-r3-(δ-(1.2.4-Triazol-4-ylι-lH-indol-3-yl)propyll-4-f3 -(imidazol-l-ylVl- phenyrpropyllpiperazine. 2.δ Hydrogen Oxalate

20 In the same way as that described in Example 6, using l-[3-(5-

(l,2,4-triazol-4-yl)-lH-indol-3-yl)propyl]-4-[3-hydroxy-l - phenylpropyl]piperazine (200mg, 0.45mmol), triethylamine (12δμL, 0.9mmol), methanesulphonyl chloride (70μL, 0.9mmol) and THF (lOmL). The crude mesylate was then reacted with imidazole (613mg, 9. Ommol) in

2δ the same way as that described in Example 6, to give the title compound (δ7mg, 26%) as a pale yellow foam. The hydrogen oxalate salt was prepared, mp. 90°C (dec). C29H34N8. 2.δ(C ₂ H ₂ O ₄ ). 2.δ(H ₂ 0) requires: C, δ3.40; H, δ.80; N, 14.65%. Found: C, 53.34; H, 5.86; N, 14.50%. Η NMR (360MHz, dc-DMSO) δ 1.98-2.09 (2H, m), 2.26-2.43 (4H, m), 2.57-2.81 (6H,

30 m), 2.98-3.21 (6H, m), 5.46-5.δ5 (IH, m), 7.11 (IH, s), 7.27-7.42 (7H, m),

7.46 (IH, s), 7.51 (IH, d, J=8.6Hz), 7.81 (IH, s), 8.20 (lH,-s), 9.02 (2H, s), 11.18 (IH, br s). MS (ES ⁺ ) (495, M+l).