TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to substituted sulfonamide compounds, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and to the use of the compounds for the prophylaxis and treatment of medical conditions relating to obesity, type II diabetes, and CNS disorders.

BACKGROUND ART Obesity is a condition characterized by an increase in body fat content resulting in excess body weight above accepted norms. Obesity is the most important nutritional disorder in the western world and represents a major health problem in all industrialized countries.

This disorder leads to increased mortality due to increased incidences of diseases such as cardiovascular disease, digestive disease, respiratory disease, cancer and type II diabetes.

Searching for compounds, which reduce body weight has been going on for many decades.

One line of research has been activation of serotoninergic systems, either by direct activation of serotonin receptor subtypes or by inhibiting serotonin reuptake. The exact receptor subtype profile required is however not known.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT), a key transmitter of the peripheral and central nervous system, modulates a wide range of physiological and pathological functions, including anxiety, sleep regulation, aggression, feeding and depression. Multiple serotonin receptor subtypes have been identified and cloned. One of these, the 5-HT6 receptor, was cloned by several groups in 1993 (Ruat, M. et al. (1993) Biochem. Biophys. Res.

Commun. 193: 268-276; Sebben, M. et al. (1994) NeuroReport 5: 2553-2557). This receptor is positively coupled to adenylyl cyclase and displays affinity for antidepressants such as clozapine. Recently, the effect of 5-HT6 antagonist and 5-HT6 antisense oligonucleotides to

reduce food intake in rats has been reported (Bentley, J. C. et al. (1999) Br J Pharmac. Suppl.

126, P66; Bentley, J. C. et al. (1997) J. Psychopharmacol. Suppl. A64,255).

Compounds with enhanced affinity and selectivity for the 5-HT6 receptor have been identified, e. g. in WO 00/34242 and by Isaac, M. et al. (2000) 6-Bicyclopiperazinyl-l- arylsulfonylindoles and 6-Bicyclopiperidinyl-l-arylsulfonylindoles derivatives as novel, potent and selective 5-HT6 receptor antagonists. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters 10: 1719-1721 (2000).

INFORMATION DISCLOSURE J. Med. Chem. 1970,13 (4), 592-598 describes N- (4- { [2- (diethylamino) ethyl] amino}- 1-naphthyl) amides; N- {5, 6,7,8-Tetrahydro-4- [ (3-piperidinopropyl) amino]-l- naphthyl} amides and related amides and urea derivatives as schistosomicides.

WO 99/42465 discloses sulfonamides derivatives that bind to the 5-HT6 receptor and that can be used for the treatment of CNS disorders such as anxiety, depression, epilexy, obsessive compulsive disorders, cognitive disorders, ADHD, anorexia and bulimia schizophrenia, drug abuse.

WO 01/32646 Al discloses compounds that binds to the 5-HT6 receptor and that are used for the treatment of CNS disorders and which inter alia may be used for the treatment of eating disorders.

WO 99/37623 A2 discloses compounds that binds to the 5-HT6 receptor and that are used for the treatment of CNS disorders and which inter alia may be used for the treatment of eating disorders.

WO 99/42465 A3 discloses compounds that binds to the 5-HT6 receptor and that are used for the treatment of CNS disorders and which inter alia may be used for the treatment of eating disorders.

EP 0 815 861 Al discloses compounds that binds to the 5-HT6 receptor and that are used for the treatment of CNS disorders.

WO 99/02502 A2discloses compounds that binds to the 5-HT6 receptor and that are used for the treatment of CNS disorders and which inter alia may be used for the treatment of eating disorders.

WO 98/27081 Al discloses compounds that binds to the 5-HT6 receptor and that are used for the treatment of CNS disorders and which inter alia may be used for the treatment of eating disorders.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It has surprisingly been found that the compounds of formula (I) show affinity for the 5-HT6 receptor as antagonists at low nanomolar range. Compounds according to the invention and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts have 5-HT6 receptor antagonist activity and are believed to be of potential use in the treatment or prophylaxis of obesity and type II diabetes, as well as in the treatment or prophylaxis of disorders of the central nervous system such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, memory disorders, sleep disorders, migraine, anorexia, bulimia, binge disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, psychoses, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's chorea and/or schizophrenia, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders (ADHD), drug abuse.

Definitions Unless otherwise stated or indicated, the term"Cl 6 alkyl"denotes a straight or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of said lower alkyl include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl and straight-and branched-chain pentyl and hexyl.

Unless otherwise stated or indicated, the term''Cl 6 alkoxy"denotes a straight or branched alkoxy group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples of said lower alkoxy include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, iso-propoxy, n-butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, t- butoxy and straight-and branched-chain pentoxy and hexoxy.

Unless otherwise stated or indicated, the term"halogen"shall mean fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.

The term"C3 7 cycloalkyl"denotes a cyclic alkyl group having a ring size from C3 to C7. Examples of said cycloalkyl include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, methylcyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.

The term"heterocyclic"refers to a hydrocarbon ring system containing 4 to 8 ring members that have at least one heteroatom (e. g., S, N, or O) as part of the ring. It includes saturated, unsaturated, aromatic, and nonaromatic heterocycles. Suitable heterocyclic groups include thienyl, furyl, pyridyl, pyrrolidinyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, piperidyl, azepinyl, morpholinyl, pyranyl, dioxanyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, and piperazinyl groups The term"heteroaryl"refers to a hydrocarbon ring system having at least one aromatic ring which contains at least one heteroatom such as O, N, or S. Examples of heteroaryl groups include furyl, pyrrolyl, thienyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, quinazolinyl, and indolyl groups.

Compounds of Formula I In a first aspect, the present invention provides a compound having the general formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: W is N or- (CH)-, provided that not more than three groups W are N; Pis

with the proviso that P and R3 can only be in meta orpara position to each other; Rl is (a) C1-6 alkyl, (b) Cl 6 alkoxyalkyl, (c) straight or branched C1-6 hydroxyalkyl, (d) straight or branched Cl 6 alkylhalides ; or (e) a group Ar; Ar is (a) phenyl, (b) 1-naphthyl, (c) 2-naphthyl, (d) benzyl, (e) cinnamoyl, (f) a 5 to 7-membered, optionally aromatic, partially saturated or completely saturated, heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms, selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, or (g) a bicyclic ring system comprising at least one heterocyclic ring according to (f). wherein the group Ar is substituted in one or more positions with (a) H, X or Y, or

(b) a 5 to 7-membered, optionally aromatic, partially saturated or completely saturated, mono-or bi-cyclic heterocyclic ring each containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur; R2is (a) H, (b) C1-6 alkyl, (c) C1-6 alkoxyalkyl, (d) straight or branched Cl 6 hydroxyalkyl, or (e) straight or branched Cl-6 alkylhalides; R3 is a group X and Y are independently (a) H, (b) halogen, (c) Cl 6 alkyl, (d) CF3,

(e) hydroxy, (f) C1-6 alkoxy, (g) C1-4 alkenyl ; (h) phenyl ; (i) phenoxy, (j) benzyloxy, (k) benzoyl, <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (1)-OCF3,<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (m)-CN, (n) straight or branched C1-6 hydroxyalkyl, (o) straight or branched C,-6 alkylhalides, (p)-NH2, (q)-NHR4, (r)-NR4R5, (s)-NOz, (t)-CON R4R5, (u)-NHSO2 R4, (v)-NR6COR5, (x)-SO2NR4R5, (z)-C (=O) R4, (aa)-C02 R4, or (ab)-S (0) n R" ; wherein n is 0,1,2 or 3, (ac)-S-(C1-6 )alkyl (ad)-SCF3 R4 and R5 are independently (a) H, (b) C,-6 alkyl, (c) C3 7 cycloalkyl, or (d) Ar, as defined above for R1; alternatively, R4 and R5 are linked to form a group (CH2) 20, (CH2) 40 or (CH2) 3-5 ; and

R6 is (a) H, or (b) Cl-6 alkyl.

In one aspect, this invention features a compound of the formula (I) : or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: ring B is ; in which D is a five-membered heterocyclic or heteroaryl ring, said ring comprising one or two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen, with the proviso that when D contains an oxygen atom, D is heteroaryl; W is N or- (CH)-, provided that not more than three groups W are N in both rings A and B together; Pis P and R3 are bound to the same ring and are disposed in the meta-or para-positions relative to each other;

R'is (a) C1-6 alkyl, (b) C1-6 alkoxyalkyl, (c) straight or branched C1-6 hydroxyalkyl, (d) straight or branched C 1-6 alkylhalides; or (e) a group Ar; Ar is (a) phenyl, (b) 1-naphthyl, (c) 2-naphthyl, (d) benzyl, (e) cinnamoyl, (f) a 5 to 7-membered, optionally aromatic, partially saturated or completely saturated, heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms, selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur, or (g) a bicyclic ring system comprising at least one heterocyclic ring according to (f). wherein the group Ar is substituted in one or more positions with (a) H, X or Y, or (b) a 5 to 7-membered, optionally aromatic, partially saturated or completely saturated, heterocyclic ring each containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur; R2 is (a) H, (b) Cl 6 alkyl, (c) C1-6 alkoxy, (d) straight or branched Cl 6 hydroxyalkyl, or (e) straight or branched Cl-6 alkylhalides; or Rl and R2 are linked to form a group (CH2) 40 ; One of R3 is a group

X and Y are independently (a) H, (b) halogen, (c) C1-6 alkyl, (d)-CF3, (e) hydroxy, (f) C1-6 alkoxy, (g) Cl 4 alkenyl ; (h)phenyl; (i) phenoxy, (j) benzyloxy, (k)benzoyl, (1)-OCF3, (m)-CN, (n) straight or branched C,-6 hydroxyalkyl,

(o) straight or branched C1-6 alkylhalides, (p)-NH2, (q)-NHR4, (r)-NR4R5, (s)-N02, (t)-CONR4R5, (u)-NHS02R4, (v)-NR4COR5, (x)-SO2NR4R5, (z) -C(=O)R4, (aa)-C02R4, or (ab) -S(O)nR4 ; wherein n is 0,1,2 or 3; (ac)-S-(C 1-6)alkyl (ad)-SCF3 R4 and R5 are independently (a) H, (b) C1-6 alkyl, (c) C3 7 cycloalkyl, or (d) Ar, as defined above for Ri alternatively, R4 and R5 are linked to form a group (CH2) 20, (CH2) 40 or (CH2) 3-5 ; and R6 is (a) H, or (b) straight of branched C,-6 alkyl.

In preferred forms, the invention provides naphthalene compounds of the formula (II), isoquinoline compounds of the formula (III), quinone compounds of the formula (IV), 1,7-naphthyridine compounds of the formula (V), and benzofuran, benzothiophene, or indole compounds of the formula (VI) :

wherein R3, P, X and Y are as defined for formula (I) ; and wherein D in formula (VI) is a five-membered heterocyclic or heteroaryl ring, said ring comprising one or two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen, with the proviso that when D contains an oxygen atom, D is heteroaryl. The group Y can be attached to any unsubstituted carbon atom in D. When the heteroaryl ring comprises one or two nitrogen atoms, a group R6 could be attached at the secondary nitrogen.

Preferred compounds of the general formulas (I), (II), (III), and (IV), (V), (VI) are those wherein: Rl is (a) Cl 6 alkyl, or (e) a group Ar; Ar is (a)phenyl, (b) 1-naphthyl, (c) 2-naphthyl, or (f) a 5 to 7-membered, partially or completely saturated, mono-or bi-cyclic heterocyclic ring each containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur; wherein the group Ar is substituted in one or more positions with X or Y; wherein X or Y is (a) H, (b) halogen, (c) C1-6 alkyl, (d)-CF3, (f) Cl-6 alkoxy, (g) C1-4 alkenyl; (1)-OCF3, or (m) straight or branched CI-6 hydroxyalkyl (n) phenyloxy (o) benzyloxy (ab)-S (O)"R4 ; wherein n is 0,1,2 or 3, (ac)-S-(C 1-6)alkyl (ad)-SCF3 (v)-NR4COR5, (x)-S02NR4R5, (z)-C (=O) R4.

R, is (a) H, or (b) C, 3 alkyl, in particular methyl; or R'and R2 are linked to form a group (CH2) 40 ; R3 is wherein R6 is (a) H, or (b) Cl 6 alkyl, in particular methyl; X and Y are H; and/or D is furanyl.

Preferred compounds of the formula II are para-substituted naphthalene compounds wherein P is wherein RI and R2 are as defined for formula (I) ; and X and Y are H, halogens, methyl, methoxy, (cf. Table I). Particularly preferred of such compounds are those wherein RI is phenyl, methylphenyl, methoxyphenyl, dimethoxyphenyl, 1-naphthyl, 2- naphthyl, fluoromethylphenyl, chlorophenyl, dichlorophenyl, fluorochlorophenyl, dichlorothienyl, chlorothienyl, trifluoromethylphenyl, or methoxymethylphenyl ; R2 is H or methyl; and R3 is piperazinyl or homopiperazinyl, 3,5-dimethylpiperazine, 4-piperidine, 4- (4,3)-dihydropyridine, 4- (1, 2,3,6)-tetrahydropyridine; R6 is H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl.

Further preferred compounds of the formula II are compounds with a group P and a group R3 inpara-position.

Further preferred compounds of the formula II are compounds with a group P and a group R3 in para-position, wherein P is wherein RI and R2 are as defined for formula (I) (cf. Table III) ; and X or Y are H, methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, methoxy, thiomethyl, 1-naphthyl, phenyloxy, trifluoromethoxy, trifluorothienyl (cf. Table II). Particularly preferred of such compounds are those wherein Ri is phenyl, 1-naphthyl, phenyloxyphenyl, dimethoxyphenyl, dimethylphenyl, methylchlorophenyl, isopropylphenyl, fluorophenyl, 1 (2H)-3,4-dihydroquinolin, R2 is H or methyl, R3 is piperazinyl, and R6 is H.

Preferred compounds of the formula III are isoquinoline compounds wherein P is and occupies position 3 of the ring, wherein RI and R2 are as defined for formula (I) ; and X or Y are H, methyl, bromo, methoxy, acethylamino (cf. Table IV). Particularly preferred of such compounds are those wherein RI is phenyl, bromophenyl, methylchlorophenyl, methylphenyl, methoxyphenyl, trimethylphenyl, dimethoxyphenyl, bromomethoxyphenyl ; R2 is H or methyl; and R3 is methylpiperazinyl.

Preferred compounds of the formula IV are quinoline compounds wherein P is and occupies position 5 of the ring, wherein Ri and R2 are as defined for formula (I) ; and X, Y is H (cf. Table V). Particularly preferred of such compounds are those wherein RI is phenyl; R2 is H or methyl ; and R3 is piperidinyl.

Preferred compounds of the formula V are 1,7-naphthyridine compounds wherein P is and occupies position 8 of the ring, wherein RI and R2 are as defined for formula (I) ; and X and Y are halogen, methoxy (cf. Table V). Particularly preferred of such compounds are those wherein R I is phenyl, dimethoxyphenyl, 1-naphthyl ; R2 is H or methyl; and R3 is piperidinyl; Preferred compounds of the formula VI are benzofurane compounds wherein P is and occupies position 5 of the ring, wherein RI and R2 are as defined for formula (I) and wherein D in formula (VI) is a five-membered heterocyclic or heteroaryl ring, said ring comprising one or two atoms selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen, with the proviso that when D contains an oxygen atom, D is heteroaryl. The group Y can be attached to any unsubstituted carbon atom in D. When the heteroaryl ring comprises one or two nitrogen atoms, a group R6 could be attached at the secondary nitrogen; and X and Y are halogen, methoxy (cf. Table V). Particularly preferred of such compounds are those wherein RI is phenyl, dichlorophenyl, bromophenyl, dichloromethylphenyl, 1-naphthyl, phenyl, methylphenyl, fluorophenyl, thiophenyl, chlorothiophenyl; R2 is H or methyl; and R3 is piperidinyl or N-methylpiperidinyl.

TABLE I Para-substituted naphthalene compounds of the formula II wherein P is and X, Y are H: Compound name pi R3 R2 I N- (4-Methylphenyl)-4- (l-piperazinyl)-l- (N) H naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride (i H 2 N- (2, 4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4- (1-piperazinyl)-I- N H naphthalenesulfonamide,hydrochloride , CN ou 3 N-(3, 4-di-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-methyl-1, 4-diazepan-1- (N H yl)-I-naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 4, N 9 t y . N 4 N-(3-Fluorophenyl)-4-(4-methyl-1, 4-diazepan-1-yl)-I-H naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N F 5 4-(4-Ethyl-I-pi perazinyl)-N-phenyl-I-, H naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N 4-Hexahydropyrrolo [1, 2-a] pyrazin-2 (IH)-yi-N- (4- N H methylphenyl)-1-naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride Compound name Rl R3 R2 7 N-(3, 4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-hexahydropyrrolo [1, 2-N H a] pyrazin-2 ( H)-yl-I-naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 8 4-(4-Ethyl-I-piperazinyl)-N-(4-methylphenyl)-1-H naphthalenesulfonamide,hydrochloride Y J 9 N- (3, 4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4- (3-methyl-1-piperazinyl)- o N H 1-naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H 10 N-(4-Methylphenyl)-4-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-I-8 N H naphthalenesulfonamide,hydrochloride 11 N- [4- (2, 5-Diazabicyclo [2.2.1] hept-2-yl)-1-naphthyl]-4-H methylbenzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N 12N- (4-Methylphenyl)-4- (3-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-1- _ _ naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride Y H 13 N-(2-Naphthyl)-4-(1-piperazinyl)-I-H w w naphthalenesulfonamide,hydrochloride N H 14N-Methyl-N-(4-methylphenyl)-4-(1-piperazinyl)-I-N-CH3 naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N H 154-(1, 4-Diazepan-I-yl)-N-(4-methylphenyl)-1-H naphthalenesulfonamide,hydrochloride T H H 16 4-(1, 4-Diazepan-I-yl)-N-(2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl)-l (N H 1-naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 0 H 17N- (2-Methoxy-4-methylphenyl)-4- (3, 5-trimethyl-1- piperazinyl)-I-naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride j H Compound name R1 R3 R2 18 4- (4-Isopropyl-i-piperazinyl)-N- (4-methylphenyl)-l- (N) H naphthalenesulfonamide,hydrochloride T 19 4-Bromo-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphtha H len-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N N Br ar 20 2, 5-di-Chloro-N- [4- (1-piperazinyl)-l- CN\ H ce naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride Cl H 21 2-Chloro-4-fluoro-N- [4- (1-piperazinyl)-1- CN\ H 1 Qt [) naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N H F F 22 2, 3-di-Chloro-N- [4-(1-pi perazinyl)-I-H naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride C! H 23 2, 4-di-Chloro-5-methyl-N- [4- (I-piperazinyl)-l- (N) H naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride i H H Ci 24 3-tri-Fluoromethyl-N- [4- (1-piperazinyl)-1- CN\ H naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride CF3 H 25 2-tri-Fluoromethyl-N- [4- (1-piperazinyl)-1- CN H CF naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H 26 4-Bromo-N-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-y __ CN CH3 1-naphthalen-I-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride. i N H Br 27 Naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-yl-t H naphthalen-1-yl)-amide, hydrochloride i i N H 28 2,5-Dichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-c s cl N H yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-amide, hydrochloride H H Compound name RI R3 R2 29 4-Methoxy-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-% (° H benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H H 30 4-Chloro-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-~ N H benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H H 31 2-Chloro-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-H benzenesulfonamide,hydrochloride ci 32 N- (4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-4-trifluoromethyl- F F CN\ H benzenesulfonamide,hydrochloride H 3 3 4-Fluoro-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-~ N H benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H H 34 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-H yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride F N H H 35 4-Phenoxy-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-~°Ph N H benzenesulfonamide,hydrochloride N H 3 6 2-Bromo-4-i odo-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-Br I H benzenesulfonamide,hydrochloride N H 37 Thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-, CN\ H I-yl)-amide,hydrochloride H H 38 5-Chloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-yl-, S G CN H naphthalen-I-yl)-amide, hydrochloride H H 39 3-Methyl-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-N H benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N 40 4-Butyl-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-H _ benzenesulfonamide hydrochloride N H Compound name RI R3 R2 41 2,4,6-Trimethyl-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-H benzenesulfonamide hydrochloride H H 42 2,4,5-Trichloro-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)- a ci N H benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride ci N H H 43 4-lodo-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-H benzenesulfonamide,hydrochloride H H 44 2-Methyl-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-H benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N H 45 3,4-Dichloro-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-na c, | H phthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N "& H 46 5-Bromo-2-methoxy-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-N H yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride /Br N ) aBr H 47 2-Bromo-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-yl)-Br> ?) H benzenesulfonamide,hydrochloride N H 48 3-Chloro-2-methyl-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-N H yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H 49 2,6-Dichloro-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I yl) az H benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride cri H C ! H 50 3-Methoxy-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)- CN\ H benzenesulfonamide,hydrochloride N H 51 3-Ch loro-4-methyl-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-c, W H yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H 52 4-Bromo-2-fluoro-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-I-Br H yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N F H Compound name Rl R3 R2 53 2,4-Dichloro-6-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen- ci ci CN\ H 1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H 54 4-Bromo-2-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1- Br CN\ H yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H 55 4,5-Dichloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-s cl N H yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-amide, hydrochloride'\/ci NJ H H 56 N-Methyl-N- (4-bromo-2-methyipbenyl)-4- (I- Br N CH3 pyperazinyl)-I-napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride U JL N H 57 N-Methyl-N- (5-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-4- (I- F CN\ CH3 pyperazinyt)-l-napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N N H 58 N-Methyl-N- (2-methylphenyl)-4- (1-pyperazinyl)-1- CN\ CH3 napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N H H 59 N-Methyl-N- (3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-4- (1- ci CN\ CH3 pyperazinyl)-l-napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N H r H 60 2, 5-di-Chlorothiophen-3-yl-N-Methyl-N-(2, 5-Cl S Cl N CH3 dichlorothiophen-3-yi)-4- (l-pyperazinyl)-I-N napthalenesulfonamide,hydrochloride 61 N-Methyl-N-(I-naphthyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-I-rN > CH3 napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N N H 62 N-Methyl-N- (I-naphthyl)-4- (I-pyperazinyl)-1- CN\ CH3 napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N N H 63 N-Methyl-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-I-Cl N CH3 napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride i N H Compound name Rl R3 R2 64 N-Methyl-N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-I-O'CH3 napthalenesulfonamide,hydrochloride N H 65 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N-14- [ (2R, 5S)-2, 5-dimethyl-l- NN H ] piperazin-1-yl-l-naphthyl} benzenesulfonamide, N H hydrochloride 66 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N- [4- (1, 2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4 F H yl)-l-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride T t) N H

TABLE II 3-Substituted naphthalene compounds of the formula II wherein P is and X. Y are H : Compound name Rl R3 R2 67 N- [4- (4-Methyl-l-piperazinyl)-2-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride _ _ I N N / TABLE III 5-Substituted naphthalene compounds of the formula II wherein P is and X, Y and R4 are H : Compound name Rl R3 R2 68 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid phenylamide, N H hydrochloride I 61, N 69 4-Piperazin-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (2-methoxy-phenyl)-H O amide,hydrochloride, N H 70 4- (cis-3, 5-Dimethyl-piperazin-1-yl)-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid N\ H (2-methoxy-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride fizz fui 71 4-(cis-3, 5-Dimethyl-piperazin-I-yl)-naphthalene-l-sulfonic aci d H r"r"1 (3-chloro-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride CI 72 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (3-chloro- phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride H ci 73 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid phenylamide, \ (NA H hydrochloride NID H 74 4-Piperazin-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)-NA H amide,hydrochloride N Cl Compound name Rl R3 R2 75 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic S CN\ H acid(2-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride N I i, H 76 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid methyl-naphthalen-< CND H I-yl-amide,hydrochloride H 77 4-Piperazin-I-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2, 3-dihydro- o CN\ CH3 benzo [1, 4] dioxin-6-yl)-methyl-amide, hydrochloride H 78 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2,3-dihydro- r-o N H benzo [1, 4] dioxin-6-yl)-amide, hydrochloride Y H 79 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid metbyl- (2- (N) CH3 methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride H H 80 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphíhalene-l-sulfonic acid methyl-(3-_ N CH3 f'rF! 1 trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride I H 81 4-Piperazin-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-4-methyl-CH3 phenyl)-methyl-amide,hydrochloride N H H 82 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (3-ethyl-phenyl)-CH3 methyl-amide, hydrochloride W tN) i N H 83 4- (3, 5-Dimethyl-piperazin-1-yl)-naphtbalene-l-sulfonic acid (2-N H isopropyl-phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride N H 84 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-napbthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2-isopropyl- (N H I phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride y-y ND H 85 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (3-ethyl-H phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride NID H Compound name Rl R3 R2 86 N-(2-Fluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-yinaphthalene-I-sulfonamide , H hydrochloride ZON H 87 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfoni c aci d (3-, CF3 r NA H trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride' H 88 N-(2, 4-di-Fluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-yinaphthalene-l-F CN 9 H sulfonamide, hydrochloride F N 89 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2-trifluoromethoxy-H I cF, phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride N H H 90 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (3-trifluoromethoxy-o. PH CN\ H I phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride H 91 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (3-trifluoromethoxy-| OsCF N H phenyl)-amide, : hydrochloride- H H 92 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2-chloro-5-methyl-H phenyl)-amide,-hydrochloride m I N H 93 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (4-isopropyl-H phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride H H 94 N-(3, 5-di-Fluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-yinaphthalene-I-Fs F H sulfonamide,hydrochloride H H 95 1- [4- (3, 4-Dihydroquinolin-1 (2H)-yisulfonyl)-l- naphthyl] piperazine, hydrochloride'N N H 96 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yi-naphthalene-i-sulfonic acid (3-nitro-02 phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride ( NID 97 4-Piperazin-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (3-nitro-phenyl)- Noz CN\ H amide, hydrochloride W t 9 H Compound name Rl R3 R2 98 4- [1, 41 Diazepan-I-yi-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (3-nitro- (N CH3 phenyl)-methyl-amide, hydrochloride WJ NS N H 99 N- (4-methylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-yinaphthalene-1-sulfonamide, CN\ H hydrochloride H 100 N-(3-chloro-4-methylphenylj-4-piperazin-1-yinaphthalene-i-N H sulfonamide,hydrochloride H 101 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (2,3-dimethyl- (N CH3 phenyl)-methyl-amide,hydrochloride ND H 102 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (4-isopropyl-rNA H phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride H 103 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (4-isopropyl- (N CH3 phenyl)-methyl-amide,hydrochloride I H 104 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2, 4-dimethyl-l rNA H phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride N 105 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (2-chloro-5-rNA H methyl-phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride ND H 106 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2,5-dimethoxy- H phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride oX H N H 107 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-acetyl-phenyl)-CN\ H amide,hydrochloride H Compound name Rl R3 R2 108 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2,4-dimethyl- N H phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride 4 H H 109 4-Piperazin-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (3-trifluoromethyl-CF3 N H phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride N y H H l lO 4-Piperazin-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid biphenyl-2-ylamide, H hydrochloride H r H 111 4-Piperazin-I-yl-naphthalene-I-sulfonic acid (3-benzyloxy- 01 CN\ H phenyl)-amide,hydrochloride y H F 1 12 N-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-yinaphthalene-I-sulfonamide , N H hydrochloride i H 113 N- (3-Ethylphenyl) =4-piperazin. l. ylnaphthalene-1-sulfonamine, I CN\ H hydrochloride N H 1144-Piperazinyl-N- [3- (trifluoromethyl) phenyl] naphthalene-1- s F CN\ H' sulfonamide,hydrochloride I ?" H H I I S 4-Piperazinyl-N- [3-benzoylphenyl] naphthalene-1-sulfonamide, H hydrochloride H 116 4-Piperazinyl-N- [3- (4-bromo-l-methyl-IH-pyrazol-3- Br N N H yl) phenyl] naphthalene- I-sulfonamide, hydrochloride N-N H H 117 4-Piperazinyl-N- [3-biphenylphenyl] naphthalene-1-sulfonamide, H hydrochloride (N) N TABLE IV Meta-substituted isoquinoline compounds of the formula III wherein P is and X, Y are H :

Compound name Rl R3 R2 118 N- [1- (4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-3- _ CN\ H isoquinolinyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N Hz 3 119 2, 4-di-Fluoro-N- [ I- (4-methyl- I-piperazinyl)-3- (N) H isoquinolinyl]benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride CH, F 120 4-Bromo-N- [I-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-N 3 H yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonamide, CH3 hydrochloride ber 121 5-Chloro-3-methyl-benzo [b] thiophene N | H ci - 2-sulfonic acid [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-l-yl)- I N s isoquinolin-3-yl]-amide, hydrochloride l CH3 122 3-Chloro-2-methyl-N- [1- (4-methyl-pi-CN\ H perazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonamide, r! rn hydrochloride 123 3,4-Dichloro-N- [1- (4-methyl-piperaz I_-CN\ H in-I-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonamide, rC! CH hydrochloride ci cH, ci 124 4-Methyl-N- [I-(4-methyl-piperazin-I-H -N CH3 hydrochloride 125 3-Methoxy-N- [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)--CN\ H isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N O_ CH3 126 5-Chloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (N) H s [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yi)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-amide, s N hydrochloride CH3 127 N- {2-Chloro-4- [1- (4-methyl-piperazi-CN\ H n-I-yl)-isoquinolin-3-ylsulfamoyl]-phenyl}-acetamide hydrochloride NU 0 128 2,5-Dichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid [1-(4-meíhyl-+ CNg H piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-amide, hydrochloride CH3 129 N-[l-(4-Methyl-piperazin-I-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-3--H trifluoromethyl-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N CF3 CH3 130 N-[l-(4-Methyl-piperazin-I-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-4-tN H phenoxy-benzenesulfonamide,hydrochloride T CH, Phi 131 5-Bromo-2-methoxy-N- [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)--CN\ H isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride Br, & 6H 132 2-Methanesulfonayl-N- [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)--o, o CN H isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride CH, 133 3,5-Dimethyl-isoxazole-4-sulfonic acid [1- (4-methyl- o CN H piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-amide, hydrochloride N\/'N 6H, 134 2,4,6-Trimethyl-N- [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-. CN H isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 6H, 135 3,4-Dimethoxy-N- [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)--CN H isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 0 t CHa "0 TABLE V 5-Substituted quinoline compounds of the formula IV wherein P is and X, Y are

H: Compound name R1 R3 R2 136 N-(8- { [2-(di-Methylamino) ethyl] amino}-5-quinolinyl) benzenesulfonamide, 9 H hydrochloride i N H TABLE VI

1.7-Naphthyridine compounds of the formula V wherein P is R2 and X, Y are H: Compound name Rl R3 137 4-Methyl-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-i, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide, CN\ trifluoroaceticacid N H 138 4-Bromo-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide, Br N trifluoroaceticacid N H 139 N- (8-Piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) napbthalene-l-sulfonamide, (N) trifluoroaceticacid N H 140 N-(8-Piperazin-I-yl-1, 7-naphthyndin-6-yl) butane-1-sulfonamide, trifluoroaceXc N add- L J acid N H 141 3-Trifluoromethyl-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6--CN\ yl) benzenesulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid N caf3 H 142 3,4-Dimethoxy-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-I, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide,-F-N trifluoroaceticacid I o HJ H 0 143 2,4-Dichloro-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide,'N trifluoroacetic acid zizi 144 N- (8-Piperazin-1-yi-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) thiophene-2-sulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid s' (| 1 145 I-Phenyl-N- (8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyndin-6-yl) methanesulfonamide,, CN\ trifluoroacetic acid H-1 N 61 H TABLE VII 5-Substituted benzofurane compounds of the formula VI wherein P is ; R2 and X,

Y are H: Compound name RI R3 146 3-Cyanophenyl-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)- N benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride CN i H H 1474-Phenoxy-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, o. Ph CN\ hydrochloride N H 148 1-Naphthyl-N-(7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfo namide, N hydrochloride H H 149 N-(7-Piperazin-I-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, tN 3 hydrochloride N H 150 5-Chloro-3-methyl-benzo [b] thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (7-piperazin-1-yl- benzofuran-5-yl)-amide, hydrochloride s N H 151 N- [7- (4-Methylpiperazin-1-yl)-l-benzofuran-5-yl]-benzenesulfonami de, hydrochloride "' 152 4-Methyl-N-(7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfona mi de, l CN hydrochloride H I s3 3,4-Dimethoxy-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)- CN\ benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N H I s4 4-Bromo-N-(7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonam ide, Br N hydrochloride 9 H H I ss 2,3-Dichloro-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)- CI CN\ 1 benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride ci N I---y-H "r H 156 2,4-Dichloro-5-methyl-N-(7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-C l N benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride CI I 4-Methoxy-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N fj! N H 158 4-Chloro-N-(7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfona mide, Cl N hydrochloride H 159N- (-_piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-4-trifluoromethyl- CF3 CN\ benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride H s H t60 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)- F CN benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride N N "r H 1615-Chloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-Ci, N) amide, hydrochloride % N N H

METHODS FOR PREPARATION The compounds according to the invention (Tables I, II, IV, V, VI) can be prepared starting from halo-nitro substituted bicyclic aromatic rings by base (potassium carbonate) catalyzed aromatic nucleophilic substitution of a halogen in the desired position of the central bicyclic ring with the diamine of choice (R3). Reduction of a nitro group properly positioned on the central bicyclic ring by Raney-Ni catalyzed reaction leads to the aniline that is substituted further by sulfonylation with the alkyl-or aryl-sulfonylchloride of choice (Rl- SO2-Cl). Scheme 1 and Scheme 3 The compounds according to the invention (Tables III) can be prepared starting from fluoro substituted bicyclic aromatic rings in which the sulfonylchloride functionality is introduced by acid catalyzed sulfonylation. The sulfonyl group is reacted further with anilines of choice (RI-NH2). The diamine group (R3) is introduced by base catalyzed aromatic nucleophilic substitution. Scheme 2 The compounds according to the invention (Tables VII) can be prepared starting from iodo substituted bicyclic aromatic rings. The diamine group (R3) is introduced by Palladium catalysed nucleophilic substitution. Reduction of a nitro group properly positioned on the central bicyclic ring by Raney-Ni catalyzed reaction leads to the aniline that is substituted

further by sulfonylation with the alkyl-or aryl-sulfonylchloride of choice (R-S02-CI).

Scheme 4 The chemicals used in the above-described synthetic routes may include, for example, solvents, reagents, catalysts, protecting group and deprotecting group reagents. The methods described above may also additionally include steps, either before or after the steps described specifically herein, to add or remove suitable protecting groups in order to ultimately allow synthesis of the compounds of formula (I). In addition, various synthetic steps may be performed in an alternate sequence or order to give the desired compounds. Synthetic chemistry transformations and protecting group methodologies (protection and deprotection) useful in synthesizing applicable compounds are known in the art and include, for example, those described in R. Larock, Comprehensive Organic Transformations, VCH Publishers (1989); T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 2"d Ed., John Wiley and Sons (1991) ; L. Fieser and M. Fieser, Fieser and Fieser's Reagents for Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons (1994); and L. Paquette, ed., Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis, John Wiley and Sons (1995) and subsequent editions thereof.

Depending on the process conditions, the end products of the formula (I) are obtained either in neutral or salt form. Both the free base and the salts of these end products are within the scope of the invention.

Acid addition salts of the new compounds may in a manner known per se be transformed into the free base using basic agents such as alkali or by ion exchange. The free base obtained may also form salts with organic or inorganic acids.

In the preparation of acid addition salts, preferably such acids are used which form suitably therapeutically acceptable salts. Examples of such acids are hydrohalogen acids, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic or heterocyclic carboxyl or sulfonic acids, such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, succinic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, maleic acid,

hydroxymaleic acid, pyruvic acid, p-hydroxybensoic acid, embonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, hydroxyethanesulfonic acid, halogenbensenesulfonic acid, toluenesulfonic acid, mandelic acid or naphthalenesulfonic acid.

Throughout the specification and the appended claims, a given chemical formula or name shall encompass all stereo and optical isomers and racemates thereof where such isomers exist. All diastereomeric forms possible (pure enantiomers, tautomers, racemic mixtures and unequal mixtures of two enantiomers) are within the scope of the invention.

Such compounds can also occur as cis-or trans-, E-or Z-double bond isomer forms. All isomeric forms are contemplated.

Pharmaceutical formulations are usually prepared by mixing the active substance, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, with conventional pharmaceutical excipients. The formulations can be further prepared by known methods such as granulation, compression, microencapsulation, spray coating, etc.

This invention relates to a method of treatment or prophylaxis of obesity, type II diabetes, and/or disorders of the central nervous system. The method includes administering to a subject (e. g., a mammal, a human, a horse, a dog, or a cat) in need thereof an effective amount of one or more compounds of the formula (I) described above.

This invention also features a method for reducing body-weight (e. g., treating body- weight disorders). The method includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of the formula (I). As used herein, the term"body weight disorders"refers to the disorders caused by an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure, resulting in abnormal body (e. g., excessive) weights. Such body weight disorders include obesity.

Also within the scope of this invention is a method for modulating (e. g., inhibiting) 5- HT6 receptor activity. The method includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of the formula (I).

The methods delineated herein can also include the step of identifying that the subject is in need of treatment of obesity, type II diabetes, or disorders of the central nervous system, or in need of reducing body-weight.

"An effective amount"refers to an amount of a compound which confers a therapeutic effect on the treated subject. The therapeutic effect may be objective (i. e., measurable by some test or marker) or subjective (i. e., subject gives an indication of or feels an effect). For clinical use, the compounds of the invention are formulated into pharmaceutical formulations for oral, rectal, parenteral or other mode of administration.

Usually the amount of active compounds is between 0.1-95% by weight of the preparation, preferably between 0.2-20% by weight in preparations for parenteral use and preferably between 1 and 50% by weight in preparations for oral administration.

The typical daily dose of the active substance varies within a wide range and will depend on various factors such as, for example, the individual requirement of each patient and the route of administration. In general, oral and parenteral dosages will be in the range of 5 to 1000 mg per day of active substance, preferably 50 to 150 mg per day.

The specific examples below are to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, based on the description herein, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. All publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

EXAMPLES SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLES AND INTERMEDIATES IN TABLE I Scheme 1 R GOO NO2 NO2 NH2 HN', 0 il A N) N) N) A = Cl Z =-CH=, N () n N () n N () n A = OTf Z = N RB R8 R8 R8 = R8 = Alkyl R8 = H... R8 = BOC I R8=H iii v

In scheme 1, the following symbols are used: (i) K2CO3, DMF, diamine of chioce ; (ii) H2, Raney-Ni or Pd/C, THF: Ethanol; (iii) (BOC) 20, NaOH ; (iv) R'-SO2-Cl, Py, CH2Cl2 ; (v) HCI in diethyl ether; (vi) alkylhalides. TfO = trifluoromethanesulfonate.

General method A Reduction of nitronapthalenes derivatives to naphthylamine derivatives To a solution of nitronapthalenes derivatives (1 eq) in EtOH : THF (4: 1) was added Raney-Ni (-1. 0 mL suspension in EtOH) followed by hydrazine monohydrate (6 eq). The mixtures are stirred vigorously for 3 hours and then filtered through celite pretreated with water. The filtrate was concentrated, followed by the addition of toluene. Purifications are performed by flash column chromatography (Si02, CHCI3/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4% and 2 parts of light petroleum) to obtain the free base of napthylamine derivatives.

General method B Reaction of 4-nitro-chloronaphthalenes with diamines Diamines (1.2 eq) are added to a suspension of chloronaphthalenes derivatives (1 eq) and K2CO3 (3.5) in DMF. The suspensions are stirred at 65°C for 16 hours followed by filtration. Elimination of volatiles to give a crude residue. The residues are purified by flash chromatography (Si02, CHCI3oCHCI3/10% MeOH/0. 4% aq. NH3) to give the corresponding products as free bases.

(a) Intermediates for preparation of compounds in Tables I, II, IV and V according to Scheme 1 INTERMEDIATE 1 I-Methyl-4- (4-nitro-1-naphthyl)-1, 4-diazepane-To a suspension of 1-chloro-4- nitronaphthalene (1.0 g, 4.82 mmol) and K2C03 (2.0 g, 14.46 mmol) in DMF (10 mL) was added 1-methyl-1,4-diazepane (0.66 g, 5.78 mmol). The suspension was stirred at 65°C for 16 hours followed by filtration. Elimination of volatiles to give a crude residue. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Si02, CHCl3#CHCl3/10% MeOH/0.4% aq. NH3) to give 0.79 g (57 %) of the free base : IH NMR (CDCI3) 5 8.85-8.75 (m, 1H), 8.35-8.25 (m, 1H), 8.20-8.12 (m, 1H), 7.70-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.45 (m, 1H), 6.97-6.90 (m, 1H), 3.70-3.55 (m, 4H), 2.83-2.71 (m, 4H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.09-1.97 (m, 2H) ;'3C NMR (CDC13) 8 157.47, 139.13,129.26,127.82,127.66,126.53,125.69,125.40,123.94,111. 22,58.37,57.37,55.44, 54.71,46.97,27.88; MS (posES-FIA) m/z = found 285.1463, calc 285.1477.

INTERMEDIATE 2 4-(4-Methyl-1, 4-diazepan-1-yl)-1-napAthylamine-To a solution of 1-methyl-4- (4- nitro-1-naphthyl)-1, 4-diazepane (0.793 g, 2.78 mmol) in 40 mL of EtOH : THF (4: 1) was added Raney-Ni (-1. 0 mL suspension in EtOH) followed by hydrazine monohydrate (0.696 g, 13.9 mmol). The mixture was stirred vigorously for 3 hours and then filtered through celite pretreated with water. The filtrate was concentrated, followed by the addition of toluene.

Purification by flash column chromatography (Si02, CHC13/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4% and 2 parts of light petroleum) gave 0.441 g (62%) of the free base : 1H NMR (CDC13) 8 8.37-8.29 (m, 1H), 7.85-7.76 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.07-7.01 (m, 1H), 6.75-6.68 (m, 1H), 3.96 (br s, 2H), 3.36-3.20 (m, 4H), 2.95-2.76 (m, 4H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.10-1.95 (m, 2H); MS (posESI) m/z = 256 (M+H).

INTERMEDIATE 3 I-Ethyl-4- (4-nitro-1-naphthyl) piperazine-To a mixture of 1-chloro-4- nitronaphthalene (0.794 g, 3.82 mmol), and K2C03 (0. 791 g, 5.73 mmol) in DMF (3 mL) was

added N-ethyl piperazine (0.486 mL, 3.82 mmol). The mixture was heated in a microwave oven at 100W for 1 minute. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool down and the procedure was repeated 5 times. The mixture was filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (Si02, CHCI3eCHCIJMeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4 %) to give 0.950 g (87%) of a reddish brown solid : 1H NMR (CDC13) 8 ; 8.75-8.70 (m, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=8. 4 Hz, 1H), 8.24-8.20 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.02 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.32-3.24 (m, 4H), 2.85-2.70 (m, 4H), 2.54 (q, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 1.17 (tr, J=7. 3 Hz, 3); MS (posEI) m/z 385 (M+)..

INTERMEDIATE 4 (cis)-3, 5-Dimethyl-1- (4-nitro-1-naphthyl) piperazine-This compound was prepared from 1-chloro-4-nitronaphthalene (0.481 g, 2.32 mmol) and cis-2,6-dimethylpiperazine (0.481 g, 2.32 mmol) by the method described above, yield 0.554 g (84%) of the pure product as a reddish brown solid ; lH NMR (CDC13) 8 ; 8.76-8.71 (m, 1H), 8.30 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 8.23-8.14 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.66 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.0 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 1H), 3.45- 3.37 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.25 (m, 2H), 2.55-2.47 (m, 2H), 1.17-1.4 (m, 6H); MS (posEI) m/z 385 (M+).

INTERMEDIATE 5 3-Methy-1-(4-nitro-1-naphthyl)piperazine - This compound was prepared from 1- chloro-4-nitronaphthalene (0.395 g, 1.90 mmol) and 2-methylpiperazine (0.395 g, 1.90 mmol) by the method described above: yield 0.470 g (84%) of the pure product as a solid ; lH NMR (CDC13) 8 8.75-8.70 (m, 1H), 8.29 (d, J=8. 55 Hz, 1H), 8.24-8.20 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.00 (d, J=8.55 Hz, 1H), 3.46-3.37 (m, 2H), 3.31-3.15 (m, 3H), 2.95-2.89 (m, 1H), 2.61-2.53 (m, 1H), 1.15 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H)); MS (EI) m/z 271 (M+).

INTERMEDIA TE 6 2- (4-Nitro-l-naphthyl) octahydropyrrolo [1, 2-aJpyrazine-This compound was prepared from 1-chloro-4-nitronaphthalene (0.306 g, 1.47 mmol) and octahydropyrrolo [1, 2- a] pyrazine (0.185 g, 1.47 mmol) by the method described above, yield 0.332 g (76%) of the pure product as a yellow oil ; 1H NMR (CDCI3) 8 8.75-8.71 (m, 1H), 8.29 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H),

8.23-8.20 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.67 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.05 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 3.64-3.59 (m, 1H), 3.54-3.48 (m, 1H), 3.27-3.10 (m, 3H), 2.90-2.80 (m, 1H), 2.70-2.65 (m, 1H), 2.60- 2.30 (m, 2H), 2.00-1.80 (m, 3H), 1.65-1.50 (m, 1H) ; MS (posESI) m/z 298 (M+H).

INTERMEDIATE 7 1- (4-Nitro-l-naphthyl)-1, 4-diazepane-To a solution of 1-chloro-4-nitronaphthalene (0.971 g, 4.68 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.973 g, 7.10 mmol) in CH3CN (5.0 mL) was added homopiperazine (0.711 g, 7.10 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated in a closed sealed vessel at 120°C in a microwave oven for 10 min. The suspension was filtered and concentrated. Purification by column chromatography (SiO2, CHCI3oCHCI3/MeOH 9: 1) gave 0.952 g of the pure product ; lH NMR (CDC13) 8 8.80-8.74 (m, 1H), 8.29 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 8.25-8.19 (m, 1H), 7.71-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.03 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 3.57- 3.48 (m, 4H), 3.18-3.10 (m, 4H), 2.10-1.95 (m, 2H); MS (posEI) m/z 272 (M.

INTERMEDIATE 8 tert-Butyl 4-(4-nitro-1-naphthyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylate - 1-Chloro-4- nitronaphthalene (2.7 g, 13 mmol), tert-butyl-1-piperazinecarboxylate (2.4 g, 13 mmol) and potassium carbonate (2 g) were heated together in DMSO (100 mL) at 90°C overnight. The solution was allowed to cool to room temperature and poured into water (500 mL). The product was collected by filtration and recrystallised from methanol/water to yield 2.8 g (60%) of the title compound; mp 158.2 °C ; lH NMR (CDCI3) 8 1.52 (s, 9 H), 3.2 (br, 4 H), 3.75 (br, 4 H), 7.04 (d, J= 8. 53 Hz, 1 H), 7.62 (t, J= 7.02 Hz, 1 H), 7.73 (t, J= 7.02 Hz, 1 H), 8.25 (d, J= 8.53 Hz, 1 H), 8.3 (d, J= 8.54 Hz, 1 H), 8.73 (d, J= 8.53 Hz, 1 H).

INTERMEDIATE 9 1-tert-Butyl 4-(4-{bis[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1-naphthyl)-1- piperazinecarboxylate-tert-Butyl 4-(4-nitro-1-naphthyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylate (1 g, 2.8 mmol) in ethanol (200mL) was hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure over Pd/C (10%, 0.2g) for 3 hours after which time the uptake of hydrogen ceased. The solution was filtered and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in toluene (100 mL) and evaporated to give an off white solid. The solid was dissolved in acetonitrile (50 mL) containing 4-

dimethylaminopyridine (0.73 g). Toluene sulfonyl chloride (1. 14g, 6 mmol) was added and the mixture stirred at 35°C overnight. Brine was added and the product extracted into ethyl acetate (2 x 100 mL). The organic extracts were dried over MgS04 and evaporated to give a pale brown solid which was re-crystallized from ethanol. Yield 1.04g (58%) of a white solid.

Mp 176-178 ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 1.40 (s, 9 H), 2.36 (s, 6 H), 3.0 (br, 4 H), 3.6 (br, 4 H), 6.81 (AB, J = 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 6.89 (AB, J = 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.17 (m, 1 H), 7.19 (d, J = 7.53 Hz, 4 H), 7.32 (m, 1 H), 7.45 (d, J= 8.53 Hz, 1 H), 7.70 (d, J= 8.54 Hz, 4 H), 8.03 (d, J= 8. 03 Hz, 1 H).

INTERMEDIATE 10 1-tert-Butyl 4-(4-{[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino}-1-naphthyl)-1- piperazinecarboxylate-1-tert-Butyl 4- (4- {bis [ (4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl] amino}-1- naphthyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylate (1 g, 1.6 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (50 mL).

Potassium hydroxide (85%, 0.54 g) was added and the solution refluxed for 12 hours. The solution was poured into water (100 mL) and acidified with acetic acid (0.6 mL). The product precipitated and was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried. Yield 0.81g ; 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 1.36 (s, 9 H), 2.22 (s, 3 H), 2.8 (br, 4 H), 3.5 (br, 4 H), 6.47 (s, 1 H), 6.79 (d, J= 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.03 (d, J = 8. 03 Hz, 2 H), 7.07 (d, J = 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.3 (m, 2 H), 7.47 (d, J= 8.53 Hz, 2 H), 7.69 (1, J = 9.04 Hz, 1 H), 8.03 (d, J= 7.02 Hz, 1 H).

INTERMEDIATE Il 1-tert-Butyl 4- (4-methyl (4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl] amino)-I-naphthyl)-1- <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> piperazinecarboxylate-1-tert-Butyl 4- (4- { [ (4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl] amino}-1-naphthyl)- 1-piperazinecarboxylate (0.1 g, 0.2 mmol) was dissolved in DMSO (5 mL) and potassium carbonate (0.2 g) and methyl iodide (0.1 g) were added. The mixture was stirred and heated at 85°C for 15 hours. The solution was poured into water (50 mL) and the product collected by filtration, washed with water and dried. Yield 0.078 g (78 %) of a white solid.'H NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) 8 1.60 (s, 9 H), 2.56 (s, 3 H), 3.1 (br, 4 H), 3.36 (s, 3 H), 3.7 (br, 4 H), 6.90 (AB, J= 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 6.97 (AB, J = 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.41 (d, J = 8.03 Hz, 2 H), 7.6 (m, 2 H), 7.75 (d, J = 8.29 Hz, 2 H), 8.3 (m, 2 H).

INTERMEDIATE 12 5-Nitro-8-quinolinyl trifluoromethanesulfonate-To a solution of 5-nitro-8- quinolinol (1.89 g, 9.40 mmol) and Et3N (6.60 mL, 4.70 mmol) in CH2CI2 (125 mL) was added N-phenyl-trifluoromethanesulfonimide (5.06 g, 14.1 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then more of added N-phenyl- trifluoromethanesulfonimide (1.0 equiv.) was added and the mixture was stirred from another 16 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with 10% aqueous NaHCO3, dried with K2CO3, filtered and concentrated. The crude residue was triturated in MeOH to give 1.2 g (40%) of the pure product :'H NMR (CDC13) 8 9.20-9.18 (m, 1H), 9.11-9.07 (m, 1H), 8.48-8.45 (m, 1H), 7.83-7.79 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.72 (m, 1H); MS (posEI-DIP) m/z 321 (M+H).

INTERMEDIATE 13 8-(4-Methyl-1-piperazinyl)-5-nitroquinoline-To a suspension of 5-nitro-8-quinolinyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (0.50 g, 1.56 mmol) and K2CO3 (0.43 g, 3.12 mmol) in CH3CN (6.0 mL) was added 1-methylpiperazine (0.19 mL, 1.71 mmol). The suspension was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The mixture was filtered and concentrated. Purification via flash column chromatography chromatography (Si02, CHC13/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%) gave 0.509 g of the pure product: reversed phase HPLC >95% purity; MS (posESI) m/z 273 (M+H).

INTERMEDIATE 14 tert-Buyl (2R, 6S)-2, 6-dimethyl-4- (4-nitro-1-naphthyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylate-To a solution of cis-3, 5-dimethyl-l- (4-nitro-l-naphthyl) piperazine (0.565 g, 1.98 mmol) and NaOH (0.198 g, 4.95 mmol) in THF: water (20 mL, 1 : 1) was added di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (1.30 g, 5.94 mmol) in THF (4 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours followed by the addition of 3.0 equiv. of di-tert-butyl dicarbonate and 2.5 equiv. of NaOH. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for another 3 days. The mixture was concentrated and extracted with CHC13 (3 x 20 mL). The combined organic phases were dried with K2C03, filtered and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by column

chromatography on silica using CHC13 as eluent gave 0.200 g (26%) of the pure product as a solid brown solid: MS (posESI) m/z 386 (M+H).

INTERMEDIATE 1 S tert-Butyl-2-methyl-4-(4-nitro-1-naphthyl)-1-piperazinecarbo xylate was prepared from 3-methyl-1- (4-nitro-1-naphthyl) piperazine (0.436 g, 1.61 mmol) by the method described above: yield 0.552 g (92%) of the pure product as a yellow oil ;'H NMR (CDC13) 8 8.73-8.70 (m, 1H), 8.34-8.30 (m, 1H), 8.28 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 7.74-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.02 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.50-4.442 (m, 1H), 4.10-4.03 (m, 1H), 3.52-3.39 (m, 2H), 3.32-3.27 (m, 1H), 3.08-3.03 (m, 1H), 2.89-2.82 (m, 1H), 1.53 (s, 3H), 1.51 (s, 9H); MS (posESI) m/z 372 (M+H).

EXAMPLES OF COMPOUNDS ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION EXAMPLE 1 4-Methyl [4- (1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 1-tert-Butyl 4- (4- { [ (4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl] amino}-1-naphthyl)-1- piperazinecarboxylate (intermediate 10) (0.4g, 0.8mmol) was dissolved in THF (20mL) and treated with a IN solution of HCI in diethyl ether (30 mL) for twelve hours. The product was collected as a pale pink solid. Yield 0.2g (60%). mp 181°C (dec) ; lH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 2.80 (s, 3 H), 3.1 (br, 4 H), 3.3 (br, 4 H), 7.00 (q, J = 8.06 Hz, 2 H), 7. 27 (ab, J = 8.30 Hz, 2 H), 7.4-7.5 (m, 2 H), 7.53 (ab, J = 8.30 Hz, 2 H), 7.99 (d, J = 8.06 Hz, 1 H), 8.07 (d, J = 7.57 Hz, 1 H), 9.2 (br, 2 H); MS (ESI+) for C21 H23 N3 02 S Found m/z 381.1499 M+ Calc.

381.1611.

EXAMPLE 2 3, 4-Dimethoxy-N-[4-(1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonami de, hydrochloride tert-Butyl 4- (4-nitro-l-naphthyl)-l-piperazinecarboxylate (1 g, 2.8 mmol) in ethanol (200 mL) was hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure over Pd/C (10%, 0.2 g) for 3 hours after which time the uptake of hydrogen ceased. The solution was filtered and evaporated. The

residue was dissolved in toluene (100 mL) and evaporated to give an off white solid. The solid was dissolved in acetonitrile (50 mL) containing 4-dimethylaminopyridine (0.73 g).

This solution was divided into three portions. To one portion was added 3,4- dimethoxybenzene sulfonyl chloride (0.24 g). The mixture was stirred for 4 hours at 40°C under nitrogen. Ethyl acetate (50 mL) was added and the solution washed with brine (2 x 100 mL). The organic phase was separated, dried over MgS04 and evaporation. Purification by flash chromatography (Si02, Petrol: Ethyl acetate 1: 1) afforded the butoxycarbonyl protected product which was dissolved in methanol (2 mL) and treated with a IN solution of HCI in ethyl acetate (25 mL) for three hours. The product was precipitated with ether (200 mL) and collected as a pale pink solid, 45 mg (12 %).'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 3.17 (br, 4 H), 3.35 (br, 4 H), 3.63 (s, 3 H), 3.78 (s, 3 H), 7.03 (d, J= 8.55 Hz, 1 H), 7.07 (ab, J= 13.92,8.06 Hz, 2 H), 7. 24 (dd, J= 8.30,2.19 Hz, 1 H), 7.46 (m, 1 H), 7.51 (m, 1 H), 8.05 (d, J= 7.57 Hz, 1 H), 8.12 (d, J= 7. 56 Hz, 1 H), 9.2 (br, 2 H), 9.93 (s, 1 H); MS (ESI+) for C22 H25 N3 04 S m/z 427 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 3 3,4-di-Fluoro-N- [4- (4-methyl-1, 4-diazepan-1-yl)-1-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of (intermediate 2) 4- (4-methyl-1, 4-diazepan-1-yl)-1-naphthylamine (0.173 g, 0.676 mmol) and pyridine (0.450 mL, 4.73 mmol) in CH2CI2 (3 mL) was added a solution of 2, 4-Di-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.158 g, 0.743 mmol) in CH2CI2 (2 mL).

The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then concentrated. The crude mixture was purified by column chromatography chromatography (SiO2, CHCI3/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%). The free base was converted to its HCI-salt and recrystallized from MeOH and ether to give 0.227 g (79%) of the salt :'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 11.23 (br s, 1H), 10.49 (s, 1H), 8.21-8.17 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.46 (m, 3H), 7.19-7.10 (m, 3H), 3.65-3.35 (m, 6H), 3.30-3.15 (m, 2H), 2.85-2.82 (m, 3H), 2.33-2.10 (m, 2H); MS (posES-FIA) m/z 432 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 4 3-Fluoro-N-14-(4-methyl-1, 4-diazepan-1-yl)-1-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of (intermediate 3 after reduction according to Method A) 4- (4-methyl- 1, 4-diazepan-1-yl)-1-naphthylamine (0.173 g, 0.676 mmol) and pyridine (450 µL, 4.73 mmol) in CH2C12 (3.0 mL) was added 3-fluorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.145 g, 0.743 mmol) in CH2C12 (1.0 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and the volatiles were evaporated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (Si02, CHC13/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%) to give 240 mg of the product as solid that was triturated with MeOH/ether to give 0.180 g (64%) of the free base which was converted to its HCI-salt :'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 11.07 (br s, 1H), 10.28 (br s, 1H), 8.20-8.16 (m, 1H), 7.98- 7.94 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.40 (m, 6H), 7.16-7.12 (m, 1H), 7.06-7.02 (m, 1H), 3.65-3.30 (m, partly obscured by solvent signal, HDO, 6H), 3.26-3.18 (m, 2H), 2.84 (s, 3H), 2.30-2.05 (m, 2H); MS (posES-FIA) m/z = 414 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 5 N- [4- (4-Ethyl-1-piperazinyl)-l-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared from (intermediate 3 after reduction according to Method A) 4- (4-ethyl-1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthylamine (0.241 g, 0.945 mmol) and benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.121 mL, 0.945 mmol) by the method described above to yield HCI-salt 0.210 g (51%) ;'H NMR (CD30D) 8 8.19-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.94-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.70- 7.66 (m, 2H), 7.56-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.19 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.11 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.75-3.40 (m, 6H), 3.34 (q, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 3.25-3.10 (m, 2H), 1.43 (tr, J=7.6 Hz, 3H); MS (posEI) m/z 387 (M+).

EXAMPLE 6 N- (4-Hexahydropyrrolo [1, 2-alpyrazin-2 (lH)-yl-l-naphthyl)-4- methylbenzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of (intermediate 6) 2- (4-nitro-l-naphthyl) octahydropyrrolo [1, 2- a] pyrazine (0.160 g, 0.54 mmol) in 10 mL THF: EtOH (20 mL, 1 : 4) was added Raney-Ni (1.0 mL suspension in EtOH) followed by hydrazine hydrate (0.135 g, 2.70 mmol). The mixture

was stirred vigorously at room temperature for 16 hours and then filtered through celite pretreated with water. The filtrate was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in CH2C12 (3 mL) and pyridine (0.35 mL, 3.78 mmol) and p-toluensulfonyl chloride (0.13 g, 0.54 mmol) were added to the solution. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography chromatography (Si02, CHCl3/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4 %) to give 0.217 g (95%) of the free base which was converted to its HCl-salt : lH NMR (CD30D) 8 8.21-8.14 (m, 1H), 7.97-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.47 (m, 3H), 7.43-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.10 (m, 4H), 4.12-4.02 (m, 1H), 3.80-3.0 (m, partly obscured by solvent signal, 8H), 2.45-2.10 (m, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 1.87-1.75 (m, 1H) ; MS (posEI) m/z 421 (M+).

EXAMPLE 7 N- (4-Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2-alpyrazin-2 (lH)-yl-l-naphthyl)-3,4- dimethoxybenzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared from (intermediate 6) 2- (4-nitro-1- naphthyl) octahydropyrrolo [1, 2-a] pyrazine (0.133 g, 0.447 mmol) by the method described above: yield 0. 160 g (76%) of the pure product as the free base which was converted to its HCI-salt ; lH NMR (CD30D) 8 8.20-8.16 (m, 1H), 7.96-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.48 (m, 1H), 7. 43-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.30-7.26 (m, 1H), 7.23 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.16 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.09- 7.07 (m, 1H), 6.95-6.92 (m, 1H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.82-3.0 (m, partly obscured by solvent signal, 10H), 3.62 (s, 3H), 2.50-2.10 (m, 2H); MS (posEI) m/z 467 (M+).

EXAMPLE 8 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- [4- (4-Ethyl-1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonami de, hydrochloride To a solution of (intermediate 3 after reduction according to Method A) 4- (4-ethyl-1- piperazinyl)-1-naphthylamine 0.241 g, 0.945 mmol) and pyridine (0.534 mL, 0.945 mmol) in CH2CI2 (3.0 mL) was added p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (0.180 g, 0.945 mmol) in CH2C12 (2.0 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours followed by the addition of CH2CI2 (15 mL). The reaction mixture was washed with saturated aqueous NaHC03, dried with Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography (Si02. CHCl3-CHCl3/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%) to give a solid which was

converted to its HCI-salt : yield HCI-salt 0.372 g (88%) ;'H NMR (CD30D) 6 8.20-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.97-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.47 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.25-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.18 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.10 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.80-3.10 (m, partly obscured by solvent signal, 10 H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 1.43 (tr, J=7.3 Hz, 3H); MS (posEI) m/z 409 (M+).

EXAMPLE 9 3,4-Dimethoxy-N- [4- (3-methyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-naphthyllbenzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared from (intermediate 8 after reduction according to Method A) tert-butyl 4- (4-amino-1-naphthyl)-2-methyl-1-piperazinecarboxylate (0.189 g, 0.55 mmol) and 3,4-dimethoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.130 g, 0.55 mmol) by the method described above: yield HCI-salt 0.068 g (26%); 1H NMR (CD30D) EXAMPLE 10 4-Methyl-N- [4- (4-methyl-1-piperizinyl)-1-naphthyl]-1-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of 4- (4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthylamine (prepared according to methods A and B) (0.099 g, 0.409 mmol) and pyridine (231 pL, 2.86 mmol) in CH2CI2 (3.0 mL) was added 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.078 g, 0.409 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1.0 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then washed with saturated aqueous NaHC03, dried with Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified via column chromatography (Si02, CHCl3eCHCl3/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%) to give the pure base which was converted to its HCI-salt : yield 110 mg (62 %) ; lH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.86 (br s, 1H), 10.02 (s, 1H), 8.11-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.60-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.55- 7.44 (m, 2H), 7.33-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.06 (m, 1H), 7.04-7.01 (m, 1H), 3.55-3.32 (m, 6H), 3.19-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.86 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H); MS (posES-FIA) m/z = 395.1665 (M+H) (calc 395.1667).

EXAMPLE 11 4-Methyl-N- [4- (5-methyl-2, 5-diazabicyclo [2, 2, 1]hept-2-yl]-naphtyl]benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride

To a solution of4- (5-methyl-2, 5-diazabicyclo [2,2,1] hept-2-yl)-1-naphtylamine (0.210 g, 0.829 mmol) (prepared according to methods A and B), pyridine (468 uL, 5.80 mmol) in CH2CI2 (3.0 mL) was added 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.158 g, 0.829 mmol) in CH2C12 (1.0 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then concentrated. The crude product was purified via column chromatography (Si02, CHC13->CHC13/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%) to give the pure base which was converted to its HCI- salt: yield 160 mg (43%) ; lH NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 10.78 (br s, 1H), 9.90-9.88 (m, 1H), 8.02- 7.98 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.49-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.33-7.30 (m, 2H), 7.06-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.93-6.90 (m, 1H), 4.38-4.30 (m, 3H), 3.65-3.60 (m, 3H), 2.90-2.87 (m, 1H), 2.86-2.83 (m, 3H), 2.36 (br s, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H); MS (posES-FIA) m/z = 407.1655 (M+H) (calc 407.1667).

EXAMPLE 12 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 4-Methyl-N- [4- (3-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of (intermediate 8 after resuction according to Method A) tert-butyl 4- (4-amino-l-naphthyl)-2-methyl-l-piperazinecarboxylate (0189 g, 0.55 mmol) and pyridine (0.311 mL, 3.85 mmol) in CH2CI2 (3 mL) was added tolouenesulfonyl chloride (0.105 g, 0.55 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then concentrated. The crude residue was purified by column chromatography (Si02, EtOAc: pentane 3: 7). The pure intermediate was dissolved in small amount of MeOH and de-protected using ether saturated with HCI-gas. The precipitate was collected by filtration and triturated with MeOH and ether: yield HCI-salt 0.047 g (19%) ;'H NMR (CDC13) S 8.28-8.20 (m, 1H), 7.85-7.79 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.50-7.10 (m, partly obscured by solvent signal, 5H), 6.95-6.85 (m, 1H), 6.51 (br s, 1H), 4.50-4.25 (m, 1H), 4.05-3.85 (m, 1H), 3.52-3.33 (m, 1H), 3.28-3.05 (m, 2H), 2.97-2.85 (m, 1H), 2.82-2.67 (m, 1H), 2.85 (s, 3H), 1.52-1.47 (m, partly obscured by H20 signal, 3H); MS (pos-ES) m/z = 395 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 13 2-N- [4- (l-Piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl] naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To another portion of the solution of the reduced nitro compound was added 2-naphthalenesulfonyl chloride (0.23 g). The mixture was stirred for 4 hours at 40°C under nitrogen and worked up as above. The product obtained was identified as 1-tert-butyl 4- (4-

{bis [ (2-naphthalene) sulfonyl] amino}-1-naphthyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylate. This bis sulfonamide was refluxed for 3 hours in ethanol (10 mL) containing NaOH (0.1 g). This solution was added to a solution of HCI in ethyl acetate (1N, 100 mL) and stirred overnight.

The solution was evaporated to give the crude product which was purified by preparative hplc (CH3CN: H20 10 % to 50 % gradient). Yield 47mg.'H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 3.05 (br, 4 H), 3.3 (br, 4 H), 7.0 (s, 2 H), 7.2-7.5 (m, 2 H), 7.55 (t, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.62 (t, J = 6.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.76 (m, 1 H), 7.9-8.1 (m, 5 H), 8.21 (s, 1 H), 8.7 (br, 2 H) EXAMPLE 14 N,4-Dimethyl-N-14-(1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 1-tert-Butyl 4- (4- {methyl [ (4-methylphenyl) sulfonyl] amino}-1-naphthyl)-1- piperazinecarboxylate (intermediate 14 after reduction according to Method A) (75 mg, 0.15 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (5 mL) and treated with IN HCI in ether (20 mL). After stirring overnight, the product precipitated and was collected by filtration, washed with ether and dried. Yield 60 mg (92%) of an off white solid.

EXAMPLE 15 N [4- (1, 4-Diazepan-1-yl)-1-napthyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of (intermediate 7 after reduction according to Method A) 4- (1, 4- diazepan-1-yl)-1-naphtylamine (0.399 g, 1.17 mmol), pyridine (661 pL, 8.19 mmol) and Et3N (329 pL, 2.34 mmol in CH2C12 (3.0 mL) was added 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.223 g, 1.17 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1.0 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then concentrated. The crude product was purified via column chromatography (Si02, CHC13CHC13/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%) to give 0.360 g of the boc-protected compound. De-protection was accomplished by dissolving the intermediate in MeOH and then adding HCl-gas dissolved in ether. The precipitate was collected by filtration to give 0.143 g (28%) of the pure compound as the HCI-salt :'H NMR (DMSO-d6 S 10.00 (s, 1H), 9.28 (br s, 1H), 8.20-8.16 (m, 1H), 8.04-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.54-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.47-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.33-7.29 (m, 2H), 7.12 (d, J= 8.16 Hz, 1H), 7.01 (d, J= 8.16 Hz, 1H), 3.42-3.31 (m, 6H), 3.20.3.16 (m, 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.14-2.08 (m, 2); MS (posES-FIA) m/z = 395.1667 (M+H) (calc 395.1667)

EXAMPLE 16 N [4- (1, 4-Diazepan-1-yl)-1-napthyl]-2-methoxy-4-methylbenzenesulfona mide, hydrochloride To a solution of (intermediate 7 after reduction according to Method A) 4- (1, 4- diazepan-1-yl)-1-napthylamine (0.399 g, 1.17 mmol), pyridine (661 pL, 8.19 mmol) and Et3N (329 µL, 2.34 mmol in CH2CI2 (3.0 mL) was added 2-methoxy-4- methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.258 g, 1.17 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1.0 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then concentrated. The crude product was dissolved in EtOH and powdered KOH was added to the solution. The mixture was stirred at 70°C for 16 hours. The suspension was concentrated and water was added. The solution was neutralized with IN HCI and extracted with CH2CI2 (2x20 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine, dried with Na2SO4, and concentrated. Column chromatography (Si02, CH2Cl2- CH2CI2/MeOH (95: 5) gave 0.432 g of a reddish brown solid. De-protection of the intermediate using MeOH ether saturated with HCl-gas gave brown solid which was collected by filtration. The product was re-crystallized from MeOH/ether to give 109 mg (20%) of product as its HCl-salt :'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 9.74 (s, 1H), 9. 36 (br s, 2H), 8.20-8.14 (m, 2H), 7.55-7.45 (m, 3H), 7.44-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.09 (m, 2H), 7.02-7.00 (m, 1H), 6.75-6.74 8m, 1H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.42-3.27 (m, 6H), 3.18-3.14 (m, 2H), 2.31- (s, 3H), 2.14-2.07 (m, 2H); MS (posES-FIA) m/z = 425.1768 (M+H) (calc 425.1774) EXAMPLE 17 N- (2-Methoxy-4-methylphenyl)-4- (3, 5-trimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-1- naphthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of (intermediate 4 after reduction according to Method A) 4- (2, 6- dimethyl-l-piperazinyl)-l-naphthylamine (0.203 g, 0.563 mmol) and pyridine (322 HL, 3.99 mmol) in DCM (3.0 mL) was added 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.107 g, 0.563 mmol) in DCM (1.0 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then washed with saturated aqueous NaHC03, dried with Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated. The crude intermediate was purified via column chromatography on silica using

CHCI3/CHCI3+10% MeOH + 0.4% NH3 to give 0.230 g of the boc-protected intermediate.

Removal of the boc-group was accomplished by dissolving the intermediate in MeOH and then adding ether saturated with HCI-gas. The crude product was dissolved in DCM and then purified via column chromatography on silica using CHC13/CHCl3+10% MeOH + 0.4% NH3 to give 156-mg (67%) of the pure base which was converted to its HCI-salt : 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.01 (s, 1H), 9.86-9.78 (m, 1H), 9.14-9.00 (m, 1H), 8.13-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.05- 8.02 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.55 (m, 2), 7.53-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.33-7.29 (m, 2H), 7.06 (d, J = 7.85 Hz, 1H), 7.02 (d, J = 8.17 Hz, 1H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.27 (m, 2H), 2.86-2.79 (m, 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 1.31 (d, J = 6.60 Hz, 6H); MS (posES-FIA) m/z = 409.1838 (M+H) (calc 407.1824) EXAMPLE 18 N [4- (4-Isopropyl-l-piperizinyl)-l-naphthyl]-4-methylbenzenesulfo namide, hydrochloride To a solution of 4-(4-isopropyl-1-piperazinyl)-l-naphthylamine (0.209 g, 0.776 mmol) (prepared according to Methods A and B) and pyridine (438 pL, 5.43 mmol) in CH2CI2 (3. 0 mL) was added 4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (0.163 g, 0.850 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1.0 mL). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and the solid was collected by filtration as the HCI-salt to yield 0.236 g (66%) ;'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.65 (br s, 1H), 9.95 (br s, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 1H), 8.02-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.49 (m, 2H), 7. 48.7.37 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.22 (m, 2H), 7.02-6.94 (m, 2H), 3.53-3.40 (m, 3H), 3.37-3.15 (m, 8H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.32-1.28 (m, 6H); MS (posES-FIA) m/z = 423.1972 (M+H) (calc 423.1980).

EXAMPLE 19 4-Bromo-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.21 (s, 1H), 9.12 (brs, 2H), 8.12 (d, J = 8.48 Hz, 1H), 7.97 (d, J = 8.16 Hz., 1H), 7.75-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.61-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.54-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.01 (M, 2h), 3.38-3.31 (M, 4H), 3.23-3.10 (M, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 446 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 20 2,5-Dichloro-N-[4-(1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonam ide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 3.2 (br, 4 H), 3.4 (br, 4 H), 7.09 (s, 2 H), 7.54 (m, 2 H), 7.70 (m, 3 H), 8.10 (m, 2 H); MS (ESI+) for C20 H19 C12 N3 02 S m/z 436 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 21 2-Chloro-4-fluoro-N-[4-(1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl]benzenesul fonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 5 3.1 (br, 4 H), 3.4 (br, 4 H), 7.01 (AB, J = 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.04 (AB, J= 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.27 (dt, J= 3.01,8.53 Hz, 1 H), 7.5 (m, 2 H), 7.68 (dd, J = 2.51,9.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.85 (dd, J = 6.52,9.03 Hz, 1 H), 8.10 (d, J= 7.03 Hz, 1 H), 8.20 (d, J = 7.03 Hz, 1 H); MS (ESI+) for C20 H19 Cl F N3 02 S m/z 420 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 22 2,3-Dichloro-N-[4-(1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonam ide, hydrochloride 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 3.1 (br, 4 H), 3.4 (br, 4 H), 7. 01 (AB, J= 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.03 (AB, J= 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.42 (t, J= 7.78 Hz, 1 H), 7.50 (m, 2 H), 7: 81 (dd, J= 1.51,8 : 03 Hz, 1 H), 7.85 (dd, J= 1.51,8.03 Hz, 1 H), 8.10 (dd, J= 6.52,2.0 Hz, 1 H), 8.20 (dd, J= 7.53,2.01 Hz, 1 H); MS (ESI+) for C20 H19 C12 N3 02 S 436 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 23 2,4-Dichloro,5-methyl-N-[4-(1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl]benzen esulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 2.27 (s, 3 H), 3.15 (br, 4 H), 3.4 (br, 4 H), 7.07 (s, 2 H), 7.54 (m, 2 H), 7.79 (s, 1 H), 7.85 (s, 1 H), 8.13 (m, 1 H), 8.19 (m, 1 H); MS (ESI+) for C21 H21 C12 N3 02 S m/z 450 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 24 3-Trifluoromethyl-N-[4-(1-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl]benzenesul fonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 8 3.2 (br, 4 H), 3.4 (br, 4 H), 7.05 (AB, J= 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.10 (AB, J= 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.40 (t, J= 7.53 Hz, 1 H), 7.50 (t, J= 7. 53 Hz, 1 H), 7.76 (t, J = 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.81 (s, 1 H), 7.88 (d, J = 8.53 Hz, 1 H), 7.95 (d, J = 8.03 Hz, 1 H), 7.99

(d, J = 8. 03 Hz, 1 H), 8.12 (d, J = 8.54 Hz, 1 H); MS (ESI+) for C21 H20 F3 N3 02 S m/z 436 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 25 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 2-Trifluoromethyl-N- [4- (l-piperazinyl)-1-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) 6 3.0 (br, 4 H), 3.4 (br, 4 H), 6.93 (s, 2 H), 7. 36 (m, 1 H), 7.41 (m, 1 H), 7.64 (m, 2 H), 7.85 (dd, J= 2.01,7.53 Hz, 1 H), 7.90 (dd, J= 2.01,7.03 Hz, 1 H), 8.02 (d, J= 8.54 Hz, 2 H).

EXAMPLE 26 4-Bromo-N-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 9.12 (brs, 2H), 8.22-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.89 (d, J = 8.44 Hz, 2H), 7.74-7.58 (m, 4H), 7.10 (d, J = 7.91 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (d, 8.18 Hz, 1H), 3.50 (s, 3H), 3.43-3.27 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal), MS (posESI) m/z = 460 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 27 Naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-amide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 5 ; 9.00 (brs, 1H), 8.77-8.71 (m, 1H), 8.18 (d, J = 8.44 Hz, 1H), 8.10-8.02 (m, 2H), 8.01-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.90 (d, J = 8.18 Hz, 1H), 7.73-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.56- 7.49 (m, 1H), 7.47-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.31-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.02-6.94 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.25 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.19-3.05 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 418 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 28 2,5-Dichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-amide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.52 (brs, 1H), 9.02 (brs, 2H), 8.19-8.12 (m, 1H), 8.01- 7.94 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.23-7.12 (m, 3H), 3.43-3.28 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal), 3.25-3.10 (m, m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 442 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 29

4-Methoxy-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 ; 9.96 (s, 1H), 9.13 (brs, 1H), 8.15-8.08 (m, 1H), 8.06-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.55-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.12-6.97 (m, 4H), 3.43-3.29 (m, 4H), 3.24- 3.10 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 398 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 30 4-Chloro-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.25 (brs, 1H), 9.03 (brs, 1H), 8.16-8.09 (m, 1H), 8.00- 7.94 (m, 1H), 7.71-7.41 (m, 6H), 7.13-7.01 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.26 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal), 3.24-3.08 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 402 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 31 2-Chloro-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (CDCI3) 8 ; 8.24-8.12 (m, 2H), 7.90-7.83 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.43 (m, 3H), 7.32- 7.27 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal, 1H), 7.09 (s, 1H), 7.04 (d, J = 8.44 Hz, 1H), 6.87-6.79 (m, 1H), 3.90-3.40 (m, 4H), 3.12-2.80 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 402 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 32 N- (4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-4-trifluoromethyl-benzene sulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.40 (brs, 1H), 9.03 (brs, 1H), 8.12 (d, J = 7.65 Hz, 1H), 7.95-7.83 (m, 5 H), 7.55-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.02 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured inp art by solvent signal), 3.23-3.09 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 436 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 33 4-Fluoro-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6 8 ; 10.17 (brs, 1H), 9.18 (brs, 2H), 8.15-8.08 (m, lH), 7.99-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.77-7.66 (m, 2H), 7.55-7.30 (m, 4H), 7.11-7.01 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal,), 3.25-3.10 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 386 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 34

5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 ; 10.27 (brs, 1H), 9.19 (brs, 2H), 8.16-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.03-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.33 (m, 5H), 7.12-6.98 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal) 3.24-3.10 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 400 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 35 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 4-Phenoxy-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.08 (s, 1H), 9.11 (brs, 2H), 8. 18-8.07 (m, 1H), 7.98-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.67-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.40 (m, 4H), 7.28-7.20 (m, 1H), 7.11 (s, 2H), 7.07-6.98 (m, 1H), 7.11 (s, 2H), 7.07-6.98 (m, 4H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24- 3.10 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 460 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 36 2-Bromo-4-iodo-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.45 (brs, 1H), 9.01 (brs, 2H), 8.28 (d, J = 1.58 Hz, 1H), 8.18-8.09 (m, 2H), 7.88-7.83 (m, 1H), 7.59-7.50 (m, 3H), 7.07 (s, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.23-3.10 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 572 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 37 Thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-amide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.30 (s, 1H), 9.12 (brs, 1H), 8.17-8.09 (m, 1H), 8.00-7.92 (m, 1H), 7.89-7.85 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.38 (m, 3H), 7.18-7.06 (m, 3H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.25-3.15 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 374 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 38 5-Chloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-amide, hydrochloride

'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 ; 10.43 (brs, 1H), 9.11 (brs, 2H), 8.19-8.111 (m, 1H), 8.02- 7.95 (m, 2H), 7.29 (d, J = 3.95 Hz, 1H), 7.21-7.12 (m, 3H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.25-3.15 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 408 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 39 3-Methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 8.14-8.07 (m, 1H), 8.04-7.97 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.35 (m, 6H), 7.07-6.97 (m, 2H), 3.30-2.98 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal, 8H), 2.29 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 442 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 40 4-Butyl-N-(4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonam ide hydrochloride: IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.05 (s, 1H), 9.20 (brs, 2H), 8.11 (d, J = 7.91 Hz, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.18 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.26 (m, 5H), 7.07 (s, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.25-3.15 (m, 4H), 2.66-2.55 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal, 2H), 1.58-1.15 (m, 2H), 1.32-1.15 (m, 2H), 0.92-0.83 (m, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 427 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 41 2,4,6-Trimethyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 9.92 (brs, 1H), 9.01 (brs, 2H), 8.15-8.09 (m, 1H), 8.05-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.42 (m, 2H), 7.09-6.94 (m, 4H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.25-3.15 (m, 4H) 2.85 (s, 6H), 2.22 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 410 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 42 2,4,5-Trichloro-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.68 (brs, 1H), 9.06 (brs, 1H), 8.22-8.08 (m, 2H), 8.18 (s, 1H), 7.88 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.09 (s, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.25-3.15 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 470 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 43 4-Iodo-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 5H NMR (DMSO-d6) # ; 10.22 (s, 1H), 9.06 (brs, 2H), 8.16-8.09 (m, 1H), 8.02-7.87 (m, 3H), 7.58-7.39 (m, 4H), 7.18-6.98 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, 4H), 3.25-3.10 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 494 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 44 2-Methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride : IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.13 (s, 1H), 9.15 (brs, 2H), 8.15-8.08 (m, 1H), 8.07-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.70-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.23 (m, 2H), 3.41-3.27 (m, 4H), 3.24-3.09 (m, 4H), 2.55 (s, obscured in part by solvent signal, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 382 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 45 3,4-Dichloro-N- (4-piperazin-1-yt-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride MS (posESI) m/z = 436 (M+H) EXAMPLE 46 5-Bromo-2-methoxy-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) # ; 10.13 (s, 1H), 9.10 (brs, 2H), 8.16-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.78-7.71 (m, 1H), 7.59 (d, J = 2.64 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.06 (m, 3H), 3.19 (s, 3H), 3.40- 3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24-3.09 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 476 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 47 2-Bromo-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 9.37 (brs, 1H), 8.22-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.89-7.79 (m, 2H), 7.57- 7.40 (m, 4H), 7.05 (s, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24-3.09 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 446 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 48

3-Chloro-2-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 5 ; 9.11 (brs, 1H), 8.17-8.09 (m, 1H),), 8.04-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.73-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.46 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.27 (m, 1H), 7.11-6.99 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24-3.09 (m, 4H), 2.57 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 416 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 49 2,6-Dichloro-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.60 (s, 1H), 9.08 (brs, 1H), 8.18-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.44 (m, 5 H), 7.09 (s, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24-3.09 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 436 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 50 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 3-Methoxy-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.13 (s, 1H), 9.07 (brs, 2H), 8.15-8.08 (m, 1H), 8.02-7.95 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.36 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.22 (m, 1H), 7. 19-7. G2 (m, 4H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.40-3.30 (m, 4H), 3.24-3.10 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 398 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 51 3-Chloro-4-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 ; 10.20 (brs, 1H), 9.12 (brs, 2H), 8.16-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.04-7.97 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.43 (m, 4H), 7.12-6.99 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24-3.09 (m, 4H), 2.36 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 416 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 52 4-Bromo-2-fluoro-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 ; 10.59 (s, 1H), 9.17 (brs, 2H), 8.17-8.09 (m, 1H), 8.08-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.87-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.59-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.16-7.07 (m, 2H), 3.42-3.28 (, 4H), 3.24- 3.08 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 464 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 53 2,4-Dichloro-6-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 9.08 (brs, 2H), 8.18-8.04 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.60- 7.42 (m, 3H), 7.14-7.04 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24-3.09 (m, 4H), 2.80 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 450 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 54 4-Bromo-2-methyl-N- (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) b ; 10.24 (brs, 1H), 9.12 (brs, 2H), 8.17-8.10 (m, 1H), 8.05-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.65 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.46 (m, 4H), 7.10-6.96 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24-3. 09 (m, 4H), 2.53 (s, obscured in part by solvent signal, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 450 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 55 4,5-Dichloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (4-piperazin-1-yl-naphthalen-1-yl)-amide, hydrochloride 'HNMR (DMSO-6) 8 ; 8.97 (brs, 2H), 8.19-8.12 (m, 1H), 8.01-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.60- 7.47 (m, 2h), 7.50 (S, 1H), 7.25-7.14 (m, 2H), 3.40-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.24-3.09 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 442 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 56 N-Methyl-N- (4-bromo-2-methylphenyl)-4- (l-pyperazinyl)-l-napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO) 5 9.39 (br s, 2H), 8.23-8.13 (m, 1H), 8.09-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.75-7.56 (m, 5H), 7.13-7.02 (m, 2H), 3.41-3.18 (m, 8H), 3. 26 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 475.

EXAMPLE 57

N-Methyl-N- (5-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)-4- (1-pyperazinyl)-1-napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO) # 9.21 (br s, 2H), 8.23-8.14 (m, 1H), 8.04-7.97 (m, 1H), 7.64-7.45 (m, 5H), 7.13-7.03 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.17 (m, 8H), 3.29 (s, 3H), 2.21 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 414.

EXAMLE 58 N-Methyl-N-(2-methylphenyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-1-napthalenesu lfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (CD30D) # 8.26-8.19 (m, 1H), 8.11-8.05 (m, 1H), 7.87-7.81 (m, 1H), 7.62- 7.49 (m, 3H), 7.40-7. 32 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.03 (m, 2H), 3.57-3.49 (m, 4H), 3.34-3.30 (m, 7H), 2.30 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 396.

EXAMPLE 59 N-Methyl-N-(3-chloro-2-methylphenyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-1-nap thalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO) # 9.52 (br s, 2H), 8.23-8.14 (m, 1H), 8.04-7.96 (m, 1H), 7.88-7.76 (m, 2H), 7.64-7.54 (m, 2H), 7.49-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.17-7.05 (m, 2H), 3.42-3.16 (m, 8H), 3.27 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 430.

EXAMPLE 60 2, 5-Dichlorothiophen-3-yl-Methyl-N-(2,5-dichlorothiophen-3-yl) -4-(1-pyperazinyl)-1- napthalenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO) a 9.49 (br s, 1H), 8.24-8.13 (m, 1H), 8.07-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.67-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 7.24-7.07 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.18 (m, 10H) ; MS m/z (M+1) 456.

EXAMPLE 61 N-Methyl-N-(1-naphthyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-1-napthalenesulfon amide, hydrochloride The compound was prepared 1-tert-butyl-4-(4-{bis[(2-naphthalene) sulfonyl] amino}- 1-naphthyl)-1-piperazinecarboxylate and potassium carbonate (120 mg, 0.87 mmol) in acetone (2 ml) was added iodomethane (44 µl, 0.7 mmol) and the mixture was stirred at room

temperature over night. The mixture was diluted with acetonitrile, filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was redissolved in DCM (3 ml) and treated with concentrated TFA (1 ml) at 0°C for 30 min and then allowed to reach room temperature. Removal of the solvents in vacuo and purification by reversed phase HPLC. followed by treatment of the residue with an excess of 1M HCl in diethyl ether, gave the title compound (70 mg, 58%) as a solid. 1H NMR (DMSO) 15 9.28 (br s, 2H), 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.24-8.07 (m, 5H), 7.80-7.56 (m, 5H), 7.07- 7.00 (m, 1H), 6.88-6.81 (m, 1H), 3.41-3.18 (m, 8H), 3.27 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 432.

EXAMPLE 62 N-Methyl-N-(1-naphthyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-1-napthalenesulfon amide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO) S 9.25 (br s, 2H), 8.37-8.28 (m, 2H), 8.22-8.08 (m, 3H), 8.02-7.95 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.46 (m, 5H), 6.97 (s, 2H), 3.42-3.33 (m, 4H), 3.25 (s, 3H), 3.24-3.16 (m, 3H); MSm/z (M+1) 432.

EXAMPLE 63 N-Methyl-N-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-1-napthalenesu lfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO) 5 9.41 (br s, 2H), 8.23-8.05 (m, 2H), 7.73 (s, 4H), 7.67-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.92-6.85 (m, 1H), 3.42-3.19 (m, 8H), 3.22 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 416.

EXAMPLE 64 N-Methyl-N-(4-methoxyphnyl)-4-(1-pyperazinyl)-1-napthalenesu lfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO) # 9.45 (br s, 2H), 8.22-8.11 (m, 2H), 7.69-7.57 (m, 4H), 7.21-7.14 (m, 2H), 7.09-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.86-6.81 (m, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.41-3.19 (m, 8H), 3.16 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 412.

EXAMPLE 65 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N-{4-[ (2R, 5S)-2,5-dimethyl-1-] piperazin-1-yl-1- naphthyl} benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride

Synthesis of (2R, SS)-2, 5-Dimethyl-1- (4-nitro-1-naphthyl) piperazine-A mixture of 1- chloro-4-nitronaphtalene (400 mg, 1.9 mmol), (2R, 5S)-2, 5-dimethylpiperazine (800 mg, 7 mmol) and potassium carbonate (lg, 7 mmol) in DMSO (4 ml) was stirred at 100°C over night followed by an additional 48 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate and filtered. The filtrate was washed with brine and 2M NaOH solution and then dried with potassium carbonate. The residue was purified on a silica column, using 10% methanol in chloroform as an eluent, to give the title compound (220 mg, 41%) as an oil.'H NMR (CDC13) 8 8.68-8.53 (m, 2H), 8.31-8.26 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.24 (m, 1H), 3.32-3.87 (m, 4H), 2.96-2.82 (m, 1H), 2.44-2.32 (m, 1H), 1.14-1.04 (m, 3H), 0.99-0.89 (m, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 286.

Synthesis of tert-Butyl (2R, 5S)-2, 5-dimethyl-1- (4-nitro-1-naphthyl) piperazine-1- carboxylate-To a stirred solution of (2R, 5S)-2, 5-Dimethyl-l- (4-nitro-l-naphthyl) piperazine (220 mg, 0.77 mmol) in DCM (2 ml) was added, at 0°C, BOC-anhydride dissolved in DCM (2 ml). The solution was stirred for 15 min and was then allowed to reach room temperature.

Water was added and the solution was extracted with DCM. The organic phase was separated and dried with potassium carbonate to give the title compound (300 mg, 100%) as an oil. IH NMR (CDC13) 8 8.75-8.67 (m, 1H), 8.30-8.17 (m, 2H), 7.70-7.55 (m, 2H), 6.93-6.86 (m, 1H), 4.60-4.50 (m, 1H), 3.97-3.65 (m, 4H), 2.90-2.73 (m, 1H), 1.49 (s, 9H), 1.41-1.36 (m, 3H), 0.99-0.87 (m, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 386.

Synthesis of 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N-{4-[(2R, 5S)-2, 5-dimethyl-1-] piperazin-1-yl-1- napAthyl} benzenesulfonamide hydrochloride salt-A mixture of tert-butyl (2R, 5S)-2, 5- dimethyl-l- (4-nitro-l-naphthyl) piperazine-l-carboxylate (300 mg, 0.78 mmol) and 10% Pd on carbon (approx. 0.1 mmol) in methanol (10 ml) was stirred in an hydrogen atmosphere over night. The mixture was filtered through a pad of Celite and the solvent evaporated. The crude aniline was dissolved in DCM (2 ml) and pyridine (0.5 ml) and 5-fluoro-2- methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride (97 p. I, 0.67 mmol) was added slowly to the solution. After stirring for 2 hours water was added and the solution was extracted with DCM, the organic phase separated and dried using potassium carbonate. Removal of the solvents in vacuo gave a residue which was dissolved in DCM (3 ml) and treated with concentrated TFA (2 ml) at 0°C. The stirred solution was allowed to reach room temperature after which the solvents where removed in vacuo to give, after purification by reversed phase HPLC and treatment

with an excess of 1M HCI in diethyl ether, the title compound (30 mg, 9 %) as a solid.'H NMR (CD30D) 5 0.85 (d, J=6. 07 Hz, 3 H) 1.31 (d, J=6. 60 Hz, 3 H) 2.47 (s, 3 H) 2.83 (m, 1 H) 3.15 (m, 2 H) 3.49 (m, 2 H) 3.67 (m, 1 H) 7.21 (m, 4 H) 7.47 (m, 3 H) 7.97 (m, J=7. 92 Hz, 1 H) 8.44 (d, J=8. 44 Hz, 1 H) MS m/z 428 (M+1).

EXAMPLE 66 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N-[4-(1, 2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)-1 naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N-[4-(bromo-1-naphthyl]benzenesulfonamide - 4-Bromo-1, naphthylamine (0.96 g, 4. 33 mmol) was dissolved in DCM (10 mL) before pyridine (1 mL) was added. 5-Fluoro-2-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride was added neat and the reaction mixture was stirred for 16 h. HCI (1 M, 1 mL) was added to the reaction mixture. The organic phase was filtered through a Silica plug using DCM as eluent. The solvent was evaporated. The obtained crude product was purified by flash-chromatography using MeOH (10%) in pentane, to give the desired product as a tar. To increase the purity, the product was purified by recrystallising (EtOAc/hexanes). This gave the product with a purity of 95%. 1H NMR (270 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.22 (d, J= 8. 98 Hz, 1H). 7.92 (d, J= 7.92 Hz, 1H), 7.64-7.51 (m, 4H), 7. 25-7. 23 (m, 1H), 7.21-7.05 (m, 2H), 6.84 (br. s, 1H, N-H), 2.55 (s, 3H); MS (ESI+) for C17 H13 Br F N 02 S m/z 394. 263 (M+H) +.

MS (ESI-) for C17 H13 Br F N 02 S m/z 394. 263 m/z (M-H)-. <BR> <BR> <BR> <P> 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N-4- (4- (tert-butoxycarbonyl)-1-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-I-<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> naphthyljbenzenesufonamide-5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N- [4-bromo-l- naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide (0.32 g, 0.812 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (lm mL) under N2 (g). The reaction flask was cooled to-78 °C before n-BuLi (1.5 mL, 2.4 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture turned green. The reaction mixture was stirred for 5 minutes before a solution of tert-butyl 4-oxopiperidine-1-carboxylate (0.34 g, 1.7 mmol) was added during 10 s. The resulting reaction mixture was stirred and slowly reaching-30 °C after 3h.

Water dissolved in THF was added and the reaction flask was brought to RT. Brine and EtOAc was added. The phases were separated and the organic phase was dried (MgS04).

The obtained crude product was purified by reverse-phase (using the gradient 40o90). This gave 0. 17 g of the desired product. Purity 95%. 1H NMR (270 MHz, CDC13) 8 8.91-8.87 (m,

1H), 7.97-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.35 (d, J= 8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.28- 7.21 (m, 1H), 7.16-7.09 (m, 2H), 7.14 (br. s, 1H, N-H), 6.85 (br. s, 1H, O-H), 4.07-3.98 (m, 2H), 3.41-3.31 (m, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.17-2.08 (m, 4H), 1.46 (s, 9H); MS (ESI+) for C27 H31 F N2 05 S m/z 514. 615 (M+H) +. Nothing; MS (ESI-) for C27 H31 F N2 05 S m/z 514.615 (M-H)-513. 1.

The final product was obtained as following: 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N- [4- (4- (tert- butoxycarbonyl)-1-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-1-naphthyl] benzenesulfonamide (0.022 g, 0.043 mmol) was dissolved in formic acid (5 mL) and stirred at RT for 24 h. HPLC showed complex reaction mixture. The reaction mixture was stirred at 100 °C for 4 h. One compound was seen on HPLC. The solvent was evaporated. The crude was transformed to the HCI salt ( 0.020 g) for the desired product, purity 98%.'H NMR (270 MHz, CD30D) 8 8.05-7.97 (m, 2H), 7.55-7.43 (m, 3H), 7.33-7.30 (m, 1H), 7.24-7.17 (m, 3H), 5.97 (br. s, 1H), 3.90-3.88 (m, 2H), 3.56-3.52 (m, 2H), 2.73-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.53 (s, 3H); MS (ESI+) for C22 H21 F N2 02 S HCI m/z 396.13 + 35.98 (M+H) + 397.2; MS (ESI-) C22 H21 FN2 02 S HCI m/z 396.13 + 35.98 (M-H)-. 395.3.

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLE IN TABLE II EXAMPLE 67 N-14- (4-Methyl-l-piperazinyl)-2-naphthyllbenzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of 1- (4-dimethyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-naphthylamine (0.230 g, 0.951 mmol) and pyridine (537 p1L, 6.66 mmol) in DCM (3.0 mL) was added benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.168 g, 0.951 mmol) in DCM (1.0 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then and then concentrated. The crude intermediate was first purified via column chromatography on silica using CHCI3/CHCI3+10% MeOH + 0.4% NH3 and then by preparative HPLC to give the pure base which was converted to its HCI-salt (yield 53% as HCI-salt) : 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.76 (br s, 1H), 10.50 (s, 1H), 7.98-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.85-7.81 (m, 2H), 7.76-7.73 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.30 (d, J = 1.60 Hz, 1H), 6.99 (d, J = 1.88 Hz, 1H), 3.58-3.48 (m, 2H), 3.42-3.25 (m, m, partly obscured by HDO signal, 4H), 3.12-3.00 (m, 2H), 2.86 (s, 3H); MS (posES-FIA) m/z = 381.15 24 (M+H) (calc 381.1511) SYNTHESIS OF INTERMEDIATES AND EXAMPLES IN TABLE III Scheme 2

In scheme 2, the following reagents are used: (i) Chlorosulfonic acid, trifluoroacetic acid; (ii) Rl-NH2, pyridine (1: 4); (iii) diamines of choice and DMSO.

INTERMEDIA TE 16 4-Fluoro-naphthalene-I-sulfonyl chloride-An emulsion of 1-fluoronaphthalene (4.00 g, 27 mmol) in TFA (19.5 mL) was stirred on an ice-bath. Chlorosulfonic acid (4.33 mL, 65 mmol) was added dropwise over 30 min. The ice-bath was removed and the reaction slurry stirred at rt for 2 h. Pouring the reaction mixture on 29 mL ice-cold water gave a white precipitate, which was filtered and washed with cold water. After drying, 4.50 g of white solid (67%) :'H NMR (CDC13, 400 MHz) 8 8.80 (d, 1H), 8.39 (dd, 1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 7.88 (t, 1H), 7.76 (t, 1H), 7.26 (t, 1H) ; MS (EI) 244 (M). Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) >98%.

General method C geneva acid method C <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> acid (2-methoxy-phenyl)-amide and 4-fluoro-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)- amide-Three reaction flasks with 4-fluoro-naphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride (489 mg, 2.00 mmol) in CH2CI2 (2 mL) were treated with aniline (224 mg, 2.40 mmol), o-anisidine (296 mg, 2.40 mmol) and m-chloroaniline (306 mg, 2.40 mmol), respectively. Pyridine (0.5 mL) was added and the reaction mixtures stirred for 3 h at rt. Dilution with ethyl acetate (50 mL)

followed by washing with 1 M HCI (3x50 mL), drying (Na2SO4) and evaporation gave 586 mg of 4-fluoro-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid phenylamide (97%), 629 mg of 4-fluoro- naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-methoxy-phenyl)-amide (95%) and 656 mg of and 4-fluoro- naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)-amide (97%) as pink to red solids.

INTERMEDIATE 17 4-Fluoro-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid phenylamide :'H NMR (CDC13, 400 MHz) 8 8.66 (d, 1H), 8.20 (d, 1H), 8.15 (dd, 1H), 7.74 (t, 1H), 7.66 (t, 1H), 7.03-7.15 (m, 4H), 6.89 (d, 2H), 6.60 (bs, 1H) ; MS (CI) 299.8 (M-H) + ; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) >98%.

INTERMEDIATE 18 4-Fluoro-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (2-methoxy-phenyl)-amide : IH NMR (CDCI3, 400 MHz) 8 8.70 (d, 1H), 8.16 (d, 1H), 8.12 (dd, 1H), 7.71 (t, 1H), 7.63 (t, 1H), 7.42 (d, 1H), 7.16 (bs, H), 7.06 (t, 1H), 6.95 (t, 1H), 6.83 (t, 1H), 6.56 (d, 1H), 3. 30 (s, 3H); MS (CI) 330.2 (M-H) + ; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) >98%.

INTERMEDIATE 19 4-Fluoro-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)-amide: 1H NMR (CDC13, 400 MHz) 8 8.64 (d, 1H), 8.18-8.22 (m, 2H), 7.76 (t, 1H), 7.68 (t, 1H), 7.14 (dd, 1H), 7.06 (t, 1H), 7.02 (d, 1H), 6.97 (t, 1H), 6.78 (d, 1H), 6.67 (bs, 1H) ; MS (CI) 334.2 (M-H) + ; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) >98%.

General procedure D General procedure for preparation of compounds according to Examples 68-74: Solutions of 4-fluoro-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-methoxy-phenyl)-amide (60 mg, 0.20 mmol), 4-fluoro-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-methoxy-phenyl)-amide (66 mg, 0.20 mmol) and 4-fluoro-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)-amide (67 mg, 0.20 mmol) in DMSO (2 mL) were treated with piperazine (86 mg, 1.0 mmol), homopiperazine (100 mg, 1.0 mmol) and cis-2,6-dimethyl piperazine (114 mg, 1.0 mmol) in eight reaction

combinations. The reaction mixtures were stirred at 100°C for 3 h, diluted with ethyl acetate (50 mL), washed with sat. Na2CO3 (3x50 mL), dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated with an excess of HCI in ether, giving the hydrochlorides. No purification was necessary for compounds 20- 23, while compounds 24-27 were purified with HPLC (YMC combiprep ODS-AQ, 50x20mm I. D.).

EXAMPLE 68 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid phenylamide, hydrochloride 86 mg (95% yield) of a white solid NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz) 8 9.52 (bs, 1H), 8.72 (d, 1H), 8.20 (d, 1H), 8.15 (d, 1H), 7.71 (t, 1H), 7.64 (t, 1H), 7.20 (d, 1H), 7.13 (t, 2H), 7.01 (d, 2H), 6.90 (t, 1H), 3.35 (bs, 4H), 3.30 (bs, 4H). 13C NMR (DMSO, 101 MHz) 8 153.3,137.7,137.6,130.8,129. 2,129.0,128.9,127.9,126.5,124.9,124.5,123.3,118.7, 113.0,49.1,42.8; MS (CI) 368.0 (M + H) +, 366.4 (M-H)- ; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4. 6 mm I. D.) 90%.

EXAMPLE 69 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-methoxy-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz) 6 9.59 (s, 1H), 8.76 (d, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.64-7.70 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.19 (m, 2H), 7.05 (t, 1H), 6.82 (t, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 3.39 (bs, 4H), 3.29 (bs, 4H), 3.11 (s, 3H). 13C NMR (DMSO, 101 MHz) 8 152.9,152.5,130.6,129.7, 129.3,127.9,127.3,126.5,126.3,125.7,125.3,125. 2,124.1,120.2,112.8,111.6,54.9,49.2, 43.0. MS (CI) 398.2 (M + H) +, 396.2 (M - H)-; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) 96%.

EXAMPLE 70 4-(cis-3, 5-Dimethyl-piperazin-1-yl)-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-methoxy-phenyl)- amide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO, 400 MHz) 8 9.75-9.81 (m, 1H), 9.60 (s, 1H), 9.03-9.12 (m, 1H), 8.76 (d, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 7.93 (d, 1H), 7.64-7.71 (m, 2H), 7.05 (t, 1H), 6.82 (t, 1H), 6.76 (d, 1H), 3.63-3.71 (m, 2H), 3.47 (d, 2H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.89 (t, 2H), 1.32 (d, 6H). 13C NMR (DMSO, 101 MHz) 8 152.4,152.3,130.6,129.8,129. 3,127.9,127.3,126.5,126.3,125.3,

125.2,125.1,124.1,120.2,113.0,111.6,55.0,54.9,51.2,15.5. MS (CI) 426.2 (M + H) +, 424.4 (M-H)- ; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) 96%.

EXAMPLE 71 4- (cis-3, 5-Dimethyl-piperazin-1-yl)-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)- amide, hydrochloride IH NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz) 8 8.80 (d, 1H), 8.32 (d, 1H), 8.27 (d, 1H), 7.79 (t, 1H), 7.73 (t, 1H), 7.28 (d, 1H), 7.12 (t, 1H), 7.07 (t, 1H), 6.95-7.00 (m, 2H); MS (CI) 430.2 (M + H) +, 428.4 (M-H)- ; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) 98%.

EXAMPLE 72 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yt-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz) 8 8.69 (d, 1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.14 (d, 1H), 7.68 (t, 1H), 7.61 (t, 1H), 7.22 (d, lH), 7.02 (t, 1H), 6.97 (bs, 1H), 6.86-6.89 (m, 2H), 3.57 (bs, 2H), 3.48 (bs, 4H), 3.33-3.37 (m, 2H), 2.20-2.24 (m, 2H); MS (CI) 416.0 (M + H) +, 414.2 (M - H)-; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) 88%.

EXAMPLE 73 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid phenylamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz) 8 8,57 (d, 1H), 8.13 (d, 1H), 7.96 (d, 1H), 7.44-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.04 (d, 1H), 6.90 (t, 2H), 6.72-6.82 (m, 3H), 3.39-3.43 (m, 2H), 3.32-3.36 (m, 4H), 3.17-3.21 (m, 2H), 2.05-2.10 (m, 2H); MS (CI) 382.2 (M + H) +, 380.4 (M-H)- ; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) 94%.

EXAMPLE 74 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (MeOD, 400 MHz) 8 8.69 (d, 1H), 8.23 (d, 1H), 8.16 (d, 1H), 7.68 (t, 1H), 7.62 (t, lH), 7.17 (d, 1H), 7.02 (t, 1H), 6.97 (t, 1H), 6.85-6.89 (m, 2H), 3.46-3.50 (m, 4H), 3.33 (bs, 4H); MS (CI) 402.2 (M + H) +, 400.0 (M-H)- ; Purity (HPLC, Hichrom 200x4.6 mm I. D.) 98%.

General method E

4-Fluoro-naphtalene-1-sulfonylchloride was dissolved in DCM. The amine (1. 2eq) was added followed by pyridine (3eq). The mixture was stirred for 2h at ambient temperature, diluted with DCM and washed 2 times with HCI (1M). The organic layer was filtered through a silica plug to afford the sulfonylamide.

General method F

The sulfonamide and the amine (5 eq) were dissolved in DMSO and stirred at 100°C overnight. The DMSO solution was added dropwise to water to give a precipitate. After centrifugation, the solvent was decanted and the procedure was repeated. The residue was dissolved in MeOH and converted to HCI salt by adding HCI in ether (2 M) and evaporation.

General method G

To a solution of the sulfonamide in acetone, K2C03 (3 eq) was added followed by MeI (1.2 eq). The mixture was stirred overnight, filtered through a short silica plug and evaporated to give the methylated sulfonamide.

EXAMPLE 75 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride N-(2-methylsulfanyl phenyl)-4-fluorosulfonamide-Method E; Yield (84 %) 'H NMR (CDC13) 8 8.74-8.70 (m, 1 H), 8.29-8.24 (m, 1 H), 8.17-8.14 (m, 1 H), 8.01 (br. s, 1 H), 7.75-7.60 (m, 2 H), 7.50-7.47 (m, 1 H), 7.29-7.25 (m, 1 H), 7.18-7.10 (m, 2 H), 6.98-6.92 (m, 1 H), 2.02 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C17 H14 F N 02 S2 m/z 348 (M+H) +.

The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield 0.77g (53%) H NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 11.13 (s, 1 H), 9.42 (br. s, 2 H), 8.69-8.66 (m, 1 H), 8.21-8.18 (m, 2 H), 7.76-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.42-7.21 (m, 5 H), 3.421-3.30 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for C21 H23 N3 02 S2 m/z 414. 2 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 76 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid methyl-naphthalen-1-yl-amide, hydrochloride N-(I-naphthyl)-4-fluoronaqphthalensulfonamide-Method E; Yield (83%) 'H NMR (CDCI3) b 8.77-8.74 (m, 1 H), 8. 18-8. 05 (m, 2 H), 7. 75-7.61 (m, 5 H), 7.41-7.35 (m, 1 H), 7.30-7.26 (m, 1 H), 7.14-7.00 (m, 2 H), 6.93 (br. s, 1 H); MS (ESI+) for C20 H14 F N 02 S m/z 352 (M+H) +.

4-Fluoro-1- naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid methyl-naphthalen-1-yl-amide - Methylation according to Method G, Yield (97%) 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) # 8.38-8.35 (m, 1 H), 8.23-8.20 (m, 1 H), 8.16 (dd, J = 8.4,5.5 Hz, 1 H), 7. 99-7.91 (m, 3 H), 7.79-7.73 (m, 1 H), 7.66-7.46 (m, 4 H), 7.37-7.31 (m, 1 H), 7.03 (dd, J= 7.5,1.2 Hz, 1 H), 3.29 (s, 3 H) The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (36%) 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 9.33 (br. s, 1H), 8.40 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.25 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 8.09 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.98-7.91 (m, 3 H), 7.68-7.62 (m, 1 H), 7.58-7.43 (m, 3 H), 7.40- 7.34 (m, 1 H), 7.24 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.13-7.10 (m, 1 H), 3.44-3.39 (m, 4 H), 3.29 (br. s, 4 H), 3.25 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C25 H25 N3 02 S m/z 432 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 77

4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2,3-dihydro-benzo [1, 4] dioxin-6-yl)- methyl-amide, hydrochloride N-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-4-sulfonamide - Method E; Yield (96%).'H NMR (CDC13) 8 8.66-8.63 (m, 1 H), 8.22-8.09 (m, 2 H), 7.77-7.63 (m, 2 H), 7.10 (dd, J= 8.2,9.5 Hz, 1 H), 6. 58 (d, J = 8.5 Hz, 1 H), 6.46 (d, J = 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.30 (dd, J = 2.6,8.7 Hz, 1 H), 4.14 (s, 4 H); MS (ESI+) for C18 H14 F N 04 S m/z 360 (M+H) +.

4-Fluoro-Nl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)- methyl-amide-Methylation according to Method G; Yield (100%). 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 8.19-8.13 (m, 2 H), 8.09 (dd, J= 8.4,5.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.75-7.70 (m, 1 H), 7.64-7.58 (m, 1 H), 7.50 (dd, J = 10.0,8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.71 (d, J = 8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 6.55 (d, J = 2.6 Hz, 1 H), 6.51- 6.47 (m, 1 H), 4.20-4.15 (m, 4 H), 3.10 (s, 3 H) The final product was prepared according to Method F; the product precipitates in MeOH ; Yield (57%) : 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 9.29 (br. s, 2 H), 8.23-8.16 (m, 2 H), 8.01 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.64-7.49 (m, 2 H), 7.25 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.72 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.56- 6.48 (m, 2 H), 4.21-4.16 (m, 4 H), 3.38-3.31 (m, 4 H), 3.08 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C23 H25 N3 04 S m/z 440 (M+H)+.

EXAMPLE 78 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2,3-dihydro-benzo [1, 4] dioxin-6-yl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (36%) ; 1H NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-D6) 8 ppm 3.32 (m, 8 H) 4.08 (m, 4 H) 6.45 (m, 2 H) 6.61 (d, J=8. 44 Hz, 1 H) 7.20 (d, J=8. 18 Hz, 1 H) 7.67 (m, 2 H) 8.07 (d, J=7. 92 Hz, 1 H) 8.21 (d, J=8. 71 Hz, 1 H) 8.67 (d, J=8. 44 Hz, 1 H) 9.22 (s, 1 H) 10.32 (s, 1 H); MS (ESI+) for C22 H23 N3 04 S m/z 426.2 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 79 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid methyl- (2-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride 4-Fluoro-N-methyl-N-(2-methylsulfanyl-phenyl)-amide - Methylation according to Method G; Yield (97%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 8.52-8.49 (m, 1 H), 8.22-8.19 (m, 1 H), 8.16

(dd, J= 8.4,5.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.79-7.66 (m, 2 H), 7.52 (dd, J= 10.0,8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.37-7.24 (m, 2 H), 7.06-7.00 (m, 1 H), 6.88 (dd, J= 7.9,1.3 Hz, 1 H), 3.10 (s, 3 H), 2.28 (s, 3 H).

The final product was prepared according to Method F; Trituration with MeCN ; Yield (65%) 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 9.27 (br. s, 2 H), 8.54-8.50 (m, 1 H), 8.27-8.23 (m, 1 H), 8.09 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.67-7.56 (m, 2 H), 7.38-7.25 (m, 3 H), 7.07-6.92 (m, 2 H), 3.41-3.33 (m, 8 H), 3.06 (s, 3 H), 2.30 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C22 H25 N3 02 S2 m/z 428 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 80 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid methyl- (3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide, hydochloride N-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalenesulfonamide-M ethod E; Yield (90%). 1H NMR (CDCL3) # 8.65-8.62 (m, 1 H), 8.23-8.18 (m, 2 H), 7.78-7.65 (m, 2 H), 7.31- 7.17 (m, 2 H), 7.16-7.08 (m, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C17 Hl l F4 N 02 S m/z 370 (M+H) +.

Methylation according to Method F; Yield (100%) ;'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 8.19-8.11 (m, 2 H), 8.01-7.98 (m, 1 H), 7.73-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7. S7-7. 44 (m, 4 H), 7.35 (br. s, 1 H), 3.21 (s, 3 H).

The final product was prepared according to Method F ; Trituration with MeCN ; Yield 0.07g (40%). 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 9.35 (br. s, 2 H), 8.21 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 8.06-8.02 (m, 2 H), 7.63-7.42 (m, 5 H), 7.28-7.24 (m, 2 H), 3.39 (br. s, 8 H), 3.21 (s, 3 H), 2.06 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C22 H22 F3 N3 02 S m/z 450 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 81 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)-methyl-amide, hydrochloride N-(3-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalenesulfonamide-M ethod E; Yield (88%). 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) # 10.86 (br. s, 1 H), 8.74-8.71 (m, 1 H), 8.22 (dd, J= 8.3,5.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.19-8.16 (m, 1 H), 7.89-7.75 (m, 2 H), 7.47 (dd, J= 10.0,8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.12-7.09 (m, 1 H), 7.00 (d, J= 2.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.86 (dd, J= 8.3,2.2 Hz, 1 H), 2.11 (s, 3 H); 4-Fluoro-1-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-chloro-4-methyl-phenyl)-methyl-amide - Methylation according to Method G; Yield (100%).'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 8.20-8.07 (m, 3

H), 7.76-7.70 (m, 1 H), 7.62-7.48 (m, 2 H), 7. 27-7. 24 (m, 1 H), 7.13 (d, J= 2.4 Hz, 1 H), 6.99 (dd, J= 8.2,2.4 Hz, 1 H), 3.15 (s, 3 H), 2.28 (s, 3 H); The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (28%). 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 9.29 (br. s, 2 H), 8.24-8.15 (m, 2 H), 8.01 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7. 65-7.47 (m, 2 H), 7. 26 (dd, J= 8.3,4.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.09-7.08 1 H), 7.03-6.99 (m, 1H), 3.38-3.33 (m, 8 H), 3.14 (s, 3 H), 2.27 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C22 H24 Cl N3 02 S m/z 430 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 82 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-ethyl-phenyl)-methyl-amide, hydrochloride N-(3-ethylphenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalenesulfonamide-Method E; Yield (85%).

'H NMR (CDC13) S 8.66 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.20-8.14 (m, 2 H), 7.75-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.10 (dd, J= 9.5,8.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.02 (t, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.88-6.85 (m, 1 H), 6.72-6.68 (m, 3 H), 2.45 (q, J= 7.7 Hz, 2 H), 1.03 (t, J= 7.7 Hz, 3 H) 4-Fluoro-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-ethyl-phenyl)-methyl-amide- Methylation according to Method G; Yield (100%) ;'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 8.18-8.06 (m, 3 H), 7.72-7.66 (m, 1 H), 7.54-7.48 (m, 2 H), 7.21-7.16 (m, 1 H), 7.10-7.08 (tn, 1 H), 6.96-6.92 (m, 1 H), 6.81-6.80 (m, 1 H), 3.16 (s, 3 H), 2.41 (q, J= 7.5 Hz, 2 H), 0.93 (t, J= 7.5 Hz, 3 H) The final product was prepared according to Method f; Trituration with MeCN ; Yield (49%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 9.21 (br. s, 2 H), 8.21 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.13 (d, J= 8.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.02 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.62-7.57 (m, 1 H), 7.47-7.41 (m, 1 H), 7.27-7.17 (m, 2 H), 7.10-6.95 (m, 2 H), 6.8 (br. s, 1 H), 3.40-3.29 (m, 8 H), 3.15 (s, 3 H), 2.43 (q, J= 7.6 Hz, 2 H), 0.95 (t, J= 7.6 Hz, 2 H); MS (ESI+) for C23 H27 N3 02 S m/z 410 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 83 4- (3, 5-Dimethyl-piperazin-1-yl)-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-isopropyl-phenyl)- amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (35%) ; 1H NMR (270 MHz, DMSO-D6) # ppm 0.64 (d, J=6. 86 Hz, 6 H) 1.30 (d, J=6. 60 Hz, 6 H) 2.92 (m, 3 H) 3.53 (m, 4 H) 6.86 (d, J=7. 65 Hz, 1 H) 6.98 (m, 1 H) 7.13 (m, 3 H) 7.67 (m, 2 H) 7.86 (d,

J=7. 92 Hz, 1 H) 8.24 (m, 1 H) 8.74 (m, 1 H) 9.08 (m, 1 H) 9.79 (m, 2 H); MS (ESI+) for C25 H31 N3 02 S m/z 438.01 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 84 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-isopropyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride N-(2 isopropylphenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalensulfonamide-Method E; Yield (87%) H NMR (CDC13) 6 8.67-8.64 (m, 1 H), 8.22-8.18 (m, 1 H), 8.12 (dd, J= 8.3,5.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.71-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.15-6.97 (m, 5 H), 2.84-2.73 (m, 1 H), 0.85 (s, 3 H), 0.82 (s, 3 H) The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (22%). 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 9.83 (s, 1 H), 9.37 (br. s, 2 H), 8.74-8.70 (m, 1 H), 8.27.8.24 (m, 1 H), 7.84 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.68-7.64 (m, 2 H), 7.17-7.11 (m, 3 H), 7.01-6.87 (m, 2 H), 3.82 (br. s, 6 H), 3.51-3.50 (m, 2 H), 3.38-3.28 (m, 2 H), 3.02-2.93 (m, 1 H), 0.65 (s, 3 H), 0.63 (s, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C24 H29 N3 02 S m/z 424.02 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 85 4-[1,4]Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-ethyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (22%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.53 (s, 1 H), 9.24 (br. s, 2 H), 8.68 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 8.20 (d, J= 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 8.14 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.72-7.60 (m, 2 H), 7.22 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.01 (t, J= 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 6.83-6.72 (m, 3 H), 3.33 (br. s, 6 H), 2.39 (q, J= 7.7 Hz, 2 H), 2.12 (br. s, 2 H), 0.98 (t, J = 7.5 Hz, 3 H); MS (ESI+) for C23 H27 N3 02 S m/z 410.03 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 86 N-(2-Fluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylnaphthalene-1-sulfonamide , hydrochloride N-(2-Fluorophenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalensulfonamide - Method E; Yield (88%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.41 (br. s, 1 H), 8.76-8.69 (m, 1 H), 8.20-8.17 (m, 1 H), 8.08 (dd, J= 8.0,5.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.82-7.75 (m, 2 H), 7.41 (dd, J= 10. 0,8. 3 Hz, 1 H), 7.20-7.01 (m, 4 H); MS (ESI-) for C16 H11 F2 N 02 S m/z 318.2 (M-H)-.

The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (22%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 10.41 (s, 1 H), 9.35 (m, 2 H), 8.72-8.68 (m, 1 H), 8.24-8.20 (m, 1 H), 8.02 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.72-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.22-7.00 (m, 5 H), 4.05 (d, J= 1.3 Hz, 4 H), 3.36 (s, 4 H); MS (ESI+) for C20 H20 F N3 02 S m/z 386 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 87 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (21%) ; lu NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 11.1 (s, 1 H), 9.32 (br. s, 2 H), 8.65 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 8.19 (t, J = 8.6 Hz, 2 H), 7.75-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.42-7.22 (m, 4 H), 3.88 (br. s, 6 H), 3.55-3.53 (m, 2 H), 2.11 (m, 2 H); MS (ESI+) for C22 H22 F3 N3 02 S m/z 449.95 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 88 N (2, 4-difluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylnaphthalene-1-sulfonamide, hydrochloride N-(2, 4-di-Fluorophenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalensulfonamide-Method E; Yield (81%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) # 10. 44 (s, 1 H), 8.73-8.69 (m, 1 H), 8.21-8.18 (m, 1 H), 8.02 (dd, J= 8.4,5.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.85-7.76 (m, 2 H), 7.41 (dd, J= 10.2,8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.22-7.11 (m, 2 H), 7.01-6.93 (m, 1 H); MS (ESI-) for C16 H10 F3 N 02 S m/z 336.2 (M-H)-.

The final product wass prepared according to Method F; Yield (27%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.33 (s, 1 H), 9.28 (br. s, 2 H), 8.68-8.65 (m, 1 H), 8.25-8.21 (m, 1 H), 8.0 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.73-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.21-7.08 (m, 3 H), 7.0-6.93 (m, 1 H), 3.29 (br. s, 4 H); MS (ESI+) for C20 H19 F2 N3 02 S m/z 403.94 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 89 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride N (2-tri-Fluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-fluoronephthylsulfonamide-Meth od E; Yield (43%) ;'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.58 (s, 1 H), 8.80-8.76 (m, 1 H), 8.20-8.17 (m, 1 H), 8.08 (dd, J= 8.3,5.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.84-7.74 (m, 2 H), 7.42 (dd, J= 10.2,8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.32-7.18 (m, 4H).

The final product was preapred according to Method F; Yield (48%) ;'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 5 10.49 (s, 1 H), 9.27 (br. s, 2 H), 8.75-8.72 (m, 1 H), 8.24-8.21 (m, 1 H), 8.02 (d, J = 7.9 Hz, 1 H), 7.71-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.32-7.17 (m, 5 H), 3.38 (br. s, 4 H), 3.28 (br. s, 4 H); S (ESI+) for C21 H20 F3 N3 03 S m/z 451.9 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 90 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-phenoxy-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride N-(3-phenyloxyphenyl)-4-fluoronephthylsulfonamide-Method E; Yield 0.64g (100%) ;'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.80 (br. s, 1 H), 8.71-8.68 (m, 1 H), 8.19-8.16 (m, 1 H), 8.10 (dd, J= 8.3,5.4 Hz, 1 H), 7.85-7.74 (m, 2 H), 7.45 (dd, J= 10.2,8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.38-7.31 (m, 2'H), 7.18-7.10 (m, 2 H), 6.82-6.73 (m, 3 H), 6.58-6.55 (m, 2 H); MS (ESI-) for C22 H16 F N 03 S m/z 392.2 (M-H)-.

The final product was preapred according to Method F; Yield 0.08g (31%) ;'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.76 (s, 1 H), 9. 37 (br. s, 2 H), 8.67-8.63 (m, 1 H), 8.23-8.20 (m, 1 H), 8.02 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.73-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.41-7.35 (m, 2 H), 7.20-7.09 (m, 3 H), 6.84-6.73 (m, 3 H), 6. 60-6.52 (m, 2 H), 3.47-3.37 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for C26 H25 N3 03 S mlz 459.95 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 91 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride N-(3-Trifluoromethoxyphenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalensulfonamide-M ethod E; Yield (35%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 11.01 (br. s, 1 H), 8.74-8.71 (m, 1 H), 8.26 (dd, J = 8.3,5.3 Hz, 1 H), 8.16 (d, J = 9.0 Hz, 1 H), 7.86-7.82 (m, 1 H), 7.78-7.74 (m, 1 H), 7.46 (dd, J = 10.0,8.5 Hz, 1 H), 7.27 (t, J = 8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.02-6.90 (m, 3 H); MS (ESI-) for C 17 H I I F4 N 03 S m/z 383. 8 (M-H)-.

The final product was prepared according to Method F; Yield (35%) ;'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 11.07 (s, 1 H), 9.63 (br. s, 1 H), 9.31 (br. s, 1 H), 8.66 (d, J = 8.4 Hz, 1 H), 8.21-8.18 (m, 2 H), 7.75-7.62 (m, 2 H), 7.29-7.21 (m, 2 H), 7.03-6.86 (m, 3 H), 3.32-3.28 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for C26 H25 N3 03 S m/z 451.94 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 92 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-chloro-5-methyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to method F: IH NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 10.10 (brs, 1H), 9.25 (brs, 2H), 8.76-8.66 (m, 1H), 8.27-8.17 (m, 1H), 8.00-7.94 (m, 1H), 7.71-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.11 (m, 2H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 6.99-6.92 (m, 1H), 3.40-3.20 (m, obscured by solvent signal) 2.17 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 416 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 93 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (4-isopropyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to method F :'H NMR ((DMSO-d6) o ; 10.52 (s, 1H), 9.26 (brs, 2H), 8.74-8.66 (m, 1H), 8.27-8.11 (m, 2H), 7.76-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.26.7.17 (m, 1H), 7.06-6.89 (m, 4H), 3.40-3.20 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 2.77-2.61 (m, 1H), 1.05 (d, J = 6.87 Hz, 6H), MS (posESI) m/z = 410 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 94 N-(3, 5-Difluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylnaphthaiene-1-sulfonamide, hydrechloride The final product was prepared according to Method F using the crude N-(3, 5- difluorophenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalene-1-sulfonamide (50 mg, 0.15 mmol) afforded the title compound (20 mg, 31%) as a yellow solid.'H NMR (DMSO) 5 11.33 (s, 1H), 9.35 (br s, 2H), 8.69 (m, 1H), 8.30-8.18 (m, 2H), 7.80-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.21 (m, 1H), 6.84-6.62 (m, 3H), 3.45-3.24 (m, 8H); MS m/z (M+1) 404.

EXAMPLE 95 1-14-(3, 4-Dihydroquinolin-1 (2H)-ylsulfonyl)-1-naphthyl] piperazine, hydrochloride

4-Fluoronaphthalene-l-sulfonyl chloride-To a stirred solution of 1- fluoronaphthalene (8.0 g, 55 mmol) in concentrated trifluoroacetic acid (40 ml), chlorosulfonic acid was added slowly (15 min) at 0°C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for an additional 2 hours and then added slowly onto a stirred ice slurry. The formed precipitate filtered off, washed with cold water and dried in vacuo to give the title compound (7.3 g) as a white solid.

1- (4-Fluoro-l-naphthyl) sulfonylJ-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroquinoline-Method E: To a stirred solution of 4-fluoronaphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride (200mg, 0.82 mmol) in DCM (1 ml) was added 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline (123 1, 0.98 mmol) followed by pyridine (0. 25 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred over night, diluted with DCM and washed with 1M HCI (3x3 ml). Subsequent drying of the organic phase using MgS04, and removal of the solvents in vacuo afforded the title compound (280 mg, 100%) as a white solid. IH NMR (CDC13) 8 8.24-8.10 (m, 3H), 7.68-7.62 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.42-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.23- 7.04 (m, 3H), 6.96-6.89 (m, 1H), 3.84-3.74 (m, 2H), 2.39-2.28 (m, 2H), 1.63-1.49 (m, 1H) ; MS m/z (M+l) 342.

The final product was prepared according to Method F: A stirred solution of 1- [ (4- fluoro-1-naphthyl) sulfonyl]-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydroquinoline (50 mg, 0.15 mmol) and piperazine (80 mg, 0.9 mmol) in DMSO (1 ml) was heated at 95°C over night. The reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature and was subsequently added dropwise into water. The formed solid was isolated, re-dissolved in MeOH and treated with an excess of 1M HCI in diethyl ether. Removal of the solvents in vacuo afforded the title compound (60 mg, 83%) as a white solid. 1H NMR (DMSO) 8 9.17 (br s, 2H), 8.23-8.06 (m, 3H), 7.61-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.48-7.38 (m, 2H), 7.29-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.19-7.12 (m, 1H), 7.09-6.98 (m, 2H), 3.78-3.71 (m, 2H), 3.44-3.30 (m, 8H), 2.42-2.32 (m, 2H), 1. 57-1.48 (m, 2H); MS m/z (M+l) 408.

EXAMPLE 96 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-nitro-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F :'H NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 8.68-8.63 (m, 1H), 8. 27-8. 13 (m, 2H), 7.78 (s, 1H), 7.72-7.53 (m, 3H), 7.35-7.16 (m, 3H), 3.55-3.40 (m, 6H), 3.34-3.27 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal), 2.22-2.13 (m, 2H), MS (posESI) m/z = 427 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 97 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-nitro-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F : lH NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 8.68-8.60 (m, 1H), 8.24-8.13 (m, 2H), 7.77 (s, 1H), 7.71-7.53 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.16-7.10 (m, 1H), 3.45-3.40 (m, 4H), 3.31-3.20 (m, 4H), MS (posESI) m/z = 413 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 98 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-l-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (3-nitro-phenyl)-methyl-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F : lH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 8.21 (d, J = 8.47 Hz, 1H), 8.12 (d, J = 8.79 Hz, 1H), 8.01-7.95 (m, 2H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.54-7.39 (m, 3H), 7.34-7.28 (m, 1H), 7.23-7.18 (m, 1H), 3.60-3.30 (m, 8H), 3.17 (s, 3H), 2.24-2.16 (m, 2H), MS (posESI) m/z = 441 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 99 N-(4-Methylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylnaphthalene-l'=sulfonamid e, hydrochloride 4-Fluoro-N-(4-methylphenyl)naphthalene-1-sulfonamide - Method E: Use of 4- methylaniline afforded the title compound (500 mg, 95%) as an oil by the application of the general procedure A described above.'H NMR (CDC13) 8 8.82-8.75 (m, 1H), 8.22-8.13 (m, 2H), 7.73-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.44 (s, 1H), 7.11-7.02 (m, 1H), 6.93-6.80 (m, 4H), 2.17 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 316.

The final product was prepared according to Method E: Use of 4-fluoro-N- (4- methylphenyl) naphthalene-1-sulfonamide afforded the title compound (200 mg, 30%), after washing with methanol, as a yellow solid. 1H NMR (DMSO) 8 10.46 (s, 1H), 9.30 (br s, 2H), 8.76-8.65 (m, 1H), 8.25-8.06 (m, 2H), 7.78-7.59 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.14 (m, 1H), 6.98-6.83 (4H), 3.41-3.22 (m, 8H), 2.09 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 382.

EXAMPLE 100 N- (3-Chloro-4-methylphenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylnaphthalene-l-sulf onamide, hydrochloride

The final product was prepared according to Method E: yield 100%, purity 93% H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-D6) 6 ppm 2.26 (s, 3 H), 2.74 (m, 4 H), 3.54 (m, 4 H), 7.23 (m, 4 H), 7.83 (m, 2 H), 8.31 (m, 2 H), 8.81 (s, 1 H), 9.11 (s, 1 H, N-H), 10.86 (s, 1 H, N-H); MS (ESI+) for C21 H22 Cl N3 02 S HCI m/z (M+H) +. 416.1; MS (ESI-) for C21 H22 Cl N3 02 S HCI m/z (M-H)-. 414.1.

EXAMPLE 101 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2,3-dimethyl-phenyl)-methyl-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F : 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 5 ; 8.51-8.41 (m, 1H), 8.39-8.30 (m, 1H), 8.11-7.99 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.35-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.02 (M, 1H), 6.90-6.78 (m, 1H), 6.62-6.47 (m, 1H), 3.70-3.40 (m, 8H), 3.17 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 424 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 102 4-11, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (4-isopropyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F: IH NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 8.74 (d, J = 8.16 Hz, 1H), 8.33 (d, J = 8.48 Hz, 1H), 8.15-8.10 (m, 1H), 7.72-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.25- 7.21 (m, 1H), 6.99-6.86 (m, 4H), 3.62-3.57 (m, 2H), 3.56-3.50 (m, 4H), 3.41-3.35 (m, 2H), 2.79-2.69 (m, 1H), 2.32-2.22 (m, 2H), 1.14-1.10 (m, 6H), MS (posESI) m/z = 424 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 103 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (4-isopropyl-phenyl)-methyl-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F :'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 8.13-8.07 (m, 1H), 8.01-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.38-7.15 (m, 2H), 7.00-6.95 (m, 2H), 6.89-6.85 (m, 2H), 3.59-3. 28 (m, 8H), 3.09 (s, 3H), 2.81-2.71 (m, 1H), 1. 11 (d, J = 6.60 Hz, 6H), MS (posESI) m/z = 438 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 104 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F : 1H NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 8.70-8.61 (m, 1H), 8.30-8.20 (m, 1H), 7.91-7.78 (m, 1H), 7.60-7.51 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.06 (m, 1H), 6.76-6.59 (m, 3H), 3.64-3.40 (m, 6H), 3.35-3.30 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal), 2.24-2.13 (m, 2H), 2.07 (s, 3H), 1.76 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 410 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 105 4- [1, 4] Diazepan-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2-chloro-5-methyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F :'H NMR ((DMSO-d6) o ; 8.67-8.61 (m, 1H), 8.24-8.19 (m, 1H), 7.95 (d, J = 8. 16 Hz, 1H), 7.57-7. 56 (m, 2H), 7.21- 7.18 (m, 1H), 7.12 (d, J = 8.17 Hz, 1H), 6.89 (d, J = 8. 17 Hz, 1H), 6.78-6.75 (m, 1H), 3.52- 3.47 8m, 2H), 3.45-3.40 (m, 4H), 3. 31-3. 26 (m, 2H), 2.20-2.10 (m, 2H), 2.14 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 430 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 106 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2,5-dimethoxy-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F : tH NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 8.80-8.72 (m, 1H), 8.27-8.19 (m, 1H), 7.98 (d, J = 8.18 Hz, 1H), 7.74-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.17 (d, J = 7.91 Hz, 1H), 6.76-6.75 (m, 2H), 6.62-6.55 (m, 1H), 3.60 (s, 3H), 3.40-3.20 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.12 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 428 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 107 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-acetyl-phenyl)-amide ; hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F :'H NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 8.79-8.72 (m, 1H), 8.29-8.21 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.59-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.26-7,19 (m, 3H), 3.52-3.44 (m, 4H), 3.39-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 2.43 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 410 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 108 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (2,4-dimethyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F : 1H NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 8.81-8.72 (m, 1H), 8.34-8.25 (m, 1H), 7.98 (d, J = 8.18 hz, 1H), 7.71-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.14 (d, J = 8.18 Hz, 1H), 6.81 (s, 1H), 6.76-6.72 (m, 2H), 3.58-3.47 (m, 4H), 3.44-3.30 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal), 2.16 (s, 3H), 1.84 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 396 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 109 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-amide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F : IH NMR ((DMSO-d6) b ; 8.72-8.64 (m, 1H9, 82.7-8.16 (m, 2H), 7.81-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.45-7.19 (m, SH), 3.40-3.20 (m, obscured by solvent signal), MS (posESI) m/z = 436 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 110 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid biphenyl-2-ylamide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F :'H NMR ((DMSO-d6) 6 ; 9.71 (s, 1H), 944 (brs, 2H), 8.51-8.42 (m, 1H), 8.24-8.15 (m, 1H), 7.83 (d, J = 8.18 Hz, 1H), 7.66-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.29-6.98 (m, l OH), 3.50-3.30 (m, obscured by solvent signal), MS (posESI) m/z = 444 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 111 4-Piperazin-1-yl-naphthalene-l-sulfonic acid (3-benzyloxy-phenyl)-amide, N-(3-phenyloxyphenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalensulfonamide-Method E; Yield 9.2g (47%). 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 10.75 (s, 1 H), 8.75 (d, J= 8. 4 Hz, 1 H), 8.23-8.14 (m, 2 H), 7.87-7.73 (m, 2 H), 7.44 (dd, J= 10.2,8.3 Hz, 1 H), 7.34-7.29 (m, 5 H), 7.03 (t, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.66-6.56 (m, 3 H), 4.93 (s, 2 H); MS (ESI+) for C23 H18 F N 03 S m/z 407 (M+H) +.

The final product was prepared according to Method F: Yield 0.6g (78%) ; tH NMR (DMSO-d6) b 10.67 (s, 1 H), 9. 30 (br. s, 2 H), 8.69 (d, J= 7.7 Hz, 1 H), 8.21 (d, J= 8.4 Hz, 1

H), 8.13 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.75-7.61 (m, 2 H), 7.35-7.30 (m, 5 H), 7.19 (d, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 7.03 (t, J= 8.2 Hz, 1 H), 6.68-6.54 (m, 3 H), 4.93 (s, 2 H), 3.36-3.29 (m, 8 H); MS (ESI+) for C27 H27 N3 03 S mlz 474 (M+H) +.

EXAMPLE 112 N- (4-fluorophenyl)-4-piperazin-1-ylnaphthalene-1-sulfonamide, hydrochloride4-Fluoro- N-(4 Jluorophenyl) naphthalene-1-sulfonamide- Method E: Use of 4-methoxyaniline afforded the title compound (475 mg, 86%) as an oil by the application of the general procedure A described above NMR (CDC13) 8 8.79-8.71 (m, 1H), 8.23-8.10 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.59 (2H), 7.52-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.04 (m, 1H), 6.96-6.73 (m, 4H); MS m/z (M+1) 320.

The final product was prepared according to Method F: Use of 4-fluoro-N- (4- fluorophenyl) naphthalene-1-sulfonamide afforded the title compound (95 mg, 15%), after recrystallization from methanol, as a white solid by the application of the general procedure B described above.'H NMR (DMSO) S 10.60 (s, 1H), 9.37 (br s, 2H), 8.73-8.65 (m, 1H), 8.25-8.17 (m, 1H), 8.13-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.22-7.15 tm, 1H), 7.04-6.95 (m, 4H), 3.43-3.24 (m, 8H); MS m/z (M+1) 386.

EXAMPLE 113 N- (3-Ethylphenyl)-4-piperazin. l. ylnaphthalene-1-sulfonamine, hydrochloride N-(3-Ethylphenyl)-4-fluoronaphthalene-1-sulfonamide-Method E: yield 80%, purity 92%. 1H NMR (270 MHz, CDC13) S ppm 1.03 (t, J=7. 52 Hz, 3 H), 2.45 (q, J=7. 65 Hz, 2 H), 6.68-6.72 (m, 2 H, N-H), 6.87 (d, J=7. 13 Hz, 1 H), 6.99-7.13 (m, 2H), 7.65-7.72 (m, 2 H), 8.13-8.20 (m, 2 H), 8.65 (d, J=8. 44 Hz, 1 H); MS (ESI+) for C18 H16 F N 02 S m/z 329.393 (M+H) +. 330.0; MS (ESI-) for C18 H16 FN 02 S m/z 329.393 (M-H)-. 328.1 The final product was prepared according to Method F: yield 61%, purity 98%.

H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO) 8 8.67-8.65 (m, 1H), 8.16-8.10 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.57 (m, 2H), 7.14 (d, J= 8.56 Hz, 1H), 6.97-6.94 (m, 1H), 6.78-6.76 (m, 2H), 6-70-6.69 (m, 1H), 3.30-3.28 (m, 2H), 3.22-3.19 (m, 2H), 2.34 (q, J= 17 Hz, 2H), 1.94 (tr, J= 17 Hz, 3H); MS (ESI+) for C22 H25 N3 02 S HCI m/z 431.98 (M-HCl+H) +. 396.1; MS (ESI-) for C22 H25 N3 02 S HCl m/z (M-HCI-H)-. 394.1

EXAMPLE 114 4-Piperazinyl-N-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]napthalene-1-sulf onamide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F: Use of 4-fluoro-N- (3- trifluoromethythiophenyl) naphthalene-1-sulfonamide afforded the title compound (0.08 g), gave 0.060 g of the desired product, yield 85%, purity 96%.

'H NMR (270 MHz, CD30D) 8 8.74-8.71 (m, 1H), 8.26-8.19 (m, 2H), 7.75-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.32 (br. s, 1H), 7.23-7.14 (m, 4H), 3.57-3.47 (m, 4H), 3.35-3. 30 (m, 4H); MS (ESI+) for C21 H20 F3 N3 02 S2 HCI m/z 467.09 +35.46 (M+H) t 468. 0; MS (ESI+) for C21 H20 F3 N3 02 S2 HCI m/z 467.09 +35. 46 (M-H)-466. 1.

EXAMPLE 115 4-Piperazinyl-N- [3-benzoylphenyl] naphthalene-1-sulfonamide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F: yield 25%, purity 97%. in NMR (270 MHz, CD30D) S 8.76-8.72 (m, 1H), 8.29-8.26 (m, 1H), 8.17 (d, J= 8,1 Hz, } H), 7.73-7.60 (m, 3H), 7.55-7.44 (m, 4H), 7. 34-7.28 (m, 4H), 7.18 (d, J= 8,1 Hz, 1H), 3.54- 3.50 (m, 4H), 3.37-3.30 (m, 4H); MS (ESI+) for C27 H25 N3 03 S HCI m/z 471. 17 +35.46 (M+H) + 472.1; MS (ESI+) +) for C27 H25 N3 03 S HCI m/z 471.17 +35.46 (M-H)-470. 01.

EXAMPLE 116 4-Piperazinyl-N-13-(4-bromo-1-methyl-lH-pyrazol-3-yl) phenyl] naphthalene-1- sulfonamide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F: yield 81%, purity 96%.

'H NMR (270 MHz, CD30D) 8 8.78-8.74 (m, 1H), 8.27-8.24 (m, 1H), 8.19 (d, J= 8,1 Hz, 1H), 7.75-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.46 (s, 1H), 7.31-7. 25 (m 1H), 7.19-7.16 (m, 2H), 7. 02-6.96 (m, 2H), 3.57-3.49 (m, 4H), 3.52 (s, 3H), 3.35-3. 30 (m, 4H); MS (ESI+) for C24 H24 Br N5 02 S HCI mlz 525.08 + 35.46 (M+H) + 526.0; MS (ESI+) C24 H24 Br N5 02 S HCI mlz 525.08 + 35. 46 (M-H)-524. 1.

EXAMPLE 117 4-Piperazinyl-N- naphthalene-1-sulfonamide, hydrochloride The final product was prepared according to Method F: yield 33%, purity 95%.

IH NMR (270 MHz, CD30D) 8 8.83-8.80 (m, 1H), 8.26-8.22 (m, 2H), 7.79-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.39-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.23-7.19 (m, 4H), 7.03-6.99 (m, 1H), 3.52-3.47 (m, 4H), 3.35-3.30 (m, 4H); MS (ESI+) for C26 H25 N3 02 S CL m/z 443.17 + 36.45 (M+H) + 444.1; MS (ESI-) for C26 H25 N3 02 S HCI m/z 443.17 + 36.45 (M-H)-442. 2.

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLES AND INTERMEDIATES IN TABLE IV General Method H EXAMPLE 118 N- [1- (4-Methyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-isoquinolinyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of 1- (4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-isoquinolinylamine (commercially available; 0.26 g, 1.07 mmol) and pyridine (0.60 mL, 7.51 mmol) in CH2CI2 (3.0 mL) was added benzenesulfonyl chloride (151 gL, 1.18 mmol) in CH2CI2 (1 mL). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and left in the refrigerator for 24 hours. The precipitate was collected by filtration to give 0.255 g (57%) of the pure product as the HCI- salt :'H NMR (DMSO-d6) # 10.93 (s, 2H), 7.96-7.90 (m, 3H), 7.79-7.75 (m, 1H), 7.64-7.56 (m, 4H), 7.44-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.01 (s, 1 H9, 3.70-3.15 (m, partly obscured by solvent signal, 8H), 2.79 (s, 3H); MS (posEI-DIP) m/z 382 (M+).

EXAMPLE 119 2,4-di-Fluoro-N-[1-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-3-isoquinolinyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared from 1- (4-methyl-l-piperazinyl)-3- isoquinolinylamine (commercially available; 0.209 g, 0.862 mmol) using the method described in the example that follows: yield 0.152 g (65%) ; 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) # ; 11.35 (s, 1H), 11.09 (br s, 1H), 8.15-8.04 (m, 1H), 7.97-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.83-7. 35 (m, 5H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 3.70-3.10 (m, 8H), 2.85-2.75 (m, 3H); MS (posESI) m/z 419 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 120 4-Bromo-N- 1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonami de, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 6 ; 11.07 (s, 1H), 10.75 (br s, 1H), 7.98-7.75 (m, 5H), 7.66-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.00 (brs, 1H), 3.70-3.20 (obscured in part by solvent signal, 8H), 2.85-2.80 (m, 2H), MS (posESI) m/z = 461 (M+H) EXAMPLE 121 5-Chloro-3-methyl-benzo [b]thiophene-2-sulfonic acid [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)- isoquinolin-3-yl]-amide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) â ; 11.47 (br s, lH), 10.55 (br s, 1H), 8.14-8.07 (m, 1H), 8.01- 7.98 (m, 1H), 7.96-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.82-7.76 (m, 1H), 7.67-7.52 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 3.80-3.65 (m, 2H), 3.60-3.25 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 2.80-2.73 (m, 3H),), MS (posESI) m/z = 487 (M+H) EXAMPLE 122 3-Chloro-2-methyl-N- [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]- benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 11.24 (br s, 1H), 10.56 (br s, 1H), 8.10-8.05 (m, 1H), 7.95- 7.89 (m, 1H), 7.80-7.69 (m, 2H), 7.66-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.35 (m, 2H), 6.94 (s, 1H), 3.70- 330 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.29-3.10 (m, 4H), 3.85-2.79 (m, 3H),), MS (posESI) m/z = 431 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 123 3,4-Dichloro-N- [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonami de, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 5 ; 11.17 (s, 1H), 10.50 (brs, 1H), 8.16-8.14 (m, 1H), 7.98-7.93 (m, 1H), 7.91-7.89 (m, 2H), 7.85-7.80 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.49-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 3.85-3.20 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 2.87-2.83 (m, 3H),), MS (posESI) m/z = 451(M+H).

EXAMPLE 124 4-Methyl-N- [l- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonami de, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.88 (m, brs, 1H), 7.95-7.88 (m, 1H), 7.85-7.74 (m, 3H), 7.65-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.34 (m, 4H), 7.14-7.09 (m, 1H), 6.99 (s, 1H), 3.75-3.45 (m, obscured by solvent signal, 4H), 3. 35-3. 15 (m, 4H), 2.84 (d, J = 4.75 Hz, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H),), MS (posESI) m/z = 397 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 125 3-Methoxy-N- [l- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonami de, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.93 (brs, 1H), 10.69 (brs, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.19 Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J = 7.92 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.37 (m, 4H), 7.24-7.13 (m, 1H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.75-3.20 (m, obscured by solvent signal, 8H), 2.81 (d, J = 4.48 Hz, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 413 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 126 5-Chloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]- amide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 7.76-7.21 (m, 1H), 7.01-6.96 (m, 1H), 6.89-6.82 (m, 1H), 6.74-6.71 (m, 1H), 6.70-6.66 (m, 1H), 6.40 (brs, 1H), 6.22 (d, J = 3. 96 Hz, 1H), 3.20-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.87-2.75 (m, 2H), 2.70-2.50 (m, obscured in part by solvent signal, 4H), 2.19 (brs, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 423 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 127 N- {2-Chloro-4- [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-ylsulfamoyl]-phenyl} - acetamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.03 (s, 1H), 10.52 (brs, 1H), 7.93 (d, J = 8.44 Hz, 1H), 7.78 (d, J= 7.92 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (d, J = 2. 11 Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.51 (dd, J= 2.11 and 8.44 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.37 (m, 1H), 6.99 (s, 1H), 6.80 (d, 8.44 Hz, 1H), m3.82-3.71

(m, 2H), 3.60-3.20 (m, obscured by solvent signal) 2.84 (d, J = 4.49 hz, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 474 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 128 2,5-Dichloro-thiophene-3-sulfonic acid [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]- amide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 794-7.89 (m, 1H), 7.77-7.72 (m, 1H), 7.63-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.46 (s, 1H), 7.44-7.36 (m, 1H), 3.50-3.20 (m, obscured by solvent signal), 2.70-2.50 m, obscured by solvent signal), 2.32 (brs, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 457 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 129 N- [1- (4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-3-trifluoromethy l-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride IHNMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 11.17 (s, 1H), 10.71 (brs, 1H), 8.27-8.17 (m, 2H), 8.07-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.97-7.79 (m, 3H), 7.67-7.60 (m,. 1H), 7.48-7.40 (m, 1 H. :), 7.06 (s, 1H), 3.70-3.40 (m, m, obscured by solvent signal), 3.31-3.14 (m, 4H), 2.82 (d, J = 4.75 Hz, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 451 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 130 N- [l- (4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-4-phenoxy-benzen esulfonamide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.91 (s, 1H), 10.79 (brs, 1H), 7.98-7.89 (m, 3H), 7.81-7.74 (m, 1H), 7.66-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.49-7.37 (m, 3H), 7.28-7.20 (m, 1H), 7.13-7.06 (m, 4H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 3.77-3.66 (m, 2H), 3.50-3.20 (m, 6H), 2.82 (d, J = 4. 49 Hz, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 475 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 131 5-Bromo-2-methoxy-N- [I- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]- benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 10.90 (s, 1H), 10.75 (brs, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 2.64 Hz, 1H), 7.91 (m, d, J = 8.45 Hz, 1H), 7.80-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.65-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.45-7.37 (m, 1H), 7.14

(d, J = 8.47 Hz, 1H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.68-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.52-3.38 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.20 (m, 4H), 2.84 (d, J = 4.49 Hz, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 491 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 132 2-Methanesulfonyl-N-- [l- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]- benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride MS (posESI) m/z = 461 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 133 3,5-Dimethyl-isoxazole-4-sulfonic acid [1- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]- amide, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 11.17 (s, 1H), 10.54 (s, 1H), 7.99 (d, J = 8.45 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (d, J = 7.92 Hz, 1H), 7.71-7.63 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.07 (s, 3H), 3.75-3.64 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.45 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.15 (m, 4H), 2.84 (d, J = 4.49 Hz, 3H), 2. 76 (s, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 402 (M+H).

EXAMPLE 134 2,4,6-Trimethyl-N- [l- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonami de 1H NMR (DMSO-d6) # ; 10.82 (s, 1H), 10.52 (brs, 1H), 7.92-7.87 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.70 (m, 1H), 7.64-7.56 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.36 (m, 1H), 7.00 (s, 2H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 6.74 (brs, 1H), 3.60-3.10 (m, 8H), 2.81 (d, J = 4.. 75 Hz, 3H), 2.61 (s, 6H), 2.22 (s, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 425 (M+H)..

EXAMPLE 135 3,4-Dimethoxy-N- [l- (4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-isoquinolin-3-yl]-benzenesulfonami de, hydrochloride IH NMR (DMSO-d6) ã ; 10.75 (brs, 1H), 10.72 (s, 1H), 7.95-7.90 (m, 1H), 7.82-7.76 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.11 (d, J = 8.71 Hz, 1H), m 7.05 (s, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.76-3.69 (m, obscured in part by-OMe), 3.51-3.19 (m, 6H), 2.82 (d, J = 4.49 Hz, 3H), MS (posESI) m/z = 443 (M+H).

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLES IN TABLE V EXAMPLE 136 N-l8-(4-Methyl-I-piperazinyl)-5-quinolinyl] benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of 8-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-5-nitroquinoline (0.379 g, 1.39 mmol) in THF: EtOH 1: 4 solvent system was added Raney-Ni (1.0 mL suspension in EtOH) followed by hydrazine hydrate (0.348 g, 6.95 mmol). The mixture was stirred vigorously at room temperature for 16 hours and then filtered through celite pretreated with water. The filtrate was concentrated, and the residue was purified by column chromatography (Si02, CHCI3/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%) to give 0. 337 g of 8-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-5- quinolinylamine. The amine was dissolved in CH2C12 (6.0 mL) and pyridine (0.785 mL, 9.73 mmol) and benzenesulfonyl chloride (0.178 mL, 1.39 mmol) was added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours and then washed with saturated aqueous NaHC03. The organic phase was dried with Na2SO4, filtered and concentrated. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (Si02, CHC13/MeOH/NH3 9: 1: 0.4%) to give 0.130 g of the free base which was converted to its HCI-salt :'H NMR (DMSO-d6) 8 ; 11. 09 (br s, 1H), 10. 32 (s, 1H), 8.94-8.89 (m, 1H), 8.55-8.48 (m, 1H), 7.68-7.65 (m, 2H), 7, 64-7. 57 (m, 2H), 7.54-7.49 (m, 2H), 7. 27-7.22 (m, 1H), 7.12-7.08 (m, 1H), 3.95-3.84 (m, 2H), 3.55-3.49 (m, 2H), 3.45-3.35 (m, 2H), 3.26-3.16 (m, 2H), 2.85-2.82 (m, 3); MS (posESI) m/z 383 (M+H).

SYNTEHSIS OF EXAMPLES AND INTERMEDIATES IN TABLE VI Scheme 3

a) H202, CH3COOH, 100 °C ; b) Me3SiCN, Toluene, (Me) 2N-CO-Cl, 65 °C ; c) HBr/ CH3COOH, rt; d) Boc-Piperazine, K2CO3, 90 °C ; R-S02C1, py, rt.

INTERMEDIATE 20 3-Cyanomethylpyridine-N-oxide-Hydrogenperoxide (17 ml, 30 % ww) was added to a mixture of 3-cyanomethylpyridine (11 g, 93 mmol) and glacial acetic acid (55 ml) and heated at 100°C overnight. The mixture was diluted with water (70ml) and Mn02 (5.0 g) was carefully added and stirred for 5 hours (check peroxide content with peroxide sticks), and only small amounts of peroxide was left. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo to 40 ml and diluted with methanol (40 ml), filtered through a short plug of silica, and washed with methanol (400 ml). The filtrate were concentrated and recrystallized from chloroform and hexane to give the title compound (9.5 g, 76%). 1H NMR (CDC13) 6 8.16 (s, 2H), 7.32 (s, 2H), 3.73 (s, 2H); MS m/z (M+1) 135.

INTERMEDIATE 21 3-(Cyanomethyl) pyridine-2-carbonitrile-Trimethylsilylcyanide (4.2 ml, 32 mmol) was added to a suspension of 3-cyanomethylpyridine-N-oxide (3.5 g, 26 mmol) in toluene (35 ml) and after 1 minute dimethylcarbamylchloride (2.4 ml, 26 mmol) was added and the reaction was stirred overnight at 65°C. EtOAc and IN NaOH was added and the mixture was washed with water (2x). The organic phase was dried (MgSO4) and evaporated. The crude product was dissolved in ethanol (150 ml) and stirred overnight, filtered (remove byproduct) and concentrated (25 ml). After 30 min at 0°C the yellow powder was filtered and washed with cold ethanol (lx) to give, after drying, the title compound (2.15 g, 57%).'H NMR (CDC13) 5 8.71 (m, 1 H), 8.03 (d, J = 8.03 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (dd, J = 8.16,4.64 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (s, 2H); MS m/z (M-1) 142.

INTERMEDIA TE 22 6-Amino-8-bromo-1, 7-naphthyridine-3- (Cyanomethyl) pyridine-2-carbonitrile (4.0 g, 28 mmol) was added carefully to HBr in acetic acid (33%) (25 ml) at rt. The red suspension was stirred for 1.5 h and filtered. The red solid was washed with EtOAc (3x) and suspended

in water. IN NaOH was added dropwise until pH-8, and the suspension was stirred for 45 minutes and filtered. The red solid was washed with water (2x) and dried. The crude product was suspended in 5% MeOH in CH2CI2 and filtered through a short plug of silica, washing with 5% MeOH in CH2CI2. Subsequent concentration in vacuo afforded the title compound (3.85 g, 61%). 1HNMR (DMSO) 8 8.58 (dd, J = 4. 02,1.51 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (dd, J = 8. 53, 1.51 Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dd, J = 8.53,4.02 Hz, 1H), 6.58 (s, 1H), 6.48 (s, 2H); MS m/z (M+1) 226.

INTERMEDIATE 23 tert-Butyl 4- (6-amino-1, 7-naphthyridin-8-yl) piperazine-1-carboxylate-A mixture of 6-amino-8-bromo-1, 7-naphthyridine (650 mg, 2.9 mmol), BOC-piperazine (1. 1 g, 5.9 mmol), potassium carbonate (2 g, 15 mmol) in DMSO (1 ml) was stirred at 90°C for 3 days.

Chloroform was added, the mixture was filtered and the filtrate was washed with brine (3 x 100 ml). The organic phase was dried using potassium carbonate, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a yellow oil. The oil was triturated with diethyl ether and then eluted through a short silica plug using chloroform. Subsequent concentration of the residue in vacuo gave the title compound (700 mg, 74%) as a yellow oil.'H NMR (CDC13) 8 8.43 (dd, J = 4.09,1.72 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (dd, J = 8.31,1.72 Hz, 1H), 7.25-7.20 (m, 1H), 6.08 (s, 1H), 4.29 (s, 2 H), 3.95-3.88 (m, 4H), 3.65-3-57 (m, 4H), 1.46 (s, 9 H); MS m/z (M+1) 330.

General Procedure I To a stirred solution of tert-butyl 4- (6-amino-1, 7-naphthyridin-8-yl) piperazine-1- carboxylate (63 mg, 0.19 mmol) in anhydrous dichloromethane (0.5 ml) and pyridine (0.25 ml) was added p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (36 mg, 0.19 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature over night and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified using reversed-phase preparative HPLC to give the corresponding tert- butoxycarbonyl protected piperazine intermediate. This was dissolved in dichloromethane (1.5 ml) and treated with concentrated TFA (1 ml) at room temperature for 1.5 hours.

EXAMPLE 137 4-Methyl-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-1,7-naphthyridin-6-yl)benzenesu lfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (61 mg, 65%) as a yellow solid. 1H NMR (CD30D) 8 8.57-8.65 (m, 1H), 8.06-7.98 (m, 1H), 7.86-7.78 (m, 2H), 7.53-7.43 (m, 1H), 7.36-7.26 (m, 2H), 6.88 (s, 1H), 4.18-4.06 (m, 4H), 3.35-3.24 (m, 4H), 2.35 (s, 3H); MS m/z (M+1) 384.

EXAMPLE 138 4-Bromo-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (14 mg, 13%).

IH NMR (CD30D) a 8.70-8.63 (m, 1H), 8.14-8.05 (m, 1H), 7.91-7.83 (m, 2H), 7.76-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.49 (m, 1H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 4.19-4.09 (m, 4H), 3.38-3.28 (m, 4H); MS m/z (M+ 1) 449.

EXAMPLE 139 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N- (8-Piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) naphthalene-l-sulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (66 mg, 65%).

1H NMR (CD3OD) # 8.82-8.76 (m, 1H), 8.58-8.54 (m, 1H), 8.42-8.37 (m, 1H), 8.13-8.07 (m, 1H), 8.01-7.92 (m, 2H), 7.71-7.54 (m, 3H), 7.47-7.40 (m, 1H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 4.02-3.96 (m, 4H), 3.24-3.18 (m, 4H); MS m/z (M+1) 420.

EXAMPLE 140 N- (8-Piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) butane-l-sulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (48 mg, 55%).

'H NMR (CD30D) a 8.71-8.66 (m, 1H), 8.13-8.06 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.51 (m, 1H), 6.83 (s, 1H), 4.33-4.23 (m, 4H), 3.51-3.38 (m, 6H), 1.91-1.72 (m, 2H), 1.53-1.38 (m, 2H), 0.98-0.86 (m, 3H); MS m/z (M+2) 351.

EXAMPLE 141 3-Trifluoromethyl-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (60 mg, 57%).

IHNMR (CD3OD) a 8.70-8.63 (m, 1H), 8.28-8.17 (m, 2H), 8.13-8.05 (m, 1H), 7.96-7.87 (m, 1H), 7.80-7.69 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.48 (m, 1H), 6.93 (s, 1H), 4.18-4.07 (m, 4H), 3.39-3.27 (m, 4H); MS m/z (M+1) 438.

EXAMPLE 142 3,4-Dimethoxy-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (65 mg, 63%).

H NMR (CD30D) 15 8.68-8.59 (m, 1H), 8.11-8.01 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.40 (m, 3H), 7.04-6.92 (m, 2H), 4.22-4.10 (m, 4H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.39-3.27 (m, 4H); MS m/z (M+1) 430.

EXAMPLE 143 2,4-Dichloro-N- (8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) benzenesulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (56 mg, 53%).

1H NMR (CD30D) 8.66-8.61 (m, 1H), 8.25-8.20 (m, 1H), 8.06-8.00 (m, 1H), 7.65-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.57-7.47 (m, 2H), 6.76 (s, 1H), 4.13-4.06 (m, 4H), 3.36-3.28 (m, 4H); MS m/z (M+2) 439.

EXAMPLE 144 N- (8-Piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) thiophene-2-sulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (57 mg, 61%).

IH NMR (CD30D) 5 8.71-8.64 (m, 1H), 8.14-8.05 (m, 1H), 7.76-7.67 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.49 (m, 1H), 7.11-7.03 (m, 1H), 6.98 (s, 1H), 4.27-4.15 (m, 4H), 3.40-3.28 (m, 4H); MS m/z (M+1) 376.

EXAMPLE 145 1-Phenyl-N-(8-piperazin-1-yl-1, 7-naphthyridin-6-yl) methanesulfonamide, trifluoroacetic acid The title compound was prepared following the general procedure I (35 mg, 37%).'H NMR (DMSO) 15 8.83 (br s, 1H), 8.52-8.40 (m, 2H), 7.47-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.29-7.10 (m, 6H), 6.87 (s, 1H), 4.52 (s, 2H), 4.39-4.31 (m, 4H), 3.30-3.22 (m, 4H); MS m/z (M+1) 384.

SYNTHESIS OF EXAMPLES AND INTERMADIATES IN TABLE Scheme 4 Scheme 4 a) TMS-acethylene, Cu20, Py, 80 °C ; b) tBuO-Na, Pd2 (dba) 3, Xantphos, xilene, 120 °C ; c) Raney-Ni, Hydrazine, THF/Ethanol ; d) R-S02=Cl, Py; e) HCI-diethyl ether.

INTERMEDIATE 24 7-lodo-5-nitro-1-benzofuran-A mixture of 4-nitro-2, 5-diiodophenol (7.68 g, 6.86 mmol), TMS-acetylene (0.67g, 6.86 mmol) and Cu20 (0.59 g, 4.12 mmol) in pyridine (120 mL) was heated to 80 C for 48 h. The mixture was filtered through celite and the solvent was removed. Column chromatography DCM/heptane 1: 1 gave 0.35 g (18 %) of product.

'HNMR (CD30D) 8 8. 60 (d, 1H, j = 2. 1 Hz), 8.51 (d, 1 H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 7.84 (d, 1 H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 7.04 (d, 1H, J = 2.4 Hz); MS (ESI) 289.8 (M + H) + ; Purity (HPLC, column X) 93%. <BR> <BR> <BR> <P>INTEREMEDIA TE 25<BR> <BR> 1-Methyl-4- (5-Nitro-l-benzofuran-7-yl)-piperazine-A mixture of 7-iodo-5-nitro-1- benzofuran (94.5 mg, 0.327 mmol), Xanthpos (19 mg. 0.032 mmol), Pd2 (dba) 3 (7.4 mg, 0.025 mmol) and NaOt-Bu (44.0 mg, 0.458 mmol), methylpiperazine (39.3 mg, 0.392 mmol)

in xylene (3 mL) was heated to 120 °C overnight. The mixture was diluted with DCM and filtered through silica. The product was elueed with DCM/MeOH x 0.4 % NH3. Flash chromatography (DCM/MeOH x 0.4 % NH3) gave 60 mg (70 %) of BVT : 1HNMR (CD30D) 8 8. 07 (d, 1H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 7.70 (d, 1H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 7.58 (d, 1H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 6.84 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 3.44-3.40 (m, 4H), 2.65-2.62 (m, 4H), 2. 36 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) 262.0 (M + H) + ; Purity (HPLC, column X) 95%.

INTERMEDIATE 26 tert-Butyl 4-(5-nitro-1-benzofuran-7-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylate- The title compound was prepared according to the same procedure used for Intermediate 25 using N- tert-butyl-piperazine carboxylate to afford 240 mg (64 %) of a white solid :'HNMR (CD30D) # 8. 08 (d, 1H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 7.72 (d, 1H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 7.58 (d, 1H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 6.86 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 3.66-3.62 (m, 4H), 3.34-3.31 (m, 4H), 1.46 (s, 9H); MS (ESI) 370.0 (M + Na) + ; Purity (HPLC, column X) 96%.

INTERMEDIATE 27 l-Methyl-4-(5-amino-1-benzofuran-7-yl)-piperazine INTERMEDIATE 28 tert-Butyl 4-(5-amino-1-benzofuran-7-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylate -1-Methyl-4-(5- Nitro-l-benzofuran-7-yl)-piperazine (1 eq) and tert-butyl 4- (5-nitro-1-benzofuran-7-yl)- piperazine-1-carboxylate (1 eq) were reduced to aromatic amine with Raney-Ni and hydrazine (10 eq) in THF/Ethanol (1: 4), 3h at room temperature. The reaction mixture are filtered through celite pad, the volatiles are evaporated and the crude is used in the next reactions.

EXAMPLE 146 3-Cyanophenyl-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride To a solution of tert-butyl 4- (5-amino-1-benzofuran-7-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylate (43 mg 0.138 mmol) and pyridine (100 fiL, 1.24 mmol) was added 3-

cyanobenzenesulfonylchloride (33.4 mg, 0.166 mmol). After 2 h PS-Trisamin was added and the reaction was stirred overnight. Flash chromatography (DCM/Heptane/MeOH 5: 4: 1) gave 24.6 mg of a solid. The crude product was dissolved in MeOH (2mL) and HCI/ether 2M (4 mL) was added. After 0.5 h the sample was concentrated to afford 19 mg (36 %) of a white solid :'HNMR (CD30D) 8 8.02-7.88 (m, 3H), 7.72 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 7.76-7.61 (m, 1H), 6.92 (d, 1H, J = 2. 1 Hz), 6.74 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 6.60 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 3.52-3.41 (m, 8H); MS (ESI) 381.2 (M + H) + ; Purity (HPLC, column X) 95%.

EXAMPLE 147 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 4-Phenoxy-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared according to the method used for the synthesis of Example 146 (21 %) of a white solid : IHNMR (CD30D) 8 7.73 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 7.69-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.43-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.24-7.17 (m, 1H9, 7.04-6.94 (m, 4H), 6.88 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 6.74 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 6.70 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 3.53-3.41 (m, 8H); MS (ESI) 450.1 (M + H) + ; Purity (HPLC, column X) 90 %.

EXAMPLE 148 l-Naphthyl-Phenoxy-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared according to the method used for the synthesis of Example 146 (30 %) of a white solid :'HNMR (CD30D) 8 8.65 (d, 1H, J = 8. 8 Hz), 8.03- 7.86 (m, 3H), 7.58-7.49 (m, 3H9,7.36-7.33 (m, 1H), 6.74 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz), 6.53 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz), 6.30 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz), 3.52-3.41 (m, 8H); MS (ESI) 408.1 (M + H) + ; Purity (HPLC) 100 %.

EXAMPLE 149 N- (7-Piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared according to the method used for the synthesis of Example 146 (33 %) of a white solid :'HNMR (CD30D) 8 7.72-7.69 (m, 3H), 7.57-7.51 (m, 1H), 7.47-7.41 (m, 2H), 6.92 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 6.72 (d, 1H, J = 2.1 Hz), 6.58 (d, 1H, J = 2.1), 3.49-3.39 (m, 8H); MS (ESI) 358. 1 (M + H) + ; Purity (HPLC) 96 %.

EXAMPLE 150 5-Chloro-3-methyl-benzolb] thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5- yl)-amide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared according to the method used for the synthesis of Example 146 (9 %) of a white solid :'HNMR (CD30D) 8 7.74-7.73 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz), 7.38-7.36 (m, 1H), 6.87 (d, 1H, J = 1. 8 Hz), 6.64 (d, 1H, J = 2. 2 Hz), 6.58 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 3.36-3.28 (m, 8H); MS (ESI) 398.2 (M + H) + ; Purity (HPLC") 98 %.

EXAMPLE 151 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N-l7-(4-methylpiperazin-l-yl)-l-benzofuran-5-yl]-benzenesulf onamide, hydrochloride The title compound was prepared according to the method used for the synthesis of Example 146 using 1-Methyl-4- (5-Nitro-1-benzofuran-7-yl) piperazine (45 %) of a white solid : IHNMR (CD30D) 6 7.74-7.283 (m, 6H), 6.82 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 6.62 (d, 1H, J = 2.2 Hz), 6.48 (d, 1H, J = 1.8 Hz), 3.82-2.95 (m, 8H), 2.87 (s, 3H); MS (ESI) 372.1 (M + H) + ; Purity (HPLC, column X) 96 %.

EXAMPLE 152 4-Methyl-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride 4- (5-Amino-benzofuran-7-yl)-piperazine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester (44 mg, 0.139 mmol) in 3 ml dichloromethane was added to a tube containing p-toluenesulfonyl chloride (32 mg, 0.167 mmol) together with pyridine (100 µl, 1.25 mmol) and left on a shaker over weekend. After purification by preparative HPLC, the resulting Boc-material was treated with HCI in ether and left on a shaker until the salt had formed. The solution was centrifugated and the supernatant was removed. Ether was added, then centrifugated and decanted (repeated three times) to remove the excess HCI. The remaining ether was finally evaporated in a SpeedVAc concentrator to yield 10 mg of title product. HPLC purity = 94%, m/z = 372.3 (M+H). 1H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 5 ppm 2.35 (s, 3 H) 3.45 (m, 8 H) 6.63 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 6.71 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 6.88 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 7.25 (m, 2 H) 7.58 (m, 2 H) 7.71 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 153 3,4-Dimethoxy-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride HPLC purity = 92%, m/z = 418.3 (M+H). 1H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 8 ppm 3.45 (m, 8 H) 3.70 (m, 3 H) 3.81 (m, 3 H) 6.62 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 6.73 (d, J=2. 38 Hz, 1 H) 6.94 (m, 2 H) 7.17 (d, J=2.11 Hz, 1 H) 7.29 (dd, J=8. 44,2.11 Hz, 1 H) 7.72 (d, J=2.38 Hz, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 154 4-Bromo-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride HPLC purity = 95%, m/z = 436.2 (M+H). 1H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 8 ppm 3.46 (m, 8 H) 6.62 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 6.74 (d, J=2. 38 Hz, 1 H) 6.93 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 7.61 (m, 4 H) 7.73 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 155 2,3-Dichloro-N-(7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesul fonamide, hydrochloride HPLC purity = 96%, m/z = 426.2 (M+H). 1 H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) b ppm 3.44 (m, 8 H) 6.67 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 6.72 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 7.01 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 7.34 (t, J=8. 18 Hz, 1 H) 7.70 (m, 2 H) 7.94 (dd, J=7. 92,1.58 Hz, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 156 2,4-Dichloro-5-methyl-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride HPLC purity = 96%, m/z = 440.2 (M+H). 1 H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 5 ppm 2.30 (s, 3 H) 3.46 (m, 8 H) 6.69 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 6.73 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 7.01 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 7.60 (s, 1 H) 7.71 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 7.87 (s, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 157 <BR> <BR> <BR> 4-Methoxy-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride

HPLC purity = 93%, m/z = 388.3 (M+H). 1H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 8 ppm 3.45 (m, 8 H) 3.79 (s, 3 H) 6.72 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 6.93 (m, 3 H) 7.63 (m, 3 H) 7.71 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 158 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> 4-Chloro-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride HPLC purity = 97%, m/z = 392. 3 (M+H). 1H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 8 ppm 3.46 (m, 8 H) 6.63 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 6.74 (d, J=2. 38 Hz, 1 H) 7.47 (m, 2 H) 7.67 (m, 3 H) 7.73 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 159 N- (7-Piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-4-trifluoromethyl-benzene sulfonamide, hydrochloride HPLC purity = 91%, m/z =-426. 3 (M+H). 1H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 8 ppm 3.47 (m, 8 H) 6.64 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 6.74 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 6.92 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 7.73 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 7.84 (m, 4 H).

EXAMPLE 160 5-Fluoro-2-methyl-N- (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-benzenesulfonamide, hydrochloride HPLC purity = 94%, m/z = 390. 3 (M+H). 1H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 8 ppm 2.57 (m, 3 H) 3.46 (m, 8 H) 6.63 (m, 1 H) 6.74 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 6.91 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 7.20 (m, 1 H) 7.34 (m, 1 H) 7.56 (dd, J=8. 71,2.64 Hz, 1 H) 7.73 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H).

EXAMPLE 161 5-Chloro-thiophene-2-sulfonic acid (7-piperazin-1-yl-benzofuran-5-yl)-amide, hydrochloride HPLC purity = 94%, m/z = 398.3 (M+H). 1H NMR (270 MHz, methanol-d4) 8 ppm 3.48 (m, 8 H) 6.68 (d, J=2. 11 Hz, 1 H) 6.79 (d, J=2. 38 Hz, 1 H) 6.97 (d, J=3. 96 Hz, 1 H) 7.01 (d, J=1. 85 Hz, 1 H) 7.25 (d, J=3. 96 Hz, 1 H) 7.76 (d, J=2. 38 Hz, 1 H).

BIOLOGICAL TESTS The ability of a compound according to the invention to bind a 5-HT6 receptor, and to be pharmaceutically useful, can be determined using in vivo and in vitro assays known in the art.

(a) 5-HT6 Intrinsic Activity Assay Antagonists to the 5-HT6 receptor were characterized by measuring inhibition of 5- HT induced increase in cAMP in HEK 293 cells expressing the human 5-HT6 receptor (see Boess et al. (1997) Neuropharmacology 36: 713-720). Briefly, HEK293/5-HT6 cells were seeded in polylysine coated 96-well plates at a density of 25,000/well and grown in DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium) (without phenol-red) containing 5% dialyzed Foetal Bovine Serum for 48 h at 37°C in a 5% C02 incubator. The medium was then aspirated and replaced by 0.1 ml assay medium (Hanks Balance Salt Solution containing 20 mM HEPES, 1.5 mM isobutylmethylxanthine and 1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin). After addition of test substances, 50 pl dissolved in assay medium, the cells were incubated for 10 min at 37°C in a 5% C02 incubator. The medium was again aspirated and the cAMP content was determined using a radioactive cAMP kit (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, BIOTRAK RPA559). The potency of antagonists was quantified by determining the concentration that caused 50% inhibition of 5-HT (at [5-HT] = 8 times ECso) evoked increase in cAMP, using the formula Kj=ICso/(1 + [5HT]/ECso) The compounds in accordance with the invention have a selective affinity to 5-HT6 receptors with K, values between 0.5 nM and 5 JM. The compounds show good selectivity for 5-HTla, 5-HT2a, 5-HT2a, 5-HT2b, 5-HT2c.

(b) In vivo assay of reduction of food intake For a review on serotonin and food intake, see Blundell, J. E. and Halford, J. C. G.

(1998) Serotonin and Appetite Regulation. Implications for the Pharmacological Treatment of Obesity. CNS Drugs 9: 473-495.

Obese (ob/ob) mouse is selected as the primary animal model for screening as this mutant mouse consumes high amounts of food resulting in a high signal to noise ratio. To further substantiate and compare efficacy data, the effect of the compounds on food consumption is also studied in wild type (C57BL/6J) mice. The amount of food consumed during 15 hours of infusion of compounds is recorded.

Male mice (obese C57BL/6JBom-Lep°b and lean wild-type C57B1/6JBom ; Bomholtsgaard, Denmark) 8-9 weeks with an average body weight of 50 g (obese) and 25 g (lean) are used in all the studies. The animals are housed singly in cages at 231°C, 40-60 % humidity and have free access to water and standard laboratory chow. The 12/12-h light/dark cycle is set to lights off at 5 p. m. The animals are conditioned for at least one week before start of study.

The test compounds are dissolved in solvents suitable for each specific compound such as cyclodextrin, cyclodextrin/methane sulfonic acid, polyethylene glycol/methane sulfonic acid, saline. Fresh solutions are made for each study. Doses of 30,50 and 100 mg kg~lday~l are used. The purity of the test compounds is of analytical grade.

The animals are weighed at the start of the study and randomized based on body weight. Alzet osmotic minipumps (Model 2001D ; infusion rate 8 p1/h) are used and loaded essentially as recommended by the Alzet technical information manual (Alza Scientific Products, 1997; Teeuwes and Yam, 1976). Continuous subcutaneous infusion with 24 hours duration is used. The minipumps are either filled with different concentrations of test compounds dissolved in vehicle or with only vehicle solution and maintained in vehicle pre- warmed to 37°C (approx. lh). The minipumps are implanted subcutaneously in the neck/back region under short acting anesthesia (metofane/enflurane). This surgical procedure lasts approximately 5 min. It takes about 3 h to reach steady state delivery of the compound.

The weight of the food pellets are measured at 5 p. m. and at 8 p. m. for two days before (baseline) and one day after the implantation of the osmotic minipumps. The weigh-in is performed with a computer assisted Mettler Toledo PR 5002 balance. Occasional spillage

is corrected for. At the end of the study the animals are killed by neck dislocation and trunk blood sampled for later analysis of plasma drug concentrations.

The plasma sample proteins are precipitated with methanol, centrifuged and the supernatant is transferred to HPLC vials and injected into the liquid chromatography/mass spectrometric system. The mass spectrometer is set for electrospray positive ion mode and Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM with the transition m/z 316 => 221). A linear regression analysis of the standards forced through the origin is used to calculate the concentrations of the unknown samples.

Food consumption for 15 hours is measured for the three consecutive days and the percentage of basal level values is derived for each animal from the day before and after treatment. The values are expressed as mean SD and SEM from eight animals per dose group. Statistical evaluation is performed by Kruskal-Wallis one-way ANOVA using the percent basal values. If statistical significance is reached at the level of p<0. 05, Mann- Whitney U-test for statistical comparison between control and treatment groups is performed.

The compounds according to the invention show an effect in the range of 50-200 mg/kg.

TABLE VI-In vivo efficacy data on the effect of the compounds on Food Intake reduction EXAMPLES In vivo efficacy-Food intake (15h) in ob/ob mouse % Inhibition of Food Intake Free plasma concentration in ob/ob mice at of the compounds at steady 50 mg/Kg/day, 15h state (Css, u) 48 23. 8 0. 008 13 24. 1 0. 035 53 25. 7a ND 34 51. 4 0. 078 24 46. 2 0. 0076 19 69.6 0.150 27 68. 9 0. 008 30 60.1 0.275 29 71 0.33 14 41 b 0. 23 'The effect on Food Intake reported in the table was obtained at the dose of 14.8 mg/kg/d b The effect on Food Intake reported in the table was obtained at the dose of 100 mg/kg/d