FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is related to chemical compositions, processes for the preparation thereof and uses of the composition. Particularly, the present invention relates to compositions of compounds of Formula (A):

Ar-^s-"" Y"R1 I (O)q (A) and their use in the treatment of diseases, including treatment of sleepiness, promotion and/or improvement of wakefulness, preferably improvement of wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, sleep apnea, preferably obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea, and shift work disorder ; treatment of Parkinson's disease ; Alzheimer's disease ; cerebral ischemia ; stroke ; eating disorders ; attention deficit disorder ("ADD"), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ("ADHD") ; depression ; schizophrenia ; fatigue, preferably fatigue associated with cancer or neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome ; stimulation of appetite and weight gain and improvement of cognitive dysfunction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The compounds disclosed herein are related to the biological and chemical analogs of modafinil. Modafinil, Q5H15NO2S, also known as 2-(benzhydrylsulfmyl) acetamide, or 2- [(diphenylmethyl) sulfinyl] acetamide, a synthetic acetamide derivative with wake-promoting activity, has been described in French Patent No. 78 05 510 and in U.S. Patent No. 4,177,290 ("the '290 patent"). It has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness associated with narcolepsy. Methods 'for preparing modafinil and several derivatives are described in the '290 patent. The levorotatory isomer of modafinil, along with additional modafinil derivatives are described in U.S. Patent No. 4,927,855, and are reported to be useful for treatment of hypersomnia, depression, Alzheimer's disease and to have activity towards the symptoms of dementia and loss of memory, especially in the elderly. Modafinil has also been described as a useful agent in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (U.S. Patent No. 5,180,745); in the protection of cerebral tissue from ischemia (U.S. Patent No. 5,391,576); in the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence (U.S. Patent No. 5,401,776); and in the treatment of sleep apneas and disorders of central origin (U.S. Patent No. 5,612,379). In addition, modafinil may be used in the treatment of eating disorders, or to promote weight gain or stimulate appetite in humans or animals (U.S. Patent No. 6,455,588), or in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (U.S. Patent No. 6,346,548), or fatigue, especially fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis (US Patent No. 6,488,164). U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,686 describes various benzhydrylsulphinyl derivatives as being useful in therapy for treating disturbances of the central nervous system. Several published patent applications describe derivative forms of modafinil and the use of modafinil derivatives in the treatment of various disorders. For example, PCT publication WO 99/25329 describes various substituted phenyl analogs of modafinil as being useful for treating drug-induced sleepiness, especially sleepiness associated with administration of morphine to cancer patients. U.S. Pat No. 5,719,168 and PCT Publication No. 95/01171 describes modafinil derivatives that are useful for modifying feeding behavior. PCT Publication No. 02/10125 describes several modafinil derivatives of modafinil, along with various polymorphic forms of modafinil. Additional publications describing modafinil derivatives include U.S. Pat. No. 6,492,396, and PCT Publication No. WO 02/10125. Terauchi, H, et al. described nicotinamide derivatives useful as ATP-ase inhibitors (Terauchi, H, et al, J Med. Chem., 1997, 40, 313-321). In particular, several N-alkyl substituted 2-(Benzhydrylsulfmyl) nicotinamides are described. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,980,372 and 4,935,240 describe benzoylaminophenoxybutanoic acid derivatives. In particular, sulfide derivatives of modafinil containing a phenyl and substituted phenyl linker between the sulfide and carbonyl, and a substituted aryl in the terminal amide position, are disclosed. Other modafinil derivatives have been disclosed wherein the terminal phenyl groups are constrained by a linking group. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,563,169, certain xanthenyl and thiaxanthenyl derivatives having a substituted aryl in the terminal amide position are reported. Other xanthenyl and thiaxanthenyl derivatives are disclosed in Annis, I; Barany, G. Pept. Proc. Am. Pept. Symp. 15th (Meeting Date 1997) 343-344, 1999 (preparation of a xanthenyl derivative of Ellman's Reagent, useful as a reagent in peptide synthesis); Han, Y.; Barany, G. J Org. Chem., 1997, 62, 3841-3848 (preparation of S-xanthenyl protected cysteine derivatives, useful as a reagent in peptide synthesis); and El-Sakka, I.A., et al. Arch. Pharm. (Weinheim), 1994, 327, 133-135 (thiaxanthenol derivatives of thioglycolic acid). Thus, there is a need for novel classes of compounds that possess the beneficial properties. It has been discovered that a class of compounds, referred to herein as substituted thioacetamides, are useful as agents for treating or preventing various diseases or disorders disclosed herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention in one aspect is directed to various novel compounds of structure:

Ar b R (O)q and its stereoisomeric forms, mixtures of stereoisomeric forms, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, wherein the constituent members are defined infra. Another object of the present invention is to provide pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention wherein the compositions comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the compounds of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester form thereof. Another object of the present invention is to provide methods of treating or preventing diseases or disorders, including treatment of sleepiness, promotion and/or improvement of wakefulness, preferably improvement of wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, sleep apnea, preferably obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea, and shift work disorder ; treatment of Parkinson's disease ; Alzheimer's disease ; cerebral ischemia ; stroke ; eating disorders ; attention deficit disorder ("ADD"), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ("ADHD") ; depression ; schizophrenia ; fatigue, preferably fatigue associated with cancer or neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome ; stimulation of appetite and weight gain and improvement of cognitive dysfunction. These and other objects, features and advantages of the substituted benzylthioalkyl will be disclosed in the following detailed description of the patent disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In a first embodiment, the present invention provides novel compounds of formula (A):

(A) wherein : Ar is:

Wherein: U is CH2, CR25R26, O5 S(O)y,. NR10, C(=O), C(=S), CHOH5 CHOR14, C=NOR14, or C=NNR12R13; V and W are independently selected from a bond, CH2, CR25R26, O5 S(O)5,, NR10, C(O)5 C(=S)5 CHOH5 CHOR14, C=NOR14, or C=NNR12R13; rings A5 B5 and C are optionally substituted with one to three groups selected from F, Cl5 Br5 15 OR22, OR27, NR23R24, NHOH5 NO2, CN5 CF3, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, 3-7 membered heterocyclo alkyl, phenyl, 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl, arylalkyl, C(=O)R22, CO2R22, OC(=O)R22, C(=O)NR23R24, NR21C(=O)R22, NR21CO2R22, OQ=O)NR23R24, NR21C(=S)R225 and S(O)yR22; ring D is optionally substituted with one group selected from C1-C6 alkyl, phenyl, and 5- 10 membered heteroaryl; Ϋ is Ci-C6 alkylene; or (Ci-C4 alkylene)m-Z-(C1-C4 alkylene),,; wherein said alkylene groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; Z is O, NR10A, S(0)y, CR21=CR21, C≡C, C6-Ci0 arylene, 5-10 membered heteroarylene, C3-C6 cycloalkylene, or 3-6 membered heterocycloalkylene; wherein said arylene, heteroarylene, cycloalkylene, and heterocycloalkylene groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R1 is selected from H5 NR12R13, NR21C(O)R14, C(O)R14, CO2R11, OC(O)R11, C(O)NR12R13, C(=NR! ^NR12R13, OC(O)NR12R13, NR21S(O)2R11, NR21C(=O)NR12RI33 NR21S(O)2R12R13, and C(O)NR11 OR22; R!0 and R10A are each independently selected from H, Ci-C6 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, C(=O)R14, and S(O)yR14; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R11 at each occurrence is independently selected from H5 Ci-C6 alkyl, and C6-Cj0 aryl; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R12 and R13 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H5 Ci-C6 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, and NR23R24, or R12 and R135 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups and heterocyclic ring are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R14 at each occurrence is independently selected from C1-C6 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, and alkylaryl; wherein said alkyl, aryl and alkylaryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R20 at each occurrence is independently selected from F5 Cl, Br5 15 OR22, OR27, NR23R24, NHOH, NO2, CN, CF3, Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with OH, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, 3-7 membered heterocycloalkyl, phenyl, 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl, arylalkyl, =0, C(=O)R22, CO2R22, OC(K))R22, C(=O)NR23R24, NR21C(=O)R22, NR21CO2R22, NR21CO2R22, OC(=O)NR23R24, NR21C(=S)R22, and S(O)yR22; R21 at each occurrence is independently selected from H and Ci-C6 alkyl; R22 at each occurrence is independently selected from H5 Ci-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with OH5 arylalkyl and C6-Ci0 aryl; R23 and R24 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H5 C1-C6 alkyl, and C6-CiO aryl, or R23 and R24, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with =0; R25 and R26 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H5 Cj-C6 alkyl, and C6-Ci0 aryl, or R and R , together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring; R27 at each occurrence is independently the residue of an amino acid after the hydroxyl group of the carboxyl group is removed; m is O or 1 ; n is O or 1 ; q is O, I5 or 2; y is O, I5 or 2; with the exclusion of the compounds wherein: U is CH2, C(O), CH(CH3), S or C = NNHPh ; and Y is CH2; and R1 is H; and with the exclusion of the compounds wherein : U is CH2; and Y is C]-C6 alkylene optionally substituted with Ci-C6 alkylene; and R1 is CONH2, or CO2R11 with R11 = H or C1-C6 alkyl; and with the exclusion of the compounds : ■ 3 - [(methylthio)methy 1] -2-phenyl- 1 H-inden- 1 -one ■ 3 - [(methylsulfinyl)methyl] -2-phenyl- 1 H-inden- 1 -one and the stereoisomeric forms, mixtures of stereoisomeric forms or pharmaceutically acceptable salts forms thereof. Preferably, when V is a bond, and W is O, S(0)y, or NR10, ring D is substituted by a phenyl group. In a second embodiment, the present invention provides novel compounds of formula (I):

(I) wherein Ar is

U is CH2, CR25R26, O5 S(0)y, NRI05 C(=0), C(=S), CHOH, CHOR14, C=NOR14, or C=NNR12R13; V and W are independently selected from a bond, CH2, CR25R26, O, S(0)y, NR10, C(=0), C(=S), CHOH, CHOR14, C=NOR14, or C=NNR12R13; rings A, B, and C are optionally substituted with one to three groups selected from F, Cl, Br, I, OR22, OR27, NR23R24, NHOH, NO2, CN, CF3, C1-C6 alkyl, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, 3-7 membered heterocycloalkyl, phenyl, 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl, arylalkyl, C(O)R22, CO2R22, OC(O)R22, C(O)NR23R24, NR21C(=O)R22, NR21CO2R22, OC(O)NR23R24, NR21C(=S)R22, and S(O)yR22; ring D is optionally substituted with one group selected from C1-C6 alkyl, phenyl, and 5- 10 membered heteroaryl; Y is C1-C6 alkylene; (C1-C4 alkylene)m-Z1-(C1-C4 alkylene)n; C1-C4 alkylene-Z2-CrC4 alkylene; wherein said alkylene groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; Z1 is CR21=CR213 C≡C, C6-C10 arylene, 5-10 membered heteroarylene, C3-C6 cycloalkylene, or 3-6 membered heterocycloalkylene; wherein said arylene, heteroarylene, cycloalkylene, and heterocycloalkylene groups are optionally substituted with one to three R groups; Z2 is O5 NRI0A, or S(O)y; R1 is selected from H, NR12R13, NR21C(O)R14, C(O)R14, CO2R11, OC(O)R11, C(O)NR12R13, C(=NR! ^NR12R13, OC(O)NR12R13, NR21S(O)2R11, NR21C(O)NR12R13, NR21S(O)2NR12R13, and C(O)NR11 OR22; R10 and RI0A are each independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, C6-C10 aryl, C(O)R14, and S(O)yR14; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R11 at each occurrence is independently selected from H5 C1-C6 alkyl, and C6-C10 aryl; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R12 and R13 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H, Cj-C6 alkyl, C6-Ci0 aryl and NR23R24, or R12 and R13, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups and heterocyclic ring are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R14 at each occurrence is independently selected from Cj-C6 alkyl, C6-Ci0 aryl, and alkylaryl; wherein said alkyl, aryl and alkylaryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R20 at each occurrence is independently selected from F, Cl, Br, I, OR22, OR27, NR23R24, NHOH5 NO2, CN, CF3, C1-C5 alkyl optionally substituted with OH, C2-C6 alkenyl, C2-C6 alkynyl, C3-C7 cycloalkyl, 3-7 membered heterocycloalkyl, phenyl, 5 or 6 membered heteroaryl. arylalkyl, =0, C(=O)R225 CO2R22, OC(=O)R22, C(=O)NR23R24, NR21C(=O)R22, NR21CO2R22, OQ=O)NR23R24, NR2IC(=S)R22, and S(O)yR22; R21 at each occurrence is independently selected from H and C1-C6 alkyl; R22 at each occurrence is independently selected from H, Cj-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with OH, arylalkyl and C6-Ci0 aryU R23 and R24 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H, Cj-C6 alkyl, and C6-C10 aryl, or R23 and R24, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with =0; R25 and R26 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H, Ci-C6 alkyl, and C6-CiO aryl, or R25 and R26, together with the carbone to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring; R27 at each occurrence is independently the residue of an amino acid after the hydroxyl group of the carboxyl group is removed; m is O or 1 ; n is O or 1 ; q is O, 1, or 2; y is 0, 1, or 2; and the stereoisomeric forms, mixtures of stereoisomeric forms or pharmaceutically acceptable salts forms thereof. Preferably, when V is a bond, and W is O, S(O)y, or NR10, ring D is substituted by a phenyl group.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a compound of formula (II):

(O)q (H) wherein Ar is : U is CH2, O5 S(COy, or NR10; V and W are independently selected from a bond, O, S(O)y, or NR » 110 rings A5 B, and C are optionally substituted with one to three groups selected from F, Cl, Br5 I, OR22, OR27, NR23R24, NHOH5 NO2, CN, CF3, C1-C6 alkyl, phenyl, arylalkyl, and C(=O)R22; ring D is optionally substituted with one group selected from Cj-C6 alkyl, and phenyl; Y is C1-C6 alkylene; C1-C4 alkylene-Z1-(Ci-C4 alkylene)n; Ci-C4 alkylene-Z2-Ci-C4 alkylene; wherein said alkylene groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; Z1 is CR21=CR21, C≡C5 C6-CJ0 arylene, 5-10 membered heteroarylene, C3-C6 cycloalkylene, or 3-6 membered heterocycloalkylene; wherein said arylene, heteroarylene, cycloalkylene, and heterocycloalkylene groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; Z2 is O5 NR10A, or S(O)y; R1 is selected from NR21Q=O)R14, C(=O)R14, CO2R11, OC(=O)Rn, C(=O)NR12R13, CC=NR11JNR12R13, O OCC((==OO))NNRR1122RR11335, NR21S(O)2R11, NR21C(O)NR12R13, NR21S(O)2NR12R13, and C(=0)NRn OR22; R10 and R10A are each independently selected from H5 C1-C6 alkyl, C(=O)R145 and S(O)yR14; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R groups; R11 at each occurrence is independently selected from H, and Cj-C6 alkyl; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R12 and R13 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H5 and Cj-C6 alkyl, and NR23R24, or R12 and R13, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3- 7 membered heterocyclic ring; wherein said alkyl and aryl groups and heterocyclic ring are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R14 at each occurrence is independently selected from Cj-C6 alkyl and C6-C10 aryl; wherein said alkyl, aryl and alkylaryl groups are optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups; R20 at each occurrence is independently selected from F5 Cl5 Br5 I5 OR22, OR27, NR23R24, NHOH5 NO2, CN5 CF35 C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with OH5 phenyl, =0, C(O)R22, CO2R22, OC(O)R22, C(O)NR23R24, NR21C(O)R22, NR21CO2R22, OC(=O)NR23R24, NR2IC(=S)R22, and S(O)yR22; R21 at each occurrence is independently selected from H and C]-C6 alkyl; R22 at each occurrence is independently selected from H5 C1-C6 alkyl optionally substituted with OH, phenyl, and benzyl; R23 and R24 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, and C6-CjO aryl, or R23 and R24, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring optionally substituted with =0; R25 and R26 at each occurrence are each independently selected from H, C1-C6 alkyl, and phenyl, or R25 and R26, together with the carbon to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring; R27 at each occurrence is independently the residue of an amino acid after the hydroxyl group of the carboxyl group is removed; n is O or 1 ; q is O, 1, or 2; y is 0, 1, or 2; and the stereoisomers forms, mixtures of stereoisomers forms or pharmaceutically acceptable salts forms thereof. An additional aspect of the present invention includes compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and (II) wherein Y is Cj-C6 alkylene, C1-C4 alkylene-ZI-C1-C4 alkylene, or Cj-C4 alkylene-Z2-Cj-C4 alkylene, wherein said alkylene groups are optionally substituted with one to three C1-C6 alkyl groups; Z1 is CR21=CR21, C≡C, or phenyl; Z2 is O, NR10A, or S(O)5,; R1 is selected from NR21C(O)R14, C(O)R14, CO2R11, OC(O)R11, and C(O)NR12R13. In other aspects, Y is C1-C6 alkylene, or C1-C4 alkylene-Z1 -C1-C4 alkylene. In additional aspects, Y is Cj- C6 alkylene. In further aspects, R1 is C(O)NR12R13. In certain aspects of the present invention, there are included compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and (II) wherein Ar is dibenzofuranyl. Other aspects include compounds where Ar is dibenzothienyl. Other aspects include compounds where Ar is fluorenyl. Other aspects include compounds where Ar is phenylbenzofuranyl. Other aspects include compounds where Ar is phenylbenzothiophenyl. Other aspects include compounds where Ar is phenylindolyl. Other aspects include compounds where Ar is phenylbenzodioxinyl. In additional aspects of the present invention, there are included compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and (II) wherein Ar has any of the values of the previous embodiments and q is 1. Other aspects of the present invention include compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and (II) wherein Ar and q have any of the values of the previous embodiments, and Y is Cj-C6 alkylene, particularly those where Y is CH2 or CH2CH2, and most particularly those where Y is CH2. Additional aspects of the present invention include compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and (II) wherein Ar and q have any of the values of the previous embodiments, and Y is (Ci-C4 alkylene)m-Z1-(C1-C4 alkylene)n wherein Z1 is CR21=CR21, C≡C, C6-C10 arylene, 5-10 membered hetero arylene, C3-C6 cycloalkylene, or 3-6 membered heterocycloalkylene. Other aspects include those compounds where Y is C1-C4 alkylene-Z1. Other aspects include those where Y is Z]-Cj-C4 alkylene. Additional aspects include compounds where Y is C1-C4 alkylene- Z^C1-C4 alkylene. Further aspects of the present invention include compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and (II) wherein Ar, Y, and q have any of the values of the previous embodiments, and Z1 is CR21=CR21, or C≡C. Other aspects include compounds where Z1 is C6-C]0 arylene, or C3-C6 cycloalkylene, particularly those where Z1 is phenyl. Other aspects include compounds where Z1 is 5-10 membered heteroarylene, or 3-6 membered heterocycloalkylene. Further aspects of the present invention include compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and (II) wherein Ar and q have any of the values of the previous embodiments, and Y is (C1- C4 alkylene)m-Z2-(C1-C4 alkylene)n wherein Z2 is O, NRI0A, or S(O)y. Other aspects include those compounds where Y is Cj-C4 alkylene-Z , wherein R cannot be H. Other aspects include those compounds where Y is C1-C4 alkylene-Z2-Cj -C4 alkylene. Additional aspects include any of the above embodiments of Y wherein Z2 is O. Additional aspects include any of the above embodiments of Y wherein Z2 is NR10A. Further aspects of the present invention include compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and (II) wherein Ar, Y5 Z1, and Z2, and q have any of the values of the previous embodiments, and R1 can be any value selected from the following 12 enumerated paragraphs: 1. H. 2. NR12R13. 3. NR21C(O)R14. 4. C(O)R14. 5. CO2R11. 6. 0C(=0)Rπ. 7. C(=O)NRI2R13. 8. CC=NR1 J)NRI2R13. 9. OCC=O)NR12R13. 10. NR21SCO)2R11. 11. NR21CC=O)NR12R13 12. NR21S(O)2NR12R13. 13. CC=O)NR11 OR22.

Other additional aspects of the present invention include compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) and CII) wherein Ar, Y, Z1, and Z2, and q have any of the values of the previous embodiments, and R1 can be a combination of the values selected from the previous 13 enumerated paragraphs. The preceding 13 enumerated paragraphs may be combined to further define additional preferred embodiments of compounds of the present invention. For example, one such combination includes NR12R13, NR21C(=O)R14, CC=O)R14, CO2R11, OC(O)R11, C(O)NR12R13, C(=NR! ^NR12R13, OC(O)NR12R13, NR21S(O)2R11, NR21C(O)NR12R13, and NR21S(O)2NR12R13, C(O)NR11 NR23R24 , C(O)NR1 J OR22, and C(O)NR11 OR22. Another such combination includes NR12R13, wherein R12 and R13 are each independently selected from H and C]-C6 alkyl; NR21C(O)R14; C(O)NR12R13; C(=NR! ^NR12R13, and NR21C(O)NR12R13. A third such combination includes C(O)R14, CO2R11, OC(O)R11, C(O)NR12R13, OC(O)NR12R13, NR21S(O)2R11, and NR21S(O)2NR12R13. A fourth such combination includes NR21C(O)R14, C(O)R14, CO2R11, OC(O)R11, C(O)NR12R13, and C(O)NR11 OR22. A fifth such combination includes NR21C(O)R14 , and C(O)NR12R13.

In still further aspects of the present invention, there are included compounds of formulas (III) and (IV):

(IV) wherein U, Vand W have any of the values of the previous embodiments. Additional aspects of the present invention include compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) through (IV) wherein Ar, Y, Z1, Z2, R1, and q have any of the values of the previous embodiments, and R12 and R13 are each independently selected from H and C1-C6 alkyl. Other aspects of the present invention include compounds of formula (A) and formulas (I) through (IV) wherein Ar, Y, Z1, Z2, R1, and q have any of the values of the previous embodiments, and R12 and R13 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7 membered heterocyclic ring, particularly those where the heterocyclic ring is a heterocycloalkyl group, and more particularly those where the heterocyclic group is pyrrolidine or piperidine. In certain aspects, the heterocyclic ring is substituted with one R20. In other aspects, the heterocyclic ring is unsubstituted.

In a preferred embodiment, Ar is dibenzofuranyl (U=O), dibenzothiophenyl (U=S) or fluorenyl (U=CH2 or CR25R26). Preferably, the ring A or B of such Ar groups is substituted with Cl, F or OR22 wherein R22 represents preferably a (Ci-C6) alkyl group, such as a OCH3 group. In another preferred embodiment, Ar is benzofuranyl (W is a bond and V is O), benzothiophenyl (W is a bond and V is S), indol (W is a bond and V is N), or benzodioxinyl (W=V=O). Preferably, the ring D of such Ar groups is substituted with a phenyl or Cl. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, q is 0 or 1. Preferably, Y is an unsubstituted (Ci-C6) alkylene group, more preferably a CH2 or CH2CH2 group and most preferably a CH2 group. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, R1 is C(=O)NRI2R13, wherein R12 and R13 independently represents H, NR23R24, (C1-C6) alkyl, or form a 3-7-membered heterocyclic ring together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, R12 and/or R13 represent a NR23R24 wherein R23 and R24 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7-membered heterocyclic ring, notably a 5-6-membered heterocyclic ring such as morpholine. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, R and/or R represent a (Ci-C6) alkyl group selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, i-propyl, optionally substituted with one to three R20 groups. In that context, preferred substituents of R12 and/or R13 representing a (C1-C6) alkyl group are OR22, NR23R24. Examples of substiruents OR22 are notably OH and 0(C]-C6) alkyl optionally substituted by OH such as OCH2CH2OH. Examples of substituents NR23R24 are those wherein R23 and R24 together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7-membered heterocyclic ring, notably a 5-6-membered heterocyclic ring such as pyrrolidine, piperazine or morpholine, the pyrrolidine being optionally substituted by =0. In accordance with another preferred embodiment, R12 and/or R13 form a 3-7-membered heterocyclic ring together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached wherein the heterocyclic ring is preferably a 5-6-membered heterocyclic ring such as pyrrolidinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl or morpholinyl. Heterocyclic ring may be substituted or unsubstituted. Preferred heterocyclic ring substituents are OR22, =0, C(=O)R22, CO2R22, C(=O)NR23R24, (Ci-C6) alkyl optionally substituted with one to three OH. Examples of substituents OR22 are notably OH. Examples of substituents C(=O)R22 are notably those wherein R22 is H or a (C1-C6) alkyl group, such as C(K))H or C(=O)CH3. Examples of substituents CO2R22 are notably those wherein R22 is (Ci-C6) alkyl or arylalkyl such as C02tBu, CO2Et and CO2CH2Ph. Examples of C(=O)NR23R24 substituents are notably those wherein R23 and R24 independently represent H or (Ci-C6) alkyl such as C(=0)NH2, C(=O)N(CH3)2, C(=O)NH(iPr), or those wherein R23 and R24, together with the nitrogen to which they are attached, form a 3-7-

membered heterocyclic ring, notably a 5-6-membered heterocyclic ring such as pyrrolidine.

Examples of (C1-C6) alkyl groups substituted with one to three R20 groups are notably

methyl, ethyl, propyl, -CH2CH2CH2OH.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention there are provided compounds of

formula (A) and formula (I):

(O)q (I)

wherein Ar, q, Y-R1 are defined in the table 1 below.

The positions on the Ar groups are numbered as follows:

U = C,N U = S1O

Table 1

In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a method for treatment of diseases comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (A) and formula (I)5 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the • present invention is to provide methods of treating or preventing diseases or disorders, including treatment of sleepiness, promotion and/or improvement of wakefulness, preferably improvement of wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with narcolepsy, sleep apnea, preferably obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea, and shift work disorder ; treatment of Parkinson's disease ; Alzheimer's disease ; cerebral ischemia ; stroke ; eating disorders ; attention deficit disorder ("ADD"), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ("ADHD") ; depression ; schizophrenia ; fatigue, preferably fatigue associated with cancer or neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome ; stimulation of appetite and weight gain and improvement of cognitive dysfunction. Preferably, when V is a bond, and W is O, S(O)y, or NR10, ring D is substituted by a phenyl group.

In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (A) and formula (I) wherein the compositions comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients and a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the compounds of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester form thereof. Preferably, when V is a bond, and W is O5 S(0)y, or NR10, ring D is substituted by a phenyl group. Preferably, the compounds wherein : U is CH2; and Y is C1-C6 alkylene optionally substituted with CpC6 alkylene; and R1 is CONH2, or CO2R11 with R11 = H or Ci-C6 alkyl are excluded.

In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides for the use of compounds of formula (A) and formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a disease or disorder. Preferably, when V is a bond, and W is O, S(O)y, or NR10, ring D is substituted by a phenyl group.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the benzyl-thioalkyl derivatives will be disclosed in the following detailed description of the patent disclosure.

Definitions

The following terms and expressions contained herein are defined as follows: As used herein, the term "about" refers to a range of values from + 10% of a specified value. For example, the phrase "about 50 mg" includes + 10% of 50, or from 45 to 55 mg. As used herein, a range of values in the form "x-y" or "x to y", or "x through y", include integers x, y, and the integers therebetween. For example, the phrases "1-6", or "1 to 6" or "1 through 6" are intended to include the integers I9 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Preferred embodiments include each individual integer in the range, as well as any subcombination of integers. For example, preferred integers for "1-6" can include I9 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-3, 2-4, 2-5, 2-6, etc. As used herein "stable compound" or "stable structure" refers to a compound that is sufficiently robust to survive isolation to a useful degree of purity from a reaction mixture, and preferably capable of formulation into an efficacious therapeutic agent. The present invention is directed only to stable compounds. As used herein, the term "alkyl" refers to a straight-chain, or branched alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert- butyl, pentyl, isoamyl, neopentyl, 1-ethylpropyl, 3-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3- dϊmethylbutyl, hexyl, octyl, etc. The alkyl moiety of alkyl-containing groups, such as alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, and alkylaminocarbonyl groups, has the same meaning as alkyl defined above. Lower alkyl groups, which are preferred, are alkyl groups as defined above which contain 1 to 4 carbons. A designation such as "C1-C4 alkyl" refers to an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. As used herein, the term "alkenyl" refers to a straight chain, or branched hydrocarbon chains of 2 to 8 carbon atoms having at least one carbon-carbon double bond. A designation "C2- C8 alkenyl" refers to an alkenyl radical containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples of alkenyl groups include ethenyl, propenyl, isopropenyl, 2,4-pentadienyl, etc. As used herein, the term "alkynyl" refers to a straight chain, or branched hydrocarbon chains of 2 to 8 carbon atoms having at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. A designation "C2- C8 alkynyl" refers to an alkynyl radical containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Examples include ethynyl, propynyl, isopropynyl, 3,5-hexadiynyl, etc. As used herein, the term "alkylene" refers to a substituted or unsubstituted, branched or straight chained hydrocarbon of 1 to 8 carbon atoms, which is formed by the removal of two hydrogen atoms. A designation such as "Cj-C4 alkylene" refers to an alkylene radical containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Examples include methylene (-CH2-), propylidene (CH3CH2CH=), 1,2-ethandiyl (-CH2CH2-), etc. As used herein, the term "phenylene" refers to a phenyl group with an additional hydrogen atom removed, i.e. a moiety with the structure of:

As used herein, the terms "carbocycle", "carbocyclic" or "carbocyclyl" refer to a substituted or unsubstituted, stable monocyclic or bicyclic hydrocarbon ring system which is saturated, partially saturated or unsaturated, and contains from 3 to 10 ring carbon atoms. Accordingly the carbocyclic group may be aromatic or non-aromatic, and includes the cycloalkyl and aryl compounds defined herein. The bonds connecting the endocyclic carbon atoms of a carbocyclic group may be single, double, triple, or part of a fused aromatic moiety. As used herein, the term "cycloalkyl" refers to a saturated or partially saturated mono- or bicyclic alkyl ring system containing 3 to 10 carbon atoms. A designation such as "C5-C7 cycloalkyl" refers to a cycloalkyl radical containing from 5 to 7 ring carbon atoms. Preferred cycloalkyl groups include those containing 5 or 6 ring carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include such groups as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, pinenyl, and adamantanyl. As used herein, the term "aryl" refers to a substituted or unsubstituted, mono- or bicyclic hydrocarbon aromatic ring system having 6 to 12 ring carbon atoms. Examples include phenyl and naphthyl. Preferred aryl groups include unsubstituted or substituted phenyl and naphthyl groups. Included within the definition of "aryl" are fused ring systems, including, for example, ring systems in which an aromatic ring is fused to a cycloalkyl ring. Examples of such fused ring systems include, for example, indane, indene, and tetrahydronaphthalene. As used herein, the terms "heterocycle", "heterocyclic" or "heterocyclyl" refer to a substituted or unsubstituted carbocyclic group in which the ring portion includes at least one heteroatom such as O, N, or S. The nitrogen and sulfur heteroatoms may be optionally oxidized, and the nitrogen may be optionally substituted in non-aromatic rings. Heterocycles are intended to include heteroaryl and heterocycloalkyl groups. As used herein, the term "heterocycloalkyl" refers to a cycloalkyl group in which one or more ring carbon atoms are replaced by at least one hetero atom such as -O-, -N-, or -S-. Examples of heterocycloalkyl groups include pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, pirazolidinyl, pirazolinyl, pyrazalinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, dithiolyl, oxathiolyl, dioxazolyl, oxathiazolyl, pyranyl, oxazinyl, oxathiazinyl, and oxadiazinyl. As used herein, the term "heteroaryl" refers to an aromatic group containing 5 to 10 ring carbon atoms in which one or more ring carbon atoms are replaced by at least one hetero atom such as -O-, -N-, or -S-. Examples of heteroaryl groups include pyrrolyl, furanyl, thienyl, pirazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolyl, oxathiolyl, oxadiazolyl, triazolyl, oxatriazolyl, furazanyl, tetrazolyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, triazinyl, indolyl, isoindolyl, indazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, purinyl, quinazolinyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, benzoimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzothiophenyl, thianaphthenyl, benzoxazolyl, benzisoxazolyl, cinnolinyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, and quinoxalinyl. Included within the definition of "heteroaryl" are fused ring systems, including, for example, ring systems in which an aromatic ring is fused to a heterocycloalkyl ring. Examples of such fused ring systems include, for example, phthalamide, phthalic anhydride, indoline, isoindoline, tetrahydroisoquinoline, chroman, isochroman, chromene, and isochromene. As used herein, the term "arylalkyl" refers to an alkyl group that is substituted with an aryl group. Examples of arylalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, benzyl, bromobenzyl, phenethyl, benzhydryl, diphenylmethyl, triphenylmethyl, diphenylethyl, naphthylmethyl, etc. As used herein, the term "amino acid" refers to a group containing both an amino group and a carboxyl group. Embodiments of amino acids include α-amino, β-amino, γ-amino acids. The α-amino acids have a general formula HOOC-CH(side chain)-NH2. In certain embodiments, substituent groups for the compounds of the present invention include the residue of an amino acid after removal of the hydroxyl moiety of the carboxyl group thereof; i.e., groups of formula - C(=O)CH(NH2)-(side chain). The amino acids can be in their D, L or racemic configurations. Amino acids include naturally-occurring and non-naturally occurring moieties. The naturally- occurring amino acids include the standard 20 α-amino acids found in proteins, such as glycine, serine, tyrosine, proline, histidine, glutamine, etc. Naturally-occurring amino acids can also include non-α-amino acids (such as β-alanine, γ-aminobutyric acid, homocysteine, etc.), rare amino acids (such as 4-hydroxyproline, 5-hydroxylysine, 3-methylhistidine, etc.) and non¬ protein amino acids (such as citrulline, ornithine, canavanine, etc.). Non-naturally occurring amino acids are well-known in the art, and include analogs of natural amino acids. See Lehninger, A. L. Biochemistry, 2nd ed.; Worth Publishers: New York, 1975; 71-77, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Non-naturally occurring amino acids also include α-amino acids wherein the side chains are replaced with synthetic derivatives. Representative side chains of naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring α-amino acids are shown below in Table A.

Table A H CH3 CH(CH3)2 CH2CH(CHa)2 CH(CH3)CH2CH3 CH2OH CH2SH CH(OH)CH3 CH2CH2SCH3 CH2C6H5 (CH2)4NH2 (CH2)3NHC(=NH)NH2 CH2COOH CH2CH2COOH CH2CONH2 CH2CH2CONH2 CH2CH3 CH2CH2CH3 CH2CH2CH2CH3 CH2CH2SH CH2CH2OH CH2CH2SCH3 (CH2)3NH2 (CH2)2CH(OH)CH2NH2 (CH2)3NHC(=O)NH2 (CH2)2ONHC(=NH)NH2 CH2C(=O)NHCH2COOH

As used herein, the term "subject" refers to a warm blooded animal such as a mammal, preferably a human, or a human child, which is afflicted with, or has the potential to be afflicted with one or more diseases and conditions described herein. As used herein, a "therapeutically effective amount" refers to an amount of a compound of the present invention effective to prevent or treat the symptoms of particular disorder. Such disorders include, but are not limited to, those pathological and neurological disorders associated with the aberrant activity of the receptors described herein, wherein the treatment or prevention comprises inhibiting, inducing, or enhancing the activity thereof by contacting the receptor with a compound of the present invention. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable" refers to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem complications commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. As used herein, the term "unit dose" refers to a single dose which is capable of being administered to a patient, and which can be readily handled and packaged, remaining as a physically and chemically stable unit dose comprising either the active compound itself, or as a pharmaceutically acceptable composition, as described hereinafter. AIl other terms used in the description of the present invention have their meanings as is well known in the art. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds described above. As used herein, "pharmaceutically acceptable salts" includes salts of compounds of the present invention derived from the combination of such compounds with non-toxic acid or base addition salts. Acid addition salts include inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulfuric, nitric and phosphoric acid, as well as organic acids such as acetic, citric, propionic, tartaric, glutamic, salicylic, oxalic, methanesulfonic, para-toluenesulfonic, succinic, and benzoic acid, and related inorganic and organic acids. Base addition salts include those derived from inorganic bases such as ammonium and alkali and alkaline earth metal hydroxides, carbonates, bicarbonates, and the like, as well as salts derived from basic organic amines such as aliphatic and aromatic amines, aliphatic diamines, hydroxy alkamines, and the like. Such bases useful in preparing the salts of this invention thus include ammonium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, calcium hydroxide, methylamine, diethylamine, ethylenediamine, cyclohexylamine, ethanolamine and the like. hi addition to pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, other salts are included in the invention. They may serve as intermediates in the purification of the compounds, in the preparation of other salts, or in the identification and characterization of the compounds or intermediates. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of the present invention can also exist as various solvates, such as with water, methanol, ethanol, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate and the like. Mixtures of such solvates can also be prepared. The source of such solvate can be from the solvent of crystallization, inherent in the solvent of preparation or crystallization, or adventitious to such solvent. Such solvates are within the scope of the present invention. The present invention also encompasses the pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs of the compounds disclosed herein. As used herein, "prodrug" is intended to include any compounds which are converted by metabolic processes within the body of a subject to an active agent that has a formula within the scope of the present invention. Since prodrugs are known to enhance numerous desirable qualities of pharmaceuticals (e.g., solubility, bioavailability, manufacturing, etc.) the compounds of the present invention may be delivered in prodrug form. Conventional procedures for the selection and preparation of suitable prodrug derivatives are described, for example, in Prodrugs, Sloane, K. B., Ed.; Marcel Dekker: New York, 1992, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety It is recognized that compounds of the present invention may exist in various stereoisomeric forms. As such, the compounds of the present invention include both diastereomers and enantiomers. The compounds are normally prepared as racemates and can conveniently be used as such, but individual enantiomers can be isolated or synthesized by conventional techniques if so desired. Such racemates and individual enantiomers and mixtures thereof form part of the present invention. It is well known in the art how to prepare and isolate such optically active forms. Specific stereoisomers can be prepared by stereospecific synthesis using enantiomerically pure or enantiomerically enriched starting materials. The specific stereoisomers of either starting materials or products can be resolved and recovered by techniques known in the art, such as resolution of racemic forms, normal, reverse-phase, and chiral chromatography, recrystallization, enzymatic resolution, or fractional recrystallization of addition salts formed by reagents used for that purpose. Useful methods of resolving and recovering specific stereoisomers described in Eliel, E. L.; Wilen, S.H. Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds; Wiley: New York, 1994, and Jacques, J, et al. Enantiomers, Racemates, and Resolutions; Wiley: New York, 1981, each incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. It is further recognized that functional groups present on the compounds of Formula I may contain protecting groups. For example, the amino acid side chain substituents of the compounds of Formula I can be substituted with protecting groups such as benzyloxycarbonyl or t- butoxycarbonyl groups. Protecting groups are known per se as chemical functional groups that can be selectively appended to and removed from functionalities, such as hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups. These groups are present in a chemical compound to render such functionality inert to chemical reaction conditions to which the compound is exposed. Any of a variety of protecting groups may be employed with the present invention. Preferred protecting groups include the benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz; Z) group and the tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) group. Other preferred protecting groups according to the invention may be found in Greene, T. W. and Wuts, P.G.M., Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 2d. Ed., Wiley & Sons, 1991. Synthesis The compounds of the present invention may be prepared in a number of methods well known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to those described below, or through modifications of these methods by applying standard techniques known to those skilled in the art of organic synthesis. All processes disclosed in association with the present invention are contemplated to be practiced on any scale, including milligram, gram, multigram, kilogram, multikilogram or commercial industrial scale. It will be appreciated that the compounds of the present invention may contain one or more asymmetrically substituted carbon atoms, and may be isolated in optically active or racemic forms. Thus, all chiral, diastereomeric, racemic forms and all geometric isomeric forms of a structure are intended, unless the specific stereochemistry or isomeric form is specifically indicated. It is well known in the art how to prepare such optically active forms. For example, mixtures of stereoisomers may be separated by standard techniques including, but not limited to, resolution of racemic forms, normal, reverse-phase, and chiral chromatography, preferential salt formation, recrystallization, and the like, or by chiral synthesis either from active starting materials or by deliberate chiral synthesis of target centers. As will be readily understood, functional groups present on the compounds of Formula I may contain protecting groups. For example, the amino acid side chain substituents of the compounds of Formula I can be substituted with protecting groups such as benzyloxycarbonyl or t-butoxycarbonyl groups. Protecting groups are known per se as chemical functional groups that can be selectively appended to and removed from functionalities, such as hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups. These groups are present in a chemical compound to render such functionality inert to chemical reaction conditions to which the compound is exposed. Any of a variety of protecting groups may be employed with the present invention. Preferred protecting groups include the benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz; Z) group and the tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) group. Other preferred protecting groups according to the invention may be found in Greene, T. W. and Wuts, P.G.M., "Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis" 2d. Ed., Wiley & Sons, 1991. The general routes to prepare the examples shown in Table 1 of the present invention are shown in scheme A and in scheme B. The reagents and starting materials are commercially available, or readily synthesized by well-known techniques by one of ordinary skill in the arts. All substituents in the synthetic Schemes, unless otherwise indicated, are as previously defined.

Ste

Ia

Step 2 Oxi

Wherein q = 1 or 2 R1 = COOR

Ib

Scheme A

Scheme A: Synthesis of compounds of general structure I (Ia and Ib) Step 1; Synthesis of compounds of general structure Ia wherein q is O Compounds of general formula Ia may be synthetized via routes A, B, C or D respectively. Route A: An appropriate aryl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted, of general formula A wherein Ar is as defined in the final product is reacted with an appropriate compound of general formula D wherein Y and R1 are as defined, in a non-polar solvent as methylenechloride and like (CHCb, CS2, CCk) in presence of a lewis acid like Sn Ck5 AlCb, Znb at O0C5 under a nitrogen atmosphere to give compound Ia wherein Ar5 Y and R1 are as defined. Upon completion, the reaction mixture is concentrated and compound Ia, is isolated by conventional methods commonly employed by those skilled in the art. Optionally, ester of general structure Ia (R1 = COOR) prepared previously may be hydrolysed in a presence of an inorganic base M-OH as NaOH5 LiOH5 NH4OH and the like to obtain the corresponding acid Ia (R1 = COOH).

Route B: In Step Ia, the appropriate compound B wherein Ar is as defined in the final product, dissolved in a aprotic solvent as chloroform and like (CH2CI2, Toluene, CCk...) is be treated with thioacetamide, at a temperature between 60 and 1000C5 preferably at reflux, for a period of time in the 2 to 5 hours range. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature (in some cases, an ice-bath might be needed)- and the precipitated solid is optionally filtered and thoroughly washed with methylenechloride to generate the appropriate E. In Step Ib, compound E undergoes a substitution reaction with an appropriate compound G of structure LG-Y-R1 wherein ?Y and R1 are as defined and LG is an appropriate leaving group (for example an halogene atom as Cl, Br) to generate compounds of general structure Ia wherein q=0, Y and R1 are as defined. Optionally, the ester of general structure Ia (R1 = COOR) prepared previously may be hydrolysed in a presence of an inorganic base M-OH as NaOH, LiOH, NH40H and the like to obtain the corresponding acid Ia (R1 = COOH).

Route C: In Step Ia, the alcohol moiety of an appropriate compound C wherein Ar is as defined in the final product is converted to the corresponding thiouronium salt of general formula F. In an aspect, the compound F is formed by reacting a compound C with thiourea and a suitable acid. Suitable acids include but are not limited to mineral acids, such as hydrobromic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid. For example, in Step Ia, an appropriate amount of thiourea in 48% HBr and water is warmed (preferably to 60 - 70 0C)5 followed by addition of compound C. The reaction mixture is refluxed and the stirring is continued for an additional period of time for completion of the reaction. The reaction mixture is cooled to room temperature (in some cases, an ice-bath might be needed) and the precipitated solid is optionally filtered and thoroughly washed with water to generate the appropriate thiouronium salt. Sometimes, there is an oil in place of the solid: in that case, the oil is thoroughly washed with water by decantation and used directly in Step Ib. In Step Jb, the thiouronium salt is first converted into the corresponding thiol which further undergoes a substitution reaction with an appropriate reactant of generic structure structure LG-Y-R1 (compound G) wherein Y and R1 are as defined and LG is a suitable leaving group (for example an halogene atom as Cl5 Br) to generate the corresponding compound Ia wherein q=0 and Y and Rl are as defined. As an example the wet solid of structure F (or the oil with some remaining water) from the previous step is taken into additional water and treated with an aqueous base, preferably sodium hydroxide solution. The mixture is warmed preferably to 70 - 80 0C, but in some cases a higher temperature might be needed) and to it an appropriate amount of LG-Y-R^ in water (or in some cases, an alcoholic solvent) is added. The reaction mixture is refluxed for an appropriate period of time, cooled, taken into water and washed with an organic solvent (preferably ether). The basic aqueous layer is acidified with an inorganic acid solution (e.g. aqueous HCl solution). The aqueous (acidic) solution is then extracted several times into an organic solvent (e.g. ether or ethyl acetate). The combined organic layer is washed with brine, dried (MgSO4 or Na2SO4) and concentrated to give the crude product that may be used directly in the next step. However, purification could be achieved by employing known purification techniques (e.g. recrystallization or column chromatography) to provide pure compound Ia wherein q is 0, Y and R1 are as defined in the final product.

Route D: In Steplc, compound C wherein Ar is as defined in the final product is converted to the corresponding compound Ia by reacting with a appropriate thio derivative of general structure H wherein Y and Rl are as defined in the final product Ia in the presence of Znfc. Appropriately, the reaction may be conducted under a nitrogen atmosphere.

Alternatively, compound Ia wherein R1 is COOH may be converted into the corresponding alkyl ester R1 is COOR using methods known by people skilled in the art.

Route E; A solution of compound of general formula B, wherein Ar is as defined in the final product, is reacted at 40 to 1000C with an appropriate compound of general formula H wherein Y and R1 are as defined, in a polar aprotic solvent as DMF and alkalin mixture. Upon completion, the reaction mixture is concentrated and compound Ia, is isolated by conventional methods commonly employed by those skilled in the art.

Step 2: Synthesis of compounds of general structure Ib wherein q is 1 or 2 Compounds of structure Ia wherein q=0 may optionally be oxidized to generate compounds of structure Ib wherein q is 1 or 2. Compound Ib wherein q is 1 is prepared under mild oxidation conditions by reacting compound Ia wherein q is 0 in an appropriate solvent with an appropriate oxidizing agent. An appropriate oxidizing agent is one that oxidizes the sulphide group of compound Ia. The corresponding product is isolated and purified by methods well known in the art. For example, to solution of compound Ia in acetic acid, an appropriate oxidizing agent (e.g. 30% ww H2O2, 1 equivalent) in the acetic acid is slowly added. Stirring is continued at low temperature until the disappearance of the starting material, as evidenced by various analytical techniques. The reaction mixture is concentrated. The desired product (compound Ib wherein q is 1) is purified, if needed, by employing known purification techniques (preferably by column chromatography and/or crystallization). In some cases, the oxidation is performed by employing 50% H2O2 in glacial acetic acid solvent. Compound of formula Ib wherein q=2, may be obtained under more drastic reaction conditions such as H2O2 (more than 2 equivalents) in acidic medium, under heating, preferably at temperature comprise between room temperature and the boiling temperature of the solvent, preferably between 40 and 6O0C, for a time sufficient to obtain the desired product, usually approximately between 2 and 10 hours, preferably approximately 8 hours.

CONR12R13

Wherein q = 0

Pathway A = RouteA, Ic, Id Pathway B = RouteA, Ib, Id Id Pathway C = RouteB, Ic, Id Pathway D = RouteB, Ib, Id Pathway E = RouteC, Ic, Id Pathway F = RouteC, Ib, Ic Pathway G = RouteD, Ic, Id Pathway H = RouteD, Ib, Id Pathway I = Route E, Ic1Id

Schema B Scheme B: Synthesis of compounds of general Structure I (Ia, Ib, Ic and Id) Compound Ia were prepared according to the general procedures described for Step 1 in Scheme A. Then two different synthetic routes may optionally be used to generate compounds Id wherein Ri is C(O)NR12R13.

Step 2: Synthesis of compounds of general structure Ic wherein q=0: In Step 2, the appropriate carboxylic ester of general formula Ia wherein q=0 and R is alkyl is reacted with an appropriate amine of general structure NHR12R13 and converted into the corresponding amide of general formula Ic wherein q=0, Y5 Ar and R12 and R13 are as defined in the final product. May be used aqueous ammonium hydroxide (28%) or methanolic solution of ammonia) or ammonia gas to give the desired compound Ic wherein R12 = R13 = H. Alternatively, in Step 2, the appropriate carboxylic acid of general formula Ia wherein q=0 and R = H may be reacted with an appropriate amine of general formula NH R12 R13, a coupling reagent such as EDCI or DCCI, or a polymer supported coupling reagent (N- cyclohexyl carbodiimide), and optionally HOBT in an aprotic solvent as methylene chloride and like to provide amide of general formula Ic wherein q=0. An appropriate amine is one which correlates to R12 and R13 as defined in the final product. In some cases, when the appropriate amide bears a protecting group as the tert-butyloxycarbonyl ("Boc") and like on a second nitrogen group, the protected group is further removed in a subsequent step. De-protection of "Boc" may be performed at room temperature by acid treatment such as 4N HCl in 1,4-dioxane or trifluoroacetic acid in CH2CI2.

Step 3: Synthesis of compounds of general structure Id wherein q=l or 2: Compounds of structure Ic wherein q=0 may optionally be oxidized to generate compounds of structure Id wherein q=l or 2 according to the procedure described previously in Scheme A Step 2.

Alternatively, in Step 2, compound Ia wherein q=0 may be oxidized to generate the corresponding compound of general structure Ib wherein q=l or 2, which, in turn, is amidified appropriately to give raise to compound Id in Step 3 of scheme B. Examples Other features of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments. These examples are given for illustration of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

1) Synthesis of compounds B

Synthesis of 2-Bromomethyl-dibenzofuran Ia

Compound Ia: A mixture of dibenzofuran (93.5 g, 0.557 M), trioxane (20 g, 0.222 M) and myrystyltrimethylammonium bromide (6.2 g, 18.5 mmol) in 1 L acetic acid and 135 niL of 48%HBr was stirred at 50~60°C for 28 h, then concentrated; the residue was dissolved in CH2CI2, washed with water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to give the crude bromide Ia. Compound Ia was used without further purification in the next step.

Synthesis of 7-chIoro-l-bromomethyl-dibenzofuran It), 8-chloro-l-bromomethyl- dibenzofuran Ic and 7, 8-dichloro-l-bromotnethyl-dibenzofuran Id

4-CI

4,5-Cl

1) Synthesis of 2,4-dichloro-benzenesulfonic acid 2-amino-3-methyl -phenyl ester To a mixture of 2,4-dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (20.2 g, 82.3 mmol) and 2-amino-m- cresol (11 g, 89.4 mmol) in 200 mL of methylene chloride, triethylamine (8.5 g, 83.4 mmol) was added dropwise at 5 °C. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 16 hours. The reaction was quenched by water (500 mL), the organic phase washed by water, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (CH2Cl2) to give 26.2 g of an orange oil that crystallized on stand. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 2.2 (3H, s), 3.98 (2H, bs), 6.51 (IH, t), 6.75 (IH, d), 6.98 (IH, d), 7.4 (IH, d), 7.65 (IH, s), 7.98 (IH, d).

2) Synthesis of diazonium salt of 2,4-dichloro-benzenesulfonic acid 2-amino-3-methyl- phenyl ester To a suspension of 2,4-dichloro-benzenesulfonic acid 2-amino-3-methyl-phenyl ester (26.2 g, 78.9 mmol) in absolute ethanol (200 ml), was added the tetrafluoroboric acid-dimethylether complex ( 21.5g, 160 mmol) at 50C under nitrogen to give a solution, then a solution of isoamyl nitrite (11.6 g, 95.2 mmol) in 80 mL ethanol was added dropwise during 20 minutes to give a suspension. The mixture was stirred and kept at 50C for one hour, and then the suspension was filtered, washed with ether, dried under vacuum to give 32.9 g of the diazonium slat as a white powder. This compound is pure enough for the next step.

3) Synthesis of 2',4'-dichloro-6-methyl-biphenyl-2-ol To a suspension of the diazonium (32.9 g, 76.2 mmol) in 280 mL of acetone, was added dropwise a solution of TiCl3 in aqueous HCl (>10% wt in 20-30% wt HCl5 250 mL) at 50C during 30 minutes. The reaction was maintained for additional 2 hours, then diluted with 300 mL of water and extracted by methylenechloride (2x200mL). The combined extracts were washed with water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to give the crude product which was purified twice by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 5 / 1) to 16.5 g of a yellowish oil. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.05 (3H, s), 4.55 (IH, s), 6.75 (IH5 d), 6.85 (IH, d), 7.2 (2H5 m), 7.4 (IH, dd)5 7.65 (IH5 s).

4) Synthesis of 7-chloro-l-methyl-dibenzofuran A mixture of 2'54'-dichloro-6-methyl-biphenyl-2-ol (8.75 g5 34.7 mmol), K2CO3 (25 g, 180 mmol) and CuO (17 g, 214 mmol) in 200 mL of pyridine was refluxed under nitrogen for 2 hours. Pyridine was eliminated by distillation. To the residue were added 200 mL of water and 200 mL of methylenechloride, the resulting mixture was filtered through Celite. The organic phase was washed with water, dried over Na2SO4 and evaporated. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 5 / 1) to give 6.27g of beige solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 2.76 (3H5 s), 7.12 (IH5 d), 7.4 (3H, m), 7.5 (IH5 d), 7.95 (IH, s).

5) Synthesis of 7-chloro-l-bromomethyl-dibenzofuran : Ib A mixture of 7-chloro-l-methyl-dibenzofuran (6.27 g5 29.1 mmol), N-bromosuccinimide (5.4 g, 30.3 mmole) and dibenzoyl peroxide (0.82 g, 3.4 mmole) in tetrachlorocarbon (100 mL) was heated at reflux for 3 hours, and then concentrated to about 50 mL. The resulting suspension was filtered, rinsed by CCl4. The solid was dissolved in CH2Cl2, washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to give 6.16 g of beige solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 4.95 (2H, s), 7.32 (IH, d), 7.4 (2H5 m), 7.55 (IH, d), 7.62 (IH, d), 8.03 (IH, d).

Compounds Ic and Id Compounds Ic and Id were synthetized according to the protocol described for compound Ib - 4.1g of 8-chloro-l-bromomethyl-dibenzofuran Ic were obtained using 2,5- dichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (20.2 g, 82.3 mmol) and 2-amino-m-cresol (11 g, 89.4 rπmol) as starting material. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ :4.95 (2H, s), 7.32 (IH, d), 7.4 (2H, m), 7.53 (2H, m), 8.1 (IH, s). 8.7 g of 7,8-dichloro-l-bromomethyl-dibenzofuran Id were obtained using 2,4,5- trichlorobenzenesulfonyl chloride (20.2 g, 82.3 mmol) and 2-amino-m-cresol (11 g, 89.4 mmol) as starting material. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ: 4.95 (2H, s)5 7.3 (IH, d), 7.43 (H, t), 7.53 (IH, m), 7.72 (IH, d), 8.2 (IH, s)..

2) Synthesis of compounds C Synthesis of (3-PhenyI-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yI)-methanol 3

Compound 2: Synthesis of (3-Phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-carboxylic acid To a mixture of 3,3-diphenylpropionic acid (20 g, 88.5 mmol) in 9 mL pyridine was added 8 mL SOCl2 at room temperature. The resulting mixture was heated to 150-16O0C5 then additional 23 mL SOCl2 were added dropwise during 1 h to give a brownish solution, the reaction was stirred at reflux for 2 h, cooled, poured into a mixture of H2O /cone. HCl / THF (100 mL / 10 mL / 150 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 3 h then cooled. The organic layer was separated, washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated, the residue was treated with 200 mL ethyl ether, filtered and the filtrate concentrated. The crude product was crystallized in toluene to furnish 1O g of compound 2. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 7.38 (3H, m), 7.5 (5H, m), 7.89 (IH, dd).

Compound 3 : Synthesis of 3-Phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-methanol To a mixture of compound 2 (21.9 g, 86 mmol) in 300 mL dry THF5 was added dropwise a solution of 1 M BH3-THF (105 mL, 105 mmol) at room temperature under N2 during 15 minutes. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h. and then quenched by brine. The separated organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (CH2Cl2 / methanol, 100 / 1) yielding 17.2 g of compound 3 as a colorless oil that crystallized on stand. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 2 (IH, bs), 4.83 (2H5 s), 7.33 (2H5 m), 7.4 (3H, m), 7.5 (2H5 m), 7.6 (IH5 d), 7.82 (IH, dd).

Synthesis of (2-Phenyl-benzofuran-3-yl)-methanol 7

Compound 4 A mixture of phenol (23.6 g5 0.25 M), 2-bromoacetophenone (50 g5 0.25 M) and K2CO3 (35 g, 0.25 M) in 150 mL of acetone was refluxed for 4 h, cooled, poured into 1.5L of water to give a suspension. The solid was collected by filtration, then crystallized in ethanol, dried under vacuum to give 33 g of compound 4 as a beige powder.

Compound 5 To 150 mL of polyphosphoric acid heated at 130~ 1400C, was added compound 4 (20 g, 94.3 mmol), the reaction was kept at 130-14O0C for 3 h and then poured into 1 L of water. The solid was filtered, rinsed with water, dried in vacuum to give crude product that was crystallized in ethanol to afford 12.2 g of compound 5 as a yellow crystal. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 7.05 (IH5 s), 7.25 (2H, m), 7.35 (IH, m), 7.45 (2H5 1), 7.5 (IH5 d), 7.6 (IH5 d), 7.85 (2H5 d).

Compound 6 POCl3 (10.5 mL, 112.5 mmol) was added to DMF (21 mL at 0~5°C). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes, then compound 5 (4g, 20.6 mmol) was added portionwise. The resultant mixture was heated at 80~90°C for 5 h, stirred overnight at room temperature, poured on ice, and then extracted into CH2CIi5 the organic layer was washed with water, dried over MgSO4, concentrated to give an oil. The crude product was purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 5 / 1) to afford 3.3 g of compound 6 as a yellow solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ: 7.4 (2H5 m), 7.55 (4H, m), 7.83 (2H, m), 8.25 (IH5 m), 10.33 (1H5 S).

Compound 7 To a solution of compound 6 (3.16 g, 14.2 mmol) in 30 mL of 2-propanol and 20 mL of THF5 NaBH4 (0.8 g, 21.1 mmol) was added at room temperature. 10 minutes later, the reaction mixture was concentrated and quenched with water. The resulting precipitate was filtrated, dried under vacuum to furnish 3.19 g of pure compound 7. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 4.95(2H, d), 7.25 (2H5 m), 7.45 (IH, m), 7.5 (3H5 m), 7.7 (IH5 d), 7.85 (2H5 d).

Synthesis of (9H-Fluoren-l-yl)-methanol 9

Compound 8 A mixture of 9-fluorenone-l-caboxylic acid (6 g, 26.8 mmol), a 55% HI solution HI (10.5 mL) and red phosphorous (9,6 g, 310 mmol) in 400 mL acetic acid was refluxed for 48 h, then concentrated. Following addition of 200 mL of water; the mixture was stirred overnight and filtered. The cake was treated in 200 mL water and 5 mL concentrated NaOH and filtered to remove residual phosphorous. The filtrate was adjusted to pH 2 with 4 N HCl to give a suspension that was filtered, washed with, dried in vacuum to afford 5.47 g of compound 8_as a beige solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSOd6) δ 4.25 (2H, s), 7.35 (2H, m), 7.55 (IH5 1), 7.63 (IH, d), 7.92 (IH, d), 7.96 (IH, d), 8.2 (IH, d).

Compound 9 To a slurry of compound 8 (5.47 g, 26 mmol) in 50 mL dry THF, was added dropwise a 1 M solution BH3-THF (28 mL) at room temperature over a 35 minutes period. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 h then quenched by brine. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4, concentrated to give 4.5 g of compound 9 as a yellow solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 3.9(2H5 s), 4.85 (2H5 s), 7.35 (4H5 m), 7.55 (IH, d), 7.75 (IH, d), 7.8 (IH5 d).

Synthesis of (9H-Fluoren-2-yI)-methanoI 10

Compound 10 Compound 10 was prepared according to the process described for as for 3- hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-benzofuran 7. Reagents: Fluorene-2-carboxaldehyde (5.57 g, 28.7 mmol) and NaBH4 (1.6 g, 42.3 mmol). IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 3.9(2H5 s), 4.75 (2H5 s), 7.3 (3H5 m), 7.55 (2H, m), 7.75 (2H5 1). Synthesis of (9H-FIuoren-4-yl)-methanoI 13

Compound 11 To 200 mL of concentrated H2SO4, was added biphenic acid (70 g, 0.289 M). The resulting mixture was heated to 140 °C for 20 minutes, cooled, poured into ice-water (2 L ) to give a suspension. The mixture was filtered, washed with water, dried at 50 0C under vacuum to afford 56 g of compound 11 as greenish yellow solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSOd6) δ: 7.45 (2H, m), 7.65 (2H, q), 7.8 (IH, d), 7.95 (IH5 d), 8.25 (IH5 d).

Compound 12 Compound 12 was prepared according to the procedure described for 9-fluorenone-l- caboxylic acid 9. Reagents: Compound 11 (22.4 g, 0.1 M)5 red phosphorous (35.8 g, 1.15 M) and 58% HI (39 ml). IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 3.95(2H, s), 7.4 (3H5 m), 7.55 (H5 d), 7.75 (IH, d), 8.05 (IH, d), 8.6 (IH5 d).

Compound 13 Compound 13 was synthesized in a manner substantially the same as for 3-hydroxymethyl- 2-phenyl-benzofuran 8 Reagents: Compound 12 (9.66 g, 49.3 rnrnol) and NaBH4 (1.9 g, 48.7 mmol). IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 2.13 (IH, t), 5.1 (2H5 d), 7.33 (2H5 m), 7.5 (2H, m), 7.6 (IH, d), 7.9 (IH5 d), 7.95 (IH5 d). Dibenzofuran-4-yl-methanoI 16 and dibenzothiophen-4-yl-methanoI 17

Compound 14 To a solution of dibenzofuran (6.2 g, 36.9- mmol) in 100 mL dry THF, was added a solution of 1.6 M n-BuLi in hexane (26 mL, 41.6 mmol) at 5°C under a N2 atmosphere over a 30 minutes period. The resulting solution was stirred at 50C for 1 h, then DMF (3.2 mL, 41.6 mmol) was added and stirring maintained for 20 minutes at room temperature before adding brine. The organic layer was washed with, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated. The crude product was recrystallized in 2-propanol to furnish 3.82 g of compound 14 as a yellow crystal. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 7.4 (IH, t), 7.46 (IH, t), 7.53 (IH, t), 7.7 (IH5 d), 7.95 (2H, dd), 8.2 (IH5 d), 10.58 (IH5 s).

Compound 15 Compound 15 was prepared according to the procedure described for compound 14. Reagents : dibenzothiophene ( 36.8g, 226 mmol) and 1.6 M n-BuLi in hexane (140 mL, 224 mmol), DMF (16.5g, 226 mmol) IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 7.53 (2H, m), 7.68 (IH, t), 7.97 (IH, m), 7.99 (IH, dd), 8.22 (IH, m), 8.44 (IH, dd), 10.3' (IH, s).

Compound 16 Compound _16 was synthesized in a manner substantially the same as for 3-hydroxymethyl- 2-phenyl-benzofuran 7 Reagents: Compound 14 (9.66 g, 49.3 mmol) and NaBH4 (1.9 g, 48.7 mmol). IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.13 (IH, t), 5.1 (2H5 d), 7.33 (2H, m), 7.5 (2H5 m), 7.6 (IH5 d), 7.9 (IH5 d), 7.95 (IH5 d).

Compound 17 Compound 17 was prepared according to the procedure described for compound 16 Reagents : compound 15 (22.2g, 104.7 mmol) and Na BH4 (4.5 g, 118 mmol) IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 1.95 (IH, t), 5 (2H, d), 7.5 (4H, m), 7.87 (IH, m), 8.1 (IH5 m), 8.2 (IH, m) .

Synthesis of Dibenzothiophen-2-yI-methanol 19

Compound 18 To a solution of 2-bromodibenzofixran (33.7 g, 0.128 M) {Bull Soc. Chim. Fr, 1973, 11, 31 10-3115) in 300 mL of dry ethyl ether, a solution of 1.6 M n-BuLi in hexane (85 mL, 0.136 M) was added at 50C under N2 over a 30 minutes period, followed by the addition of DMF (10 g, 0.137 M). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 40 minutes, then a saturated solution of NH4Cl (300 mL).was added. The organic layer was washed with brine, dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated. The crude product was recrystallized in ethanol to furnish 25.9 g of compound 18 as a yellow crystal. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 7.55 (2H, m), 7.87 (IH, m), 8.0 (2H, m), 8.25 (IH, m), 8.7 (IH, s), 10.2 (IH, s). Compound 19 Compound 19 was synthesized in a manner substantially the same as for 3- hydroxymethyl-2-phenyl-benzofuran 7. Reagents: Compound 18 (20.6 g, 97.2 mmol) and NaBH4 (4 g, 105.8 mmol). IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 4.86 (2H, s), 7.5 (3H, m), 7.86 (2H, m), 8.25 (IH, m), 8.2 (2H, m). Synthesis of Substituted dibenzofuran-2-yI-methanol 44

22

H, >δ

31

R = 8 - F, X = H, 38 R = 8 - F1 X = H, 44 R = 8 -Cl1 X = H1 39 R = 8 -Cl, X = H, 45 R = 8 - OCH3, X = H, 40 R = 8 - OCH3, X = H, 46 R = H, X = CI, 41 R = H1 X = Cl, 47 R = H, X = F, 42 R = H1 X = F, 48 R = 8 - Cl, X = F, 43 R = 8 - Cl1 X = F, 49

Compounds 20 and 26

A mixture of 4-fluoroρhenol (41.3 g, 0.37 M)5 4-fluorobenzaldehyde (45.7 g, 0.37 M) and

K2CO3 (55 g) in 450 mL DMF was refluxed for 4 h, cooled, poured into ice water (1.5 L) to give

a suspension. The mixture was filtered, washed with water, dried at 500C under vacuum to

generate 78.3 g of the aldehyde 2O as a brownish solid. This compound was slurried in 2-

propanol (1 L), then NaBH4 (14 g, 0.378 M) was added portionwise at room temperature. The

resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h, then concentrated,. The residue was

poured into water (1.5 L) to give a suspension. After filtration, the resulting solid, washed with

water, dried at 5O0C under vacuum to give 76 g of 4-fluorophenoxybenzyl alcohol 26 as a

yellowish crystal.

IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 4.67 (2H5 d)5 7.0 (6H, m)5 7.33 (2H5 d). Conrpound 32 To a solution of compound 26 (21.8 g, 0.1 M) and triethylamine (14 mL, 0.1 M) in 300 niL CH2CIi5 acetyl chloride (8 g, 0.102 M) was added at room temperature. The mixture was kept at room temperature for 18 h, then washed with water, dried over Na2SO4, concentrated to afford 27.3 g of 4-chlorophenoxybenzyl acetate 32 as an oil. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.1 (3H5 s), 5.05 (2H5 s), 6.93 (2H, d), 7.0 (4H, m), 7.3 (2H, d).

Compound 38 A brownish mixture of 32 (22.2 g, 85.4 mmol) and palladium acetate (35 g5 156 mmol) in acetic acid (250 mL) was refluxed for 18 h, then filtered on Celite to eliminate palladium. The filtrate was concentrated to dryness. The crude producte was purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 5 / 1) to generate 17.6 g of 8-fluoro-2-acetoxymethyldibenzofuran 38 as an off-white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 2.1 (3H5 s), 5.2 (2H, s), 7.12 (IH5 tt), 7.46 (2H5 m), 7.5 (IH5 d), 7.56 (IH, dd), 7.73 (IH, s).

Compound 44 To a suspension of 38 (10.3 g, 40 mmol) in 150 mL of methanol and 50 mL of water, LiOH monohydrate (3.5 g, 83.3 mmol) was added at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at 5O0C for 30 minutes, concentrated. The mixture was quenched with water (200 mL) to give a suspension that was filtered, washed with water, dried at 500C under vacuum to give 8.4 g of 8- fluoro-2-hydroxymethyldibenzofuran 44 as a white crystal. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSO-d6) δ 4.7 (2H, s), 7.33 (IH, m), 7.5 (IH, d), 7.67 (IH, d), 7.7 (IH, m), 8.03 (IH, dd), 8.11 (IH, s).

Compounds 45 to 49 Compounds 45 to 49 were processed according to the procedure described for compound 44. Synthesis of Dibenzofuran-1-yl-methanol 54 and dibenzofuran-3-yI-methanol 53

Compounds 51 and 52 A mixture of 3-phenoxybenzyl acetate 50 (21.8 g, 90 mmol) (prepared by acetylation of commercial 3-phenoxybenzyl alcohol) and palladium acetate (40 g, 179 mmol) in acetic acid (300 mL) was refluxed for 6 h, cooled and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness and the residue treated with 10OmL of a mixture cyclohexane / ethyl acetate (6 / 1) and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to give a colored oil which was purified by chromatography on silica gel (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 6 / 1) to afford pure dibenzofuran-3-yl-methyl acetate 51 (3.4 g) and a mixture of dibenzofuran-3-yl-methyl acetate 5J1 (Rf = 0.6) and dibenzofuran-1-yl-methyl acetate 52 contaminated with compound 51(Rf of compound 52= 0.53) (8.4 g) as a white solid. 52 will be used without any further purification in the next step Compound 51: IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.15 (3H5 s), 5.3 (2H5 s), 7.33 (2H5 1), 7.45 (IH, t), 7.56 (IH, d), 7.59 (IH, s), 7.96 (IH5 1).

Compounds 53 and 54 Acetyl group of Compound 51 is further removed to give pure compound 53 using the same procedure as described for preparation of compound 44. Starting from 52 (contaminated by some isomer 5I)5 a mixture of 53 and 54 was prepared according to the same method. Compound 53 : IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.0 (IH, bs), 4.84 (2H, s), 7.45 (IH, t), 7.53 (IH, d), 7.59 (IH, s), 7.92 (2H, dd).

Synthesis of (3-PhenyI-benzo[l,4]dioxin-2-yl)-methanol 59a and (6,7-DichIoro-3-phenyl- benzo[l,4]dioxin-2-yI)-methanoI 59b

59 58 59a : X=H 58a : X=H 59b : X=CI 58b : X=CI

Compound 55 Compound 55 was prepared according to the procedure described in Organic Process Research & Development, 5(2), 2001, 116-121. Reagents : 1,4-benzodioxane (10 g, 73.4 mmol), N-chlorosuccinimide (20.6 g, 154 mmol) and acetic acid (20 mL). Yield = 68 % (m=l 0.2 g). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.3 (4H, s), 6.95 (2H5 s). Compound 56 a ("X=H) Compound 56a was prepared according to the procedure described in Synthesis, 1977, 755 and Tetrahedron, 46(3), 1990, 921-934. Reagents : 1,4-benzodioxane (12 g, 88 mmol), N-bromosuccinimide (37,6 g, 211 mmol), AIBN (small amount), CCl4 (120 ml), potassium t-butoxide (15g, 134 mmol), Et2O (250 ml). Yield = 66 % (m=12.4 g). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 6.05 (IH, s), 6.6-6.9 (4H, m).

Compound 56b CX=Cl) Similary, compound 56b was prepared. Under nitrogen, a mixture of compound 55 (5.6 g, 27.4 mmol), N-bromosuccinimide (11.7 g, 65.8 mmol) and a small amount of AIBN in tetrachloromethane (340 ml) is refluxed for 5 h. After cooling, the solid material is filtered off and the solution is evaporated to give 2,3- dibromo-2,3-dihydro-l,4-benzodioxin. Under nitrogen, to a stirred suspension of potassium t- butoxide (9.22 g, 82 mmol) in anhydrous tetrahydrofuran (45 ml), was added dropwise at O0C, a solution of 2,3-dibromo-2,3-dihydro-l,4-benzodioxin in tetrahydrofuran (35 ml), and the mixture was stirred for 4 h. The solid was filtered off on celite and the solution is concentrated. 200 ml of water was added and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane.The organic layers were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated to afford a residue which was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether) to give 6.26 g (yield=81 %) of compound 56b (white powder). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 6.05 (IH, s), 6.80 (IH, s), 6.85 (IH5 s).

Compound 57a (X=H) Compound 57a was prepared according to the procedure described in Tetrahedron, 53(6), 1997, 2061-2074. Reagents : compound 56a (12.4 g, 58.2 mmol), toluene (200 ml), Na2CO3 2M (58 ml), phenylboronic acid (14.2 g, 116 mmol), EtOH (70 ml), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (2.7 g, 2.3 mmol). Yield = 74 % (m=9 g). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 6.45 (IH, s), 6.6-6.9 (4H, m), 7.25-7.5 (5H, m). Compound 57b TX=CD Similary, compound 57b was prepared. Under nitrogen, to a solution of compound 56b (0.3 g, 1.07 mmol) in 4 ml of toluene, were added 1.1 ml of an aqueous solution o 2M Na2CO3, phenylboronic acid (0.26g, 2.14 mmol) in 1.3 ml of ethanol and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0.05 g, 0.043 mmol). The mixture was heated at 78°C for 3h. After concentration, 30 ml of water was added and the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic layers were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated to afford a residue which was purified by column chromatography (petroleum ether) to give 0.24 g (yield=81 %) of compound 57b (white powder). 1HNMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 6.45 (IH, s), 6.80 (IH, s), 6.85 (IH5 s), 7.25-7.5 (5H, m).

Compound 58a (X=H) Compound 58a was prepared according to the procedure described in Chem. of heterocyclic Compds, 35(10), 1999, 1480-1481. Reagents : compound 57a (9g, 42.8 mmol), phosphorus oxychloride (7.88 g, 51.4 mmol), DMF (20 ml, 257 mmol). Yield : 74% (7.5 g). 1H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 6.8-7.1 (4H, m), 7.4-7.8 (5H5 m), 9.15 (IH, s).

Compound 58 bf X=CF) Similary, compound 58b was prepared. Under nitrogen, to a stirred solution of compound 57b (5.30 g, 19 mmol) in 120 ml of DMF was added dropwise POCl3 (2.12 mL, 22.8 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 6O0C during 22 h. Then, the mixture was treated with a solution of sodium acetate trihydrate (11.6 g) in water (14 mL) and heated with stirring until crystallization began. After cooling, water was added and the precipitate was filtered off and then washed with 2-propanol to give 4.9 g (yield = 84%) of compound 58b (yellow powder). 1H NMR (400 MHz5 DMSO-d6) δ 9.12 (IH5 s), 7.75-7.52 (5H, m), 7.45 (IH5 s), 7.40 (IH5 s), 6.85 (IH5 s). Compound 59a (X=H) Under nitrogen, to a stirred suspension of compound 58a (7.5 g, 31.5 mmol) in 80 ml of methanol, was added at 00C, by fraction, sodium borohydride (0.77 g, 20.5 mmol). After 45 min, 10 ml of water was added and the mixture was neutralized with HCl 2N and then, methanol was evaporated. After extraction with CH2Cl2 (2*150 ml), the organic layer was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated to give 7.6 g (yield=100%) of compound 59a (white powder). 1H NMR (400 MHz5 CDCl3) δ 3.95 (2H, d), 5.3 (IH, t), 6.8-7.1 (4H, m), 7.30-7.65 (5H, m).

Compound 59b (X=Cl) Similary, compound 59b was prepared. Under nitrogen at 0°C, to a stirred suspension of compound 58b (5 g, 16.3 mmol) in 150 ml of methanol, was added portionwise sodium borohydride (0.50 g, 13 mmol). After 3 h, the reaction mixture was quenched with water (20 mL) and methanol was evaporated. The aqueous residue was neutralized with HCl 2N and extracted with CH2Cl2. The organic layer was dried over MgSO4, concentrated and purified by flash chromatography (petroleum ether/dichloromethane 50/50) to give 3.1 g (yield=62%) of compound 59b (white powder). 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.57-7.43 (5H5 m), 7.26 (IH, s), 7.23 (IH5 s), 5.36 (IH5 1), 3.96 (2H, d).

Synthesis of 3-phenylindol-2-ylmethanol 62

Compound 60: Ethyl 3-iodoindole-2-carboxylate A IL round-bottom flask containing a magnetic stirring bar equipped with a reflux condenser was charged with 1Og (0.053mol) of ethyl indole-2-carboxylate (A), 10OmL DMF, 5OmL of water, 3Og (O.lOόmol) of iodine and 6.6g (O.lOόmol) of potassium hydroxide. The resulting mixture was heating at 70°C for 3 hours. 50OmL of ice was poured into this flask, and the mixture was agitating for an hour. After filtration and drying, we obtained 15g (3155lg.mor') of expected compound 60. Yield : 90%. IH NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) δ 1.45 (3H, t) 4.48 (2H, q) 7.22 (IH, q) 7.38 (2H, m) 7.57 (IH, q) 9.23 (IH, bs).

Compound 61: Ethyl 3-phenylindole-2-carboxylate A 25OmL round-bottom flask containing a magnetic stirring bar equipped with a reflux condenser was charged with 4.8g (0.0152mol) of B, 10OmL of toluol, 1.6g (10%) of palladium tetrakis, 5OmL of ethanol, 2.Og (0.0167mol) of phenylboronic acid, 50 mL of water and 5g of potassium carbonate. The resulting mixture was refluxed for 48 hours. At room temperature, 10OmL of water was added, the mixture was extracted with 2x10OmL of toluol. The organic layer was dried with magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The crude mixture was then triturated in 2OmL of diethyl ether and filtered. We obtained 4g (265.3 lg.mol"1) of the expected compound 6L Yield : 99%. IH NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) δ 1.23 (3H, t) 4.29 (2H, q) 7.15 (IH, m) 7.36 (2H5 m) 7.43 (2H, m) 7.45 (2H, m) 7.55 (IH, m) 7.63 (IH, m) 8.99 (IH, m).

Compound 62: 3-phenylindol-2-yl-methanol A 25OmL round-bottom flask containing a magnetic stirring bar equipped with a reflux condenser was charged with 1.4g of C (0.0053mol) and 10OmL of dry THF. At room temperature, 1OmL Of LiAlH4 (IM in THF) were added slowly over 15 minutes. The mixture was stirring for 15 minutes and then 2OmL of crude ice was added. HCl (IM) was added until pH=l. The solution was evaporated to dryness. To the crude mixture obtained was added 5OmL of water. The expected product was extracted with 3x50mL of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The product was purified by chromatographic column with ethyl acetate as έluant. We obtained 0.8g (223,27g.mol'1) of compound 62. Yield : 68%. IH NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) δ 1.83 (IH5 bs) 4.94 (2H5 s) 7.14 (2H5 m) 7.23 (2H5 m) 7.25 (IH5 m) 7.38 (2H5 m) 7.47 (2H5 m) 7.72 (IH5 m) 8.53 (IH, bs).

3) Synthesis of compounds Ia Example 1 Compound Ia: dibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfanyl-acetic acid ethyl ester. To a solution of dibenzofuran (2.5 g, 14.9 mmol), ethyl chloromethylthioacetate (2.5 g, 14.8 mmol) [prepared according to Synthesis, 1984, 326] in 20 mL CH2Cl2, SnCl4 (1.8 ml, 15.4 mmol) was added at 00C under N2. The reaction was concentrated after 10 minutes at 0DC and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 5 / 1) to afford 2.8 g of Exemple 1 as a colorless oil. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 1.25 (3H5 1), 3.1 (2H, s), 3.9 (2H, s), 4.15 (2H, q), 7.25 (IH, t), 7.4 (2H, m), 7.45 (IH, d), 7.5 (IH, d), 7.83 (IH, s), 7.87 (IH, d).

Example 2 Compound Ia: dibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfanyl-acetic acid. Preparation fi'om example 1 Scheme A Route A Example 1 (10 g, 33.3 mmol) was dissolved in 80 mL of methanol, 80 mL of THF and 40 mL of H2O, then LiOH monhydrate (3.1 g, 73.8 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. After solvants evaporation, water was added and the resulting solution acidified to pH 2. The precipitate was filtered, washed with water and dried under vacuum to afford 8.7 g of Example 2 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 3.2 (2H, s), 4.0 (2H, s), 7.4 (IH, t), 7.47 (IH, dd), 7.5 (IH, t), 8.05 (IH, s), 8.15 (IH, d). Preparation via Scheme A Route B Thioacetamide (30 g, 0.4 M) was added to a solution of compound 1 (prepared as described earlier on) in 900 mL CHCl3,. The mixture was refluxed for 2 h. The resulting suspension was cooled, filtered, washed with CH2Cl2, dried under vacuum to afford 33 g of compound E wherein Ar correspond to 2-dibenzofuryl as an off-white solid. A suspension of compound E (20.3 g, 60.4 mmol) in 23 mL 32%NaOH and 30 mL water was heated at 700C, then a solution of chloroacetic acid (6.4 g, 68 mmol) in 4.5 mL 32%NaOH and 25 mL water was added to give a viscous suspension which was diluted with 50 mL water. The mixture was refluxed for 1 h, diluted with 500 mL of water, acidified with. concentrated HCl until pH 2. The suspension was filtered and the crude product washed with water, dried under vacuum to afford 15.4 g of Example 2 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 3.2 (2H, s), 4.0 (2H, s), 7.4 (IH, t), 7.47 (IH, dd), 7.5 (IH, t), 8.05 (IH, s), 8.15 (IH, d).

Example 3 Compound Ia: 2-(8-chlorodibenzofuran-2-yl-methylsulfanyl) acetic acid To a solution of thiourea (3g, 39.5 mmol) in 48% HBr (25 mL), in an heated bath (1000C), 8-chloro-2-hydroxymethyldibenzofuran 45 (6.76 g, 29 mmol) was added portionwise. The mixture was diluted with water (20 mL), heated to HO0C for 1 h 40 minutes, cooled, then filtered. The precipitate was washed with water, dried at 500C under vacuum to give 10.4 g of thiouronium hydrobromide as an off-white solid. This compound (8.4 g, 22.6 mmol) was treated in 32% NaOH (20 ml) at 900C, diluted with water (30 mL), then a solution of chloroacetic acid (2.5 g, 26.5 mmol), NaHCO3 (2.3 g, 27.4 mmol) in water (20 mL) was added. The mixture was refluxed for 1 h, cooled, acidified with concentrated HCl at 5°C. The crude product was filtered, washed with water, dried under vacuum to afford 6.8 g of pure 8-chlorodibenzofuran-2-yl- methylsulfanic acid (Example 3) as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 3.13 (2H, s), 4.05 (2H, s), 7.4 (IH, dd), 7.5 (3H5 m), 7.91(2H, d). Example 4 Compound Ia: 2-(fluoren-4-ylmethylsulfanyl)acetic acid To a solution of thiourea (4.2 g, 55.3 mmol) in 48% HBr (25 ml ) heated in a bath of 8O0C, was added Compound 13 (9 g, 45.9 mmol ) to give a thick suspension which was diluted with 15 ml of water. The resultant mixture was refluxed for 10 minutes, then cooled, filtered, washed with water to give a beige solid. A mixture of above obtained compound inl6% NaOH (40 ml) was heated at 70 0C, then a solution of chloroacetic acid (5 g, 52.9 mmol) in IN NaOH (50 ml) was added. The resulting mixture was heated at reflux for 90 minutes, filtered while hot, the filtrate was cooled and acidified by concentrated HCl to pH 2 to give a suspension that was filtered, washed by water, dried in vacuum to afford 9 g of pure Example 4 as a brownish solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ : 3.25 (2H, s), 3.97 (2H5 s), 4.25 (2H5 s), 7.25 (2H5 m), 7.33 (IH5 1), 7.43 (IH5 1), 7.53 (IH5 d), 7.6 (IH5 d)5 8.0 (IH, d).

Example 5 Compound Ia: 2-(2-dibenzothiophen-methylsulfanyl)acetic acid To a solution of thiourea (4.7 g5 61.8 mmol) in 48% HBr (30 ml ) heated in a bath of 800C, was added Compound 19 (10.7 g, 50 mmol ) to give a very thick suspension which was diluted with 30 ml of 48% HBr and 20 ml water. The resultant mixture was refluxed for 2 hr, then cooled, filtered, washed with water, dried to give 17.3 of white solid. The above .obtained compound was mixed with 32% NaOH (25 ml) and 20 ml water, heated at 70 0C5 then a solution of sodium chloroacetate (6 g, 51.5 mmol) in water (50 ml) was added to give a solution. The resulting mixture was heated at reflux for 60 minutes, cooled, diluted by water (200 ml) and acidified by concentrated HCl to pH 2 to give a suspension that was extracted by methylenechloride, the organic phase was washed by brine, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to afford 13 g of pure Example 5 as a yellowish solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSO-d6) δ : 3.2 (2H5 s)5 4.0 (2H, s), 7.5 (3H5 m), 8.0 (IH5 d), 8.03 (IH5 m), 8.28 (IH, s), 8.33 (IH, m). Example 6 Compound Ia: 2-(8-fluorodibenzofuran-2-yl-methylsulfanyl)acetic acid To a solution of thiourea (3.7 g, 48.7 mmol) in 48% HBr (45 ml ) heated in a bath of 800C5 was added 8-fluoro-2-hydroxymethyldibenzofuran 44 (8.4 g, 38.9 mmol ) to give a very thick suspension which was diluted with 15 ml water. The resultant mixture was refluxed for 2 hr, then cooled, filtered, washed with water, dried to give a white solid. The above obtained compound was mixed with 32% NaOH (20 ml), heated at 70 0C, then a solution of sodium chloroacetate (4.7 g, 40.3 mmol) in water (40 ml) was added to give a suspension. The resulting mixture was heated at reflux for 60 minutes, cooled, diluted by water (500 ml) and acidified by concentrated HCl to pH 2 to give a suspension that was filtered, rinsed with water dried in vacuum to afford H g of pure Example 6 as a beige solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSOd6) δ : 3.18 (2H5 s), 4.0 (2H5 s), 7.35 (IH, dt), 7.5 (IH, d), 7.66 (IH5 d), 7.75 (IH, dd)5 8.0 (IH, d), 8.03 (IH, dd), 8.1 (IH5 s).

Example 7 Compound Ia : (3-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)-acetic acid . To a mixture of thiourea (2.74g, 36 mmol) and 48% HBr (15.75mL) in water (3mL) at 6O0C, compound 3 (7.2g, 30mmol) was added in one portion was added. The reaction mixture was then gently heated to reflux for 5mn, cooled. The mixture of HBr and water was decanted from the resulting oil, water was added and decanted again. To the resulting residue, aqueous NaOH (10N5 12mL) was added, and the mixture heated to 700C. A solution of sodium chloroacetate (33 mmol) in 9mL of water was slowly added. The reaction mixture was then heated to HO0C for Ih, cooled, diluted with ice-water (100 mL), and acidified with cone, hydrochloric acid (pH~2). The resulting acidic mixture was extracted into diethyl ether (2 x 15OmL)5 the separated organic layer was washed with a solution of NaOH (4 N) and the aqueous layer acidified again (pH~2), extracted into diethyl ether (40OmL). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4, and solvent evaporated to generate 7g of compound 50 as a yellow oil. Yield = 74%, Rf = 0.4 (eluent : CH2C12/CH3OH 9/1). In the following examples 8 to 10 compound Ia from example 2, 5 and 6 where R = H were converted into their corresponding compound Ia where R = CH3 (methyl ester).

Example 8 Compound Ia: 2-(dibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)acetic acid methyl ester A mixture of the Example 2 (4.22 g, 15.5 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) and concentrated H2SO4 (1 ml) was refluxed for 2 hr and then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 100 ml methylenechloride, washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 5 / 1) to furnish 3.7 g of Example 8 as a yellowish oil. HPLC: Ret. Time = 15.92' min (Column: Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C8; 4.6*150 mm, 5μm; Mobile Phase: A: 0.1% TFA in H2O, B: 0.1% TFA in ACN; Gradient: 10~100%B in 20 min.; Flow Rate: 1 ml / min.; Temperature: 25 °C) IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHC13) δ 3.1 (2H, s), 3.75 (3H5 s), 3.9 (2H, s), 7.25 (IH, t), 7.4 (2H5 m), 7.45 (IH, d)5 7.5 (IH, d), 7.83 (IH5 s), 7.87 (IH5 d).

Example 9 Compound Ia: 2-(dibenzothiophen-2-ylmethylsulfanyl) acetic acid methyl ester A mixture of the Example 5 (2.88 g, 10 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) and concentrated H2SO4 (1 ml) was heated at reflux for 2 hr, then evaporated, the residue was dissolved in 100 ml methylenechloride, washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 5 / 1) to furnish 2.72 g of Example 9 as a yellowish oil. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 3.11 (2H, s), 3.75 (3H, s)5 4.3 (2H5 s), 7.5 (3H, m), 7.81 (IH5 d), 7.84 (IH, m)5 8.13 (IH5 s), 8.18 (IH5 m).

Example 10 Compound Ia: 2-(8-fluorodibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfanyl) acetic acid methyl ester A mixture of the Example 6 (2.9 g, 10 mmol) in methanol (30 ml) and concentrated H2SO4 (1 ml) was heated at reflux for 2 hr, then evaporated, the residue was dissolved in 100 ml methylenechloride, washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 5 / 1) to furnish 2.34 g of Example 10 as a colorless oil. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 3.11 (2H5 s), 3.75 (3H, s), 4.3 (2H, s), 7.5 (3H, m), 7.81 (IH, d), 7.84 (IH5 m), 8.13 (IH, s), 8.18 (IH3 m).

Example 11 Compound Ia: 2-(8-methoxydibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfanyl) acetic acid ethyl ester (Synthesis: route D) To a solution of compound 46 (5.48 g, 24 mmol) in methylenechloride (120 ml), were added at RT ethyl thioglycolate (3.1 g, 25.8 mmol) and ZnI2 (8.5 g5 26.6 mmol) to give a suspension. The reaction was stirred at RT for 2 hr5 quenched by water, the organic phase was dried over Na2SO4, evaporated, the residue was purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 6 / 1) to furnish 3.58 g of Example 11 as a colorless oil. HPLC: Ret. Time = 16.66 min (the same conditions as described for Example 8)

Example 12 Compound Ia: 2-(2-benzofuran-2-yl-benzylsulfanyl) acetic acid ethyl ester To a solution of compound 7 (3.18 g, 14.2 mmol) in methylenechloride (30 ml), were added at RT ethyl thioglycolate (1.75 g, 14.6 mmol) and ZnI2 (4.7 g, 14.7 mmol) to give a suspension. The reaction was stirred at RT for 1 hr, quenched by water, the organic phase was dried over Na2SO4, evaporated, the residue was purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 8 / 1) to furnish 3 g of Example 12 as a colorless oil. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 1.25 (3H, t), 3.25 (2H, s), 4.13 (2H, q), 4.25 (2H, s), 7.3 (2H, m), 7.4 (IH, t), 7.5 (3H, t), 7.75 (IH5 d), 7.86 (2H, d).

Example 13 Compound Ia: wherein Ar is 3-phenyl-l,4 benzodioxin, Y is CH25q is O5 substitution in position 2 and Ri is COOCEb. To a solution of (3 -phenyl- l,4-benzodioxin-2-yl)methanol (compound C; 7.60 g, 31.6 mmol) in dichloroethane (200 mL) under N2, was added successively methyl thioglycolate (3.35 g, 31.6 mmol) and ZnI2 (10.08 g, 31.6 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2h30 and then 60 mL of water was added. After decantation, the aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (100 mL). The organic layers were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated to furnish 10.2 g of Example 13 (yellow oil). Yield = 98%, 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) : δ 3.35 (2H5 s), 3.47 (2H5 s), 3.59 (3H5 s), 6.7-6.9 (4H5 m), 7.3-7.6 (5H5 m).

4) Synthesis of compounds Ib

Example 14 Compound Ib: 2-(dibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfmyl)acetic acid To a solution of Exemple 2 (13.6 g, 50 mmol) in acetic acid (130 mL)5 was added 30% H2O2 (8 mL5 79 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 h. the obtained suspension was filtered, washed with acetic acid (50 mL) and methanol (50 mL), dried under vacuum to afford 12.5 g of Example 14 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSOd6) δ 3.6 (IH5 d), 3.9 (IH5 d), 4.25 (IH, d), 4.45 (IH, d), 7.45 (IH5 1), 7.5 (IH, d), 7.65 (IH51), 7.75 (2H, m), 8.1 (IH5 s), 8.2 (IH5 d).

5) Synthesis of compounds Ic

Example 15 Compound Ic wherein Ar is dibenzofuran -2-yl, Y is CHz, q is O5 NR12R13 = 4-(2- hydroxyethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl. To a mixture of Example 2 (0.5 g , 1.8 mmol), N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine (0.25 g5 1.9 mmol), HOBt (0.25 g, 18.5 mmol) in 50 ml methylenechloride was added EDCI (0.46 g5 2.4 mmol) at RT. The reaction was maintained for 16 h, then washed with water, dried over MgSO4, evaporated, the residue was chromatographied (methylenechloride / methanol, 10 / 1) to furnish 0.5 g of Example 16 as a colorless oil which crystallized on stand. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 2.5 (6H5 m), 3.2 (2H, s), 3.45 (2H, m), 3.65 (4H5 m)/4.0 (2H5 s)5 7.35 (IH5 1), 7.5 (4H5 m), 7.95 (IH, d), 7.98 (IH, s). Example 16 Compound Ic: 2-(dibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)acetamide A mixture of Example 8 (3.7 g, 12.9 mmol) in methanol (100 ml) and 28% aqueous ammonia (50 ml) was stirred at RT for 16 hr to give a suspension that was filtered, washed by water, dried in vacuum to furnish 2.7 g of Example 16 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSOd6) δ 3.04 (2H, s), 4 (2H5 s), 7.03 (IH5 bs), 7.6 (4H5 m), 7.7 (2H5 dd)5 8.08 (IH, s), 8.13 (IH, d).

Example 17 Compound Ic: 2-(8-methoxy-dibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)acetamide A mixture of Example 11 (1.1 g, 3.3 mmol) in ethanol (20 ml) and 28% aqueous ammonia (30 ml) was stirred at RT for 18 hr to give a suspension that was filtered, washed by water, dried in vacuum to furnish 0.71 g ofExample 17 as a white solid. HPLC: Ret. Time = 11.68 min. (the same conditions as described for Example 8)

Example 18 Compound Ic: 2-(dibenzothiophen-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)acetamide A mixture of Example 9 (2.72 g, 9 mmol) in methanol (50 ml) and 28% aqueous ammonia (30 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 16 hr to give a suspension. After evaporation of methanol, the aqueous residue was filtered, washed by water, dried in vacuum to furnish 2.1 g of Example 18 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 3.04 (2H, s), 4 (2H5 s), 7.03 (IH, bs), 7.5 (4H5 m), 7.91 (2H, d), 8.02 (IH, m), 8.3 (IH, s), 8.33 (IH, m).

Example 19 Compound Ic: 2-(8-fluorodibenzofuran-2-yhnethylsulfanyl)acetarnide A mixture of Example 10 (2.34 g, 7.7 mmol) in methanol (50 ml) and 28% aqueous ammonia (30 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 16 hr to give a suspension. The methanol was evaporated and the aqueous residue was filtered, washed by water, dried in vacuum to furnish 1.68 g ofExample 19 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSOd6) δ 3.04 (2H, s), 4 (2H5 s), 7.03 (IH, bs)5 7.35 (IH5 dt), 7.43 (IH, bs), 7.5 (IH, d)5 7.67 (IH5 d), 7.75 (IH, dd), 8.01 (IH5 dd), 8.1 (IH5 s).

Example 20 Compound Ic: 2-(2-benzofuran-2-yl-benzylsulfanyl)- N,N-dirnethyl acetamide To a mixture of Example 12 (1.12 g, 3.43 mmol) and dimethylamine hydrochloride (0.3 g, 3.68 mmol) in methylenechloride (20 ml) was added at RT a 2 N solution of A1(CH3)3 in toluene (2 ml, 4 mmol). The resulting mixture was stirred at RT for 24 hr, then quenched by 0.1 N HCl (20 ml), the organic phase was washed by water, dried over MgSO4, purified by flash chromatography (Methylenechloride / methanol, 40 / 1) to furnish 1 g of Example 20 as a yellowish oil. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.95 (6H, d), 3.4 (2H5 s), 4.25 (2H5 s), 4.7 (IH, d), 7.3 (2H, m), 7.4 (IH, t), 7.5 (3H5 1), 7.75 (IH, dd), 7.88 (2H, d).

Example 21 Compound Ic: 2-(8-chlorodibenzofuran-2-yl-methylsulfanyl)-l-[4-(2-hydroxy ethyl) piperazin-1- yl] ethanone To a mixture of Example 3 (1.48 g, 4.8 mmol), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazine (0.65 g, 5 mmol) and HOBt (0.65 g, 4.8 mmol) in methylenechloride (50 ml), was added EDCI (1.2 g5 6.25 mmol) at RT. The reaction was maintained at RT for 16 hr, quenched by water, the organic phase was washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to give 1.92 g of pureExample 21. HPLC: Ret. Time = 10.7 min. (the same conditions as described for Example 8)

Example 22 Compound Ic: 4-[2-(8-chlorodibenzofuran-2-yl-methylsulfanyl)acetyl]-piper azine-l-carboxylic acid tret-butyl ester To a mixture of Example 3 (2 g, 6.5 mmol), 4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-piperazine (1.3 g, 7 mmol) and HOBt (1.2 g, 8.9 mmol) in methylenechloride (50 ml), was added EDCI (1.7 g, 8.9 mmol) at RT. The reaction was maintained at RT for 1.5 hr, quenched by water, the organic phase was washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated, the residue was purified by flash chromatography (Methylenechloride / methanol, 40 / 1) to give 2.75 g of Example 22 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CHCl3) δ 1.5 (9H, s), 3.25 (2H5 s), 3.45 (6H, m), 3.59 (2H5 m), 4.0 (2H5 s), 7.4 (IH5 dd), 7.5 (3H, m), 7.96 (2H5 d).

Example 23 Compound Ic: l-(4-acetyl-piperazin-l-yl)-2-(8-chlorodibenzofuran-2-yl-met hylsulfanyl)- ethanone To a mixture of acid Example 3 (1.83 g5 6 mmol), 4-(acetyl)-piperazine (0.8 g5 6.3 mmol) and HOBt (1 g, 4.8 mmol) in methylenechloride (50 ml), was added EDCI (1.5 g, 7.8 mmol) at RT. The reaction was maintained at RT for 5 hr, quenched by water, the organic phase was washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated, the residue was purified by flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 30 / 1) to give 2.14 g of Example 23. EDPLC: Ret. Time = 12.81 min. (the same conditions as described for Example 8)

Example 24 Compound Ic: 2-(9H-fluoren-4-ylmethylsulfany I)-I- [4-(2-hydroxyethy l)-piperazin-l-yl] - ethanone To a mixture of acid Example 4 (6 g, 22.2 mmol), 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-piperazine (3 g, 23 mmol) and HOBt (2.5 g5 18.5 mmol) in methylenechloride (200 ml), was added EDCI (4.6 g, 24 mmol) at RT. The reaction was maintained at RT for 2 hr, quenched by water, the organic phase was washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated, the residue was purified by flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 10 / 1) to give 6.26 g of Example 24. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.43 (2H, m), 2.5 (4H, m), 3.3 (2H, s), 3.38 (2H, t), 3.63 (4H, m), 3.58 (2H, s), 3.97 (2H5 s), 4.28 (2H, s), 7.25 (IH, m), 7.33 (2H, m), 7.41 (IH5 1), 7.48 (IH, d), 7.57 (IH5 d), 7.88 (IH5 d).

Example 25 Compound Ic: 4-[2-(dibenzothiophen-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)-acetyl]-piperazine -l-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester To a mixture of acid Example 5 (5.76 g, 20 mmol), 4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-piperazine (3.75 g5 20.2 mmol) and HOBt (3.4 g5 25 mmol) in methylenechloride (150 ml), was added EDCI (4.8 g, 25 mmol) at RT. The reaction was maintained at RT for 3 hr, quenched by water, the organic phase was washed by 0.5 N HCl, water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated, the residue was purified by flash chromatography (cyclohexane / ethyl acetate, 3 / 4) to give 8.3 g of Example 25 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 1.5 (9H, s), 3.25 (2H, s), 3.45 (6H5 m), 3.59 (2H, m), 4.0 (2H, s), 7.45 (3H5 m), 7.8 (IH5 d), 7.87 (IH, m), 8.16 (IH, s), 8.19 (IH, m).

Example 26 Compound Ic: 4-[2-(8-fluorodibenzoruran-2-yl-methylsulfanyl)acetyl]-piper azine-l-carboxylic acid tret-butyl ester To a mixture of acid Example 6 (5.8 g, 20 mmol), 4-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-piperazine (3.72 g, 20 mmol) and HOBt (3.4 g, 25 mmol) in methylenechloride (150 ml), was added EDCI (4.8 g, 25 mmol) at RT. The reaction was maintained at RT for 1 hr, quenched by water, the organic phase was washed by 0.5 N HCl, water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to give a beige solid which was recrystallized in ethyl acetate (30 ml) to give 6.46 g of Example 26 as a beige solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 1.5 (9H, s), 3.25 (2H, s), 3.45 (6H, m), 3.59 (2H, m), 4.0 (2H5 s)5 7.18 (IH5 dt), 7.45 (3H, m), 7.61 (IH, dd), 7.92 (IH, s).

Example 27 Compound Ic: 2-(3-phenyl-benzo [b]tbiophen-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)- 1 -pyrrolidin- 1 -yl-ethanone. . To a cooled (ice-bath) solution of Example 7 (2.14g, 6.8mmol) in CH2Cl2 (4OmL)5 was added successively pyrrolidine (0.63mL, 7.5mmol), EDCI (1.44g, 7.5mmol) and HOBT (1.012g, 7.5mmol). The cooling bath was removed and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for one night, diluted with CH2Cl2 (5OmL)5 washed successively with water (5OmL)5 aqueous Na2CO3 (50 mL) water (3OmL) and dried over Na2SO4. On concentration, the solution generated a crude product that was purified by column chromatography (CH2C12/CH3OH 9.6/0.4) to give 1.76g of Example 27 (orange oil). Yield = 70%, Rf = 0.8(eluent : CH2C12/CH3OH 9/1).

The following examples were prepared according to the process as described for Example 27 : Example 28 Compound Ic: N,N-dimethyl-2-(3 -phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)-acetamide. Reagents : Example 7 (2.14g, 6.8mmol) in CH2Cl2 (4OmL)5 40% aqueous dimethylamine (0.337g, 0.85mL, 7.5mmol), EDCI (1.44g, 7.5mmol) and HOBT (1.012g, 7.5mmol). Example 28 as a yellow orange oil was directly used in the next step without any further purification. Yield = 96%, Rf = 0.6 (eluent : CH2Cl2ZCH3OH 9.5/0.5).

Example 29 Compound Ic: N-isopropyl-2-(3 -phenyl-benzo [b]thiophen-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)-acetamide. Reagents : Example 7 (2.14g, 6.8mmol) in CH2Cl2 (4OmL), isopropylamine (0.44g, 0.65mL5 7.5mmol), EDCI (1.44g, 7.5mmol) and HOBT (1.012g, 7.5mmol). The crude product was crystallized in diisopropyl oxyde to give 0.62g of Example 29 (white powder) Yield = 26%. Rf (CH2C12/CH3OH 9/1) = 0.8

Example 30 Compound Ic: l-(4-hydroxy-piperidin-l-yl)-2-(3-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2y lmethylsulfanyl)- ethanone. Reagents : Example 7 (2.198g, 7mmol) in CH2Cl2 (4OmL), JV-hydroxypiperidine (0.788g, 7.7mmol), EDCI (1.474g, 7.7mmol) and HOBT (1.039g, 7.7mmol). Yield = 39.5%,.1. Ig of Example 30 as a yellow oil. Rf (CH2C12/CH3OH 9/1) = 0.5.

Example 31 Compound Ic: 1 -(4-acetyl-piperazin- 1 -yl)-2-(3 -phenyl-benzo [b]thiophen-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)- ethanone. Reagents : Example 7 (3.01g, 9.6mmol) in CH2Cl2 (58mL), N-acetylpiperazine (1.39g, 10.86mmol), EDCI (2.02g, 10.86mmol) and HOBT (1.46g, 10.86mmol). The crude product that was purified by column chromatography (CH2Cl2ZCH3OH 9.5/0.5) to give 1.38.g of Example 31 (yellow oil) Yield = 34.5,. Rf (CH2Cl2/CH3OH 9.5/0.5) = 0.2.

Example 32 Compound Ic N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-(3-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-ylmethyls ulfanyl)- acetamide. Reagents : Example 7 (2.36g, 7.51mmol) in CH2Cl2 (4OmL), ethanolamine (0.506g, 8.3mmol), EDCI (1.59g, 8.3mmol) and HOBT (1.12g, 8.3mmol). The crude product that was purified by column chromatography (CH2C12/CH3OH 9.4/0.6) to give 0.72g of Example 32 as a solid. Yield = 27%. Rf (CH2Cl2/CH3OH 9/1) = 0.8

Example 33 Compound Ic: l-[4-(3 -Phenyl-benzo[l ,4]dioxin-2-ylmethylsulfanylmethyl)-piperazin- 1 -yl]- ethanone. Under N2, to a solution of Example 13 (1.5 g, 4.57 mmol) in dichloromethane (20 mL), were added successively N-acetylpiperazine (0.70 g, 5.48 mmol) in one portion and AlMe3 2N in toluene (2.74 mL) dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for one night and then refluxed for 3h. After cooling, few mL of water was added slowly. After decantation, the organic layer was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated to afford the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (CH2Cl2/MeOH 98/2) to give 0.78 g (yield=40 %) of Example 33 (yellow oil). 1H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) : δ 2.11 (3H, d), 3.3-3.7 (12H, m), 6.6-6.9 (4H, m), 7.3-7.6 (5H, m).

6) Synthesis of compounds Id Example 34 Compound Id: 4-[2-(dibenzofuran-2-yhnethylsulfmyl)-acetyl]-piperazine-l-c arboxylic acid ethyl ester To a mixture of Exemple 14 (4.32 g , 15 mπiol), N-(ethoxycarbony)piperazine (2.5 g, 15.8 mmol) and HOBt (2 g, 15 mmol) in 150 ml methylenechloride, was added EDCI (3.6 g, 18.8 mmol) at RT. The reaction was maintained for 2 h, then washed with 0.5 N HCl (100 ml) and water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to a white solid that was recrystallized in 15 ml ethyl acetate to afford 3.6 g of Example 34 as a white solid; additional 0.85 g of Example 34 were obtained from the filtrate by flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 10 / 1). IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 1.2 (3H, t), 3.35 (4H, m)5 3.5 (4H, m), 4.0 (4H5 m), 4.2 (IH, d), 4.45 (IH, d), 7.45 (IH, t), 7.5 (IH5 d)5 7.6 (IH5 1), 7.75 (2H, dd), 8.1 (IH, s), 8.2 (IH, d). MS : M + H = 429, M + Na = 451, M+ K = 467

7) Synthesis of compounds Id

Example 35 Compound Id: 2-(diberizofuran-2-yhnethylsulfinyl)-l-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-p iperazin-l -yl]- ethanone To a solution of Example 15 (0.5 g, 1.3 mmol) in 20 ml acetic acid, was added 30% H2O2 (0.2 ml, 2 mmol) was added. The oxidation was maintained at RT for 18 h, then evaporated, the residue was purified by flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 9 / 1) to afford 0.39 g of Example 34 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.5 (6H, m), 3.4 (2H, m), 3.65 (6H, m), 4.25 (IH5 d)5 4.5 (IH5 d), 7.33 (IH, t)5 7.5 (2H5 m), 7.6 (IH, d)5 7.92 (IH, d), 7.98 (IH, s). MS : MS : M + H = 401 , M + Na = 423

Example 36 Compound Id: 2-(dibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfinyl)acetamide A mixture of Exemple 16 (2.7 g, 10 mmol) in acetic acid (40 ml) and 30% H2O2 (1.6 ml) was stirred at RT for 1.5 hr to give a solution that was evaporated to give white solid. The crystallization in ethanol (30 ml) furnished 2.6 g of Example 36 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSOd6) δ 3.43(1H, d), 3.68 (IH, d), 4.17 (IH5 d), 4.43 (IH5 d), 7.33 (IH5 bs), 7.43 (IH5 1), 7.47 (IH5 d), 7.54 (IH5 1), 7.68 (IH5 bs)5 7.73 (2H5 m), 8.07 (IH5 s), 8.17 (IH5 d). MS : M + Na = 310

Example 37 Compound Id: 2-(8-methoxydibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfmyl)acetamide A mixture of Example 17 (0.71 g, 2.36 mmol) in acetic acid (20 ml) and 30% H2O2 (0.45 ml) . was stirred at RT for 1 hr.to give a solution that was evaporated to give an oil. The crystallization in ethanol furnished 0.48 g of Example 37 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSOd6) δ 3.46(1H5 d), 3.69 (IH5 d), 3.87 (3H5 s), 4.17 (IH5 d), 4.41 (IH5 d), 7.1 (IH5 dd)5 7.33 (IH5 bs)5 7.46 (IH, d), 7.59 (IH5 d), 7.69 (3H5 m), 8.06 (IH5 s). MS : M + Na = 340

Example 38 Compound Id: 2-(8-fluorodibenzofuran-2-ylmethylsulfinyl)acetamide A mixture of Example 19 (1.68 g, 5.8 mmol) in acetic acid (30 ml) and 30% H2O2 (0.9 ml) was stirred at RT for 3 hr to give a solution that was evaporated to give an oil. The crystallization in ethanol (30 ml) furnished 1.36 g of Example 38 as a white powder. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSO-d6) δ 3.46(1H5 d), 3.69 (IH5 d), 4.18 (IH, d), 4.43 (IH5 d), 7.38 (2H5 m), 7.53 (IH5 d)5 7.75 (3H5 m), 8.03 (2H, m)5 8.1 (IH5 s). MS : M + Na = 328

Example 39 Compound Id: 2-(dibenzothiophen-2-ylmethylsulfmyl)acetamide A mixture of Example 18 (2.1 g5 7.3 mmol) in acetic acid (40 ml) and 30% H2O2 (1.1 ml) was stirred at RT for 2.5 hr to give a solution that was evaporated to give an oil. The crystallization in ethanol (50 ml) furnished 1.45 g of Example 39 as a beige solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSO-d6) δ 3.5(1H5 d), 3.75 (IH5 d), 4.2 (IH5 d), 4.48 (IH, d), 7.36 (IH, bs), 7.5 (IH5 d), 7.54 (2H5 m), 7.75 (IH5 bs), 8.03 (2H5 d), 8.28 (IH5 s), 8.33 (IH5 m). MS : M + Na = 326 Example 40 Compound Id: 2-(8-cMorodibenzofuran-2-yl-methanesulfmyl)-[4-(2-hydroxyeth yl)piperazin- 1 - yl] ethanone A mixture of Example 21 (1.92 g5 4.6 mmol) in acetic acid (40 ml) and 30% H2O2 (0.85 ml) was stirred at RT for 2 hr, then evaporated to give a solid which was dissolved in methylenehloride (100 ml) and water (50 ml). The mixture was alkalized to pH 10 by 1 N NaOH. The organic phase was washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, purified by flash chromatography (methyl enechloride / methanol, 9 / 1) to give 1.2 g Example 40 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 2.5 (6H5 m), 3.47(2H, m), 3.66 (5H, m), 3.74 (IH5 m), 4.25 (IH, d), 4.5 (IH5 d), 7.43 (IH, dd), 7.5 (2H5 m), 7.58 (IH5 d), 7.92 (2H, d). MS : M + H = 435, M + Na = 457

Example 41 Compound Id: 2-(8-chlorodibenzofuran-2-yl-methanesulfinyl)- 1 -piperazin- 1 -ylethanone A mixture of Example 22 (2.67 g, 5.6 mmol) in methylenechloride (15 ml) and trifluoroacetic acid (7 ml) was stirred at RT for 0.5 h, then evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 20 ml water and 20 ml methylenechloride, then neutralized to pH 8 by NaHCO3 powder, the organic phase was washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to give the deprotected intermediate which was mixed with acetic acid (40 ml) and 30% H2O2 (1 ml). The mixture was stirred at RT for 2 hr, evaporated, purified by flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 10 / 1 saturated by 28% aqueous ammonia) followed by crystallization in 10 ml ethyl acetate to give 1.95 g Example 41 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 2.5 (4H, m), 3.25 (4H, m), 3.87 (2H, dd)5 4.07 (IH5 d), 4.31 (IH, d), 7.43 (2H, m), 7.63 (2H5 dd), 8.0 (IH, s), 8.2 (IH, s). MS : M + H = 391, M + Na = 413

Example 42 Compound Id: 1 -(4-acetylpiperazin- 1 -yl)-2-(8-chlorodibenzofuran-2-yl-methanesulfmyl)- ethanone A mixture of Example 23 (2.1 g, 5 mmol) in acetic acid (30 ml) and 30% H2O2 (0.8 ml) was stirred at RT for 2 hr, then diluted with 300 ml water to give a suspension that was heated to give a solution, cooled, filtered, rinsed with water, dried in vacuum to give 1.78 g Example 42 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 2.16 (3H, d), 3.4-3.83 (1OH, m), 4.25 (IH, dd), 4.5 (IH, dd), 7.43 (IH, dd), 7.5 (2H, m), 7.59 (IH, d), 7.91 (IH, s), 7.96 (IH, d). MS : M + H = 433, M + Na = 455

Example 43 Compound Id: 2-(9H-fluoren-4-ylmethanesulfinyl)- 1 -[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin- 1 -yl]- ethanone A mixture of Example 24 (2.9 g5 7.6 mmol) in acetic acid (40 ml) and 30% H2O2 (1.2 ml) was stirred at RT for 3 hr, then evaporated. The residue was dissolved in 50 ml water and neutralized at pH 7 by K2CO3 powder to give a solution that was extracted methylenechloride (3*50 ml). The extracts were washed by brine, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated. Flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 9 / 1) followed by recrystallization in ethyl acetate / methylenechloride (10 / 1) afforded 2 g Example 43 as a white crystal. IH NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 2.5 (7H, m), 3.43(2H, m), 3.61 (4H, m)5 3.69 (IH, d), 3.86 (IH, d)5 3.92 (2H, s), 4.61 (IH, d), 4.91 (IH5 d), 7.3 (2H, m), 7.4 (2H, m), 7.56 (2H, m), 8.0 (IH, d). MS : M + H = 399, M + Na = 421, M+ K = 437

Example 44 Compound Id: 2-(dibenzothiophen-2-yl-methanesulfinyl)- 1 -piperazin- 1 -yl-ethanone A mixture of Example 25 (2 g, 4.4 mmol) in methylenechloride (20 ml) and trifluoroacetic acid (8 ml) was stirred at RT for 0.5 h, then evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 50 ml water and 20 ml methylenechloride, then neutralized to pH 8 by 0.5 N NaOH, the organic phase was washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to give the deprotected intermediate which was mixed with acetic acid (30 ml) and 30% H2O2 (0.8 ml). The mixture was stirred at RT for 1.5 hr. evaporated, purified by flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 10 / 1 saturated by 28% aqueous ammonia) to give 0.6 g Example 44 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CDCl3) δ 2.81 (2H, m), 2.87 (2H, m), 3.36(2H5 m)5 3.63 (4H5 m)5 4.28 (IH, d)5 4.5 (IH, d), 7.46 (3H, m), 7.86 (2H, m), 8.17 (2H5 m). MS : M + H = 373, M + Na = 395 Example 45 Compound Id: 2-(8-fluorodibenzofuran-2-yl-methanesulfinyl)-l-piperazin-l- ylethanone A mixture of Example 26 (6.4 g, 14 mmol) in methylenechloride (40 ml) and trifluoroacetic acid (20 ml) was stirred at RT for 0.5 h, then evaporated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in 100 ml water and 100 ml methylenechloride, then neutralized to pH 8 by 0.5 N NaOH, the organic phase was washed by water, dried over Na2SO4, evaporated to give the deprotected intermediate which was mixed with acetic acid (100 ml) and 30% H2O2 (2.5 ml). The mixture was stirred at RT for 2 hr, evaporated, purified by flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 15 / 1 saturated by 28% aqueous ammonia) and recrystallization in 50 ml ethyl acetate to give 4 g Example 45 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz5 DMSO-d6) δ 2.63 (4H, m), 3.25-3.5 (4H, m), 3.96 (2H, dd), 4.2 (IH, d), 4.43 (IH, d), 7.36 (IH, dt), 7.5 (IH, d), 7.75 (2H, m), 8.03 (IH, dd), 8.07 (IH, s). MS : M + H = 375, M + Na = 397

Example 46 Compound Id: 2-(2-benzofuran-2-yl-phenylmethanesulfmyl)-N,N-dimethyl acetamide A mixture of Example 20 (1 g, 3.1 mmol) in acetic acid (10 ml) and 30% H2O2 (0.35 ml) was stirred at RT for 4 hr to give a solution that was evaporated. The flash chromatography (methylenechloride / methanol, 20 / 1) furnished 0.71 g of Example 46 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, CHCl3) δ 2.95 (6H, s), 3.9 (2H, dd), 4.47 (IH5 d), 4.7 (IH, d), 7.31 (2H, m), 7.43 (IH5 m), 7.5 (3H, m), 7.75 (IH, d), 7.93 (2H5 d). MS : M + Na = 364.

Example 47 Compound Id : 2-(3 -phenyl-benzo [b]thiophen-2-ylmethanesulfinyl)- 1 -pyrrolidin- 1 -yl-ethanone. To a solution of Example 27 (1.76g, 4.8mmol) in glacial acetic acid (5mL), 35% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.5mL) was added. The mixture was stirred until no more starting material was detected (TLC). After a 3h-stirring, the reaction mixture was concentrated, the resulting oil was diluted with water and ethyl acetate (5OmL). The organic layer was washed successively with water (25mL), aqueous NaHCO3 (25mL), water (25mL) and dried over Na2SO4. On concentration, the solution generated a yellow oil that was purified by column chromatography (CH2C12/CH3OH 9.6/0.4) to give 0.638g of Example 47 (white meringue; yield = 35%). 1H-NMR (DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.05 (d, IH)5 7.6-7.35 (m, 8H)5 4.45 (q, 2H), 3.95 (q, 2H)5 3.4 (m, 2H), 3.25 (m, 2H) 1.9-1.7 (m, 4H). MS : M + H = 384

The following examples were prepared according to the process as described for Example 47 : following Scheme B Step 3 Pathway E

Example 48 Compound Id: N5N-dimethyl-2-(3-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-ylmethanesulfmyl )-acetamide Reagents : Example 28 (2.24g, 6.5mmol) in glacial acetic acid (6.5mL) and 35% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.66mL). The crude product that was purified by column chromatography (CH2C12/CH3OH 9.6/0.4) to give 0.38g of Example 48 (white meringue; yield = 16.4%). 1H-NMR (DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.05 (d, IH)5 7.6-7.35 (m, 8H)5 4.45 (q, 2H)5 4.05 (s, 2H)5 2.95 (s5 3H)5 2.8 (s, 3H). MS : M + Na = 3805 2M + Na = 737

Example 49 Compound Id: N-isopropyl-2-(3-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-ylmethanesulfinyl )-acetamide Reagents : Example 29 (0.62g, 1.8mmol) in glacial acetic acid (5mL) and 35% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.2mL). Solvant evaporation generated a yellow oil that crystallized slowly on standing. The residue was stirred with diisopropyl oxyde, filtered and dried in vacuo to give 0.48g of Example 49 (white powder; yield = 72%). 1H-NMR (DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.2 (d, IH)5 8.05 (d, IH)5 7.55-7.35 (m, 8H)5 4.4 (q, 2H), 3.8 (h5 lH), 3.65 (q5 2H), l (t5 6H). MS : M + Na = 394, M + K = 410 Example 50 Compound Id: -(4-hydroxy-piperidin-l-yl)-2-(3-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2yl methanesulfinyl) ethanone Reagents : Example 30 (l.lg, 2.77mmol) in glacial acetic acid (3mL) and 35% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.3mL). The crude product that was purified by column chromatography (CH2C12/CH3OH 9.5/0.5) to give 0.625g of Example 50 (white meringue; yield = 56%). 1H-NMR (DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.05 (d, IH)5 7.6-7.35 (m, 8H), 4.75 (t, IH), 4.4 (q, 2H), 4.2-4 (m, 2H),3.85 (m, IH), 3.75-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.2 (m, IH), 3.05 (m, IH), 1.7 (m, 2H), 1.4 (m, IH), 1.25 (m, IH). MS : M + H = 414

Example 51 Compound Id: l-(4-acetyl-piperazin-l-yl)-2-(3-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-y lmethanesulfinyl)- ethanone Reagents : Example 31 (1.38g, 3.25mmol) in glacial acetic acid (4mL) and 35% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.34mL). The crude product that was purified by column chromatography (CH2Cl2ZCH3OH 9.2/0.8) to give 1.0 Ig of Example 50 (white meringue; yield = 70%). 1H-NMR (DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.05 (d, IH), 7.6-7.35 (m, 8H), 4.45 (q, 2H), 4.15 (q, 2H), 3.4 (m5 8H), 2 (s, 3H). MS : M + Na = 463

Example 52 Compound Id N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-2-(3-phenyl-benzo[b]thiophen-2-ylmethane sulfinyl)- acetamide Reagents : Example 32 (0.72g, 2mmol) in glacial acetic acid (3mL) and 35% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.23mL). The crude product was purified by column chromatography (CH2C12/CH3OH 9.2/0.8) to give after washing in diisopropyl oxyde 0.478g of Example 52 (white powder; yield = 64%). 1H-NMR (DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.25 (t, IH)5 8.05 (d, IH), 7.6-7.35 (m, 8H), 4.7 (t, IH), 4.4 (q, 2H), 3.7 (q, 2H)5 3.4 (m, 2H)5 3.15 (m, 2H) MS : M + Na = 396

Example 53 Compound Id: 1 - [4-(3 -Phenyl-benzo [1 ,4] dioxin-2-ylmethanesulfinylmethyl)-piperazin- 1 -yl] - ethanone. To a solution of Example 33 (0.78 g5 1.84 mmol) in 3.6 mL of acetic acid, was added 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide (0.20 mL). After 4 h of stirring at room temperature, the mixture was neutralized with aqueous NaHCO3 and then extracted with CH2CI2 (2x70 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated to afford the crude product which was purified by column chromatography (CH2Cl2MeOH 98/2) to give 0.60 g (yield=74 %) of Example 53 (white powder). 1H-NMR (400 MHz5 CDCl3) : δ 2.10 (3H, d), 3.3-4.1 (12H, m), 6.6-6.9 (4H5 m), 7.3-7.7 (5H, m). MS : M + Na = 463; M + K> 479

Examples 54 throught 150 were prepared following the same multistep general method as described in scheme B utilizing the appropriate substituted amine - NR12R13 in Steps 2 or 3. The analytical data as well as the synthetic pathway used are presented by each compounds molecular formula and masse spectrum (M+H) or (M+Na) are shown in the following Table 2. Table 2

Example 146 Compound Id : 1 -(4-acetyl-piperazin- 1 -yl)-2-(8-chloro-dibenzofuran-2-ylmethanesulfonyl)- ethanone. To a solution of Example 23 (1 g, 2.4 mmol) in acetic acid (15 ml) and TFA (1.5 ml), was added 30% H2O2 (0.8 ml, 7.8 mmol). The mixture was stirred at 500C for 5 h, then evaporated to dryness. Water (100 ml) was added and heated at 8O0C to give a suspension that was filtered while hot, rinsed by water, dried in vacuum at 500C. The crude product was recrystallized in acetonitrile (30 ml) and water (5 ml) to give 0.79 g of Example 146 as a white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 2.0 (3H5 s), 3.5(8H5 m), 4.5 (2H5 d), 4.8 (2H, d), 7.65 (2H, t), 7.75 (2H, m), 8.2 (IH, s), 8.35 (IH, s). MS : M + Na = 471

Were also synthetized according to Pathway G (Scheme B):

Example 147 Compound Ia: Ethyl 2-{[(3-phenyl-lϋ/-indol-2-yl)methyl]sulfanyl}acetate A 25OmL round-bottom flask containing a magnetic stirring bar equipped with a reflux condenser was charged with 1.6g (0.00717mol) of compound 62 , 0.8mL (0.00717mol) of thioglycolic acid and 5OmL of 1,2-dichloroethane. At 00C5 1.4mL (0.0107mol) of BF3-Et2O dissolved in 1OmL of 1 ,2-dichloroethane was added slowly. The resulting mixture was stirred for 15 minutes and then 10OmL of water and 1OmL of HCl (IN) were added. The product was extracted with 2χ50mL of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was dried over magnesium sulfate, filtered and evaporated to dryness. The crude product was used for the next step (preparation of Example 148).

Example 148 Compound Ic: 2-{[(3-phenyl-lH-indol-2-yl)methyl]sulfanyl}acetamide A 25OmL round-bottom flask containing a magnetic stirring bar equipped with a reflux condenser was charged with the crude ester Example 147, 10OmL of ethanol and 5OmL of an aqueous solution of NH3 (28%). The mixture was stirred for 5 days and then evaporated to dryness. After chromatographic purification (ethyl acetate / petroleum ether: 9/1), we obtained 0.6g (296,3Sg-HiOl"1) of Example 148. IH NMR (400 MHz, CDC13) δ 3.16 (2H, s) 4.03 (2H, s) 5.52 (IH5 bs) 5.93 (IH, bs) 7.12 (IH, m) 7.20 (IH5 m) 7.25 (IH, m) 7.39 (2H5 m) 7.42 (2H5 m) 7.54 (IH5 m) 8.29 (IH5 bs).

Example 149 Compound Id : 2-{[(3-phenyl-lH-ώdol-2-yl)memyl]sulfinyl}acetamide. A 10OmL round-bottom flask containing a magnetic stirring bar equipped with a reflux condenser was charged with 0.6g (0.00202mol) of Example 148, 5OmL of methanol, 1OmL of water and 0.48g (0.00223mol) of sodium periodate. The reaction mixture was stirred for 16 hours at 00C. After evaporation to dryness, the resulting mixture was treated with 10OmL of water, triturated for 30 minutes, filtered and dried. Were obtained 0.50g (312.38g.mol"1) of the expected Example 149 . Yield : 79%. IH NMR (400 MHz5 CDC13) δ 3.34 (2H5 s) 3.67 (IH5 dd) 4.34 (IH5 dd) 7.04 (IH5 m) 7.16 (IH5 m) 7.32 (IH5 m) 7.39 (IH5 bs) 7.47 (3H5 m) 7.55 (IH5 m) 7.75 (2H, m) 11.45 (IH5 bs). m/z 335 [M+Na+]5 m/z 351 [M+K+].

8) Synthesis of compounds Ia, Ib and Ic via Scheme B pathway I

Example 150 Compound Ic : 2-(7-chlorodibenzofuran-l-ylmethylsulfanyl) acetamide To a solution of 7-chloro-l-bromomethyl-dibenzofuran (compound Ib; 7.63 g, 25.9 mmole) in 80 ml of DMF5 were added ethyl thioglycolate (2.75 g, 25.94 mmole) and potassium carbonate (4g5 29 mmole). The mixture was kept at 40-500C for 30 minutes. Water (500 mL) was added to give a suspension which was extracted by 2x100 mL dichloromethane, the extracts were washed by water, dried over sodium sulfate, evaporated to give 8.9 g of 2-(7- chlorodibenzofuran-l-ylmethylsulfanyl)acetic acid ethyl ester (compound Ia). This compound is pure enough for the next step without further purification. A suspension of 2-(7-chlorodibenzofuran-l-ylmethylsulfanyl)acetic acid ethyl ester (Compound Ic; 3.77 g, 11.8 mmole) in 50 ml 7N methanol/ammonia was stirred at 45°C for one hour, and then at RT for 2 days. The suspension was filtered, washed by methanol, dried in vacuum to give 2.56 g of white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSOd6) δ 3.1 (2H5 s), 4.37 (2H, s), 7.1 (IH, bs), 7.33 (IH5 d), 7.5 (3H5 m)5 7.67 (IH, d), 7.93(1H5 s), 8.2 (IH, d).

Example 151 Compound Id : 2-(7-chlorodiben2ofuran-l-ylmethylsulfinyl)acetamide To a suspension of 2-(7-chlorodibenzofuran-l-ylmethylsulfanyl)acetamide (Example 151 2.56 g, 8.38 mrnole) in acetic acid (90 mL), were added 1.4 mL of 35% hydrogen peroxide (14.4 mmole). The mixture was heated at 5O0C for 30 minutes to give a solution, then stirred at RT for 24 hours to give a thick suspension which was filtered, washed by ethanol, ether, dried in vacuum to give 2 g of white solid. IH NMR (400 MHz, DMSOd6) δ 3.7 (IH5 d), 3.93 (IH5 d), 4.6 (IH, d), 4.72 (IH, d), 7.37 (IH, d), 7.45 (2H, m ), 7.57 (IH, t), 7.75 (IH5 d), 7.78(1H, bs), 7.93 (IH5 s), 8.32 (IH, d). MS: M + Na= 344, 2M + Na = 665

Examples 153 throught 154 were prepared following the same multistep general method as described in scheme B utilizing the appropriate substituted amine - NR12R13 in Steps 2 and 3. The analytical data as well as the synthetic pathway used are presented by each compounds molecular formula and masse spectrum (M+H) or (M+Na) are shown in the following Table 3.

Table 3

Biological data

Methodology: Evaluation of Wake Promoting Activity in Rats The methodology utilized for evaluating wake promoting activity of test compounds is based on that described by Edgar and Seidel, Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 283:757-769, 1997, and incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

Animal Surgery. Adult, male Wistar rats (275-32Og from Charles River Laboratories, Wilmington, MA) were anesthetized (Nembutal, 45 mg/kg, ip.) and surgically prepared with implants for recording of chronic EEG (encephalographic) and EMG (electromyographic) recording. The EEG implants were made from commercially available components (Plastics One, Roanoke, VA). EEG signals were recorded from stainless steel screw electrodes: 2 frontal (+3.0 mm AP from bregma, ±2.0 mm ML), and 2 occipital (-4.0 mm AP from bregma, ±2.0 mm ML). Two Teflon-coated stainless steel wires were positioned under the nuchal trapezoid muscles for EMG recording. AU electrode leads were inserted into a connector pedestal and the pedestal affixed to the skull by application dental acrylic. Antibiotic was administered post surgically and antibiotic cream was applied to the wound edges to prevent infection. At least one week elapsed between surgery and recording.

Recording environment. Postsurgically, rats were housed in pairs in an isolated room. Food and water were available ad libitum, ambient temperature was 210C, and humidity was 55%. At least 24 hrs prior to recording, they were placed in Nalgene containers (31 x 31 x 31 cm) with a wire-grid top, and entry to the room was prohibited during the day of recording except for dosing. The containers were placed on a rack with two shelves, 4 containers per shelf. Fluorescent overhead room lights were set to a 24 hr. light/dark cycle (on at 7 AM, off at 7 PM). Light levels inside the containers were 38 and 25 lux for the top and bottom shelves respectively. Background white-noise (68db inside the containers) was present in the room to mask ambient sounds.

Data acquisition. EEG and EMG signals were led via cables to a commutator (Plastics One) and then to pre-amplifiers (model 1700, A-M Systems, Carlsborg, WA). EEG and EMG signals were amplified (10K and IK respectively) and bandpass filtered between 0.3 and 500 Hz for EEG and between 10 and 500 Hz for EMG. These signals were digitized at 128 samples- per second using ICELUS sleep research software (M. Opp, U. Texas; see Opp, Physiology and Behavior 63:67-74, 1998, and Imeri, Mancia, and Opp, Neuroscience 92:745-749, 1999, incorporated by reference herein in their entirety) running under Labview 5.1 software and data acquisition hardware (PCI-MIO- 16E-4; National Instruments, Austin, TX). On the day of dosing, data was recorded for 6 to 10 hours beginning at 11 AM.

Drug administration and study design. Compounds were evaluated on groups of from 4 to 8 rats carried out over one or two separate test sessions. Each animal was tested with a different compound or vehicle for up to 10 weeks with at least 7 days between successive tests. A vehicle group was included in all experiments, and each animal received vehicle every 4th test. Test compounds were suspended in sterile 0.25% methylcellulose (pH=6.2; Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, MI) at 30 mg/mL. Although compounds can be administered at dosages greater than 100 mg/kg and are expected to be active under the selection criteria of data analysis, unless otherwise noted, compounds were administered at a single dose of 100 mg/kg. Dosing was carried out at noon, while the rats were predominantly asleep. Each rat was lifted out of its container, given an intraperitoneal injection in a volume of 5 mL/kg, and replaced. Dosing required approximately 30 sec per rat.

Sleep / wake scoring. Sleep and wake activity were determined manually using ICELUS software. This program displays the EEG and EMG data in blocks of 6 sec along with the EEG frequency spectrum. Arousal state was scored as awake, rapid eye-movement (REM), or slow- wave or non-REM sleep (NREM) according to visual analysis of EEG frequency and amplitude characteristics and EMG activity (Opp and Krueger, 1994; Van Gelder, et al., 1991; Edgar, et al., 1991, 1997; Seidel, et al, 1995, incorporated by reference herein in their entirety). Essentially, waking activity consists of relatively low-amplitude EEG activity with relatively lower power in the frequency band from 0.5 - 6 Hz, accompanied by moderate to high level EMG activity. In a particular waking state ("theta-waking"), EEG power can be relatively focused in the 6-9 Hz (theta) range, but significant EMG activity is always present. NREM sleep is characterized by relative high-amplitude EEG activity with relatively greater power in the low frequency band from 0.5 - 6 Hz, accompanied by little or no EMG activity. REM sleep is characterized by moderate and constant amplitude EEG focused in the theta (6-9 Hz) range, similar to waking theta, but with no EMG activity.

Data analysis and statistics. Two basic outcome measures were used to ascertain whether a compound exhibited wake-enhancing activity. The first was the percent time spent awake for each 30 min period following dosing. The second was the total time spent awake in the first 3 hrs following dosing (3 hr AUC; maximum 180 min). For purposes of ascertaining activity of a test compound, wake activity values were compared against corresponding vehicle values. The vehicle values were of two types. The first type was the corresponding within- experiment vehicle, that is, a value for the vehicle group run concurrently with the test compound. A second "reference" vehicle value consisted of the mean 3 hr AUC value calculated from 234 animals in 59 separate experiments carried out during the same time period as the evaluations of the test compounds (mean ± SD = 69.22 ± 20.12; 95% confidence limits = 66.63 - 71.81). Two-tailed, unpaired t-tests were performed on the wake time values for drug versus vehicle treated animals, and compounds with p < 0.05 were deemed significantly wake- promoting. A test compound was considered "active" if it met one of the following three criteria. (i) The 3 hr AUC value for the test compound was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the mean wake value for the reference vehicle group (N = 234). (ii) The 3 hr AUC value for the test compound was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than the corresponding value for the vehicle group within the same experiment, (iii) One or more of the half-hour wake time values from 0.5 to 2 hrs after dosing was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the test compound group than in the corresponding vehicle group within the same experiment.

Results : Compounds of the inventionn either have demonstrated or are expected to demonstrate utility for wake promoting activity. As an example, the three-hours AUC values (mean ± sem) for the reference vehicle group and for the test compounds are reported Table 4 for Examples 26, 99 and 130. These test compounds were administered by i.p. route at a 100 mg/kg dose and the time-course of the percent of time awake as function of time was estimated from 1 hr prior to 5 hours post dosing.

Table 4: Mean AUC 0-3h values (± sem) for the reference vehicle group and for test compounds AUC 0-3h (% of walking time x hr) - n = 4 Rats per test compound and 8 rats per control groups .

As compared to the control groups, compounds of Example 26, 99 and 130 produced a significantly greated wakefulness than that observed in the vehicle-treated animals (p< 0.05).

References. The following references, to the extent that they provide exemplary procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein, are specifically incorporated in their entirety herein by reference: Touret, et al., Neuroscience Letters, 189:43-46, 1995. Van Gelder, R.N: et al , Sleep 14:48-55, 1991. Edgar, D.M., J Pharmacol. Exp.Ther. 282:420-429, 1997. Edgar and Seidel, J Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 283:757-69, 1997. Hernant et al., Psychopharmacology, 103:28-32, 1991. Lin et al, Brain Research, 591:319-326, 1992. Opp and Krueger, American Journal of Physiology 266:R688-95, 1994 Panckeri et al, Sleep, 19(8):626-631, 1996. Seidel, W.F., et al, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 275:263-273, 1995. Shelton et al., Sleep 18(10):817-826, 1995. Welsh, D.K., et al, Physiol. Behav. 35:533-538, 1985. Utility The present invention provides a method of treating diseases and conditions in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (I). For example, the compounds of of the present invention are use in the treatment of diseases, including treatment of sleepiness, promotion of wakefulness, treatment of Parkinson's disease, cerebral ischemia, stroke, sleep apneas, eating disorders, stimulation of appetite and weight gain, treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ("ADHD"), enhancing function in disorders associated with hypofunctionality of the cerebral cortex, including, but not limited to, depression, schizophrenia, fatigue, in particular, fatigue associated with neurologic disease, such as multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and improvement of cognitive dysfunction.

Dosage and Formulation The compounds of the present invention can be administered for therapeutic purposes by any means that results in the contact of the active agent with the agent's site of action in a subject. The compounds may be administered by any conventional means available for use in conjunction with pharmaceuticals, either as individual therapeutic agents or in a combination with other therapeutic agents, such as, for example, analgesics, or in combination with antidepressants, including but are not limited to tricyclic antidepressants ("TCAs"), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ("SSRIs"), Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors ("SNRIs"), Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors ("DRIs"), Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors ("NRUs"), Dopamine, Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors ("DSNRIs") and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors ("MAOIs) including reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A (RIMAs). The compounds of the present invention are preferably administered in therapeutically effective amounts for the treatment of the diseases and disorders described herein. A therapeutically effective amount can be readily determined by the attending diagnostician, as one skilled in the art, by the use of conventional techniques. The effective dose will vary depending upon a number of factors, including the pharmacodynamics of the active agent, the type and extent of progression of the disease or disorder, the age, weight and health of the particular patient, the formulation of the active and its mode and frequency of administration, and the desired effect with a minimization of side effects. Typically, the compounds are administered at lower dosage levels, with a gradual increase until the desired effect is achieved. Typical dose ranges are from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg of body weight per day, with a preferred dose from about 0.01 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg of body weight per day. A typical daily dose for adult humans can range from about 1 to about 1000 mg of the active agent, particularly from about 1 to about 400 mg, and including 25, 50, 85, 100, 150, 170, 200, 255, 250, 255, 340, 400, 425, 500, 600, 700, 750, 800, and 900 mg doses, and equivalent doses for a human child. The compounds may be administered in one or more unit dose forms, and they may be administered in a single daily dose or in two, three or four doses per day. The unit dose ranges from about 1 to about 1000 mg5 particlularly from about 1 to about 400 mg, and including 25, 50, 85, 100, 150, 170, 200, 255, 250, 255, 340, 400, 425, 500, 600, 700, 750, 800, and 900 mg unit doses, and equivalent unit doses for a human child. In particular, the unit dosages range from about 1 to about 500 mg administered one to four times a day, preferably from about 10 mg to about 300 mg, two times a day. In an alternate method of describing an effective dose, an oral unit dose is one that is necessary to achieve a blood serum level of about 0.05 to 20 μg/ml in a subject, and preferably about 1 to 20 μg/ml. The compounds of the present invention may be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions by admixture with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. The active agent may be present in about 0.5-95% by weight of the composition. The excipients are selected on the basis of the chosen route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice, as described, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20th ed.; Gennaro, A. R., Ed.; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: Philadelphia, PA, 2000. The compositions can be prepared for administration by oral means, including tablets, pills, powders, capsules, troches and the like; parenteral means, including intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous means; topical or transdermal means, including patches, creams, ointments, lotions, pastes, gels, solutions, suspensions, aerosols, and powders and the like; transmucosal means, including nasal, rectal, vaginal, sublingual and buccal means; ophthalmic or inhalation means. Preferably the compositions are prepared for oral administration, particularly in the form of tablets, capsules or syrups; parenteral administration, particularly in the form of liquid solutions, suspensions or emulsions; intranasal administration, particularly in the form of powders, nasal drops, or aerosols; or for topical use, such as patches, creams, ointments, and lotions. For oral administration, the tablets, pills, powders, capsules, troches and the like can contain one or more of the following: diluents or fillers such as starch, or cellulose; binders such as microcrystalline cellulose, gelatins, or polyvinylpyrrolidone; disintegrants such as starch or cellulose derivatives; lubricants such as talc or magnesium stearate; glidants such as colloidal silicon dioxide; sweetening agents such as sucrose or saccharin; and flavoring agents such as peppermint or cherry flavoring. Capsules may contain any of the above ingredients, and may also contain a semi-solid or liquid carrier, such as a polyethylene glycol. The solid oral dosage forms may have coatings of sugar, shellac, or enteric agents. Liquid preparations may be in the form of aqueous or oily suspensions, solutions, emulsions, syrups, elixirs, etc., or may be presented as a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as surfactants, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, diluents, sweetening and flavoring agents, dyes and preservatives. The compositions may also be administered parenterally. The pharmaceutical forms acceptable for injectable use include, for example, sterile aqueous solutions, or suspensions. Aqueous carriers include mixtures of alcohols and water, buffered media, and the like. Nonaqueous solvents include alcohols and glycols, such as ethanol, and polyethylene glycols; oils, such as vegetable oils; fatty acids and fatty acid esters, and the like. Other components can be added including surfactants; such as hydroxypropylcellulose; isotonic agents, such as sodium chloride; fluid and nutrient replenishers; electrolyte replenishers; agents which control the release of the active compounds, such as aluminum monostearate, and various co-polymers; antibacterial agents, such as chlorobutanol, or phenol; buffers; suspending agents; thickening agents; and the like. The parenteral preparations can be enclosed in ampules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials. Other potentially useful parenteral delivery systems for the active compounds include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer particles, osmotic pumps, implantable infusion systems, and liposomes. Other possible modes of administration include formulations for inhalation, which include such means as dry powder, aerosol, or drops. They may be aqueous solutions containing, for example, polyoxyethylene-9-lauryl ether, glycocholate and deoxycholate, or oily solutions for administration in the form of nasal drops, or as a gel to be applied intranasally. Formulations for topical use are in the form of an ointment, cream, or gel. Typically these forms include a carrier, such as petrolatum, lanolin, stearyl alcohol, polyethylene glycols, or their combinations, and either an emulsifying agent, such as sodium lauryl sulfate, or a gelling agent, such as tragacanth. Formulations suitable for transdermal administration can be presented as discrete patches, as in a reservoir or microreservoir system, adhesive diffusion-controlled system or a matrix dispersion- type system. Formulations for buccal administration include, for example lozenges or pastilles and may also include a flavored base, such as sucrose or acacia, and other excipients such as glycocholate. Formulations suitable for rectal administration are preferably presented as unit- dose suppositories, with a solid based carrier, such as cocoa butter, and may include a salicylate. The compositions of the present invention may be formulated to control and/or delay the release of the active agent(s). Such controlled-, delayed, sustained-, or extended-release compositions are well-known in the art, and may include, for example, reservoir or matrix diffusion products, as well as dissolution systems. Some compositions may utilize, for example biocompatible, biodegradable lactide polymer, lactide/glycolide copolymer, or polyoxyethylene- polyoxypropylene copolymers as excipients. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments and preferred embodiments of the invention and that such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all equivalent variations as fall within the scope of the invention.