WO2000020401A1

WO2000020401A1 - New bis-benzimidazoles

Info

Publication number: WO2000020401A1
Application number: PCT/JP1999/005319
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joachim Mittendorf; Rolf Henning; Siegfried Raddatz; Karl-Heinz Schlemmer; Makiko Hiraoka; Hiroshi Kadono; Muneto Mogi; Toshiya Moriwaki; Toshiki Murata; Sachiko Sakakibara; Mitsuyuki Shimada; Nagahiro Yoshida; Takashi Yoshino
Original assignee: Bayer AG; Bayer Yakuhin Ltd
Current assignee: Bayer AG; Bayer Yakuhin Ltd
Priority date: 1998-10-01
Filing date: 1999-09-29
Publication date: 2000-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2001-04-01
Also published as: EP1117651A1; AR021838A1; PE20001057A1; CA2346040A1; JP2002526537A; GT199900167A; CO5261509A1; AU5998199A

Abstract

Bis-benzimidazole compounds of general formula (I) in which R?1, R2, R3 and R4¿ are hydrogen, hydroxy or halogen, R?5 and R8¿ are hydrogen, or (C¿1?-C4)-alkyl,R?6 and R7¿ are hydrogen, or (C¿1?-C6)-alkyl, hydroxy, halogen, or (C1-C6)-alkoxy, R?9, R10 and R11¿ are hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano or trifluoromethyl, and A is a non-aromatic 5-7-membered N-heterocycle, etc, process for their preparation and their use for treating diseases associated with tryptase activity including allergic, inflammatory and related immunological diseases, in particular asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic dermatitis.

Description

DESCRIPTION

NEW BIS-BENZIMIDAZOLES

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to novel bis-benzimidazoles, processes for their preparation and their use for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with tryptase activity, in particular for the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND ART

Human tryptase is a structurally unique and essentially mast cell specific trypsin like serine protease which has been suggested to play a central role in a number of mast cell mediated allergic and inflammatory diseases (Drugs of the Future 1996, 21, 811; Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1997, 6, 811). The scope of this role is determined in part by the fact that mast cells are found widely distributed throughout the body as a heterogeneous and potentially site specific cell type (J. Leukoc. Biol. 1997, 61, 233-245; J. Exp. Toxic. Pathol. 1997, 49, 409-424). Elevated levels of tryptase have been detected in a number of diseases, including asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, rheumatoid athritis, multiple sclerosis, and interstitial cystitis (Drugs of the Future 1996, 21, 811). Unlike other protease associated with mast cells, such as chymase, carboxypeptidase A, and cathepsin tryptase is present in virtually all mast cells including those in gut mucosa, alveolar interstitium, and dermis (Immunol. Res. 1989, 8, 130).

Tryptase is the major secretory proteinase in both the MC_CT and MC_T mast cell lines, which contain approximately 35pg and llpg of the enzyme, respectively, per cell. This quantity of tryptase may represent up to 25% of the total protein content of the mast cell (J. Immunol. 1987, 138, 2611). Cloning and sequencing efforts have revealed that tryptase is comprised of a family of several highly conserved enzymes which share 90-98% sequence homology. The crystal structure of β-tryptase complexed with 4-amidinophenyl pyruvic acid has recently been reported (Nature 1998, 392, 306), which sheds significant light on the structure and unique biochemical properties of human tryptase. The active tetramer consists of a flat and nearly square assembly of monomers held together through hydrophobic surface contact interactions and heparin association. Each of the four monomer active sites faces the interior of an oval central cavity with the corresponding distances between adjacent active sites in the range of 20- 40 A. The size of this central cavity and proximity of adjacent monomers limits accessibility of large protein substrates and inhibitors, making tryptase structurally well-suited for the task of selective neuropeptide and protein processing.

In broad terms, the scope of biochemical functions and the corresponding physiological consequences of tryptase proteolytic activity in vivo is defined by its substrate specificity, regulation, and by the complex distribution of mast cells throughout the body. The immediate consequence of mast cell stimulation and degranulation is the release of active β- tryptase along with other mediators, which then initiates the proteolytic cleavage of specific peptide and protein substrates. These substrates can by classified into three general types: neuropeptides, active daughter enzymes and zymogen proteins, and cell surface receptors, each of which may have complex biochemical and physiological significance.

The crystal structure of β-tryptase provides insight into the enzyme's unique substrate specificity and resistance to endogenous inhibitors. The central cavity of tryptase, which contains the active site domain, has limited accessibility due to the proximity and arrangement of adjacent monomers. This structural feature limits the substrate family to small, conformationally flexible peptides and to proteins which can project cleavable surface loops into the active site cavity and provides a rationale for the limited number of physiologically relevant tryptase substrates and inhibitors which have been identified.

The biological activities of tryptase in vitro can be divided into two main categories (Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1997, 6, 811):

1. Cleavage of proteins/peptide substrates:

-Cleavage and inactivation of fibrinogen

-Degradation of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), peptide histidine methionine

(PHM), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and kinetensin

-Activation of pro-urokinase, pro-MMP 3 ( pro-matrix metalloprotease 3)

-Degradation of fibronectin

-Degradation of Type IV collagen

-Cleavage of 72 kDa gelatinase

-Generation of bradykinin from high and low molecular weight kininogen

-Activation of prekallikrein

2. Activation of cellular targets, cellular responses: - Proliferation of fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells and epithelial cells

- Potentiation of histamine-induced bronchoconstruction

- Release of eosinophil cationic protein from eosinophils

- Histamine release from mast cells

- IL-8 production by epithelial cells

- Increased ICAM-1 expression on epithelial cells

- Signalling in human vascular endothelial cells via cleavage of PAR-2

(proteinase activated receptor)

Tryptase induced cytokine production or cellular degranulation by specific cell types. Tryptase stimulated interleukin-8 (IL-8) production by epithelial cells and stimulated histamine release from mast cells. Tryptase may also have direct effects on eosinophils, acting both as a chemoattractant and an inducer of the release of eosinophil cationic protein. These effects on mast cells and eosinophils may be particularly relevant in terms of the role of tryptase in asthma (Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1997, 6, 811).

Researchers have also reported that tryptase effectively cleaves 72 kDa gelatinase, fibronectin and intact type IV collagen microfibrils (J. Cell. Biochem. 1992, 50, 337; Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1993, 191, 1230). The observed cleavage of gelatinase and fibronectin suggests that tryptase may function in the normal regulation of extracellular matrix turnover through a direct proteolytic mechanism. Such activity is important for tissue growth and remodeling, cell migration and wound healing and probably to tumor metastasis as well. Type IV collagen is proposed to link major elements of the extracellular matrix and is associated in particular with connective tissues. The degradation of type IV collagen may be of significance in certain pathological conditions involving the degradation and chronic inflammation of connective tissue and skin, such as arthritis, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

Another pathway by which tryptase may indirectly initiate extracellular matrix degradation is through the activation of matrix metalloproteinases (Exp. Opb. Invest. Drugs 1997, 6, 811). The cascade is likely initiated through the cleavage of prostromelysin or pro- matrix metalloproteinase 3 (proMMP-3) by tryptase. Once activated, MMP-3 can degrade proteoglycans, fibronectin and laminin as well as type IV and type IX collagen. Synovial procollagenase is activated by tryptase in vitro, and this activity is entirely dependent upon the enzymatic activation of MMP-3 (J. Clin. Invest. 1989, 84, 1657; J. Immunol. 1988, 140, 3936). As a result, tryptase may function in a number of pathological conditions where MMP activity and cartilage degradation is involved, as well as at sites of collagen deposit in diseases such as arthritis, chronic peridontitis, rheumatiod synovium and sclerosis. More recent studies demonstrated a potential connection between tryptase activation of pro-matrix metalloproteinase-8 and bronchiectasis, a chronic lung disorder characterized by degradation of airway and lung tissue extracellular matrix (Eur. Respir. J. 1997, 10, 2788 . In this study, a comparison of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from subjects with bronchiectasis and healthy controls showed a strong correlation of tryptase activity with endogenous collagenase activation. These studies also demonstrated that the plasminogen activator-plasmin cascade, an alternative matrix degradation pathway, was down-regulated, supporting the importance of a tryptase-mediated MMP cascade in lung inflammatory disease.

Single-chain urinary type plasminogen activator (u-PA) is activated by tryptase and is also implicated in the degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix including fibrinolysis, wound healing, and tumor metastasis (J. Biol. Chem.1994, 269, 9416-9419).

Tryptase has been shown to act as a mitogen for cultured human endothelial cells in vitro and may function in this context in the process of neovascularization (J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 1998, 101, SllO). Thus, tryptase activity may be at the center of several physiological pathways that modulate cell growth and pathological conditions associated with hyperplasia.

The most direct evidence for the involvement of tryptase proteolytic activity in human asthma pathology has been obtained by Axys Pharmaceuticals Inc. using the tryptase inhibitor APC-366 in preclinical and clinical studies (Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 1995, 152, 2076; R&D Focus Drug News 18 May 1998). A recent phase Ha study was conducted with 16 mild asthmatics who were dosed with either placebo or a nebulized formulation of the tryptase inhibitor. During APC-366 dosing, subjects had a statistically significant improvement in overall mean area under the curve (AUC) for the late airway response of 33% (p=0.012) and a mean maximum fall in FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one second) of 21% (p=0.007) for LAR (late airway hyperresponsiveness), than compared to the results during placebo. Numerous reports of elevated mast cell tryptase levels in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis and related allergic responses provide an compelling argument for the development of tryptase inhibitors for the treatment of allergic, inflammatory and related immunological diseases (Brit. J. Anaesthesia 1998, 80, 26; Clin. Exp. Allergy 1998, 28, 83; Allergy 1997, 1102, 52; Clin. Exp. Allergy 1998, 28, 220; Ophthalmology 1997, 104, 849-853).

A number of further diseases or conditions are thought to be mediated by tryptase activity. These include: metastasis of tumor cells (Drugs of the Future 1996, 21, 811), anaphylaxis, mastocytosis, scleroderma, skin diseases such as urticaria, atopic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, psoriasis (Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1997, 6, 811), pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, nephritis, hepatic fibrosis, hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, nasal allergy, peptic ulcers, gastric disease induced by non-steroidal inflammatory agents, cardiac infarction, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pancreatitis, multi organ failure (WO 9737969), interstitial lung diseases, gingivitis, peridontitis, virus infections (e.g. influenza virus, Sendai virus, human immunodeficiency virus), breast cancer (Structure 1997, 5, 1465), ocular allergy (including atopic, vernal and giant papillary keratoconjunctivitis, contact blepharoconjunctivitis, Exp. Opin. Invest. Drugs 1998, 7, 27), bladder cancer (Histochemical J. 1997, 29, 759), fibrotic diseases such as fibrotic lung disease, artherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathic disorders (J. Immunol. 1997, 158, 2310; FASEB J. 1998, 12, A434), syncytial virus infections (J. Med. Chem. 26, 294 (1983)) and diseases in which matrix metalloproteases are activated (Current Pharm. Design, 1997, 3, 45; Current Pharm. Design 1996, 2, 624; Exp. Opin. Ther. Patents 1995, 5, 1087).

Tryptase inhibitors have been described in WO 9737969, WO 9609297 and WO 9420527. The new bis-benzimidazoles are tryptase inhibitors which interact with the catalytic Ser and His residues through the intermediacy of divalent zinc as described by Katz et al. (Nature 1998, 391, 608). Even low concentrations of ambient zinc will enhance the potency of these inhibitors substantially in vitro (Angew. Chem. 1998, 110, 1939).

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The invention relates to novel bis-benzimidazoles, processes for their preparation and their use for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with tryptase activity, including allergic, inflammatory and related immunological diseases, in particular for the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and allergic dermatitis.

The invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) and their tautomeric and stereoisomeric forms

in which

R¹, R², R³ and R" are identical or different and represent hydrogen, hydroxy or halogen,

R⁵ and R⁸ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, or straight-chain or branched (C_r

C₄)-alkyl,

R⁶ and R⁷ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, straight-chain or branched

(C]-C₆)-alkyl, hydroxy, halogen, or straight-chain or branched (C]-C₆)-alkoxy,

R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano or trifluoromethyl, and

A represents a residue of a formula

wherein

R¹² and R¹³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, straight-chain or branched ( - C₆)-alkyl or (C, - C₆)-alkoxy, or hydroxy, or

A represents a non-aromatic 5- to 7-membered N-heterocycle which is bound over the nitrogen atom and which optionally contains an oxygen atom or a residue -NR¹⁴or -CH-R¹⁵, wherein R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, (C₃ - C₈)- cycloalkyl, or denotes straight-chain or branched (C, - C₄)-alkyl, which is optionally substituted by (C₆ - C,₀)-aryl, or denote (C₆ - C₁₀)-aryl or a 5- or 6-membered aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms from the series comprising N, S and/or O, and which, in the case of the non-aromatic heterocycle, is optionally bound over a nitrogen atom and wherein the aryl and the heterocycle are optionally mono- to tri-substituted by identical or different substitutents from the series comprising halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, trifluormethyl or a residue of the formula -NR¹⁶ R^π, in which

R¹⁶ and R'⁷ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, straight-chain or branched

(C,- C,)-alkyl or (C, - Q-acyl, or a residue -S0₂-CF_3, or R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ form together with the nitrogen atom a non-aromatic 5- to 7-membered heterocycle, optionally having a further oxygen atom or a residue -NH, or

R^M denotes a residue of the formula -S0₂-R¹⁸, in which

R¹⁸ denotes (C₆ - C₁₀)-aryl, or straight-chain or branched (C_! - GJ-alkyl, or A represents a residue of the formula -NR¹⁹R²⁰, in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen, straight-chain or branched ( - C,)-alkyl,

R²⁰ denotes a residue of a formula -D-E-R²¹, in which

D denotes a straight-chain or branched (C_t - C₆)-alkyl chain,

E denotes an oxygen atom or a bond and

R²¹ denotes (C₆ - Cι₀)-aryl or a 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms from the series comprising N, S and/or O, which are optionally mono- to tri-substituted by nitro, cyano, halogen, tetrazolyl or by a residue of the formula -NR²²R²³, in which

R²² and R²³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, straight-chain or branched

(C, - C₆)-acyl or ( - C₆)-alkyl, or R²² denotes hydrogen and R²³ denotes a residue

-S0₂-CF₃.

The new bis-benzimidazoles according to the invention can also be present in the form of their salts. In general, salts with organic or inorganic bases or acids may be mentioned here. Physiologically acceptable salts are preferred in the context of the present invention.

Physiologically acceptable salts can also be salts of the compounds according to the invention with inorganic or organic acids. Preferred salts here are those with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, phosphoric acid or sulphuric acid, or salts with organic carboxylic or sulphonic acids such as, for example, acetic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, ethanesulphonic acid, berzenesulphonic acid, toluenesulphonic acid or naphthalenedisulphonic acid.

The compounds according to the invention can exist in stereoisomeric forms which either behave as image and mirror image (enantiomers), or which do not behave as image and mirror image (diastereomers). The invention relates both to the antipodes and to the racemate forms, as well as the diastereomer mixtures. The racemate forms, like the diastereomers, can be separated into the stereoisomerically uniform constitutents in a known manner.

A non-aromatic 5- to 7-membered heterocycle in general represents morpholinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl or 1,4-diazacycloheptyl.

The following are mentioned as preferred: piperidinyl, piperazinyl or 1,4- diazacycloheptyl.

Heterocycle in general represents a 5- to 7-membered aromatic or non-aromatic, preferably 5- to 6- membered, saturated or unsaturated ring which can contain up to 3 oxygen, sulphur and/or nitrogen atoms as heteroatoms.

The following are mentioned as preferred: thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, thiazolyl, dihydrothiazolyl, isothiazolyl, oxazolyl, benzoxazolyl, isoxazolyl, imidazolyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolidinyl, piperidyl, piperazinyl, oxazolinyl or triazolyl.

Preferred compounds of the general formula (I) are those, in which R¹, R², R³ and R'are identical or different and represent hydrogen, hydroxy or fluorine, wherein at least one of the above mentioned substituents R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ is different from hydrogen, R⁵ and R⁸ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or isopropyl, R⁶and R⁷ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, straight-chain or branched (C,-C₄)- alkyl, hydroxy, or fluorine,

R⁹, R¹⁰and Rⁿ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or cyano, and A represents a residue of the formula

wherein

R¹² and R¹³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or cyano,

R¹⁴, R^14' and R¹⁵ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or denote straight-chain or branched

(C) - C₃)-alkyl, which is optionally substituted by phenyl, or denote phenyl, pyrimidyl, pyridyl or piperidinyl which are optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, nitro, cyano or a residue of the formula -NR¹⁶R¹⁷, in which

R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, straight-chain or branched

(C, - C₃)-alkyl or (C, - C₃) acyl, or a residue -S0₂-CF_3, or

R^14' denotes a residue of the formula -S0₂-R¹⁸, in which

R¹⁸ denotes phenyl, or straight-chain or branched (Cj - C₃)-alkyl, or

A represents a residue of the formula -NR^R²⁰, in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen, or straight-chain or branched ( - C₃)-alkyl and

R²⁰ denotes a residue of the formula D-E-R²¹, in which D denotes a straight-chain or branched (C, - C₅)-alkyl chain,

E denotes an oxygen atom or a bond and

R²¹ denotes phenyl or pyridyl, which are optionally monosubstituted or disubstituted by nitro, cyano, fluorine, chlorine, tetrazolyl or by a residue of the formula -NR^R²³, in which

(C] - C₃)-acyl, or R²² denotes hydrogen and R²³ denotes a residue -S0₂-CF₃.

Particularly preferred compounds of the general formula (I) are those, in which

R¹, R², R³ and R⁴are identical or different and represent hydrogen, hydroxy or fluorine, wherein two or three of the above mentioned substituents R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ are different from hydrogen,

R⁵ and R⁸ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, methyl or isopropyl,

R⁶ and R⁷ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, straight-chain or branched (Ci - C₃)- alkyl, hydroxy, or fluorine,

R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are identical or different and represent hydrogen or fluorine, and

A represents a residue of the formula

wherein

R¹² and R¹³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen or fluorine and R¹⁴, R^14' and R¹⁵ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or denote straight-chain or branched (C, - C₃)-alkyl, which is optionally substituted by phenyl, or denote phenyl, pyrimidyl, pyridyl or piperidinyl, which are optionally substituted by fluorine, nitro, cyano or a residue of the formula -

NR¹⁶R¹⁷, in which

(Ci - C₃)-alkyl, or a residue -S0₂-CF_3ι or

R^14' denotes a residue of the formula -S0₂-R¹⁸, in which

R¹⁸ denotes phenyl or methyl, or

A represents a residue of the formula -NR ( 19 RD∞ , in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen or methyl and

R²⁰ denotes a residue of the formula -D-E-R²¹, in which

D denotes a straight-chain or branched ( - C,)-alkyl chain, E denotes an oxygen atom or a bond and

R²¹ denotes phenyl or pyridyl, which are optionally monosubstituted or disubstituted by nitro, cyano, fluorine, tetrazolyl or by a residue of the formula - NR∞R²³, in which

R²² and R²³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, straight-chain or branched (C, - C₃)-acyl, or R²² denotes hydrogen and R²³ denotes a residue -S0₂-CF₃.

Very particularly preferred compounds of the general formula (I) are those, in which R¹, R², R³ and R are identical or different and represent hydrogen or fluorine, wherein two or three of the above mentioned substitutents R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ are different from hydrogen, R⁵ denotes hydrogen and R⁸ denotes methyl,

R⁶ and R⁷ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, methyl or fluorine,

R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are hydrogen, and

A represents a residue of the formula

— N N-R¹⁴'

wherein

R^14' denotes phenyl, which is optionally substituted by fluorine, cyano or a residue -NHS0₂CF_3ι

or

A represents a residue of the formula -NR^l9R²⁰, in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen,

R²⁰ denotes a residue of the formula -D-E-R²¹, in which

D denotes (CH₂)₂-group, E denotes an oxygen atom and

R²¹ denotes phenyl, which is optionally monosubstituted or disubstituted by fluorine or cyano.

Processes for the preparation of compounds of the general formula (I) have additionally been found characterized in that [A] compounds of the general formula (II)

in which

R¹, R\ R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R" have the above mentioned meaning, or their reactive derivatives on the carboxyl radical are reacted with compounds of the general formula (III)

A- H (III) in which

A has the above mentioned meaning, in inert solvents, if appropriate in the presence of a base and/or in the presence of auxiliary reagents, or

[B] compounds of the general formula (TV)

in which

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R^δ and R⁷ have the above mentioned meaning, and R²⁴ denotes straight-chain or branched (C, - C₆)-alkyl- are reacted with compounds of the general formula (V)

in which

R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and A have the above mentioned meaning, in inert solvents, if appropriate in the presence of a base and/or in the presence of auxiliary

J gents, or

[C] in the case ofR⁶/R⁷ = F, first compounds of the general formula (V) are reacted with a compound of the formula (VI)

together with the system consisting of reagents which can facilitate this reaction in inert solvents, preferably with the system PyBroP, HOBt and NMM and in dimethylformamide to prepare compounds of the general formulae (Vila and/or Vllb)

in which

R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R" and A have the above mentioned meaning, and in the second step are reacted with compounds of the general formula (VIII)

in which

R¹, R², R³ and R⁴have the above mentioned meaning, with the above mentioned system and finally with acetic acid, or

[D] in the case where A in the general formula (I) is a residue of the formula -NR^R²⁰ in which R¹⁹ is hydrogen and R²⁰is a residue of the following formula

in which

D, E and R²¹ have the above mentioned meaning, the compounds of the general formula (II) mentioned above or their reactive derivatives on the carboxyl radical are reacted in inert solvents with compounds of the general formula (IX)

in which

D, E and R²¹ have the above mentioned meaning, together with appropriate reagents for amidation, preferably with the system WSCI HCI, HOBt and NMM to prepare compounds of the general formula (X)

in which R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R", R²¹ , D and E have the above mentioned meaning, and in the last step the residue -(CH₂)₂-CN is eliminated in the presence of a base, preferably DBU (l,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene), or

[E] in the case of R⁶ = F or OH and R⁷ = alkyl, compounds of the general formula (I) in which

R⁶ = H and R⁷ = alkyl are reacted first in the system NaI0 /RuCl₃ in inert solvents such as water and tetrahydrofuran to prepare compounds of the general formula (I), in which R⁶ = OH, and in the second step are reacted with Et₃NSF₃ in inert solvents such as CH₂C1₂ to prepare the fluorine substituted derivatives, and in the case of R⁵ and/or R8 ≠ hydrogen an alkylation takes place optionally.

Processes according to the invention can be illustrated by way of example by the following equations: EDC or WSCI HCI: N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride NMM: N-methylmorpholine HOBt: 1-hydroxy-benzotriazole DMPU: l,3-dimethyltetrahydro-2(lH)-pyrimidone

PyBOP: benztriazol-1-yl-oxy-tris-pyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophosphate

PyBroP: bromo-tris-pyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophoshate

TBTU: 0-(benzotriazol-l-yl)-N, N, N', N'-tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate

DEAD: diethyl azodicarboxylate

[A]

Et₃NSF₃, CH₂C1₂

Process [A]

Suitable solvents are generally customary organic solvents which do not change under the reaction conditions. These include ethers such as diethyl ether, dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide or alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or halogenohydrocarbons such as dichlormethane, trichloromethane or tetrachloromethane. Dichloromethane and dimethylformamide are preferred.

Suitable bases are generally inorganic or organic bases. These preferably include alkali metal hydroxides such as, for example, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate or potassium hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxides such as, for example, barium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, alkaline earth metal carbonates such as calcium carbonate, or alkaline metal or organic amines (trialkyl (C_]- C₆)amines) such as triethylamine, or N-methyl- or ethylmorpholine, or heterocycles such as 1,4- diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), l,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), or amides such as sodium amides, lithium butyl amide or butyllithium, pyridine or methylpiperidine. Triethylamine, N-methylmorpholine or N-ethylmorpholine are preferred.

The process is in general carried out in a temperature range from -30 °C to +100 °C, preferably from -10 °C to +50 °C.

The process is generally carried out at normal pressure. However, it is also possible to carry out it at elevated pressure or at reduced pressure (for example in a range from 0.5 to 5 bar).

The base is employed in an amount from 1 mol to 10 mol, preferably from 1.0 mol to 4 mol, relative to 1 mol of the compounds of the general formula (II) or (III).

Process [B]

Suitable solvents are generally customary organic solvents which do not change under the reaction conditions. These include ethers such di-n-butyl ether, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide or DMPU or DMEU (N, N-dimethylethyleneurea) or high-boiling aromatic carbocyclic or heterocyclic compounds such as mesitylene. Preferred are DMPU and dimethylformamide.

The process is in general carried out in a temperature range from 30 °C to 300 °C, preferably from 100 °C to 250 °C.

The process is generally carried out at normal pressure. However, it is also possible to carry it out at elevated pressure or at reduced pressure (for example in a range from 0.5 to 5 bar).

Process [C]

Suitable solvents are generally customary organic solvents which do not change under the reaction conditions. These include ethers such as diethyl ether, dioxane or tetrahydrofuran, acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide or alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or halogenohydrocarbons such as dichlormethane, trichloromethane or tetrachloromethane. Dichloromethane is preferred.

Suitable bases are generally inorganic or organic bases. These preferably include alkali metal hydroxides such as, for example, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogencarbonate or potassium hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxides such as, for example, barium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, alkaline earth metal carbonates such as calcium carbonate, or alkaline metal or organic amines (trialkyl (Cj- ) amines) such as triethylamine, or N-methyl- or N-ethylmorpholine, or heterocycles such as 1,4- diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), l,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), or amides such as sodium amides, lithium butyl amide or butyllithium, pyridine or methylpiperidine. Triethylamine, N-methylmorpholine or N-ethylmorpholine are preferred.

The process is in general carried out in a temperature range from -30°C to +100°C, preferably from -10 °C to +50 °C.

The base is employed in an amount from 1 mol to 10 mol, preferably from 1 mol to 4 mol, relative to 1 mol of the compounds of the general formula (Vila) or (Vllb).

Process [D]

Suitable solvents are generally customary organic solvents which do not change under the reaction conditions. These include ethers such as diethyl ether, dioxane or tetrahydrofuran acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethylformamide or alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol or halogenohydrocarbons such as dichlormethane, trichloromethane or tetrachloromethane. Dichloromethane is preferred.

Suitable bases are generally inorganic or organic bases. These preferably include alkali metal hydroxides such as, for example, sodium hydroxide, sodium hydrogen carbonate or potassium hydroxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxides such as, for example, barium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates such as sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, alkaline earth metal carbonates such as calcium carbonate, or alkaline metal or organic amines (trialkyl ( - ) amines) such as triethylamine, or N-methyl- or N-ethylmorpholine, or heterocycles such as 1,4- diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), l,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU), or amides such as sodium amides, lithium butyl amide or butyllithium, pyridine or methylpiperidine. Triethylamine, N-methylmorpholine or N-ethylmorpholine are preferred.

The process is in general carried out in a temperature range from -30°C to +100°C, preferably from -10°C to +50°C.

The base is employed in an amount from 1 mol to 10 mol, preferably from 1.0 mol to 4 mol, relative to 1 mol of the compounds of the general formula (II) or (IX).

Compounds of the general formula (II) are new and can be prepared by reaction of compounds of the general formula (IV) with compounds of the general formula (XI)

in which

R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, and R¹¹ have the above mentioned meaning, in presence of one of the above mentioned solvents, preferably dimethylformamide and DMPU at 190°C.

Compounds of the general formula (XI) are known (CAS No. 66630-74-8) or can be also prepared by reduction of nitro substituted compounds in the system H₂/Pd/C in methanol.

Compounds of the general formula (III) are known or can be prepared like described above.

Compounds of the general formula (VIII) are known (J. Fluorine Chem. 13, 1981, 507, J. Med. Chem. 1555, 2S, 4906).

Compound of the formula (IV) is known (J. Fluorine Chem. 42, 1990, 275).

Compounds of the general formula (V) are known or new and can be prepared by reaction of compounds of the general formula (XII)

H₂N-D-E-R²¹ (XII) in which

D, E and R²¹ have the above mentioned meaning, with compounds of the general formula (XI) in the system PyBOP, HOBt, NMM and DMF.

Compounds of the general formula (XII) are generally known or can be prepared by common methods.

Compounds of the general formula (IX) are new and can be prepared by reaction of compounds of the general formula (XIII) t-BuO-CO-NH-D-E-R²¹-COOH (XIII) in which

D, E and R²¹ have the above mentioned meaning, with a compound of the formula (XIV)

NH₂-(CH₂)₂-CN (XIV) in the system TBTU in the presence of triethylamine to prepare compounds of the general formula (XV)

in which

D, E and R²¹ have the above mentioned meaning, and in the second step with Ph₃P/DEAD and TMSN₃ to prepare compounds of the general formula (XVI)

in which D, E and R²¹ have the above mentioned meaning, and in the last step by eliminating the tert-butyloxycarbonyl group with HCl/l,4-Dioxane.

Compounds of the general formula (XIII) are known or can prepared as described in Z. Naturforsch. B, 4£, 1990, 817.

Compounds of the general formula (X) are new and can be prepared as described above.

Biological Protocols

The efficacy of the compounds of the present invention for the treatment of the vast majority of immunomediated inflammatory disorders can be evaluated by either in vitro or in vivo procedures. Thus, the anti-inflammatory efficacy of the compounds of the present invention can be demonstrated by assays well known in the art, for example, the Reversed Passive Arthus Reaction (RPAR)-PAW technique (see, e.g., Gangly et al. (1992) U.S. Patent No. 5,126,352).

Assays for determining the therapeutic value of compounds in the treatment of various skin conditions, such as hyperproliferative skin disease, are well known in the art, for example, the Arachidonic Acid Mouse Ear Test (Id.). The compounds of the present invention can be evaluated for their antiulcer activity according to the procedures described in Chiu et al. (1984) Archives Internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Therapie 270: 128-140. The efficacy of the compounds of the present invention in blocking cell fusion caused by a syncytial virus infection can be evaluated by the methods generally set forth in Tidwell, et al., J. Med. Chem. 26.. 294- 298 (1983).

Inhibitory activities of the compounds of the invention against human tryptase may be determined as described below.

In vitro Tryptase Inhibition Assay

The inhibitory activity against human tryptase was determined according to WO 9822619.

The following protocol represents an assay for determination of inhibition in the presence of 150 μM zinc chloride: Tryptase solution (60 g/mL) was prepared by dissolving tryptase purified from human lung or skin tissue preparations or human mast cell line (HMC-1) or obtained from commercial sources, e.g., ICN Biomeidals, Irvine, California, Athens Research & Technology, Athens, Georgia, etc., in a solvent mixture comprising: 10 mM 2-N-morpholinoethane sulfonic acid, 2 mM CaCl₂, 20% glycerol and 50 g/mL heparin. Substrate solution containing 2 mM synthetic tripeptide (tosyl-Gly-Pro-Lys-p-nitroanilide) was obtained from Sigma. Test Compound solutions were prepared by diluting a stock solution (1 mg of test Compound in 200 μL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by ten-fold into assay buffer (comprising: Tris-HCI (pH 8.2), 50 mM; NaCl, 100 mM; 0.05% polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate O7ween-20: trade name); and zinc chloride, 150 μM) and then making seven additional three-fold dilutions into 10% DMSO in assay buffer.

Aliquots (50 μL) from each of the eight dilutions of test compound solution were added to separate wells in a 96-well U-bottom microtiter plate. Typtase solution (25 μL) was added to each well and the solutions were mixed for 1 hour at room temperature. Substrate solution (25 μL) was added to initiate the enzymatic reaction and the microtiter plates were immediately transferred to a UVMAX Kinetic Microplate Reader (Molecular Devices). The hydrolysis of the chromogenic substrate was followed spectrophotometrically at 405 nanometers for five minutes. Initial velocity measurements were calculated from the progress curves by kinetic analysis program (BatchKi; Petr Kuzmic, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI). Apparent inhibition constants (Ki') were calculated from the enzyme progress curves using standard mathematical models.

Proceeding as described in this application or by methods known to those of ordinary skill the following compounds of the invention were tested for tryptase inhibitory activity and the following Ki' values were obtained:

ExampleNo. Ki'(nM)

4 16.9

5 65.3

6 3.0

9 11.1

11 4.7

13 4.4

17 14.0

18 6.1

21 7.5

22 5.3

24 9.0

33 7.7

40 42

47 13

52 9.0

60 4.6

The assay protocol for determination of inhibition in the absence of zinc is conducted under essentially equivalent assay conditions that described above, with the exception that the assay medium does not contain zinc chloride and is modified to 1 mM EDTA. Following these assay conditions none of the compounds of the invention showed inhibitory activity with Ki' values lower than 10 μM.

Proceeding as in the above assay the compounds of the invention were also tested for their inhibitory activity toward plasmin, trypsin and thrombin in the presence of 150 μM zinc chloride. Following these assay conditions the compounds of the invention showed inhibitory activities, which were at least 10², typically 10³ to 10⁵ times greater than the inhibitory activity toward tryptase.

Primate Acute Asthma Model

An primate acute asthma model was employed for the in vivo evaluation of the compounds of the invention as antiasthmatics. Introduction

One aspect of the model is that following an inhaled antigen challenge (Ascaris suum extract), there is an acute bronchoconstriction which peaks after 2-3 minutes and generally resolves within 60 minutes. 24 Hours later the primate airways have become hyperresponsive. This is measured by assessing the responsiveness of the lungs to an inhaled methacholine challenge. Furthermore, a bronchoalveolar lavage carried out at this time will show evidence of a large cellular influx, the predominant cell being the eosinophil.

The treatments (vehicle or drug treatments) are administered prior to the antigen challenge, the route of administration and dosing regime will vary according to the type of compound being studied. Potential therapeutic compounds can be tested in this model to see whether they can prevent or reduce the increase in lung resistance, airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory cell influx into the airways.

Method

Animals: Male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were used in the development of this model. The animals were maintained at constant temperature and humidity, with a twelve hour light cycle. They were fed twice daily, except on an experimental day when food was withheld the night before the procedure. Water was available ad lib at all times.

Experimental Procedure: On each experimental day animals were anaesthetised with a ketamine/xylazine mixture (70:12 mg kg^"1 @ 0.1 ml kg^"1) while still in their cage. When unconscious they were brought into the primate laboratory where they were placed in a supine position on a heated water blanket on a trolley. Ophthalmic ointment was wiped onto each eye, and 0.2 ml lidocaine (2%), sprayed onto the larynx and over the back of the throat. The jaws were held apart by a jaw spreader and a cuffed 5.0 gauge endotracheal tube (with the end liberally smeared with xylocaine gel, 2%) was inserted with the aid of laryngoscope. The animal was then placed into a specially designed restraint chair such that the animal was in a slightly reclined but upright sitting position, secured only by a collar at the neck. A water heated blanket surrounded the animal.

The endotracheal tube was connected to a Harvard Ventilator adjusted to deliver 30-35 breaths per minute. Airflow was measured by a Fleisch pneumotachograph and thoracic pressure was measured by a validyne pressure transducer (as the difference between the pressure at the distal end of the tube and room pressure). The pneumotachograph and validyne were connected to a pre-amplifier and then into an MI² respiratory analyzer. Using the primary signals of flow and pressure the analyzer computed airway resistance and compliance (as well as a number of other respiratory parameters). An initial measurement of 5-6 minutes was carried out to ensure the signals were steady and that the values for resistance and compliance were within recognized limits.

Ascaris challenge: Following this an inhalation challenge with Ascaris suum was carried out. The aerosol was delivered with a pressure driven Rainbow drop nebuliser (puritan- Bennett) connected to a Bird mark 7A respirator, set to deliver 15 breaths per minute. 30 Breaths of antigen were administered after which the acute bronchoconstriction was monitored for 15 min. The normal dose of antigen nebulised was a solution containing 1000 μg/ml of ascaris extract. However this dose of antigen could be titrated such that the increase in resistance should be in the range of 100-200% above baseline. If the bronchoconstriction is much higher then the inflammation induced may be too great to treat.

After the challenge had been finished the animal was weaned off the ventilator, and when he could breath for himself was released from the restraint chair and laid supine on the trolley. When the normal reflexes (eye blink, swallow) had returned, along with muscle tone in the limbs the animal was returned to its cage.

Bronchoalveolar lavage: A bronchoalveolar lavage was carried out both before the antigen challenge (giving a baseline reading) and again following the methacholine dose response curve 24 hours later. The distal end of a paediatric fibreoptic bronchoscope was liberally coated with xylocaine gel, and inserted down the endotracheal tube. The bronchoscope was guided past the carina into one side of the lung and onward into the distal lung until the tip of the bronchoscope was wedged in the bronchoalveolar region. Then 15 ml of normal saline at room temperature was instilled slowly down one channel of the bronchoscope followed by 2 - 3 ml of air to ensure complete emptying of the bronchoscope channel. The fluid was then slowly aspirated back into the syringe using gentle pressure and gentle movement of the tip of the bronchoscope. Typically, recovery volumes were greater than 60% of the instilled volume. The recovered volume was measured and put into a 15 ml falcon tube and stored on ice for subsequent treatment. The lavage fluid was centrifuged at 1100 rpm for 10 min at 4°C. The supernatant was pipetted off and frozen at -20°C for later analysis. The cell pellet was resuspended in Hanks Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS; calcium and magnesium-free) and aliquots were used for total cell counts (Coulter counter) and cell differential counts (Cytospin preparations).

Methacholine Challenge: Methacholine dose response curves were carried out to assess the airway hyperresponsiveness. In the acute model, the hyperresponsiveness was assessed at +24 hour and compared to the responsiveness 7 days before treatment. An aerosol of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was delivered using a nebuliser as above. The aerosol was administered for 15 breaths and then lung resistance was monitored for ten minutes. Methacholine (0.1 mg.ml'¹, 15 breaths) was administered followed by another ten minutes monitoring. Successive doses of methacholine were administered with the dose increasing by a half-log at each step until either the lung resistance had doubled or the maximum dose of methacholine (100 mg.ml^'1) had been administered. The baseline (zero%) resistance was taken as the resistance achieved following the PBS administration. The increase in lung resistance (%) and the methacholine doses were entered into a spreadsheet and the PC₁₀o was calculated from a graph of dose against resistance.

Results: Acute bronchoconstriction; The peak increase in lung resistance in the 15 minutes following antigen challenge is compared for treatment versus control studies.

Total cell count; The total cell count (cells per ml of BAL fluid) at 0 hours is subtracted from the total cell count at +24 hr, to give a value representing cell influx following antigen challenge. This value is compared for the treatment study versus the control study.

Total Eosinophils; From a cytospin preparation the percentage of eosinophils in the lavage fluid can be measured. From this value and the total cell count we calculate the total eosinophil count. As for total cells, the difference between the 24 hr count and the time 0 hour count gives a measure of the eosinophil influx, and this influx is compared for the treatment study versus the control study.

Airway Hyperresponsiveness; The values for the PC₁₀₀ obtained at +24 hr, and 7 days (baseline) before the antigen challenge are converted into logι₀. The baseline value is subtracted from the +24 hr value to give a log shift value. This log shift following the treatment study is compared to the log shift from the control study. The same animals are used for both control and treatment studies, so they act as their own controls. Sheep Model of Asthma

The allergic sheep model of asthma was also employed for the in vivo evaluation of the compounds of the invention as antiasthmatics. These methods have been published previously (see Abraham et al. (1983) Amdm. Rev. Respir. Dis. 128:839-844).

Each sheep serves as its own control. Body weights for these animals ranged from 20- 50 kilograms. The treatments (vehicle or drug treatment) are administered prior to the antigen challenge, the route of administration and dosing regime will vary according to the type of compound being studied.

Twenty-four hours after antigen challenge in both the control and drug trial, the sheep developed airway hyper-responsiveness. Airway hyper-responsiveness is expressed as PC_W, the concentration of carbachol that causes a 400% increase in SRL; therefore, a decrease in PC ₀₀ indicates hyperresponsiveness.

Pharmacokinetics of Tryptase Inhibitors

So far known tryptase inhibitors (e.g. the preferred compound cis-1, 5-cyclooctylene bis[4-(4-guanidinobenzylcarbamoyl)-l-piperazinecarboxylate] in WO 9609297 ) showed a poor bioavailability in rat, dog and other species after oral administration. Therefore, these compounds had been inappropriate for an oral treatment.

The compounds of the invention surprisingly showed improved oral bioavailability in rats, dogs and primates. Pharmacokinetic Investigations Rat and Dog and Monkey

PEG:Et:H₂0=Polyethylene glycol:Ethanol:Water

Handling of Blood Samples

Blood was collected in heparinized syringes and cooled in ice water until centrifugation.

Plasma was frozen immediately after centrifugation and stored below -15°C until analysis. Determination of Plasma Concentrations

To 0.1 ml plasma an internal standard was added. Plasma proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile and a sample was centrifuged at 14000 rpm for 10 min. The supernatant was withdrawn and evaporated to dryness under a gentle stream of nitrogen in a 40°C water bath. The residue was dissolved acetonitrile: ammonium acetate buffer 1:1.

Calibration samples: Known amounts of the compounds were added to plasma from untreated animals and the samples were treated in the same way. Plasma concentrations were determined via LC/MS with Turbo Ion Spray.

n.d. = not determined; * cis-l,5-cyclooctylene bis [4-(4-guanidinobenzylcarbamoyl)-l- piperazinecarboxylate] sulfate

Thus, the invention provides compounds and compositions that are useful for the prevention and treatment of immunomediated inflammatory disorders in mammals such as human, farm animal or domestic pet, in particular those associated with the respiratory tract, including asthma and allergic rhinitis.

The invention also relates to a method of treating a mammal such as a human, a farm animal, or a domestic pet, to achieve an effect, in which the effect is: prevention and treatment of diseases or pathological conditions including allergic conjunctivitis, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and other athritic conditions, multiple sclerosis, interstitial cystitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, skin diseases such as urticaria, allergic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, bullous pemphigoid, psoriasis, and scleroderma; pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, nephritis, hepatic fibrosis, hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, nasal allergy, peptic ulcers, gastric disease induced by non-steroidal inflammatory agents, cardiac infarction, disseminated intravascular coagulation, pancreatitis, multi organ failure, anaphylaxis, interstitial lung disease, gingivitis, periodontitis, cancer such as bladder and breast cancer, virus infections (e.g. Influenza virus, Sendai virus, human immunodefidiency virus, syncytial virus), ocular allergy (including atopic, vernal and giant papillary keratoconjunctivitis, contact blepharoconjunctivitis), inflammatory bowel disease, allergic contact dermatitis, emphysema, adult respiratory distress syndrome, bladder diseases, wound healing, bronchiectasis, pathological conditions associated with hypeφlasia; angina, fibrotic diseases such as fibrotic lung disease, artherosclerosis, and cardiomyopathic disorders; diseases in which matrix metalloproteases are activated such as: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including chronic bronchitis and emphysema; cystic fibrosis; bronchiectasis; adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); allergic respiratory disease including allergic rhinitis; diseases linked to TNFα production including acute pulmonary fibrotic diseases, pulmonary sarcoidosis, silicosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis and alveolar injury; alleviation of osteoarthritis; alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis; alleviation of septic arthritis; alleviation of autoimmune disease; alleviation of autoimmune encephalomyelitis; alleviation of periodontal disease; alleviation of corneal ulceration; alleviation of proteinuria; alleviation of aneurysmal aortic disease; alleviation of dystrophobic epidermolysis bullosa; alleviation of diseases of abnormal bone loss including osteoporosis; alleviation of temporo mandibular joint disease; alleviation of demyelinating diseases of the nervous system including multiple sclerosis; alleviation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; alleviation of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders including stroke, spinal cord and traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, CNS injuries in AIDS, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's diseases, prion diseases, myasthenic gravis, and Duchenne's muscular dystrophy; alleviation of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases including atherosclerosis, thrombotic events, atheroma, hemodynamic shock, unstable angina, restenosis, heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; alleviation of decubital ulcers; alleviation of aneurysmal diseases including those of the aorta, heart or brain; alleviation of metabolic diseases including diabetes and obesity mediated by insulin resistance, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy mediated by agiogenesis; alleviation of cachexia; alleviation of premature skin aging; alleviation of diseases linked to TNFα production including acute rheumatic fever, bone resorption, sepsis, gram negative sepsis, septic shock, endotoxic shock, toxic shock syndrome, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions, asthma, adult respiratory distress syndrome, acute pulmonary fibrotic diseases, pulmonary sarcoidosis, allergic respiratory diseases, silicosis, coal worker's pneumoconiosis, alveolar injury, hepatic failure, liver disease during acute inflammation, severe alcoholic hepatitis, malaria including Plasmodium falciparum malaria and cerebral malaria, congestive heart failure, damage following heart disease, arteriosclerosis including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, acute encephalitis, brain injury, pancreatitis including systemic complications in acute pancreatitis, impaired wound healing in infection, inflammation and cancer, myelodysplastic syndromes, systemic lupus erythematosus, biliary cirrhosis, bowel necrosis, psoriasis, radiation injury, toxicity following administration of monoclonal antibodies, host-versus-graft reactions including ischemia reperfusion injury, allograft rejections, complications due to total hip replacement, tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori infection during peptic ulcer disease, Chagas' disease resulting from Trypanosoma cruzi infection, effects of Shiga-like toxin resulting from E. coli infection, the effects of enterotoxin A resulting from Staphylococcus infection, meningococcal infection, Borrelia burgdorferi infections, Treponema pallidum infections, cytomegalovirus infections, Influenza virus infections, Sendai virus infections, Theiler's encephalomyelitis, and human immunodeficiency virus infections; retardation of tumor metastasis; retardation of tumor growth or angiogenesis associated with tumor growth; retardation of degenerative cartilage loss following traumatic joint injury; reduction of pain; reduction of coronary thrombosis from atherosclerotic plaque rupture; improved birth control; or improved wound repair including that due to bums; the method comprising administering an amount of a compound of the invention as described above, and in more detail in the detailed description below, which is effective to inhibit the activity of at least one matrix metalloprotease, resulting in achievement of the desired effect.

The compositions containing the compounds of the invention can be administered for therapeutic and or prophylactic treatments. In therapeutic applications, the compositions are administered to a patient already suffering from a disease, as described above, in an amount sufficient to cure or at least partially arrest the symptoms of the disease and its complications. An amount adequate to accomplish this is defined as "therapeutically effective amount or dose." Amounts effective for this use will depend on the severity and course of the disease, previous therapy, the patient's health status and response to the drugs, and the judgment of the treating physician.

In prophylactic applications, the compositions containing the compounds of the invention are administered to a patient susceptible to or otherwise at risk of a particular disease in an amount sufficient to prevent or ameliorate the onset of symptoms. Such an amount is defined to be a "prophylactically effective amount of dose." These can be administered orally or by inhalation. In this use, the precise amounts again depend on the patient's state of health, weight, and the like.

Once improvement of the patient's conditions has occurred, a maintenance dose is administered if necessary. Subsequently, the dosage or the frequency of administration, or both, can be reduced, as a function of the symptoms, to a level at which the improved condition is retained. When the symptoms have been alleviated to the desired level, treatment can cease. Patients can, however, require intermittent treatment on a long-term basis upon any recurrence of the disease symptoms.

In general, a suitable effective dose of the compounds of the invention will be in the range of 0.05 to 1000 milligram (mg) per recipient per day, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 100 mg per day. The desired dosage is preferably presented in one, two, three, four or more subdoses administered at appropriate intervals throughout the day. These subdoses can be administered as unit dosage forms, for example, containing 0.01 to 1000 mg, preferably 0.01 to 100 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

The composition used in these therapies can be in a variety of forms. These include, for example, solid, semi-solid and liquid dosage forms, such as tablets, enteric coated tablets, pills, powders, liquid- solutions or suspensions, liposomes, injectable and infusible solutions. Inhalable preparations, such as aerosols, are also included. Preferred formulations are those directed to oral, intranasal, topical and parenteral applications, but it will be appreciated that the preferred form will depend on the particular therapeutic application at hand. Especially preferred formulations are oral or aerosol. The methods for the formulation and preparation of therapeutic compositions comprising the compounds of the invention are well known in the art and are described in, for example, REMINTON'S PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENSE AND THE MERCK INDEX 11th Ed., (Merck & Co. 1989).

Abbreviations:

EDC or WSCI HCI: N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N' -ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride

NMM: N-methylmorpholine

HOBt: 1-hydroxy-benzotriazole

DMPU: l,3-dimethyltetrahydro-2(lH)-pyrimidone

PyBOP: benztriazol-1 -yl-oxy-tris-pyrrolidino-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate

PyBroP: bromo-tris-pyrrolidinophosphonium hexafluorophoshate

DEAD: diethyl azodicarboxylate

Starting Compounds

Example 1A

2-E&oxycarbonimidoylpropionic acid ethyl,ester hydrochloride

Ethyl 2-cyanopropionate (lOOg; 787mmol) was dissolved in toluene (350ml) and ethanol

(71ml) and the solution was cooled to 0°C. Dry hydrogen chloride was passed through the solution at -5 - 0°C for 40min.. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and . stirred over night Most of the solvent was evaporated in vacuo and after addition of diethyl ^• ether / cyclohexane (1:1, 600ml) and coolmg to 5^βC the product was filtered off, washed with cyclohexane and dried in vacuo.

Yield: 151g (92% of theory), white solid

'H-MMR (300 MHz, DMSO-rf_β): 1.20 (t, 3H), 1.30 (m, 6H), 4.15 (m, 3H), 4.50 (q, 2H), 12.2

(br s, 2H)

Example 2A

2-Ethoxycarbonimidoylacetic acid ethyl ester hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to the preparation of example 1 A starting from ethyl cyanoacetate. Yield: 73% of theory; white solid

Example 3A

3-Methylamino-4-nitrobenzoic acid

A solution, of 3-methoxy-4-nitrobenzoic acid (500g; 2.53^βmol) in aqueous methylamine (40%, 2500ml) was heated in an autoclave at 100°C for 15h, allowed to cool to room temperature, and. oured into a stirring slurry of 2N HCI and ice to give an orange precipitate. The precipitate was collected by filtration, rinsed with water and crystallized from hot ethanol to provide 3-methylamino-4-nitrobenzoic acid. Yield: 448g (90% of theory) orange crystals..-

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 2.99 (d, 3H, J=7 Hz), 7.15 (dd, IH, J=9Hz and 1Hz), 7.48 (d, IH, J=lHz), 8.15 (d, IH, J=9Hz), 8.21 (q, lH, J=7 Hz), 13.55 (br s, IH); MS (DCI/NH₃) C-HjNA πi/e calc 196.2; found 214 (M+NH^).

Example 4 A

4-Amino-3 -methylaminobenzoic acid

A solution of '3-methylamino-4-nitrobenzoic acid (example 3A) (50.0g; 255mmol) in THF

(400ml) and methanol (150ml) was hydrogenated at 3bar in the presence of Palladium (10% on charcoal; 1.7g) for 15h. The reaction mixture was filtered through kieselgur and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallized from dichloromethane to provide 4- amino-3-methylaιninobenzoic acid.

Yield: 40.3 g (95% of theory) red-brown crystals

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- f₆): 2.72 (s, 3H), 4.78 (br s, IH), 5.29 (br s, 2H), 6.52 (d, IH,

J=9Hz), 7.14 (dd, IH, J=9 andl Hz), 11.9 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NHj) C_tH₁₀NA m/e calc 166.2; found 167 (M+H^*).

Example 5A 5-Benzyloxy-4-fluoro-2-nitroanilbe

To a solution of sodium /ert.-butylate (14.35g; 149mmol) in THF (400ml) was added at 0°C bezylalcohol (24.84g; 230mmol). After stirring for 15min 4,5-difluoro-2-nitroaniline (20.0g; 115mmol) was added at 0 - 3°C. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 15h. After addition of ethyl acetate (500ml), the reaction mixture was washed with sat. aq. NaHCOj solution (2 x 150ml). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 150ml) and the combined organic layers were washed with brine (200ml), dried .(Na₂SO₄) and • evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane and the product was precipitated with diethylether /cyclohexane, washed with diethylether/cyclohexane (1:10), collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. Yield: 23.6 g (78% of theory) light brown crystals

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-«i₆): 5.18 (s, 2H), 6.74 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.30-7.55 (m, 5H), 7:55 (s, 2H), 7.79 (d, IH, J=l 1 Hz); MS (DCI/NHj) C,jH_πFN₂O₃ m/e calc 262.2; found 280 (M+NH,⁺).

Example 6A

2-Amino-5-benzyloxy-4-fluoroaniline

To a solution of 5-benzyloxy-4-fluoro-2-nitroaniline (example 5A) (23.44; 89.4mmol) in ethyl acetate (1400ml) was added SnCl₂x2H₂O (2100.8g; 447mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at 70°C for 15h, cooled to room temperature followed by the addition of. sat. aq. NaHCO_j solution (1000ml). Then solid NaHCOj (approx. lOg) was added until the color of the mixture turned from green to brown. The tin salts were removed by filtration through kieselgur. After separation of the layers, the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 300ml) and the combined organic layers were washed with brine (lOOOml), dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane and the product was precipitated with diethylether/hexane, washed with diethylether/hexane (1:10), collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. Yield: 17.21 g (83% of theory) light brown crystals

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 4.33 (br s, 4H), 4.93 (s, 2H), 6.36 (d, IH, J=12Hz), 6.39 (d, ^• IH, J=8Hz), 7.25-7.45 (m, 5H); MS (DCI/NHj) CuH.jFNjO m/e calc 232.3; found 233 (M+H^*).

Example 7A

Ethyl 2-(4,6-difluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)propionate

A mixture of example 1 (5.28g; 25.2mmol) and 2-amino-4,6-diiluoroaniline (J. Med. Chem.

3.8, 1995, 4906; 3.03g; 21.0mmol) and ethanol (70ml) was heated to reflux for 3h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was taken up in ethyl acetate and washed twice with sat aq. NaHCO_j solution and with brine, dried (MgSO_<) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silicagel (ethyl acetate:dichloromethane=l :2).

Yield: 4.27 g (80% of theory) tan crystals

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-tf«): 1.18 ( t, 3H, J=7Hz), 1.56 ( t, 3H, J=7Hz), 4.00-4.25 (m,

3H), 7.05 (dt, IH, J=10 and 1Hz), 7.21 (dd, IH, J=10 and 1Hz), 12.9 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C,₂H_l2F_N₂O₂ m/e calc 254.3; found 255 (M+IT). mp 132 °C;

Rf 0.81 (ethyl acetate dichloro methane = 3:2).

Example 8A

Ethyl 2-(4,6,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)propionate

The preparation was earned out in analogy to example 7A starting from example 1 A and '2- amino-3,4,6-trifluoroaniiine (J. Fluorine Chem. 18, 1981, 507).

Yield: 70% of theory; tan crystals

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- : 1.18 ( t, 3H, J=7Hz), 1.59 ( t, 3H, J=7Hz), 4.02-4.22 (m,

3H), 7.35 (cm, IH), 13.5 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI NHj) C-jH,,F,N₂Oj m/e calc 272.2; found 290 (M+NH ). mp 139 °C;

Rf 0.64 (ethyl acetate/ dichloro methane = 1:3).

Example 9A Emyl 2-(5-ben-jyloxy-6-fluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)propionate

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 7A starting from example 1A and 2- a-nino-5-be--zyloxy-4-fluoroaniline.

Yield: 76% of theory; oil

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSQ- : 1.18 ( t, 3H, J=7Hz), 1.52 ( t, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.98-4.21 (m,

3H), 5.18 (s, 2H), 7.12-7.52(m, 7H), 12.4 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C„H_I9FN₂b_j m/e calc 342.4; found 343 (M+H^*).

Rf 0.31 (cyclohexane/ ethyl acetate = 1:1).

Example 10A

Ethyl 2-(4,6,7-trifluoro- 1 H-benzimidazol-2-yl)acetate

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 7A starting from example 2A and 2- amino-3 ,4,6-difluoroaniline. Yield: 49% of theory; tan crystals "H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-rf₆): 1.21 ( t 3H, J=7Hz), 4.01 ( s, 2H), 4.17 (d, 2H, J=7Hz), 7.35 (cm, IH), 13.5 (or s, IH);

MS (DCI/NHj) C„H,FjN₂O₂ m/e calc 258.2; found 259 (M+H⁺). ^' mp 168 °C.

Example 11 A

2-[l-(4,6,7-trifluoro-lH-be-ιzimidazol-2-yl)e l]-3-methyl-3H-ben-dmidazole-5-carboxylic acid

A mixture of ethyl 2-(4,6,7-trifiuoro-lH-ber-zimidazol-2-yl)propionate (example 8A) (65.8g;

242mmol), example 4A (42.2g; 254mmol) and DMPU (l,3-dimethyltetrahydro-2(iH)- pyrimidone; 150ml) was stirred under- vacuum at 50°C for lh to remove residual gases and heated to 200°C (bath temperature) for 2h under argon in a distillation apparatus to remove the reaction water. The DMPU was evaporated in vacuo and the warm residue was dissolved in dichloromethane^'. After addition of water (500ml) the product crystallized and was collected by filtration. Further purification was achieved by heating a suspension of the crude product in refluxing dichloromethane/methanol (1:1, 1000ml) and filtration after cooling to room temperature, followed by heating of a product suspension in TΗF/methanol (1:1,

1000ml) and subsequent filtration. The product was dried in vacuo.

Yield: 60.0g (66% of theory); grey crystalline solid

'Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-c : 1.85 (t, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.84 (s, 3H), 5.01 (q, IH, J=7Hz), 7.25-

7.40 ( , IH), 7.65 (d, IH, J= 9Hz), 7.83 (dd, IH, J=9 and 0,5Hz), 8.19 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 13.1

(2brs, 2H);

MS (DCI/NH_j) CnH._jF_j A m/e calc 374.3; found 375 (M+H^*). mp>250°C .

Example 12A 2-[l-(4,6-difluoro-lH-be-r midazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 11A starting from ethyl 2-(4,6- difluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)propionate (example 7 A) and example 4A.

Yield: 73% of theory); grey crystalline solid

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-d₆): 1.88 (t, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.83 (s, 3H), 5.00 (q, IH, J=7Hz), 7.04

(dt, IH, J=10 and 0.5Hz), 7.17 (dd, IH, J=10 and 0.5Hz), 7.67 (d, IH, J= 9Hz),.7.83 (dd, IH,

J=9 and 0,5Hz), 8.17 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 12.9 (2 br s, 2H);

MS (DCI NHj) C_lgH,_<F₂N_ΛO₂ m/e calc 356.3; found 357 (M+H^*). mp >330°C.

Example 13A

2-[l-(5-Beri2yloxy-6-fluoro-lH-be-ιzi-mdazol-2-yl)emyl]-3-methyl-3H-b carboxylic acid

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 11A starting from ethyl 2-(5- ben2yloxy-6-fluoro-lH-ber-zimidazol-2-yl)propionate (example 9 A) and example 4 A.

Yield: 65% of theory); foam

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- f₆): 1.83 (t, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.79 (s, 3H), 4.90 (q, IH, J=7Hz), 5.19

(s, 2H), 7.10-7.52 (m, 7H), 7.67 (d, IH, J= 9Hz), 7.83 (dd, IH, J=9 and 0,5Hz), 8.17 (d, IH,

J=0.5Hz), 12.4 and 12.8 (2 br s, 2H);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C_2JH_2tFN_<O, m/e calc 444.5 found 445 (M+H⁺).

Rf 0.58 (dichloromethane/methanol = 6:1). Example 14A

2-(4,6-difluoro-lH-benzimida-κ⁾l-2-ylmethyl)-3-methyl-5H-ben-rimidazole-5-carboxylic acid

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 11A starting from ethyl 2-(4,6- difluoro-lH-berι--iιr-idazol-2-yl)acetate and example 4A. Yield: 92% of theoiy); grey crystalline solid

*Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-^): 3.91 (s, 3H), 4.68 (s, 2H), 7.02 (dt, IH, J=10Hz and 1Hz), 7.21 (dd, IH, J=10Hz and 1Hz); 7.62 (d, IH, J = 9Hz), 7.82 (dd, IH, J=9 and 0.5Hz), 8.20 (d, IH, J= 0.5 Hz); 12.8 and 12.9 (2 br s, 2H); MS(DCI/NH₃) C₁₇H₁₂F₂N₄O₂ m/e calc 342.3; found 343 (M+H⁺), mp >250^βC.

Example 15A l-[(2-N-_fe^butyloxycarbonylanιmo)ethoxy]-4-fluorobenzene

Cesium carbonate (61.1g; 187.4mmol) was added under argon to a solution of 4-fiuorophenol (10.5g; 93.7mmol) in DMF (150ml). After stirring for 15min a solution of l-bromo-2-(iV- rert-butyioxycarbonylamino)ethane (J. Org. Chem.53, 1988, 2226; 21. Og; 93.7mmol) in DMF (50ml was added dropwise at room temperature and stirring was. continued for 18h. Cesium carbonate was removed by filtration and the solvent was removed in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (200ml) and water (300ml) and the water layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100ml). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatograped over silicagel using toluene/ethyl acetate (10:1) as eluent

Yield: 18.5g (77% of theory); oil

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-tf_β): 1.39 ( s, 9H), 3.28 ( dt, 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), 3.93 (t, 2H.

J=6Hz), 6.91-7.15 (m, SH); MS (DCI/NHj) C_πH,,FNOj m/e calc 255.3; found 256 (M+H^*);

R-,0.44 (toluene ethyl acetate = 10:1).

Example 16A l-[(2-N-ter/-butyloxycarbonylamino)ethoxy]-2,4-difluorobenzene

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15A starting from 2,4-difluorophenol.

Yield: (78% of theory); oil

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-<i_£): 1.40 ( s, 9H), 3.29 ( dt, 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), 4.01 (t, 2H,

J=6Hz), 6.95-7.36 (m, 4H);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C,₃H_πF₂NO_j m/e calc 273.3; found 274 (M+H^*); _fO.42 (toluene ethyl acetate = 10:1).

Example 17A 2-[(2-N-/e^bu1yloxycarbonylammo)et-aoxy]ber-zor-irrile

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15A starting firom 2-cyanophenol. Yield: (58% of theory); white solid

•H-NMR (200 MHz, OMSO-d₆) 1.40 ( s, 9H), 3.34 ( dt, 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), ^• 4.16 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 7.05 (t, IH, J=6Hz), 7.10 (t, IH, J=8Hz), 7.28 (d, IH, J=8Hz) 7.58-7.75(m, 2H); MS (DCI/NH_j) C_MH N₂O_j m/e calc 262.3; found 280 (M+NH<⁺); m.p.: 75-76°C R_fO.44 (toluene ethyl acetate = 20:1).

Example 18A 1 -(2-Aminoethoxy)-4-fluorobenzene hydrochloride

To a stirred solution of l-[(2-N-tert-butyloxycarbonylamino)ethoxy]-4-fluorobenzene (20.3g;

79.3mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (50ml) was added at room temperature under argon 4N HCI in 1,4- dioxane (300ml). After stirring for 15h, precipitated product was collected by filtration, washed with diethyl ether and dried in vacuo.

Yield: 12.3g (80% of theory); white crystalline solid

"H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-<i₆): 3.18 (t, 2H, J=6 Hz), 4.15 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 6.95-7.22 (m,

4H), 8.28 (s, 3H);

MS (DCI NHj) C,H„ClFNO m/e calc 155.1 x 36.5; found 156 (M+H^*); m.p.: >200°C

Example 19A l-(2-Aminoethoxy)-2,4-difluorobenzene hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18A starting from l-[(2-N-tert- butyloxycarbonylamino)ethoxy]-2,4-difluorobenzene

Yield: 88% of theory; white crystalline solid

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-Λ₆): 3.20 ( t, 2H, J=6 Hz), 4.28 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 7.00-7.40 (m,

3H), 8.42 (s, 3H);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C,H,₀C1FNO m/e calc 173.2 x 36.5; found 174 (M+H⁺); m.p.: 220-223°C

Example 20A 2-(2-Aminoethoxy)benzonitrile hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18A starting from 2-[ 2-N-tert- butyloxycarbonylamino)ethoxy]benzonitrile (example 17A).

Yield: 92% of theory; white crystalline solid

•H-NMR (200 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 3.25 (t, 2H, J=6 Hz), 4.38 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 7.17 (t, IH,

J=7Hz), 7.31 (d, 2H, J=7Hz) 7.63-7.82 (m, 2H,), 8.28 (s, 3H);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C₉H„ClN₂O m/e calc 162.2 x 36.5; found 180 (M+NH«^*). m.p.: 183°C

Example 21A 4-Ammo-N-[2-(4-fluorophenoxy)e yl]-3-methylaminobenzamide

To a solution of 4-amino-3-methylaminobenzoic acid (2.05g; 12.3mmol) in DMF (120ml) was added under Argon at -5°C PyBOP (benztriazole-1-yl-oxy-tris-pyrrolidino-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate; 7.69g; 14.8mmol) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (2.16g; 16.0mmol). After stirring for 15min N-methylmorpholine (4.98g; ^'49.3mmol) and l-(2-aminoethoxy)-4- fluorobenzene hydrochloride (example 18 A) (2.36g; 12.3mmol) were subsequently added at - 5°C - 0°C. After stirring for 18h at room temperature water (1000ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 400ml). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (1000ml), dried (Na₂SO_<) and evaporated in -vacuo. The residue was chromatograped over silicagel using toluene/ethyl acetate (1:1) as eluent. Yield: 2.1g (56% of theory); foam

'H-NMR (400 MHz, OMSO-d₆) 2.75 ( s, 3H), 3.57 (dt, 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), 4.04 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 4.69 (s, IH), 4.97 (s, 2H), 6.51 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 6.91 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 6.95-7.15 (m, 5H), 8.l8 (t, lH, J=6Hz); MS (DCI/NH_j) C₁₄H„FN,O₂ m e calc 303.3; found 304 (M+H⁺); R_f0.50 (ethyl acetate)^'.

Example 22A 3,4-Diamino-N-[2-(4-fiuorophenoxy)ethyl]benzamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 21 A starting from 3,4-diamino benzoic acid and l-(2-aminoethoxy)-4-fluorobenzene .hydrochloride (example 18A)

Yield: 47% of theory; oil

•H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 3.55 (dt, 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), 4.04 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 4.60 (s,

2H), 4.97 (s, 2H), 6.48 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 6.92-7.18 (m, 6H),.8.10 (t, IH, J=6Hz);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C_l5H₁₆FN_jO₂ m/e calc 289.3; found 290 (M+H^÷); _jO.32 (dichloromethane/ ethanol ^'= 20:1.5).

Example 23A

4-Aπύno-N-[2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)eΛyl]-3-memylaminobenzamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 21A starting from 4-amino-3- methylaminobenzoic acid and l-(2-aminoethoxy)-2,4-difluorobenzene hydrochloride (example 19 A). Yield: 60% of theory; oil

•H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-.f₆): 2.77 ( s, 3H), 3.58 (dt, 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), 4.14 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 4.69 (s, IH), 5.01 (s, 2H), 6.51 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 6.92 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 6.98-7.30 (m, 4H), 8.20 (t, IH, J=6Hz);

MS (DCUNHj) C„H_l7lF₂Nj0₂ m/e calc 321.3; found 322 (M+H⁺); R_fO.52 (ethyl acetate).

Example 24A

4-[(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin- 1 -y lcarbonyl]-2-methylaminoaniline

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 21 A starting from 4-amino-3- methylaminobenzoic acid and 4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine

Yield: 67% of theory; brown solid

'H-NMR (400 MHz, O SO-d₆): 2.71 (s, 3H), 3.09 (cm, 4H), 3.61 (cm, 4H), 4.78 (s, IH),

4.92 (s, 2H), 6.41-6.60 (m, 3H) 6.92-7.14 (m, 4H);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C,_gH_2lFN,O₂ m/e calc 328.4; found 329 (M+H⁺);

R_fO.27 (ethyl acetate).

Example 25A

2-[l-(5-Ben-^loxy-6-fluoro-lH-beι-zimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-5-[N-2-(2,4-difluoroρhenyl-l- oxy)ethylaminocajbonyl]-3-methyl-3H-be--- ι-ύdazole

To a solution of 2-[l-(5-ber---yloxy-6-fluoro-li^-be-ιzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-3H- be-.zimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (example 13A) (1.1 lg; 2.50mmol) and l-(2-aminoethoxy)- 2,4-difluorobenzene hydrochloride (example 19A) (0.52g, 2.50mmol) and N- methylmorpholine (0.32g; 3.13mmol) in DMF (30ml) was added under Argon ait 0°C 1- hydroxybenzotriazole (0.44; 3.25mmol) andN-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'- ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.53g; 2.75mmol). After stirring for 18h at room temperature the solvent was evaporated in vacuo, water (60ml) was added and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 60ml). The combined organic layers were washed with water (50ml), dried (MgSO<) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatograped over silicagel using dichloromethane/ethanol (20:1) as eluent. Yield: l.Olg (68% of theory); tan crystalline solid

•H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-rf₆): 1.82 (t, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.68 (dt, 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), 3.77 (s, 3H), 4.20 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 4.90 (q, IH, J=7Hz), 5.18 (s, 2H), 6.95-7.52. (m, 10H>, 7.64 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.75 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5Hz), 8.10 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.71 (t, IH, J=6Hz), 12.4 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C_j3H_2gF_jN_sO_jm e calc 599.6; found 600 (M+H⁺); R_j 0.24 (dichloromethane/ethanol (20:1)).

Example 26 A

2-(l-(5-Be--zyloxy-6-fluoro-lH-ben-rimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-5-[N-2-(4-fluorophenyl-l- oxy)ethylaminocarbonyl]-3-methyl-3H-be-ιzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to-example 25 A starting from 2_:[l-(5-benzyloxy-

6-fluoro-iH-ber-zimidazol-2-yl)e yl]-3-me yl-3H-benzintidaz^

(example 13A) and l-(2-aminoethoxy)-4-fluorobenzene hydrochloride (example 18A).

Yield: 84% of theory; foam

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-dø: 1.82 (t, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.68 (dt 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), 3.78 (s, 3H), 4.15 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 4.91 (q, IH, J=7Hz), 5.18 (s, 2H), 6.95-7.52 (m, 11H), 7.65 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.75 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5Hz), 8.10 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.71 (t, IH, J=6Hz), 12.4 (br s,

IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C_3jH₂₉F₂N_sO_j /e calc 581.6; found 582 (M+IT);

R_fO.10 (dichloromethane/methanol (30:1)).

Example 27A 2-[(5-Benzyloxy-6-fluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)difluoromethyl]-N-[2-(4- fluorophenoxy)e yl]-3-me yl-3Η-berιzi-- dazole-5-carboxamide.

A -„l-«ono. difl-orom-lon-c acid (I. Fluorine Ch-m.49, 1990. 75; 1.61g; 9.19mmol) and 4-amino.3-m-thyl-.mno b-nzoic _acid>M-(4.fluoroph=noxy)=th_yl-mide (3.l0g; 9.19mmo.) DMF (40ml) was stiπred under argon at -10°C for 10 min. PyBroP (bromo.tris- pyrrplidinophosphonium hexafluorophoshate; 4.58g; 9.83mmol) was slowly added to the solution at -10°C in portions over 5 min followed by N-methylmorpholine (2.79g; 27.6mmol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirring was continued for 3h. After cooling to -10°C PyBroP (4.58; 9.83 mmol) and then N-methylmorpholine (2.79g; 27.6mmol) and 2-amino-5-benzyloxy-4-fluoroaniline (2.13g; 9.19mmol) were slowly added. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirring was continued for 18h. The mixture was poured into ice-water (500ml) and extracted with diethylether/ethyl acetate (3:1 / 3 x 150ml). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (2000ml), dried (Na₂SO_<) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue, was taken into acetic acid (40ml) and heated to 85°C under argon for 3h. The acetic acid was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was taken into sat. aq. NaHCO_j solution (200ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 150 ml). The combined organic layers were dried (Na₂SO_<) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatograped twice over silicagel using dichloromethane/ethanol (20:1 and 40:1) as eluent Yield: 1.19g (21% of theory); tan crystalline solid

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-ci₆): 3.68 (dt, 2H, J=6 and 6Hz), 3.96 (s, 3H), 4.14 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 5.23 (s, 2H), 6.95-7.18 (m, 4H), 7.29-7.26 (m, 7H), 7.78-7.90 (m, 2H), 8.30 (s, IH), 8.81 (t, IH, J=6Hz), 13.7 (br s, IH); MS (ESI) C_jjH^ /e ^lc 603.6; found 604 (M+H⁺); R_fO.67 (dichloromethane/methanol (10:1)).

Examples 28A and 29A

Example 28 A: Methyl 2-[l-(4,6-difluoro-l-methyl-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-

3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate

Example 29 A: Methyl 2-[l-(4,6-difluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl- 3H-benzιmidazole-5-carboxylate

-[l-(4,6-difluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-me yl-3H-ber-zimid_azole-5-carboxylic acid (δismg; 1.754mmol) and methyliodide (747mg;-5.26mmol) were dissolved inDMF (10ml). Cesium carbonate (1.71g; 5.26mmol) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15h. The DMF was evaporatedin vacuo, the residue was taken up in water (20ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (4 x 20ml). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (20ml), dried (MgSO,) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatograped over silicagel using dichloromethane/ethanol (20:1) as eluent to provide an approx.2:1 mixture of methyl 2-[l-(4,6-difluoro-l-me yl-lH-benzimidazol-2-_yl)e yl]-3-me yW ^'benzimidazole-5-carboxylate and methyl 2-[l-(4,6-difluoro-3-meth_yl-3H-benώnidazol-2- _yl)e yl]-3-memyl-3H-be- dmidazole-5-carboxylate (0.47). The regioisomers were separated using preparative HPLC ( romasii 100 C18 5 μM, 250 x 20 mm, flow 25-nl min, T=50°C, detection 220nm)

Example 28 A:

Yield: 202mg (30% of theory); white crystalline solid

•H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO- ): L82 ( t, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.62 ( s. 3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 3H),

5.15 (q, IH, J=7Hz), 7.07 (dt IH, J=9 and 1Hz), 7.38 (dd, IH, J- 9 and 1Hz), 7.67 (d, IH,

J=9Hz), 7.82 (dd, IH, J=9 and 0.5Hz), 8.18 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz);

MS (ESI) C_JOH.AN m e calc 384.4; found 385 (M+H⁺).

HPLC retention time: 4.63 min

Example 29 A:

Yield: 128mg (19% of theory); v/hite crystalline solid

•H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO- ): I* ( 3H. J=7Hz), 3.77 ( s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s 3H),

5.18 (q, IH, J=7Hz), 7.14 (dt, IH. J=9 and 1ft), 7.30 (dd, IH, J- 9 and 1Hz), 7.68 (d, IH.

J=9Hz), 7.82 (dd, IH. J=9 and 0,5Hz), 8.18 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz);

MS (ESI) C₂₀H F₂NA m/e calc 384.4; found 385 (MHT). HPLC retention ^"time: 6.15 min

Examples 30A

2-[l-(4,6-difluoro-l-meώyl-lH-beι-ziπ dazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-me yl-3H-ben--imidazole-5- carboxylic acid

To a solution of methyl 2-[l-(4,6^difluoro-l-methyl-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl- 3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate (202mg; 0.526mmol) inTΗF (10ml) and methanol (40ml) was added 2N NaOΗ (5ml) and the mixture was stirred for 15h at room temperature. The solvents were evaporated in vacuo, the residue was taken up in water (5ml) and IN ΗCl was added to adjust pΗ 4. Precipitated product was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. Yield: 126mg (65% of theory); white crystalline solid

•Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO--f₆): 1.82 (t, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.68 (s, 3H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 5.17 (q, IH, ^• J=7Hz); 7.08 (dt IH, J=9 and 1Hz), 7.40 (dd, IH, J= 9 and 1Hz), 7.65 (d, IH, J=9Hz).7.82 (dd, IH, J=9 and 0,5Hz), 8.18 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 12.7 (br s, IH); MS (ESI) C„H_lsF₂N,O₂ m e calc 370.4; found 385 (M-H⁺).

Examples 31A 2-[l-(4-6-difiuoro-3-memyl-3H-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-3H-ber---imidazole-5- carboxylic acid

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 30A starting from methyl 2-[l-(4,6- di-luoro-3-me yl-3H-b^ιι-dmidazol-2-yl)cmyl]-3-mcmyl-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxylate Yield: 74% of theory; white crystalline solid 'H-NMR (400 MHz, OMSO-d₆) 1.82 (t 3H, J=7Hz). 3.77 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 5.18 (q. IH, J=7Hz), 7.15 (dt, IH, J=9 and 1Hz), 7.32 (dd, IH, J= 9 and lHz),7.65 (d, IH, J=9Hz). 7.82 (dd, IH, J=9 and 0,5Hz), 8.18 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz),12.8 (br s, IH); MS (ESI) C„H,_βF₂N_<O₂ m e calc 370.4; found 385 (M-H⁺).

Example 32 A l-(N-/βr/.-Butyloxycarbonyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l,4-diaza-cycloheptane

Tri-(o-tolyl)phosphine (0.1 lg; 0.36mmol) was added at room temperature under argon to a stirred suspension of tris-(dibenzylidenacetone)-dipalladium(0) (0.33g; 0.36mmol) in toluene

(50ml). After addition of sodium tert-butylate (1.16g; 12.1mmol), 4-bromq-l-fluorobenzene

(1.51g; 8.61mmbl) and l-(N-tert.-Butyloxycarbonyl)-l,4-diaza-cycloheptane (2.00g;

9.99mmol) the mixture was stirred at 100°C under argon for 15h. The solution was decanted to remove palladium residues, washed with brine (2 x 30ml), dried (Na₂SO₄) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatograped over silicagel using dichloromethane/methanol

(100:1) as eluent.

Yield: 0.49g (19% of theory);

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-cf_fi): 1.1^*9 and 1.31 (2s, 9H, cis/trans amide bond isomers), 1.71-

1.88 (m, 2H), 3.12-3.26 (m, 2H), 3.41-3.60 (m, 6H), 6.70 (cm, 2H). 6.96 (cm, 2H);

MS (ESI) C^H_jjFNAm e calc 294.4; found 295 (M+H⁺);

R^O.67 (dichloromethane/methanol (10:1)).

Example 33A l-(4-fluorophenyl)-l,4-diazacycloheptane

To a solution of i-(N-t_ert.-butyloxycarbonyl)-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-l,4-dia2acycloheptane (0.41g; 1.393mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (4.1ml) was added 4N HCI in 1,4-dioxane (8.2ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was treated with diethyl ether. The precipitated product was collected by filtration, washed with diethyl ether and dried in vacuo.

Yield: 0.30g (93% of theory);

'H-NMR (200 MHz, OMSO-d_s) 2.00-2.21 (m, 2H), 3.02-3.28 (m. 4H), 3.47 (t 2H, J=7Hz),

3.68 (cm, 2H), 6.76 (cm, 2H), 7.05 (cm, 2H), 9.05 (br s, 2H);

MS (El) C_uH_lβClFN₂m e calc 194.2 x 36.5; found 194 (M^*).

Example 34A 4-Benzenesulfonyl-l-rert-butyloxycarbonylpipera-dne

Triethylamine(0.56 mL, 4.02 mmol) was added to a solution of /ert-butyloxypiperazine (500 mg, 2.68 mmol) in 3 mL of dichlorqmethane, then it was cooled to 0 °C.

Benzenesulfonylchlor.de (0.39 mL, 3.22 mmol) was added to the solution and stirred for 3 hours. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was washed with ether. The resulting white solid was filtrated and dried.

Yield : 860 mg (98.1% of theory), colorless solid.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-ctø: 1.34 (s, 9H), 2.85 (t, 4H, J=5.0 Hz), 3.39 (m, 4H), 7.63-7.68

(m, 2H), 7.72-7.75 (m, 3H);

Rf 0.66 (ethyl acetate / n-hexane = 1/1).

Example 35A 4-Benzenesulfonylpiperazine trifluoroacetate

To a solution of 4-benzenesulfonyl-l-tert-butyloxycarbonylpiperazine(860 mg, 2.64 mmol) in

10 mL of dichloromethane was added trifluoroacetic acid (0.24 mL, 3.16 mmol) at 0 °C. The solution was stirred for 1 hour at 0 °C and evaporated in vacuo. Ether was added to the residue to give a white solid.

Yield : 740 mg (82.5% of theory), colorless powder;

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-rftf) 3.09-3.12 (m, 4H), 3.18-3.22 (m, 4H), 7.70-7.73 (m, 2H),

7.77-7.80 (m, 2H), 8.76(br s, 2H);

MS (FAB) C_l0H,_<N₂O₂S m/e calc 226; found 227 (MIT).

Example 36A l-[(4-Fluorophenyl)piperaz -l-yl]c^-rbonyl-3-isopropylaιrιino-4-nitrobenzene

In a sealed reaction vessel, a mixture of 3-methoxy-4-nitrobenzoic acid (2.72 g, 13.8 mmol), isopropylamine (4.0 mL) and water (7.0 mL) was stirred at 100 °C for 5 days. After cooled to room temperature, the reaction mixture was dissolved in cold water to afford an orange solution. Concentrated hydrochloric acid was added into the solution under an ice-water cooling until a light orange precipitate was no longer formed. The solid was collected by filtration, washed with water and dried to yield approximately 1 to 1 mixtures of 3- isopropylamino-4-nitrobenzoic acid hydrochloride and 3-methoxy-4-nitrobenzoic acid (2.19 g). To a solution of the mixture (2.19 g), l-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine (2.72 g, 15.1 mmol), triethylamine (3.51 mL, 25.2 mmol) and 1-hydroxybenzotriazole in V.N-dimethylformamide (80 mL) was added water-soluble carbodiimide hydrochloride (3.22 g, 16.8 mmol) in an ice- water bath. The reaction mixture was stirred at 0 °C for 30 minutes, then, the ice-water bath was removed. After the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 17 hours, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (twice), and the combined organic layer was washed with brine. After dryness, silica gel column chromatography (n-hexane/ethyl acetate = from 2 1 to 1/1 as eluent) yielded 1.73 g of a brilliant orange solid. Yield 33% from 3-methoxy-4-ιitrobenzoic acid. •H-NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): 1.34 (d, 6H, J=6.4 Hz), 3.04-3.18 (m, 4H), 3.56 (br s, 2H), 3.81- 3.93 (m, 3H), 6.59 (dd, IH, J=8.7, 1.7 Hz), 6.86-7.03 (m, 5H), 8.05 (d, IH, J=7.1Hz), 8.22 (d, IH, J=8.7 Hz);

MS (FAB) C_JOH^FN.O_J m/e calc 386.4; found 387 (MET); mp 201.6-202.7 °C; Rf = 0.2 (n-hexane ethyl acetate = 3/2).

Example 37A

4-Ammo-l-[(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]carbonyl-3-isopropylaminobenzene

l-[(4-Fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-yl]carbonyl-3-isopropylamino-4-nitrobenzene (1.50 g, 3.88 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (80 mL), into a 100 mL reaction vessel of ISHII Catalytic Hydrogenator. 10%-Pd/C (0.20 g) was carefully added into the solution. After several times substitution of air to hydrogen, the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under 3 atoms of hydrogen until no more hydrogen was consumed, taking 4 hours. The reaction solution was filtrated through a thin layer of celite to remove Pd/C, and washed with methanol. The organic layer was concentrated in vacuo to afford 1.43 g of a light purple solid. Quantitative yield.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-c/«): 1.16 (d, 6H, J=6.3 Hz), 3.06-3.09 (m, 4H), 3.51-3.65 (m, 5H), 4.28 (d, IH, J=7.4 Hz), 4.94 (s, 2H), 6.49-6.55 (m, 3H), 6.95-7.09 (m, 4H); MS (FAB) C₂₀H₂,FN₄ m/e calc 356.4; found 357 (MH^*); mp 63.6-67.5 °C.

Example 38A N-Acetyl-2-[(2-N-ter/.-butyloxyc»rbonylamino)ethoxy]ai-il-ne

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15A starting from 2-N- acetylaminophenol.

Yield: 3.0 g (76. l%.of theory), colorless oil

•H-NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-dβ): 1.40 (s, 9H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 3.34-3.40 (m, 2H), 3.97 (t 2H,

J=5.1 Hz), 6.80-7.00 (m, 4H), 7.16 (t IH, J=5.6 Hz), 8.89(s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_tJH₂₂N₂O< m/e calc 294.4; found 295 (MET);

Rf 0.30 (chloroform/ ethyl acetate = 5/1).

Example 39A -Y-Acetyl-2-(2-aminoethoxy)aniline hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18 A starting from W-acetyl-2-[(2-N- t_βrΛ-butyloxycarbonylamino)ethoxy]aniline.

Yield: 0.8 g (34.0% of theory), colorless powder

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- /tf): 2.19 (s,3H), 3.23-3.28 (m, 2H).4.19 (t, 2H. J=4.8 Hz), 6.88-

6.90 (m, IH), 6.99-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.31-7.34 (m, IH) 8.49 (br s, 2H), 9.42 (s, IH); MS (FAB)

C„H_uN_z0₂ m/e calc 194.2; found 195 (MH⁺). Example 40A

E yi 2-[(2-N-t_βr_/.-butyloxycarbonylamino)ethoxy]benzoate

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15A starting from ethyl sahcylate.

Yield: 86% of theory

•H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- : 1.41 (t, 3H, J=7Hz); 1.45 (s, 9H), 3.58 ( dt 2H, J=6 and

6Hz), 4.12 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 4.38 (q, 2H, J=7Hz), 5.58 (br s, IH), 6.91-7.08 (m, 2H), 7.48 (dt,

IH, J=8and 0.5Hz), 7.84 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5Hz);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C._jH_jjNO_i m/e calc 309.4; found 295 (M+NH );

Rf 0.09 (toluene / ethyl acetate = 20/1).

Example 41 2-[(2-N-tert.-butyloxycarbόnylamino)ethoxy]benzoic acid

To a stirred solution of ethyl 2-(2-N-ter/-butoxycarbonylaminoethoxy)benzoate (example 40A) (4.800 g, 15.51 mmol) in methanol (10 mL). water (10 mL) and THF (12 mL) at 0 °C was added lithium hydroxide monohydrate (0.781 g, 18.62 mmol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred overnight, and evaporated in vacuo to remove methanol and water. The residue was diluted with water, cooled to 0 °C, and then IN hydrochloric acid (15 mL) was added dropwise. The aqueous mixture was extracted with two portions of ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. Yield 4.230 g, (97% of theory), white solid.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.45 (s, 9H), 3.60-3.66 (m, 2H), 4.31 (t, 3H, J=5.2 Hz), 4.98 (br s, IH), 7.05 (d, IH, J=8.3 Hz), 7.11-7.17 (m, IH), 7.52-7.58 (m, IH), 8.18 (dd, IH, J=1.8, 7.8

Hz);

MS (FAB) C H,₉NO_Jm/e calc 281.3; found 282 (MH⁺),

Example 42A

2-(2-_/β^butoxyc^bonylammoethoxy)-N-(2-cyanoethyl)benzaxnide

To a stirred solution of 2-(2_Ttert-butoxycarbonylaminoethoxy)benzoic acid (1.700 g, 6.043 mmol) and 2-aminopropylnitrile (0.466 g, 6.647 mmol) in acetonitrile (40 mL) was added triethylamine (0.884 mL, 6.345 mmol) followed by 2-(lH-benzotriazole-l-yl)-t,l,3,3- tetramethyluronium tetrafluoroborate (2.134 g, 6.647 mmol). After stirred for 5 hours, ^the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed successively with 0.5N hydrochloric acid, water, saturated sodium bicarbonate, water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (hexane, ethyl acetate, 1:2). Yield 1.897 g, (94% of theory), white solid.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.44(s, 9H), 2.78 (t.2H, J=6.5 Hz), 3.62-3.68 (m, 2H), 3.75-

3.82 (m, 2H), 4.18 (t, 2H, J=4.8 Hz), 5.09 (br, IH), 6.95 (d, IH. J=8.2 Hz), 7.06-7.12 (m, IH),

7.41-7.48 (m, IH). 8.20 (dd, IH, J-1.8, 7.8 Hz), 8.52 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_I7H_aN,θ₄m/e calc 333.4; found 334 (MH^*). Example 43A

N-(t_βrt-butoxycarbonyI)-2-[2-[l-(2-cyanoethyl)-lH-tetrazol-5-yl]phenoxy]ethylamine

To a stirred solution of 2-(2-_/ert-butoxycarbonylaminoethoxy)-N-(2-cyanoethyI)benzamide (1.870 g, 5.609 mmol) in acetonitrile (10 mL) was added triphenylphosphine. The mixture was heated with a heat gun until a clear solution resulted and then cooled to 0 °C. Upon cooling to 0 °C, a precipitate formed. Diethyl azodicarboxylate (0.883 mL, 5.609 mmol) and azidotrimethylsilane (0.744 mL, 5.609 mmol) were added, alternating 10 drops at a^time, starting with diethyl azodicarboxylate. The mixture was warmed to 40 °C, stirred for 1 hour, and stirred at room temperature overnight The mixture was partitioned between ethyl, acetate and water, and the separated aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic extracts were washed successively with saturated sodium bicarbonate, water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purifⁱed by column chromatography on silica gel (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 1/2) to give an unseparable mixture of N-(^butoxy^ yl]_Phenoxy]ethylamine (0.897 g, 45%) and the starting material (1.250 g, 67%)^"as colorless oil, which was used for _.the next step without further purifⁱcation. 'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.54 (s, 9H), 3.06 (t, 2H, J=7.0 Hz), 3.39-3.46 (m, 2H), 4.10- 4.20 (m, 2H), 4.55 (t, 2H, J=7.07 Hz), 4.74 (br s, IH), 7.06-7.12 (m, IH), 7.15-7.20 (m, IH),

7.50-7.59 (m, 2H);

MS (FAB) C_l7H₂₂N₆O₃m e calc 358.4; found 359 (MH⁺).

Example 44A 2-[2-[l-(2-cyanoethyl)-lH-tetrazol-5-yl]phenoxy]ethylamine hydrochloride

N-(_/<.rt-butoxycarbonyl)-2-[2-[l-(2-cyanoethyl)-lH-tetrazol-5-yl]phenoxy]ethyIamine (0.976 g) was dissolved in 1,4-dioxane (2.0 mL), and treated with 4N HCI in 1,4-dioxane (5.0 mL). After stirred for 2 hours, the mixture was concentrated in vacuo to give a mixture of 2- [2-[l-(2-cyanoethyl)-lH-tetrazol-5-yl]phenox^]ethyla.nine hydrochloride, 2-[2-(2- cyanoethylcarbamoyl)phenoxy]ethylamine hydrochloride and 2-[2-(2- ccarbamoylethylcarbamoyl)phenoxy]ethyl amine as colorless amorphous (0.700 g), which was used for the next step without further purification. MS (FAB) C,₂Η_MN₆O m e calc 258.3; found 259 (MH^*)-

Example 45A N-[2-[2-[l-(2-cyanoethyl)-lH-tetrazol-5-yl]phenoxy]ethyI]-3-memyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- benzimidazol-2-yl)euhyl]-3H-berιzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The product (0.378 g) obtained in example 44A was dissolved in i N-dimethylfoⁱmamide, and then 1-hydroxybenzotiazole (0.217 g, 1.603 mmol) and triethylamine (0.343 mL, 2.458 mmol) were added. The mixture was stirred for 5 minutes before 3-methyl-2-[i-(4,5,7- trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxilic acid (0.400 g. 1.069 mmol) was added. After the mixture was stirred for 5 minutes, water soluble cardodiimide hydrochloride (0.246 g,-1.282 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred overnight, partitioned between ethyl acetate and water, and the layer were separated, and then the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate.- The combined organic extracts were washed with water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (chlorofor /methanol = from 3/97 to 5/95) to give N-[2-[2-(2-carbamoylethylcarbamoyI)phenoxy]ethyl]-3-methyl-2-[l- (4_I5,7-trifluoro-lH-ben-rimidazol-2-yl)emyl]-3H-be-ιzintidazole-5-carboxamide (0.112 g) as a white solid and an unseparable mixture of N-[2-[2-[l-(2-cyanoethyl)-lH-tetrazol-5- yl]phenoxy]e yl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yI)ethyl]-3H- ben.rimidazole-5-carboxamide and N-[2-[2-(2-cyanoe ylcarbam methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-berιzi- da-wk2-y as white solid (0.485 g) which was used for the next step without further purification. MS (FAB) m/e 615 (MΗ*);

Example 46 A βr -ButyliV-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylcarbamate

/βr/-Butyl N-(2-hydroxyethyl)--v^"-methylcarbamate was prepared by the procedure described in

Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn 50 718-721 (1977) from 2-(methylamino)ethanol (4.0g, 53.3 mmol).

Yield 7.33g (79% of theory), colorless oil.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.47 (s, 9H), 2.92 (s, 3H), 3.40 (t, 2H, J=5.3 Hz), 3.75 (q, 2H,

J=5.3Hz);

MS (FAB) C_$H,₇NO, m/e calc 175.2; found 176 (MH⁺);

Rf 0.31 (ethyl acetate / n-hexane = 1/1).

Example 47A tert-Butyl N-(2-bromoethyl)--\^r-methylcarbamate

To a solution of tert-butyl N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methylcarbamate (7.21 g, 41.1 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and N.-V-diisopropylethylamine (8.0 mL, 45.9 mmol, 1.1 eq.) was added methanesulfonyl chloride (5.0 g, 43.6 mmol, 1.06 eq.) at cooling by ice bath and stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (120 mL), to this solution was added lithium bromide (34.0 g, 392mmol) and stirred for 2 days. The reaction mixture was poured into water and extracted into ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed by brine, dried over Na₂SO<, filtrated and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica (ethyl acetate / n-hexane = 1/6). Yield 2.14g (22% of theory), colorless oil.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.47 (s, 9H), 2.93 (s, 3H), 3.44 (t 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 3.59 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz); Rf 0.32 (ethyl acetate / n-hexane = 1/6).

Example 48A

/βr/-Butyl N-[2-(2-cyanophenoxy)ethyl]-N-methylcarbamate

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15A starting from fert-butyl iV-(2- bromoethyl)-N-methylcarbamate and 2-hydroxybenzonitrile (example 47A) (802.3 mg).

Yield 287.3 mg (31% of theory), colorless oil.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.47 (s, 9H), 3.08 (s, 3H), 3.67 (t, 2H, J=5.2 Hz), 4.11-4.22 (m,

2H). 6.95-7.02 (m, 2H), 7.44-7.55 (m, 2H);

MS (FAB) C₁₃H₂3N₂O_j m/e calc 276.3; found 277 (MH⁺);

Rf 0.15 (ethyl acetate / n-hexane = 1/4).

Example 49A 2-[2-(Methylamino)ethoxy]benzonitrile hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18A strating from tert-butyl N-[2-(2- cyanophenoxy)ethyl]-N-methylcarbamate (example 48A) (285 mg). Yield 95.9 mg (44% of theory), colorless powder

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 2.90(s, 3H), 3.57 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 4.48 (t, 2H, J=4.9 Hz), 7.20 (dt, IH, 1=0.6, 7.6 Hz), 7.27 (dd, IH. J= 0.6,8.5 Hz), 7.68-7.74 (m, 2H); MS (FAB) C₁₀H,₂N₂O.HCl m/e calc 176.2; found 177 (MH⁺).

Example 50A /er/-Butyl N-[2-(2-nitrophenoxy)ethyl]carbamate

To a solution of 2-nitrophenol (4.991 g, 35.9 mmol, 1.2 eq.) and potassium carbonate (4.959 g, 35.9 mmol, 1.2 eq.) in N.N-dimethylformamide (50 mL) was heated at 40 °C for 30 minutes. To this solution was added /ert-butyl.-N-(2-bromoethyl)carbamate (6.7 g 29.9 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and sodium iodide (0.01 g, 0.067 mmol, catalytic amount) and stirred at 60 °C for overnight. The reaction mixture was^'poured into water and extracted into ethyl ether. The organic layer was washed by water and brine, dried over Na₂SO< and evaporated. The residue was purif_ied by column chromatography on silica (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = from 2/1 to 1/1). Yield 4.34 g (52% of theory), pale yellow solid.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.45 (s, 9H), 3.58 (dt 2H, J=5.6, 5.0 Hz), 4.17 (t 2H, J=5.0 Hz), 5.14 (br s, IH); 7.02-7.08 (m, 2H), 7.50-7.56 (m, IH), 7.86 (dd, IH, J-1.7, 8.1 Hz);

MS (FAB) C,jH_lsNA m e ^{calc 282}'³' ^{found 283} (M*^1** Rf 0.34 (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 2/1).

Example 51A

/err-Butyl N-[2-(2-aminophenoxy)ethyl]carbamate

A solution of tert-butyl N-[2-(2-nitrophenoxy)ethyl]carbamate (example 50A) (2.99 g, 10.6 mmol) in methanol (30 mL) was stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen over 10% Pd-C for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was filtrated on Celite and washed with methanol several times^, the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. Yield 2.38g (89% of theory), pale gray solid.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.45 (s, 9H).3.55 (dt, 2H. J=5.3. 5.1 Hz), 4.06 (t, 2H, J-5.1Hz). 4.95 (br s, IH), 6.89 (dd, IH, J=l.l, 8.2 Hz), 6.95-7.00 (m, IH), 7.16-7.21 (m, IH), 7.52 (dd, IH, J=1.5, 8.0 Hz), 7.86^" (br s, IH); MS (FAB) C_uH₂₀N₂O_j m/e calc 252.3; found 253 (MH^*); Rf 0.33 (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 2/1).

Example 52A rer_/-butyl N-[2-(2-trifluoromethanesulfonamidophenoxy)ethyl]carbamate

To a solution of rt-butyl N-[2-(2-aminophe-ioxy)ethyl]carbamate (example 51 A) (0.80 g,

3.17 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (0.587 mL, 3.49 mmol, 1.1 eq.) in dichloromethane (10 mL) was added triethylamine (0.53 mL, 3.81 mmol, 1.2 eq.) at 0 ^CC and stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was washed by 0.5N hydrochloric acid, water and brine, dried overNa₂SO< and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 3/1).

Yield 0.769 g (63% of theory), colorless oil.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI₃): 1.45 (s, 9H), 3.54 (dt, 2H, J=6.3, 5.2 Hz), 4.11 (t, 2H, J=5.2 Hz),

4.91 (br s, IH), 6.67-6.84 (m, 4H);

MS (FAB) C_uH„F_jN₂O_jS m/e calc 384.4; found 385 (MH⁺)-

Example 53A

N-[2-(2-Aminoethoxy)phenyl]trifluoromethanesulfonamide hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18A starting from tert-butyl N-[2-(2- trifluoromethanesulfonamidophenoxy)ethyl]carbamate (example 52A) and afforded a white. solid. Yield 95%.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-rf<5): 3.21-3.35 (m, 2H).4.22 (t, 2H, J=5.0 Hz), 7.02 (dt, IH/

J=l.l, 7.7 Hz), 7.12 (dd, IH, J=0.9, 8.2 Hz), 7.28-7.35 (m 2H), 8.21 (br s, 3H), 11.18 (br s,

IH); MS (FAB) C,H,,F_jN₂O_jS.HCl m e calc 284.3; found 285 (MH^*).

Example 54A tert-Butyl N-[2-(2-cyanopyridin-3 -yl)ethyl]carbamate

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15A starting from 2-cyano-3- hydroxypyridine (Synthesis 1983, 316) (1.185 g).

Yield 648.9 mg (47% of theory), colorless oil.-.

'H-ΝMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.45 (s, 9H), 3.61 (dt, 2H, J=5.9 5.2 Hz), 4.18 (t, 2H, J=5.2 Hz),

5.04 (br s, IH), 7.36 (dd, IH, J=1.2, 8.7 Hz), 7.47 (dd, IH, J=4.5, 8.7 Hz), 8.31 (dd, IH,

J=1.2, 4.5Hz);

MS (FAB) C._jH^ _jO_j m/e calc 263.3; found 264 (MIT);

Rf 0.19 (ethyl acetate / n-hexane = 1/1).

Example 55A

3-(2-Aminoethoxy)-2-cyanopyridine hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18 A starting from tert-butyl N-[2-(2- cyanopyridin-3-yl)ethyl]carbamate (example 54A) (647 mg).

Yield 448.3 mg (77% of theory), colorless powder.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CD₃OD): 3.49 (t, 2H, J=5.0 Hz), 4.49 (t, 2H, J=5.0 Hz), 7.79 (dd, IH,

J=4.5, 8.8 Hz), 7.78 (dd, IH, J-l-2, 8.8 Hz). 8.36 (dd, IH, J-1.2, 4.5Hz);

MS (FAB) C₈H,N_jO_j.xHCl m/e calc 163.2; found 164 (MH⁺).

Example 56A (S)-2-[(N-tert.-Butyloxycarbonyl)amino]-l-bromopropane

To a mixture of Boc-L-aianinol (3.00 g, 17.2 mmol) and N,N-diisopropylethylamine (3.6 mL,

20.5 mmol) in dichloromethane (9 mL) was added dropwise methanesulfonyl chloride (1.59 mL, 20.5 mmol) under an ice cooling. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. After evaporation of volatiles in vacuo, tetrahydrofuran (18 mL) and lithium bromide (2.97 g, 34.2 mmol) was added to the residue. The resulted suspension was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours, then the mixture was heated to 50 °C for 5 hours. The mixture was concentrated, dissolved in water, extracted with ethyl acetate, dried and evaporated. Purification by silica gel column chromatography (n-hexane/ethyl acetate = 10/1 to 5/1 eluent).

Yield 1.61g (39 % of theory), colorless solid.

'H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl_j): 1.24 (d, 3H, J=6.7 Hz), 1.45 (s, 9H), 3.43-3.66 (m, 2H), 3.93-

4.00 (m, lH), 4.66 (br s, lH); mp 44.9-45.8 °C;

Rf = 0.6 (n-hexane/ethyl acetate = 2/1).

Example 57A

(R)-2-[(N-rert.-Butyloxycarbonyl)amino]-l-bromopropane .

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 56A starting from Boc-D-alaninol.

Yield 42% of theory.

'H-NMR (300 MH_Z, CDC1₃) : 1.24 (d, 3H, J=6.7 Hz), 1.45 (s, 9H), 3.43-3.63 (m, 2H), 3.93-

3.98 (m, IH), 4.66 (br s, IH); mp 44.8-45:8 °C;

Rf = 0.6 (n-hexane/ethyl acetate = 2/1).

Example 58A (S)-2-[2-[(N-tert.-Butyloxycarbonyl)aminopropoxy]benzonitrile ^chiral

To a suspended mixture of 2-cyanophenol (250 mg, 2.10 mmol) and cesium carbonate (753 mg, 2.31 mmol) i .N-dimethylformamide (6 mL) was added example 56A (500 mg, 2.1 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 3 days. After an additional stirring at 50 °C for 5 hours, the reaction mixture was quenched with water. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate, washed with brine, dried and concentrated. Purification by silica gel column chromatography (n-hexane/ethyl acetate = 10/1 to 4/1 eluent) yielded 306 mg of a colorless oil that consist of the target molecule and 2- cyanophenol (ca. 1 : 1).

MS (FAB) C_I5H₂oN₂O_j m/e calc 276.3; found 277 (MH⁺); Rf 0.55 (n-hexane ethyl acetate = 1/1).

Example 59A

(R)-2-[2-[(N-ter_/.-Butyloxycarbonyl)aminopropoxy]benzonitrile Chiral

The preparation was carried out in analogy of example 58A starting from example 57A. mixture of the product & 2-cyanophenol (1:1) MS (FAB) C₁₃H₂₀N₂O_j m/e calc 276.3; found 277 (MH⁺); Rf 0.55 (n-hexane/ethyl acetate = 1/1).

Example 60A

(S)-2-[2-aminopropoxy]benzonitrile hydrochloride

Chiral

To a solution of example 58A (306 mg) in 1,4-dioxane (4 mL) was added 4N-hydrochloric acid in 1,4-dioxane (4 mL) at room temperature. The mixture was stirred at ambient temperature for 1 hour. A large volume of diethyl ether was poured into the reaction mixture until a white precipitate was observed. The precipitate was collected by filtration, washed with diethyl ether and dried. Yield 115 mg (26% yield in 2 steps from example 56 A), white solid

Η-NMR (300 MHz, D SO-d₆): 1:34 (d, 3H, J=6.7 Hz), 3.61- 3.67 (m, IH), 4.25-4.28 (m,

2H), 7.16 (dt, J=0.5, 7.6 Hz), 7.31 (d, J=8.5 Hz), 7.66-7.72 (m, IH), 7.77 (dd, IH, J=7.6, 1.7

Hz), 8.28 (br s, 3H);

MS (FAB) C_I0H_l2N₂O.HCl m/e calc 176.2; found 177 (MH⁺); mp 178.3-180.4 °C.

Example 61 A

(R)-2-[2-aminopropyl- 1 -oxy]benzonitrile hydrochloride

Chiral

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 60A starting from example 59A.

Yield 21% yield in 2 steps from example57A, white solid

Η-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-rf₆): 1.34 (d, 3H, J=6.7 Hz), 3.61-3.67 (m, IH), 4.24-4.27 ( ,

2H), 7.16 (dt, J=0.6, 7.6 Hz), 7.31 (d, J=8.5 Hz), 7.66-7.72 (m, IH), 7.77 (dd, IH, J=7.6, 1.7

Hz), 8.23 (br s, 3H);

MS (FAB) C,₀H₁₂N₂O.HC1 m/e calc 176.2; found 177 (MIT); mp 174.1-177.0 °C.

Example 62A

2-[(2-N-Tert.-butyloxycarbonylamino)ethyl-loxy]-5-fluoro-benzonitrile

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15A starting from 2-cyano-4- fluorophenol (EP 152014). Yield: 50% of theory; white solid

'H-NMR (300 MHz, ΩMSO-d₆): 1.45 ( s, 9H), 3.58 ( dt 2H, 1=6 and 6Hz), 4.08-4.16 (m, 2H), 5.06 (s, IH), 6.93 (dd, IH, J=4.0, 9.0Hz) 7.21-7.30 (m, 2H); MS (FAB) C,<H_I7 F N₂O_j m/e calc 280.3; found 281 (MH^*);

Example 63A l-(4-Fluoro-2-nitrophenyl)-4-trifluoroacetylpiperazine

To trifluoroacetic anhydride (25 mL) was added l-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine (3.0 g, 16.65 mmol, 1.0 eq.) and potassium nitrate (1.851 g, 18.31 mmol, 1.1 eq.) was added at 0 °C and stirred at 0 °C for 1 hour and at room temperature for overnight. The reaction mixture was poured into ice, neutrized by sat NaHCO_j aq. and extracted into ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with sat. NaHCO_j aq., water and brine, dried over Na^O,, filtrated and evaporated.- The residue was purified by column^' chromatography on silica (ethyl acetate / n- hexane = 4/1).

Yield 4.642 g (87% of theory), brown solid.

Η-NMR (300 MH_Z, CDCl_j): 3.06-3.10 (m, 4H), 3.76 (t 2H, J=4.7 Hz), 3.85 (t, 2H, J=5.0 Hz), 7.22 (dd, IH, J=4.9, 9.0 Hz), 7.30 (dd, IH, J=3.0, 9.0 Hz), 7.55 (dd, IH, J=3.0, 7.8Hz); MS (FAB) C₁₂H„F,N_jO_j m/e calc 321.2; found 322 (MH⁺); Rf 0.40 (ethyl acetate / n-hexane = 1/4).

Example 64A l-(2-Amino-4-fluorophenyl)-4-trifluoroacetylpiperazine

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 51 A starting from example 63 A. Yield 84% of theory, colorless oil. 'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 2.91-2.93 (m, 4H), 3.73 (m, 4H), 4.09-4.16 (m, 2H), 6.38-

6.47 (m, 2H), 6.90 (dd, IH, J=5.7, 8.5 Hz);

MS (FAB) C₁₂H,_JF,N_JO m/e calc 291.3; found 292 (MH⁺).

Example 65A

1 -(2-Amino-4-fluorophenyl)piperazine

To a solution of l-(2_^Amino-4-fluorophenyl)^.rtrifluoroacetylpiperazine (1.00 g 3.433 mmol,

1.0 eq.) in ethanol (10 mL) was added sodium borohydride (0.13 g ,3.433 mmol, 1.0 eq.) at 0

°C and stirred at 0 °C for 1 hour and at room temperature for overnight The reaction mixture was concentrated, diluted with water, and extracted into chloroform. The organic layer was dried over K₂CO_j, filtrated and evaporated.

Yield 543 mg (81% of theory), white solid

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 2.80-2.83 (m, 4H), 2.99-3.02 (m, 4H), 4.13 (br, 2H), 6.36-6.45

(m, 2H), 6.92 (dd, IH, J=5.8, 8.4 Hz);

MS (FAB) C₁₀H_uFN_j m/e calc 195.2; found 196 (MET).

Example 66A

2-[l-(6-fluoro-5-hydroxy-lH-be--zoimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5- carboxylic acid

To a solution of 2-[l-(5-benzyloxy-6-fluoro-lH-benzoimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-3H- benzoimidazoie-5-carboxylic acid (example 13A) (0.50g, 1.13mmol) in methanol (30 mL) was added 10% palladium on carbon (10% Pd-C) (0.40g) and stirred under an atmosphere of hydrogen at 2 - 3 atoms for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite. The filtrate was condensed under reduced pressure and dried in vacuo. Yield: 0.25g (62.7% of theory), colorless powder -NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 1.82 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.77 (s, 3H), 4.86 (q, 1H, J=7.1 Hz), 6.99 - 7.01 (m, IH), 7.18 - 7.25 (m, IH), 7.57 (d, IH, J=8.4 Hz), 7.81 (dd, IH, J=8.4, 1.4 Hz), 8.07 (s, IH);

MS (FAB) C.-H._jF A m/e calc 354.3; found 355 (MH⁺); Rf 0.10 (acetic acid / methanol / ethyl acetate = 1 / 20 / 80).

Example 67A

1 -(2-Nitrophenyl)piperazin

To a stirred solution of piperazine (15.26 g, 177.18 mmol) in tetrahydrofuran (100 mL) was added 2-fluoronitrobenzene (5.00 g, 35.44 mmol) and stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and diluted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried over MgSO₄, filtered and concentrated. The crude orange oil (10.13 g) was used for the next step without further purifⁱcation.

Η-NMR (300 MHz CDC13): 2.95-3.66 (m, 8H), 7.02 (dt, IH, J= 8.3, 2.0 Hz), 7.13 (dd, IH,

J=8.3, 1.1 Hz), 7.44-7.50 (m, IH), 7.74 (dd, IH, J=8.1, 1.6 Hz);

MS (FAB) C₁₀H_I3N_jO₂ m/e calc 207.2; found 208 (MH⁺);

Rf 0.25 (chloroform/ methanol = 10/1).

Example 68A l-_/ert-Butoxycarbonyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)piperazine

To a stirred solution of l-(2-nitro_Phenyl)piperazin (example 67A) (10.13 g, 48.88 mmol) in dichloromethane (100 mL) was added triethylamine (3.41 mL, 24.44 mmol) and di-^ter.-butyl dicarbonate (21.34 g, 97.76 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The reaction was concentrated in vacuo. Purification by silica gel column chromatography twice (from n-hexane only to n-hexane / ethyl acetate = from 25/1 to 4/1, twice) afforded yellow oil (16.12 g) contaminated with di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (ca. 30%) which was used for the next step without further purification.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.48 (s, 9H), 1.53 (s, 8H), 3.01 (t, 4H, J=4.9 Hz), 3.58 (t, 4H,

J=4.9 Hz), 7.06-7.16 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.50 (m, IH) 7.77 (dd, IH, J=8.1, 1.6 Hz);

MS (FAB) C^H^N_jO m/e calc 307.4; found 308 (MH^÷);

Rf 0.33 (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 4/1).

Example 69A l-_/βrt-Butoxycarbonyl-4-(2-aminoρhenyl)piperazine

Under H₂ a_tmosphere (3 atm), the mixture of l-/er/-butoxycarbonyl-4-(2- nitrophenyl)piperazine (example 68A) (16.11 g, 34.59 mmol, containing di-tert-butyl carbonate), propylamine (1.42 mL, 17.30 mmol, to separate di- rf-butyl carbonate from target compound) and 10% Pd-C (1 g) in methanol (150 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was filtered with celite pad and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. Purification by silica gel column chromatography (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 9/1). Yield 8.61 g (88% of theory from l-(2-fluorophenyl)piperidine), colorless solid. 'H-NMR (300MHz, CDCl_j): 1.49 (s, 9H), 2.85 (t, 4H, J= 4.9 Hz), 3.55 (m, 4H), 3.97 (br s, 2H), 6.71-6.77 (m, 2H), 6.91-6.97 (m, 2H); MS (FAB) C_jjH_ijN_jO_j m/e calc 277.4; found 278 (MH⁺); mp. 120-122°C; Rf 0.41 (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 2/1).

Example 70A

1 -(2-aminophenyl)piperazine, hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18 A starting from example 69 A. Yield 79% of theory, colorless solid •H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-4): 3.09-3.19 (m, 4H), 3.28 (s, 4H), 3.85 (br s. IH), 7.22-

7.44 (m, 4H), 9.38 (br s, 2H);

MS (FAB) C,₀H₁₅N_jΗCl m/e calc 276; found 278 (MH⁺).

Example 71A l-t_er_/-Butoxycarbonyl-4-(2-trifluoromethanesulfonamidephenyl)piperazine

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 52A starting from example 69A.

Yield 45% of theory, white solid

'H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.49 (s, 9H), 2.81 (t, 4H, J=Φ.9 Hz), 3.60 (br s, 4H), 7.14-7.26

(m, 3H), 7.56-7.60 (m, IH);

MS (FAB) C_I6H_β F₃N_jO₄S m/e calc 409.4; found 410 (NOT). mp. H5-118°C;

Rf 0.34 (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 4/1).

Example 72A l-(2-Trifluoromethanesulfonamidephenyl)piperazine

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18A starting from example 71 A.

Yield 73% of theory, white solid

'H-NMR (300 MHzDMSO- ): 3.06-3.09 (m, 4H), 3.16-3.21 (m, 4H), 7.20-7.40 (m.

4H);9.24 (br s, 2H);

MS (FAB) C_MH_MF_jN_jO₂SHCl m e calc 309; found 310 (MH⁺);

Example 73A 2-(N-_/err-Butyloxycarbonylamino)ethoxy-l,3-difiuorobenzene

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15 A starting from 2,6-difluorophenol.

Yield 55% of theory, colorless oil.

Η-NMR (300 MHz CDCl_j): 1.45 (s, 9H), 3.44-3.51 (m, 2H), 4.17 (t, 2H, J=5.0 Hz), 5.10 (br s, lH), 6.81-7.02 (m, 3H);

MS (FAB) C_uH₁₇F₂NO_j m/e calc 273.2; found 274 (MH⁺);

Rf 0.57 (n-hexane / ethyl acetate = 4/1).

Example 74A

2-Aminoethoxy-l ,3-difluorobenzene hydrochloride

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 18A starting from example 73 A. Yield 42% of theory, colorless solid.

Η NMR (300 MHz DMSQ- ): 3.49 (s, 2H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 6.80-6.99 (m, 3H), 8.47 (br s, 2H); MS (FAB) C_sH,F₂NO HCI m/e calc 173; found 174 (MH⁺).

Example 75A l-[2-(N-tert-Butyloxycarbonylamino)e_thoxy]-2-fluorobenzene

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 15 A starting from 2-f uorophenol.

Yield 71% of theory, colorless oil.

'H NMR (300 MHz CDCl_j): 1.45 (s. 9H), 3.54 (q.2H. J= 5.4 Hz), 4.09 (t, 2H, J= 5.1 Hz).

5.20 (br s, IH), 6.88-7.11 (m, IH);

MS (FAB) C_l3H,₇F₂NO_j m/e calc 255.3; found 256 (MH^*); Rf 0.34 (hexane/ethyl acetate = 4/1).

Example 76A

1 -(2-aminoethoxy)-2-fluorobenzene

The preparation was carried out in analogy to -example 18A starting from example 75 A.

Yield 38% of theory, colorless solid.

Η NMR (300 MHz OMSO-d₆): 3.23 (t, 2H, J= 5.2 Hz), 4.26 (t, 2H, J= 5.2 Hz), 6.97-7.03

(m, IH), 7.13-7.28 (m, 3H), 8.18 (s, 2H);

MS (FAB) C,H,₀FNO HCI m/e calc 155; found 156 (MIT).

Example 77A a-Methyl-Z^.δ.y-trifluoro-IH-benzimidazol^-yl-rnethy -SH-benzimidazole-S- carboxylic acid

A mixture of example 10A (0.75g; 2.91 mmol), example 4A (0.51 g; 3.05mmol) and DMPU (1,3-dimethyltetrahydro-2(^H)-pyrimidone; 2.5ml) was stirred under vacuum at 50°C for 2h to remove residual gases and heated to 200°C (bath temperature) for 1h under argon in a distillation apparatus to remove the reaction water. The DMPU was evaporated in vacuo and the warm residue was taken up in dichloromethane and stirred at room temperature for 2h. The product was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. Yield: LOOg (96% of theory); grey crystalline solid

¹H-NMR (200 MHz. DMSO-d₆): 3.91 (s. 3H). 4.68 (s, 2H). 7.35 (cm. 1 H). 7.62 (d. 1H.

J= 9Hz). 7.81 (dd. 1H. J=9 and 0.5Hz). 8.20 (d, 1H, J=0.5Hz), 12.8 and 13.6 (2 br s.

2H);

MS (DCI/NH₃) C₁₇HιιF_{3 4}θ₂ m/e calc 360.3; found 361 (M+H⁺). mp >250^βC.

Preparation Examples

Example 1

2-[(4,6-Difluoro-lH-ben-rimida-∞l-2-yl)difluoromethyl]-N-[2-(4-fluorophenoxy)ethyl]-3- methyl-3H-ben- rmda-Ml-5^'-carboxamide.

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 27A starting from difluoro malonic acid, example 21 A, and 2-amino-4,6-difluoro-aniline.

Yield: 20% of theory; slightly yellow crystalline solid

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-_ci₆): 3.68 (dt 2H, 1=6 and 6Hz), 4.03 (s, 3H), 4.12 (t 2H,

J=6Hz), 6.95-7.40 (m, 6H), 7.80 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.88 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5Hz), 8.32 (d, IH,

J=0.5Hz), 8.81 (t IH, J=6Hz), 14.3 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j)

calc 515.4; found 516 (M+H⁺); R_f 0.66 (ethyl acetate)

Example 2

2-[(4,6-Difluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)difluoromethyl]-N-[2-(4-fluorophenoxy)ethyl]-3H-

starting from difluoro

malonic acid, example 22A, and 2-amino-4,6-difluoro-an ne.

Yield: 25% of theory; tan crystalline solid

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- : 3.65 (dt, 2H, J=6Hz and 6Hz), 4.10 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 6.90-

7.40 (m, 6H), 7.70 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.90 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 8.20 (s, IH), 8.80 (t, IH, J=6Hz),

14.10 (br, s, IH)

MS (DCI/NH_j)

calc 501.4; found 502 (M+H⁺);

R_fO.61 (ethyl acetate)

Example 3

benzimidazol-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 27A starting from difluoro malonic acid, example 21 A, and 2-amino-3^~,4,6-trifluoro-aniline. Yield: 6% of theory; white crystalline solid 'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- : 3.66 (dt 2H, J=6Hz and 6Hz), 3.99 (s,3H), 4.12 (t, 2H,

J=6Hz), 6.90-7.90 (m, 7H), 8.28 (s, IH), 8.80 (t IH, J=6Hz), 14.10 (br, s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C_2JH₁₇F₆N₃O₂m/e calc 533.4; found 534 (M+H^*). ^•

R_t 0.57 (ethyl acetate)

Example 4

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 27A starting from difluoro malonic acid, example 24A, and 2-am o A6-difluoro-amline.

Yield: 28% of theory; yellow crystalline solid

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-c : 3.12 (cm, 4H), 3.70 (cm, 4H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 6.90-7.50 (m,

7H), 7.86 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.92 (s, IH), 14.30 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) ^H_j.F_j eO^'m/e calc 540.5; found 541 (M+H⁺);

R_f 0.55 (ethyl acetate)

Example 5 2-[(6-Fluoro-5-hydroxy-lH-beι-zimidazol-2-yl)difluoromethyl]-N-[2-(4- fluorophenoxy)ethyl]-3-me yl-3H-beι-₂imidazol-5-carboxamide.

A solution of example 27A (U3g; 1.86mmol) in methanol (100ml) was hydrogenated at 3 barfor 2h in the presence of palladium, 10 % on charcoal (0.2g). The reaction mixture was filterd through kieselgur, washed with methanol and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silicagel (ethyl acetate:toluene=l:l).

Yield: 0.828g (87% of theory); white solid -NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- : 3.69 (dt, 2H, J=6Hz and 6Hz), 3.95 (s, 3H), 4.15 (t, 2H,

J=6Hz), 6.90-7.25 (m, 5H), 7.48 (cm, IH), 7.80 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.88 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5Hz),

8.31 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.84 (t IH, J=6Hz), 10.00 (br s, IH), 13.45 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NHj)

calc 513.5; found 514 (M+H⁺);

R_f 0.42 (ethyl acetate)

Example 6

5-[4-(4-Fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH^'- be-mmidazol-2-yl)emyl]-3H-ben-rimidazole

Method A:

To a stirred mixture of example 11A (21.8g; 58.2mmol), l-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine (10.5g; 58.2mmόl) and N-methylmorpholine (7.36g; 72.8 mmol) in N,N-dimethylformamide (400ml) was added under argon at 0°C 1-hydrqxybenzotriazole (10.2g; 75.7mmol) and N-(3- dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodii-nide hydrochloride (12.3g; 64.1mmol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirring was continued for 3h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between water (500ml) and ethylacetate (400ml). The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 150ml). The combined organic layers were washed with sat-aq. NaCl solution, dried'over MgSO_<, and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was treated with dichloromethane / cyclohexane and precipitated crude product was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo. For further purification the crude product was dissolved in a mixture of hot dichloromethane (300mi)/ethanol (150ml) and the dichloromethane was evaporated in vacuo. The ethanol solution was slowly cooled under stirring, the precipitated product was collected by filtration, washed with ethanol and dried in vacuo. This purification procedure was repeated twice. Yield: 21.8g (70% of theory), white crystals 'H-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-rf₆): 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.11 (cm, 5H), 3.65 (m, 3H). 3.80 (s. 3H), 4.97 (q^', IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.95-7.10 (m, 4H), 7.27 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5 Hz), 7.32 (cm, IH), 7.65 (d, IH, J= 8Hz), 7.68 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 13.46 (br s, IH); MS (FAB)

m/e calc 536.5; found 537 (MH⁺). m.p.225-227°C ; Rf 0.29 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 10/1).

Method B:

To a cooled (0 °C), stirred suspension of example 11 A (1.00 g, 2.671 mmol, 1 eq) in N,N- dimethylformamide (10 mL) was added l-(4-fluorophenyl)pϊperazine (0.48 g, 2.671 mmol, 1 eq), N-(3-dimemylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.56 g, 2.939 mmol, 1.1 eq), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.40 g, 2.939 mmol, 1.1 eq) and triethylamine (0.413 mL, 2:939 mmol, 1.1 eq). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and diluted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and sat. NaHCOj aq., dried over MgSO<, filtered and concentrated. Purification was carried out by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate / methanol = from 100/5 to 10/1 as eluent) and recrystallization twice (from ethyl acetate/diethyl ether = 1/5, chloroform/hexane = 1/5) to give white solid Yield: ^"l.047 g (73% of theory)

Method C:

To a stirred suspension of example 11A (0.70g; 1.87mmol) in dichloromethane (20ml) was added under Argon at -10°C triethylamine (0.38g; 3.74mmol), l-(4-fluorophenyl)piρerazine (0.34g; 1.87mmol) andN-(3-dimemylammopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.39g; 2.06mmol). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirring was continued for 15h. The mixture was diluted with dichloromethane and washed with water (50ml), sat. aq. NaHCO_j solution (2 x 50ml), water (50ml), dried over Na₂SO₄, and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified as described above in method A. Yield: 0.67g (67% of theory), white crystals

Example 7 3-Methyl-5-(4-phenylpiperazin-l-ylcarbonyl)-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifiuoro-lH-benzimidazol-2- yl)ed yl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and 1- phenylpiperazine (method B).

Yield: 37% of theory, colorless solid

Η-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₄): 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.17-3.20 (m, 4H), 3.41-3.65 (m,

4H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.97 <q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.80 (t IH, J=7.3 Hz), 6.95 (d, 2H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.20-

7.27 (m, 2H), 7.25-7.34 (m, IH), 7.63-7.68 (m, 2H), 13.46 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB)

m/e calc 518.5; found 519 (MH^*). mp246 °C;

R_f 0.43 (chloroform / methanol = 10/1).

Example 8

5-(4-Benzylpipera-d'n-l-ylcarbonyl)-3-me yl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifiuoro-lH-be--zimidazol-2- yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and 1- benzylpiperazine (method B).

Yield: 60%. of theory; colorless powder

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-. ,): 1.86 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 2.51 (m, 4H), 3.51 ( , 6H), 3.79 (s,

3H), 4.96 (q, IH, J-7.1 Hz), 7.20 (dd, IH, J=1.4, 8.3 Hz), 7.23-7.35 (m, 6H), 7.60-7.63 (m,

2H), 13.45 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) C„H₂₇F_jN₆O m e calc 532.57; found 533 (MH^*); mp 260.7 °C (dec); Rf 0.36 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 10/1).

Example 9

3-Memyl-5-[4-(4-mtrophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-

2-yl)eώyl]-3H-betιzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and l-(4- nitrophenyl)piperazine (method B).

Yield: 32% of theory, yellow solid.

'ΗNMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 1.88 (d, 3Η, J=7.1 Hz), 3.50-3.77 (m, 8H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.98

(q, IH, J-7.1 Hz), 7.03 (d, 2H, J=9.5 Hz), 7.25-7.35 (m, IH), 7.29 (d, IH, J=8.3 Hz), 7.66 (d,

IH, J=8.3 Hz), 7.69 (d, IH, J=0.8 Hz), 8.09 (d, 2H, J=9.5 Hz), 13.47 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) QuH^ _j A m/e calc 563.5; found 564 (MH*); mp >260 °C;

Rf = 0.62 (chloroform / methanol = 9/1).

Example 10

yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and 1 -(2- pyrimidyl)piperazine (method B). Yield: 25% of theory, colorless solid. •H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d₆) 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.10-3.30 (m, 4H), 3.61-3.77 (m, 4H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.66 (t, IH, J=4.7 Hz), 7.26 (d, IH, J=9.5 Hz), 7.27- 7.29 (m, IH), 7.63-7.67 (m, 2H), 8.37 (d, 2H, J=4.7 Hz), 13.47 (br s, IH); MS (FAB) C_JSH^F_JN.O m/e calc 520.5; found 521 (MH⁺); mp >260 °C; Rf 0.30 (chloroform / methanol =10/1).

Example 11

2-[l-(5-Fluoro-6-hydroxy-lH-benzimidazoI-2-yl)ethyl]-5-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l- ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-3H-ben-rimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting example 66A and l-(4- fluoropheriyl)piperazine (method B).

Yield: 29% of theory, colorless powder.

Η-NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 1.83 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.11 (m, 4H), 3.30 (s, 3H), 3.65 (m

4H), 4.86 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.95-7.09 (m, 5H), 7.26 (dd, 2H, J=l .3, 8.3 Hz), 9.44 (br s, IH),

12.07 (br s, IH);'

MS (FAB) C₂₇H_2SF₂N₆O₂ m e calc 516.6; found 517 (MH⁺). mp 189.5 ^βC (dec);

Rf 0.20 (AcOEt / MeOH = 10/1).

Example 12 5.[4-(2-cyanophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and l-(2-cyanophenyl)piperazine (method B). Yield: 53% of theory, colorless powder. -NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.l Hz), 3.18 (m, 4H), 3.64 (m, 4H), 3.72 (s 3H), 4.98 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz) 7.13 (dd, IH, J=7.5, 7.6 Hz), 7.20 (d, IH, J=8.3 Hz), 7.28 (dd, 2H, J=1.3, 8.3 Hz), 7.59-7.74 (m, 4H), 13.47 (br s, IH); MS (FAB) C₂₉H_2<F_jN₇O m/e calc 543.6; found 544 (MH⁺); mp 254.3 ^βC (dec); Rf 0.56 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 10/1).

Example 13

5-[4-(2-Am o-4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-3-met-hyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- benzimidazol-2-yl)emyl]-3H-ber--rimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and example 65A. (method B).

Yield: 51% of theory, pale yellow solid.

'HNMR (300 MHz, DMSO- _j): 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 2.67-2.89 (m, 4H), 3.43-3.90 (m,

4H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.98 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 5.18 (s, 2H), 6.23-6.30 (m, IH), 6.44 (dd, IH,

J=2.9, 11.2 Hz), 6.90 (dd, IH, J=6.l^', 8.6 Hz), 7.25 (dd, IH, J-1.4, 8.2 Hz), 7.29-7.35 (m, IH),

7.65 (d, IH, J=8.5 Hz), 7.66 (d, IH, J=0.9 Hz), 13.46 (s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_j-H_j^N.O m/e calc 551.5; found 552 (MH⁺); mp 234-239 °C;

Rf = 0.68 (chloroform / methanol = 9/1).

Example 14

5-(l,4_*-Bipiperidiny-l'-ylcarbonyl)-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2- yl)ethyl-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and 4- piperidino-piperidine (method B).

Yield: 49% of theory, colorless solid.

Η-NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 1.23-1.85 (m, 10H), 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 2.50-3.30 (m,

9H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 7.20 (dd, IH. J=8.3, 1.0 Hz), 7.25-7.34 (m, IH),

7.60-7.63 (m, 2H), 13.40 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB)

m/e calc 524.6; found 525 (MH^*); mp 173.2 - 176,8 °C;

Rf 0.08 (chloroform / methanol = 9/1).

Example 15

3-Methyl-5-[(4-pyridin-4-yl)pipera-rin-l-ylcarbonyl]-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2- yl)ethyl]-3H-be-ιzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and l-(4- pyridinyl)piperazine (method B).

Yield:65% of theory, colorless solid.

Η-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-rfά): 1.89 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.43 (br s, 4H), 3.65 (br s, 4H), 3.81

(s, 3H), 4.98 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.84 (d, 2H, J =6.5 Hz), 7.26-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.65 (d, IH. J=8.3

Hz), 7.69 (s, IH), 8.18 (d, 2H, J=6.5 Hz), 13.44 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_J H^F_J^O m/e calc 519.5; found 520 (MH⁺); mp 220.8 - 222.9 °C;

Rf 0.15 (chloroform / methanol = 4/1). Example 16

5-(4-Benzenesulfonylpiperazin-l-ylcarbonyl)-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-bermmidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11A and example 35A (method B). Yield: 14.7% of theory, colorless powder

^" 'H-NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-drj) 1.85 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 2.97 (m, 4H), 3.59 (m, 4H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 4.95 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 7.16 (dd, IH, J=L3, 8.3 Hz), 7.25-7.35 (m, IH), 7.55-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.64-7.78 (m,^'5H), 13.45 (br s, IH); MS (FAB) C_JJH_JJF_J AS m e calc 582.6; found 583 (MHT); mp>231.5 °C (dec); Rf 0.47(ethyl acetate / methanol = 20/3).

Example 17

3-Me yl-5-[4-(2-pyridyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-be-ιzimidazol-2- yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and l-(2- pyridinyl)piperazine (method B).

Yield:26% of theory, colorless solid

Η-NMR (300 MHz, CD_jOD): 1.18 (dd, 3H, J=7.2.2.1 Hz), 2..61 - 3.20 (m. 8H), 3.04 (s, 3H),

4.19 (dq, IH, J=7.1, 2.1 Hz), 5.90 (dd, IH, J=5.2, 1.6 Hz), 6.04 (d, IH, J=8.7 Hz), 6.17 - 6.26 -

(m, IH), 6.57 (d, IH, J=8_.3 Hz), 6.74 - 6.80 (m, IH), 6.86 (s, IH), 6.92 (d, IH. J=8.3 Hz).

7.28 - 7.30 (m, IH); S (FAB) C_j^F_jN-O m/e calc 519.5; found 520 (MH^*); mp 250-252 °C (dec);

Rf 0.19 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 9/1).

Example 18

5-[4-(2-Aminophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbohyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- ben-rimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and l-(2- aminophenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (method B).

Yield: 56% of theory, colorless solid. -NMR (300 MHz ,DMSO- ₆): 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.1Hz), 2.81 (m, 4H), 3.29 (s, 4H), 3.81 (s,

3H), 4.81 (s, 2H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz) 6.53 (dt, IH, J=7.6, 1.4 Hz), 6.67 (dd, IH, J=7.8, 1.2

Hz), 6.79-6.84 (m, IH), 6.90 (dd, IH, J=7.8, 1.2 Hz), 7.25 (dd, IH, J=8.2, 1.4 Hz).7.26-7.30

(m, IH), 7.63-7.67 (m, 2H), 13.46 (s, IH);

MS (FAB) C^F_j .O m e calc 533.5; found 534 (MH⁺); mp >250 °C;

Rf 0.37 (chloroform / methanol = 10/1).

Example 19

3-Memyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-frifluoro-lH-be-mmidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-5-[4-[2-

(trifluorome anesulfonamido)phenyl]piperazin-l-ylc^bonyl]-3H-benamidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and l-(2- trifluoromethanesulfonamidephenyl)piperazine hydrochloride (method B).

Yield 23% of theory, colorless solid.

Η-NMR (300 MHz , DMSO-c : 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.1Hz), 2.98 (m, 4H), 3.57 (m, 4H), 3.82 (s,

3H), 5.00 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 7.12-7.18 (m, IH), 7.28-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.65 (d, IH, J=8.3 Hz),

7.71 (s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_JJH_J^N_JO_JS m/e calc 665.6; found 666 (MH^*). mp 239-240 °C;

Rf 0.49 (chloroform/ methanol = 10/1).

Example 20 5-.[4^4-Fl_uorophenyl)pipe-a----n-l-ylcarbonyl]-3-isopropyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- ben-dmidazol-2-yl)ethyl-3H-ben-riπudazole

Amixture of example 8A (1.00 g, 3.67 mmol) and example 37A (1.38 g, 3.67 mmol) and DMPU (2 mL) was stirred^'under vacuum at 50°C for lh to remove residual gases and heated to 190 °C for 16 hours. After cooled to room temperature, the mixture was diluted with ca.150 mL of ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with saturated sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and brine, dried, and concentrated. Silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate eluent) followed by crystallization from chloroform / diisopropyl ether to afford a white solid, that was recrystallized from chloroform/n-hexane. Yield 520 mg (24% of theory), colorless solid.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, OMSO-d₆) 1.41 (d, 3H, J=6.8 Hz), 1.59 (d, 3H. J=6.8 Hz). 1.87 (d, 3H.

J=7.0 Hz), 3.13 (br s, 4H), 3.66 (br s, 4H), 4.88 (quint IH, J=6.8 Hz), 5.01 (q, IH, J=7.0 Hz).

6.94-7.09 (m, 4H), 7.23-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.67 (d, IH, J=8.3 Hz), 7.76 (s, IH). 13.46 (br s. IH) ;

MS (FAB) C_j0H₂,F₄N_όO m/e calc 564.6; found 565 (MH⁺); mp 154.8-155.8 °C;

RfO.15 (ethyl acetate). Example 21

2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-berιzimidazol-2yl)ethyl]-5-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-

3-methyl-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and l-(4- fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine (method B).

Yield: 75% of theory;

Η-NMR (200 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.11 (cm, 4H), 3.65 (cm, 4H), 3.81

(s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.95-7.15 (m, 6H), 7.27 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5 Hz), 7.66.(d, IH,

J=8Hz), 7.68 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 12.8 and 13.1 (2 br s, IH);

MS (El) C_jgH^F_jN_jO m/e calc 518.5; found 518 (M⁺); m.p. 150 155°C /dec);

Rf 0.60 (dichloromethane / methanol = 10/1).

Example 22

2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2yl)ethyl]-5-[4-(2-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-

3-methyl-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and l-(2- fluoro-phenyl)-piperazine (method B).

Yield: 92% of theory;

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ₆): 1.86 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.05 (cm, 4H), 3.70 (cm, 4H), 3.81

(s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.95-7.21 (m, 6H), 7.29 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5 Hz), 7.67 (d, IH,

J=8Hz), 7.69 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 12.9 ( br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NHj) Cj-HjjFjNβO m/e calc 518.5; found 519 (M+H^*). m.p. 150-160°C (dec);

Rf 0.54 (dichloromethane / methanol = 10/1).

Example 23

2-[l -(4,6-Difluoro- 1 H-benzimidazol-2yl)ethyl]-3 -methyl-5-[4-(2-pγrimid yl)piperazin- 1 - ylcarbonyl]-3H-beιι----midazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12 A and l-(2- pyrimidyl)piperazine (method B).

Yield: 44% of theory;

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-t ₄): 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.61 (cm, 4H), 3.80 (cm, 4H), 3.81

(s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.68 (t, IH, J=5Hz) 6.95-7.21 (m, 2H), 7.29 (dd, IH, J=8 and

0.5 Hz), 7.67 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.69 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.39 (d; IH, J=5Hz),12.9 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C_J^F_JN_JO m e calc 502.5; found 503 (M+H^*); ra.p. >200°C;

Rf 0.35 (dichloromethane / methanol = 10/1).

Example 24

5-[4-(2-Cyanophenyl)piperazin-lylcarbonyl]-2-[l-(4,6-difluoro-lH-ben-rimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-

3 -methyl-3 H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and l-(2- cyano-phenyl)-piperazine (method B).

Yield: 77% of theory;

'H-NMR (200 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.17 (cm, 4H), 3.71 (cm, 4H), 3.81

(s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.68 (t, IH, J=5Hz) 6.95-7.25 (m, 4H), 7.29 (dd, IH, J=8 and

0.5 Hz), 7.58-7.78 (m, 4H), 12.9 ( br s, IH);

MS (ESI) Cy^F_{j j}O m/e calc 502.5; found 526.6 (M+H⁺);

Rf 0 8 (ethyl acetate / ethanol = 20/1).

Example 25

2.[l-(4,6-IDifluoro._rlH-benzimidazol-2yl)e yl]-5-[4-(2-pyrid-nyl)piperaz-n -ylcarbonyl]-3- methyl-3H-benzimidazole-

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and l-(2- pyridyl)piperazine (method B).

Yield: 47% of theory;

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-rf₆): 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.58 (cm, 8H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.97 (q,

IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.67 (dd, IH, J=9 and 5Hz) 6.85 (d. IH, J=9Hz), 6.94-7.21 (m, 2H), 7.29 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5 Hz), 7.58 (dt IH, J- 9 and 1 Hz), 7.67 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.69 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz),

8.12 (dd, IH, J=5 and lHzJ, 12.9 ( br s, IH);

MS (ESI) C_MH_JJF_J .O m/e calc 501.5; found 502.4 (M+H⁺); m.p. 316°C;

Rf 0.34 (ethyl acetate / ethanol = 20/3).

Example 26

5-[4-(Cyclopentyl)piperazin-lylcarbonyl]-2-[l-(4,6-difluoro-lH-be--zimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3- methyi-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and 1- cyclopentyl-piperazine (method B).

Yield: 54% of theory;

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 1-21-190 (m, 8H), 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 1.95 (cm, 4H),

3.30-3.65 (m, 5H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz). 6.94-7.21 (m, 3H), 7.52 (s, IH), 7.55

(d, IH, J=8Hz), 12.9 ( br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C^H_joF_jN_βO m e calc 492.6; found 493 (M+H⁺);

Rf 0.85 (dichloromethane / ethanol = 5/1).

Example 27

2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2yl)ethyl]-5-[4-(isopropyl)piperazin-l-_ylcarbonyl]-3-

methyl-3H-benzimidazole

_fc preparation « carried cut in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and 1- isopropylpiperazine (method B).

Yield: 69% of theory;

•H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 0.96 (d, 6H, J=7Hz), 1.85 (d, 3H, J-7.1 Hz), 2.44 (cm, 4H),

2.68 <h, IH, J=7Hz), 3.50 (cm, 4H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH. J-7.1 Hz), 6.95-7.25 (m, 3H),

7.52 (s, IH), 7.55 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 12.9 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C_MHWW) me calc 466.5; found 467 (M+H⁺); m.p.250°C;

Rf 0.43 (dichloromethane / methanol = 10/1).

be--ziιmdazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzi idazole

The preparation was earne _Ad ou*t i in_{n a} annaalloogevy t wo e ^<=x_Λamp ^yle 6 starting from example 11 A and l,2,3,4-tetrahydro-9H-prido[3,4-&]indole (method B).

Yield: 66% of theory; Η-NMR (300 MHz, _m DM_/cS_nO-cf .₆): , 1. _o8_o8_f (_dd, 33Htl, J=7.1 Hz) .,, 2.73-2.82 (m,2H), 3.57-4.04 ( , 2H), 3.81 (s,3 ,H_Λ).4 „.6 *5_<- _A4. o9n0 t (_mm.22HH), 44.9y8δ (_Wq,, IιH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.94-7.07 (m, 2H), 7.21-7.42 (m,

4H).7.68(d.lH.J=8.2Hz).7.71(d.lH,J=0.5Hz),10.90(brs,lH),13.48(brs,lH),

MS (FAB) CHaWO me calc 528.5; found 529 MH ; mp 199 °C (dec); Rf 0.63 (ethyl acetate"/ methanol = 9/1).

Example 29 5.[4.(4.Fluorophenoxy)piperidin-l-ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- be--zimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-ben-rimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and l-(4- fluoro-phenoxy)piperazine (method B). Yield: 68% of theory, colorless solid.

Η-NMR(300 MHZ, DMSO-d,): 1.64 (m, 2H), 1.86 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 1.94 (m, 2H), 3.35-

3.40 (m, 2H), 3.57-4.36 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 4.58-4.60 (m, IH), 4.97 (q. IH, J=7.1 Hz),

6.98-7.04 (m, 2H), 7.07-7.14 (m, 2H), 7.23 (dd, IH, J=1.4, 8.3 Hz), 7.27-7.34 (m, IH), 7.62

(d, IH, J= 8.3 Hz), 7.65 (s IH), 13.45 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) Q_HH_J^ m/e calc 551.5; found 552 (MH^*); mp 151.6 DC (dec);

Rf 0.34 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 10/1).

methyl-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and 1- cyclohexylpiperazine (method B). Yield: 51% of theory; -NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 0.95-1.30 (m, 5H), 1.50-1.90 (m, 5H), 1.88(4 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 2.16-2.60 (cm, 4H), 3.25-3.65 (m, 5H), 3.81 (s, 3H).4.97 (q, IH, 1=7.1 Hz). 6.95-7.25 (m, 3H), 7.52 (s, IH), 7.55 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 12.9 (br s, IH); MS (ESI) C^WO m/e calc 492.6; found 506.6 (M+H^*); m.p.: 215-217°C Rf 0.71 (dichloromethane / ethanol = 20/3).

methyl-3H-benzimidazole

The preparat on was earn •ed _{A r} o_suu_tt i _inn _a annaal_loogsvy t XoO eCxΛaUmple 6 starting from example 12A and 1- cycloheptylpiperazine (method B).

7.65 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 12.8 (br s, IH); MS (DCI/NH_j) CΛΛW m/e calc 520.6; found 521 (M+H^*). m.p.: 202-203°C

ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-3H-beπ-imidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and 4-(4- fluorophenyl)piperidine (J.Med. Chem.38, 1995, 2004; method B).

Yield: 51% of theory;

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-< ₆): 1.55-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 2.70-3.30 (m,

3H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.92-7.40 (m, 7H), 7.64 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.68 (s, lH), 12.8 ( br s, IH);

MS (ESI) C_JOH_JSF_JN_JO m/e calc 517.6; found 518.4 (M+H*); m.p.^'240°C

Example 33 5.[4-(4.Fluorophenyl)piperidin-l-ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and 4-(4- fluorophenyl)piperidine (J.Med, Chem.38, 1995, 2004; method B).

Yield: 37% of theory;

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 1.55-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 2.70-3.20 (m. 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 7.08-7.40 (m, 6H), 7.64 (d, IH, J=8Hz),.7.68 (s, lH), 13.5 ( br s, IH); MS (ESI) C_j,H₂₃F₄N_jO m e calc 535.5; found 536.4 (M+H^*); m.p.230^βC.

Example 34

2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-beι-zimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-5-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)l₎4-diazacyclohept-l. ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 12A and example 33 A (method B). Yield: 21% of theory;

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 1.55-2.05 (m, 2H), 1.85 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.20-3.85 (m,

1 IH), 4.95 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.55-7.20 (m, 9H), 7.50 (cm, IH). 12.9 (br s, IH);

MS (ESI) C^H_tfF_jN_βO m/e calc 532.6; found 533.3 (M+H^÷); m.p.235-238°C.

benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 11 A and. example 33 A (method B).

Yield: 14% of theory;

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-</₆): 1.55-2.05 (m, 2H), 1.85 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.20-3.85 (m,

1 IH), 4.95 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.55-7.10 (m, 6H), 7.25 (cm, IH), 7.42-7.65 (m, IH), 13.5 (br s,

IH);

MS (ESI) C_joH^N.O m/e calc 550.6; found 551.3 (M+H⁺); m.p. >250°C.

3-metUyl-3H-be--zimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 14A and l-(4- fluorophenyl)piperazine (method B).

Yield: 41% of theory;

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- 3.11 (cm, 4H), 3.65 (cm, 4H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 4.62 (s, 2H),

6.95-7.50 (m, 7H), 7.62 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.68 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 12.9 and 13.1 (2 br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C₂₇H₂₃F_jN₆O m e calc 504.5; found 505 (M+H⁺); m.p. 195°C ;

Example 37

ylcarbonyl]-3-_jnethyl-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 30A and l-(4, fluorophenyl)piperazine (method B).

Yield:^'53% of theory;

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- ): 1.82 (d, 3H, J=7Hz), 3.12 (cm, 4H), 3.63 (s,3H), 3.65 (cm,

4H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 5.12 (q, IH, J=7Hz), 6.92-7.15 (m, 5H), 7.26 (dd, IH, J=8 and 0.5Hz), 7.38

(dd, IH, J=8 and lHz), 7.62 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.68 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C^H^ _j .O m e calc 532.6; found 533 (M+H¹);

R, 0.23 (dichloromethane/ethanol = 20:1).

Example 38

ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-3H-benzimidazole

The preparat on was carried out in analogy to example 6 starting from example 31 A and l-(4- fluoro-phenyl)-pipe_tazine (method B).

Yield: 72% of theory;

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO--,): 1.82 (d, 3H, J-7Hz), 3.12 (cm, 4H), 3.67 (em, 4H), 3.72 (₃.3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 5.12 «,, IH, -=7Hz), 6.92-7.35 ( , 7H), 7.64 (d, IH, HH ), 7.69 (d. IH, J=0.5Hz); MS (ESI) C„H₂₇FjN₄O m/e calc 532.6; found 533.3 (M+H⁺). m.p. 230-232°C

Example 39

N-[2-[(2-Cyanopyridin-3-yl)oxy]ethyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifiuoro-lH-ber---imidazol-2- yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

A solution of example 11A (161.7 mg, 0.432 mmol, 1.0 eq.), example 55A (102 mg, 0.432 mmol, 1.0 eq.), l-hydroxybenzotriazole(90 mg, 0.666 mmol, 1.5 eqN-(3- dimemylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (100 mg, 0.522 mmol, 1.2 eq.) andN.N-diisopropylethylamine (0.15 mL, 0.864 mmol, 2.0 eq.) inN.N-dimethylformamide (10 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 1 day. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was dissolved in water and extracted into ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate layer was washed by 5% NaHCO_j aq. and sat. NaCl aq., dried over Na₂SO<, filtrated and evaporated. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate / methanol = 20/1 as eluent) and recrystallization (ethyl acetate / diethyl ether = 1/2) afforded colorless powder.

Yield: 116.8 mg (52% of theory), colorless powder. -NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-rf₆): 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.0 Hz), 3.68-3.71 (m, 2H), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.42 (t, 2H, J=5.8 Hz), 4.98 (q, IH, J=7.0 Hz), 7.29 (m, IH), 7.63 (d, IH, J=8.4 Hz), 7.68-7.72 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, IH, J=8.8 Hz), 8.07 (s, IH), 8.30 (d, IH, J=4.5 Hz), 8.69 (m, IH), 13.48 (br s, IH); • MS (FAB) C_JJH_MF_JN m e calc 519.5; found 520 (MH⁺); mp 239.7 °C (dec); Rf 0.58 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 9/1)

Example 40

N-[2-[(2-Cyanophenyl-l-oxy]ethyl]-3-me yl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-ben.dmidazol-2- yl)e yl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and example 20A.

Yield 43% of theory, colorless powder.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^): 1.88 (d, 3H, *=7.2 Hz), 3.91 (s, 3H).4.00 (q, 2H, J=5.32

Hz), .31 (t, 2H, J=5.0 Hz), 4.91 (q, IH, J=5.3 Hz), 6.86-6.94 (m, 2H), 7.01-7.08 (m, 2H),

7.53-7.60 (m, 2H), 7.78 (s, 2H), 7.98 (s, IH), 11.99 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) C^F_JNA m/e calc 518.5; found 519 (MIT); mp 150 °C;

Rf 0.70 (chloroform / methanol = 10/1)

Example 41

methyl-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 66A and example 20A.

Yield 47% of theory, colorless powder.

•H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO--Us 1.82 (d, 3H, 1=7.1 Hz), 3.69 (q, 2H, J-S.1 Hz), 4.34 (., 2H,

M 1 Hz) 4.87 (q, IH, J-7.0 Hz), 6.93 (d, IH, --B.1 Hz), ISM XI (m, 2H), 7.27 (d. IH,

J-l 1.6 Hz), 7.35 (d, IH, J-8.5 Hz), 7.62-7.68 (m, 2H), 7.69-7.74 (m, 2H), 8.06 (s. IH), 8.66

(t, lH, .=5.3 Hz), 12.06(s, lH); MS (FAB) C HjjFN O_j m/e calc 498.5; found 499 (MH*)J mp 190 ^qC; Rf 0.53 (chloroform / methanol = 10/1).

Example 42

N-[2-[(2-Cyanophenyl-l-oxy]ethyl]-N-methyl-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- ben-dmid--zol-2-yl)e yl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and example 49A.

Yield 56%) of theory, colorless powder..

Η-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- : 1.86 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.10 (s, 3H), 3.64-3.79 (m, 2H), 3.79

(s, 3H), 4.40 (m, 2H), 4.96 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 7.08 (m, IH), 7.23 (dd, IH, J=1.3, 8.2 Hz),

7.26-7.34 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.70 (m, IH), 7.60 (d, IH, J=8.2 Hz), 7.63 (s, IH), 7.72 (d, iH, J=7.3

Hz), 13.44 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_JSH_JJF_JN^O_J m/e calc 532.5; found 533 (MH^*); mp 231.3-231.7 °C;

Rf 0.50 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 10/1).

Example 43

3-Methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-ben---midazol-2-yl)ethyl]-N-[2-(2- trifluoromemanesulfonylaminophenoxy)emyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 and example 53 A.

Yield: 41% of theory, colorless solid.

Η-NMR (300 MHz, CDC1₃): 1.98 (d, IH, J=7.2 Hz), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.82-3.88 (m, 2H), 4.22 (t,

2H, J=4.7 Hz), 4.96 (q, IH, J=7.2 Hz), 6.83-6.98 (m, 4H), 7.01 (dd, IH, J=1.2, 8.0 Hz), 7.21-

7.27 (m, IH), 7.31 (dd, IH, J=1.2, 8.5 Hz), 7.48 (dd, IH, J=1.5, 8.0 Hz), 7.71 (s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_j7H_2jF₆N₆0_«S m/e calc 640.6; found 64i (MH⁺); mp 156-161 °C;

Rf 0.32 (chloroform / methanol = 9/1).

Example 44

N-(2-(2-N-Acetylajm ophenoxy)ethyl]-3-me yl)ethyl3-3H-benzirnidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and example 39 A.

Yield: 20%of theory, colorless powder.

Η-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-cfø: 1.86 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.17 (d, 3H, J=5.3 Hz), 3.75 (q, 2H,

J=5.6 Hz), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.16 (t, 2H, J=5.4 Hz), 4.98 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.84-6.89 (m, IH),

7.00-7.06 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.29 (m, IH), 7.63 (d. IH, J=8.5 Hz), 7.76 (d, IH, J=8.5 Hz), 8.04 (d,

IH, J= 7.9Hz), 8.10 (s, IH), 8.72 (t, IH, J= 5.8Hz), 8.94 (s, IH), 13.46 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_jjH_jjF_{j β}O_j m/e calc 550.5; found 551 (MH⁺); mp 179.1-180.0 °C;

Rf 0.40 (chloroform / methanol = 10/1).

Example 45 N-[2-[(2-Fluoro-phenyl-l-oxy]e yl]-3-memyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trinuoro-lH-benzirnidazoi-2- yl)etiιyl]-3H-ben-rimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 startmg from example 11 A and example 76A.

Yield: 30% of theory, colorless powder.

'HNMR (300 MHz, DMSO-^):1.86 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.67 (q, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 3.82 (s, 3H), 4.23 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 5.00 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.91-6.97 (m, IH), 7.09-7.30 (m, 4H), 7.63 (d, IH, J=8.5 Hz), 7.74 (dd, IH, J=8.5, 1.5 Hz), 8.11 (d, IH, J=1.0 Hz), 8.68 (t, IH, J=5.5 Hz),

13.47 (br s, lH);

MS (FAB) C^₆H_MF₄N₅0₂ m/e calc 511.5; found 512 (MIT); mp 240 °C.

Rf 0.43 (chloroform / methanol = 10/1).

Example 46 (S -N-[2-[3-(2-Cyanophenyl-l-oxy]propyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-be-izin idazol-

2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and example 60A.

Yield: 48% of theory, colorless powder.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-cf₆): 1.34 (d. 3H, J=6.7 Hz), -1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.83 (s. 3H), 4.15 (dd, IH, J=9.7, 6.6 Hz), 4.29 (dd, IH, J=9.7, 6.1 Hz), 4.38-4.47 (m, IH), 5.00 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 7.09 (t, IH; J=7.6 Hz), 7.26-7.35 (m, IH), 7.38 (d, IH, J=8-6 Hz), 7.61-7.76 (m,

4H), 8.08 (s, IH), 8.39 (d, IH, J=7.4 Hz), 13.48 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) Q_HH_JJF_JNA m/e calc 532.5; found 533 (MH^*); mp 252.4 - 253.6 °C

Rf 0.25 (chloroform / methanol = 1/19).

Example 47 (R)-N-[2-[3-(2-Cyanophenyl-l-oxy]propyl]-3-me yl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazoi-

2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and example 61 A.

Yield: 49% of theory, colorless powder.

•H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-4): 1-34 (d, 3H, J=6.7 Hz), 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.82 (s, 3H), 4.14 (dd, IH; J=9.8, 6.6 Hz), 4.29 (dd, IH, J=9.8, 6.1 Hz), 4.37-4.47 (m, IH), 5.00 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 7.09 (t, IH, J=7.6 Hz), 7.26-7.35 (m, IH), 7.37 (d, IH, J=8.6 Hz), 7.61-7.76 (m, 4H), 8.08 (s, 1H),'8.39 (d, IH, J=7.4 Hz), 13.49 (br s, IH); MS (FAB) C^H_jjF_j A m/e calc 532.5; found 533 (MH⁺); mp 250.5-252.0 °C. Rf 0.25 (chloroform / methanol = 1/19).

Example 48

yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimid-_LZole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and example 18 A.

Yield: -44% of theory, colorless solid.

'H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- ): 1.86 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.65 (q, 2H, J=5.9 Hz).3.81 (s, 3H),

4.12 (t, 2H, J=5.9 Hz), 4.98 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz). 6.96-7.02 (m, 2H), 7.08-7.13 (m, 2H), 7.25-

7.30 (m, IH), 7.61 (d, IH, J=8.4 Hz), 7.74 (dd, IH, J=5.3 Hz), 8.10 (s, IH), 8,65 (t, IH, J=5.3

Hz), 13.43-13.45 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) C„H_a,F₄NA m e calc 509.5; found 510 (MH⁺). p 126-130 °C.

Rf 0.20 (chloroform / methanol = 10/1).

yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and example 74A.

Yield: 14% of theory, colorless solid.

•H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO--,)'- 1Λ7 ft 3H, J-7.1 Hz), 3.64 (q, 2H, >M Hz).3.81 (s, Mft

4.25 («.2H, 1=5.9 Hz), 4.98 (q, IH, 1-7.1 Hz), 7.09-7.16 (m, 3H), 7.24-7.34 (m, IH), 7.62 (d.

IH, J-8.4 Hz), 7.72 (dd, IH, J-8.4, 1.4 Hz), 8.07 (d, IH, HI Hz), 8.62 «, IH, J-5.4 Hz),

13.46-.S, IH);

MS (FAB) yWW>. m e c-lc 529.5; found 530 (MH^*); mp l58 °C. Rf 0.46 (chloroform /^'methanol = 10/1).

Example 50

2-[l-(5-Fiuoro-6-hydroxy-lH-benzoimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-N-[2-(2- nitrophenoxy)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 50A and example 19 A.

Yield: 27% of theory, pale yellow solid. -NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-cQ: 1.83 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.63-3.70 (m, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 4.34

(t, 2H, J=5.9 Hz), 4.89 (q, IH, J=7.1 Hz), 6.99 (d, IH, J=8.1 Hz), 7.08-7.15 (m, IH), 7.26

(d,lH, J=11.3 Hz), 7.45 (d, IH, J=8.2 Hz), 7.61-7.68 (m, IH), 7.72 (dd, IH, J=1.4, 8.5 Hz),

7.85 (dd, IH, J=1.6, 8.1 Hz), 8.05 (s, IH), 8.59 (br t, IH, J=5.4 Hz), 8.43 (br s, IH);

MS (FAB) C_2βH₂₃FN₆O_J m/e calc 518.5; found 519 (MH^*); mp 165-173 °C;

Rf 0.38 (chloroform / methanol = 9/1).

Example 51

N-[2-(2-Cyano-4-fluoro-phenoxy)e yl]-2-[l-(5-fluoro-6-hydroxy-lH-benzoi-nidazol-2- yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and example 62A. Yield: 45% of theory. Η-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-rf₄): 1.87 (d, 3H, J=7.1 Hz), 3.68 (q, 2H, J=5.5 Hz), 3.82 (s, 3H),

4.33 (t, 2H, J=5.9 Hz), 4.99 (q, IH, J=7.0 Hz), 7.29-7.37 (m, IH), 7.09 (d, IH, J=4.2 Hz),

7.52-7.64 (m, 2H), 7.73 (d, 2H, J=8.1 Hz), 8.09 (s, IH), 8.66 (t, IH, J=5.3 z), 13.47 (s, IH);

MS (FAB) Cj₇H₂₀F_<N₆O₂ m/e calc 536.5; found 537 (MH⁺); mp 148 °C;

Rf 0.64 (chloroform / methanol = 10/1).

Example 52

3-Memyl-N-{2-[2-(lH-tetrazol-5-yl)phenoxy]ethyl}-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benamidazol-2- yl)emyl]-3H-berι--imidazole-5-carboxamide

^•To a solution comprising a mixture of N-[2-[2-[l-(2-cyanoethyl)-lH-tetrazol-5- yl]phenoxy]e l]-3-memyW-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H- .benzin_idazole-5-carboxamide andN-[2-[2-(2-cyanoethylcarbamoyl)phenoxy]ethyl]-3- methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lΗ-ben-dmidazol-2-yl)emyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide (emaple 45 A, 0.470 g) in methylene chloride (6.0 mL) was added l,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-7- undecene (0.457 mL, 3.06 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours, and then trifluoroacetic acid (0.236 mL, 3.06 mmol) was added. After stirred for 10 minutes, the mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate, washed successively with water and brine, dried over sodium sulfate, filtered, and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (chloroform / methanol = from 3/97 to 8/92 as eluent) to give 3- mem>1-N-(2-[2-(lH-tetrazbl-5-yl)phenoxy]emyl}-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazoi-2- yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide (0.183 g) as colorless solid and N-[2-[2-(2- cyanocmylcarbamoyl)phenoxy]emyl]-3-me yl-2-[l-(4^5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2- yl)ethyl]-3Η-benzimidazole-5-carboxamide (0.192 g) as colorless solid. Yield 0.183 g (41% of theory), colorless solid. •H-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO- ): 1.86 (d, IH, J-7.1 Hz), 3.81 (s, 3H), 3.81-3.87 (m.2H), 4.38 (t, 2H, J=5.2 Hz), 4.99 (q, IH. J=7.1 Hz).7.14-7.19 (m, IH), 7.22-7.31 (m, IH), 7.37 (d, IH, J=8.3 Hz), 7.54-7.60 (m, IH), 7.64 (d, IH, J=8.4 Hz), 7.75 (dd, IH, J=1.5, 8.5 Hz), 8.10 (s, 1H), 8.15 (dd, IH, J=1.7, 7.8 Hz), 9.00 (br s, IH), 13.46 (br s, IH), 15.75 (br s, IH); MS (FAB) C.₇H₂₂F_jN,O₂ m/e calc 561.5 found 562 (MH⁺); mp 203-206 °C; . Rf 0.25 (chloroform / methanol = 9/1).

ben-rimidazol-5-carboxamide

The preparation was.carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 12A and example 18 A. Yield: 59% of theory.

'H-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-φ: 1.88 (d, 3H, J=7 Hz), 3.68 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.12 (t, 2H, J=6 Hz), 4.98 (q, IH, J=7 Hz), 6.94-7.12 (m, 6H), 7.64 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.76 (dd, IH, J=5 and 0.5 Hz), 8.10 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.70 (t, IH, J=6 Hz), 12.9 (br s, IH); ^' MS (DCI/NH_j) C^H^ A m e calc 493.5; found 493 (MFT); mp 164 °C (dec).

Rf 0.48 (dichloromethane / methanol = 10/1).

Example 54 2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2yl)-l-hydroxy-ethyl]-N-[2-(4-fluoro_Phenoxy)ethyl]-3- memyl-3H-benzimidazol-5-carboxamide

o a solution of sodium-meta-periodate (1.47g; 6.89mmol) in water (20ml) was added at room temperature a solution of example 53 (0.68g; 1.38mmol) in THF (20ml), followed by RuCl_j (lOmg) and stirring was continued for 5 days. After addition of isopropanol (2ml) and stirring for 30min a sat. aq. NaCl solution (200ml) was added. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 150ml) and the combined organic layers were washed with sat aq. NaCl solution (100ml), dried (MgSO_<) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatograped over silicagel using ethyl acetate/ethanol (20:1 and 10:1) as eluent. The product was then crystallized from diethyl ether .

Yield: 0.30g (43% of theory); white crystals

•H-NMR (200 MHz, D SCWfl: 2.15 fc 3H), 3.61.fc 3H).3.65 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 4.12 (t, 2H,

J=6 Hz), 6.94-7.22 (m, TH), 7.72 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.80 (dd, IH, J=5 and 0.5 Hz), 8.09 (d, IH,

J=0.5Hz), 8.71 (t, IH, J=6 Hz), 13.1 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI NH_j) C_HH_UWO, m/e calc 509.5; found 510 < H^*); mp 218 °C;

R_f 0.46. (ethyl acetate / ethanol = 40/3).

Example 55

methyl-3tf-b-n--lπud-zo.-5-ca-box--nide.

To a suspension of example 54 (280mg; 0.550mmol) in dichloromethane (40ml) was added dropwise under argon at -30°C diethylaminosulfurtrifluoride (177mg; 1.01 mmol) and stirring was continued for 18h at -20°C - -30°C and for 2h at -5°C - 0°C. The mixture was washed with a sat. aq. NaHCOj solution (20ml). The aqueous layer was extracted with dichloromethane (20ml) and the combined organic layers were washed with sat. aq. NaHCO_j (20ml), sat. aq. NaCl (20ml), dried (MgSO_<) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was chromatograped over silicagel using ethyl acetate as eluent. Yield: 227mg (81% of theory); white crystals

Η-NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-c : 2.38 (d, 3H, J=21Hz), 3.68 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 3.75 (s, 3H), 4.12 (t, 2H, 1=6 Hz), 6.95-7.35 (m, 6H), 7.76 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.84 (dd, IH, J=5 and 0.5 Hz), 8.20 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.75 (t, IH, 1=6 Hz), 13.6 and 13.8 (2 br s, IH); MS (ESI) C₂₆H_2IF_<NA m/e calc 511.5; found 512.3 (MH^*); R_f 0.73 (ethyl acetate / ethanol = 40/3).

Example 56

2-[l-(5-Fluoro-6-hyώoxy-lH-be-ι- midazol-2yl)ethyl]-N-[2-(4-fluorophenoxy)ethyl]-3- methyi-3H-benzimidazol-5-carboxamide.

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 5 starting from example 26A. Yield: 73% of theory.

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- /₆): 1.82 (d, 3H, 1=1 Hz), 3.65 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 3.80 (s, 3H), 4.12 (t, 2H, J=6 Hz), 4.97 (q, IH, J=7 Hz), 6.90-7.22 (m, 5H), 7.28 (d, IH, J=10Hz), 7.65 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.76 (dd, IH, J=5 and 0.5 Hz), 8.10 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.68 (t, IH, J=6 Hz), 9.3 and 9.5 (2 br s, IH), 12.1 and 12.2 (2 br s, IH); MS (ESI)

m/e calc 491.5; found 492.1 (MH^*);

R_f 0.40 (dichloromethane / methanol / cone. aq. NH₃= 9/1/0.1).

Example 57

2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-benzimidazoi-2-yl)ethyl]-N-[2-(4-fluorophenoxy)ethyl]-3H- benzimidazol-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 20 starting from example 22A and example 7A.

Yield: 47% of theory. -NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-cf₆): 1.86 (d, 3H, 1=1 Hz), 3.65 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 4.10 (t, 2H, 1=6

Hz), 4.75 (q, IH, 1=1 Hz), 6.94-7.35 (m, 6H), 7.40-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.95-8.20 (m, IH), 8,68 (br s, IH), 12.65, 12.70, 12.86 and 13.18 (4 br s, 2H);

MS (DCI/NH_j) C^H_ZOF_{J J}O_J ro/e calc 479.5; found 480 (MH⁺);

Rf 0.23 (dichloromethane /-ethyl acetate = 2/5).

Example 58

N-[2-(2,4-Difluorophenoxy)emyl]-2-[l-(5-fluoro-6-hydroxy-lH-benzimidazol-2yl)ethyl]-3- me yl-3H-benzimidazol-5-carboxamide.

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 5 starting from example 25 A. Yield: 91% of theory. Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-rf₄): 1.82 (d, 3H, 1=1 Hz), 3.68 (q.2H, J=6Hz), 3.79 (s.3H), 4.12

(t, 2H, 1=6 Hz), 4.97 (q, IH, 1=1 Hz), 6.90-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.64 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.76 (dd, IH,

J=5 and 0.5 Hz), 8.10 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.72 (t, IH, J=6 Hz), 9.5 (2 br s, IH), 12.1 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NHj) C^H_JJF_{J J}O_J m/e calc 509.5; found 510 (MH⁺);

R_f 0.06 (dichloromethane / ethanol = 20/3).

Example 59 and 60

Example 59: Enantiomer A of 2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-N-[2-(4- fluorophenoxy)ethy 1] -3 -methyl-3 H-benzimidazol-5 -carboxamide

Example 60: Enantiomer B of 2-[l-(4,6-DifluosorlH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-N-[2-(4- fluorophenoxy)ethyl]-3-methyl-3H-ben----rmdazol-5-carboxamide

Example 53 (300mg; O.δlmmol) was separated into enantiomers by chiral ΗPLC (Daicel

Chiralpak AS lOμm, 250 x 20 mm, eluent: iso-hexane (85%) / acetonitrile : isopropanol (2:8,

15%); flow 15ml/min; T = 30°C; detection at 230nm)

Enantiomer A: yield: 120mg (40% of theory); white crystalline solid; enantiomeric excess > 99%

Retention time: 7.11 min

Enantiomer B: yield: 117mg (39% of theory); white crystalline solid; enantiomeric excess > 98%

Retention time: 8.75 min

Example 61

2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-ben.rimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-N-[2-(2,4-difluorophenoxy)ethyl]-3-methyl- 3 H-benzimidazol-5 -carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 20 starting from example 7A and example 21 A.

Yield: 54% of theory.

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-^): 1.85 (d, 3H, 1=7 Hz), 3.68 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 3.81 (s, 3H), 4.12

(t, 2H, 1=6 Hz), 4.98 (q, IH, 1=1 Hz), 6.95-7.35 (m, 5H), 7.64 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.76 (dd, IH,

J=5 and 0.5 Hz), 8.10 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.71 (t, IH, 1=6 Hz), 13.0 (br s, IH);

MS (ESI)

m/e calc 511.5; found 512.4 (MH^*); mp 138-139 °C (dec).

Rf 0.66 (dichloromethane / methanol = 10/1).

Example 62

2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-lH-berzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-N-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)propyl]-3-methyl-3H- benzimidazol-5-carb'oxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 12A and 3- amino-l-(4-fluorophenyl)propane (US 4533655)

Yield: 79% of theory.

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO- f₆): 1.75-1.95 (m, 5H), 2.52 (t, 2H, J=6Hz), 3.30 ( , 3H), 3.81

(s, 3H), 4.98 (q, IH, 1=1 Hz), 6.94-7.30 (m, 6H), 7.62 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.72 (dd, IH, J=5 and

0.5 Hz), 8.08 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.48 (t, IH, J=6 Hz), 12.9 (br s, IH);

MS (ESI) C₂₇H„F_jN_jO m/e calc 491.5; found 492.2 (MH⁺); m.p.220-222°C;

Rf 0.24 (dichloromethane / methanol = 20/1).

Example 63

N-[2-(4-Cyanophenoxy)ethyl]-2-[l-(4,6-difiuoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3-methyl-3H- benzimidazol-5 -carboxamide.

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 12A and example 20 A.

Yield: 82% of theory; white solid.

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-- ₆): 1 « .85 (d, 3H, 1=1 Hz), 3.71 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 3.81 fc 3H), 4.33

(t, 2H, J=6 Hz), 4.98 (q, IH, 1=1 Hz), 6.94-7.20 (m, 3H), 7.35 (d, IH, J=8Hz), 7.60-7.80 (m, 4H), 8.10 (d, IH, J=0,5Hz), 8.71 (t, IH, J=6 Hz), 12.9 (br s, IH); MS (DCI/NH_j) CnHjjFj βO, m/e calc 500.5; found 501 (MH⁺);

Example 64

2-[l-(4,6-Difluoro-l-methyl-lH-ber---imidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-N-[2-(4- luorophenoxy)ethyl]-3- methyl-3H-benzimidazol-5-carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 30A and example 18 A. Yield: 59% of theory. -NMR (200 MHz, OMSO-d₆): 1.82 (d, 3H, 1=1 Hz), 3.65 (s,3H), 3.68 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 3.78 (s, 3H), 4.12 (t, 2H, 1=6 Hz), 5.15 (q, IH, J=7 Hz), 6.95-7.20 (m, 5H), 7.39 (dd, IH, J=8 and IHz), 7.61 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.75 (dd, IH, J=5 and 0.5 Hz), 8.12 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.70 (t, IH, J= Hz), 12.9 (br s, IH);

MS (DCI/NHj) C_J^F_JN_JO_J m/e calc 507.5; found 508 (MH⁺); mp ll8 °C; Rf 0.22 (dichloromethane / methanol = 20/1).

Example 65

2-(l-(4,6-Difluoro-3-me l-3H-benzirmd-Lzolc2yl)ethyl]-N-[2-(4-fluorophenoxy)ethyl]-3- methyl-3 H-benzimidazol-5 -carboxamide

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 31 A and example 18 A.

Yield: 59% of theory.

Η-ΝMR (200 MHz, DMSO-tf₆): 1.82 (d, 3H, 1=1 Hz), 3.65 (q, 2H, J=6Hz), 3.75 (s,3H), 3.81

(s, 3H), 4.12 (t, 2H, J=β Hz), 5.14 (q, IH, J=7 Hz), 6.95-7.21 (m, 5H), 7.30 (dd, IH, J=8 and

IHz), 7.61 (d, IH, J=8 Hz), 7.73 (dd, IH, J=5 and 0.5 Hz), 8.10 (d, IH, J=0.5Hz), 8.68 (t, IH,

1=6 Hz), 12.9 (br s, IH);

MS (ESI) C^F_j A m/e calc 507.5; found 508 (MH⁺); mp 232 °C;

Rf 0.61 (dichloromethane / ethanol = 20/1.5).

Example 66

5.[4.(4.Fluorobenzoyl)piperidin-l-ytcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH- benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 and 1-

(4-fluorobenzoyl)piperidine hydrochloride.

Yield 66% of theory, colorless powder

Η-NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-cf_β): 1.82-1.92 (m, 4H), 1.90 (d, 3H, J=7.3 Hz), 3.01-3.14 (m,

2H), 3.44-3.52 (m, 2H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 4.32-4.58- m, IH), 4.92 (q, IH, J=7.2 Hz), 6.81-6.91 (m,

IH), 7.16 (t, 2H, J=8.6 Hz), 7.33 (dd, IH, J=1.4, 8.3 Hz), 7.53 (d, IH, J= 0.7 Hz)^', 7.72 (d IH,

J=8.3 Hz), 7.96-8.01 (m, 2H), 12.20 (br s, IH);

MS (ESI)

m/e calc 563.6; found 564 (MH⁺); mp 172 °C (dec);

Rf 0.44 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 10/1).

Example 67

3-Methyl-5-(l,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolin-2-yl)carbonyl-2-[l-(4,6,7-trifluoro-lH- benzimidazol-2-yl)eώyl]-3H-benzimidazole

The preparation was carried out in analogy to example 39 starting from example 11 A and

1 ,2,3 ,4-tetrahy droisoquinoline.

Η-NMR (300 MHz, CDCl_j): 1.91 (d, 3H, J=7.3), 2.94 (br s, 2H), 3.50 - 4.12 (br s, 2H), 3.88

(s, 3H), 4.58 -4.95 (br s, 2H),4.92 (q, IH, J=7.3 Hz), 6.82 - 6.91 (m, IH), 7.18 (br s, 4H), 7.39

(dd, IH, J=8.3, 1.5 Hz), 7.56 (s, IH), 7.77 (d, IH, J=8.3Hz), 12.06 (br s, IH);

MS (ESI) C₂₇H₂₂F_jNjO m/e calc 489.5; found 490 (MH⁺); mp 231 - 232 °C (dec); Rf 0.24 (ethyl acetate / methanol = 9 / 1). Example 68

5-[4-(4-Fluorophenyl)piperazin-1ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[(4,5,7-trifluoro-1H- benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl]-3H-benzimidazole

To a cooled (0 °C), stirred suspension of example 11A (0.50 g, 1.388 mmol) in N,N- dimethylformamide (10 mL) was added 1-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazine (0.26 g, 1.457 mmol), N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (0.29 g, 1.527mmol), 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (0.24 g, 1.804 mmol) and N-methylmorpholine (0.18g, 1.735 mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo, the residue was taken up in water and crude product was collected by filtration. Purification was carried out by silica gel column chromatography (dichloromethane / methanol = 100 : 7 as eluent) to give 5- [4.(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-1ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[(4,5,7-trifluoro-1H- benzimidazol-2-yl)methyl]-3H-benzimidazole (0.51 Og) as a slightly brown solid. A sample (310mg) was recrystallized from ethanol. Yield: 0.223g (30% of theory), grey crystals.

Η-NMR (200 MHz, DMSO-c₆): 3.12 (cm, 4H), 3.68 (cm, 4H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 4.65 (s, 2H), 6.95-7.43 (m, 6H), 7.62 (d, 1H, J=8Hz), 7.70 (d, 1H, J=0.5Hz), 13.65 (br s, 1H); MS (DCI/NH₃) C₂₇H₂₂F₄N₆O m/e calc 522.5; found 523 (M+H⁺); m.p. >250°C ; Rf 0.59 (dichloromethane / methanol = 100:7). Examples 69 and 70

Example 69: Enantiomer A of ^•5-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[l-

(4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyl]-3H-benzimidazole

Example 70: Enantiomer B of 5-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)piperazin-l-ylcarbonyl]-3-methyl-2-[l- (4,5,7-trifluoro-lH-benzimidazol-2-yl)ethyI]-3H-benzimidazole

Example 6 (200 mg; 0.373 mmol) was separated into enantiomers by chiral ΗPLC (Daicel

Chiralpak AS 10 μm, 250 x 20 mm, eluent: iso hexane (85%) acetonitrile : isopropanol (2:8,

15%), flow 10 ml/min; T - 25 °C; detection at 225 nm)

Enantiomer A: yield 83 mg (40% of theory); white crystalline solid; enantiomeric excess > 98.5%

Retention time 6.57 min.

Enantiomer B: Yield: 91 mg (43% of theory); white crystalline solid; enantiomeric excess > 98.5%

Retention time 9.25 min.

Claims

1. A compound of the general formula (I)

in which

R¹, R², R³ and R⁴ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, hydroxy or halogen,

R⁵ and R⁸ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, straight-chain or branched ( -C,)- alkyl,

(Cι-C₆)-alkyl, hydroxy, halogen, or straight-chain or branched (CpCe -alkoxy,

A represents a residue of the formula

wherein

R¹² and R¹³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, straight-chain or branched ( - C₆)-alkyl or (Ci - C₆)-alkoxy, or hydroxy, or

A represents a non-aromatic 5- to 7-membered N-heterocycle which is bound over the nitrogen atom and which optionally contains an oxygen atom or a residue -NR¹⁴or -CH-R¹⁵, wherein R^Mand R¹⁵ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, (C₃ - C₈)- cycloalkyl, or denotes straight-chain or branched (C_t - C₄)-alkyl, which is optionally substituted by (C₆ - Cι₀)-aryl, or denote (C₆ - C_I0)-aryl or a 5- or 6-membered aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms from the series comprising N, S and/or O, and which, in the case of the non-aromatic heterocycle, is optionally bound over the nitrogen atom and wherein the aryl and the heterocycle are optionally mono- to tri-substituted by identical or different substitutents from the series comprising halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, trifluormethyl or a residue of the formula -NR¹⁶ R¹⁷, in which

(C,- C)-alkyl or (C, - C,) acyl, or -SO_-CF_3> or R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ form together with the nitrogen atom a non-aromatic 5- to 7-membered heterocycle, optionally further having an oxygen atom or -NH, or

R¹⁴ denotes a residue of the formula -S0₂-R¹⁸, in which

R¹⁸ denotes (C₆ - C₁₀)-aryl, or straight-chain or branched (C_t - C^-alkyl, or A represents a residue of the formula -NR¹⁹R²⁰, in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen or straight-chain or branched ( - C )-alkyl,

R²⁰ denotes a residue of the formula -D-E-R²¹, in which

D denotes a straight-chain or branched (C, - C₆)-alkyl chain,

E denotes an oxygen atom or a bond and

R²¹ denotes (C₆ - C₁₀)-aryl or a 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms from the series comprising N, S and/or 0, which are optionally mono- to tri-substituted by nitro, cyano, halogen, tetrazolyl or by a residue of the formula -NR²²R²³, in which

R²² and R²³ are identical of different and denote hydrogen, straight-chain or branched (C, - C₆)-acyl or (C, - C₆)-alkyl, or R²² denotes hydrogen and R²³ denotes -S0₂-CF₃, or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt.

2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 in which R¹, R², R³ and R are identical or different and represent hydrogen, hydroxy or fluorine, wherein at least one of the above mentioned substituents R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ is different from hydrogen, R⁵ and R⁸ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or isopropyl, R⁶and R⁷ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, straight-chain or branched (C_]-C₄)- alkyl, hydroxy, or fluorine,

R⁹, R¹⁰and R^π are identical or different and represent hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine or cyano, and A represents a residue of the formula

wherein

R¹⁴, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or denote straight-chain or branched

(Ci - C₃)-alkyl, which is optionally substituted by phenyl, or denote phenyl, pyrimidyl, pyridyl or piperidinyl, which are optionally substituted by fluorine, chlorine, nitro, cyano or a residue of the formula -NR¹⁶R¹⁷, in which R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, straight-chain or branched

(C, - C₃)-alkyl or (C, - C₃)-acyl, or -S0₂-CF_3ι or

R¹ denotes a residue of the formula -S0₂-R¹⁸, in which

R¹⁸ denotes phenyl, or straight-chain or branched ( - C₃)-alkyl, or A represents a residue of the formula -NR^R²⁰, in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen, or straight-chain or branched (C. - C₃)-alkyl and

R²⁰ denotes a residue of the formula D-E-R²¹, in which

D denotes a straight-chain or branched (C, - C₅)-alkyl chain,

E denotes an oxygen atom or a bond and

R²² and R²³ are identical of different and denote hydrogen, straight-chain or branched

(Ci -C₃)-acyl, or R²² denotes hydrogen and R²³ denotes -S0₂-CF_3j or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt.

3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 in which R', R², R³ and R⁴are identical or different and represent hydrogen, hydroxy or fluorine, wherein two or three of the above mentioned substituents R¹, R² R³ or R⁴ are different from hydrogen, R⁵ and R⁸ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, methyl or isopropyl, R⁶ and R⁷ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, or straight-chain or branched (Cj - C₃)-alkyl, hydroxy, or fluorine,

R⁹, R¹ and R^u are identical or different and represent hydrogen or fluorine, and A represents a residue of the formula

wherein

R¹² and R¹³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen or fluorine and

R¹⁴, R^14' and R¹⁵ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or denote straight-chain or branched ( - C₃)-alkyl, which is optionally substituted by phenyl, or denote phenyl, pyrimidyl, pyridyl or piperidinyl, which are optionally substituted by fluorine, nitro, cyano or residue of a formula -

NR¹⁶R^π, in which

(C, - C₃)-alkyl, or -S0₂-CF_3ι or

R^14' denotes a residue of the formula -S0₂-R¹⁸, in which

R¹⁸ denotes phenyl or methyl, or

A represents a residue of the formula -NR¹⁹R²⁰, in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen or methyl and R²⁰ denotes a residue of the formula -D-E-R²¹, in which

D denotes a straight-chain or branched ( - C₄)~alkyl chain, E denotes an oxygen atom or a bond and

R²¹ denotes phenyl or pyridyl, which are optionally monosubstituted or disubstituted by nitro, cyano, fluorine, tetrazolyl or by a residue of the formula -NR∞R²³, in which

R²² and R²³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, straight-chain or branched (C, - C₃)-acyl, or R²² denotes hydrogen and R²³ denotes -S0₂-CF₃ or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt.

4. A compound as claimed in claim 1 in which R¹. R², R³ and R⁴are identical or different and represent hydrogen or fluorine, wherein two or three of the above mentioned substitutents R¹, R², R³ or R⁴ are different from hydrogen, R⁵ denotes hydrogen and R⁸ denotes methyl,

R⁶ and R⁷ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, methyl or fluorine, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are hydrogen, and A represents a residue of the formula

wherein

R^14' denotes phenyl which is optionally substituted by fluorine, cyano or

-NHS0₂CF₃, or A represents a residue of the formula -NR¹⁹R²⁰, in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen,

R²⁰ denotes a residue of the formula -D-E-R²¹, in which D denotes (CH₂)₂- , E denotes an oxygen atom and

R²¹ denotes phenyl which is optionally monosubstituted or disubstituted by fluorine or cyano, or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt.

5. A process for the preparation of a compound of the general formula (I)

in which

R⁵ and R⁸ are identical or different and represent hydrogen, or straight-chain or branched ( -

C₄)-alkyl,

(C,-C₆)-alkyl, hydroxy, halogen, or straight-chain or branched (C,-C₆)-alkoxy,

A represents a residue of the formula

wherein R¹² and R¹³ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, straight-chain or branched (Ci- C₆)-alkyl or ( - C₆)-alkoxy, or hydroxy, or

A represents a non-aromatic 5- to 7-membered N-heterocycle which is bound over the nitrogen atom and which optionally contains an oxygen atom or a residue -NR¹ or -CH-R¹⁵, wherein R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ are identical or different and denote hydrogen, (C₃ - C )- cycloalkyl, or denotes straight-chain or branched ( - C₄)-alkyl, which is optionally substituted by (C₆ - C₁₀)-aryl, or denote (C₆ - C₁₀)-aryl or a 5- or 6-membered aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms from the series comprising N, S and/or O, and which, in the case of the non-aromatic heterocycle, is optionally bound over the nitrogen atom and wherein the aryl and the heterocycle are optionally mono- to tri-substituted by identical or different substitutents from the series comprising halogen, nitro, cyano, hydroxy, trifluormethyl or a residue of the formula -NR¹⁶ R¹⁷, in which

(C,- C₄)-alkyl or (C, - C₄) acyl, or -S0₂-CF_3ι or R¹⁶ and R¹⁷ form together with the nitrogen atom a non-aromatic 5- to 7-membered heterocycle, optionally further having an oxygen atom or -NH, or

R¹⁴ denotes a residue of the formula -S0₂-R¹⁸, in which

R¹⁸ denotes (C₆ - C₁₀)-aryl, or straight-chain or branched (C_! - C₄)-alkyl, or A represents a residue of the formula -NR¹⁹R²⁰, in which

R¹⁹ denotes hydrogen, or straight-chain or branched (C] - C₄)-alkyl,

R²⁰ denotes a residue of the formula -D-E-R²¹, in which

D denotes a straight-chain or branched (C] - C₆)-alkyl chain,

E denotes an oxygen atom or a bond and

R²¹ denotes (C₆ - Cι₀)-aryl or a 5- or 6-membered aromatic heterocycle having up to 3 heteroatoms from the series comprising N, S and/or 0, which are optionally mono- to tri-substituted by nitro, cyano, halogen, tetrazolyl or by a residue of the formula -NR^R²³, in which

(C, - C₆)-acyl or (C, - C₆)-alkyl, or R²² denotes hydrogen and R²³ denotes -S0₂-CF₃, or its salt comprising that [A] a compound of the general formula (II)

in which

R', R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R" have the above mentioned meaning, or its reactive derivative on the carboxyl radical is reacted in an inert solvent with a compound of the general formula (III)

A- H (III) in which

A has the above mentioned meaning, or [B] a compound of the general formula (IV)

in which

R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶ and R⁷ have the above mentioned meaning, and R²⁴ denotes straight-chain or branched (C, - C₆)-alkyl, is reacted in an inert solvent with a compound of the general formula (V)

in which

R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R^u and A have the above mentioned meaning, or

[C] in the case where R⁶ and R⁷ are fluorine in the general formula (I), first a compound of the general formula (V)

in which

R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, Rⁿ and A have the above mentioned meaning, is reacted with a compound of the formula (VI)

together with the system consisting of reagents which can facilitate this reaction in an inert solvent to prepare a compound of the general formula (Vila and/or Vllb)

in which

R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and A have the above mentioned meaning, and in the second step is reacted with a compound of the general formula (VIII)

in which

R\ R², R³ and R⁴have the above mentioned meaning, with the above mentioned system and finally with acetic acid, or

[D] in the case where A in the general formula (I) is a residue of the formula -NR¹⁹R^∞ in which R¹⁹ is hydrogen and R²⁰ is a residue of the following formula

in which

D, E and R²¹ have the above mentioned meaning, a compound of the general formula (II)

in which

R\ R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰ and R^u have the above mentioned meaning, or its reactive derivative on the carboxyl radical is reacted in an inert solvent with a compound of the general formula (IX)

in which

D, E and R²¹ have the above mentioned meaning, to prepare a compound of the general formula (X)

in which

R\ R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R", R²¹, D and E have the above mentioned meaning, and in the last step the residue -(CH₂)₂-CN is eliminated in the presence of a base, or

[E] in the case where R^δ is fluorine or hydroxy and R⁷ is alkyl in the general formula (I), a compound of the general formula (I) in which R⁶ is hydrogen and R⁷ is alkyl, is reacted first in the system of Nal0₄ and RuCl₃ in an inert solvent to prepare a compound of the general formula (I), in which R⁶ is hydroxy, and optionally in the second step is reacted with

(C₂H₅)₃NSF₃in an inert solvent to prepare a fluorine substituted derivative and further optionally in the case of R⁵ and/or R⁸ is not hydrogen, followed by alkylation reaction.

A pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of the general formula (I)

in which

R', R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹ and A are the same meanings defined in claim 1, or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt as an active ingredient and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

7. A method of treating diseases associated with tryptase activity which comprises administering to a patient an effective amount of a compound of the general formula (I)

in which

R\ R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R^u and A are the same meanings defined in claim 1,. or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt.

8. A method of treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or allergic dermatitis which comprises administering to a patient an effective amount of a compound of the general formula (I)

in which

R\ R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R" and A are the same meanings defined in claim 1, or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt.

Use of a compound of the general formula (I)

in which

R\ R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R" and A are the same meanings defined in claim 1, or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt for treating diseases associated with tryptase activity.

10. Use of a compound of the general formula (I)

in which

R\ R², R³, R⁴. R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R" and Aare the same meanings defined in claim 1, or its tautomeric or stereoisomeric form, or its physiologically acceptable salt for treating asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis or allergic dermatitis.