# Patent

## Title
N-Substituted imidazoles and their salts

## Abstract

The compounds possess anti-depressive, myorelaxing, tranquilizing, sedative, analgesic, anti-convulsive, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory and uricosuric activities.

## Background
This application is related to our application Ser. No. 20,020, filed Mar. 16, 1970 .Iadd.now abandoned. .Iaddend.

The present invention concerns novel derivatives of 5-carbamoyloxy-methyl-3-substituted-2-oxazolidinone, their process of preparation and their therapeutic application.

The compounds according to the present invention correspond to the general formula: ##STR5## .[.in which:.]. .[.R is a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an alkyl radical having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a trifluoromethyl radical; and.]. dialkylaminoalkyl radical, or together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a methylpiperazino radical..]. ##STR6## .Iaddend. is --NH.sub.2 and R is H, m-CF.sub.3, o-CF.sub.3, m-Cl, p-Cl, m-Br, m-F, p-F, o-F, p-CH.sub.3 or m-CH.sub.3, or  .Iadd. ##STR7## .Iaddend. and R is H, m-CF.sub.3 or m-F, or  .Iadd. ##STR8## .Iaddend. and R is H, m-CF.sub.3 or m-F.

The process for the preparation of the compounds according to the present invention comprises treating an oxazolidinone of the general formula: ##STR9## in which R has the same significance as in Formula I, with phosgene in the presence of ammonia or an amine of formula: ##STR10## in which R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have the same significance as in Formula I.

The oxazolidinone of Formula II is prepared by cyclising, by the action of ethyl carbonate, a 1-phenylamino-2,3-propanediol of the general formula: ##STR11## in which R has the same significance as in Formula I.

The following preparation is given, by way of nonlimitative example, to illustrate the present invention.

5-carbamoyloxymethyl-3-m-trifluoromethylphenyl- 2-oxazolidinone (Code No. 68175).

(1) Preparation of 5-hydroxymethyl-3-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-oxazolidinone (Code No. 68121).

59 g. of 1-(m-trifluoromethylphenylamino)-2,3-propanediol and 118 g. of ethyl carbonate are introduced into a distillation apparatus. The mixture is progressively heated to about 110.degree. C. when dissolution is obtained. Then, 12 ml. of 5% solution of sodium methylate in methanol is added thereto. The distillation of the ethanol formed in the course of the reaction is then observed. Upon completion thereof, any excess ethyl carbonate is removed under reduced pressure; the solid residue obtained is crystallised in isopropyl ether.

Melting point=80.degree. C.

Yield=80%.

Empirical formula=C.sub.11 H.sub.10 F.sub.3 NO.sub.3.

Elementary analysis.--Calculated (percent): C, 50.58; H, 3.86; N, 5.36. Found (percent): C, 50.74; H, 3.76; N, 5.56.

(2) Preparation of 5-carbamoyloxymethyl-3-m-trifluoromethyl phenyl)-2-oxazolidinone.

300 ml. of a 20% solution of phosgene in toluene is rapidly added to a solution of 100 g. of 5-hydroxymethyl-3-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-oxazolidinone in 250 ml. of benzene. 63 g. of N,N-diethylaniline is then slowly added thereto with agitation. The hydrochloride which precipitates is dried and the clear organic solution also obtained is treated with a rapid current of gaseous ammonia. The solution is then treated with water, decanted and the organic phase is concentrated. The solid residue obtained is crystallised in absolute ethanol.

Melting point=123.degree. C.

Yield=50%.

Empirical formula=C.sub.12 H.sub.11 F.sub.3 N.sub.2 O.sub.4.

Elementary analysis.--Calculated (percent): C, 47.37; H, 3.64; N, 9.21. Found (percent): C, 47.50; H, 3.86; N, 9.39.

The following Table I lists a certain number of intermediate compounds of Formula II prepared according to the first part of the above example, and Table II enumerates a certain number of compounds of Formula I prepared according to the second part of the above example. __________________________________________________________________________ ##STR12## Elementary analysis Code    Empirical Mol. M.P., Yield, Calculated Found No. R   formula Wt. .degree. C. percent C  H  N  C  H  N __________________________________________________________________________ 67360 H   C.sub.10 H.sub.11 NO.sub.3 193.20 129 75  62.16 5.74 7.25 63.20 5.87 7.40 68292 m.F. C.sub.10 H.sub.10 FNO.sub.3 211.19 96  87  56.87 4.77 6.63 56.88 4.92 6.79 69155 p.F. C.sub.10 H.sub.10 FNO.sub.3 211.19 116 68  56.87 4.77 6.63 56.97 4.77 6.83 69275 o.F. C.sub.10 H.sub.10 FNO.sub.3 211.19 94  60  56.87 4.77 6.63 56.75 4.73 6.67 6922 p.Cl. C.sub.10 H.sub.10 ClNO.sub.3 227.64 104 55  52.75 4.43 6.15 53.01 4.53 6.05 69204 p.CH.sub.3 C.sub.11 H.sub.13 NO.sub.3 207.22 145 66  63.75 6.32 6.76 63.93 6.10 6.88 69276 m.CH.sub.3 C.sub.11 H.sub.13 NO.sub.3 207.22 76  70  63.75 6.32 6.76 63.70 6.43 6.78 .[.69217 o.CH.sub.3 C.sub.11 H.sub.13 NO.sub.3 207.22 64  69  63.75 6.32 6.76 63.71 6.37 6.88.]. __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ ##STR13## elementary analysis Code        Empirical Mol. M.P., Yield, Calculated  Found No. R   Salt formula  wt. .degree. C. percent C  H  N  Cl C  H  N  C.sub.1 __________________________________________________________________________ 6878 H   --  C.sub.11 H.sub.12 N.sub.2 O.sub.4 236.22 130 50  55.93 5.12 11.86 -- 55.73 5.27 11.72 -- 6978 o.CF.sub.3 --  C.sub.12 H.sub.11 F.sub.3 N.sub.2 O.sub.4 304.22 135 --  47.37 3.64 9.21 -- 47.40 3.82 9.41 -- 68291 m.Cl --  C.sub.11 H.sub.11 Cl N.sub.2 O.sub.4 270.67 102 40  48.81 4.10 10.35 -- 48.80 3.88 10.22 -- 6902 p.Cl --  C.sub.11 H.sub.11 Cl N.sub.2 O.sub.4 270.67 120 74  48.81 4.10 10.35 -- 49.01 4.25 10.35 -- 6945 m.Br --  C.sub.11 H.sub.11 Br N.sub.2 O.sub.4 315.12 132 50  41.92 3.52 8.89 -- 42.01 3.72 9.06 -- 6901 m.F. --  C.sub.11 H.sub.11 FN.sub.2 O.sub.4 254.21 110 70  51.97 4.36 11.02 -- 51.93 4.44 11.13 -- 69254 p.F. --  C.sub.11 H.sub.11 FN.sub.2 O.sub.4 254.21 140 60  51.97 4.36 11.02 -- 52.07 4.34 10.82 -- 69263 o.F. --  C.sub.11 H.sub.11 FN.sub.2 O.sub.4 251.21 80 40  51.97 4.36 11.02 -- 52.16 4.34 10.94 -- 69252 p.CH.sub.3 --  C.sub.12 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 O.sub.4 250.25 148 60  57.59 5.64 11,20 -- 57.40 5.56 11.40 -- 59237 m.CH.sub.3 --  C.sub.12 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 O.sub.4 250.25 105 70  57.59 5.64 11.20 -- 57.40 5.44 11.13 -- .[.69239 O.CH.sub.3 --  C.sub.12 H.sub.14 N.sub.2 O.sub.4 250.25 126 35  57.59 5.64 11.20 -- 57.79 5.72 11.26 --.]. __________________________________________________________________________ ##STR14## __________________________________________________________________________ 68327 H   --  C.sub.15 H.sub.21 N.sub.3 O.sub.4 307.34 77 50  58.62 6.89 19.67 -- 59.18 7.14 -- -- --  HCl C.sub.15 H.sub.22 Cl N.sub.3 O.sub.4 313.80 168 90  52.40 6.45 12.22 -- 52.32 6.68 12.43 -- 6985 m.CF.sub.1 --  C.sub.16 H.sub.20 F.sub.3 N.sub.2 O.sub.4 375.34 78 40  51.20 5.37 11.20 -- 51.18 5.52 11.40 -- 69253 m.F --  C.sub.15 H.sub.20 FN.sub.3 O.sub.4 325.33 78 35  55.37 6.20 12.92 -- 55.27 6.13 12.96 -- --  HCl C.sub.15 H.sub.21 Cl FN.sub.3 O.sub.4 361.80 140 --  49.79 5.85 11.62 -- 49.59 5.97 11.50 -- __________________________________________________________________________ ##STR15## __________________________________________________________________________ 68306 H   --  C.sub.16 H.sub.21 N.sub.3 O.sub.4 319.35 70 50  60.17 6.63 13.16 -- 59.98 6.42 13.36 -- --  HCl C.sub.16 H.sub.22 ClN.sub.3 O.sub.4 355.82 220 98  54.01 6.23 11.81 9.96 53.81 6.39 11.78 10.13 6089 m.CF.sub.3 --  C.sub.17 H.sub.20 F.sub.3 N.sub.3 O.sub.4 359.34 66 --  52.71 5.20 10.85 -- 52.71 5.33 10.76 -- --  Maleate C.sub.21 H.sub.24 F.sub.3 N.sub.3 O.sub.4 503.43 120 80  50.10 4.81 8.35 -- 49.96 5.12 8.54 -- 69235 m.F --  C.sub.16 H.sub.20 FN.sub.3 O.sub.4 337.34 75 31  56.96 5.98 12.46 -- 56.77 5.79 12.58 -- --  HCl C.sub.16 H.sub.21 FN.sub.3 O.sub.4 373.81 210 40  51.41 5.66 11.24 -- 51.33 5.46 11.26 -- __________________________________________________________________________

the compounds of Formula I experimentally exert anti-depressive, myorelaxing, tranquillising, sedative, analgesic, anti-convulsive, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory and uricosuric activities. Moreover, their toxic effects on animals in the laboratory are little marked.

The compounds of Formula I are capable of opposing hypothermia and the ptosis provoked by reserpine in the rat and the mouse, as well as the ulcers provoked by reserpine in the rat. Moreover, they oppose the catalepsy provoked by prochlorperazine in the art.

By way of example, several results obtained are listed in the following table: __________________________________________________________________________ Ptosis Hypothermia  Rat     Mouse   Ulcers  Catalepsy Code     Effect, Effect, Effect  Effect, Effect, Number Dose.sup.1 .degree. C. Dose.sup.1 percent Dose.sup.1 percent Dose.sup.1 percent Dose.sup.1 percent __________________________________________________________________________ 6878 200 -3.4 200 53  200 55  200 60  --  -- 68175 100 -4  --  --  100 85  --  --  --  -- 6901 100 -2.4 100 50  100 60  100 55  200 2.9 68921 100 -3  100 60  100 50  --  --  --  -- 6902 100 -2.7 100 45  100 50  --  --  --  -- 6945 100 -2.5 100 55  100 45  --  --  --  -- 69237 --  --  100 45  100 45  --  --  --  -- 69252 --  --  100 50  100 50  --  --  --  -- 6985 100 -2  --  --  --  --  --  --  --  -- 69254 --  --  --  --  100 54  --  --  --  -- 69263 --  --  --  --  100 50  --  --  --  -- __________________________________________________________________________ .sup.1 Expressed in mg./kg./P.O.

The compounds of Formula I provoke in the mouse the loss of the righting reflex and inhibit the traction reflexes and the maintenance on a rotating rod.

By way of example, for the compound No. 68175, the Ed.sub.50 in the traction test and also on the rotating rod is 130 mg./kg./P.O.

These effects are shown by a diminution of the exploration curosity in the enclosure of an actimetric cage and of escape in an open field. The compounds of Formula I reduce the aggresiveness provoked by the passage of an electric current and lower the body temperature of animals. The narcotic effects of penthiobarbital are equally reinforced.

The results obtained with two compounds of Formula I are listed in the following table: ______________________________________ Potentialisation of penthio- Actimetric     Evasion test barbital Code           Effect,       Effect,      Effect, Number Dose.sup.1 percent Dose.sup.1 percent Dose.sup.1 percent ______________________________________ 6878   --      --      --    --    180    50 68175  95      50      200   50    100    60 ______________________________________ .sup.1 Expressed in mg./kg./P.O.

This activity is particularly pronounced against the painful stretching provoked in the mouse by the intraperitoneal administration of phenyl benzoquinone or acetic acid.

The results obtained with two compounds of Formula I are shown in the following table: ______________________________________ Protection against phenyl benzoquinone Dose in        Effect, Code Number   mg./kg./P.O.   percent ______________________________________ 68175         62             60 6902          100            40 ______________________________________

The compounds of Formula I exert in the mouse an antagonism against the lethal effects of cardiazol, strychnine and nicotine. They equally show activity against the tonic hyperextension of an excessive electric shock.

By way of example, the results obtained with several compounds of Formula I are listed in the following table: __________________________________________________________________________ Antagonism against- Cardiazol Strychnine Nicotine Electric shock Effect, Effect, Effect, Effect, Code Number Dose.sup.1 percent Dose.sup.1 percent Dose.sup.1 percent Dose.sup.1 percent __________________________________________________________________________ 6878    --  --   43  60 --  --  --  -- 68175    90 50   20  50 100 90  100 80 6901    --  --   50  90 --  --  --  -- 68291   --  --  100 100 100 90  --  -- 6902    100 60  100 100 100 80  --  -- 6945    --  --  100 100 100 75  --  -- .[.69239 --  --  --  --  100 40  --  --.]. 69237   --  --  100  80 --  --  --  -- 69252   --  --  100  80 --  --  --  -- 6985    --  --  --  --  100 70  --  -- 69254   --  --  100 100 100 55  --  -- 69263   --  --  100  90 --  --  --  -- __________________________________________________________________________ .sup.1 Expressed in mg./kg./P.O.

This action is manifested by a diminution of the experimental fever provoked by the administration of barm in the cat.

The under-planatar oedema provoked in the rat by the administration of carraghenine is diminished by the compounds of the present invention.

The results obtained with two of the compounds of Formula I are shown in the following table: ______________________________________ Reduction of Dose in       the oedema, Code Number  mg./kg./P.O.  percent ______________________________________ 68175        200           65 68291        100           40 ______________________________________

After repeated oral administration in the rat, the compounds of Formula I provoke an augmentation of the urinary elimination of uric acid.

In consequence of the results shown above, and the values appearing in the following table, the difference between the pharmacologically-active dose and the lethal dose is sufficiently great to enable the compounds of Formula I to be utilised in therapeutics. ______________________________________ L.D..sub.60 P.O. (mouse) Code No.:     Mg./kg. ______________________________________ 6878          2,700 68175         2,100 6901          2,800 68291         >3,200 6902          1,500 6945          >3,200 .[.69239      >4,000.]. 69237         4,000 69252         >4,000 6985          1,350 69254         2,500 69263         3,400 ______________________________________

The compounds of Formula I are indicated in the case of depression and neurosis by depressive and anxious components. They equally possess a favourable effect against contractural and inflammatory pains, with or without hyperthermia.

They may be administered in the form of tablets and gelules containing 50 to 250 mg. of active ingredient.

Hence, according to the present invention there is also provided a therapeutic composition comprising a compound of Formula I together with a therapeutically-acceptable carrier.

Several clinical tests to show the activity of the compounds of the present invention are given below:

1st observation: Mr. M. aged 46.

An intellectual, working in a scientific field of high precision, this man was affected by a spasmodic stiff neck due to anxious and hypochondriac grounds. He complained of cervical pains which prevented him from keeping his head upright and concentrating on his work. As a result, he became apathetic, depressed and profoundly restless about his future.

Compound No. 6901, in tablet form containing 100 mg. of active ingredient, was administered three times daily for 15 days. The cervical pains disappeared and he was able to hold his head in an upright position. Besides this myorelaxant action, there is equally ascertained a complete sedation of his depressive anxieties.

2nd observation: Mr. Z. aged 55.

Professional and financial worries were provoked by a reactive neurosis, manifesting itself by an important irritability making family life very difficult. He complained as well as obstinate insomnia and particularly of diverse symptoms characterised by extra-systoles and occasionally of paroxysmic tachycardia, of globus epigastrus and of transient intestinal troubles. His hands trembled uncontrollably. He sometimes had autolysis notions.

Compound No. 6901 in tablet form containing 100 mg. of active ingredient, was administered daily for three weeks, brought the subject back to a normal state, his hands no longer trembled, his sleep returned to normal and he no longer suffered from cardiac or digestive troubles. His troubles disappeared and he was able to attack his commercial problems with courage.

Observation: Mrs. A. aged 48.

This woman was in a pre-menopause phase. For two years, she complained apart from menstrual troubles, exacerbated nervousness, interior tension sensations and trouble with precordial striction. She also complained of insomnia and a certain pain in the legs in the sleeping position.

Compound No. 68175, in tablet form containing 100 mg. of active ingredient, was administered 3 times a day for 12 days.

The sedative and tranquillising action is rapidly manifested, causing the irritability to disappear as well as the pain and insomnia. Simultaneously, the myorelaxant action was equally evidenced, as shown by the complete disappearance of the interior tension and the pain in the legs. Moreover, her sleep returned to normal.

## Claims

##STR16## in which R is hydrogen, halogen, alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and trifluoromethyl, and ##STR17## and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof..]. .[.2. A compound as claimed in claim 1, in which R is a chlorine, bromine or fluorine atom..]. .Iadd.3.  A compound of the formula .Iadd. ##STR18## .Iaddend. in which (1)  .Iadd. ##STR19## .Iaddend. is --NH.sub.2 and R is H, m-CF.sub.3, o-CF.sub.3, m-Cl, p-Cl, m-Br, m-F, p-F, o-F, p-CH.sub.3 or m-CH.sub.3, or  .Iadd. ##STR20## .Iaddend. and R is H, m-CF.sub.3 or m-F, or  .Iadd. ##STR21## .Iaddend. and R is H, m-CF.sub.3 or m-F, and the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof.