# Patent

## Title
Tricyclic compounds for use as kinase inhibitors

## Abstract

There is provided compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 have meanings given in the description (and which compounds are optionally substituted as indicated in the description), and pharmaceutically-acceptable esters, amides, solvates or salts thereof, which compounds are useful in the treatment of diseases in which inhibition of a protein or lipid kinase (e.g. a PIM family kinase, such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) is desired and/or required, and particularly in the treatment of cancer or a proliferative disease. There is also provided combinations comprising the compounds of formula (I).

## Background
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to novel pharmaceutically-useful compounds, which compounds are useful as inhibitors of protein or lipid kinases (such as inhibitors of a member of the PIM family kinases, e.g. PIM-1, PIM-2 or PIM-3). The invention also relates to the use of such compounds as medicaments, to the use of such compounds for in vitro, in situ and in vivo diagnosis or treatment of mammalian cells (or associated pathological conditions), to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to synthetic routes for their production.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The malfunctioning of protein kinases (PKs) is the hallmark of numerous diseases. A large share of the oncogenes and proto-oncogenes involved in human cancers code for PKs. The enhanced activities of PKs are also implicated in many non-malignant diseases, such as benign prostate hyperplasia, familial adenomatosis, polyposis, neuro-fibromatosis, psoriasis, vascular smooth cell proliferation associated with atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, arthritis glomerulonephritis and post-surgical stenosis and restenosis. PKs are also implicated in inflammatory conditions and in the multiplication of viruses and parasites. PKs may also play a major role in the pathogenesis and development of neurodegenerative disorders.
For a general reference to PKs malfunctioning or disregulation see, for instance, Current Opinion in Chemical Biology 1999, 3, 459-465.
PIM-1 is the protooncogene activated by murine leucemia virus (Provirus Integration site for Moloney murine leucemia virus—MoMuLV) that induces T-cell lymphoma [Cuypers, H. T., et. al. Cell, 1984, 37, 141-150].
The expression of the protooncogene produces a non-transmembrane serine/threonine kinase of 313 residues, including a kinase domain consisting of 253 amino acid residues. Two isoforms are known through alternative initiation (p44 and p33) [Saris, C. J. M. et al. EMBO J. 1991, 10, 655-664].
PIM-1, PIM-2 and PIM-3 phosphorylate protein substrates that are important in cancer neogenesis and progression. For example, PIM-1 phosphorylates inter alia p21, Bad, c-myb, Cdc 25A and eIF4B (see e.g. Quian, K. C. at al, J. Biol. Chem. 2005, 280(7), 6130-6137, and references cited therein).
Two PIM-1 homologs have been described [Baytel, D. Biochem. Biophys. Acta 1998, 1442, 274-285; Feldman, J. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 1998, 273, 16535.16543]. PIM-2 and PIM-3 are respectively 58% and 69% identical to PIM-1 at the amino acid level. PIM-1 is mainly expressed in thymus, testis, and cells of the hematopoietic system [Mikkers, H.; Nawijn, M.; Allen, J.; Brouwers, C.; Verhoeven, E.; Jonkers, J.; Berns, Mol. Cell. Biol. 2004, 24, 6104; Bachmann, M.; Moroy, T. Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 2005, 37, 726-730. 6115]. PIM-1 expression is directly induced by STAT (Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) transcription factors, and PIM-1 expression is induced by many cytokine signalling pathways such as interleukins (IL), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), α- and γ-interferon, erythropoietin, and prolactin [Wang, Z et al. J. Vet. Sci. 2001, 2, 167-179].
PIM-1 has been implicated in lymphoma development. Induced expression of PIM-1 and the protooncogene c-myc synergise to increase the incidence of lymphomagenesis [Breuer, M. et al. Nature 1989, 340, 61-63; van Lohuizen M. et al. Cell, 1991, 65, 737-752]. PIM-1 functions in cytokine signalling pathways and has been shown to play a role in T cell development [Schmidt, T. et al. EMBO J. 1998, 17, 5349-5359; Jacobs, H. et al. JEM 1999, 190, 1059-1068]. Signalling through gp130, a subunit common to receptors of the IL-6 cytokine family, activates the transcription factor STAT3 and can lead to the proliferation of hematopioetic cells [Hirano, T. et al. Oncogene 2000, 19, 2548-2556]. A kinase-active PIM-1 appears to be essential for the gp130-mediated STAT3 proliferation signal. In cooperation with the c-myc PIM-1 can promote STAT3-mediated cell cycle progression and antiapoptosis [Shirogane, T. et sl., immunity, 1999, 11, 709-719]. PIM-1 also appears to be necessary for IL-3-stimulated growth in bone marrow-derived mast cells [Domen, J. et al., Blood, 1993, 82, 1445-1452] and survival of FDCP1 cells after IL-3 withdrawal [Lilly, M. et al., Oncogene, 1999, 18, 4022-4031].
Additionally, control of cell proliferation and survival by PIM-1 may be effected by means of its phosphorylation of the well-established cell cycle regulators cdc25 [Mochizuki, T. et al., J. Biol. Chem. 1999, 274, 18659-18666] and/or p21(Cip1/WAF1) [Wang Z. et al. Biochim. Biophys. Acta 2002, 1593, 45-55] or phosphorylation of heterochromatin protein 1, a molecule involved in chromatin structure and transcriptional regulation [Koike, N. et al, FEBS Lett. 2000, 467, 17-21].
Mice deficient for all three PIM genes showed an impaired response to hematopoietic growth factors and demonstrated that PIM proteins are required for efficient proliferation of peripheral T lymphocyes. In particular, it was shown that PIM function is required for efficient cell cycle induction of T cells in response to synergistic T-cell receptor and IL-2 signalling. A large number of interaction partners and substrates of PIM-1 have been identified, suggesting a pivotal role for PIM-1 in cell cycle control, proliferation, as well as in cell survival.
The oncogenic potential of this kinase has been first demonstrated in E μ PIM-1 transgenic mice in which PIM-1 over-expression is targeted to the B-cell lineage which leads to formation of B-cell tumors [van Lohuizen, M. et al.; Cell 1989, 56, 673-682. Subsequently PIM-1 has been reported to be over-expressed in a number of prostate cancers, erythroleukemias, and several other types of human leukemias [Roh, M. et al.; Cancer Res. 2003, 63, 8079-8084; Valdman, A. et al; Prostate 2004, 60, 367-371;
For example, chromosomal translocation of PIM-1 leads to overexpression of PIM-1 in diffuse large cell lymphoma. [Akasaka, H. et al.; Cancer Res. 2000, 60, 2335-2341]. Furthermore, a number of missense mutations in PIM-1 have been reported in lymphomas of the nervous system and AIDS-induced non-Hodgkins' lymphomas that probably affect PIM-1 kinase activity or stability [Pasqualucci, L. et al, Nature 2001, 412, 341-346; Montesinos-Rongen, M. et al., Blood 2004, 103, 1869-1875; Gaidano, G. et al., Blood 2003, 102, 1833-184]. Thus, the strong linkage between reported overexpression data and the occurrence of PIM-1 mutations in cancer suggests a dominant role of PIM-1 in tumorigenesis.
Several other protein kinases have been described in the literature, in which the activity and/or elevated activity of such protein kinases have been implicated in diseases such as cancer, in a similar manner to PIM-1, PIM-2 and PIM-3.
There is a constant need to provide alternative and/or more efficacious inhibitors of protein kinases, and particularly inhibitors of PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3. Such modulators are expected to offer alternative and/or improved approaches for the management of medical conditions associated with activity and/or elevated activity of PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3 protein kinases.
The listing or discussion of an apparently prior-published document in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.
Journal articles J. Med. Chem. 2005, 48, 1367-1383 by Russell et al and J. Med. Chem. 2005, Vol 48, No. 23, 7089 by Carling at al both disclose inter alia triazolophthalazine compounds of potential use as GABAA receptor agonists, which may be useful therefore as inter alia hypnotics (and therefore for treating sleep disorders) and muscle relaxants. However, these documents only relate to fused tricyclic compounds in which one of the cyclic moieties is bridged. Further, there is no mention that the compounds disclosed therein may be useful as kinase inhibitors.
International patent application WO 2005/041971 discloses inter alia fused tricyclic compounds that may bind to of α2δ-1 sub-units of Ca channels, and may therefore be useful in the treatment of inter alia psychiatric and mood disorders. International patent applications WO 99/025353 and WO 98/04559 disclose various compounds that may act as ligands for GABAA receptors, WO 98/04560 discloses those that may act as inverse agonists of GABAA receptors, UK patent GB 2345443 discloses inter alia tricyclic compounds, which may be of use in treating premenstrual syndrome, and international patent application WO 2005/041971 discloses various tricyclic compounds for use in the treatment of bipolar diseases and the like. All of these documents only disclose fused tricyclic compounds that necessarily have oxy substituents, and do not disclose the use of those compounds as kinase inhibitors.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,835 discloses inter alia fused tricyclic compounds that may be useful as bronchodilators and antiallergic agents, but does not disclose tricyclic compounds that are substituted with an aromatic substituent, nor does it mention that the compounds may be useful as kinase inhibitors.
European patents EP 0 104 506 and EP 0 029 130 both disclose inter alia tricyclic compounds that may be useful as bronchodilators, but does not disclose any that bear an aromatic substituent, nor does it disclose the potential use of those compounds as kinase inhibitors.
Journal article J. Het. Chem. 1988, 25(2), 393-8 by Branko et al discloses various tricyclic compounds, including those that contain an aromatic triazolopyridazine bicycle as an integral part of the tricycle. However, this journal article does not disclose that those compounds have a medical use, and further only discloses tricycles in which the ‘third’ ring fused to the triazolopyridazine bicycle contains an unsaturation (double bond).
European patent applications EP 0 548 923 and EP 0 562 439 disclose inter alia tricyclic compounds containing an aromatic imidazopyridazine bicyclic core or a [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-b]pyridazine core. However, it does not disclose any tricyclic compounds containing a [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine core, nor does it mention that any of the compounds disclosed therein may be useful as kinase inhibitors.
European patent application EP 0 620 224 discloses inter alia [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazines, but none in which such a bicycle is a sub-component of a fused tricyclic compound. Nor does this document disclose that the compounds therein may be useful as kinase inhibitors.
US patent application US 2003/0078277 discloses tricyclic compounds that may be useful as a corticotrophin, and therefore of use in the treatment of e.g. depression. However, this document does not primarily relate to [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazines, nor does it disclose that the compounds therein may be useful as kinase inhibitors.
US patent application US 2007/0167453 discloses inter alia tricyclic compounds that may be useful as histamine-H3 receptor antagonists. However, this document does not specifically relate to [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazines substituted with an amino moiety and an aromatic group. Further, this document does not mention that the compounds disclosed therein may be useful as kinase inhibitors.
International patent application WO 99/06404 discloses various fused tricyclic compounds containing a triazolopyridazine core, for use as phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors. However, this document only relates to fused tricyclic compounds in which each of the three rings is aromatic.
International patent application WO 2008/109104 discloses various triazolopyridazines for use as Akt kinase inhibitors, but this document does not disclose any fused tricyclic compounds.
International patent applications WO 2009/060197 and WO 2009/040552 disclose various imidazopyridazine-based and imidazolothiadiazolo-based compounds, for use as certain protein kinase inhibitors. However, these documents do not mention fused tricyclic compounds containing a bicyclic aromatic triazolopyridazine core fused to a non-aromatic ring.


DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, there is now provided a compound of formula I,




wherein:

the R1, R2 and X-containing ring is non-aromatic in which:

R1 and R2 are independently selected from —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, —C(R6)(R6a)— and —N(R6)—; and

X represents C2 alkylene optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E2;

each R6 and R6a independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, H, —C(O)NHRd1, —C(O)Rd2 or Rd3;

Rd1, Rd2 and Rd3 independently represent C1-12 (e.g. C1-6) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E1;

R3 represents aryl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E3;

R4 represents a fragment of formula IA,





Ra and Rb independently represent H, —C(O)—C1-11 alkyl, —S(O)2—C1-11 alkyl, C1-12 (e.g. C1-8) alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter four groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O, ═NOR7a and Q1), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from Q2); or
Ra and Rb are linked together, along with the requisite nitrogen atom to which they are necessarily attached, to form a (first) 3- to 7-membered cyclic group, optionally containing one further heteroatom selected from nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen, and which ring optionally:

    (a) is fused to a second ring that is either a 3- to 7-membered saturated heterocycloalkyl group containing one to four heteroatoms selected from oxygen, sulfur and nitrogen (preferably oxygen and nitrogen), a 3- to 12-membered saturated carbocyclic ring, or an unsaturated 5- to 12-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring (in which the heteroatoms are preferably selected from sulfur and, especially, nitrogen and oxygen);
    (b) comprises a linker group —(C(Rx)2)p— and/or —(C(Rx)2)r—O—(C(Rx)2)s— (wherein p is 1 or 2; r is 0 or 1; s is 0 or 1; and each Rx independently represents hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl), linking together any two non-adjacent atoms of the first 3- to 7-membered ring (i.e. forming a bridged structure); or
    (c) comprises a second ring that is either a 3- to 12-membered saturated carbocyclic ring or or a 3- to 7-membered saturated heterocycloalkyl group containing one to four heteroatoms selected from oxygen and nitrogen, and which second ring is linked together with the first ring via a single carbon atom common to both rings (i.e. forming a spiro-cycle),

all of which cyclic groups, defined by the linkage of Ra and Rb, are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O, ═NOR7b and E4;

each Q1 and Q2 independently represents, on each occasion when used herein:

halo, —CN, —NO2, —N(R10a)R11a, —OR10a, —C(═Y)—R10a, —C(═Y)—OR10a, —C(═Y)N(R11a)R11a, —C(═Y)N(R10a)—OR11a, —OC(═Y)—R10a, —OC(═Y)—OR10a, —OC(═Y)N(R10a)R11a, —OS(O)2OR10a, —OP(═Y)(OR10a)(OR11a), —OP(OR11a)(OR11a), —N(R12a)C(═Y)R11a, —N(R12a)C(═Y)OR11a, —N(R12a)C(═Y)N(R10a)R11a, —NR12aS(O)2R10a, —NR12aS(O)2N(R10a)R11a, —S(O)2N(R11a)R11a, —SC(═Y)R10a, —S(O)2R10a, —SR10a, —S(O)R10a, C1-12 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O, ═S, ═N(R10a) and E5), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E6);

R7a and R7b independently represent hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms;

each R11c independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, C1-12 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O, ═S, ═N(R20) and E7), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E8);

each R10a, R11a and R12a independently represent, on each occasion when used herein, hydrogen, C1-12 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O, ═S, ═N(R20) and E7), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E8); or

any relevant pair of R10a, R11a and R12a (for example, when attached to the same atom, adjacent atom (i.e. 1,2-relationship) or to atoms that are two atoms apart, i.e. in a 1,3-relationship) may be linked together to form (e.g. along with the requisite nitrogen atom to which they may be attached) a 4- to 20- (e.g. 4- to 12-) membered ring, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms (for example, in addition to those that may already be present, e.g. (a) heteroatom(s) selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur), optionally containing one or more unsaturations (e.g. double bonds), and which ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O, ═S, ═N(R20) and E9;

each E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8 and E9 independently represents, on each occasion when used herein:

(i) Q4;

(ii) C1-2 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and Q5; or

any two E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8 or E9 groups, for example on C1-12 alkyl groups or on aryl groups, e.g. when they are attached to the same or adjacent carbon atoms (e.g. two E3 groups may be attached to adjacent carbon atoms of an aryl group, so forming a fused bicycle), may be linked together to form a 3- to 12-membered ring (in which each of the atoms of the ring may be a carbon atom or a heteroatom), optionally containing one or more (e.g. one to three) unsaturations (e.g. double bonds), and which ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and J1;

each Q4 and Q5 independently represent, on each occasion when used herein:

halo, —CN, —NO2, —N(R20)R21, —OR20, —C(═Y)—R20, —C(═Y)—OR20, —C(═Y)N(R20)R21, —C(═Y)N(R20)—O—R21a, —OC(═Y)—R20, —OC(═Y)—OR20, —OC(═Y)N(R20)R21, —OS(O)2OR20, —OP(═Y)(OR20)(OR21), —OP(OR20)(OR21), —N(R22)C(═Y)R21, —N(R22)C(═Y)OR21, —N(R22)C(═Y)N(R20)R21, —NR22S(O)2R20, —NR22S(O)2N(R20)R21, —S(O)2N(R20)R21, —SC(═Y)R20, —S(O)2R20, —SR20, —S(O)R20, C1-6 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and J2), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J3);

each Y independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, ═O, ═S, ═NR23 or ═N—CN;

each R21a independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, C1-6 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J4 and ═O), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J5);

each R20, R21, R22 and R23 independently represent, on each occasion when used herein, hydrogen, C1-6 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J4 and ═O), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J5); or

any relevant pair of R20, R21 and R22, may (for example, when attached to the same atom, adjacent atom (i.e. 1,2-relationship) or to atoms that are two atoms apart, i.e. in a 1,3-relationship) be linked together to form (e.g. along with the requisite nitrogen atom to which they may be attached) a 4- to 20- (e.g. 4- to 12-) membered ring, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms (for example, in addition to those that may already be present, e.g. (a) heteroatom(s) selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur), optionally containing one or more unsaturations (e.g. double bonds), and which ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J6 and ═O;

each J1, J2, J3, J4, J5 and J6 independently represents, on each occasion when used herein:

(i) Q7;

(ii) C1-6 alkyl or heterocycloalkyl, both of which are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and Q8;

each Q7 and Q8 independently represents, on each occasion when used herein:

halo, —N(R50)R51, —OR50, —C(═Ya)—R50, —C(═Ya)—OR50, —C(═Ya)N(R50)R51, —N(R52)C(═Ya)R51, —NR52S(O)2R50, —S(O)2R50, —SR50, —S(O)R50 or C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms;

each Ya independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, ═O, ═S, ═NR53 or ═N—CN;

each R50, R51, R52 and R53 independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from fluoro, —OR60 and —N(R61)R62; or

any relevant pair of R50, R51 and R52 may (for example when attached to the same or adjacent atoms) be linked together to form, a 3- to 8-membered ring, optionally containing one or more heteroatoms (for example, in addition to those that may already be present, heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur), optionally containing one or more unsaturations (e.g. double bonds), and which ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and C1-3 alkyl;

R60, R61 and R62 independently represent hydrogen or C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms,

or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof,

which compounds, esters, amides, solvates and salts are referred to hereinafter as “the compounds of the invention”.



Pharmaceutically-acceptable salts include acid addition salts and base addition salts. Such salts may be formed by conventional means, for example by reaction of a free acid or a free base form of a compound of formula I with one or more equivalents of an appropriate acid or base, optionally in a solvent, or in a medium in which the salt is insoluble, followed by removal of said solvent, or said medium, using standard techniques (e.g. in vacuo, by freeze-drying or by filtration). Salts may also be prepared by exchanging a counter-ion of a compound of the invention in the form of a salt with another counter-ion, for example using a suitable ion exchange resin.
By “pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof”, we include salts of pharmaceutically acceptable esters or amides, and solvates of pharmaceutically acceptable esters, amides or salts. For instance, pharmaceutically acceptable esters and amides such as those defined herein may be mentioned, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable solvates or salts. Specific salts that may be mentioned include HCOOH and HCl salts. Oxide salts, such as N-oxides (e.g. in which there is a “N+—O—” moiety present) may also be mentioned (for instance, when the nitrogen atom is an integral part of the compound of the invention).
Pharmaceutically acceptable esters and amides of the compounds of the invention are also included within the scope of the invention. Pharmaceutically acceptable esters and amides of compounds of the invention may be formed from corresponding compounds that have an appropriate group, for example an acid group, converted to the appropriate ester or amide. For example, pharmaceutically acceptable esters (of carboxylic acids of compounds of the invention) that may be mentioned include optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, C5-10 aryl and/or C5-10 aryl-C1-6 alkyl-esters. Pharmaceutically acceptable amides (of carboxylic acids of compounds of the invention) that may be mentioned include those of the formula —C(O)N(Rz1)Rz2, in which Rz1 and Rz2 independently represent optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, C5-10 aryl, or C5-10 aryl-C1-6 alkylene-. Preferably, C1-6 alkyl groups that may be mentioned in the context of such pharmaceutically acceptable esters and amides are not cyclic, e.g. linear and/or branched.
Further compounds of the invention that may be mentioned include carbamate, carboxamido or ureido derivatives, e.g. such derivatives of existing amino functional groups.
For the purposes of this invention, therefore, prodrugs of compounds of the invention are also included within the scope of the invention.
The term “prodrug” of a relevant compound of the invention includes any compound that, following oral or parenteral administration, is metabolised in vivo to form that compound in an experimentally-detectable amount, and within a predetermined time (e.g. within a dosing interval of between 6 and 24 hours (i.e. once to four times daily)). For the avoidance of doubt, the term “parenteral” administration includes all forms of administration other than oral administration.
Prodrugs of compounds of the invention may be prepared by modifying functional groups present on the compound in such a way that the modifications are cleaved, in vivo when such prodrug is administered to a mammalian subject. The modifications typically are achieved by synthesising the parent compound with a prodrug substituent. Prodrugs include compounds of the invention wherein a hydroxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, carboxy or carbonyl group in a compound of the invention is bonded to any group that may be cleaved in vivo to regenerate the free hydroxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, carboxy or carbonyl group, respectively.
Examples of prodrugs include, but are not limited to, esters and carbamates of hydroxy functional groups, esters groups of carboxyl functional groups, N-acyl derivatives and N-Mannich bases. General information on prodrugs may be found e.g. in Bundegaard, H. “Design of Prodrugs” p. 1-92, Elesevier, New York-Oxford (1985).
Compounds of the invention may contain double bonds and may thus exist as E (entgegen) and Z (zusammen) geometric isomers about each individual double bond. Positional isomers may also be embraced by the compounds of the invention. All such isomers (e.g. if a compound of the invention incorporates a double bond or a fused ring, the cis- and trans-forms, are embraced) and mixtures thereof are included within the scope of the invention (e.g. single positional isomers and mixtures of positional isomers may be included within the scope of the invention).
Compounds of the invention may also exhibit tautomerism. All tautomeric forms (or tautomers) and mixtures thereof are included within the scope of the invention. The term “tautomer” or “tautomeric form” refers to structural isomers of different energies which are interconvertible via a low energy barrier. For example, proton tautomers (also known as prototropic tautomers) include interconversions via migration of a proton, such as keto-enol and imine-enamine isomerisations. Valence tautomers include interconversions by reorganisation of some of the bonding electrons.
Compounds of the invention may also contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms and may therefore exhibit optical and/or diastereoisomerism. Diastereoisomers may be separated using conventional techniques, e.g. chromatography or fractional crystallisation. The various stereoisomers may be isolated by separation of a racemic or other mixture of the compounds using conventional, e.g. fractional crystallisation or HPLC, techniques. Alternatively the desired optical isomers may be made by reaction of the appropriate optically active starting materials under conditions which will not cause racemisation or epimerisation (i.e. a ‘chiral pool’ method), by reaction of the appropriate starting material with a ‘chiral auxiliary’ which can subsequently be removed at a suitable stage, by derivatisation (i.e. a resolution, including a dynamic resolution), for example with a homochiral acid followed by separation of the diastereomeric derivatives by conventional means such as chromatography, or by reaction with an appropriate chiral reagent or chiral catalyst all under conditions known to the skilled person.
All stereoisomers (including but not limited to diastereoisomers, enantiomers and atropisomers) and mixtures thereof (e.g. racemic mixtures) are included within the scope of the invention.
In the structures shown herein, where the stereochemistry of any particular chiral atom is not specified, then all stereoisomers are contemplated and included as the compounds of the invention. Where stereochemistry is specified by a solid wedge or dashed line representing a particular configuration, then that stereoisomer is so specified and defined.
The compounds of the present invention may exist in unsolvated as well as solvated forms with pharmaceutically acceptable solvents such as water, ethanol, and the like, and it is intended that the invention embrace both solvated and unsolvated forms.
The present invention also embraces isotopically-labeled compounds of the present invention which are identical to those recited herein, but for the fact that one or more atoms are replaced by an atom having an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number usually found in nature (or the most abundant one found in nature). All isotopes of any particular atom or element as specified herein are contemplated within the scope of the compounds of the invention. Exemplary isotopes that can be incorporated into compounds of the invention include isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, fluorine, chlorine and iodine, such as 2H, 3H, 11C, 13C, 14C, 13N, 15O, 17O, 18O, 32P, 33P, 35S, 18F, 36Cl, 123I, and 125I. Certain isotopically-labeled compounds of the present invention (e.g., those labeled with 3H and 14C) are useful in compound and for substrate tissue distribution assays. Tritiated (3H) and carbon-14 (14C) isotopes are useful for their ease of preparation and detectability. Further, substitution with heavier isotopes such as deuterium (i.e., 2H may afford certain therapeutic advantages resulting from greater metabolic stability (e.g., increased in vivo half-life or reduced dosage requirements) and hence may be preferred in some circumstances. Positron emitting isotopes such as 15O, 13N, 11C and 18F are useful for positron emission tomography (PET) studies to examine substrate receptor occupancy. Isotopically labeled compounds of the present invention can generally be prepared by following procedures analogous to those disclosed in the Scheme 1 and/or in the Examples herein below, by substituting an isotopically labeled reagent for a non-isotopically labeled reagent.
Unless otherwise specified, C1-q alkyl groups (where q is the upper limit of the range) defined herein may be straight-chain or, when there is a sufficient number (i.e. a minimum of two or three, as appropriate) of carbon atoms, be branched-chain, and/or cyclic (so forming a C3-q-cycloalkyl group). Such cycloalkyl groups may be monocyclic or bicyclic and may further be bridged. Further, when there is a sufficient number (i.e. a minimum of four) of carbon atoms, such groups may also be part cyclic. Such alkyl groups may also be saturated or, when there is a sufficient number (i.e. a minimum of two) of carbon atoms, be unsaturated (forming, for example, a C2-q alkenyl or a C2-q alkynyl group).
Unless otherwise stated, the term C2-q alkylene (where q is the upper limit of the range) defined herein may be straight-chain or, when there is a sufficient number of carbon atoms, be saturated or unsaturated (so forming, for example, an alkenylene or alkynylene linker group). Such C1-q alkylene groups may be branched (if sufficient number of atoms), but are preferably straight-chained.
C3-q cycloalkyl groups (where q is the upper limit of the range) that may be specifically mentioned may be monocyclic or bicyclic alkyl groups, which cycloalkyl groups may further be bridged (so forming, for example, fused ring systems such as three fused cycloalkyl groups). Such cycloalkyl groups may be saturated or unsaturated containing one or more double bonds (forming for example a cycloalkenyl group). Substituents may be attached at any point on the cycloalkyl group. Further, where there is a sufficient number (i.e. a minimum of four) such cycloalkyl groups may also be part cyclic.
The term “halo”, when used herein, preferably includes fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo.
Heterocycloalkyl groups that may be mentioned include non-aromatic monocyclic and bicyclic heterocycloalkyl groups in which at least one (e.g. one to four) of the atoms in the ring system is other than carbon (i.e. a heteroatom), and in which the total number of atoms in the ring system is between 3 and 20 (e.g. between three and ten, e.g between 3 and 8, such as 5- to 8-). Such heterocycloalkyl groups may also be bridged. Further, such heterocycloalkyl groups may be saturated or unsaturated containing one or more double and/or triple bonds, forming for example a C2-q heterocycloalkenyl (where q is the upper limit of the range) group. C2-q heterocycloalkyl groups that may be mentioned include 7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, 6-azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptanyl, 6-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-octanyl, 8-azabicyclo-[3.2.1]octanyl, aziridinyl, azetidinyl, dihydropyranyl, dihydropyridyl, dihydropyrrolyl (including 2,5-dihydropyrrolyl), dioxolanyl (including 1,3-dioxolanyl), dioxanyl (including 1,3-dioxanyl and 1,4-dioxanyl), dithianyl (including 1,4-dithianyl), dithiolanyl (including 1,3-dithiolanyl), imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, morpholinyl, 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptanyl, 6-oxabicyclo-[3.2.1]octanyl, oxetanyl, oxiranyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, non-aromatic pyranyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrrolidinonyl, pyrrolidinyl, pyrrolinyl, quinuclidinyl, sulfolanyl, 3-sulfolenyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, tetrahydropyridyl (such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridyl and 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridyl), thietanyl, thiiranyl, thiolanyl, thiomorpholinyl, trithianyl (including 1,3,5-trithianyl), tropanyl and the like. Substituents on heterocycloalkyl groups may, where appropriate, be located on any atom in the ring system including a heteroatom. The point of attachment of heterocycloalkyl groups may be via any atom in the ring system including (where appropriate) a heteroatom (such as a nitrogen atom), or an atom on any fused carbocyclic ring that may be present as part of the ring system. Heterocycloalkyl groups may also be in the N— or S— oxidised form. Heterocycloalkyl mentioned herein may be stated to be specifically monocyclic or bicyclic.
For the avoidance of doubt, the term “bicyclic” (e.g. when employed in the context of heterocycloalkyl groups) refers to groups in which the second ring of a two-ring system is formed between two adjacent atoms of the first ring. The term “bridged” (e.g. when employed in the context of cycloalkyl or heterocycloalkyl groups) refers to monocyclic or bicyclic groups in which two non-adjacent atoms are linked by either an alkylene or heteroalkylene chain (as appropriate).
Aryl groups that may be mentioned include C6-20, such as C6-12 (e.g. C6-10) aryl groups. Such groups may be monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic and have between 6 and 12 (e.g. 6 and 10) ring carbon atoms, in which at least one ring is aromatic. C1-10 aryl groups include phenyl, naphthyl and the like, such as 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-naphthyl. The point of attachment of aryl groups may be via any atom of the ring system. For example, when the aryl group is polycyclic the point of attachment may be via atom including an atom of a non-aromatic ring. However, when aryl groups are polycyclic (e.g. bicyclic or tricyclic), they are preferably linked to the rest of the molecule via an aromatic ring.
Unless otherwise specified, the term “heteroaryl” when used herein refers to an aromatic group containing one or more heteroatom(s) (e.g. one to four heteroatoms) preferably selected from N, O and S. Heteroaryl groups include those which have between 5 and 20 members (e.g. between 5 and 10) and may be monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic, provided that at least one of the rings is aromatic (so forming, for example, a mono-, bi-, or tricyclic heteroaromatic group). When the heteroaryl group is polycyclic the point of attachment may be via any atom including an atom of a non-aromatic ring. However, when heteroaryl groups are polycyclic (e.g. bicyclic or tricyclic), they are preferably linked to the rest of the molecule via an aromatic ring. Heteroaryl groups that may be mentioned include 3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolinyl, 1,3-dihydroisoindolyl, 1,3-dihydroisoindolyl (e.g. 3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolin-2-yl, 1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl, 1,3-dihydroisoindol-2-yl; i.e. heteroaryl groups that are linked via a non-aromatic ring), or, preferably, acridinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzodioxanyl, benzodioxepinyl, benzodioxolyl (including 1,3-benzodioxolyl), benzofuranyl, benzofurazanyl, benzothiadiazolyl (including 2,1,3-benzothiadiazolyl), benzothiazolyl, benzoxadiazolyl (including 2,1,3-benzoxadiazolyl), benzoxazinyl (including 3,4-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzoxazinyl), benzoxazolyl, benzomorpholinyl, benzoselenadiazolyl (including 2,1,3-benzoselenadiazolyl), benzothienyl, carbazolyl, chromanyl, cinnolinyl, furanyl, imidazolyl, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridyl, indazolyl, indolinyl, indolyl, isobenzofuranyl, isochromanyl, isoindolinyl, isoindolyl, isoquinolinyl, isothiaziolyl, isothiochromanyl, isoxazolyl, naphthyridinyl (including 1,6-naphthyridinyl or, preferably, 1,5-naphthyridinyl and 1,8-naphthyridinyl), oxadiazolyl (including 1,2,3-oxadiazolyl, 1,2,4-oxadiazolyl and 1,3,4-oxadiazolyl), oxazolyl, phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, phthalazinyl, pteridinyl, purinyl, pyranyl, pyrazinyl, pyrazolyl, pyridazinyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, quinazolinyl, quinolinyl, quinolizinyl, quinoxalinyl, tetrahydroisoquinolinyl (including 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolinyl and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroisoquinolinyl), tetrahydroquinolinyl (including 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolinyl and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinolinyl), tetrazolyl, thiadiazolyl (including 1,2,3-thiadiazolyl, 1,2,4-thiadiazolyl and 1,3,4-thiadiazolyl), thiazolyl, thiochromanyl, thiophenetyl, thienyl, triazolyl (including 1,2,3-triazolyl, 1,2,4-triazolyl and 1,3,4-triazolyl) and the like. Substituents on heteroaryl groups may, where appropriate, be located on any atom in the ring system including a heteroatom. The point of attachment of heteroaryl groups may be via any atom in the ring system including (where appropriate) a heteroatom (such as a nitrogen atom), or an atom on any fused carbocyclic ring that may be present as part of the ring system. Heteroaryl groups may also be in the N— or S— oxidised form.
Heteroaryl groups mentioned herein may be stated to be specifically monocyclic or bicyclic. When heteroaryl groups are polycyclic in which there is a non-aromatic ring present, then that non-aromatic ring may be substituted by one or more ═O group.
It may be specifically stated that the heteroaryl group is monocyclic or bicyclic. In the case where it is specified that the heteroaryl is bicyclic, then it may consist of a five-, six- or seven-membered monocyclic ring (e.g. a monocyclic heteroaryl ring) fused with another a five-, six- or seven-membered ring (e.g. a monocyclic aryl or heteroaryl ring).
Heteroatoms that may be mentioned include phosphorus, silicon, boron and, preferably, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur.
For the avoidance of doubt, where it is stated herein that a group (e.g. a C1-12 alkyl group) may be substituted by one or more substituents (e.g. selected from E5), then those substituents (e.g. defined by E5) are independent of one another. That is, such groups may be substituted with the same substituent (e.g. defined by E5) or different substituents (defined by E5).
For the avoidance of doubt, in cases in which the identity of two or more substituents in a compound of the invention may be the same, the actual identities of the respective substituents are not in any way interdependent. For example, in the situation in which there is more than one e.g. Q1 or Q2, or, E1 to E9 (such as E6) substituent present, then those Q1 or Q2, or, E1 to E9 (e.g. E6) substituents may be the same or different. Further, in the case where there are e.g. Q1 or Q2, or, E1 to E9 (such as E6) substituents present, in which one represents —OR10a (or e.g. —OR20, as appropriate) and the other represents —C(O)2R10a (or e.g. —C(O)2R20, as appropriate), then those R10a or R20 groups are not to be regarded as being interdependent. Also, when e.g. there are two —OR10a substituents present, then those —OR10a groups may be the same or different (i.e. each R10a group may be the same or different).
For the avoidance of doubt, when a term such as “E1 to E9” is employed herein, this will be understood by the skilled person to mean E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8 and E9, inclusively.
All individual features (e.g. preferred features) mentioned herein may be taken in isolation or in combination with any other feature (including preferred feature) mentioned herein (hence, preferred features may be taken in conjunction with other preferred features, or independently of them).
The skilled person will appreciate that compounds of the invention that are the subject of this invention include those that are stable. That is, compounds of the invention include those that are sufficiently robust to survive isolation from e.g. a reaction mixture to a useful degree of purity.
Compounds of the invention that may be mentioned include those in which:
when Ra or Rb represent alkyl (e.g. C1-12 alkyl) or heterocycloalkyl, then such groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and Q1;
when Ra and Rb are linked together to form a ring, then the/those rings formed by the linkage of Ra and Rb are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and E4;
each Q1 and Q2 independently represents, on each occasion when used herein:
halo, —CN, —NO2, —N(R10a)R11a, —OR10a, —C(═Y)—R10a, —C(═Y)—OR11a, —C(═Y)N(R10a)R11a, —OC(═Y)—R10a, —OC(═Y)—OR10a, —OC(═Y)N(R10a)R11a, —OS(O)2OR10a, —OP(═Y)(OR10a)(OR11a), —OP(OR10a)(OR11a), —N(R12a)C(═Y)R11a, —N(R12a)C(═Y)OR11a, —N(R12a)C(═Y)N(R10a)R11a, —NR12aS(O)2R10a, —NR12aS(O)2N(R10a)R11a, —S(O)2N(R10a)R11a, —SC(═Y)R10a, —S(O)2R10a, —SR10a, —S(O)R10a, C1-12 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O, ═S, ═N(R10a) and E5), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E6); and/or

each Q4 and Q5 independently represent, on each occasion when used herein:

halo, —CN, —NO2, —N(R20)R21, —OR20, —C(═Y)—R20, —C(═Y)—OR20, —C(═Y)N(R20)R21, —OC(═Y)—R20, —OC(═Y)—OR20, —OC(═Y)N(R20)R21, —OS(O)2OR20, —OP(═Y)(OR20)(OR21), —OP(OR20)(OR21), —N(R22)C(═Y)R21, —N(R22)C(═Y)OR21, —N(R22)C(═Y)N(R20)R21, —NR22S(O)2R20, —NR22S(O)2N(R20)R21, —S(O)2N(R20)R21, —SC(═Y)R20, —S(O)2R20, —SR20, —S(O)R20, C1-6 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and J2), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J3).

Preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:
R1 does not represent —N(R6)— (e.g. R1 is selected from —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)2— and —C(R6)(R6a)—), especially when R2 represents —C(R6)(R6a)—;
when R3 represents a substituted aryl (e.g. phenyl) group (i.e. substituted by one or more E3 substituents), then that/those E3 substituent(s) are preferably not located at the position ortho to the point of attachment of the R3 group (to the requisite triazolopyridazine bicycle of formula I).
Preferred aryl groups and bicyclic heteroaryl groups (attached to the requisite triazolopyridazine of formula I via a fused benzene ring) that R3 may represent include optionally substituted phenyl, naphthyl, indazolyl, indolyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzofuranyl, isobenzofuranyl, chromanyl, benzothienyl, benzimidazolyl, quinazolinyl, quinoxalinyl, 1,3-benzodioxolyl, 1,3-dihydroisoindolyl, 3,4-dihydro-1H-isoquinolinyl, 1,3-dihydroisoindolyl, benzothiazolyl, and/or benzodioxanyl. Particularly preferred groups include optionally substituted aryl (e.g. naphthyl or, preferably, phenyl) or bicyclic heteroaryl (e.g. a bicyclic 10- or, preferably, 9-membered group, in which one ring of the bicycle is benzene and the other ring preferably contains one, two, three or four (e.g. one or two) heteroatoms preferably selected from nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur), in which the point of attachment of the bicyclic heteroaryl group to the requisite triazolopyridazine core of the compound of formula I is via a benzene ring of the bicyclic heteroaryl group.
Preferred monocyclic heteroaryl groups that Ra or Rb or Q1, Q2, Q4 or Q5 (if applicable) may independently represent include 5- or 6-membered rings, containing one to three (e.g. one or two) heteroatoms selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen. Preferred bicyclic heteroaryl groups that R3 (provided that it is attached to be requisite bicycle of formula I via a benzene ring of the bicycle), Ra or Rb, or Q1, Q2, Q4 or Q5 may represent include 8- to 12- (e.g. 9- or 10-) membered rings containing one to four (e.g. one to three, or, preferably, one or two) heteroatoms selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen (e.g. an indolyl group). Further, bicyclic rings may consist of benzene rings (and bicyclic heteroaryl groups that R3 may represent must comprise a benzene ring) fused with a monocyclic heteroaryl group (as hereinbefore defined), e.g. a 6- or, preferably 5-membered monocyclic heteroaryl group optionally containing two, or, preferably, one heteroatom selected from sulfur, oxygen and nitrogen.
Preferred heterocycloalkyl groups that Ra or Rb or Q1, Q2, Q4 or Q5 may independently represent include 4- to 8-membered (e.g. 5- or 6-membered) heterocycloalkyl groups, which groups preferably contain one or two heteroatoms (e.g. sulfur or, preferably, nitrogen and/or oxygen heteroatoms), so forming for example, an optionally substituted pyrrolidinyl, piperidinyl, morpholinyl or tetrahydropyranyl group.
Preferred C3-6 cycloalkyl groups that Ra or Rb or Q1, Q2, Q4 or Q5 may independently represent include optionally substituted C3-8 (e.g. C3-6) cycloalkyl groups, such as cyclohexyl, cyclopentyl, cyclobutyl and cyclopropyl.
Preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:
when R3 represents aryl (e.g. phenyl), then that group may be unsubstituted but is preferably substituted by at least one (e.g. two or, preferably, one) substituent(s) selected from E3, or, the aryl (e.g. phenyl) group may be substituted with two E3 substituents that are linked together, so forming e.g. a bicyclic heteroaryl (e.g. a 8-, 9- or 10-membered heteroaryl group), consisting of a 6-membered benzene ring (which is attached to the requisite bicycle of formula I) fused to another 5- or 6-membered ring (in which the latter ring may contain one or more (e.g. four, or, preferably one to three) heteroatoms), and which bicyclic ring system is optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. two or, preferably, one) substituent(s) selected from E3 or J1 (as appropriate) (and, if there is a non-aromatic ring present in the bicyclic heteroaryl group, then such a group may also be substituted by one or more (e.g. one) ═O groups). It may be more preferred that the R3 group of compounds of the invention are not substituted with (at least) two E3 substituents that are linked together to form a bicycle. It may be even more preferred that R3 is an optionally substituted monocyclic aryl group.
Further preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:
each R10a, R11a and R12a independently represent, on each occasion when used herein, hydrogen or C1-12 (e.g. C1-6) alkyl (which latter group is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and E7); or
any relevant pair of R10a, R11a and R12a may be linked together as defined herein (although they are preferably not linked);
each of E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8 and E9 independently represent, on each occasion when used herein, Q4 or C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C1-3) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and Q5;
each Q4 and Q5 independently represent halo, —CN, —NO2, —N(R20)R21, —OR20, —C(═Y)—R20, —C(═Y)—OR20, —C(═Y)N(R20)R21, —N(R22)C(═Y)R21, —N(R22)C(═Y)OR21, —N(R22)C(═Y)N(R20)R21, —NR22S(O)2R20, —NR22S(O)2N(R20)R21, —S(O)2N(R20)R21, —S(O)2R20, —SR20, —S(O)R20 or C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms (and each Q5 more preferably represents halo, such as fluoro);

any two E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8 and/or E9 groups may be linked together (e.g. any two E3 substituents may also be linked together as defined herein, for example when attached to the same or, preferably, adjacent carbon atoms), but (e.g. any two E1, E2, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8 and/or E9) are preferably not linked together;

each R20, R21, R22 and R23 independently represent, on each occasion when used herein, aryl (e.g. phenyl; preferably unsubstituted, but which may be substituted by one to three J5 groups) or, more preferably, hydrogen or C1-6 (e.g. C1-3) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and J4; or

any pair of R20 and R21, may, when attached to the same nitrogen atom, be linked together to form a 4- to 8-membered (e.g. 5- or 6-membered) ring, optionally containing one further heteroatom selected from nitrogen and oxygen, optionally containing one double bond, and which ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J6 and ═O;

each J1, J2, J3, J4, J5 and J6 independently represents C1-6 alkyl (e.g. acyclic C1-4 alkyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl) optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and Q8, or, such groups independently represent a substituent selected from Q7;

each Q7 and Q8 independently represents a substituent selected from halo (e.g. fluoro), —N(R50)R51, —OR50, —C(═Ya)—R5, —C(═Ya)—OR50, —C(═Ya)N(R50)R51, —N(R52)C(═Ya)R51, —NR52S(O)2R50, —S(O)2R50 or C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms;

each R50, R51, R52 and R53 substituent independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, hydrogen or C1-8 (e.g. C1-3) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from fluoro;

when any relevant pair of R50, R51 and R52 are linked together, then those pairs that are attached to the same nitrogen atom may be linked together (i.e. any pair of R50 and R51), and the ring so formed is preferably a 5- or 6-membered ring, optionally containing one further nitrogen or oxygen heteroatom, and which ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl);

R60, R61 and R62 independently represent hydrogen or C1-3 (e.g. C1-2) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms.

Preferred optional substituents on R3 (or on any bicyclic group that R3, together with two E3 substituents that are linked together, may form), R4 and the R1, R2 and X-containing ring (if applicable) include:
═O (unless the group is aromatic);
—CN;
halo (e.g. fluoro, chloro or bromo);
C1-6 (e.g. C1-4) alkyl, which alkyl group may be cyclic, part-cyclic, unsaturated or, preferably, linear or branched (e.g. C1-4 alkyl (such as ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, t-butyl or, preferably, n-butyl or methyl), all of which are optionally substituted with one or more halo (e.g. fluoro) groups (so forming, for example, fluoromethyl, difluoromethyl or, preferably, trifluoromethyl) or substituted with an aryl, heteroaryl or heterocycloalkyl group (which themselves may be substituted with one or more —ORz1, —C(O)Rz2, —C(O)ORz3, —N(Rz4)Rz5, —S(O)2Rz6, —S(O)2N(Rz7)Rz8; —N(Rz9)—C(O)—Rz10, —C(O)—N(Rz11)Rz12 and/or —N(Rz9)—C(O)—N(Rz10) substituents; aryl (e.g. phenyl) (e.g. which substitutent may also be present on an alkyl group, thereby forming e.g. a benzyl group);

—ORz1;

C(O)Rz2;

—C(O)ORz3;

—N(Rz4)Rz5;

—S(O)2Rz6;

—S(O)2N(Rz7)Rz6;

—N(Rz9)—C(O)—Rz10;

—C(O)—N(Rz11)Rz12;

    —N(Rz9)—C(O)—N(Rz10);

wherein each Rz1 to Rz12 independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, H or C1-4 alkyl (e.g. ethyl, n-propyl, t-butyl or, preferably, n-butyl, methyl, isopropyl or cyclopropylmethyl (i.e. a part cyclic alkyl group)) optionally substituted by one or more halo (e.g. fluoro) groups (so forming e.g. a trifluoromethyl group). Further, any two Rz groups (e.g. Rz4 and Rz5), when attached to the same nitrogen heteroatom may also be linked together to form a ring such as one hereinbefore defined in respect of corresponding linkage of R10a and R11a groups.



Preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:
each R10a, R11a and R12a independently represent phenyl (optionally substituted by one or more E8 substituents), preferably, heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted by one or more ═O and/or E7 substituents) and, more preferably, hydrogen or C1-12 (e.g. C1-6) alkyl (optionally substituted by one or more ═O and/or E7 substituents), or any pair of R10a, R11a and R12a (e.g. any pair of R10a and R11a when attached to the same nitrogen atom) may be linked together to form a 4- to 10-membered (e.g. a 4- to 6-membered monocyclic) ring, optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and E9;

each E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7, E8 and E9 independently represents C1-12 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and Q5, or, each E1 to E9 independently represent Q4; or, any two E1 to E9 substituents (e.g. when attached to the same or adjacent atoms) may be linked together to form a 3- to 8-membered ring, optionally containing one to three double bonds, one to three heteroatoms, and which ring may be substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and J1;

each R20, R21, R22 and R23 (e.g. each R20 and R21) independently represents heteroaryl, preferably, aryl (e.g. phenyl) (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J5), or, more preferably, hydrogen or C1-6 (e.g. C1-4) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and J4; or

any relevant pair of R20, R21 and R22 (e.g. R20 and R21) may (e.g. when both are attached to the same nitrogen atom) may be linked together to form a 3- to 8- (e.g. 4- to 8-) membered ring, optionally containing a further heteroatom, and optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and J6;

each J1, J2, J3, J4, J5 and J6 independently represent C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C1-4 acyclic alkyl or C3-5 cycloalkyl) optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from Q8, or, J1 to J6 more preferably represent a substituent selected from Q7;

each R50, R51, R52 and R53 independently represents hydrogen or C1-6 (e.g. C1-4) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms;

each R60, R61 and R62 independently represents hydrogen or C1-2 alkyl (e.g. methyl).

More preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:
Rd1, Rd2 and Rd3 independently represent C1-6 (e.g. C1-3) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E1, but which is preferably unsubstituted;
when Ra and Rb are linked together, they may represent a 3- to 6-membered ring (e.g. a 5- or, preferably, 6-membered ring), optionally containing one further heteroatom selected from nitrogen and oxygen, which ring may be: (a) fused to another saturated 5- or 6-membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, in which the latter contains one to four heteroatoms preferably selected from nitrogen and oxygen; (b) comprises a —(CH2)n1—, —O— or —CH2—O—CH2— linker group linking any two non-adjacent atoms; or (c) comprises a further 4- to 6-membered saturated carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, in which the latter contains one or two heteroatoms preferably selected from nitrogen and oxygen, which second ring is linked to the first via a single atom;

Q4 and Q5 independently represent halo (e.g. fluoro), —OR20, —N(R20)R21, —C(═Y)R20, —C(═Y)OR20, —C(═Y)N(R20)R21, —N(R22)C(═Y)R21, —NR22S(O)2R20 heterocycloalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl (which latter three groups are optionally substituted with one or more substitutents selected from J2 or J3, as appropriate) and/or C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C1-3 alkyl) optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms;

each Y represents, on each occasion when used herein, ═S, or preferably ═O;

each R20, R21, R22 and R23 (e.g. each R20 and R21) independently represents hydrogen or C1-4 (e.g. C1-3) alkyl (e.g. C1-4 acyclic alkyl group or a part cyclic C4 group) optionally substituted (but preferably unsubstituted) by one or more (e.g. one) J4 substituent(s); or

any relevant pair of R20, R21 and R22 (e.g. R20 and R21) may (e.g. when both are attached to the same nitrogen atom) may be linked together to form a 5- or, preferably, a 6-membered ring, optionally containing a further heteroatom (preferably selected from nitrogen and oxygen), which ring is preferably saturated, and optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and J6;

R22 represents C1-3 alkyl or hydrogen;

each J1, J2, J3, J4, J5 and J6 independently represent a substituent selected from Q7, or J1 to J6 represents C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C1-4 alkyl);

each Q7 and Q8 independently represent halo (e.g. fluoro), —N(R50)R51, —OR50,

—C(═Ya)—R50,

—C(═Ya)—OR50, —C(═Ya)N(R50)R51, —N(R2)C(═Ya)R51 or C1-6 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more fluoro atoms;

each Ya independently represents ═S or, preferably, ═O;

each R50, R51, R52 and R53 independently represents H or C1-4 alkyl (e.g. tBu, Me).

Preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:
R1 and R2 independently represent —C(R6)(R6a)—, preferably, —S(O)—, —S(O)2—, and, more preferably, —O—, —S— or —N(R6)—;
each R6 and R6a independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, H or Rd3;
Rd3 represents C1-6 (e.g. C1-4) alkyl;
X represents optionally substituted (i.e. by E2) C2 alkylene (e.g. unsubstituted C2 alkylene);
R3 represents aryl (e.g. phenyl) optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one to three) substituent(s) selected from E3, in which the E3 substituents are as herein defined, or, two E3 substituents on the aryl (e.g. phenyl) ring may be linked together as defined herein;

Ra and Rb independently represents H, —C(O)C1-2 alkyl (e.g. —C(O)CH3), —S(O)2C1-2 alkyl (e.g. —S(O)2CH3), C1-6 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more (one to three) substituent(s) selected from Q1); or Ra and Rb may be linked together to form a 3- to 6-membered ring (e.g. a 5- or, preferably, 6-membered ring), preferably containing no further heteroatoms, which ring may be linked to a further 4- to 6-membered ring (e.g. 4-membered ring) via a single atom (i.e. forming a spiro cycle), all of which cyclic groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E4;

Q1 and Q2 independently represent halo, —N(R10a)Ra, —OR10a, —C(═Y)—R10a, —C(═Y)—OR10a, —C(═Y)N(R10a)R11a, —N(R12a)C(═Y)R11a, —N(R12a)C(═Y)OR11a, —N(R12a)C(═Y)N(R10a)R11a, —NR12aS(O)2R10a, —NR12aS(O)2N(R10a)R11a, —S(O)2N(R10a)R11a, —S(O)2R10a, —SR10a, —S(O)R10a, C1-6 alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O, ═S, ═N(R10a) and E5), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E6);

R10a, R11a and R12a independently represent H or C1-6 (e.g. C1-4) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from ═O and E7;

E1 to E9 independently represent Q4 or C1-6 (e.g. C1-3, such as methyl) alkyl optionally substituted by one or more Q5 substituents; or

any two E1 to E9 substituents (e.g. two E3 substituents) when attached to adjacent carbon atoms may be linked together to form a 3- to 8-membered (e.g. 5- or 6-membered) ring (preferably containing one to three double bonds, e.g. forming an aromatic ring), preferably containing one to three (e.g. one) heteroatom(s), and which ring is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from ═O and, preferably, J1 (when the ring is aromatic, then it may only be substituted by one or more J1 substituents);

Q4 and Q5 independently represent C1-6 alkyl (optionally substituted by one or more ═O and/or J2 substituents, but preferably, unsubstituted) or, preferably, halo, —CN, —OR20, —N(R20)R21, —C(═Y)R20, —C(═Y)OR20 or —N(R22)C(═Y)R21;

Y represents ═S or, preferably, ═O;

R20 and R21 independently represent hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, which latter group is optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one) substituent(s) selected from J4;

when there is a —N(R20)R21 moiety present, then one of R20 and R21 represents hydrogen, and the other represents hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl or isopropyl), which latter group is optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one) substituent(s) selected from J4;

R22 represents hydrogen and C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl);

J3 represents Q7;

J4 represents Q7 or C1-6 (e.g. C1-3) alkyl, which is preferably unsubstituted;

Q7 represents halo (e.g. fluoro).

Preferred R1, R2 and X-containing rings of the compounds of the invention include:




wherein the squiggly lines represent the point of attachment to the requisite triazolopyridazine of the compound of formula I, and R6 is as defined herein.

Preferred R3 groups of the compounds of the invention include methoxyphenyl (e.g. 4-methoxyphenyl), trifluoromethoxyphenyl (e.g. 3-OCF3-phenyl), trifluoromethylphenyl (e.g. 3-trifluoromethylphenyl) halophenyl (e.g. fluorophenyl, such as 4-fluorophenyl), cyanophenyl (e.g. 3-cyanophenyl), indolyl (attached to the requisite bicycle via the benzene ring, e.g. 4- or, preferably, 5-indolyl) and hydroxyphenyl (e.g. 4-hydroxyphenyl). The phenyl group attached to the requisite triazolopyridazine bicycle of formula I is preferably substituted.
Preferably substituents on such phenyl groups are in the meta and/or para position (or two substituents in the meta and para position may be linked together to form a further ring, e.g. an indolyl ring).
Preferred R4 groups of compounds of the invention include:







wherein the squiggly line represents the point of attachment to the requisite triazolopyridazine of the compound of formula I, Ra/b represents Ra or Rb, and the other integers (e.g. E4, E5, Q1 and E6; which are optional substituents that may be attached to specific atoms, or, may be depicted as ‘floating’, in which case the relevant group is optionally substituted by one or more of those E5/Q1/E6/E4 substituents) are as defined herein. The depiction of a substituent in brackets signifies that that substituent is optionally present, and may therefore be absent (i.e. N-(E5) may signify N-E5 or N—H).

More preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:
one of R1 and R2 represents —N(R6)— and the other represents —O— or —N(R6)—;
R6 represents H or, more preferably, Rd3;
Rd3 represents C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl);
X represents C2 alkylene, preferably unsubstituted (i.e. —CH2—CH2—);
R3 represents aryl (e.g. phenyl) optionally substituted (e.g. at the meta or para-position, when e.g. R3 represents phenyl) by one or more (e.g. one or two) substituent(s) selected from E3, or, any two E3 substituents, when attached to adjacent carbon atoms of the aryl (e.g. phenyl) group may be linked together to form a further 3- to 6- (e.g. 5-) membered ring containing one or preferably two double bonds, preferably containing one or two (e.g. one) heteroatom(s) (preferably selected from nitrogen) (and the further ring may therefore be thienyl, furanyl or, preferably, pyrrolyl), and which two E3 substituents are preferably attached meta and para, and hence R3 may form a fused bicyclic group (e.g. a benzothienyl, benzofuranyl or, preferably, an indolyl, e.g. 5-indolyl group);

one of Ra and Rb represents H, —C(O)C1-2 alkyl (e.g. —C(O)CH3), —S(O)2C1-2 alkyl (e.g. —S(O)2CH3) or C1-3alkyl (e.g. methyl) and the other represents a substituent other than hydrogen (or the foregoing groups);

when either of Ra and Rb represents a substituent (see above), then it may be:

(i) C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C1-3 acyclic alkyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl) (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, cyclobutyl or cyclohexyl) optionally substituted by one or more substituents (and preferably substituted by at least one (e.g. one) substituent) selected from Q1;

(ii) heterocycloalkyl (e.g. a 5- or, preferably 6-membered heterocycloalkyl group containing one or two (e.g. one) heteroatom(s) in which one is preferably nitrogen or oxygen, so forming e.g. piperidinyl or tetrahydropyranyl, such as 4-piperidinyl or 4-tetrahydropyranyl) and which heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one; which substituent(s) may be attached to a nitrogen heteroatom) selected from Q1; or

Ra and Rb may be linked together to form a 3- to 6-membered ring (e.g. a 5- or, preferably, a 4- or 6-membered ring), preferably containing no further heteroatoms, which ring may be linked to a further 4- to 6-membered ring (e.g. a 4- or 6-membered ring) via a single atom (i.e. forming a spiro cycle, which is preferably a [3.5] or [5.3] spiro-cycle), all of which cyclic groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E4;

Q1 may represent (for instance, when it is attached to a heterocycloalkyl group) C1-6 (e.g. C1-3) alkyl (e.g. methyl), —N(R10a)R11a (e.g. —N(CH3)2) or —OR10a (e.g. —OH);

Q1 may represent (for instance, when it is a substituent on an alkyl group): C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C3-6 cycloalkyl, such as cyclopropyl or cyclohexyl) optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. two or, preferably, one) substituents selected from ═O and, preferably E5; heterocycloalkyl (e.g. a 5- or, preferably 6-membered heterocycloalkyl group containing one or more (e.g. one or two) heteroatom(s) in which one is preferably nitrogen, so forming e.g. a piperidinyl, morpholinyl or piperazinyl group, such as a 4-piperidinyl, 4-morpholinyl or 1-piperazinyl, which heterocycloalkyl groups may be attached to a single carbon atom of a C3-6 cycloalkyl group, thereby forming a spiro-cycle) (which heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one) substituent (which may be on a nitrogen heteroatom) selected from ═O and, preferably, E5, and which heterocyclalkyl group may further be bridged, i.e. two non-adjacent atoms (which may be in a 1,4-relationship) of the first ring may be linked together with —(CH2)n1— (where n is 2 or, preferably, 1), so forming for example a 1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-4-yl group); aryl (e.g. phenyl) (which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E6) or heteroaryl (e.g. a 5- or, preferably, a 6-membered heteroaryl group preferably containing one nitrogen heteroatom, so forming e.g. pyridyl, such as 3-pyridyl), which group is preferably unsubstituted;

E3 represents Q4 or C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl) optionally substituted by one or more Q5 substituents (so forming e.g. a trifluoromethyl group); or

two E3 groups (e.g. when attached to adjacent carbon atoms of an aryl (e.g. phenyl) group) may be linked together to form an aromatic (e.g. 5-membered) ring, preferably containing one or two (e.g. one) heteroatom(s) (selected from sulfur, oxygen and, preferably nitrogen), and hence the linked E3 groups preferably represent a thienyl, fuanyl or, more preferably, a pyrrolyl group;

E4 represents Q4, or, C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl) optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one) Q5 substituent;

E5 represents Q4 or C1-6 (e.g. C1-4) alkyl (acyclic or part-cyclic; so forming e.g. methyl or cyclopropylmethyl, i.e. C1-2 alkyl (e.g. methyl) substituted by C3-6 cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl)), which is preferably unsubstituted;

E6 represents Q4;

Q4 represents halo (e.g. fluoro), —CN, —OR20, —N(R20)R21, —C(═Y)R20, —C(═Y)OR20 or —S(O)2R20;

Q5 represents C1-6 alkyl (preferably unsubstituted) or, preferably, halo (e.g. fluoro), —N(R20)R21 or —N(R22)C(═Y)R21;

R10a and R11a independently represent H or, preferably, C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl);

R20 represents H or C1-4 alkyl (e.g. ethyl or, preferably, methyl, isopropyl or tert-butyl) optionally substituted by one or more J4 substituents (in particular J4 may represent halo, such as fluoro, and hence R20 may represent a trifluoromethyl group);

R21 represents hydrogen or C1-4 (e.g. C1-3) alkyl (e.g. isopropyl or, preferably, methyl);

R22 represents hydrogen;

Y represents ═O;

J4 represents Q7;

Q7 represents halo (e.g. fluoro).

Preferred R1, R2 and X-containing rings of the compounds of the invention include:




wherein the squiggly lines represent the point of attachment to the requisite triazolopyridazine of the compound of formula I, each of the relevant carbon atoms of the ring may be substituted by R6 or R6a (as appropriate) in which the substituent is other than hydrogen, and each R6 and R6a is/are as defined herein.

Preferred Ra and Rb groups of compounds of the invention include those in which:
Ra and Rb independently represent H, C1-12 (e.g. C1-8) alkyl, heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from Q1), aryl or heteroaryl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from Q2), or Ra and Rb are linked together; preferably

Ra and Rb independently represent H, C1-6 alkyl or heterocycloalkyl (which latter two groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from Q1), or Ra and Rb are linked together; more preferably,

one of Ra and Rb represents H or C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl) and the other represents a substituent other than hydrogen;

when either of Ra and Rb represents a substituent (other than hydrogen), then it may be:

(i) C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C1-3 acyclic alkyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl) optionally substituted by one or more substituents (and preferably substituted by at least one (e.g. one) substituent) selected from Q1;

(ii) heterocycloalkyl (e.g. a 5- or, preferably, 6-membered heterocycloalkyl group containing one or two (e.g. one) heteroatom(s)) and which heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one; which substituent(s) may be attached to a nitrogen heteroatom) selected from Q1; or

Ra and Rb may be linked together to form a 3- to 7-membered ring (e.g. a 5- or, preferably, a 4-, 6- or 7-membered ring), preferably containing no further heteroatoms, which ring may be linked to a further 4- to 6-membered ring via a single atom, all of which cyclic groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E4.

Preferred R4 groups of compounds of the invention include:







wherein the squiggly line represents the point of attachment to the requisite triazolopyridazine of the compound of formula I, Ra/b represents Ra or Rb, and the other integers (e.g. E4, E5, Q1, E6 and J2; which are optional substituents that may be attached to specific atoms, or, may be depicted as ‘floating’, in which case the relevant group is optionally substituted by one or more of those E5/Q1/E6/E4 substituents) are as defined herein. The depiction of a substituent in brackets signifies that that substituent is optionally present, and may therefore be absent (i.e. N-(E5) may signify N-E5 or N—H).

More preferred compounds of the invention include those in which:
R1 and R2 independently represent —N(R6)—, —O— or —C(R6)(R6a)—;
R6 and R6a independently represent H or Rd3;
Rd3 represents C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl);
X represents C2 alkylene optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one or two) substituents selected from E2;
R3 represents aryl (e.g. phenyl) optionally substituted (e.g. at the meta or para-position, when e.g. R3 represents phenyl) by one or more (e.g. one or two) substituent(s) selected from E3, or, any two E3 substituents, when attached to adjacent carbon atoms of the aryl (e.g. phenyl) group may be linked together to form a further 3- to 6- (e.g. 5-) membered ring containing one or preferably two double bonds, preferably containing one or two (e.g. one) heteroatom(s) (preferably selected from nitrogen) (and the further ring may therefore be thienyl, furanyl or, preferably, pyrrolyl), and which two E3 substituents are preferably attached meta and para, and hence R3 may form a fused bicyclic group (e.g. a benzothienyl, benzofuranyl or, preferably, an indolyl, e.g. 5-indolyl group); one of Ra and Rb represents H, —C(O)C1-2 alkyl (e.g. —C(O)CH3), —S(O)2C1-2 alkyl (e.g. —S(O)2CH3) or C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl) and the other represents a substituent other than hydrogen (or the foregoing groups);

when either of Ra and Rb represents a substituent (see above), then it may be:

(i) C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C1-3 acyclic alkyl or C3-6 cycloalkyl) (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, cyclobutyl or cyclohexyl) optionally substituted by one or more substituents (and preferably substituted by at least one (e.g. one) substituent) selected from Q1;

(ii) heterocycloalkyl (e.g. a 5- or, preferably 6-membered heterocycloalkyl group containing one or two (e.g. one) heteroatom(s) in which one is preferably nitrogen or oxygen, so forming e.g. piperidinyl or tetrahydropyranyl, such as 4-piperidinyl or 4-tetrahydropyranyl) and which heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted by one or more substituents (e.g. one; which substituent(s) may be attached to a nitrogen heteroatom) selected from Q1; or

Ra and Rb may be linked together to form a 3- to 7-membered ring (e.g. a 5- or, preferably, a 4-, 6- or 7-membered ring), preferably containing no further heteroatoms, which ring may be linked to a further 4- to 6-membered ring (e.g. a 4-, 5- or 6-membered ring) via a single atom (i.e. forming a spiro cycle, which is preferably a [3.5], [5.3], [5.5], [6.4] or [4.6] spiro-cycle), all of which cyclic groups are optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E4;

Q1 may represent: —N(R10a)R11a (e.g. —N(CH3)2 or —NH2); —OR10a (e.g. —OH); C1-6 alkyl (e.g. C3-6 cycloalkyl, such as cyclopropyl or cyclohexyl) optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. two or, preferably, one) substituents selected from ═O and, preferably E5 (in which E5 may be a cyclic group, so forming a spiro-cyclic group when it is substituted on a cyclic alkyl group); heterocycloalkyl (e.g. a 5- or, preferably 6-membered heterocycloalkyl group containing one or more (e.g. one or two) heteroatom(s) in which one is preferably nitrogen, so forming e.g. a piperidinyl, morpholinyl or piperazinyl group, such as a 4-piperidinyl, 4-morpholinyl or 1-piperazinyl, which heterocycloalkyl groups may be attached to a single cabon atom of a C3—S cycloalkyl group, thereby forming a spiro-cycle) (which heterocycloalkyl group is optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one) substituent (which may be on a nitrogen heteroatom) selected from ═O and, preferably, E5, and which heterocyclalkyl group may further be bridged, i.e. two non-adjacent atoms (which may be in a 1,4-relationship) of the first ring may be linked together with —(CH2)n1— (where n is 2 or, preferably, 1), so forming for example a 1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-4-yl group); aryl (e.g. phenyl) (which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E6) or heteroaryl (e.g. a 5- or, preferably, a 6-membered heteroaryl group preferably containing one nitrogen heteroatom, so forming e.g. pyridyl, such as 3-pyridyl), which group is preferably unsubstituted;

E2 represents C1-3 alkyl (e.g. C1-2 alkyl, such as methyl);

E3 represents Q4 or C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl) optionally substituted by one or more

Q5 substituents (so forming e.g. a trifluoromethyl group); or

two E3 groups (e.g. when attached to adjacent carbon atoms of an aryl (e.g. phenyl) group) may be linked together to form an aromatic (e.g. 5-membered) ring, preferably containing one or two (e.g. one) heteroatom(s) (selected from sulfur, oxygen and, preferably nitrogen), and hence the linked E3 groups preferably represent a thienyl, fuanyl or, more preferably, a pyrrolyl group;

E4 represents Q4, or, C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl) optionally substituted by one or more (e.g. one) Q5 substituent;

E5 represents Q4 or C1-6 (e.g. C1-4) alkyl (acyclic or part-cyclic; so forming e.g. methyl or cyclopropylmethyl, i.e. C1-2 alkyl (e.g. methyl) substituted by C3-6 cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclopropyl)), which is preferably unsubstituted;

E6 represents Q4;

Q4 represents halo (e.g. fluoro), —CN, —OR20, —N(R20)R21, —C(═Y)R20, —C(═Y)OR20, —S(O)2R20 or heterocycloalkyl (optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from J2, but preferably unsubstituted; and which heterocycloalkyl group may be substituted on a cyclic group via a single atom so forming a spiro-cycle);

when E3 represents Q4, then Q4 preferably represents halo, —CN, —C(═Y)R20, —C(═Y)OR20, —S(O)2R20 or, more preferably, —OR20 or —N(R20)R21 (especially —OR20);

when E4 represents Q4, then Q4 preferably represents halo, —CN, —C(═Y)R20, —C(═Y)OR20, or, more preferably, —OR20 or —N(R20)R21;

when E5 represents Q4, then Q4 preferably represents —OR20, —C(═Y)R20, —S(O)2R20, —C(═Y)OR20 or heterocycloalkyl (e.g. a 5- or 6-membered group, e.g. piperidinyl, which may form a spiro-cycle through the substitution to a cyclic group via a single atom) (and wherein —C(═Y)R20 and —S(O)2R20 are preferably substituted on a (nitrogen) heteroatom);

when E6 represents Q4, then Q4 preferably represents halo or —OR20;

Q5 represents C1-6 alkyl (preferably unsubstituted) or, preferably, halo (e.g. fluoro), —N(R20)R21 or —N(R22)C(═Y)R21;

R10a and R11a independently represent H or, preferably, C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl);

R20 represents H or C1-4 alkyl (e.g. ethyl or, preferably, methyl, isopropyl or tert-butyl) optionally substituted by one or more J4 substituents (in particular J4 may represent halo, such as fluoro, and hence R20 may represent a trifluoromethyl group);

R21 represents hydrogen or C1-4 (e.g. C1-3) alkyl (e.g. isopropyl or, preferably, methyl);

R22 represents hydrogen;

Y represents ═O;

J4 represents Q7;

Q7 represents halo (e.g. fluoro).

Particularly preferred compounds of the invention include those of the examples described hereinafter.
Compounds of the invention may be made in accordance with techniques that are well known to those skilled in the art, for example as described hereinafter.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I which process comprises:
(i) reaction of a compound of formula II,




wherein L1 represents a suitable leaving group, such as iodo, bromo, chloro or a sulfonate group (e.g. —OS(O)2CF3, —OS(O)2CH3 or —OS(O)2PhMe), and R1, R2, R3 and X are as hereinbefore defined, with a compound of formula III,

R4—H  III

wherein R4 is as hereinbefore defined, under standard conditions, for example optionally in the presence of an appropriate metal catalyst (or a salt or complex thereof) such as Cu, Cu(OAc)2, CuI (or CuI/diamine complex), copper tris(triphenyl-phosphine)bromide, Pd(OAc)2, tris(dibenzylideneacetone)-dipalladium(0) (Pd2(dba)3) or NiCl2 and an optional additive such as Ph3P, 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl, xantphos, NaI or an appropriate crown ether such as 18-crown-6-benzene, in the presence of an appropriate base such as NaH, Et3N, pyridine, N,N′-dimethylethylenediamine, Na2CO3, K2CO3, K3PO4, Cs2CO3, t-BuONa or t-BuOK (or a mixture thereof, optionally in the presence of 4 Å molecular sieves), in a suitable solvent (e.g. dichloromethane, dioxane, toluene, ethanol, isopropanol, dimethylformamide, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, water, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, tetrahydrofuran or a mixture thereof). This reaction may be carried out under microwave irradiation reaction conditions or, alternatively, the reaction may be performed in the absence of other reagents such as catalyst, base and even solvent. Such a reaction may be accompanied by a rearrangement reaction, for instance if the compound of formula III is 2,7-diaza-spiro[3.5]nonane (or the 7-protected derivative thereof, e.g. the corresponding 7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester thereof), then such a spiro-cyclic amine may undergo ring-opening to form a 1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-4-ylmethyl-amino moiety (i.e. a bridged amine) so forming a corresponding compound of formula I in which R4 represents 1-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-4-ylmethyl-amino;

(ii) reaction of a compound of formula IV,





wherein L3 represents a suitable leaving group such as one hereinbefore defined in respect of L1 (e.g. halo, such as chloro or, preferably, bromo), and R1, R2, X and R4 are as hereinbefore defined, with a compound of formula V,

R3-L4  V

wherein L4 represents a suitable group, such as —B(OH)2, —B(ORwx)2 or —Sn(Rwx)3, in which each Rwx independently represents a C1-6 alkyl group, or, in the case of —B(ORwx)2, the respective Rwx groups may be linked together to form a 4- to 6-membered cyclic group (such as a 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl group), thereby forming e.g. a pinacolato boronate ester group, (or L4 may represent iodo, bromo or chloro, provided that L3 and L4 are mutually compatible) and R3 is as hereinbefore defined. The reaction may be performed, for example in the presence of a suitable catalyst system, e.g. a metal (or a salt or complex thereof) such as Pd, CuI, Pd/C, PdCl2, Pd(OAc)2, Pd(Ph3P)2Cl2, Pd(Ph3P)4 (i.e. palladium tetrakistriphenylphosphine), Pd2(dba)3 and/or NiCl2 (preferred catalysts include palladium) and a ligand such as PdCl2(dppf).DCM, t-Bu3P, (C6H11)3P, Ph3P, AsPh3, P(o-Tol)3, 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, 2,2′-bis(di-tert-butyl-phosphino)-1,1′-biphenyl, 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-bi-naphthyl, 1,1′-bis(diphenyl-phosphino-ferrocene), 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, xantphos, or a mixture thereof (preferred ligands include PdCl2(dppf).DCM), together with a suitable base such as, Na2CO3, K3PO4, Cs2CO3, NaOH, KOH, K2CO3, CsF, Et3N, (i-Pr)2NEt, t-BuONa or t-BuOK (or mixtures thereof; preferred bases include Na2CO3 and K2CO3) in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, toluene, ethanol, dimethylformamide, dimethoxyethane, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, water, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, tetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof (preferred solvents include dimethylformamide and dimethoxyethane). The reaction may be carried out for example at room temperature or above (e.g. at a high temperature such as at about the reflux temperature of the solvent system). Alternative reaction conditions include microwave irradiation conditions, for example at elevated temperature of about 130° C.;

(iii) reaction of a compound of formula VI,





wherein R4L1 represents either L1 or R4, and R1, R2, R4, X and each L1 (which are independent of each other) are as hereinbefore defined, with a compound of formula VII,

R3—C(O)—N(H)NH2  VII

wherein R3 is as hereinbefore defined, under standard reaction conditions to promote the formation of the requisite triazolopyridazine bicyclic core, for example, in the presence of base, such as an organic base (e.g. triethylamine or the like), and/or an acid, such as an organic acid (e.g. para-toluenesulfonic acid or the like), and the base and acid are preferably in a ratio of about 1:1. The reaction may also take place in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as a polar solvent (e.g. 1,4-dioxane and the like), which may be heated at room temperature, or, preferably, above room temperature, e.g. above 50° C., such as at about 100° C. In the case where reaction takes place with a compound of formula VI in which R4L1 represents either L1, then the reaction may be proceeded by reaction with a compound of formula III, for example as defined in respect of process step (i) above;

(iv) for compounds of formula I in which R1 and R2 are independently selected from —O—, —S— and —NR6—, reaction of a compound of formula VIII,





wherein R1a and R2a independently represent —O—, —S— and —NR6—, and R3 and R4 are as hereinbefore defined, with a compound of formula IX,

L5-X-L6  IX

wherein L5 and L6 independently represent a suitable leaving group, such as one hereinbefore defined in respect of L1 (e.g. halo, such as chloro), and X is as hereinbefore defined, under standard reaction conditions (to promote the nucleophilic substitution reactions), for example in the presence of a suitable base, such as Na2CO3, K3PO4, Cs2CO3, NaOH, KOH, K2CO3, CsF, Et3N, (i-Pr)2 NEt, t-BuONa or t-BuOK (or mixtures thereof) in a suitable solvent such as dioxane, toluene, ethanol, tert-butanol, dimethylformamide, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether, water, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone, tetrahydrofuran or mixtures thereof. Preferred bases include t-BuOK.

Compounds of formula II may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula VI as hereinbefore defined but in which R4L1 represents L1 and a compound of formula VII as hereinbefore defined, for example under reaction conditions such as those hereinbefore described in respect of preparation of compounds of formula I (process step (iii)).
Compounds of formula II may alternatively be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula X,




wherein L1, L3, R1, R2 and X are as hereinbefore defined, with a compound of formula V as hereinbefore defined, under reaction conditions such as those described in respect of preparation of compounds of formula I (process step (ii) above).

Compounds of formula IV may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula X as hereinbefore defined with a compound of formula III as hereinbefore defined, for example under reaction conditions such as those described in respect of preparation of compounds of formula I (process step (i) above).
Compounds of formula IV and compounds of formula X (in which L3 represents halo, e.g. bromo) may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XI,




wherein R4L1, R1, R2 and X are as hereinbefore defined, for example by reaction in the presence of a source of halide (e.g. bromide) ions, for instance an electrophile that provides a source of iodide ions includes iodine, diiodoethane, diiodotetrachloroethane or, preferably, N-iodosuccinimide, a source of bromide ions includes N-bromosuccinimide and bromine, and a source of chloride ions includes N-chlorosuccinimide, chlorine and iodine monochloride, for instance in the presence of a suitable solvent, such as an alcohol (e.g. methanol) or, preferably a halogenated solvent (e.g. chloroform), and which reaction may take place under microwave irradiation conditions (e.g. at above 100° C., such as at about 120° C.) or may alternatively take place in the presence of a suitable base, such as a weak inorganic base, e.g. sodium bicarbonate.

Compounds of formula VI may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula XII,




wherein L4 and L5 independently represent a suitable leaving group (e.g. chloro), and R4L1, L1 are as hereinbefore defined, with a compound of formula XIII,

H—R1a—X—R2a—H  XIII

wherein R1a, R2a and X are as hereinbefore defined, under standard aromatic nucleophilic reaction conditions, for example in the presence of a base and solvent (such as one hereinbefore described in respect of process step (iv) above, e.g. NaOt-Bu in the presence of a solvent such as acetonitrile) or under reaction conditions such as those described in respect of process step (ii) above.

Compounds of formula XI may be prepared by reaction of a compound of formula VI as hereinbefore defined, with a compound of formula XIV,

H—C(O)—N(H)—NH2  XIV

for example under reaction conditions described herein (e.g. process step (iii) above).

Other specific transformation steps (including those that may be employed in order to form compounds of formula I) that may be mentioned include:
(i) reductions, for example of a carboxylic acid (or ester) to either an aldehyde or an alcohol, using appropriate reducing conditions (e.g. —C(O)OH (or an ester thereof), may be converted to a —C(O)H or —CH2—OH group, using DIBAL and LiAlH4, respectively (or similar chemoselective reducing agents));

(ii) reductions of an aldehyde (—C(O)H) group to an alcohol group (—CH2OH), using appropriate reduction conditions such as those mentioned at point (i) above;

(iii) oxidations, for example of a moiety containing an alcohol group (e.g. —CH2OH) to an aldehyde (e.g. —C(O)H), for example in the presence of a suitable oxidising agent, e.g. MnO2 or the like;

(iv) reductive amination of an aldehyde and an amine, under appropriate reaction conditions, for example in “one-pot” procedure in the presence of an appropriate reducing agent, such as a chemoselective reducing agent such as sodium cyanoborohydride or, preferably, sodium triacetoxyborohydride, or the like. Alternatively, such reactions may be performed in two steps, for example a condensation step (in the presence of e.g. a dehydrating agent such as trimethyl orthoformate or MgSO4 or molecular sieves, etc) followed by a reduction step (e.g. by reaction in the presence of a reducing agent such as a chemoselective one mentioned above or NaBH4, AlH4, or the like), for instance the conversion of —NH2 to —N(H)-isopropyl by condensation in the presence of acetone (H3C—C(O)—CH3) followed by reduction in the presence of a reducing agent such as sodium cyanaoborohydride (i.e. overall a reductive amination);

(iv) amide coupling reactions, i.e. the formation of an amide from a carboxylic acid (or ester thereof), for example when R2 represents —C(O)OH (or an ester thereof), it may be converted to a —C(O)N(R10b)R11b group (in which R10b and R11b are as hereinbefore defined, and may be linked together, e.g. as defined above), and which reaction may (e.g. when R2 represents —C(O)OH) be performed in the presence of a suitable coupling reagent (e.g. 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, or the like) or, in the case when R2 represents an ester (e.g. —C(O)OCH3 or —C(O)OCH2CH3), in the presence of e.g. trimethylaluminium, or, alternatively the —C(O)OH group may first be activated to the corresponding acyl halide (e.g —C(O)Cl, by treatment with oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosphorous pentachloride, phosphorous oxychloride, or the like), and, in all cases, the relevant compound is reacted with a compound of formula HN(R10a)R11a (in which R10a and R11a are as hereinbefore defined), under standard conditions known to those skilled in the art (e.g. optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent, suitable base and/or in an inert atmosphere);

(v) amide coupling reactions, i.e. the formation of an amide from a carboxylic acid (or ester thereof), for example when R2 represents —C(O)OH (or an ester thereof), it may be converted to a —C(O)N(R10b)R11b group (in which R10b and R11b are as hereinbefore defined, and may be linked together, e.g. as defined above), and which reaction may (e.g. when R2 represents —C(O)OH) be performed in the presence of a suitable coupling reagent (e.g. 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole, N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, or the like) or, in the case when R2 represents an ester (e.g. —C(O)OCH3 or —C(O)OCH2CH3), in the presence of e.g. trimethylaluminium, or, alternatively the —C(O)OH group may first be activated to the corresponding acyl halide (e.g —C(O)Cl, by treatment with oxalyl chloride, thionyl chloride, phosphorous pentachloride, phosphorous oxychloride, or the like), and, in all cases, the relevant compound is reacted with a compound of formula HN(R10a)R11a (in which R10a and R11a are as hereinbefore defined), under standard conditions known to those skilled in the art (e.g. optionally in the presence of a suitable solvent, suitable base and/or in an inert atmosphere);

(vi) conversion of a primary amide to a nitrile functional group, for example under dehydration reaction conditions, e.g. in the presence of POCl3, or the like;

(vii) nucleophilic substitution reactions, where any nucleophile replaces a leaving group, e.g. methylsulfonylpiperazine may replace a chloro leaving group;

(viii) transformation of a methoxy group to a hydroxy group, by reaction in the presence of an appropriate reagent, such as boron fluoride-dimethyl sulfide complex or BBr3 (e.g. in the presence of a suitable solvent such as dichloromethane);

(ix) alkylation, acylation or sulfonylation reactions, which may be performed in the presence of base and solvent (such as those described hereinbefore in respect of preparation of compounds of formula I, process step (iv) above, for instance, a —N(H)— or —OH or —NH2 (or a protected version of the latter) moiety may be alkylated, acylated or sulfonylated by employing a reactant that is an alkyl, acyl or sulfonyl moiety attached to a leaving group (e.g. C1-6 alkyl-halide (e.g. ethylbromide), C1-6 alkyl-C(O)-halide (e.g. H3C—C(O)Cl), an anhydride (e.g. H3C—C(O)—O—C(O)—CH3, i.e. “—O—C(O)—CH3” is the leaving group), dimethylformamide (i.e. —N(CH3)2 is the leaving group) or a sulfonyl halide (e.g. H3C—S(O)2Cl) and the like);

(x) specific deprotection steps, such as deprotection of an N-Boc protecting group by reaction in the presence of an acid, or, a hydroxy group protected as a silyl ether (e.g. a tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl protecting group) may be deprotected by reaction with a source of fluoride ions, e.g. by employing the reagent tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF).

Intermediate compounds described herein are either commercially available, are known in the literature, or may be obtained either by analogy with the processes described herein, or by conventional synthetic procedures, in accordance with standard techniques, from available starting materials using appropriate reagents and reaction conditions. Further, processes to prepare compounds of formula I may be described in the literature, for example in:

    Werber, G. et al.; J. Heterocycl. Chem.; EN; 14; 1977; 823-827;
    Andanappa K. Gadad et al. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2004, 12, 5651-5659;
    Paul Heinz et al. Monatshefte für Chemie, 1977, 108, 665-680;
    M. A. El-Sherbeny et al. Boll. Chim. Farm. 1997, 136, 253-256;
    Nicolaou, K. C.; Bulger, P. G.; Sarlah, D. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 2-49;
    Bretonnet et al. J. Med. Chem. 2007, 50, 1872;
    Asunción Marin et al. Farmaco 1992, 47 (1), 63-75;
    Severinsen, R. et al. Tetrahedron 2005, 61, 5565-5575;
    Nicolaou, K. C.; Bulger, P. G.; Sarlah, D. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 2-49;
    M. Kuwahara et al., Chem. Pharm Bull., 1996, 44, 122;
    Wipf, P.; Jung, J.-K. J. Org. Chem. 2000, 65(20), 6319-6337;
    Shintani, R.; Okamoto, K. Org. Lett. 2005, 7 (21), 4757-4759;
    Nicolaou, K. C.; Bulger, P. G.; Sarlah, D. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 2-49;
    J. Kobe et al., Tetrahedron, 1968, 24, 239;
    P. F. Fabio, A. F. Lanzilotti and S. A. Lang, Journal of Labelled Compounds and Pharmaceuticals, 1978, 15, 407;
    F. D. Bellamy and K. Ou, Tetrahedron Lett., 1985, 25, 839;
    M. Kuwahara et al., Chem. Pharm Bull., 1996, 44, 122;
    A. F. Abdel-Magid and C. A Maryanoff. Synthesis, 1990, 537;
    M. Schlosser et al. Organometallics in Synthesis. A Manual, (M. Schlosser, Ed.),
    Wiley &Sons Ltd: Chichester, UK, 2002, and references cited therein;
    L. Wengwei et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 2006, 47, 1941;
    M. Plotkin et al. Tetrahedron Lett., 2000, 41, 2269;
    Seyden-Penne, J. Reductions by the Alumino and Borohydrides, VCH, NY, 1991;
    O. C. Dermer, Chem. Rev., 1934, 14, 385;
    N. Defacqz, et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 2003, 44, 9111;
    S. J. Gregson et al., J. Med. Chem., 2004, 47, 1161;
    A. M. Abdel Magib, et al., J. Org. Chem., 1996, 61, 3849;
    A. F. Abdel-Magid and C. A Maryanoff. Synthesis, 1990, 537;
    T. Ikemoto and M. Wakimasu, Heterocycles, 2001, 55, 99;
    E. Abignente et al., Il Farmaco, 1990, 45, 1075;
    T. Ikemoto et al., Tetrahedron, 2000, 56, 7915;
    T. W. Greene and P. G. M. Wuts, Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, Wiley, N.Y., 1999;
    S. Y. Han and Y.-A. Kim. Tetrahedron, 2004, 60, 2447;
    J. A. H. Lainton et al., J. Comb. Chem., 2003, 5, 400; or
    Wiggins, J. M. Synth. Commun., 1988, 18, 741.


The substituents R1, R2, R3, R4 and X in final compounds of the invention or relevant intermediates may be modified one or more times, after or during the processes described above by way of methods that are well known to those skilled in the art. Examples of such methods include substitutions, reductions, oxidations, alkylations, acylations, hydrolyses, esterifications, etherifications, halogenations or nitrations. Such reactions may result in the formation of a symmetric or asymmetric final compound of the invention or intermediate. The precursor groups can be changed to a different such group, or to the groups defined in formula I, at any time during the reaction sequence.
For example, when substituents in the compounds of the invention such as CO2Et, CHO, CN and/or CH2Cl, are present, these groups can be further derivatized to other fragments described (e.g. by those integers mentioned above) in compounds of the invention, following synthetic protocols very well know to the person skilled in the art and/or according to the experimental part described in the patent. Other specific transformation steps that may be mentioned include: the reduction of a nitro or azido group to an amino group; the hydrolysis of a nitrile group to a carboxylic acid group; and standard nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions, for example in which an iodo-, preferably, fluoro- or bromo-phenyl group is converted into a cyanophenyl group by employing a source of cyanide ions (e.g. by reaction with a compound which is a source of cyano anions, e.g. sodium, copper (I), zinc or potassium cyanide, optionally in the presence of a palladium catalyst) as a reagent (alternatively, in this case, palladium catalysed cyanation reaction conditions may also be employed).
Other transformations that may be mentioned include: the conversion of a halo group (preferably iodo or bromo) to a 1-alkynyl group (e.g. by reaction with a 1-alkyne), which latter reaction may be performed in the presence of a suitable coupling catalyst (e.g. a palladium and/or a copper based catalyst) and a suitable base (e.g. a tri-(C1-6 alkyl)amine such as triethylamine, tributylamine or ethyldiisopropylamine); the introduction of amino groups and hydroxy groups in accordance with standard conditions using reagents known to those skilled in the art; the conversion of an amino group to a halo, azido or a cyano group, for example via diazotisation (e.g. generated in situ by reaction with NaNO2 and a strong acid, such as HCl or H2SO4, at low temperature such as at 0° C. or below, e.g. at about −5° C.) followed by reaction with the appropriate nucleophile e.g. a source of the relevant anions, for example by reaction in the presence of a halogen gas (e.g. bromine, iodine or chlorine), or a reagent that is a source of azido or cyanide anions, such as NaN3 or NaCN; the conversion of —C(O)OH to a —NH2 group, under Schmidt reaction conditions, or variants thereof, for example in the presence of HN3 (which may be formed in by contacting NaN3 with a strong acid such as H2SO4), or, for variants, by reaction with diphenyl phosphoryl azide ((PhO)2P(O)N3) in the presence of an alcohol, such as tert-butanol, which may result in the formation of a carbamate intermediate; the conversion of —C(O)NH2 to —NH2, for example under Hofmann rearrangement reaction conditions, for example in the presence of NaOBr (which may be formed by contacting NaOH and Br2) which may result in the formation of a carbamate intermediate; the conversion of —C(O)N3 (which compound itself may be prepared from the corresponding acyl hydrazide under standard diazotisation reaction conditions, e.g. in the presence of NaNO2 and a strong acid such as H2SO4 or HCl) to —NH2, for example under Curtius rearrangement reaction conditions, which may result in the formation of an intermediate isocyanate (or a carbamate if treated with an alcohol); the conversion of an alkyl carbamate to —NH2, by hydrolysis, for example in the presence of water and base or under acidic conditions, or, when a benzyl carbamate intermediate is formed, under hydrogenation reaction conditions (e.g. catalytic hydrogenation reaction conditions in the presence of a precious metal catalyst such as Pd); halogenation of an aromatic ring, for example by an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction in the presence of halogen atoms (e.g. chlorine, bromine, etc, or an equivalent source thereof) and, if necessary an appropriate catalyst/Lewis acid (e.g. AlCl3 or FeCl3).
Compounds of the invention bearing a carboxyester functional group may be converted into a variety of derivatives according to methods well known in the art to convert carboxyester groups into carboxamides, N-substituted carboxamides, N,N-disubstituted carboxamides, carboxylic acids, and the like. The operative conditions are those widely known in the art and may comprise, for instance in the conversion of a carboxyester group into a carboxamide group, the reaction with ammonia or ammonium hydroxide in the presence of a suitable solvent such as a lower alcohol, dimethylformamide or a mixture thereof; preferably the reaction is carried out with ammonium hydroxide in a methanol/dimethylformamide mixture, at a temperature ranging from about 50° C. to about 100° C.
Analogous operative conditions apply in the preparation of N-substituted or N,N-disubstituted carboxamides wherein a suitable primary or secondary amine is used in place of ammonia or ammonium hydroxide. Likewise, carboxyester groups may be converted into carboxylic acid derivatives through basic or acidic hydrolysis conditions, widely known in the art. Further, amino derivatives of compounds of the invention may easily be converted into the corresponding carbamate, carboxamido or ureido derivatives.
Compounds of the invention may be isolated from their reaction mixtures using conventional techniques (e.g. recrystallisations).
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, in the processes described above and hereinafter, the functional groups of intermediate compounds may need to be protected by protecting groups.
The need for such protection will vary depending on the nature of the remote functionality and the conditions of the preparation methods (and the need can be readily determined by one skilled in the art). Suitable amino-protecting groups include acetyl, trifluoroacetyl, t-butoxycarbonyl (BOC), benzyloxycarbonyl (CBz), 9-fluorenylmethyleneoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) and 2,4,4-trimethylpentan-2-yl (which may be deprotected by reaction in the presence of an acid, e.g. HCl in water/alcohol (e.g. MeOH)) or the like. The need for such protection is readily determined by one skilled in the art.
The protection and deprotection of functional groups may take place before or after a reaction in the above-mentioned schemes.
Protecting groups may be removed in accordance with techniques that are well known to those skilled in the art and as described hereinafter. For example, protected compounds/intermediates described herein may be converted chemically to unprotected compounds using standard deprotection techniques.
The type of chemistry involved will dictate the need, and type, of protecting groups as well as the sequence for accomplishing the synthesis.
The use of protecting groups is fully described in “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, 3rd edition, T. W. Greene & P. G. M. Wutz, Wiley-Interscience (1999).
Medical and Pharmaceutical Uses
Compounds of the invention are indicated as pharmaceuticals. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a compound of the invention, as hereinbefore defined, for use as a pharmaceutical.
Compounds of the invention may inhibit protein or lipid kinases, such as a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3, for example as may be shown in the tests described below and/or in tests known to the skilled person. Thus, the compounds of the invention may be useful in the treatment of those disorders in an individual in which the inhibition of such protein or lipid kinases (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) is desired and/or required.
The term “inhibit” may refer to any measurable reduction and/or prevention of catalytic kinase (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) activity. The reduction and/or prevention of kinase activity may be measured by comparing the kinase activity in a sample containing a compound of the invention and an equivalent sample of kinase (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) in the absence of a compound of the invention, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. The measurable change may be objective (e.g. measurable by some test or marker, for example in an in vitro or in vivo assay or test, such as one described hereinafter, or otherwise another suitable assay or test known to those skilled in the art) or subjective (e.g. the subject gives an indication of or feels an effect).
Compounds of the invention may be found to exhibit 50% inhibition of a protein or lipid kinase (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) at a concentration of 100 μM or below (for example at a concentration of below 50 μM, or even below 10 μM, such as below 1 μM), when tested in an assay (or other test), for example as described hereinafter, or otherwise another suitable assay or test known to the skilled person.
Compounds of the invention are thus expected to be useful in the treatment of a disorder in which a protein or lipid kinase (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) is known to play a role and which are characterised by or associated with an overall elevated activity of that protein kinase (due to, for example, increased amount of the kinase or increased catalytic activity of the kinase). Compounds of the invention (alone or in combination with another active) may be shown to be active e.g. in the biochemical assays described herein, may be shown to have predictive activity based on e.g. the phosphorylation assay described herein, and/or may reduce the rate of cell proliferation e.g. as may be shown in the cell proliferation assays described herein (for instance using cancer cell lines (e.g. known commercially available ones), such as those described herein).
Hence, compounds of the invention are expected to be useful in the treatment of a disease/disorder arising from abnormal cell growth, function or behaviour associated with the protein or lipid kinase (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3). Such conditions/disorders include cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, viral infections, inflammation, metabolism/endocrine function disorders and neurological disorders.
The disorders/conditions that the compounds of the invention may be useful in treating hence includes cancer (such as lymphomas, solid tumours or a cancer as described hereinafter), obstructive airways diseases, allergic diseases, inflammatory diseases (such as asthma, allergy and Chrohn's disease), immunosuppression (such as transplantation rejection and autoimmune diseases), disorders commonly connected with organ transplantation, AIDS-related diseases and other associated diseases. Other associated diseases that may be mentioned (particularly due to the key role of kinases in the regulation of cellular proliferation) include other cell proliferative disorders and/or non-malignant diseases, such as benign prostate hyperplasia, familial adenomatosis, polyposis, neuro-fibromatosis, psoriasis, bone disorders, atherosclerosis, vascular smooth cell proliferation associated with atherosclerosis, pulmonary fibrosis, arthritis glomerulonephritis and post-surgical stenosis and restenosis. Other disease states that may be mentioned include cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, hepatomegaly, Alzheimer's disease, cystic fibrosis, hormone-related diseases, immunodeficiency disorders, destructive bone disorders, infectious diseases, conditions associated with cell death, thrombin-induced platelet aggregation, chronic myelogenous leukaemia, liver disease, pathologic immune conditions involving T cell activation and CNS disorders.
As stated above, the compounds of the invention may be useful in the treatment of cancer. More, specifically, the compounds of the invention may therefore be useful in the treatment of a variety of cancer including, but not limited to: carcinoma such as cancer of the bladder, breast, colon, kidney, liver, lung (including non-small cell cancer and small cell lung cancer), esophagus, gall-bladder, ovary, pancreas, stomach, cervix, thyroid, prostate, skin, squamous cell carcinoma, testis, genitourinary tract, larynx, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, keratoacanthoma, epidermoid carcinoma, large cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma, small cell lung carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, bone, adenoma, adenocarcinoma, follicular carcinoma, undifferentiated carcinoma, papilliary carcinoma, seminona, melanoma, sarcoma, bladder carcinoma, liver carcinoma and biliary passages, kidney carcinoma, myeloid disorders, lymphoid disorders, hairy cells, buccal cavity and pharynx (oral), lip, tongue, mouth, pharynx, small intestine, colon-rectum, large intestine, rectum, brain and central nervous system, Hodgkin's and leukaemia; hematopoietic tumors of lymphoid lineage, including leukemia, acute lymphocitic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, T-cell-lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, hairy cell lymphoma and Burkett's lymphoma; hematopoietic tumors of myeloid lineage, including acute and chronic myelogenous leukemias, myelodysplastic syndrome and promyelocytic leukemia; tumors of mesenchymal origin, including fibrosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma; tumors of the central and peripheral nervous system, including astrocytoma, neuroblastoma, glioma and schwannomas; and other tumors, including melanoma, seminoma, teratocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, xeroderma pigmentosum, keratoxanthoma, thyroid follicular cancer and Kaposi's sarcoma.
Further, the protein or lipid kinases (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) may also be implicated in the multiplication of viruses and parasites. They may also play a major role in the pathogenesis and development of neurodegenerative disorders. Hence, compounds of the invention may also be useful in the treatment of viral conditions, parasitic conditions, as well as neurodegenerative disorders.
Compounds of the invention are indicated both in the therapeutic and/or prophylactic treatment of the above-mentioned conditions.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treatment of a disease (e.g. cancer or another disease as mentioned herein) which is associated with the inhibition of protein or lipid kinase (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) is desired and/or required (for example, a method of treatment of a disease/disorder arising from abnormal cell growth, function or behaviour associated with protein or lipid kinases, e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3), which method comprises administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the invention, as hereinbefore defined, to a patient suffering from, or susceptible to, such a condition.
“Patients” include mammalian (including human) patients. Hence, the method of treatment discussed above may include the treatment of a human or animal body.
The term “effective amount” refers to an amount of a compound, which confers a therapeutic effect on the treated patient. The effect may be objective (e.g. measurable by some test or marker) or subjective (e.g. the subject gives an indication of or feels an effect).
Compounds of the invention may be administered orally, intravenously, subcutaneously, buccally, rectally, dermally, nasally, tracheally, bronchially, sublingually, by any other parenteral route or via inhalation, in a pharmaceutically acceptable dosage form.
Compounds of the invention may be administered alone, but are preferably administered by way of known pharmaceutical formulations, including tablets, capsules or elixirs for oral administration, suppositories for rectal administration, sterile solutions or suspensions for parenteral or intramuscular administration, and the like. The type of pharmaceutical formulation may be selected with due regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. Such pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be chemically inert to the active compounds and may have no detrimental side effects or toxicity under the conditions of use.
Such formulations may be prepared in accordance with standard and/or accepted pharmaceutical practice. Otherwise, the preparation of suitable formulations may be achieved non-inventively by the skilled person using routine techniques and/or in accordance with standard and/or accepted pharmaceutical practice.
According to a further aspect of the invention there is thus provided a pharmaceutical formulation including a compound of the invention, as hereinbefore defined, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent and/or carrier.
Depending on e.g. potency and physical characteristics of the compound of the invention (i.e. active ingredient), pharmaceutical formulations that may be mentioned include those in which the active ingredient is present in at least 1% (or at least 10%, at least 30% or at least 50%) by weight. That is, the ratio of active ingredient to the other components (i.e. the addition of adjuvant, diluent and carrier) of the pharmaceutical composition is at least 1:99 (or at least 10:90, at least 30:70 or at least 50:50) by weight.
The amount of compound of the invention in the formulation will depend on the severity of the condition, and on the patient, to be treated, as well as the compound(s) which is/are employed, but may be determined non-inventively by the skilled person.
The invention further provides a process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation, as hereinbefore defined, which process comprises bringing into association a compound of the invention, as hereinbefore defined, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.
Compounds of the invention may also be combined with other therapeutic agents that are inhibitors of protein or lipid kinases (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3) and/or useful in the treatment of a cancer and/or a proliferative disease. Compounds of the invention may also be combined with other therapies (e.g. radiation).
For instance, compounds of the invention may be combined with one or more treatments independently selected from surgery, one or more anti-cancer/anti-neoplastic/anti-tumoral agent, one or more hormone therapies, one or more antibodies, one or more immunotherapies, radioactive iodine therapy, and radiation.
More specifically, compounds of the invention may be combined with an agent that modulates the Ras/Raf/Mek pathway (e.g. an inhibitor of MEK), the Jak/Stat pathway (e.g. an inhibitor of Jak), the PI3K/Akt pathway (e.g. an inhibitor of Akt), the DNA damage response mechanism (e.g. an inhibitor of ATM or ATR) or the stress signaling pathway (an inhibitor of p38 or NF-KB).
For instance, compounds of the invention may be combined with:

    
    
        (i) a targeted kinase inhibitor;
        (ii) a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibitor;
        (iii) an Akt or PI3-K inhibitor, such as GDC-0941;
        (iv) an Flt-3 inhibitor;
        (v) an EGFR or HER2 inhibitor, such as lapatanib;
        (vi) a therapeutic monoclonal antibody, such as the HER2 inhibitor trastuzumab;
        (vii) a MEK inhibitor, such as PD-0325901;
        (vii) a BRaf inhibitor, such as GDC-0879;
        (viii) an anthracyclin, such as doxorubicin;
        (ix) a taxane, such as paclitaxel or, particularly, docetaxel (Taxotere);
        (x) a platin, such as carboplatin or, particularly, cisplatin;
        (xi) a nucleotide analog, such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or gemcitabine);
        (xii) an alkylating agent, such as temozolomide;
        (xiii) a hormone therapeutic agent, such as an estrogen receptor antagonist e.g. tamoxifen;
        (xiv) an anti-tumour compound that has potential radiosensitising and/or chemosensitising effects, such as chloroquine;
        (xv) an mTOR inhibitor, such as rapamycin;
        (xvi) a JAK inhibitor;
        (xvii) a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (e.g. a CDK6 or CDK4 inhibitor, such as PD-0332991); and/or
        (xviii) an agent that modulates the DNA damage response mechanism and/or the stress signaling pathway, e.g. an inhibitor of ATM or ATR, an inhibitor of p38 and/or NF-KB.
    
    


According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination product comprising:

    (A) a compound of the invention, as hereinbefore defined; and
    (B) another therapeutic agent that is useful in the treatment of cancer and/or a proliferative disease,

wherein each of components (A) and (B) is formulated in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.



Such combination products provide for the administration of a compound of the invention in conjunction with the other therapeutic agent, and may thus be presented either as separate formulations, wherein at least one of those formulations comprises a compound of the invention, and at least one comprises the other therapeutic agent, or may be presented (i.e. formulated) as a combined preparation (i.e. presented as a single formulation including a compound of the invention and the other therapeutic agent).
Thus, there is further provided:
(1) a pharmaceutical formulation including a compound of the invention, as hereinbefore defined, another therapeutic agent that is useful in the treatment of cancer and/or a proliferative disease, and a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier; and

(2) a kit of parts comprising components:

    (a) a pharmaceutical formulation including a compound of the invention, as hereinbefore defined, in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier; and
    (b) a pharmaceutical formulation including another therapeutic agent that is useful in the treatment of cancer and/or a proliferative disease in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier,

which components (a) and (b) are each provided in a form that is suitable for administration in conjunction with the other.



In a particularly preferred aspect of the invention, compounds of the invention may be combined with other therapeutic agents (e.g. chemotherapeutic agents) for use as medicaments (e.g. for use in the treatment of a disease or condition as mentioned herein, such as one in which the inhibition of growth of cancer cells are required and/or desired e.g. for treating hyperproliferative disorders such as cancer (e.g. specific cancers that may be mentioned herein, e.g. in the examples) in mammals, especially humans). Such active ingredients in combinations may act in synergy.
In particular, compounds of the invention may be combined with known chemotherapeutic agents (as may be demonstrated by the examples, for instance where a compound of the examples is employed in combination and inhibits cellular proliferative in vitro), for instance:

    
    
        (i) a PI3K inhibitor, such as GDC-0941;
        (ii) an EGFR inhibitor, such as Lapatinib;
        (iii) a BRaf inhibitor such as GDC-0879;
        (iv) docetaxel (Taxotere®, Sanofi-Aventis);
        (v) a MEK inhibitor, such as PD-0325901; and/or
        (vi) a CDK4 inhibitor, such as PD-0332991.
    
    


The MEK inhibitor PD-0325901 (CAS RN 391210-10-9, Pfizer) is a second-generation, non-ATP competitive, allosteric MEK inhibitor for the potential oral tablet treatment of cancer (U.S. Pat. No. 6,960,614; U.S. Pat. No. 6,972,298; US 2004/1147478; US 2005/085550). Phase II clinical trials have been conducted for the potential treatment of breast tumors, colon tumors, and melanoma. PD-0325901 is named (R)—N-(2,3-dihydroxypropoxy)-3,4-difluoro-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylamino)benz-amide, and has the structure:




Docetaxel (TAXOTERE®, Sanofi-Aventis) is used to treat breast, ovarian, and NSCLC cancers (U.S. Pat. No. 4,814,470; U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,072; U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,582; U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,512; U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,561; Mangatal et al (1989) Tetrahedron 45:4177; Ringel et at (1991) J. Natl. Cancer Inst. 83:288; Bissery et al (1991) Cancer Res. 51:4845; Herbst et al (2003) Cancer Treat. Rev. 29:407-415; Davies et al (2003) Expert. Opin. Pharmacother. 4:553-565). Docetaxel is named as (2R,3S)—N-carboxy-3-phenylisoserine, N-tert-butyl ester, 13-ester with 5,20-epoxy-1,2,4,7,10,13-hexahydroxytax-11-en-9-one 4-acetate 2-benzoate, trihydrate (U.S. Pat. No. 4,814,470; EP 253738; CAS Reg. No. 114977-28-5) (or named as 1,7β,10β-trihydroxy-9-oxo-5β,20-epoxytax-11-ene-2α,4,13α-triyl 4-acetate 2-benzoate 13-{(2R,3S)-3-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]-2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoate}) and has the structure:





Lapatinib (TYKERB®, GW572016, Glaxo SmithKline) has been approved for use in combination with capecitabine (XELODA®, Roche) for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer whose tumors over-express HER2 (ErbB2) and who have received prior therapy including an anthracycline, a taxane and trastuzumab. Lapatinib is an ATP-competitive epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and HER2/neu (ErbB-2) dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor (U.S. Pat. No. 6,727,256; U.S. Pat. No. 6,713,485; U.S. Pat. No. 7,109,333; U.S. Pat. No. 6,933,299; U.S. Pat. No. 7,084,147; U.S. Pat. No. 7,157,466; U.S. Pat. No. 7,141,576) which inhibits receptor autophosphorylation and activation by binding to the ATPbinding pocket of the EGFRIHER2 protein kinase domain. Lapatinib is named as N-(3-chloro-4-(3-fluorobenzyloxy)phenyl)-6-(5-((2-(methylsulfonyl)ethylamino)-methyl)furan-2-yl)quinazolin-4-amine (or alternatively named as N-[3-chloro-4-[(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy]phenyl]-6-[5-[(2-methylsulfonylethylamino)methyl]-2-furyl]quinazolin-4-amine), and has the structure:





The invention further provides a process for the preparation of a combination product as hereinbefore defined, which process comprises bringing into association a compound of the invention, as hereinbefore defined, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof with the other therapeutic agent that is useful in the treatment of cancer and/or a proliferative disease, and at least one pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.
By “bringing into association”, we mean that the two components are rendered suitable for administration in conjunction with each other.
Thus, in relation to the process for the preparation of a kit of parts as hereinbefore defined, by bringing the two components “into association with” each other, we include that the two components of the kit of parts may be:
(i) provided as separate formulations (i.e. independently of one another), which are subsequently brought together for use in conjunction with each other in combination therapy; or
(ii) packaged and presented together as separate components of a “combination pack” for use in conjunction with each other in combination therapy.
Depending on the disorder, and the patient, to be treated, as well as the route of administration, compounds of the invention may be administered at varying therapeutically effective doses to a patient in need thereof. However, the dose administered to a mammal, particularly a human, in the context of the present invention should be sufficient to effect a therapeutic response in the mammal over a reasonable timeframe. One skilled in the art will recognize that the selection of the exact dose and composition and the most appropriate delivery regimen will also be influenced by inter alia the pharmacological properties of the formulation, the nature and severity of the condition being treated, and the physical condition and mental acuity of the recipient, as well as the potency of the specific compound, the age, condition, body weight, sex and response of the patient to be treated, and the stage/severity of the disease.
Administration may be continuous or intermittent (e.g. by bolus injection). The dosage may also be determined by the timing and frequency of administration. In the case of oral or parenteral administration the dosage can vary from about 0.01 mg to about 1000 mg per day of a compound of the invention.
In any event, the medical practitioner, or other skilled person, will be able to determine routinely the actual dosage, which will be most suitable for an individual patient. The above-mentioned dosages are exemplary of the average case; there can, of course, be individual instances where higher or lower dosage ranges are merited, and such are within the scope of this invention.
Compounds of the invention may have the advantage that they are effective inhibitors of protein or lipid kinases (e.g. a PIM family kinase such as PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3). Advantageously, when compounds of the invention are employed in combination with known chemotherapeutic agents (such as those described herein), the components of the combinations may act in a synergistic manner.
Compounds of the invention may also have the advantage that they may be more efficacious than, be less toxic than, be longer acting than, be more potent than, produce fewer side effects than, be more easily absorbed than, and/or have a better pharmacokinetic profile (e.g. higher oral bioavailability and/or lower clearance) than, and/or have other useful pharmacological, physical, or chemical properties over, compounds known in the prior art, whether for use in the above-stated indications or otherwise.
EXAMPLES/BIOLOGICAL TESTS
PIM-1 Biochemical Assay
The biochemical assay to measure PIM-1 activity relies on the ADP Hunter assay kit (DiscoveRx Corp., Cat. #90-0077), that determines the amount of ADP as direct product of the kinase enzyme activity.
The enzyme has been expressed and purified in-house as a recombinant human protein with a C-terminal histidine tag. The protein is active and stable.
Assay conditions were as indicated by the kit manufacturers with the following adaptations for the kinase activity step:

    
    
        Kinase assay buffer and assay volume stay as recommended (15 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 20 mM NaCl, 1 mM EGTA, 0.02% Tween 20, 10 mM MgCl2 and 0.1 mg/ml bovine γ-globulins/75 μl assay volume)
        Incubation time and temperature: 60 min at 30° C.
        PIM-1 concentration: 50 pg/μl
        ATP concentration: 100 μM
        PIM-1 substrate peptide: PIMtide (ARKRRRHPSGPPTA)
        Peptide concentration: 60 μM
        Positive control for kinase activity inhibition: 1-10 μM Staurosporine
        DMSO concentration have to stay below 2% during the kinase reaction
    
    


Assays were performed in either 96 or 384-well plates. The final outcome of the coupled reactions provided by the kit is the release of the fluorescent product Resorufin and has been measured with a multilabel HTS counter VICTOR V (PerkinElmer) using an excitation filter at 544 nm and an emission filter at 580 nm.
PIM-2 Biochemical Assay
The biochemical assay to measure PIM-2 activity relies on the ADP Hunter assay kit (DiscoveRx Corp., Cat. #90-0077), that determines the amount of ADP as direct product of the kinase enzyme activity.
The enzyme has been expressed and purified in-house as a recombinant human protein with a N-terminal histidine tag. The protein is active and stable.
Assay conditions were as indicated by the kit manufacturers with the following adaptations for the kinase activity step:

    
    
        Kinase assay buffer and assay volume stay as recommended (15 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 20 mM NaCl, 1 mM EGTA, 0.02% Tween 20, 10 mM MgCl2 and 0.1 mg/ml bovine γ-globulins/20 μl assay volume)
        Incubation time and temperature: 30 min at 30° C.
        PIM-2 concentration: 350 pg/μl
        ATP concentration: 100 μM
        PIM-1 substrate peptide: PIMtide (ARKRRRHPSGPPTA)
        Peptide concentration: 100 μM
        Positive control for kinase activity inhibition: 1-10 μM Staurosporine
        DMSO concentration have to stay below 2% during the kinase reaction
    
    


Assays were performed in either 96 or 384-well plates. The final outcome of the coupled reactions provided by the kit is the release of the fluorescent product Resorufin and has been measured with a multilabel HTS counter VICTOR V (PerkinElmer) using an excitation filter at 544 nm and an emission filter at 580 nm.
PIM-3 Biochemical Assay
The biochemical assay to measure PIM-3 activity relies on the ADP Hunter assay kit (DiscoveRx Corp., Cat. #90-0077), that determines the amount of ADP as direct product of the kinase enzyme activity.
The enzyme has been bought from Millipore (#14-738). The protein is active and stable.
Assay conditions were as indicated by the kit manufacturers with the following adaptations for the kinase activity step:

    
    
        Kinase assay buffer and assay volume stay as recommended (15 mM HEPES, pH 7.4, 20 mM NaCl, 1 mM EGTA, 0.02% Tween 20, 10 mM MgCl2 and 0.1 mg/ml bovine γ-globulins/20 μl assay volume)
        Incubation time and temperature: 30 min at 30° C.
        PIM-3 concentration: 250 pg/μl
        ATP concentration: 100 μM
        PIM-1 substrate peptide: PIMtide (ARKRRRHPSGPPTA)
        Peptide concentration: 60 μM
        Positive control for kinase activity inhibition: 1-10 μM Staurosporine
        DMSO concentration have to stay below 2% during the kinase reaction
    
    


Assays were performed in either 96 or 384-well plates. The final outcome of the coupled reactions provided by the kit is the release of the fluorescent product Resorufin and has been measured with a multilabel HTS counter VICTOR V (PerkinElmer) using an excitation filter at 544 nm and an emission filter at 580 nm.
Bad S112 Phosphorilation Inhibition Assay
Efficacy of compounds of the invention on the inhibition of Bad phosphorylation was measured by an In Cell ELISA. EC50 values were established for the tested compounds.
Assay Conditions:
Cells: H1299 cells overexpressing Pim1 (H1299Pim1)
DMSO Plates: 96-well-Polystyrene, Untreated, Round-Bottom plates from Costar (Cat #3797)
Cell Plates: 96-Flat bottom biocoated with Poly-D-Lysin plates with lid from Becton Dickinson (Cat#354651)
Cell Culture Medium: DMEM high glucose, 10% Fetal Bovine Serum, 2 mM L-Glutamine, P/S
Antibodies: phosphor Bad S112 antibody from Cell Signaling (cat. #9291S), anti rabbit conjugated with peroxidise from Amersham (cat.#3619)
Reagent: SuperSignal ELISA femto from Pierce (cat.#1001110)
Procedure:
Cells were seeded in 15000 cells per 200 μl per well into 96-well plates and incubated for 16 h at 37° C., 5% CO2. On day two, nine serial 1:2 compound dilutions were made in DMSO in a 96-well plate. The compounds were added to duplicate wells in 96-well cell plates using a FX BECKMAN robot (Beckman Coulter) and incubated at 37° C. with CO2 atmosphere. After 4 hours, relative levels of Bad S112 phosphorylation were measured in Cell ELISA using SuperSignal ELISA Femto substrate (Pierce) and read on VICTOR (Perkin Elmer). EC50 values were calculated using ActivityBase from IDBS.
MTT In Vitro Cell Proliferation Assay
Proliferation assays (MTT) were performed as described in:

    “Chemical interrogation of FOXO3a nuclear translocation identifies potent and selective inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinases”, W. Link, J. Oyarzabal, B. G. Serelde, M. I. Albarran, O. Rabal, A. Cebria, P. Alfonso, J. Fominaya, O. Renner, S. Peregrina, D. Soilan, P. A. Ceballos, A. I. Hernandez, M. Lorenzo, P. Pevarello, T. G. Granda, G. Kurz, A. Carnero, J. R. Bischoff, J. Biol. Chem. 284 (2009) 28392-28400.

Combination Assay



Example 106 shows the combination index (CI) of combinations of certain example compounds and various chemotherapeutic agents in the MTT in vitro cell proliferarion assays. A combination index score is calculated by the Chou and Talalay method (CalcuSyn software, Biosoft). The strength of synergy is scored using the ranking system Chou and Talalay: CI less than 0.8 indicates synergy, CI between 0.8 and 1.2 indicates additivity and CI greater than 1.2 indicates antagonism.
The EC50 values of representative combinations were also calculated. The individually measured EC50 values of the chemotherapeutic agent and the example compounds are compared to the EC50 value of the combination. The cell lines are characterised by tumor type.
Combination assays were performed as described in:

    “Pim 1 kinase inhibitor ETP-45299 suppresses cellular proliferation and synergizes with PI3K inhibition”. Blanco-Aparicio, Carmen; Collazo, Ana Maria Garcia; Oyarzabal, Julen; Leal, Juan F.; Albaran, Maria Isabel; Lima, Francisco Ramos; Pequeno, Belen; Ajenjo, Nuria; Becerra, Mercedes; Alfonso, Patricia; Reymundo, Maria Isabel; Palacios, Irene; Mateos, Genoveva; Quinones, Helena; Corrionero, Ana; Carnero, Amancio; Pevarello, Paolo; Lopez, Ana Rodriguez; Fominaya, Jesus; Pastor, Joaquin; Bischoff, James R. Cancer Letters (Shannon, Ireland) 2011, 300(2), 145-153.


The invention is illustrated by way of the following examples.
The compound names given herein were generated with MDL ISIS/DRAW 2.5 SP 2, Autonom 2000.




Experimental
Hereinafter, the term “DCM” means dichloromethane, “Et2O” means diethyl ether, “MeOH” means methanol, “THF” means tetrahydrofuran, “DMF” means dimethylformamide, “DME” means 1,2-dimethoxyethane, “EtOAc” means ethyl acetate, “Pd(PPh3)4” means tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium, “DIPEA” means diisopropylethylamine, “BINAP” means (R)/(+)-2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphtyl, “min” means minutes, “h” means hours, “Pd2(dba)3” means tris(dibenzylideneacetone)-dipalladium(0), “eq” means equivalents, “nBuOH” means n-butanol, “Pd(dppf)Cl2.” means 1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenepalladium(II) dichloride, “LDA” means lithium diisopropylamine.
NMR spectra were recorded in a Bruker Avance II 300 spectrometer and Bruker Avance II 700 spectrometer fitted with 5 mm QXI 700 S4 inverse phase, Z-gradient unit and variable temperature controller.
The HPLC measurements were performed using a HP 1100 from Agilent Technologies comprising a pump (binary) with degasser, an autosampler, a column oven, a diode-array detector (DAD) and a column as specified in the respective methods below. Flow from the column was split to a MS spectrometer. The MS detector was configured with an electrospray ionization source or API/APCI. Nitrogen was used as the nebulizer gas. Data acquisition was performed with ChemStation LC/MSD quad, software.
Method 1
Reversed phase HPLC was carried out on a Gemini-NX C18 (100×2.0 mm; 5 um), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 5% of B to 100% of B within 8 min at 50° C., DAD.
Method 2
Reversed phase HPLC was carried out on a Gemini-NX C18 (100×2.0 mm; 5 um), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 50% of B to 100% of B within 8 min at 50° C., DAD.
Method 3
Reversed phase HPLC was carried out on a Gemini-NX C18 (100×2.0 mm; Sum), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 5% of B to 40% of B within 8 min at 50° C., DAD.
Method 4
Reversed phase HPLC was carried out on a Gemini C18 column (50×2 mm, 3 um). Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 10% to 95% of B within 4 min at 50° C., DAD.
“Found mass” refers to the most abundant isotope detected in the HPLC-MS.
Bicyclic Intermediates
General Procedure A: Bicycle Formation from 3,4,5,6-tetrachloropyridazine
To a solution of 3,4,5,6-tetrachloropyridazine (1 eq) in acetonitrile (2 mL/mmol), magnetically stirred at −2° C.-0° C., a solution of the appropiate aminoalcohol (ex: 2-(methylamino)-ethanol) (1 eq) or diamine (see intermediate 4 below) in acetonitrile (1 mL/mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction was allowed to reach room temperature and it was stirred at this temperature for 16 h. Sodium tertbutoxide was then added at room temperature (4 portions, up to a total of 2 eq) and the reaction mixture left stirring at room temperature (in some cases it was needed to heat it up to 40° C.) for 20 h. Then, the solvent was removed under vacuum, the dry residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with water brine (2×) and the organic layer dried over magnesium sulphate. The obtained crude mixture was used as such in the next step or purified by column chromatography (Biotage/Flash, silica, 0% to 60% EtOAc in cyclohexane to 0% to 30% MeOH in DCM) to give the desired product (ex: 5,8-dichloro-3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine).
Intermediate 1
5,8-Dichloro-3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=2.80 min, [M+H]+ m/z 222.0,
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.34-4.25 (m, 2H), 3.32-3.21 (m, 2H), 3.08 (s, 3H).
Yield: 36%
Intermediate 2
5,8-Dichloro-4-ethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.7 min, [M+H]+ m/z 234.2.
Yield: 95% of the crude mixture.
Intermediate 3
5,8-Dichloro-4-isopropyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.9 min, [M+H]+ m/z 248.
Yield: 95% of the crude mixture.
Intermediate 4
5,8-Dichloro-1,4-dimethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-pyrazino[2,3-d]pyridazine




1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 3.05 (s, 4H), 3.04 (s, 6H).
Yield: 53%.
Intermediate 5
5,8-Dichloro-3,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.44 min, [M+H]+ m/z 234.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.25 (dd, J=10.9, 3.3 Hz, 1H), 4.13 (dd, J=10.8, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 3.47-3.33 (m, 1H), 3.11 (s, 3H), 1.17 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 16%.
Intermediate 6
5,8-Dichloro-2,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.44 min, [M+H]+ m/z 234.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.27-4.15 (m, 1H), 3.25 (dd, J=13.9, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.13 (s, 3H), 2.94 (dd, J=13.8, 8.9 Hz, 1H), 1.49 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 3H)
Yield: 8%.
Intermediate 7
5,8-Dichloro-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazine




A mixture of 3,4,5,6-tetrachloropyridazine (5.0 g, 22.9 mmol), ethylene glycol (1.49 mL) and sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 1.1 g) in dry DMF (250 mL) was stirred for 18 h at room temperature. Then, more sodium hydride (60% in mineral oil, 1.1 g) was added and the mixture was stirred for 3 h at 60° C. and 18 h at room temperature. The solvents were removed under vacuum and the residue purified by flash chromatography (EtOAc/hexanes 1:10 to 1:1) to give compound 5,8-dichloro-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazine as a yellow solid (758 mg, 16% yield). HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=2.52 min, [M+H]+ m/z 206.9.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.54 (s, 4H).
Intermediate 8
1,4-Dichloro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-phthalazine)




A mixture of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (1 g, 6.5 mmol), hydrazine hydrate (0.57 mL, 11.83 mmol), sodium acetate (4.3 g, 52.5 mmol) in acetic acid (29 mL) was heated at 100° C. for 16 h. The reaction was cooled to room temperature and a white solid precipitated. The solid was filtered and washed with water and 855 mg of the expected compound 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hexahydro-phthalazine-1,4-dione were obtained (78.3% yield).
A mixture of 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hexahydro-phthalazine-1,4-dione (855 mg, 5.14 mmol) and phosphorus oxychloride (5 mL) was heated under reflux conditions for 16 h. The reaction was poured into ice, and neutralized very carefully with solid sodium carbonate. The water layer was extrated with EtOAc (×2), and the combined organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and concentrated. The crude was purified by trituration with Et2O to give the expected compound 1,4-dichloro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-phthalazine (876 mg, 83.8% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.16 min, [M+H]+ m/z 203.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 2.71 (m, 4H), 1.87 (m, 4H).
General Procedure B: Bicycle Formation from 3,4,5-trichloropyridazine
To a solution of 3,4,5-trichloropyridazine (1 eq) in MeOH (1 mL/mmol) was added dropwise a solution of the appropiate aminoalcohol (ex: 2-methylamino-ethanol) (3 eq) in MeOH (1 mL/mmol)(acetonitrile can be also used). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature from 1 h to 2 days depending on the amine. The solvent was removed under vacuum to give a brown oil which was purified by biotage flash column chromatography (70% EtOAc in cyclohexane to 100% EtOAc) to give the desired product (ex: 2-[(5,6-dichloro-pyridazin-4-yl)-methyl-amino]-ethanol).
The appropriate dichloropyridazine (ex: 2-[(5,6-dichloro-pyridazin-4-yl)-methyl-amino]-ethanol) (1 eq) was dissolved in THF (20 mL/mmol). When the solution started refluxing, potassium tert-butoxide (1.2 eq) was added portionwise. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 2 h. On cooling, a saturated aqueous solution of amonium chloride was added and the layers were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (×2). The combined organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and evaporated. The residue was triturated with Et2O-DCM 9:1 and filtered off to afford the desired product (ex: 8-chloro-4-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b]-1,4-oxazine).
Intermediate 9
8-Chloro-4-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b]-1,4-oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=0.98 min, [M+H]+ 186.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.47 (s, 1H), 4.42 (m, 2H), 3.46 (m, 2H), 3.06 (s, 3H).
Yield: 77% for two steps
Intermediate 10
(S)-8-Chloro-3,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=1.305 min, [M+H]+ 200.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.46 (s, 1H), 4.24-4.20 (m, 2H), 3.54 (dt, J=6.6, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 3.02 (s, 3H), 1.26 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 4H).
Yield: 20% for two steps
Intermediate 11
8-Chloro-3,3,4-trimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (14.5 g, 163.5 mmol, 3 eq) was added to a stirred mixture of 3,4,5-trichloropyridazine (10 g, 54.5 mmol, 1 eq) in acetonitrile (250 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature overnight then at 100° C. for 3 days. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by biotage flash column chromatography (cyclohexane/EtOAc 50 to 100% EtOAc) to afford two fractions. The more polar fraction of the two in the silica flash column contained the desired product 2-(5,6-dichloro-pyridazin-4-ylamino)-2-methyl-propan-1-ol (3.23 g, 25% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.12 min, [M+H]+ 236.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 9.02 (s, 1H), 5.88 (s, 1H), 5.47 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 3.45 (d, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 1.37 (s, 6H).
Potassium tert-butoxide (1.84 g, 16.4 mmol, 1.2 eq) was added to a stirred solution of 2-(5,6-dichloro-pyridazin-4-ylamino)-2-methyl-propan-1-ol (3.227 g, 13.668 mmol, 1 eq) in THF (250 mL). The reaction was stirred at 100° C. for 44 h.
The solvents were evaporated to dryness. The resulting residue was purified by biotage flash column chromatography (A=DCM, B=9:1 DCM/MeOH, 10-100% B) to afford the desired product 8-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine (843 mg, 31% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.60 min, [M+H]+ 200.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.40 (s, 1H), 3.98 (s, 2H), 1.30 (s, 6H).
Sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (1M in THF) (4.22 mL, 4.22 mmol, 1 eq) was added to a stirred room temperature mixture of 8-chloro-3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine (0.843 g, 4.22 mmol, 1 eq) in THF (21 mL). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 1 h then iodomethane (0.315 mL, 5.07 mmol, 1.2 eq) was added and stirring continued for 1 h 15 min. The reaction was quenched with brine, stirred for 5 min then diluted with EtOAc. Layers were separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with EtOAc (×2). The combined organic layers were dried and evaporated. The residue was purified on silica gel (A=DCM, B=9:1 DCM/MeOH, 10-100% B) to afford 8-chloro-3,3,4-trimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine (216 mg, 24%).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.60 min, [M+H]+ 200.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.47 (s, 1H), 4.01 (s, 2H), 2.91 (s, 3H), 1.26 (s, 6H).
General Procedure C: Bicycle Chlorination
A mixture of the appropiate bicyclic chloropyridazines (ex: 8-chloro-4-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b]-1,4-oxazine) (1 eq) in acetonitrile (5 mL/mmol) was heated at 50° C. Then, NCS (1.2 eq) was added and the reaction mixture was heated at 50° C. for 3 h. The solvent was removed under vacuum. The residue was taken up into DMC and washed with a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate. The organic layer was dried (Na2SO4), filtered and evaporated to give a residue which was purified by biotage flash column chromatography (DCM/EtOAc 20%) to afford the desired product (ex: 5,8-dichloro-4-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b]-1,4-oxazine).
Intermediate 12
5,8-Dichloro-4-methyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b]-1,4-oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.1 min, [M+H]+ 220.0, 222.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.36 (m, 2H), 3.31 (m, 2H), 3.14 (s, 3H).
Yield: 60%
Intermediate 13
(3S)-5,8-Dichloro-3,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.40 min, [M+H]+ m/z 234.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.25 (dd, J=10.8, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 4.14 (dd, J=11.0, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 3.40 (m, 1H), 3.11 (s, 3H), 1.18 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 71%.
Intermediate 14
5,8-Dichloro-3,3,4-trimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.54 min, [M+H]+ m/z 248.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 3.94 (s, 2H), 2.91 (s, 3H), 1.18 (s, 6H).
Yield: 97%.
Tricyclic Intermediates




General Procedure D: Tricycle Formation
A solution of the appropiate bicyclic dichloropyridazines (1 eq), appropiate hydrazide (3.5 eq), triethylamine (1.1 eq) and p-toluenesulfonic acid (1.1 eq) in 1,4-dioxane (6.6 mL/mmol) was heated at 100° C. for  ̃18 h (sand bath). Prolonged reaction time and additional amounts of base, acid and hydrazide could be needed in order to drive the reaction to completion. The reaction was worked up by removing the 1,4-dioxane and the dry residue was dissolved in DCM, washed with water (3×) and brine (2×). The organic layers were dried over magnesium sulphate, filtered and the solvent removed under vacuum. The crude was purified by reversed phase column chromatography or by flash column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill) to give both regioisomers.
Intermediate 15 and 16




Intermediate 15
5-Chloro-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.1 min, [M+H]+ m/z 332.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.31-8.24 (m, 2H), 7.04-6.96 (m, 2H), 4.44 (dd, J=6.1, 3.6, 2H), 3.86 (d, J=10.7, 3H), 3.49 (dd, J=10.0, 5.2, 2H), 3.37 (s, 3H).
Intermediate 16
5-Chloro-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.2 min, [M+H]+ m/z 332.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.44-8.31 (m, 2H), 6.99 (dd, J=27.1, 8.9, 2H), 4.40-4.31 (m, 2H), 3.87 (2 s, J=6.9, 6H), 3.61-3.54 (m, 2H).
Yield: 50% of the mixture
General Procedure E: Tricycle Formation
A mixture of the appropiate bicyclic dichloropyridazines (ex: 5,8-dichloro-3,4-dihydro-4-methyl-2H-pyridazino[4,5-b][1,4]oxazine) and the appropiate hydrazide (ex: 3-(trifluoromethoxy)benzohydrazide) (1.5 eq) in nBuOH (9 mL/mmol) was heated under microwave irradiation for 1.5 h at 185° C. (or 18 h at 160-180° C. in a silicon bath). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the obtained residue was purified either by reversed phase chromatographic purification or by flash column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill) to yield two compounds (regioisomers formed in the reaction) (ex: 5-chloro-9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene and 5-chloro-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene). In some cases, the regioisomers were used as a mixture and separated in the final step by semi-preparative HPLC.
Intermediate 17
5-Chloro-9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.78 min, [M+H]+ m/z 386.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.48-8.34 (m, 2H), 7.56 (dd, J=14.1, 6.0 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.28 (m, 1H), 4.41-4.33 (m, 2H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.62-3.57 (m, 2H).
Yield: 22%
Intermediate 18
5-Chloro-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.57 min, [M+H]+ m/z 386.1
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) d 8.47-8.36 (m, 2H), 7.63-7.54 (m, 1H), 7.36 (d, J=8.2, 1H), 4.58-4.48 (m, 2H), 3.34-3.29 (m, 2H), 2.95 (s, 3H).
Yield: 13%
Intermediate 19
5-Chloro-6-ethyl-3-(3-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 2): Rt=5.52 min, [M+H]+ m/z 400.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 10.79 (s, 1H), 8.38-8.20 (m, 2H), 7.98 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (s, 1H), 7.79-7.59 (m, 4H), 7.52 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.58-4.45 (m, 2H), 3.66 (dd, J=14.0, 7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.52 (d, J=4.4 Hz, 2H), 2.07 (s, 1H), 1.27 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 26.3%.
Intermediate 20
5-Chloro-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6,9-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1,2,3a,4,6,9-hexaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.46 min, [M+H]+ m/z 345.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.46-8.34 (m, 2H), 7.10-6.97 (m, 2H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.51-3.41 (m, 2H), 3.13-3.02 (m, 2H), 2.72 (s, 3H).
Yield: 59%,
Intermediate 21
5-Chloro-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.52 min, [M+H]+ m/z 372.8.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.44 (m, 1H), 8.39 (s, 1H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.38 (m, 1H), 4.69 (m, 2H), 4.60 (m, 2H).
Yield: 31%.
Intermediate 22
5-Chloro-6,7-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.86 min, [M+H]+ m/z 400.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.40 (m, 1H), 8.36 (s, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 7.33 (m, 1H), 4.37 (dd, J=10.8, 3.2 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (dd, J=11.0, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 3.33 (m, 1H), 2.86 (s, 3H), 1.16 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 34%.
Intermediate 23
5-Chloro-8,9-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.68 min, [M+H]+ m/z 400.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.44 (m, 1H), 8.39 (s, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 4.26 (dd, J=11.0, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 4.11 (dd, J=11.0, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.65 (m, 1H).
Yield: 29%.
Intermediate 24
5-Chloro-6,7,7-trimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.79 min, [M+H]+ m/z 413.9.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.41 (m, 1H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 7.56 (m, 1H), 7.34 (m, 1H), 4.15 (s, 2H), 2.73 (s, 3H), 1.24 (s, 6H).
Yield: 16%.
Intermediate 25
5-Chloro-8,8,9-trimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=5.00 min, [M+H]+ m/z 414.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.43 (m, 1H), 8.39 (s, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 7.32 (m, 1H), 4.00 (s, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 1.40 (s, 6H).
Yield: 15%.
Intermediate 26
(7S)-5-Chloro-6,7-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.73 min, [M+H]+ m/z 400.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.36 (m, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 7.52 (m, 1H), 7.29 (m, 1H), 4.34 (dd, J=11.0, 3.4 Hz, 1H), 4.27 (dd, J=11.0, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 3.31 (m, 1H), 2.84 (s, 3H), 1.13 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 25%.
Intermediate 27
(8S)-5-Chloro-8,9-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.68 min, [M+H]+ m/z 400.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.42 (m, 1H), 8.38 (s, 1H), 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.31 (m, 1H), 4.26 (dd, J=11.0, 1.9 Hz, 1H), 4.10 (dd, J=10.8, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.64 (m, 1H), 1.38 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 16%.
Intermediate 28
5-Chloro-6,8-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.93 min, [M+H]+ m/z 399.9.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.40 (m, 1H), 8.36 (s, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 7.33 (m, 1H), 4.42 (m, 1H), 3.23 (dd, J=14.4, 2.3 Hz, 1H), 2.93 (s, 3H), 2.87 (dd, J=14.5, 9.6 Hz, 1H), 1.60 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 17.6%.
Intermediate 29
5-Chloro-7,9-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-entaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.72 min, [M+H]+ m/z 400.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.44 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.40 (s, 1H), 7.55 (m, 1H), 7.31 (m, 1H), 4.24 (m, 1H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.45 (dd, J=12.8, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 3.32 (dd, J=12.8, 7.6 Hz, 1H), 1.47 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 13%.
Intermediate 30
6-Chloro-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.85 min, [M+H]+ m/z 368.9.
Yield: 78.8%.
Intermediate 31
5-Chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.87 (s, 1H), 4.51-4.44 (m, 2H), 3.26-3.21 (m, 2H), 2.89 (s, 3H).
Yield: 30%.
Intermediate 32
5-Chloro-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.83 (s, 1H), 4.41-4.34 (m, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.64-3.57 (m, 2H).
Yield: 8%
Intermediate 33
3-bromo-5-chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




A mixture of 5-chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene (200 mg, 0.886 mmol) and N-bromosuccinimide (189 mg, 1.064 mmol) in chloroform (2.33 mL) The reaction mixture was stirred at RT for 20 h. The reaction was diluted with DCM and the organic layer was washed with Na2S2O3 (10% sat solution). The combined organic layers were separated, dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by biotage flash chromatography (eluent: DCM-EtOAc 0-100%) to yield 3-bromo-5-chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene (170 mg, Yield: 64%).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.3 min, [M+H]+ 304.0, 306.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 3.77 (m, 2H), 3.48 (m, 2H), 3.03 (s, 3H).
General Procedure F: Suzuki Coupling
A mixture of 3-bromo-5-chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene (1 eq), the appropriate boronic acid (ex: 3-cyanophenylboronic acid) (1 eq), PdCl2(dppf) (30%) and a saturated sodium carbonate solution (5.6 mL/mmol) in DME (13.5 mL/mmol) was heated under microwave irradiation at 80° C. for 2 h and 30 min. The reaction mixture was diluted with DCM and washed with water. The combined organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and concentrated.
The residue was purified by column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 0% to 30% MeOH in DCM) to give the desired product (ex: 3-(5-chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl)-benzonitrile).
Intermediate 34
3-(5-Chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl)-benzonitrile




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.062 min, [M+H]+ m/z 327.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.82 (t, J=1.4, 1H), 8.76-8.69 (m, 1H), 7.78 (dt, J=7.7, 1.4, 1H), 7.68 (d, J=7.9, 1H), 4.60-4.49 (m, 2H), 3.33-3.27 (m, 2H), 2.96 (s, 3H).
Yield: 31%.
Intermediate 35
5-Chloro-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.57 min, [M+H]+ m/z 370.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.76 (s, 1H), 8.66 (d, J=7.8, 1H), 7.76 (d, J=7.8, 1H), 7.68 (t, J=7.9, 2H), 4.51 (t, J=4.3, 2H), 3.33-3.25 (m, 2H), 2.94 (s, 3H).
Yield: 99%
Intermediate 36
5-Chloro-3-(1H-indol-5-yl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.95 min, [M+H]+ m/z 341.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) d 8.78 (s, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.27 (dd, J=8.6, 1.6, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=8.6, 1H), 7.34-7.29 (m, 1H), 6.72 (brs, 1H), 4.59-4.46 (m, 2H), 3.35-3.23 (m, 2H), 2.94 (s, 3H).
Yield: 48%.
Intermediate 37
[3-(5-Chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl)-phenyl]-dimethyl-amine




HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=4.64 min, [M+H]+ m/z 345.1.
Yield: 65%.
Intermediate 38
4-(5-Chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl)-phenol




A solution of 5-chloro-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene in DCM was cooled to −78° C. under argon. Then, borontribromide (solution in DCM) was added and the mixture was kept at −20° C. overnight. Once finished, reaction was cooled down to −20° C., borontribromide excess quenched with MeOH and neutralized with aq. sodium hydroxide solution. After solvent removal, the crude was used as such for next step.
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.6 min, [M+H]+ m/z 317.7.
Yield: 99%.
Intermediate 39
4-(5-Chloro-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl)-phenol




A solution of 5-chloro-3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene in dichloromethane was cooled down to −78° C. under argon. Then, borontribromide (solution in DCM) was added and the mixture was kept at −20° C. overnight. Once finished, reaction was cooled down to −20° C., borontribromide excess quenched with MeOH and neutralized with aq. sodium hydroxide solution. After solvent removal, the crude was used as such for next step.
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.9 min, [M+H]+ m/z 317.7.
Yield: 99%.
EXAMPLES
General Method I
A solution of the appropriate chloride (1 eq) (ex: 5-chloro-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta-[a]naphthalene) and the appropriate amine (3 to 5 eq) (ex: 1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylamine) in nBuOH (15 mL/mmol) was heated up to 180-185° C. under microwave irradiation for 5 h-10 h (or 24 h at 160-180° C. in a silicon bath). The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the residue was purified by flash chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 2.5% MeOH with 7N ammonia in DCM) or by semi-preparative HPLC (Gemini C18 (150 10 mm; 5 m), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 40% of A to 0% of A).
The NH-BOC-protected amines got deprotected in the reaction conditions and reacted giving a mixture of regioisomers.
Example 1
[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 3): Rt=3.59 min, [M+H]+=424.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.34 (d, J=8.4, 2H), 7.10 (d, J=8.4, 2H), 4.50 (s, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.42 (d, J=6.1, 3H), 2.75 (d, J=19.5, 8H), 2.17 (s, 1H), 2.04 (d, J=13.5, 2H), 1.57 (s, 2H).
Example 2
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 4-amino-1-methylpiperidine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.101 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.41 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 5.01 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 4.54-4.38 (m, 2H), 4.05-3.84 (m, 1H), 3.20 (dd, J=11.7, 7.3 Hz, 4H), 2.71 (s, 3H), 2.51 (m, 5H), 2.27 (d, J=10.9 Hz, 2H), 1.95 (td, J=14.8, 3.7 Hz, 2H),
Example 3
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 4-amino-1-methylpiperidine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.17 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC3) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (dd, J=4.1, 3.0 Hz, 1H), 4.83 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.35-4.26 (m, 2H), 4.00-3.82 (m, 1H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.46 (t, J=4.3 Hz, 2H), 3.27 (d, J=11.8 Hz, 2H), 2.64-2.43 (m, 5H), 2.24 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 2H), 1.91 (td, J=14.6, 3.6 Hz, 2H).
Example 4
[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-amine




Amine: 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=2.47 min, [M+H]+ m/z 426.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.54-8.37 (m, 2H), 7.06-6.90 (m, 2H), 5.63 (t, J=4.4 Hz, 1H), 4.46-4.35 (m, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.70 (dd, J=12.7, 8.2 Hz, 4H), 3.49 (dd, J=10.9, 5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.24-3.14 (m, 2H), 2.79-2.65 (m, 5H), 2.57-2.47 (m, 4H).
Example 5
Dimethyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-amine




Amine: 4-(dimethylamino)piperidine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.15 min, [M+H]+ m/z 479.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.43-8.36 (m, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.19 (m, 1H), 4.35-4.25 (m, 4H), 3.31-3.18 (m, 3H), 2.88 (s, 3H), 2.84-2.58 (m, 5H), 2.51 (s, 6H), 2.12 (d, J=12.6 Hz, 2H), 1.89-1.68 (m, 2H).
Example 6
Dimethyl-{1-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-amine




Amine: 4-(dimethylamino)piperidine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.32 min, [M+H]+ m/z 479.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDC3) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.51-8.40 (m, 1H), 7.54 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.32-7.28 (m, 1H), 4.40-4.26 (m, 2H), 4.05 (d, J=12.9 Hz, 2H), 3.79 (s, 3H), 3.62-3.43 (m, 2H), 2.86 (t, J=11.7 Hz, 2H), 2.50 (d, J=11.4 Hz, 1H), 2.40 (s, 6H), 1.99 (d, J=11.7 Hz, 2H), 1.76 (tt, J=12.0, 6.2 Hz, 2H).
Example 7
Cyclopropylmethyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: cyclopropanemethylamine
HPLC-MS (method 2): Rt=1.84 min, [M+H]+ m/z 421.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=7.9, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.29-7.21 (m, 1H), 5.11 (t, J=4.9, 1H), 4.52-4.39 (m, 2H), 3.32-3.15 (m, 4H), 2.75 (s, 3H), 1.27-1.09 (m, 1H), 0.65-0.55 (m, 2H), 0.30 (q, J=4.8, 2H).
Example 8
Cyclopropylmethyl-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: cyclopropanemethylamine
HPLC-MS (method 2): Rt=2.64 min, [M+H]+ m/z 421.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.66-8.58 (m, 1H), 8.48-8.39 (m, 1H), 7.49 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.28-7.18 (m, 1H), 4.95 (t, J=5.0, 1H), 4.34 (dd, J=11.3, 7.1, 2H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.46 (dd, J=9.4, 5.0, 2H), 3.23 (dd, J=7.1, 5.3, 2H), 1.14 (qdd, J=12.1, 7.5, 4.8, 1H), 0.64-0.52 (m, 2H), 0.34-0.23 (m, 2H).
Example 9
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 4-fluorobenzylamine
HPLC-MS (method 2): Rt=2 min, [M+H]+ m/z 475.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.45 (s, 1H), 8.33 (d, J=7.9, 1H), 8.23 (s), 7.47 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.41-7.32 (m, 2H), 7.31-7.21 (m, 1H), 7.11-6.99 (m, 2H), 5.36 (t, J=5.2, 1H), 4.56 (d, J=5.5, 2H), 4.51-4.43 (m, 2H), 3.24-3.16 (m, 2H), 2.75 (s, 3H).
Example 10
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 4-fluorobenzylamine
HPLC-MS (method 2): Rt-2 min, [M+H]+ m/z 475.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.39-8.31 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.28-7.19 (m, 1H), 7.09-6.97 (m, 2H), 5.17 (t, J=5.5, 1H), 4.55 (d, J=5.6, 2H), 4.33 (dd, J=10.5, 6.3, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.52-3.40 (m, 2H).
Example 11
Cyclopropylmethyl-[6-ethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: cyclopropanemethylamine
HPLC-MS (method 2): Rt=2.63 min, [M+H]+ m/z 435.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.63-8.55 (m, 1H), 8.47-8.38 (m, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.19 (m, 1H), 5.00 (t, J=4.9 Hz, 1H), 4.45-4.35 (m, 2H), 3.31-3.14 (m, 4H), 2.86 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.30 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H), 1.18 (qdd, J=12.2, 7.4, 4.9 Hz, 1H), 0.66-0.57 (m, 2H), 0.31 (q, J=4.7 Hz, 2H).
Example 12
[6-Ethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methanamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.32 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.46 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (m, 1H), 7.28 (m, 1H), 5.00 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (m, 2H), 3.36 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.21 (m, 2H), 2.93 (m, 2H), 2.86 (q, J=7.2 Hz, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.97 (m, 2H), 1.79 (m, 3H), 1.45 (m, 2H), 1.30 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).
Example 13
[8-Ethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-5-oxa-1,2,3a,4,8-pentaaza-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-9-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methanamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.32 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.64 (s, 1H), 8.47 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.26 (m, 1H), 4.97 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (m, 4H), 3.53 (m, 2H), 3.34 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.92 (m, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 1.97 (m, 2H), 1.79 (m, 3H), 1.42 (m, 2H), 1.26 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).
Example 14
[9-Ethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amine




Amine: 4-aminotetrahydropyran hydrochloride
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=6.06 min, [M+H]+ m/z 465.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 7.26 (m, 1H), 4.75 (d, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 4.28 (m, 4H), 4.03 (m, 3H), 3.55 (m, 4H), 2.13 (m, 2H), 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.25 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).
Example 15
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6,9-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1,2,3a,4,6,9-hexaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 4-fluorobenzylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.90 min, [M+H]+ m/z 434
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.40-8.30 (m, 2H), 7.37 (dd, J=8.6, 5.4, 2H), 7.09-6.99 (m, 2H), 6.98-6.90 (m, 2H), 5.44 (t, J=5.5, 1H), 4.52 (d, J=5.5, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.45-3.34 (m, 2H), 3.07-2.96 (m, 2H), 2.59 (s, 3H).
Example 16
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methanamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.157, [M+H]+ m/z 478.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=8.0, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.29 (t, J=3.6, 1H), 5.53 (s, 1H), 4.51-4.41 (m, 2H), 3.55 (d, J=10.9, 2H), 3.42 (t, J=5.7, 2H), 3.25-3.13 (m, 2H), 2.74 (s, 3H), 2.72 (s, 3H), 2.20 (brs, 1H), 2.07-1.72 (m, 4H). Yield: 48%.
Example 17
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methanamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.333 min, [M+H]+ m/z 478.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.40 (d, J=8.0, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=8.1, 1H), 5.22 (t, J=5.7, 1H), 4.38-4.25 (m, 2H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.49 (dd, J=13.5, 9.3, 4H), 3.37 (t, J=6.3, 2H), 2.69 (s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 1H), 2.13 (s, 1H), 1.95 (s, 1H), 1.78 (t, J=12.2, 2H).
Example 18
Methyl-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 1-Methyl-4-(methylaminomethyl)-piperidine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.54 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.4.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.46 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 4.32-4.23 (m, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.50 (m, J=6.5 Hz, 7H), 3.36 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 3.03 (s, 3H), 2.84 (d, J=11.4 Hz, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.89 (t, J=10.9 Hz, 2H), 1.69 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 2H), 1.53 (s, 1H), 1.41-1.18 (m, 2H).
Example 19
4-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-cyclohexanol




Amine: (trans-4-aminocyclohexanol hydrochloride
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.897 min, [M+H]+ m/z 465.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.49-8.44 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.34-7.27 (m, 1H), 4.89 (d, J=6.9, 1H), 4.53-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.88-3.70 (m, 2H), 3.23-3.18 (m, 2H), 2.73 (s, 3H), 2.30 (d, J=11.3, 2H), 2.10 (d, J=11.3, 2H), 1.46 (ddd, J=23.7, 13.3, 3.0, 4H).
Example 20
4-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-cyclohexanol




Amine: (trans-4-aminocyclohexanol hydrochloride
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.25 min, [M+H]+ m/z 465.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.46 (d, J=8.0, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=8.1, 1 H), 7.32-7.28 (m, 1H), 4.71 (d, J=7.3, 1 H), 4.39-4.28 (m, 2H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.52-3.41 (m, 2H), 2.27 (d, J=11.6, 2H), 2.08 (d, J=10.5, 2H), 1.63-1.23 (m, 5H).
Yield: 18%.
Example 21
3-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-propan-1-ol




Amine: 3-amino-1-propanol
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.775 min, [M+H]+ m/z 425.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.45 (d, J=8.0, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=6.9, 1H), 5.64 (brs, 1H), 4.53-4.38 (m, 2H), 3.88 (t, J=5.6, 2H), 3.62 (dd, J=12.0, 6.1, 2H), 3.27-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.75 (s, 3H), 2.09-1.93 (m, 2H).
Example 22
3-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-propan-1-ol




Amine: 3-amino-1-propanol
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=6.06 min, [M+H]+ m/z 425.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.56 (d, J=1.1, 1H), 8.46-8.39 (m, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.1, 1 H), 7.31-7.23 (m, 1H), 5.25 (t, J=5.5, 1H), 4.32-4.24 (m, 2H), 3.81 (t, J=5.8, 2H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.58 (dd, J=12.4, 6.1, 2H), 3.47-3.37 (m, 2H), 1.94 (dt, J=12.0, 6.1, 2H).
Example 23
[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amine




Amine: 4-aminotetrahydropyran hydrochloride
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.42 min, [M+H]+ m/z 451.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.47-8.41 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.34-7.28 (m, 1H), 4.96 (d, J=6.9, 1H), 4.53-4.43 (m, 2H), 4.05 (dt, J=7.1, 3.8, 3H), 3.60 (td, J=11.7, 2.1, 2H), 3.27-3.18 (m, 2H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 2.18 (dd, J=12.3, 2.2, 2H), 1.73-1.55 (m, 2H).
Example 24
(3,4-Dimethoxy-benzyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 3,4-dimethoxybenzylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.736 min, [M+H]+ m/z 517.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.56 (s, 1H), 8.41 (d, J=7.9, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=7.1, 1H), 7.00-6.92 (m, 2H), 6.87 (d, J=8.0, 1H), 5.33 (t, J=5.2, 1H), 4.54 (d, J=5.3, 2H), 4.50-4.43 (m, 2H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.24-3.16 (m, 2H), 2.76 (s, 3H).
Example 25
(3,4-Dimethoxy-benzyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=6.11 min, [M+H]+ m/z 517.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=7.9, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.26 (t, J=4.1, 1H), 6.96 (d, J=7.6, 2H), 6.86 (d, J=7.8, 1H), 5.13 (t, J=5.3, 1H), 4.52 (d, J=5.4, 2H), 4.32 (t, J=4.2, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.51-3.44 (m, 2H).
Example 26
[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-pyridin-3-yl-ethyl)-amine




Amine: 2-pyridin-3-yl-ethylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.85 min, [M+H]+ m/z 473.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.52 (dd, J=25.8, 13.5, 4H), 7.64-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.35-7.26 (m, 2H), 5.13 (t, J=5.5, 1H), 4.53-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.76 (dd, J=12.8, 6.8, 2H), 3.23-3.15 (m, 2H), 3.08 (t, J=6.9, 2H), 2.63 (s, 3H).
Example 27
[2-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 2-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.10 min, [M+H]+ m/z 494.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.50-8.43 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.32-7.26 (m, 1H), 5.77 (t, J=4.5, 1H), 4.54-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.52 (dd, J=11.0, 5.7, 2H), 3.28-3.19 (m, 2H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 2.78-2.76 (m, 2H), 2.68-2.58 (s, 4H), 2.57-2.48 (s, 4H), 2.35 (s, 3H).
Example 28
[2-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-5,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 2-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.28 min, [M+H]+ m/z 494.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.48-8.39 (m, 1H), 7.54 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.33-7.26 (m, 1H), 5.42 (t, J=4.9, 1H), 4.41-4.32 (m, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.57 (dd, J=11.5, 5.8, 2H), 3.52-3.47 (m, 2H), 2.83 (dd, J=14.7, 8.6, 10H), 2.54 (s, 3H).
Example 29
[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-amine




Amine: 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.06 min, [M+H]+ m/z 481.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.61 (d, J=1.1, 1H), 8.53-8.41 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.34-7.23 (m, 1H), 5.78 (brs, 1H), 4.52-4.45 (m, 2H), 3.81-3.73 (m, 4H), 3.54 (dd, J=10.6, 5.2, 2H), 3.28-3.21 (m, 2H), 2.79 (s, 3H), 2.75 (d, J=5.8, 2H), 2.58 (brs, 4H).
Example 30
[9-Methyl-3-(3-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-5,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-amine




Amine: 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.22 min, [M+H]+ m/z 481.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.50-8.45 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.31-7.24 (m, 1H), 5.49 (brs, 1H), 4.41-4.33 (m, 2H), 3.80-3.75 (m, 4H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.55-3.49 (m, 4H), 2.73-2.69 (m, 2H), 2.59-2.51 (m, 4H).
Example 31
3-{6-Methyl-5-[(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amino]-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl}-benzonitrile




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methanamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=2.74 min, [M+H]+ m/z 419.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.80 (s, 1H), 8.46 (d, J=8.1, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 7.73 (d, J=7.7, 1H), 7.60 (t, J=7.9, 1H), 4.43-4.35 (m, 2H), 3.44 (d, J=12.1, 2H), 3.28 (d, J=6.9, 2H), 3.19-3.14 (m, 2H), 3.00 (t, J=11.5, 2H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 1H), 2.08 (d, J=10.8, 2H), 1.51 (d, J=11.7, 2H).
Example 32
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methanamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.20 min, [M+H]+ m/z 462.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.88 (s, 1H), 8.59 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (dt, J=15.6, 7.8 Hz, 2H), 4.52-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.27 (dd, J=9.7, 5.6 Hz, 4H), 2.88 (d, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 1.98 (t, J=11.1 Hz, 2H), 1.89-1.74 (m, 3H), 1.33 (dt, J=15.0, 7.5 Hz, 2H).
Example 33
[3-(1H-Indol-5-yl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=2.337 min, [M+H]+ m/z 433.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.60 (d, J=1.1, 1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 7.98 (dd, J=8.6, 1.5, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8.6, 1H), 7.35 (d, J=3.1, 1H), 6.65 (t, J=5.6, 1H), 6.50 (d, J=3.2, 1H), 4.48-4.35 (m, 2H), 3.48 (d, J=11.3, 2H), 3.36 (dd, J=8.4, 4.0, 2H), 3.26-3.14 (m, 2H), 2.99 (t, J=11.5, 2H), 2.79 (s, 3H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 2.22 (d, J=10.5, 1H), 2.06 (d, J=13.5, 2H), 1.59 (dd, J=23.2, 11.5, 2H).
Example 34
[3-(3-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=0.32, 2.29 min, [M+H]+ m/z 437.4.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ7.94 (m, 1H), 7.89 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (m, 1H), 6.83 (m, 1H), 5.07 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.47 (m, 2H), 3.38 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.20 (m, 2H), 3.09 (d, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 3.03 (s, 6H), 2.74 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.16 (m, 2H), 1.84 (m, 3H), 1.57 (m, 2H).
Example 35
4-{Methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amino}-cyclohexanol




Amine: Trans-4-(methylamino)cyclohexanol

HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.35 min, [M+H]+ m/z 479.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.41 (m, 2H), 7.65 (m, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.42 (m, 2H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 3.56 (m, 1H), 3.35 (m, 2H), 2.99 (s, 3H), 2.87 (s, 3H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 1.80 (m, 4H), 1.41 (m, 2H).
Example 36
Methyl-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 1-Methyl-4-(methylaminomethyl)-piperidine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.45 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.4.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (m, 1H), 7.43 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.43 (m, 2H), 3.60 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.35 (m, 2H), 3.16 (s, 3H), 2.88 (m, 2H), 2.85 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.06 (m, 2H), 1.88 (m, 1H), 1.70 (d, J=12.8 Hz, 2H), 1.27 (m, 2H).
Example 37
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazin-6-yl]-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.30 min, [M+H]+ m/z 461.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.44 (m, 1H), 7.69 (m, 1H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 6.92 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 1H), 3.23 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 2.92 (m, 2H), 2.84 (m, 2H), 2.46 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.84 (m, 9H), 1.25 (m, 2H).
Example 38
[8,9-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine; HCOOH salt




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.34, 3.45 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.68 (m, 1H), 7.48 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 6.76 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 4.23 (dd, J=10.6, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 4.09 (dd, J=10.6, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 3.60 (m, 4H), 3.19 (m, 2H), 2.84 (m, 2H), 2.21 (s, 3H), 1.96 (m, 2H), 1.74 (m, 3H), 1.24 (m, 5H).
Example 39
[6,7-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.12 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.69 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 6.87 (t, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (d, J=2.6 Hz, 2H), 3.41-3.24 (m, 1H), 3.18 (m, 2H), 2.78 (d, J=11.0 Hz, 2H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 1.84 (m, 3H), 1.70 (d, J=12.6 Hz, 2H), 1.36-1.14 (m, 2H), 1.07 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).
Example 40
[6,8-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine; HCOOH salt




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.28 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 8.20 (s, 1H), 7.69 (m, 1H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 6.91 (s, 1H), 4.46 (m, 1H), 3.20 (m, 4H), 2.80 (m, 2H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 1.89 (m, 3H), 1.72 (m, 2H), 1.46 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 3H), 1.25 (m, 2H).
Example 41
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine; HCOOH salt




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=2.92, 3.01 min, [M+H]+ m/z 465.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.40 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.69 (m, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 7.23 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.55 (m, 4H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 2.77 (d, J=11.3 Hz, 2H), 2.14 (s, 3H), 1.84 (m, 3H), 1.70 (m, 2H), 1.23 (m, 2H).
Example 42
[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-amine




Amine: 4-N-(2-aminoethyl)-1-N-BOC-piperazine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.04 min, [M+H]+ m/z 480.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.62-8.57 (m, 1H), 8.47-8.41 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.1, 1H), 7.31-7.24 (m, 1H), 5.28 (t, J=4.8, 1H), 4.41-4.32 (m, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.53-3.48 (m, 4H), 3.30-3.27 (m, 4H), 2.88-2.84 (m, 4H), 2.79 (t, J=5.8, 2H).
Example 43
4-{[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-methyl}-cyclohexanol




Amine: trans-N-BOC-4-aminomethyl-cyclohexanol
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.09 min, [M+H]+ m/z 479.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.43-8.32 (m, 1H), 7.62 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.34 (m, 1H), 4.52-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.50 (td, J=10.7, 5.4 Hz, 1H), 3.29-3.21 (m, 4H), 2.77 (s, 3H), 1.95 (m, 5H), 1.38-0.99 (m, 5H).
Example 44 and 45




Amine: 4-N-BOC-4-N-methyl-aminopiperidine
Example 44
Methyl-{1-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-amine; HCOOH salt
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.22 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.62-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.25 (d, J=4.7 Hz, 1H), 4.31 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 2H), 3.92 (d, J=12.6 Hz, 2H), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.50 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 2H), 2.91 (t, J=12.1 Hz, 2H), 2.74-2.54 (m, 1H), 2.47 (s, 6H), 2.01 (d, J=12.2 Hz, 2H), 1.55 (d, J=11.1 Hz, 2H).
Example 45
Methyl-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl-amine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.21 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.44-8.29 (m, 2H), 7.63 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.44-7.34 (m, 1H), 4.33 (t, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 4.15 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 2H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.55 (t, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 2.95 (t, J=11.8 Hz, 2H), 2.75 (s, 3H), 2.19 (t, J=10.1 Hz, 2H), 1.85 (tt, J=12.2, 6.1 Hz, 2H).
Example 46 and 47




Amine: 4-amino-1-BOC-piperidine
Example 46
1-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.20 min, [M+H]+ m/z 450.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.28-7.18 (m, 1H), 4.34-4.23 (m, 2H), 4.06 (dt, J=8.2, 5.1 Hz, 1H), 3.89 (d, J=13.0 Hz, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.53-3.44 (m, 2H), 2.97-2.80 (m, 2H), 1.91 (d, J=10.3 Hz, 2H), 1.52 (d, J=10.6 Hz, 2H).
Example 47
[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl-amine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.10 min, [M+H]+ m/z 450.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.50-8.36 (m, 1H), 7.99 (s, 1H), 7.49 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.19 (m, 1H), 4.76 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 4.40-4.26 (m, 2H), 3.96-3.81 (m, 1H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.45 (t, J=4.3 Hz, 2H), 3.15 (dd, J=9.2, 3.4 Hz, 2H), 2.85-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.16 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 2H), 1.56-1.35 (m, 2H).
Example 48 and 49




Amine: 2-amino-7-aza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
Example 48
7-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-ylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.37 min, [M+H]+ m/z 490.2.
1H NMR (700 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.42-8.36 (m, 1H), 7.66 (td, J=8.1, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 7.42 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.45-4.39 (m, 2H), 3.47 (ddd, J=30.1, 20.6, 10.2 Hz, 4H), 2.96 (d, J=4.9 Hz, 3H), 2.37 (s, 1H), 2.34-2.27 (m, 2H), 1.90 (dd, J=12.6, 7.5 Hz, 3H), 1.81 (ddd, J=22.6, 10.9, 5.6 Hz, 4H), 1.65 (dd, J=12.3, 8.3 Hz, 2H).
Example 49
(7-Aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.21 min, [M+H]+ m/z 490.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.37 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.56-4.44 (m, 2H), 4.38 (dd, J=16.0, 8.0 Hz, 1H), 3.28 (dd, J=6.9, 2.5 Hz, 2H), 3.25-3.15 (m, 2H), 3.16-3.05 (m, 2H), 2.79 (s, 3H), 2.59-2.44 (m, 2H), 2.07-1.92 (m, 4H), 1.92-1.81 (m, 2H).
Example 50
7-[6,7-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-ylamine; HCOOH salt




Amine: 2-amino-7-aza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=7.00 min, [M+H]+ m/z 504.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.42 (m, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.29 (dd, J=10.5, 2.0 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (dd, J=10.6, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 3.69 (m, 1H), 3.52 (m, 2H), 3.41 (m, 1H), 3.20 (s, 2H), 2.81 (s, 3H), 2.16 (m, 2H), 1.72 (m, 6H), 1.09 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H).
Example 51 and 52




Amine: 1-BOC-4-(aminomethyl)piperidine
Example 51
4-{[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-methyl}-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.6 min, [M+H]+ m/z 510.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) d 8.44 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.99 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 5.07 (s, 1H), 4.50-4.40 (m, 2H), 4.14 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.32 (t, J=6.1 Hz, 2H), 3.25-3.13 (m, 2H), 2.70 (d, J=14.6 Hz, 5H), 2.00 (m, 1H), 1.77 (d, J=12.8 Hz, 2H), 1.44 (s, 9H).
Example 52
C-{1-[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=2.85 min, [M+H]+ m/z 410.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.47-8.38 (m, 2H), 7.07-6.94 (m, 2H), 4.41-4.28 (m, 2H), 4.18 (d, J=12.8 Hz, 2H), 3.86 (s, 3H), 3.28-3.14 (m, 2H), 2.88 (s, 3H), 2.78 (t, J=11.5 Hz, 2H), 2.66 (d, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 1.90 (d, J=10.7 Hz, 2H), 1.71-1.27 (m, 2H).
Example 53
(1-Aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 2,7-diaza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, hydrochloride
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.34 min, [M+H]+ m/z 476.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.63 (d, J=1.0 Hz, 1H), 8.46-8.32 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.42 (m, 1H), 7.27-7.12 (m, 1H), 4.90 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 1H), 4.33-4.26 (m, 2H), 3.74 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 3.66 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 3H), 3.48-3.37 (m, 2H), 2.94 (td, J=11.0, 5.1 Hz, 2H), 2.61 (dt, J=12.1, 5.6 Hz, 2H), 2.38-2.28 (m, 2H), 1.71-1.53 (m, 2H), 1.37-1.24 (m, 2H).
Example 54
(1-Aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 2,7-diaza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester, hydrochloride
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.18 min, [M+H]+ m/z 475.4.
1H NMR ((300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.40 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.25 (m, 1H), 5.13 (t, J=5.8 Hz, 1H), 4.54-4.40 (m, 2H), 3.78 (d, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.26-3.13 (m, 2H), 3.01 (td, J=10.7, 4.9 Hz, 2H), 2.77-2.59 (m, 5H), 2.41 (s, 2H), 1.69 (qd, J=8.0, 3.5 Hz, 2H), 1.47-1.30 (m, 2H).
Example 55 and 56




Amine: 1-BOC-4-(aminomethyl)piperidine
Example 55
C-{1-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.46 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.64 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 4.46-4.37 (m, 2H), 4.30 (d, J=12.8 Hz, 2H), 3.34-3.30 (m, 2H), 2.95 (s, 3H), 2.84 (t, J=12.4 Hz, 2H), 2.71 (m, 2H), 1.92 (dd, J=11.9, 5.9 Hz, 2H), 1.72 (m, 1H), 1.59-1.39 (m, 2H).
Example 56
[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-amine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.19 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (700 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.51 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.66 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.44 (d, J=8.2 Hz, 1H), 4.59-4.42 (m, 2H), 3.46 (d, J=12.8 Hz, 2H), 3.42 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.31-3.27 (m, 2H), 3.02 (td, J=12.9, 2.6 Hz, 2H), 2.81 (s, 3H), 2.32-2.24 (m, 1H), 2.09 (d, J=13.7 Hz, 2H), 1.56 (td, J=15.5, 4.0 Hz, 2H).
Example 57 and 58




Amine: 1-BOC-4-(aminomethyl)piperidine
Example 57
C-{1-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.54 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.57 (s, 1H), 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.38 (dd, J=8.0, 1.0 Hz, 1H), 7.62 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.43-7.35 (m, 1H), 4.36-4.25 (m, 2H), 4.03 (d, J=12.7 Hz, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 3.57-3.48 (m, 2H), 2.83 (t, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 2.71-2.62 (m, 2H), 1.93-1.80 (m, 2H), 1.68 (d, J=3.8 Hz, 1H), 1.42 (td, J=12.1, 3.1 Hz, 2H).
Example 58
[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-amine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.32 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (dd, J=8.3, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 4.44-4.30 (m, 2H), 3.58 (s, 3H), 3.54-3.44 (m, 2H), 3.36 (t, J=3.3 Hz, 2H), 2.93 (dd, J=12.9, 10.4 Hz, 2H), 2.16 (dd, J=9.0, 5.6 Hz, 1H), 2.10-1.96 (m, 2H), 1.58-1.35 (m, 2H).
Example 59
C-{7-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl}-methylamine




Amine: 2-Aminomethyl-7-aza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tery-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.38 min, [M+H]+ m/z 504.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.63 (s, 1H), 8.44 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.28 (m, 1H), 4.99 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 4.48 (m, 2H), 3.48 (m, 2H), 3.21 (m, 2H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 2.89 (m, 2H), 2.73 (m, 4H), 2.08 (m, 2H), 1.82 (m, 2H), 1.72 (m, 2H), 1.62 (m, 2H).
Example 60 and 61




Amine: 2 1,8-diaza-spiro[4.6]undecane-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
Example 60
5-(1,8-Diaza-spiro[4.6]undec-8-yl)-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCOOH salt
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.28 min, [M+H]+ m/z 504.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.41 (m, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.28 (m, 1H), 4.37 (m, 2H), 3.86 (m, 1H), 3.71 (m, 3H), 3.26 (m, 4H), 2.75 (s, 3H), 2.35 (m, 1H), 2.24 (m, 1H), 2.05 (m, 4H), 1.90 (m, 4H).
Example 61
6-Methyl-5-(1-methyl-1,8-diaza-spiro[4.6]undec-8-yl)-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCl salt
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.48 min, [M+H]+ m/z 518.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.37 (m, 2H), 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (m, 2H), 4.24 (m, 1H), 3.80 (m, 2H), 3.64 (m, 1H), 3.38 (m, 4H), 2.82 (s, 3H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 2.13 (m, 10H).
Secondary product obtained due to an impurity in the amine used as starting material.
Example 62
Methyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-amine; HCOOH salt




Amine: 4-N-BOC-4-N-methyl-aminopiperidine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.15 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.39 (s, 1H), 8.33 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.40 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 4.39 (m, 4H), 3.33 (m, 2H), 3.16 (m, 1H), 2.95 (m, 5H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 2.20 (d, J=11.3 Hz, 2H), 1.82 (m, 2H).
Example 63
Methyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine




Amine: 4-[(methylamino)methyl]piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.40 min, [M+H]+ m/z 478.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.44 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.44 (m, 2H), 4.36 (m, 2H), 3.36 (m, 2H), 2.95 (m, 7H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 1.96 (m, 3H), 1.61 (m, 2H).
Example 64
Methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-amine




Amine: 4-[(methylamino)methyl]piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.49 min, [M+H]+ m/z 478.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.67 (m, 1H), 7.44 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.45 (m, 2H), 3.64 (d, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 3.36 (m, 4H), 3.19 (s, 3H), 2.95 (m, 2H), 2.85 (s, 3H), 2.17 (m, 1H), 1.90 (m, 2H), 1.39 (m, 2H).
Example 65
(7-Aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine; HCl salt




Amine: 2-amino-7-aza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.51 min, [M+H]+ m/z 490.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (m, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (m, 2H), 3.85 (m, 1H), 3.63 (s, 3H), 3.58 (m, 2H), 3.49 (m, 2H), 3.42 (m, 2H), 2.39 (m, 2H), 2.00 (m, 2H), 1.84 (m, 4H).
Example 66
7-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-ylamine; HCl salt




Amine: 2-amino-7-aza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.53 min, [M+H]+ m/z 490.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.36 (m, 1H), 7.72 (m, 1H), 7.52 (m, 1H), 4.39 (m, 2H), 3.84 (m, 1H), 3.51 (m, 9H), 2.39 (m, 2H), 2.00 (m, 2H), 1.83 (m, 4H).
Example 67
5-(2,9-Diaza-spiro[5.5]undec-9-yl)-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCl salt




Amine: 2,9-diaza-spiro[5.5]undecane-9-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.44 min, [M+H]+ m/z 504.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.40 (m, 2H), 7.71 (m, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.46 (m, 2H), 3.70 (m, 2H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 3.41 (m, 2H), 3.15 (m, 4H), 3.02 (s, 3H), 1.82 (m, 8H).
Example 68
5-(2,9-Diaza-spiro[S5.5]undec-2-yl)-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCl salt




Amine: 2,9-diaza-spiro[5.5]undecane-9-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.50 min, [M+H]+ m/z 504.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.52 (s, 1H), 8.38 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.74 (m, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=8.3 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (m, 2H), 3.54 (m, 2H), 3.43 (m, 4H), 3.21 (m, 4H), 3.02 (s, 3H), 1.83 (m, 8H).
Example 69
5-(2,6-Diaza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCl salt




Amine: 2,6-diaza-spiro[3.5]nonane-6-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester; hydrochloride
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.37 min, [M+H]+ m/z 476.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.43 (m, 2H), 7.74 (m, 1H), 7.56 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 1H), 4.51 (m, 2H), 4.24 (m, 2H), 4.11 (m, 2H), 3.67 (s, 2H), 3.49 (m, 2H), 3.18 (m, 2H), 2.91 (s, 3H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 1.91 (m, 2H).
Example 70
N-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-cyclohexane-1,4-diamine; HCOOH salt




Amine: 1-N-BOC-cis-1,4-cyclohexyldiamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.22 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.55 (s, 1H), 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 4.51 (m, 2H), 4.03 (m, 1H), 3.30 (m, 3H), 2.84 (s, 3H), 2.15 (m, 2H), 1.87 (m, 6H).
Example 71
N-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-cyclohexane-1,4-diamine




Amine: 1-N-BOC-trans-1,4-cyclohexyldiamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.00 min, [M+H]+ m/z 464.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ8.49 (s, 1H), 8.41 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.48 (m, 2H), 3.77 (m, 1H), 3.26 (m, 2H), 2.75 (s, 3H), 2.70 (m, 1H), 2.21 (d, J=11.2 Hz, 2H), 1.99 (d, J=12.1 Hz, 2H), 1.49 (m, 2H), 1.33 (m, 2H).
Example 72
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[8,8,9-trimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.62 min, [M+H]+ m/z 506.5.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (m, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=8.6 Hz, 1H), 6.83 (t, J=5.4 Hz, 1H), 4.04 (s, 2H), 3.60 (s, 3H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 3.13 (m, 2H), 2.52 (m, 3H, not clearly seen), 1.93 (m, 1H), 1.81 (m, 2H), 1.30 (m, 10H).
Example 73
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6,7,7-trimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: (1-methyl-4-piperidinyl)methylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.33 min, [M+H]+ m/z 506.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO) b 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (m, 1H), 7.50 (m, 1H), 6.86 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 1H), 4.14 (s, 2H), 3.25 (m, 2H), 2.84 (m, 2H), 2.54 (s, 3H), 2.20 (broad s, 3H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 1.72 (m, 2H), 1.26 (m, 4H), 1.17 (m, 6H).
Example 74
N—[(S)-6,7-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-cyclohexane-1,4-diamine




Amine: 1-N-BOC-trans-1,4-cyclohexyldiamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.17 min, [M+H]+ m/z 478.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.42 (m, 1H), 7.64 (m, 1H), 7.42 (m, 1H), 4.33 (m, 2H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 3.36 (m, 1H), 2.75 (m, 1H), 2.71 (s, 3H), 2.19 (m, 2H), 2.01 (m, 2H), 1.42 (m, 4H), 1.16 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).
Example 77
7-[(S)-6,7-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-ylamine




Amine: 2-amino-7-aza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.51 min, [M+H]+ m/z 504.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.44 (s, 1H), 8.35 (m, 1H), 7.61 (m, 1H), 7.37 (m, 1H), 4.30 (dd, J=10.6, 2.6 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (dd, J=10.6, 2.1 Hz, 1H), 3.64 (m, 2H), 3.42 (m, 2H), 3.22 (m, 2H), 2.91 (s, 3H), 2.26 (m, 2H), 1.78 (m, 4H), 1.62 (m, 2H), 1.18 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).
Example 78
(7-Aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-[(S)-6,7-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 2-amino-7-aza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.41 min, [M+H]+ m/z 504.4.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 1H 8.62 (s, 1H), 8.37 (m, 1H), 7.64 (m, 1H), 7.42 (m, 1H), 4.33 (m, 3H), 3.36 (m, 1H), 2.86 (m, 2H), 2.78 (m, 2H), 2.75 (s, 3H), 2.46 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 1H), 1.87 (m, 1H), 1.74 (m, 2H), 1.64 (m, 2H), 1.17 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 3H).
General Method II
To a solution of the appropriate chloride (ex: 5-chloro-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta-[a]naphthalene) in degassed dry 1,4-dioxane, sodium tert-butoxide (1.7 eq), BINAP (0.09 eq), Pd2(dba)3 (0.05 equiv) and the appropriate amine (ex: 1-BOC-4-(aminomethyl)piperidine) were added at room temperature. The mixture was refluxed for 6 h to 8 h (110° C.). The reaction mixture was filtered through a Celite pad and washed with DCM. The solvent was removed under vacuum to yield the crude mixture. The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 2.5% MeOH with 7N ammonia in DCM) or by semi-preparative HPLC (Gemini C18 (150 10 mm; 5 m), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 40% of A to 0% of A).
Example 79
4-{[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-methyl}-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester




Amine: 1-BOC-4-(aminomethyl)piperidine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=6.50 min, [M+H]+ m/z 564.3.
1H NMR ((300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.49-8.39 (m, 1H), 7.58-7.45 (m, 1H), 7.29 (dd, J=4.6, 3.4 Hz, 1H), 5.16 (t, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 4.52-4.40 (m, 2H), 4.29-4.05 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.28 (m, 2H), 3.27-3.15 (m, 2H), 2.72 (s, 3H), 2.10-1.89 (m, 1H), 1.86-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.46 (s, 9H), 1.36-1.12 (m, 2H).
Example 80
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 4-fluorobenzylamine
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=7.21 min, [M+H]+ m/z 421.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.31 (d, J=8.7, 2H), 7.35 (dd, J=8.0, 5.7, 2H), 7.02 (t, J=8.6, 2H), 6.95 (d, J=8.7, 2H), 5.13 (s, 1H), 4.53 (d, J=5.4, 2H), 4.29 (t, J=3.9, 2H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 3.69 (s, 3H), 3.51-3.37 (m, 2H).
Example 81
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 4-fluorobenzylamine
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=6.82 min, [M+H]+ m/z 421.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.31 (d, J=8.7, 2H), 7.43-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.05 (t, J=8.5, 2H), 6.95 (d, J=8.7, 2H), 5.31 (t, J=5.0, 1H), 4.54 (d, J=5.2, 2H), 4.49-4.38 (m, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.23-3.10 (m, 2H), 2.73 (s, 3H).
Example 82
[2-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




Amine: 2-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-ethylamine
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.52-8.43 (m, 2H), 8.07-8.01 (m, 4H), 7.05-6.98 (m, 10H), 4.87 (s, 1H), 4.31-4.23 (m, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.63 (dd, J=14.1, 6.4, 2H), 3.48-3.40 (m, 2H), 2.96 (t, J=7.2, 2H).
Intermediate 40
2-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-2,7-diaza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester




Amine: 2,7-diaza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=7.22 min, [M+H]+ m/z 576.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.45 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.52 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=2.4 Hz, 1H), 4.32-4.22 (m, 2H), 3.93 (s, 4H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.47 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 3.44-3.35 (m, 4H), 2.04-1.94 (s, 9H), 1.84-1.73 (m, 4H).
Example 83
5-(2,7-Diaza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




To a solution of 2-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-2,7-diaza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester in dry MeOH (3 mL), HCl (10 eq) (4M in dioxane, 0.5 mL) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was concentrated under vacuum. The residue was washed with MeOH (7N NH3). The residue was purified using semi-preparative HPLC (Gemini C18 (150 10 mm; 5 m), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 40% of A to 0% of A) to give 5-(2,7-diaza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene.
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.27 min, [M+H]+ m/z 476.2.
1H NMR ((300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.48 (m, 1H), 8.37-8.26 (m, 1H), 7.55 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (ddd, J=8.2, 1.5, 0.8 Hz, 1H), 4.17 (t, J=4.1 Hz, 2H), 3.80 (s, 2H), 3.53 (s, 3H), 3.36 (dd, J=5.3, 2.8 Hz, 2H), 2.84-2.71 (m, 4H), 1.85-1.69 (m, 4H).
Example 84
4-{6-Methyl-5-[(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amino]-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl}-phenol




A solution of [3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine in DCM was cooled down to −78° C. under argon. Then, borontribromide (solution in DCM) was added dropwise and the mixture kept at −20° C. for two days. Additional amounts of borontribromide ( ̃5 eq) and extended reaction times were needed in order to drive the reaction to completion. Once finished, the excess of borontribromide was quenched at −78° C. by adding MeOH ( ̃0.5 mL). The pH was checked and brought up to −9 by adding MeOH(NH3 7N) at room temperature. The solvent was removed under vacuum at low temperature and the sample was purified first by reversed phase chromatography followed by semi-preparative HPLC (Gemini C18 (150 10 mm; 5 m), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 40% of A to 0% of A) to give 4-{6-methyl-5-[(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amino]-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl}-phenol (6 mg, 61% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 3): Rt=2.67 min, [M+H]+ m/z 410.5.
1H NMR (700 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.27-8.25 (m, ArH, OH; 3H), 6.90 (m, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 6.78 (m, 1H), 4.40 (t, J=4.2 Hz, 2H), 3.2 (t, 2H), 3.18 (t, 2H), 3.17 (s, 3H), 2.8 (m, 2H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.5 (m, 2H), 1.9 (m, 2H), 1.7 (m, 1H), 1.27-1.23 (m, 2H).
General Method III
A mixture of the appropriate amine (ex: C-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-methylamine in acetone (2 mL) was treated with potassium carbonate (1 eq) and stirred at room temperature for 4 h. Sodium cyanoborohydride (1.2 eq) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum and the residue was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (Gemini C18 (150 10 mm; 5 m), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 40% of A to 0% of A) to give the desidered product (ex: isopropyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine).
Example 85
Isopropyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.34 min, [M+H]+ m/z 506.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.56 (s, 0.5H), 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.51 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.25 (m, 1H), 4.41-4.27 (m, 2H), 4.21 (d, J=12.7 Hz, 2H), 3.29-3.16 (m, 2H), 3.07-2.92 (m, 1H), 2.87 (s, 3H), 2.81 (m, 2H), 2.68 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 1.85 (m, 1H), 1.55-1.32 (m, 2H), 1.20 (2 s, 6H).
Example 86
Isopropyl-{1-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine




HPLC-MS (5-100% B in 8 min, 0.6 mU/min): Rt=3.41 min, [M+H]+ m/z 506.3.
1H NMR ((300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.59 (s, 0.5H), 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.43 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.25 (d, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (dd, J=15.1, 11.0 Hz, 2H), 3.94 (d, J=12.8 Hz, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.47 (dd, J=5.3, 3.1 Hz, 2H), 2.86 (dt, J=22.8, 9.3 Hz, 3H), 2.59 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 2H), 1.88 (d, J=13.8 Hz, 2H), 1.75 (s, 1H), 1.44 (dt, J=20.4, 10.4 Hz, 2H), 1.14 (t, J=5.9 Hz, 6H).
Example 87
Isopropyl-{7-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl}-amine




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.61 min, [M+H]+ m/z 532.4.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.62 (s, 1H), 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.44 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.28 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 4.37 (m, 2H), 3.59 (m, 1H), 3.42 (m, 4H), 3.24 (m, 2H), 3.07 (m, 1H), 2.87 (s, 3H), 2.28 (m, 2H), 2.01 (m, 2H), 1.81 (m, 4H), 1.24 (d, J=6.3 Hz, 6H).
General Method IV
A mixture of the appropriate amine (ex: [6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-amine), the appropriate alkyl halide (ex: cyclopropylmethylbromide) (1 eq) and Et3N (1 eq) in acetonitrile (and one drop of DMF) was heated up to 100° C. under microwave irradiation for 6 h. The reaction mixture was evaporated and the residue redissolved in DCM and washed with HCl (2N aq.sol). The residue was purified by flash chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 5% MeOH-7N ammonia in DCM) to yield the final product (ex: 1-cyclopropylmethyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine).
Example 88
(1-Cyclopropylmethyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.53 min, [M+H]+ m/z 518.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.58 (s, 1H), 8.44 (dd, J=8.0, 1.1 Hz, 1H), 7.49 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.30-7.26 (m, 1H), 5.12 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 4.52-4.37 (m, 2H), 3.34 (q, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.18 (dd, J=9.8, 5.5 Hz, 2H), 3.11 (d, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 2.73 (s, 3H), 2.23 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 1.97 (t, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 1.80 (dd, J=9.1, 3.0 Hz, 3H), 1.55-1.32 (m, 3H), 0.97-0.68 (m, 2H), 0.56-0.35 (m, 2H), 0.15-0.03 (m, 2H).
Example 89
(1-Cyclopropylmethyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.03 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.61 (s, 1H), 8.42 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 7.50 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.26 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 4.98 (s, 1H), 4.45 (d, J=13.6 Hz, 2H), 4.38-4.26 (m, 2H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 3.65 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 1H), 3.51-3.43 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.22 (m, 2H), 3.06 (dd, J=18.0, 7.8 Hz, 1H), 2.61 (td, J=12.9, 3.1 Hz, 2H), 1.88 (t, J=12.6 Hz, 2H).
General Method V
To a solution of the appropriate amine (ex: methyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine) (1 eq) in dry DMF (47 mL/mmol), Et3N (3 eq) was added and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 min. The reaction mixture was cooled down to 0° C. and the appropriate alkyl halide (0.99 eq) (ex: ethyl bromide) was added. The mixture was allowed to reach RT and stirred overnight. To the reaction mixture drops of NaOH aq. solution (2M) were added. The solvent was removed under vacuum. The resulting residue was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (Gemini C18 (150 10 mm; 5 m), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 40% of A to 0% of A) to yield the desired product (ex: ethyl-methyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine).
Example 90
Ethyl-methyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine; HCOOH salt




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.46 min, [M+H]+ m/z 506.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.41 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.68 (m, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=8.5 Hz, 1H), 4.44 (m, 2H), 4.36 (m, 2H), 3.36 (m, 2H), 3.08 (m, 2H), 2.97 (s, 3H), 2.91 (m, 4H), 2.76 (s, 3H), 2.07 (m, 1H), 1.97 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.32 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 3H).
Yield: 17%
Example 91
(1-Ethyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine; compound with formic acid




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.20 min, [M+H]+ m/z 492.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.63 (m, 1H), 7.41 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 4.49 (m, 2H), 3.58 (d, J=12.1 Hz, 2H), 3.41 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 3.26 (m, 2H), 3.14 (m, 2H), 2.95 (m, 2H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 2.26 (m, 1H), 2.10 (m, 2H), 1.62 (m, 2H), 1.33 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).
General Method VI
To a THF solution of the appropriate amine (ex: C-{1-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-methylamine) at room tempearture, DMAP (1.5 eq) and acetic anhydride (1 eq) were added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 48 h. Then, DCM was added to the reaction mixture. The organic phase was washed with sodium bicarbonate (aq. solution) and dried with magnesium sulphate. The obtained residue was filtered through silica flash to eliminate part of the impurities. The residue was purified by semi-preparative HPLC (Gemini C18 (150 mm; 5 m), Solvent A: water with 0.1% formic acid; Solvent B: acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Gradient: 40% of A to 0% of A) to give the desired product (ex: N-{1-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-acetamide).
Example 92
N-{1-[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmeth I}-acetamide




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.31 min, [M+H]+ m/z 452.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.40 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 7.00 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 2H), 5.72 (m, 1H), 4.42-4.26 (m, 2H), 4.16 (d, J=12.7 Hz, 2H), 3.85 (s, 3H), 3.29-3.13 (m, 4H), 2.87 (s, 3H), 2.75 (t, J=11.6 Hz, 2H), 2.00 (s, 3H), 1.85 (d, J=11.8 Hz, 2H), 1.76-1.58 (m, 1H), 1.51-1.31 (m, 2H).
Example 93
N-{1-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-acetamide




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.91 min, [M+H]+ m/z 506.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ8.57 (s, 1H), 8.40 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 7.65 (m, 1H), 7.43 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 1H), 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.96 (d, J=13.5 Hz, 1H), 3.33 (m, 4H), 3.12 (t, J=12.6 Hz, 1H), 2.80 (s, 3H), 2.64 (t, J=12.2 Hz, 1H), 2.19 (m, 1H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 1.91 (m, 2H), 1.26 (m, 3H).
Example 94
4-[5-(4-Fluoro-benzylamino)-6,9-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1,2,3a,4,6,9-hexaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl]-phenol




To a DCM (10 mL) solution of (4-fluoro-benzyl)-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6,9-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1,2,3a,4,6,9-hexaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine (0.05 g, 0.115 mmol, 1.0 eq) under argon at −78° C., borontribromide (1.15 mL, 1.15 mmol, 10.0 eq) was added. Then, the reaction mixture was kept at −20° C. overnight. Additional amounts of borontribromide (2×1.0 mL) were added at −78° C. and stirred for 2×6 h. Cooled down at −78° C., MeOH was added (5 mL) and stirred for 1 h. Solvent was removed under vacuum. The crude solid was triturated from water and cooled down 0° C. Ammonia solution (32%) was added until pH=8 and the solid was filtered off, washed with cold water and dried with diethyl ether to afford 4-[5-(4-fluoro-benzylamino)-6,9-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1,2,3a,4,6,9-hexaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl]-phenol (0.045 g)
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.99 min, [M+H]+ m/z 420.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-ds) δ: 9.77 (s, 1H), 8.01 (d, J=8.7, 2H), 7.42 (dd, J=8.4, 5.7, 2H), 7.14 (t, J=8.8, 2H), 6.99 (t, J=5.8, 1H), 6.80 (d, J=8.8, 2H), 4.46 (d, J=5.7, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 3.39 (m, 2H), 3.03 (m, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H).
Example 95
1-(4-{2-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-ethyl}-piperazin-1-yl)-ethanone




Dimethylaminopyridine (13 mg, 0.103 mmol) was added to a mixture of [9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-amine (33 mg, 0.069 mmol) in THF (1 mL) at room temperature followed by the addition of acetic anhydride (0.01 mL, 0.103 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The reaction was diluted with DCM and washed with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The combined organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 0% to 20% MeOH in DCM) followed by semi-preparative HPLC to give 1-(4-{2-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-ethyl}-piperazin-1-yl)-ethanone.
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.19 min, [M+H]+ m/z 521.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.54 (s, 1H), 8.48-8.43 (m, 1H), 7.56 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.31 (dt, J=6.2, 2.2 Hz, 1H), 4.37-4.32 (m, 2H), 3.82 (s, 3H), 3.59-3.51 (m, 6H), 3.47 (dd, J=11.0, 5.3 Hz, 2H), 2.73 (d, J=28.8 Hz, 6H), 2.04 (s, 3H).
Example 95A
N-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-N-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-acetamide




N-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-N-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-acetamide was obtained as a secondary product in the synthesis of 1-(4-{2-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-ethyl}-piperazin-1-yl)-ethanone.
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.175 min, [M+H]+ m/z 521.3.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.45 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.29 (t, J=2.7 Hz, 1H), 5.45 (brs, 1H), 4.40-4.33 (m, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.70-3.48 (m, 8H), 2.82-2.48 (m, 6H), 2.11 (s, 3H).
Yield: 28%.
Example 96
[2-(4-Methanesulfonyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




To a mixture of [9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-amine (38 mg, 0.079 mmol) in acetonitrile (1.22 mL) at 0° C. was added triethylamine (0.033 mL, 0.208 mmol) followed by the addition of methanesulfonyl chloride (0.008 mL, 0.103 mmol). The reaction was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The reaction was diluted with DCM and washed with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The combined organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 0% to 10% MeOH in DCM) followed by semi-preparative HPLC to give [2-(4-Methanesulfonyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-[9-methyl-3-(3-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine.
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.47 min, [M+H]+ m/z 557.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.60 (s, 1H), 8.45 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.53 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.31-7.27 (m, 1H), 5.31 (brs, 1H), 4.39-4.33 (m, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 3.62-3.47 (m, 4H), 3.40-3.24 (m, 4H), 2.83 (s, 3H), 2.80-2.58 (m, 6H).
Example 96A
N-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-N-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-methanesulfonamide




N-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-N-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-methanesulfonamide was obtained as a secondary product in the synthesis of [2-(4-methanesulfonyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-[9-methyl-3-(3-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine.
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.09 min, [M+H]+ m/z 261.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.47-8.42 (m, 1H), 7.57 (t, J=8.1 Hz, 1H), 7.59-7.29 (m, 1H), 5.70 (brs, 1H), 4.36-4.30 (m, 2H), 3.83 (s, 3H), 3.70-3.61 (m, 4H), 3.59-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.43 (dt, J=5.7, 3.9 Hz, 2H), 3.02 (s, 3H), 2.89 (dd, J=16.0, 10.4 Hz, 6H).
Yield: 23%.
General Method VII
To a DMF (75 mL/mmol) solution of an appropriate aniline (ex: [6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amine) (1 eq) at 0° C. was added in one portion NaH (10 eq). The colorless mixture turned to yellow, small bubbles were observed. The reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min at 0° C., then MeI was added dropwise (32 eq). The reaction mixture was stirred for 30 min at this temperature and 2 h more at room temperature. The reaction mixture was quenched with brine and extracted with EtOAc (×4). The combined organic layers were dried over Na2SO4 anhydrous and the solvent evaporated under vacuum. The obtained residue was purified by semi-preparative HPLC to yield the wanted final product (ex: methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amine).
Example 97
Methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amine




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.84 min, [M+H]+ m/z 465.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.49 (s, 1H), 8.45 (m, 1H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.31 (m, 1H), 4.40 (m, 2H), 4.34 (m, 1H), 4.09 (dd, J=11.3, 4.2 Hz, 2H), 3.50 (m, 2H), 3.30 (m, 2H), 2.99 (s, 3H), 2.84 (s, 3H), 1.98 (m, 2H), 1.78 (m, 2H).
Example 98
Methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-amine




HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=4.14 min, [M+H]+ m/z 494.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) G 8.43 (s, 1H), 8.36 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 8.22 (s, 1H), 7.47 (m, 1H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 2H), 3.73 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 3.56 (m, 4H), 3.21 (m, 2H), 3.04 (s, 3H), 2.77 (s, 3H), 2.60 (t, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 2.47 (m, 4H).
Example 99
Cyclopropylmethyl-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




A mixture of 5-chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene (90 mg, 0.399 mmol) and cyclopropanemethylamine (0.17 mL, 1.994 mmol) in nBuOH (1.6 mL) was heated under microwave irradiation at 185° C. for 3 h. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 0% to 4% MeOH in DCM) to give a pale yellow solid which corresponds to cyclopropylmethyl-(6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl)-amine (72 mg).
HPLC-MS ( ): Rt=3.09 min, [M+H]+ m/z 261.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.64 (s, 1H), 5.06 (brs, 1H), 4.47-4.38 (m, 2H), 3.26-3.12 (m, 4H), 2.73 (s, 3H), 1.22-1.06 (m, 1H), 0.66-0.51 (m, 2H), 0.34-0.23 (m, 2H).
A mixture of cyclopropylmethyl-(6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl)-amine (72 mg, 0.277 mmol) and N-bromosuccinimide (59 mg, 0.332 mmol) in chloroform (0.73 mL) was stirred at room temperature for 24 h. The reaction was diluted with DCM and washed with a saturated sodium bicarbonate solution. The combined organic layers were dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 0% to 1% MeOH in DCM) to give (3-bromo-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl)-(2-methyl-butyl)-amine (13 mg, 14% yield).
The same intermediate was obtained by the following reaction:
A mixture of 3-Bromo-5-chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene (23 mg, 0.076 mmol) and cyclopropanemethylamine (6 mg, 0.091 mmol) in nBuOH (0.5 mL) was heated under microwave irradiation at 185° C. for 4 h. The solvent was evaporated under vacuum. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 0% to 1% MeOH in DCM) to give (3-bromo-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl)-(2-methyl-butyl)-amine (10 mg, 39% yield).
A mixture of (3-bromo-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl)-(2-methyl-butyl)-amine (13 mg, 0.038 mmol), 4-fluorophenylboronic acid (6 mg, 0.046 mmol), Pd(PPh3)4 (1 mg, 0.00038 mmol) and cesium carbonate (37 mg, 0.115 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (0.3 mL) and water (0.2 mL) was heated under microwave irradiation at 140° C. for 30 min. The reaction was diluted with DCM and water was added. The organic layer was separated, dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and concentrated. The residue was purified by column chromatography (Isolute/Flash, Sill, 0% to 1% MeOH in DCM) to give cyclopropylmethyl-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine.
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.15 min, [M+H]+ m/z 356.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.54 (dd, J=9.0, 5.5, 2H), 7.20 (t, J=8.8, 2H), 5.12 (s, 1H), 4.52-4.43 (m, 2H), 3.28 (dd, J=7.1, 5.2, 2H), 3.25-3.20 (m, 2H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 1.24-1.17 (m, 1H), 0.69-0.57 (m, 2H), 0.34 (q, J=4.8, 2H).
Yield: 64%.
Example 100
[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine




Following the reaction sequence described for cyclopropylmethyl-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naph-thalen-5-yl]-amine starting from 3-bromo-5-chloro-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene.
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.37 min, [M+H]+ m/z 412.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.26 (dd, J=9.0, 5.4, 2H), 8.23 (s, 1H), 7.15 (t, J=8.8, 2H), 4.43-4.32 (m, 2H), 3.43 (d, J=11.8, 2H), 3.28 (d, J=6.6, 2H), 3.19-3.11 (m, 2H), 2.94 (t, J=12.5, 2H), 2.75 (s, 3H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 2.19-2.02 (m, 1H), 1.97 (d, J=13.7, 2H), 1.61-1.39 (m, 2H).
Example 101
5-Piperidin-1-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene




A mixture 5-chloro-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazine (300 mg, 1.74 mmol) and piperidine (0.69 mL, 6.92 mmol) in n-BuOH (2 mL) was heated for 1.5 h at 150° C. under MW irradiation. On cooling, the mixture was taken up with EtOAc (200 mL), NaHCO3 (sat aq) (25 mL) was added and the organic phase separated.
The combined organic phases were dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed under vacuum. The obtained residue was purified by recrystallization from cyclohexane/pentanes to give 5-piperidin-1-yl-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazine as a yellow solid (342 g, 89% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=0.826 min, [M+H]+ m/z 222.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.42 (s, 1H), 4.41 (m, 2H), 4.36 (m, 2H), 3.47 (dd, J=12.8, 8.1 Hz, 4H), 1.69 (m, 6H).
A solution of 5-piperidin-1-yl-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazine (62 mg, 0.28 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was cooled to −78° C. Then, a solution of lithium diisopropylamide (1.3 N in THF/heptane/ethylbenzene) (0.46 mL, 0.6 mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture was stirred for 45 minutes at −78° C. Hexachloroethane (142 mg, 0.6 mmol) was added, the mixture was stirred for 1 h at −78° C. The reaction was quenched with aqueous saturated NH4Cl (10 mL) at −78° C. and extracted with EtOAc (4×50 mL). The combined organic layers were dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed under vacuum. The obtained residue was purified by flash column chromatography (hexanes/EtOAc 7:3 to 1:1) to give 5-chloro-8-piperidin-1-yl-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazine as a yellow solid (49 mg, 70% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=3.81 min, [M+H]+ m/z 256.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.43-4.30 (m, 4H), 3.41-3.31 (m, 4H), 1.62 (d, J=9.8 Hz, 6H).
A mixture of 5-chloro-8-piperidin-1-yl-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazine (50 mg, 0.20 mmol) and 3-(trifluoromethoxy)benzohydrazide (67 mg, 0.30 mmol) in n-BuOH (2 mL) was heated for 1.5 h at 185° C. under MW irradiation. After cooling, the mixture was taken up with EtOAc (250 mL) and saturated aqueous NaHCO3 (25 mL). After extraction with EtOAc, the combined organic phases were dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by flash column chromatography (EtOAc followed by EtOAc/MeOH 100:1) to give a white solid that was further purified by C-18 column chromatography (water to water/MeCN 1:1 mixtures) to give 28 mgs of 5-piperidin-1-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraazacyclopenta[a]naphthalene as a white solid (34% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=6.24 min, [M+H]+ m/z 422.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (m, 1H), 7.52 (m, 1H), 4.60 (m, 2H), 4.50 (m, 2H), 3.43 (m, 4H), 1.65 (m, 6H).
Example 102
Cyclopropylmethyl-[3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




A mixture 5-chloro-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazine (300 mg, 1.74 mmol) and cyclopropanemethylamine (0.60 mL, 6.92 mmol) in n-BuOH (4 mL) was heated for 11 h at 150° C. under MW irradiation. On cooling, the solvents were removed under vacuum to give a residue that was purified by flash column chromatography (EtOAc as eluant) to give the desired compound cyclopropylmethyl-(2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazin-5-yl)-amine as a colourless oil (278 mg, 77% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=0.42 min, [M+H]+ m/z 208.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.24 (s, 1H), 4.67 (bs, 1H), 4.40 (m, 2H), 4.34 (m, 2H), 3.42 (dd, J=7.1, 5.3 Hz, 2H), 1.14 (qd, J=7.3, 3.6 Hz, 1H), 0.55 (m, 2H), 0.28 (q, J=4.6 Hz, 2H).
A mixture cyclopropylmethyl-(2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazin-5-yl)-amine (150 mg, 0.72 mmol) and N-chlorosuccinimide (145 mg, 1.08 mmol) in acetonitrile (5 mL) was heated in a sealed tube for 18 h at 120° C. On cooling, the solvents were removed under vacuum to give a residue that was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane to hexane/EtOAc 1:1 mixtures) to afford (8-chloro-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazin-5-yl)-cyclopropylmethyl-amine as a yellow solid (158 mg, 91% yield).
HPLC-MS (method 4): Rt=0.99 min, [M+H]+ m/z 242.1.
1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.45 (bs, 4H), 3.40 (dd, J=7.1, 5.4 Hz, 2H), 1.13 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 0.56 (m, 2H), 0.29 (q, J=4.7 Hz, 2H).
A mixture of (8-chloro-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-d]pyridazin-5-yl)-cyclopropylmethyl-amine (154 mg, 0.63 mmol) and 3-(trifluoromethoxy)benzohydrazide (210 mg, 0.95 mmol) in n-BuOH (5 mL) was heated for 2 h at 185° C. under MW irradiation. After cooling, the mixture was taken up with EtOAc (250 mL) and NaHCO3 (saturated aqueous solution) (25 mL) was added. After extraction with EtOAc, the combined organic phases were dried (Na2SO4) and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified by flash column chromatography (EtOAc and EtOAc/MeOH 100:1 mixtures) to give a white solid that was further purified by C-18 reverse-phase column chromatography (water to water/MeCN 1:1 mixtures as eluants) to yield cyclopropylmethyl-[3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine as a white solid (19 mg).
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=5.75 min, [M+H]+ m/z 408.2.
1H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.59 (s, 1H), 8.39 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 7.70 (m, 1H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 7.22 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 4.57 (m, 2H), 4.55 (m, 2H), 3.21 (m, 2H), 1.24 (m, 1H), 0.45 (m, 2H), 0.26 (m, 2H).
Example 103
(1-Methyl-1-oxy-pipe-din-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine




(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine (0.080 g, 0.168 mmol) was dissolved in dry DCM (8 mL). The solution was cooled to 0° C. and 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (0.094 g, 0.419 mmol) was added. The solution turned yellow. The ice bath was removed and the reaction was left stirring for 1 h. DCM (10 mL) was added and the solution was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate (2×5 mL). The combined organic phases were dried over sodium sulphate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The obtained residue was purified on a biotage falsh column chromatography (100% DCM to 100% MeOH) to yield 6 mgs of (1-methyl-1-oxy-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine.
HPLC-MS (method 1): Rt=3.27 min, [M+H]+ m/z 494.0.
1H NMR (300 MHz, MeOD) δ 8.53 (s, 1H), 8.42 (m, 1H), 7.66 (m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 1H), 4.49 (m, 2H), 3.42 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 2H), 3.28 (m, 6H), 3.17 (s, 3H), 2.79 (s, 3H), 2.05 (m, 3H), 1.78 (m, 2H).
Example 104
PIM-1, PIM-2 and PIM-3 Biochemical Activity
Biological activity in PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3 for selected compounds of the examples is represented in the following table:














Example
PIM1 IC50



number
(M)



















4
8.11E−07



5
1.72E−08



9
5.24E−08



7
2.52E−08



14
5.83E−07



15
4.35E−06



22
6.78E−07



100
1.81E−07










Example 105
Analytical Data and PIM-1, PIM-2 and PIM-3 Biochemical Activity
Biological activity in PIM-1, PIM-2 and/or PIM-3 for the example compounds is represented by semi-quantative results [IC50<100 nM (+++), 100 nM<IC50<1 μM (++), IC50>1 μM (+)] in the following table:
















Example
PIM1
PIM2
PIM3



number
IC50
IC50
IC50





















1
++
+




2
+++
++
++



3
++
+



4
++
+



5
+++
++
++



6
+
+



7
+++
++
+++



8
++
+



9
+++
+



10
+
+



11
+++
++



12
+++



13
++
+



14
++
+



15
+
+



16
+++



17
+++
+
++



18
+
+



19
+++



20
++
+
++



21
+++
++
++



22
++
+



23
+++
+++
++



24
++
+



26
+++
++
++



27
+++
+
+



28
+
+



29
+++
++
++



30
+
+



31
++
+
++



32
+++
++
+++



33
++
+



34
+++
+
++



35
+++
+++



38
++



39
+++
++



40
+++
++
+++



41
+++
++



42
++
+



43
+++

+++



44
++
+



45
++
+



46
++
+



47
++
+



48
+++



49
+++



50
+++



51
+
+



52
++
+
+



53
++
+



54
+++
+



55
+++

+++



56
+++



57
+++
+
+



58
+++
+
++



59
+++

+++



60
+++
++



61
+++
++



62
+++
++
+++



63
+++
+++



64
+++



65
+++

++



66
+++
+
++



67
+++



68
+++
+++



69
+++
++



70
+++



71
+++



72
++
+
++



73
+++
++



79
++
+



80
+
+



81
+++
+
++



83
++
+



84
++
+



85
+++
++
++



86
++
+
++



87
+++



88
+++
+
+



89
++
+
+



92
+
+



93
+++

+++



94
+++



94
++
+



95
+
+



96
++
+



97
+++
++
+++



98
+++
++
++



100
++
+



101
+++
++
++



102
+++
+++



103
+++
+










Example 106
Combination Assays
Combination index (CI) calculated for the combination of compounds of the invention and various chemotherapeutic agents in the MTT in vitro cell proliferation assays [CI<0.1 (++++), 0.1<CI<0.3 (+++), 0.3<C1<0.7 (++), 0.7<C1<1.2 (+)]:




















Chemoth
Example
Example
Combination



Cell line
Tumor type
Chemotherapeutic
EC50 [   M]
number
EC50 [   M]
Index (CI)
Synergy






















MV4:11
leukemia
GDC-0941
0.5
16
5
0.585
++



(AML)



Mantle cell
lapatinib
5
16
10
0.289
+++



lymphoma


MV4:11
leukemia
GDC-0941
0.5
56
0.5
0.024
++++



(AML)


MV4:11
leukemia
PD-0332991
1
56
0.5
0.309
++



(AML)


MV4:11
leukemia
GDC-0879
12.5
56
0.5
0.604
++



(AML)


SKMel19
melanoma
GDC-0879
0.3
56
6
0.516
++


SKMel19
melanoma
PD-0332991
3
56
6
0.568
++


MiaPaca-2
pancreas
lapatinib
20
48
5
0.57
++


MV4:11
leukemia
GDC-0941
0.5
48
1
0.3
+++



(AML)


MV4:11
leukemia
lapatinib
10
48
1
0.548
++



(AML)


Jeko-1
Mantle cell
GDC-0941
2
48
2.5
0.718
+



lymphoma


Jeko-1
Mantle cell
lapatinib
5
48
2.5
0.244
+++



lymphoma


SKMel19
melanoma
GDC-0879
0.3
48
3
0.319
++


SKMel19
melanoma
GDC-0941
4
48
4
0.571
++


DU145
prostate
Taxotere
0.025
48
15
0.704
+


A549
lung
GDC-0941
12
48
6
0.12
+++



adenocarcinoma


HTC116
colon
PD-0325901
1.25
48
10
0.759
+



carcinoma


HTC116
colon
lapatinib
10
48
10
0.608
++



carcinoma


NCI
non small
GDC-0941
10
48
5
0.038
++++


H1975
cell lung



carcinoma









Example 107
Cell Data
BadP S112 Inhibition by Cell ELISA in H1299Pim1 Cells
Efficacy of compounds of the examples to inhibit the Bad phosphorylation is represented by semi-quantitative results [EC50<250 nM (+++), 250 nM<EC50<1 μM (++), 1 μM<EC50<10 μM (+)]:















EC50 BadP



Example
ELISA H1299



number
Pim1



















2
++



5
++



7
+



9
+



12
+++



17
+



20
++



27
+++



29
+++



31
+



34
+



37
+



40
++



49
++



52
+



54
++



57
+



58
+



59
++



60
+++



62
+++



65
+



66
+



69
+++



81
+



86
+



88
+



91
++



100
+



101
+

## Claims

1. A compound of formula I,



wherein:
R1 and R2 are independently selected from —O—, —C(R6)(R6a)— and —N(R6)—;
each R6 and R6a independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, H or Rd3;
Rd3 represents C1-3 alkynyl;
the —CH2—CH2— moiety between R1 and R2 is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E2;
E2 represents C1-3 alkyl;
R3 represents phenyl, optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from E3 or any two E3 substituents, when attached to adjacent carbons of the phenyl are linked together to form a further 3- to 6-membered ring containing one or two double bonds and containing one or two heteroatoms;
R4 represents a group of the following formulae:










wherein the squiggly line represents the point of attachment to the requisite triazolopyridazine of the compound of formula I, Ra/b represents Ra or Rb;
Ra/b represents H, —C(O)C1-2alkyl, —S(O)2C1-2alkyl, or —C1-3alkyl, and wherein E4, E5, E6, Q1 and J2 are optionally substituted by one or more of the groups as defined below;
each Q1 independently represents, on each occasion when used herein: N(R10a)R11a, —OR10a, or C1-6 alkyl;
R10a and R11a independently represent hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl;
E3 represents Q4 or C1-3 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from Q5;
E4 represents Q4 or C1-3 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected from Q5;
E5 represents Q4 or C1-6 alkyl, wherein C1-6 alkyl is acyclic or part cyclic;
E6 represents Q4;
when E3 represents Q4, then Q4 represents halo, —CN, —C(═Y)R20; —C(═Y)OR20; —S(O)2R20, —OR20 or —N(R20)R21;
when E4 represents Q4, then Q4 represents halo, —CN, —C(═Y)R20, —C(═Y)OR20, —OR20 or N(R20)R21;
when E5 represents Q4, then Q4 represents —OR20, —C(═Y)R20, —S(O)2R20 or —C(═Y)OR20;
when E6 represents Q4, then Q4 represents halo or —OR20;
Q5 represents C1-6 alkyl, halo, —N(R20)R21 or —N(R22)C(═Y)R21;
each Y independently represents, on each occasion when used herein, ═O;
each R20 and R21 independently represent, on each occasion when used herein, hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl optionally substituted by one or more J4;
R22 represents hydrogen;
each J2 and J4 independently represents Q7; Q7 represents halo;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof.

2. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the R1 and R2 containing ring of the compounds represents a group of the following formulae:




wherein the squiggly lines represent the point of attachment to the requisite triazolopyridazine of the compound of formula I, each of the relevant carbon atoms of the ring may be substituted by R6 or R6a in which the substituent is other than hydrogen, and each R6 and R6a is/are as defined in claim 1.

3. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the —CH2—CH2— moiety between R1 and R2 is unsubstituted.

4. The compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
R21 represents hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl.

5. A compound of formula I as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof, for use as a pharmaceutical.

6. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of formula I, as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

7. A combination product comprising:
(A) a compound of formula I as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof; and
(B) another therapeutic agent that is useful in the treatment of cancer and/or a proliferative disease, wherein each of components (A) and (B) is formulated in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

8. A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of formula I, as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof, in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier, which process comprises bringing into association a compound of formula I, as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

9. A process for the preparation of a combination product comprising
(A) a compound of formula I as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof; and
(B) another therapeutic agent that is useful in the treatment of cancer and/or a proliferative disease, wherein each of components (A) and (B) is formulated in admixture with a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier, which process comprises bringing into association a compound of formula I, as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof with the other therapeutic agent that is useful in the treatment of cancer and/or a proliferative disease, and at least one pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, diluent or carrier.

10. A compound selected from
[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-amine;
Dimethyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-amine;
Dimethyl-{1-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-amine;
Cyclopropylmethyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
Cyclopropylmethyl-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
Cyclopropylmethyl-[6-ethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
[6-Ethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine;
[8-Ethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-5-oxa-1,2,3a,4,8-pentaaza-cyclopenta[b]naphthalen-9-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine;
[9-Ethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amine;
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6,9-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1,2,3a,4,6,9-hexaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
Methyl-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
4-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-cyclohexanol;
4-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-cyclohexanol;
3-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-propan-1-ol;
3-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-propan-1-ol;
[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amine;
(3,4-Dimethoxy-benzyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(3,4-Dimethoxy-benzyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-pyridin-3-yl-ethyl)-amine;
[2-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
[2-(4-Methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-5,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-amine;
[9-Methyl-3-(3-Trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-5,7,8,9-tetrahydro-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-amine;
3-{6-Methyl-5-[(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amino]-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl}-benzonitrile;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
[3-(1H-Indol-5-yl)-6-methyl-7, 8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine;
[3-(3-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-6-methyl-7, 8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine;
4-{Methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7, 8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amino}-cyclohexanol;
Methyl-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7, 8,9,10-tetrahydro-[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-a]phthalazin-6-yl]-amine;
[8,9-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine; HCOOH salt;
[6,7-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine;
[6,8-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine; HCOOH salt;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine; HCOOH salt;
[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-amine;
4-{[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-methyl}-cyclohexanol;
Methyl-{1-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-amine; HCOOH salt;
Methyl-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl-amine;
1-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylamine;
[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl-amine;
7-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-ylamine;
(7-Aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
7-[6,7-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-ylamine; HCOOH salt;
4-{[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-methyl}-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
C-{1-[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-methylamine;
(1-Aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(1-Aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
C-{1-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-methylamine;
[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-amine;
C-{1-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-methylamine;
[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-amine;
C-{7-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl}-methylamine;
5-(1,8-Diaza-spiro[4.6]undec-8-yl)-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCOOH salt;
6-Methyl-5-(1-methyl-1,8-diaza-spiro[4.6]undec-8-yl)-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCl salt;
Methyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-yl}-amine; HCOOH salt;
Methyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine;
Methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl-amine;
(7-Aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine; HCl salt;
7-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-ylamine; HCl salt;
5-(2,9-Diaza-spiro[5.5]undec-9-yl)-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCl salt;
5-(2,9-Diaza-spiro[5.5]undec-2-yl)-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCl salt;
5-(2,6-Diaza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene; HCl salt;
N-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-cyclohexane-1,4-diamine; HCOOH salt;
N-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-cyclohexane-1,4-diamine;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[8,8,9-trimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(1-Methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6,7,7-trimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
N—[(S)-6,7-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-cyclohexane-1,4-diamine;
7-[(S)-6,7-Dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-ylamine;
(7-Aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-[(S)-6,7-dimethyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
4-{[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-methyl}-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(4-Fluoro-benzyl)-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
[2-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-ethyl]-[3-(4-methoxy-phenyl)-9-methyl-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
5-(2,7-Diaza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl)-9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene;
4-{6-Methyl-5-[(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amino]-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl}-phenol;
Isopropyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine;
Isopropyl-{1-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine;
Isopropyl-{7-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-7-aza-spiro[3.5]non-2-yl}-amine;
(1-Cyclopropylmethyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(1-Cyclopropylmethyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
Ethyl-methyl-{1-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-amine; HCOOH salt;
(1-Ethyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine; compound with formic acid;
N-{1-[3-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-acetamide;
N-{1-[6-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-piperidin-4-ylmethyl}-acetamide;
4-[5-(4-Fluoro-benzylamino)-6,9-dimethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-1,2,3a,4,6,9-hexaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-3-yl]-phenol;
1-(4-{2-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-ylamino]-ethyl}-piperazin-1-yl)-ethanone;
N-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-N-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-acetamide;
[2-(4-Methanesulfonyl-piperazin-1-yl)-ethyl]-[9-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
N-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-N-(2-piperazin-1-yl-ethyl)-methanesulfonamide;
Methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yl)-amine;
Methyl-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-amine;
Cyclopropylmethyl-[3-(4-fluoro-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
[3-(4-Fluoro-phenyl)-6-methyl-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-(1-methyl-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-amine;
5-Piperidin-1-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene;
Cyclopropylmethyl-[3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6,9-dioxa-1,2,3a,4-tetraaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
(1-Methyl-1-oxy-piperidin-4-ylmethyl)-[6-methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-7,8-dihydro-6H-9-oxa-1,2,3a,4,6-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-amine;
2-[9-Methyl-3-(3-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-8,9-dihydro-7H-6-oxa-1,2,3a,4,9-pentaaza-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-5-yl]-2,7-diaza-spiro[3.5]nonane-7-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate or salt thereof.

11. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula I as defined in claim 1, which process comprises:
(i) reacting a compound of formula II,




wherein L1 represents a suitable leaving group, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in claim 1, and X is —CH2—CH2—,
with a compound of formula III,
R4—H III

wherein R4 is as defined in claim 1; or
(ii) reacting a compound of formula IV,




wherein L3 represents a suitable leaving group, R1, R2, and R4 are as defined in claim 1, and X is —CH2—CH2—,
with a compound of formula V,
R3—L4 V

wherein L4 represents a suitable group, and R3 is as defined in claim 1; or
(iii) reacting a compound of formula VI,




wherein R4L1 represents either L1 or R4; R1, R2, and R4 are as defined in claim 1; X is —CH2—CH2, and each L1 represents a suitable leaving group;
with a compound of formula VII,
R3—C(O)—N(H)NH2 VII

wherein R3 is as defined in claim 1; or
(iv) for compounds of formula I in which R1 and R2 are independently selected from —O— and —NR6—, reacting a compound of formula VIII,




wherein R1a and R2a independently represent —O— and —NR6—, and R3 and R4 are as defined in claim 1,
with a compound of formula IX,
L5—X—L6 IX

wherein L5 and L6 independently represent a suitable leaving group and X is —CH2—CH2.

12. A process according to claim 11, wherein L1, L3, L5 and L6, each independently represents iodo, bromo, chloro or a sulfonate group; and L4 represents —B(OH)2, —B(ORWX)2 or —Sn(RWX)3, in which each RWX independently represents a C1-6 alkyl group, or, in the case of —B(ORWX)2, the respective RWX groups may be linked together to form a 4- to 6-membered cyclic group.