# Patent

## Title
C5A receptor modulators

## Abstract

The present invention relates to derivatives of formula (I)




wherein ring A, X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described in the description, to their preparation, to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and to their use as pharmaceuticals, to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more compounds of formula (I), and especially to their use as C5a receptor modulators.

## Background
CROSS REFERENCE TO REPLATED APPLICATIONS
This application is filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of international application number PCT/EP2019/051230, filed Jan. 18, 2019, which claims priority to application number PCT/EP2018/051278 filed on Jan. 19, 2018, the entire disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
The present invention relates to novel C5a receptor modulators of formula (I) and their use as pharmaceuticals. The invention also concerns related aspects including processes for the preparation of the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more compounds of formula (I), and their use as C5a receptor modulators, especially in the treatment of vasculitic diseases or disorders, inflammatory diseases or disorders involving intravascular microvesicle release, immune complex (IC) diseases or disorders, neurodegenerative diseases or disorders, complement related inflammatory diseases or disorders, bullous diseases or disorders, diseases or disorders related to ischemia and/or ischemic reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel diseases or disorders, and autoimmune diseases or disorders; as well as in contact sensitivity or an inflammation caused by contact with artificial surfaces; increased leukocyte and platelet activation (and infiltration to tissues thereof); pathologic sequelae associated to an intoxication or an injury such as a trauma, an hemorrhage, a shock, or surgery including transplantation, such sequeale including multiple organ failure (MOF), septic shock, shock due to intoxication, or acute lung inflammatory injury; pathologic sequelae associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; myocardial infarction or thrombosis; edema or an increased capillary permeability; reduction of coronary endothelial dysfunction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass and/or cardioplegia; or cancer.
C5aR1 (CD88) is a seven transmembrane bound G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) belonging to the rhodopsin like family, the gene of which is located on chromosome 19. It couples to pertussis toxin sensitive Gialpha2, Gialpha3 or pertussis toxin insensitive Galpha16 and initiates several downstream signaling pathways. C5aR1 is expressed on a number of immune cell types including monocytes, neutrophils, mast cells, basophils and eosinophils. In addition, it is expressed on many other cell types including hepatocytes, pulmonary and endothelial cells, microglia, neurons and renal glomerular cells. There are a number of ligands described which bind to the C5aR. These include C5a, C5adesArg and C5a+1 kDa. C5a is a central effector molecule of the complement system which itself is a complex enzymatic cascade evolved to crucially complement the immune system against invading pathogens, however, a significant body of evidence shows that inadvertent complement activation leads to many acute inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases (Ricklin, D., et al. (2010) “Complement: a key system for immune surveillance and homeostasis.” Nat Immunol 11(9): 785-797) and specifically C5a has been shown to be elevated in a number of these inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The complement system is activated through four pathways: The classical pathway, and the mannose binding lectin (MBL) pathway which is similar to the classical pathway except for the initial recognition and activation steps which recognize pathogens or antibody complexes. The alternative pathway is activated by binding of spontaneously activated complement C3 protein (C3b fragment) to pathogen surface. These three pathways all lead to the eventual formation of C3 convertases, which is the point where the 3 pathways converge (Guo, R. F. and P. A. Ward (2005) Annu Rev Immunol 23: 821-852). Subsequently C3 convertases lead to the formation of the anaphalatoxins C3a and C5a, together with other complement proteins required to produce the membrane attack complex. A fourth pathway, the extrinsic pathway involves plasma proteases (eg. elastase, thrombin) which act directly on C3 or C5 leading to the subsequent production of C3a and C5a. The anaphylatoxin C5a leads to the recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells of the innate and adaptive system, partly through the enhancement of cell adhesion molecule expression, the release of granule-based enzymes, delayed or enhanced apoptosis, phagocytosis, oxidative burst, histamine secretion and release and chemotaxis. In addition, it elicits the release of other pro inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-a, IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes) (N. S. Merle et al. (2015) “Complement System Part II: Role in Immunity.” Front Immunol 6: 257), activation of endothelial cells and vascular permeability which may lead to events in which at the end thrombotic microangiopathy can occur. Therefore, C5a represents one of the most potent inflammatory molecules produced during immune responses and because of its fundamental biology it is potentially implicated in a very wide range of pathologies (Janeway's Immunobiology, 8th edition (2012), Kenneth Murphy, Garland Science, p. 48-72).
C5a is central to the immune system and as such is important in key aspects of inflammation and tissue injury. In addition, there is considerable experimental evidence in the literature that implicates increased levels of C5a with a number of diseases and disorders, in particular in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and disorders (Ricklin, D., et al. (2010) Nat Immunol 11(9): 785-797).
There is a large body of evidence about C5a and its receptor C5aR in contributing to vasculitic diseases, which demonstrate that C5a levels are elevated and give rise to leukocyte migration and subsequent inflammation which then leads to the eventual destruction of vessel walls (Charles J., et al (2013) Semin Nephrol 33(6): 557-564; Vasculitis, 2nd Edition (2008), Edited by Ball and Bridges, Oxford University Press, pp 47-53; Huang, Y. M., et al. (2015) Arthritis Rheumatol 67(10): 2780-2790; Kallenberg, C. G. and P. Heeringa (2015) Mol Immunol 68(1): 53-56). Inhibition of the C5aR with a C5aR antagonist was effective at ameliorated anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO)-induced NCGN in mice expressing the human C5a receptor (Xiao, H. et al (2014) J Am Soc Nephrol 25(2): 225-231) and was confirmed to be effective in a phase II trial of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) associated vasculitis (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02222155). Therefore, a C5a antagonist may be useful to treat vasculitic diseases such as ANCA associated vasculitis, leukoclastic vasculitis, Wegener's granulomatosis, microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, polyateritis nodosa, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), cryoglobulinaemia, giant cell arteritis (GCA), Behcet's disease and Takayasu's arteritis (TAK).
C5a is generated when human blood makes contact with artificial surfaces, such as in cardiopulmonary bypass and hemodialysis procedures for instance on the artificial surface of the heart-lung machine in association with vascular surgery such as coronary artery bypass grafting or heart valve replacement or on surfaces of a kidney dialysis machine (Howard, R. J., et al. (1988) Arch Surg 123(12): 1496-1501; Kirklin, J. K., et al. (1983) J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 86(6): 845-857; Craddock, P. R., et al. (1977) J Clin Invest 60(1): 260-264; Craddock, P. R., et al. (1977) N Engl J Med 296(14): 769-774) or in association with contact with other artificial vessels or container surfaces (e.g. ventricular assist devices, artificial heart machines, transfusion tubing, blood storage bags, plasmapheresis, plateletpheresis, and the like). As such C5aR antagonists could prove useful in preventing deleterious consequences of contact sensitivity and/or inflammation caused by contact with artificial surfaces. In addition, it may be useful in treating inflammatory disorders involving intravascular microvesicle release such as for example thrombotic microangiopathy and sickle cell disease (Zecher, D., et al. (2014) Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 34(2): 313-320). A C5aR antagonist could also prove useful in certain hemotological diseases which are associated with activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), pernicious anemia, warm and cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), anti-phospholipid syndrome and its associated complications, arterial and venous thrombosis, pregnancy complications such as recurrent miscarriage and fetal death, preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, cervical remodeling and preterm birth, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and allergic transfusion reactions. The C5-specific humanized antibody, eculizumab is approved for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) (Wong E K, Kavanagh D, Transl Res. (2015) 165(2):306-20) and has been shown to be efficacious in renal transplant such as acute antibody-mediated kidney allograft rejection and cold agglutinin disease further supporting a potential role for C5aR antagonists in these diseases.
In myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury C5a has been described to have an important function. Complement depletion reduced myocardial infarct size in mice (Weisman, H. F., T. et al. (1990) Science 249(4965): 146-151; De Hoog, V. C., et al. (2014) Cardiovasc Res 103(4): 521-529) and treatment with anti-C5a antibodies reduced injury in a rat model of hindlimb ischemia-reperfusion (Bless, N. M., et al. (1999) Am J Physiol 276(1 Pt 1): L57-63). Reperfusion injury during myocardial infarction was also markedly reduced in pigs that were re-treated with a monoclonal anti-C5a IgG (Amsterdam, E. A., et al. (1995) Am J Physiol 268(1 Pt 2): H448-457). A recombinant human C5aR antagonist reduces infarct size in a porcine model of surgical revascularization (Riley, R. D., et al. (2000) J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 120(2): 350-358) providing evidence for the utility of a C5aR antagonist in these diseases. In addition, diseases related to ischemia/reperfusion injury, such as those resulting from transplants, including solid organ transplant, where C5a has been shown to play an important role (Farrar, C. A. and S. H. Sacks (2014) Curr Opin Organ Transplant 19(1): 8-13), could benefit from a C5aR antagonist as could related syndromes such as ischemic reperfusion injury, ischemic colitis and cardiac ischemia (Mueller, M., et al. (2013) Immunobiology 218(9): 1131-1138).
Furthermore, diseases where complement plays a role such as coronary thrombosis (Distelmaier, K., et al. (2009) Thromb Haemost 102(3): 564-572), vascular occlusion, post-surgical vascular reocclusion, atherosclerosis, traumatic central nervous system injury, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (Mavroidis, M., et al. (2015) Basic Res Cardiol 110(3): 27) and Gaucher disease (Pandey et al. (2017) Nature 543: 108-112) could also benefit from a C5aR antagonist. Thus, C5aR modulators may be used preventatively in a patient at risk for myocardial infarction or thrombosis (i.e. a patient who has one or more recognized risk factors for myocardial infarction or thrombosis, such as, but not limited to, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, previous or genetic history of myocardial infarction or thrombosis) in order reduce the risk of myocardial infarction or thrombosis. C5a causes increased capillary permeability and edema, leukocyte and platelet activation and infiltration to tissues, as well as bronchoconstriction (Sarma, J. V. and P. A. Ward (2012) Cell Health Cytoskelet 4: 73-82; Czermak, B. J., et al. (1998) J Leukoc Biol 64(1): 40-48). Administration of an anti-C5a monoclonal antibody was shown to reduce cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegia-induced coronary endothelial dysfunction (Tofukuji, M., et al. (1998) J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 116(6): 1060-1068).
C5a and its receptor are also involved in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (Hammerschmidt, D. E., et al. (1980) Lancet 1(8175): 947-949), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) (Marc, M. M., et al. (2004) Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 31(2): 216-219), and multiple organ failure (MOF) (Huber-Lang, M., et al. (2001) “Role of C5a in multiorgan failure during sepsis.” J Immunol 166(2): 1193-1199; Heideman, M. and T. E. Hugli (1984) J Trauma 24(12): 1038-1043). C5a increases monocyte production of two important proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-I which contribute to pathology in these diseases. C5a has also been shown to play an important role in the development of tissue injury, and particularly pulmonary injury, in animal models of septic shock (Smedegard, G., et al. (1989) Am J Pathol 135(3): 489-497; Unnewehr, H., et al. (2013) J Immunol 190(8): 4215-4225). In sepsis models using rats, pigs and non-human primates, anti-C5a antibodies administered to the animals before treatment with endotoxin or E. coli resulted in decreased tissue injury, as well as decreased production of IL-6 (Hopken, U., et al. (1996) Eur J Immunol 26(5): 1103-1109; Stevens, J. H., et al. (1986) J Clin Invest 77(6): 1812-1816). Inhibition of C5a with anti-C5a polyclonal antibodies has been shown to significantly improve survival rates in a caecal ligation/puncture model of sepsis in rats (Czermak, B. J., et al. (1999) Nat Med 5(7): 788-792). In the same sepsis model, anti-C5a antibodies were shown to inhibit apoptosis of thymocytes (Guo, R. F., et al. (2000) J Clin Invest 106(10): 1271-1280). Anti-C5a antibodies were also protective in a cobra venom factor model of lung injury in rats, and in immune complex-induced lung injury (Mulligan, M. S., et al. (1996) J Clin Invest 98(2): 503-512). The importance of C5a in immune complex-mediated lung injury was also shown in mouse (Bozic, C. R., et al. (1996) Science 273(5282): 1722-1725). Therefore, a C5aR antagonist could be of benefit in many inflammatory disorders and related conditions including neutropenia, sepsis, septic shock, stroke, inflammation associated with severe burns (Hoesel, L. M., et al. (2007) J Immunol 178(12): 7902-7910), osteoarthritis (Yuan, G., et al. (2003) Chin Med J (Engl) 116(9): 1408-1412), as well as acute (adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD), bronchial asthma (Pandey, M. K. (2013) Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 13(6): 596-606), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), tissue graft rejection, hyperacute rejection of transplanted organs, and the like, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). In addition, C5aR antagonists may be beneficial in treating pathologic sequelae associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus such as diabetic kidney disease (Li, L., et al. (2015) Metabolism 64(5): 597-610), diabetic retinopathy (Cheng, L., et al. (2013). Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 54(13): 8191-8198), lupus nephropathy (Bao, L., et al. (2005) Eur J Immunol 35(8): 2496-2506), Heyman nephritis, membranous nephritis, and other forms of glomerulonephritis such as C3 glomerulopathy including dense deposit disease (DDD) (Zhang et al., Clin J Am Soc Nephrol (2014) 9: 1876-1882). Furthermore, the compound eculizumab has been shown to have potential utility for the treatment of neuromyelitis optica.
C5aR antagonists substantially reduced ovalbumin (OVA)-induced total cell (60%), neutrophil (66%) and eosinophil (65%) influxes in lavage fluid sampling suggesting that C5aR blockage might represent a novel therapeutic agent for reducing asthmatic outcomes (Staab, E. B., et al. (2014) Int Immunopharmacol 21(2): 293-300).
The complement system and in particular C5a contribute to the development of many bullous diseases among other things through activation of innate cells including mast cells and neutrophils (e.g. bullous pemphigoid, bullous acquisita, pemphigus foliaceus and pemphigus vulgaris). The detachment of epidermal basal keratinocytes from the underlying basement membrane is thought to be caused by autoantibodies to keratinocytes at the cutaneous basement membrane leading to blisters and a high influx of neutrophils in both the upper dermal layers and within the blister cavities. In experimental models a reduction of neutrophils or absence of complement (total or C5-selective) can inhibit formation of sub-epidermal blisters (Heimbach, L, et al. (2011) J Biol Chem 286(17): 15003-15009; Gammon, W. R. (1989) Immunol Ser 46: 509-525). Recent evidence has emerged to suggest that inhibition of C5a may prove beneficial in the treatment of the skin disorder hidradenitis suppurativa where an antibody against human C5a was shown to improve patient outcome in an open label phase II clinical trial. A C5a receptor antagonist may therefore be useful in bullous diseases.
Complement is believed to be important in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathology and the C5aR is found to be expressed in the epithelial cells of the colon. (Cao, Q., et al. (2012) Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 302(12): C1731-1740). In addition, pharmacological inhibition of C5a activity by PMX205 a peptidic C5aR antagonist is efficacious in preventing DSS-induced colitis, providing further evidence that targeting CD88 in patients with IBD irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Johswich, K., et al. (2009) Inflamm Bowel Dis 15(12): 1812-1823) could be of therapeutic benefit (Woodruff, T. M., et al. (2003) J Immunol 171(10): 5514-5520; Jain, U., et al. (2013) Br J Pharmacol 168(2): 488-501).
There is a body of evidence suggesting a role for C5a and its receptor in pathologies of the CNS. C5aR expression is upregulated on reactive astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells in an inflamed human central nervous system (O'Barr, S. A., et al. (2001) J Immunol 166(6): 4154-4162; Gasque, P., et al. (1997) Am J Pathol 150(1): 31-41) and C5a has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Mantovani, S., et al. (2014) J Neuroimmunol 276(1-2): 213-218; Humayun, S., et al. (2009) J Neuroimmunol 210(1-2): 52-62; Woodruff, T. M., et al. (2008) J Immunol 181(12): 8727-8734), Alzheimer disease (Fonseca, M. I., et al. (2013) J Neuroinflammation 10: 25; Ager, R. R., et al. (2010) J Neurochem 113(2): 389-401), Parkinson's disease (Wang, X. J., et al. (2007) Neurochem Int 50(1): 39-50) and Huntington's disease (Singhrao et al. (1999) Experimental Neurology 159, 362-376). Furthermore C5a is found to be elevated in the CSF of Guillain-Barre syndrome patients (Hartung, H. P., et al. (1987) Neurology 37(6): 1006-1009; Wakerley, B. R. and N. Yuki (2015) Expert Rev Neurother 15(8): 847-849) and an anti C5 antibody was found to be effective in reducing neuropathy in the mouse (Halstead, S. K., et al. (2008) Brain 131 (Pt 5): 1197-1208; Basta, M. and D. R. Branch (2014) Clin Exp Immunol 178 Suppl 1: 87-88). Also, inhibition of the C5a receptor alleviates experimental CNS lupus (Zwirner, J., et al. (1999) Mol Immunol 36(13-14): 877-884; Jacob, A., B. Hack, et al. (2010) J Neuroimmunol 221(1-2): 46-52). Therefore, C5aR antagonists provided herein may be to treat ALS, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and also cognitive function decline associated with cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and related procedures in addition to central nervous system involvement in diseases such as SLE, Sjögren's syndrome and associated immunological profiles.
In many autoimmune diseases Immunoglobulin G-containing immune complex (IC) depositions are found. These contribute to the pathophysiology of the diseases which frequently manifest in different organs of the body including the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, blood vessels, the nervous system and the skin. There are numerous such IC diseases and examples are systemic lupus erthyematosus (SLE), cryoglobulinemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome (Lawley, T. J., et al. (1979) J Immunol 123(3): 1382-1387), Goodpasture syndrome (antiglomerular basement antibody disease), and hypersensitivity. Immune complexes are known to induce C5 convertases leading to C5a production which subsequently contributes to these diseases (Karsten, C. M. and J. Kohl (2012) Immunobiology 217(11): 1067-1079). In animal models reproducing the mechanisms of IC activation of complement, C5aR has been shown to play an important role. Studies show that C5aR deficient mice and the use of a peptidic C5aR antagonist result in protection from tissue injury induced by ICs. (Strachan, A. J., et al. (2000) J Immunol 164(12): 6560-6565; Kohl, J. and J. E. Gessner (1999) Mol Immunol 36(13-14): 893-903; Baumann, U., et al. (2000) J Immunol 164(2): 1065-1070). Therefore, inhibitors of C5aR could be useful to treat IC diseases including the autoimmune diseases rheumatoid arthritis (Jose, P. J., et al. (1990) Ann Rheum Dis 49(10): 747-752; Grant, E. P., et al. (2002) J Exp Med 196(11): 1461-1471; Yuan, G., et al. (2003) Chin Med J (Engl) 116(9): 1408-1412)), osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (Porcel, J. M., et al. (1995) Clin Immunol Immunopathol 74(3): 283-288; Pawaria, S., et al. (2014) J Immunol 193(7): 3288-3295), lupus nephritis (Bao, L, et al. (2005) Eur J Immunol 35(8): 2496-2506), lupus glomerulonephritis and IgA nephropathy (Liu, L, et al. (2014) J Clin Immunol 34(2): 224-232), Heyman nephritis, membranous nephritis and other forms of glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, dermatomyositis (Fiebiger, E., et al. (1998) J Clin Invest 101(1): 243-251), pemphigus, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) (Sprott, H., et al. (2000) J Rheumatol 27(2): 402-404), bronchial asthma, autoimmune hemolytic and thrombocytopenic states, Goodpasture's syndrome (and associated glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage) (Ma, R., et al. (2013) J Clin Immunol 33(1): 172-178), immunovasculitis, and complement mediated thrombotic microangiopathies including atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (Song, D., et al. (2015) Am J Reprod Immunol 74(4): 345-356; Davin, J. C., N. C. van de Kar (2015) Ther Adv Hematol 6(4): 171-185), mixed cryoglobulinemia, atopic dermatitis (Neuber, K., R. et al. (1991) Immunology 73(1): 83-87; Dang, L., et al. (2015) Mol Med Rep 11(6): 4183-4189), and chronic urticaria (Kaplan, A. P. (2004) J Allergy Clin Immunol 114(3): 465-474; Yan, S., et al. (2014) J Dermatol Sci 76(3): 240-245). Furthermore, the compound eculizumab has been shown to have potential utility for the treatment of myasthenia gravis, and anti-phospholipid syndrome.
C5a is present in psoriatic plaques and C5aR expression has also been reported in psoriasis where T cells, neutrophils mast cells and dendritic cells are involved in pathogenesis of the disease and are chemotactic to C5a (Diani, M., G. Altomare and E. Reali (2015) Autoimmun Rev 14(4): 286-292). Neutrophil accumulation under the stratum corneum is observed in the highly inflamed areas of psoriatic plaques, and psoriatic lesion (scale) extracts contain highly elevated levels of C5a and exhibit potent chemotactic activity towards neutrophils, an effect that can be inhibited by addition of a C5a antibody. Furthermore, T cells and neutrophils are chemo-attracted by C5a under certain conditions (Nataf, S., et al. (1999) J Immunol 162(7): 4018-4023; Tsuji, R. F., et al. (2000) J Immunol 165(3): 1588-1598; Werfel, T., et al. (1997) Arch Dermatol Res 289(2): 83-86; Mrowietz, U., et al. (2001) Exp Dermatol 10(4): 238-245) meaning C5aR antagonists may be of benefit in treating psoriasis. Furthermore, complement has been implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma (Howell et al. (2011), J. Clin. Invest. 121(4): 1429-1444). In addition, there is experimental evidence to suggest a beneficial role of C5aR antagonists in treating cancer with checkpoint blockers. For example, an antibody against the C5aR receptor (IPH5401) has been reported to be efficacious in muring models of cancer (web page Innate Pharma— IPH5401, 2018; www.innate-pharma.com/en/pipeline/iph5401-first-class-anti-c5ar-mab; Zah H., et al. (2017) Oncoimmunology 6(10): e1349587; Wang Y., et al., (2016) Cancer Discovery 6(9) 1022-1035).
Thus, C5a and C5aR are believed to be clinically implicated in vasculitic diseases or disorders, inflammatory diseases or disorders involving intravascular microvesicle release, immune complex (IC) diseases or disorders, neurodegenerative diseases or disorders, complement related inflammatory diseases or disorders, bullous diseases or disorders, diseases or disorders related to ischemia and/or ischemic reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel diseases or disorders, and autoimmune diseases or disorders; as well as in contact sensitivity or an inflammation caused by contact with artificial surfaces; increased leukocyte and platelet activation (and infiltration to tissues thereof); pathologic sequelae associated to an intoxication or an injury such as a trauma, an hemorrhage, a shock, or surgery including transplantation, including multiple organ failure (MOF), septic shock, shock due to intoxication, or acute lung inflammatory injury; pathologic sequelae associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; myocardial infarction or thrombosis; edema or an increased capillary permeability; reduction of coronary endothelial dysfunction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass and/or cardioplegia, or cancer.
There is therefore a requirement for new small organic molecule modulators of the C5a receptor (C5aR), especially antagonists of the C5aR, that could be useful for inhibiting pathogenic events associated with elevated levels of C5a and/or with C5aR activation.
Certain benzimidazolone derivatives as chymase inhibitors are disclosed in WO2008/147697. 4-(Benzimidazol-1-yl)-piperidines as sodium channel inhibitors are disclosed in WO2003/037890. Certain 3-substituted piperidines comprising urea functionality are disclosed as analgesics in WO2001/068604. Benzimidazolone derivatives as phosphodiesterase inhibitors are disclosed in WO2001/005770. 1-Benzyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-benzimidazol-2-one derivatives as vasopressin and/or oxytocin receptor ligands are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,169. D. R. Owen et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 19 (2009) 1702-1706 discloses the compound 3-(1-(4-aminopyridin-2-yl)piperidin-4-yl)-1-benzyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one in a series of 2,4-diaminopyridine S-opioid receptor agonists, which however had pronounced activity in the hERG binding assay.
The present invention provides cyclic urea derivatives of formula (I) which are modulators of the C5a receptor, and are useful for the prevention or treatment of diseases which respond to the C5a receptor.
1) A first aspect of the invention relates to compounds of the formula (I)




wherein

    
    
        ring A represents a saturated 4- to 7-membered mono-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), fluoro, or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl (especially ethoxy-carbonyl) [especially such ring A is azetidin-1,3-diyl, pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, 4-methyl-pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-fluoro-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 2-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, azepan-1,4-diyl]; or
        ring A represents a saturated 7- or 8-membered bridged bi-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring is unsubstituted [especially such ring is 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,5-diyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3,6-diyl];

X and Z independently represent CR5 or N; and Y represents CR5; or, in case both X and Z represent CH, Y may in addition represent N; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl) [notably one of X and Z represents CH or N; the other represents CH; and Y represents CR5, wherein especially R5 represents hydrogen];

R1 represents

        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        —CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl; (C1-4)alkoxy; phenyl, phenoxy; (C3-6)cycloalkyl; or (C3-6)cycloalkoxy optionally containing one ring oxygen and optionally mono-substituted with methyl or trifluoromethyl [especially such group —CO—R11 is tert.-butyl-carbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl, tert.-butoxycarbonyl, oxetan-3-yl-oxy-carbonyl, (3-methyl-oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-carbonyl, (3-trifluoromethyl-oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-carbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, phenoxycarbonyl, cyclopropylcarbonyl];
        benzyl wherein the phenyl ring of said benzyl is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen [especially 2,4-dichlorobenzyl]; or
        phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, n-butyloxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
            halogen (especially fluoro, chloro, bromo);
            cyano;
            nitro;
            hydroxy;
            hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-hydroxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-methoxyethyl);
            hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-hydroxy-ethoxy);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-methoxy-ethoxy);
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy, or tetrahydropyran-4-yl-oxy];
            R13—CO—X13—, wherein X13 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and R13 represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group R13—CO—X13 is formyl, acetyl, 2-oxo-ethyl);
            3-(morpholin-4-yl)-prop-1-ynyl;
            R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino,
            [especially such group R14aR14bN—X14— is amino, methylamino-methyl, dimethylamino-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylamino]-methyl, [(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-amino]-methyl, [(2-methoxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [di-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino]-methyl, (azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, (pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (piperidin-1-yl)-methyl, morpholin-4-yl, piperazin-1-ylmethyl, (morpholin-4-yl)-methyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)-ethyl, 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-propyl, (3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, 1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl, (1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl, (4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-yl)-methyl]; or
            benzyloxy, wherein the phenylring of benzyloxy is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen or methyl;

R2 represents phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (notably 6-membered heteroaryl; in particular thiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted (especially mono-substituted, in particular in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule), wherein the substituents are independently selected from

        
        
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, isopropoxy);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
        halogen (especially chloro, fluoro); or
        (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21—, wherein X21 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy;

R3 represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl); and

R4 represents

        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
        hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially hydroxymethyl);
        —O—R41, wherein R41 represents
        
            hydrogen;
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
            (C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy (especially 2-hydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl);
            R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group is 2-dimethylamino-ethyl); or
            (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen and oxygen; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from:
            
                (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl); and/or
                (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency; [especially such (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41— group is oxetan-3-yl, 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl-methyl, 2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl, 1-tert-butoxy-carbonyl-piperidin-4-yl, piperidin-4-yl];
            
            
        
        
        —NR42aR42b wherein R42a and R42b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), or (C1-3)alkoxy (especially methoxy) [especially such group —NR42aR42b is (2-hydroxyethyl)-amino, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl-amino, (2-methoxyethyl)-amino, morpholin-4-yl, 3-methoxy-azetidinyl, or 4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl]; or
        —CO—R43 wherein R43 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy); or —NR43aR43b wherein R43a and R43b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-methoxy-ethyl), or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-hydroxy-ethyl); [especially such group —CO—R43 is methoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, methyl-carbamoyl, dimethylcarbamoyl, hydroxyethylcarbamoyl, methoxyethylcarbamoyl].
    
    


The compounds of formula (I) may contain one or more further stereogenic or asymmetric centers, such as one or more additional asymmetric carbon atoms. The compounds of formula (I) may thus be present as mixtures of stereoisomers or preferably as pure stereoisomers. Mixtures of stereoisomers may be separated in a manner known to a person skilled in the art.
In case a particular compound (or generic structure) is designated as (R)- or (S)-enantiomer/as having an absolute (R)- or (S)-configuration, such designation is to be understood as referring to the respective compound (or generic structure) in enriched, especially essentially pure, enantiomeric form. Likewise, in case a specific asymmetric center in a compound is designated as being in (R)- or (S)-configuration or as being in a certain relative configuration, such designation is to be understood as referring to the compound that is in enriched, especially essentially pure, form with regard to the respective configuration of said asymmetric center. In analogy, cis- or trans-designations (or (R*,R*) designations) are to be understood as referring to the respective stereoisomer of the respective relative configuration in enriched form, especially in essentially pure form.
The term “enriched”, when used in the context of stereoisomers, is to be understood in the context of the present invention to mean that the respective stereoisomer is present in a ratio of at least 70:30, especially of at least 90:10 (i.e., in a purity of at least 70% by weight, especially of at least 90% by weight), with regard to the respective other stereoisomer/the entirety of the respective other stereoisomers.
The term “essentially pure”, when used in the context of stereoisomers, is to be understood in the context of the present invention to mean that the respective stereoisomer is present in a purity of at least 95% by weight, especially of at least 99% by weight, with regard to the respective other stereoisomer/the entirety of the respective other stereoisomers.
In some instances, the compounds of formula (I) may contain tautomeric forms. Such tautomeric forms are encompassed in the scope of the present invention. For example, in case the present compounds may contain heteroaromatic aromatic rings containing unsubstituted ring nitrogen atoms having a free valency such as pyrazolyl, such rings may be present in tautomeric forms. For example, the group pyrazol-3-yl represents the tautomeric forms 1H-pyrazol-3-yl and 2H-pyrazol-3-yl.
The present invention also includes isotopically labelled, especially 2H (deuterium) labelled compounds of formula (I), which compounds are identical to the compounds of formula (I) except that one or more atoms have each been replaced by an atom having the same atomic number but an atomic mass different from the atomic mass usually found in nature. Isotopically labelled, especially 2H (deuterium) labelled compounds of formula (I) and salts thereof are within the scope of the present invention. Substitution of hydrogen with the heavier isotope 2H (deuterium) may lead to greater metabolic stability, resulting e.g. in increased in-vivo half-life and/or reduced dosage requirements, and/or may lead to a modified metabolism pathway, resulting e.g. in an improved safety profile. In one embodiment of the invention, the compounds of formula (I) are not isotopically labelled, or they are labelled only with one or more deuterium atoms. In a sub-embodiment, the compounds of formula (I) are not isotopically labelled at all. Isotopically labelled compounds of formula (I) may be prepared in analogy to the methods described hereinafter, but using the appropriate isotopic variation of suitable reagents or starting materials.
In this patent application, a bond drawn as a dotted line shows the point of attachment of the radical drawn. For example, the radical drawn below




is the 2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1,3-diyl group.

In addition, it is well understood that in certain instances the drawn structure of the present compounds may represent several tautomers and such tautomers are comprised in the scope of the present invention:
For example compounds of formula (I) wherein Z and Y are CH, X is N, and R4 is hydroxy: i.e. compounds wherein the fragment:




represents





are understood as being one of two possible tautomeric forms. Such compounds, thus, also comprise the compounds wherein said fragment represents the corresponding tautomer:





Where the plural form is used for compounds, salts, pharmaceutical compositions, diseases and the like, this is intended to mean also a single compound, salt, or the like.
Any reference to compounds of formula (I) according to embodiments 1) to 25) is to be understood as referring also to the salts (and especially the pharmaceutically acceptable salts) of such compounds, as appropriate and expedient.
The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salts” refers to salts that retain the desired biological activity of the subject compound and exhibit minimal undesired toxicological effects. Such salts include inorganic or organic acid and/or base addition salts depending on the presence of basic and/or acidic groups in the subject compound. For reference see for example “Handbook of Pharmaceutical Salts. Properties, Selection and Use.”, P. Heinrich Stahl, Camille G. Wermuth (Eds.), Wiley-VCH, 2008; and “Pharmaceutical Salts and Co-crystals”, Johan Wouters and Luc Quéré (Eds.), RSC Publishing, 2012.
Definitions provided herein are intended to apply uniformly to the compounds of formula (I), as defined in any one of embodiments 1) to 25), and, mutatis mutandis, throughout the description and the claims unless an otherwise expressly set out definition provides a broader or narrower definition. It is well understood that a definition or preferred definition of a term defines and may replace the respective term independently of (and in combination with) any definition or preferred definition of any or all other terms as defined herein.
The term “halogen” means fluorine, chlorine, or bromine, preferably fluorine or chlorine.
The term “alkyl”, used alone or in combination, refers to a saturated straight or branched chain hydrocarbon group containing one to six carbon atoms. The term “(Cx-y)alkyl” (x and y each being an integer), refers to an alkyl group as defined before, containing x to y carbon atoms. For example a (C1-6)alkyl group contains from one to six carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert.-butyl, 3-methyl-butyl, 2,2-dimethyl-propyl and 3,3-dimethyl-butyl. For example a (C1-4)alkyl group contains from one to four carbon atoms. Examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl and tert.-butyl. For avoidance of any doubt, in case a group is referred to as e.g. propyl or butyl, it is meant to be n-propyl, respectively n-butyl. Preferred are methyl, ethyl and isopropyl. Most preferred is methyl. Examples of (C1-3)alkyl groups as used for the substituents at ring A (without R1) is methyl. Examples of (C1-4)alkyl groups as used for R1 are methyl and isopropyl. An example of R11 in —CO—R11 is tert-butyl, an example of a (C1-4)alkyl substituent at phenyl in R1 is methyl, an example of (C1-4)alkyl of R14a or R14b is methyl and ethyl. Examples of (C1-4)alkyl groups as used for R2 are methyl and isopropyl. Examples of (C1-3)alkyl groups as used for R3 is methyl. An example of (C1-4)alkyl groups as used for R4, R41, R41a, R41b, R43a and R43b is methyl.
The term “—(Cx-y)alkylene-”, used alone or in combination, refers to bivalently bound alkyl group as defined before containing x to y carbon atoms. Preferably, the points of attachment of a —(C1-y)alkylene group are in 1,1-diyl, in 1,2-diyl, or in 1,3-diyl arrangement. Preferably, the points of attachment of a —(C2-y)alkylene group are in 1,2-diyl or in 1,3-diyl arrangement. Preferred alkylene groups are methylene, ethylene and propylene. A —(C0)alkylene-group is absent and refers to a direct bond.
Alkylene-oxy linker groups —(C1-3)alkylene-O— as used for example in the substituents (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— or (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21— are to be read from left to right, i.e. they refer to the respective (C3-6)cycloalkyl-(C1-3)alkylene-O— groups. An example for (C3-6)cycloalkyl-(C1-3)alkylene-O— is cyclopropyl-methoxy.
Alkylene-amino linker groups R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents (C1-3)alkylene, are used for example in the substituents methylamino-methyl, dimethylamino-methyl, (2-hydroxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl, (2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethylamino)-methyl, (2-methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl, [ethyl-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl, and [bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl. Further, alkylene-amino linker groups R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents (C1-3)alkylene and R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen, are used for example in the substituents azetidin-1-ylmethyl, pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl, piperidin-1-ylmethyl, piperazin-1-ylmethyl, morpholin-4-ylmethyl, morpholin-4-yl-ethyl, morpholin-4-yl-propyl, 1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl, 3-methoxy-azetidin-1-ylmethyl, 4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-ylmethyl, 3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl, 4-methoxy-piperidin-1-ylmethyl, and 4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-ylmethyl.
The term “alkoxy”, used alone or in combination, refers to an alkyl-O— group wherein the alkyl group is as defined before. The term “(Cx-y)alkoxy” (x and y each being an integer) refers to an alkoxy group as defined before containing x to y carbon atoms. For example a (C1-4)alkoxy group means a group of the formula (C1-4)alkyl-O— in which the term “(C1-4)alkyl” has the previously given significance. Examples of alkoxy groups are methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec.-butoxy and tert.-butoxy. Preferred are ethoxy and especially methoxy. Examples of (C1-4)alkoxy groups as used for R11 in —CO—R11 are methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, n-butyloxy and tert-butoxy. An example of a (C1-4)alkoxy substituent at phenyl in R1 is methoxy and n-butyloxy. Examples of (C1-4)alkoxy groups as used for R2 are methoxy and isopropoxy. An example of a (C1-4)alkoxy group as used for R43 is methoxy.
The term “hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl” relates to an alkyl group wherein a hydroxyl group can be attached to any of the carbon atoms of the alkyl group, for instance 1-hydroxyethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl. An example for “hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl” is 2-hydroxyethyl.
The term “(C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl” relates to an alkyl group wherein an alkoxy group can be attached to any of the carbon atoms of the alkyl group, for instance 1-methoxyethyl, 2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl and 2-methoxyethyl.
The term “hydroxyl-(C2-3)alkoxy” relates to an alkoxy group wherein a hydroxyl group can be attached to any of the carbon atoms of the alkoxy group, for instance 2-hydroxy-ethoxy.
The term “(C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy” relates to a first alkoxy group wherein a second alkoxy group can be attached to any of the carbon atoms of the first alkoxy group, for instance 2-methoxy-ethoxy.
The term “alkynyl”, used alone or in combination, refers to a straight or branched hydrocarbon chain containing two to five carbon atoms and one carbon-carbon triple bond. The term “(Cx-y)alkynyl” (x and y each being an integer), refers to an alkynyl group as defined before containing x to y carbon atoms. For example a (C2-C5)alkynyl group contains from two to five carbon atoms. An example of an alkynyl group is prop-2-yn-1-yl. An example for an alkynyl group as used for the phenyl substituent in R1 is 3-morpholin-4-yl-prop-1-ynyl.
The term “fluoroalkyl”, used alone or in combination, refers to an alkyl group as defined before containing one to three carbon atoms in which one or more (and possibly all) hydrogen atoms have been replaced with fluorine. The term “(Cx-y)fluoroalkyl” (x and y each being an integer) refers to a fluoroalkyl group as defined before containing x to y carbon atoms. For example a (C1-3)fluoroalkyl group contains from one to three carbon atoms in which one to seven hydrogen atoms have been replaced with fluorine. Representative examples of fluoroalkyl groups include trifluoromethyl, 2-fluoroethyl, 2,2-difluoroethyl and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl. Preferred are (C1)fluoroalkyl groups, especially trifluoromethyl.
The term “fluoroalkoxy”, used alone or in combination, refers to an alkoxy group as defined before containing one to three carbon atoms in which one or more (and possibly all) hydrogen atoms have been replaced with fluorine. The term “(Cx-y)fluoroalkoxy” (x and y each being an integer) refers to a fluoroalkoxy group as defined before containing x to y carbon atoms. For example a (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy group contains from one to three carbon atoms in which one to seven hydrogen atoms have been replaced with fluorine. Representative examples of fluoroalkoxy groups include trifluoromethoxy, difluoromethoxy, 2-fluoroethoxy, 2,2-difluoroethoxy and 2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy. Preferred are (C1)fluoroalkoxy groups, especially trifluoromethoxy.
The term “cyano” refers to a group —CN.
The term “cycloalkyl”, used alone or in combination, refers to a saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon ring containing three to six carbon atoms. The term “(Cx-y)cycloalkyl” (x and y each being an integer), refers to a cycloalkyl group as defined before containing x to y carbon atoms. For example a (C3-6)cycloalkyl group contains from three to six carbon atoms. Examples of cycloalkyl groups are cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and cycloheptyl. Preferred are cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl; especially cyclopropyl. An example of (C3-6)cycloalkyl groups as used for the group R11 is cyclopropyl. An example for a (C3-6)cycloalkyl group as used for the phenyl substituent in (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl, examples for a (C3-6)cycloalkyl group as used for the phenyl or heteroaryl substituent in (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21— are cyclopropyl and cyclobutyl.
The term “(Cx-y)cycloalkyl-(Cx-y)alkyl-O—” refers to a (Cx-y)cycloalkyl group as defined before, which is linked through a (Cx-y)alkylene-O— group as defined before to the rest of the molecule. A particular example of such groups is cyclopropyl-methoxy.
The term “(C3-6)cycloalkyl optionally containing one ring oxygen atom”, used alone or in combination, refers to a cycloalkyl group as defined before. In addition, one ring carbon atom of said cycloalkyl may be replaced by an oxygen atom. Examples of such groups are especially cycloalkyl groups such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, and cyclohexyl; as well as oxygen containing groups such as oxetanyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, and tetrahydro-2H-pyranyl.
The term “heterocyclyl”, used alone or in combination, and if not explicitly defined in a more narrow way, refers to a saturated monocyclic hydrocarbon ring containing one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen and oxygen (especially one nitrogen atom, two nitrogen atoms, one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom, one oxygen atom, or two oxygen atoms; preferably such heterocyclyl contains one or two ring oxygen atoms, or one nitrogen atom). The term “(Cx-y)heterocyclyl” refers to such a heterocyclyl group containing x to y ring atoms. Heterocyclyl groups are unsubstituted or substituted as explicitly defined. Examples of heterocyclyl groups as used for the group R41 wherein R41 represents (C4)heterocyclyl-X41— are oxetan-3-yl, 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl, piperidin-4-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl (notably 2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl-methyl), morpholin-4-yl (notably morpholin-4-yl-ethyl) and 1-tert-butoxy-carbonyl-piperidin-4-yl.
The term “(Cx-y) heterocyclyl-(Cx-y)alkyl” refers to a (Cx-y)heterocyclyl group as defined before, which is linked through a (Cx-y)alkylene group as defined before to the rest of the molecule. For the (C4-7)heterocyclyl-(C1-3)alkyl groups as used for R41 examples of —(C1-3)alkylene-groups are methylene, and ethylene. Examples of heterocyclyl groups part of such (C4-7)heterocyclyl-(C1-3)alkylene groups as used for the group R41 wherein R41 represents (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41— are 2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl-methylene and morpholin-4-yl-ethylene.
The substituent phenyl of R1 independently is unsubstituted, mono-, di or trisubstituted. Examples for mono-, di or trisubstituted phenyl as R1 are 2,6-di-methyl-phenyl, 2-methoxy-phenyl, 2-n-butyloxy-phenyl, 2,6-di-methoxy-phenyl, 2-methoxy-ethoxy-phenyl, 2-methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl, 2-bromo-6-fluoro-phenyl, 2,6-di-fluoro-phenyl, 2-fluoro-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-(1-methoxy-ethyl)-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-formyl-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-cyano-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-hydroxymethyl-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-(1-hydroxyethyl)-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-nitro-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-acetyl-phenyl, 2-amino-6-fluoro-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-methylaminomethyl-phenyl, 2-dimethylaminomethyl-6-fluoro-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-{[(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl}-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-[(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethylamino)-methyl]-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-{[(2-methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl}-phenyl, 2-{[Ethyl-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-6-fluoro-phenyl, 2-{[bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-6-fluoro-phenyl, 2-azetidin-1-ylmethyl-5-fluoro-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-piperidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl, 2-fluoro-6-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-propyl)-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-(1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-(4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-(3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-[1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl]-phenyl, 2-Fluoro-6-(4-methoxy-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl, 2-(4-Dimethylamino-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-6-fluoro-phenyl, 1-hydroxy-phenyl, 2-hydroxy-ethoxy-phenyl, oxetan-3-yl-oxy-phenyl, cyclopropyl-methoxy-phenyl, cyclobutyl-oxy,-phenyl, 2-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)-phenyl, 1-benzyloxy-phenyl or 1-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl.
The substituent phenyl of R2 independently is unsubstituted, mono-, di or trisubstituted, especially mono- or trisubstituted. Examples for mono or trisubstituted phenyl as R2 are 2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl, 2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl, 2-methoxy-phenyl, 2-isopropoxy-phenyl, 2-cyclopropyl-phenyl, 2-cyclopropyl-oxy-phenyl, 2-oxetan-3-yl-oxy-phenyl, 2-cyclopropylmethoxy-phenyl, 2-cyclobutyl-oxy-phenyl or 2,4-difluoro-6-isopropoxy-phenyl.
The term “heteroaryl”, used alone or in combination, means a 5- or 6-membered monocyclic aromatic ring containing one to a maximum of three heteroatoms, each independently selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. Examples of such heteroaryl groups are furanyl, oxazolyl, isoxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, thiophenyl, thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, and pyrazinyl. Preferred 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl groups are pyrazolyl, oxodiazolyl, thiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl and pyrazinyl. The above-mentioned heteroaryl groups are unsubstituted or substituted as explicitly defined. In case 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group is substituted in ortho-position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule, it is understood that such substituent is attached in direct neighbourhood with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule, i.e. in a relative 1,2-arrangement. In case R1 represents “5- or 6-membered heteroaryl”, the term means the above-mentioned 5- or 6-membered groups, especially pyrazolyl, oxodiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl or pyridazinyl. For the substituent R1, such 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted (especially mono-, or di-substituted, in particular di-substituted) wherein the substituents are independently selected from (C1-4)alkyl, (C1)alkoxy, cyano, or halogen (especially fluoro or chloro, in particular fluoro). Examples for the 5-membered heteroaryl containing at least one nitrogen atom and optionally one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen or oxygen are 2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 4-chloro-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 2,4,5-trimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 5-cyclopropyl-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 4-formyl-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 4-cyano-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 4-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 5-cyclopropyl-2,4-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 5-cyclopropyl-4-formyl-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl, 5-isopropyl-[1,3,4]oxodiazol-2-yl, 5-trifluoromethyl-[1,3,4]oxodiazol-2-yl. Examples for the 6-membered heteroaryl group containing one or two nitrogen atoms are 3-methoxy-pyridin-2-yl, 3,5-dimethoxy-pyridin-4-yl, 2,4-dimethoxy-pyridin-3-yl, 3-methyl-pyridin-2-yl, 4-methyl-2-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl, 2-methyl-4-methoxy-pyridin-3-yl, 2-cyano-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl, 2,4-dimethyl-pyridin-3-yl, 3,5-dimethyl-pyridin-4-yl, 3-fluoro-pyridin-2-yl, 2-fluoro-pyridin-3-yl, 4-fluoro-pyridin-3-yl, 3,5-difluoro-pyridin-4-yl, 3,5-dichloro-pyridazin-4-yl, 3,4-dichloro-pyridazin-2-yl, 4,6-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl or 4-methyl-6-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl.
For the substituent R2, such 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl group is unsubstituted or mono-, di- or tri-substituted (especially mono-substituted) pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, or pyrazinyl, wherein the substituents are independently selected from (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl), (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy), (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl and isopropyl), (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy and isopropoxy), halogen (especially chloro). Examples for the 5-membered heteroaryl containing at least one nitrogen atom and optionally one or two further heteroatoms selected from nitrogen or oxygen are 2-trifluoromethyl-thiazol-4-yl and 2-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-thiazol-5-yl. Examples for the 6-membered heteroaryl group containing one or two nitrogen atoms are 3-methoxy-pyridin-2-yl, 3-isopropoxy-pyridin-2-yl, 4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-yl, 2-trifluoro-pyridin-3-yl, 4-isopropyl-pyridin-3-yl, 3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-yl, 4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-yl, 4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-yl, 4-methyl-pyridazin-3-yl, 6-chloro-4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-yl, 6-chloro-4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-yl, 4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl, 4-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl, 3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-yl, 3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-yl, 3-isopropoxy-pyrazin-2-yl or 3-isopropyl-pyrazin-2-yl.
Further embodiments of the invention are presented hereinafter:
2) A second embodiment relates to compounds according to embodiment 1), wherein

    
    
        ring A represents a saturated 4- to 7-membered mono-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring independently is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), fluoro, or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl (especially ethoxy-carbonyl), or di-substituted wherein the substituents are two (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl) substituents, or two fluoro substituents [especially such ring A is azetidin-1,3-diyl, pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, 4-methyl-pyrolidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-fluoro-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 2-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, azepan-1,4-diyl]; or
        ring A represents a saturated 7- or 8-membered bridged bi-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring is unsubstituted [especially such ring is 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,5-diyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3,6-diyl].
    
    


3) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to embodiment 1), wherein ring A represents a saturated 4- to 7-membered mono-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring independently is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), fluoro, or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl (especially ethoxy-carbonyl), or di-substituted wherein the substituents are two (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl) substituents, or two fluoro substituents [especially such ring A is azetidin-1,3-diyl, pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, 4-methyl-pyrolidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-fluoro-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 2-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, azepan-1,4-diyl].
4) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to embodiment 1), wherein ring A represents unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted azetidin-1,3-diyl, pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,4-diyl, azepan-1,4-diyl, 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,5-diyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3,6-diyl, wherein the substituents are selected from the group of (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), fluoro, or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl (especially ethoxy-carbonyl) [especially such ring A is azetidin-1,3-diyl, pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, 4-methyl-pyrolidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-fluoro-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 2-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, azepan-1,4-diyl, 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,5-diyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3,6-diyl].
5) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to embodiment 1), wherein ring A represents

    
    
        azetidin-1,3-diyl, pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, 4-methyl-pyrolidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-fluoro-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 2-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, or azepan-1,4-diyl; or
        2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,5-diyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3,6-diyl; wherein in a sub-embodiment ring A represents pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, or piperidin-1,4-diyl (especially piperidin-1,4-diyl).
    
    


6) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 5), wherein

    
    
        X represents CR5; Z represents CR5; and Y represents CR5; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl); wherein preferably at maximum one R5 is different from hydrogen [especially all R5 represent hydrogen];
        X represents CH; Z represents N; and Y represents CR5; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl); [especially R5 represents hydrogen];
        X represents N; Z represents CR5; and Y represents CR5; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl); wherein preferably at maximum one R5 is different from hydrogen; [especially all R5 represent hydrogen];
        X represents N; Z represents N; and Y represents CR5; wherein R5 represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl); [especially R5 represents hydrogen].
    
    


7) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 5), wherein one of X and Z represents CH or N; the other represents CH; and Y represents CR5, wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-3)alkyl (especially R5 represents hydrogen).
8) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 7), wherein R1 represents

    
    
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        —CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl (especially tert-butyl); (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, tert-butoxy); phenyl, phenoxy; (C3-6)cycloalkyl (especially cyclopropyl); or (C3-6)cycloalkoxy optionally containing one ring oxygen (especially oxetan-3-yloxy) and optionally mono-substituted with methyl or trifluoromethyl (especially 3-methyl-oxetan-3-yloxy, 3-trifluoromethyl-oxetan-3-yloxy); [especially such group —CO—R11 is tert.-butyl-carbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl, tert.-butoxycarbonyl, oxetan-3-yl-oxy-carbonyl, (3-methyl-oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-carbonyl, (3-trifluoromethyl-oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-carbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, phenoxycarbonyl, cyclopropylcarbonyl];
        benzyl wherein the phenyl ring of said benzyl is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen [especially 2,4-dichlorobenzyl];
        phenyl which is unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted (notably mono- or di-substituted, wherein at least one substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule; especially di-substituted in ortho position), wherein the substituents are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, n-butyloxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
            halogen (especially fluoro, bromo);
            cyano;
            nitro;
            hydroxy;
            hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-hydroxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-methoxyethyl);
            hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy(especially 2-hydroxy-ethoxy);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-methoxy-ethoxy);
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy or tetrahydropyran-4-yl-oxy];
            R13—CO—X13—, wherein X13 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and R13 represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group R13—CO—X13 is formyl, acetyl, 2-oxo-ethyl);
            3-(morpholin-4-yl)-prop-1-ynyl;
            R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino;
            [especially such group R14aR14bN—X14— is amino, methylamino-methyl, dimethylamino-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylamino]-methyl, [(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-amino]-methyl, [(2-methoxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [di-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino]-methyl, (azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, (pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (piperidin-1-yl)-methyl, morpholin-4-yl, piperazin-1-ylmethyl (morpholin-4-yl)-methyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)-ethyl, 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-propyl, (3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, 1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl, (1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl, (4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-yl)-methyl]; or
            benzyloxy; or
        
        
        5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted (notably mono-, di-, or tri-substituted wherein at least one substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule; especially di-substituted in ortho position), wherein the substituents are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
            halogen (especially fluoro, chloro);
            cyano;
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—; [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl]; or
            R13—CO—X13—, wherein X13 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and R13 represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group R13—CO—X13 is formyl).

wherein in a sub-embodiment R1 represents phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl are substituted as defined herein before.

        
        
    
    


9) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 7), wherein R1 represents

    
    
        —CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl (especially tert-butyl); or (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, tert-butoxy); [especially such group —CO—R11 is tert.-butyl-carbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl, tert.-butoxycarbonyl];
        phenyl which is mono-, or di- or tri-substituted (notably mono- or di-substituted wherein at least one substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule; especially di-substituted in ortho position), wherein the substituents are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
            halogen (especially fluoro, bromo);
            cyano;
            nitro;
            hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-hydroxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-methoxyethyl);
            hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-hydroxy-ethoxy);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-methoxy-ethoxy);
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—; [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclobutyl-oxy, or cyclopropyl-methoxy]; or
            R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino;
            [especially such group R14aR14bN—X14— is amino, methylamino-methyl, dimethylamino-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylamino]-methyl, [(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-amino]-methyl, [(2-methoxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [di-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino]-methyl, (azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, (pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (piperidin-1-yl)-methyl, morpholin-4-yl, (morpholin-4-yl)-methyl, piperazin-1-ylmethyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)-ethyl, 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-propyl, (3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, 1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl, (1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl, (4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-yl)-methyl.]; or
        
        
        5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted (notably mono-, di-, or tri-substituted wherein at least one substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule; especially di-substituted in ortho position), wherein the substituents are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            halogen (especially fluoro, chloro);
            cyano; or
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl].

wherein in a sub-embodiment R1 represents phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl are substituted as defined herein before.

        
        
    
    


10) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 7), wherein R1 represents

    
    
        —CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl (especially tert-butyl); or (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, ethoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, tert-butoxy); [especially such group —CO—R11 is tert.-butyl-carbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl, tert.-butoxycarbonyl];
        phenyl which is mono-, or di- or tri-substituted (notably mono- or di-substituted); wherein one substituent is (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or halogen (especially fluoro) [especially such substituent is methyl, methoxy or fluoro; in particular methyl]; wherein said substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule; and, if present, the remaining substituent(s) are independently selected from:
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
            halogen (especially fluoro, bromo);
            cyano;
            hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-hydroxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-methoxyethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-methoxy-ethoxy);
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—; [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is, cyclobutyl-oxy or cyclopropyl-methoxy]; or
            R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino;
            [especially such group R14aR14bN—X14— is amino, methylamino-methyl, dimethylamino-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylamino]-methyl, [(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-amino]-methyl, [(2-methoxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [di-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino]-methyl, (azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, (pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (piperidin-1-yl)-methyl, morpholin-4-yl, (morpholin-4-yl)-methyl, piperazin-1-ylmethyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)-ethyl, 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-propyl, (3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, 1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl, (1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl, (4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-yl)-methyl.]; or
        
        
        5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted; wherein one substituent is (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or halogen (especially fluoro); wherein said substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule; and, if present, the remaining substituent(s) are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            halogen (especially fluoro, chloro);
            cyano; or
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond; [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl].

wherein in a sub-embodiment R1 represents phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl selected from pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, and pyrimidinyl; wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl are substituted as defined herein before.

        
        
    
    


11) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 7), wherein R1 represents

    
    
        —CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (especially isopropoxy, tert-butoxy);
        phenyl which is mono-, or di- or tri-substituted (notably mono- or di-substituted); wherein one substituent is (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or halogen (especially fluoro) [especially such substituent is methyl, methoxy or fluoro; in particular methyl]; wherein said substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule; and, if present, the remaining substituent(s) are independently selected from:
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
            halogen (especially fluoro, bromo);
            cyano;
            hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-hydroxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-methoxyethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-methoxy-ethoxy);
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—; [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclobutyl-oxy, or cyclopropyl-methoxy]; or
            R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl, and R14b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, or (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino;
            [especially such group R14aR14bN—X14— is amino, methylamino-methyl, dimethylamino-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylamino]-methyl, [(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-amino]-methyl, [(2-methoxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [di-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino]-methyl, (azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, (pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (piperidin-1-yl)-methyl, morpholin-4-yl, piperazin-1-ylmethyl, (morpholin-4-yl)-methyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)-ethyl, 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-propyl, (3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, 1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl, (1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl, (4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-yl)-methyl.]; or
        
        
        6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted (notably mono-, or di-substituted); wherein one substituent is (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or halogen (especially fluoro); wherein said substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule; and, if present, the remaining substituent(s) are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            halogen (especially fluoro);
            cyano; or
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl];

wherein in a sub-embodiment R1 represents phenyl, or 6-membered heteroaryl selected from pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, and pyrimidinyl; wherein said phenyl or 6-membered heteroaryl are substituted as defined herein before.

        
        
    
    


12) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 7), wherein R1 represents phenyl which is mono-, or di- or tri-substituted (notably mono- or di-substituted); wherein

    
    
        one substituent is
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy); or
            halogen (especially fluoro);
        
        
        wherein said substituent is attached in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule [especially such substituent is methyl, methoxy or fluoro; in particular methyl];
        and, if present, the remaining substituent(s) is/are independently selected from:
        
            methyl;
            methoxy;
            halogen (especially fluoro);
            cyano, or
            amino.
        
        
    
    


13) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 12), wherein R2 represents phenyl, or 6-membered heteroaryl (in particular pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl) [especially R2 represents phenyl]; wherein said phenyl or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, or di-substituted (especially mono-substituted, in particular mono-substituted in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule), wherein the substituents are independently selected from

    
    
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, isopropoxy);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
        halogen (especially chloro, fluoro); or
        (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21—, wherein X21 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen; [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy].
    
    


14) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 12), wherein R2 represents phenyl, or 6-membered heteroaryl (in particular pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl) [especially R2 represents phenyl]; wherein said phenyl or 6-membered heteroaryl is mono-substituted in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule, wherein the substituent is independently selected from

    
    
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, isopropoxy);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy); or
        (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21—, wherein X21 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen; [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy].
    
    


15) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 12), wherein R2 represents phenyl, which is mono-substituted in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule, wherein the substituent is independently selected from

    
    
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially isopropyl);
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, isopropoxy);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy); or
        cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy;

or R2 represents 6-membered heteroaryl (in particular pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl); wherein said 6-membered heteroaryl is mono-substituted in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule, wherein the substituent is independently selected from

        (C1-4)alkyl (especially isopropyl);
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, isopropoxy);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl); or
        (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy).
    
    


16) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 15), wherein R3 represents hydrogen, or methyl (especially hydrogen). In a sub-embodiment R3 represents hydrogen.
17) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 16),
R4 represents


    
    
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
        hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially hydroxymethyl);
        —O—R41, wherein R41 represents
        
            hydrogen;
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
            (C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy (especially 2-hydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl);
            R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group is 2-dimethylamino-ethyl); or
            (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen and oxygen; wherein the oxygen atom of such group (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—O— is separated by at least two (ring and/or chain) carbon atoms from such ring heteroatom; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from:
            
                (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl); and/or
                (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency;
            
            
            [especially such (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41— group is oxetan-3-yl, 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl-methyl, 2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl, 1-tert-butoxy-carbonyl-piperidin-4-yl, piperidin-4-yl];
        
        
        —NR42aR42b wherein R42a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl, and R42b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), or (C1-3)alkoxy (especially methoxy) [especially such group —NR42aR42b is (2-hydroxyethyl)-amino, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl-amino, (2-methoxyethyl)-amino, morpholin-4-yl, 3-methoxy-azetidinyl, or 4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl]; or
        —CO—R43 wherein R43 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy); or —NR43aR43b wherein R43a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), and R43b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-methoxy-ethyl), or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-hydroxy-ethyl); [especially such group —CO—R43 is methoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, methyl-carbamoyl, dimethylcarbamoyl, hydroxyethylcarbamoyl, methoxyethylcarbamoyl];

wherein in a sub-embodiment R4 represents —O—R41 as defined herein above; especially R4 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (in particular methoxy).

    
    


18) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 16), wherein R4 represents

    
    
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
        hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially hydroxymethyl);
        —O—R41, wherein R41 represents
        
            hydrogen;
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
            (C2)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy (especially 2-hydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl);
            R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group is 2-dimethylamino-ethyl); or
            (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or —CH2—, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen and oxygen; wherein the oxygen atom of such group (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—O— is separated by at least two (ring and/or chain) carbon atoms from such ring heteroatom; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl) at a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency, or di-substituted with methyl;
            [especially such (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41— group is oxetan-3-yl, 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl-methyl, 2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl];
        
        
        —NR42aR42b wherein R42a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), and R42b independently represents (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl; or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl) attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency, or (C1-3)alkoxy (especially methoxy) attached to a ring carbon atom [especially such group —NR42aR42b is (2-hydroxyethyl)-amino, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl-amino, (2-methoxyethyl)-amino, morpholin-4-yl, 3-methoxy-azetidinyl, or 4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl]; or
        —CO—R43 wherein R43 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy); or —NR43aR43b wherein R43a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), and R43b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-methoxy-ethyl), or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-hydroxy-ethyl); [especially such group —CO—R43 is methoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, methyl-carbamoyl, dimethylcarbamoyl, hydroxyethylcarbamoyl, methoxyethylcarbamoyl];

wherein in a sub-embodiment R4 represents —O—R41 as defined herein above; especially R4 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (in particular methoxy).

    
    


19) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 16), wherein R4 represents

    
    
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
        hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially hydroxymethyl);
        —O—R41, wherein R41 represents
        
            hydrogen;
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
            (C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy (especially 2-hydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl);
            R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl, and R41b independently represents (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group is 2-dimethylamino-ethyl); or
            (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond, —CH2—, or —CH2—CH2—, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen and oxygen; wherein the oxygen atom of such group (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—O— is separated by at least two (ring and/or chain) carbon atoms from such ring heteroatom; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl) at a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency, or di-substituted with methyl;
            [especially such (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41— group is oxetan-3-yl, 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl-methyl, 2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl];
        
        
        —NR42aR42b wherein R42a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), and R42b independently represents (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl; or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl) attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency, or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkoxy (especially methoxy) attached to a ring carbon atom [especially such group —NR42aR42b is (2-hydroxyethyl)-amino, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl-amino, (2-methoxyethyl)-amino, morpholin-4-yl, 3-methoxy-azetidinyl, or 4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl]; or
        —CO—R43 wherein R43 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy); or —NR43aR43b wherein R43a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), and R43b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-methoxy-ethyl), or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-hydroxy-ethyl); [especially such group —CO—R43 is methoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, methyl-carbamoyl, dimethylcarbamoyl, hydroxyethylcarbamoyl, methoxyethylcarbamoyl];

wherein in a sub-embodiment R4 represents —O—R41 as defined herein above; especially R4 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (in particular methoxy).

    
    


20) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 16), wherein R4 represents

    
    
        hydroxy;
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
        2-hydroxy-ethoxy, or 2,3-dihydroxy-propoxy;
        (oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-, (2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl)-methoxy, or (2-morpholin-4-yl)-ethyl;
        (2-hydroxyethyl)-amino, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl-amino, or (2-methoxyethyl)-amino; or
        morpholin-4-yl, or 3-methoxy-azetidinyl;

wherein in a sub-embodiment R4 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy) or 2-hydroxy-ethoxy.

    
    


21) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to any one of embodiments 1) to 16), wherein R4 represents

    
    
        hydroxy;
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy);
        2-hydroxy-ethoxy;
        2,3-dihydroxy-propoxy;
        (oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-;
        (2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl)-methoxy;
        (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl-amino; or
        morpholin-4-yl; or
        3-methoxy-azetidinyl;

wherein in a sub-embodiment R4 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy).

    
    


22) The invention, thus, relates to compounds of the formula (I) as defined in embodiment 1), or to such compounds further limited by the characteristics of any one of embodiments 2) to 21), under consideration of their respective dependencies; to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; and to the use of such compounds as medicaments especially in the treatment of disorders relating to diseases and disorders related to pathogenic events associated with elevated levels of C5a and/or with C5aR activation. For avoidance of any doubt, especially the following embodiments relating to the compounds of formula (I) are thus possible and intended and herewith specifically disclosed in individualized form:
1, 2+1, 3+1, 5+1, 6+1, 6+2+1, 6+3+1, 7+1, 7+5+1, 8+1, 8+2+1, 8+3+1, 8+6+1, 8+6+2+1, 8+6+3+1, 9+1, 9+2+1, 9+3+1, 9+6+1, 9+6+2+1, 9+6+3+1, 11+1, 11+5+1, 11+7+1, 11+7+5+1, 12+1, 12+5+1, 12+7+1, 12+7+5+1, 13+1, 13+2+1, 13+3+1, 13+6+1, 13+6+2+1, 13+6+3+1, 13+8+1, 13+8+2+1, 13+8+3+1, 13+8+6+1, 13+8+6+2+1, 13+8+6+3+1, 13+9+1, 13+9+2+1, 13+9+3+1, 13+9+6+1, 13+9+6+2+1, 13+9+6+3+1, 14+1, 14+5+1, 14+7+1, 14+7+5+1, 14+11+1, 14+11+5+1, 14+11+7+1, 14+11+7+5+1, 14+12+1, 14+12+5+1, 14+12+7+1, 14+12+7+5+1, 15+1, 15+5+1, 15+7+1, 15+7+5+1, 15+11+1, 15+11+5+1, 15+11+7+1, 15+11+7+5+1, 15+12+1, 15+12+5+1, 15+12+7+1, 15+12+7+5+1, 16+1, 16+2+1, 16+3+1, 16+5+1, 16+6+1, 16+6+2+1, 16+6+3+1, 16+7+1, 16+7+5+1, 16+8+1, 16+8+2+1, 16+8+3+1, 16+8+6+1, 16+8+6+2+1, 16+8+6+3+1, 16+9+1, 16+9+2+1, 16+9+3+1, 16+9+6+1, 16+9+6+2+1, 16+9+6+3+1, 16+11+1, 16+11+5+1, 16+11+7+1, 16+11+7+5+1, 16+12+1, 16+12+5+1, 16+12+7+1, 16+12+7+5+1, 16+13+1, 16+13+2+1, 16+13+3+1, 16+13+6+1, 16+13+6+2+1, 16+13+6+3+1, 16+13+8+1, 16+13+8+2+1, 16+13+8+3+1, 16+13+8+6+1, 16+13+8+6+2+1, 16+13+8+6+3+1, 16+13+9+1, 16+13+9+2+1, 16+13+9+3+1, 16+13+9+6+1, 16+13+9+6+2+1, 16+13+9+6+3+1, 16+14+1, 16+14+5+1, 16+14+7+1, 16+14+7+5+1, 16+14+11+1, 16+14+11+5+1, 16+14+11+7+1, 16+14+11+7+5+1, 16+14+12+1, 16+14+12+5+1, 16+14+12+7+1, 16+14+12+7+5+1, 16+15+1, 16+15+5+1, 16+15+7+1, 16+15+7+5+1, 16+15+11+1, 16+15+11+5+1, 16+15+11+7+1, 16+15+11+7+5+1, 16+15+12+1, 16+15+12+5+1, 16+15+12+7+1, 16+15+12+7+5+1, 17+1, 17+2+1, 17+3+1, 17+6+1, 17+6+2+1, 17+6+3+1, 17+8+1, 17+8+2+1, 17+8+3+1, 17+8+6+1, 17+8+6+2+1, 17+8+6+3+1, 17+9+1, 17+9+2+1, 17+9+3+1, 17+9+6+1, 17+9+6+2+1, 17+9+6+3+1, 17+13+1, 17+13+2+1, 17+13+3+1, 17+13+6+1, 17+13+6+2+1, 17+13+6+3+1, 17+13+8+1, 17+13+8+2+1, 17+13+8+3+1, 17+13+8+6+1, 17+13+8+6+2+1, 17+13+8+6+3+1, 17+13+9+1, 17+13+9+2+1, 17+13+9+3+1, 17+13+9+6+1, 17+13+9+6+2+1, 17+13+9+6+3+1, 17+16+1, 17+16+2+1, 17+16+3+1, 17+16+5+1, 17+16+6+1, 17+16+6+2+1, 17+16+6+3+1, 17+16+7+1, 17+16+7+5+1, 17+16+8+1, 17+16+8+2+1, 17+16+8+3+1, 17+16+8+6+1, 17+16+8+6+2+1, 17+16+8+6+3+1, 17+16+9+1, 17+16+9+2+1, 17+16+9+3+1, 17+16+9+6+1, 17+16+9+6+2+1, 17+16+9+6+3+1, 17+16+11+1, 17+16+11+5+1, 17+16+11+7+1, 17+16+11+7+5+1, 17+16+12+1, 17+16+12+5+1, 17+16+12+7+1, 17+16+12+7+5+1, 17+16+13+1, 17+16+13+2+1, 17+16+13+3+1, 17+16+13+6+1, 17+16+13+6+2+1, 17+16+13+6+3+1, 17+16+13+8+1, 17+16+13+8+2+1, 17+16+13+8+3+1, 17+16+13+8+6+1, 17+16+13+8+6+2+1, 17+16+13+8+6+3+1, 17+16+13+9+1, 17+16+13+9+2+1, 17+16+13+9+3+1, 17+16+13+9+6+1, 17+16+13+9+6+2+1, 17+16+13+9+6+3+1, 17+16+14+1, 17+16+14+5+1, 17+16+14+7+1, 17+16+14+7+5+1, 17+16+14+11+1, 17+16+14+11+5+1, 17+16+14+11+7+1, 17+16+14+11+7+5+1, 17+16+14+12+1, 17+16+14+12+5+1, 17+16+14+12+7+1, 17+16+14+12+7+5+1, 17+16+15+1, 17+16+15+5+1, 17+16+15+7+1, 17+16+15+7+5+1, 17+16+15+11+1, 17+16+15+11+5+1, 17+16+15+11+7+1, 17+16+15+11+7+5+1, 17+16+15+12+1, 17+16+15+12+5+1, 17+16+15+12+7+1, 17+16+15+12+7+5+1, 19+1, 19+5+1, 19+7+1, 19+7+5+1, 19+11+1, 19+11+5+1, 19+11+7+1, 19+11+7+5+1, 19+12+1, 19+12+5+1, 19+12+7+1, 19+12+7+5+1, 19+14+1, 19+14+5+1, 19+14+7+1, 19+14+7+5+1, 19+14+11+1, 19+14+11+5+1, 19+14+11+7+1, 19+14+11+7+5+1, 19+14+12+1, 19+14+12+5+1, 19+14+12+7+1, 19+14+12+7+5+1, 19+15+1, 19+15+5+1, 19+15+7+1, 19+15+7+5+1, 19+15+11+1, 19+15+11+5+1, 19+15+11+7+1, 19+15+11+7+5+1, 19+15+12+1, 19+15+12+5+1, 19+15+12+7+1, 19+15+12+7+5+1, 19+16+1, 19+16+2+1, 19+16+3+1, 19+16+5+1, 19+16+6+1, 19+16+6+2+1, 19+16+6+3+1, 19+16+7+1, 19+16+7+5+1, 19+16+8+1, 19+16+8+2+1, 19+16+8+3+1, 19+16+8+6+1, 19+16+8+6+2+1, 19+16+8+6+3+1, 19+16+9+1, 19+16+9+2+1, 19+16+9+3+1, 19+16+9+6+1, 19+16+9+6+2+1, 19+16+9+6+3+1, 19+16+11+1, 19+16+11+5+1, 19+16+11+7+1, 19+16+11+7+5+1, 19+16+12+1, 19+16+12+5+1, 19+16+12+7+1, 19+16+12+7+5+1, 19+16+13+1, 19+16+13+2+1, 19+16+13+3+1, 19+16+13+6+1, 19+16+13+6+2+1, 19+16+13+6+3+1, 19+16+13+8+1, 19+16+13+8+2+1, 19+16+13+8+3+1, 19+16+13+8+6+1, 19+16+13+8+6+2+1, 19+16+13+8+6+3+1, 19+16+13+9+1, 19+16+13+9+2+1, 19+16+13+9+3+1, 19+16+13+9+6+1, 19+16+13+9+6+2+1, 19+16+13+9+6+3+1, 19+16+14+1, 19+16+14+5+1, 19+16+14+7+1, 19+16+14+7+5+1, 19+16+14+11+1, 19+16+14+11+5+1, 19+16+14+11+7+1, 19+16+14+11+7+5+1, 19+16+14+12+1, 19+16+14+12+5+1, 19+16+14+12+7+1, 19+16+14+12+7+5+1, 19+16+15+1, 19+16+15+5+1, 19+16+15+7+1, 19+16+15+7+5+1, 19+16+15+11+1, 19+16+15+11+5+1, 19+16+15+11+7+1, 19+16+15+11+7+5+1, 19+16+15+12+1, 19+16+15+12+5+1, 19+16+15+12+7+1, 19+16+15+12+7+5+1, 20+1, 20+5+1, 20+7+1, 20+7+5+1, 20+11+1, 20+11+5+1, 20+11+7+1, 20+11+7+5+1, 20+12+1, 20+12+5+1, 20+12+7+1, 20+12+7+5+1, 20+14+1, 20+14+5+1, 20+14+7+1, 20+14+7+5+1, 20+14+11+1, 20+14+11+5+1, 20+14+11+7+1, 20+14+11+7+5+1, 20+14+12+1, 20+14+12+5+1, 20+14+12+7+1, 20+14+12+7+5+1, 20+15+1, 20+15+5+1, 20+15+7+1, 20+15+7+5+1, 20+15+11+1, 20+15+11+5+1, 20+15+11+7+1, 20+15+11+7+5+1, 20+15+12+1, 20+15+12+5+1, 20+15+12+7+1, 20+15+12+7+5+1, 20+16+1, 20+16+2+1, 20+16+3+1, 20+16+5+1, 20+16+6+1, 20+16+6+2+1, 20+16+6+3+1, 20+16+7+1, 20+16+7+5+1, 20+16+8+1, 20+16+8+2+1, 20+16+8+3+1, 20+16+8+6+1, 20+16+8+6+2+1, 20+16+8+6+3+1, 20+16+9+1, 20+16+9+2+1, 20+16+9+3+1, 20+16+9+6+1, 20+16+9+6+2+1, 20+16+9+6+3+1, 20+16+11+1, 20+16+11+5+1, 20+16+11+7+1, 20+16+11+7+5+1, 20+16+12+1, 20+16+12+5+1, 20+16+12+7+1, 20+16+12+7+5+1, 20+16+13+1, 20+16+13+2+1, 20+16+13+3+1, 20+16+13+6+1, 20+16+13+6+2+1, 20+16+13+6+3+1, 20+16+13+8+1, 20+16+13+8+2+1, 20+16+13+8+3+1, 20+16+13+8+6+1, 20+16+13+8+6+2+1, 20+16+13+8+6+3+1, 20+16+13+9+1, 20+16+13+9+2+1, 20+16+13+9+3+1, 20+16+13+9+6+1, 20+16+13+9+6+2+1, 20+16+13+9+6+3+1, 20+16+14+1, 20+16+14+5+1, 20+16+14+7+1, 20+16+14+7+5+1, 20+16+14+11+1, 20+16+14+11+5+1, 20+16+14+11+7+1, 20+16+14+11+7+5+1, 20+16+14+12+1, 20+16+14+12+5+1, 20+16+14+12+7+1, 20+16+14+12+7+5+1, 20+16+15+1, 20+16+15+5+1, 20+16+15+7+1, 20+16+15+7+5+1, 20+16+15+11+1, 20+16+15+11+5+1, 20+16+15+11+7+1, 20+16+15+11+7+5+1, 20+16+15+12+1, 20+16+15+12+5+1, 20+16+15+12+7+1, 20+16+15+12+7+5+1, 21+1, 21+5+1, 21+7+1, 21+7+5+1, 21+11+1, 21+11+5+1, 21+11+7+1, 21+11+7+5+1, 21+12+1, 21+12+5+1, 21+12+7+1, 21+12+7+5+1, 21+14+1, 21+14+5+1, 21+14+7+1, 21+14+7+5+1, 21+14+11+1, 21+14+11+5+1, 21+14+11+7+1, 21+14+11+7+5+1, 21+14+12+1, 21+14+12+5+1, 21+14+12+7+1, 21+14+12+7+5+1, 21+15+1, 21+15+5+1, 21+15+7+1, 21+15+7+5+1, 21+15+11+1, 21+15+11+5+1, 21+15+11+7+1, 21+15+11+7+5+1, 21+15+12+1, 21+15+12+5+1, 21+15+12+7+1, 21+15+12+7+5+1, 21+16+1, 21+16+2+1, 21+16+3+1, 21+16+5+1, 21+16+6+1, 21+16+6+2+1, 21+16+6+3+1, 21+16+7+1, 21+16+7+5+1, 21+16+8+1, 21+16+8+2+1, 21+16+8+3+1, 21+16+8+6+1, 21+16+8+6+2+1, 21+16+8+6+3+1, 21+16+9+1, 21+16+9+2+1, 21+16+9+3+1, 21+16+9+6+1, 21+16+9+6+2+1, 21+16+9+6+3+1, 21+16+11+1, 21+16+11+5+1, 21+16+11+7+1, 21+16+11+7+5+1, 21+16+12+1, 21+16+12+5+1, 21+16+12+7+1, 21+16+12+7+5+1, 21+16+13+1, 21+16+13+2+1, 21+16+13+3+1, 21+16+13+6+1, 21+16+13+6+2+1, 21+16+13+6+3+1, 21+16+13+8+1, 21+16+13+8+2+1, 21+16+13+8+3+1, 21+16+13+8+6+1, 21+16+13+8+6+2+1, 21+16+13+8+6+3+1, 21+16+13+9+1, 21+16+13+9+2+1, 21+16+13+9+3+1, 21+16+13+9+6+1, 21+16+13+9+6+2+1, 21+16+13+9+6+3+1, 21+16+14+1, 21+16+14+5+1, 21+16+14+7+1, 21+16+14+7+5+1, 21+16+14+11+1, 21+16+14+11+5+1, 21+16+14+11+7+1, 21+16+14+11+7+5+1, 21+16+14+12+1, 21+16+14+12+5+1, 21+16+14+12+7+1, 21+16+14+12+7+5+1, 21+16+15+1, 21+16+15+5+1, 21+16+15+7+1, 21+16+15+7+5+1, 21+16+15+11+1, 21+16+15+11+5+1, 21+16+15+11+7+1, 21+16+15+11+7+5+1, 21+16+15+12+1, 21+16+15+12+5+1, 21+16+15+12+7+1, 21+16+15+12+7+5+1.
In the list above the numbers refer to the embodiments according to their numbering provided hereinabove whereas “+” indicates the dependency from another embodiment. The different individualized embodiments are separated by commas. In other words, “20+15+12+1” for example refers to embodiment 20) depending on embodiment 15), depending on embodiment 12), depending on embodiment 1), i.e. embodiment “20+15+12+1” corresponds to the compounds of formula (I) according to embodiment 1) further limited by all the features of the embodiments 12), 15), and 20).
23) A second aspect of the invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) according to embodiment 1) which are also compounds of the formula (II)




wherein X is CH and Z is CH, X is N and Z is CH, or X is CH and Z is N;

    
    
        ring A represents a saturated 4- to 7-membered mono-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), fluoro, or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl (especially ethoxy-carbonyl) [especially such ring A is azetidin-1,3-diyl, pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, 4-methyl-pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-fluoro-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 2-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, azepan-1,4-diyl]; or
        ring A represents a saturated 7- or 8-membered bridged bi-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring is unsubstituted [especially such ring is 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,5-diyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3,6-diyl];

R1 represents

        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        —CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl; (C1-4)alkoxy; phenyl, phenoxy; (C3-6)cycloalkyl; or (C3-6)cycloalkoxy optionally containing one ring oxygen and optionally mono-substituted with methyl or trifluoromethyl [especially such group —CO—R11 is tert.-butyl-carbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl, tert.-butoxycarbonyl, oxetan-3-yl-oxy-carbonyl, (3-methyl-oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-carbonyl, (3-trifluoromethyl-oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-carbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, phenoxycarbonyl, cyclopropylcarbonyl];
        benzyl wherein the phenyl ring of said benzyl is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen [especially 2,4-dichlorobenzyl]; or
        phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, n-butyloxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
            halogen (especially fluoro, chloro, bromo);
            cyano;
            nitro;
            hydroxy;
            hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-hydroxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-methoxyethyl);
            hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-hydroxy-ethoxy);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-methoxy-ethoxy);
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy, or tetrahydropyran-4-yl-oxy];
            R13—CO—X13—, wherein X13 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and R13 represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group R13—CO—X13 is formyl, acetyl, 2-oxo-ethyl);
            3-(morpholin-4-yl)-prop-1-ynyl;
            R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino,
            [especially such group R14aR14bN—X14— is amino, methylamino-methyl, dimethylamino-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylamino]-methyl, [(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-amino]-methyl, [(2-methoxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [di-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino]-methyl, (azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, (pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (piperidin-1-yl)-methyl, morpholin-4-yl, piperazin-1-ylmethyl, (morpholin-4-yl)-methyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)-ethyl, 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-propyl, (3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, 1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl, (1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl, (4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-yl)-methyl]; or
            benzyloxy, wherein the phenylring of benzyloxy is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen or methyl);

wherein in a sub-embodiment R1 represents phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl are substituted as defined herein before;

R2 represents phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (notably 6-membered heteroaryl; in particular thiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted (especially mono-substituted, in particular in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule), wherein the substituents are independently selected from

        
        
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, isopropoxy);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
        halogen (especially chloro, fluoro); or
        (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21—, wherein X21 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy];

R3 represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl); and

R4 represents

        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
        hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially hydroxymethyl);
        —O—R41, wherein R41 represents
        
            hydrogen;
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
            (C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy (especially 2-hydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl);
            R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group is 2-dimethylamino-ethyl); or
            (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen and oxygen; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from:
            
                (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl); and/or
                (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency;
            
            
            [especially such (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41— group is oxetan-3-yl, 1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl, 2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl-methyl, 2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl, 1-tert-butoxy-carbonyl-piperidin-4-yl, piperidin-4-yl];
        
        
        —NR42aR42b wherein R42a and R42b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), or (C1-3)alkoxy (especially methoxy) [especially such group —NR42aR42b is (2-hydroxyethyl)-amino, (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl-amino, (2-methoxyethyl)-amino, morpholin-4-yl, 3-methoxy-azetidinyl, or 4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl]; or
        —CO—R43 wherein R43 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy); or —NR43aR43b wherein R43a and R43b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-methoxy-ethyl), or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl (especially 2-hydroxy-ethyl); [especially such group —CO—R43 is methoxycarbonyl, carbamoyl, methyl-carbamoyl, dimethylcarbamoyl, hydroxyethylcarbamoyl, methoxyethylcarbamoyl].

wherein the characteristics disclosed in embodiments 2) to 22) are intended to apply mutatis mutandis also to the compounds formula (II) according to embodiment 23); wherein especially the following embodiments are thus possible and intended and herewith specifically disclosed in individualized form:

23+2, 23+3, 23+5, 23+8+2, 23+8+3, 23+8+6, 8, 23+9+2, 23+9+3, 23+9+6, 9, 23+11+5, 23+11, 23+12+5, 23+12, 23+13+2, 23+13+3, 23+13+8+2, 23+13+8+3, 23+13+8+6, 13+8, 23+13+9+2, 23+13+9+3, 23+13+9+6, 13+9, 23+13, 23+14+5, 23+14+11+5, 23+14+11, 23+14+12+5, 23+14+12, 23+14, 23+15+5, 23+15+11+5, 23+15+11, 23+15+12+5, 23+15+12, 23+15, 23+16+2, 23+16+3, 23+16+5, 23+16+8+2, 23+16+8+3, 23+16+8+6, 16+8, 23+16+9+2, 23+16+9+3, 23+16+9+6, 16+9, 23+16+11+5, 23+16+11, 23+16+12+5, 23+16+12, 23+16+13+2, 23+16+13+3, 23+16+13+8+2, 23+16+13+8+3, 23+16+13+8+6, 16+13+8, 23+16+13+9+2, 23+16+13+9+3, 23+16+13+9+6, 16+13+9, 23+16+13, 23+16+14+5, 23+16+14+11+5, 23+16+14+11, 23+16+14+12+5, 23+16+14+12, 23+16+14, 23+16+15+5, 23+16+15+11+5, 23+16+15+11, 23+16+15+12+5, 23+16+15+12, 23+16+15, 23+16, 23+17+2, 23+17+3, 23+17+8+2, 23+17+8+3, 23+17+8+6, 17+8, 23+17+9+2, 23+17+9+3, 23+17+9+6, 17+9, 23+17+13+2, 23+17+13+3, 23+17+13+8+2, 23+17+13+8+3, 23+17+13+8+6, 17+13+8, 23+17+13+9+2, 23+17+13+9+3, 23+17+13+9+6, 17+13+9, 23+17+13, 23+17+16+2, 23+17+16+3, 23+17+16+5, 23+17+16+8+2, 23+17+16+8+3, 23+17+16+8+6, 17+16+8, 23+17+16+9+2, 23+17+16+9+3, 23+17+16+9+6, 17+16+9, 23+17+16+11+5, 23+17+16+11, 23+17+16+12+5, 23+17+16+12, 23+17+16+13+2, 23+17+16+13+3, 23+17+16+13+8+2, 23+17+16+13+8+3, 23+17+16+13+8+6, 17+16+13+8, 23+17+16+13+9+2, 23+17+16+13+9+3, 23+17+16+13+9+6, 17+16+13+9, 23+17+16+13, 23+17+16+14+5, 23+17+16+14+11+5, 23+17+16+14+11, 23+17+16+14+12+5, 23+17+16+14+12, 23+17+16+14, 23+17+16+15+5, 23+17+16+15+11+5, 23+17+16+15+11, 23+17+16+15+12+5, 23+17+16+15+12, 23+17+16+15, 23+17+16, 23+17, 23+19+5, 23+19+11+5, 23+19+11, 23+19+12+5, 23+19+12, 23+19+14+5, 23+19+14+11+5, 23+19+14+11, 23+19+14+12+5, 23+19+14+12, 23+19+14, 23+19+15+5, 23+19+15+11+5, 23+19+15+11, 23+19+15+12+5, 23+19+15+12, 23+19+15, 23+19+16+2, 23+19+16+3, 23+19+16+5, 23+19+16+8+2, 23+19+16+8+3, 23+19+16+8+6, 19+16+8, 23+19+16+9+2, 23+19+16+9+3, 23+19+16+9+6, 19+16+9, 23+19+16+11+5, 23+19+16+11, 23+19+16+12+5, 23+19+16+12, 23+19+16+13+2, 23+19+16+13+3, 23+19+16+13+8+2, 23+19+16+13+8+3, 23+19+16+13+8+6, 19+16+13+8, 23+19+16+13+9+2, 23+19+16+13+9+3, 23+19+16+13+9+6, 19+16+13+9, 23+19+16+13, 23+19+16+14+5, 23+19+16+14+11+5, 23+19+16+14+11, 23+19+16+14+12+5, 23+19+16+14+12, 23+19+16+14, 23+19+16+15+5, 23+19+16+15+11+5, 23+19+16+15+11, 23+19+16+15+12+5, 23+19+16+15+12, 23+19+16+15, 23+19+16, 23+19, 23+20+5, 23+20+11+5, 23+20+11, 23+20+12+5, 23+20+12, 23+20+14+5, 23+20+14+11+5, 23+20+14+11, 23+20+14+12+5, 23+20+14+12, 23+20+14, 23+20+15+5, 23+20+15+11+5, 23+20+15+11, 23+20+15+12+5, 23+20+15+12, 23+20+15, 23+20+16+2, 23+20+16+3, 23+20+16+5, 23+20+16+8+2, 23+20+16+8+3, 23+20+16+8+6, 20+16+8, 23+20+16+9+2, 23+20+16+9+3, 23+20+16+9+6, 20+16+9, 23+20+16+11+5, 23+20+16+11, 23+20+16+12+5, 23+20+16+12, 23+20+16+13+2, 23+20+16+13+3, 23+20+16+13+8+2, 23+20+16+13+8+3, 23+20+16+13+8+6, 20+16+13+8, 23+20+16+13+9+2, 23+20+16+13+9+3, 23+20+16+13+9+6, 20+16+13+9, 23+20+16+13, 23+20+16+14+5, 23+20+16+14+11+5, 23+20+16+14+11, 23+20+16+14+12+5, 23+20+16+14+12, 23+20+16+14, 23+20+16+15+5, 23+20+16+15+11+5, 23+20+16+15+11, 23+20+16+15+12+5, 23+20+16+15+12, 23+20+16+15, 23+20+16, 23+20, 23+21+5, 23+21+11+5, 23+21+11, 23+21+12+5, 23+21+12, 23+21+14+5, 23+21+14+11+5, 23+21+14+11, 23+21+14+12+5, 23+21+14+12, 23+21+14, 23+21+15+5, 23+21+15+11+5, 23+21+15+11, 23+21+15+12+5, 23+21+15+12, 23+21+15, 23+21+16+2, 23+21+16+3, 23+21+16+5, 23+21+16+8+2, 23+21+16+8+3, 23+21+16+8+6, 21+16+8, 23+21+16+9+2, 23+21+16+9+3, 23+21+16+9+6, 21+16+9, 23+21+16+11+5, 23+21+16+11, 23+21+16+12+5, 23+21+16+12, 23+21+16+13+2, 23+21+16+13+3, 23+21+16+13+8+2, 23+21+16+13+8+3, 23+21+16+13+8+6, 21+16+13+8, 23+21+16+13+9+2, 23+21+16+13+9+3, 23+21+16+13+9+6, 21+16+13+9, 23+21+16+13, 23+21+16+14+5, 23+21+16+14+11+5, 23+21+16+14+11, 23+21+16+14+12+5, 23+21+16+14+12, 23+21+16+14, 23+21+16+15+5, 23+21+16+15+11+5, 23+21+16+15+11, 23+21+16+15+12+5, 23+21+16+15+12, 23+21+16+15, 23+21+16, 23+21.

    
    


In the list above the numbers refer to the embodiments according to their numbering provided hereinabove whereas “+” indicates the limitations as outlined above.
24) A third aspect of the invention relates to compounds of the formula (I) according to embodiment 1) which are also compounds of the formula (III)




wherein X is CH and Z is CH, X is N and Z is CH, or X is CH and Z is N;

    
    
        ring A represents a saturated 4- to 7-membered mono-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), fluoro, or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl (especially ethoxy-carbonyl) [especially such ring A is azetidin-1,3-diyl, pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, 4-methyl-pyrrolidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,3-diyl, piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-fluoro-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 2-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-methyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-piperidin-1,4-diyl, 3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-1,4-diyl, azepan-1,4-diyl]; or
        ring A represents a saturated 7- or 8-membered bridged bi-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring is unsubstituted [especially such ring is 2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2,5-diyl, 3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3,6-diyl];

R1 represents

        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        —CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl; (C1-4)alkoxy; phenyl, phenoxy; (C3-6)cycloalkyl; or (C3-6)cycloalkoxy optionally containing one ring oxygen and optionally mono-substituted with methyl or trifluoromethyl [especially such group —CO—R11 is tert.-butyl-carbonyl, methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, n-butoxycarbonyl, tert.-butoxycarbonyl, oxetan-3-yl-oxy-carbonyl, (3-methyl-oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-carbonyl, (3-trifluoromethyl-oxetan-3-yl)-oxy-carbonyl, phenylcarbonyl, phenoxycarbonyl, cyclopropylcarbonyl];
        benzyl wherein the phenyl ring of said benzyl is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen [especially 2,4-dichlorobenzyl]; or
        phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from
        
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, n-butyloxy);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
            (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
            halogen (especially fluoro, chloro, bromo);
            cyano;
            nitro;
            hydroxy;
            hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-hydroxyethyl, hydroxymethyl, 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl (especially 1-methoxyethyl);
            hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-hydroxy-ethoxy);
            (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy (especially 2-methoxy-ethoxy);
            (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy, or tetrahydropyran-4-yl-oxy];
            R13—CO—X13—, wherein X13 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and R13 represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group R13—CO—X13 is formyl, acetyl, 2-oxo-ethyl);
            3-(morpholin-4-yl)-prop-1-ynyl;
            R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino,
            [especially such group R14aR14bN—X14— is amino, methylamino-methyl, dimethylamino-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [(2-hydroxyethyl)-ethylamino]-methyl, [(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-amino]-methyl, [(2-methoxyethyl)-methylamino]-methyl, [di-(2-hydroxyethyl)-amino]-methyl, (azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, (pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (piperidin-1-yl)-methyl, morpholin-4-yl, piperazin-1-ylmethyl, (morpholin-4-yl)-methyl, 2-(morpholin-4-yl)-ethyl, 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-propyl, (3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-methyl, 1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl, (1-methyl-piperazin-4-yl)-methyl, (4-hydroxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-methoxypiperidin-1-yl)-methyl, (3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl)-methyl, (4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-yl)-methyl]; or
            benzyloxy, wherein the phenylring of benzyloxy is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen or methyl);

wherein in a sub-embodiment R1 represents phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyrazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl); wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl are substituted as defined herein before;

R2 represents phenyl, or 6-membered heteroaryl (especially pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl); wherein said phenyl or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-substituted in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule, wherein the substituents is independently selected from

        
        
        (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl, isopropyl);
        (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy, isopropoxy);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkyl (especially trifluoromethyl);
        (C1-3)fluoroalkoxy (especially trifluoromethoxy);
        (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21—, wherein X21 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen [especially such group (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21— is cyclopropyl, cyclopropyl-oxy, cyclobutyl-oxy, oxetan-3-yl-oxy, cyclopropyl-methoxy];

R3 represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl) [R3 represents hydrogen]; and

R4 represents

        —O—R41, wherein R41 represents
        
            hydrogen;
            (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl);
            (C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy (especially 2-hydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl);
            oxetan-3-yl;
            2,2-dimethyl-dioxolan-4-yl-methyl; or
        
        
        (2-hydroxyethyl)-methyl-amino, morpholin-4-yl, or 3-methoxy-azetidinyl;

wherein in a sub-embodiment R4 represents —O—R41 as defined herein above; especially R4 represents (C1-4)alkoxy (in particular methoxy).

wherein the characteristics disclosed in embodiments 2) to 22) are intended to apply mutatis mutandis also to the compounds formula (III) according to embodiment 24); wherein especially the following embodiments are thus possible and intended and herewith specifically disclosed in individualized form:

24, 24+2, 24+3, 24+5, 24+8+2, 24+8+3, 24+8, 24+9+2, 24+9+3, 24+9, 24+11+5, 24+11, 24+12+5, 24+12, 24+15+5, 24+15+11+5, 24+15+11, 24+15+12+5, 24+15+12, 24+15, 24+16+2, 24+16+3, 24+16+5, 24+16+8+2, 24+16+8+3, 24+16+8, 24+16+9+2, 24+16+9+3, 24+16+9, 24+16+11+5, 24+16+11, 24+16+12+5, 24+16+12, 24+16+15+5, 24+16+15+11+5, 24+16+15+11, 24+16+15+12+5, 24+16+15+12, 24+16+15, 24+16, 24+21+5, 24+21+11+5, 24+21+11, 24+21+12+5, 24+21+12, 24+21+15+5, 24+21+15+11+5, 24+21+15+11, 24+21+15+12+5, 24+21+15+12, 24+21+15, 24+21+16+2, 24+21+16+3, 24+21+16+5, 24+21+16+8+2, 24+21+16+8+3, 24+21+16+8, 24+21+16+9+2, 24+21+16+9+3, 24+21+16+9, 24+21+16+11+5, 24+21+16+11, 24+21+16+12+5, 24+21+16+12, 24+21+16+15+5, 24+21+16+15+11+5, 24+21+16+15+11, 24+21+16+15+12+5, 24+21+16+15+12, 24+21+16+15, 24+21+16, 24+21.

    
    


In the list above the numbers refer to the embodiments according to their numbering provided hereinabove whereas “+” indicates the limitations as outlined above.
25) Another embodiment relates to compounds according to embodiment 1) which are selected from the following compounds:

    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-(1-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one-7-d;
    4-Methoxy-1-(1-phenyl-piperidin-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,4-Dichloro-benzyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one; (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-[1-(2-methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-Cyclopropyl-5-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylicacid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[1-(5-Cyclopropyl-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(4-Chloro-5-cyclopropyl-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(5-Cyclopropyl-2,4-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylicacid
    methyl ester;
    1-((R)-1-Benzoyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,2-Dimethyl-propionyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester;
    1-(1-Benzoyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-((R)-1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-((R)-1-Isopropyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one:
    4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(3,5-Difluoro-pyridin-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-(1-Isopropyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(3,5-Dimethyl-pyridin-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(3,5-Dimethoxy-pyridin-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    (R)-3-[7-Methoxy-2-oxo-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,2-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one;
    3-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione;
    1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid isopropyl ester;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid butyl ester;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid phenyl ester;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,4-Dimethyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(5-Isopropyl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid 3-methyl-oxetan-3-yl ester;
    5-{(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid oxetan-3-yl ester;
    1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,5-Dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(4-Chloro-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzaldehyde;
    4-Methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(5-trifluoromethyl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2,4,5-trimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    (R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid 3-trifluoromethyl-oxetan-3-yl ester;
    5-{(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Acetyl-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-(6-Chloro-4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid methylamide;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid amide;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid dimethylamide;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methylaminomethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[6-methoxy-8-oxo-7-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-7,8-dihydro-purin-9-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[6-methoxy-7-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-purin-9-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Dimethylaminomethyl-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-{[(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl}-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Azetidin-1-ylmethyl-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethylamino)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    4-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    4-[1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-yloxy]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-[(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(piperidin-4-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    4-(2,2-Dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4-ylmethoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    (3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-phenyl)-acetaldehyde;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    4-(2,3-Dihydroxy-propoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-morpholin-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-piperidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-(4-Dimethylamino-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-6-fluoro-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(4-methoxy-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-{[(2-methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl}-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-{[Ethyl-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-{[Bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-((R)-1-{2-Fluoro-6-[(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethylamino)-methyl]-phenyl}-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-methyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-methyl-piperidin-1-yl}-benzaldehyde;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-3-methyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-3-methyl-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(1-methoxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-(2,2-Dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4-ylmethoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-(2,3-Dihydroxy-propoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-nitro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Amino-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Bromo-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(4,5-Dichloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(3,5-Dichloro-pyridazin-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-propyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one:
    1-((R)-1-{2-Fluoro-6-[1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl]-phenyl}-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1,3-dicarboxylic acid 1-tert-butyl ester 3-ethyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-isopropoxy-benzyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(2-isopropoxy-benzyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-methoxy-5-methyl-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one;
    3-(6-Chloro-4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-isopropoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-isopropoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-azepane-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(4-isopropyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(4-isopropyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-isopropoxy-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-isopropoxy-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-azepan-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-azepan-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(4-isopropyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-isopropyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    5-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-isopropyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[2-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    6-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(4-isopropyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amide;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (2-methoxy-ethyl)-amide;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    (3R*,4S*)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[3-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-6-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(3R*,4S*)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    (3R*,4R*)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[(3R*,4R*)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-{(R)-1-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-methoxy-ethylamino)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    3-(2-Cyclopropoxy-benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-(2-Cyclopropoxy-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-Fluoro-4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[3-Fluoro-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-azetidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-azetidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-thiazol-4-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-[(S)-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-(2,4-Difluoro-6-isopropoxy-benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-(1-Cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-(2-Cyclopropyl-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-(2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-[2-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-benzyl]-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    3-(2-Cyclobutoxy-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-3,3-dimethyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
    3-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Hydroxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-(3′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-(3′-methoxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-(2′-methoxy-4′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-(2′-Fluoro-4′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-(3′-Fluoro-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-(2′,4′-Dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-{1-[2-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-{1-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Cyclobutoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-{1-[2-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-phenyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Butoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-(4′-Fluoro-2′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methyl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-2′-carbonitrile;
    4-Methoxy-1-(4′-methoxy-2′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    1-(2′,4′-Dimethoxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
    4-Methoxy-1-[1-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one; or
    1-[1-(4,6-Dimethoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.



The compounds of formula (I), (II) and (III) according to embodiments 1) to 25) and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be used as medicaments, e.g. in the form of pharmaceutical compositions for enteral (such especially oral) or parenteral administration (including topical application or inhalation).
The production of the pharmaceutical compositions can be effected in a manner which will be familiar to any person skilled in the art (see for example Remington, The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21st Edition (2005), Part 5, “Pharmaceutical Manufacturing” [published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins]) by bringing the described compounds of formula (I), (II) or (III), or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, optionally in combination with other therapeutically valuable substances, into a galenical administration form together with suitable, non-toxic, inert, therapeutically compatible solid or liquid carrier materials and, if desired, usual pharmaceutical adjuvants.
The present invention also relates to a method for the prevention or treatment of a disease or disorder mentioned herein comprising administering to a subject a pharmaceutically active amount of a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III) as defined in any one of embodiments 1) to 25).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the administered amount is comprised between 1 mg and 1000 mg per day, particularly between 5 mg and 500 mg per day, more particularly between 25 mg and 400 mg per day, especially between 50 mg and 200 mg per day.
Whenever the word “between” is used to describe a numerical range, it is to be understood that the end points of the indicated range are explicitly included in the range. For example: if a temperature range is described to be between 40° C. and 80° C., this means that the end points 40° C. and 80° C. are included in the range; or if a variable is defined as being an integer between 1 and 4, this means that the variable is the integer 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Unless used regarding temperatures, the term “about” placed before a numerical value “X” refers in the current application to an interval extending from X minus 10% of X to X plus 10% of X, and preferably to an interval extending from X minus 5% of X to X plus 5% of X. In the particular case of temperatures, the term “about” placed before a temperature “Y” refers in the current application to an interval extending from the temperature Y minus 10° C. to Y plus 10° C., and preferably to an interval extending from Y minus 5° C. to Y plus 5° C.
For avoidance of any doubt, if compounds are described as useful for the prevention or treatment of certain diseases, such compounds are likewise suitable for use in the preparation of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of said diseases.
The compounds of formula (I), (II) and (III) as defined in any one of embodiments 1) to 25) are useful for the prevention/prophylaxis or treatment of diseases and disorders related to pathogenic events associated with elevated levels of C5a and/or with C5aR activation.
Such diseases and disorders related to pathogenic events associated with elevated levels of C5a and/or with C5aR activation are especially:

    
    
        vasculitic diseases or disorders,
        inflammatory diseases or disorders involving intravascular microvesicle release,
        immune complex (IC) diseases or disorders,
        neurodegenerative diseases or disorders,
        complement related inflammatory diseases or disorders,
        bullous diseases or disorders,
        diseases or disorders related to ischemia and/or ischemic reperfusion injury,
        inflammatory bowel diseases or disorders,
        autoimmune diseases or disorders, or, in addition to the above listed;
        cancer.
    
    


In addition to the above-listed diseases and disorders, further diseases and disorders related to pathogenic events associated with elevated levels of C5a and/or with C5aR activation are:

    
    
        further inflammatory diseases or disorders associated with elevated levels of C5a and/or with C5aR activation such as especially neutropenia, sepsis, septic shock, stroke, inflammation associated with severe burns, osteoarthritis, acute (adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD), asthma (especially bronchial asthma), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), tissue graft rejection, hyperacute rejection of transplanted organs, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), diabetic retinopathy, neuromyelitis optica, and glomerulonephritis including Heyman nephritis/membranous glomerulonephritis, Berger's disease (IgA nephropathy), and other forms of glomerulonephritis including C3 glomerulopathy;

as well as

        hemotological diseases which are associated with activation of coagulation and fibrinolytic systems, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), pernicious anemia, warm and cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), anti-phospholipid syndrome and its associated complications, arterial or venous thrombosis, pregnancy complications such as recurrent miscarriage and fetal death, preeclampsia, placental insufficiency, fetal growth restriction, cervical remodeling and preterm birth, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), allergic transfusion reactions, acute antibody-mediated kidney allograft rejection, cold agglutinin disease and glaucoma.
    
    


The present compounds may in addition be useful for

    
    
        the prevention or treatment of deleterious consequences of contact sensitivity and inflammation caused by contact with artificial surfaces;
        the prevention or treatment of increased leukocyte and platelet activation (and infiltration to tissues thereof);
        the prevention or treatment of pathologic sequelae (such as especially prevention or treatment of the development of tissue injury, especially of pulmonary tissue injury) associated to an intoxication or an injury such as a trauma, an hemorrhage, a shock, or surgery including transplantation, including multiple organ failure (MOF), septic shock, shock due to intoxication (such as shock due to snake venom), or acute lung inflammatory injury;
        the prevention or treatment of pathologic sequelae associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus;
        the prevention of/the reduction of the risk of myocardial infarction or thrombosis; prevention or treatment of edema or increased capillary permeability;
        the prevention of/the reduction of coronary endothelial dysfunction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass and/or cardioplegia.
    
    


Vasculitic diseases or disorders include especially vasculitis, ANCA associated vasculitis and glomerulonephritis (GN, especially rapidly progressive GN) associated with ANCA associated vasculitis, leukoclastic vasculitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, also referred to as Wegener's granulomatosis), microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, polyateritis nodosa, cryoglobulinaemia, giant cell arteritis (GCA), Behcet's disease, and Takayasu's arteritis (TAK).
Inflammatory diseases or disorders involving intravascular microvesicle release include especially thrombotic microangiopathy, and sickle cell disease.
Immune complex (IC) diseases or disorders include especially cryoglobulinemia, Sjögren's syndrome (and associated immunological profiles), Goodpasture syndrome (antiglomerular basement antibody disease) and glomerulonephritis (GN, especially rapidly progressive GN) or pulmonary hemorrhage associated with Goodpasture syndrome, and hypersensitivity;
Neurodegenerative diseases and disorders include especially amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Guillain-Barre syndrome, neuropathy, and cognitive function decline associated with cardiopulmonary bypass surgery and related procedures.
Complement related inflammatory diseases or disorders include especially coronary thrombosis, vascular occlusion, post-surgical vascular reocclusion, atherosclerosis, traumatic central nervous system injury, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, bronchoconstriction, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), complement mediated thrombotic microangiopathies including atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome, and Gaucher disease.
Bullous diseases or disorders include especially bullous pemphigoid, bullous acquisita, pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus vulgaris, and sub-epidermal blisters.
Diseases or disorders related to ischemia and/or ischemic reperfusion injury include especially ischemic reperfusion injury (including myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and ischemic/reperfusion injury resulting from transplantation, including solid organ transplant), ischemic colitis, and cardiac ischemia.
Inflammatory bowel diseases or disorders include especially irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Autoimmune diseases or disorders include especially rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and glomerulonephritis (GN, especially rapidly progressive GN) associated with lupus erythematosus (lupus nephritis), central nervous system (CNS) lupus, dermatomyositis, pemphigus, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), autoimmune hemolytic and thrombocytopenic states, immunovasculitis, mixed cryoglobulinemia, atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria, psoriasis, myasthenia gravis, and anti-phospholipid syndrome.
Further inflammatory diseases or disorders associated with elevated levels of C5a and/or with C5aR activation include especially neutropenia, sepsis, septic shock, stroke, inflammation associated with severe burns, osteoarthritis, acute (adult) respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD), asthma, especially bronchial asthma, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), tissue graft rejection, hyperacute rejection of transplanted organs, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), diabetic retinopathy, neuromyelitis optica, and glomerulonephritis including Heyman nephritis/membranous glomerulonephritis, Berger's disease (IgA nephropathy), and other forms of glomerulonephritis including C3 glomerulopathy.
The term “cancer” notably refers to skin cancer including melanoma including metastatic melanoma; lung cancer including non-small cell lung cancer; bladder cancer including urinary bladder cancer, urothelial cell carcinoma; renal carcinomas including renal cell carcinoma, metastatic renal cell carcinoma, metastatic renal clear cell carcinoma; gastro-intestinal cancers including colorectal cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), oesophageal cancer, gastric cancer, gallbladder cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma or pancreatic ductal carcinoma; endometrial cancer; ovarian cancer; cervical cancer; neuroblastoma; prostate cancer including castrate-resistant prostate cancer; brain tumors including brain metastases, malignant gliomas, glioblastoma multiforme, medulloblastoma, meningiomas; breast cancer including triple negative breast carcinoma; oral tumors; nasopharyngeal tumors; thoracic cancer; head and neck cancer; leukemias including acute myeloid leukemia, adult T-cell leukemia; carcinomas; adenocarcinomas; thyroid carcinoma including papillary thyroid carcinoma; choriocarcinoma; Ewing's sarcoma; osteosarcoma; rhabdomyosarcoma; Kaposi's sarcoma; lymphoma including Burkitt's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, MALT lymphoma; multiple myelomas; or virally induced tumors.
When used for the prevention/prophylaxis or treatment of a cancer, such use includes use of the present compounds as single therapeutic agents and their use in combination with one or more chemotherapy agents and/or radiotherapy and/or targeted therapy (especially in combination with targeted therapy).
The terms “radiotherapy” or “radiation therapy” or “radiation oncology”, refer to the medical use of ionizing radiation in the prevention/prophylaxis (adjuvant therapy) and/or treatment of cancer; including external and internal radiotherapy.
The term “targeted therapy” refers to the prevention/prophylaxis (adjuvant therapy) and/or treatment of cancer with one or more anti-neoplastic agents such as small molecules or antibodies which act on specific types of cancer cells or stromal cells. Some targeted therapies block the action of certain enzymes, proteins, or other molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Other types of targeted therapies help the immune system kill cancer cells (immunotherapies); or inhibit angiogenesis, the growth and formation of new blood vessels in the tumor; or deliver toxic substances directly to cancer cells and kill them. An example of a targeted therapy which is in particular suitable to be combined with the compounds of the present invention is immunotherapy, especially immunotherapy targeting the programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1 receptor) or its ligand PD-L1.
When used in combination with the present compounds, the term “targeted therapy” especially refers to agents such as:

    
    
        a) Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors or blocking antibodies (for example Gefitinib, Erlotinib, Afatinib, Icotinib, Lapatinib, Panitumumab, Zalutumumab, Nimotuzumab, Matuzumab and Cetuximab);
        b) RAS/RAF/MEK pathway inhibitors (for example Vemurafenib, Sorafenib, Dabrafenib, GDC-0879, PLX-4720, LGX818, RG7304, Trametinib (GSK1120212), Cobimetinib (GDC-0973/XL518), Binimetinib (MEK162, ARRY-162), Selumetinib (AZD6244));
        c) Aromatase inhibitors (for example Exemestane, Letrozole, Anastrozole, Vorozole, Formestane, Fadrozole);
        d) Angiogenesis inhibitors, especially VEGF signalling inhibitors such as Bevacuzimab (Avastin), Ramucirumab, Sorafenib or Axitinib;
        e) Immune Checkpoint inhibitors (for example: anti-PD1 antibodies such as Pembrolizumab (Lambrolizumab, MK-3475), Nivolumab, Pidilizumab (CT-011), AMP-514/MED10680, PDR001, SHR-1210; REGN2810, BGBA317; fusion proteins targeting PD-1 such as AMP-224; small molecule anti-PD1 agents such as for example compounds disclosed in WO2015/033299, WO2015/044900 and WO2015/034820; anti-PD1L antibodies, such as BMS-936559, atezolizumab (MPDL3280A, RG7446), MEDI4736, avelumab (MSB0010718C), durvalumab (MEDI4736); anti-PDL2 antibodies, such as AMP224; anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, such as ipilimumab, tremilmumab; anti-Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) antibodies, such as BMS-986016, IMP701, MK-4280, ImmuFact IMP321; anti T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3) antibodies, such as MBG453; anti-CD137/4-1BB antibodies, such as BMS-663513/urelumab, PF-05082566; anti T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) antibodies, such as RG6058 (anti-TIGIT, MTIG7192A);
        f) Vaccination approaches (for example dendritic cell vaccination, peptide or protein vaccination (for example with gp100 peptide or MAGE-A3 peptide);
        g) Re-introduction of patient derived or allogenic (non-self) cancer cells genetically modified to secrete immunomodulatory factors such as granulocyte monocyte colony stimulating factor (GMCSF) gene-transfected tumor cell vaccine (GVAX) or Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt-3) ligand gene-transfected tumor cell vaccine (FVAX), or Toll like receptor enhanced GM-CSF tumor based vaccine (TEGVAX);
        h) T-cell based adoptive immunotherapies, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T-cells (for example CTL019);
        i) Cytokine or immunocytokine based therapy (for example Interferon alpha, interferon beta, interferon gamma, interleukin 2, interleukin 15);
        j) Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists (for example resiquimod, imiquimod, glucopyranosyl lipid A, CpG oligodesoxynucleotides);
        k) Thalidomide analogues (for example Lenalidomide, Pomalidomide);
        l) Indoleamin-2,3-Dioxgenase (IDO) and/or Tryptophane-2,3-Dioxygenase (TDO) inhibitors (for example RG6078/NLG919/GDC-0919; Indoximod/1MT (1-methyltryptophan), INCB024360/Epacadostat, PF-06840003 (EOS200271), F001287);
        m) Activators of T-cell co-stimulatory receptors (for example anti-OX40/CD134 (Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 4, such as RG7888 (MOXR0916), 9B12; MED6469, GSK3174998, MED0562), anti OX40-Ligand/CD252; anti-glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family related gene (GITR) (such as TRX518, MEDI1873, MK-4166, BMS-986156), anti-CD40 (TNF receptor superfamily member 5) antibodies (such as Dacetuzumab (SGN-40), HCD122, CP-870,893, RG7876, ADC-1013, APX005M, SEA-CD40); anti-CD40-Ligand antibodies (such as BG9588); anti-CD27 antibodies such as Varlilumab);
        n) Molecules binding a tumor specific antigen as well as a T-cell surface marker such as bispecific antibodies (for example RG7802 targeting CEA and CD3) or antibody fragments, antibody mimetic proteins such as designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPINS), bispecific T-cell engager (BITE, for example AMG103, AMG330);
        o) Antibodies or small molecular weight inhibitors targeting colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) (for example Emactuzumab (RG7155), Cabiralizumab (FPA-008), PLX3397);
        p) Agents targeting immune cell check points on natural killer cells such as antibodies against Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) for example Lirilumab (IPH2102/BMS-986015);
        q) Agents targeting the Adenosine receptors or the ectonucleases CD39 and CD73 that convert ATP to Adenosine, such as MEDI9447 (anti-CD73 antibody), PBF-509; CPI-444 (Adenosine A2a receptor antagonist).
    
    


When used in combination with the present compounds, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and especially those targeting the PD-1 receptor or its ligand PD-L1, are preferred.
The invention further relates to a method of modulating (especially downregulating) the consequences of the complement activation (especially by activating innate cells) in a subject in need thereof [especially in a subject having a disease or disorder related to pathogenic events associated with elevated levels of C5a and/or with C5aR activation; in particular in a subject having a vasculitic disease or disorder, an inflammatory disease or disorder involving intravascular microvesicle release, an immune complex (IC) disease or disorder, a neurodegenerative disease or disorder, a complement related inflammatory disease or disorder, a bullous disease or disorder, a disease or disorder related to ischemia and/or ischemic reperfusion injury, an inflammatory bowel disease or disorder, or an autoimmune disease or disorder; or in a subject having a contact sensitivity or an inflammation caused by contact with artificial surfaces; an increased leukocyte and platelet activation (and infiltration to tissues thereof); a pathologic sequelae associated to an intoxication or an injury such as a trauma, an hemorrhage, a shock, or surgery including transplantation, including multiple organ failure (MOF), septic shock, shock due to intoxication (such as shock due to snake venom), or acute lung inflammatory injury; a pathologic sequelae associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus; a myocardial infarction or thrombosis; an edema or an increased capillary permeability; or a reduction of coronary endothelial dysfunction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass and/or cardioplegia], comprising administering to said subject a pharmaceutically active amount of a compound of formula (I), (II) and (III) as defined in any one of embodiments 1) to 25). For avoidance of doubt, the term “modulating the complement activation” is to be understood as downregulating/reducing the amplification of the immune response and downregulating/reducing the activation of the cell-killing membrane attack complex, especially by activating innate cells.
Preparation of Compounds of Formula (I):
The compounds of formula (I), (II) and (III) can be prepared by the methods given below, by the methods given in the experimental part below or by analogous methods. Optimum reaction conditions may vary with the particular reactants or solvents used, but such conditions can be determined by a person skilled in the art by routine optimisation procedures. In the schemes below, the generic groups Ring A, R1, R1a, R14a, R14b, X14, R2, R2a, X21, R3, R4, R41R41a, R41b, X41, R42a, R42b, R43a, R43b are as defined for the compounds of formula (I), (II) and (III). In some instances, the generic groups Ring A, R1, R1a, R14a, R14b, X14, R2, R2a, X21, R3, R4, R41, R41a, R41b, X41, R42a, R42b, R43a, R43b may be incompatible with the assembly illustrated in the schemes, or will require the use of protecting groups (PG). The use of protecting groups is well known in the art (see for example “Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis”, T. W. Greene, P. G. M. Wuts, Wiley-Interscience, 1999). For the purposes of this discussion, it will be assumed that such protecting groups as necessary are in place. In some cases, the final product may be further modified, for example, by manipulation of substituents to give a new final product. These manipulations may include, but are not limited to, reduction, oxidation, alkylation, acylation, and hydrolysis reactions which are commonly known to those skilled in the art. The compounds obtained may also be converted into salts, especially pharmaceutically acceptable salts in a manner known per se.
Compounds of structure Ia can be prepared according to the synthetic route given in scheme A below.
Compounds of structure A-1 can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amine of structure BB-1 on halides of structure BB-2 wherein X represents fluorine or chlorine in the presence of a suitable base such as DIPEA and heating in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures between 80° C. and 100° C. (Scheme A, step a).
Diamino compounds of structure A-2 can be prepared by reduction of the nitro group in compounds of structure A-1 using standard conditions such as catalytic hydrogenation with a suitable catalyst such as Pd/C and in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOAc and under a hydrogen atmosphere. Alternatively, reduction of the nitro group in compounds of structure A-1 may be performed by treatment with zinc dust and ammonium formate in solvents such as MeOH at temperatures around 0° C. (Scheme A, step b).
Cyclic ureas of structure A-3 can be prepared by cyclisation of diamines of structure A-2 by treatment with a suitable carbonyl transfer agent such as CDI in the presence of a suitable non protic solvent such as MeCN at temperatures between RT and 45° C. (Scheme A, step c).
Alkylation of the nitrogen atom having a free valency in compounds of structure A-3 with a suitable halide of structure BB-3 wherein X represents chlorine or bromine, in the presence of a suitable base such as NaH or K2CO3 and in solvents such as THF, DMF or a mixture of both at temperatures between 0° C. and 50° C. may afford compounds of structure Ia (Scheme A, step d).




Alternatively, compounds of structure Ia can be prepared according to the synthetic route given in scheme B below.
Compounds of structure B-1 can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amine of structure BB-5 on halides of structure BB-6 wherein X represents fluorine or chlorine in the presence of a suitable base such as DIPEA and heating at temperatures between 150° C. and 180° C. (Scheme B, step a).
Reduction of the nitro group in compounds of structure B-1 using standard conditions such as treatment by zinc dust and ammonium formate in solvents such as MeOH at temperatures around 0° C. may afford diamines of structure B-2. Alternatively, reduction of the nitro group in compounds of structure B-1 may be performed by catalytic hydrogenation with a suitable catalyst such as Pd/C in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOAc and under a hydrogen atmosphere (Scheme B, step b).
Cyclisation of diamines of structure B-2 to form cyclic urea of structure B-3 (Scheme B, step c) can be performed following conditions as those previously described for the synthesis of compounds of structure A-3 (Scheme A, step c).
Alkylation of the nitrogen atom having a free valency in compounds of structure B-3 can be achieved using Mitsunobu conditions by treatment with a suitable alcohol of structure BB-7 and for instance a (cyanomethylene)trialkylphosphorane reagent in the presence of a suitable solvent such as toluene at temperatures around 110° C. (Scheme B, step d).




Compounds of structure Ib, Ic, Ig, Ih, Ii, Iq and Iag can be prepared according to the synthetic route given in scheme C below.
Cleavage of the Boc protecting group in compounds of formula Ia can be performed using a suitable acid such as HCl or TFA in the presence of a suitable solvent such as dioxane, MeOH or DCM at temperatures around RT (Scheme C, step a).
Compounds of structure Ib wherein R1 represents an unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by Buchwald-Hartwig cross coupling of halides of structure R1—X wherein X represents iodine, bromine or chloride and R1 represents an unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with an amine of structure C-1 in the presence of a suitable palladium catalyst such as Pd2(dba)3 and a ligand such as BINAP, in the presence of a suitable base such as sodium tert-butoxide and heating in a suitable solvent such as toluene at temperatures between 100° C. and 110° C. (Scheme C, step b).
Compounds of structure Ib wherein R1 represents an unsubstituted, mono- or di-substituted benzyl can be prepared by reductive amination of benzaldehyde of structure R1a—CHO wherein R1a represents a mono- or di-substituted phenyl with an amine of structure C-1 using standard conditions such as treatment with NaBH(OAc)3 in the presence of AcOH and a suitable solvent such as DCM or THF at temperatures around RT (Scheme C, step b).
Compounds of structure Ic wherein R1 represents an unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amines of structure C-1 on activated halides of structure R1—X wherein X represents fluorine or chlorine and R1 represents a suitable unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl in the presence of a suitable base such as CsF or K2CO3 and heating in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures between 60° C. and 110° C. (Scheme C, step b).
Alternatively, compounds of structure Ic wherein R1 represents a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amines of structure C-1 on alcohol of structure R1—X wherein X represents hydroxy and R1 represents a suitable 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl by activation of the corresponding alcohol with PyBOP in the presence of a suitable base such as DIPEA in solvents such as DMF at temperatures around RT (Scheme C, step b).
Compounds of structure Ig wherein R1 represents a (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl, phenoxy-carbonyl or (C3-6)cycloalkoxy-carbonyl can be prepared by treatment of amines of structure C-1 with chloroformate (or pentafluorophenylcarbonate, respectively) of structure R1—X wherein R1 represents (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl, phenoxy-carbonyl or (C3-6)cycloalkoxy-carbonyl and X represents chlorine (or X represents pentafluorophenoxy, respectively) in the presence of a suitable base such as TEA and in a suitable solvent such as DCM or DMF at temperatures between RT and 110° C. (Scheme C, step b).
Compounds of structure Ih wherein R1 represents a (C1-4)alkyl-carbonyl, phenyl-carbonyl or (C3-6)cycloalkyl-carbonyl optionally containing one ring oxygen and optionally mono-substituted with methyl or trifluoromethyl can be prepared by treatment of amines of structure C-1 with acid chlorides of structure R1—X wherein R1 represents (C1-4)alkyl-carbonyl, phenyl-carbonyl or (C3-6)cycloalkyl-carbonyl optionally containing one ring oxygen and optionally mono-substituted with methyl or trifluoromethyl and X represents chlorine in the presence of a suitable base such as TEA and in a suitable solvent such as DCM at temperatures between 0° C. and RT (Scheme C, step b).
Compounds of structure Ii wherein R1 represents (C1-4)alkyl can be prepared by reductive amination of a suitable aldehyde of structure R1a—CHO wherein R1a represents hydrogen or (C1-3)alkyl, acetone or butanone with amines of structure C-1 using standard conditions such as treatment with NaBH(OAc)3 in the presence of AcOH and a suitable solvent such as DCM, MeOH, THF or mixture thereof at temperatures around RT (Scheme C, step b). Alternatively, triethylsilane in solvents such as MeOH in the presence of catalytic amount of indium chloride (III) at temperatures around RT can be used as reductive conditions. Alternatively, alkylation of amines of structure C-1 with halides of structure R1—X wherein X represents chlorine, bromine or iodine in the presence of a suitable base such as K2CO3 and a suitable solvent such as MeCN at temperatures between RT and 65° C. may afford compounds of structure Ii (Scheme C, step b).
Compounds of structure C-2 can be prepared by alkylation of carbamates of structure BB-10 by treatment with an appropriate halide of formula BB-3 wherein X represents chlorine or bromine in the presence of a suitable base such as K2CO3 and carrying out the rxn in a suitable solvent such as MeCN at temperatures around 80° C. (Scheme C, step c).
Compounds of formula Iag can be prepared by Buchwald-Hartwig cross coupling of halides of formula C-2 with amines of formula BB-4 by treatment with a suitable palladium catalyst such as BrettPhos precatalyst and a suitable ligand such as BrettPhos, in the presence of a suitable base such as sodium tert-butoxide and heating in a suitable solvent such as dioxane at temperatures around 80° C. Using those conditions, the consecutive cyclisation to form the cyclic urea occurred and afforded the compounds of formula Iag (Scheme C, step d).
Compounds of structure C-3 can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amine of structure BB-4 on halides of structure BB-2 wherein X represents fluorine or chlorine in the presence of a suitable base such as DIPEA and heating in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures between 50° C. and 105° C. (Scheme C, step e).
Diamino compounds of structure C-4 can be prepared by reduction of the nitro group in compounds of structure C-3 using standard conditions such as catalytic hydrogenation with a suitable catalyst such as Pd/C and in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOAc and under a hydrogen atmosphere. Alternatively, the reduction of the nitro group can be performed by treatment with ammonium formate and zinc dust in the presence of a suitable solvent such as MeOH at temperatures around RT (Scheme C, step f).
Cyclic urea of structure C-6 can be prepared by cyclisation of diamines of structure C-4 by treatment with a suitable carbonyl transfer agent such as CDI in the presence of a suitable non protic solvent such as MeCN at temperatures between RT and 45° C. (Scheme C, step g).
Alternatively, compounds of structure C-6 can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amines of structure C-5 on halides of structure BB-8 wherein X represents fluorine or chlorine in the presence of a suitable base such as K2CO3 and heating in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures around 100° C. (Scheme C, step i). Compounds of structure C-5 can be prepared by cleavage of the Boc protecting group in compounds of formula A-3 using a suitable acid such as HCl or TFA in the presence of a suitable solvent such as dioxane, MeOH or DCM at temperatures around RT (Scheme C, step h).




Compounds of structure Id to If, Ij to Ip, Iu to Iz and Iae can be prepared according to the synthetic route given in scheme D below.
Alkylation of the nitrogen atom having a free valency in compounds of structure C-6 with a suitable halide of structure BB-3 wherein X represents chlorine or bromine, in the presence of a suitable base such as NaH or K2CO3 and in solvents such as THF, DMF or a mixture of both at temperatures between 0° C. and 50° C. may afford compounds of structure Iq (Scheme C, step j). Alternatively, alkylation of the nitrogen atom having a free valency in compounds of structure C-6 can be achieved using Mitsunobu conditions by treatment with a suitable alcohol of structure BB-3 wherein X represents hydroxy and for instance a (cyanomethylene)trialkylphosphorane reagent in the presence of a suitable solvent such as toluene at temperatures around 110° C. (Scheme C, step j).
Compounds of structure Id wherein R1 represents a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with at least one unsubstituted position can be prepared by decarbonylation of compounds of formula Ib or Ic wherein R1 represents a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl which is substituted by a formyl group by treatment with a suitable acid such as toluene-4-sulfonic acid and in the presence of a suitable solvent such as MeOH under microwave conditions at temperatures around 120° C. (Scheme D, step a).
Compounds of structure If wherein R1 represents a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with at least one methyl substituent can be prepared by Wolff-Kishner type reduction of compounds of formula Ib or Ic wherein R1 represents a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl which is substituted by one formyl group. The treatment with 4-toluene-sulfonyl hydrazide in the presence of toluene-4-sulfonic acid monohydrate with a suitable solvent such as a mixture of DMF and tetramethylene sulfone at temperatures around 100° C. affords the hydrazone intermediate which is consecutively reduced by treatment with sodium cyanoborohydride at temperatures around 100° C. (Scheme D, step a).
Compounds of structure Ij wherein R4 represents hydroxy can be prepared by treatment of suitable compounds of formula Ib and Ic wherein R4 represents methoxy with a suitable Lewis acid such as boron tribromide in the presence of a suitable solvent such as DCM at temperatures between −10° C. and RT (Scheme D, step a).
Compounds of structure Im wherein R1 represents a hydroxymethyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by treatment of compounds of formula Ib and Ic wherein R1 represents a formyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl by treatment with a suitable reducing reagent such as NaBH4 in the presence of a suitable solvent such as MeOH or THF at temperatures between 0° C. and RT (Scheme D, step a).
Compounds of structure In wherein R1 represents a 1-hydroxy-(C2-C3)-alkyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by treatment of compounds of formula Ib and Ic wherein R1 represents a formyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl by treatment with a suitable Grignard reagent in the presence of a suitable solvent such as THF at temperatures between 0° C. and RT (Scheme D, step a).
Compounds of structure Iu wherein R1 represents a R14aR14bN—X14— substituted phenyl, 5- or 6-membered heterocycle wherein X14 represents a methylene and R1 and R14 independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl can be prepared by reductive amination of compounds of formula Ib or Ic wherein R1 represents a formyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl using standard conditions such as treatment with NaBH(OAc)3 in the optional presence of AcOH and a suitable solvent such as DCM or THF at temperatures around RT (Scheme D, step a).
Compounds of structure Ie wherein R1 represents a chlorine substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by chlorination of compounds of formula Id wherein R1 represents a 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with one unsubstituted position by treatment with a chlorinating reagent such as NCS in the presence of a suitable solvent such as THF at temperatures around RT (Scheme D, step b).
Compounds of structure Ik wherein X and Z represents CH and R4 represents —O—R41 wherein R41 represents (C1-4)alkyl, (C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxyl, R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl; or (C4a)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen and oxygen; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from (C1-4)alkyl or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency can be prepared by alkylation of compounds of formula Ij wherein X and Z represents CH and R4 represents hydroxyl by treatment with an appropriate halide such as R41—W wherein W represents chlorine or bromine in the presence of a suitable base such as K2CO3 and carrying out the rxn in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures between 50 and 105° C. (Scheme D, step b).
Compounds of structure Io wherein R1 represents a 1-oxo-(C2-C5)-alkyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by oxidation of compounds of formula In wherein R1 represents a (C1-C4)-alkyl-hydroxymethyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl by treatment with an oxidizing reagent such as DMP in the presence of a suitable solvent such as DCM at temperatures around RT (Scheme D, step b).
Compounds of structure Ie can be prepared by Suzuki cross coupling of chlorides of structure Ie wherein R1 represents a chlorine substituted 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with a (C1-C4)-alkyl boronic acid or boroxine in the presence of a suitable palladium catalyst such as PEPPSI-IPr, in the presence of a suitable base such as K2CO3 and heating in a suitable solvent such as dioxane at temperatures between 115° C. (Scheme D, step c).
Compounds of structure Ip wherein R1 represents a 1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by treatment of compounds of formula Io wherein R1 represents an acetyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl by treatment with a suitable Grignard reagent in the presence of a suitable solvent such as THF at temperatures between 0° C. and RT (Scheme D, step c).
Compounds of structure Ix wherein X and Z represents CH and R4 represents a diol containing substituent (respectively a substituent containing a nitrogen atom having a free valency) can be prepared by acidic deprotection of compounds of structure Ik wherein R4 represents a substituent which contains a ketal protected diol (respectively a substituent containing a Boc protected nitrogen) in the presence of a suitable acid such as aqueous HCl (respectively TFA) and a suitable solvent such as THF (respectively DCM) at temperatures between 0° C. and RT (Scheme D, step c).
Alkylation of the free hydroxyl group in compounds of structure Im wherein R1 represents a hydroxymethyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or in compounds of structure In wherein R1 represents a 1-hydroxy-(C2-C3)-alkyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with a suitable (C1-C4)-alkyl halide, in the presence of a suitable base such as NaH and in solvents such as THF, DMF or a mixture of both at temperatures between 0° C. and 50° C. may afford compounds of structure Iz (Scheme D, step d).
Compounds of structure Iae wherein R1 represents a R14aR14bN—CH(Me)-, R14aR14bN—CH(Et)-, or R14aR14bN—C(Me)2-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino can be prepared following a two-step procedure: (i) chlorination by treatment of compounds of formula In wherein R1 represents a 1-hydroxy-(C2-C3)-alkyl substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with a chlorinating reagent such as SOCl2 in the presence of a suitable solvent such as DCM at temperatures around RT and (ii) consecutive nucleophilic substitution with amines of formula R14aR14bNH wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino in the presence of a base such as TEA and a suitable solvent such as DCM at temperatures between 0° C. and RT (Scheme D, step e).
Compounds of structure D-1 can be prepared by chlorination of compounds of structure Ij wherein R4 represents hydroxyl, Y represents CR5 wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl and one of X and Z or both represents N and the possible other one represents CR5 wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl, using a neat chlorinating reagent such as POCl3 and heating at temperatures around 85° C. (Scheme D, step f).
Compounds of structure Iv wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl, one of X and Z or both represents N and the possible other one represents CR5 wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl and R4 represents —NR42aR42b wherein R42a and R42b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl (especially methyl), or (C1-3)alkoxy (especially methoxy) can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of neat amines of structure HNR42aR42b wherein R42a and R42b are defined above on compounds of structure D-1 at temperatures between 100 and 140° C. Alternatively, Buchwald-Hartwig cross coupling conditions can be used by treatment with a suitable palladium catalyst such as RuPhos precatalyst and a suitable ligand such as RuPhos, in the presence of a suitable base such as Cs2C03 and heating in a suitable solvent such as t-BuOH at temperatures around 110° C. (Scheme D, step g).
Compounds of structure Iv wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl, one of X and Z or both represents N and the possible other one represents CR5 wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl and R4 represents —O—R41 wherein R41 represents (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl); (C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy (especially 2-hydroxyethyl, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl); R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl (especially such group is 2-dimethylamino-ethyl); or (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from nitrogen and oxygen; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl); and/or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of alcohol of structure HOR41 wherein R41 is defined above on compounds of structure D-1 in the presence of a suitable base such as KOH and heating in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures around 50 (Scheme D, step g).
Compounds of structure Ix wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl, one of X and Z or both represents N and the possible other one represents CR5 wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-C3)alkyl and R4 represents a diol containing substituent (respectively a substituent containing a nitrogen atom having a free valency) can be prepared by acidic deprotection of compounds of structure Iv wherein R4 represents a substituent which contains a ketal protected diol (respectively a substituent containing a Boc protected nitrogen) in the presence of a suitable acid such as aqueous HCl (respectively TFA) and a suitable solvent such as THF (respectively DCM) at temperatures between 0° C. and RT (Scheme D, step h).
Compounds of structure D-2 can be prepared by Wittig type rxn between compounds of formula Ic wherein R1 represents a formyl substituted phenyl and (methoxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride by treatment with a strong base such as n-butyllithium in the presence of a suitable solvent such as THF at temperatures around −78° C. (Scheme D, step i).
Compounds of structure Iw can be prepared by acidic hydrolysis of enol ether of structure D-2 in the presence of a suitable acid such as aqueous HCl and heating in a suitable solvent such as THF at temperatures around 70° C. (Scheme D, step j).
Compounds of structure Iy wherein R1 represents a R14aR14bN—X14— substituted phenyl, wherein X14 represents a ethylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino can be prepared by reductive amination of compounds of structure Iw with amines of structure R14aR14bNH wherein R14a and R14b are defined above using standard conditions such as treatment with NaBH(OAc)3 in the presence of AcOH and a suitable solvent such as DCM or THF at temperatures around RT (Scheme D, step k).




Compounds of structure Ir to It and Iaf can be prepared according to the synthetic route given in scheme E below.
The chlorine or bromine atom on either R1 or R2 which represent a phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl or when X, Y or Z represents C—Cl or C—Br in compounds of structure Iq can be replaced by one hydrogen atom (respectively by one deuterium atom) by catalytic hydrogenation (respectively deuteration) using a suitable catalyst such as Pd/C in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOAc, MeOH or a mixture of both and under a hydrogen (respectively a deuterium) atmosphere at temperatures around RT. That transformation provides compounds of structure Ir. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation conditions using for instance ammonium formate can be an alternative procedure (Scheme E, step a).
Compounds of structure Iq wherein R4 represents methoxycarbonyl can be transformed to compounds of formula E-1 by hydrolysis with a suitable base such as LiOH, NaOH or KOH in the presence of water and a suitable organic solvent such as THF, MeOH or EtOH or a mixture of them at temperatures between RT and 50° C. (Scheme E, step b).
Compounds of structure Is can be prepared by amide coupling of carboxylic acids of structure E-1 with amines of structure R43aR43bNH wherein R43a and R43b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl using standard amide coupling reagent such as EDC.HCl/HOBt, HATU or PyBOP in the presence of a suitable base such as DIPEA or Et3N and in a suitable solvent such as DCM or DMF at temperatures around RT (Scheme E, step c).
Compounds of structure It can be prepared by reduction of compounds of structure Iq wherein R4 represents methoxycarbonyl by treatment with a suitable reducing reagent such as CaBH4 (formed in situ from NaBH4 and CaCl2) in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOH at temperatures between 0° C. and RT (Scheme E, step d).
Compounds of structure Iq wherein R2 represents an acetoxy substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be transformed to compounds of formula E-2 wherein R2 represents an hydroxy substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl by hydrolysis with a suitable base such as LiOH, NaOH or KOH in the presence of water and a suitable organic solvent such as THF, MeOH or EtOH or a mixture of them at temperatures around RT (Scheme E, step e).
Compounds of structure Iaf wherein R2 represents a (C1-4)alkoxy or (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21— substituted phenyl, wherein X21 represents a —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen can be prepared by O-alkylation of compounds of structure E-2 wherein R2 represents an hydroxy substituted phenyl with halogenide of formula R2a—X wherein X represents chlorine or bromine and R2a represents (C1-4)alkyl, (C3-6)cycloalkyl or (C3-6)cycloalkyl-(C1-3)alkylene-, in the presence of a suitable base such as NaH or K2CO3 and in solvents such as THF, DMF or a mixture of both at temperatures between 0° C. and 100° C. (Scheme E, step f).




Compounds of structure Iaa, Iab, Iac, Iad, Iah, Iai and Iaj can be prepared according to the synthetic route given in scheme F below.
Compounds of structure Iah wherein R1 represents a hydroxy substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by hydrolysis of the acetyl protecting group (respectively by cleavage of the benzyl protecting group) on compounds of formula Ic wherein R1 represents a suitable acetoxy (respectively benzyloxy) substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with a suitable base such as LiOH, NaOH or KOH in the presence of water and a suitable organic solvent such as THF, MeOH or EtOH or a mixture of them (respectively by catalytic hydrogenation using a suitable catalyst such as palladium hydroxide on carbon under a hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOAc) at temperatures around RT (Scheme F, step a).
Alkylation of the free hydroxyl group in compounds of structure Iah wherein R1 represents a hydroxy substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with a suitable halide of structure R15—X wherein X represents bromine or chlorine and R15 represents (C1-C4)-alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl, (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, (C3-6)cycloalkyl, or (C3-6)cycloalkyl-(C1-3)alkyl in the presence of a suitable base such as NaH or K2CO3 and in solvents such as THF, DMF or a mixture of both at temperatures between 0° C. and 80° C. may afford compounds of structure Iai wherein R1 represents a (C1-4)alkoxy, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy, or (C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12— substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl, wherein X12 represents a —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen (Scheme F, step b). Alternatively, alkylation of the free hydroxyl group in compounds of structure Iah wherein R1 represents a hydroxy substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be achieved using Mitsunobu conditions by treatment with a suitable alcohol of structure R15—OH wherein R15 represents (C1-C4)-alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl, (C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, (C3-6)cycloalkyl, or (C3-6)cycloalkyl-(C1-3)alkyl and for instance a (cyanomethylene)trialkyl phosphorane reagent in the presence of a suitable solvent such as toluene at temperatures around 110° C. (Scheme F, step b). A possible protective group on the substituent R15 can be consecutively cleaved by standard deprotection conditions to provide compounds of structure Iaj. Treatment for instance by TBAF in THF at temperatures around RT can lead to deprotection of TBDMS protected alcohol.
Compounds of structure Iaa wherein R1 represents an amino substituted phenyl can be prepared by reduction of compounds of formula Ic wherein R1 represents a nitro substituted phenyl by catalytic hydrogenation for instance using a suitable catalyst such as Pd/C under a hydrogen atmosphere in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOAc at temperatures around RT (Scheme F, step c).
Compounds of structure Iab wherein R1 represents a bromine substituted phenyl can be prepared by a Sandmeyer type rxn of compounds of formula Iaa wherein R1 represents an amino substituted phenyl using standard conditions such as treatment with NaNO2 in aq. HBr at temperatures around −20° C. and consecutive treatment with CuBr at temperatures around 60° C. (Scheme F, step d).
Compounds of structure Iac wherein R1 represents a R14aR14bN—X14— substituted phenyl wherein X14 represents 1,3-prop-1-ynylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino can be prepared by Sonogashira type cross-coupling of bromides of formula Iab wherein R1 represents a bromine substituted phenyl with R14aR14bN—CH2—C—CH wherein R14a and R14b are defined above, in the presence of a suitable palladium catalyst such as bis(tri-tert-butylphosphine)paladium(0), in the presence of a suitable copper catalyst such as copper iodide, in the presence of a suitable base such as DBU and heating in a suitable solvent such as THF at temperatures around 70° C. (Scheme F, step e).
Compounds of structure Iad wherein R1 represents a R14aR14bN—X4— substituted phenyl wherein X14 represents 1,3-propylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl (especially methyl), (C1-4)alkoxy (especially methoxy), or dimethylamino can be prepared by reduction of the acethylenic group in compounds of formula Iac wherein R1 represents a R14aR14bN—X14-substituted phenyl wherein X14 represents 1,3-prop-1-ynylene; and wherein R14a and R14b are defined above using standard conditions such as catalytic hydrogenation with a suitable catalyst such as Pd/C and in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOAc and under a hydrogen atmosphere (Scheme F, step f).




If not commercially available, amines of structure BB-4 can be prepared according to the synthetic route given in scheme G below.
Compounds of structure G-2 wherein R1 represents an unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by Buchwald-Hartwig cross coupling of halides of structure R1—X wherein X represents iodine, bromine or chloride and R1 represents an unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl with an amine of structure G-1 in the presence of a suitable palladium catalyst such as Pd2(dba)3 and a ligand such as BINAP, in the presence of a suitable base such as sodium tert-butoxide and heating in a suitable solvent such as toluene at temperatures between 100° C. and 110° C. (Scheme G, step a).
Alternatively, compounds of structure G-2 wherein R1 represents an unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amines of structure G-1 on activated halides of structure R1—X wherein X represents fluorine or chlorine and R1 represents a suitable mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl in the presence of a suitable base such as K2CO3 and heating in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures between 60° C. and 110° C. (Scheme G, step a).
Cleavage of the ketal protecting group in compounds of structure G-2 by acidic hydrolysis in the presence of a suitable acid such as aq. HCl and heating in a suitable solvent such as THF at temperatures around 70° C. may afford ketones of structure G-3 (Scheme G, step b).
Transformation of ketones of structure G-3 to amines of structure BB-4 can be achieved by reductive amination with for instance aq. ammonia under catalytic hydrogenation conditions using a suitable catalyst such as Pd/C in the presence of a suitable solvent such as dioxane under a hydrogen atmosphere at temperatures around RT (Scheme G, step c).
Compounds of structure G-5 wherein R1 represents an unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl can be prepared by aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amines of structure G-4 on activated halides of structure R1—X wherein X represents fluorine or chlorine and R1 represents a suitable mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl in the presence of a suitable base such as K2CO3 and heating in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures between 60° C. and 110° C. (Scheme G, step d).
Compounds of structure G-5 wherein R1 represents a mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl which is substituted by one methyl group can be prepared following a four-step procedure: (i) aromatic nucleophilic substitution of amines of structure G-4 on halides of structure R1—X wherein X represents fluorine or chlorine and R1 represents a suitable mono-, di- or tri-substituted phenyl which is substituted by one formyl group in the presence of a suitable base such as K2CO3 and heating in a suitable solvent such as DMSO at temperatures between 60° C. and 110° C. and (ii) consecutive reduction of the benzaldehyde derivative by treatment with a suitable reducing reagent such as NaBH4 in the presence of a suitable solvent such as MeOH at temperatures between 0° C. and RT and (iii) consecutive acetylation of the resulting benzyl alcohol by treatment with acetyl chloride in the presence of a suitable base such as TEA and in a suitable solvent such as DCM at temperatures between 0° C. and RT and (iv) final catalytic hydrogenation of the resulting benzyl ester with a suitable catalyst such as Pd/C in the presence of a suitable solvent such as EtOAc, MeOH or mixture thereof and under a hydrogen atmosphere at temperatures around RT (Scheme G, step d).
Cleavage of the Boc protecting group in compounds of structure G-5 can be performed using a suitable acid such as HCl or TFA in the presence of a suitable solvent such as dioxane, MeOH or DCM at temperatures around RT to afford amines of structure BB-4 (Scheme G, step e).






EXPERIMENTAL PART
Chemistry
All temperatures are stated in ° C. Commercially available starting materials were used as received without further purification. If not explicitly indicated as having a specific absolute configuration, example compounds or intermediates that are chiral are in general prepared as a racemic mixture of two enantiomers, even if the corresponding example compound's name or precursor's name is not preceded with the mention rac. Relative configuration is indicated for example as (R*,R*) meaning that the two respective absolute configurations are either (R,R) or (S,S); likewise, (R*,S*) indicates a relative configuration of either (R,S) or (S,R).
Characterization of Compounds
Compounds described in the invention are characterized by LC-MS data (retention time tR is given in min) and/or NMR using the conditions described below.
Analytical LC-MS:
Dionex Ultimate 3000 system with Dionex HPG-3200RS binary pump, Thermo MSQ Plus MS detector and Dionex DAD-3000RS PDA detector.
Eluents (acidic conditions): A: H2O+0.04% TFA; B: MeCN; gradient: 5% B→95% B; runtime: 1.5 min; flow: 4.5 mL/min; detection: UV/Vis+MS
Column Agilent Zorbax SB-aq, 4.6×50 mm, 3.5 μm
NMR Spectroscopy:
Bruker Avance HD spectrometer equipped with a 500 MHz UltrashieldTM Magnet and a 5 mm DCH cryoprobe or Bruker Avance II spectrometer equipped with a 400 MHz UltrashieldTM Magnet and a BBO 5 mm probehead. Chemical shifts (δ) are reported in parts per million (ppm) relative to proton resonances resulting from incomplete deuteration of the NMR solvent, e.g. for dimethylsulfoxide δ(H) 2.49 ppm, for chloroform δ(H) 7.24 ppm. The abbreviations s, d, t, q and m refer to singlet, doublet, triplet, quartet, multiplet, respectively and br to broad. Coupling constants J are reported in Hz.
Purification of Compounds
The compounds were purified by either column chromatography on silica-gel and/or prep. LC-MS using the conditions described below.
Column Chromatography
Column chromatography (CC) was performed using prepacked cartridges (SNAP UltraTM, SNAP KP-SILTM, SNAP KP-NHTM, IsoluteTM Silica II or IsoluteTM NH2) from Biotage.
Preparative LC-MS:
Gilson 333/334 Prep-Scale HPLC pump equipped with Gilson LH215 autosampler, Dionex SRD-3200 degasser, Dionex ISO-3100A make-up pump, Dionex DAD-3000 DAD detector and Thermo MSQ Plus Single Quadrupole MS detector. Flow: 75 mL/min. Detection: UV/Vis and/or MS.
Additional informations for the purification are summerized in the table below using following explanations:
XBridge: column Waters XBridge C18, 10 μm, 30×75 mm
Acidic: eluant: A=H2O with 0.5% HCOOH, B=MeCN
Basic: eluant: A=H2O with 0.125% NH4OH, B=MeCN
Very lipophilic gradient: 50% B→95% B over 4 min then 95% B over 2 min
Lipophilic gradient: 30% B→95% B over 4 min then 95% B over 2 min
Normal gradient: 20% B→95% B over 4 min then 95% B over 2 min
Polar gradient: 10% B→95% B over 4 min then 95% B over 2 min
Very polar gradient: 5% B→50% B over 3 min then 50% B→95% B over 1 min and finally 95% B over 2 min














XBridge











acidic
basic















Very lipophilic gradient
Method 1
Method 5



Lipophilic gradient
Method 2
Method 6



Normal gradient
Method 3



Polar gradient
Method 4










Abbreviations (As Used Hereinbefore or Hereinafter)


    Ac acetyl
    AcOH acetic acid
    AlBN azobisisobutyronitrile
    anh. anhydrous
    aq. aqueous
    BINAP racemic 2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl
    Boc tert.-butyloxycarbonyl
    BrettPhos 2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)-3,6-dimethoxy-2′,4′,6′-triisopropyl-1,1′-biphenyl
    BrettPhos precatalyst chloro[2-(dicyclohexylphosphino)-3,6-dimethoxy-2′-4′-6′-triisopropyl-1,1′-biphenyl][2-(2-aminoethyl)phenyl]palladium(II)
    CC column chromatography
    CDI carbonyl diimidazole
    CPhos 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,6′-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)biphenyl
    DBU 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene
    DCM dichloromethane
    dioxane 1,4-dioxane
    DIPEA diisopropyl-ethylamine, Hunig's base, ethyl-diisopropylamine
    DMA dimethylacetamide
    DMF dimethylformamide
    DMP Dess Martin periodinane
    DMSO dimethylsulfoxide
    eq equivalent(s)
    EtOAc ethyl acetate
    EtOH ethanol
    Et2O diethylether
    g gram(s)
    h hour(s)
    HATU 2-(7-aza-1H-benzotriazole-1-yl)-1,1,3,3-tetramethyluronium hexafluorophosphate
    Hept heptane
    HPLC high performance liquid chromatography
    LC-MS liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
    MeCN acetonitrile
    Mel methyl iodide
    MeOH methanol
    mg milligram(s)
    mL milliliter(s)
    min minute(s)
    mmol millimole(s)
    MS mass spectroscopy
    NaBH(OAc)3 sodium triacetoxyborohydride
    NaOMe sodium methoxide
    NBS N-bromosuccinimide
    n-BuOH n-butanol
    NCS N-chlorosuccinimide
    NMR nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
    OAc acetate
    org. organic
    ON overnight
    PBS phosphate buffer saline
    PEPPSI-IPr [1,3-bis(2,6-Diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene](3-chloropyridyl)palladium(II) dichloride
    Pd2(dba)3 tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0)
    prep. preparative
    rac racemic
    RT room temperature
    RuPhos 2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,6′-diisopropoxybiphenyl
    RuPhos precatalyst chloro(2-dicyclohexylphosphino-2′,6′-diisopropoxy-1,1′-biphenyl)[2-(2′-amino-1,1′-biphenyl)]palladium(II)
    rxn reaction
    sat. saturated
    SEM [2-(trimethylsilyl)ethoxy]methyl
    soln. solution
    TBAF tetrabutylammonium fluoride
    TBDMS tert-butyldimethylsilyl
    t-BuOH tert-butanol
    TEA triethylamine
    TFA trifluoroacetic acid
    THF tetrahydrofuran
    tR retention time


Synthesis of Building Blocks BB-2
Synthesis of 4-chloro-2-methoxy-3-nitropyridine (BB-2-1)
To a suspension of 4-chloro-3-nitro-2-pyridone (1.0 g, 5.7 mmol) and silver carbonate (1.9 g, 6.9 mmol) in hexane (17 mL) was added Mel (0.72 mL, 11.5 mmol). The rxn mixture was heated to 80° C. for 1h and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc to give the title compound as white solid.
LC-MS: tR=0.82 min
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ:8.41 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.50 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 4.02 (s, 3H)
Synthesis of 4-chloro-1-methyl-3-nitro-1H-pyridin-2-one (BB-2-2)
To a suspension of 4-chloro-3-nitro-2-pyridone (1.0 g, 5.7 mmol) and K2CO3 (1.6 g, 11.5 mmol) in DMA (5 mL) was added Mel (0.72 mL, 11.5 mmol). The rxn mixture was heated to 45° C. and stirred for 1h. It was quenched with H2O, acidified to pH 5 with a 25% aq. soln. of HCl and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.
LC-MS: tR=0.60 min; [M+H]+: 189.15
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ:8.10 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 6.70 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 1H), 3.55 (s, 3H)
Synthesis of 4-chloro-6-methoxy-5-nitro-pyrimidine (BB-2-3)
A suspension of 4,6-dichloro-5-nitropyrimidine (2.0 g, 10.2 mmol) in anh. MeOH (37 mL) was cooled to 0° C. and NaOMe (579 mg, 10.2 mmol) was portionwise added over 10 min. The rxn mixture was stirred for 30 min and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
LC-MS: tR=0.75 min
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ:8.93 (s, 1H), 4.14 (s, 3H)
Synthesis of Building Blocks BB-3
Synthesis of 3-bromomethyl-2-trifluoromethyl-pyridine (BB-3-1) and 2-bromomethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazine (BB-3-5)
A suspension of methyl-heteroarene (1 eq) in chlorobenzene (4 mL/mmol) was heated to 50° C. and NBS (1.3 eq) was dropwise added at 50° C. The flask was purged with argon and AIBN (0.1 eq) was added in one portion. The rxn mixture was heated to 80° C. and stirred for 5h (see Table 1). After cooling to RT, the mixture was diluted with Et2O and washed with a 1M aq. soln. of HCl (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.











TABLE 1








tR
1H NMR (400 MHz,


BB-3
Name
Methyl-heteroarene
[min]
DMSO-d6) δ:







BB-3-1
3-Bromomethyl-2-
3-Methyl-2-
0.80
8.72 (d, J = 4.6 Hz, 1 H), 8.23



trifluoromethyl-pyridine
(trifluoromethyl) pyridine

(d, J = 7.8 Hz, 1 H), 7.79 (dd,






J1 = 4.6 Hz, J2 = 7.9 Hz, 1 H),






4.84 (d, J = 0.7 Hz, 2 H)


BB-3-5
2-Bromomethyl-3-
2-Methyl-3-
0.76
9.03 (d, J = 2.2 Hz, 1 H),



trifluoromethyl-pyrazine
(trifluoromethyl) pyrazine

8.84 (d, J = 2.3 Hz, 1 H),






4.84 (d, J = 0.9 Hz, 2 H)









Synthesis of 3-chloromethyl-4-trifluoromethyl-pyridine (BB-3-2)
To a soln. of 4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-yl-methanol (419 mg, 2.3 mmol) in DCM (7 mL) was added SOCl2 (0.84 mL, 11.6 mmol). The rxn mixture was stirred for 1h at RT, quenched with a 10% aq. soln. of Na2CO3 and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
LC-MS: tR=0.79 min, [M+MeCN+H]+: 237.05
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ: 9.00 (s, 1H), 8.86 (dd, J1=0.5 Hz, J2=5.1 Hz, 1H), 7.81 (d, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 4.95 (s, 2H)
Synthesis of 4-bromomethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyridine (BB-3-3) and 2-bromomethyl-3-trifluoromethyl-pyridine (BB-3-4)
The appropriate methylpyridine (1 eq) was dissolved in a 1M soln. of bromine in acetic acid (1 mL/mmol) and the solution was stirred ON at RT and for 6h at 80° C. (see Table 2). The mixture was basified with a 1M aq. soln. of NaOH and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude dibromo product was dissolved in THF (4 mL/mmol) and DIPEA (1.05 eq) and diethyl phosphite (1.05 eq) were sequentially added at 0° C. The mixture was stirred for 10 min at 0° C. and ON at RT. It was quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with a sat. aq. soln. of NH4Cl and brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.











TABLE 2








tR
1H NMR (400 MHz,


BB-3
Name
Methyl-pyridine
[min]
DMSO-d6) δ:







BB-3-3
4-Bromomethyl-3-
4-Methyl-3-
0.80
8.96 (s, 1 H), 8.91 (d, J =



trifluoromethyl-pyridine
(trifluoromethyl)pyridine

5.1 Hz, 1 H), 7.78 (d, J =






5.1 Hz, 1 H), 4.77 (s, 2 H)


BB-3-4
2-Bromomethyl-3-
2-Methyl-3-
0.79
8.88 (d, J = 4.7 Hz, 1 H),



trifluoromethyl-pyridine
(trifluoromethyl)pyridine

8.24 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 1 H),






7.63 (m, 1 H), 4.76 (s, 2 H)









Synthesis of (4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl)-methanol (BB-3-6) and (4-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-methanol (BB-3-8)
To a suspension of carboxylic acid (1 eq) in anh. THF (5 mL/mmol) was added at −10° C. 4-methylmorpholine (1.8 eq) and ethyl chloroformate (1.5 eq). The mixture was stirred for 30 min at −10° C. and NaBH4 (3 eq) was added in one portion. It was warmed to 0° C. and MeOH (3 mL/mmol) was added dropwise (see Table 3). The rxn mixture was stirred for 1h at 0° C. and for 1h at RT. It was quenched with water, acidified with a 1M aq. soln. of HCl until pH 4 and extracted with n-BuOH (3×). The combined org. phases were dried and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc/MeOH.











TABLE 3









MS-data





tR
m/z


BB-3
Name
Carboxylic acid
[min]
[M + H]+







BB-3-6
(4-Methoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl)-methanol
4-Methoxypyrimidine-5-
0.29
141.19




carboxylic acid


BB-3-8
(4-Trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-
4-(Trifluoromethyl)
0.47
220.08



methanol
pyrimidine-5-carboxylic acid

[M + MeCN + H+]









Synthesis of 5-(chloromethyl)-4-methoxypyrimidine (BB-3-7) and 5-(chloromethyl)-4-(trifluoromethyl) Pyrimidine (BB-3-9)
To a soln. of alcohol (1 eq) in DCM (5 mL/mmol) was added SOCl2 (1.5 to 2.5 eq) at 0° C. The rxn mixture was stirred for 2h at RT (see Table 4) and partitioned between EtOAc and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was washed with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 (1×) and brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.












TABLE 4









MS-data






tR
m/z
1H NMR (400 MHz,


BB-3
Name
Alcohol
[min]
[M + H]+
DMSO-d6) δ:







BB-3-7
5-(Chloromethyl)-4-
(4-Methoxy-
0.61
159.25




methoxypyrimidine
pyrimidin-5-yl)-




methanol


BB-3-9
5-(Chloromethyl)-4-
(4-Trifluoromethyl-
0.72

9.46 (s, 1 H), 9.33 (s, 1 H),



(trifluoromethyl)
pyrimidin-5-yl)-


4.99 (d, J = 0.9 Hz, 2 H)



pyrimidine
methanol









Synthesis of 6-chloro-3-chloromethyl-4-methoxy-pyridazine (BB-3-10)
Step A: 6-Chloro-4-methoxy-pyridazine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester
To a soln. of methyl 4,6-dichloropyridazine-3-carboxylate (550 mg, 2.66 mmol) in anh. THF (13 mL) was added dropwise at 0° C. a 25% soln. of NaOMe in MeOH (0.638 mL, 2.79 mmol). The rxn mixture was stirred ON at RT and poured onto a 1M aq. soln. of HCl. The soln. was neutralized with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
LC-MS: tR=0.54 min. [M+H]+: 203.14
Step B: (6-Chloro-4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-yl)-methanol
To a soln. of 6-chloro-4-methoxy-pyridazine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (120 mg, 0.592 mmol) in anh. EtOH (4.7 mL) was added CaCl2 (20 mg, 0.178 mmol) and the rxn mixture was cooled to −10° C. NaBH4 (56 mg, 1.48 mmol) was added portionwise and the mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at −10° C. and for 30 min at RT. It was quenched at 0° C. with water and EtOH was evaporated off. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water and the aq. phase was further extracted with EtOAc (2×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.
LC-MS: tR=0.40 min, [M+H]+: 175.20
Step C: 6-Chloro-3-chloromethyl-4-methoxy-pyridazine (BB-3-10)
To a soln. of (6-Chloro-4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-yl)-methanol (73 mg, 0.393 mmol) in DCM (1.97 mL) was added SOCl2 (0.043 mL, 0.59 mmol) at 0° C. The rxn mixture was stirred for 2h at RT and partitioned between EtOAc and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was washed with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 (1×) and brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.
LC-MS: tR=0.63 min, [M+H]+: 193.13
Synthesis of (6-chloro-4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-yl)-methanol (BB-3-11)
Step A: 6-Chloro-4-isopropoxy-pyridazine-3-carboxylic acid isopropyl ester
To a soln. of 4,6-dichloropyridazine-3-carboxylic acid methyl ester (500 mg, 2.42 mmol) in anh. THF (12 mL) was added dropwise at 0° C. a 2M soln. of lithium isopropoxide in THF (1.27 mL, 2.54 mmol). The rxn mixture was stirred for 30 min at 0° C. and poured into a 1M aq. soln. of HCl. The aq. soln. was neutralized with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
LC-MS: tR=0.82 min, [M+H]+: 259.12
Step B: (6-Chloro-4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-yl)-methanol (BB-3-11)
To a soln. of 6-chloro-4-isopropoxy-pyridazine-3-carboxylic acid isopropyl ester (80 mg, 0.309 mmol) in anh. EtOH (4.6 mL) was added CaCl2) (10 mg, 0.093 mmol) and the rxn mixture was cooled to −10° C. NaBH4 (29 mg, 0.773 mmol) was added portionwise and the mixture was stirred for 30 min at −10° C. and for 1h min at RT. It was quenched at 0° C. with water and EtOH was evaporated off. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water and the aq. phase was further extracted with EtOAc (2×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.
LC-MS: tR=0.55 min, [M+H]+: 203.14
Synthesis of (BB-3-12), (BB-3-13), (BB-3-14), (BB-3-15), (BB-3-16), (BB-3-17)
Step A: Esterification
To a soln. of carboxylic acid (1 eq) in anh. MeOH (4 mL/mmol) was added AcCl (3 eq) and the rxn mixture was stirred for 2.5 h at 80° C. (see Table 5). MeOH was evaporated off and the residue was partitioned between a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and EtOAc. The org. phase was washed with a 10% aq. soln. of Na2CO3 (1×) and with brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.











TABLE 5









MS-data




Carboxylic acid
tR
m/z


BB-3A
Name
reactant
[min]
[M + H]+







BB-3-12A
4-Methylpyridazine-
4-methylpyridazine-
0.47
153.43



3-carboxylic acid
3-carboxylic acid



methyl ester


BB-3-13A
3-Isopropoxy-pyrazine-
3-Isopropoxy-pyrazine-
0.70
197.17



2-carboxylic acid
2-carboxylic acid



methyl ester


BB-3-15A
3-Isopropoxy-pyridine-
3-Isopropoxy-pyridine-
0.64
196.21



2-carboxylic acid
2-carboxylic acid



methyl ester









Step a (Negishi): Synthesis of 3-Isopropyl-Pyrazine-2-Carboxylic Acid Ethyl Ester (BB-3-17A)
An oven dried flask was charged with 3-chloropyrazine-2-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (500 mg, 2.63 mmol), PEPPSI-IPr (18 mg, 0.026 mmol) and CPhos (12 mg, 0.026 mmol). The flask was evacuated and refilled with argon (3×) and toluene (5 mL) was added. The rxn mixture was cooled to 0° C. and a 0.5M soln. of 2-propyl zinc bromide in THF (6.83 mL, 3.41 mmol) was added dropwise. The rxn mixture was stirred for 72h at RT and partitioned between half sat. brine and DCM. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
LC-MS: tR=0.74 min, [M+H]+: 195.18
Step A (O-alkylation): synthesis of 2,4-difluoro-6-isopropoxybenzoic acid methyl ester (BB-3-19A)
To a soln. of methyl 2,4-difluoro-6-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester (200 mg, 1.01 mmol) and 2-propanol (0.116 mL, 1.51 mmol) in toluene (1.5 mL) was added a 1M soln. of (tributylphosphoranylidene)acetonitrile in toluene (2.02 mL, 2.02 mmol) under argon. The rxn mixture was heated to 110° C. and stirred for 2h. It was quenched with water and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
LC-MS: tR=0.89 min, [M+H]+: 231.10
Step B: Methyl/ethyl ester reduction using CaCl2/NaBH4 (method A)
To a soln. of methyl ester (BB-3A) (1 eq) in anh. EtOH (15 mL/mmol) was added CaCl2 (0.3 eq) and the rxn mixture was cooled to −10° C. NaBH4 (2.5 eq) was added portionwise and the mixture was stirred for 30 min at −10° C. and for a given time at a given temperature (see Table 6). It was quenched at 0° C. with water and EtOH was evaporated off. The residue was partitioned between EtOAc and water and the aq. phase was further extracted with EtOAc (2×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.
Step B: Methyl/Ethyl Ester Reduction Using LiAlH4 (Method B)
To a of methyl or ethyl ester (1eq) in anh. THF (4.5 to 7 mL/mmol) was added dropwise at 0° C. a 2.4 M soln. of LiAlH4 in THF (1 eq). The n mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at 0° C.(see Table 6), quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NH4Cl and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. When necessary the crude was purified by CC using EtOAc.













TABLE 6







Methyl/ethyl
Method

MS-data





ester
T [° C.]
tR
m/z
1H NMR (400 MHz,


BB-3
Name
reactant
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+
DMSO-d6) δ:







BB-3-12
(4-Methyl-pyridazin-3-
BB-3-12A
A
0.18
125.44




yl)-methanol

RT





0.5


BB-3-13
(3-Isopropoxy-pyrazin-
BB-3-13A
A
0.58
169.11



2-yl)-methanol

RT





0.5


BB-3-14
(4-Isopropylpyridin-3-
4-Isopropyl
A
0.34
152.45



yl)methanol
pyridine-3-
RT




carboxylic acid
48  




ethyl ester


BB-3-15
(3-Isopropoxy-pyridin-
BB-3-15A
A
0.40
168.47



2-yl)-methanol

RT





24  


BB-3-16
(4-Isopropyl-pyrimidin-
4-Isopropyl
A
0.46
153.47



5-yl)-methanol
pyrimidine-5-
70  




carboxylic acid
1  




ethyl ester


BB-3-17
(3-Isopropyl-pyrazin-2-
BB-3-17A
A
0.48
153.45



yl)-methanol

0  





2.5


BB-3-18
Mixture of (5-
Mixture of 5-
B
0.52
184.05



(trifluoromethyl)thiazol-
(trifluoromethyl)
0  



4-yl)methanol and (2-
thiazole-4-
1.5



(trifluoromethyl)thiazol-
carboxylic acid



4-yl)methanol
ethyl ester and




2-(trifluoromethyl)




thiazole-4-




carboxylic acid




ethyl ester


BB-3-19
(2,4-Difluoro-6-
BB-3-19A
B
0.78
no
6.41-6.47 (m, 2 H),



isopropoxy-phenyl)-

0  

ionisation
4.70 (d, J = 1.5 Hz,



methanol

1.5


2 H), 4.58 (m, 1 H),








1.40-1.45 (m, 6 H)









Synthesis of Building Blocks BB-4 (Via G-5)
Step A: Aromatic Nucleophilic Substitution
To a solution of the appropriate amine (1eq) and the appropriate fluoroarene (1.1 eq) in DMSO (0.9 mL/mmol) was added K2CO3(2 eq) and the mixture was heated to 105° C. and stirred for 18h (see Table 7). It was quenched with water and extracted with DCM. The org. phase was washed with water (5×) and brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH.












TABLE 7










MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
tR
m/z


BB-4A
Name
amine
fluoroarene
[min]
[M + H]+







BB-4-1A
[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-formyl-
(R)-(+)-3-(Boc-
2,3-Difluoro
0.90
309.10



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-carbamic
amino)pyrrolidine
benzaldehyde



acid tert-butyl ester


BB-4-2A
[1-(2-Fluoro-6-formyl-phenyl)-
4-(N-Boc-amino)
2,3-Difluoro
0.93
323.20



piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic acid
piperidine
benzaldehyde



tert-butyl ester


BB-4-3A
[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-
(R)-(+)-3-(Boc-
2,3-Difluoro
0.91
306.03



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-carbamic
amino)pyrrolidine
benzonitrile



acid tert-butyl ester









Step B: Reduction
A suspension of intermediate BB-4A (1 eq) in anh. MeOH (2 mL/mmol) was cooled to 0° C. and NaBH4(1.3- to 1.5 eq) was added portionwise at 0° C. (see Table 8). Then mixture was stirred for 1h at 0° C. to reach completion. It was carefully quenched by dropwise addition of water at 0° C. and extracted with EtOAc. The org. phase was washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.











TABLE 8









MS-data




Reactant
tR
m/z


BB-4B
Name
BB-4A
[min]
[M + H]+







BB-4-1B
[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-hydroxymethyl-
BB-4-1A
0.77
311.11



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-carbamic



acid tert-butyl ester


BB-4-2B
[1-(2-Fluoro-6-hydroxymethyl-
BB-4-2A
0.82
325.24



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic



acid tert-butyl ester









Step C: Acetylation
A solution of intermediate BB-4B (1 eq) and TEA (1.5 eq) in DCM (0.5 mL/mmol) was cooled to 0° C. and AcCl (1.5 eq) was added dropwise at 0° C. (see Table 9). The rxn mixture was stirred for 1 h at 0° C. to reach completion. It was diluted with DCM and washed with a 10% solution of citric acid (2×), with a sat. solution of NaHCO3 (2×) and with brine (1×). The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.











TABLE 9









MS-data




Reactant
tR
m/z


BB-4C
Name
BB-4B
[min]
[M + H]+







BB-4-1C
Acetic acid 2-((R)-3-tert-
BB-4-1B
0.94
353.13



butoxycarbonylamino-pyrrolidin-



1-yl)-3-fluoro-benzyl ester


BB-4-2C
Acetic acid 2-(4-tert-
BB-4-2B
0.97
367.25



butoxycarbonylamino-piperidin-



1-yl)-3-fluoro-benzyl ester









Step D: Hydrogenation
Intermediate BB-40C (1 eq) was dissolved in a mixture of MeOH (6 mL/mmol) and EtOAc (2 mL/mmol) and the flask was evacuated three times and refilled with nitrogen. Wet Pd/C (0.08 eq) was added and the flask was evacuated and refilled three times with hydrogen. The suspension was stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere for 3h (see Table 10) and filtered over a pad of Celite. The cake was washed with EtOAc and MeOH and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.











TABLE 10









MS-data


BB-4D

Reactant
tR
m/z


(G-5)
Name
BB-4C
[min]
[M + H]+







BB-4-1D
[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
BB-4-1C
0.91
295.14



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-carbamic acid



tert-butyl ester


BB-4-2D
[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
BB-4-2C
1.00
309.16



piperidin-4-yl]-carbamic acid



tert-butyl ester









Final Step: Boc Cleavage
To a solution of intermediate BB-4D or BB-4A (1 eq) in DCM (4 mL/mmol) was added dropwise TFA (1 mL/mmol) and the rxn mixture was stirred for 1h to 18h at RT (see Table 11). It was basified with a 1M solution of NaOH until pH 12-13 and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.











TABLE 11







Reactant

MS-data




BB-4D (G-5)
tR
m/z


BB-4
Name
or BB-4A
[min]
[M + H]+







BB-4-1
(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
BB-4-1D
0.57
195.29



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamine


BB-4-2
1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
BB-4-2D
0.60
209.28



piperidin-4-ylamine


BB-4-3
2-((R)-3-Amino-pyrrolidin-
BB-4-3A
0.49
205.89



1-yl)-3-fluoro-benzonitrile









Synthesis of Building Blocks BB-4 (Via G-2 and G-3)
Step A: Buchwald Hartwig
To a mixture of the appropriate amine G-1 (1 eq), the appropriate halide (1.2 eq) and sodium tert-butoxide (2 eq) in toluene (3 mL/mmol) under N2, was added BINAP (0.2 eq) and Pd2(dba)3 (0.1 eq) (see Table 12). The rxn mixture was flushed with N2, heated to 100° C. in a sealed vial and stirred for 24h. It was partitioned between water and EtOAc and the org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 12







Reactant


MS-data




amine
Reactant
tR
m/z


G-2
Name
(G-1)
halide
[min]
[M + H]+







G-2-1
8-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-1,4-dioxa-
1,4-Dioxa-8-
2-Bromo-1,3-
0.92
248.24



8-aza-spiro[4.5]decane
azaspiro[4.5]
dimethylbenzene




decane









Step B: Ketal Cleavage
To a soln. of ketal intermediate G-2 (1 eq) in anh. THF (3 mL/mmol) was added a 1M aq. sol. of HCl (2 mL/mmol) at RT (see Table 13). The rxn mixture was heated to 70° C. and stirred for 24h. It was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.











TABLE 13









MS-data




Reactant
tR
m/z


G-3
Name
G-2
[min]
[M + H]+







G-3-1
1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
G-2-1
0.88
204.22



piperidin-4-one









Final Step: Reductive Amination
To a soln. of ketone intermediate G-3 (1 eq) in dioxane (9.1 mL/mmol) was added a 25% aq. soln. of NH4OH (38 eq) and H2O (0.35 mL/mmol). The flask was evacuated three times and refilled with nitrogen. Wet Pd/C (0.06 eq) was added and the flask was evacuated and refilled three times with hydrogen. The suspension was stirred under a hydrogen atmosphere for 24h (see Table 14) and filtered over a pad of Celite. The cake was washed with dioxane and MeOH and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH.











TABLE 14









MS-data




Reactant
tR
m/z


BB-4
Name
G-3
[min]
[M + H]+







BB-4-4
1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
G-3-1
0.63
205.33



piperidin-4-ylamine









Synthesis of Building Block BB-8
Synthesis of Carbonic Acid 3-Methyl-Oxetan-3-Yl Ester Pentafluorophenyl Ester (BB-8-1), Carbonic Acid Oxetan-3-Yl Ester Pentafluorophenyl Ester (BB-8-2) and Carbonic Acid Pentafluorophenyl Ester 3-Trifluoromethyl-Oxetan-3-Yl Ester (BB-8-3)
A soln. of the appropriate alcohol (1 eq) and bis(pentafluorophenyl)carbonate (1.2 eq) in MeCN (0.55 mL/mmol) was cooled to 0° C. and Et3N (3.2 eq) was added dropwise. The rxn mixture was stirred ON allowing the temperature to reach RT (see Table 15). The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH.











TABLE 15







Reactant
tR
1H NMR (400 MHz,


BB-8
Name
alcohol
[min]
DMSO-d6) δ:







BB-8-1
Carbonic acid 3-methyl-oxetan-3-yl
3-Methyl
0.90
4.77 (d, J = 7.7 Hz, 2 H),



ester pentafluorophenyl ester
oxetan-3-ol

4.54 (d, J = 8.2 Hz, 2 H),






1.76 (s, 3 H)


BB-8-2
Carbonic acid oxetan-3-yl ester
3-Hydroxy
0.86
5.65 (m, 1 H), 4.87 (m, 2 H),



pentafluorophenyl ester
oxetane

4.65 (ddd, J1 = 0.9 Hz,






J2 = 4.7 Hz, J3 = 8.1 Hz, 2 H)









The carbonic acid pentafluorophenyl ester 3-trifluoromethyl-oxetan-3-yl ester (BB-8-3) was prepared according to Med. Chem. Commun., 2013, 4, 95.
Synthesis of 4-(2-bromo-3-fluoro-phenyl)-morpholine (BB-8-4)
To a soln. of 2-fluoro-6-morpholinoaniline (100 mg, 0.51 mmol) in anh. MeCN was added tert-butyl nitrite (0.121 mL, 1.02 mmol) and copper (II) bromide (137 mg, 0.612 mmol). The rxn mixture was stirred for 30 min at RT and partitioned between water and EtOAc. The aq. phase was washed with EtOAc (2×) and the combined org. phases were washed with brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc and additionally by prep. LC-MS using method 2.
LC-MS: tR=0.97 min, [M+H]+: 260.05
Synthesis of 5-isopropyl-3H-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-one (BB-8-5)
CDI (1228 mg, 7.34 mmol) was added to a soln. of isobutyric acid hydrazide (500 mg, 4.9 mmol) in anh. dioxane (21 mL) and the rxn mixture was heated at 85° C. and stirred ON. Dioxane was evaporated off and the residue was partitioned between water and EtOAc. The org. phase was washed with brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
LC-MS: tR=0.49 min, [M+MeCN+H]+: 170.27
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ:12.05 (m, 1H), 2.86 (m, 1H), 1.19 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 6H)
Synthesis of 3-chloro-4-methoxy-2-methyl-pyridine (BB-8-6)
To a soln. of 3,4-dichloro-2-methylpyridine (228 mg, 1.3 mmol) in MeOH (6.7 mL) was added a 25% soln. of NaOMe in MeOH (3.5 mL, 15.3 mmol) and the soln. was heated to 65° C. for 18h. It was partitioned between DCM and water and the org. phase was washed with brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as white solid.
LC-MS: tR=0.38 min, [M+H]+: 158.43
1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO) δ: 8.28 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H), 7.07 (d, J=5.7 Hz, 1H), 3.92 (s, 3H), 2.51 (s, 3H)
Synthesis of (3-bromo-5-methoxy-pyridin-4-yl)-carbamic acid methyl ester (BB-10-1)
Step A (bromination): 3-bromo-5-methoxypyridin-4-amine
To a soln. of 4-amino-3-methoxypyridine (905 mg, 7 mmol) in MeCN (20 mL) was added N-bromosuccinimide (1384 mg, 7.7 mmol) and the soln. was stirred for 1h at RT. It was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of Na2S2O3 and extracted with EtOAc. The org. phase was washed with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 (5×) and brine (1×), dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo to give the title compound as brown oil.
LC-MS: tR=0.38 min, [M+H]+: 203.17
1H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO) δ: 7.98 (s, 1H), 7.89 (s, 1H), 5.87 (s, 2H), 3.86 (s, 4H)
Step B (carbamate formation): (3-bromo-5-methoxy-pyridin-4-yl)-carbamic acid methyl ester (BB-10-1)
To a soln. of 3-bromo-5-methoxy-pyridin-4-ylamine (1140 mg, 5.61 mmol) and 2,6-lutidine (1.33 mL, 11.20 mmol) in DCM (40 mL) was added dropwise a soln. of methyl chloroformate (0.482 mL, 6.18 mmol) in DCM (5 mL) at 0° C. The rxn mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stirred for 18h. Additional amount of 2,6-lutidine (2.67 mL, 22.5 mmol) and methylchloroformate (0.876 mL, 11.2 mmol) was added at 0° C. and the rxn mixture stirred for 1h at RT. It was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with DCM (2×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
LC-MS: tR=0.62 min, [M+H]+: 261.14
1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO) δ: 9.23 (s, 1H), 8.40 (s, 1H), 8.39 (s, 1H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.63 (s, 3H)
Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula A-1
To a soln. of 1-fluoro/chloro-2-nitro-(hetero)arene (BB-2, 1 eq) and Boc-protected diamine (BB-1, 1 to 1.2 eq) in DMSO (1.5 mL/mmol) was added DIPEA (2 eq) and the soln. was heated at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 16). The rxn mixture was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The org. phase was washed with water (4×) and with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc and/or DCM/MeOH.













TABLE 16











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


A-1
Name
BB-2
BB-1
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















A-1-1
4-(3-Methoxy-2-nitro-
3-Fluoro-2-
1-N-Boc-4-
100
0.96
352.16



phenylamino)-piperidine-1-
nitroanisole
aminopiperidine
24



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester


A-1-2
(R)-3-(3-Methoxy-2-nitro-
3-Fluoro-2-
(R)-(+)-1-Boc-3-
100
0.92
338.74



phenylamino)-pyrrolidine-1-
nitroanisole
aminopyrrolidine
24



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester


A-1-3
(R)-3-(2-Methoxy-3-nitro-
BB-2-1
(R)-(+)-1-Boc-3-
80
0.88
339.11



pyridin-4-ylamino)-pyrrolidine-

aminopyrrolidine
24



1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl



ester


A-1-4
(R)-3-(4-Methoxy-3-nitro-
2-Chloro-4-
(R)-(+)-1-Boc-3-
85
0.87
339.13



pyridin-2-ylamino)-pyrrolidine-
methoxy-3-
aminopyrrolidine
24



1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl
nitro-



ester
pyridine


A-1-5
4-(3-Methoxy-2-nitro-
3-Fluoro-2-
1-N-Boc-4-
100
0.98
366.22



phenylamino)-2-methyl-
nitroanisole
amino-2-
24



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid

methyl-



tert-butyl ester

piperidine


A-1-6
4-(3-Methoxy-2-nitro-
3-Fluoro-2-
1-N-Boc-4-
100
0.98
366.39



phenylamino)-3-methyl-
nitroanisole
amino-3-
24



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid

methyl-



tert-butyl ester

piperidine


A-1-7
4-(3-Methoxy-2-nitro-
3-Fluoro-2-
1-N-Boc-4-
90
0.97
424.14



phenylamino)-piperidine-1,3-
nitroanisole
aminopiperidine-
24



dicarboxylic acid 1-tert-butyl

3-carboxylic



ester 3-ethyl ester

acid ethyl ester


A-1-8
4-(3-Methyl-2-nitro-
3-Fluoro-2-
1-N-Boc-4-
100
1.14
336.32



phenylamino)-piperidine-1-
nitrotoluene
aminopiperidine
18



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula A-2
To a soln. of intermediate A-1 (1eq) in EtOAc (3 to 3.3 mL/mmol) was added 10% Pd/C moistened with  ̃50% water (0.01 to 0.05 eq) and the rxn mixture was hydrogenated under atmospheric pressure for a given time (see Table 17). It was filtered over a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or DCM/MeOH.












TABLE 17










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


A-2
Name
A-1
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+




















A-2-1
4-(2-Amino-3-methoxy-phenylamino)-
A-1-1
24
0.68
322.00



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester


A-2-2
(R)-3-(2-Amino-3-methoxy-
A-1-2
10
0.67
308.13



phenylamino)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic



acid tert-butyl ester


A-2-3
(R)-3-(3-Amino-2-methoxy-pyridin-4-
A-1-3
4.5
0.59
309.11



ylamino)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester


A-2-4
(R)-3-(3-Amino-4-methoxy-pyridin-2-
A-1-4
3
0.58
309.18



ylamino)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester


A-2-5
4-(2-Amino-3-methoxy-phenylamino)-
A-1-5
3.5
0.71
336.32



2-methyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester


A-2-6
4-(2-Amino-3-methoxy-phenylamino)-
A-1-6
1
0.72/0.73
336.23



3-methyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester


A-2-7
4-(2-Amino-3-methoxy-phenylamino)-
A-1-7
1
0.76
394.09



piperidine-1,3-dicarboxylic acid 1-tert-



butyl ester 3-ethyl ester


A-2-8
4-(2-Amino-3-methyl-phenylamino)-
A-1-8
18
0.76
306.26



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula A-3
To a soln. of intermediate A-2 (1 eq) in MeCN (3.7 mL/mmol) was added CDI (1.2 eq) and the rxn mixture was stirred at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 18). The solvent was evaporated off and the residue was partitioned between EtOAc or DCM and water. The org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or DCM/MeOH.












TABLE 18










MS-data




Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


A-3
Name
A-2
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







A-3-1
4-(4-Methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-
A-2-1
RT
0.82
348.14



benzoimidazol-1-yl)-piperidine-1-carboxylic

2  



acid tert-butyl ester


A-3-2
(R)-3-(4-Methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-
A-2-2
RT
0.80
334.15



benzoimidazol-1-yl)-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic

0.2 



acid tert-butyl ester


A-3-3
(R)-3-(4-Methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-
A-2-3
RT
0.72
335.12



imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-1-yl)-pyrrolidine-1-

2  



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester


A-3-4
(R)-3-(7-Methoxy-2-oxo-1,2-dihydro-
A-2-4
45° C.
0.74
335.34



imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-3-yl)-pyrrolidine-1-

0.2 



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester


A-3-5
4-(4-Methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-
A-2-5
RT
0.86
362.21



benzoimidazol-1-yl)-2-methyl-piperidine-1-

0.25



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester


A-3-6
4-(4-Methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-
A-2-6
RT
0.85
362.21



benzoimidazol-1-yl)-3-methyl-piperidine-1-

0.75



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester


A-3-7
4-(4-Methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-
A-2-7
RT
0.84
420.13



benzoimidazol-1-yl)-piperidine-1,3-

0.75



dicarboxylic acid 1-tert-butyl ester3-ethyl ester


A-3-8
4-(4-Methyl-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-
A-2-8
RT
0.97
332.31



benzoimidazol-1-yl)-piperidine-1-carboxylic

21   



acid tert-butyl ester









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ia (from Compounds of Formula A-3)
Method A (K2CO3/DMF)
To a soln. of intermediate A-3 (1eq) in anh. DMF (3.5 to 6 mL/mmol) was added K2CO3(3eq) at RT then reactant BB-3 (1.1 to 2eq) at 0° C. The rxn mixture was allowed to reach RT and stirred at a given temperature for given time (see Table 19). It was quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or DCM/MeOH or by trituration in a mixture of Hept/EtOAc 1/1 and filtration.
Method B (NaH/TH)
To a soln. of intermediate A-3(1eq) in anh. THF (3 mL/mmol) was added NaH (2eq, as a 60% dispersion in mineral oil) at RT followed by BB-3 (1.2 eq). When necessary in term of solubility, anh. DMF (0.1 to 2 mL/mmol) could be added. The rxn mixture was stirred at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 19), quenched with a sat. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or DCM/MeOH













TABLE 19









Method

MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Ia
Name
A-3
BB-3
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ia-1
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-1
2-
A
1.04
505.98



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

(Trifluoromethyl)
RT



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

benzyl bromide
24



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester



(Example 1)


Ia-2
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-2
2-
A
1.02
492.10



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

(Trifluoromethyl)
RT



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

benzyl bromide
24



pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester



(Example 6)


Ia-3
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-2
2-
B
1.03
507.95



trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-2,3-

(Trifluoromethoxy)
50° C.



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

benzyl bromide
24



pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester



(Example 20)


Ia-4
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-3
2-
A
1.01
493.15



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

(Trifluoromethyl)
RT



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-

benzyl bromide
  1.5



c]pyridin-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-



carboxylic acid tert-butyl



ester (Example 39)


Ia-5
(R)-3-[7-Methoxy-2-oxo-1-(2-
A-3-4
2-
B
1.00
493.13



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,2-

(Trifluoromethyl)
50° C.



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-

benzyl bromide
 5



b]pyridine-3-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-



carboxylic acid tert-butyl



ester (Example 43)


Ia-6
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-1
BB-3-1
A
0.99
507.13



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-


RT



ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-


24



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester


Ia-7
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(4-
A-3-1
BB-3-2
A
1.01
507.13



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-


RT



ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-


 3



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester (Example 53)


Ia-8
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-3-(2-
A-3-2
2-
B
0.98
454.19



methoxy-benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3-

Methoxybenzyl
RT



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

chloride
18



pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid


then



tert-butyl ester


50° C.



(Example 65)


 4


Ia-9
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-
A-3-1
BB-3-3
A
1.02
507.14



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-


RT



ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-


24



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester


Ia-10
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-
A-3-1
BB-3-4
A
0.99
507.12



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-


RT



ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-


24



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester (Example 64)


Ia-11
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-3-(2-
A-3-3
2-
A
0.95
455.21



methoxy-benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3-

Methoxybenzyl
RT



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-

chloride
24



c]pyridine-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-



carboxylic acid tert-butyl



ester


Ia-12
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-5
2-
B
1.06
520.24



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

(Trifluoromethyl)
RT



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

benzyl bromide
24



2-methyl-piperidine-1-



carboxylic acid tert-butyl



ester (Example 144)


Ia-13
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-6
2-
A
1.06
520.13



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

(Trifluoromethyl)
RT



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

benzyl bromide
 1



3-methyl-piperidine-1-


then



carboxylic acid tert-butyl


50° C.



ester (Example 146)


18


Ia-14
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-7
2-
A
1.04
578.05



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

(Trifluoromethyl)
RT



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

benzyl bromide
  8.5



piperidine-1,3-dicarboxylic



acid 1-tert-butyl ester 3-ethyl



ester (Example 164)


Ia-24
4-[4-Methyl-2-oxo-3-(2-
A-3-8
2-
A
1.21
490.29



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

(Trifluoromethyl)
RT



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

benzyl bromide
18



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid



tert-butyl ester









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula B-1
A mixture of BB1-6 (1eq) and BB1-5 (8.3 eq) in DIPEA (2 eq) was heated to 180° C. and stirred for a given temperature (see Table 20). It was partitioned between DCM and water and the org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.













TABLE 20











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant

tR
m/z


B-1
Name
BB-6
BB-5
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







B-1-1
(2-Methoxy-6-nitro-phenyl)-
2-Chloro-3-
2-
3.5
0.99
327.04



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-
nitroanisole
(Trifluoromethyl)



amine

benzylamine









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula B-2
To a suspension of intermediate B-1 (1eq) and zinc dust (10eq) in MeOH (10 mL/mmol) was added ammonium formate (10 eq) at 0° C.. The rxn mixture was stirred at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 21), filtered over a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH.












TABLE 21










MS-data




Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


B-2
Name
B-1
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+




















B-2-1
3-Methoxy-N2-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-
B-1-1
0
0.74
297.07



benzene-1,2-diamine

0.5









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula B-3
Intermediates B-3 were prepared using a similar protocol as for the synthesis of intermediates A-3 replacing intermediates A-2 by intermediates B-2 (see Table 22).












TABLE 22










MS-data




Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


B-3
Name
B-2
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







B-3-1
7-Methoxy-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-
B-2-1
RT
0.87
323.06



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one

2









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ia (from Compounds of Formula B-3)
To a soln. of intermediate B-3 (1 eq) and BB-7 (1.5 eq) in toluene (6.8 mL/mmol) was added a 1M soln. of (tributylphosphoranylidene)acetonitrile in toluene (2 eq) under argon. The rxn mixture was heated to 110° C. and stirred for a given time (see Table 23). It was quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc and/or DCM/MeOH. When necessary, an additional purification by prep. LC-MS Method 1 can be performed.













TABLE 23











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant

tR
m/z


Ia
Name
B-3
BB-7
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















Ia-15
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
B-3-1
4-Hydroxy
2
1.04
520.12



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

azepane-1-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

carboxylic acid



azepane-1-carboxylic acid tert-

tert-butyl ester



butyl ester (Example 179)


Ia-16
5-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
B-3-1
5-hydroxy-2-
8
1.04
518.10



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-

2-carboxylic acid



aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-

tert-butyl ester



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester



(Example 188)


Ia-17
6-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
B-3-1
6-hydroxy-3-
18
1.04
518.11



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

azabicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-3-

3-carboxylic acid



aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3-

tert-butyl ester



carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester



(Example 191)


Ia-18
(3R*,4S*)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-
B-3-1
cis-1-Boc-4-
18
1.03
506.13



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

methylpyrrolidin-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4-

3-ol



methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic



acid tert-butyl ester



(Example 196)


Ia-19
(3R*,4R*)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-
B-3-1
trans-1-Boc-4-
18
1.03
506.12



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

methylpyrrolidin-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4-

3-ol



methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic



acid tert-butyl ester



(Example 199)


Ia-20
3-Fluoro-4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-
B-3-1
3-Fluoro-4-
18
1.03
524.04



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

hydroxypiperidine-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

1-carboxylic



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-

acid tert-butyl



butyl ester (Example 210)

ester


Ia-21
3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
B-3-1
1-Boc-3-
18
1.05
506.08



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

hydroxypiperidine



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-



butyl ester (Example 214)


Ia-22
3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
B-3-1
1-Boc-3-
16
1.01
478.03



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

hydroxyazetidine



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



azetidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-



butyl ester (Example 213)


Ia-23
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
B-3-1
1-Boc-4-
18
1.07
534.22



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

hydroxy-3,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-3,3-

dimethylpiperidine



dimethyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic



acid tert-butyl ester



(Example 228)









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula C-1
To a soln. of intermediate Ia (1 eq) in DCM (2 to 10 mL/mmol) was added TEA (1.5 to 5 mL/mmol) and the rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 24). It was quenched with a 1M soln. of NaOH until pH reached 12 to 13 and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH.












TABLE 24










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


C-1
Name
Ia
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+




















C-1-1
4-Methoxy-1-piperidin-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-
Ia-1
2.5
0.72
406.13



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-2
4-Methoxy-1-(R)-pyrrolidin-3-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-
Ia-2
0.5
0.73
392.17



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-3
4-Methoxy-1-(R)-pyrrolidin-3-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-
Ia-3
2
0.73
407.93



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-4
4-Methoxy-1-(R)-pyrrolidin-3-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-
Ia-4
1
0.67
393.09



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2-one


C-1-5
7-Methoxy-3-(R)-pyrrolidin-3-yl-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-
Ia-5
1.5
0.68
393.23



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine-2-one


C-1-6
4-Methoxy-1-piperidin-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-
Ia-6
1.5
0.65
407.20



pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-7
4-Methoxy-1-piperidin-4-yl-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-
Ia-7
0.7
0.65
407.19



pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-8
4-Methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1-(R)-pyrrolidin-3-yl-
Ia-8
2.5
0.66
354.10



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-9
4-Methoxy-1-piperidin-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-
Ia-9
0.5
0.66
407.19



4-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-10
4-Methoxy-1-piperidin-4-yl-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-
Ia-10
2
0.66
407.17



2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-11
4-Methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1-(R)-pyrrolidin-3-yl-
Ia-11
2
0.62
355.14



1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2-one


C-1-12
4-Methoxy-1-(2-methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-3-(2-
Ia-12
18
0.73
420.15



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-13
4-Methoxy-1-(3-methyl-piperidin-4-yl)-3-(2-
Ia-13
1.5
0.73
420.14



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-14
1-Azepan-4-yl-4-methoxy-3-(2-
Ia-15
0.5
0.74
420.11



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-15
2-Aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl-4-methoxy-3-(2-
Ia-16
1
0.76
418.09



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-16
1-(3-Aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-6-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-
Ia-17
0.5
0.75
418.10



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-17
trans-4-Methoxy-1-(4-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-(2-
Ia-18
1
0.74
406.18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-18
cis-4-Methoxy-1-(4-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-(2-
Ia-19
1
0.74
406.11



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-19
1-(3-Fluoro-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-
Ia-20
0.5
0.73/0.74
424.07



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-20
4-Methoxy-1-piperidin-3-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-
Ia-21
2
0.73
406.15



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-21
1-Azetidin-3-yl-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-
Ia-22
0.75
0.70
378.11



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-22
1-(3,3-Dimethyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-
Ia-23
0.5
0.75
434.05



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


C-1-23
4-Methyl-1-piperidin-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-
Ia-24
1
0.82
390.25



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ib
Method A (Buchwald-Hartwig)
To a mixture of C-1 (1 eq), BB-8 (1.3 eq) and sodium tert-butoxide (2 eq) in toluene (3 to 10 mL/mmol) under N2, was added BINAP (0.2 eq) and Pd2(dba)3 (0.1 eq). The rxn mixture was flushed with N2, heated at a given temperature and stirred for a given time (see Table 25). It was partitioned between water and EtOAc and the org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc. When necessary an additional purification by prep. LC-MS was performed.
Method B (Reductive Amination)
To a soln. of C-1 (1 eq) in THF (10 mL/mmol) was added BB-8 (3 eq) and the rxn mixture was stirred for 1h. AcOH (1.1 eq) and NaBH(OAc)3 (3 eq) were added and the rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 25). It was quenched with a 1M aq. soln. of NaOH and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.













TABLE 25









Method

MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Ib
Name
C-1
BB-8
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ib-1
1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-1
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.15
510.12



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 2)


Ib-2
4-Methoxy-1-(1-phenyl-piperidin-
C-1-1
Bromobenzene
A
0.91
481.94



4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


100 



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-


18



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 4)


Ib-3
1-[1-(2,4-Dichloro-benzyl)-
C-1-1
2,4-Dichloro
B
0.85
563.96



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

benzaldehyde
RT



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


 4



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 5)


Ib-4
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-2
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.09
504.07



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 7)


Ib-5
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-2
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.00
496.12



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 8)


Ib-6
1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-1
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.11
518.10



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 9)


Ib-7
1-[1-(2,6-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-
C-1-1
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
0.87
542.08



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethoxybenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 10)


Ib-8
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-
C-1-1
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.04
529.98



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-

fluoroanisole
100 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 11)


Ib-9
4-Methoxy-1-[1-(2-methoxy-6-
C-1-1
2-Bromo-1-
A
1.03
526.09



methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-

methoxy-3-
100 



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

methylbenzene
24



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 12)


Ib-10
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-1
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.14
514.04



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

fluorotoluene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 13)


Ib-11
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-1-2
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.09
500.25



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
100 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 15)


Ib-12
4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-
C-1-2
2-Bromoanisole
A
0.90
497.99



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-


100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 16)


Ib-13
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethoxy-phenyl)-
C-1-2
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
0.87
527.94



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethoxybenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 17)


Ib-14
4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-
C-1-2
2-Bromo-1-
A
0.90
511.98



6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-

methoxy-3-
100 



3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

methylbenzene
18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 18)


Ib-15
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-
C-1-2
2-Bromo-3-
A
0.98
515.95



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

fluoroanisole
100 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 19)


Ib-16
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-3
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
0.99
511.95



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 22)


Ib-17
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-3
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.09
519.90



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 23)


Ib-18
4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-
C-1-2
3-Bromo-2-
A
1.00
513.12



4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-

methoxy-4-
100 



3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-

methylpyridine
18



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-



one (Example 33)


Ib-19
1-[(R)-1-(3,5-Difluoro-pyridin-4-
C-1-2
4-Bromo-3,5-
A
0.83
505.08



yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-

difluoropyridine
100 



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 34)


Ib-20
1-[(R)-1-(3,5-Dimethyl-pyridin-4-
C-1-2
4-Bromo-3,5-
A
0.81
497.13



yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-

dimethylpyridine
100 



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

hydrochloride
18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 36)


Ib-21
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-4-methyl-
C-1-2
3-Bromo-2-
A
1.07
501.11



pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

fluoro-4-
100 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

methylpyridine
18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 37)


Ib-22
1-[(R)-1-(3,5-Dimethoxy-pyridin-
C-1-2
4-Bromo-3,5-
A
0.82
529.11



4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-

dimethoxypyridine
100 



3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 38)


Ib-23
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-4
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.03
497.12



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-



one (Example 41)


Ib-24
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-4
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.08
505.06



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-



one (Example 42)


Ib-25
3-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-5
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
0.86
497.14



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-



one (Example 45)


Ib-26
3-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-5
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.04
505.11



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-



one (Example 46)


Ib-27
4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-
C-1-4
3-Bromo-2-
A
1.05
514.13



4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-

methoxy-4-
100 



3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-

methylpyridine
18



1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 47)


Ib-28
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-4-methyl-
C-1-4
3-Bromo-2-
A
1.05
502.11



pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

fluoro-4-
100 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

methylpyridine
18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 48)


Ib-29
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-
C-1-4
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.03
517.13



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

fluoroanisole
100 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 49)


Ib-30
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-1-4
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.10
501.12



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
100 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 50)


Ib-31
4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-
C-1-4
2-Bromo-1-
A
0.88
513.05



6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-

methoxy-3-
100 



3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

methylbenzene
18



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-



one (Example 51)


Ib-32
1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-6
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.11
511.15



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-


18



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 54)


Ib-33
1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-6
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.07
519.11



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-


18



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 55)


Ib-34
1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-7
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.14
511.19



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-


18



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 58)


Ib-35
1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-7
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.09
519.15



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-


24



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 59)


Ib-36
1-[(R)-1-(2,4-Dimethyl-pyridin-3-
C-1-2
3-Bromo-2,4-
A
0.81
497.12



yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-

dimethylpyridine
105 



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 66)


Ib-37
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-8
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
0.94
458.17



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
105



methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-


18



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 67)


Ib-38
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-8
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.05
466.49



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

bromobenzene
105 



methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-


18



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 68)


Ib-39
1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-9
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.16
511.17



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-


18



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 73)


Ib-40
1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-9
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.11
519.11



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-


18



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 74)


Ib-41
1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-10
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.10
511.20



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-

dimethylbenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-


18



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 75)


Ib-42
1-[1-(2,6-Difluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-10
2,6-Difluoro
A
1.06
519.11



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-


18



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 76)


Ib-43
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-11
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
0.98
459.16



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
100 



methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-


18



imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 77)


Ib-44
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-1-11
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.05
463.12



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
100 



methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-


18



1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 78)


Ib-45
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-1-8
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.04
462.24



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
100 



methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-


18



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-



one (Example 110)


Ib-46
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-13
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.14
528.16



3-methyl-piperidin-4-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
105 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 147)


Ib-47
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-phenyl)-
C-1-2
1-Bromo-2-
A
1.07
486.07



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

fluorobenzene
105 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 160)


Ib-48
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-morpholin-
C-1-2
BB-8-4
A
0.92
571.03



4-yl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


105 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 161)


Ib-49
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-14
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.13
528.09



azepan-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

fluorotoluene
110 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 184)


Ib-50
1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-14
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.14
524.13



azepan-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
110 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 185)


Ib-51
1-[2-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-15
2-Bromo-3-
A
0.99
526.06



2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
110 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 190)


Ib-52
1-[3-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-16
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.12
526.14



3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-6-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
110 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


  2.5



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 197)


Ib-53
1-[(3R*,4S*)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-
C-1-17
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.12
514.12



methyl-phenyl)-4-methyl-

fluorotoluene
110 



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-


 2



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 198)


Ib-54
1-[(3R*,4R*)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-
C-1-18
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.05
514.10



methyl-phenyl)-4-methyl-

fluorotoluene
110 



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-


18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 200)


Ib-55
4-Methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-
C-1-2
2-
A
1.10
552.02



trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-

(Trifluoro-
110 



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-

methoxy)bromo-
20



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

benzene



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 201)


Ib-56
4-Methoxy-1-{(R)-1-[2-(2-
C-1-2
1-Bromo-2-(2-
A
0.91
542.05



methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-

methoxy-
110 



pyrrolidin-3-yl}-3-(2-

ethoxy)benzene
20



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 204)


Ib-57
1-[3-Fluoro-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-
C-1-19
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.09/1.11
532.02



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
110 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


 2



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 211)


Ib-58
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-20
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.11
514.05



piperidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

fluorotoluene
110 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 212)


Ib-59
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-21
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.07
486.04



azetidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

fluorotoluene
110 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


 2



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 215)


Ib-60
1-[1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
C-1-20
2-Bromo-1,3-
A
1.11
510.09



piperidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

dimethylbenzene
110 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


20



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 217)


Ib-61
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-22
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.16
542.18



3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-4-yl]-4-

fluorotoluene
110 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 227)


Ib-62
1-[1-(2-Benzyloxy-phenyl)-
C-1-1
2-Benzyloxy
A
0.96
588.15



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

bromobenzene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


 5



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 231)


Ib-63
4-Methoxy-1-(3′-methyl-3,4,5,6-
C-1-1
2-Bromo-3-
A
0.81
497.06



tetrahydro-2H-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-

methylpyridine
110 



yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-


18



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-



one (Example 232)


Ib-64
4-Methoxy-1-(3′-methoxy-
C-1-1
2-Bromo-3-
A
0.82
513.06



3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-

methoxypyridine
110 



[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-


18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 233)


Ib-65
4-Methoxy-1-(2′-methoxy-4′-
C-1-1
3-Bromo-2-
A
1.10
527.10



methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-

methoxy-4-
110 



[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-

methylpyridine
18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 234)


Ib-66
1-(2′-Fluoro-4′-methyl-3,4,5,6-
C-1-1
3-Bromo-2-
A
1.08
515.09



tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-

fluoro-4-
110 



yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-

methylpyridine
18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 235)


Ib-67
1-(3′-Fluoro-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-
C-1-1
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.00
501.12



2H-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-

fluoropyridine
110 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 236)


Ib-68
1-(2′,4′-Dimethyl-3,4,5,6-
C-1-1
3-Bromo-2,4-
A
0.81
511.18



tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-

dimethylpyridine
110 



yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-


18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 237)


Ib-69
1-(4′-Fluoro-2′-methyl-3,4,5,6-
C-1-1
3-Bromo-4-
A
0.84
515.16



tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-

fluoro-2-
110 



yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-

methylpyridine
 6



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 244)


Ib-70
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-1-23
2-Bromo-3-
A
1.32
498.17



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methyl-3-(2-

fluorotoluene
100 



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


 2



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 245)


Ib-71
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-1
3-Bromo-4-
A
1.06
522.18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

methyl-
110 



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4′-

picolinonitrile
18



methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-



[1,3′]bipyridinyl-2′-carbonitrile



(Example 246)


Ib-72
4-Methoxy-1-(4′-methoxy-2′-
C-1-1
BB-8-6
A
0.83
527.18



methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-


110 



[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-


18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 247)


Ib-73
1-(2′,4′-Dimethoxy-3,4,5,6-
C-1-1
3-Bromo-2,4-
A
0.87
543.06



tetrahydro-2H-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-

dimethoxypyridine
110 



yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-


18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 248)


Ib-74
4-Methoxy-1-[1-(4-methoxy-6-
C-1-1
5-Bromo-4-
A
0.93
528.12



methyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-piperidin-

methoxy-6-
110 



4-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-

methylpyrimidine
18



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 249)


Ib-75
1-[1-(4,6-Dimethoxy-pyrimidin-5-
C-1-1
5-Bromo-4,6-
A
1.04
544.05



yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-

dimethoxypyrimidine
110 



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


 4



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 250)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ic
Method A (standard SNAr/CsF)
To a soln. of C-1 (1 eq) and BB-8 (to 1.1 eq) in DMSO (3 mL/mmol) was added CsF (2 eq). The rxn mixture was heated at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 26) and was partitioned between EtOAc and water. The org. phase was washed with water (3×) and with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
Method B (PyBOP Activated SNAr)
C-1 (1 eq), BB-8 (1.5 eq) and DIPEA (3 eq) were dissolved in anh. DMF (5 mL/mmol) and the mixture was stirred for 5 min at RT. PyBOP (1.8 eq) was added portionwise and the rxn mixture was further stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 26). It was partitioned between EtOAc and a 5% aq. soln. of KHSO4 and the org. phase was washed with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 (2×) and brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
Method C (Standard SNAr/K2CO3)
The procedure is similar to method A replacing CsF by K2CO3(2 eq).
Method D (PyBOP Activated SNAr+Cyclodehydration)
The procedure is similar to method B but the resulting open form product is additionally submitted to a cyclodehydration as follows:
The open form product (1 eq) was dissolved in anh. THF and Burgess' reagent (2.5 eq) was added portionwise at RT (see Table 26). The rxn mixture was stirred at 150° C. for 30 min under microwave condition and partitioned between EtOAc and H2O. The org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.













TABLE 26









Method

MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Ic
Name
C-1
BB-8
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ic-1
3-Cyclopropyl-5-{4-[4-methoxy-
C-1-1
5-Chloro-3-
A
1.04
554.09



2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

cyclopropyl-1-
100 





benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-

methyl-1H-
96





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-

pyrazole-4-






yl}-1-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-

carbaldehyde






carbaldehyde








(Example 14)







Ic-2
1-[(R)-1-(5-Isopropyl-
C-1-2
BB-8-5
B
0.98
502.14



[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-pyrrolidin-


RT





3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-


18





trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-








dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one








(Example 69)







Ic-3
5-{(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
5-chloro-1,3-
A
0.99
514.16



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

dimethyl-1H-
100 





dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

pyrazole-4-
18





pyrrolidin-1-yl}-1,3-dimethyl-1H-

carbaldehyde






pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde








(Example 71)







Ic-4
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-
C-1-2
2,3-Difluoro
C
1.06
511.13



oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-

benzonitrile
80





2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-


18





pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile








(Example 82)







Ic-5
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-
C-1-2
2,3-Difluoro
C
1.06
514.16



oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-

benzaldehyde
100 





2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-


18





pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzaldehyde








(Example 83)







Ic-6
4-Methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-
C-1-2
5-
D
1.00
528.10



benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(5-

(Trifluoromethyl)-
RT





trifluoromethyl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-

1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ol
24





2-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-1,3-dihydro-








benzoimidazol-2-one








(Example 84)







Ic-7
5-{(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
5-chloro-1,3-
A
1.00
511.34



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

dimethyl-1H-
80





dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-

pyrazole-4-
24





pyrrolidin-1-yl}-1,3-dimethyl-1H-

carbonitrile






pyrazole-4-carbonitrile








(Example 87)







Ic-8
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-3-
C-1-8
2,3-Difluoro
C
1.02
473.21



(2-methoxy-benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3-

benzonitrile
105 





dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-


 3





pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile








(Example 109)







Ic-9
3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-
C-1-13
2,3-Difluoro
C
1.10
542.13



3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

benzaldehyde
105 





dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-


72





methyl-piperidin-1-yl}-








benzaldehyde








(Example 145)







Ic-10
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-nitro-
C-1-2
2,3-Difluoro
C
1.07
530.98



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

nitrobenzene
100 





methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18





benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-








benzoimidazol-2-one








(Example 154)







Ic-11
1-[(R)-1-(4,5-Dichloro-pyridazin-
C-1-2
3,4,5-Trichloro
C
1.04
537.92



3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-

pyridazine
RT





3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


48





dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


then





(Example 157)


60








24




Ic-12
1-[(R)-1-(3,5-Dichloro-pyridazin-
C-1-2
3,4,5-Trichloro
C
1.03
538.00



4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-

pyridazine
RT





3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


48





dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


then





(Example 158)


60








24









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Id
To a soln. of Ic (1 eq) in MeOH (8 mL/mmol) was added toluene-4-sulfonic acid monohydrate (0.2 eq) and the rxn mixture was heated at 120° C. under microwave condition for a given time (see Table 27). It was concentrated in vacuo and partitioned between EtOAc and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 27










MS-data




Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Id
Name
Ic
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+




















Id-1
1-[1-(5-Cyclopropyl-2-methyl-2H- pyrazol-3-yl)-
Ic-1
120
0.94
525.97



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-

0.25



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 21)


Id-2
1-[(R)-1-(2,5-Dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Ic-3
120
0.84
486.33



yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

0.35



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 79)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ie
To a soln. of Id (1 eq) in THF (4.5 mL/mmol) was added NCS (1.4 eq) and the rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 28). It was partitioned between EtOAc and water and the org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 28










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Ie
Name
Id
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+




















Ie-1
1-[1-(4-Chloro-5-cyclopropyl-2-methyl-2H-pyrazol-3-
Id-1
1
1.11
560.11



yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 24)


Ie-2
1-[(R)-1-(4-Chloro-2,5-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-
Id-2
0.25
1.07
520.12



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 80)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula If
To a stirred soln. of Ic (1eq) in a mixture of DMF (0.5 mL) was added toluene-4-sulfonic acid monohydrate (0.13 eq) and 4-toluenesulfonyhydrazide (1.3eq) followed by sulfolane (0.5 mL) (see Table 29). The mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 1h and cooled to RT. Sodium cyanoborohydride (4eq) was added portionwise and the mixture was stirred at 100° C. for 24h. It was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted 3× with EtOAc. The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 3.











TABLE 29









MS-data




Reactant
tR
m/z


If
Name
Ic
[min]
[M + H]+







If-1
1-[1-(5-Cydopropyl-2,4-dimethyl-2H-pyrazol-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-
Ic-1
0.95
540.15



4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 25)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iq
To a soln. of C-1 (1 eq) and TEA (3eq) in a given solvent (5 mL/mmol) (see) was added at 0° C. alkyl choroformate or pentafluorophenylcarbonate-8 (1.2eq). The rxn mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stirred at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 30). It was partitioned between DCM and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH or Hept/EtOAc. If necessary a second purification by prep. L-MS using method 2, 3 or 6 can be performed.













TABLE 30









Solvent

MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Ig
Name
C-1
BB-8
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ig-1
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
Methyl
DCM
0.95
450.04



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-

chloroformate
RT





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-


 2





carboxylic acid methyl ester








(Example 26)







Ig-2
4-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-1
Methyl
DCM
0.97
464.05



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-

chloroformate
RT





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-


 1





carboxylic acid methyl ester








(Example 29)







Ig-3
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
Ethyl
DCM
0.97
464.06



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-

chloroformate
RT





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-


18





carboxylic acid ethyl ester








(Example 60)







Ig-4
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
Isopropylchloroformate
DCM
1.00
478.09



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-


RT





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-


18





carboxylic acid isopropyl ester








(Example 61)







Ig-5
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
n-Butyl
DCM
1.03
492.11



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-

chloroformate
RT





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-


18





carboxylic acid butyl ester








(Example 62)







Ig-6
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
Phenyl
DCM
1.01
512.10



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-

chloroformate
RT





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-


18





carboxylic acid phenyl ester








(Example 63)







Ig-7
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
BB-8-1
DMF
0.95
506.13



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-


110° C.





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-


   0.25





carboxylic acid 3-methyl-oxetan-3-








yl ester (Example 70)







Ig-8
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
BB-8-2
DMF
0.93
492.09



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-


110° C.





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-


   0.25





carboxylic acid oxetan-3-yl ester








(Example 72)







Ig-9
(R)-3-[4-Methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
C-1-2
BB-8-3
DMF
1.00
560.13



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-


110° C.





benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-


  0.5





carboxylic acid 3-trifluoromethyl-








oxetan-3-yl ester (Example 86)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ih
To a soln. of C-1(1 eq) and TEA (3eq) in DCM (5 mL/mmol) was added at 0° C. acid chloride BB1-8 (1 to 1.2 eq). The rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 31) and partitioned between DCM and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.













TABLE 31











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant

tR
m/z


Ih
Name
C-1
BB-8
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















Ih-1
1-((R)-1-Benzoyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-
C-1-2
Benzoyl
1.5
0.97
496.00



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

chloride






benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-








2-one (Example 27)







Ih-2
1-[1-(2,2-Dimethyl-propionyl)-
C-1-1
Pivaloyl
1
1.00
490.12



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

chloride






trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-








benzoimidazol-2-one








(Example 28)







Ih-3
1-(1-Benzoyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-
C-1-1
Benzoyl
1
0.98
510.10



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

chloride






benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-








2-one (Example 30)







Ih-4
1-(1-Cyclopropanecarbonyl-
C-1-1
Cyclopropane
1.5
0.95
474.07



piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-

carbonyl






trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-

chloride






benzoimidazol-2-one








(Example 222)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ii
Method a (Sodium Triacetoxyborohydride)
To a soln. of C-1 (1eq) in a mixture of DCM (25 mL/mmol) and MeOH (50 mL/mmol) were added AcOH (1.2 eq) and aldehyde BB-8 (1.3 eq) followed by NaBH(OAc)3 (1.4 eq) portionwise. The rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 32). It was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH.
Method B (Indium(III) Chloride/Triethylsilane)
To a soln. of C-1 (1eq) in MeOH (5 mL/mmol) was added BB1-8 (1.1 eq) and the rxn mixture was stirred for 15 min. Triethylsilane (2eq) and indium(III) chloride (0.3 eq) were added and the rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 32). It was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of K2CO3 and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 6.
Method C (Alkylation)
To a soln. of C-1 (1eq) in MeCN (5 mL/mmol) was added K2CO3(4 eq) and BB-8 (5 eq) and the rxn mixture was stirred at 65° C. for a given time (see Table 32). It was partitioned between EtOAc and water and the org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH.













TABLE 32











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
Method
tR
m/z


Ii
Name
C-1
BB-8
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ii-1
4-Methoxy-1-((R)-1-methyl-
C-1-2
Formaldehyde
A
0.75
406.15



pyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

(37% in H2O)
18





benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-








2-one (Example 31)







Ii-2
1-((R)-1-Isopropyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-
C-1-2
Acetone
B
0.76
434.13



4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18





benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-








2-one (Example 32)







Ii-3
1-(1-Isopropyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-
C-1-1
2-Iodopropane
C
0.76
448.13



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


 2





benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-








2-one (Example 35)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ij
Method a (Methyl Ether Cleavage with BBr3)
To soln. of Ib (1eq) in DCM (4 mL/mmol) was added dropwise at 0° C. a 1M soln. of BBr3 in DCM (3eq). The rxn mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stirred for a given time (see Table 33). The mixture was quenched with chilled H2O and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
Method B (Methoxypyridine Cleavage with BBr3)
To a soln. of Ib (1 eq) in DCM (20 to 35 mL/mmol) was added dropwise at −10° C. a 1M soln. of BBr3 in DCM (2 eq). The rxn mixture was stirred at −10° C. for 30 min, allowed to warm to RT and stirred for a given time (see Table 33). The mixture was quenched with chilled H2, basified with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or DCM/MeOH.












TABLE 33










MS-data





Method
tR
m/z


Ij
Name
Reactant
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ij-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Ib-11
A
0.99
486.11



yl]-4-hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

18



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 40)


Ij-2
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-
Ib-5
A
0.91
482.15



hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

 3



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 44)


Ij-3
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-
Ib-29
B
0.85
503.10



3-yl]-4-hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

18



dihydro-2H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(tautomeric form: 1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methoxy-



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-



2,4-dione) (Example 56)


Ij-4
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Ib-30
B
0.94
487.22



yl]-4-hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

42



dihydro-2H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(tautomeric form 1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-



2,4-dione) (Example 57)


Ij-5
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Ib-44
B
0.88
449.14



yl]-4-hydroxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-

24



imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(tautomeric form 1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-



imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione (Example 81)


Ij-6
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-
Ib-23
B
0.85
483.15



hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

36



dihydro-2H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(tautomeric form 1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-



dihydro-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione)



(Example 93)


Ij-7
4-Hydroxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-6-methyl-
Ib-31
B
0.75
499.15



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

36



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(tautomeric form 1-[(R)-1-(2-Methoxy-6-



methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1H-



imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione)



(Example 94)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ik
To a stirred soln. of Ij (1 eq) in DMSO (10 mL/mmol) was added K2C3 (2 eq) followed by the corresponding halide (1.1 eq). The rxn mixture was stirred at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 34). It was partitioned between EtOAc and H2O. The org. phase was washed with water (3×) and brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or by prep. LC-MS using method 3.













TABLE 34











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Ik
Name
Ij
halide
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ik-1
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
Ij-2
2-
50
0.92
526.15



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-

Bromoethanol
72





ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-








benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-








benzoimidazol-2-one








(Example 52)







Ik-2
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
Ij-1
3-
105 
1.06
542.10



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(oxetan-

Bromoxetane
 2





3-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


then





benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-


60





benzoimidazol-2-one


72





(Example 149)







Ik-3
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
Ij-1
2-
100 
1.00
529.99



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-

Bromoethanol
  1.5





hydroxy-ethoxy)-3-(2-


then





trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


80





dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


18





(Example 150)







Ik-4
4-(2,2-Dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4-
Ij-1
4-
100 
1.10
600.05



ylmethoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-

(Bromomethyl)-2,2-
  1.5





methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-

dimethyl-1,3-
then





(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-

dioxolane
80





dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


18





(Example 151)









Synthesis of compounds of formula Il
To a mixture of Ie (1 eq), boron species (3 eq) and K2C3(5 eq) in dioxane (4 mL/mmol) under N2, was added PEPPSI-Pr (0.1 eq). The rxn mixture was flushed with N2, heated at a given temperature and stirred for a given time (see Table 35). It was partitioned between water and EtOAc and the org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc. When necessary an additional purification by prep. LC-MS was performed.













TABLE 35











MS-data




Reactant
Boron
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Ie
Name
Ie
species
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















Ie
4-Methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-
Ie-2
Trimethyl
115
0.90
500.98



benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2,4,5-trimethyl-2H-

boroxine
5.5





pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-1,3-








dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one








(Example 85)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Im
To a stirred soln. of Ic (1 eq) in MeOH (4 mL/mmol) was added portionwise at 0° C. NaBH4 (2 eq). The rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 36) and quenched with H2O. It was extracted with DCM (3×) and the combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 36










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Im
Name
Ic
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Im-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-
Ic-5
1
0.99
516.15



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 88)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula in
To a stirred soln. of Ic (1 eq) in THF (20 mL/mmol) under argon was added dropwise at 0° C. a 3M soln. of MeMgBr in Et2O (2 eq). The rxn mixture was stirred for a given time (see Table 37) allowing temperature to reach RT. The mixture was cooled to 0° C., quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NH4C and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 37










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


In
Name
Ic
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







In-1
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-
lc-5
0.25
1.00
530.05



pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 89)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Io
To a stirred soln. of In (1eq) in DCM (3 mL/mmol) was added a 15% soln. of DMP in DCM (1.5 eq). The rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 38). The mixture was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 38










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Io
Name
Ic
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Io-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Acetyl-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-
In-1
4.5
1.04
528.15



4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 90)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ip
The procedure was similar to the one synthesizing compounds of formula In except that reactant Ic were replaced by reactant Io (see Table 39).












TABLE 39










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Ip
Name
In
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ip-1
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-
Io-1
0.4
0.96
544.17



phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 91)









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula C-3
Intermediates C-3 were prepared using a similar protocol as for the synthesis of intermediates A-1 replacing amine building blocks BB-1 by amine building blocks BB-4 (see Table 40).













TABLE 40











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


C-3
Name
BB-2
BB-4
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















C-3-1
[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
3-Fluoro-2-
BB-4-1
105
1.03
346.08



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-(3-
nitroanisole

24





methoxy-2-nitro-phenyl)-amine







C-3-2
3-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-
Methyl 3-
BB-4-3
85
0.96
385.16



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]-2-
Fluoro-2-

24





nitro-benzoic acid methyl ester
nitrobenzoate






C-3-3
3-Fluoro-2-[(R)-3-(6-methoxy-5-
BB-2-3
BB-4-3
105
0.95
359.13



nitro-pyrimidin-4-ylamino)-


3





pyrrolidin-1-yl]-benzonitrile







C-3-4
[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
3-Fluoro-2-
BB-4-2
105
1.07
360.22



piperidin-4-yl]-(3-methoxy-2-
nitroanisole

24





nitro-phenyl)-amine







C-3-5
[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
2-Chloro-4-
BB-4-1
50
1.01
361.05



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-(4-
methoxy-6-

48





methoxy-6-methyl-3-nitro-
methyl-3-







pyridin-2-yl)-amine
nitropyridine






C-3-6
(6-Bromo-3-methoxy-2-nitro-
4-Bromo-3-
BB-4-4
100
1.11
433.93



phenyl)-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-
fluoro-2-

18





piperidin-4-yl]-amine
nitroanisole









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula C-4
Intermediates C-4 were prepared using a similar protocol (method A) as for the synthesis of intermediates A-2 replacing intermediates A-1 by intermediates C-3 (see Table 41).
Alternatively, intermediates C-4 were prepared using the protocol described below (method B).
Method B (Ammonium Formate/Zn Dust)
To a suspension of intermediate C-3(1 eq) in MeOH (18.7 mL/mmol) was added Zn dust (10 eq) and the rxn mixture was cooled to 0° C. Ammonium formate (10 eq) was added and the rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 41). It was filtered over a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The residue was diluted with EtOAc and washed with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 41










MS-data




Reactant
Method
tR
m/z


C-4
Name
C-3
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







C-4-1
N1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-
C-3-1
A
0.75
316.13



3-yl]-3-methoxy-benzene-1,2-diamine

24 


C-4-2
2-Amino-3-[(R)-1-(2-cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-
C-3-2
A
0.97
355.14



pyrrolidin-3-ylamino]-benzoic acid methyl ester

  2.5


C-4-3
2-[(R)-3-(5-Amino-6-methoxy-pyrimidin-4-
C-3-3
A
0.75
329.11



ylamino)-pyrrolidin-1-yl]-3-fluoro-benzonitrile

1


C-4-4
N1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-
C-3-4
A
0.78
330.11



3-methoxy-benzene-1,2-diamine

3


C-4-5
N2-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-
C-3-5
A
0.74
331.08



3-yl]-4-methoxy-6-methyl-pyridine-2,3-diamine

2
A


C-4-6
3-Bromo-N2-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-
C-3-6
B
1.03
404.15



4-yl]-6-methoxy-benzene-1,2-diamine

  0.3









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula C-6 (from Intermediates of Formula C-4)
Intermediates C-6 were prepared using a similar protocol as for the synthesis of intermediates A-3 replacing intermediates A-2 by intermediates C-4 (see Table 42).












TABLE 42










MS-data




Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


C-6
Name
C-4
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







C-6-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
C-4-1
RT
0.88
342.15



yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one

 1


C-6-2
1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
C-4-2
55
0.91
381.11



yl]-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-

 3



carboxylic acid methyl ester


C-6-3
3-Fluoro-2-[(R)-3-(6-methoxy-8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-
C-4-3
RT
0.82
355.13



purin-9-yl)-pyrrolidin-1-yl]-benzonitrile

24


C-6-4
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-
C-4-4
RT
0.96
356.06



methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one

  4.5


C-6-5
3-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
C-4-5
RT
0.73
357.05



yl]-7-methoxy-5-methyl-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-

  2.5



b]pyridine-2-one


C-6-6
7-Bromo-1-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-
C-4-6
up to 80
1.04
430.06



yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one

48









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula C-5
Intermediates C-5 were prepared using a similar protocol as for the synthesis of intermediates C-1 replacing intermediates Ia by intermediates A-3 (see Table 43).












TABLE 43










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


C-5
Name
A-3
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+




















C-5-1
4-Methoxy-1-piperidin-4-yl-1,3-dihydro-
A-3-1
0.25
0.47
248.20



benzoimidazol-2-one


C-5-2
4-Methoxy-1-(R)-pyrrolidin-3-yl-1,3-dihydro-
A-3-2
1
0.46
234.15



benzoimidazol-2-one









Synthesis of Intermediate of Formula C-6 (from C-5)
To a soln. of C-5 (1 eq) in DMSO (1.5 mL/mmol) was added K2CO3(2 eq) and BB-8 (1.2 eq). The rxn mixture was heated at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 44) and was partitioned between DCM and water. The org. phase was washed with water (3×) and with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using EtOAc/MeOH.













TABLE 44











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


C-6
Name
C-5
BB-8
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















C-6-7
3-Fluoro-2-[4-(4-methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-
C-5-1
2,3-
100
0.90
367.12



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-piperidin-

Difluorobenzonitrile
3





1-yl]-benzonitrile







C-6-8
3-Fluoro-2-[(R)-3-(4-methoxy-2-oxo-
C-5-2
2,3-
100
0.87
353.17



2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl)-

Difluorobenzonitrile
18





pyrrolidin-1-yl]-benzonitrile









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ig
Compounds of formula Iq were prepared using similar protocols (method A or B) as for the synthesis of intermediates or examples Ia replacing intermediates A-3 by intermediates C-6 (see Table 45). Alternatively, intermediates or examples Iq were prepared using the protocol described below (method C).
Method C (Mitsunobu)
To a soln. of intermediate C-6 (1eq) and BB-3(to 1.5eq) in toluene (3.4 to 6.8 mL/mmol) was added a 1M soln. of (tributylphosphoranylidene)acetonitrile in toluene (2 eq) under argon. The rxn mixture was heated to 110° C. and stirred for a given time (see Table 45). It was quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc and/or DCM/MeOH. When necessary, an additional purification by prep. LC-MS using method 1 or 2 can be performed.













TABLE 45









Method

MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Iq
Name
C-6
BB-3
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iq-1
3-(6-Chloro-4-methoxy-
C-6-1
BB-3-10
A
0.96
498.14



pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1-[(R)-


RT to



1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-


45° C.



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-


40



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-



one (Example 92)


Iq-2
1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-
C-6-2
2-(Trifluoromethyl)
A
1.05
539.24



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-

benzyl bromide
RT



oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


24



benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-



benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic



acid methyl ester



(Example 98)


Iq-3
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[6-
C-6-3
2-(Trifluoromethyl)
A
1.05
513.19



methoxy-8-oxo-7-(2-

benzyl bromide
RT



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-7,8-


 3



dihydro-purin-9-yl]-pyrrolidin-



1-yl}-benzonitrile



(Example 104)


Iq-4
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[6-
C-6-3
2-Methoxybenzyl
A
1.01
475.11



methoxy-7-(2-methoxy-

chloride
RT



benzyl)-8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-


 4



purin-9-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-



benzonitrile (Example 105)


Iq-5
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
1-(Chloromethyl)-
A
1.13
504.11



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(2-

2-(propan-2-
RT to



isopropoxy-benzyl)-4-

yloxy)benzene
60° C.



methoxy-1,3-dihydro-


24



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 166)


Iq-6
3-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-5
2-(Trifluoromethyl)
A
1.03
515.03



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-

benzyl bromide
RT



methoxy-5-methyl-1-(2-


  1.5



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



b]pyridin-2-one



(Example 171)


Iq-7
3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-
C-6-7
BB-3-5
A
1.03
527.11



oxo-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-


RT



pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-


24



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile



(Example 96)


Iq-8
3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-3-
C-6-7
2-(Bromomethyl)-
A
0.99
489.11



(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-

3-methoxypyrazine
RT



ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-


24



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile



(Example 97)


Iq-9
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-
C-6-8
BB-3-5
A
1.01
513.01



methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-


RT



trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-


24



ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile



(Example 111)


Iq-10
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-
C-6-8
2-(Bromomethyl)-
A
0.97
475.22



methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-

3-methoxy
RT



pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-

pyrazine
24



2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-

hydrochloride



yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-



benzonitrile



(Example 112)


Iq-11
3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-3-
C-6-7
BB-3-7
A
0.99
489.19



(4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-


RT



ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-


24



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile



(Example 113)


Iq-12
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-
C-6-8
BB-3-7
A
0.95
475.12



methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-


RT



pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-


24



2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-



yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-



benzonitrile



(Example 114)


Iq-13
3-Fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-
C-6-7
BB-3-9
A
1.05
527.11



oxo-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-


RT



pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2,3-


24



dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile



(Example 117)


Iq-14
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-
C-6-8
BB-3-9
A
1.01
512.96



methoxy-2-oxo-3-(4-


RT



trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-


48



ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-



pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile



(Example 153)


Iq-15
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
1-(Chloromethyl)-
A
1.08
490.11



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-

2-(propan-2-
RT



isopropoxy-benzyl)-4-

yloxy)benzene
24



methoxy-1,3-dihydro-


then



benzoimidazol-2-one


60



(Example 165)


 2


Iq-16
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-5
A
1.03
502.04



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


60



methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-


24



pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 167)


Iq-17
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
BB-3-5
A
1.08
516.01



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-


60



methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-


24



pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 168)


Iq-18
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
2-(Bromomethyl)-
A
0.98
464.11



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

3-methoxypyrazine
60



methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-

hydrochloride
24



pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-


then



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


100 



(Example 169)


18


Iq-19
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
2-(Bromomethyl)-
A
1.04
478.24



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-

3-methoxypyrazine
60



methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-

hydrochloride
24



pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-


then



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


100 



(Example 170)


18


Iq-20
3-(6-Chloro-4-isopropoxy-
C-6-1
BB-3-11
C
1.02
526.12



pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1-[(R)-


110 



1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-


 3



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-



one (Example 172)


Iq-21
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-12
C
0.88
448.14



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


110 



methoxy-3-(4-methyl-


  1.5



pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 174)


Iq-22
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-6
C
0.99
464.15



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


110 



methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-


  1.5



pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 175)


Iq-23
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-8
C
1.04
502.06



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


110 



methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-


 4



pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 176)


Iq-24
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-13
C
1.05
492.17



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-


110 



isopropoxy-pyrazin-2-


 2



ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 177)


Iq-25
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
BB-3-13
C
1.10
506.19



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-


 2



isopropoxy-pyrazin-2-



ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 178)


Iq-26
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-14
C
0.85
475.17



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(4-


110 



isopropyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-


  1.5



4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 180)


Iq-27
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
BB-3-14
C
0.89
489.20



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(4-


110 



isopropyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-


  1.5



4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 181)


Iq-28
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-15
C
0.90
491.16



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-


110 



isopropoxy-pyridin-2-


  1.5



ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 182)


Iq-29
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
BB-3-15
C
0.94
505.13



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-


110 



isopropoxy-pyridin-2-


  1.5



ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 183)


Iq-30
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-16
C
1.06
476.09



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(4-


110 



isopropyl-pyrimidin-5-


 3



ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 186)


Iq-31
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
BB-3-17
C
1.07
490.16



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-


110 



isopropyl-pyrazin-2-


  1.5



ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 187)


Iq-32
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-17
C
1.01
476.10



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-


110 



isopropyl-pyrazin-2-


  1.5



ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 189)


Iq-33
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
BB-3-16
C
1.13
490.17



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(4-


110 



isopropyl-pyrimidin-5-


24



ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 192)


Iq-34
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
(2-(Trifluoromethyl)
C
1.05
501.12



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

pyridin-3-yl)
110 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

methanol
 2



pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 195)


Iq-35
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
(3-(Trifluoromethyl)
C
1.03
501.05



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

pyridin-2-yl)
110 



methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-

methanol
18



pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 202)


Iq-36
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
(4-(Trifluoromethyl)
C
1.08
501.09



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

pyridin-3-yl)
110 



methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-

methanol
 2



pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 203)


Iq-37
3-(2-Cyclopropoxy-benzyl)-1-
C-6-1
1-(Bromomethyl)-
A
1.06
488.12



[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-

2-cyclopropyloxy
RT



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

benzene
 6



methoxy-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 208)


Iq-38
3-(2-Cyclopropoxy-benzyl)-1-
C-6-4
1-(Bromomethyl)-
A
1.13
502.15



[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-

2-cyclopropyloxy
RT



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-

benzene
18



methoxy-1,3-dihydro-


then



benzoimidazol-2-one


60



(Example 209)


  3.5


Iq-39
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
[3-(trifluoromethyl)
C
1.09
515.10



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-

pyridin-2-yl]
110 



methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-

methanol
24



pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 216)


Iq-40
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
BB-3-18
C
1.04
507.00



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


110 



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


18



thiazol-4-ylmethyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 218)


Iq-41
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
1-(2-
C
1.07
514.02



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

(trifluoromethyl)
110 



methoxy-3-[(S)-1-(2-

phenyl)ethan-1-ol
  2.5



trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-



1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-



one (Example 219)


Iq-42
3-(2,4-Difluoro-6-isopropoxy-
C-6-1
BB-3-19
C
1.09
526.04



benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-


110 



methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-


  2.5



yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 220)


Iq-43
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-1
[2-methyl-4-
C
1.06
521.01



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

(trifluoromethyl)-
110 



methoxy-3-(2-methyl-4-

1,3-thiazol-5-
 4



trifluoromethyl-thiazol-5-

yl]methanol



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 221)


Iq-44
3-(2-Cyclopropyl-benzyl)-1-
C-6-4
(2-
C
1.14
486.13



[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-

Cyclopropylphenyl)
110 



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-

methanol
 2



methoxy-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 223)


Iq-45
2-{3-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-
C-6-4
2-
A
1.08
504.16



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-7-

(Chloromethyl)phenyl
70



methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-

acetate
10



benzoimidazol-1-ylmethyl}-



phenyl acetate


Iq-46
4-Bromo-3-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-
C-6-6
2-(Trifluoromethyl)
A
1.20
588.03



phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-7-

benzyl bromide
RT



methoxy-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-


 2



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ir
Method A
To a soln. of intermediate Iq (1 eq) in EtOH (5 to 12 mL/mmol) was added ammonium formate (2 eq) and 10% Pd/C moistened with  ̃50% water (0.05 eq) and the rxn mixture was heated to 65° C. for a given time (see Table 46). It was filtered over a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using EtOAc/MeOH or DCM/MeOH.
Method B
To a soln. of intermediate Iq (1 eq) in a mixture of EtOAc (65 mL/mmol) and MeOH (89 mL/mmol) was added 10% Pd/C moistened with  ̃50% water (0.1 eq) and the rxn mixture was hydrogenated under an atmospheric pressure of deuterium for a given time (see Table 46). It was filtered over a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 46










MS-data




Reactant
Method
tR
m/z


Ir
Name
Iq
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ir-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Iq-1
A
0.81
464.18



yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-

24



ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 95)


Ir-2
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Iq-20
A
0.87
492.16



yl]-3-(4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-4-

 1



methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 173)


Ir-3
1-(1-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)piperidin-4-yl)-4-
Iq-46
B
1.14
511.18



methoxy-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)-1,3-

  4.5



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one-7-d (Example 3)









Synthesis of Acid Intermediates of Formula E-1
To a soln. of intermediates Iq (1 eq) in a 1/1/1 mixture of TH/MeOH/water (9 mL/mmol) was added lithium hydroxide hydrate (4 eq). The rxn mixture was heated to 50° C. and stirred for a given time (see Table 47). It was diluted with water and extracted with Et2 (3×). The aq. phase was acidified until pH 2-3 with a 1 M soln. of HCl and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo.












TABLE 47










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


E-1
Name
Iq
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







E-1-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Iq-2
2
0.97
525.10



yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-



dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Is
To a soln. of acids of formula E-1 (1 eq) in DMF (4 mL/mmol) was added DIPEA (3 eq) and HATU (1 eq). The rxn mixture was stirred for 5 min at RT and the appropriate amine (1.2 eq) pure or as soln. was added. The rxn mixture was further stirred ON at RT (see Table 48) and diluted with DCM. The org. phase was washed with water and brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 48










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Is
Name
E-1
Amine
[min]
[M + H]+







Is-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
E-1-1
2M soln. of
0.94
538.21



yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

methylamine



dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid

in THF



methylamide (Example 99)


Is-2
1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
E-1-1
0.5M soln. of
0.91
524.16



yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

ammonia in



dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid

dioxane



amide (Example 100)


Is-3
1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
E-1-1
2M soln. of
0.98
552.21



yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

dimethylamine



dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid

in THF



dimethylamide (Example 101)


Is-4
1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
E-1-1
Ethanolamine
0.88
568.04



yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-



dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid



(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amide (Example 193)


Is-5
1-[(R)-1-(2-Cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
E-1-1
2-Methoxy
0.95
582.1



yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-

ethylamine



dihydro-1H-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid



(2-methoxy-ethyl)-amide (Example 194)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula It
To a soln. of compounds of formula Iq (1 eq) and CaCl2 (0.3 eq) in EtOH (15 mL/mmol) was added at 0° C. a suspension of NaBH4 (2.5 eq) in EtOH (8 mL/mmol). The rxn mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stirred at that temperature for a given time (see Table 49). It was quenched with water and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 49










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


It
Name
Iq
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







It-1
3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-3-(2-
Iq-2
24
0.97
511.24



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile (Example 102)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iu
Method A (Reductive Amination I)
To a stirred soln. of Ic (1eq) in a mixture of DCM (25 mL/mmol), MeOH (50 mL/mmol) and AcOH (1.2 eq) was added the appropriate amine (1.3 eq) followed by NaBH(OAc)3 (1.4 eq). The rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 50) and the volatiles were evaporated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between DCM and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 4 and 5.
Method B (Reductive Amination II)
To a stirred soln. of aldehyde Ic (1eq) and the appropriate amine (1.1eq) in THF (4 mL/mmol) was added NaBH(OAc)3(1.5eq). The rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 50) and partitioned between DCM and a 1M aq. soln. of NaOH. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 2.













TABLE 50











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
Method
tR
m/z


Iu
Name
Ic
amine
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iu-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-
Ic-5
2M soln. of
A
0.86
529.27



methylaminomethyl-phenyl)-

methylamine in THF
 1



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 103)


Iu-2
1-[(R)-1-(2-Dimethylaminomethyl-6-
Ic-5
2M soln. of
A
0.90
543.30



fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-

dimethylamine in
24



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

THF



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 106)


Iu-3
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-{[(2-hydroxy-
Ic-5
2-
A
0.86
573.28



ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl}-

(Methylamino)ethanol
24



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 107)


Iu-4
1-[(R)-1-(2-Azetidin-1-ylmethyl-6-
Ic-5
Azetidine
A
0.91
555.25



fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


18



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 108)


Iu-5
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-morpholin-4-
Ic-5
Morpholine
A
0.90
585.14



ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


24



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 115)


Iu-6
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-pyrrolidin-1-
Ic-5
Pyrrolidine
A
0.93
569.16



ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


 2



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 116)


Iu-7
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(4-methyl-
Ic-5
1-Methyl
B
0.76
598.30



piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-

piperazine
  1.5



pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 132)


Iu-8
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-piperidin-1-
Ic-5
Piperidine
B
0.94
583.26



ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


18



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 133)


Iu-9
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(4-hydroxy-
Ic-5
4-Hydroxy
B
0.87
599.27



piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-

piperidine
18



pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 134)


Iu-10
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-piperazin-1-
Ic-5
Piperazine
B
0.73
584.24



ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-


18



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 135)


Iu-11
1-{(R)-1-[2-(4-Dimethylamino-
Ic-5
4-Dimethyl
B
0.73
626.30



piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-6-fluoro-

amino
18



phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-

piperidine



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 136)


Iu-12
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(4-methoxy-
Ic-5
4-Methoxy
B
0.92
613.08



piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-

piperidine
  3.5



pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 137)


Iu-13
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(3-methoxy-
Ic-5
3-Methoxy
B
0.92
599.07



pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-

pyrrolidine
  3.5



pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 138)


Iu-14
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-{[(2-methoxy-
Ic-5
N-(2-Methoxy
B
0.91
587.10



ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl}-

ethyl)
  3.5



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-

methylamine



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 139)


Iu-15
1-[(R)-1-(2-{[Ethyl-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-
Ic-5
2-
B
0.87
587.40



amino]-methyl}-6-fluoro-phenyl)-

(Ethylamino)ethanol
  3.5



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 140)


Iu-16
1-[(R)-1-(2-{[Bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-
Ic-5
Diethanol
B
0.83
603.14



amino]-methyl}-6-fluoro-phenyl)-

amine
72



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 141)


Iu-17
1-((R)-1-{2-Fluoro-6-[(2-methoxy-1-
Ic-5
2-Amino-1-
B
0.90
587.27



methyl-ethylamino)-methyl]-phenyl}-

methoxy
  3.5



pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-

propane



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 142)


Iu-18
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(3-methoxy-
Ic-5
3-Methoxy
B
0.92
585.20



azetidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-

azetidine
  3.5



pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 143)









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula D-1
A suspension of Ij (1eq) in POCl3(2 mL/mmol) was heated to 85° C. and stirred ON (see Table 51). The rxn mixture was carefully quenched with a ice cold 2M aq. soln. of NaOH and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.











TABLE 51









MS-data




Reactant
tR
m/z


D-1
Name
Ij
[min]
[M + H]+







D-1-1
4-Chloro-1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-
Ij-6
1.06
501.09



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one


D-1-2
4-Chloro-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-
Ij-4
1.09
505.03



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iv
Method A (Amine as Solvent)
A soln. of D-1(1 eq) in the appropriate amine (mL/mmol) was heated to a given temperature and stirred for a given time (see Table 52). The rxn mixture was diluted with EtOAc and washed with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 (2×) and with brine. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
Method B (Alcohol/KOH/DMSO)
To stirred soln. of D-1 (1eq) in DMSO (8 mL/mmol) was added the appropriate alcohol (5 to 10eq) and KOH (2.5 eq). The rxn mixture was heated to a given temperature for a given time (see Table 52). It was diluted with EtOAc and washed with H2O (3×) and brine. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or DCM/MeOH.
Method C (Buchwald)
An oven dried flask was charged with intermediate D-1 (1 eq), the appropriate amine (1.2 eq), Cs2CO3 (2.5 eq) RuPhos precatalyst (0.1 eq) and RuPhos (0.1 eq). The flask was evacuated and refilled with argon (3×) and t-BuOH (17 mL/mmol) was added. The rxn mixture was degassed under vacuum, refilled with argon (3×) and heated to a given temperature and stirred for a given time (see Table 52). It was partitioned between water and EtOAc and the org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 2 and 5.













TABLE 52








Reactant
Method

MS-data




Reactant
amine/
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Iv
Name
D-1
alcohol
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iv-1
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
D-1-1
Ethanol
A
0.81
526.28



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-

amine
100 



ethylamino)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


72



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-


then



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 118)


130 






72


Iv-2
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl)-
D-1-1
Ethylene
B
0.97
527.17



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-

glycol
50



3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


  2.5



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 119)


Iv-3
4-(2-Dimethylamino-ethoxy)-1-[(R)-
D-1-2
Dimethyl
B
0.85
558.14



1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-

amino
50



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

ethanol
  1.5



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 120)


Iv-4
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
D-1-2
4-(2-
B
0.85
600.11



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-

Hydroxy
50



ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-

ethyl)
  1.5



1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-

morpholine



one (Example 121)


Iv-5
4-[1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-
D-1-2
tert-Butyl
B
1.15
670.17



phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-

4-hydroxy-
50



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-

1-piperidine
 2



1H-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-yloxy]-

carboxylate



piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-



butyl ester (Example 122)


Iv-6
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
D-1-2
2-
A
0.86
544.22



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-[(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-

(Methylamino)ethanol
120 



methyl-amino]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


48



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-


then



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 123)


130 






120 


Iv-7
4-(2,2-Dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4-
D-1-2
2,2-Dimethyl-
B
1.10
601.34



ylmethoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-

4-hydroxy
50



methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-

methyl-
 4



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-

1,3-dioxolane



imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 125)


Iv-8
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
D-1-2
3-Hydroxy
B
1.08
543.20



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-3-

oxetane
80



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


72



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one


then



(Example 127)


50






120 


Iv-9
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
D-1-2
Morpholine
A
0.97
556.25



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-morpholin-4-yl-3-


100 



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-


770 



dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 129)


Iv-10
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
D-1-2
1-Methyl-
B
0.85
570.13



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(1-methyl-

3-pyrrolidinol
50



pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-3-(2-


 2



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 130)


Iv-11
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
D-1-2
3-Methoxy
C
0.91
556.13



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(3-methoxy-

azetidine
110 



azetidin-1-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

hydrochloride
 2



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 205)


Iv-12
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
D-1-2
1-Methyl
A
0.82
569.14



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(4-methyl-

piperazine
120 



piperazin-1-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


48



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-


then



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 206)


140 






120 


Iv-13
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
D-1-2
2-Methoxy
A
0.87
544.15



pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-methoxy-

ethyl amine
140 



ethylamino)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-


144 



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 207)









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula 0-2
A suspension of (methoxymethyl)triphenylphosphonium chloride (1.2 eq) in anh. THF (12.5 mL/mmol) was cooled to −78° C. A 1.6 M soln. of n-butyllithium in hexanes (1.2 eq) was dropwise added at −78° C. and the mixture was stirred for 30 min at −78° C. A solution of aldehyde Ic (1eq) in anh. THF (6.25 mL/mmol) was dropwise added at −7800 and the rxn mixture was stirred for a given time (see Table 53) at RT. It was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NH4Cl and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH and/or by prep. LC-MS using method 1.












TABLE 53










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


D-2
Name
Ic
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







D-2-1
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-((E)-2-methoxy-vinyl)-
Ic-5
18
1.08-1.09
542.27



phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iw
To a soln. of enol ether D-2 (1 eq) in anh. THF (8.7 mL/mmol) was added a 5M aq. soln. of HCl (1.8 mL/mmol) and the rxn mixture was heated to 70° C. and stirred for a given time (see Table 54). The mixture was diluted with Et2O and washed with H2O and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using DCM/MeOH.












TABLE 54










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Iw
Name
D-2
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iw-1
(3-Fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-
D-2-1
0.6
0.89
528.13



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-phenyl)-



acetaldehyde (Example 126)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Ix
Method A (Boc Cleavage)
To a solution of intermediate Iv (1 eq) in DCM (4 mL/mmol) was added dropwise TFA (1 mL/mmol) and the rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 55). It was basified with a 1M solution of NaOH until pH 12-13 and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 4.
Method B (Ketal Cleavage)
To a soln. of ketal Iv or Ik (1 eq) in anh. THF (9 mL/mmol) was added a 25% aq. soln. of HCl (3 mL/mmol) at 0° C. and the rxn mixture was stirred for a given time (see Table 55) at RT. The rxn mixture was quenched with a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3 and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 55










MS-data




Reactant
Method
tR
m/z


Ix
Name
Iv or Ik
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Ix-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Iv-5
A
0.83
570.27



yl]-4-(piperidin-4-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-

  1.5



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 124)


Ix-2
4-(2,3-Dihydroxy-propoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-
Iv-7
B
0.94
561.21



methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-

 1



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-



c]pyridin-2-one (Example 128)


Ix-3
4-(2,3-Dihydroxy-propoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-
Ik-4
B
0.94
560.10



methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-

18



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 152)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iy
To a stirred soln. of Iw (1 eq) in DCM (4 mL/mmol) was added AcOH (1.5 eq) and the appropriate amine (1.1 eq) followed by NaBH(OAc)3 (1.5 eq). The n mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 56) and partitioned between DCM and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using EtOAc/MeOH.













TABLE 56











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant

tR
m/z


Iy
Name
Iw
amine
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iy-1
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(2-
Iw-1
morpholine
2
0.89
599.32



morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-phenyl]-



pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 131)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iz
To a stirred suspension of alcohol In (1eq) in THF (15 mL/mmol) was added at 0° C. NaH (5 eq). The mixture was stirred for 10 min and the corresponding halide (1.5 eq) was added. The rxn mixture was allowed to reach RT and stirred at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 57). It was quenched with water and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or DCM/MeOH.













TABLE 57











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Iz
Name
In
halide
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iz-1
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(1-methoxy-
In-1
Methyl
RT
1.09
543.92



ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-

iodide
4



methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 148)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iaa
To a soln. of intermediate Ic (1 eq) in EtOAc (3 mL/mmol) was added 10% Pd/C moistened with  ̃50% water (0.01 eq) and the rxn mixture was hydrogenated under atmospheric pressure for a given time (see Table 58). It was filtered over a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 58










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Iaa
Name
Ic
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iaa-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Amino-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Ic-10
1
1.01
501.03



yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 155)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iab
A stirred soln. of aniline Iaa (1 eq) in a 48% aq. soln. of HBr (2.7 mL/mmol) was cooled to −20° C. and a soln. of NaNO2 (1 eq) in H2O (0.4 mL/mmol) was dropwise added. The mixture was stirred for 30 min at 0° C. and a soln. of CuBr (0.55 eq) in a 48% aq. soln. of HBr (0.8 mL/mmol) was dropwise added. The rxn mixture was heated to 60° C. and stirred for a given time (see Table 59). The pH was adjusted to around 7 by the addition of a 2M aq. soln. of NaOH and the mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 1.












TABLE 59










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Iab
Name
Iaa
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iab-1
1-[(R)-1-(2-Bromo-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-
Iaa-1
1
1.11
563.96



yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 156)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iac
To a degassed mixture of bromide Iaa (1 eq) and alkyne (1.6 eq) in anh. THF (24 mL/mmol) was added under argon CuI (0.06 eq), bis(tri-tert-butyl phosphine)palladium(0) (0.05 eq) and DBU (1.3 eq). The mixture was heated to 70° C. and stirred for 2h (see Table 60). The volatiles were evaporated off and the residue was purified by prep. L-MS using method 3.












TABLE 60










MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
tR
m/z


Iac
Name
Iab
alkyne
[min]
[M + H]+







Iac-1
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-prop-1-
Iab-1
4-(Prop-2-
0.87
609.04



ynyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-

yn-1-yl)



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-

morpholine



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 159)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iad
To a soln. of alkyne Iac (1eq) in EtOAc (3 mL/mmol) was added 10% Pd/C moistened with  ̃50% water (0.01 eq) and the rxn mixture was hydrogenated under atmospheric pressure for a given time (see Table 61). It was filtered over a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 5.












TABLE 61










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Iad
Name
Iac
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iad-1
1-{(R)-1-[2-Fluoro-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-propyl)-
Iac-1
7
0.87
613.09



phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 162)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iae
A soln. of alcohol In (1 eq) in DCM (3 mL/mmol) was cooled to 0° C. and thionyl chloride (1.1 eq) was dropwise added. The rxn mixture was stirred for 30 min at RT and the volatiles were evaporated off. The residue was taken in DCM (5 mL/mmol) and TEA (5 eq) followed by the appropriate amine (1.1 eq) were added at 0° C. The mixture was allowed to warm to RT and stirred for a given time (see Table 62). It was diluted with DCM and washed with a 1M aq. soln. of NaOH. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 2 and 5.













TABLE 62











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant

tR
m/z


Iae
Name
In
amine
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iae-1
1-((R)-1-{2-Fluoro-6-[1-(3-methoxy-
In-1
3-Methoxy
4
0.91/0.93
599.04



azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl]-phenyl}-pyrrolidin-3-

azetidine



yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-



one (Example 163)









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula E-2
To a soln. of carboxylic ester Iq (1 eq) in THF (7.2 mL/mmol) was added a 2M aq. soln. of NaOH (10 eq) and the rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 63). It was acidified with a 1M aq. soln. of HCl until pH-4-5 and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 63










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


E-2
Name
Iq
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







E-2-1
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
Iq-45
4
1.09
462.11



piperidin-4-yl]-3-(2-hydroxy-benzyl)-4-



methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iaf
Method A (NaH/THF)
To a stirred suspension of phenol E-2 (1eq) in THF (15 mL/mmol) was added at 0° C. NaH (5eq). The mixture was stirred for 10 min and the corresponding halide (1.5 eq) was added. The rxn mixture was stirred at a given temperature for a given time (see Table 64). It was quenched with water and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.
Method B (K2CO3/DMF)
To a stirred soln. of phenol E-2 (1 eq) in anh. DMF (8 mL/mmol) was added K2CO3(2 eq) and the corresponding halide (2eq). The rxn mixture was stirred for a given time and a given temperature (see Table 64). Additional amount of halide (3×2eq) were added to bring the rxn to completion. It was partitioned between EtOAc and H2O and the org. phase was washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified













TABLE 64









Method

MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Iaf
Name
E-2
halide
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iaf-1
3-(2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-benzyl)-1-
E-2-1
(Bromo
A
1.14
516.20



[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-

methyl)
60° C.



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-

cyclopropane
18 h



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 224)


Iaf-2
1-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
E-2-1
3-Bromo
B
1.08
518.17



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-[2-

oxetane
up to



(oxetan-3-yloxy)-benzyl]-1,3-


90° C.



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one


120



(Example 225)


Iaf-3
3-(2-Cyclobutoxy-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-
E-2-1
Bromo
B
1.15
516.18



fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-

cyclobutane
up to



yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-


100° C. 



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 226)


120









Synthesis of Intermediates of Formula C-2
To a soln. of methyl carbamate BB-10 (1 eq) in MeCN (4.3 mL/mmol) was added K2CO3 (2.2 eq) and the corresponding halide (1.05 eq). The rxn mixture was heated to a given temperature and stirred for a given time (see Table 65). It was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.













TABLE 65











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


C-2
Name
BB-10
halide
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















C-2-1
(3-Bromo-5-methoxy-pyridin-4-yl)-
BB-10-1
2-
80
1.09
419.05



(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-carbamic

(Trifluoromethyl)
2



acid methyl ester

benzyl bromide









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iag
Sodium tert-butoxide (6 eq), BrettPhos precatalyst (0.3 eq) and BrettPhos (0.3 eq) were placed in a sealed cap vial and a soln. of intermediate-2 (3 eq) and amine BB-4 (1eq) in anh. dioxane were added. The rxn mixture was flushed with N2, heated at a given temperature and stirred for a given time (see Table 66). It was quenched with water and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 1.













TABLE 66











MS-data




Reactant
Reactant
T [° C.]
tR
m/z


Iag
Name
C-2
BB-4
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















Iag-1
3-[1-(2-Fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-
C-2-1
BB-4-2
80
1.01
515.23



piperidin-4-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-


2



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one



(Example 229)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iah
To a soln. of intermediate Ib (1 eq) in EtOH (20 mL/mmol) was added 20% palladium hydroxide on carbon (0.1 eq) and the rxn mixture was hydrogenated under atmospheric pressure for a given time (see Table 67). It was filtered over a pad of celite and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc.












TABLE 67










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Iah
Name
Ib
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iah-1
1-[1-(2-Hydroxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-
Ib-62
96
0.83
498.02



yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 230)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iai
To a soln. of intermediate Iah (1 eq) and alcohol R15—OH (1 to 1.5eq) in toluene (10 mL/mmol) was added a 1M soln. of (tributylphosphoranylidene)acetonitrile in toluene (2eq) under argon. The rxn mixture was heated to 110° C. and stirred for a given time (see Table 68). It was quenched with water and extracted with DCM (3×). The combined org. phases were washed with brine, dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by CC using Hept/EtOAc or DCM/MeOH. When necessary, an additional purification by prep. LC-MS using method 5 can be performed.













TABLE 68











MS-data




Reactant
Alcohol

tR
m/z


Iai
Name
Iah
R15—OH
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+





















Iai-1
1-(1-{2-[2-(tert-Butyl-dimethyl-
Iah-1
2-(t-Butyl
4.5
1.00
656.18



silanyloxy)-ethoxy]-phenyl}-

dimethylsiloxy)



piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-

ethanol



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one


Iai-2
4-Methoxy-1-{1-[2-(tetrahydro-
Iah-1
Tetrahydro-
4.5
0.89
582.17



pyran-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-piperidin-4-

2H-pyran-4-ol



yl}-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-



dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one



(Example 239)


Iai-3
1-[1-(2-Cyclopropylmethoxy-phenyl)-
Iah-1
Hydroxymethyl
4.5
0.92
552.20



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-

cyclopropane



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 240)


Iai-4
1-[1-(2-Cyclobutoxy-phenyl)-
Iah-1
Cyclobutanol
4.5
0.91
552.11



piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 241)


Iai-5
4-Methoxy-1-{1-[2-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-
Iah-1
Oxetan-3-ol
18
0.88
554.18



phenyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 242)


Iai-6
1-[1-(2-Butoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-
Iah-1
1-Butanol
18
0.94
554.22



yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-



benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-



2-one (Example 243)









Synthesis of Compounds of Formula Iaj
To a soln. of Iai (1 eq) in THF (20 mL/mmol) was added dropwise a 1M soln. of TBAF in THF (1.2 eq) and the rxn mixture was stirred at RT for a given time (see Table 69). It was partitioned between EtOAc and a sat. aq. soln. of NaHCO3. The org. phase was dried over MgSO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The crude was purified by prep. LC-MS using method 6.












TABLE 69










MS-data




Reactant

tR
m/z


Iaj
Name
Iai
time [h]
[min]
[M + H]+







Iaj-1
1-{1-[2-(2-Hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-
Iai-1
18
0.82
542.18



piperidin-4-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-



trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-



benzoimidazol-2-one (Example 238)









II. Biological Assays

In Vitro Assay

hC5a DISCO IC50 Assay

Adherent cells (CHO-K1 C5AR1 beta-arrestin cell line, DiscoverX, CA USA) are washed with PBS, detached by incubation with Dissociation Buffer (Gibco Cat #13151-014, 2 ml per 165 cm2 dish) for 3 minutes, then washed with 10 ml PBS (without Mg++ and Ca++) and counted. 7500 cells/384-well are seeded out in 384-well plates (Cell culture plate MTP384 white Polystyrene, Corning, Cat #3570) in 20 μl/well Cell plating medium (F12 HAMs/10% FCS/1% P/S) and incubated at 37° C./5% CO2/24h.
5 μl Antagonist at 6-fold end concentration or DMSO control is added to assay medium and subsequently 5 μl 1-10 nM C5a agonist at 6 fold end concentration. Cells are centrifuged for 1 min at 1000 rpm and incubated for 1.5 hour in at 37° C. Plates are equilibrated at room temperature for several minutes before adding 12 μl/well Detection Reagent (PathHunter Detection Kit, DiscoverX, Cat #93-0001). Plates are centrifuged for 1 min at 1000 rpm and incubated for 45 minutes at RT before being measured on a Fluostar Optima, BMG Labtech. IC50 values are calculated from a serial dilution range of antagonist using inhouse software and given in nmol/l.
The calculated IC50 values may fluctuate depending on the daily cellular assay performance. Fluctuations of this kind are known to those skilled in the art. Average IC50 values from several measurements are given as geometric mean values.
Antagonistic activities of exemplified compounds are displayed in Table 70 below.







TABLE 70







list of examples and their antagonistic activities









Example
Compound
C5aR IC50


Number
No
(nM)












1
Ia-1
621


2
Ib-1
18


3
Ir-3
23


4
Ib-2
131


5
Ib-3
284


6
Ia-2
66


7
Ib-4
11


8
Ib-5
14


9
Ib-6
32


10
Ib-7
23


11
Ib-8
29


12
Ib-9
10


13
Ib-10
16


14
Ic-1
216


15
Ib-11
13


16
Ib-12
19


17
Ib-13
22


18
Ib-14
13


19
Ib-15
12


20
Ia-3
36


21
Id-1
3442


22
Ib-16
30


23
Ib-17
8


24
Ie-1
330


25
If-1
185


26
Ig-1
459


27
Ih-1
3344


28
Ih-2
1326


29
Ig-2
182


30
Ih-3
1523


31
Ii-1
3454


32
Ii-2
642


33
Ib-18
8


34
Ib-19
27


35
Ii-3
4510


36
Ib-20
450


37
Ib-21
7


38
Ib-22
470


39
Ia-4
2434


40
Ij-1
6


41
Ib-23
18


42
Ib-24
75


43
Ia-5
393


44
Ij-2
13


45
Ib-25
16


46
Ib-26
39


47
Ib-27
95


48
Ib-28
165


49
Ib-29
132


50
Ib-30
42


51
Ib-31
62


52
Ik-1
30


53
Ia-7
1845


54
Ib-32
43


55
Ib-33
178


56
Ij-3
717


57
Ij-4
89


58
Ib-34
25


59
Ib-35
49


60
Ig-3
84


61
Ig-4
65


62
Ig-5
99


63
Ig-6
729


64
Ia-10
2916


65
Ia-8
396


66
Ib-36
60


67
Ib-37
36


68
Ib-38
84


69
Ic-2
2819


70
Ig-7
538


71
Ic-3
133


72
Ig-8
397


73
Ib-39
272


74
Ib-40
1330


75
Ib-41
27


76
Ib-42
38


77
Ib-43
89


78
Ib-44
121


79
Id-2
911


80
Ie-2
157


81
Ij-5
2427


82
Ic-4
28


83
Ic-5
23


84
Ic-6
2035


85
Ie-1
712


86
Ig-9
229


87
Ic-7
629


88
Im-1
39


89
In-1
44


90
Io-1
38


91
Ip-1
70


92
Iq-1
2024


93
Ij-6
149


94
Ij-7
313


95
Ir-1
191


96
Iq-7
231


97
Iq-8
1351


98
Iq-2
165


99
Is-1
391


100
Is-2
1428


101
Is-3
1580


102
It-1
759


103
Iu-1
669


104
Iq-3
863


105
Iq-4
4483


106
Iu-2
227


107
Iu-3
1318


108
Iu-4
360


109
Ic-8
61


110
Ib-45
6


111
Iq-9
264


112
Iq-10
511


113
Iq-11
2240


114
Iq-12
1543


115
Iu-5
21


116
Iu-6
165


117
Iq-13
308


118
Iv-1
201


119
Iv-2
12


120
Iv-3
659


121
Iv-4
270


122
Iv-5
509


123
Iv-6
42


124
Ix-1
5220


125
Iv-7
124


126
Iw-1
20


127
Iv-8
17


128
Ix-2
207


129
Iv-9
53


130
Iv-10
3908


131
Iy-1
53


132
Iu-7
314


133
Iu-8
70


134
Iu-9
2265


135
Iu-10
5764


136
Iu-11
1586


137
Iu-12
133


138
Iu-13
156


139
Iu-14
227


140
Iu-15
1034


141
Iu-16
2128


142
Iu-17
108


143
Iu-18
108


144
Ia-12
312


145
Ic-9
16


146
Ia-13
201


147
Ib-46
20


148
Iz-1
28


149
Ik-2
14


150
Ik-3
11


151
Ik-4
31


152
Ix-3
38


153
Iq-14
215


154
Ic-10
23


155
Iaa-1
15


156
Iab-1
21


157
Ic-11
630


158
Ic-12
683


159
Iac-1
73


160
Ib-47
35


161
Ib-48
69


162
Iad-1
135


163
Iae-1
591


164
Ia-14
179


165
Iq-15
6


166
Iq-5
17


167
Iq-16
6


168
Iq-17
10


169
Iq-18
17


170
Iq-19
45


171
Iq-6
64


172
Iq-20
275


173
Ir-2
107


174
Iq-21
544


175
Iq-22
221


176
Iq-23
48


177
Iq-24
24


178
Iq-25
49


179
Ia-15
122


180
Iq-26
9


181
Iq-27
22


182
Iq-28
9


183
Iq-29
14


184
Ib-49
36


185
Ib-50
36


186
Iq-30
14


187
Iq-31
26


188
Ia-16
313


189
Iq-32
13


190
Ib-51
118


191
Ia-17
114


192
Iq-33
42


193
Is-4
632


194
Is-5
1485


195
Iq-34
20


196
Ia-18
139


197
Ib-52
74


198
Ib-53
15


199
Ia-19
119


200
Ib-54
19


201
Ib-55
31


202
Iq-35
2


203
Iq-36
6


204
Ib-56
30


205
Iv-11
45


206
Iv-12
2298


207
Iv-13
508


208
Iq-37
19


209
Iq-38
34


210
Ia-20
2294


211
Ib-57
27


212
Ib-58
2079


213
Ia-22
469


214
Ia-21
205


215
Ib-59
27


216
Iq-39
12


217
Ib-60
158


218
Iq-40
346


219
Iq-41
34


220
Iq-42
109


221
Iq-43
175


222
Ih-4
2651


223
Iq-44
130


224
Iaf-1
18


225
Iaf-2
40


226
Iaf-3
36


227
Ib-61
30


228
Ia-23
259


229
Iag-1
268


230
Iah-1
129


231
Ib-62
66


232
Ib-63
82


233
Ib-64
195


234
Ib-65
17


235
Ib-66
28


236
Ib-67
171


237
Ib-68
90


238
Iaj-1
133


239
Iai-2
82


240
Iai-3
46


241
Iai-4
36


242
Iai-5
74


243
Iai-6
61


244
Ib-69
227


245
Ib-70
111


246
Ib-71
39


247
Ib-72
563


248
Ib-73
182


249
Ib-74
273


250
Ib-75
853

## Claims

1. A compound of formula (I)



or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,
wherein
ring A represents a saturated 4- to 7-membered mono-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of (C1-3)alkyl, fluoro, and (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl; or
ring A represents a saturated 7- or 8-membered bridged bi-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring is unsubstituted;

X and Z independently represent CR5 or N; and Y represents CR5; or, in case both X and Z represent CH, Y may in addition represent N; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl;
R1 represents
(C1-4)alkyl;
CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl; (C1-4)alkoxy; phenyl, phenoxy; (C3-6)cycloalkyl; or (C3-6)cycloalkoxy optionally containing one ring oxygen and optionally mono-substituted with methyl or trifluoromethyl;
benzyl wherein the phenyl ring of said benzyl is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen; or
phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl; wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy;
(C1-3)fluoroalkyl;
(C1-3)fluoroalkoxy;
halogen;
cyano;
nitro;
hydroxy;
hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy;
(C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy;
(C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen;
R13—CO—X13—, wherein X13 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and R13 represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl);
3-(morpholin-4-yl)-prop-1-ynyl;
R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy, or dimethylamino; and
benzyloxy, wherein the phenylring of benzyloxy is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen or methyl;


R2 represents phenyl, or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl; wherein said phenyl or 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy;
(C1-3)fluoroalkyl;
(C1-3)fluoroalkoxy;
halogen; and
(C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21—, wherein X21 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen;

R3 represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl; and
R4 represents
(C1-4)alkyl;
hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
—O—R41, wherein R41 represents
hydrogen;
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy;
R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl; or
(C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and oxygen; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of:
(C1-4)alkyl; and/or
(C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency;


—NR42aR42b wherein R42a and R42b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl or (C1-3)alkoxy; or
—CO—R43 wherein R43 represents (C1-4)alkoxy, or —NR43aR43b wherein R43a and R43b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl.

2. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein
ring A represents a saturated 4- to 7-membered mono-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring independently is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl, fluoro, or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl, or di-substituted wherein the substituents are two (C1-3)alkyl substituents, or two fluoro substituents; or
ring A represents a saturated 7- or 8-membered bridged bi-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring is unsubstituted.

3. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein ring A represents a saturated 4- to 7-membered mono-cyclic carbocyclic ring containing the ring nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached, wherein said ring independently is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl, fluoro, or (C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl, or di-substituted wherein the substituents are two (C1-3)alkyl substituents, or two fluoro substituents.

4. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein
X represents CR5; Z represents CR5; and Y represents CR5; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl;
X represents CH; Z represents N; and Y represents CR5; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl;
X represents N; Z represents CR5; and Y represents CR5; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen or (C1-3)alkyl;
X represents N; Z represents N; and Y represents CR5; wherein R5 represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl.

5. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein one of X and Z represents CH or N; the other represents CH; and Y represents CR5, wherein R5 represents hydrogen or (C1-3)alkyl.

6. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein R1 represents
(C1-4)alkyl;
—CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl; (C1-4)alkoxy; phenyl, phenoxy; or (C3-6)cycloalkoxy optionally containing one ring oxygen and optionally mono-substituted with methyl or trifluoromethyl;
benzyl wherein the phenyl ring of said benzyl is optionally mono- or di-substituted with halogen;
phenyl which is unsubstituted, mono-, di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy;
(C1-3)fluoroalkyl;
(C1-3)fluoroalkoxy;
halogen;
cyano;
nitro;
hydroxy;
hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy;
(C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy;
(C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen;
R13—CO—X13—, wherein X13 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and R13 represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl;
3-(morpholin-4-yl)-prop-1-ynyl;
R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy, or dimethylamino; and
benzyloxy; or

5- or 6-membered heteroaryl; wherein said 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy;
(C1-3)fluoroalkyl;
(C1-3)fluoroalkoxy;
halogen;
cyano;
(C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O; and
R13—CO—X13—, wherein X13 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and R13 represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl.

7. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein
R1 represents
—CO—R11 wherein R11 represents (C1-4)alkyl; or (C1-4)alkoxy;
phenyl which is mono-, or di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy;
(C1-3)fluoroalkyl;
(C1-3)fluoroalkoxy;
halogen;
cyano;
nitro;
hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
hydroxy-(C2-3)alkoxy;
(C1-4)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkoxy;
(C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—; and
R14aR14bN—X14—, wherein X14 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene; and wherein R14a and R14b independently represent hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-4)alkyl; or R14a and R14b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached to form a 4- to 6-membered saturated ring optionally containing one additional ring heteroatom selected from oxygen and nitrogen; and wherein said ring is optionally mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl, hydroxy, (C1-4)alkoxy, or dimethylamino; or

5- or 6-membered heteroaryl; wherein said 5- or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, di- or tri-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy;
(C1-3)fluoroalkyl;
halogen;
cyano; and
(C3-6)cycloalkyl-X12—, wherein X12 represents a direct bond.

8. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein R2 represents phenyl, or 6-membered heteroaryl; wherein said phenyl or 6-membered heteroaryl independently is mono-, or di-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy;
(C1-3)fluoroalkyl;
(C1-3)fluoroalkoxy;
halogen; and
(C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21—, wherein X21 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen.

9. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein R2 represents phenyl, or 6-membered heteroaryl; wherein said phenyl or 6-membered heteroaryl is mono-substituted in ortho position with regard to the point of attachment of the rest of the molecule, wherein the substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C1-4)alkoxy;
(C1-3)fluoroalkyl;
(C1-3)fluoroalkoxy; and
(C3-6)cycloalkyl-X21—, wherein X21 represents a direct bond, —O—, or —(C1-3)alkylene-O—, and wherein the (C3-6)cycloalkyl independently contains one optional ring oxygen.

10. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein
R4 represents
(C1-4)alkyl;
hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
—O—R41, wherein R41 represents
hydrogen;
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy;
R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl; or
(C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or (C1-3)alkylene, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and oxygen; wherein the oxygen atom of such group (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—O— is separated by at least two (ring and/or chain) carbon atoms from such ring heteroatom; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-, or di-substituted, wherein the substituents are independently selected from the group consisting of:
(C1-4)alkyl; and/or
(C1-4)alkoxy-carbonyl attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency;


—NR42aR42b wherein R42a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl, and R42b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl, or (C1-3)alkoxy; or
—CO—R43 wherein R43 represents (C1-4)alkoxy; or —NR43aR43b wherein R43a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl, and R43b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl.

11. The compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein
R4 represents
(C1-4)alkyl;
hydroxy-(C1-3)alkyl;
—O—R41, wherein R41 represents
hydrogen;
(C1-4)alkyl;
(C2-4)alkyl which is substituted with one or two hydroxy;
R41aR41bN—(C2-3)alkylene-, wherein R41a and R41b independently represent hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl; or
(C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—, wherein X41 represents a direct bond or —CH2—, and wherein the (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently contains one or two ring heteroatoms independently selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and oxygen; wherein the oxygen atom of such group (C4-7)heterocyclyl-X41—O— is separated by at least two (ring and/or chain) carbon atoms from such ring heteroatom; wherein said (C4-7)heterocyclyl independently is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-4)alkyl at a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency, or di-substituted with methyl;

—NR42aR42b wherein R42a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl, and R42b independently represents (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl; or R42a and R42b together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a 4- to 7-membered saturated ring optionally containing one further ring heteroatom selected from the group consisting of oxygen and nitrogen, wherein said ring is unsubstituted, or mono-substituted with (C1-3)alkyl attached to a ring nitrogen atom having a free valency, or (C1-3)alkoxy attached to a ring carbon; or
—CO—R43 wherein R43 represents (C1-4)alkoxy; or —NR43aR43b wherein R43a represents hydrogen or (C1-4)alkyl, and R43b independently represents hydrogen, (C1-4)alkyl, (C1-3)alkoxy-(C2-3)alkyl, or hydroxy-(C2-3)alkyl.

12. The compound according to claim 4, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X represents CR5; Z represents CR5; and Y represents CR5; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen, or (C1-3)alkyl; wherein at maximum one R5 is different from hydrogen.

13. The compound according to claim 4, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X represents N; Z represents CR5; and Y represents CR5; wherein each R5 independently represents hydrogen or (C1-3)alkyl; wherein at maximum one R5 is different from hydrogen.

14. A compound according to claim 1 which is
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-(1-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one-7-d;
4-methoxy-1-(1-phenyl-piperidin-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2, 4-dichloro-benzyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-dimethoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-[1-(2-methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-cyclopropyl-5-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-1-methyl-1h-pyrazole-4-carb aldehyde;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[1-(5-cyclopropyl-2-methyl-2h-pyrazol-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(4-chloro-5-cyclopropyl-2-methyl-2h-pyrazol-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(5-cyclopropyl-2,4-dimethyl-2h-pyrazol-3-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester;
1-((R)-1-benzoyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,2-dimethyl-propionyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester;
1-(1-benzoyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-(R)-1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-((R)-1-isopropyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(3,5-difluoro-pyridin-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-(1-isopropyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(3,5-dimethyl-pyridin-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(3,5-dimethoxy-pyridin-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-l-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
(R)-3-[7-methoxy-2-oxo-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,2-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-hydroxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one;
3-[(R)-1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-4-methyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1h-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1h-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridine-2, 4-dione;
1-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid isopropyl ester;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid butyl ester;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid phenyl ester;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2,4-dimethyl-pyridin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(5-isopropyl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid 3-methyl-oxetan-3-yl ester;
5-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-1,3-dimethyl-1h-pyrazole-4-carb aldehyde;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid oxetan-3-yl ester;
1-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-difluoro-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,5-dimethyl-2h-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(4-chloro-2,5-dimethyl-2h-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1h-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridine-2,4-dione;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzaldehyde;
4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(5-trifluoromethyl-[1,3,4]oxadiazol-2-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2, 4,5-trimethyl-2h-pyrazol-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid 3-trifluoromethyl-oxetan-3-yl ester;
5-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-1,3-dimethyl-1h-pyrazole-4-carbonitrile;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-hydroxymethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(1-hydroxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-acetyl-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(1-hydroxy-1-methyl-ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-(6-chloro-4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1h-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridine-2, 4-dione;
1-[(R)-1-(2-methoxy-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-3,5-dihydro-1h-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridine-2, 4-dione;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
3-fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
1-[(R)-1-(2-cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1h-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2-cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1h-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid methylamide;
1-[(R)-1-(2-cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1h-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid amide;
1-[(R)-1-(2-cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1h-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid dimethylamide;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-hydroxymethyl-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methylaminomethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[6-methoxy-8-oxo-7-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-7,8-dihydro-purin-9-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[6-methoxy-7-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-purin-9-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
1-[(R)-1-(2-dimethylaminomethyl-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-{[(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl}-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-azetidin-1-ylmethyl-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methoxy-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
3-fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-morpholin-4-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethylamino)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
4-(2-dimethylamino-ethoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo [4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
4-[1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1h-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-4-yloxy]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-[(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(piperidin-4-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
4-(2,2-dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4-ylmethoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
(3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-phenyl)-acetaldehyde;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
4-(2,3-dihydroxy-propoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-morpholin-4-yl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(1-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-piperidin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(4-hydroxy-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-piperazin-1-ylmethyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-(4-dimethylamino-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-6-fluoro-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(4-methoxy-piperidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(3-methoxy-pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-{[(2-methoxy-ethyl)-methyl-amino]-methyl)-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-{[ethyl-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-{[bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-((R)-1-{2-fluoro-6-[(2-methoxy-1-methyl-ethylamino)-methyl]-phenyl}-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-ylmethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-methyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
3-fluoro-2-{4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-methyl-piperidin-1-yl}-benzaldehyde;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-3-methyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-3-methyl-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(1-methoxy-ethyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-(2,2-dimethyl-[1,3]dioxolan-4-ylmethoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-(2,3-dihydroxy-propoxy)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-fluoro-2-{(R)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-pyrrolidin-1-yl}-benzonitrile;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-nitro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-amino-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-bromo-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(4,5-dichloro-pyridazin-3-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(3,5-dichloro-pyridazin-4-yl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-prop-1-ynyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-morpholin-4-yl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{(R)-1-[2-fluoro-6-(3-morpholin-4-yl-propyl)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-((R)-1-{2-fluoro-6-[1-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-ethyl]-phenyl}-pyrrolidin-3-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1,3-dicarboxylic acid 1-tert-butyl ester 3-ethyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-isopropoxy-benzyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(2-isopropoxy-benzyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-methoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-7-methoxy-5-methyl-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridin-2-one;
3-(6-chloro-4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(4-isopropoxy-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-pyridazin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-methoxy-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-isopropoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-isopropoxy-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-azepane-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(4-isopropyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(4-isopropyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-isopropoxy-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-isopropoxy-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-azepan-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-azepan-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(4-isopropyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(3-isopropyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
5-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(3-isopropyl-pyrazin-2-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[2-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-2-aza-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
6-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane-3-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(4-isopropyl-pyrimidin-5-ylmethyl)-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1h-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amide;
1-[(R)-1-(2-cyano-6-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-1h-benzoimidazole-4-carboxylic acid (2-methoxy-ethyl)-amide;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(3r*, 4s*)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[3-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-3-aza-bicyclo[3.1.1]hept-6-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(3r*,4s*)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
(3r*,4r*)-3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4-methyl-pyrrolidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[(3r*,4r*)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-4-methyl-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-[(R)-1-(2-trifluoromethoxy-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(4-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-{(R)-1-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-pyrrolidin-3-yl}-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(3-methoxy-azetidin-1-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-(2-methoxy-ethylamino)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
3-(2-cyclopropoxy-benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-(2-cyclopropoxy-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-fluoro-4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[3-fluoro-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-azetidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
3-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-azetidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(3-trifluoromethyl-pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl)-piperidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-thiazol-4-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-[(s)(S)-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-ethyl]-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-(2,4-difluoro-6-isopropoxy-benzyl)-1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[(R)-1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-pyrrolidin-3-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-methyl-4-trifluoromethyl-thiazol-5-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-(1-cyclopropanecarbonyl-piperidin-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-(2-cyclopropyl-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-[2-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-benzyl]-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
3-(2-cyclobutoxy-benzyl)-1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-3,3-dimethyl-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-3,3-dimethyl-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester;
3-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-7-methoxy-1-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-imidazo[4,5-c]pyridin-2-one;
1-[1-(2-hydroxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-benzyloxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-(3′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-(3′-methoxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-(2′-methoxy-4′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-(2′-fluoro-4′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-(3′-fluoro-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,2′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-(2′,4′-dimethyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-{1-[2-(2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-phenyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-{1-[2-(tetrahydro-pyran-4-yloxy)-phenyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-cyclopropylmethoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-cyclobutoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-{1-[2-(oxetan-3-yloxy)-phenyl]-piperidin-4-yl}-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-butoxy-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-(4′-fluoro-2′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-[1-(2-fluoro-6-methyl-phenyl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methyl-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-[4-methoxy-2-oxo-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-2,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-1-yl]-4′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-2′-carbonitrile;
4-methoxy-1-(4′-methoxy-2′-methyl-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
1-(2′,4′-dimethoxy-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2h-[1,3′]bipyridinyl-4-yl)-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
4-methoxy-1-[1-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-pyrimidin-5-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one; or
1-[1-(4,6-dimethoxy-pyrimidin-5-yl)-piperidin-4-yl]-4-methoxy-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-1,3-dihydro-benzoimidazol-2-one;
or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

15. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one therapeutically inert excipient and a compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

16. A medicament comprising the compound according to claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.