PHENOL DERIVATIVES, PROCESSES FOR THEIR PREPARATION AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING THEM

Abstract: Compounds are disclosed which are phenoxyalkoxy­ phenyl derivatives of general formula (I) wherein Y represents the group -A, -ZA or OZ¹A where A repre­ sents a carboxylic acid group, a 5-1H-tetrazolyl ring or a N-5-1H-tetrazolylcarboxamide group; Z represents a C₁₋₄ alkylene, C₂₋₄ alkenylene or C₂₋₄ alky­ nylene chain optionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₃ alkyl groups and Z¹ represents a C₁₋₄ alkylene chain op­ tionally substituted by one or more C₁₋₃ alkyl groups; X represents a C₁₋₁₀ carbon chain which may be saturated or unsaturated in the case of chains containing at least 4 carbon atoms, and may be substituted by a hydroxy group or by one or more C₁₋₃ alkyl groups, which chain may be interrupted by a benzene ring which may be linked through its 1- and 2-, 1- and 3-, or 1- and 4-positions; R¹ represents a hydrogen atom or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group; R² represents the group -COR⁶ where R⁶ represents a hydrogen atom, an aryl group or a C₁₋₆ alkyl group which may be substituted by an aryl group; R³ represents a C₁₋₆ alkyl group or a C₃₋₆ alkenyl group; and R⁴ and R⁵ which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a hydroxy, C₁₋₃ alkoxy, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₃₋₆ alkenyl, C₁₋₆ alkanoyl, nitro or carboxylic acid group with the proviso that R⁴ and R⁵ cannot both be nitro, alkanoyl or carboxylic acid groups, and physologically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are potent antagonists of the action of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis and are thus indicated for use in the treatment of obstructive airways diseases such as asthma and hay fever and in skin af­ flictions.

Description: Phenol derivatives, processes for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions containing them This invention relates to phenol derivatives, to processes for their preparation and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them. More particularly, this invention relates to phenoxyalkoxyphenyl derivatives and processes for their preparation. The invention provides a compound of the general formula (I) EMI1.1 and physiologically acceptable salts thereof. In the general formula (I), Y represents the group -A, -ZA or OZ A where A represents a carboxylic acid group, a 5-lHtetrazolyl ring, or N-5-lH-tetrazolylcarboxamide group; Z represents a C14 alkylene, C2-4 alkenylene or C2-4 alkynylene chain optionally substituted by one or more C13 alkyl groups and Z represents a C14 alkylene chain optionally substituted by one or more C1-3 alkyl groups; X represents a C1-10 carbon chain which may be saturated or unsaturated in the case of chains containing at least 4 carbon atoms, and may be substituted by a hydroxy group or by one or more C13 alkyl groups, which chain may be interrupted by a benzene ring which may be linked through its 1- and 2-, 1- and 3-, or 1- and 4positions; ; R1 2 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl gropu; R2 represents the group -COR6 where R6 repreents a hydrogen atom, an aryl group or a C16 alkyl group which may be substituted by an aryl group; R3 represents a C1 8 alkyl group or a C3-6 alkenyl group; and and R5, which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a hydroxy, C1-3 alkoxy, C1-6 alkyl, C36 alkenyl, C1-3 alkanoyl, nitro or carboxylic acid group, with the proviso that R4 and R5 cannot both be nitro, alkanoyl or carboxylic acid groups. Referring to the general formula (I), the alkyl group represented by R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 and the alkenyl groups represented by R3, R4 and R4 may be a striaght chain or branched chain group. Whern Y is the group A, A preferably represents a carboxylic acid group or a 5-lH-tetrazolyl ring. When Y is the group ZA or OZ1A, A preferably represents a carboxylic acid group, Z preferably represents -a C1-4 alkylene chain, particularly methylene or ethylene, or a C2,4 alkenylene chain, particularly ethenylene, or a C2-4 alkynylene: chain, particularly ethynylene, and Z preferably represents methylene. Examples of the group X are a straight carbon chain of fromula (CH2)n where n is a number from l to 10, or a group of formula -CH2X1CH2- where X is a benzene ring linked through its I- and 2-, 1- and 3-, or 1- and 4-positions. X preferably represents a group of formula (CH2) n where n is 1, 3 or 5. H I preferably represents a hydrogen atom or a C3-6 alkyl group, particularly propyl. 6 R2 is preferably the group COR where R represents a C1-6 6 alkyl group, particularly a methyl group. When H is an aryl group it is, for example, a phenyl group. preferably represents a C3-6 alkyl group, particularly propyl, or C3-6 alkenyl group, particularly propenyl, R4 preferably represents a hydrogen or halogen atom, or a hydroxy, nitro or C1-3 alkanoyl group. When R4 is a halogen atom it is preferably bromine. The C1-3 alkanoyl group represented by R is preferably acetyl. R is preferably a hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group, particularly propyl, or a C2-4 alkenyl group, particularly propenyl. Particularly preferred compounds are those in which R4 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group and R5 is a hydrogen atom. A preferred group of compounds are those of formula (II):- EMI3.1 where Y is a carboxylic acid group or a 5-1H tetrazolyl ring or a N-5-lII-tetrazolylcarboxamide group, or a C1-2 alkyl, Ol2 alkoxy or O2 alkenyl chain terminally substituted by a carbox ylic acid group, and is preferably situated at the 3- or 4-position in the benzene ring; n is 1, 3 or 5, preferably 5, R3 is a C3-6 alkyl, or C3-6 alkenyl group, R4 is a hydrogen or bromine atom, or a hydroxy, nitro or acetyl group, and physiologically acceptable salts thereof. In formula (II), when R4 is a hydroxy group it is preferably situated adjacent to the group Y. Preferred salts of the above acids include salts obtained by reaction with an inorganic or organic base, for example sodium salts or salts with ethylenediamine. Particularly preferred compounds according to the invention include: 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy]-2 hydroxybenzoic acid; 3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] benzoic acid; 3-[4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylpenoxy)-propoxy] phenyl]-2-propenie acid; 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxcy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] benzoic acid; 3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] benzenepropanoic acid; 2-E4-[3-(-4-Acetyl-3-hydrox-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy] phenoxy]acetic acid; 3-[3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] phenyl]-2-propenoic acid; 4-L3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphelloxy)propoxy]- 2-hydroxy-3-propylbenzoic acid; 3-E5-E3-(4-Acetyl-3-llydroxy-2-propylpllenoxy)propoxy]- 2-bromophelyl]-2-propeneie acid: 3-[3-[5-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)pentyloxy] phenyl]-2-propeneie acid; 3-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy] propoxy] 4-nitrophenyl ]-2-propenoic acid; 3-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphelnoxy] propoxy]4-acetylphenl]-2-propeneie acid; 5-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-[2-propony] phenoxy] phenyl ]-lH-tetrazole; 3-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-[2-propenyl] phenoxy] propoxy]phenyl]-2-propenoic acid; 3-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-(l-methylpropyl) phenoxy] propoxy] phenyl]-2-propeneie acid; and the physiologically acceptable salts of these compounds. .The invention also extends to all possible enantiomers and diasteriomers of the compounds according to the formula (I). The compounds according to the invention are potent antagonists of the action of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) as shown by their ability to inhibit the SRS-A induced contraction of guinea pig ileum (Coleman et al, Br. J. Pharmacol., 1979, 66, 83P). SRS-A is a naturally occurring substance which causes contraction of smooth muscle, especially bronchial muscle, and increases vascular permeability. The substance is not normally present in human tissue but is synthesised and released from certain cells during an allergic reaction. The compounds according to the invention are thus indicated for use in the treatment of disorders in which SRS-A may be a factor, for example, in obstructive airways diseases such as asthma, in hay fever and in skin afflictions. The compounds according to the invention may be formulated for use in human or veterinary medicine for therapeutic or prophylacicpurposes. The invention therefore includes within its scope pharmaceutical. compositions comprising as active ingredients one or more compounds selected from compounds of general formula (I) and physiologically acceptable addition salts thereof. Such compositions may be presented for use in a conventional manner with the aid of physiologically accep-lable carriers or excipients and formulatory agents as required, and with or without supplementary medicinal agents. These compositions include, for instance, tablets, suppositories, injections and forms suitable or administration by inhalation. Injections may be formulated with the aid of physiologically acceptable carriers and agents as solutions, suspensions, or as dry products for reconstitution before use. For administration by inhalation the compounds are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from pressurised packs or a nebuliser. The preferred composition for inhalation is a powder which may be formulated as a cartridge from which the powdered composition may be inhaled with the aid of a suitable device. In the case of a pressurised aerosol the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. The doses of the active ingredient which may be used vary within a wide range. Suitable dosage units are generally within the range of 50 mg to 1000 -mgXday which may be conveniently administered in two or three daily doses. The precise dose administered will always depend on he ag and condition of the patient. The compounds according to the invention may be prepared by a number of processes. According to one embodiment of the invention compounds of formula (I) may be prepared from the corresponding compounds of general formula (III): EMI6.1 in icll R1 to R5,and X are as previously defined and W represents -OHO, -E, -ZE or OZ1E in which Z and Z1 are as previously defined and E represents a group which is convertible to the group A previously defined, such as a carboxylic ester, carboxamide or nitrile group. Thus, for example, a compound of the general formula (1) in which -Y represents the group -Cll=CIIC021I may be prcl)ared frozen the corresponding compound of general formula (III) in which W represents -CHO, by the Perkin synthesis of cinnamic acids, as described in Organic Reactions, John Wiley & Sons, New York, Vol I, pp 210265. A compound of general formula (I), which Y represents the group -A, - ZA or -OZ1A where Z and Z1 -are as l)reviously defined and A is a carboxylic acid group, may be prepared by acid or base hydrolysis of the corresponding compound of general formula (III) in which W represents the group -E, -ZE or -OZ1E where E is a carboxylic ester, amide or nitrile group using standard conditions for example by hydrolysis with an acid such as aqueous sulphuric acid at an elevated temperature, or by hydrolysis with a base such as sodium llydroxide, potassium hydroxide or lithium hydroxide in a solvent such as ethanol, aqueous tetrahydrofuran or water at a temperature of 20 - 1000C. A compound of general formula (I), in which Y represents the group -A, - ZA or OZ1A where Z and Z1 are as previously defined and A is a 5-111-tetrazolyl ring, may be prepared from the corresponding compound of general formula (III) in which W represents -E, -ZE or -OZ1E and E represents a nitrile, using standard conditions, for examl3lc using a salt of hydrazoic acid in a solvent such as dimethylformamide or dioxan at an elevated temperature.. Suitable salts include sodium or ammonium azide. The reaction may be performed, for example, using sodium azide and ammonium chloride in dimethylformamide at a tempendture of 50 to 10000. A compound of general formula (I) in which Y -8represents the group -A, -ZA or -OZ1 A where Z and Z1 are as previously defined and A is a carboxylic acid group, may be prepared by hydrogenolysis of the corresponding compound. of general formula (III) where W represents the group -E, -ZE or -OZ1E where E is a carboxylie ester group of formula COOR7 and R7 is a group which may be removed by hydrogenolysis, or example an arylmethyl group such as a benzyl or benzhydryl group, using standard conditions, for example in the presence of a catalyst, such as platinum or palladium in a suitable solvent such as an alcohol e.g. ethanol. Tbis reaction may be conveniently employed con currently to reduce other groups in a compound of general formula (III). For example, a compound of general formula (I) in which A is a carboxylic acid group and R3 is a C2-6 alkyl group, such as propyl, -may be prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding compound of general formula (III) where W represents the group E, ZE or oZlE where Z and Z1 are as previously defined and E is a carboxylic ester group, such as a benzyl ester group., and R is a C2-6 alkenyl group, such as propenyl. The intermediate compounds of formula (III) may be prepared by a number of processes. For example, the compounds of formula (III) may be obtained by alkylation of the corresponding phenols of general formula (IV) or (V): EMI9.1 with an appropriate alkylating agent of formula (VI) or (VII) respectively, EMI9.2 in which L is a leaving group for example a halogen atom or a paratoluenesulphonate or a methylsulphonate ester, in the presence of a base in a suitable solvent, for example sodium hydride in dimethylformamide or potassium carbonate in butanone. The alkylating agents of formula (I) or (VII) may be prepared from the corresponding phenols of fonnula (V) or (IV) respectively by treatment with a compounds L - X - L1 (where L is a leaving group as previously described and L1 is the same or different leaving group, or is a group such as hydroxy group which may be converted into a leaving group by conventional methods) in the presence of a hase in a suitable solvent as described above for the preparation of compounds of formula (III). The phenols of formulae (iv) and (V) are either known compounds or may be prepared from known strting materials by methods analogous to th-ose used for the preparation of the similar known phenols. For example, phenols of fromula (IV) in which W represents the group -E, ZE or OZ1 E where Z and Z1 are as previously described and E is a carboxylie ester group may be prepared using methods-similar to that described by Carter and Lawrence, J. Chem. Soc. 77, 1226 (1900), or by esterification of the corresponding acids using standard conditions. The acids are either known or may be prepared from known starting materials by conventional methods for example by the Perkin synthesis as previously described for the preparation of compounds of formula (I). Phenols of formula (V) in which RI is a hydrogen atom may, for example, be prepared according to the methods of R.A. Appleton et al J. Med. Chem., 20 371 (1977) or W. Baker and O.M. Lothian in J. Chem. Soc., 628 (1935). It will be appreciated that some of the intermediates of general formula (IV) and (VII) may, if desired, be modified by eleetrophilic substitution using standard conditions, for example by nitration with a nitrating agent, such as concentrated nitric acid at low temperatures, or by bromination with a brominating agent, such as N-bromoacetamide in a solvent such as dioxan at an elevated temperature. A compound of general formula ( in which the chain -X- is substituted by a hydroxy group may be obtained by reaction of a compound of general formula (VIII) or (IX), EMI11.1 wherein D represents a hydrocarbon chain carrying an epoxide group, with a phenol of general formula (IV) or (V) respectively in a suitable solvent, for example dimethylformamide, in the presence of a catalyst such as trimethylbenzylammonium hydroxide at an elevated temperature. An epoxide of formula (viii) or (IX) may be obtained f,rom a phenol of formula (V) or (IV) respectively by treatment with an alkyl halide carrying an epoxide group, for example epichlorohydrin, in the presence of a base such as potassium carbonate and in a solvent such as butanone. Certain of the compounds of general formula (I) may be prepared from other compounds of general formula (i). Thus for example compounds of formula (I) in which Y represents the group.-ZA where Z is a C24 alkylene or C24 alkenylene chain may be prepared by catalytic hydrogellation of a corresponding compound of formula (I) where Z is a C2 alkenylene or C2-4 alkynylene chain. Conventional catalysts may be used, preferably palladium in a suitable solvent, for example an alcohol such as methanol. A compound of general formula (I) in which Y represents the group -A, -ZA or OZ1A where A is a N-5-lH- tetrazolyl-carboxamide may be, prepared from the corresponding compounds of formula (I) in which -A represents a carboxylic acid group using standard conditions, for example using 5-aminotetrazole and a coupling agent such a-s N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole in a solvent such as dimethylformamide or tetrahydrofura. It will be appreciated that certain of the reactions described above are capable of affecting other: groups in the starting material which are desired in the end products; care must therefore be take.n, in accordance with conventional practice either to perform reactions in a sequence which does not modify groups which are to be retained in the end products, or to ensure that such groups are in protected forms before the start of the reaction. This applies in particular to the preparation of the intermediates o,f formula (III) where it may be necessary to protect hydroxyl groups in starting materials (IV) and (VII) which are not involved in the alkylation reaction. The hydroxy groups may be protected as, for example, a benzyl ether or an acetate during the synthesis. The protecting group ,is removed when required either by catalytic hydrogenolysis or by hydrolysis as appropriate. A physiologically acceptable salt of a compound of general formula (I) may be prepared by standard techniques for example by treatment of the free acid of formula (I) with a base such as sodium hydroxide. The following Examples illustrate the invention. All temperatures are in C and "petroleum ether" refers to petroleum ether (b.p. 60-80 ). Preparation 1 2-Hydroxy-4-(2-propenyloxy) benzoie acid, methyl ester Methyl 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate (112 g), allyl bromide (78.6 g), potassium carbonate (92 g) and sodium iodide (1 g) were heated under reflux in butanone -(1120 ml) for 2i2 hours. The mixture was cooled and filtered a.nd the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was distilled under reduced pressure to give the title compound as an oil (ll4.5-g) with b.p. 920 at 8 x 10-2 torr. Preparation 2 2,4-Dihydroxy-3-(2-propenyl) benzoie acid, methyl ester The compound of Preparation 1 (107.7 g) was heated at 2000 in a nitrogen atmosphere for 2 1/2 hours. The oil was distilled under reduced pressue to give the title ester (89.5 g) as white crystals with b.p. 1100 at 4 x 10 2 torr and m.p. 56-580. Preparation 3 2,4-Dihydroxy-3-propylbenzoie acrid, methyl ester The compound of Preparation 2 (72 g) was hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure in ethanol (1050 ml) using 10% palladium oxide on charcoal (5 g) as catalyst. The mixture was filtered, and the filtrate evaporated to dryness and the residue distilled under reduced pressure to give the title ester (68.9 g) b.p. 118 at 7 x 10-2 torr, m.p. 59-610. Preparation 4 (a) l-[4-(4-Bromomethyl) phenylmethoxy-2-hydroxy-3 propylphenyllethanone 1-(2,4-Dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl) ethanone (5 g), l,4-bis(bromomethyl)benzene (13.6 g) and potassium carbonate (7.5 g) were heated under reflux in butanone (100 ml) for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled, acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ether (qo ml). The organic phase was washed with dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was partially purified by chromatography on silica using petroleum ether as eluent to remove the excess of reagent and ethyl acetate as eluent to remove the crude product. The crude product was purified further by chromatography on silica using a mixture of petroleum ether (b.p. 60-80 ) and dichloromethane (3:7) as the eluent to give the title compound (3.3 g) with m.p. 9798o. (b) l-[4-(4-Chloro-2-butyloxy)-2-hydroxy-3-propylphenyl] ethanone, m.p. 57-58 (from petroleum ether (b.p. 60 800)) was prepared by a similar procedure from 1-(2,4dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl) ethanone and 1,4-dichloro-2 bu Lyne. Preparation 5 l-[2-Hydroxy-4-(3-iodopropoxy)-3-propylphenyl) ethanone l-[4-(3-Chloropropoxy)-2-hydroxy-3-propylphenyl] ethanone (20 g) and sodium iodide (22 g) were heated under reflux in butanone (400 ml) for 68 hours. The mixture was filtered, diluted with ether (200 ml), and washed with water and saturated brine. The organic phase was dried and evaporated to give an oil which was dissolved in petroleum ether. The solution was filtered and evaporated to dryness to give a solid which was recrystallised from aqueous isopropanol to give the title iodide (24.1 g) with m.p, 5-40. Preparation 6 (a) 3-[3-(3-lodopropoxy) phenyl]-2-propenoie acid, methyl ester 3-(3-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-propeneie acid, methyl ester (15 g), l-bromo-3-chloropropane (13.2 g) and potassium carbonate (15 g) were heated under reflux in butanone (150 ml) for 24 hours. The mixture was cooled and filtered and the filtrate heated under reflux with'sodium iodide (19 g) for 7 hours. The mixture was cooled and filtered and the filtrate diluted with ethyl acetate (200 ml) and washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residual oil was purified by chromatography on silica using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (3:1) as eluent. The major product was crystallised from petroleum ether (b.p. 60-80 ) to give the title iodide (26 g) with m.p. 41-42 . (b) 3-[3-(5-lodopentyloxy) phenyl] -2-propeneie acid, methyl ester, b.p. 1500 at i x 10 2 torr. was prepared by a similar procedure from 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2- propenoic acid, methyl ester and 1,5-dibromopentane. Prepartion 7 (a) l-[2-Hyroxy-4-(4-iodohutoxy)-3-propylphenyl] ethanone A mixture of l-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylaphenyl)- ethanone (5 g), 1,4-dibromobutane (12 g), potassium carbonate (18 g) and butanone (100 ml) was heated under reflux for 5 hours. The cooled mixture was acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ether. The organic phase was washed with 2N sodium hydroxide solution, dried and concentrated. The residual crude bromide was dissolved in acetone (150 ml) and heated under reflux for-l hour with sodium iodide (ZO g). The cooled mixture was diluted with.ether (200 ml), filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (4:1) as the eluent to give the title compound as a viscous oil (6.2;g). (b) l-[2-Hyrroxy-4-(2-iodoethoxy)-3-propylphenyl] ethanone (m.p. 68-70 , from petroleum ether) was prepared by a similar procedure from I-(2,4-dihydroxy-3-propyl- phenyl )ethanone and l-bromo-2-chloroethane. Preparation' 8 l-(2,4-Dihydroxy-3,5-dipropylphenyl) ethanone l-[2,4-Dihydroxy-3,5-di (2-propenyl) phenyl] ethanone (2.1 g) was hydrogenated in ethanol (59 ml) using 10d palladium oxide on charcoal (0.1 g) a mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness and the residue recrystallised from toluene to give the title compound (1.8 g) with m.p. 98-99 . Preparation 9 3-[2-Bromo-5-hydroxyphenyl]-2-propeneie acid, methyl ester Bromine (1.3 ml) in methanol (40 ml) was added dropwise to a boiling solution of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)- 2-propenoic acid (4 g) in methanol (40 ml) illuminated with a 100 watt lamp. The addition was completed in 15 min. and the cooled solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was crystallised from cyclohexane to give the title compound (2.9 g) with m.p. 128-300. Preparation 10 l-[2-Hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxypropoxy)-3-propylphenyl)ethanone l-(2,4-Dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl) etanone (100 g), chloropropanol (48.7 g), potassium carbonate (141 g) and sodium iodide (5 g) were heated under reflux in butanone (500 ml) for 76 h. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate diluted with ethyl acetate (1L). The solution was washed with 2N sodium hydroxide solution (3 x 250 ml) and 10% sodium thiosulphate solution (3 x 500 ml), dried and evaporated to give the crude title compound as an oil (109 g). Preparation 11 l-[2-Hydroxy-4-[3-[[(4-methylphenyl) sulphonyl] oxy]propoxy]-3-propylphenyl] ethabone The compound of Preparation 10 (39 g), pyridine (50 ml) and 4-toluenesulphonyl chloride (30 g) were stirred in dry ether (250 ml) for 16 h. The mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (600 ml) and washed with water (2 x 500 ml), 8 sodium bicarbonate solution (500 ml), and 2N hydrochloric acid (2 x 500 ml), dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was triturated with petroleum ether and recrystailised from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether to give 'the title compound (38 g) with m.p. 880. Preparation 12 l-[4-(2-Butenyloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl] ethalnone 3-Chloro-l-butene (20 g) and sodium iodide.(34 g) were heated under reflux in butanone (200 ml) for 25 h. The- mixture was filtered and the filtrate heated under reflux with l-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethanone (33.6 g) and potassium carbonate (63 g) for 4 days. The cooled reactibn mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was extracted with petroleum ether (500 ml) and the solution evaporated to give an oil which was fractionally distilled at 162 - 1750 at 0.1 torr. The resulting oil was purified by chromatography on silica using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (6:1) as the eluent. The fractions containing the component which had an Rf of 0.6 on t.l.c. (silica; petroleum ether : ethyl acetate 4:1) were collected and evaporated to dryness to give the title compound (20.1 g) as an oil. Preparation 13 l-[2.4-Dihdroxy-3- r l-methyl-2-proPenyllphenyllethanone The compound of Preparation 12 (1 g) was heated at 180 - 1900 for 6 h under nitrogen. The solid which sublimed was collected and purified by chromatography on silica using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (5:1) as the eluent, to give the title compound (0.4 g) with m.p. 146 - 1470. Prel)aration 14 l-[2.4-Dihydroxy-3-(l-methylphroyl) phenyl] ethanone The compound of Preparation 13 (0.4 g) was hydrogenated in ethanol (70 ml)'using 5 palladium on charcoal as the catalyst. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaperated t dryness to give the title compound with m.p. 174 - 1750. Preparation 15 3-rJ-Acetyl-3-hydroxyphenyll-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester Aluminium chloride (14.97 g) was added to a mixture of 3-[3-hydroxyphenyl3-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester (10 g) and acetyl chloride (8 ml) in 1,2-dichloroethane (150 ml) at 00. The mixture was stirred at 230 for 2 h and heated under reflux for 168 h. The mixture was cooled, diluted with water and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried and evaporated to dryness to give an oil which crystallised on the addition of petroleum ether. The solid was heated under reflux in a mixture of ethanol (50 ml) and 2N sodium hydroxide (250 ml) for 1 h. The mixture was acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried and evaporated and the residue recrystallised from toluene to give the crude acid. The crude acid was heated under reflux in methanol (200 ml) containing concentrated sulphuric acid (1 ml) for 2 h. The mixture was concentrated to 50 ml, 8 sodium bicarbonate solution added and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried and evaporated and the residue recrystallised twice from cyclohexane to give the title ester (0.66 g) with m.p. 108 - 110 . Preparation 16 2-Hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxypropoxy) benzoie acid, methyl ester 2,4-Dihydroxybenzoei acid, methyl ester (70g) bromopropanol (58g) and potassium carbonate (57.5g) were heated under reflux in butanone (11) for 28h. The mixture was filtered, the filtrate was evaporated and the residue dissolved in ethyl acetate (500 ml). The solution was washed with 8% sodium bicarbonate solution, water and ,saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residual crude alcohol was recrystallised from cyclohexane to give the title compound (56.6g), with m. p. 76-77 . Preparation 17 2-Hydroxy-4-[3-[[(4-methylphenyl) sulphonyl] oxy] propoxy] benzoic acid, methyl ester The compound of Preparation 16 (bOg), pyridine (70 ml) and 4-toluenesulphonyl chloride (104g) were stirred in ether (1500 ml) in an ice bath for 2h and then at room temperature for 58h. The reaction mixture was filtered and the filtrate-was washed with 2N hydrochloric acid, water and sodium bicarbonate, dried and evaporated to give an oil which solidified when triturated with ether. The crystals were washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, air dried and recrystallised from a mixture of ethanol and water to give the title compound (102g), with m.p. 111-112.5 . Preparation 18 2,4-Dillvdroxy-3-propylbenzoic acid The compound of Preparation 3 (2g) was heated -at 1000 for lh in 2N sodium hydroxide (10 ml). The solution was cooled and acidified and the precipitate filtered off and recrystallised from water to give the -title acid (0.6g), with m.p. 176-178 . Preparation 19 2-Propylbenzene-1,3-dil The compound of Preparation 18 (130g) was heated under nitrogen at 1900 for 1.5h. The mixture was cooled, dissolved in ether and the solution was washed with 4 sodium bicarbonate solution dried and evaporated. The residue was recrystallised from cyclohexane to give the title diol (59.6g), with m.p. 97-390. Preparation 20 a) (2,4-Dihydroxy-3-propylphlenyl) phenylmethanone The compound of Preparation 19 (2g), anhydrous zinc chloride (4g) and benzoic acid (7,3g) were heated at 1500 for 2.5h. The reaction mixture was cooled and dissolved in a mixture of 2N hydrochloric acid and ethyl acetate. The layers were separated and the organic phase washed with 4 sodium bicarbonate (3 x 50 ml), dried and evaporated. The residue. (3.5g) was purified by chromatography on silica (150g) using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (4:1) as the eluent and recrystallised from cyclohexane to give the title ketone (2.lg), with m.p. 12-1530. The following compounds were prepared by a similar procedure from the compound of Preparation 19 and the appropriate acid. b) l-(2,4-Dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl) -l-propnone m.p. 104-106 from propionic acid c) l-(2,4-Dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl) -2-phenylethanone, m.p. 128-130 , from phenylacetic acid. Preparation 21 l -(9-Bromononyloxy)-2-hydroxy-3-propylphenyllethanone The title compound was prepared as an oil from l-(2,-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone and 1 ,9-di- bromononane by a similar procedure to Preparation 4. Preparation 22 l-[4-(2-Heptenyloxy)-2-hydroxy-phenyl] ethanone The title compound was prepared as an oil from l-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethanone and l-bromo-2-heptene by a similar procedure to Preparation 12. Preparation 23 l-[2,4-Dihydroxy-3-(l-methylhlexyl) phenyl] ethanone The compound of Preparation 22 (0.94g) was heated at 1900 for 3h under nitrogen. The mixture was purified by chromatography on silica using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (3:1) as the eluent to gives solid (O.lllg). The crude alkene was hydrogenated in ethanol (30 ml) using 10% palladium oxide on charcoal as the catalyst. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness to give a solid. The solid was recrystallised from a mixture of ethanol and water to give the title compound (0.22g) with-m.p.78-810. Preparation 24 3-[3-Acetoxypheny1]-2,3-dibromopropanoic aeid, methyl ester Bromine (3.7 ml) in carbon tetrachloride (150 ml) was added dropwise to a solution of 3-[3-acctoxyphenyl]- 2-propenoic acid, methyl ester (15g) in carbon tetra chloride (150 ml) illuminated with a 60 watt lamp. The addition was completed in 2.5h and the solution was stirred for a further 2.5h. The solution was evaporated to dryness and the residual solid was recrystallised from a mixture of methanol and water to give the title compound (19.5g), with m.p. 84-86 . Preparation 25 2-Bromo-3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid The comp.ound of Preparation 24 (11.4g) in dioxan (150 ml) was- added to a solution of potassium hydroxide (15g) in water (75 ml) and dioxan (75 ml). The solution was stirred for 20h. The product mixture was acidified with 2N hydrochlQric acid, and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 500 ml). The combined organic extracts were evaporated to give an oil. The oil was crystallised from water to give the title acid (2.52g) with m.p. 178-180 . Preparatin 26 2-Breme-3-(3-hydroxyhenyl)-2-propenoie acid, methyl ester Acetyl chloride (2 ml) was added cautiously to ice-cold methanol (40 ml). The compound of Preparation 25 (2g) was added and the solution was heated under reflux for 5h, cooled and evaporated to dryness. The residual oil was dissolved in ethyl acetate and the solution was washed consecutively with 8% sodium bicarbonate solution and water, dried and evaporated. The residual solid was recrystallised from a mixture of methanol and water to give the title ester (1.39g), with m.p. 9799o Preparation 27 5-Bromo-2-hydroxy-4-[3-[[4-(methylphenyl) sulphonyl] oxy] propoxvlbenzoic acid, methyl ester A solution of bromine (0.1 ml) in chloroform (10 ml) was added to a solution of the compound of Preparation 17 (lg) in chloroform (25 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 5h and diluted with ether (200 ml). The solution was washed consecutively with 8% sodium bicarbonate solution, water and saturated brine dried and evaporated to dryness to give a white solid. The solid was recrystallised from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether to give the title compound (lg), with m.p. 141-120, Preparation 28 2-Hydroxy-4-[3-[[(4-methylphenyl) sulphonyl] oxy] propoxy] 5-nitrobenzoic acid, methyl ester Nitric acid (1 ml) was added dropwise to a solution of the compound of Preparation 17 (1.5g) in chloroform (20 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred for 16h and then diluted with ethyl acetate (200 ml). The solution was washed consecutively with 8% sodium bicarbonate solution, water and saturated brine, dried and evaporated to give a red solid. The solid was re crystallised from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether to give the title compound (0.55g), with m.p. 143145 . Preparation 292-Hydroxy-4-[3-[(methylsulphonyl) oxy] propoxy] benzoie acid, methyl ester Methanesulphonyl chloride (I.26g) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added dropwise over 15 min. to a solution of the compound of Preparation 16 (2.52g) and triethylamine (1.5g) in dichloromethane (30, ml) at 0 to -5 . The mixture was stirred for a further 15 min. at 00, then washed successively with water, 2N hydrochloric acid, 8% sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The. residual solid was recrystallised from me-thanol to give the title mesylate (2.2g), with m. p. 87-89 . Preparation 30 2, 4-Dihydrox'ybenzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester 2,4-Dihydroxybenzoie acid was dissolved in a solution of potassium carbonate (4.35g) in water (50 ml) heated on a steam bath. The solution was evaporated to dryness and the residual solid washed well with acetone and dried to give the potassium salt (12.44g). The potassium salt (12.44g), benzylchloride (7.55 ml; 8.3g) and triethylbenzylammonium chloride (0.93g). were heated at 1900 in dimethylformamide (120 ml) for 24h. Water (120 ml) was added and the mixture was acidified and extracted with ether. The extracts were washed with water and 2% sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residual oil was crystallised from- cyclohexane to- give the title ester (10.84g), with m.p. 93-94 Preparation 31 2-Hydroxy-4-[3-hydroxypropoxy] benzoie acid, phenylmethyl ester The compound of Preparation 30 (10.5g), 3-bromo-l propanol 93.9 ml; 5.99g) and potassium carbonate (5,94g) were heated under reflux in butanone (100 ml) for 24h. Water 00 mi) and ethyl acetate (100 ml) were added and the organic phase was separated and washed consecutively with warter, IN sodium carbonale and saturated brino and dried. The solution was evaporated to dryness and the residue (12.lg) purified by chromatography on silica (600g), using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (2:1) as the eluent. The fractions containing the major component were combined and evaporated to dryness to give the title alcohol as a white solid (5.7g), with .p. 65-66 . Preparation 32 2-Hydroxy-4-[3-[[methylsulphonyl] oxy] propoxy] benzoie acid, phenymethyl ester A solution of methanesulphonyl chloride (0.56 ml; 0.83g) in dichloromethane (10 ml) was added dropwise over 15 min to a solution of the compound of Preparation 31 (2g) and triethylamine (1.38 ml; l.Og) in dichloromethane (,0 ml) cooled in ice. The solution was stirred at room termperature for 15 min and washed with 1N hydrochloric acid, 4% sodium bicarbonate and saturated brine, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue or solid was recrystallised from methanol to give the title mesvlate (2.23 g), with m. p. 84-85 . Preparation 33 4-[3-[4-Aeetyl-3-hydroxy-2-(2-propenyl) phenoxy] propoxy]2-hydroxybenzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester l-[2,4-Dihydroxy-3-(2-propenyl) phenyl] ethanone (1.01g), the compound of Preparatin 52 (2.og) and potassium carbonate (0.73g) were heated under reflux in butanone (30 ml) for 24n. The moxture was diluted with water (1 ml), the layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were wasjied with saturated brine, dried and evaporated. Tic residual semi-solid was extracted with hot cyclo bexane (200 ml) and the solution was evaporated to dryness. The residue was recrystallised three times from ethanol to give the title ester (1.28 y) with m.p. 111-112 . Preparation 34 l-[2-Hydroxy-4-[3-[[methylsulphonyl] oxy] gropoxy]-3 (2-propenyl) pheny] ethanone l-[2,4-Dihydroxy-3-(2-propenyl) phenyl] ethanone (4,65g), 5-bromo-l-propanol (2.2 ml; 3.38g) and potassium carbonate (3.34g) were heated under reflux in butanone (50 ml) for 16h. The mixture was cooled, diluted with". water (o ml) and acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid. The layers were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined organic phases were washed with saturated brine, dried and evaporated to give the crude intermediate alcohol as an oil (5.8g). A solution of methanesulphonyl chloride (1.7ml; 2.52g) in dichloromethane (30 ml) was added dropwise over 15 min to a solution of the crude alcohol (5.0g) and triethylamine (4.2 ml; 3.05g) in dichloromethane (90 ml) cooled in ice. The solution was stirrcd at room temperature for 30 min and washed with 1N hydrochloric acid, 4% sodium bicarbonate and saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residual oil was erystallised from methanol to give the title mesglate (3,03g), with m.p. 81-82 . Preparatin 35 l-[2-Hydroxy-4-[3-(3-hydroxyphenoxy) prpoxy]-3-proylphenyl] e than one The compound of Example S (4g) was heated at 200.0 for lii. The cooled melt was dissolved in ethyl acetate (200 ml) and the solution was washed with 4% sodium bicarbonate solution, dried and evaporated. The residual oil was crystallised from cyclohexane to give the title phenol (1.7g), with m.p. 87-89 / Preparation 3() (a) 2-Metoxy-4-[3-[[(4-methylphenyl) sulphenyl] oxy] propoxy] benzoie acid, methyl ester The compound of Preparation 17 (lg) was added to 0.1 N sodium hydroxide solution (26.G ml) and the mixture was evaporated to dryness. The residual solid was stirred at 250 in a mixture of dimethyl sulphate (8.75 ml), triethylbenzylammonium chloride (O.lg) and butanone (50 ml) for 1.5h. The mixture was acidified with 2 N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ether (3 x 25 ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with water and saturated brine, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was heated on a steam bath with 8% sodium bicarbonate solution (15d ml) and the cooled mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were dried and evaporated to give the title compound (0.51g) as an oil, with rmax. 255 (t 14,500). Preparation 37 4-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-(2-propenyl) phenoxy] propoxyl-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, phenylmethyl ester The compound of Preparation 34 (2.75g), the compound of Preparation 30 (2.05g) and potassium carbonate (1.14g) were heated under reflux in butanone (70 ml) for 2411. Water (70 ml) was added, the layers separated. and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phases were washed with saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue was recrystallised from ethanol to give the title ester (3.22g), with m. p. 111-112 . FXAM1'IJE 1 (a) 3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] benzoic acid Sodium hydride (oil free; 0.18 g) was added to a solution of 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester (1.12 g) dissolved in dry dimethylformaniide (25 ml). The mixture was stirred at 250 for 15 min. and sodium iodide (0.5 g) and l-[4-(3-chloropropoxy)-2-hydroxy-3-prpylphenyl] ethanone (1.0 g) added. The mixture was heated at 1100 for 3 hours cooled and evaporated to dryness. The residual oil was triturated with water and purified by chromatography on silica using a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether (1:2) as the eluent to give the methyl ester of the title compound (0.7 g). The ester was dissolved in N/3 ethanolic sodium hydroxide (30 ml) and the solution heated under reflux for 20 minutes. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue washed with ethyl acetate and dissolved in water. The solution was acidified with 2N hydrochloric. acid and the solid filtered off and recrystallised from a mixture of ethanol and water to give the title acid (0.5 g) with m.p. 138-139 . The following compounds were prepared by a similar procedure from 1-[4-(3-chloropropoxy)-2-hydroxy- 3-propylphenyl3ethanone and the appropriate ester: (b) 3-[4-E3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy] phenyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 176-1780 (from aqueous acetone) (methyl ester had m.p. 135-1370' (from aqueous ethanol)); from 3- (4-hydroxyphenyl )-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester. (c) 3-[3- (4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy] benzeneacetic acid, m.p. 81.5-82 (from petroleum ether); from 3-hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, ethyl ester. (d) 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] benzoic acid, m.p. 186-187.50 (from aqueous acetone); from 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester. (e) 3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] benzenepropanoic acid, m.p. 71-720 (from a mixture of dilute hydrochloric acid and methanol); from 3-hydroxybenzenepropaneie acid methyl ester. (f) 2-[3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenyl]propoxy] phenoxy]acetic acid, m.p. 117-118 (from aqueous ethanol); from 3-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid, methyl ester. (g) 2-[4-[3-(1A-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenyl)propoxy] phenoxy]acetic acid, m.p. 123-124 (from aqueous ethanol); from 4-hydroxyphenoxyacetic acid, ethyl ester. EXAMPLE 2 (a) 3-[3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) prpoxy] phenyl 1-2-propenoic acid A mixture of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester (4.9 g), the compound of Preparation 5 (10 g) and potassium carbonate (4 g) in butanone (250 ml) was heated under reflux for 24 hours. The mixture was reduced to dryness and the residue extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were evaporated to give an oil which was crystallised from a mixture of ethanol and water to give the methyl ester of the title compound (8.9 g) with m.p. 88-89 . A mixture of the ester (7.8 g) lithium hydroxide monohydrate (4 g), tetrahydrofuran (30 ml) and water (30 ml) was stirred at 250 for 5 hours and diluted with water (200 ml). The aqueous solution was washed with ether (3 x 75 ml) and acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid. The precipitate was filtered off and recrystallised from ethanol to give the title acid (5.13 g) with m.p. 151-1530, The following compounds were prepared by a similar procedure: (b) 5-[3-@@@@@@@@@yl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] . arboxylic acid, m.p. 224-225 (from aqueous @@@@@ from 5-hydroxy-1,3-benzenedicarboxylie acid, ' .netilyl ester and the compound of Preparation 5. (e) 4-[3-(Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] -2-hydroxy-3-propylbenzoic acid, m.p.-170-1720 (from aqueous ethanol); from the-compound of Preparation 5 and the compound of Preparation 3. (d) 3-[3-[4-(4-Aeetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)methyl- phenylgmethoxyphenyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 163-164 (from ethanol) (methyl ester had m.p. 110-111 (from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether)); from 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester and the compound of Preparation 4a. (e) 3-[3-[4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy2-propylphenoxy) butoxy]phenyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 115-117 (from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether; from the compound of Preparation 7a and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester. (f) 3-[3[2-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) cthoxy]phenyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 120-121 (from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether); from the compound of Preparation 7b and 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propenoic acid, ethyl ester. (g) 3-[3-[4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)2-butynloxy] pyhenyl]-2-propeneie acid, m.p. 146-147 (from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether) (methyl ester had m.p. 83-84 (from a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate)); from 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-2propenoic acid, methyl ester and the compound of Preparation 4b. (h) 3-[2-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydrox-9-pro.pylphenoxy)- 'propoxy]phenyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 145-147 (from aqueous ethanol) (methyl ester had m.p. 78-80 ) from aqueous ethanol); from the compound of Preparation 5 and 3-(2-hydroxyphenol)-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester. (i) 3-[5-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydrocxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy]-2-bromophenyl]-2-propeneie acid, m.p. 1681690 (from aqueous methanol); from the compound of Preparation 5 and the compound of Preparation 9. EXAMPLE 3 3-[3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-prpylphenoxy) propoxy] phenyl] N-lu-te trazole-5-'-roenamide The compound of Example 2 (0.5 g) and N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole (0.45 g) were stirred at 250 in a mixture of dry tetrahydrofuran (15 ml) and dry dimethylformamide (1 ml) for 17 hours. A solution of 5-aminotetrazole' (0.4 O) in dimethylformamide (10 ml) was added and the mixture stirred at 250 for 4 hours and at 900 for 2 1/2 hours. The mixture was cooled and diluted with water (100 ml) and the precipitate filtered off, washed with ether and recrystallised from a mixture of dimethylformamide and water to give the title amide (0.29 g) with m.p. 234-236 . EXAMPLE 4 (a) 3-[3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-(2-propenyl) phenoxy] propoxylphenyl 1-2-propenoic acid l-[2.4-Dihydroxy-3-(2-propenyl) phenyl] ethanone (1.5 g ), the compound of Preparation 6a (2.7 6) and potassium carbonate (2.5 g) were heated under reflux in butanone (25 ml) for 8 hours. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue dissolved in a mixture of 2N hydrochloric acid and ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with 2N sodium carbonate solution, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was recrystallised from ethanol to give the methyl ester of the title compound (2.6 g) with m.p. 89-930. A mixture of the ester (1.5 g), lithium hydroxide monohydrate 0.8 g), water (15 ml) and tetrahydrofuran (15 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours. The mixture was washed with ether (2 x 10 ml) and the aqueous layer acidified. The preciptate was filtered off and recrystallised from ethanol to give the title acid (1.' th m.p. 127.5-128.5 . @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@-ACetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) pentyl- @@phenyl]-2-propenoie acid, m.p. 126-1270, (from aqueous ethanol).; from l-[2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl] ethanone and the compound of Preparation 6b. (e) 3-[3-[3-(4-Aectyl-3-hydroxy-2-methylphenox] propxy] phenyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 157.5-159 (from ethanol) (methyl ester had m-.p. 87-89 (from ethanol)); from l-(2, 4-dihydroxy-3-methylphenyl)ethanone and the compound of Preparation 6a. (d) 3-[3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydrxy-2,6-dipropylphenoxy) propoxy]phenyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 123.5-125 (from aqueous ethanol); from the compound of Preparation 6a and th-e compound of Preparation 8. (e) 3-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-(1-methylpropyl)phenoxy propoxy]phe-nyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 126.5-129 , (from aqueous ethanol); from -the compound of Preparation 14 and the compound of Preparat-ion 6a. EXAMPLE 5 3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-prpylphenoxy) propoxy] benzene propanoic acid The compound of Example 2 (.37 g) was hydrogenated in methanol (25 ml) using 10% palladium oxide on charcoal as catalyst. 'The mixture was filtered and the filtrate evaporated to dryness to give a brown oil which was purified by chromatography on silica (15 g) using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (2:1) as the eluent. The product was crystallised from a mixture of methanol and 10 aqueous acetic acid to give the title acid (0.09 g) with m.p. 72-730. EXAMPLE 6 3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxymethoxy) phenyll]2-propenoic acid A mixture of 1- (2, 4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl) eth- anone (7 g), 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl )-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester (6.4 g), dibromomethane (30 g) and potassium carbonate (60 g) was heated under reflux in butanone (200 ml) -for 18 hours. The cooled mixture was filtered, diluted with ether (200 ml) and washed with water and 2N sodium hydroxide solution. The solution was dried and evaporated to give an oil which was purified by chromatography on silica using dichloromethane as the eluent to give the methyl ester of the title compound (3.2 g) which had m.p. 87-87.5? after recrystallisation from petroleum ether. A mixture of the ester (1.5 g), lithium hydroxide monohydrate (1 g), tetrahydrofuran (30 ml) and water (30 ml) was stirred at 250 for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was washed with ether, acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried and evaporated and the residue recrystallised from a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acet-ate to give the title acid with m.p. 174-1750. EXAMPLE 7 3-[3-S4-(ll-Acetyl-3-hydrosw-2-propylphenoxy)-2-butenyloxy) phenyll-2-propenoic acid The compound of Example 2g (0.95 g) was hydrogenated in pyridine (20 ml) using 5% palladium on barium sulphate as catalyst. The catalyst was filtered off after the theoretical volume of hydrogen had been absorbed and the filtrate evaporated to dryness. The residue was recrystallised from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether (b.p. 60-80 ) to give the title acid (0.72 g) with m.p. 126-129 . EXAMPLE 8 4- r - (4-Acety -hydroxw-2-prop ,henoxy)propoxyl-2¯hydroxy- benzoic acid Methyl 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate (5 g), the compound of Preparation 5 (10.8 g) and potassium carbonate (4.5 g) were heaters under reflux in butanone (700 ml) for 26 h. filtered and the filtrate evaporated to @@@@ The residue was recrystallised from methanol , give the methyl ester of the title compound (8.6 g) with m.p. 95 - 960. The ester (1 g) and sodium hydroxide (0.48 g) were heated under reflux in a mixture of methanol (63 ml) and water (5 ml) for 14 h. The solution was evaporated to dryness and the residue dissolved in water. The solution was acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried and evaporated and the residue recrystallised from a mixture of acetone and water to give the title compound (0.8 g) with m.p. 173 1740.- EXAMPLE 9 (a) 3-[5-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy] propoxy] 2-nitrophenyll-2-propenoic acid 3-[5-Hydroxy-2-nitrophebnyl]-2-propenoie acid, methyl ester (3 g), the compound of Preparation 11 (5.5 g) and potassium carbonate (3.75 g) were heated under reflux in butanone (150 ml) for 6 h. The mixture was cooled, acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were washed with 2sodium carbonate (2 x 200 ml) and water (2 x 200 ml), dried and evaporated' to give the crude methyl ester of the title compound as an oil (6 g). The crude ester (4.6 g) and lithium hydroxide monohydrate (2 g) were stirred in a mixture of water (40 ml) and tetrahydrofuran (40 ml) for 6 h. The mixture was diluted with water (200 ml), washed with ether and the aqueous layer acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried and evaporated to dryness and the residue recrystallised from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether to give the title compound (3.2 g) with m.p. 158 - 1600. The following compounds were prepared by a similar procedure: (b) 3-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy] propoxy]4-nitrophenyl]-2-propenoic acid, m.p. 191 - 1940 (from ethanol); from 3-[3-hydro-xy-4-nitrophenyl-2-propenoic acid, methyl ester and the compound of Preparation 11. (c) 3-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy) - 4-acetylphenyl] -2-propenoic acid, m.p. 200 - 2020 (from aqueous ethanol); from the compound of Preparation 15 and the compound of Preparation 11. (d) 5- [3- [4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy] propoxy) -3- hydroxybenzoic acid, m.p. 170 - 1720; from methyl 3,5dihydroxybenzoate and the compound of Preparation 11. EXAMPLE 10 (a) 5- [2- [3- [3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy]propoxy] - ethenyl] -lH-tetrazole hemihydrate 3-[3-Hydroxyphenyl]propenonitrile (2 g), the compound of Preparation 11 (5.56g) and potassium carbonate (3.78g) were heated under reflux in butanone (70 ml) for 8 h. The mixture was acidified with hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were dried and evaporated and the residue recrystallised from cyclohexane to give the intermediate nitrile (3.7 g) with m.p. 110 - 1110. The nitrile (lg), ammonium chloride (0.14g) and sodium azide (0.18 g) were heated in dimethylformamide (25 ml) at 1200 for 21 h. The mixture was cooled, diluted with water (200 ml) and acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and the extracts dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was heated at 1000 with 5N hydrochloric acid for 0.75h. The mixture was cooled and the solid filtered off and recrystallised from acetic acid to give the title compound (0.48 g) with m.p. 102 - 1040. The following compound was prepared by a similar procedure (b) 5-[3-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenxoxy] propoxy]phenyl]-lH-tetrazole, m.p. 154-156 (from a mixture of water and ethanol); from 3-cyanophenol and the compound of Preparation 11 (the intermediate nitrile had m.p. 60 610 (from cyclohexane)). EXAMPLE 11 a) 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphehoxy) propoxy]-2hydroxybenzoic acid Methyl 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate (7.03 g), the compound of Preparation 11 (17 g) and potassium carbonate (11.5 g) were heated under reflux in butanone (300 ml) for 20 h. The mixture was cooled, diluted with water (150 ml) and the layers separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate and the combined organic phases dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was recrystallised from methanol to give the methyl ester of the title compound (13.56 g) with m.p. 95 - 960. The ester (13.5 g) and sodium hydroxide (4.5 g) were heated under reflux in a mixture of methanol (780 ml) and water (65 ml) for 21 h. The mixture was acidified, the methanol distilled off under reduced pressure and the resulting suspension filtered. The solid was washed with water, dissolved in hot acetone (130 ml) and the solution diluted with water (80 ml). The crystals which formed on cooling were filtered off and recrystallised from toluene to give the title compound (9.9 g) with m.p. 176 - 1770. The following compounds were prepared by a similar procedure from the compound of Preparation 11 and the appropriate ester: b) 4-(3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy] propoxy]2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyl)benzoic acid, m.p. 178-1800 (from a mixture of ethanol and water) (methyl ester had m.p. 84-860 (from a mixture of ethanol and water)); from the compound of Preparation 2. c) 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy]2-hydroxy-3-methyl-benzoic acid hemihydrate, m.p. 177 1790 (from a mixture of ethanol and water) (ethyl ester had m.p. 110-113 ); from 2,4-dihydroxy-3-methylbenzoic acid, ethyl ester. d) 3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propOxy]- 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, m.p. 1720 (from a mixture of ethanol and water) (methyl ester had m.p. 93-96 (from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether)): from 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester. e) 5-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propOxy]-2- hydroxybenzoic acid, m.p. 155-156 (from a mixture of ethanol and water); from 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, ethyl ester. EXAMPLE 12 a) 4- [3- (4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] - 2-hydroxybenzoic acid i-(2,4-Dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl)ethanone (3g), the compound of Preparation 17 (3.8g) and potassium carbonate (1.38g) were heated under reflux in butanone (300 ml) for 16h. The mixture was acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were washed consecutively with water, 88 sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated brine, dried and evaporated to give the crude methyl ester of the title compound (3.6g) as an oil. The ester (3.6g) was heated under reflux in a mixture of ethanol (30 ml) and 2N sodium hydroxide (200 ml) for Sh. The mixture was acidified and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extracts were washed with water and saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residue was recrystallised once from a mixture of ethanol and water and once from toluene to give the title compound (1.8g), with m.p. 175-176 . The f g compounds were prepared by a similar d) 4-[4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-[(l-methylhexyl) phenoxy] xyJ-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, m.p. 106-108 (from a mixture of ethanol and water); from the compound of Preparation 17 and the compound of PreI)aration 23. 4-[3-(3-Hydroxy-4-(l-oxopropyl)-2-propylphenoxy] propoxyj-2-hydroxybenzoic acid, m.p. 155-158 (from a mixture of ethanol and water) (methyl ester had m.p. 79-80 (from a mixture of ethanol and water)); from the compound of Preparation 17 and the compound of Preparation 20b. d) Il-[-3-[3-Eydroxy-4-phenylacetyl-2-propylphenoxy] propoxy]-2-hydroxybenzoie acid, m. p. 167 -169 (methyl ester liad m.p. 102-103 (from ethanol)); from the compound oi Preparation 17 and the compound of Preparation 20c. 4-[3-[4-Bonzoyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphyenoxy] propoxy 2-Jiydroxybewioic acid, m.p. 91-92 (from toluene) (methyl ester liad m.p. 117-118 (from ethanol )); from the compound of Preparation 17 and the compound of Preparation 20a. Examp I c 1 3 5-[3-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] phenyl]2-propynoie acid The compound of Preparation 11 (1,6g) the compound of Preparation 26 (1,03g) and potassium carbonate (1.21g) were heated under reflux in butanone (120 ml) for 24h. The mixture was cooled, filtered and the filtrate was evaj)orated to dryness. The resulting oil was purified by chromutography on silica using a mixture of petroleum ether antl ethyl acetate (3:13 as the eluent to give the methyl ester of the title compound (l.lg), with m.p. 56-58 . A mixture of the ester 0.91g), lithium hydroxide monoiiydrate (0.373g), tetrahydrofuran (20 ml) and water (20 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 6h, washed witli ether (2 x 50 m]) and acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid. The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 30 ml). The extracts were dried and evaporated to give a solid which was recrystallised twice from a mixture of ethyl acetate and petroleum ether to give the title acid (0.372g), with m.p. 153-156 . Example 14 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy] 2-hydroxybenzoic acid A mixture of 1-[2-hydroxy-4-(oxyiranylmethoxy)-3- propylphenyl]ethanone(lg), 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester (0. 672g) and benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide (1 drop) in dimethylformamide (40 ml) was heated under reflux for 6h. The mixture was reduced to dryness and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate The solution was washed consecutively with water, 1N sodium hydroxide solution, water and saturated brine, dried and evaporated to give an oil. The oil was purified by chromatography on silica using a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate (2:1) as the eluent. The fractions containing the component which had an Rf of 0.33 on t.l.c. (silica; petroleum ether: ethyl acetate 2:1) were collected and evaporated to dryness to give the methyl ester of the title compound (0.52g), with m.p. 126-128 . The ester (0.418g), sodium hydroxide (0.2g), methanol (30 ml) and water (2 ml) were heated under reflux for 4h. The methanol was removed under reduced pressure, the residual aqueous solution was acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 25 ml). The extracts were washed with water and saturated brine, dried and evaporated. The residual solid was recrystallised from a mixture of water and ethanol to give the title acid (0.3)i2g), with m.p. 177-180 . Example 1r3 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenxoy) prpoxy]-2-hydroxy N-lH-tetrazol-5-yl-benzamide The title eoml)ound (m.p. 248-250 , from a mixture of water - thylformamide) was prepared by a similar @@@@@@@@ to F @mple 3, from the compound of Example 12a. Example, 16 4-[9-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) nonyloxy]2-hydroxybenzoie acid hemihydrate The title compound, m.p. 92-94 (from a mixture of ethanol and 0.1 N hydrochloric acid) (methyl ester had m.p. 70720); was prepared by a similar procedure to Example 2 from the compound of Preparation 21 and 2,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, methyl ester. Example 1-7 4-[3-[4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy] propoxy]-2hydroxybenzoic acid The compound of Preparation 37 (l.lg) was hydrogenated at atmospheric pressure in ethanol (75 ml) using 5%.platinum on charcoal (45 mg) as the catalyst. When the uptake of hydrogen was complete the mixture was f-iltered and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. Te residue was recrystallised from toluene to give the title acid (().78g), with m.p. 173-174 . Example 18 4-[3-[4-ACetyl-3-hydroxy-2-(2-proponyl) phenoxy] propoxy] 2-hydroxybenzoi c acid The compound o-f Preparation 37 (l.0g) was heated under reflux with 2N sodium hydroxide ( 3ml) and methanol (30 ml) for 24h. The mixture was poured into. water (100 ml), acidified and the solid was filtered off, dried and recrystallised from toluene to give the title acid (0.6.2g), with m.p. 180-181 (dec.). Example 19 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy]-hydroxybenzoie acid Methyl 2,4-dihydroxybenzoate (0.51g), the compound, of Preparation 29 (lg) and potassium carbonate (0.83g) were heated under reflux in butanone (20 ml) for 7.25h. The mixture was coolcd and filtered. The residue was washed with butanone -and the combined filtrate and washings were cyaporated to give a solid which was recrystallised from methanot to to give the methyl ester of the title compound (0.8g), with m. p. 99-100.5 . Tie ester (0.76g) was heated under reflux with 2N sodium hydroxide (4,75 ml) and methanol (50 ml) for 18h. The mixture was evaporated to dryness and the residue disotved in water (100 ml). The solution was washed with ethyl acetate acidified with 2N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 50 ml). The combined extracte were washed with water and saturated brine, dried and evaporated to dryness. The solid residue was recrystallised three times from toluene, with charcoal decolourisation, to give the title acid (0.4g), with m. p. 175 - 1750. Example 20 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy]-2methoxybenzoie acid The title compound, m.p. 110 - 1-1.20 (from a mixture of petroleum ether and toluene) (methyl ester liad m. p. 79 - 810); was prepared by a similar procedure to Example e 12a from the compound of Preparation 36 and l-[2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylphenyl] ethanone. Example 21 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylpheoxy) propoxy]-5bromo-2-hydroxybenzoic acid The title compound m.p. 172-173 (from toluene) (methyl ester had m.p. 120 - 1220 (from a mixture of petroleum eti-ier and ethyl acetate)); was prepared by a similar procedure to Example 12a from the compound of Preparation 27 and l-[2,4-dihydroxy-2-propylphenxyl] ethanone. Example 22 4-[3-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenxoy) propoxy]-2hydroxy-5-nitrohenzoic acid The ompound m. p. 197-198 (from a mixture water) (methyl ester had m.p. 89 - 910 (from a mixture of petroleum ether and ethyl acetate)); was prepared by a similar procedure to Example 12a from the compound of Preparation 28 and l-[2,4-diliydroxy-3- propyl'jhenyl lethanone. Pharmaceutical Examples Tablets Direct Compression mg/tablet Active ingredient 100.00 Microcrystalline CelluloSe B.P.C 298.00 Magnesium Stearate 2.00 Compression Weight 400.00 The active ingredient is sieved through a 250 pm sieve, blended with the- excipients and compressed using 10.0mm punches. Capsules mg/capsule Active Ingredient 100.00 STA-RX 1500 99.00 Magnesium Stearate B.P. 1.00 The active ingredient is sieved through a 255 um sieve and blended with the other materials. The mix is filled into No.2 hard gelatin capsules. Inhalation Cartridges / cartridge 'Active Ingredient lOmg (micronised) Lactose B.P. to 25mg The active ingredient is micronised so that the majority- of particles are between 1 um and 5 pm in longest dimension and none are greater than 10 pm. The active ingredient is then blended with the lactose and the mix is filled into No.3 hard gelatin capsules. Tie ability of the compounds to act as antagonists of the action of SRS-A was shown using guinea-pig isolated ileum according to the methods of Coleman et al, Br. J. Phannacol., (1979), 66, 83P. Compounds were tested at concentrations of 10 M and pA2 values were determined using the standard procedures of Arunlakshana and Schild, Br. J. Pharmac. Chemother., (1959), 14, 48 - 58: Example No. pA2 Example NO. pA2 lg 7.0 5 7.3 2a 7.4 8 7.8 2c 7.4 9b 7.5 4b 7.3 10b 7.1 The compounds are in general non-toxic at therapeutically useful doses. For example, the compounds of Examples 2a, 5 and 8, when given orally to dogs at doses of up to 10 mg/kg, produced no adverse effects.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A compound of the general formula (I) EMI44.1 wherein Y represents the group -A, -ZA or OZ1A wherein A represents a carboxylic acid group; a 5-lH-tetrazolyl ring or a N5-lH-tetrazolylcarboxamide group; Z represents a C1-4 alkyene, C20\-4 alenylene or C2-4 alkynylene chain optionally substituted by one or more C1-3 alkyl groups and Z1 represents a C1-4 alkylene chain optionally substituted by one or more C1-3 alkyl groups; X represents a C1-10 carbon chain which may be saturated or unsaturated in the case of chains containing at least 4 carbon atoms, and may-be substituted by a hydroxyl group or by one or more C1 7 alkyl groups, which chain may be interrupted by a benzene ring which may be linked though its 1- and 2-, 1 and 3-, or 1- and 4-positions; ; It represents a hydrogen atom or a O 6 alkyl group; R represents the group -COR where R represents hydrogen atom, an aryl group, or a C 1-6 alkyl group which may be substituted by an aryl group; R3 represents a C1-6 alkyl group or a C5-6 alkenyl group; and R4 and R) which may be the same or different, each represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom or a hydroxy, C1-3 alkoxy, C1-6 alkyl, C3-6 alkenyl, C1-3 alkalnoyl, nitro or carboxylic acid group with the proviso that R4 and R5 cannot both be nitro, alkanoyl or carboxylic acid groups, and phsiolifgically acceptable salts thereof. 2. A compound according to claim 1, wherein in the general formula (I): Y represents a carboxylic acid group or a 5-lH-tetrazolyl ring or the group ZA or OZ A where A is a carboxylic acid group and Z is a C1-4 alkylene chain, a C2-4 alkenylene chain or a C2-4 alkynylene chain and Z1 is methylene; X represents a straight carbon chain of fromula-(CH2)n where n is a number from 1 to 10, or a group of formula -CH2 X1 CH2 where X is a benzene ring linked through its 1-and 2-, 1-and 3- or l-and 4-positions; R1 represents a hydroxygen atom or a C3-6 alkyl group; R2 represents the group COR6 where R6 represents a C1-6 alkyl group; R3 represents a C3-6 alkyl or C3-6 alkelnyl group; R4 represents a hydrogen or halogen atom or a hydroxy, nitro or C1-3 alkanoyl group; and R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1-6 alkyl group at a C2-4 alkenyl group. @@@@@@@@@@ according to claim l or 2 wherein @@@@@@@@@@@ formula (1), R4 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group and R5 is a hydrogen atom. 4. A compound of the general formula (II) EMI46.1 wherein Y is a carboxylic acid group or a 5-lH-tetrazolyl ring or a N-5-lH-tetraxolyl- carboxamide group or a C1 2alkyl, C1-2 alkoxy or C 2-alkenyl chain terminally substituted by a carboxylic acid group; R3 represents a C3-6 alkyl or a C36 alkenyl group, R4 represents a hydrogen or bromine atom or a Ilydroxy, nitro or acetyl group, and n is 1, 3 or 5, and physiologically acceptable salts thereof. 5. A compound according to claim 4, wherein in the general formula (II) Y, is situated at the 3- or 4-position in the benzene ring. 6. A compound according to claim 4 or 5, wherein in the general formula (II) n is 3. 7. al-[3-(}+-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)propoxy] -2-hydroxybenzoic acid and its physiologically acceptable salts. 8. 4-[3-(4-ACetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy) propoxy] -2-hydroxy-N-lH-tetrazol-5-yl-benzamide and its physioligically acceptable salts. 9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising, as active ingredient, one or more compounds according to any of claims 1 to 8 together with one or more physiologically acceptable carriers or excipients tlicrcror. 10. ; pharmaccutical composition according to claim ') which is formulated as a powder in a form suitable for administration by inhalation. 11. A process for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I) as defined in claim l or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof which comprises the steps #(l) iii order to prepare a compound of general formula (1), in which -Y represents the group -CH=CHCO2H, subjecting a compound oL general. formula (III) EMI48.1 in which R1 to R5 and X are as defined in claim l and W represents -CHO, to 'the Perkin synthesis of cimuamic acids; or A(ii) in order to prepare a compound of general, formula (I) in which Y represents the group -A, -ZA or -OZ1A where Z and Zl are as defined in claim 1 and A is a carboxylic acid group, subjecting a compound of general formula (III) where W represents the group -E, -ZE or -OZ1E where E is a carboxylic ester, amide or nitrile group, to acid or base hydrolysis; or A(iii) in order to prepare a compound of general formula (I) where Y represents the group -A, -ZA or OZl A where Z and Z1 are as defined in claim l and A is a 5-lII-tetrazolyl ring, reacting a compound of general formula (III) in which W represents -E, -ZE or 0Z E and E represents a nitrile, with sodium azide and ammonium chloride; or A(iv) in order to prepare a compound of general formula (I) in which Y represents the group -A, -ZA or -OZ1A where A is a carboxylic acid group and Z and Z1 are as defined in claim 1, subjecting to hydrogenolysis a compound of general formula (III) in which W represents the group -E, - ZE or -OZ1E and E is a carboxylic ester group of formula -COOR7 where R7 is a group removable by hydrogenolysis; or A(v) in order to prepare a compound of general formula (I) in which Y represents the group -ZA where Z is a C2-4 alkylene or C24 alkenylene chain, subjecting another compound of general formula (I) where Z is a C24 alkenylene or C24 alkynylene chain to catalytic hydrogenation; or A(vi) in order to prepare a compound of general formula (I) in which Y represents the group -A, -ZA or OZ1A where Z and Z1 are as defined in claim l and A is a N-5-lH-tetrazolyl-carboxamide, reacting another compound of general formula (I) where A represents a carboxylic acid group with 5-amino- tetrazole in the presence of a coupling agent; and B(i) if desired reacting the resulting free acid of general formula (I) with a base to form a physiolgically acceptable salt of the compound of general formula (I).

Inventors: ELLIS, FRANK, OXFORD, ALEXANDER WILLIAM
Applicants: GLAXO GROUP LIMITED
Application year: 1980
Main classification: C07C65
IPC codes: C07C309, C07C205, C07C45, C07C59, C07C67, A61K31, A61P37, C07D257, C07C65, C07C201, C07C37, C07C51