1,2,4-TRIAZOLE DERIVATIVES, PROCESSES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING THEM

Abstract: The invention provides compounds of the general formula (I) and physiologically acceptable salts, hydrates and bioprecur­ sors thereof; e.g. 1-Methyl-N⁵-[3-[3-[(3-pyridinylmethyl)­ aminomethyl]phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine. The compounds of formula (I) show activity as histamine H₂-antagonists.

Description: This invention relates to novel heterocyclic derivatives having action on histamine receptors, to processes for the preparation thereof, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to their use in therapeutics. Certain novel heterocyclic derivatives have now been found which have potent activity as 112-antagonists. These compounds, which are more particularly described below, for example show inhibition of the secretion of gastric acid when this is stimulated via histamine receptors (Ash and Schild, Brit. J. Pharmacol. Chemother, 1966, 27, 427). Their ability to do so can be demonstrated in the perfused rat stomach using the method described in German Offenlegungsschrift No. 2,734,070, modified by the use of sodium pentobarbitone (50 mg/kg) as anaesthetic instead of urethane, and in conscious dogs equipped with Heideiihain pouches using the method described by Black et al, Nature 1972 236, 385. Furthermore the compounds antagonise the effect of histamine on the contraction frequency of isolated guinea pig right atrium but do not modify histamine induced contractions of isolated gastro-intestinal smooth muscle which are mediated via Il1-receptors. Compounds with histamine lI2-blocking activity may be used in the treatment of conditions where there is an advantage in lowering gastric acidity particularly in gastric and peptic ulceration, as a prophylactic measure in surgical procedures, and in the treatment of allergic and inflammatory conditions where histamine is a known mediator. Thus they may be used for example, either alone, or in combination with other active ingredients in the treatment of allergic and iiiflammatorv conditions of the skin. The present invention provides compounds of the general formula (I) EMI2.1 and physiologically acceptable salts, hydrates and bioprecursors thereof, in which R1 represents a heteroaralkyl group or a C11-16 straight or branched saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain optionally substituted by a hydroxy group or R1 represents a C1-16 straight or branched saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain substituted by an ester group C02R5 or an amide group CONH2, where R5 is a C13 alkyl group, or R1 represents a Cl-Cl6 straight or branched saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain interrupted by an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom, a sulphoxide group, a sulphone group, an amide group (-CONH- or -NHCO-) or an ester group (-C0-0- or -0-CO), with the provisos that R1 does not represent a C1-6 alkyl group substituted by a C1-6 a lkoxy group and that when the alkylene chain is interrupted by an oxygen or sulphur atom or a sulphoxide, amide (CONH) or ester (COO) group there must be at least two carbon atoms between that group and the nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached; R2 represents hydrogen or a C14 alkyl group; Alk represents a straight or branched alkylene chain of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms; ; Q represents a furan or thiophen ring in which incorporation into the rest of the molecule is through bonds at the 2- and 5-positions, the furan ring optionally bearing a further substituent 116 adjacent to the group R1R2NAlk-, or Q represents a benzene ring in which incorporation into the rest of the molecule is through bonds at the 1- and 3- or 1- alld 4-positions; R6 represents halogen, or C1-4 alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxy or C1-4 alkoxy; X represents -CH2-, -O-, -S-, or -NH-; n represents zero, 1 or 2; m represents 2, 3 or 4; R3 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, C2-6 alkyl substituted by hydroxy or alkoxy; and R4 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acyloxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, aralkyloxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy or the group NR7R8 where R7 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkyl substituted by hydroxy or C1-3 alkoxy, alkenyl, aralkyl or heteroaralkyl and 118 represents any of the groups defined for R7 or may represent the group COR9 where Rg represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, heteroaryl or monocyclic heteroaralkyl or 118 represents the group S02R10 where R10 represents alkyl or aryl, or R8 represents the group C-NHR11 where Y is oxygen or sulphur and Y Rll represents hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, or R7 and R8 taken together may represent the group =CR12Rl3 where 1112 represents aryl or heteroaryl and R15 represents hydrogen or alkyl with the proviso that when X is -NH- then n is zero. The term "alkyl" as a group or part of a group means that the.group is straight or branched and has unless otherwise stated preferably 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and in particular I to 4 carbon atoms, e.g. methyl or ethyl and the term "alkenyl" means that the group has preferably 3 to 6 carbonlatoms. The term "cycloalkyl" means that the group has 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The acyl portion of an acyloxyalkyl group means an aroyl, aralkanoyl or C16 alkanoyl group. Examples of acyloxyalkyl groups include acetoxymethyl, formyloxymethyl, benzyloxymethyl and phenylacetoxyme thyl. The term "unsaturated" in relation to the alkylene chain within H1 means that the chain contains at least one -C=Cor -C=C- grouping. The term "aryl" as a group or part of a group preferably means phenyl or substituted phenyl, for example phenyl substituted with one or more C1-3 alkyl or C13 alkoxy groups or halogen atoms, e.g. fluorine. The term "heteroaryl11 as a group or part of a group within the definition of R7 and R8 generally means a 5 or 6 membered monocyclic unsaturated ring which may contain one or more heteroatoms selected from oxygen,-nitrogen and sulphur, e.g. furyl, pyridyl, thiazolyl, or thienyl. The term "heteroaralkyl" as applied to the group R1 means that the group is made up of a heterocyclic part which is a monocyclic or bicyclic unsaturated ring which may be unsubstituted or substituted, and an alkyl part which is a straight or branched C1-4 alkyl chain. The ring may contain from 5 to 10 atoms selected from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur and the ring is linked to the alkyl part either through carbon or nitrogen. When the ring is substituted the substituent is selected from C13 alkyl, C13 alkoxy, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl and halogen. If the heterocyclic ring is monocyclic it preferably contains 5 or 6 members and if it is bicyclic it preferably contains 9 or 10 members. Examples of such heteroaralkyl groups are those in which the heterocyclic portion is a furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, triazinyl, oxazolyl, triazolyl, thiazolyl, isoquinolinyl, quinolinyl or indolyl ring and the alkylene portion is a methylene, ethylene or propylene grouping. When R1 represents an optionally substituted alkylene chain this may for example be saturated and contain up to 16 carbon atoms, or be substituted by or interrupted by an optional amide or ester grouping. The invention includes the compounds of formula (I) in the form of physiologically acceptable salts with inorganic and organic acids. Particularly useful salts include hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, sulphates, methanesulphonates, acetates, maleates, succinates, citrates, tartrates, benzoates and fumarates. The compounds of formula (I) and their salts may also form hydrates, which hydrates are also to be considered as part of the invention. The compounds of formula (I) can exhibit tautomerism and the formula is intended to cover all tautomers. Where optical isomers may exist the formula is intended to cover all diastereoisomers and optical enantiomers. The term bioprecursors as used herein means compounds which have a structure different to that of the compounds of formula (I) but which, upon administration to an animal or human being, are converted in the body into a compound of formula (I). The compounds according to the invention, preferably in the form of a salt, may be formulated for administration in any convenient way and the invention includes within its scope pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one compound according to the invention adapted for use in human or veterinary medicine. Such compositions may be formulated in a conventional manner using one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. Such compositions may also contain if required other active ingredients, e.g. R1-antagonists. Thus the compounds according to the invention may be formulated for oral, buccal, topical, parenteral or rectal administration. Oral administration is preferred. For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition may take the form of for example, tablets, capsules, powders, solutions, syrups or suspensions prepared by conventional means with acceptable excipients. i?or buccal administration the composition may take tile form of tablets or lozenges formulated in conventional manner. The compounds of the invention may be formulated for parenteral administration by bolus injection or continuous infusion. Formulations for injection may be presented in unit dosage form in ampoules, or in multi-dose containers, with an added preservative. The compositions may take such forms as suspensions, solutions or emulsions in oily or aqueous vehicles, and may contain formula tory agents such as suspending, stabilising and/or dispersing agents. Alternatively, the active ingredient may be in powder form for reconstitution with a suitable vehicle, e.g. sterile pyrogen-free water before use. The compounds of the invention may also be formulated in rectal compositions such as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g. containing conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glyceride. For topical application, the compornids of the invention may be formulated as ointments, creams, gels, lotions, powders or sprays in conventional manner. For internal administration a convenient daily dosage regime of the compounds according to the invention would be 1 to 4 doses to the total of some 5 mg to 2 g per day, preferably 5 to 500 mg per day, dependent upon the condition of tie patient. Examples of suitable meanings for the groups R1, R2, R3 and R4, are as follows: R1: a heteroaralkyl group in which the heterocyclic portion is a furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, triazinyl, oxazolyl, triazolyl, thiazolyl, isoquinolinyl, quinolinyl or indolyl ring and the alkylene portion is a methylene, ethylene or propylene grouping; alkylene chain which is saturated and contains up to 16 carbon atoms or is substituted by or interrupted by an amide or ester grouping; R2: hydrogen or a methyl or ethyl group; R3: hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl or propyl), or hydroxy C24 alkyl (e.g. 2-hydroxy ethyl); R4: hydrogen, hydroxy, C1-4 alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl isobutyl), hydroxy C14 alkyl (e.g. hydroxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethyl or 1-hydroxy -1- methylethyl), C1-5 alkoxy C1-4 alkyl (e.g. methoxymethyl or methoxyethyl), pherlyl C13 alkyl (e.g. benzyl or phenethyl), C2-4 alkanoyloxy C1-4 alkyl (e.g. acetoxymethyl), amino C1-4 alkyl (e.g. aminomethyl), amino, C1-4 alkylamino (e.g. methylamino or ethylamino) or di-Cl 4 alkylamino (e.g. dimethyl amino, diethylamino or dipropylamino), phenyl C13 alkylamino (e.g. benzylamino), or a heteroaryl C1-3 alkylamino group where the hetercaryl ring is 5 or 6 membered and contains one heteroatom (e.g. 3- or 4- pyridylmethyl); or the group NHCOR9 where Rg represents hydrogen, C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl or ethyl), C13 alkoxy (e.g. methoxy or ethoxy), furyl, pyridyl, thiazolyl, thienyl, or phenyl optionally substituted by a C1-5 alkyl (e.g. methyl) or C1-3 alkoxy (e.g. methoxy) group; or the group NHSO2R10 where R10 represents C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl), or phenyl optionally substituted by a C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl) er C1-3 alkoxy (e.g. methoxy) group; or the group NHCONHR11 where R11 is C1- alkyl (e.g. methyl), C5-7 cycloalkyl (e.g. cyclohexyl), or phenyl optionally substituted by a C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl) or C1-3 alkoxy (e.g. methoxy) group; or the group N=CHR12 where H12 is a phenyl or pyridyl (e.g. 3- or 4- pyridyl) group. The group Alk may be for example the group (CH2)p where p is 1, 2 or 3. Q may be for example a benzene ring incorporated into the rest of the molecule through bonds at the I- and 3- or 1- and 4- positions, with n as zero, X as oxygen and m as 3 or 4; or Q may be a furan or thiophene ring with n as 1, X as sulphur and m as 2, with the furan ring optionally dontaining a further substituent R6 where R6 is bromine, C13 alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl or isopropyl), or C1-3 aikoxy-C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methoxy methyl); or Q may be a furan riling with n as 1, X as CH2 and m as 2. In particular the groups R1, R2, R3 and R4 may have meanings as follows: R1: a hetercarylmethyl group where the heteroaryl ring is 5- or 6- membered, contains one heteroatom and is linked to the methyl portion via a carbon atom; or a C11-16 straight or branched saturated alkylene chain; or a C1-16 straight or branched saturated alkylene chain interrupted by an amide (-MLCO-) group; R2: hydrogen or a methyl or ethyl group; R3: hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or 2- hydroxyethyl; Rq: hydroxy, phenyl C13 alkyl (e.g. benzyl); C1-4 alkyl substituted by hydroxy, C1-3 alkoxy, C2-4 alkanoyloxy or amino (e.g. hydroxymethyl, 2 hydroxyethyl, acetoxymethyl or aminomethyl); amino, di C1-4 alkylamino (e.g. diethylamino); NHCOR9 where R9 represents hydrogen, C1-3 alkyl (e.g. methyl), C@@ = alkoxy (e.g. methoxy) or phenyl; NHCONHR11 where R- represents plienyl, or N=CHR12 where 1112 is phenyl or pyridyl (e.g. 4- pyridyl). Alk is particularly a methylene or ethylene group, more particularly methylene. Q is particularly a benzene ring incorporated into the rest of the molecule through bonds at the 1- and 3positions, with n as zero, X as oxygen and m as 3 or 4; or a furan ring optionally containing a further substituent R6 where R6 is C1-4 alkyl (e.g. methyl), with n as 1, X as sulphur and m as 2. Preferably Q is a benzene ring in which incorporation into the rest of the molecule is through bonds at the 1- and 3- positions, n is zero, X is oxygen and m is 3 or 4. H1 is preferably a heteroaralkyl group in which the alkyl portion is a methylene group. A preferred group of compounds of formula (I) are those of formula (II) EMI10.1 where R14 is a 5- or 6- membered heteroaryl group containing one heteroatom and linked through a carbon atom (e.g. 2-furyl, 2-thienyl, 2-pyrrolyl), R2 is hydrogen or methyl; R3 is hydrogen or methyl; and R4 is an amino, hydroxyalkyl, alkan oyloxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, benzyl, formamido, alkoxycarbonylamino, alkanoylamino, hydroxy, aroylamino, phenylcarbamoylamino, or pyridylmethylenamino group. Particularly preferred compounds are: 1-methyl-N5-[3-(3-((dodecylamino)methyhl]phenoxy]propyl] lE-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine N-butyl-[3-[3-(1-methyl-3-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl) amino 3 propoxy Iphenylme thylamino ] hexanamiae 1-methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(2-furanylmethyl)aminomethyl]phenoxy] propyl-1N-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine 1-methyl-N5-[3-[5[(1H-pyrrol-2-yl-methyl)aminomethyl] phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine 5-[ ±2-[ [[5- [ [N-methyl-(2-furanylmethyl)amino 3methyl 3- 2-furanyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]amino]-1-methyl-1H-1,2,4triazole-3-methanol and their physiologically acceptable salts. According to one aspect the invention provides compounds of formula (I) in which R1 represents a heteroaralkyl group; and R4 represents NR7R8 where R7 and 118 each represent hydrogen, alkyl, alkyl substituted by hydroxy or C13 alkoxy, alkenyl, aralkyl or heteroaralkyl or R7 and 118 together reprosent =CR12R13 where R12 represents aryl er htercaryl and R13 reprsents hydrogen or alkyl. According to another aspect the invention provides compounds of formula (I) in which R1 is other than a heteroaralkyl group; and R4 represents NR7R8 where R7 and 118 each represent hydrogen, alkyl, alkyl substituted by hydroxy or C1-3 alkoxy, alkenyl, aralkyl or heteroaralkyl or R7 and 118 together represent =CR12Rl3 where R12 represents aryl or heteroaryl and 1113 represents hydrogen or alkyl. It will be appreciated in the methods for the preparation of compounds of formula (I) given below, that for certain reaction steps it may be necessary to protect various reactive substituents in the starting materials for a particular reaction and subsequently to remove the protecting group. Such protection and subsequent deprotection may be particularly pertinent where R1 and/or R2 in intermediates used to prepare compounds of formula (I) are hydrogen atoms and/or when R3 in intermediates is an alkyl group bearing a hydroxy substituent and/or when R4 in certain intermediates is a free amino group. Standard protection and deprotection procedures can be employed: for example formation of phthalimide (in the case of primary amines), benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl, or trichloroe thoxycarbonyl derivatives. Subsequent cleavage of the protection group is achieved by conventional procedures. Thus a phthalimide group may be cleaved by treatment with a hydrazine e.g. hydrazine hydrate or a primary amine for example methylamine; benzyl or benzyloxycarbonyl derivatives may be cleaved by hydrogenolysis in the presence of a catalyst, e.g. palladium, and trichloroethoxycarbonyl derivatives may be cleaved by treatment with zinc dust. In describing the processes which may be used in preparing compounds of formula (I) or intermediates used in the preparation thereof, any of R1 to R13, Alk, Q, X, n and m are as defined in formula (I) unless otherwise stated. Compounds of formula (I) where Alk represents C112 and in which R4 is other than the group -N=CR12Rl3 may be prepared by reducing the intermediate formed from reacting a compound of formula (III) EMI12.1 in which W represents the group -CIlO with a reagent H1H2NR. Reaction may be effected by treatment with ammonia or an amine R1R2NE in a solvent e.g. tetrahydrofuran or an alkanol such as ethanol or methanol, followed by reduction e.g. with a hydride reducing agent such as an alkali or alkaline earth metal borohydride e.g. sodium borohydride, or aluminium hydride or lithium aluminium hydride or with hydrogen and a metal catalyst e.g. palladilun or platinum. Alternatively, for the production of compounds of formula (I) in which Alk is C1-6 alkylene group and R4 is other than the group -N=CR12R13, a compound of formula (IV) EMI13.1 may be reacted with an aldehyde RlCHO under the reducing conditions described above; the group R1 having a meaning such that the resultant R1CH2- represents a group R1 as defined above. Compounds of formula (I) may also be prepared by reacting an intermediate of formula (IV) above with an appropriate halo compound such as a hetercaralkyl halide (e.g. 2-furylmethyl chloride). Compounds of formula (I) in which ItZl represents the group N=CR12R13 may be prepared from compounds of formula (I) in which R4 represents M12 by reaction with an aldehyde or ketone R12R13CO in a solvent such as benzene, ethanol or methanol. The reaction is preferably carried out with heating, e.g. at reflux. Compounds of formula (I) in which R4 is an acyloxyalkyl group may be prepared by treating the corresponding hydroxyalkyl compound with an appropriate acid, e.g. acetic or henzoie acid at eievated temperatures e.g. 80-102 C in the absence or presence of a solvent such as toluene. Compounds of formula (I) in which 114 is the group NR7R8 where R8 is -COR9, -S02R10 or -C(=Y)NHR11 may be prepared by treating an amino triazole (V) EMI14.1 in which R1,R2,R3 and R7 are as defined in formula (I) or are groups readily convertible thereto with a reagent capable of replacing the hydrogen atom in the group NHR7 by the group 118 where R8 is as defined in formula (I). Thus for example the aminotriazole (V) may be reacted with an activated derivative of either a carboxylic acid R9COOH or a sulphonic acid R10SO3H or the aminotriazole (V) may be reacted with an isocyanate or isothiocyanate R'11NCY in which R11 has any of the meanings defined for R11 in formula (I) except hydrogen or represents an alkali metal atom such as potassium or sodium or an alkoxycarbonyl group, e.g. ethoxycarbonyl, to give a compound of formula (I) in which R8 is respectively the group COR9, SO2R10 or C1-NR-R11. Y Suitable activated derivatives include acid halides e.g. acid chlorides, alkylchloroformates, acid anhydrides including mixed anhydrides (e.g. acetic formic anhydride), or esters such as alkyl esters, ortho esters and (l-alkyl-2-pyridinyl) esters. The reaction with an acid halide is preferably -carried out in the presence of a base e.g. an inorganic base such as sodium hydroxide or an organic base such as triethylamine or pyridine. The reaction with an alkylchloroformate is preferably carried out in the presence of a base, e.g. potassium carbonate or triethylamine, in a solvent such as dimetilylformamide. The reaction with an acid anhydride may be carried out in the absence or presence asolvent such as pyridine. In the reaction with an isocyanate or isothiocyanate, compounds of formula (I) in which Rll is other than hydrogen are conveniently prepared by carrying out the reaction in a solvent such as acetonitrile at an elevated temperature, e.g. reflux. Compounds of formula (I) in which R is hydrogen may be prepared by heating the aminotriazole (V) with an appropriate organicisocyanate or isothiocyanate such as ethylcarbonisothiocyanatidate, at an elevated temperature followed by hydrolysis of the resulting ester, for example with a base such as aqueous ethanolic sodium hydroxide. Compounds of formula (I) in which R1 is an alkylene chain interrupted by an amide grouping may be prepared by heating a compound of formula (I) in which R1 is an alkylene chain substituted by an ester grouping C02R5 (i.e. R1 is the group n500C(CH2)x-) with an amine CH3(CH2)yNH2 to give a compound of formula (I) in which R1 is the group CH3(CH2)yNHCO(CII2) - where x and y are integers and the total of x and y is not greater than 15. Intermediates of formulae (III) and (IV) may in general be prepared by the methods referred to in British patent specification No. 2023133A and in European Patent specification publication No. 0016565. Where the product of any of the above processes is a free base and a salt is required, the salt may be formed in a conventional manner. Thus for example, a generally convenient method of forming the salts is to mix appropriate quantities of the free base and the acid in an appropriate solvent(s) e.g. an alcohol such as ethanol or an ester such as ethyl acetate. The invention is illustrated but not limited by the following Examples and Preparations. In the Examples temperatures are in 00. Preparative and thin layer (t.l.c.) chromatography were carried out on silica using, unless otherwise stated, the following solvent system: ethyl acetate: water: isopropanol: 0.88 ammonia (25:8:15:2) Preparation 1. N-Butyl-6-aminohexanamide N-Sutyl-6-[{(phenylmethoxy)carbonyl]amino]hexanamide A stirred solution of 6-[[(phenylmethoxy)carbonyl] amino]hexanoic acid (26.53 g) and dimethylformamide (10 drops) in dichloromethane (200 ml) was treated with thionylchloride (22 ml) at room temperature for 17 h. The solution was evaporated and the residue was azeotropically dried with toluene to give a yellow oil. Butylamine (50 ml) was added to a stirred solution of the yellow oil in dichloromethane (200 ml) at 0 over 0.5 h and the reaction was stirred at room temperature for 17 h. The solution was washed with water and evaporated to leave a solid which was washed with light petroleum b.p 60-80 to give the title compound as a cream solid (30 g). N.m.r. (CDCl3) 2.70, s(5H); 3.95, brt, (18); 4.8, brt, (lH); 4.95,s,(2Hj; 6.8,m,(4E); 7.85, t, (2H); 8.1-8.9,m (loll); 9.l0,t,(3H). N-Butyl-6-aminohexanamide Hydrogen, at atmospheric pressure, was passed through a stirred suspension of N-butyl-6-ss[(phenyl- methoxy)-carbonyl]aminoghexanamide (12.8 g) and palladium oxide on charcoal (1 g) in ethanol (150 ml) until uptake of hydrogen ceased. The suspension was filtered and evaporated to give an oil which was partitioned between ethyl acetate (100 ml) and 2N sodium hydroxide solution (100 ml). The organic extract was extracted with 2N hydrochloric acid which was basified to pH 12 with 2N sodium hydroxide solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were evaporated to give the title compound as a cream semi solid (4 g) which was used without further purification. EXAMPLE I. (a) 1-Methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(3-pyridinylmethyl)amine methyl]phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5 diamine A solution of N1 -cyano-N-[3-[3-(l,3-dioxolan-2- yl)phenoxy]propyl]-1-methyl-2-(phenylmethylene) hydrazinecarboximidamide (3.06 g) in tetrahydrofuran (60 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 0.5 h. with 2N hydrochloric acid (7 ml). The mixture was treated with 3-aminomethylpyridine (15 ml) and stirred at room temperature for a further 0.5 h. The mixture was treated with sodium borohydride (1.5 g), stirred at room temperature for 18 h. diluted with ethyl acetate, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo. The resulting oil was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic phase was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica, using methanol. Evaporation of the eluates gave a brown oil which was triturated with diethyl ether to give the title compound as an off white solid (0.12 g) m.p. 114-7 T.l.e. Rf 0.6 The following compounds were similarly prepared from NÚ-cyano-N-[3-[3-(1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)phenoxy] propyl3-l-methyl-2-(phenylmethylene )hydrazinecarboximid- amide[A] and the corresponding amines. (b) A (3.06 g) and furfurylamine (15 ml) gave l-methyl N5-[3-[3-[(2-furanylmethyl)amino methyl]phenoxy]propyl] lH-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine as a white solid (0.77 g). m.p. 91.5 - 930. Assay found: C, 60.45: H, 6.76: N, 23.06; C18E24N602 requires: C, 60.66; H. 6.79; N, 23.58 (c) A (3.06 g) and methyl, 11-aminoundecanoate (4.85 g) gave methyl, 11-[3-[3-[(1-methyl-3-amino-1H-1,2,4triazol-5-yl)amino]propoxy]phenyl methyl amino] undecanoate as a white solid (0.89 g) m.p. 83.5 - 85 . Assay found: C, 63.20; H, 8.8G; N, 17.56; C25H42N603 requires: C, 63.26; H, 8.92; N, 17.71 (d) A (2.2 g) and dodecylamine (10 ml) gave 1-methyl- N5-[3-[3-[(dodecylamino)methyl]phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2, 4-triazole-3,5-diamine as a white solid (0.5 g) m.p. 85 - 860. Assay found: C, 67.05; H, 9.73; N, 18.46; C251144N60 requires: C, 67.56; H, 9.30; N, 18.91 (e) A (.03 g) and hexadecylamine (11 g) gave 1methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(hexadecylamino)methyl]phenoxy] propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine as a white solid (0.1 g) m.p. 88 - 90.5 , after recrystallisation from a mixture of ethyl acetate and light petroleum b.p. 60 - 800 (1:4). Assay found: C, 68.62: II, 10.11; N, 16.12; C29H52N60.0.5II20 requires: C, 68.33: II, 10.48; N, 16.49% (f) A (3.06 g) and methyl-(2-amino)acetate (3 g) gave methyl-[3-[3[(1-methyl-5-amino-1H-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)amino]propoxy]phenylmethylamino]acetate as an oil (590 mg) purified by chromatography on silica using methanol/ethyl acetate (1:1). T.l.c. silica ethyl acetate : metiiaiiol (1:1) Rf 0.5 N.m.r. (CDCl3) 2.75 t, (1H); 3.0 - 3.3, m, (5H); 5.66, t,(1H); 5.90, t, (2H); 6.10 br.s. (2H); 6.25,s,(2H); 6.30 s (3H); 6.48,q.(2H); 6.60 s (2H); 6.65 s, (3H); 7.78, br.s, (1H); 7.88,m,(2H). (g) A (3.06 g) and N-butyl-(6-amino)hexanamide (3.7 g) gave N-butyl-[3-[3-[(1-methyl-3-amino-1H-1,2,4triazol-5-yl)amino]propoxy]phenylmethylamino] hexanamide dihydrate as a brown oil (700 mg). N.m.r. (CDC13) 2.8,t,(lH); 3.1-3.4, m,(3H); 4.4,m,(lH); 5.6,m,(lII); 5.98, t, (2H); 6.2,br,(2H); 6.32,s,(2H); 6.50, q, (2H); 6.68, s,(3H); 6.83, q, (2H); 7.45, t,(2H); 7.8-8.1, m, (4H); 8.2-9.0,m,(llH); 9.15,t,(3H) Assay found: C,57.66; H, 8.20; N, 19.82; C25H29N7O2.2H2O requires: C, 57.48; H, 8.80; N, 20.39% Example 2. (a) 5-[[3-[3-[(3-Amino-1-methyl-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl) amino]propoxyl]phenylmethyl]aminomethyl]furan-2 methanol A solution of l-methyl-N5-[3-[3-(aminomethyl) phenoxy] propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine (850 mg) and 2-hydroxymethylfuran-5-carboxaldehyde (380 mg) in ethanol (30 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 6 h and treated with sodium borohydride (I g) for 16.5 h. The mixture was quenched with water, partially evaporated and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were evaporated to give a yellow oil which was purified by preparative layer chromatography to give the title compound as a white solid (400 mg) m.p. 120 - 1220. N.m.r. (CDCl3/DMSO) 2.79, t, (1H); 3-3.3, m, (3H); 3.87, dd, (2H); 4.13, t, (1H); 5.5 s (211); 5.70,br.s.(2H); 5.95,t, (211); 6.27,s, (2H); 6.29,s,(2H); 6.4 - 6.7 m(2H); 6.68 s (3H); 7.75 - 8.10,m, (3R). The following compounds were similarly prepared from 1-methyl-N5-[3-[3-(amino methyl)phenoxy]propyl]lH-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine LA] and the corresponding heterocyclic aldehydes. (b) A (276 mg) and thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde (0.1 ml) gave 1-methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(2-thienylmethyl)aminomethyl] phenoxy] propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine as a white solid (24 mg) m.p. 96.5 - 80. Assay found: C, 57.60; H, 6.45; N, 22.27; C18H24N60S requires: C, 58.04; H, 6.49; N, 22.56 (c) A (830 mg) and 2-methylf uran- 5- carboxaldehyde (0.3 ml) gave 1-methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(2-methyl-5-furanyl- methyl)aminomothyl]phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole 3,5-diamine which was isolated as its tartrate salt (1.15 g) m.p. softens ca. 95 N.m.r. (D2O) 2.53 t, (1H); 2.8 - 3.0, m, (3H); 3.46, d, (1H); 3.87, d, (1H); 5.53. s(2H); 5.76 s (2H); 5.8. s.(2H); 5.82. t. (2H); 6.5.t, (2H); 6.6, s. (3H); 7.68. s (3H); 7.85 m (2H). (d) A (830 mg) and pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (286 mg) gave l-methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(lH-pyrrol-2-yl-methyl)amino- methyl]phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine which was isolated as its hydrated tartrate salt (420 mg). N.m.r. (D2O) 2.55,t, (1H); 2.8 - 3.05,m, (4H); 3.60,m,(2H); 3.72,t, (1H): 5.60,s,(2H); 5.75, s, (211); 5.83,s + t, (411); 6.55,t,(2H); 6.65 s,(3H); 7.93 m (2H). Assay found: C,50.99; 11, 6.28; N, 18.74: C222H31N7O7.H2O requires; C, 50.47 ; H, 6.35 ; N, 18.72 % Example 3 N-Decyl-[3-[3-[(1-methyl-3-amino-1H-1,2,4-traizol-5yl) amino]propoxy]pheoylmethylamino] acetamide A mixture of methyl-[g-[3-[(1-methyl-3-amino-lH- 1,2,4-triazol-5-yl)amino]propoxy]phenylmethylamino] acetate (110 mg) and decylamine (0.5 ml) was heated at 1000 for 16 h. The crude reaction mixture was purified by preparative layer chromatography to give the title compound as a yellow oil (120 mg). T.l.e. Rf 0.8. N.m.r. (D20) 2.6 - 3.3,m,(5H); 5.72,br.t,(1H); 5.93,t,(2H); 6.18,br.s, (211); 6.30,s,(2H); 6.47,q, (2H); 6.65,s,(3H); 6.72, s+m, (4H); 7.88,m,(211); 8.0 8.9, m, (17H); 9.15, br.t, (3H). Example 4 (a) 1-Methyl-5-[[3-[3-[[(2-furanylmethyhl)amino] methyl]phenoxy]propyl]amino]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3methanol A solution of 3-[3-[(3-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-1, 2,4-triazol-5-yl)-amino]propoxy]benzaldchyde (871 mg) and furfurylamine (5.3 ml) in ethanol (30 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 6 h, then treated with sodium borohydride (1 g) for 17 h. The mixture was quenched with water, partially evaporated and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was evaporated and purified by column chromatography on silica using methanol/ethyl acetate (1:1) as eluant to give the title compound as a red oil (500 mg). T.l.c. system A Rf 0.7. The tartrate salt was formed in ethyl acetate m.p. softens at 700 N.m.r. (D2O) 2.35, d,(1H); 2.55, dt, (1H); 2.83-3.1, m, (3H); 3.38,d,(lR); 3.5,dd,(1H); 5.56,s,(2H); 5.6,s, (2H); 5.7,s,(2H); 5.8, t, (2H), 5.82, s, (2H); 6.5, s+t; (5H); 7.9,m,(2R); (b) Similarly, 3-[3-[(3-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-1,2, 4-triazole-5-yl)amino]propoxy]benzaldehyde (790 mg) and dodecylamine (8 ml) gave l-methyl-5-[[3-[3- [(dodecyl) aminometliyl]phenoxy]propyl]amino]-lH, 1,2,4- triazole-3-methanol as a cream solid (550 mg) m.p. 55-57 . N.m.r. (CDCl3) 2.76, t, (1H); 3.0 - 3.35, m,(3H); 5.48,s,(2H); 5.88, t, (2H); 6.23, s,(2H); 6.40, q. (2H); 6.50,s, (3H); 7.38,t,(2H); 7.60,brs.("11); 7.88,q, (2H); 8.3-8.9m, (20H); 9.13, m,(3H). Example 5 1-Methyl-N3-(4-pyridylmethylene)-N5-[3-[3-[(2furanylmethyl)-aminomethyl)phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2,4 triazole-3 , 5-diamine A solution of l-methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(2-furanylmethyl) aminomethyl]phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2,4-trhiazole-,5 diamine (310 mg) and 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde (0.17 ml) in toluene (15 ml) was heated at reflux for 30 h. The solution was cooled to give the title compound as a yellow solid (250 mg) m.p. 90-94 . N.m.r. (CDCl3) 0.92, s, (1H); 1.25, m, (2H); 2.20, m, (2H); 2.6-2.9, t+m, (2H); 3.0-3.3, m, (3H); 3.7, m, (1H); 3.85, m, (1H); 5.4 t,(lll); 5.84t,(211); l;.l-6.5,m,(gH); 7.8.m, (2H); 8.2, s, (1H). Example 6 5-[[2-[[[5-[[N-Methyl(2-furanylmethyl)amino]methyl]2-furanyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]amino]1-methyl-1H-1,2,4triazole-3-methanol 5-[[2-[[[5-(methylamino)methyl-2-furanyl]methyl]thio] ethyl]amino]-1-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3-methanol A solution of 2-[[[5-(methylamino)methyl-2 furanyl]methyl] thio]ethanamine (4.0 g) and methyl N-[2-(acetoxy)acetyl]-1-methyl]-2-(pllellylmetllylene) hydrazine carboximidothioate (6.2 g) in acetonitrile (25 ml) was stirred for 3 h at 250C. The solution was evaporated and the residue was chromatographed on silica with ethyl acetate/methanol (4:1) to give the title compound as a gum (3.5 g). T.l.c. silica methanol. Rf 0.45. A portion of this material was converted to its oxalate salt m.p. 157-9 5-[[2-[[[3-[[N-methyl-(2-furanylmethyl)amino]methyl)-2furanyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]amino]-1-methyl-1H-1,2,4triazole-3-methanol A solution of 5-[[2-[[[5-(methylamino)methyl-2- furanyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]amino]-1-methl-1H-1,2,4triazole-3-methanol (0.5 g) and 2-furaldehyde (0.31 g) in ethanol (20 ml) was stirred at 250C for 2 h theh treated with sodium borohydride (38 mg). After 2 h 2-furaldehyde (0.31 g) was added and after a further 2h sodium borohydride (76 mg) was added. The resulting solution was stirred for 18 h, treated with acetic acid (2 ml) and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in water which was basified with potassium carbonate and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extracts were evaporated to give a gum which was chromatographed on silica with ethyl acetate methanol (95:5) to give the title compound as a gum (0.29 g). T.l.c. silica; ethyl acetate: ethanol: 0.88ammonia (20:3:2); Rf 0.37. N.m.r. (CDCl) 2.60, m, (1H); 3.70 s+m, (4H); 5.48, s=t, (3H); 6.3-6.6,4 s+m, (12H); 7.20,t, (2H); 7.75,s,(3H). Examples of Pharmaceutical Compositions TABLETS mg/tablet Active ingredient 100.00 Microcrystalline Cellulose BPC 198.50 Magnesium stearate BP 1.50 Compression weight 300.00 The active ingredient is sieved through a 250 tim sieve, blended with the excipients and compressed using 9.5 mm punches. Tablets of other strengths may be prepared by altering tie compression weight and using punches to suit. The tablets may be film coated with suitable film forming materials, e.g. methyl cellulose or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose using standard techniques. Alternatively the tablets may be sugar coated. Injection for Intravenous Administration ffi w/v Active ingredient 1.00 Water for injections B.P. to 100.00 Sodium chloride may be added to adjust the tonicity of the solution and the pH may be adjusted to that of maximum stability and/or to facilitate solution of the active ingredient using either dilute acid or alkali. The solution is prepared, clarified and filled into appropriate sized ampoules sealed by fusion of the glass. The injection is sterilised by heating in an autoclave using one of the acceptable cycles. Alternatively the solution may be sterilised by filtration and filled into sterile ampoules under aseptic conditions. The solution may be packed under an inert atmosphere of nitrogen. The ability of the compounds of the invention to inhibit histamine induced gastric acid secretion has been demonstrated in the perfused rat stomach preparation referred to previously; the effectiveness of a compound conveniently being expressed in terms of its ED50 (mg/kg) value. The results obtained for a representative number of compounds according to the invention are given below: 1 (b) 0.095 1 (d) 0.075 1 (g) 0.25 2 (a) 0.19 2 (d) 0.014 5 0.18 6 0.077 The compounds of the invention have in general low toxicity at doses at which they effectively inhibit gastric acid secretion. Thus for instance the compounds listed above produced no toxic effects when administered intravenously to anaesthetised rats at doses of at least 4 times their ED50 values.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. Compounds of the general formula (I) EMI27.1 and physiologically acceptable salts, hydrates and bioprecursors thereof, in which R1 represents a heteroaralkyl group or a C11-16 straight or branched saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain optionally substituted by a hydroxy group or R1 represents a C1-16 straight or branched saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain substituted by an ester group C02R5 or an amide group CONH2, where R5 is a C1-3 alkyl group, or 111 represents a C1-C16 straight or branched saturated or unsaturated alkylene chain interrupted by an oxygen atom, a sulphur atom, a sulphoxide group, a slone group, an amide group (-CONE- or -MICO-) or an ester group (-CO-O- or -O-CO), with the provisos that R1 does not represent a C16 alkyl group substituted by a C1-6 alkoxy group and that when the alkylene chain is interrupted by an oxygen or sulphur atom or a sulphoxide, amide (CONH) or ester (COO) group there must be at least two carbon atoms between that group and the nitrogen atom to which R1 is attached; R2 represents hydrogen or a C1-4 alkyl group; Alk represents a straight or branched alkylene chain of 1 to 6 carbon atoms; ; Q represents a furan or thiophen ring in which incorporation into the rest of the molecule is through bonds at 2- and 5- positions, the furan ring optionally bearing a further substituent 116 adjacent to the group RlR2NAlk-, or Q represents a benzene ring in which incorporation into the rest of the molecule is through bonds at the 1- and 3- or 1- and 4positions; R6 represents halogen or C14 alkyl which may be substituted by hydroxy or C1-4 alkoxy; X represents -CH2-, -O-, -S- or -NH-; n represents zero, 1 or 2; m represents 2, 3 or 4; R3 Represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, C2-6 alkyl substituted by hydroxy or alkoxy; and R4 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, aralkyl, hydroxyalkyl, acyloxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aryloxyalkyl, aralkyloxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, alkylaminoalkyl, dialkylaminoalkyl, hydroxy or alkoxy or the group NR7R8 where R7 represents hydrogen, alkyl, alkyl substituted by hydroxy or C1- alkoxy, alkenyl, aralkyl or heteroaralkyl and 118 represents any of the groups defined for R7 or may represent the group COR9 where Rg represents hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, alkoxy, heteroaryl or monocyclic heteroaralkyl or R8 represents the group SO2R10 where R10 represents alkyl or aryl, or R8 represents the group C-NHR11 where Y is oxygen or sulphur and R11 represents hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl, or R7 and R3 taken together represent the group =CH12R13 where R12 represents aryl or heteroaryl and R13 represents hydrogen or alkyl; with the proviso that when X is -NH- then n is zero. 2. Compounds as claimed in Claim 1 in which the groups R1, 112, R3 and R4 have the following meanings: R1; a a heteroaralkyl group in which the heterocyclic portion is a furyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, triazinyl, oxazolyl, triazolyl, thiazolyl, isoquinolinyl, quinolinyl or or indolyl ring and the alkylene portion is a methylene, ethylene or propylene grouping; or an alkylene chain which is saturated and contains up to 16 carbon atoms or is substituted by or interrupted by an amide or ester grouping; R2: hydrogen or a methyl or ethyl group; 3: hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, or hydroxy C2-4 alkyl; 4: hydrogen, hydroxy, C1-4 alkyl, hydroxy C1-4 alkyl, C1-3 alkoxy C1-4 alkyl, phenyl C1-3 alkyl, C2-4 alkannyloxy C1-4 alkyl, amino C1-4 alkyl, amino, C1-4 alkylamine or di-C1-4 alkylamino, phenyl C1-3 alkylamino, or a heteroaryl C1-3 alkylamino group where the heteroaryl ring is 5 or 6 membered and contains one heteroatom; or the group MICOR9 where 119 reprcsellts hydrogen, C13 alkyl, C13 alkoxy, furyl, pyridy1, thiazo lyl, thi eliyl, or phenyl optionally substituted by a C1-3 alkyl or C1-3 alkoxy group; or the group NHSO2R10 where R10 represents C1-3 alkyl or phenyl optionally substituted by a C1-3 alkyl or C1-3 alkoxy group; or the group NHCONIH11 where R11 is C1-3 alkyl, C5-7 cycloalkyl or phenyl optionally substitutod by a C1-3 alkyl or C1-3 alkoxy group; or the group N=CHR12 where R12 is a phenyl or pyridyl group; the group Alk is (CH2)p where p is 1, 2 or 3; and the group Q is a benzene ring incorporated into the rest of the molecule through bonds at the 1- and 3- or 1- and 4- positions, with n as zero, X as oxygen and m as 3 or 4; or the group Q is a furan or thiophene ring with n as 1, X as sulphur and m as 2, with the furan ring optionally containilig a further substituent 116 where R6 is bromine, C1-3 alkyl or C1-3 alkoxy-C1-3 alkyl; or the group Q is a furan ring with n as I, X as CH2 and m as 2. 3. Compounds as claimed in Claim 2 in which the groups R1, R2, R3 and R4 have the following meanings: R1: a heteroarylmethyl group where the heteraryl ring is 5- or 6- membered, contains one heteroatom and is linked to the methyl portion via a carbon atom; or a C1116 straight or branched saturated alkylene chain; or a C1-16 straight or branched saturated alkylene chain interrupted by an amide (-NHCO-) group; H: hydrogen or a methyl or ethyl group; R3: hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or 2- hydroxyethyl; R4: hydroxy, phenyl C1-3 alkyl, C1-4 alkyl substituted by hydroxy, C1-3 alkoxy, C2-4 alkanoyloxy or amino; amino, di-Cl 4 alkylamino, NHCOR9 where R9 represents hydrogen, C1-3 alkoxy or phenyl, NHCONHR11 where nl1 represents phenyl, or N=C1IR12 where R12 is phenyl or pyridyl; the group Alk is a methylene or ethylene group; and the group Q is a benzene ring incorporated into the rest of the molecule through boude at the 1- and 3- or 1- and 4-positions, with n as zero, X as oxygen and m as 3 or 4; or the group Q is a furan or thiophene ring with n as 1, X as sulphur and m as 2, with the furan ring optionally containing a further substituent 116 where 116 is bromine, C1-3 alkyl or C1-3 alkoxy-Cl 3 alkyl; or the group Q is a furan ring with n as 1, X as CH2 and m as 2. 4. Compounds as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3 in which the group Q is a benzene ring incorporated into the rest of the molecule through bonds at the 1- and 3- positions, with n as zero, X as oxygen and m as 3 or 4; or the group Q is a furan ring optionally containing a further substituent R6 where R6 is C14 alkyl, with n as 1, X as sulphur and m as 2. 5. Compounds as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 in which R1 is a heteroaralkyl group. 6. Compounds as claimed in claim 5, corresponding to formula (II) EMI32.1 where R14 is a 5- or 6- membered heteroaryl group containing one heteroatom and linked through a carbon atom, R2 is hydrogen or methyl; R3 is hydrogen or methyl; and R4 is an amino, hydroxyalkyl, alkanoyloxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl, aminoalkyl, benzyl, formamido, alkoxycarbonylamino, alkanoylamino, hydroxy, aroylamino, phenylcarbamoylamino, or pyri (lylmethyl enamino group. 7. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 which are 1-methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(dodecylamino)methyl]phenoxy] propyl]1H-1,2,4-triazole-5,5-diamine N-butyl-[3-[3-[(1-methyl-3-amino-1H-1,2,4-traizol-5 yl)-amino]propoxy]phenylmethylamino]hexanamide l-methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(2-furanylmethyl)aminomethyl] phenoxy] propyl]lH-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diamine 1-methyl-N5-[3-[3-[(1H-pyrrol-2-yl-methyl)aminomethyl]phenoxy]propyl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5diamine 5-[[2-[[[5-[[N-methyl-(2-furanylmethyl)amino]methyl]2-furanyl]methyl]thio]ethyl]amino]-1-methyl-1H-1,2,4triazole-3-methanol and their physiologically acceptable salts. 8. Compounds as claimed in claim 1 in which R1 represents a heteroaralkyl group; and represents NR7R8 where R7 and 118 each represent hydrogen, alkyl, alkyl substituted by hydroxy or C1-3 alkoxy, alkenyl, aralkyl or heteroaralkyl or R7 and 118 together represent =CR12R13 where R12 represents aryl or heteroaryl and R13 represents hydrogen or alkyl. 9. A process for the production of compounds of formula (I) as defined in claim 1 which comprises: (a) for the production of compounds in which Alk is CH2 and R4 is other than -N=CR12R13, reducing the intermediate formed by reacting a compound of formula (III) EMI33.1 in which W represents the group -CHO, with a reagent of formula R1R2NH; (b) for the production of compounds in which R4 is other than -N=CH12R13, reacting a compound of EMI33.2 with an aldehyde R1CHG und reducing conditions, where the group 111 has a meaning such thaL the resulting group R1CH2- represents a group R1; (c) reacting a compound of formula (IV) as defined above with a compound R1Hal where Hal is halogen; ; (c) for the production of compounds in which R4 represents N=CR12R13, reacting a compound of formula (I) in which R4 is NH2 with an aldehyde or ketone R12R13CO; (e) for the production of compounds in which R4 represents an acyloxyalkyl group, reacting a compound in which R4 represents hydroxyalkyl with an appropriate acid; (f) for the production of compounds in which R5 is the group NR7R8 where R8 is -COR9, -SO2R10 or -C(=Y)NHR11, treating an aminotriazole (V) EMI34.1 in which R1, R2, R3 and R7 are as defined in formula (I) or are groups readily convertible thereto, with a reagent capable of replacing the hydrogen atom in the group NHR7 by the group R8, where 118 is as defined above; ; (g) for the production of compounds in which 111 is an alkylene chain interrupted by an amide grouping, treating a compound of formula (I) in which R1 is an alkylene chain substituted by an ester grouping CO2R5 (i.e. R1 is the group R5000 (CH2)x-) with an amine CH3(CH2)yNH2 to give a compound of formula (I) in which R1 is the group CH3(CH2)yNHCO(CH2)x- where x and y are integers and the total of x and y is not greater than 15; and where the compound of formula (I) is produced in the form of a free base, optionally coiiverting the free base into a salt. 10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in claims 1 to 8 together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, and optionally one or more further active ingredients. 11. Compounds as claimed in claim 6, in which R4 represents amino, hydroxyalkyl or pyridylmethylenamino.

Inventors: BAYS, DAVID EDMUND, BRADSHAW, JOHN, CLITHEROW, JOHN, WATSON, HAYES, ROGER, MACKINNON, JOHN WILSON MACFARLANE
Applicants: GLAXO GROUP LIMITED
Application year: 1980
Main classification: C07D249
IPC codes: C07D249, C07C271