POLYCYCLIC BIOCIDAL COMPOUNDS, THEIR SYNTHESIS, FORMULATIONS CONTAINING THEM

Abstract: The invention relates to biocidal compounds of the formula RCH₂NHR¹ or monomethyl or monoethyl ethers thereof, the compounds including the said ethers containing no more than 30 carbon atoms in total; esters thereof; salts thereof; wherein R = C₁₅₋₂₂ carbocyclic fused ring system containing 3-5 aro­ matic rings optionally substituted by 1-2 substituents, said substituents (containing ≦ 4 carbon atoms in total) being halo­ gen; cyano; C₁₋₄ alkyl or C₁₋₄ alkoxy, each optionally substi­ tuted by OH or C₁₋₂ alkoxy; halogen substituted C₁₋₂ alkyl or C₁₋₂ alkoxy; S(O) n R² n = 0-2 and R² is C₁₋₂ alkyl optionally sub­ stituted by OH or C₁₋₂ alkoxy; or R is optionally substituted by NR³R⁴ (which contains ≦ 5 carbons) wherein R³ and R⁴ = C₁₋₃ alkyl group or NR³R⁴ forms a 5- or 6- membered hetero­ cyclic ring optionally containing 1-2 additional heteroatoms; R¹ contains ≦ 8 carbons and is wherein m is 0 or 1; R⁵ and R⁶ = H or C₁₋₅ alkyl optionally substituted by OH; R⁷ and R⁸ = H, C₁₋₃ alkyl; --is a five-or-six-membered saturated carbocyclic ring; R⁹ is H, CH₃ or CH₂OH; R¹⁰, R¹¹ and R¹² = H or CH₃; R¹³ = H, CH₃, OH or CH₂OH with the proviso that R is not substituted or unsubstituted perylene, fluoranthene, chrysene, pyrene or triphenylene. Also disclosed are formations containg the compounds, methods for their preparation, chemical intermediates in their preparation and the use of the compounds in the treatment of tumors and an antipathogenic agents particularly antifungal agents.

Description: POLYCYCLIC BIOCIDAL COMPOUNDS, THEIR SYNTHESIS AND INTERMEDIATES THEREFOR, FORMULATIONS CONTAINING THEM, AND THEIR USE IN MEDICINE The present invention relates to polycyclic alkanol derivatives which have been round to have biocidal activity. More specifically the invention concerns aminoalkanol derivatives containing a polycarbocyclic ring system, methods çor the synthesis thereof, pharmaceutical formulations thereof, novel intermediates thereof, pharmaceutical formulations thereof and the use thereon as biocidal agents, particularly antiturnor agents. Gazz. Chim. Ital. 93, 118 (1963) reports the preparation oç 2-phenylmethylamino2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, but no antitumor activity is disclosed Sor this compound. Two analogues ox nitracrine (1-nitro-9-((3-dimethylaminopropyl)ami- no)-acridine) containing 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and tris(hydroxym ethyl)methylamine groups have shown antitumor activity in murine screening systems (Arzneim. Forsch./Druq Res. 32II, 1013 (1982)). We have now discovered a novel class of polycarbocyclic aromatic alkanol derivatives which have biocidal activity. Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a compound ow the formula (I) RCH2NHR1 (I) or a monomethyl or monoethyl ether there, the compound of formula (I) including the said ethers containing no more than 30 carbon atoms in total; an ester thereof; a salt there; wherein R is a C15 22 carbocyclic 'used ring system containing 3,4 or 5 aromatic rings optionally substituted by one or two substituents, said substituents containing not more than our carbon atoms in total when taken together being the same or different and are selected from halogen; cyano; C1-4 alkyl or C1-4 alkoxy, each optionally substituted by hydroxy or C1-2 alkoxy; halogen substituted C12 alkyl or C1-2 alkoxy; a group S(O)nR2 wherein n is an integer 0,1 or 2 and R2 is C12 alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy or C12 alkoxy; or R is optionally substituted by a group NR3R4 containing not more than 5 carbon atoms wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is a C1-3 alkyl group or NR3R4 worms a wive-or six-membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or two additional heteroatoms; R1 contains not more than eight carbon atoms and is a group EMI2.1 wherein m is 0 or 1; R5 and R6 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C1 -5 alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy; R7 and R8 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C13 alkyl; -C-C- is a i'ive-or six-membered saturated carbocyclic ring; R9 is hydrogen, methyl or hydroxymethyl; R10, R11 and R12 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or methyl; ; R13 is hydrogen, methyl, hydroxy, or hydroxymethyl; with the proviso that R is not substituted or unsubstituted perylene, 'luoranthene, chrysene, pyrene or triphenylene. Pre'erably, the 'used ring system R is planar or deviates only slightly from planarity. Thus, the fused ring system suitably contains a maximum o' two nonaromatic carbon atoms which may be in the same ring, in which case they are adjacent, or in different carbocyclic rings. Pre'erably, there is a maximum o' one non-aromatic carbon atom in the ring system or two non-aromatic carbon atoms in the same ring. Suitably the fused carbocyclic ring system will contain between 16 and 20 carbon atoms and preferably 16 to 18 carbon atoms. Preferred ring systems include the 'ollowing: EMI3.1 llH-benzo [a]fluorene 7H-benzo [c]fluorene C17 C17 EMI4.1 naphthacene C18 EMI4.2 llH-benzo [b]fluorene EMI4.3 aceanthrene EMI4.4 benz[a]anthracene EMI4.5 ace anthrylene EMI4.6 acephenanthrylene EMI4.7 acephenanthrene Pre'erred compounds include those wherein R is naphthacene, benz[a]anthracene, 11H-benzoLb)fluorene, acephenanthrylene or acephenanthrene. One preferred group of compounds o' the formula (I) includes those compounds wherein the side chain CH2NHR1 is attached to the ring atom of R which has the highest electron density when R is unsubstituted. Thus, particularly preferred compounds include those wherein R is 7 benzLa]anthracene, 5-naphthacene, 5-(11H-benzo[b]fluorene), 6acephenanthrylene or 6-acephenanthrene. Suitably RCH2R1 or a monomethyl or monethyl ether thereof contains not more than 28 carbon atoms in total. Suitably m is O. Suitably R1 is EMI5.1 wherein R14is CH2OH,CH(CH3)OH or CH2CH20H; R15 is hydrogen, C1-3 alkyl or CH20H; R16 is hydrogen or methyl. Preferably R14 is CH2OH or CH(CH3)OH. Preferably R15 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl or CH2OH. 1 Most preferably R1 is EMI5.2 wherein R16 is hydrogen or methyl and R17 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, most preferably methyl. Preferred compounds of the formula (I) include: 2-[(7-Benz[a]anthracenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-t(5-Naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-[(11H-Benzo[b]fluoren-5-ylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-[(6-Acephenanthrylenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and 2-[(6-Acephenanthrenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol ethers, esters thereof; acid addition salts thereof. Salts included within the scope of the present invention are those of compounds of formula (I) and ethers and esters thereof. Esters and non-pharmaceutically useful salts of the compounds of the formula (I) are useful intermediates in the preparation and purification of compounds of the formula (I) and pharmaceutically useful salts thereof, and are therefore within the scope of the present invention. Thus, salts of the compounds of the formula (I) useful in the present invention include but are not limited to those derived from inorganic acids, such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric and phosphoric acids, and organic acids such as isethionic (2-hydroxyethylsul'onic), maleic, malonic, succinic, salicylic, tartaric, lactic, citric, formic, lactobionic, pantothenic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, benzenesulfonic, -toluenesul±- onic, naphthalene-2-sulfonic, and ascorbic acids, and amino acids such as glycine. Pharmacologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts are preferred, particu larly those that are soluble in solvents suitable çor parenteral administration, for example, hydrochlorides, methanesulfonates and isethionates. Esters of compounds of formula (I) are derived from acids known to those skilled in the art to be suitable for ester formation, and are conveniently those derived from C16 alkanoic acids or alkanoic acid derivatives, for example acetic acid, propionic acid, n-butyric acid and iso-butyric acid. The esters may be formed from all or only some of the hydroxy groups contained in the compounds o' formula (I). The compounds of formula (I) and their ethers, esters, and salts thereof may be prepared by any method known in the art for the preparation of compounds of analogous structure. Thus, the compounds of formula (I) may, for example, be prepared by any of the methods defined below. 1. The reduction of a compound RCH=NR1 wherein R and R1 are as hereinbefore defined, or an appropriately protected derivative thereon followed by deprotection where appropriate. The conditions and reagents for such a reaction are well known to those skilled in the art, and any such conditions/reagents may be employed. The conversion o' (II) or suitably protected derivatives thereof may be carried out by a reducing agent followed by deprotection if necessary. The reduction is conveniently carried out by a metal hydride such as lithium aluminum hydride, sodium borohydride, sodium cyanoborohydride, or by catalytic hydrogenation, conveniently by hydrogen in the presence Or a metal catalyst such as palladium or platinum, or equivalent reagents as outlined by J. March, Advanced Organic Chemistry, 2nd ed., pages 819-820, McGraw Hill, New York, 1977. The reduction is suitably carried out with the compound of formula (II) in solution in an inert solvent or mixture o' solvents compatible with the reducing agent, at a nonextreme temperature, for example, between Oo and 8O0C, conveniently at room temperature. In the case of lithium aluminum hydride and like reagents, suitable solvents include ethers (for example tetrahydrofuran, diethyl ether and 1,2-dimethoxyethane) optionally in the presence of a hydrocarbon cosolvent (for example toluene, benzene or hexane). In the case of sodium borohydride and like reagents, suitable solvents include alcohols (for example ethanol, methanol or isopropanol) optionally in the presence of a hydrocarbon cosolvent (for example toluene, benzene or hexane) or an ether cosolvent (for example diethylether or tetrahydrofuran) In the case of sodium cyanoborohydride and like reagents, suitable solvents Include those described for sodium borohydride and the reduction is conveniently carried out in the presence of an acid, conveniently glacial acetic acid or ethanolic hydrochloric acid as outlined in, for example, R. Hutchins et al., Organic Preparations and Procedures International 11, 201 (1979). In the case of catalytic hydrogenation, suitable solvents include alcohols (or example methanol and ethanol) optionally in the presence of a hydrocarbon cosolvent (for example toluene or benzene), or ether cosolvent (for example diethyl ether or tetrahydro'uran) optionally in the presence of an acid (for example glacial acetic acid or ethanolic hydrochloric acid), or glacial acetic acid. Protected derivatives o' compounds RCH=NR1 are conveniently used when lithium aluminum hydride is employed as the reducing agent. Convenient protecting groups are compatible with the reducing agent utilized and are readily removed under nondestructive conditions, for example benzyl, tetrahydropyranyl and isopropylidene ethers. It is often convenient not to isolate the compound RCH=NR1 but to react a compound RCHO with a compound NH2R1; wherein R and R1 are as defined in (I) and to reduce the compound of the formula RCH=NR1 so formed in situ. The reaction of the compounds RCHO and NH2R1 is again suitably carried out using conditions and reagents which are well known to those skilled in the art, for example in the presence of an acid, such as a sulfonic acid, i.e. -toluenesulfonic acid, in an appropriate inert solvent, such as an aromatic hydrocarbon, suitably toluene, with azeotropic removal 09 water followed by treatment with the reducing agent in an appropriate solvent, suitably ethanol or methanol. Alternatively, RCH=NR1 wormed under equilibrium conditions in appropriate solvents can be reduced in situ with an appropriate reducing agent, suitably sodium cyanoborohydride. The compound RCHO may be in the form of a protected aldehyde, Por example an acetal, which liberates the aldehyde function under the reaction conditions. In turn, a compound ROHO can be synthesized by reacting the appropriate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with a +ormylating agent such as that generated by the reaction between SnCl4 and Cl2CHOCH3 or equivalent reagents, for example, according to the method of A. Reiche et al., Chem. Ber. 93, 88 (1960), or with other standard formylating reagents/procedures known to the art, for example, the Gatterman-Koch reaction (CO/HC1/AIC13/CUC1), the Gatterman reaction (HCN/HCl/ZnC12), and the Vilsmeier reaction (POCl3/PhN(Me3CHO or POCl3/Me2NCHO) (J. March, vide supra pages 494497). The compounds RCHO may also be prepared from an appropriate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon substituted by a suitable functional group such as CH2OH, CHBr2, CH3, COCH3, COOH, or CN, and converting this functional group to an aldehyde group by methods well known to those skilled in the art. Where the polycyclic aromatic ring bears substituents, RCHO may be prepared by a variety of methods known in the art of organic chemistry depending on the nature of the substituent on the ring. For example, if the substituent(s) is a halogen, the starting materials may be prepared by direct treatment of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with a halogenating agent (e.g. Cl2, Br2, or SO2Cl2) or indirectly by such routes as the Sandmeyer reaction (H.H. Hodgson, Chem. Rev. 40, 251 (1947). I the substituent(s) is alkyl, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon may be reacted with the appropriate reagents under Friedel-Crafts reaction conditions (G.A. Olah, Friedel Crafts and Related Reactions, Vols. 1-3, Interscience, New York, NY, 1963-1965). The compounds of the formula NH2R1 and ethers thereof also may be prepared by methods known in the art, for example, when R1 is as hereinbefore defined, by the reaction of NO2R18, wherein R18 is EMI11.1 wherein R6 to R8 and m are as hereinbefore defined, with an appropriate aldehyde, conveniently acetaldehyde or formaldehyde (as in B.M. Vanderbilt and H.B. Hass, Ind. Eng. Chem. 32, 34 (1940)) followed by reduction (as outlined in J. March, vide supra, pages 1125-1126), conveniently by hydrogen and a metal catalyst (for example, a platinum containing catalyst) in an appropriate solvent, conveniently glacial acetic acid. 2. The reduction o± a compound R. CO. NHR1 wherein R and R1 are as hereinbefore defined and the hydroxy groups are optionally protected, followed by deprotection of the hydroxy groups where appropriate. The reduction may be carried out by standard reducing agents known for carrying out this type of reduction (as outlined in J. March, vide supra, page 1122), for example, a hydride reagent such as lithium aluminium hydride in an inert solvent, such as an ether, i.e. tetrahydrofuran, at a non-extreme temperature, for example, at between Oo and 1000C and conveniently at the reflux temperature of the ether. The compound R. CO. NHR1 may be formed by the reaction of the appropriate acid (RCOOH) or a suitable reactive acid derivative thereof as outlined in J. March, vide sura, pages 382-390) for example, an acid halide in an inert solvent, with an amine NH2R1 in which the hydroxy groups are optionally protected, for example, when the compound NH2R1 is a diol, by an isopropylidene group. The compound R. CO. NHR1 so formed is suitably reduced in situ and deprotected if necessary to give a compound of formula (I). The compounds of the formula RCOOH can be prepared by methods well known to those skilled in the art. 3. The reaction of a compound RCH2L (wherein Ar is as hereinbefore defined and L is a leaving group), with a compound NH2R1 as hereinbefore defined. Suitable leaving groups are those defined by J. March, vide supra pages 325-331, and include halogens such as chlorine or bromine and sulfonic acid derivatives such as p-toluenesulfonate. The reaction is suitably carried out in an appropriate solvent, such as a dipolar aprotic solvent or alcohol at a non-extreme temperature, for example 50-1000. The compounds of the formula RCH2L can be prepared by methods well known to those skilled in the art. There is therefore provided, as a further aspect of the invention, a method òr the preparation of a compound of formula (I) comprising any method known for the preparation of analogous compounds, in particular those methods defined in (1) to (3) hereinabove. In a further aspect, the present invention provides novel chemical intermediates RCH=NR1, R. CO. NHR1 or RCH2L as herein before defined. Compounds or the formula (I) in which one or more of the hydoxy groups are protected, òr example by benzyl, trityl or isopropylidene groups are also useful intermediates of the present invention. The compounds of this invention have biocidal activity, e.g. are toxic to certain living cells which are detrimental to animals such as mammals and poultry, for example pathogenic organisms and tumours. Compounds of this invention are also toxic to organisms which are pathogenic in or detrimental to plants and plant materials. This toxicity to pathogenic organisms has been demonstrated by activity against one or more of the following: viruses (e.g. Herpes simplex 1/vero), fungi (e.g. Microsporum sp., Fusarium solani and trechophyton sp.) protozoa (e.g. Eimeria ten elba and Trichomonas vaqinalis), bacteria (e.g. Mycoplasma smeqmatis and Streptococcus pyqqenes), and helminths (e.g. Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Brugia pahangi). The antitumour activity of compounds of formula I has been demonstrated in a number of recognized screens and primarily by activity against ascitic P388/O leukaemia. PreFerred compounds ot the formula (I) are those which have antitumour activity. The activity against ascitic tumours, including P388/0, is evidenced by reduction of tumour cell number in mammals (for example, mice bearing ascitic tumours) and their consequent increase in survival duration as compared to an untreated tumour bearing control group. Antitumour activity is further evidenced by measurable reduction in the size of solid tumours following treatment of mammals with the compounds of this invention compared to the tumours of untreated control tumour bearing animals. Compounds o± formula (I) are active against murine tumours such as lymphocytic leukaemia P388/0, lymphocytic leukaemia L1210, melanotic melanoma B16, P815 mastocytoma, MDAY/D2 fibrosarcoma, colon 38 adenocarcinoma, M5076 rhabdomyosarcoma and Lewis lung carcinoma. Activity in one or more of these tumour tests has been reported to be indicative of antitumour activity in man (A. Goldin et al. in Methods in Cancer Research ed. V.T. DeVita Jr. and H. Busch, 16, 165, Academic Press, N.Y. 1979). There are sublines of P388/0 which have been made resistant to the following clinically useful agents: cytosine arabinoside, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, Lphenylalanine mustard, methotrexate, 5-Suorouracil, actinomycin D, cis-platin and bis-chloroethylnitrosourea. Compounds of this invention show potent activity against these drug-resistant tumours using the procedure for P388/O above. Compounds or formula (I) have also been round to be active against human tumour cells in primary cultures of lung, ovary, breast, renal, melanoma, unknown primary, gastric, pancreatic, mesothelioma, myeloma, and/or colon cancer. (As used herein "cancer" is to be taken as synonymous with "malignant tumour" or more generally "tumour" unless otherwise noted.) This is a procedure in which the prevention or tumour cell colony formation, i.e. tumour cell replication, by a drug has been shown to correlate with clinical antitumour activity in man (D.D. Von Hoff et al., Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology 6, 265 (1980); S. Salmon and D.D. Von Hoff, Seminars in Oncology, 8, 377 (19813). Compounds of formula I which have been found to have anti tumour activity intercalate in vitro with DNA (this property is determined by viscometric methods using the procedure of W. D. Wilson et al., Nucleic Acids Research 4, 2697 (1954)) and have a log P as calculated by the method of C. Hansch and A. Leo in Substituent Constants for Correlation Analysis in Chemistry and Biology, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1979, lying in the range between -2.0 and +2.5. As has been described above, the compounds o+ the present invention are useful for the treatment of tumours. The invention thus further provides a method for the treatment of tumours in animals, including mammals, especially humans, which comprises the administration of a clinically useful amount oF compound o formula (I) in a pharmaceutically useful form, once or several times a day or other appropriate schedule, orally, rectally, parenterally, or applied topically. In addition, there is provided as a further, or alternative, aspect of the invention, a compound of formula (I) for use in therapy, oor example as an anti tumour agent. In a still further aspect, there is provided a compound of the formula (I) for use against pathogenic organisms, for example fungi. The amount of compound Oe formula (I) required to be effective as a biocidal agent will, of course, vary and is ultimately at the discretion of the medical or veterinary practitioner. The factors to be considered include the condition being treated, the route of administration, and nature of the formulation, the mammal's body weight, surface area, age and general condition, and the particular compound to be administered. A suitable effective antitumour dose is in the range of about 0.1 to about 120 mg/kg body weight, preferably in the range of about 1.5 to 50 mg/kg, for example 10 to 30 mg/kg. The total daily dose may be given as a single dose, multiple doses, e.q., two to six times per day or by intravenous infusion for selected duration. For example, for a 75 kg mammal, the dose range would be about 8 to 9000 mg per day, and a typical dose would be about 2000 mg per day. If discrete multiple doses are indicated, treatment might typically be 500 mg of a compound of formula I given 4 times per day in a pharmaceutically useful formulation. Whilst It is possible for the active compound (defined herein as compound of formula (1), or ether, ester, or salt thereof) to be administered alone, it is preferable to present the active compound in a pharmaceutical rormulation. Formulations of the present invention, for medical use, comprise an active compound together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers thereof and optionally other therapeutical ingredients. The carrier(s) must be pharmaceutically acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof. The present invention, therefore, further provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of formula (I) (in the form of the free base, ether, or ester derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof) together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. There is also provided a method for the preparation oS a pharmaceutical formulation comprising bringing into association a compound of formula (I) an ether, ester, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. Whilst the antitumour activity of the compounds of formula (I) is believed to reside in the free base, it is often convenient to administer an acid addition salt of a compound of formula (I). The formulations include those suitable for oral, rectal or parenteral (including subcutaneous, intramuscular and intravenous) administration. Preferred formulations are those suitable for oral or parenteral administration. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy. All methods include the step of bringing the active compound into association with a carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. In general, the Formula tions are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing the active compound into assocation with a liquid carrier or a finely divided solid carrier or both and then, if necessary, shaping the product into desired formulations. Formulations of the present invention suitable for oral administration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets, tablets or lozenges, each containing a predetermined amount of the active compound; as a powder or granules; or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or non-aqueous liquid such as a syrup, an elixir, an emulsion or a draught. A tablet may be made by compression or moulding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine the active compound in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder, lubricant, inert diluent, surface active or dispersing agent. Moulded tablets may be made by moulding in a suitable machine, a mixture of the powdered active compound with any suitable carrier. A syrup may be made by adding the active compound to a concentrated, aqueous solution of a sugar, for example sucrose, to which may also be added any accessory ingredients. Such accessory ingredient(s) may include flavourings, an agent to retard crystallization of the sugar or an agent to increase the solubility of any other ingredient, such as a polyhydric alcohol for example glycerol or sorbitol. Formulations for rectal administration may be presented as a suppository with a conventional carrier such as cocoa butter. Formulations suitable for parenteral administration conveniently comprise a sterile aqueous preparation of the active compound which is preferably isotonic with the blood o; the recipient. Such formulations suitably comprise a solution o+ a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salt of a compound of the formula (I) that is isotonic with the blood of the recipient. Thus, such formulations may conveniently contain distilled water, 5% dextrose in distilled water or saline and a pharmaceutically and pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salt of a compound of the formula (I) that has an appropriate solubility in these solvents, for example the hydrochloride, isethionate and methanesulfonate salts, preferably the latter. Useful formulations also comprise concentrated solutions or solids containing the compound of formula (I) which upon dilution with an appropriate solvent give a solution suitable for parenteral administration as above. In addition to the aforementioned ingredients, the formulations of this invention may further include one or more accessory ingredient(s) selected from diluents, buffers, flavouring agents, binders, surface active agents, thickeners, lubricants, preservatives (including antioxidants) and the like. The hollowing examples are provided by the way of illustration o; the present invention and should in no way be construed as a limitation thereof. General Comments All solvents were reagent grade and used without further puriSication with the hollowing exceptions. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) was dried by distillation ±rom Na/K alloy under nitrogen (N2) and used immediately. Toluene (PhCH3) was distilled from CaH2 under N2 and stored over 3A molecular sieves. Chemicals used were reagent grade and used without purification unless noted. The cull name and address of the suppliers oP the reagents and chemicals is given when First cited. After this, an abbreviated name is used. Preparative HPLC was carried out on a Waters Prep LC/System 500A machine using two 500 g silica gel (SiO2) cartridges unless otherwise noted. Plugs 0±.. SiO2 used for purifications were "flash chromatography" silica gel (Merck Co., Inc., Merck Chemical Division, Rahway, NJ, 07065 silica gel 60, 230-400 mesh). An appropriate volume sintered glass funnel was filled approximately 3/4 full with the silica gel and packed evenly by tapping the outside of the funnel. A piece of filter paper was then placed on top of the silica gel and a solution of the material to be purified applied evenly to the top. Gentle suction through a filter flask moved the eluting solvent through the plug rapidly. The appropriate size fractions were combined as needed and further manipulated. General procedures are described in detail. Analogous procedures show melting point (mp), recrystallization solvents, and elemental analyses (all elements analyzing within a difference of *0.4% of the expected value). Any changes to the procedure such as solvent, reaction temperature, reaction time, or workup are noted. NMR (1H, i3C), IR, MS data or all new products were consistent with the expected and proposed structures. The positions assigned to structural isomers were unequivocally determined by a number o; NMR techniques. All final products were dried in a vacuum oven at 20 mm Hg pressure at the temperature indicated overnight (12-16 hours). All temperatures are in degrees Celsius. EXAMPLE 1. 2-((7-Benz(a)anthracenyimethyl)amino)-2-methyi-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate To a round-botomed flask equipped with magnetic stiring bar, condenser, thermometer, Dean-Stark trap, and nitrogen inlet with bubbler was added benzla]anthracene-7-carbaldehyde (Cambridge Chemical, inc., 202 E. Smith St., Milwaukee, WI, 53207, 5.13g, 20 mmol), 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3 propanediol (Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, W1, 53201, 4.209, 40mmol), p-toluenesulwonic acid monohydrate (Aldrich, 0.19), and toluene (250mL). The mixture was stirred at reflux with removal of water for 3 hours (or in the case of other examples until no further water is collected). Most of the toluene was then removed by distillation. The mixture was then cooled in an ice bath and diluted with abs. ethanol (200mL) and further cooled. Solid sodium borohydride (MCB Manufacturing Chemists, Inc., 2909 Highland Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45212, 1.519, 40 mmol) was added in one portion to the reaction mixture. The ice bath was then removed, the reaction mixture allowed to warm to room temperature and further stirred overnight. The reaction was then basified with 1N sodium hydroxide (2L). The white solid which formed was filtered, washed with water (4L), and sucked semidry. The solid was then dissolved in a mixture of abs. ethanol and methanesulphonic acid (99.5%, Morton Thiokol, Inc. - Alfa Products, PO Box 299, 152 Andover Street, Danvers, MA, 01923, 3mL), riltered and diluted to 2L with diethyl ether. Aster siltration, two additional crystallizations (EtOH/Et2O) and drying, 7.489 (84.7%) of 2-((7- benz[a]anthracenylmethyl)amino)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulçonate was obtained mp 233-234 (dec), which analysed correctly (C,H,N,S) òr the assigned structure. EXAMPLE 2 2-[(Benzo[a]pyren-6-ylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate Using the reductive amination procedure outlined in Example 1, benzotalpyrene-6-carbaldehyde (Cambridge Chemical Inc.) and 2-amino-2 m ethyl-1,3,-propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-[(benzo[a]pyren-6-ylmethyl)amino]-2- methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate. 0.25 H2O in 53.1% yield mp darkens > 1950, 2750 (dec), which analysed correctly (C,H,N,S) for the assigned structure. EXAMPLE 3 2-[(5-Naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 3A. 5-Naphthacenecarbaldehyde and 3B. 5,11-Naphthacenedicarbaldehyde To a 3-neck round bottomed flask equipped with overhead mechanical stirrer, condenser, additon funnel, nitrogen inlet tube and bubbler was added N-methyl-formanilide (Aldrich, 89.219, 0.66 mol, 81 mL) and 0 dicnlorobenzene (Aldrich, 200 mL). The mixture was cooled to 10 with an ice bath. Phosphorus oxychoride (Aldrich, 101.219, 0.66 mol, 60 mL) was then added dropwise to the solution not allowing the reaction temperature to rise above 10 . The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature. Solid naphthacene (Cambridge Chemical, Inc., 509, 0.22 mol) was then added in tive portions over 5 mins. The reaction mixture was warmed slowly to 800 and the mixture turned ±rom purple to an almost black colour. The reaction was stirred at 800 òr 12 hours, cooled, poured into ice water (2L) and stirred an additional 12 hours at room temperature. The mixture was then filtered. The organic layer in the filtrate was applied to a plug oS silica gel (5009) and eluted thirst with toluene hollowed by methylene dichioride. The appropriate fractions were combined and the solvent removed by rotary evaporation. Recrystallization (CH2Cl2/EtOAc) gave 17.59 of 5-naphthacenecarbaldehyde mp 163-164 (Lit. 1640, N.P. Buu-Hoi et al, Recueil. 76, 674, (1957), which analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H). The solid was washed with a large volume oS methanol (5x200mL), dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (4L) and passed through a plug of silica gel (5009) using an additional 2L of tetrahydrofuran as eluting solvent. The solvent was concentrated to a volume oS 300 mL and then diluted to 800 mL with ethyl acetate. The solvent was concentrated to a volume of 250 mL and after filtration and drying 10.909 of 5,11 naphthacenedicarbaldehyde mp 247-2500, was obtained which analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H). 3C 2-[(5-Naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate Using the reductive amination procedure described in example 1, 5 naphthacenecarbaldehyde (3A) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-[(5-naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate mp 197.5-199 , (EtOH/Et2O), which analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H,N,S). EXAMPLE 4 2-[(11H-Benzo[b]fluoren-5-ylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 4A 11H-Benzo[b]fluorene-5-carbaldehyde. 11H-BenzoUb)fluorene (Cambridge Chemical, Inc was formylated using the procedure of A. Rieche et al, Chem. Ber. 93, 88 (1960). The crude aldehyde appeared to be mainly one isomer by TLC. The crude material was passed through a plug of silica gel, using toluene as the eluting solvent. Removal of the solvent and crystallization (CH2Cl2/hexane) gave 11H-benzo[b]fluorene-5-carbaldehyde in 86% yield, mp 104.5-106.5 , which analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H). 4B 2-[(11H-Benzo[b]fluoren-5-ylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate Using the reductive amination precedure outlined in example 1, 11H benzo[b]fluorene-5-carbaldehyde (4A) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3- propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-[(11H-benzo[b]fluoren-5-ylmethyl)amino]-2- methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate in 49.6% yield, mp 211-213 , which analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H,N,S). EXAMPLE 5 2[(Benzo[c]phenanthren-5-ylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 5A Benzo[c]phenanthrene-5-carbaldehyde. BenzoLc]phenanthrene (Cambridge Chemical, Inc.) was formylated using the procedure oS A. Rieche et al, Chem. Ber. 93, 88 (1960). The crude aldehyde appeared to be mainly are isomer by TLC. The crude material was purified by chromatography (SiC2, PhCH3) followed by recrystallization (CH2Cl2/hexane). The pure material isolated in 74% yield was shown to be isomerically pure by NMR and was benzo[c3phenanthrene- 5-carbaldehyde mp 1331340. It analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H). 58 2[(Benzo[c]phenanthren-5-ylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate Using the reductive amination procedure described in example 1, benzo[c] phenanthrene-5-carbaldehyde (5A) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-[(benzo[c]phenanthren-5-ylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3- propanediol methanesulfonate mp 205-2070 (dec), (EtOH/Et2O), which analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H,N,S). EXAMPLE 6 2-[(12-Chloro-5-naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 6A 12-Chloro-5-naphthacenecarbaldehyde To a 3-neck round bottomed flask equipped with overhead stirrer, condenser, addition funnel, and nitrogen inlet tube and bubbler was added 2,3-benz-9-anthrone (prepared by the procedure of L.F.Fieser et al, J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 53, 2329 (1931), 57.39, 0.235 mol) and dimethylformamide (Aldrich, 400 mL). The mixture was cooled to 00. Phosphorus oxychloride (MCB, 167.5g, 1.09 mol, 100 mL) was then added dropwise to the flask while the reaction temperature was maintained between 0-100 over a period of 1.5 hours. The reaction colour deepened to a dark purple as the reaction temperature was slowly raised to 750. The reaction was stirred at this temperature for 2 hours, cooled and then stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was poured into 2L of a 2.8 M sodium acetate solution vigorously stirred for 30 min, then filtered. The dark purple solid was washed with water (1L) then with methanol (3x500 mL). Aster drying in a vacuum oven (400) overnight 63.99 (97.6%) of 12-chloro-5-naphthacenecarbaldehyde was obtained which was used without further purification. An analytical sample was recrystallized (CH2Cl2/CH3OH) mp 211.5-213.50, and analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H). 6B 2-[(12-Chloro-5-naphthacenylmethyl)aminol-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate Using the reductive amination procedure outlined in example 1, 12-chloro 5-naphthacenecarbaldehyde (6A) was reacted with 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3 propanediol (Aldrich) to give 2-[(12-chloro-5-naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2- methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate, mp 219-220 (dec), (CH3OH/Et2O), which analysed correctly ror the assigned structure (C,H,N,Cl,S). 6 C 2-[[(6-Chloro-11-naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol hydrochloride Using the reductive amination procedure outlined in example 1 except that the crude free base was dissolved in ethanolic hydrogen chloride, 12 chloro-5-naphthacenecarbaldehyde (6A) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1 ,3- propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-[(12-chloro-5-naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2- methyl-1,3-propanediol hydrochloride mp > 3000, (CH30H/Et20), which analysed correctly for the assigned structure (C,H,N,Cl). Antitumor Screening Results Methods for evaluating the antitumour activity of these compounds are essentially those used in the Tumor Panel by the Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment, National Cancer institute, A. Goldin, et al., Methods in Cancer Research Vol. XVI, p. 165, Academic Press (1979). Some modifications, in dose level and schedule have been made to increase the testing efficiency. Lymphocytic Leukemia P38810 Test CD2-F1 mice, of the same sex, weighing 203g are used for this test. Control and test animals are injected intraperitoneally with a suspension of -106 viable P38B/0 tumor cells on day 0. In each test several dose levels which bracket the LD20 for the compound are evaluated; each dose level group contains 6 animals. The test compounds are prepared either in physiologic saline containing 0.05% Tween 80 or distilled water containing 5% dextrose and are administered intraperitoneally on days 1, 5, and 9 relative to tumor implant. Doses are on a mg/kg basis according to individual animals' body weights. The day of death for each animal is recorded, the median identified for each group and the ratios of median survival time for treated (T)/control (C) groups are calculated. The criterion for activity is T/C x 100 > 120%. Results of P388/0 testing are summarized in Table I below. Table I Compound Optimal T/C x 100% LD of Example Dose (Excluding 30 -30'9) (mq/kq) Day survivors 1 220 +270 180 2 111 +204 100 3C 60 +195 50 4B 225 +280 300 5B 15 +140 10 6B 75 +150 70 6C 40 +150 70 EXAMPLE 7 2-((3-Benz[a]anthracenylmethyl)amino)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 7A,5,6,8,9,10,11-Hexahydrobenz[a]anthracene-3-carbaldehyde 5,6,8,9,10,11-Hexahydrobenz[a]anthracene (Cambridge Chemicals, Inc. 38.09, 0.162 mol) was òrmylated using the procedure or A. Rieche et al (Chem. Ber. 93, 88(1960)). The crude aldehyde mixture was passed through a 40x10 cm plug of silica gel using toluene as the eluting solvent. Three aldehyde fractions were isolated. The least mobile of the fractions by TLC contained 11.239 (26.5% yield) of crude 5,6,8,9,10,11-hexahydrobenz[a]anthracene-3-carbaldehyde (identified by 1H-NMR) which was used directly without further purification. 7B, BenzLajanthracene-3-carbaidehyde To a round bottom flask equipped with magnetic stirring bar, reflux condenser and N2 inlet line was added 5,6,8,9,10,11-hexahydrobenz[a]-anthracene-3- carbaldehyde (7A, 10.419, 39.7 mmol),2,3 dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) (Aldrich, 27.029,0.119 mol) and dry PhCH3 (500 mL). The mixture was refluxed for 2h until no more starting material remained by TLC, cooled and filtered to give a deep red solution. The solution was applied to a 40x10 cm column of silica and eluted with additional PhCH3 as the solvent. The appropriate fractions were combined and the solvent removed to give 6.019 of crude material. This was crystrallized twice from PhCH3/hexane (1:4) and dried to give 2.949 of benzlalanthracene-3-carbaldehyde (28.9% yield). 7C, 2-((3-Benztalanthracenvimethyl)amino3-2-methyl-1,3- propanediol methanesulfonate Using the reductive amination procedure outlined in Example 1 benz[a]anthracene-3-carbaldehyde (7B) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-((3-benza0anthracenylmethyflamino)-2-methyl-1, 3-propanediol methanesulfonate in 52.7% yield, mp 189-191.5, which analyzed correctly (C,H,N,S) for the assigned structure. EXAMPLE 8 2-[(4H-Cyclopenta[def]phenanthren-1-ylmethyl)amino] -2-methyl-1,3-propanediol 8A, 4H-Cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene-1-carbaldehyde 4H-Cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene (Aldrich) was formylated using the procedure of A. Rieche et al (Chem. Ber. 93,88 (1960)). The crude aldehyde was passed through a plug of silica gel using methylene chloride as the eluting solvent. The appropriate fractions were combined and the solvent removed to give 48g of product. This was recrystallized from hexane to give 28.19 of pure 4H cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene-1-carbaldehyde (53.6% yield) which analyzed correctly for the assigned structure. 8S, 2-[(4H-Cyclopenta[def]phenanthren-1-ylmethyl)amino-2-methyl -1,3-propanediol methanesuironate Using the reductive amination procedure outlined in Example 1, 4H cyclop enta[de±]phenanthrene-1-carbaldehyde (8A) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-[(4H-cyclopenta[def]phenanthren-1-ylmethyl)amino]-2- methyl-1,3-propanediolmethanesulfonate (1/20 n-PrOH) in 10% yield, mp 160162 which analyzed correctly (C,H,N,S) tor the assigned structure. EXAMPLE 9 (2-[[(4,5-Dihydro-6-acephenanthrylenyl)methyl]amino] -2-methyl-1,3-propanediol Using the reductive amination procedure outlined in Example 1, 4,5-dihydro-6acephenanthrylenecarbaldehyde (J.P. Hoeffinger, P. Jacquignon, and N.P. Buu Hol, Bull. Soc. Chim.Fr. 974 (1970)) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-[[(4,5-dihydro-6-acephenanthrylenyl)methyl]amino)-2-methyl- 1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate in 74% yield, mp 240-242 (dec), which analyzed correctly (C.H.N.S.) for the assigned stucture. EXAMPLE 10 2-((6-AcehenanthryIen ylmethyl)amino)-2-methyl-1,3-prooanediol 10A, 6-Acephenanthrylenecarbaldehyde Using the dehydrogenation procedure outlined in Example 7B, 4,5-dihydro-6acephenanthrylenecarbaldehyde (J.P. Hoeffinger, P. Jacquignon, and N.P. Buu Hol, Bull.Soc. Chim.Fr.974 (1970)) gave 6-acephenanthrylenecarbaldehyde in 35.8% yield, mp which analyzed correctly (C,H) for the assigned structure. 10B,2-[(6-Acephenanthrylenylmethyl)amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediolmethanesulfonate Using the reductive amination procedure outlined in Example 1, 6acephenanthrylenecarbaldehyde (10A) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol (Aldrich) gave 2-t(6-acephenanthrylenylmethyl)amino)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol methanesulfonate in 61.5% yield, mp 232-233 (dec), which analyzed correctly (C,H.N,S) for the assigned structure. Example 11 In vitro antifungal activity The minimum fungistatic concentrations of compounds of the formula (I) against various fungi were obtained using standard techniques. The tests were carried out in either medium A or medium B (see below) and the standard used in each instance was Miconazole nitrate. EMI33.1 <tb> <SEP> Minimun <SEP> Fungistatic <SEP> Concentration <SEP> ( g/ml) <tb> <SEP> Organism <SEP> Compound <SEP> of <SEP> Miconazole <tb> <SEP> 5 <tb> Saccharomyces <SEP> cerevisiae <SEP> < 0.4 <SEP> < 0.4 <tb> Aspergillus <SEP> fumigatus <SEP> " <SEP> " <SEP> <tb> Fusarium <SEP> solani <SEP> .. <SEP> <SEP> N <SEP> <tb> Microsporum <SEP> canis <SEP> " <SEP> " <SEP> <tb> Microsporum <SEP> gypsum <SEP> " <SEP> " <SEP> <tb> Trichophyton <SEP> equinum <SEP> a. <SEP> a. <SEP> <tb> Trichophyton <SEP> mentagrophytes <SEP> a. <SEP> a. <SEP> <tb> Trichophyton <SEP> rubruin <SEP> a. <SEP> N <SEP> <tb> Epidermophyton <SEP> floccosum <SEP> a. <SEP> n <tb> Sporothrix <SEP> schenckii <SEP> r <SEP> . <SEP> <tb> Exophiala <SEP> werneckii <SEP> e <SEP> a. <tb> Medium A : Difco Yeast Nitrogen Base supplemented with L-asparagine and D-glucose Medium B : Difco Yeast Nitrogen Base supplemented with L-asparagine, D-Glucose, casein hydrolysate, and Difco Agar Noble.

Claims: Claims 1. A compound of the formula (I) RCH2NHR1 (I) or a monomethyl or monoethyl ether thereof, the compound of formula (I) including the said ethers containing no more than 30 carbon atoms in total; an ester thereof; a salt thereof; wherein R is a C15-22 carbocyclic fused ring system containing 3,4 or 5 aromatic rings optionally substituted by one or two substituents, said substituents containing not more than four carbon atoms in total when taken together being the same or different and are selected from halogen; cyano; C1-4 alkyl or C14 alkoxy, each optionally substituted by hydroxy or C1-2 alkoxy; halogen substituted C1-2 alkyl or C1-2 alkoxy; a group S(O)nR2 wherein n is an integer 0,1 or 2 and R2 Is C12 alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy or C12 alkoxy; or R is optionally substituted by a group NR3R4 containing not more than 5 carbon atoms wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is a C13 alkyl group or NR3R4 forms a five-or six-membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or two additional heteroatoms; R1 contains not more than eight carbon atoms and is a group EMI35.1 wherein m is 0 or 1; R5 and R6 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C15 alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy; R7 and R8 are the same or ditrerent and each is hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl; -C-C- is a five-or six-membered saturated carbocyclic ring; R9 is hydrogen, methyl or hydroxymethyl; R10, R11 and R12 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or methyl; ; R13 is hydrogen, methyl, hydroxy, or hydroxymethyl; with the proviso that R is not substituted or unsubstituted perylene, fluoranthene, chrysene, pyrene or triphenylene. 2. A compound of the formula (I) according to claim 1 in which R is selected from: EMI36.1 aceanthrylene aceanthrene benz[a]anthracene EMI36.2 acephenanthrylene acephenanthrene 11H-benzo[bJfluorene EMI36.3 11H-benzo[a]fluorene 7H-benzo[c]fluorene naphthacene 3. A compound of the formula (I) according to either claim 1 or 2 in which R is selected wrom 7-benz[a]anthracane, 5-naphthacene, 5-(llH benzo[b]fluorene),6-acephenanthrylene or 6-acephenanthrene. 4. A compound of the formula (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which R1 is EMI36.4 wherein R16 is hydrogen or methyl and R17 is hydrogen, methyl @ ethyl, most preferably methyl. 5. A compound selected rom the group comprising: 2-[(7-Benz[a]anthracenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-[(5-Naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-[(11H-Benzo[b]fluoren-5-ylmethyl)amino)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-t(6-Acephenanthrylenylmethyl)smino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and 2-E(6-Acephenanthrenylmethyl)amino)-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and ethers, esters and acid addition salts thereof. 6. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound o+ the formula (I), or an ether, ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor. 7. A method for the preparation of a compound of the formula (I), as defined in claim 1, which method comprises: (a) the reduction of a compound RCH=NR1, or an appropriately protected derivative thereof, followed by deprotection where appropriate; (b) the reduction of a compound R.CO.NHR1 wherein the hydroxy groups are optionally protected, followed by deprotection where appropriate; (c) the reaction of a compound RCH2L, wherein L is a leaving group, with a compound NH2R1; (d) any method known for the preparation oS analogous compounds. 8. Novel chemical intermediates of the formulae RCH=NR1, R.CO.NHR1 and RCH2L. 9. The first medical use of a compound of the formula (I) or an ether, ester or acid addition salt thereof as defined in claim 1. 10. A compound of the formula (I) or an ester, ether or acid addition salt thereof as defined in claim 1, for use as an antifungal agent. 11. A compound of the formula (I) or an ether, ester or acid addition salt thereof as defined in claim 1, for use in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of tumors. 1. A process for the preparation oP a compound of the formula (I): RCH2NHR1 (I) or a monomethyl or monoethyl ether thereoc, the compound of formula (I) including the said ethers containing no more than 30 carbon atoms in total; an ester thereof; a salt thereof; wherein R is a C15-22 carbocyclic fused ring system containing 3,4 or 5 aromatic rings optionally substituted by one or two substituents, said substituents containing not more than four carbon atoms in total when taken together being the same or different and are selected 'rom halogen; cyano; C1-4 alkyl or C1-4 alkoxy, each optionally substituted by hydroxy or C1-2 alkoxy; halogen substituted C1-2 alkyl or C1-2 alkoxy; a group S(O)nR2 wherein n is an integer 0,1 or 2 and R2 is C1-2 alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy or C1-2 alkoxy; or R is optionally substituted by a group NR3R containing not more than 5 carbon atoms wherein R3 and R4 are the same or different and each is a C1-3 alkyl group or NR3R4 forms a rive-or six-membered heterocyclic ring optionally containing one or two additional heteroatoms; R1 contains not more than eight carbon atoms and is a group EMI40.1 wherein m is O or 1; R5 and R6 are the same or di°terent and each is hydrogen or C1- 5 alkyl optionally substituted by hydroxy; ; R7 and R8 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl; -C- - is a five-or six-membered saturated carbocyclic ring; R9 is hydrogen, methyl or hydroxymethyl; R10, R11 and R12 are the same or different and each is hydrogen or methyl; R13 is hydrogen, methyl, hydroxy, or hydroxymethyl; with the proviso that R is not substituted or unsubstituted perylene, xluoranthene, chrysene, pyrene or triphenylene. which process comprises: (a) the reduction o' a compound RCH=NR1, or an appropriately protected derivative thereof, followed by deprotection where appropriate; (b) the reduction of a compound R.CO.NHR1 wherein the hydroxy groups optionally protected, followed by deprotection where appropriate; (c) the reaction o' a compound RCH2L, wherein L is a leaving group, with a compound NH2R1. (d) any other method known in the art for the preparation ow analogous compounds. 2. A process according to claim 1 for preparing a compound of the formula (I) wherein R is selected from: EMI41.1 aceanthrylene aceanthrene benzta]anthracene EMI41.2 acephenanthrylene acephenanthrene 11H-benzo[bjfluorene EMI41.3 11H-benzo(a]fluorene 7H-benzo[a]fiuorene naphthacene 3. A process according to either o; claims 1 or 2 for preparing a compound of the formula (I) in which R is selected from 7-benz[a]anthracene, 5 naphthacene, 5-(11H-benzo[b]fluorene),6-acephenanthrylene or 6-acephenanthrene. 4. A process according to any o' claims 1 to 3 òr preparing a compound o; the formula (I) in which R1 is EMI42.1 16 17 wherein R is hydrogen or methyl and R17 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, 5. A process according to any of claims 1 to 4 òr preparing a compound selected ±rom the group comprising: 2-[(7-Benz[a]anthracenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-[(5-Naphthacenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-l,3-propanediol, 2-[(11H-Benzo[b]fluoren-5-ylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-[(6-Acephenanthrylenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol and 2-[(6-Acephenanthrenylmethyl)amino]-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol ethers, esters and acid addition salts thereof. 6. A pharmaceutical 'ormulation comprising a compound of the formula (I), or an ether, ester or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier therefor 7. Novel chemical intermediate Or the formulae RCH=NR1, R.CO.NHR1 and RCH2I.

Inventors: BAIR, KENNETH WALTER
Applicants: THE WELLCOME FOUNDATION LIMITED
Application year: 1985
Main classification: C07C215
IPC codes: C07C315, C07C323, C07C67, C07C213, C07C215, C07C253, C07C313, A61K31, A61P35, C07C217, C07C317, C07C255, C07C47