3,4-DIHYDRO-4-OXO-2H-1-BENZOPYRANYLOXY ALKANOIC ACID DERIVATIVES

Abstract: It has been found that the novel compounds of the formula wherein R¹ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R² is hydrogen or halogen, R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁴ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, lower alkyl or aralkyl, X is alkylene and n is an integer from 1 to 6, the enantiomers thereof and, when R⁵ is hydrogen, the salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable bases have antiallergic properties and can accordingly be used as medicaments for the treatment or prevention of allergic conditions. The compounds of formula I can be manufactured by reacting a compound of the formula with a compound of the formula and optionally hydrolyzing the compound thus obtained.

Description: The present invention relates to 3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyranyloxy alkanoic acid derivatives of the general formula wherein R¹ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R² is hydrogen or halogen, R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁴ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, lower alkyl or aralkyl, X is alkylene and n is an integer from 1 to 6, enantiomers thereof and, when R⁵ is hydrogen, salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable bases. These compounds are useful as agents in the treatment of allergic conditions. As used herein, the term "lower alkyl" denotes a straight or branched chain saturated hydrocarbon containing 1 to 7 carbon atoms, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, neopentyl, pentyl, heptyl and the like. The term "halogen" denotes the four halogens bromine, chlorine, fluorine and iodine. The term "alkylene" denotes a straight or branched chain radical of 3 to 7 carbon atoms, for example, propylene, 2-methylpropylene, butylene, pentamethylene, hexamethylene, heptamethylene and the like. The term "aralkyl" denotes a straight or branched chain lower alkyl group in which one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an aryl group, for example, benzyl and the like. A preferred group of compounds of formula I are those in which R¹ is lower alkyl, R² is hydrogen, R³ is lower alkyl, R⁴ is lower alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, X is alkylene of 4 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 1 to 4. A more preferred group of compounds of formula I are those in which R¹ is propyl, R² is hydrogen, R³ is methyl, R⁴ is propyl, R⁵ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, X is alkylene of 4 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 1 to 4. Preferred compounds of formula I are: rac.-[[2-[6-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dih dro-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]-a cetic acid; rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-di ydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester; rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4 dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]ox y]-butanoic acid ethyl ester; rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-3-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4 dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]-o xy]butanoic acid and rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihy ro-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]-ac etic acid. Exemplary of the compounds of formula I are: (R)-[[2-[4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihy ro-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester; (s)-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-di ydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester; rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-d hydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-6-yl]-oxy ]acetic acid butyl ester; rac.-6-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-butyl]-3, -dihydro-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]-oxy]hexan oid acid; rac.-5-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-hexyl]-3,4 dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-5-yl]ox y]pentan,ic acid 2-methyl-1-butyl ester and rac.-4-[[2-[8-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-octyl]-3,4-d hydro-2-ethyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-6-yl]oxy]-butanoic acid. In accordance with the present invention the compounds of formula I, the enantiomers thereof and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts can be prepared by a process which comprises a) reacting a compound of the general formula wherein R⁵¹ is lower alkyl, Hal is halogen and R³, R⁴, X and n are as above, with a compound of the general formula wherein R¹ and R² are as above, or b) hydrolyzing the ester group in a compound of the general formula wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵¹, X and n are as above, and, if desired, resolving a racemate obtained into the optically active isomers and/or converting a compound of formula I obtained, wherein R⁵ is hydrogen, with a base into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. The reaction of a compound of formula II with a compound of formula III, which is a known compound or can be prepared according to known procedures, to yield a compound of formula Ia can be carried out under anhydrous conditions in an inert solvent, for example, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, dimethylformamide or the like, at the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, preferably at a temperature in the range of from about 70°C to about 100°C, and in the presence of an acid acceptor, for example, potassium carbonate or the like. The preferred solvent is a mixture of acetone and dimethylformamide. The resulting compound of formula Ia can be recovered utilizing conventional methods, for example, crystallization, chromatography or the like. A compound of formula Ia can be converted to the corresponding free acid by hydrolysis which can be carried out with an alkali metal hydroxide, for example, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or the like, in a mixture of water and a water miscible solvent, for example, methanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofuran or the like, at a temperature in the range of from about room temperature to the reflux temperature. The resulting free acid can be recovered utilizing conventional methods, for example, crystallization, chromatography or the like. The compounds of formula II can be prepared as hereinafter described in Reaction Scheme I which follows and wherein R³, R⁴, R⁵¹, X, n and Hal are as above and R⁶ is lower alkyl. In Reaction Scheme I, a compound of formula V, which is a known compound or can be prepared according to known procedures, is reacted with a compound of formula IV, which is a known compound or can be prepared according to known procedures, to yield a compound of formula VI in the presence of a catalyst, for example, a cyclic secondary amine such as pyrrolidine, and a inert aromatic hydrocarbon, preferably toluene, at a temperature in the range of about 25°C to about 150°C, preferably at about 110°C. The resulting compound of formula VI can be recovered utilizing conventional methods. The reaction of a compound of formula VII, which is a known compound or can be prepared according to known procedures, with a compound of formula VI to yield a compound of formula VIII is carried out under anhydrous conditions in an inert solvent, for example, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, diethyl ketone, dimethylformamide or the like, at the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture, preferably at a temperature in the range of from about 70°C to about 100°C, and in the presence of an acid acceptor, for example. potassium carbonate or the like. The preferred solvent is a mixture of acetone and dimethylformamide. The resulting compound of formula VIII can be recovered utilizing conventional methods, for example, crystallization, chromatography or the like. A compound of formula VIII is converted to a compound of formula IX utilizing as a catalyst a strong mineral acid such as dilute hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid or an aryl- or alkylsulfonic acid such as para-toluenesulfonic acid, or the like, preferably dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid, in an organic solvent which is miscible with water such as acetone, methanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, acetic acid or the like, preferably methanol, at a temperature in the range of from about 20°C to about 150°C, preferably at 25°C. A compound of formula IX, is reacted with a sulfonyl chloride of the formula R⁷SO₂Cl, wherein R⁷ is alkyl or aryl, such as phenyl, to yield a sulfonate utilizing conditions conventionally used for converting an alcohol to a sulfonate ester. The methansulfonate ester is preferred. For example, the sulfonation is carried out in an inert solvent, such as dichloromethane utilizing a sulfonating agent such as alkylsulfonyl chloride, preferably methanesulfonyl chloride in the presence of a base, for example, tri-lower alkylamine, pyridine or the like, preferably triethylamine, at a temperature in the range of from about 0°C to about 25°C, preferably at 0°C. The resulting sulfonate ester can be recovered utilizing conventional methods. The sulfonate ester is converted to a compound of formula II utilizing conditions conventionally used for transforming a sulfonate ester to an alkyl halide. For example, the sulfonate ester is treated with an alkali metal halide, for example sodium iodide, lithium iodide, potassium iodide and the like, preferably sodium iodide, in a solvent, for example a dialkyl ketone, such as ethyl methyl ketone, acetone and the like, preferably acetone, at a temperature idn the range of from about 20°C to about 100°C, preferably at 20°C. The resulting compound of formula II can be recovered utilizing conventional methods. This invention also relates to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of those compounds of formula I and their enantiomers, wherein R⁵ is hydrogen. Said salts can be prepared by reacting an acid of formula I or an enantiomer thereof with a base having a non-toxic, pharmacologically and pharmaceutically acceptable cation. In general, any base which will form a salt with a carboxylic acid and whose pharmacological properties will not cause an adverse physiological effect when ingested by a warm-blooded animal is considered as being within the scope of the invention. Suitable bases thus include, for example, alkali metal and alkaline earth metal hydroxides or carbonates, such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, potassium carbonate and the like, ammonia, primary, secondary and tertiary amines, such as monoalkylamines, dialkylamines, trialkylamines, nitrogen containing heterocyclic amines, for example piperidine, basic amino acids such as lysine, and the like. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts thus produced are the functional equivalent of the corresponding acids of formula I and their anantiomers, and one skilled in the art will appreciate that, to the extent that the salts of the invention are useful in therapy, the variety of salts encompassed by this invention are limited only by the criterion that the bases employed in forming the salts be both non-toxic and physiologically acceptable. The useful antiallergic activity of the compounds of formula I and enantiomers thereof, including their pharmaceutically acceptable salts when R⁵ is hydrogen, can be demonstrated in vitro and in warm-blooded animals utilizing standard pharmacological procedures. Exemplary of such procedures are: a) Guinea Pig Ileum Test, (In Vitro) : The guinea pig ileum bioassay system has been described by Orange and Austen, Adv. Immunol. 10 : 105-144 (1969). A 1.5 cm segment is removed from animals weighing 300-400g and suspended in an organ bath containing 10ml of Tyrodes solution with 10⁻⁶M atropine sulfate and 10⁻⁶M pyrilamine maleate. The bath is maintained at 37°C and aerated with a mixture of 95% oxygen and 5% carbon dioxide. The SRS-A utilized in this screen is obtained by challenging chopped lung fragments from actively sensitized guinea pigs with egg albumin, in vitro. A dose-response curve to SRS-A challenge is established for the ileum. The dose of SRS-A which gives 50% of the maximal contraction (EC₅₀) is then used for subsequent challenge. The drug concentration which inhibits, by 50% (IC₅₀), the SRS-A-induced constriction of the guinea pig ileum is determined. In this bioassa y system, the standard SRS-A antagonist, 7-[3-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2- propylphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropoxy]-4-oxo-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-2-carboxylic acid, has an IC₅₀ of 3.5 x 10⁻⁸M. b) Guinea Pig Bronchoconstriction Test, (In Vivo; Aerosol) : Male guinea pigs (Hartley strain) weighing 300 t0 500g are anesthetized with urethane (2 g/kg) intraperitoneally and a polyethylene cannula is inserted into the jugular vein for drug administration. Tracheal pressure is recorded from a cannula inserted in the trachea and connected to a Statham pressure transducer. After surgical preparation of the animals, a period of time is allowed for pulmonary functions to stabilize. The test compound is administered according to the following protocol. Propanolol (0.1 mg/kg) is administered intravenously while the animals breathed spontaneously. Five minutes thereafter, the animals are exposed for a five minute period to a 1% (w/v) aerosol solution of test compound (adjusted to an alkaline pH where necessary for drug solubilization) or to distilled water of the appropriate pH (for control purposes). A Monaghan (Model 750) ultrasonic nebulizer is used to administer all test compounds by inhalation. The nebulizer ultrasonic frequency is adjusted to produce particles in the 1-8µ diameter range (average 3µ). Aqueous solutions are prepared freshly and introduced into the chamber of the nebulizer. The output of the nebulizer is made available to the animal by directing a bias flow or aerosol through a Y tube connected to the tracheal cannula. At the end of the exposure period, the animals are paralyzed with succinylcholine (1.2 mg/kg. i.v.) and mechanically respirated (Harvard rodent respirator) at 40 breaths/minute and 2.5 cc tidal volume. Animals are then challenged with a maximum constrictory dose of leukotriene E₄ delivered intravenously 30 seconds after administration of the succinylcholine. The change (cm H₂O) between pre and peak ventilatory pressure readings averaged for three control animals and five drug treated animals. The percent inhibition is calculated from the following formula: When various drug concentrations are tested, the percent inhibition at each concentration is plotted as log concentration (abscissa) versus percent inhibition (ordinate) and the IC₅₀ is determined from linear regression analysis. When compounds of formula I, as listed hereinafter in Tables I and II, were utilized in the test procedures described above, the result set out in Tables I and II were obtained: c) Oral Testing of Leukotriene Antagonists Male guinea pigs (Hartley strain, Charles River) weighing 400 to 600g were anesthetized with urethane (2 g/kg) intraperiotoneally and a polyethylene cannula was inserted into the jugular vein for intravenous drug administration. Tracheal pressure (cm water) was recorded from a Statham pressure transducer. After surgical preparation of the animals, a period of time was allowed for spontaneous breathing to stabilize. Since previous studies have demonstrated a potentiating effect of propanolol (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) on bronchoconstriction induced with synthetic leukotriene, propanolol was administered five minutes prior to challenge with leukotriene. Two minutes later, spontaneous breathing was arrested with succinylcholine chloride (1.2 mg/kg. i.v.) and the animals ventilated with a Harvard (Model #680) small animal respirator set at 40 breaths per minute and 4.0 cc stroke volume. The animals were challenged with a maximum constrictory dose of either leukotriene C₄ or leukotriene D₄ or leukotriene E₄ (25 µg/kg, i.v.) at 5 minutes. Control vehicle or test drug (adjusted to an alkaline pH where necessary for drug solubilization) was administered (10 mg/kg, p.o) two hours prior to challenge with leukotriene. In order to determine the ID₅₀ for a test drug, the dose is varied from 10 mg/kg, p.o. to 100, 50, 30, 20, 5, 3 and 1 mg/kg, p.o. In order to determine oral duration of action, the time between exposure to test drug and challenge with leukotriene is varied. In test procedure (c), the compounds listed in Table III were tested by this oral procedure, and the results obtained are also set out in Table III. A compound of formula I, an enantiomer thereof or a salt thereof, when R⁵ is hydrogen, or a composition containing a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula I, an enantiomer thereof or a salt thereof, when R⁵ is hydrogen, can be administered by methods well known in the art. Thus, the compounds of the present invention can be administered either singly or with other pharmaceutical agents, for example, antihistamines, mediator release inhibitors, methyl xanthines, beta-agonists or antiasthmatic steroids such as prednisone and prednisolone, orally, parenterally, rectally, or by inhalation, for example, in the form of an aerosol, micropulverized powder or nebulized solution. For oral administration they can be administered in the form of tablets, capsules, for example, in admixture with talc, starch, milk sugar or other inert ingredients, that is, pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, or in the form of aqueous solutions, suspensions, elixirs or aqueous alcoholic solutions, for example, in admixture with sugar or other sweetening agents, flavoring agents, colorants, thickeners and other conventional pharmaceutical excipients. For parenteral administration, they can be administered in solutions or suspension, for example, as an aqueous or peanut oil solution or suspension using excipients and carriers conventional for this mode of administration. For administration as aerosols, they can be dissolved in a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, for example, ethyl alcohol or combinations of miscible solvents, and mixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable propellant. Such aerosol compositions are packaged for use in a pressurized container fitted with an aerosol valve suitable for release of the pressurized composition. Preferably, the aerosol valve is a metered valve, that is one which on activation releases a predetermined effective dose of the aerosol composition. Presently, the most preferred route of administration for the compounds of formula I is by inhalation, for example, as an aerosol, and particularly for use as an antiasthmatic agent. In the practice of the invention, the dose of a compound formula I, an enantiomer thereof or salt thereof, when R⁵ is hydrogen, to be administered and the frequency of administration will be dependent on the potency and duration of activity of the particular compound to be administered and on the route of administration, as well as the severity of the condition, age of the warm-blooded animal to be treated and the like. Doses of a compound of formula I, an enantiomer thereof or a salt thereof, when R⁵ is hydrogen, contemplated for use in the practice of the invention are in the range of from about 25 to about 1000 mg per day, preferably about 25 to about 250 mg either as a single dose or in divided doses per day. Since the compounds of formula I of the invention possess an asymmetric carbon atom, they are ordinarily obtained as racemic mixtures. The resolution of such racemates into the optically active isomers can be carried out by known procedures. Some racemic mixtures can be precipitated as eutectics and can thereafter be separated. Chemical resolution is, however, preferred. By this method, diastereomers are formed from the racemic mixture of a compound of formula I, wherein R⁵ is hydrogen, with an optically active resolving agent, for example, an optically active base, such as d-(+)-α-methylbenzylamine, which can be reacted with a carboxyl gr oup. The formed diastereomers are separated by selective crystallization and converted to the corresponding optical isomer. Thus, the invention covers the racemates of the compounds of formula I as well as their optically active isomers (enantiomers). The examples which follow also further describe the invention. All temperatures given are in degree centigrade unless otherwise stated. All reactions were carried out under an inert atmosphere. Example 1 Preparation of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyl]-7-hydroxy-2 methyl-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one A mixture of 2.9g of 8-hydroxy-2-octanone tetrahydropyranyl ether (C. Bernasconi et al., Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr., 107 (1977)), 2.46g of 2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylacetophenone, 25 ml of toluene and 1.05 ml of pyrrolidine was stirred at room temperature for 20 hours when refluxed for 3.5 hours using a Dean-Stark trap for water removal. The mixture was cooled, treated with 20 ml of 3N hydrochloric acid and stirred for 20 minutes. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with 3N hydrochloric acid, water, saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, brine and then dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residual red oil was purified by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) (silica gel; 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate) giving 3.0g (58.5%) of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[6[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyl]-7-hydroxy-2- ethyl-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one as a reddish oil. Example 2 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyl]-2-methyl- -oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester A mixture of 0.706g of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy)hexyl]-7-hydroxy-2 methyl-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 16 ml of N,N-diethylformamide and 0.477g of anhydrous potassium carbonate was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. A 0.33 ml (0.53g) portion of methyl bromoacetate was added and stirring was continued for 17.5 hours at room temperature. The mixture was poured into water and the pH was adjusted to 7 with 0.5N hydrochloric acid. The organic product was isolated by extraction with 3 portions of ether. The ether extracts were combined, washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate filtered and concentrated in vacuo to give a yellow oil. This material was purified by HPLC (silica gel, 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate) yielding 0.589g (70.8%) of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl]oxy]hexyl]-2-m thyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as a pale-yellow oil. Analysis for C₂₇H₄₀O₇ Calculated: C, 68.04%; H, 8.46% Found: C, 67.87%; H, 8.20%. Example 3 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester A solution of 2.3g of the product from Example 2 in 25 ml of methanol and 5ml of 2N hydrochloric acid was stirred for 1.75 hours at room temperature then concentrated in vacuo to remove most of the methanol. The residue was diluted with water, neutralized with sodium bicarbonate solution, and extracted 4 times with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with water and brine, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield 1.85g of an oil. This material was purified by HPLC (silica gel, 1.5:1 ethyl acetate-hexane) giving 1.65g (87.1%) of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benz pyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as a yellow oil. Analysis for C₂₂H₃₂O₆ Calculated: C, 67.32%; H, 8.22% Found: C, 67.07%; H, 8.43%. Example 4 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(6 -iodohexyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester A solution of 1.14g of the product from Example 3 in 28 ml of dichloromethane and 1.03ml (0.75g) of triethylamine was treated with 0.54ml (0.804g) of methanesulfonyl chloride. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours then poured into water and extracted with 3 portions of dichloromethane. The organic extracts were combined. washed with brine, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo giving 1.5g of the methanesulfonate derivative as a yellow oil. This material was dissolved in 40 ml of acetone and 1.91g of sodium iodide was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 67 hours then poured into water and extracted 4 times with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water and brine, then dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo giving 1.32g (90.4%) of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(6-iodohexyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as a yellow oil which crystallized on standing, m.p. 53-60°. Example 5 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester A mixture of 1.25g of the product from Example 4, 0.49g of 2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylacetophenone. 0.841g of anhydrous potassium bicarbonate, 25 ml of acetone, and 12ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was refluxed and stirred for 6 hours. The resulting mixtures was cooled, poured into cold 1N hydrochloric acid and extracted 3 times with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, water and brine, then dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo giving 1.5 g of an oil. This material was chromatographed on 45g of silica gel. Elution with 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate afforded 1.18g (83.4%) of rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as a colorless oil. Analysis for C₃₃H₄₄O₈ Calculated: C, 69.70%; H, 7.80% Found: C, 69.68%; H, 8.00%. Example 6 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid A solution of 1.1g of the product from Example 5 and 0.966g of sodium hydroxide in 36ml of methanol and 9ml of water was stirred at room temperature for 5.5 hours then poured into 60 ml of cold 1N hydrochloric acid and 150ml of water. The mixture was extracted 3 times with ether. The combined ether extracts were washed with 3 portions of saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution. Each bicarbonate wash was back-extracted with ether. The bicarbonate washes were combined and acidified with pH 1 with 3N hydrochloric acid. The acidic mixture was extracted 3 times with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate extracts were combined, washed with water and brine, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield 1.04g of a yellow solid. This material was recrystallized from acetonitrile giving 0.82g (76.6%) of rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4- oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid as a colorless solid, m.p. 120.5-125.0°. Analysis for C₃₂H₄₂O₈ Calculated: C, 69.29%; H, 7.53% Found: C, 69.46%; H, 7.64%. Example 7 Preparation of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyl]-7-hydroxy-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one A mixture of 4.8g of 7-hydroxyheptanal tetrahydropyranyl ether (Schwarz et al., J. Org. Chem. 40. , 2410 (1975)), 4.34g of 2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylacetophenone, 360 ml of benzene and 4. 77 ml (3.93g) of pyrrolidine was stirred at room temperature for 21 hours, then refluxed for 7 hours with water removal by means of a Dean-Stark trap. The mixture was cooled and poured into 270 ml of water containing 55ml of 1N hydrochloric acid. The two-phase mixture was stirred at room temperature for 25 minutes then extracted 4 times with ether. The ether extracts were combined, washed with water and brine, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo giving 12g of a red oil. This material was dissolved in 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate and the solution, was filtered through a pad of silica gel. The silica gel was washed with 2.51 of 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate. The combined filtrate and washes were concentrated in vacuo giving a red oily residue which was further purified by HPLC (silica gel, 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate). There was obtained 2.5g (23.5%) of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyl]-7-hydroxy-8 propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one as a yellow oil. Example 8 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyl]-4-oxo-8-p opyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 2, the product from Example 7 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[6-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]hexyl]-4-oxo-8-p opyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, a yellow oil, in 84.9% yield. Analysis for C₂₆H₃₈O₇ Calculated: C, 67.51%; H, 8.28% Found: C, 66.82%; H, 8.44%. Example 9 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 3, the product from Example 8 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7- )]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, a colorless solid, m.p. 93-94.5° (from ethyl acetate-hexane), in 90% yield. Analysis for C₂₁H₃₀O₆ Calculated: C, 66.65%; H, 7.99% Found: C, 66.89%; H, 8.08%. Example 10 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(6-iodohexyl)-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 4, the product from Example 9 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(6-iodohexyl)-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl] xy]acetic acid methyl ester, a yellow oil. Example 11 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-4-ox -8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 5, the product from Example 10 was converted into rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-4-ox -8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, a colorless solid, m.p. 121-123.5° (from acetonitrile), in 69.5% yield. Analysis for C₃₂H₄₂O₈ Calculated: C, 69.29%; H, 7.63% Found: C, 69.00%; H, 7.89%. Example 12 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-4-ox -8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid Using the procedure of Example 6, the product from Example 11 was saponified giving rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-4-ox -8-propyl- 2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid, a colorless solid m.p. 168-173° (from ethyl acetate), in 84% yield. Analysis for C₃₁H₄₀O₈ Calculated: C, 68.86%; H, 7.45% Found: C, 68.75%; H, 7.60%. Example 13 Preparation of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-7-hydroxy-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one Using the procedure of Example 7, 5-hydroxypentanal tetrahy dropyranyl ether (Hurd and Richardson, J. Org. Chem. 32 , 3516 (1967)) was condensed with 2,4-dihydroxy-3-propyl-acetophenone giving rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-7-hydroxy-8 propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, a yellow oil, in 24% yield. Example 14 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-4-oxo-8-p opyI-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]-acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 2, the product from Example 13 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-4-oxo-8-p opyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, a yellow oil, in 87.4% yield. Example 15 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 3, the product from Example 14 was converted into rac.[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]-acetic acid methyl ester, a yellow oil, in 68% yield. Example 16 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 4, the product from Example 15 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl] xy]acetic acid methyl ester, a yellow oil. Example 17 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-4-ox -8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 5, the product from Example 16 was converted into rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-4-ox -8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, a colorless solid, in 70% yield. Example 18 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-4-ox -8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid A solution of 0.3g of the product from Example 17 and 0.48g of lithium hydroxide monohydrate in 10ml of 1:1 water-tetrahydrofuran was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours then diluted with water and extracted with ether (the ether extract was discarded). The aqueous solution was acidified with 1N hydrochloric acid and extracted 3 times with ether. The ether extracts were combined, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo giving a solid residue which was chromatographed on 12g of silica gel. Elution with tetrahydrofuran gave the acid which was recrystallized from methanol yielding rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-4-ox -8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid as an off-white solid, m.p. 163.5=167.0°. Analysis for C₂₉H₃₆O₈ Calculated: C, 67.95%; H, 7.08% Found: C, 67.73%; H, 7.14%. Example 19 Preparation of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl-7- ydroxy-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one A mixture of 2.54g of 6-hydroxy-2-hexanone tetrahydropyranyl ether, 2.46g of 2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylacetophenone, 1.05g of pyrrolidine and 35 ml of toluene was stirred at room temperature for four days. The dark brown solution was then refluxed for 24 hours with water removal using a Dean-Stark trap. A 1:1 mixture of ethylacetate and toluene (400 ml) and 50g of silica were added to the reaction mixture and the slurry was stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. The silica gel was filtered off with suction and washed with 1:1 ethyl acetate-toluene. The filtrate and washes were combined and concentrated in vacuo. The residual oil was purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Hexane-ethyl acetate (2:1) eluted 3. 3g (69.1%) on rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-7-hydroxy-2 methyl-8-propyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one as a dark brown oil. Example 20 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester A mixture of 3.3g of the product from Example 19, 1.45g of methyl bromoacetate, 2.41g of anhydrous potassium carbonate and 60 ml of acetone was stirred and refluxed for 17 hours. After being cooled, the reaction mixture was poured into 200ml of water. The organic product was isolated by extraction with ethyl acetate. The extracts were combined. washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and filtered, and the solvent evaporated in vacuo to give 3.5g of a red oil. Purification of this material by chromatography on a silica gel column (eluting system 4:1 hexane-ethyl acetate) yielded 2.52g (64.1%) of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]-oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as a yellow oil. Example 21 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 3, the product from Example 20 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benz pyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, an amber oil, in 99% yield. Example 22 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure described in Example 4, the product from Example 21 was converted into rac.[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyr n-7-yl]oxy]-acetic acid methyl ester, a yellow oil, in 53% yield. Analysis for C₂₀H₂₇IO₃ Calculated: C, 50.64%; H, 5.76%, I, 26.75% Found: C, 50.42%; H, 5.61%; I, 26.68%. Example 23 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[4(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-met yl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 5, the product from Example 22 was converted into rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, a yellow oil, in 84% yield. Analysis for C₃₁H₄₀O₈ Calculated: C, 68.87%; H, 7.46% Found: C, 68.39%; H, 7.56%. Example 24 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]3,4-dihydro-2-met yl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid A solution of 1.05g of the product from Example 23 and 0.93g of lithium hydroxide monohydrate in 20ml of 1:1 tetrahydrofuran-water was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was poured into 25ml of 1N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with saturated brine, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered, and the solvent evaporated in vacuo to give 935mg of a pink solid. Crystallization from ethyl acetate-hexane yielded 654mg (64%) of rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid as a pink solid, m.p. 118-126°. Analysis for C₃₀H₃₈O₈ Calculated: C, 68.42%; H, 7.27% Found: C, 68.38%; H, 7.25%. Example 25 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester Using the procedure described in Example 20, 3.47g of the product from Example 19 was alkylated with 1.97g of ethyl 4-bromobutanoate to yield 1.69g (37.3%) of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester as a yellow oil after purification of the crude product by column chromatography on silica gel. Example 26 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydrobutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester Using the procedure of Example 3, the product from Example 25 was hydrolyzed to rac.[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzo yran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester as a yellow oil in 99% yield. Example 27 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester Using the procedure of Example 4, the product from Example 27 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopy an-7-yl]oxy]-butanoic acid ethyl ester, a yellow oil, in 73.3% yield. Analysis for C₂₃H₃₃IO₅ Calculated: C, 53.49%; H, 6.44%; I, 24.57% Found: C, 53.75%; H, 6.52%; I, 24.38%. Example 28 Preparation of rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2- ethyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester A mixture of 1.39g of the product from Example 27, 0.876g of anhydrous potassium carbonate, 0.522g of 2,4-dihydroxy-3-propylacetophenone, 25ml of acetone and 25ml of N,N-dimethylformamide was refluxed and stirred for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled, poured into cold 1N hydrochloric acid and extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract was washed with water and saturated brine, then dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated in vacuo giving 1.99g of an oil. Purification of this material by column chromatography on silica gel (elution system 2:1 hexane-ethyl acetate) yielded 1.38g (87.3%) of rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-didhydro-2 methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester as a yellow oil. Analysis for C₃₄H₄₆O₈ Calculated: C, 70.08%; H, 7.96% Found: C, 69.94%; H, 7.84%. Example 29 Preparation of rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2- ethyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid Using the procedure of Example 24, the product from Example 28 was converted by saponification into rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2- ethyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]-oxy]butanoic acid, a yellow solid, in 94.5% yield. Analysis for C₃₂H₄₂O₈ Calculated: C, 69.29%; H, 7.63% Found: C, 68.94%; H, 7.65%. Example 30 Preparation of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-1-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -hydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one A mixture of 8.7g of 6-hydroxy-2-hexanone tetrahydropyranyl ether, 6.61g of 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone, 5.43g of pyrrolidine and 43 ml of toluene was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours then refluxed for 3 hours using a Dean-Stark trap for water removal. The mixture was cooled, diluted with 200ml of ethyl acetate and 170ml of toluene and treated with 100g of silica gel. After being stirred for 19 hours, the slurry was suction filtered and the solids washed with 1:1 ethyl acetate-toluene. The filtrate and washes were combined and concentrated in vacuo to give 13.3g of a red oil. Purification of this crude material by column chromatography on silica gel (eluting system 9:1 toluene-ethyl acetate) yielded 7.4g (49.4%) of rac.-2,3-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-1-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -hydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one as a reddish oil. Example 31 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester Using the procedure of Example 2, the product from Example 30 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-didhydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl 4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester, a yellow oil, in 86.0% yield, by alkylation with ethyl 4-bromobutanoate. Example 32 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester Using the procedure of Example 3, the product from Example 31 was hydrolyzed to yield rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7- l]oxy]-butanoic acid ethyl ester, a yellow oil, in 95% yield. Example 33 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester Using the procedure described in Example 4, the product from Example 32 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl] xy]butanoic acid ethyl ester, a viscous oil, in 65.7% yield. Analysis for C₂₀H₂₇IO₅ Calculated: C, 50.64%; H, 5.74%; I, 26.75% Found: C, 50.52%; H, 5.69%; I, 26.90%. Example 34 Preparation of rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propyl-phenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2 methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester Using the procedure of Example 5, the product from Example 33 was converted into rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2- ethyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester, a yellow oil, in 96.5% yield. Analysis for C₃₁H₄₀O₈ Calculated: C, 68.87%; H, 7.46% Found: C, 68.67%; H, 7.43%. Example 35 Preparation of rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2- ethyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid Using the procedure of Example 24, the product from Example 34 was saponified giving rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2- ethyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid in 92.9% yield as an amber oil. Analysis for C₂₉H₃₆O₈ Calculated: C, 67.95%; H, 7.08% Found: C, 67.84%; H, 7.28%. Example 36 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]-oxy]acetic acid methyl ester A mixture of 6g of the product from Example 30, 1.9ml (3.07g) of methyl bromoacetate, 5.1g of anhydrous potassium carbonate, 15ml of N,N-dimethylformamide and 5ml of acetone was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour then at 80° for 24 hours. After being cooled, the resulting slurry was diluted with ether and cautiously treated with 37ml of 1N hydrochloric acid. The mixture was diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether extracts were combined, washed with water and saturated brine, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. After drying the residue under high vacuum, there was obtained 5.5g (75.2%) of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-[4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]butyl]-2-methyl- -oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as a viscous orange oil. Example 37 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester A solution of t he product from Example 36 (5.5g) and 14ml of 2N hydrochloric acid in 70ml of methanol was stirred at room temperature for 4.5 hours. Most of the methanol was then removed under water aspirator pressure at 40°. The residue was diluted with water and extracted with ether. The ether extracts were combined, washed with water and brine, dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered and concentrated under reduced pressure. The oily residue was dissolved in ether-ethyl acetate and the solution was washed twice with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution and saturated brine then dried (magnesium sulfate), filtered, and concentrated under reduced pressure. After being dried under high vacuum, the residue of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-hydroxybutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7- l]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester (3.75g; 86.2%) was obtained as a viscous amber oil. Example 38 Preparation of rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure described in Example 4, the product from Example 37 was converted into rac.-[[3,4-dihydro-2-(4-iodobutyl)-22-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl oxy]acetic acid methyl ester as a yellow oil in 86.3% yield. Example 39 Preparation of rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester Using the procedure of Example 5, the product from Example 38 was converted into rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, a yellow oil, in 78.8% yield. Example 40 Preparation of rac.-[[3-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid Using the procedure of Example 24, the product from Example 39 was saponified with lithium hydroxide in tetrahydrofuran-water giving rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid in 97.9% yield as a viscous amber oil. Analysis for C₂₇H₃₂O₈ Calculated: C, 66.93%; H, 6.66% Found: C, 66.46%; H, 6.80%. Procedure: Micronize rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-m thyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid to the 1-10 micron particle range by air attrition and place in a appropriate container. Add glyceryl trioleate at room temperature. Chill the Freon to -30° and then add it to mixture. Seal a precise appropriate volumetric valve onto the container immediately after adding the Freon and place the container in an ultrasonic generator to disperse the rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid in the Freon. Procedure: Micronize the sodium salt of rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid to the 1-10 micron particle range by air attrition and place in an appropriate container. Add glyceryl trioleate at room temperature. Chill the Freon to -30° and then add it to mixture. Seal a precise appropriate volumetric valve onto the container immediately after adding the Freon and place the container in an ultrasonic generator to disperse the sodium salt or rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)hexyl]-3-4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid in the Freon. Procedure: Dissolve rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4- oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid in dimethylsulfoxide at room temperature in an appropriate container. Add the ethanol and methylene chloride to the mixture. Then add the Freon which has been chilled to -30°. Seal a precise appropriate volumetric valve onto the container immediately after adding the Freon. Procedure : The same procedure as in Example 43 was employed in this example. Procedure: Dissolve rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-m thyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid into the phosphate buffer containing an equimolar amount of sodium hydroxide resulting in a solution having a pH of 7.8. Procedure: Mill rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, lactose and starch in a suitable mixer. Mill. Add talc and mix well. Encapsulate on suitable equipment. Procedure: Mix rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid methyl ester, lactose. modified starch and pregelatinized starch in a suitable mixer. Granulate with sufficient distilled water to proper consistency. Mill. Dry in a suitable oven. Mill and mix with magnesium stearate for 3 minutes. Compress on a suitable press equipped with appropriate punches. Procedure: Mill rac.-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-2-propylphenoxy)butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy] acetic acid methyl ester with an equal amount of lactose. Mix well. Mix with avicel and direct compression starch, and the remaining amount of lactose. Mix well. Add magnesium stearate and mix for 3 minutes. Compression on a suitable press equipped with appropriate punches.

Claims: 1. Compounds of the general formula wherein R¹ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R² is hydrogen or halogen, R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁴ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, lower alkyl or aralkyl, X is alkylene and n is an integer from 1 to 6,enantiomers thereof and, when R⁵ is hydrogen, salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable bases. 2. Compounds in accordance with claim 1, wherein R¹ is lower alkyl, R² is hydrogen, R³ is lower alkyl, R⁴ is lower alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, X is alkylene of 4 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 1 to 4. 3. Compounds in accordance with claim 2, wherein R¹ is propyl and R³ is methyl. 4. Compounds in accordance with claim 2 or 3, wherein R⁴ is propyl. 5. rac.[[2-[6-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid or its sodium salt. 6. rac.-[[2-[4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester. 7. rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2 methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester. 8. rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2 methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid. 9. rac.-[[2-4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-butyl[-3,4-dihydro-2-me hyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid. 10. Compounds in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9 for use as therapeutically active substances. 11. Compounds in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9 for use in the treat ment or prevention of allergic conditions. 12. A process for the manufacture of compounds in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9 which comprises a) reacting a compound of the general formula wherein R⁵¹ is lower alkyl, Ha1 is haldogen and R³, R⁴, X and n are as in claim 1,with a compound of the general formula wherein R¹ and R² are as in claim 1,or b) hydrolyzing the ester group in a compound of the general formula wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵¹, X and n are as above,and, if desired, resolving a racemate obtained into the optically active isomers and/or converting a compound of formula I obtained, wherein R⁵ is hydrogen, with a base into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 13. A medicament containing a compound in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9 and a therapeutically inert excipient. 14. A medicament for the treatment or prevention of allergic conditions containing a compound in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9 and a therapeutically inert excipient. 15. The use of a compound in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 9 for the manufacture of a medicament against allergic conditions. Claims for the following contracting state: AT 1. A process for the manufacture of compounds of the general formula wherein R¹ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R² is hydrogen or halogen, R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁴ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen, lower alkyl or aralkyl, X is alkylene and n is an integer from 1 to 6,enantiomers thereof and, when R⁵ is hydrogen, salts thereof with pharmaceutically acceptable bases, which comprises a) reacting a compound of the general formula wherein R⁵¹ is lower alkyl, Ha1 is halogen and R³, R⁴, X and n are as above,with a compound of the general formula wherein R¹ and R² are as above,or b) hydrolyzing the ester group in a compound of the general formula wherein R¹, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵¹, X and n are as above,and, if desired, resolving a racemate obtained into the optically active isomers and/or converting a compound of formula I obtained, whereind R⁵ is hydrogen, with a base into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 2. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein R¹ is lower alkyl, R² is hydrogen, R³ is lower alkyl, R⁴ is lower alkyl, R⁵ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, X is alkylene of 4 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 1 to 4. 3. A process in accordance with claim 2, wherein R¹ is propyl and R³ is methyl. 4. A process in accordance with claim 2 or 3, wherein R⁴ is propyl. 5. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein rac.-[[2-[6-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-hexyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-m thyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]acetic acid or its sodium salt is prepared. 6. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein rac.-[[2-[4[(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-butyl]-3,4-dihydlro-2- ethyl-4-oxo-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]-acetic acid methyl ester is prepared. 7. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2 methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid ethyl ester is prepared. 8. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein rac.-4-[[2-[4-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propylphenoxy)-butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2 methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7-yl]oxy]butanoic acid is prepared. 9. A process in accordance with claim 1, wherein rac.-[[2-4-(4-Acetyl-3-hydroxy-2-propy lphenoxy)-butyl]-3,4-dihydro-2-methyl-4-oxo-8-propyl-2H-1-benzopyran-7- l]oxy]acetic acid is prepared. 10. The use of a compound of formula I set forth in claim 1, an enantiomer thereof or, when R⁵ is hydrogen, a salt thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable base for the manufacture of a medicament against allergic conditions.

Inventors: COHEN, NOAL, WEBER, GIUSEPPE FEDERICO
Applicants: F. HOFFMANN-LA ROCHE AG
Application year: 1986
Main classification: C07D311
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P37, C07D311