1,3,5-Trithian derivatives

Abstract: A 1,3,5-trithiane derivative represented by the general formula (I): wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom, R² is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an imidazolyl group, or R², when taken together with R¹, forms a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded, R³ is a hydrogen atom; an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two sub­ stituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-haloalkyl groups, C₃- to C₇-cycloalkyl groups, hydroxyl group, C₁- to C₅-­ alkoxy groups (whose alkyl portion is optionally substi­ tuted by a morpholino group, an N-substituted-piperazino group having a C₁- to C₃-alkyl group as the substituent, a C₃- to C₁₀-alkoxycarbonyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group), C₃- to C₇-cycloalkoxy groups, phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-­ alkoxy group), phenylthio group, phenylsulfinyl group, nitro group, N,N-C₂- to C₈-dialkylamino groups, morpholino group, imidazolyl group, phenyl group, halophenyl groups, phenylalkyl groups and pyridyl group; a heteroaromatic group; a polycyclic fused ring group; a substituted-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group having a phthalimido-1-yl group or a phenoxyphenyl group as the substituent; or a halostyryl group, or R³, when taken together with R², forms a C₁- to C₉-alkylidene group, R⁴ is a hydrogen atom; a C₁-­ C⁸-alkyl group (which is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, a C₂- to C₅-alkoxycarbonyl group, a hydroxy­ carbonyl group, hydroxy group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group); a C₁₅- to C₂₀-alkenylene group; an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, C₁- to C₆-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₉-haloalkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkylthio groups, C₂- to C₆-alkoxycarbonyl groups and hydroxycarbonyl group; or a halostyryl group, or R³ and R⁴, when taken together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, represent a fluoren-9-ylidene group, each of ℓ, m and n is zero or an integer of 1 or 2, and R⁴ is a group other than phenyl group in the case where R³ is a phenyl group, a pharmaceutical composition containing the same, and a process for producing the same.

Description: This invention relates to a 1,3,5-trithiane derivative represented by the general formula (I): wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom, R² is a hydrogen atom or an imidazolyl group; or when R², and R¹ are absent, a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-haloalkyl groups C₃- to C₇-cycloalkyl groups, hydroxyl group, C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups whose alkyl portion is optionally substituted by a morpholino group, an N-substituted-piperizino group having a C₁- to C₃-alkyl group as the substitutent, a C₃- to C₁₀-alkoxycarbonyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group), C₃- to C₇-cycloalkoxy groups, phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group), phenylthio group, phenylsulfinyl group, nitro group, N,N-C₂- to C₈-dialkylamino groups, morpholino group, imidazolyl group, phenyl group, halophenyl groups, phenylalkyl groups and pyridyloxy group; a pyridyl group; a thienyl group; furyl group; 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl group; a naphthyl group; a phenanthryl group; a substituted-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group having a phthalimido-1-yl group or a phenoxyphenyl group as the substituent; or a halostyryl group; or R³, when taken together with R², forms a C₁- to C₉-alkylidene group; R⁴ is a hydrogen atom; a C₁- to C₈-alkyl group (which is optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, a C₂- to C₅-alkoxycarbonyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl group, hydroxy group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group); a C₁₅- to C₂₀-alkadienyl group; an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen atoms, C₁- to C₆-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₉-haloalkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkylthio groups, C₂- to C₆-alkoxycarbonyl groups and hydroxycarbonyl group; or a halostyryl group; or R³ and R⁴, when taken together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, represent a fluoren-9-ylidene group; and each of ℓ, m and n is zero or an integer of 1 or 2; provided that R³ is a group other than unsubstituted-phenyl group in the case where either R⁴ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group or R¹, R² and R⁴ are a hydrogen atom at the same time, and an anti-arteriosclerotic or anti-hyperlipemic medicinal composition comprising said derivative as active ingredient. Preferred compounds of formula I are those defined in claims 2 to 18. As compounds akin to the compounds of the general formula (I), there are known Compound A [Tetrahedron Letter 31, 2731-2734 (1976)] and Compound B [the specification of U.S. Patent 3,525,751]: but as to their uses, it is only known that Compound B has follicle hormone activity. DE-A-1 643 494 relates to a method for preparing carbonyl compounds, in particular 1,3,5-trithiane compounds of, for example, general formula wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom, a C₁- to C₅- alkyl group, a phenyl group, an alkylphenyl group or phenylalkyl group, the alkyl substituent having 1-3 carbon atoms; R⁴ is a C₁- to C₁₅- alkyl group, a phenylalkyl group having a C₁- to C₅- alkyl substituent, a C₁- to C₁₀- arylalkyl group, a -CH₂-(CH₂) n -CO₂R⁵- or -CH₂-(CH₂) n -CH(OR⁵)₂- group; n is an integer of 0 to 10 and R⁵ is a C₁- to C₅- alkyl group. DE-A 1 643 494 discloses also intermediates of the above formula wherein R⁴ denotes or wherein R⁸, R⁹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ independently have one of the meanings of R¹. OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION As a result of extensive study, the present inventors found that the trithiane derivatives of the general formula (I) (as defined above and in claim 1) and certain related compounds - known in part - additionally included within formula (I*) (as defined in claim 19) had a cholesterol-reducing effect and an anti-hyperlipemic activity and were useful as anti-arteriosclerotic agents and anti-hyperlipemic agents. An object of the present invention is to provide a novel trithiane derivative having a pharamocological activity. Another object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition useful as an anti-arteriosclerosis and the like. Further another object of the present invention is to provide a method of preparing said trithiane derivative. Compounds of the general formulae (I) and (I*) can be produced by the following processes: Process A: wherein R³ and R⁴ have the same meanings as defined above, and M is an alkali metal atom. In detail, a compound of the general formula (Ia') can be obtained by allowing a base to act on 1,3,5-trithiane in an anhydrous inert solvent to convert 1,3,5-trithiane into an alkaline metal salt thereof (II), and then slowly dropping thereto a solution prepared by dissolving a compound of the general formula (III) in an anhydrous inert solvent. As the solvents usable in these reactions, aprotic aqueous inert solvents are preferred, and there can be exemplified, for example, hydrocarbons such as, for example, n-hexane, cyclohexane, isooctane and benzene, and ethers such as, for example, diethyl ether, dioxane, tetrahydrofuran and dimethoxyethane. The base includes, for example, n-butyl lithium, sec-butyl lithium, tert-butyl lithium, phenyl lithium, lithium diisopropylamide, lithium dicyclohexylamide, lithium hexamethyldisilazide, sodium hydride and potassium hydride. The using amount of the base is equimolar with 1,3,5-trithiane. The reaction temperature is selected in the range of -78°C to 50°C, preferably -78°C to 20°C. Although the reaction time is varied depending on the respective reaction temperature and reaction scale, it may be selected in the range of 30 min to 48 hr. In carrying out the reactions, the reactants for each reaction are used in equimolar amount because the reaction is an equimolar reaction, though either of them may be used in excess. Process B: A compound of the general formula (Ib) can be obtained by dehydrating a compound of the general formula (Ia') by use of an acid in an inert solvent. The dehydration yields a compound of the general formula (Ib') in some cases depending on the kind of R³. As the solvent usable in the present reaction, any solvent may be used so long as it does not inhibit the reaction, and there can be exemplified hydrocarbons such as, for example, benzene, toluene and chlorobenzene; halogenated hydrocarbons such as, for example, dichloromethane and chloroform; ethers such as, for example, dioxane and tetrahydrofuran; and esters such as, for example, ethyl acetate. The acid includes, for example, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, and trifluoroacetic acid. The using amount of the acid is a catalytic amount with regard to the compound of the general formula (Ia'). The reaction temperature is selected in the range of room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent. Although the reaction time is varied depending on the reaction temperature and the reaction scale, it is selected in the range of 5 min to 24 hr. Process C: wherein R³, R⁴ and M have the same meanings as defined above, and X is a trimethylsilyl group, a triphenylsilyl group, a dialkylphosphoryl group, a tributylstannyl group, or a chlorotriphenylphosphonium group. A preferred form of the process is that defined in claim 38. In detail, a compound of the general formula (Ib) can be obtained by allowing a base to act on a compound of the general formula (IV) in an anhydrous inert solvent to convert this compound into an alkali metal salt thereof (V), and then slowly dropping thereto a solution prepared by dissolving a compound of the general formula (III) in an inert solvent. As the solvent usable in each of these reactions, any solvent may be used so long as it does not inhibit the reaction, and for example, those used in Process A can be exemplified. As the base, those used in Process A can be exemplified. The reaction temperature is selected in the range of -78°C to 50°C, preferably -78°C to 20°C. Although the reaction time is varied depending on the respective reaction temperature and reaction scale, it may be selected in the range of 30 min to 48 hr. In carrying out the reactions, the reactants for each reaction are used in equimolar amount because the reaction is an equimolar reaction, though either of them may be used in excess. Process D: wherein R³ and R⁴ have the same meanings as defined above, and each of ℓ, m and n is zero, 1 or 2. In detail, a compound of the general formula (Ic) can be obtained by reacting a compound of the general formula (Ib) with a peroxy acid in an inert solvent. As the solvent used in this reaction, any solvent may be used so long as it does not inhibit the reaction, and there can be exemplified, for example, halogenated hydrocarbons such as, for example, dichloromethane and chloroform; hydrocarbons such as, for example, benzene, toluene and chlorobenzene; and esters such as, for example, acetic acid esters. The peroxy acid includes, for example, aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, peracetic acid, trifluoroperacetic acid and t-butylhydroperoxide. The reaction temperature is selected in the range of -98°C to room temperature. The reaction time may be selected in the range of 1 to 48 hr depending on the reaction temperature and the reaction scale. In carrying out the reaction, the peroxy acid is used preferably in an amount of 1 to 3 times the number of moles of the compound of the general formula (Ib) depending on the purposes because this compound contains 3 sulfur atoms to be oxidized. Process E: wherein R³ and R⁴ have the same meanings as defined above. In detail, a compound of the general formula (Ia'') can be obtained by reacting a compound of the general formula (Ia') or (Ib) by use of a reducing agent in the presence of an acid in an inert solvent. As the solvent used in this reaction, any solvent may be used so long as it does not inhibit the reaction, and for example, those used in Process A can be exemplified. The acid includes, for example, titanium tetrachloride, diethyl etherate of boron trifluoride and trifluoroacetic acid. The reducing agent includes, for example, trimethylsilane and triethylsilane. The reaction temperature is preferably 0°C to room temperature because when it is high, dehydration reaction also occurs. The reaction time is selected in the range of 1 to 24 hr depending on the reaction temperature and the reaction scale. In carrying out the reaction, the reducing agent and the acid are used preferably in amounts equimolar with the compound of the general formula (Ia') or (Ib) or in larger amounts. Process F: wherein R³ and R⁴ have the same meanings as defined above, and X is a carbon atom or a sulfur atom. In detail, a compound of the general formula (Ia''') can be obtained by reacting a compound of the general formula (Ia') with a compound of the general formula (VI) in an inert solvent. As the solvent used in the reaction, any solvent may be used so long as it does not inhibit the reaction, and there can be exemplified, for example, halogenated hydrocarbons such as, for example, dichloromethane and chloroform; and aromatic hydrocarbons such as, for example, benzene, toluene and chlorobenzene. The reaction temperature is selected in the range of 0°C to the boiling point of the solvent. The reaction time is selected in the range of 1 min to 48 hr depending on the reaction temperature and the reaction scale. In carrying the reaction, although the theoretical amount of compound of the general formula (VI) is 1/2 mole per mole of the compound of the general formula (Ia'), employment of either of these compounds in excess causes no trouble in the reaction. The deserired compounds obtained by Processes A to F can be separated by a conventional method and purified by a method such as recrystallization, column chromatography, etc. Next, typical examples of the novel compounds of the general formula (I) are listed in Tables Ia to Ic. Next, in Table 2 are shown NMR spectra data of the compounds whose physical properties are expressed in the term "paste". The 1,3,5-trithiane derivatives of the general formula (I*) have such a low toxicity that even when said derivative is administered to a mouse or a rat at a does of 300 mg/kg/day for several consecutive days, the mouse or rat neither shows toxic symptoms nor dies. The compounds of the general formula (I) are useful as drugs for curing arteriosclerosis and hyperlipemia. For example, it is known that hyperlipemia can be experimentally caused in a healthy test animal by giving thereto a feed containing a large amount of cholesterol, neutral fat, etc., and it was found that some of the compounds of the general formula (I) showed a marked cholesterol-reducing effect and a marked neutral-fat-reducing effect in the test animal suffering from experimentally caused hyperlipemia when administered orally or parenterally. Therefore, said compounds are useful as anti-hyperlipemic agents. Furthermore, by virtue of these pharmacological effects, said compounds are useful also in depressing arteriosclerosis caused by hyperlipemia and in preventing cerebral apoplexy and myocardial infaraction. Arteriosclerosis, in particular, atherosclerosis is caused by deposition of lipid on arterial wall which results in hyperplasia and sclerosis. Arteriosclerosis obstructs blood flow and inhibits the supply of oxygen to tissues. Particularly in brain or heart, it is known as the so-called "isochemic pathosis", namely, a main dangerous factor of cerebral infaraction and myocardial infaraction. In addition, arteriosclerosis reduces the flexibility of artery and causes cerebral hemorrhage. Therefore, the blood lipd reducing effect of the compounds of this invention is effective also in depressing arteriosclerosis, and hence useful in preventing cerebral apoplexy. Moreover, the compounds of this invention were found to have the effect of reducing cholesterol in blood by inhibition of cholesterol absorption in intestine and depression of cholesterol synthesis and promotion of cholesterol excretion in liver. Accordingly, the term "drugs for curing hyperlipemia" used in the present specification means drugs for curing hyperlipemia and preventing and/or curing various diseases caused thereby, by utilizing the pharmacological effects described above. The compounds of the general formula (I*) can be used as they are as drugs for curing hyperlipemia and arteriosclerosis. It is also possible to formulate them into mixtures with pharmaceutically acceptable diluents and/or other pharmacologically active ingredients according to pharmaceutical custom. Furthermore, they can be formulated also into dosage unit forms. Forms which they can have as drugs include powder, granules, tablets, dragees, capsules, pills, suspensions, solutions, emulsions, ampuls, injections, isotonic solutions, etc. Formulation of the compound of this invention into a medicinal composition includes an embodiment in which the compound of the general formula (I*) is incorporated into the composition in the form of a mixture with pharmaceutically acceptable diluents. The term "diluents" used herein means materials other than the compound of the general formula (I). The diluents may be any of solids, semisolids, liquids and ingestable capsules and include various materials, for example, excipients, extenders, binders, wetting agents, disintegrators, surfactants, lubricants, dispersants, buffers, taste-improver, odour-reducing agents, coloring matters, perfumes, preservatives, dissolution assistance, solvents, coatings and frostings. But the diluents are not limited thereto. These materials are used alone or as a mixture thereof. Such pharmaceutically acceptable diluents are used as a mixture with other pharmacologically active ingredients in some cases. A medicinal composition using the compound of this invention may be produced by any known method. For example, the active ingredient is mixed with pharmaceutically acceptable diluents to yield, for instance, granules, and then the composition thus obtained is formed, for example, into tablets. When the medicinal composition is used as a parenteral drugs, it should be sterilized. If necessary, it should be made isotonic with regard to blood. In this invention, since the compounds of the above general formula (I*) themselves are applicable as drugs for curing hyperlipemia and arteriosclerosis, the active ingredient is contained in the composition usually in an amount of 0.01 to 100% by weight. When the compound of this invention is formulated into a preparation of dosage unit, individual pharmaceutical portions constituting said preparation may be either in different forms or in the same forms, and there are often employed, for example, forms such as tablets, granules, pills, powder, dragées, capsules, and ampuls. The drugs for curing hyperlipemia and arteriosclerosis according to this invention can be applied to human beings and animals in order to prevent and cure hyperlipemia and arteriosclerosis, by a method which is conventional in the fields of such prevention and curing treatment. They are administered orally or parenterally. The oral administration includes sublingual administration. The parenteral administration includes administration by injection (including, for example, subcutaneous injection, intramuscular injection, intravenous injection, and drip). The dose of the drugs of this invention is varied depending on various factors such as the species of subject (animals or human beings), its sensitivity, age, sex and body weight, the administration route, time and internal of administration, the condition of a disease, the physical condition of the subject, the properties of pharmaceutical preparation, the kind of proparation, the kind of active ingredient, etc. Therefore, in some cases, a dose smaller than the minimum dose described below is sufficient, and in other cases, a dose larger than the maximum dose described below is required. In the case of a high dose, administration in several times a day is preferred. In order to obtain effective results for animals, the dose in terms of the active ingredient is advantageously 0.1 to 500 mg, preferably 0.1 to 30 mg per kg of body weight per day in the case of oral administration, while in the case of parenteral administration, it is advantageously 0.01 to 250 mg, preferably 0.1 to 25 mg per kg of body weight per day. In order to obtain effective results for human beings, in consideration of sensitivity difference, safety, etc. on the basis of the effective dose for animals, the dose for human beings seems to be advantageously, for example, in the following ranges: in the case of oral administration, 0.1 to 200 mg, preferably 0.5 to 50 mg per kg of body weight per day, and in the case of parenteral administration, 0.01 to 100 mg, preferably 0.1 to 25 mg per kg of body weight per day. Next, Examples of the 1,3,5-trithiane derivatives of this invention are described below. Example 1 2-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane (compound No. 18) A mixture of 2.0 g of 2-{bis(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxymethyl}-1,3,5-trithiane, 0.2 g of p-toluenesulfonic acid and 50 ml of benzene was refluxed with heating for 15 minutes by means of a Dean-Stark reflux condenser. After being cooled, the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and the extract was washed with a saturated aqueous sodium hydrogencarbonate solution. The washed extract was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure to obtain a material, which was recrystalized from cyclohexane to give 1.7 g of the desired compound. Yield 80.7%, m.p. 153.0° - 153.5°C. Example 2 2-{(2,5-Dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)(4-tolyl)methylene}-1,3,5-trithiane (compound No. 98) In the same manner as in Example 1, 2.0 g of 2-{(2,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)(4-tolyl)methylol}-1,3,5-trithiane was treated. The crude product thus obtained was purified by a silica gel column chromatography (chloroform : hexane = 3 : 1) to give 1.7 g of the desired compound. Yield 89.6%, m.p. 89.0° - 90.0°C. Example 3 2-{(4-Phenoxyphenyl)(ethoxycarbonyl)methylene}-1,3,5-trithiane (compound No. 86) In 50 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was dissolved 1.58 g of 2-dimethylphosphoryl-1,3,5-trithiane, and 4 ml of 1.6 M n-butyl lithium was added dropwise under an argon atmosphere at a temperature of about -70°C. After completion of the dropwise addition, the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour. Next, a solution of 1.41 g of ethyl 4-phenoxyphenylglyoxylate dissolved in 5 ml of tetrahydrofuran was dropped thereinto. After completion of the dropping, the reaction temperature was slowly raised to room temperature and the mixture thus obtained was stirred overnight. Thereafter, as the reaction mixture thus obtained was poured into ice water and the resulting mixture was extracted with chloroform. The extract was washed with a saturated aqueous sodium chloride solution and then dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and the solvent was removed by distillation under reduced pressure, to give a crude product, which was then purified by a silica gel column chromatography (chloroform : hexane = 2 : 1) to obtain 1.63 g of the desired compound. Yield 77.0%, m.p. 134.0° - 135.0°C. Example 4 2-[1-{4-(3-morpholinopropyloxy)phenyl}ethane-1-ylidene]-1,3,5-trithiane (compound No. 68) In anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was dissolved 3.0 g of 2-diethylphosphoryl-1,3,5-trithiane, and 7 ml of 1.6 M n-butyl lithium was added dropwise under an argon atmosphere at a temperature of about -70°C. After completion of the dropwise addition, the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour. Next, a solution of 2.63 g of 4-(3-morpholinopropyloxy)acetophenone dissolved in 5 ml of tetrahydrofuran was dropped thereinto. After completion of the dropping, the reaction temperature was slowly raised to room temperature, and the mixture thus obtained was stirred overnight. Thereafter, the same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out to give a crude product, which was then purified by a silica gel column chromatography (chloroform : methanol = 50 : 1) to give 3.3 g of the desired compound. Yield 86.2%, m.p. 95.0° - 98.0°C Example 5 2-(1-Phenyl-9,12-cis,cis-octadecan-1-ylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane (compound No. 61) In 10 ml of anhydrous tetrahydrofuran was dissolved 1.1 g of 2-diethylphosphoryl-1,3,5-trithiane, and 2.5 ml of 1.6 M n-butyl lithium was added dropwise under an argon atmosphere at -70°C. After completion of the dropwise addition, the resulting mixture was stirred for 1 hour. Next, a solution of 1.0 g of linoleylbenzene dissolved in 5 ml of tetrahydrofuran was dropped thereinto. After completion of the dropping, the reaction temperature was slowly raised to room temperature, and the mixture thus obtained was stirred overnight. Thereafter, the same treatment as in Example 3 was carried out to give a crude product, which was then purified by a silica gel column chromatography (chloro-form : hexane = 2 : 3) to give 1.1 g of the desired compound. Yield 81.4%, Example 6 2-{1-(4-Phenoxyphenyl)propan-1-yl}-1,3,5-trithiane (compound No. 3) In 10 ml of anhydrous dichloromethane were dissolved 1.0 g of 2-{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)propan-1-ylidene}-1,3,5-trithiane and 0.67 g of triethylsilane, and a solution prepared by diluting 1 ml of trifluoroacetic acid with 5 ml of dichloromethane was added dropwise at room temperature. The resulting solution was stirred overnight. After sodium carbonate powder was added, the resulting mixture was washed with water and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed by distillation, and then the residue was purified by a silica gel column chromatography (chloroform : hexane = 2 : 1) to give 0.91 g of the desired compound. Yield 90.5%. paste. Example 7 2-{Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl}-1,3,5-trithane (compound No. 1) In 10 ml of anhydrous dichloromethane were dissolved 1.6 g of 2-{bis(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxymethyl}-1,3,5-trithiane and 0.68 g of triethylsilane, and a solution prepared by diluting 1 ml of trifluoroacetic acid with 5 ml of dichloromethane was added dropwise at room temperature. The resulting solution was stirred overnight. Thereafter, the same treatment as in Example 6 was carried out, and 0.83 g of the desired compound was obtained. Yield 54.0%, m.p. 170.0° - 171.0°C. Example 8 2-{Bis(4-fluorophenyl)}-2-imidazolylmethyl-1,3,5-trithiane (compound No. 2) In 50 ml of methylene chloride were dissolved 2.48 g of 2-{Bis(4-fluorophenyl)hydroxymethyl}-1,3,5-trithiane and 2.53 g of imidazole, and a solution prepared by diluting 1.0 g of thionyl chloride with 5 ml of methylene chloride was added dropwise with ice-cooling. After completion of the dropwise addition, the resulting solution was stirred at the same temperature for 15 minutes and then at room temperature for 10 minutes. Subsequently, the reaction mixture was poured into 100 ml of water and was extracted with ethyl acetate, after which the extract was washed with water and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. The solvent was removed by distillation, and then the residue was purified by a silica gel column chromatography (chloroform : methanol = 50 : 1) to give 1.24 g of the desired compound. Yield 46.0%, m.p. 93.5° - 96.0°C. Example 9 2-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane-5-oxide (compound No. 112) To a 30 ml of dichloromethane of 1.5 g of 2-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane was added 0.77 g of m-chloroperbenzoic acid in small portions at 0°C, and the resulting mixture was stirred overnight. After completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was poured into ice-water and extracted with dichloromethane. Usual work up gave crude solid, which was purified by a silica gel column chromatography (chloroform : hexane = 3 : 1) to obtain 1.2 g of white crystals. Yield 76.4%, m.p. 155.0° - 156.5°C. In the following Examples, all parts are by weight. The kinds and proportions of ingredients can be widely varied. Example 10 A powder was prepared by mixing uniformly and pulverizing or granulating finely the following ingredient: Compound 18 10 parts Synthetic aluminum silicate 10 parts Calcium hydrogenphosphate 5 parts Lactose 75 parts Example 11 Granules were prepared by kneading together uniformly, grinding, granulating the following ingredients, drying the resultant, and then sieving: Compound 67 50 parts Starch 10 parts Lactose 15 parts Crystalline cellulose 20 parts Polyvinyl alcohol 5 parts Water 30 parts Example 12 Tablets having a diameter of 10 mm were prepared by mixing 99 parts of the granules obtained in Example 11 with 1 part of calcium stearate, and compression-molding the resulting mixture. Example 13 Granules were prepared in the same manner as in Example 11 except for using the following ingredients: Compound 73 78 parts Polyvinyl alcohol 2 parts Lactose 20 parts Water 30 parts To 90 parts of the granules obtained was added 10 parts of crystalline cellulose, and the resulting mixture was compression-molded into tablets having a diameter of 8 mm. Then, the tablets were made into drageés by use of suitable amounts of a mixed suspension of syrup, gelatin and precipitated calcium carbonate and a coloring matter. Example 14 An injection was prepared by mixing by heating, and then sterilizing the following ingredients: Compound 110 0.5 part Nonionic surface active agent 2.5 parts Physiological saline 97 parts Example 15 Capsules were prepared by packing the powder obtained in Example 10 into commercially available capsular containers. Next, test examples of the compounds of this invention are shown below. Test Example 1 (Plasma lipid reducing effect (in mouse)) Test method: A high-cholesterol diet (HCD) was given to 6-day-old male mice for 7 days, and each compound to be tested was orally administered thereto every day at a dose of 100 and 300 mg/kg/day. Normal diet was given to a control group and a solvent used for administering the compounds to be treated was orally administered thereto alone. After completion of the feeding of high-cholesterol diet, blood was collected from the mice and plasma was separated from the blood. The plasma total cholesterol concentration (p-TC) was measured by a modified Zak-Henly method, and the cholesterol-reducing effect of the compound to be tested was calculated by the following equation and evaluated as p-TC reduction percentage: wherein TC HCD , TC treated , and TC cont . have the following meanings: TC HCD : The total cholesterol concentration of the group to which a high cholesterol diet was given. TC treated : The total cholesterol concentration of the group to which each compound of this invention was administered. TC cont .: The total cholesterol concentration of the control group. The results obtained are shown in Table 3. Test Example 2 (Serum lipid reducing effect (in rat)) Test method: A high-cholesterol diet (HCD) was given the 4-week-old male Wistar strain rats for 7 days. On the fourth day after the biginning of this feeding, blood was drawn from the plexus venosus in eyeground by means of a capillary tube (heparin-treated, 75 mm, Drummond Scientific) without fasting, and plasma was separated from the blood. The plasma total cholesterol concentration (p-TC) before the beginning of administration of a compound to be treated was measured, and the animals were divided into groups so as to minimize the scatter of p-TC values in each group. Each compound to be treated and a reference compound were individually suspended in a 2% (W/V) aqueous gum arabic solution in a concentrating of 0.2 or 0.6%, or 0.6 or 6.0% (W/V), and each of the suspension thus prepared was administered every day in an amount of 5 ml/kg/day for the latter 4 days of the above 7 days. Powdery feed was orally administered to a control group for 7 days, a 2% aqueous gum arabic solution was similarly administered thereto for the latter 4 days of these 7 days. After fasting for 16 hours from 8 hours after the last administration of the compound to be tested, blood was drawn from the carotid artery under ether anesthesia and serum was separated from the blood and analyzed for lipid. The serum total cholesterol concentration (p-TC) was measured by a modified Zac-Henly method, and the cholesterol reducing effect of the compound to be tested was calculated by the following equation and evaluated as TC reduction percentage: wherein TC a = the total cholesterol concentration of the control group. TC b = the total cholesterol concentration of the group to which a high-cholesterol diet was given. TC c = the total cholesterol concentration of the group to which each compound of this invention is administered. The results obtained are shown in Table 4. As shown in Table 3 and Table 4, the compounds of this invention show a cholesterol-reducing effect and have an anti-hyperlipemic activity.

Claims: A 1,3,5-trithiane derivative represented by the general formula (I): wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom, R² is a hydrogen atom or an imidazolyl group, or when R² and R¹ are absent, a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-haloalkyl groups, C₃- to C₇-cycloalkyl groups, hydroxyl group, C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups (whose alkyl portion is optionally substituted by a morpholino group, an N-substituted-piperazino group having a C₁- to C₃-alkyl group as the substituent, a C₃- to C₁₀-alkoxycarbonyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group), C₃- to C₇-cycloalkoxy groups, phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group), phenylthio group, phenylsulfinyl group, nitro group, N,N-C₂- to C₈-dialkylamino groups, morpholino group, imidazolyl group, phenyl group, halophenyl groups, phenylalkyl groups and pyridyloxy group; a pyridyl group; a thienyl group; a furyl group; a 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl group; a naphthyl group; a phenanthryl group; a substituted-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group having a phthalimido-1-yl group or a phenoxyphenyl group as the substituent; or a halostyryl group; or R³, when taken together with R², forms a C₁- to C₉-alkylidene group; R⁴ is a hydrogen atom; a C₁- to C₈-alkyl group (which is optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, a C₂- to C₅-alkoxycarbonyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl group, hydroxy group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group); a C₁₅- to C₂₀-alkadienyl group; an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₆-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₉-haloalkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkylthio groups, C₂- to C₆-alkoxycarbonyl groups and hydroxycarbonyl group; or a halostyryl group; or R³ and R⁴, when taken together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, represent a fluoren-9-ylidene group; and each of l, m and n is zero or an integer of 1 or 2; provided that R³ is a group other than unsubstituted-phenyl group in the case where either R⁴ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group or R¹, R² and R⁴ are a hydrogen atom at the same time. A 1,3,5-trithiane derivative according to Claim 1, wherein R¹ is hydrogen atom; R² is a hydrogen atom; or when R¹ and R² are absent, a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-haloalkyl groups and morpholino group; or a pyridyl group; a thienyl group; a furyl group; a 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl group; R⁴ is a phenyl group (which is optionally substituted by a halogen atom or a C₁- to C₆-alkyl group); or R³ and R⁴, when taken together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, represent a group, and each of l, m and n is zero or 1. A 1,3,5-trithiane derivative according to Claim 1, wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom, R² is a hydrogen atom or an imidazolyl group; R³ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, morpholino group and phenoxy group; or 3,5-dimethylisoxazolyl group; or R³, when taken together with R², represents a C₃- to C₉-alkylidene group; R⁴ is a C₁- to C₆-alkyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group, and each of l, m and n is zero. A 1,3,5-trithiane derivative according to Claim 1, wherein in the formula (I), R¹ and R² are absent and a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, C₁- to C₅-haloalkyl groups, C₃- to C₇-cycloalkyl groups, hydroxyl group, C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups (whose alkyl portion is optionally substituted by a morpholino group, an N-substituted-piperazino group having a C₁- to C₃-alkyl group as the substituent, a C₃- to C₁₀-alkoxycarbonyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group), C₃- to C₇-cycloalkoxy groups, phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group), phenylthio group, phenylsulfinyl group, nitro group, N,N-C₂- to C₈-dialkylamino groups, morpholino group, imidazolyl group, phenyl group, halophenyl groups, phenylalkyl groups and pyridyloxy group; a thienyl group, a furyl group, a 3,5-dimethylisoxazolyl group; a naphthyl group; a phenanthrenyl group; a substituted-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group having a phthalimido-1-yl group or a phenoxyphenyl group as the substituent; or a halostyryl group; R⁴ is a hydrogen atom; a C₁- to C₈-alkyl group (which is optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, a C₂- to C₅-alkoxycarbonyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl group, hydroxy group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group); a C₁₅- to C₂₀-alkadienyl group; an unsubstituted phenyl group; a substituted phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₆-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₄-haloalkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkylthio groups, C₂- to C₆-alkoxycarbonyl groups and hydroxycarbonyl group; or a halostyryl group; or R³ and R⁴, when taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are bonded, represent a fluoren-9-ylidene group; and each of l, m and n is zero. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein R³ is an unsubstituted phenyl group, or a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups, nitro group, C₂- to C₈-N,N-dialkylamino groups, phenylsulfinyl group, C₃- to C₆-alkoxycarbonyl-C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups; and R⁴ is a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group; unsubstituted phenyl group; a substituted phenyl group having a halogen atom or a C₁- to C₆-alkyl group as the substituent. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein R³ is a substituted-phenyl group having as the substituent a phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group); and R⁴ is a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, a C₂- to C₅-alkoxycarbonyl-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group. A 1,3,5-trithiane derivative according to Claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² are absent and a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is a halophenyl group or a phenoxyphenyl group; R⁴ is a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group; and each of l, m and n is zero or an integer of 1 or 2. A compound according to Claim 3, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]-1,3,5-trithiane. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-[1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)propan-1-ylidene]-1,3,5-trithiane. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-(4-chloro,4'-fluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)ethan-1-ylidene}-1,3,5-trithiane. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-[{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-2-methoxy}ethan-1-ylidene]-1,3,5-trithiane. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-[1-{4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl}propan-1-ylidene]-1,3,5-trithiane. A compound according to Claim 4, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-[1-{4-(2-ethoxycarbonylpropan-2-yloxy)phenyl}ethan-1-ylidene]-1,3,5-trithiane. A compound according to Claim 7, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane-5-oxide. A compound according to Claim 7, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)ethan-1-ylidene}-1,3,5-trithiane-5-oxide. A compound according to Claim 7, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)propan-1-ylidene}-1,3,5-trithiane-5-oxide. A medicinal composition comprising as active ingredient a trithiane derivative represented by the general formula (I*): wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom; R² is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an imidazolyl group; or when R² and R¹ are absent a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is a hydrogen atom; an unsubstituted phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-haloalkyl groups, C₃- to C₇-cycloalkyl groups, hydroxyl group, C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups (whose alkyl portion is optionally substituted by a morpholino group, an N-substituted-piperazino group having a C₁- to C₃-alkyl group as the substituent, a C₃- to C₁₀-alkoxycarbonyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group), C₃- to C₇- cycloalkoxy groups, phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group), phenylthio group, phenylsulfinyl group, nitro group, N,N-C₂- to C₈-dialkylamino groups, morpholino group, imidazolyl group, phenyl group, halophenyl groups, phenylalkyl groups and pyridyloxy group; a pyridyl group; a thienyl group; a furyl group; a 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl group, a substituted C₁- to C₅-alkyl group having a phthalimido-1-yl group or a phenoxyphenyl group as the substituent; or a halostyryl group; or R³, when taken together with R², forms a C₁ - to C₉-alkylidene group; R⁴ is a hydrogen atom; a C₁ - to C₈-alkyl group (which is optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, a C₂- to C₅-alkoxycarbonyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl group, hydroxy group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group); a C₁₅- to C₂₀-alkadienyl group; an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₆-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₉-haloalkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkylthio groups, C₂- to C₆-alkoxycarbonyl groups and hydroxycarbonyl group; or a halostyryl group; or R³ and R⁴, when taken together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, represent a fluoren-9-ylidene group, and each of l, m and n is zero or an integer of 1 or 2; provided that R³ is a group other than unsubstituted-phenyl group in the case where R⁴ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group. A medicinal composition according to Claim 19, wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom; R² is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group; or when R¹ and R² are absent, a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected halogen atoms, C₁- to C₆-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-haloalkyl group and morpholino group; or a pyridyl group; a thienyl group; a furyl group; a 3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl group; R⁴ is a phenyl group (which is optionally substituted by a halogen atom or a C₁- to C₆-alkyl group), or R³ and R⁴, when taken together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, represent a group; and each of l, m and n is zero or 1. A medicinal composition according to Claim 19, wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom; R² is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or an imidazolyl group; R³ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁ - to C₅-alkyl groups, morpholino group and phenoxy group; or a 3,5-dimethylisoxazolyl group, or R³, when taken together with R², represents a C₃- to C₉-alkylidene group; R⁴ is a C₁ - to C₆-alkyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group; and each of l, m and n is zero. A medicinal composition according to Claim 19, wherein in the formula (I*), R¹ and R² are absent and a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is a hydrogen atom; an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-haloalkyl groups, C₃- to C₇-cycloalkyl groups, hydroxyl group, C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups (whose alkyl portion is optionally substituted by a morpholino group, an N-substituted-piperazino group having a C₁- to C₃-alkyl group as the substituent, a C₃- to C₁₀-alkoxycarbonyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group), C₃- to C₇-cycloalkoxy groups, phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group), a phenylthio group, phenylsulfinyl group, nitro group, N,N-C₂- to C₈-dialkylamino groups, morpholino group, imidazolyl group, phenyl group, halophenyl groups, phenylalkyl groups and pyridyloxy group; a thienyl group; a furyl group; a 3,5-dimethylisoxazolyl group; a naphthyl group; a phenanthrenyl group; a substituted-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group having a phthalimido-1-yl group or a phenoxyphenyl group as the substituent; or a halostyryl group; R⁴ is a hydrogen atom; a C₁- to C₈-alkyl group (which is optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, a C₂- to C₅-alkoxycarbonyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl group, hydroxy group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group); a C₁₅- to C₂₀-alkadienyl group; an unsubstituted phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₆-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₄-haloalkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkylthio groups, C₂- to C₆-alkoxycarbonyl groups and hydroxycarbonyl group; or a halostyryl group; or R³ and R⁴, when taken together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, represent a fluoren-9-ylidene group; and each of l, m and n is zero. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22 wherein R³ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group, or a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups, nitro group, C₂- to C₈-N,N-dialkylamino groups, phenylsulfinyl group, and C₃- to C₆-alkoxycarbonyl-C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups; and R⁴ is a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group; an unsubstituted-phenyl group; a substituted-phenyl group having a halogen atom or a C₁- to C₆- group as the substituent. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22, wherein R³ is a substituted-phenyl group having as the substituent a phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, C₁- to C₅-alkyl group or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy group); and R⁴ is a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, a C₂- to C₅-alkoxycarbonyl-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, a hydroxycarbonyl-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, or a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group. A medicinal composition according to Claim 19, wherein R¹ and R² are absent and a double bond between the carbon atom of the trithiane ring and the one to which R³ and R⁴ are bonded is formed; R³ is a halophenyl group or a phenoxyphenyl group; R⁴ is a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, a phenyl group or a halophenyl group; and each of l, m and n is zero or an integer of 1 or 2. A medicinal composition according to Claim 21, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{bis(4-chlorophenyl)hydroxymethyl}-1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 21, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl}-1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)propan-1-ylidene}-1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-(4-chloro,4'-fluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)ethan-1-ylidene}-1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-[{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)-2-methoxy}ethan-1-ylidene]-1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-[1-{4-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenyl}propane-1-ylidene] -1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 22, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-[1-{4-(2-ethoxycarbonyl-propan-2-yloxy)phenyl}ethane-1-ylidene] -1,3,5-trithiane. A medicinal composition according to Claim 25, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-(4,4'-difluorobenzhydrylidene)-1,3,5-trithiane-5-oxide. A medicinal composition according to Claim 25, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)ethan-1-ylidene}-1,3,5-trithiane-5-oxide. A medicinal composition according to Claim 25, wherein the trithiane derivative is 2-{1-(4-phenoxyphenyl)propan-1-ylidene}-1,3,5-trithiane-5-oxide. A process for producing a compound represented by the general formula (Ib): wherein R³ is an unsubstituted-phenyl group, or a substituted-phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms, C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups, C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups, and C₃- to C₁₀-alkoxycarbonyl-C₁- to C₅-alkoxy groups and phenoxy group (whose phenyl portion is optionally substituted by a halogen atom, a C₁- to C₃-alkyl group or a C₁ to C₃-alkoxy group); and R⁴ is a C₁- to C₅-alkyl group; a C₁- to C₅-alkoxy-C₁- to C₅-alkyl group, or a substituted phenyl group having one or two substituents selected from halogen atoms and C₁- to C₅-alkyl groups; which comprises allowing a base to act on a compound represented by the general formula (II): wherein X is a trimethylsilyl group, a triphenylsilyl group, a dialkylphosphoryl group, a tributylstannyl group, or a chlorotriphenylphosphonium group, in an anhydrous inert solvent, and then reacting the resulting salt with a compound represented by the general formula (III): wherein R³ and R⁴ have the same meanings as defined above.

Inventors: HIRAGA KUNIKAZU, NAGAMINE MASASHI, SAKAI ATSUSHI, UCHIDA MATAZAEMON, HIRAGA, KUNIKAZU, NAGAMINE, MASASHI, SAKAI, ATSUSHI, UCHIDA, MATAZAEMON
Applicants: NIHON NOHYAKU CO LTD, NIHON NOHYAKU CO., LTD.
Application year: 1987
Main classification: C07D341
IPC codes: A61P3, A61P9, C07D521, C07D409, A61K31, C07D341, C07D413