BENZIMIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES

Abstract: Compounds are described of formula (I) wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a dialkylamino group or a halogen atom; n is 1 to 4; R² is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted aminoalkyl group, an acyl group, an unsubstituted or substituted aralkyl group, a carboxyalkyl group, an alkoxycarbonylalkyl group or wherein X is an unsubstituted or substituted-phenyl, -benzyl, -benzoyl or -furoyl group; A is -NR³- where R³ is hydrogen or alkyl, an alkylene or an alkylidene; and B is a heterocyclic group selected from triazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl, said heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by one or more alkyl, alkoxy, nitro or phenyl group, and the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. The compound of formula (I) are of a cardiotonic activity and thus may be useful for the treatment of circulatory diseases.

Description: This invention relates to new benzimidazole derivatives having a cardiotonic effect, to processes for the preparation thereof and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said derivatives. Japanese Patent LOP Publn. No. 215388/1986 discloses benzimidazole derivatives having a gastrosecreto-inhibitory effect. Japanese Patent LOP Publn. No. 123115/1987 discloses benzimidazole derivatives having a cytoprotection from gastric acid. However, the benzimidazole derivatives disclosed above are the compounds wherein the benzimidazole group is attached, through -S-, -SO₂- or -S→O, to a pyridyl group or a phenyl group. These compounds are quite different in chemical structure and pharmacological effects from the compounds of the below-mentioned formula (I) according to the present invention wherein the benzimidazole group is attached, through -CO-, to a heterocyclic group. Further, other benzimidazole derivatives are mentioned in J. Chem. Soc. (C) 25-29 (1967) and Chem. Ber. 105 , 337-352 (1972), but these derivatives are different in chemical structure from the compounds of the invention. There is no mention therein of the pharmaceutical use for these derivatives. According to this invention there are provided new compounds of formula (I) having a cardiotonic effect or physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom, an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group, an (C₁₋₄)alkoxy group, a di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino group or a halogen atom; n is 1 to 4; R² is a hydrogen atom; an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group; an aminoalkyl group of formula wherein R' and R'' independently are hydrogen or (c₁₋₄)alkyl and p is 2 to 4; an acetyl, propionyl, butyryl or stearoyl group; a benzyl or phenethyl group; a carboxyalkyl group; an (C₁₋₄)alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl group; wherein X is wherein R''' is hydrogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl or (C₁₋₄)alkoxy; or a (4-dimethoxybenzoyl 1-piperazinyl)ethyl) group; A is -NR³- wherein R³ is hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl, an (C₁₋₄)alkyl or an (C₁₋₄)alkylidene; and B is a heterocyclic group selected from triazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl, said heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by one or more (C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₄)alkoxy, nitro or phenyl group ; or a compound of formula I wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R² is 3,4-dimethoxy phenethyl, A is -NH and B is and the physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. For R² in the compounds of formula (I), examples of suitable C₁₋₄ alkyl group are methyl, ethyl, propyl and butyl. Typical examples of the amino-alkyl group include aminoethyl, aminopropyl, monomethylaminoethyl, and dimethylaminoethyl. Examples of suitable carboxyalkyl group include carboxymethyl and 3-carboxypropyl. Examples of suitable (C₁₋₄)alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl groups include methoxycarbonylmethyl and ethoxycarbonylmethyl. Examples of the group represented by include (4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-furoyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-benzyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-(methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl and (4-(ethoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl. For A in the compounds of formula(I), suitable examples of -NR³- include -NH-, -N(CH₃)-, -N(C₂H₅)-, and examples of suitable (C₁₋₄)alkylene include C₂-C₄ alkylenes such as methylene, ethylene, propylene and butylene. Further, examples of suitable (C₁₋₄)alkylidene include C₂-C₄ alkylidenes such as methylene, ethylidene, propylidene and butylidene. Among others, -NH-, -N(CH₃)- and methylene are preferred. Examples of suitable groups for B in the compounds of formula (I) include 5-(1,2,3-triazolyl), 3-(1,2,4-triazolyl), 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 5-pyrimidinyl, 2-pyrazinyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 2-benzothiazolyl, 3-benzoisothiazolyl, 2-quinolyl, 1-isoquinolyl, methyl-substituted pyridyl, methyl-substituted pyrimidyl, methoxy-substituted pyridazinyl and methoxy-substituted benzothiazolyl. The compounds of formula (I) can be in the form of the acid addition salts made with physiologically acceptable acids e.g., inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid or organic acids such as fumaric acid, tartaric acid and succinic acid. Thus, it is intended that the reference to the compounds of formula (I) in the present specification is always referred to the acid addition salts. Typical examples of the present compounds are recited below. 1) N-(2-Pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 2) N-(4-Methyl-2-pyrimidinyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 3) N-(4-Methyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 4) N-(6-Methoxy-2-benzothiazolyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 5) 1-(β-Dimethylaminoethyl)-N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl) benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 6) (2-Pyridyl)methyl-2-benzimidazolyl ketone 7) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 8) N-(2-Pyridyl)-5-methylbenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 9) N-Methyl-N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-Piperazinyl)ethyl]benz imidazole-2-carboxamide 10) N-(2-Pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 11) N-(2-Pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 12) N-(2-Pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 13) N-Methyl-N-(2-Pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 14) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-carboxymethylbenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 15) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-(β-dimethylaminoethyl-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 16) N-Methyl-N-(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyridyl)-1-(β-dimethylaminoethyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 17) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-(β-dimethylaminoethyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 18) N-(5-Methyl-2-pyridyl)-1-(β-dimethylaminoethyl)-benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 19) N-(2-Pyridyl)-1-methylbenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 20) N-(2-Pyridyl)-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 21) N-(3-Methyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 22) N-(5-Methyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 23) N-(6-Methyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 24) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 25) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 26) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 27) N-Methyl-N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(2-furoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 28) N-Methyl-N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-benzyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 29) N-Methyl-N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(2-ethoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 30) N-(4-Methyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 31) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(2-methoxy-phenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 32) N-Methyl-N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-benzylbenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 33) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-benzylbenzimidazole -2-carboxamide 34) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-phenethylbenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 35) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 36) N-4(Phenyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 37) N-(5-Nitro-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 38) N-Methyl-N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 39) N-(2-Pyridyl)-1-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 40) N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 41) N-(4-Phenyl-2-pyridyl)-1-(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 42) N-(3-Pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 43) N-(4-Pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 44) N-(2-Pyrazinyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 45) N-(2-Pyramidinyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 46) N-(3-(1,2,4-triazolyl))benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 47) N-(2-Quinolyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 48) N-(1-Isoquinolyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 49) N-(4-pyridyl)-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide 50) N-(6-methoxy-3-pyridazinyl)-5,6-dimethoxy-benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 51) 2-[(2-benzimidazolyl)acetyl]benzimidazole This invention also relates to processes for the preparation of the compounds having formula (I). The processes comprise the following a) and b). a) A compound of formula (II) wherein R¹ a is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a halogen atom and n is 1 to 4, is reacted with a compound of formula (III) Z - A - B (III) wherein A and B are as defined above and Z is a hydrogen atom, lithium, sodium or potassium, to form a compound of formula (I′ a ) wherein A, B, R¹ a and n are as defined above, or b) A compound of formula (IV) wherein R¹ b is a hydrogen atom, an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group, an (C₁₋₄)alkoxy group or a di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino group, R is an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group, n is as defined above, and R⁴ is a protective group, is reacted with a compound of formula (III') Z' - A - B' (III') wherein A is as defined above, B' is a heterocyclic group selected from pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, benzothiazolyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl, said heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by one or more (C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₄)alkoxy, nitro or phenyl group, and Z' is lithium, sodium, potassium or dialkylaluminum, and then the protective group is removed to form a compound of formula (I′ b ) wherein A, B′, R¹ b and n are as defined above, and optionally the compounds of formulae (I′ a ) and I′ b ) are treated with an alkylating agent or an acylating agent to convert to the compounds of formula (I) wherein R² is the substituents other than hydrogen, or if desired the compounds thus obtained are converted to the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts according to conventional methods. According to the process (a), the reaction between compounds of formula (II) and those of formula (III) is carried out in a polar aprotic solvent, preferably dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or hexamethylphosphoric triamide (HMPT), and ordinarily at a temperature between 10°C and 100°C or more. A molar ratio of the compounds (II) to the compounds (III) is generally about 1:2. Preferably, the compounds (III) are used in slight excess. Compounds of formula (II) may be prepared by processes known from any literature, e.g., JACS 65 , 1072 (1943). Most of the compounds of formula (III) are commercially available and other compounds can be prepared by processes known from any literatures, e.g., J. Org. Chem. 48 , 2933 (1983); Org. Reactions, 1 , 91; and JACS 80 , 980 (1958). The alkyl-substituted 2-(methylamino)pyridines can be prepared by formylation of the corresponding alkyl-substituted 2-aminopyridines in an ordinary manner followed by reduction with lithium aluminum hydride. Purification of the compounds (I) obtained by the process (a) is carried out by known processes, e.g., recrystallization from a solvent such as a mixed solution of chloroform/methanol, column chromatography on silica gel and the like. The process (b) is illustrated by the following scheme. wherein R, R¹ b , R², R⁴, n, A and B' are as defined above. Compounds of formula (X) can be synthesized by reacting benzimidazoles with appropriate halides in the presence of a base. In case of using said halides, e.g., methoxymethyl chloride, ethoxymethyl chloride, methoxymethyl bromide or ethoxymethyl bromide, polar aprotic solvents such as DMSO are preferably used as a solvent for reaction. The base used includes alkali metal hydroxides, e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and alkali metal hydrides, e.g., sodium hydroxide or potassium hydride. In case of using as halides N,N-dialkylsulfamoyl halides, e.g., N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl chloride or N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl bromide, the solvents for reaction are preferably inert solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform and toluene. The base used includes tertiary amines, e.g., triethylamine and tri-n-propylamine. Pyridine, quinole and picoline can be used for both the reaction solvent and the base. Compounds of formula (IV) can be synthesized by reacting the compounds (X) dissolved in a solvent such as ether, tetrahydrofuran with an alkyl lithium, e.g., n-butyl lithium followed by reaction with a lower alkyl ester of chloroformic acid. Subsequently, compounds of formula (IV) are reacted with compounds of formula (III') (for example, Z=Na) to prepare compounds of formula (V). The reaction is preferably carried out in a polar aprotic solvent, preferably DMSO or HMPT. In general, the reaction is carried out at a temperature between 10° and 100°C, preferably at room temperature. Generally, a molar ratio of the compounds (IV) to the compounds (III′) ranges from 1:1 to 1:2. Preferably, the compounds (III′) are used in slight excess. Compounds of formula (V) are prepared by reacting compounds of formula (IV) with compounds of formula (III′) (for example, Z′ = dimethylaluminum) in a solvent, e.g., dichloromethane or benzene, at a temperature between 10°C and a reflux temperature, preferably at room temperature. A molar ratio of the compounds (IV) to the compounds (III′) is preferably from 1:1 to 1:2. The compounds of formula (V) thus prepared can be purified by known processes, e.g., column chromatography on silica gel and the like. Subsequently, compounds of formula (V) are subjected to acid hydrolysis according to an ordinary method to remove the protective group (R⁴), thus obtaining compounds of formula (I′ b ). Examples of the protective groups R⁴ include N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxyethyl or the like. Alternatively, suitable R² substituents in formula (I) can be introduced by direct alkylation or acylation of compounds wherein R² is hydrogen, e.g., compounds of formula (I′ a ) or (I′ b ) according to the processes of the invention. These reactions are conducted under usual conditions using known alkylating or acylating agents. The alkylation will proceed smoothly in a polar aprotic solvent such as DMSO or the like in the presence of a base such as sodium hydride, potassium hydride or the like. The acylation are conveniently conducted in an inert solvent such as chloroform, THF or the like in the presence of a tertiary amine such as triethylamine, pyridine or the like. Examples of the alkylating and acylating agents used include alkyl halides such as methyl iodide, ethyl chloride; aminoalkyl halides such as aminoethyl chloride, aminopropyl chloride, dimethylaminoethyl chloride; aralkyl halides such as benzyl chloride, phenethyl chloride; acid anhydrides such as acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride; acid halides such as acetyl chloride, benzoyl chloride; alkoxycarbonyl alkyl halide (4-substituted-1-piperazinyl)alkyl halide represented by the formula wherein X is as defined for the formula (I), Y is a halogen atom and q is 2-4, e.g. (4-(dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl halide, (4-furoyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl halide, (4-benzyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl halide, (4-(methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl halide and (4-(ethoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl halide. Physiologically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds of formula (I) according to the present invention may be prepared by the application or adaptation of known methods for the preparation of salts of organic bases, for example, by reacting the compounds of the formula (I) with the appropriate acid in a suitable solvent. Examples of addition salts include the salts of inorganic acid such as hydrochloric, sulfate, phosphate, and the salts or organic acid such as fumarate, tartrate, citrate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. The compounds of formula (I) are of prominent cardiotonic activity causing a selective increase in the myocardial contractility without increase in heart rate, and these compounds can be used for the treatment and prevention of circulatory diseases which include heart failure, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, hypertension and the like. Thus, the present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise as an active ingredient the compounds of formula (I) and/or physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof used for the treatment and prevention of the above-mentioned diseases. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are formulated by the method well known by those skilled in the art. In general, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be administered orally or parenterally in pharmacological dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, suppositories, troches, syrups, granules, powders, suspensions, injections and the like. The tablets can be molded in the double- or multi-layer together with other agents. Further, the tablets can be coated, if necessary, with conventional coating materials, e.g., sugar coated, film coated or enteric coated. The additives used for solid preparations include for example lactose, white sugar, crystalline cellulose, cornstarch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol, glycine, carboxymethyl cellulose, gum arabic, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxypropyl cellulose, glycerin, polyethylene glycol, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, talc and the like. For semi-solid preparations are used vegitable or synthetic waxes or fats. The additives used for liquid preparations include for example sodium chloride, sorbitol, glycerin, olive oil, almond oil, propylene glycol, ethyl alcohol and the like. In these pharmaceutical compositions the active ingredient is ordinally contained in an amount of 0.1 to 100% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. For oral preparations the active ingredient will be in the range of 1 to 50% by weight and for injectable preparations it will be in the range of 0.1 to 10% by weight. A daily dosage of active ingredient of the invention is in the range of 1 to 1000 mg, which may conveniently be administered in one or more doses. The precise dose employed will vary depending on the age, sex and condition of the patient as well as the route of administration. To further illustrate this invention, and not by way of limitation, the following examples are given. Parts are by weight and temperatures are in centigrade unless otherwise specified. Synthesis of Intermediate Intermediate 1 1-(N,N-Dimethylsulfamoyl)-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole A suspension of 5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole (6.2 g) in dichloroethane (100 ml) was added to N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl chloride (5.3 g) and triethylamine (6 g) was added dropwise while stirring. After the mixture was reacted at room temperature for 24 hours, the reaction solution was washed with a aqueous sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and then with a saturated saline solution and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The solvent was distilled off, precipitated crystals were filtered, washed with n-hexane and dried to give the title compound (8.57 g). M.P. 139.0°C IR (nujol): 1500, 1215, 1140, 1030, 720 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 2.90 (s, 6H), 3.95 (s, 6H), 7.28 (s, 1H), 7.33 (s, 1H), 8.10 (s, 1H). Intermediate 2 1-(N,N-Dimethylsulfamoyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole 1-(N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl)-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole (5.70 g) was dissolved in dry THF (170 ml) in a dry argon atmosphere, cooled to -60°C and a solution of n-butyl lithium (1.58 M) in hexane (15.2 ml) was added dropwise and stirred for 30 minutes. After ethyl chloroformate (2.60 g) was added dropwise, the mixture was slowly returned to room temperature and allowed to react overnight. THF was distilled off, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, and the solvent was distilled off. Purification of the residue by column chromatography on silica gel gave the title compound (5.13 g) as an oily product. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 1.46 (t, 3H), 3.08 (s, 6H), 3,95 (s, 3H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 4.48 (q, 2H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 7.39 (s, 1H) Intermediate 3 1-Ethoxymethyl-2-ethoxycarbonylbenzimidazole 1-Ethoxymethylbenzimidazole (1.72 g) was dissolved in dry THF (40 ml) in a dry argon atmosphere, cooled to -60°C, and a solution of n-butyl lithium (1.58 M) in hexane (9 ml) was added dropwise with stirring and allowed to react for 1 hr. After ethyl chloroformate (1.62 g) was added dropwise, the mixture was slowly returned to room temperature and allowed to react overnight. THF was distilled off, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, and the solvent was distilled off. Purification of the residue by column chromatography on silica gel gave the title compound (0.89 g) as an oily product. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 1.18 (t, 3H), 1.31 (t, 3H), 3.50 (q, 2H), 4.24 (q, 2H), 5.61 (s, 2H), 7.35 (m, 2H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.85 (m, 1H). Example 1 N-(2-Pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide In a dry argon atmosphere, 2-aminopyridine (4.0 g) was dissolved in dry dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)(100 ml), 60% sodium hydride (1.7 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. Dibenzimidazo-(1,2-a,1′,2′-d)tetrahydropyrazine-6,12-dione (5.0 g) was added in portions under ice-cooling and reacted at room temperature for 2 hrs. After the reaction was complete, the mixture was diluted with a mixed solution of chloroform/methanol (9:1), washed twice with a saturated saline solution, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, and the solvent was distilled off. Recrystallization of the residue from a mixed solution of chloroform/methanol/isopropyl ether gave the title compound (4.37 g). M.P. 206.3°C IR (KBr): 3250, 1660, 1580, 1540, 1440, 1320, 735 (cm-1) ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆, TMS): 7.22 (dd, 1H), 7.35 (m, 2H), 7.70 (m, 2H), 7.92 (dt, 1H), 8.21 (d, 1H), 8.42 (d, 1H), 10.14 (bs, 1H), 13.65 (bs, 1H) Subsequently, N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (1.0 g) was dissolved in a mixed solution of chloroform/ethanol (1:1)(50 ml) and 1N hydrogen chloride-ethanol solution (4.2 ml) was added. The solvent was distilled off under reduced pressure, and the precipitated crystals were filtered and dried to give the hydrochloride of the title compound (0.90 g). M.P. 209.2°C IR (KBr): 3420-3140, 1715, 1650, 1580, 1540, 1450, 1300, 1220, 760 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆, TMS): 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.75 (m, 2H), 8.11 (dt, 1H), 8.22 (d, 1H), 8.49 (d, 1H). Example 2 N-(4-Methyl-2-pyrimidinyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide In a dry argon atmosphere, 2-amino-4-methylpyridine (4.0 g) was dissolved in dry DMSO (50 ml), sodium hydride (1.5 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. Dibenzimidazo-(1,2-a,1′,2′-d)tetrahydropyrazine-6,12-dione (5.0 g) was added in portions under ice-cooling and reacted at room temperature for 2 hrs. After the reaction was complete, the reaction solution was poured into ice-cold water saturated with ammonium chloride, and precipitated crystals were obtained by filtration. Re-crystallization of the crystals from a mixed solution of chloroform/methanol/isopropyl ether gave the title compound (3.10 g). M.P. 264.5°C IR (nujol): 3360, 3200, 1710, 1595, 1310, 750 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆ + CD₃OD, 9:1, TMS); 2.25 (s, 3H), 7.20 (m, 1H), 7.34 (m, 2H), 7.62 (m, 1H), 7.82 (m, 1H), 8.64 (m, 1H) Example 3 N-(4-Methyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide A mixture of 2-amino-4-methylpyridine (1.25 g) and dibenzimidazo-(1,2-a,1′,2′-d) tetrahydropyrazine-6,12-dione (1.50 g) was reacted at 100°C for 5 hrs in dry DMSO (30 ml) in a dry argon atmosphere. After completion of the reaction, the reaction solution was treated in the same way as mentioned in Example 1 to give the title compound (1.26 g) M.P. 262.2°C IR (nujol): 3360, 3250, 1670, 1545, 730 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃ + CD₃OD 9:1, TMS): 2.43 (s, 3H), 6.99 (d, 1H), 7.3-8.0 (4H), 8.13 (s, 1H), 8.22 (d, 1H) Example 4 N-(6-Methoxy-2-benzothiazolyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide 2-Amino-6-methoxybenzothiazole (5.3 g) and dibenzimidazo (1,2-a,1′,2′-d)-tetrahydropyrazine-6,12-dione (4.0 g) were reacted and treated in the same manner as mentioned in Example 2 to give the title compound (4.95 g). M.P. 245.5°C IR (nujol): 3300, 3200, 1690, 1605, 1470, 1220, 750 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 1.55 (bs, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 7.09 (dd, 1H), 7.3-7.9 (6H) Example 5 N-Methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide In a dry argon atmosphere, 2-(methylamino)pyridine (4.0 g) was dissolved in dry DMSO (50 ml), sodium hydride (1.5 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. Dibenzimidazo-(1,2-a,1′,2′-d) tetrahydropyrazine-6,12-dione (5.0 g) was added slowly under ice-cooling, stirred for 1 hr and allowed to stand overnight. The reaction solution was poured into aqueous saturated ammonium chloride solution, formed crystals were filtered, washed with water and recrystallized from a mixed solution of chloroform/methanole to give the title compound (6.20 g). IR (nujol): 3050, 1640, 1590, 1435, 1340, 730 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃ + DMSO-d₆, TMS): 3.64 (s, 3H), 7.1-7.55 (6H), 7.78 (t, 1H), 8.32 (d, 1H) Example 6 1-(β-Dimethylaminoethyl)-N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide N-Methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (1.0 g) prepared in Example 5 was dissolved in dry DMSO (20 ml), 60% sodium hydride (0.17 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr in an argon atmosphere. Excess β-dimethylaminoethyl chloride was added to the mixture and reacted at room temperature under agitation for 20 hrs. The reaction solution was diluted with chloroform, washed with water, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent was distilled off. Purification of the residue by column chromatography on silica gel (using silica gel manufactured by Merck Co., Ltd.) gave the title compound (0.88 g) as an oily product. IR (neat): 1650, 1595, 1350, 1040, 740 (cm-1) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 2.27 (s, 6H), 2.72 (t, 2H), 3.67 (s, 3H), 4.56 (t, 2H), 7.05 (dd, 1H), 7.15-7.65 (6H), 8.33 (d, 1H) Example 7 (2-Pyridyl)methyl-2-benzimidazolyl ketone 2-Methylpyridine (3.9 g) was dissolved in dry THF (70 ml), 15% n-butyl lithium (27 ml) was added dropwise while ice-cooling in an argon atmosphere and stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. Dibenzimidazo-(1,2-a,1′,2′-d)-tetrahydropyrazine-6,12-dione (5.0 g) was added gradually and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. The reaction solution was poured into ice-cold water saturated with ammonium chloride, and unreacted starting material dibenzimidazo-(1,2-a,1′,2′-d)-tetrahydropyrazine-6,12-dione precipitated as crystals was filtered off and recovered (2.15 g). The filtrate was extracted with chloroform, washed with water and dried, and the solvent was distilled off. Recrystallization of the residue from a mixed solution of chloroform/isopropyl ether gave the title compound (2.25 g). M.P. 201.5°C IR (nujol): 3340, 3220, 1635, 1570, 1405, 1105, 730 (cm-1) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 6,82 (s, 1H), 6.96 (t, 1H), 7.1-7.9 (7H), 8.09 (d, 1H), 10.82 (bs, 1H) Example 8 1-Methyl-N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide N-Methyl-N(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (1.0 g) prepared in Example 5 was suspended in dry DMSO (20 ml), sodium hydride (0.16 g) was added in an argon atmosphere and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. Methyl iodide (0.62 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 2 hrs. The mixture was poured into water and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, and the solvent was distilled off to obtain the residue. Purification of the residue by column chromatography on silica gel gave the title compound (0.99 g). IR (nujol): 1650, 1580, 1105, 745 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) : 3.66 (s, 3H), 3,98 (s, 3H), 7.05 (dd, 1H), 7.15-7.7 (6H), 8.19 (d, 1H) Example 9 1-Acetyl-N-methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide N-Methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (1.5 g) prepared in Example 5 was suspended in dry pyridine (20 ml), anhydrous acetic acid (1.5 g) was added at room temperature while stirring and allowed to react overnight. Pyridine was distilled off under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with water and dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, and the solvent was distilled off. Purification of the residue by column chromatography on silica gel gave the title compound (0.75 g) IR (nujol) : 1720, 1655, 1590, 1305, 765 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) : 2.89 (s, 3H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 7.01 (t, 1H), 7.2-7.6 (4H), 7.70 (t, 1H), 7.99 (m, 1H), 8.16 (d, 1H) Example 10 1-(β-Dimethylaminoethyl)-N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (2.0 g) prepared in Example 1 was dissolved in dry DMSO (25 ml), sodium hydrate (0.35 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. Excess β-dimethylaminoethyl chloride was added to the mixture and allowed to react overnight at room temperature under agitation. The reaction solution was poured into aqueous saturated ammonium chloride solution and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layer was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and the solvent was distilled off. Purification of the residue by column chromatography on silica gel gave the title compound (0.84 g). IR (neat) : 3350, 3050, 1680, 1580, 1300, 740 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) : 2.35 (s, 6H), 2.77, (t, 2H), 4.85 (t, 2H), 7.06 (dd, 1H), 7.25-7.85 (5H), 8.31 (d, 1H), 8.38 (dd, 1H), 10.17 (bs, 1H) Example 11 N-(4,6-Dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide In a dry argon atmosphere, 2-amino-4,6-dimethyl pyridine (4.0 g) was dissolved in dry DMSO (30 ml), 60% sodium hydride (1.30 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. A solution of 1-(N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole (6.56 g) in DMSO (15 ml) was added dropwise while cooling and stirred at room temperature for 2 hrs. The reaction solution was poured into aqueous saturated ammonium chloride solution and extracted with benzene. The residue obtained by distilling off the solvent was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to obtain N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-(N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl)-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide (5.40 g). This compound was dissolved in THF (250 ml), and then water (70 ml) and conc. hydrochloric acid (7 ml) were added allowed to react overnight at room temperature under agitation. The reaction solution was neutralized with ammonia water, THF was distilled off and the precipitated crystals were filtered off. The crystals obtained was recrystallized from chloroform/methanol to give the title compound (3.45 g). M.P. 255.6°C IR (nujol): 3360, 3245, 1680, 1610, 1560, 835 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS) : 2.36, (s, 3H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 3.91 (s, 3H), 3.98 (s, 3H), 6.80 (s, 1H), 6.95 (s, 1H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 8.00 (s, 1H), 9.75 (bs, 1H), 10.90 (bs, 1H) Example 12 N-(2-pyridyl)-5-methylbenzimidazole-2-carboxamide In an argon atmosphere, 2-aminopyridine (0.85 g) was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (15 ml), and 5.1 ml of trimethylaluminum (19% n-hexane solution) were added dropwise while ice-cooling and reacted at room temperature for 1 hr. A solution of 1-(N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl)-2-ethoxycarbonyl-5(and 6)-methylbenzimidazole (2.00 g) in dichloromethane was added dropwise and reacted at room temperature for 2 days. Diluted hydrochloric acid was added dropwise while vigorously stirring and, the organic layer was separated and dried over Na₂SO₄. Purification of the residue obtained by distilling off the solvent by column chromatography on silica gel gave N-(2-pyridyl)-1-(N,N-dimethylsulfamoyl)-5(and 6)-methylbenzimidazole-2-carboxamide (0.78 g). This compound was dissolved in THF (30 ml), and water (15 ml) and conc. hydrochloric acid (2 ml) were added and reacted at room temperature for 24 hrs. The reaction solution was neutralized with ammonia water, THF was distilled off, and the precipitated crystals were filtered and recrystallized from chloroform/methanol to give the title compound (0.27 g). M.P. 230.0°C IR (KBr): 3420, 3360, 1680, 1540, 1435, 1300, 780 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃ + CD₃OD, TMS): 2.51 (s, 3H), 7.18 (m, 2H), 7.46 (m, 1H), 7.59 (dd, 1H), 7.79 (dt, 1H), 8.27 (d, 1H), 8.89 (dd, 1H) Example 13 N-Methyl-N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide In an argon atmosphere, N-methyl-N-(4,6-dimethyl-2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (2.00 g) was dissolved in DMSO (15 ml), and 60% sodium hydride (0.33 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. A solution (7 ml) of 2-[4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl chloride (2.20 g) in DMSO was added dropwise and allowed to react overnight at room temperature under agitation. The reaction solution was added to an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and extracted with chloroform, the chloroform layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, and the solvent was distilled off. Purification of the residue by column chromatography gave the title compound (3.10 g) as amorphous solid. IR (KBr): 1630, 1610, 1515, 1480, 1430, 1260, 750 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS); 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.4-2.65 (8H), 2.89 (t, 2H), 3.64 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.59 (t, 2H), 6.71 (s, 1H), 6.8-7.05 (4H), 7.15-7.45 (3H), 7.61 (d, 1H) Example 14 N-(2-Pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide In an argon atmosphere, N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (1.55 g) was dissolved in DMSO (20 ml), and 60% sodium hydride (0.28 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. A solution (7 ml) of 2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl chloride (1.65 g) in DMSO was added dropwise and stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction solution was poured into an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and extracted with chloroform, and the chloroform layer was dired. The residue obtained by distilling off the solvent was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give the title compound (1.54 g) as amorphous solid. IR (KBr) : 3350, 2810, 1695, 1525, 1435, 1300, 1240, 745 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 2.65-2.85 (4H), 2.88 (t, 2H), 2.95-3.10 (4H), 3.84 (s, 3H), 4.92 (t, 2H), 6.75-7.12 (5H), 7.35-7.57 (3H), 7.69-7.89 (2H), 8.32 (d, 1H), 8.37 (dd, 1H), 10.20 (bs, 1H) Example 15 N-(2-Pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide In an argon atmosphere, N-(2-pyridyl-5,6-dimethoxybenzimidazole-2-carboxamide (0.85 g) was dissolved in DMSO (15 ml), and 60% sodium hydride (0.16 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. A solution (5 ml) of 2-[4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl chloride (1.25 g) in DMSO was added dropwise and allowed to react overnight at room temperature under agitation. After-treatment and purification in the same manner as described in Example 14 gave the title compound (0.72 g) as amorphous solid. IR (KBr): 3360, 1695, 1630, 1525, 1440, 1220, 1140, 1015 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 2.40-2.65 (4H), 2.84 (t, 2H), 3.35-3.65 (4H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.99 (s, 3H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 4.85 (t, 2H), 6.75-6.98 (4H), 7.07 (dd, 1H), 7.21 (s, 1H), 7.75 (t, 1H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.38 (dd, 1H), 10.05 (bs, 1H) Example 16 N-(2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide In an argon atmosphere, N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (1.40 g) was dissolved in DMSO (20 ml), and 60% sodium hydride (0.28 g) was added and stirred at room temperature for 1 hr. A solution (7 ml) of 2-[4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl chloride (1.90 g) in DMSO was added dropwise and allowed to react overnight at room temperature under agitation. The reaction solution was poured into an aqueous solution of ammonium chloride and extracted with chloroform. The chloroform layer was dried over Na₂SO₄ and the solvent was distilled off. Purification of the residue by column chromatography on silica gel gave the title compound (1.60 g) as amorphous solid. IR (KBr): 3350, 1690, 1630, 1520, 1430, 1300, 745 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 2.55 (m, 4H), 2.83 (t, 2H), 3.52 (m, 4H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.90 (t, 2H), 6.75-6.95 (m, 3H), 7.10 (dd, 1H), 7.30-7.55 (m, 3H), 7.70-7.89 (m, 2H), 8.28 (d, 1H), 8.39 (dd, 1H), 10.15 (bs, 1H) Example 17 N-Methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)-1-[2-(4-(3,4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl]benzimidazole-2-carboxamide N-Methyl-N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (1.70 g) was reacted and after-treated in the same manner as described in Example 16 to give the title compound (1.98 g) as amorphous solid. IR (KBr) : 3430, 1650, 1630, 1460, 1435, 1263, 745 (cm⁻¹) ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, TMS): 2.55 (m, 4H), 2.86 (t, 2H), 3.58 (m, 4H), 3.70 (s, 3H), 3.89 (s, 3H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.62 (t, 2H), 6.78-6.98 (m, 3H), 7.06 (dd, 1H), 7.15-7.45 (m, 4H), 7.53-7.65 (m, 2H), 8.29 (dd, 1H) Examples 18-55 The compounds shown in Tables 1 and 2 were prepared by using the appropriate starting materials and the procedures described in Examples 1-17. In the tables, NMR data were determined in CDCl₃ on the basis of TMS unless otherwise specified. The cardiotonic activity of the compounds of the present invention was evaluated by the following method. Method Right and left atria of guinea-pigs suspended in Magnus bath containing Krebs-Henseleit solution which was maintained at 33°C. A mixed gas consisting of 95% O₂ and 5% CO₂ was bubbled through the solution. The atrial muscle was loaded with the tension of 0.5 g, attached to a strain gauge, and the contractility of left atrium caused by electric stimulation and the rate of right atrium were recorded. The activities of the test compounds in a concentration of 1 x 10⁻⁴ M are shown in Table 3. The results are expressed as per cent (%) changes of contractility in atrium muscle and rate which are calculated according to the following equation. Acute Toxicity in mice The acute toxicity of the compound (Example 1) of the invention was investigated using mice. The test compound was administered intravenously. LD₅₀ (i.v.) was more than 750 mg/kg. Thus, the acute toxicity of the present compound was found to be very low as compared with 190 mg/kg of dopamine hydrochloride as control compound. The following examples illustrate how the compounds of the invention can be incorporated in pharmaceutical preparations. Example 56 Tablets Each tablet contains: N-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (active ingredient) 10 mg Lactose 67 mg Crystalline cellulose 15 mg Cornstarch 7 mg Magnesium stearate 1 mg 100 mg The above components were mixed uniformly to prepare the powders for direct compressing. These powders were molded by means of a rotary tablet machine to tablets, each having 6.3 mm diameter and each weighing 100 mg. Example 57 Granules Each package contains: A N-(2-Pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (active ingredient) 10 mg Lactose 90 mg Cornstarch 50 mg Crystalline cellulose 50 mg B Hydroxypropyl cellulose 10 mg Ethanol 90 mg The components A were mixed uniformly and the solutions B were added. The mixture was kneaded together, granulated by an extrusion granulating method, and dried by a dryer at 50°C. The dried granulate was passed through a mesh screen to classify into the particle sizes ranging from 297 µm to 1460 µm for the granule preparations, each package weighing 200 mg. Example 58 Syrup N-(2-Pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (active ingredient) 1,000 g White sugar 30,000 g D-sorbitol 70 w/v % 25,000 g Ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate 0.030 g Propyl p-hydroxybenzoate 0.015 g Flavoring agent 0.200 g Glycerin 0.150 g 96% Ethanol 0.500 g Distilled water ad 100 ml White sugar, D-sorbitol, ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate and the active ingredient were dissolved in 60 g of hot water. After cooling the mixture, there was added a solution of a flavoring agent dissolved in glycerin and ethanol. Water was added to make 100 ml. Example 59 Injection Solution N-(2-Pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (active ingredient) 1 mg Sodium chloride 10 mg Distilled water ad 1.0 ml Sodium chloride and the active ingredient were added to distilled water to make 1.0 ml. Example 60 Suppositories N-(2-Pyridyl)benzimidazole-2-carboxamide (active ingredient) 2 g Polyethylene glycol 4000 20 g Glycerin 78 g Total 100 g Glycerin was added to the active ingredient and dissolved. Polyethylene glycol 4000 was added to the solution, warmed and poured into a mold for suppository. The content was cooled for solidification to prepare suppositories each weighing 1.5 g.

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : BE, CH, DE, FR, GB, IT, LI, NL, SE A compound of formula I wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom, an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group, an (C₁₋₄)alkoxy group, a di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino group or a halogen atom; n is 1 to 4; R² is a hydrogen atom; an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group; an aminoalkyl group of formula wherein R' and R'' independently are hydrogen or (c₁₋₄)alkyl and p is 2 to 4; an acetyl, propionyl, butyryl or stearoyl group; a benzyl or phenethyl group; a carboxyalkyl group; an (C₁₋₄)alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl group; wherein X is wherein R''' is hydrogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl or (C₁₋₄)alkoxy; or a (4-dimethoxybenzoyl) 1-piperazinyl)ethyl) group; A is -NR³- wherein R³ is hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl, an (C₁₋₄)alkylene or an (C₁₋₄)alkylidene; and B is a heterocyclic group selected from triazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl, said heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by one or more (C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₄)alkoxy, nitro or phenyl group; or a compound of formula I wherein R¹ is hydrogen, R² is 3,4-dimethoxy phenethyl, A is -NH and B is and the physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof. A compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is hydrogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl or (C₁₋₄)alkoxy and n is 1 or 2. A compound of claim 1 wherein R² is hydrogen, alkyl, acetyl, benzyl, phenethyl, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₄)alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl or aminoalkyl of formula wherein R' and R'' independently are hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl and p is 2 to 4. A compound of claim 1 wherein R² is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, stearoyl, aminoethyl, aminopropyl, monomethylaminoethyl, dimethylaminoethyl, carboxymethyl, 3-carboxypropyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, benzyl, phenethyl, (4-(dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-furoyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-benzyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-(methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl or (4-(ethoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl. A compound of claim 1 wherein A is -NH-, -N(CH₃)-, -N(C₂H₅)-, methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, ethylidene, propylidene or butylidene. A compound of claim 1 wherein B is 5-(1,2,3-triazolyl), 3-(1,2,4-triazolyl), 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 5-pyrimidinyl, 2-pyrazinyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 2-benzothiazolyl, 3-benzoisothiazolyl, 2-quinolyl or 1-isoquinolyl. A compound of claim 1 wherein B is (C₁₋₄)alkyl-substituted pyridyl, (C₁₋₄)alkyl-substituted pyrimidinyl, phenyl-substituted pyridyl, nitro-substituted pyridyl or (C₁₋₄)alkoxy-substituted benzothiazolyl. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I a ) wherein R¹ a is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a halogen atom, and n, R², A and B have the same meanings as defined in claim 1, and the physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of formula (II) wherein R¹ a and n are as defined above, with a compound of, formula (III) Z - A - B (III) wherein Z is a hydrogen atom, lithium, sodium or potassium, and A and B are as defined above, to form a compound of formula (I' a ) wherein A, B, R¹ a and n are as defined above, and optionally treating the compound with an alkylating or acylating agent to convert to the compound of formula (I a ) wherein R² is the substituents other than hydrogen, or if desired, converting said compounds to the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I b ) wherein R¹ b is a hydrogen atom, an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group, an (C₁₋₄)alkoxy group or a di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino group, B' is a heterocyclic group selected from pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, benzothiazolyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl, said heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by one or more (C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₄)alkoxy, nitro or phenyl group, and n, A and R² have the same meanings as defined in claim 1, and the physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of formula (IV) wherein R is an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group, R⁴ is a protective group, and R¹ b and n are as defined above, with a compound of formula (III') Z' - A - B' (III') wherein Z' is lithium, sodium, potassium or dialkylaluminum, and A and B' are as defined above, and then removing the protective group to form a compound of formula (I' b ) wherein A, B', R¹ b and n are as defined above, and optionally treating the compound with an alkylating or acylating agent to convert to the compound of formula (I b ) wherein R² is the substituents other than hydrogen, or if desired converting said compounds to the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. A process of claim 8 or 9 wherein the alkylating and acylating agents include alkyl halides, aminoalkyl halides, aralkyl halides, acid anhydrides, acid halides, alkoxycarbonylalkyl halides, and (4-substituted-1-piperazinyl)alkyl halides. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises as an active ingredient an effective amount of a compound of claims 1 to 7 or the physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, optionally in admixture with additives for pharmaceutical preparations. Use of a compound of claims 1 to 7 or the physiologically acceptable acid salts thereof as a medicament. Use of a compound of claims 1 to 7 or the physiologically acceptable acid salts thereof in treating or preventing circulatory diseases. Use of a compound of claims 1 to 7 for manufacture of medicament for treating or preventing circulatory diseases. Claims for the following Contracting State : ES A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I a ) wherein R¹ a is a hydrogen atom, an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group or a halogen atom; n is 1 to 4; R² is a hydrogen atom; an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group; an amino(C₁₋₄)alkyl group of formula wherein R' and R'' independently are hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl and p is 2 to 4; an acetyl, propionyl, butyryl or stearoyl group; a benzyl or phenethyl group; a carboxyalkyl group; an (C₁₋₄)alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl group; wherein X is wherein R''' is hydrogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl or (C₁₋₄)alkoxy; or a (4-dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl) group; A is -NR³- wherein R³ is hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl, an (C₁₋₄)alkylene or an (C₁₋₄)alkylidene; and B is a heterocyclic group selected from triazolyl, pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, benzimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl, said heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by one or more (C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₄)alkoxy, nitro or phenyl group ; or of a compound of formula I wherein R¹ a is hydrogen, R² is 3,4-dimethoxy phenethyl, A is -NH and B is and the physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of formula (II) wherein R¹ a and n are as defined above, with a compound of formula (III) Z - A - B (III) wherein Z is a hydrogen atom, lithium, sodium or potassium, and A and B are as defined above, to form a compound of formula (I' a ) wherein A, B, R¹ a and n are as defined above, and optionally treating the compound with an alkylating or acylating agent to convert to the compound of formula (I a ) wherein R² is the substituents other than hydrogen, or if desired, converting said compounds to the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I b ) wherein R¹ b is a hydrogen atom, an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group, an (C₁₋₄)alkoxy group or a di(C₁₋₄)alkylamino group, B' is a heterocyclic group selected from pyridyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, benzothiazolyl, quinolyl and isoquinolyl, said heterocyclic group being optionally substituted by one or more (C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₄)alkoxy, nitro or phenyl group, and n is 1 to 4; R² is a hydrogen atom; an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group; an amino(C₁₋₄)alkyl group of formula wherein R' and R'' independently are hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl and p is 2 to 4; an acetyl, propionyl, butyryl or stearoyl group; a benzyl or phenethyl group; a carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl group; an (C₁₋₄)alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl group; wherein X is wherein R''' is hydrogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl or (C₁₋₄)alkoxy; or a (4-(dimethoxybenzoyl) 1-piperazinyl)ethyl) group; A is -NR³- wherein R³ is hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl, an (C₁₋₄)alkylene or an (C₁₋₄)alkylidene; or wherein R¹ b is hydrogen, R² is 3,4-dimethoxyphenethyl, A is -NH and B is and the physiologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, which comprises reacting a compound of formula (IV) wherein R is an (C₁₋₄)alkyl group, R⁴ is a protective group, and R¹ b and n are as defined above, with a compound of formula (III') Z' - A - B' (III') wherein Z' is lithium, sodium, potassium or dialkylaluminum, and A and B¹ are as defined above, and then removing the protective group to form a compound of formula (I' b ) wherein A, B', R¹ b and n are as defined above, and optionally treating the compound with an alkylating or acylating agent to convert to the compound of formula (I b ) wherein R² is the substituents other than hydrogen, or if desired converting said compounds to the physiologically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. A process of claim 1 or 2 wherein the alkylating and acylating agents include alkyl halides, aminoalkyl halides, aralkyl halides, acid anhydrides, acid halides, alkoxycarbonylalkyl halides, and (4-substituted-1-piperazinyl)alkyl halides. A process of claim 1 or 2 for preparing a compound wherein R¹ is hydrogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl or (C₁₋₄)alkoxy and n is 1 or 2. A process of claim 1 or 2 for preparing a compound wherein R² is hydrogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl, acetyl, benzyl, phenethyl, carboxy(C₁₋₄)alkyl, (C₁₋₄)alkoxycarbonyl(C₁₋₄)alkyl or aminoalkyl or formula wherein R' and R'' independently are hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl and p is 2 to 4. A process of claim 1 or 2 for preparing a compound wherein R² is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, stearoyl, aminoethyl, aminopropyl, monomethylaminoethyl, dimethylaminoethyl, carboxymethyl, 3-carboxypropyl, methoxycarbonylmethyl, ethoxycarbonylmethyl, benzyl, phenethyl, (4-(dimethoxybenzoyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-furoyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-benzyl-1-piperazinyl)ethyl, (4-(methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl or (4-(ethoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl. A process of claim 1 or 2 for preparing a compound wherein A is -NH-, -N(CH₃)-, -N(C₂H₅)-, methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, ethylidene, propylidene or butylidene. A process of claim 1 or 2 for preparing a compound wherein B is 5-(1,2,3-triyzolyl), 3-(1,2,4-triyzolyl), 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl, 5-pyrimidinyl, 2-pyrazinyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 2-benzothiazolyl, 3-benzoisothiazolyl, 2-quinolyl or 1-isoquinolyl. A process of claim 1 or 2 for preparing a compound wherein B is alkyl-substituted pyridyl, (C₁₋₄)alkyl-substituted pyrimidinyl, phenyl-substituted pyridyl, nitro-substituted pyridyl or (C₁₋₄)alkoxy-substituted benzothiazolyl.

Inventors: SUEDA, NORIYOSHI, SUGAI, TOSHIJI, SUZUKI, YOSHIKUNI, YAMADA, HIROAKI, YANAI, MAKOTO
Applicants: NISSHIN FLOUR MILLING CO., LTD.
Application year: 1987
Main classification: C07D401
IPC codes: C07D417, A61K31, C07D235, C07D403, A61P9, C07D405, C07D401