Pyridine derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, the use of the same for the manufacture of medicaments having therapeutic or preventative value, and a process for preparing the same

Abstract: The invention provides pyridine derivatives represented by general formula: wherein R¹ and R² may be the same or different from each other and each stand for a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogenated lower alkyl, lower alkoxycarbonyl or carboxyl group or a halogen atom; X stands for a group represented by the formula: -O-, -S- or (wherein R³ stands for a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or lower alkoxycarbonyl group); Z stands for several groups and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these derivatives are also provided, together with the use of the derivatives for the manufacture of medicaments having therapeutic or preventative value in the treatment of peptic ulcers. Processes for preparing such pyridine derivatives are also provided.

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD Novel pyridine derivatives exhibiting activity in treating or preventing peptic ulcers, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and methods of medical treatment are described. BACKGROUND ART Duodenal and gastric ulcers, known collectively as peptic ulcers, are localized erosions of the mucous membrane of the duodenum or stomach, respectively, which expose the underlying layers of the gut wall to the acid secretions of the stomach and to the proteolytic enzyme pepsin. They are believed to be caused by autolysis which is caused by an imbalance between offensive factors, such as acid or pepsin, and defensive factors, such as resistance of the mucous membrane, mucilage secretion, bloodstream or control of the duodenum. Peptic ulceration is the most common disease of the gastro-intestinal tract and it is estimated that approximately 10 to 20% of the adult male population will experience at some time in their lives. Peptic ulcers are cured or prevented by medical treatment, in principle, and many pharmacotherapies have been suggested, some with high degrees of success. Clinically useful modialities include H- 2 -blockers, such as cimetidine and ranitidine, as anti-ulcer agents. It has been noted, more recently, that inhibitors of H + -K + -ATPase, an enzyme specifically present in the parietal cells of the stomach, can effectively inhibit the secretion of gastric acid in mammals, including man, therefore it has been expected that a new class of anti-ulcer agents from this viewpoint will come into existance. More specifically, a wide variety of compounds having a benzimidazole structure have been proposed. Among these compounds is Omeprazole, currently under active development, as the most promising compound; see U.S. Patent Nos. 4,337,257; 4,255,431; and 4,508,905. These patents describe compounds with a methoxy group in the 4-position of the pyridine ring, Omeprazole, having the formula: and further 2-(4-methoxyethoxypyridine-2-yl)-methylsulfinyl-5-methyl-1H-benzimidazole in the working examples thereof. Related benzyimidazole-type compounds having anti-ulcer activities are described in published application GB 2,134,523A. More specifically, compounds in which the 4-position of the pyridine ring is substituted with an alkoxyalkoxy group with each alkoxy group containing 1-2 carbons are described. Example 157 of this patent describes 2-(3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxyethoxypyridine-2-yl)methylsulfinyl-5-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole. Other substitutions on various positions of the benzyl and pyridine rings are also described. Biological tests reported in tables 4 and 5 of this published application report significant biological effects on gastric acid secretion, both in isolated cells and in laboratory animals, when the 4-position on the pyridine ring is substituted with a methoxy group. Additional benzimidazole-type compounds, in which the substituent at the 4-position on the pyridine ring is a benzyloxy group, are described in European patent application 0,167,943. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present inventors have discovered a class of novel compounds with a more excellent anti-ulcer activity than Omeprazole which is regarded, at the present time, as the most significant benzimidazole-type compound having anti-ulcer activity. As a result of intensive studies, it has been found that compounds represented by formula (I) are more potent in inhibiting gastric acid secretion in comparison with Omeprazole. The present invention has been accomplished on the basis of this finding. The present invention includes a class of pyridine derivatives represented by the general formula (I): wherein R 1 and R 2 may be the same or different from each other and each stand for a hydrogen atom, a C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, halogenated C 1-6 alkyl, (C 1-6 alkoxy)carbonyl or carboxyl group or a halogen atom; X stands for a group represented by the formula: -O-, -S-, or (wherein R 3 stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or (C 1-6 alkoxy)carbonyl group); Z stands for 1 ○ a group represented by the general formula: -O(CH 2 ) p -O-R 4 wherein p stands for an integer of 1 to 3 and R 4 stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl group, a phenyl, tolyl, xylyl or naphthyl group which may be substituted with a C 1-6 alkoxy group which may be substituted with a C 1-6 alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom; or a benzyl or phenethyl group, 2 ○ a group represented by the formula: 3 ○ a group represented by the formula: n stands for an integer of 0 to 2; m stands for an integer of 2 to 10; and J stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl group, and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The same definitions for R 1 , R 2 , X, n, J, Z and m are used throughout the specification that follows and in the appended claims. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing theme compounds as the active ingredient(s) and procedures for preventing or treating peptic ulcers in mammals, including humans, using these pharmaceutical compositions. In the definition of the compounds of general formula (I) given above, the C 1-6 alkyl group defined above with respect to R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and J in the compound (I) of the present invention may be a straight-chain or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Examples include methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, 1-methylpropyl, tert-butyl, n-pentyl, 1-ethylpropyl, isoamyl and n-hexyl groups, among which methyl and ethyl groups are most preferred. The C 1-6 alkoxy group and the C 1-6 alkoxy moiety of the lower alkoxycarbonyl group defined above with respect to R 1 and R 2 may be an alkoxy group derived form the above lower alkyl group. Methoxy and ethoxy groups are most preferred. The halogen atom defined above includes chlorine, bromine, iodine or fluorine. As for R 1 and R 2 , hydrogens for both and then a combination of a C 1-6 alkyl, inter alia methyl, for R 1 and hydrogen for R 2 are preferred. X is preferably -NR 3 where R 3 is hydrogen. A preferred value for n is 1. Preferably J is methyl. A first class of compounds falling within general formula (I) are represented by the following formula: (where R 1 , R 2 , J, p, m and R 4 have the same meanings as given above). In formula (B), the preferred substituents for R 1 and R 2 are both hydrogen; or when R 1 is 5-C 1-6 alkoxy, 5-C 1-6 alkyl or 5-halogenated C 1-6 alkyl, R 2 is hydrogen. The preferred value of m is 2 or 3; the preferred value for p is 2 or 3; and the preferred substituent for R 4 is methyl or benzyl. Of the above possibilities for formula (B), the most preferred combination is where R 1 is 5-methyl, R 2 is hydrogen, J is methyl, m is 2, p is 2 and R 4 is methyl. Examples of the pharmaceutically acceptable salt include salts with inorganic acids, such as hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate and phosphate; those with organic acids, such as acetate, maleate, tartrate, methanesulfonate, benzenesulfonate, and toluenesulfonate; and those with amino acids such as arginine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Some of the compounds according to the present invention can form a salt with a metal such as Na, K, Ca or Mg. These metal salts are also included among the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention. For example, compounds represented by the general formula (I), wherein X is a group of and R 3 is a hydrogen atom, or compounds represented by the general formula (I), wherein Z is a group falling under the category 6 and B is a group of -NH-, can be present as a metal salt. Although the compounds of the present invention may also be present as a hydrate or as a stereoisomer, it is a matter of course that these hydrates and stereoisomers are also included in the scope of the present invention. Now, the effect of the compounds of the present invention will be described by referring to the following pharmacological experiments. Pharmacological Experiment Inhibition against the activity of H + -K + ATPase (1) Preparation of H + -K + ATPase Prepared from the fundic glands of a fresh mucous membrane of a pig stomach according to a modified method of Saccomani et al. (see Biochem. and Biophys. Acta, 464 , 313 (1977)). (2) Measurement of the activity of H + -K + ATPase The compound of the present invention was incubated at various concentration in a 40 mM Tris-HCl buffer solution having a pH of 7.40 together with H + -K + ATPase and 10 µg/ml of a protein at 37°C for 30 minutes, followed by the addition of 15 mM KCl. After 10 minutes, the ATPase reaction was initiated by the addition of 3 mM of MgCl 2 and ATP. After 10 minutes, the amount of the released inorganic phosphoric acid was determined according to the method of Yoda and Hokin (see Biochem. Biophys. Res. Com., 40 , 880 (1970)).The test compound was used as a solution in methanol.The inhibitory effect was determined by subtracting the amount of the released inorganic acid observed with respect to the case wherein a solution of a test compound was added from that with respect to the control wherein only a solvent was added to determine a difference and dividing this difference by the latter amount and shown by percentage. The inhibitory effect is shown in Table 1 in terms of IC 50 . (3) The results are shown in Table 1. It is apparent from the results of the experiments that the compound of the present invention exhibits a high inhibitory effect on the activity of H + -K + ATPase and is highly safe, so that it can effectively inhibit the secretion of an acid and is therefore effective in the therapy or prevention of human and animal peptic ulcer. Further, the compound of the present invention exhibits excellent recovery of the secretion of an acid and therefore is superior to the one of the prior art in this respect. Chronic gastric fistula dogs were used. The test compound was intraduodenally administered to each dog in an amount of 4 mg per kg. In 1, 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively, from the time of administration, pentagastrin (6 micron grams per kg) was injected intramuscularly into the dog. Gastric acid secretion, determined and recovery thereof, was determined in terms of percent of the control response. Results from this test are shown in Table 3. From the results, it can be determined that within one hour from the intraduodenal administration the pentagastrin-stimulated gastric acid secretion was completely inhibited in both tests of compound 19 and Omeprazole. In the test, acid output with compound 19 was 61.9 percent and 121.5 percent in comparison with the control group after 24 and 48 hours, respectively. On the other hand, in the sane test using Omeprazole, gastric acid secretion was Pharmacological Experiment 2 - Inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion Chronic gastric fistula dogs were used. Gastric acid secretion of each dog was stimulated by infusing 100 micron grams per kg per hour of histamine. After one hour of histamine infusion, each of the test compounds was administered intraduodenally to each dog, and after one hour of administration, the amount of gastric acid secretion of each test dog was determined. Results were compared with the control group to which no test compound had been administered and are expressed in terns of percent inhibition. Further, it should be noted that the compound of the present invention unexpectedly exhibits a faster recovery or resumption of gastric acid secretion than Omeprazole. At present, this H + -K + ATPase-inhibiting agent is believed to have a more potent inhibitory activity against gastric acid secretion than an H 2 -blocker compound, and thus, in the future, may be the drug of choice for the treatment of ulcers. But, while more potent inhibitory activity against gastric acid secretion is desirable, too long-lasting inhibition of gastric acid secretion is not preferable for an anti-ulcer agent. For example, it gives rise to the proliferation of Enterochromaffin-like cells (ECL cell) and formation of carcinoid derived from hypergastrinemia; see "Digestion", vol. 35, suppl. 1, page 42 to 55 (1986); the increase in the gastric bacterial flora and endogenous production of N-nitro compounds; see "Brit, Med. J.", vol. 289, page 717 (1984); and difficulty in determining the appropriate dosage regimen. Thus, an H + -K + ATPase-inhibitory agent which possesses an excellent recovery of gastric acid secretion is most preferred. The compounds of the present invention are administered for the therapy or prevention of peptic ulcers either orally as powders, granules, capsules or syrup, or parenterally as an injection, or as an external preparation or drop, or as a suppository. Although the dose remarkably varies depending upon symptoms, age of kind of ulcer(s), it may be about 0.01 to 200 mg/kg, preferably 0.05 to 50 mg/kg, still preferably 0.1 to 10 mg/kg a day, and may be administered in a single dose or in divided doses, for example from 2 to 4 times a day. The drug may be formulated into pharmaceutical presentations using conventional formulation procedures. More specifically, a solid drug for oral application can be prepared by mixing an active principle with filler and, if necessary, binder, disintegrating agent, lubricant, coloring agent, corrigent or the like and converting the obtained mixture into a tablet, coated tablet, granule, powder or capsule. Examples of the filler include lactose, corn starch, sucrose, glucose, sorbitol, crystalline cellulose and silicon dioxide, while those of the binder include polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl ether, ethylcellulose, methylcellulose, acacia, tragacanth, gelatin, shellac, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylstarch and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Examples of the disintegrating agent include starch, agar, gelatin powder, crystalline cellulose, calcium carbonate, sodium hydrogencarbonate, calcium citrate, dextrin and pectin, while those of the lubricant include magnesium stearate, talc, polyethylene glycol, silica and hardened vegatable oils. The coloring agent may be any one which is permitted to be added to drugs. Examples of the corrigent include cacao powder, mentha herb, aromatic powder, mentha oil, borneol and powdered cinnamon bark. Of course, these tablets and granules may be, if necessary, coated with sugar, gelatin or the like. The injection can be prepared by mixing an active principle with pH adjusting agent, buffer, stabilizer, solubilizing agent or the like and treating the obtained mixture according to an ordinary process to obtain a subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous injection. Preparation process The compound of the present invention can be prepared by various processes, representative examples of which will now be described. Preparation process A wherein R 1 , R 2 and X are as defined above wherein m, Z, and J are as defined above and Y stands for a halogen atom or a sulfonyloxy group That is, a compound represented by the general formula (II) is reacted with a halide or sulfonate represented by the general formula (III) to obtain a compound represented by the general formula (I') which is an objective compound of the present invention. Examples of the halogen atom defined with respect to Y include chlorine, bromine and iodine, while those of the sulfonyloxy group include alkylsulfonyloxy groups such as methylsulfonyloxy and ethylsulfonyloxy groups and aromatic sulfonyloxy groups such as benzenesulfonyloxy and tosyloxy groups. The above reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of an acid scavenger. Examples of the acid scavenger include carbonates and hydrocarbonates of alkali metals, such as potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogencarbonate; alkali hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and organic amines such as pyridine and triethylamine. Examples of the solvent to be used in the reaction include alcohols such as methyl and ethyl alcohols, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and mixtures thereof with water. The reaction temperature may be from -40°C to the boiling point of the solvent used, preferably from about 0 to 60°C. The obtained compound (I') can be easily oxidized into its sulfinyl derivative (I'') which is an objective compound of the present invention corresponding to a compound of the general formula (I) wherein n is 1. This oxidation can be carried out according to an ordinary process by the use of an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, sodium hypochlorite or sodium hypobromite. The solvent to be used in the oxidation is generally selected from among dichloromethane, chloroform, benzene, toluene, methanol, ethanol and the like. The oxidation temperature may be from -70°C to the boiling point of the solvent used, preferable from -60 to 25°C. Furthermore, a sulfone derivative which is an objective compound of the present invention corresponding to a compound of the formula (I) wherein n is 2 can be prepared by, for example, the following process: wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, m and Z are as defined above. That is, the thio ether derivative represented by the general formula (I') which is an objective compound of the present invention is oxidized into its sulfone derivative represented by the general formula (I''') which is another objective compound of the present invention. More precisely, the sulfone derivative (I''') which is an objective compound of the present invention can be prepared by dissolving the compound (I') in a solvent selected from among aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene and xylene; halogenated hydrocarbons such as dichloromethane, chloroform and carbon tetrachloride; water; alcohols such as methanol and ethanol; ethyl acetate; acetone; acetic acid and the like to obtain a solution, adding at least twice by equivalent as much oxidizing agent selected from among hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, sodium hypochlorite, sodium m-periodate and the like to the solution under cooling with ice or at a room temperature and reacting the compound (I') with the oxidizing agent. Alternatively, the sulfone derivative (I''') can be prepared by dissolving the sulfoxide derivative (I'') obtained by the above process in a solvent such as chloroform, adding an oxidizing agent such as m-chloroperbenzoic acid to the obtained solution and reacting the sulfoxide derivative (I'') with the oxidizing agent. Preparation process B wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, m, J and Z are as defined above and Hal stands for a halogen atom. That is, an objective compound represented by the general formula (I) can be prepared by reacting a halide represented by the general formula (IV) with an alcohol, thiol or amine represented by the general formula: Z-H (V). This reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of an acid scavenger. Examples of the acid scavenger include carbonates and hydrogencarbonates of alkali metals, such as potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate; alkali hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and triethylamine. Examples of the solvent to be used in the reaction include ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; benzene homologues such as benzene, toluene and xylene; acetonitrile; dimethylformamide; dimethyl sulfoxide and hexamethylphosphoric triamide. The reaction may be carried out either under cooling with ice or at a temperature not exceeding the boiling point of the solvent used. The obtained compound (I') which is an objective compound of the present invention can be oxidized into its sulfinyl derivative represented by the general formula (I'') in a similar manner to that described above in Preparation process A. Preparation process C A compound represented by the general formula (I) wherein X is a group represented by the formula: (wherein R 3 is a group selected from among those defined above except a hydrogen atom) can be prepared by the following process: wherein R 1 , R 2 , n, J m and Z are as defined above; Hal stands for a halogen atom and R 3 is a group selected from among those defined with respect to R 3 of the formula (I) except a hydrogen atom, i.e., a lower alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or lower alkoxycarbonyl group. That is, a compound represented by the general formula (I'''') which is an objective compound of the present invention can be prepared by condensing a compound represented by the general formula (VI) with a halide represented by the general formula (VII) according to an ordinary process. This condensation is carried out in the absence of any solvent or in an organic solvent inert to the condensation selected from among benzene, ethanol, xylene, tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dimethylformamide and the like either at a room temperature or under cooling with ice or heating for several hours according to an ordinary process. The condensation can be expedited by the use of a dehydrohalogenating agent selected from among inorganic salts such as sodium hydrogencarbonate, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate and caustic soda or organic bases such as triethylamine, pyridine, pyrimidine and diethylaniline. Further, the thio ether derivative represented by the general formula (I''''), wherein n is 0, which has been prepared by condensing a compound represented by the general formula (VI), wherein n is 0, with a halide (VII) can be easily oxidized into the corresponding sulfoxide (n = 1) or sulfone (n = 2) derivative according to the same process as that described above. Process for the preparation of starting materials The compound represented by the general formula (III) to be used in the Preparation process A as a starting material can be prepared by, for example, the following process: wherein m, Z, J and Y are as defined above. (Step 1) A 4-halogenopyridine oxide derivative (VIII) (for example, 4-chloro-2,3-dimethylpyridine 1-oxide) is reacted with an alcohol derivative represented by the general formula (IX) in the presence of a base to obtain an alkoxy derivative represented by the general formula (X). Examples of the base include alkali metal hydrides such as sodium hydride and potassium hydride; alkali metals such as metallic sodium; sodium alcoholates such as sodium methoxide and alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. This reaction is carried out either in the absence of any solvent or in a solvent selected from among ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; benzene homologues such as benzene, toluene and xylene; acetonitrile; dimethylformamide; dimethyl sulfoxide; hexamethylphosphoric triamide and the like at a temperature of from one under cooling with ice to the boiling point of the solvent used. (Step 2) The alkoxy derivative of the general formula (X) prepared in the Step 1 is heated in acetic anhydride to a temperature of about 60 to 100°C to obtain an acetoxymethylpyridine derivative represented by the general formula (XI). (Step 3) The acetoxymethylpyridine derivative (XI) prepared in the Step 2 is hydrolyzed into the corresponding 2-hydroxymethylpyridine derivative represetned by the general formula (XII). This hydrolysis is generally carried out under alkaline conditions. (Step 4) The 2-hydroxymethylpyridine derivative (XII) prepared in the Step 3 is halogenated with, for example, a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride into a 2-halogenomethylpyridine derivative represented by the general formula (III). In this halogenation, for example, chloroform or dichloromethane is used as a solvent. Further, the 2-hydroxymethylpyridine derivative (XII) is reacted with an active sulfonyl chloride such as methanesulfonyl chloride to obtain a sulfonyloxy derivative represented by the general formula (III). In this reaction, for example, chloroform, dichloromethane, ether, tetrahydrofuran, pyridine or benzene is used as a solvent. Alternatively, the compound represented by the general formula (X) to be used in the above process can be prepared by the following process: (Step 1) A compound represented by the general formula (VIII), wherein Hal stands for a halogen atom such as chlorine atom, is condensed with a compound represented by the general formula (XIII) according to an ordinary process to obtain a compound represented by the general formula (XIV). This condensation is preferably carried out in the presence of a base selected from among alkali metal hydrides such as sodium hydride and potassium hydride; alkali metals such as metallic sodium; alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide and the like. The condensation is carried out either in the absence of any solvent or in a solvent selected from among ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane; ketones such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone; benzene homologues such as benzene, toluene and xylene; acetonitrile; dimethylformamide; dimethyl sulfoxide; hexamethylphosphoric triamide and the like at a temperature suitably selected from the range of one under cooling with ice to the boiling point of the solvent used. (Step 2) The obtained alkoxy derivative (XIV) is reduced into the compound (XV). Precisely, the alkoxy derivative (XIV) is hydrogenated in the presence of a 10% palladium/carbon catalyst in an acetic anhydride/acetic acid mixture to obtain the reduction product (XV). (Step 3) The obtained compound (XV) is halogenated with, for example, a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride to obtain a 2-halogenoethyl derivative represented by the general formula (XVI). In this halogenation, for example, chloroform or dichloromethane is used as a solvent. (Step 4) The obtained compound (XVI) is reacted with an alcohol, thiol or amine represented by the general formula (V) to obtain a compound represented by the general formula (XVII). This reaction is preferably carried out in the presence of an acid scavenger as in the reaction of the Preparation process B. (Step 5) The obtained compound (XVII) is oxidized with an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid or m-chloroperbenzoic acid to obtain the corresponding N-oxide derivative. Alternatively, the compound represented by the general formula (III) to be used in the Preparation process A as a starting material can be prepared by the following process: wherein Hal stands for a halogen atom and Z and m are as defined above. A compound represented by the general formula (XII) is halogenated with, for example, a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride at a temperature of 0°C to a room temperature to obtain a halogenomethylpyridine derivative represented by the general formula (III). In this halogenation, for example, chloroform or dichloromethane is used as a solvent. The compound (IV) to be used in the Preparation process B as a starting material can be prepared by, for example, the following process: wherein Hal stands for a halogen atom and the others are as defined above. (Step 1) A compound represented by the general formula (XIV) is converted into the corresponding acetylate (XVIII) according to an ordinary process. For example, acetic anhydride or acetyl chloride is used in this reaction. (Step 2) The obtained acetylate is hydrolyzed in the pressence of an acid or a base to obtain the corresponding diol derivative (XIX). (Step 3) The diol derivative (XIX) is halogenated with, for example, a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride to obtain a dihalide represented by the general formula (XX). In this halogenation, for example, chloroform or dichloromethane is used as a solvent. (Step 4) The obtained dihalide (XX) is reacted with a compound represented by the general formula (II) to obtain a sulfide derivative represented by the general formula (IV). This reaction is carried out in the presence of an acid scavenger selected from among carbonates and hydrogencarbonates of alkali metals, such as potassium carbonate and sodium carbonate, and alkali hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Examples of the solvent to be used in the reaction include alcohols such as ethanol and methanol, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and mixtures thereof with water. The reaction temperature may be from 0°C to the boiling point of the solvent used, preferably from about 40 to 60°C. Alternatively, the compound (IV) to be used in the Preparation process B as a starting material can be prepared by the following process: wherein Hal stands for a halogen atom and the others are as defined above. That is, the compound (IV) can be obtained by halogenating the compound (I''''') which is an objective compound of the present invention and prepared by the Preparation process A according to an ordinary process. More precisely, a compound represented by the general formula (I''''') is halogenated with, for example, a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride to obtain a halide represented by the general formula (IV). In this halogenation, chloroform or dichloromethane is preferably used as a solvent and the reaction temperature ranges preferably from a room temperature to about 80°C. Examples of the present invention will now be described, though it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited by them at all. The following Preparative Reference Examples refer to the preparation of raw materials to be used in the preparation of Reference compounds according to the present invention. Preparative Reference Example 1 Synthesis of 4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy)-2,3-dimethylpyridine N-oxide 1.82 g (79.13 mmol) of Na was added to 50 ml of benzyloxyethanol to obtain a mixture. This mixture was stirred at 50°C for 2 hours. 5.0 g (31.76 mmol) of 4-chloro-2,3-dimethylpyridine N-oxide was added to the resulting mixture at a room temperature. The obtained mixture was stirred at 110°C for 1.5 hours, cooled to a room temperature and filtered to remove insoluble matter. The filtrate was adsorbed to silica gel with dichloromethane. The silica gel was treated with 5 to 30% ethyl acetate in hexane to elute benzyloxyethanol. Then, the resulting silica gel was treated with 5 to 30% methanol in ethyl acetate to obtain 7.15 g of 4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy)-2,3-dimethylpyridine N-oxide as an oil. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.20(s, 3H), 2.47(s, 3H), 3.8 ∼4.0(m, 2H), 4.1∼4.25(m, 2H), 4.6 (s, 2H), 6.65(d, J=7.03Hz, 1H), 7.33(s, 5H), 8.12(d, J=7.03Hz, 1H) Preparative Reference Example 2 Synthesis of 4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy)-2-hydroxymethyl-3-methylpyridine A mixture comprising 6.5 g of 4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy-2,3-dimethylpyridine N-oxide and 56 ml of acetic anhydride was stirred at 80 to 90°C for one hour and distilled to remove the acetic anhydride. The obtained residue was made weakly basic with an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate and extracted with methyl ethyl ketone. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled to remove the methyl ethyl ketone. Thus, 7.0 g of 2-acetoxymethyl-4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy)-3-methylpyridine was obtained. This intermediate was dissolved in 90 ml of ethanol, followed by the addition of 1.43 g of sodium hydroxide. The obtained mixture was stirred at 40°C for one hour, followed by the addition of water. The mixture was extracted with methyl ethyl ketone. The obtained extract was dried over magnesium sulfate to obtain 5.4 g of 4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy)-2-hydroxymethyl-3-methylpyridine. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.06(s, 3H), 3.7 ∼3.95(m, 2H), 4.0∼4.3(m, 2H), 4.6(s, 4H), 6.70(d, J=6.7Hz, 1H), 7.33 (s, 5H), 8.27(d, J=6.7 Hz, 1H) Preparative Reference Example 3 Synthesis of 4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy)-2-chloromethyl-3-methylpyridine 5.3 g of 4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy)-2-hydroxymethyl-3-methylpyridine was dissolved in 60 ml of chloroform to obtain a solution. A solution of 5.8 g of thionyl chloride in 40 ml of chloroform was dropwise added to the above solution under cooling with ice. The obtained mixture was stirred at a room temperature for 7 hours and distilled under a reduced pressure to obtain a residue. 200 ml of a 2N aqueous solution of sodium carbonate was added to the residue. The obtained mixture was extracted with chloroform and the extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled to remove the chloroform. 6.3 g of the title compound was obtained. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.27(s, 3H), 3.5∼4.25(m, 4H), 4.56(s, 2H), 4.66(s, 2H), 6.7(d, J= 5.71Hz, 1H), 7.30(s, 5H), 8.27(d, J=5.71Hz, 1H) Reference Example 1 2-[{4-(2-Benzyloxyethoxy)-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]benzimidazole A mixture comprising 1.0 g of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, 2.0 g of 4-(2-benzyloxyethoxy)-2-chloromethyl-3-methylpyridine, 302 mg of sodium hydroxide and 40 ml of ethanol was stirred under heating at 60°C for 1.5 hours and distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the ethanol. The obtained residue was subjected to silica gel column chromatography. The column was treated with 30 to 60% ethyl acetate in n-hexane to obtain 2.0 g of the title compound as a white crystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.28(s, 3H), 3.8 ∼3.9(m, 2H), 4.15 ∼4.25(m, 2H), 4.37(s, 2H), 4.62 (s, 2H), 6.74(d, J=5.71Hz, 1H), 7.11 ∼7.65 (m, 9H), 8.32(d, J=5.71Hz, 1H) Reference Example 2 2-[{4-(2-Benzyloxyethoxy)-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]benzimidazole 0.98 g of the thio ether prepared above was dissolved in 40 ml of dichloromethane to obtain a solution. 521 mg of m-chloroperbenzoic acid was added to the solution in portions at a temperature of -30 to -40°C, followed by the addition of 461 mg of triethylamine. The obtained mixture was heated to 0°C, followed by the addition of 20 ml of a 1N aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. The obtained mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and extracted with dichloromethane. The extract was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of common salt, dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled to remove the dichloromethane. The obtained residue was crystallized from a dichloromethane/ether mixture to obtain 0.78 g of the title compound as a crystal. M +1 (determined according to FAB mass spectrometry: the same applies hereinafter): 422 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.2(s, 3H), 3.65∼3.98(m, 2H), 4.04 ∼4.28(m, 2H), 4.59(s, 2H), 4.78(s, 2H), 6.98(d, J=4.6Hz, 1H), 7.05∼ 7.8(m, 9H), 8.22(d, J=4.6Hz, 1H), 13.6(bs, 1H) Example 1 The following compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Reference Example 1 or 2. (Example 1) 2-[{4-(2-(2-Methoxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazole 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.19(s, 3H), 3.38(s, 3H), 3.4∼4.3(m, 8H), 4.78(ABq, J=13.6Hz, Δν =12.5Hz, 2H), 6.72(d, J=5.62Hz, 1H), 7.49 (d, J=9Hz, 1H), 7.64(d, J=9Hz, 1H), 8.02 (bs, 1H), 8.26(d, J=5.62Hz, 1H) Example 2 Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole 0.45 g of 2[{4-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]benzimidazole was dissolved in 40 ml of dichloromethane to obtain a solution. 0.22 g of m-chloroperbenzoic acid was added to this solution in portions at -40°C, followed by the addition of 0.16 g of triethylamine. The obtained mixture was heated to 0°C, followed by the addition of 20 ml of a 1N aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen-carbonate. The obtained mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and extracted with dichloromethane. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled to remove the dichloromethane. 12.1 ml of a 0.1N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was added to the obtained residue. The obtained mixture was stirred at a room temperature for one hour, followed by the addition of absolute ethanol. The obtained mixture was evaporated under a reduced pressure to dryness. The obtained residue was crystallized from an ethanol/ether mixture to obtain 0.42 g of the title sodium salt. 1 H-NMR(DMSO-d 6 )δ ;2.16(s, 3H), 3.25(s, 3H), 3.3 ∼3.9(m, 6H), 4.0∼4.14(m, 2H), 4.55 (ABq, J=13.18Hz, Δν=13.55Hz, 2H), 6.8∼ 6.9(m, 3H), 7.4∼7.5(dd, J=6.15Hz, 3.08Hz, 2H), 8.28(d, J=5.27Hz, 1H) Examples 3 to 6 The following compounds were prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 2. (Example 3) Sodium salt of 5-methoxy-2-[{4-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy))-ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole 1 H-NMR(CD 3 OD)δ ;2.14(s, 3H), 3.34(s, 3H), 3.6(m, 4H), 3.84(s, 5H), 4.18(m, 2H), 6.76(dd, J=9.36Hz, 2.52Hz, 1H), 6.9(d, J= 5.76Hz, 1H), 7.14(d, J=2.52Hz, 1H), 7.5 (d, J=9.36Hz, 1H), 8.26(d, J=5.76Hz, 1H) (Example 4) Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole 1 H-NMR(DMSO-d 6 )δ ;2.16(s, 3H), 3.4∼3.9 (m, 6H), 3.96∼4.28(m, 2H), 4.49(s, 2H), 4.6(ABq, J=12.6Hz, Δν=12.85Hz, 2H), 6.8 ∼7.2(m, 3H), 7.29(s, 5H), 7.5(dd, J=6.16Hz, 3.08Hz, 2H), 8.25(d, J=5.71Hz, 1H) (Example 5) Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-methoxybenzimidazole 1 H-NMR(DMSO-d 6 )δ ;2.16(s, 3H), 3.63(m, 4H), 3.74(s, 3H), 3.85(m, 2H), 4.18(m, 2H), 4.49(s, 2H), 4.55(ABq, J=13.18Hz, Δν=13.55Hz, 2H), 6.6(dd, J=9.35Hz, 3.20 Hz, 1H), 7.03(d, J=2.63Hz, 1H), 6.89(d, J=5.72Hz, 1H), 8.26(d, J=5.72Hz, 1H) (Example 6) Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole 1 H-NMR(DMSO-d 6 )δ ;2.16(s, 3H), 3.62(m, 4H), 3.79(m, 2H), 4.19(m, 2H), 4.48(s, 2H), 4.57(ABq, J=13.18Hz, Δν=12.29Hz, 2H), 6.93(d, J=5.71Hz, 1H), 7.16(dd, J=8.35Hz, 1.75Hz, 1H), 7.29(s, 5H), 7.62(d, J=8.35 Hz, 1H), 7.83(s, 1H), 8.28(d, J=5.71 Hz, 1H) Preparative Example 1 2,3-Dimethyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine N-oxide A mixture comprising 0.40 g (2 mmol) of 4-(2-chloroethoxy)-2,3-dimethylpyridine N-oxide, 0.30 g (3 mmol) of succinimide, 0.48 g (3.5 mmol) of potassium carbonate and 30 ml of methyl ethyl ketone was heated under reflux for 2 hours, cooled by allowing to stand and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to remove the methyl ethyl ketone. The obtained residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography (solvent: CHCl 3 /MeOH = 19 : 1) to obtain 0.12 g of 2,3-dimethyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine N-oxide as a white crystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.12(s, 3H), 2.49(s, 3H), 2.73(s, 4H), 3.80 ∼4.25(m, 4H), 6.51(d, H), 8.03(d, H) Preparative Example 2 2-Chloromethyl-3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine 0.12 g of 2,3-dimethyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)-pyridine N-oxide was dissolved in 5 ml of acetic anhydride to obtain a solution. This solution was stirred at 100°C for 0.5 hour and cooled, followed by the addition of 30 ml of ethanol. The obtained mixture was stirred at a room temperature for 0.5 hour and distilled to remove the solvent. Thus, 0.14 g of crude 2-acetoxymethyl-3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)-pyridine was obtained as an oil. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.10(s, 3H), 2.14(s, 3H), 2.72(s, 4H), 3.72 ∼4.24(m, 4H), 5.15(s, 2H), 6.61(d, H), 8.24 (d, H) This acetoxymethyl derivative was dissolved as such in 5 ml of 1 N HCl to obtain a solution. This solution was stirred at 100°C for 0.5 hour, cooled, neutralized with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate and extracted with 100 ml of chloroform twice. The obtained extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain 0.12 g of crude 2-hydroxymethyl-3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine as a colorless crystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 1.93(s, 3H), 2.68(s, 4H), 3.80∼4.22(m, 4H), 4.56(s, 2H), 6.59(d, H), 8.21(d, H) This crude hydroxymethyl derivative was dissolved as such in 5 ml of chloroform to obtain a solution. 0.11 g of thionyl chloride was dropwise added to this solution under cooling with ice. The obtained mixture was heated under reflux for 0.5 hour, cooled, neturalized with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate and extracted with 100 ml of chloroform twice. The obtained extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and dried in a vacuum to obtain 0.07 g of 2-chloromethyl-3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine as a white semicrystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.15(s, 3H), 2.68(s, 4H), 3.80∼4.20(m, 4H), 4.60(s, 2H), 6.61(d, H), 8.22(d, H) Example 7 2-[{3-Methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}-methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole A mixture comprising 0.03 g (0.18 mmol) of 2-mercapto-1H-benzimidazole, 0.06 g (0.21 mmol) of 2-chloromethyl-3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)-pyridine, 0.03 g (0.21 mmol) of potassium carbonate and 10 ml of methyl ethyl ketone was heated under reflux in a nitrogen atmosphere for 3 hours, cooled and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and dried in a vacuum, followed by the addition of water. The obtained mixture was extracted with 50 ml of chloroform thrice. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 0.08 g of 2-[{3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole as a white crystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.09(s, 3H), 2.63(s, 4H), 3.72∼4.16(m, 4H), 4.27(s, 2H), 6.53(d, H), 6.90 ∼7.50(m, 4H), 8.18(d, H) Example 8 2-[{3-Methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole 0.18 g of 95% m-chloroperbenzoic acid was gradually added to a solution of 0.40 g (1 mmol) of 2-[{3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-}yl-methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole in 20 ml of dichloromethane at -60°C to obtain a mixture. This mixture was stirred for 0.5 hour, followed by the addition of 0.15 g of triethylamine. The obtained mixture was heated to -10°C, followed by the addition of 30 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen-carbonate. The obtained mixture was stirred for 0.5 hour and extracted with 50 ml of dichloromethane twice. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated and dried in a vacuum to obtain a crude product. This crude product was crystallized from dichloromethane/diethyl ether to obtain 0.36 g of 2-[{3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsufinyl]-1H-benzimidazole as a white crystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.12(s, 3H), 2.73(s, 4H), 3.83∼4.29(m, 4H), 4.56∼4.92(m, 2H), 6.65(d, H), 7.17 ∼7.72 (m, 4H), 8.25(d, H) Example 9 5-Methoxy-2-[{3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole The title compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 7. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.20(s, 3H), 2.74(s, 4H), 3.84(s, 3H), 3.88 ∼4.38(m, 4H), 4.35(s, 2H), 6.71(d, H), 6.80 ∼7.48(m, 3H), 8.35(d, H) Example 10 2-[{3-Methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazole The title compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 7. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.22(s, 3H), 2.75(s, 4H), 3.88∼4.08(m, 2H), 4.08∼4.28(m, 2H), 4.45(s, 2H), 6.73(d, H), 7.32∼7.86(m, 3H), 8.32(d, H) Example 11 5-Methoxy-2-[{3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole The title compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 8. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.13(s, 3H), 2.74(s, 4H), 3.86(s, 3H), 3.60 ∼4.30(m, 4H), 4.50∼4.90(m, 2H), 6.65(d, H), 6.80∼7.68(m, 3H), 8.25(d, H) Example 12 2-[{3-Methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}-methylsulfinyl]-1H-5-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole The title compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 12. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.23(s, 3H), 2.75(s, 4H), 3.80∼4.45(m, 4H), 4.67(m, 2H), 6.74(d, H), 7.30 ∼8.00(m, 3H), 8.37(d, H) Preparative Example 3 2,3-Dimethyl-4-[2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy]pyridine N-oxide 0.42 g of sodium hydride was added to 30 cc of N,N-dimethylformamide at a room temperature to obtain a mxiture. This mixture was cooled to 0°C, followed by the addition of 0.74 g of 2-pyrrolidone. The obtained mixture was stirred at 80°C for 1.5 hours and cooled to a room temperature, followed by the addition of 1.17 g of 4-(2-chloroethoxy)-2,3-dimethylpyridine N-oxide. The obtained mixture was stirred at 60 to 80°C for 5 hours and cooled, followed by the addition of 20 cc of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate. The obtained mixture was extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a crude product. This crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 430 mg of 2,3-dimethyl-4-[2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy]pyridine N-oxide as a yellow crystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.2(s, 3H), 2.54(s, 3H), 1.9∼2.5(m, 4H), 3.57(t, J=7Hz, 2H), 3.73(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.16 (t, J=6Hz, 2H), 6.65(d, J=7Hz, 1H), 8.15(d, J =7Hz, 1H) Preparative Example 4 2-Chloromethyl-3-methyl-4-[2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy]pyridine 10 cc of acetic anhydride was added to 0.65 g of 2,3-dimethyl-4-[2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy]pyridine N-oxide at a room temperature to obtain a mixture. This mixture was stirred at 90°C for 2 hours, followed by the addition of ethanol. The obtained mixture was distilled under a reduced pressure to obtain 0.79 g of crude 2-acetoxymethyl-3-methyl-4-[2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy]pyridine. 20 cc of 1N HCl was added to this crude intermediate to obtain a mixture. This mixture was stirred at 100°C for 2 hours, cooled, neutralized with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was distilled under a reduced pressure to obtain 510 mg of crude 2-hydroxymethyl-3-methyl-4-[2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy]pyridine as an ocherous crystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.04(s, 3H), 1.9 ∼2.6(m, 4H), 3.58(t, J=7 Hz, 2H), 3.73(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.2(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.65(s, 2H), 6.7(d, J=7HZ, 1H), 8.3(d, J=7Hz, 1H) 500 mg of this crude intermediate was dissolved in 10 ml of dichloromethane to obtain a solution. 1.19 g of thionyl chloride was dropwise added to this solution at -20°C. The obtained mixture was stirred at a room temperature for 30 minutes, neutralized with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen-carbonate and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was distilled under a reduced pressure to obtain 0.57 mg of crude 2-chloromethyl-3-methyl-4-[2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy]pyridine as an oil. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.25(s, 3H), 1.8 ∼2.5(m, 4H), 3.54(t, J=7 Hz, 2H), 3.68(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.1(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 6.62(d, J=6Hz, 1H), 8.22(d, J=6Hz, 1H) Example 13 2-[3-Methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylthio-1H-benzimidazole 20 cc of methyl ethyl ketone was added to a mixture comprising 0.55 g of 2-chloromethyl-3-methyl-4-[2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy]pyridine, 0.3 g of 2-mercapto-1H-benzimidazole and 0.33 g of potassium carbonate to obtain a mixture. This mixture was heated under reflux for 2 hours and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a crude product. This crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 0.27 g of the title compound as a pale yellow crystal. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.26(s, 3H), 1.8 ∼2.5(m, 4H), 3.57(t, J=7 Hz, 2H), 3.7(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.13(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.34(s, 2H), 6.66(d, J=6Hz, 1H), 7.0 ∼7.55 (m, 4H), 8.25(d, J=6Hz, 1H) Example 14 5-Methoxy-2-[3-methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylthio-1H-benzimidazole The title compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 13. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.24(s, 3H), 1.9 ∼2.5(m, 4H), 3.56(t, J=7 Hz, 2H), 3.72(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 3.83(s, 3H), 4.17(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.4(s, 2H), 6.6∼7.5(m, 4H), 8.35(d, J=6Hz, 1H) Example 15 2-[3-Methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylthio-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazole The title compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 13. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.28(s, 3H), 1.9 ∼2.55(m, 4H), 3.57(t, J=7 Hz, 2H), 3.74(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.2(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.4(s, 2H), 6.77(d, J=6Hz, 1H), 7.27∼7.85 (m, 3H), 8.38(d, J=6Hz, 1H) Example 16 2-[3-Methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidonethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole 0.27 g of 2-[3-methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone(ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylthio-1H-benzimidazole was dissolved in 20 ml of dichloromethane to obtain a solution. 0.12 g of 95% m-chloroperbenzoic acid was added to this solution at -60°C. The obtained mixture was stirred at -50 to -40°C for 4 hours, followed by the addition of 0.09 g of triethylamine and a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate. The obtained mixture was extracted with dichloromethane. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a crude product. This crude product was crystallized from dichloromethane/ether to obtain 0.18 g of the title compound. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.18(s, 3H), 1.9 ∼2.5(m, 4H), 3.53(t, J=7 Hz, 2H), 3.73(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.16(t, J=6Hz, 2 H), 4.74(ABq, J=14Hz, Δν=16Hz, 2H), 6.7(d, J=6 Hz, 1H), 7.2 ∼7.7(m, 4H), 8.25(d, J=6Hz, 1H) Example 17 5-Methoxy-2-[3-methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole The title compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 16. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.17(s, 3H), 1.9 ∼2.5(m, 4H), 3.38 ∼3.78 (m, 4H), 3.8(s, 3H), 4.1(t, J=6Hz, 2H), 4.66 (ABq, J=13Hz, Δν=12.4Hz, 2H), 6.6(d, J=6Hz, 1H), 6.77∼7.6(m, 3H), 8.17(d, J=6Hz, 1H) Example 18 2-[3-Methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazole The title compound was prepared in a similar manner to that described in Example 16. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.17(s, 3H), 1.8 ∼2.55(m, 4H), 3.4 ∼3.8 (m, 4H), 4.75(ABq, J=14.3Hz, Δν=17.5Hz, 2H), 6.69(d, J=6Hz, 1H), 7.24∼8.0(m, 3H), 8.2 (d, J=6Hz, 1H) Example 19 2-[{4-(2-(2-Chloroethoxy)-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole and 2-[{4-(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole 0.54 g of sodium hydroxide was added to an ethanolic solution of 3.1 g of a crude mixture comprising 4-[2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethoxy]-2-chloromethyl-3-methylpyridine and 2-chloromethyl-4-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]-3-methylpyridine which has been prepared by the chlorination of 2-hydroxymethyl-4-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]-3-methylpyridine and 2.0 g of 2-mercapto-1H-benzimidazole to obtain a mixture. This mixture was stirred at 60°C for 1.5 hour, cooled and distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the ethanol. The obtained residue was chromatographed over a silica gel column and eluted with ethyl acetate/n-hexane and then with methanol/ethyl acetate to obtain 1.0 g of 2-[{4-(2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethoxy)-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.28(s, 3H), 3.56∼4.04(m, 6H), 4.04 ∼4.32(m, 2H), 4.4(s, 2H), 6.76 (d, J=6Hz, 1H), 7.08∼7.32(m, 3H), 7.4 ∼ 7.68(m, 2H), 8.36(d, J=6Hz, 1H) and 1.9 g of 2-[{4-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.24(s, 3H), 3.56∼4.28(m, 8H), 4.4(s, 2H), 6.12(d, J=7Hz, 1H), 7.04∼ 7.32(m, 2H), 7.4 ∼7.68(m, 2H), 8.32(d, J =7Hz, 1H) Example 20 2-[{4-(3-Methoxymethoxy)propoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole A mixture comprising 1.8 g of {4-(3-methoxymethoxy)propoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methyl methanesulfonate, 0.76 g of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole, 0.29 g of sodium hydroxide and 50 ml of ethanol was stirred at a room temperature for one hour and distilled to remove the ethanol. The obtained residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 1.4 g of the title compound. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 1.9 ∼2.2(m, 2H), 2.26(s, 3H), 3.33(s, 3H), 3.73(t, J=6.1Hz, 2H), 4.16(t, J=6.1Hz, 2H), 4.38(s, 2H), 4.62(s, 3H), 6.76(d, J=5.7Hz, 1H), 7.0∼7.2(m, 2H), 7.3 ∼7.6(m, 2H), 8.34(d, J=5.7Hz, 1H) Example 21 Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(3-methoxymethoxy)propoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole 0.6 g of 2-[{4-(3-methoxymethoxy)propoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole was dissolved in 40 ml of dichloromethane to obtain a solution. 0.35 g of 85% m-chloroperbenzoic acid was added to this solution at -45°C After 2 hours, 0.64 g of triethylamine was added to the mixture at -30°C, followed by the addition of 40 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate. The obtained mixture was vigorously stirred at a room temperature for 30 minutes and extracted with dichloromethane. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a residue. This residue was dissolved in 14.4 ml of 0.1N aqueous sodium hydroxide to obtain a solution. This solution was distilled to remove the water and the residue was dried under a reduced pressure and crystallized from ether to obtain 0.57 g of the title compound. 1 H-NMR(DMSO-d 6 )δ ; 1.9 ∼2.2(m, 2H), 2.17 (s, 3H), 3.22(s, 3H), 3.63(t, J=5.7Hz, 2H), 4.12(t, J=5.7Hz, 2H), 4.56(s, 2H), 4.41∼ 4.85(2H), 6.84∼7.1(m, 3H), 7.4∼7.62(m, 2H), 8.26(d, J=6.1Hz, 1H) Example 22 2-[{4-(2-Methoxyethoxy)ethoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole A mixture comprising 3.0 g of {4-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridine-2-yl}methyl methanesulfonate, 1.17 g of 2-mercaptobenzimidazole and 30 ml of ethanol was stirred at a room temperature for one hour and distilled to remove the ethanol. The residue was purified by silica gel column chromatography to obtain 0.8 g of the title compound. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ; 2.28(s, 3H), 2.33(s, 3H), 3.37(s, 3H), 3.5 ∼3.9(m, 6H), 3.9∼4.2 (m, 2H), 4.37(s, 2H), 7.1 ∼7.3(m, 2H), 7.3 ∼7.65(m, 2H), 8.24(s, 1H) Example 23 Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole 0.5 g of 2-[{4-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy-3,5-dimethylpyridine-2-yl}methylthio]-1H-benzimidazole was dissolved in 30 ml of dichloromethane to obtain a solution. 0.29 g of 85% m-chloroperbenzoic acid was added to this solution at -45°C. After 2 hours, 0.34 g of triethylamine was added to the obtained mixture, followed by the addition of 30 ml of a saturated solution of sodium carbonate. The obtained mixture was vigorously stirred at a room temperature for one hour and extracted with dichloromethane. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated to obtain a residue. This residue was dissolved in 12 ml of 0.1N aqueous sodium hydroxide to obtain a solution. This solution was distilled to remove the water. The obtained residue was dried under a reduced pressure and crystallized from ether to obtain 0.57 g of the title compound. 1 H-NMR(DMSO-d 6 )δ ; 2.21(s, 6H), 3.25(s, 3H), 3.3 ∼3.7(m, 6H), 3.7∼4.0(m, 2H), 4.39 (ABq, J=13.2Hz, Δν=20.7Hz, 2H), 6.65 ∼ 6.9(m, 2H), 7.2∼7.5(m, 2H), 8.21(s, 1H) Example 24 2-[4-{3-(2-Methoxyethoxy)propoxy}-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methylthio-1H-benzimidazole 2.24 g of triethylamine and 1.27 g of methanesulfonyl chloride were added to a solution of 1.4 g of crude 2-hydroxymethyl-4-{3-(2-methoxy)}-3-methylpyridine in dichloromethane at -30°C. The obtained mixture was gradually returned to a room temperature, followed by the addition of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate. The obtained mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the chloroform. 1.9 g of crude [4-{3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propoxy}-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methyl methanesulfonate was obtained as a red oil. 0.83 g of 2-mercapto-1H-benzimidazole was added to this oil. The obtained mixture was stirred together with 20 ml of ethanol at a room temperature for 30 minutes, followed by the addition of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate. The obtained mixture was stirred at a room temperature for 30 minutes and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled under a reduced pressure to obtain a residue. This residue was chromatographed over a silica gel column and eluted with ethyl acetate/n-hexane to obtain 1.55 g of an oil. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.12(q, J=6.15Hz, 2H), 2.25 (s, 2H), 3.36(s, 3H), 3.56(m, 2H), 3.66(t, J=6.15Hz, 2H), 4.14(t, J=6.15Hz, 2H), 4.37 (s, 2H), 6.77(d, J=5.72Hz, 1H), 7.1∼7.25 (m, 2H), 7.528(m, 2H), 8.33(d, J=5.72Hz, 1H) Example 25 Sodium salt of 2-[4-{3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propoxy}-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole 681 mg of 85% m-chloroperbenzoic acid was added in portions to a solution of 1.3 g of 2-[4-{3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propoxy}-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methyl thio-1H-benzimidazole in 70 ml of dichloromethane under stirring and dehumidifying. The obtained mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, followed by the addition of 483 mg of triethylamine. The obtained mixture was heated to -20°C, followed by the addition of a 2N aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. The obtained mixture was stirred at a room temperature for 30 minutes and extracted with dichloromethane twice. The extract was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate, dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled under a reduced pressure to obtain a crude oil. 30 ml of 0.1N aqueous sodium hydroxide and ethanol were added to this oil. The obtained mixture was distilled under a reduced pressure at 40°C to remove the medium. Ethanol was again added to the obtained residue and the obtained. mixture was distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the medium. The obtained residue was crystallized from anhydrous ether to obtain 1.24 g of a crystal. 1 H-NMR(DMSO-d 6 )δ ; 1.98(q, J=6.15Hz, 2H), 2.15(s, 3H), 3.22(s, 3H), 3.47(m, 4H), 3.56(t, J=6.15Hz, 2H), 4.09(t, J=6.15Hz, 2H), 4.542(ABq, J=13.18Hz, Δν=14.74Hz, 1H), 6.8∼7.0(m, 3H), 7.39 ∼7.57(m, 2H), 8.27(d, J=5.71Hz, 1H) Preparative Example 5 [4-{3-(2-Methoxyethoxy)propoxy}-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methyl methanesulfonate 2.24 g of triethylamine and 1.27 g of methanesulfonyl chloride were added to a solution of 1.4 g of crude 2-hydroxy-4-{3-(2-methoxyethoxy)}-3-methylpyridine in dichloromethane at -30°C to obtain a mixture. This mixture was brought to a room temperature, followed by the addition of a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate. The obtained mixture was stirred for 30 minutes and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the chloroform. 1.9 g of a crude red oil was obtained. Example 26 2-[4-{3-(2-Methoxyethoxy)propoxy}-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methylthio-1H-benzimidazole A mixture comprising 1.9 g of crude [4-{3-(2-methoxyethoxy)propoxy}-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methyl methanesulfonate, 0.83 g of 2-mercapto-1H-benzimidazole and 20 ml of ethanol was stirred at a room temperature for one hour, made basic with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled under a reduced pressure. The obtained residue was chromatographed over a silica gel column and eluted with ethyl acetate/n-hexane to obtain 1.5 g of an oily product. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.12(q, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 3.36(s, 3H), 3.57(m, 2H), 3.66(t, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 4.14(t, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 4.37 (s, 2H), 6.77(d, J=3.1Hz, 1H), 7.15(m, 2H), 7.53(m, 2H), 8.39(d, J=3.1Hz, 1H) Preparative Example 6 4-Methoxybutanol CH 3 OCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 OH 27.04 g (0.3 mol) of 1,4-butanediol was dissolved in 150 ml of tetrahydrofuran to obtain a solution. 7.2 g (0.18 mol) of 60% sodium hydride was added to this solution at 0°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. The obtained mixture was heated under reflux for one hour and cooled to 0°C. 21.73 g (0.15 mol) of 98% methyl iodide was dropwise added to the resulting mixture. The obtained mixture was stirred at a temperature of 30°C or below for 1.5 hours. After the completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture was filtered. The filtrate was distilled to remove the solvent. 200 ml of water was added to the residue and the obtained mixture was washed with 200 ml of n-hexane and extracted with 200 ml of chloroform four times. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was distilled to remove the solvent. 14.5 g of the title compound was obtained. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;1.54∼1.80(m, 4H), 1.71(s, 1H), 3.32(s, 3H), 3.34 ∼3.73(m, 4H) Preparative Example 7 4-Chloro-2-methylpyridine 1-oxide 15.4 g (0.1 mol) of 2-methyl-4-nitropyridine 1-oxide was added to 78.5 g (1 mol) of acetyl chloride at -10°C. The obtained mixture was stirred under cooling with ice for 0.5 hour. After the completion of the reaction, 300 ml of ice-water was added to the reaction mixture. The obtained mixture was neutralized with sodium carbonate and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and filtered. The filtrate was concentrated under a reduced pressure and purified by silica gel column chromatography (ethyl acetate/n-hexane/methanol) to obtain 4.7 g of the title compound. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.48(s, 3H), 6.94∼7.30(m, 2H), 8.09(d, J=7.2Hz, 1H) Example 27 2-[4-[3-{(2-Methoxyethoxy)methoxy}propoxy]-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methylthio-1H-benzimidazole 1.8 g of 2-hydroxymethyl-4-[3-{(2-methoxyethoxy)methoxy}propoxy]-3-methylpridine was dissolved in 40 ml of dichloromethane under dehumidifying to obtain a solution, followed by the addition of 2.47 g of triethylamine. 1.4 g of methanesulfonyl chloride was added to the obtained mixture in portions under cooling with ice. The obtained mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, made basic with a saturated aqueous solution of carbonic acid and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled under a reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in 30 ml of ethanol, followed by the addition of 917 mg of 2-mercapto-1H-benzimidazole and 367 mg of sodium hydroxide. The obtained mixture was stirred at a room temperature for 30 minutes and distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the ethanol. The obtained residue was chromatographed over a silica gel column and eluted with ethyl acetate/n-hexane to obtain 2.1 g of the title thio ether compound. 1 H-NMR(CDCl 3 )δ ;2.11(qui, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 2.25(s, 3H), 3.35(s, 3H), 3.58(m, 4H), 3.75(t, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 4.13(t, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 4.38(s, 2H), 4.71(s, 2H), 6.75(d, J=5.7Hz, 1H), 7.1∼7.3(m, 2H), 7.4∼7.6(m, 2H), 8.32(d, J=5.7Hz, 1H) Example 28 Sodium salt of 2-[4-[3-{(2-methoxyethoxy)methoxy}propoxy]-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole 1.1 g of 2-[4-[3-{(2-methoxyethoxy)methoxy}propoxy]-3-methylpyridine-2-yl]methylthio-1H-benzimidazole was dissolved in 80 ml of dichloromethane under dehumidifying to obtain a solution. 544 mg of m-chloroperbenzoic acid was added to this solution in portions at -40°C. The obtained mixture was stirred for 30 minutes, followed by the addition of 379 mg of triethylamine. The obtained mixture was heated to -20°C, followed by the addition of 40 ml of a 2N aqueous solution of sodium carbonate. The obtained mixture was stirred fro 30 minutes and extracted with chloroform. The extract was washed with a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogencarbonate, dried over magnesium sulfate and distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the solvent. The obtained residue was dissolved in a mixture comprising 24 ml of 0.1N aqueous sodium hydroxide and 40 ml of ethanol. The obtained solution was distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the solvent, followed by the addition of 40 ml of ethanol. The obtained mixture was again distilled under a reduced pressure to remove the ethanol. The residue was crystallized from ethanol/ether to obtain 0.98 g of the title compound. 1 H-NMR(DMSO-d 6 )δ ;2.02(qui, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 2.17(s, 3H), 3.23(s, 3H), 3.49(m, 4H), 3.65 (t, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 4.12(t, J=6.2Hz, 2H), 4.56 (ABq, J=21.1Hz, Δν=16.8Hz, 2H), 4.62(s, 2H), 6.84 ∼6.99(m, 3H), 7.4 ∼7.5(m, 2H), 8.28(d, J=5.7Hz, 1H)

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : AT, BE, CH, DE, FR, GB, IT, LI, LU, NL, SE A pyridine derivative represented by the general formula (I): wherein R 1 and R 2 may be the same or different from each other and each stand for a hydrogen atom, a C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, halogenated C 1-6 alkyl, (C 1-6 alkoxy)carbonyl or carboxyl group or a halogen atom; X stands for a group represented by the formula: -O-, -S-, or (wherein R 3 stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or (C 1-6 alkoxy)carbonyl group); Z stands for 1 ○ a group represented by the general formula: -O(CH 2 ) p -O-R 4 wherein p stands for an integer of 1 to 3 and R 4 stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl group, a phenyl, tolyl, xylyl or naphthyl group which may be substituted with a C 1-6 alkoxy group which may be substituted with a C 1-6 alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom; or a benzyl or phenethyl group, 2 ○ a group represented by the formula: 3 ○ a group represented by the formula: n stands for an integer of 0 to 2; m stands for an integer of 2 to 10; and J stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl group, and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A compound according to claim 1, wherein Z represents a group selected from category 1. A compound according to claim 2, wherein X is nitrogen, n is 1 and Z is -O(CH 2 )p-OR4, R 1 and R 2 are both hydrogen or R 1 is 5-(C 1-6 alkyl), 5-(halogenated C 1-6 alkyl) or 5- (C 1-6 alkoxy) and R 2 is hydrogen, m is 2 or 3, p is 2 or 3 and R 4 is methyl or benzyl. The compound according to claim 3 which is selected from: 2-[{4-(2-(2-Methoxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzim idazole Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole Sodium salt of 5-methoxy-2-[{4-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-methoxybenzimidazole and Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole A compound according to claim 1, wherein Z represents a group selected from category 2. A compound according to claim 5 which is selected from: 2-[{3-Methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole 5-Methoxy-2-[{3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole and 2-[{3-Methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-5-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole A compound according to claim 1, wherein Z represents a group selected from category 3. The compound according to claim 7 which is selected from: 2-[3-Methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidonethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole 5-Methoxy-2-[3-methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole and 2-[3-Methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazole A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a pharmacologically effective amount of a pyridine derivative according to any of claims 1 to 8 or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmacologically acceptable carrier. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 9 which comprises 0.1 to 100 g of the pyridine derivative or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof per unit dose. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 9 or 10 for the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcers or for the inhibition of gastric acid secretion. The use of a pyridine derivative according to any of claims 1 to 8 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcers or for the inhibition of gastric acid secretion. A process for producing a compound of general formula I': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting the compound of formula II with the compound of formula III wherein R 1 , R 2 and X are as defined above wherein m, Z and J are as defined above and Y represents a halogen atom or a sulfonyloxy group, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 13, wherein Y represents chlorine, bromine or iodine. A process according to claim 13, wherein Y represents an alkyl sulfonyloxy group. A process according to claim 15, wherein the alkyl sulfonyloxy group is a methyl sulfonyloxy group or an ethyl sulfonyloxy group. A process according to claim 15, wherein the sulfonyloxy group is an aromatic sulfonyloxy group. A process according to claim 17, wherein the aromatic sulfonyloxy group is a benzene sulfonyloxy group or a tosyloxy group. A process according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of an acid scavenger. A process for producing a compound of formula I'': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting the compound of formula I' as defined in claim 13 with an approximately equimolar amount of an oxidizing agent, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 20, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, sodium hypochlorite or sodium hypobromite. A process for producing a compound of formula I''': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting the compound of formula I' as defined in claim 13 with at least two molar equivalent amounts of an oxidizing agent, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 22, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, sodium hypochlorite or sodium m-periodate. A process for producing the compound of formula I''': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting an oxidizing agent with a compound of formula I'': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined above, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process for producing a compound of formula I': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula IV: wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J and m are as defined above and Hal represents a halogen atom, with a compound of formula Z-H, wherein Z is as defined above, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 25, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of an acid scavenger. A process for producing a compound of formula I'''': wherein R 1 , R 2 , n, J, m and Z are as defined in claim 1 and R 3 represents a C 1-6 alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or (C 1-6 alkoxy)carbonyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting the compound of formula VI: wherein R 1 , R 2 , n, J, m and Z are as defined above, with R 3 Hal, wherein Hal represents a halogen atom, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 27, which is carried out in the presence of a dehydrohalogenating agent. Claims for the following Contracting States : ES, GR A process for producing a compound of general formula I': wherein R 1 and R 2 may be the same or different from each other and each stand for a hydrogen atom, a C 1-6 alkyl, C 1-6 alkoxy, halogenated C 1-6 alkyl, (C 1-6 alkoxy)carbonyl or carboxyl group or a halogen atom; X stands for a group represented by the formula: -O-, -S-, or (wherein R 3 stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or (C 1-6 alkoxy)carbonyl group); Z stands for 1 ○ a group represented by the general formula: -O(CH 2 ) p -O-R 4 wherein p stands for an integer of 1 to 3 and R 4 stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl group, a phenyl, tolyl, xylyl or naphthyl group which may be substituted with a C 1-6 alkoxy group which may be substituted with a C 1-6 alkoxy group, a hydroxyl group or a halogen atom; or a benzyl or phenethyl group, 2 ○ a group represented by the formula: 3 ○ a group represented by the formula: m stands for an integer of 2 to 10; and J stands for a hydrogen atom or a C 1-6 alkyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting the compound of formula II with the compound of formula III wherein R 1 , R 2 and X are as defined above wherein m, Z and J are as defined above and Y represents a halogen atom or a sulfonyloxy group, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 1, wherein Y represents chlorine, bromine or iodine. A process according to claim 1, wherein Y represents an alkyl sulfonyloxy group. A process according to claim 3, wherein the alkyl sulfonyloxy group is a methyl sulfonyloxy group or an ethyl sulfonyloxy group. A process according to claim 3, wherein the sulfonyloxy group is an aromatic sulfonyloxy group. A process according to claim 5, wherein the aromatic sulfonyloxy group is a benzene sulfonyloxy group or a tosyloxy group. A process according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of an acid scavenger. A process for producing a compound of formula I'': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting the compound of formula I' as defined in claim 1 with an approximately equimolar amount of an oxidizing agent, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 8, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, sodium hypochlorite or sodium hypobromite. A process for producing a compound of formula I''': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting the compound of formula I' as defined in claim 1 with at least two molar equivalent amounts of an oxidizing agent, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 10, wherein the oxidizing agent is selected from hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, sodium hypochlorite or sodium m-periodate. A process for producing the compound of formula I''': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting an oxidizing agent with a compound of formula I'': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined above, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process for producing a compound of formula I': wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J, Z and m are as defined in claim 1, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting a compound of formula IV: wherein R 1 , R 2 , X, J and m are as defined above and Hal represents a halogen atom, with a compound of formula Z-H, wherein Z is as defined above, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 13, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of an acid scavenger. A process for producing a compound of formula I'''': wherein R 1 , R 2 , J, m and Z are as defined in claim 1 n stands for an integer of 0 to 2 and R 3 represents a C 1-6 alkyl, phenyl, benzyl or (C 1-6 alkoxy)carbonyl group, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising the step of reacting the compound of formula VI: wherein R 1 , R 2 , n, J, m and Z are as defined above, with R 3 Hal, wherein Hal represents a halogen atom, and optionally converting the product into a salt. A process according to claim 15, which is carried out in the presence of a dehydrohalogenating agent. A process according to claims 1 to 16, wherein Z represents a group selected from category 1. A process according to claim 17, wherein X is nitrogen, n is 1 and Z is -O(CH 2 )p-OR4, R 1 and R 2 are both hydrogen or R 1 is 5-(C 1-6 alkyl), 5-(halogenated C 1-6 alkyl) or 5- (C 1-6 alkoxy) and R 2 is hydrogen, m is 2 or 3, p is 2 or 3 and R 4 is methyl or benzyl. The process according to claim 18 wherein the compound represented by the general formula I is selected from: 2-[{4-(2-(2-Methoxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzimidazole Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole Sodium salt of 5-methoxy-2-[{4-(2-(2-methoxyethoxy))-ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-methoxybenzimidazole and Sodium salt of 2-[{4-(2-(2-benzyloxyethoxy))ethoxy-3-methylpyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-5-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole A process according to claims 1 to 16, wherein Z represents a group selected from category 2. A process according to claim 20 wherein the compound represented by the general formula I is selected from: 2-[{3-Methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzim idazole 5-Methoxy-2-[{3-methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-benzimidazole and 2-[{3-Methyl-4-(2-succinimidoethoxy)pyridine-2-yl}methylsulfinyl]-1H-5-trifluoromethylbenzimidazole A process according to claims 1 to 16, wherein Z represents a group selected from category 3. The process according to claim 22, wherein the compound of the general formula I is selected from: 2-[3-Methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidonethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole 5-Methoxy-2-[3-methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazole and 2-[3-Methyl-4-{2-(2-pyrrolidone)ethoxy}pyridine-2-yl]methylsulfinyl-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-benzim idazole The process for preparing a medicament for the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcers or for the inhibition of gastric acid secretion, comprising formulating a pyridine derivative prepared according to any of the preceding claims together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Inventors: FUJIMOTO MASATOSHI, FUJISAKI HIDEAKI, KANEKO TOSHIHIKO, MIYAZAWA SHUHEI, MURAKAMI MANABU, NOMOTO SEIICHIRO, OKETANI KIYOSHI, OKITA MAKOTO, SHIBATA HISASHI, SHIMOMURA NAOYUKI, SOUDA SHIGERU, TAGAMI KATSUYA, UEDA NORIHIRO, WAKABAYASHI TSUNEO, FUJIMOTO, MASATOSHI, FUJISAKI, HIDEAKI, KANEKO, TOSHIHIKO, MIYAZAWA, SHUHEI, MURAKAMI, MANABU, NOMOTO, SEIICHIRO, OKETANI, KIYOSHI, OKITA, MAKOTO, SHIBATA, HISASHI, SHIMOMURA, NAOYUKI, SOUDA, SHIGERU, TAGAMI, KATSUYA, UEDA, NORIHIRO, WAKABAYASHI, TSUNEO, KANEKO, TOSHIHIKO, SEJURU KASUGA 202, SHIMOMURA, NAOYUKI, MEZON GAKUEN 207, UEDA, NORIHIRO, MEZON GAKUEN 205
Applicants: EISAI CO LTD, EISAI CO., LTD.
Application year: 1987
Main classification: C07D401
IPC codes: C07D417, C07D405, C07D401, C07D413