Substituted beta-diketones

Abstract: Compounds of formula wherein R₁ and R₂ are each independently hydrogen, alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxy, aryl or heteroaryl or amino, the alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl or amino group being optionally substituted; R₃ is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms or optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl and salts, ethers and esters thereof are useful as cytoprotective agents, especially as antitulcerogenic or gastroprotective agents.

Description: The present invention relates to β-diketones and their physiologically acceptable salts, esters and ethers, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds which are useful as cytoprotective agents and in particular as antiulcerogenic or gastroprotective agents. British patent application no. 8730190 discloses a group of compounds including some β-diketones such as 3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrobenzylidene)-2,4-pentadione, which are useful as agents for the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers, lesions or like condition in the gastrointestinal tract. It has now been found that other β-diketones are effective as cytoproptective agents, and in particular are useful in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers, lesions or like condition in the gastrointestinal tract. CH-A-629741 describes arylenedioxy-bis-diacetones as anti-viral agents. US-A-4153719 describes β-diketones substituted by an aryl-aliphatic group in which the aliphatic chain is interrupted by a cyclic group. These compounds are described as anti-viral agents. US-A-4456770 describes (3',5'-dihydrocarbyl-4'-hydroxybenzyl)-1,3-diketones which are useful as antioxidants for oxidisable organic materials when such materials are exposed to oxidative degradative conditions. US-A-3998872 describes α-substituted allylic carbonyl compounds as exemplified by 3-(1-methylallyl)-2,4-pentanedione. The compounds are described as being useful intermediates in preparing chemical compounds which possess desirable fragrances. DE-A-2155495 describes a process for preparing benzylidene compounds from malonic acid esters and benzyl halides. The compounds produced are of the formula: where R is a straight chain or branched alkyl residue of 1 to 20 carbon atoms or an aryl residue; Ar is an aromatic or heteroaromatic residue such as phenyl or naphthyl optionally substituted by one or more substituents and n is from 1 to 4. The compounds are said to find use as UV absorbers. CA- 108 149798x describes thienylpolyenic compounds in which the thienyl group is unsubstituted. No utility is described for these compounds. CA- 96 217042g describes the electron-impact mass spectra of 2-(2-pyridyl)methylene-1,3-dicarbonyl compounds. No utility is described for these compounds. CA- 96 198944j describes substituent effects on carbon-13 and proton chemical shifts in 3-benzylidene-2,4-pentanediones. No utility is described for these compounds. CA- 83 96338d describes the reaction of tetracarbonyl hydridoferrate with the Knoevenagel condensates of 2,4-pentanediones with aldehydes to give compounds of formula RCH:C(COMe)₂ where R is propyl, isopropyl, ethyl, benzyl or 2-furyl. No utility is described for these compounds. The present invention provides a compound which is of the formula Ib: wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; C₁₋₆ alkoxy; phenyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, amino or carboxy; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; R₃ is C₁₋₆ alkyl which is substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; phenyl or naphthyl which are substituted by trifluoromethyl or cyano; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; or a salt, ether or ester thereof, provided that when R₃ is substituted furyl it is not substituted by alkyl, halogeno or nitro and if R₃ is a phenyl which is substituted by cyano then the cyano is not in the para position. The optional substituent of an alkyl group is hydroxy, alkoxy of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, halogeno, nitro or amino, and preferably the alkyl group does not carry more than three substituents. In the compounds of the invention the carbon carbon double bond forms a conjugated system of double bonds with the keto groups. Preferred compounds include those in which R₁ and R₂ are each C₁₋₄ alkyl and R₃ is thienyl, fury], or phenyl which is substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₄ alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or cyano, the phenyl group having at least two substituents, or R₃ is carboxyphenyl. The present invention also provides a compound of formula Ib wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; C₁₋₆ alkoxy; phenyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, amino or carboxy; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; R₃ is C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; phenyl or naphthyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, amino or carboxy or a diketo group attached to the aryl group directly or via a saturated hydrocarbon chain of 1 to 3 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain of 2 or 3 carbon atoms; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; or a salt, ether or ester thereof, provided that when R₁ and R₂ are each methyl or hydrogen, then R₃ may not be wherein R₄ and R₅ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, optionally substituted acyl or optionally substituted aroyl, lower alkyl sulfonyl or alkylcarbamoyl or taken together form a lower alkylidene or cycloalkylidene group and X is an electronegative group, for use as a cytoprotective agent. Preferable salts of compounds of formula Ib are those formed with sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, magnesium or organic bases. Preferred ethers and esters of the compounds of formula Ib are acyl or aroyl derivatives which will hydrolyse under physiological conditions. The compounds of formula I(b) may be prepared by reacting a compound of the formula II R₁ - CO - CH₂ - CO - R₂ II in which R₁ and R₂ are as defined above with a compound of the formula III R₃ - Z III in which R₃ is as defined above and Z is CHO or -CH₂-Q, wherein Q is halogen or some other activated group, in the presence of acid or base catalyst to produce a compound of formula I (a) in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined above, whereafter the compound according to formula Ia is halogenated to give a compound of the formula IV in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined above and X is halogen and dehydrohalogenating compound IV to produce a compound of the formula Ib. The basic catalyst may be for example an organic base or an organic amine. The acid catalyst may be for example a mineral acid or sulfonic acid. The activated group Q may be a halogen or an alkyl or aryl sulphonate. When halogenating a compound of formula Ia elementary halogen, preferably chlorine or bromine may be used, or another known halogenating agent such as sulfuryl chloride may be used. The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula Ib as defined above or a salt, ether or ester thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. The composition may be for example in the form of a tablet, dragee, capsule, suppository, emulsion, suspension or solution. It may contain a pharmaceutically acceptable additive or excipient such as a solvent, gel or dispersion forming agent, an antioxidant or a colourant. The effective dose varies depending on whether the compounds are given for prophylaxis or for treatment of a condition which is already present. The daily dose and number of doses are dependent on the severity of the condition to be treated. The effective dose is generally from about 1 to 1000 mg of compound per day, preferably typically 100 to 600 mg per day. The following examples illustrate the invention. Example 1 3-(4-carboxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione To a suspension containing 3.0g (0.02 mol) of 4-carboxybenxaldehyde and 3.0g (0.03 mol) of 2,4-pentanedione in 10 ml of 2-propanol was gradually added 3.0g (0.025 mol) of thionyl chloride with stirring and cooling (below 20°C). The mixture was stirred over night at 20°C. After filtering the product was washed with 2-propanol. Yield 1.8g, mp 195-199°C. Example 2 3-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione The procedure described in example 1 was repeated using 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde instead of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. Mp 123-127°C. Example 3 3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione The procedure described in example 1 was repeated using 4-methoxybenzaldehyde instead of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. Mp 70-72°C. Example 4 3-(benzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione The procedure described in example 1 was repeated using benzaldehyde instead of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. Colourless oil, bp 186-188°C/16mm. Example 5 3-ethylidene-2,4-pentanedione The procedure described in example 1 was repeated using acetaldehyde instead of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. Colourless oil, bp 97°C/18mm. Example 6 1,4-bis-(2-acetyl-3-oxo-1-butenyl)benzene To a mixture containing 1.34g of 1,4-benzenedicarboxaldehyde and 2.1g of 2,4-pentanedione in 20ml of 2-propanol was gradually added 3.0g of thionyl chloride with stirring and cooling below 20°C. The mixture was stirred over night at room temperature, filtered and washed with 2-propanol. Yield 1.1g (55%). Example 7 3-acetyl-4-(2-thienyl)-3-buten-2-one The procedure described in example 1 was repeated by using thiophene-2-carboxaldehyde instead of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde. Yellowish oil, yield 70%. Example 8 3-acetyl-4-(2-furyl)-3-buten-2-one A solution containing 2.9g of furfural, 5.0g of 2,4-pentanedione and 1g of ammonium acetate in 25 ml of 2-propanol was refluxed for 3 h. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was purified using column chromatography. Yellowish oil, yield 61%. Example 9 Dimethyl benzylidenemalonate A mixture containing 10.6g of benzaldehyde, 13.2g of dimethylmalonate and 1ml of ethyl-di(2-propyl)amine was heated over night at 120°C. The mixture was distilled in vacuo and the fraction boiling at 170-180°C/18mm was collected. Colourless oil, yield 1.9g. Example 10 3-(3,4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione The process described in example 1 was repeated using 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde instead of 4-carboxybenzaldehyde Mp 134-137°C. Example 11 3-benzylidene-2,4-pentandione To a solution containing 6.3g of 3-benzyl-2,4-pentanedione in 50ml of dichloromethane was gradually added 5.3g of bromine in 20ml of dichloromethane under cooling (0-5°C). The solution was stirred for 10 min. at 0°C and the solvent evaporated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in 100ml of pyridine and relfuxed for 30 min. Pyridine was evaporated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in dichloromethane and washed first with 6M hydrochloric acid and then with 2.6M NaOH. The solvent was evaporated and the residue distilled in vacuo. Bp 186-188°C/16mm, yield 1.2g. Example 12 3-(2-Trifluoromethylbenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione Thionylchloride (4 ml) and a catalytic amount of water (0.05 ml) were added at room temperature to a solution of 2-trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde (8.7 g) and 2,4-pentanedione (5.01 g) in trifluoroacetic acid (10 ml). The solution was stirred over night at 20°C. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was distilled in vacuo, bp 110°C/1.5 mbar. Yield 5.3 g (41%). Example 13 3-(4-Trifluoromethylbenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione 4-Trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde (8.7 g) was condensed with 2,4-pentanedione (5.01 g) in a similar manner as described above. The crude product was crystallized from a mixture of ether-petroleum ether (1:1), mp 46-48°C, yield 3.8 g (30%). Example 14 3-(3-Cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione 3-cyanobenzaldehyde (2.62 g) was condensed with 2,4-pentanedione (3.0 g) in 2-propanol (10 ml) in the presence of ammonium acetate. Mp 63-64°C, yield 1.27 g (30%). Example 15 3-(4-Cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione 4-Cyanobenzaldehyde (2.62 g) was condensed with 2,4-pentanedione (3.0 g) in 2-propanol (10 ml) in the presence of ammonium acetate. Mp 86-88°C, yield 0.55 g (13%). Example 16 3-(4-Methoxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione 4-Methoxybenzyl chloride was condensed with 2,4-pentanedione as described in Example 6 to give 3-(4-methoxybenzyl)-2,4-pentanedione as a yellow oil. The crude product was treated first with bromine and then with pyridine as described in Example 12 to give the title compound, Mp 71-72°C. Example 17 3-(4-Trifluoromethylbenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione The procedure described in Example 17 was repeated by using 4-trifluoromethylbenzyl chloride. Mp 46-47°C. Example 18 3-(4-Cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione The procedure described in Example 17 was repeated by using 4-cyanobenzyl chloride. Mp 86-88°C. Example 19 3-Acetyl-4-(2-thienyl)-3-buten-2-one The procedure described in Example 17 was repeated by using 2-chloromethylthiophene. Yellow oil. Example 20 3-Acetyl-4-(2-furyl)-3-buten-2-one The procedure described in Example 17 was repeated by using 2-chloromethylfuran. Yellow oil. Example 21 3-(4-Carboxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione The procedure described in Example 17 was repeated by using methyl 4-chloromethylbenzoate to give 3-(4-methoxycarbonylbenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione as a yellow oil. The crude product was hydrolyzed with dilute sodium hydroxide solution and acidified with hydrochloric acid to give the title compound, Mp 196-199°C. Effect of substituted β-diketones in vivo Oral administration of absolute ethanol to rats results in severe gastric damage consisting of grossly hemorrhagic and necrotic lesions. Compounds which are able to prevent the ethanol-induced lesions are called cytoprotective or gastroprotective agents. Male Wistar rates were orally dosed (5 ml/kg) with a test compound suspended in 5% gum arabic. Control animals received pure vehicle. Half an hour later the rats were orally administered with 1ml of absolute ethanol. The animals were sacrificed one hour after ethanol administration and the total area of macroscopic lesions in each stomach was calculated in mm². The extent of duodenal damage was measured in cm from pylorus. The results are summarised in Table 1. All the substituted β-diketones significantly reduce the ethanol-induced mucosal lesions in the stomach, and this reduction is dependant on the dose administered. Moreover, the damaged area of the duodenum was smaller and less severe in animals treated with the present compounds than in the control animals. It can therefore be seen that the present compounds have gastroprotective activity both in the stomach and in the duodenum.

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : AT, BE, CH, DE, FR, GB, IT, LI, LU, NL, SE A compound which is of the formula Ib: wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; C₁₋₆ alkoxy; phenyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, amino or carboxy; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno nitro or amino; R₃ is C₁₋₆ alkyl which is substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; phenyl or naphthyl which are substituted by trifluoromethyl or cyano; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; or a salt, ether or ester thereof, provided that when R₃ is substituted furyl it is not substituted by alky, halogeno or nitro and if R₃ is a phenyl which is substituted by cyano then the cyano is not in the para position. A compound according to claim 1 in which R₁ and R₂ are each C₁₋₄ alkyl. 3-(4-trifluoromethylbenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. 3-(3-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. A process for the preparation of a compound Ib according to claim 1, comprising reacting a compound having formula II R₁ - CO - CH₂ - CO - R₂ II in which R₁ and R₂ are as defined in claim 1, with a compound having formula III R₃Z III in which R₃ is as defined in claim 1, Z is CHO or -CH₂-Q and Q is halogen or an other activated group, in the presence of acid or basic catalyst to produce the compound Ia in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined in claim 1, whereafter the compound of formula Ia is halogenated to give a compound of formula IV in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined in claim 1 and X is halogen and dehydrohalogenating compound IV to produce a compound of formula Ib. A process according to claim 5 in which the basic catalyst is an inorganic base or an organic amine. A process according to claim 5 in which the acid catalyst is a mineral acid or a sulfonic acid. A process according to claim 5, 6 or 7 in which the halogenating agent is chlorine, bromine or sulfuryl chloride. A compound of formula wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; C₁₋₆ alkoxy; phenyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, amino or carboxy; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; R₃ is C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; phenyl or naphthyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, amino or carboxy or a diketo group attached to the aryl group directly or via a saturated hydrocarbon chain of 1 to 3 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain of 2 or 3 carbon atoms; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; or a salt, ether or ester thereof, provided that when R₁ and R₂ are each methyl or hydrogen, then R₃ may not be wherein R₄ and R₅ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, optionally substituted acyl or optionally substituted aroyl, lower alkyl sulfonyl or alkylcarbamoyl or taken together form a lower alkylidene or cycloalkylidene group and X is an electronegative group, for use as a pharmaceutical. A compound according to claim 9 in which R₁ and R₂ are C₁₋₄ alkyl and R₃ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, trifluoromethyl or cyano, or is thienyl or furyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₄ alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or cyano. A compound according to claims 9 or 10 for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-(benzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-ethylidene-2,4-pentanedione for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Dimethylbenzylidenemalonate for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 1,4-bis(2-acetyl-3-oxo-1-butenyl)benzene for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-acetyl-4-(2-thienyl)-3-buten-2-one for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-acetyl-4-(2-furyl)-3-buten-2-one for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-(4-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-(4-carboxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-(2-trifluoromethylbenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. 3-(3-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Use of a compound as defined in any one of claims 9 to 22 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Use of 3-benzylidene-2,4-pentanedione for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or as defined in any one of claims 9 to 22 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. A pharmaceutical composition comprising 3-(3-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Claims for the following Contracting States : ES, GR A process for the preparation of a compound of formula Ib: wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; C₁₋₆alkoxy; phenyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, amino or carboxy; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; R₃ is C₁₋₆ alkyl which is substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; phenyl or naphthyl which are substituted by trifluoromethyl or cyano; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; or a salt, ether or ester thereof, provided that when R₃ is substituted furyl it is not substituted by alkyl, halogeno or nitro and if R₃ is a phenyl which is substituted by cyano then the cyano is not in the para position, comprising reacting a compound having formula II R₁ - CO - CH₂ - CO - R₂ II in which R₁ and R₂ are as defined above, with a compound having formula III R₃Z III in which R₃ is as defined above, Z is CHO or -CH₂-Q and Q is halogen or another activated group, in the presence of acid or basic catalyst to produce the compound Ia in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined above, whereafter the compound of formula Ia is halogenated to give a compound of formula IV in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined above and X is halogen and dehydrohalogenating compound IV to produce a compound of formula Ib. A process according to claim 1 in which the basic catalyst is an inorganic base or an organic amine. A process according to claim 1 in which the acid catalyst is a mineral acid or a sulfonic acid. A process according to claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the halogenating agent is chlorine, bromine or sulfuryl chloride. A process according to any one of the preceding claims for the preparation of a compound in which R₁ and R₂ are each C₁₋₄ alkyl. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for the preparation of 3-(2-trifluoromethylbenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for the preparation of 3-(4-trifluoromethylbenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for the preparation of 3-(3-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. A process for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition comprising mixing a compound of formula wherein R₁ and R₂ are independently C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; C₁₋₆ alkoxy; phenyl or naphthyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkoxy, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, amino or carboxy; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; R₃ is C₁₋₆ alkyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; phenyl or naphthyl, which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, trifluoromethyl, cyano, amino or carboxy or a diketo group attached to the aryl group directly or via a saturated hydrocarbon chain of 1 to 3 carbon atoms or an unsaturated hydrocarbon chain of 2 or 3 carbon atoms; or one of the following heteroaryl groups: pyridyl, quinolyl, thienyl or furyl which are unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₆ alkoxy, halogeno, nitro or amino; or a salt, ether or ester thereof, provided that when R₁ and R₂ are each methyl or hydrogen, then R₃ may not be wherein R₄ and R₅ are independently hydrogen, alkyl, optionally substituted acyl or optionally substituted aroyl, lower alkyl sulfonyl or alkylcarbamoyl or taken together form a lower alkylidene or cycloalkylidene group and X is an electronegative group, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is a compound wherein R₁ and R₂ are C₁₋₄ alkyl and R₃ is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₄ alkoxy, carboxy, trifluoromethyl or cyano, or is thienyl or furyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by C₁₋₄ alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or cyano. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 3-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 3-(benzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 3-ethylidene-2,4-pentanedione. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is dimethylbenzylidenemalonate. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 1,4-bis(2-acetyl-3-oxo-1-butenyl) benzene. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 3-acetyl-4-(2-thienyl)-3-buten-2-one. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 3-acetyl-4-(2-furyl)-3-buten-2-one. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 3-(4-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 3-(4-carboxybenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. A process according to claim 9 or 10 wherein the compound of formula Ib is a compound as defined in any one of claims 1 and 5 to 8. A process according to claim 9 wherein the compound of formula Ib is 3-(3-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione. Use of a compound as defined in any one of claims 6 and 9 to 19 for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prophylaxis of ulcers or lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. Use according to claim 22 wherein the compound is 3-(3-cyanobenzylidene)-2,4-pentanedione.

Inventors: AHO PAIVI ANNIKKI, BACKSTROM REIJO JOHANNES, HONKANEN ERKKI JUHANI, LINDEN INGE-BRITT YVONNE, NISSINEN ERKKI AARNE OLAVI, POHTO PENTTI, AHO, PAIVI ANNIKKI, BACKSTROM, REIJO JOHANNES, HONKANEN, ERKKI JUHANI, LINDEN, INGE-BRITT YVONNE, NISSINEN, ERKKI AARNE OLAVI, POHTO, PENTTI
Applicants: ORION YHTYMAE OY, ORION-YHTYMAE OY
Application year: 1989
Main classification: C07C49
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P1, C07C49, C07C253, C07C45, C07C255, C07D333, C07C65, C07D307, C07C69