Azacyclic carboxylic acid derivatives, their preparation and use

Abstract: Novel O -alkylated oximes of the general formula I wherein R¹ and R² are optionally substituted aromatic or heteroaromatic rings, R³ is hydrogen or lower alkyl, R⁴ is a nitrogen containing, substituted ring or an amino group carrying a substituted ring, and n and m indepen­ dently are 0, 1 or 2, are potent inhibitors of GABA re­ uptake from the synaptic cleft.

Description: The present invention relates to novel O -substituted oximes and salts thereof, to methods for their preparation, to compositions containing them, and to their use for preparing a medicament for the clinical treatment of abnormal functioning of the γ-aminobutyric acid neurotransmission system. In recent years much pharmacological research concerning γ-aminobutyric acid (hereinafter designated GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, has been carried out. The inhibition of GABA re-uptake results in the enhancement of availability of this inhibitory neurotransmitter in the synaptic cleft leading to increased GABA'ergic activity. Increased GABA'ergic activity can be useful in the treatment, for example, of anxiety, pain and epilepsy as well as muscular and movement disorders (see, for example, Progress in Medicinal Chemistry 22 (1985) 68-112 (edited by G.P. Ellis and G.B. West, Elsevier Science Publishers, B.V.). A well-known and potent inhibitor of GABA re-uptake from the synaptic cleft into presynaptic nerve terminals and glial cells is, for example, piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (nipecotic acid). However, being a relatively polar compound and therefore unable to cross the blood-brain barrier, piperidine-3-carboxylic acid itself has found no practical utility as a drug. In US-A-4,383,999 and US-A-4,514,414 (SmithKline Beckman Corporation) and EP-A-0 228 392 and EP-A-0 231 996 (Novo Industri A/S) some derivatives of N -(4,4-disubstituted-3-buten-1-yl)-azaheterocyclic carboxylic acids are claimed as inhibitors of GABA uptake. Furthermore, EP-A-0 221 572 (Warner-Lambert Company) claims that 1-aryloxyalkylpyridine-3-carboxylic acids are also inhibitors of GABA re-uptake. According to J.Pharm.Exp.Therap. 228 (1984) 109, N -(4,4-diphenyl-3-buten-1-yl)nipecotic acid (designated SK&F 89976A), N -(4,4-diphenyl-3-buten-1-yl)guvacine (designated SK&F 100330A), N -(4,4-diphenyl-3-buten-1-yl)homo-β-proline (designated SK&F 100561) and N -(4-phenyl-4-(2-thienyl)-3-buten-1-yl)nipecotic acid (designated SK&F 100604J) are oral inhibitors of GABA uptake. These data are summarized in Epilepsy Res. 1 (1987) 77-93. Guvacine is 1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-pyridine-3-carboxylic acid and homo-β-proline is pyrrolidine-3-acetic acid. DE-A-1 935 301 discloses compounds of the general formula wherein A and B together form a benzenering when R¹ is H or CH₃, R is H or C₁₋₅ -alkyl and X is O, NH or S; or each of A and B represents H, CH₃ or halogen when X is S, R¹ is H, halogen or CH₃ and R is H, C₁₋₅ -alkyl, C₃₋₆ cycloalkyl, phenyl, m- or p-chlorophenyl, m,p- dichlorophenyl, thienyl-2 or 5-chlorothienyl-2; or A and B each is H, X is S, R and R¹ together form an ortho phenyl group or trimethylene group, wherein R¹ is bonded in the 2- position, or a thienylene-2,3-group, wherein R¹ is bonded in 3-position. It is stated that these compounds exhibit anti-depressive sedative and anti-convulsive activity due to their ability to inhibit monoaminoxydase. EP-A-0017217 relates to diphenylalkanoether and diphenylalkanone oximeether derivatives having cerebral vasodilating activity and antihypoxic activity represented by the formula: wherein R¹ and R² are each independently an aryl group optionally substituted with 1 to 3 substituents selected from the group consisting of halogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl, C₁-C₄ alkoxy, nitro, cyano, di(C₁-C₄) alkylamino, amino, benzyloxy, hydroxyl, C₁-C₄ alkylthio C₁-C₄ alkylsulfinyl, C₁-C₄ alkylsulfonyl, C₁-C₄ alkanoylamino, C₁-C₄ alkylamino and N-(C₁-C₄)alkyl-N-(C₁-C₄)alkanoylamino, Z¹ is a group of the formula: (wherein R³ and R⁴ are each independently a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group or an ar(C₁-C₄)alkyl group or, when taken together with the adjacent nitrogen atom to which they are attached, represent a nitrogen-containing 5 to 7-membered saturated heterocyclic group optionally having an oxygen atom or an additional nitrogen atom as the hetero atom in addition to the said nitrogen atom and, if having the additional nitrogen atom, bearing a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₄ alkyl group, an ar(C₁-C₄)alkyl group or a phenyl group thereon), is a group of the formula: or the formula: A¹ is a C₂-C₆ alkylene group and A² is a C₂-C₄ alkylene group. The present invention relates to novel O -substituted oximes in which the O -substituent contains either a derivatve of piperidine-3-carboxylic acid (nipecotic acid) or of another GABA-mimetic, cyclic amino acid moiety of the general formula II. III or IV. That is, the present invention relates to O -substituted oximes of the general formula (I) wherein A is wherein R¹ and R² independently represents an aromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of furanyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄-alkylthio, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, nitro , mercapto and trifluoromethyl; R³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; n and m are integers from 0 to 2; R⁴ represents a cyclic amino acid moiety of general formula (II), (III) or (IV) wherein p in formula (III) is 1 or 2; R⁵ represents hydrogen or hydroxy; R⁶ represents hydrogen, or R⁵ together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁷ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents NH₂ or R⁹, in which R⁹ represents hydroxy or alkoxy, or the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, and, when R⁹ represents hydroxy, the pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts and the optionally substituted ammonium salts thereof. The compounds of formula I have a greater lipophilicity - and thus a greater availability to the brain - as well as a far higher affinity to the GABA uptake sites compared to the parent amino acids, and they therefore possess interesting and useful pharmacological properties. It has been demonstrated that the novel compounds of the general formula I exhibit GABA re-uptake inhibitory properties and possess useful pharmacological properties on the central nervous system, i.e. that they cause a selective enhancement of GABA'ergic activity. Compounds of formula I may be used to treat, for example, pain, anxiety, epilepsy and certain muscular and movement disorders. They may also find use as sedatives and hypnotics. In formula I at least one of the nuclei R¹ and R² which are the same or different, and which may be optionally substituted, is preferably selected from the group consisting of furanyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, more preferably from the group consisting of phenyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl or thienyl. In the definition of R¹ and R² furanyl is 2-furanyl or 3-furanyl; imidazolyl is 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl or 5-imidazolyl; oxazolyl is 2-oxazolyl, 4-oxazolyl or 5-oxazolyl; pyrazolyl is 3-pyrazolyl, 4-pyrazolyl or 5-pyrazolyl; pyrazinyl is 2-pyrazinyl or 3-pyrazinyl; pyridazinyl is 3-pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl, 5-pyridazinyl or 6-pyridazinyl; pyridyl is 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl or 4-pyridyl; pyrimidyl is 2-pyrimidyl, 4-pyrimidyl or 5-pyrimidyl; pyrrolyl is 2-pyrrolyl; thiazolyl is 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl or 5-thiazolyl; thienyl is 2-thienyl or 3-thienyl and 1,2,4-triazolyl is 1,2,4-triazol-3-yl or 1,2,4-triazol-5-yl. The substituents optionally chosen for the nuclei R¹ and/or R² are preferably lower alkylamino, lower alkylthio, lower alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, lower alkyl or trifluoromethyl, more preferably lower alkylamino, lower alkoxy, amino, halogen or lower alkyl. The term halogen in this connection designates fluoro, chloro, bromo and iodo, preferably fluoro, chloro and bromo, and more preferred fluoro and chloro. Preferably R³ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, more preferably R³ is hydrogen. Preferably n and m each are 0, 1 or 2. Preferably n + m = 0, 1 or 2, more preferably n + m = 1. R⁴ preferably has a structure corresponding to formula II. R⁵ is preferably hydrogen or together with R⁶ represents an additional bond. R⁶ is hydrogen or together with R⁵ represents an additional bond. R⁷ is preferably hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, more preferably methyl. R⁸ is preferably hydrogen. X is preferably R⁹. R⁹ is hydroxy or alkoxy, preferably R⁹ is hydroxy, methoxy or ethoxy; more preferably R⁹ is hydroxy. In the definition of the compounds of formula I the term lower alkyl when used alone - unless otherwise indicated - designates an alkyl group with not more than 4 carbon atoms, for example methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, cyclopropyl or tert-butyl, the preferred groups being methyl, ethyl and cyclopropyl. When used in combinations like alkoxy, alkylthio and alkylamino the term "lower alkyl" similarly designates an alkyl group with not more than 4 carbon atoms, preferably methyl and ethyl, so that the preferred combinations are methoxy, ethoxy, methylthio, ethylthio, methylamino and ethylamino respectively. Examples of specific and preferred compounds of formula I are as follows: ( R )-Diphenylmethanone O [2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime (1) ( R )-(2-Methylphenyl)-(3-methyl-2-thienyl)methanone O [2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (2) ( R )-Bis(3-methyl-2-thienyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (3) ( R )-(2-Ethylphenyl)-(3-methyl-2-thienyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (4) ( R )-(3-Methyl-2-thienyl)-(2-thienyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime (5) ( R )-(2-Methylphenyl)-(3-methyl-2-thienyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (10) Diphenylmethanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (25) (2-Methylphenyl)-(3-methyl-2-thienyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-y1)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (26) Diphenylmethanone O -[2-(3-carboxy-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime (45) (2-Methylphenyl)phenylmethanone O -[2-(3-carboxy-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (50) (3-Fluorophenyl)-(2-methylphenyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxy-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (51) ( R )-Bis(4-fluoro-2-methylphenyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (53) (2,4-Dichlorophenyl)-(3-methyl-2-thienyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxy-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (58) Bis(2-methylphenyl)methanone O -[2-(3-carboxy-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (64) (2-Chlorophenyl)phenyl-methanone O -[2-(3-ethoxycarbonyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime hydrochloride (76) and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts and metal salts and optionally alkylated ammonium salts thereof. The compounds of formula I may exist as geometric and optical isomers and all isomers and mixtures thereof are included herein. Isomers may be separated by means of standard methods such as chromatographic techniques or fractional crystallization of salts with optically active acids or bases. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of compounds of formula I include those derived from inorganic or organic acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, phosphoric, acetic, lactic, maleic, phthalic and fumaric acid. The compounds having the general formula I may be prepared by the following conventional methods: An oxime of formula V, wherein A is as defined above is reacted with a compound of formula VI, wherein R³, R⁴, n and m are as defined above, and Y is a suitable leaving group such as halogen or p -toluene-sulphonate. This reaction may be carried out in a polar, inert solvent, e.g. acetone, ethanol or N , N -dimethylformamide in the presence of a base, e.g. potassium carbonate or sodium hydride at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 72 h. An oxime of formula V, wherein A is as defined above, is alkylated with a compound of formula VII, where Y is a suitable reactive leaving group, such as bromine or p -toluenesulphonate, and Z is chlorine (or alternatively a group such as hydroxy which may be converted into a reactive leaving group), and R³, n and m are as defined above. This reaction may be carried out in a suitable solvent, e.g. acetone, ethanol or N , N -dimethylformamide in the presence of a base, e.g. potassium carbonate or sodium hydride at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 72 h. The product VIII of this reaction wherein A, R³, n, m and Z are as defined above, is reacted with R⁴H, wherein R⁴ is an amino acid or an amino acid derivative as specified above. This alkylation reaction may be carried out in an inert solvent, such as acetone, in the presence of a base e.g. potassium carbonate and a catalyst, e.g. an alkali metal iodide at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 96 h. A ketone of formula IX, wherein A is as defined above, is reacted with an alkyl hydroxylamine of formula X, wherein R³, R⁴, n and m are as defined above in an inert solvent, e.g. ethanol or pyridine or a combination of solvents at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 0.5-12 h. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to protect e.g. the carboxy groups in the intermediates used in the above methods (e.g. R⁴H, V or VI) with suitable protecting groups. In cases where A contains an amino group, this may be protected by acylation, and in the cases where A and/or R⁴ contain a hydroxy group, this may be protected for example by acylation or by ether formation. The carboxylic acid group in R⁴ can for example be esterified. Introduction and removal of such groups is described in "Protective Groups in Organic Chemistry" J.F.W. McOrnie ed. (New York, 1973). If esters have been prepared in methods A-C, compounds of formula I where X is OH may be prepared by hydrolysis of the ester group, preferably at room temperature in a mixture of an aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solution and an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol, for about 0.5 to 6 h. Compounds of formula V may be prepared by reacting the appropriate ketone or aldehyde with hydroxylamine (or its hydrochloride) in a solvent such as ethanol or pyridine (see e.g. W.E. Bachmann, Org.Syn ., (1967) 70; W.G. Honey et al ., J.Pharm.Sci ., 66 (1977) 1602-1606; S. Rossi et al ., Farm. Ed.Sci ., 24 (1969) 685-703 or P.L. Huerta et al ., J.Pharm. Sci. 66 (1977) 1120-4. Compounds of formula VI may be prepared by reaction of the appropriate amino acid (R⁴H) protected for example as the ethyl ester with a 2-haloethanol e.g. 2-bromoethanol in the presence of a base, e.g. triethylamine or an alkali metal carbonate. The solvent may conveniently be ethanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone or N , N -dimethylformamide. This is followed by halogenation with a suitable halogenating agent in an inert solvent at reflux temperature for 0.5 to 24 h. The solvent may conveniently be toluene and the halogenating agent may for example be thionyl chloride. Compounds of formula X may be prepared by O -alkylating e.g. acetone oxime with compound VI in a suitable solvent, such as benzene, pyridine or ethanol in the presence of a base, e.g. an alkali metal carbonate at for example reflux temperature for 0.5-24 h. This is followed by hydrolysis of the product under acidic conditions for example using 10% hydrochloric acid as solvent at reflux temperature for 0.5 to 24 h (see F.J. Villiani et al ., J.Pharm.Sci ., 58 (1969) 138-141; G. Aichinger et al ., Arznem.Forsch ., 19 (1969) 838-845). Pharmacological Methods The in vitro inhibition of [³H]-GABA uptake was assessed essentially by the method of Fjalland ( Acta Pharmacol. Toxicol . 42 (1978) 73-76). Male Wistar rat cortical tissue was gently homogenized by hand using a glass teflon homogenizer in 10 volumes of 0.32 M sucrose. Incubation was performed in a 40 mM tris HCl buffer (pH 7.5 at 30 o C) containing 120 nM NaCl, 9.2 nM KCl, 4 mM MgSO₄, 2.3 mM CaCl₂ and 10 mM glucose, for 60 min. at 30 o C. Ligand concentration was 0.2 nM. Values for inhibition of GABA uptake for some compounds of the invention are recorded below. Results obtained - inhibition of [³H]-GABA uptake Example IC₅₀ (nm) in vitro 1 82 2 44 3 30 4 52 5 64 25 138 26 58 45 48 46 59 47 51 83 217 Compounds of formula I are useful because they possess pharmacological activity in man. In particular the compounds of formula I are useful as inhibitors of GABA uptake. For the above indications the dosage will vary depending on the compound of formula I employed, on the mode of administration and on the therapy desired. However, in general, satisfactory results are obtained with a dosage of from about 0.5 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of compounds of formula I, conveniently given from 1 to 5 times daily, optionally in sustained release form. Usually, dosage forms suitable for oral administration comprise from about 0.5 mg to about 1000 mg, preferably from about 1 mg to about 500 mg of the compounds of formula I admixed with a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent. No toxic effects have been observed. The compounds of formula I may be administered in pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt form or where possible as a metal or a lower alkylammonium salt. Such salt forms exhibit approximately the same order of activity as the free base forms. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and, usually, such compositions also contain a pharmacaeutical carrier or diluent. The compositions of this invention may be prepared by conventional techniques or appear in conventional forms, for example capsules or tablets. The pharmaceutical carrier employed may be a conventional solid or liquid carrier. Examples of solid carriers are lactose, terra alba, sucrose, talc, gelatin, agar, pectin, acacia, magnesium stearate and stearic acid. Examples of liquid carriers are syrup, peanut oil, olive oil and water. Similarly, the carrier or diluent may include any time delay material known in the art, such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate, alone or mixed with a wax. If a solid carrier for oral administration is used, the preparation can be tabletted, placed in a hard gelatin capsule in powder or pellet form or in the form of a troche or lozenge. The amount of solid carrier will vary widely but will usually be from about 25 mg to about 1 g. If a liquid carrier is used, the preparation may appear in the form of a syrup, emulsion, soft gelatin capsule or sterile injectable liquid such as an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid suspension. The pharmaceutical compositions of this invention can be made following the conventional techniques of the pharmaceutical industry involving mixing, granulating and compressing or variously mixing and dissolving the ingredients as appropriate to give the desired end product. The route of administration may be any route which effectively transports the active compound to the appropriate or desired place, such as oral or parenteral, the oral route being preferred. The features disclosed in the above specification and in the following examples and claims may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be material for realizing this invention in diverse forms thereof. The process for preparing compounds of formula I and preparations containing them is further illustrated in the following examples. The examples illustrate some preferred embodiments. Hereinafter, tlc is thin layer chromatography, THF is tetrahydrofuran, DMF is N , N -dimethylformamide, and m.p. is melting point.The structures of the compounds are confirmed by NMR and elemental analysis. Where melting points are given, these are uncorrected. All temperatures are in o C. Compounds used as starting materials are either known compounds or compounds which can readily be prepared by methods known per se . Column chromatography was carried out using the technique described by W.C. Still et al ., J.Org.Chem. , 43 (1978) 2923-2925 on Merck kieselgel 60 (Art. 9385) silica gel. Example 1 (Method A): The ( R )-enantiomer of ethyl nipecotate (100 g , 0.64 mol) (A.M. Akkerman et al ., Rec.Trav.Chim ., 70 (1951), 899; G. Bettoni et al ., Gazz.Chim.Ital ., 102 (1972) 189) was mixed in dry acetone (300 ml) with 2-bromoethanol (84.98 g, 0.68 mol), dried, powdered potassium carbonate (176.91 g, 1.28 mol) and potassium iodide (21.58 g, 0.13 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 h and at reflux for 24 h. Filtration and evaporation of the filtrate gave an oil which was purified by distillation in vacuo (110-115 o C, 0.1 mmHg), yield 72.17 g (56%). Tlc rf 0.20 (SiO₂; dichloromethane/methanol 19/1). The above alcohol (19.86 g, 0.099 mol) was dissolved in toluene (125 ml). A solution of thionyl chloride (14.16 g, 0.119 mol) in toluene (50 ml) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h. Cooling in an icebath followed by filtration provided the ( R )- N -(2-chloroethyl)nipecotic acid ethyl ester as a solid. A sample was recrystallized from 2-propanol, m.p. 187.5-194.5 o C. To the above ester hydrochloride (2.56 g, 10 mmol), dried, powdered potassium carbonate (5.53 g, 40 mmol), acetone (200 ml) and benzophenone oxime (3.94 g, 20 mmol) was added. The suspension was heated at reflux for 96 h, cooled and filtered. The solvent was removed from the filtrate in vacuo to give a residue. Water (100 ml) and ethyl acetate (100 ml) were introduced. The aqueous layer was separated and further extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give a brown oil (6.2 g). This oil was purified by "flash" chromatography eluting with cyclohexane/ethyl acetate (5/1) to provide the ( R )-diphenylmethanone O -[2-(3-ethoxycarbonylpiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime (2.66 g, 70%) as a gum, tlc rf 0.067 (SiO₂, cyclohexane/ethyl acetate 5/1). The above ester (2.66 g, 6.99 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (100 ml) and 10 N sodium hydroxide solution (6.99 ml) was introduced. After 2 h at room temperature the solution was cooled in an ice bath and the pH was adjusted to 3 with 4 N hydrochloric acid. Extraction with dichloromethane (3 x 50 ml), drying (MgSO₄) of the combined fractions and evaporation provided the title compound as a hydrochloride, hydrate (1.3 g, 53%) m.p. 241-242 o C. By the above general procedure the following oxime derivatives were prepared: Example 2 Tlc rf 0.30 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 3 M.p. 45 o C. Example 4 M.p. 202-203 o C (acetone). Example 5 M.p. 210-216 o C. Example 6 Tlc rf 0.3 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1) Example 7 Tlc rf 0.29 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 8 M.p. 221.5-225 o C. Example 9 Tlc, rf 0.31 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 10 Tlc, rf 0.32 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 11 Tlc, rf 0.90 (reversed phase, Whatman KCl 8F, methanol/water 4/1). Example 12 Tlc, rf 0.90 (reversed phase, Whatman KCl 8F, methanol/water 4/1). Example 13 Tlc, rf 0.20 (SiO₂, methanol). Example 14 Tlc, rf 0.35 (SiO₂, cyclohexane/ethylacetate 1/1). Example 15 Tlc, rf 0.14 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 16 Tlc, rf 0.38 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 17 Tlc, rf 0.30 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 18 Tlc, rf 0.52 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 19 Mp 180-185 o C. Example 20 Mp 185-190 o C. Example 21 Mp 230-232 o C. Example 22 Mp 124-125.5 o C. Example 23 Mp 170-175 o C. Example 24 Tlc, rf. 0.49 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Using ( R , S )- N -(2-chloroethyl)nipecotic acid ethyl ester as a starting material the following ( R , S )-enantiomeric mixtures were prepared (according to method A, Example 1): Example 25 M.p. 234-235 o C. Example 26 Tlc rf. 0.30 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 27 Tlc rf 0.07 (SiO₂; methanol/dichloromethane 1/1). Example 28 M.p. 61-63 o C. Example 29 M.p. 172.5-176 o C. Example 30 Tlc rf 0.25 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 31 Tlc, rf. 0.30 (SiO₂, methanol). Example 32 Tlc, rf. 0.35 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 33 Tlc, rf. 0.35 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 34 Tlc, rf. 0.33 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 35 Tlc, rf. 0.30 (SiO₂, methanol). Example 36 Tlc, rf. 0.30 (SiO₂, methanol). Example 37 Mp 215-220 o C (not recrystallised). Example 38 Tlc, rf. 0.31 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 39 Tlc, rf. 0.30 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 40 Tlc, rf. 0.57 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 41 Mp 174-176 o C. Example 42 Mp 209-211 o C. Example 43 Tlc, rf. 0.40 (SiO₂, methanol). Example 44 Tlc, rf. 0.52 (reversed phase, Whatman KCl 8F, methanol/water 4/1). Example 45 (Method B): Benzophenone oxime (3.94 g, 20 mmol), 1-bromo-2-chloroethane (28.7 g, 200 mmol) and dried, powdered potassium carbonate (5.53 g, 80 mmol) in acetone (60 ml) were heated at reflux for 72 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and filtered and the filtrate was evaporated to an oily residue which was purified by "flash" chromatography (eluting with heptane/ethyl acetate 19/1) to provide diphenylmethanone O -(2-chloroethyl)oxime (3.82 g, 73%) as an oil, tlc rf 0.36 (SiO₂, heptane/ethyl acetate 9/1). The above chloroethyloxime (1.309 g, 5 mmol) was dissolved in acetone (25 ml) and guvacine methyl ester hydrochloride (1.776 g, 1o mmol) powdered, dried potassium carbonate (2.073 g, 15 mmol) and potassium iodide (0.75 g, 5 mmol) were introduced. The reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 18 h and cooled. Filtration and evaporation of the filtrate provided an oil which was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel, eluting with cyclohexane/ethyl acetate (2/1) to provide diphenylmethanone O -[2-(3-methoxycarbonyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime (0.87 g, 48%) as a gum, tlc rf 0.30 (SiO₂, heptane/ethyl acetate 1/1). Starting diphenylmethanone, O -(2-haloethyl)oxime (0.66 g, 50%) was also isolated. The above methyl ester (0.81 g, 2.39 mmol) was dissolved in ethanol (25 ml) and 10 N sodium hydroxide solution (2.39 ml) was added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for 4 h and acidified to pH 2 with 2 N hydrochloric acid. The liquid was extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 50 ml) and the combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄). Evaporation of the solvent gave a gum which was freeze-dried to give the title compound (0.825 g, 89%) as a hemi hydrochloride. Tlc rf 0.40 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Found: C, 65.6; H, 6.3; N, 7.05; Cl, 4.9. C₂₁H₂₂N₂O₃. 1/2HCl.H₂O requires C, 65.2; H, 6.4; N, 7.2; Cl, 4.6%. By the above general procedure (Example 45, Method B) the following oxime derivatives were prepared: Example 46 M.p. 79-80 o C. Example 47 M.p. 168-169 o C. Example 48 Tlc rf 0.30 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 49 Tlc rf 0.8 (reversed phase, Whatman KCl8F, methanol/water (4/1). Example 50 Tlc, rf. 0.49 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 51 M.p. 219-223 o C. Example 52 M.p. 102-103 o C. Example 53 M.p. 181-182 o C. Example 54 M.p. 116-117 o C. Example 55 M.p. 204-207 o C. Example 56 M.p. 157-159 o C. Example 57 M.p. 241-244 o C. Example 58 Tlc, rf. 0.76 (reversed phase, Whatman KCl 8F, methanol/water 4/1). Example 59 M.p. 152-155 o C. Example 60 M.p. 205-207 o C. Example 61 M.p. 156-158 o C. Example 62 M.p. 195-200 o C. Example 63 Tlc, rf. 0.35 (SiO₂, cyclohexane/ethylacetate 1/1). Example 64 M.p. 214-218.5 o C. Example 65 Tlc, rf. 0.39 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 66 Tlc, rf. 0.41 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 9/1). Example 67 Tlc, rf. 0.45 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 68 M.p. 198.5-200 o C. Example 69 Tlc, rf. 0.63 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 70 M.p. 223 o C (dec). Example 71 M.p. 140-145 o C. Example 72 M.p. 190-195 o C. Example 73 M.p. 205-213 o C. Example 74 M.p. 110-116 o C (toluene/cyclohexane). Example 75 M.p. 195-196 o C (dec). Example 76 Tlc, rf. 0.25 (SiO₂, cyclohexane/ethylacetate 1/1). Example 77 M.p. 163-164.5 o C (toluene/cyclohexane). Example 78 M.p. 213-216 o C. Example 79 M.p. 165-169 o C. Example 80 M.p. 258-260 o C. Example 81 M.p. 130-135 o C. Example 82 (Method A) ( R , S )-ethyl nipecotate (15.72 g, 100 mmol) was mixed in dry acetone (120 ml) with 3-bromo-1-propanol (20.85 g, 150 mmol) and dried, powdered potassium carbonate (20.73 g, 150 mmol). The reaction mixture was heated at reflux for 3 h, cooled and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to an oil (32.8 g) which was dissolved in dichloromethane. To this solution phosphorous tribromide (30.45 g, 112.5 mmol) was introduced dropwise maintaining reflux during addition, and when this was complete reflux was continued for 2.5 h. After cooling dry methanol (30 ml) was added and the mixture was poured into a mixture of saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (250 ml) and water (250 ml). The dichloromethane layer was separated and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 150 ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to an oil which was purified by "flash" chromatography. Elution with cyclohexane/tetrahydrofuran 3/1 provided N -(3-bromopropyl)nipecotic acid ethyl ester (7.85 g, 28%) as a waxy solid. Found C, 47.3; H, 7.9; N, 4.7. C₁₁H₂₀BrNO₂.0.2 H₂O required C, 46.9; H, 7.2; N, 4.95%. This compound was used to alkylate benzophenone oxime, as outlined in Example 1, and the subsequent ester was hydrolysed to provide the title compound as a gummy solid (0.5 g, 52% from N -(3-bromopropyl)nipecotic acid ethyl ester). Tlc rf 0.70 (reversed phase, Whatman KC 18F, methanol/water 8/2). Using ( R )- N -(2-bromoethyl)nipecotic acid ethyl ester hydrobromide and an 2,2-diarylacetaldehyde oxime as starting materials the following compounds were prepared (according to method A, Example 1). Example 83 rf. 0.34 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1) Example 84 rf. 0.40 (SiO₂, dichloromethane/methanol 1/1). Example 85 M.p. 190-200 o C. Example 86 Preparation of Capsules Ingredients mg per capsule ( R )-diphenylmethanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime 10 Magnesium stearate 0.15 Lactose 15 The above ingredients are thoroughly mixed and placed in hard gelatin capsules. Such capsules are administered orally to subjects in need of treatment from 1-5 times daily. Example 87 Preparation of Tablets Ingredients mg per tablet ( R )-diphenylmethanone O -[2-(3-carboxypiperidin-1-yl)ethyl]oxime 200 Corn starch 50 Polyvinyl pyrrolidine 15 Magnesium stearate 1 The oxime is thoroughly mixed with two thirds of the corn starch and granulated. The granules obtained are dried, mixed with the remaining ingredients and compressed into tablets. The capsules or tablets thus prepared are administered orally. Similarly, other oximes of formula I can be used.

Claims: Claims for the following Contracting States : AT, BE, CH, DE, FR, GB, IT, LI, LU, NL, SE O -substituted oximes of the general formula (I) wherein A is wherein R¹ and R² independently represents an aromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of furanyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄-alkylthio, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, nitro , mercapto and trifluoromethyl; R³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; n and m are integers from 0 to 2; R⁴ represents a cyclic amino acid moiety of general formula (II), (III) or (IV) wherein p in formula (III) is 1 or 2; R⁵ represents hydrogen or hydroxy; R⁶ represents hydrogen, or R⁵ together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁷ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents NH₂ or R⁹, in which R⁹ represents hydroxy or alkoxy, or the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, and, when R⁹ represents hydroxy, the pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts and the optionally substituted ammonium salts thereof. The compounds according to claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² independently are furanyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄-alkylthio, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy or C₁-C₄-alkyl. The compounds according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein R³ represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. The compounds according to any of the preceding claims, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2. The compounds according to any of the preceding claims, wherein m is 0, 1 or 2. The compounds according to any of the preceding claims, wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (II) wherein R⁵ is hydrogen or hydroxy or together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁶ is hydrogen and X is NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The compounds according to claim 6, wherein R⁹ is hydroxy. The compounds according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (III) wherein R⁷ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl, p is 1 or 2 and X is -NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The compounds according to claim 8, wherein R⁷ is hydrogen and R⁹ is hydroxy. The compounds according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (IV) wherein R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents -NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The compounds according to claim 10, wherein R⁹ is hydroxy. A method for preparing O-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) according to claim 1, which comprises reacting an oxime of formula (V) wherein A is as defined in claim 1, with a compound of formula (VI) Y(CH₂) n CH(R³)(CH₂) m R⁴ (VI) wherein R³, R⁴, n and m are as defined in claim 1, and Y is a leaving group. The method according to claim 12, wherein the reaction is carried out in a polar, inert solvent, in the presence of a base at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 72 h. A method for preparing O-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) according to claim 1, which comprises alkylating an oxime of formula (V) wherein A is as defined in claim 1, with a compound of forumula (VII) Y(CH₂) n CH(R³)(CH₂) m Z (VII) wherein Y is a leaving group, Z is chlorine or a group which may be converted into a leaving group and R³, n and m are as defined in claim 1, to obtain a product of formula (VIII) wherein A, R³; Z, n and m are as defined above, and reacting the product of formula (VIII) with R⁴H wherein R⁴ is as defined in claim 1. The method according to claim 14, wherein the alkylation reaction with the compound of formula (VII) is carried out in a solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 72 h. The method according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the alkylation reaction with R⁴H is carried out in an inert solvent in the presence of a base and a catalyst at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 96 h. A method for preparing O-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) according to claim 1, which comprises reacting a ketone of formula (IX) A = O (IX) wherein A is as defined in claim 1, with an alkyl hydroxylamine of formula (X) wherein R³, R⁴, n and m are as defined in claim 1, in an inert solvent at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 0.5 to 12 h. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to claims 1 to 11 and a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 18 containing from 1 mg to 500 mg of a compound according to claims 1 to 11 per unit dose. The use of a compound according to claims 1 to 11 for preparing a medicament for the treatment of anxiety, pain and epilepsy as well as muscular and movement disorders. Claims for the following Contracting State : ES A method for preparing 0-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) wherein A is wherein R¹ and R² independently represents an aromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of furanyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄- alkylthio, C₁-C₄- alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, nitro, mercapto and trifluoromethyl; R³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; n and m are integers from 0 to 2; R⁴ represents a cyclic amino acid moiety of general formula (II), (III) or (IV) wherein p in formula (III) is 1 or 2; R⁵ represents hydrogen or hydroxy; R⁶ represents hydrogen, or R⁵ together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁷ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄- alkyl; R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents NH₂ or R⁹, in which R⁹ represents hydroxy or alkoxy, or the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, and, when R⁹ represents hydroxy, the pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts and the optionally substituted ammonium salts thereof, which comprises reacting an oxime of formula (V) wherein A is as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (VI) Y(CH₂) n CH(R³)(CH₂) m R⁴ (VI) wherein R³, R⁴, n and m are as defined in formula (I) and Y is a leaving group. The method according to claim 1, wherein the reaction is carried out in a polar, inert solvent, in the presence of a base at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 72 h. A method for preparing 0-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) wherein A is wherein R¹ and R² independently represents an aromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of furanyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkylamino, C₁-C₄- alkylthio, C₁-C₄- alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, nitro, mercapto and trifluoromethyl; R³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; n and m are integers from 0 to 2; R⁴ represents a cyclic amino acid moiety of general formula (II), (III) or (IV) wherein p in formula (III) is 1 or 2; R⁵ represents hydrogen or hydroxy; R⁶ represents hydrogen, or R⁵ together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁷ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄- alkyl; R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents NH₂ or R⁹, in which R⁹ represents hydroxy or alkoxy, or the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, and, when R⁹ represents hydroxy, the pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts and the optionally substituted ammonium salts thereof, which comprises alkylating an oxime of formula (V) wherein A is as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (VII) Y(CH₂) n CH(R³)(CH₂) m Z (VII) wherein Y is a leaving group, Z is chlorine or a group which may be converted into a leaving group and R³, n and m are as defined in formula (I) to obtain a product of formula (VIII) wherein A, R³, Z, n and m are as defined above, and reacting the product of formula (VIII) with R⁴H wherein R⁴ is as defined in formula (I). The method according to claim 3, wherein the alkylation reaction with the compound of formula (VII) is carried out in a solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 72 h. The method according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the alkylation reaction with R⁴H is carried out in an inert solvent in the presence of a base and a catalyst at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 96 h. A method for preparing 0-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) wherein A is wherein R¹ and R² independently represents an aromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of furanyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄ alkylamino, C₁-C₄- alkylthio, C₁-C₄- alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, nitro, mercapto and trifluoromethyl; R³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; n and m are integers from 0 to 2; R⁴ represents a cyclic amino acid moiety of general formula (II), (III) or (IV) wherein p in formula (III) is 1 or 2; R⁵ represents hydrogen or hydroxy; R⁶ represents hydrogen, or R⁵ together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁷ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄- alkyl; R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents NH₂ or R⁹, in which R⁹ represents hydroxy or alkoxy, or the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, and, when R⁹ represents hydroxy, the pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts and the optionally substituted ammonium salts thereof which comprises reacting a ketone of formula (IX) A = 0 (IX) wherein A is as defined in formula (I) with an alkyl hydroxylamine of formula (X) wherein R³, R⁴, n and m are as defined in formula (I), in an inert solvent at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 0.5 to 12 h. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein R¹ and R² independently are furanyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, triazolyl, thienyl, or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄- alkylamino, C₁-C₄- alkylthio, C₁-C₄- alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy or C₁-C₄-alkyl. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein R³ represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2. The method according to any of the preceding claims wherein m is 0, 1 or 2. The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (II) wherein R⁵ is hydrogen or hydroxy or wherein R⁵ together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁶ is hydrogen and X is -NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The method according to claim 11 wherein R⁹ is hydroxy. The method according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (III) wherein R⁷ is hydrogen of C₁-C₄- alkyl, p is 1 or 2 and X is -NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The method according to claim 13 wherein R⁷ is hydrogen and R⁹ is hydroxy. The method according to any of the claims 1 to 14 wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (IV) wherein R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents -NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The method according to claim 15 wherein R⁹ is hydroxy. A process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound prepared according to the method of any of claims 1 to 16 and a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent, which comprises mixing, granulating and compressing or variously mixing and dissolving the ingredients as appropriate to give the desired product. The process according to claims 17, wherein the compound prepared according to the method of any of claims 1 to 16 is present in an amount of from 1 mg to 500 mg per unit dose of the pharmacuetical composition. The use of a compound according to claims 1 to 11 for preparing a medicament for the treatment of anxiety, pain and epilepsy as well as muscular and movement disorders. Claims for the following Contracting State : GR O -substituted oximes of the general formula (I) wherein A is wherein R¹ and R² independently represents an aromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of furanyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyridinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄-alkylthio, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, C₁-C₄-alkyl, nitro , mercapto and trifluoromethyl; R³ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; n and m are integers from 0 to 2; R⁴ represents a cyclic amino acid moiety of general formula (II), (III) or (IV) wherein p in formula (III) is 1 or 2; R⁵ represents hydrogen or hydroxy; R⁶ represents hydrogen, or R⁵ together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁷ represents hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl; R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents NH₂ or R⁹, in which R⁹ represents hydroxy or alkoxy, or the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts, and, when R⁹ represents hydroxy, the pharmaceutically acceptable metal salts and the optionally substituted ammonium salts thereof. The compounds according to claim 1, wherein R¹ and R² independently are furanyl, oxazolyl, phenyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, thienyl or 1,2,4-triazolyl, each ring optionally being substituted with one, two or three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁-C₄-alkylamino, C₁-C₄-alkylthio, C₁-C₄-alkoxy, amino, azido, cyano, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, hydroxy or C₁-C₄-alkyl. The compounds according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein R³ represents hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. The compounds according to any of the preceding claims, wherein n is 0, 1 or 2. The compounds according to any of the preceding claims, wherein m is 0, 1 or 2. The compounds according to any of the preceding claims, wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (II) wherein R⁵ is hydrogen or hydroxy or together with R⁶ represents an additional bond; R⁶ is hydrogen and X is NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The compounds according to claim 6 wherein R⁹ is hydroxy. The compounds according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (III) wherein R⁷ is hydrogen or C₁-C₄-alkyl, p is 1 or 2 and X is -NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The compounds according to claim 8 wherein R⁷ is hydrogen and R⁹ is hydroxy. The compounds according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein R⁴ is a group of the general formula (IV) wherein R⁸ represents hydrogen or hydroxy, and X represents -NH₂, hydroxy or alkoxy. The compounds according to claim 10, wherein R⁹ is hydroxy. A method for preparing O-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) according to claim 1, which comprises reacting an oxime of formula (V) wherein A is as defined in claim 1, with a compound of formula (VI) Y(CH₂) n CH(R³)(CH₂) m R⁴ (VI) wherein R³, R⁴, n and m are as defined in claim 1, and Y is a leaving group. The method according to claim 12, wherein the reaction is carried out in a polar, inert solvent, in the presence of a base at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 72 h. A method for preparing O-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) according to claim 1, which comprises alkylating an oxime of formula (V) wherein A is as defined in claim 1, with a compound of forumula (VII) Y(CH₂) n CH(R³)(CH₂) m Z (VII) wherein Y is a leaving group, Z is chlorine or a group which may be converted into a leaving group and R³, n and m are as defined in claim 1, to obtain a product of formula (VIII) wherein A, R³; Z, n and m are as defined above, and reacting the product of formula (VIII) with R⁴H wherein R⁴ is as defined in claim 1. The method according to claim 14, wherein the alkylation reaction with the compound of formula (VII) is carried out in a solvent in the presence of a base at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 72 h. The method according to claims 14 and 15, wherein the alkylation reaction with R⁴H is carried out in an inert solvent in the presence of a base and a catalyst at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 1 to 96 h. A method for preparing O-substituted oximes of the general formula (I) according to claim 1, which comprises reacting a ketone of formula (IX) A = O (IX) wherein A is as defined in claim 1, with an alkyl hydroxylamine of formula (X) wherein R³, R⁴, n and m are as defined in claim 1, in an inert solvent at a temperature up to reflux temperature for 0.5 to 12 h. A process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound according to claims 1 to 11 and a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent, which comprises mixing, granulating and compressing or variously mixing and dissolving the ingredients as appropriate to give the desired product. The process according to claims 18, wherein the compound prepared according to any of claims 1 to 11 is present in an amount of from 1 mg to 500 mg per unit dose of the pharmacuetical composition. The use of a compound according to claims 1 to 11 for preparing a medicament for the treatment of anxiety, pain and epilepsy as well as muscular and movement disorders.

Inventors: ANDERSEN KNUD ERIK, JORGENSEN ANKER STEEN, KNUTSEN LARS JACOB STRAY, SONNEWALD URSULA, ANDERSEN, KNUD ERIK, JORGENSEN, ANKER STEEN, KNUTSEN, LARS JACOB STRAY, SONNEWALD, URSULA
Applicants: NOVONORDISK AS, NOVO NORDISK A/S
Application year: 1989
Main classification: C07D295
IPC codes: A61P25, C07D211, A61K31, C07C251, C07D401, C07D409