Benzimidazole derivatives, their production and use and use as angiotensin II antagonists

Abstract: Benzimidazole derivatives of the formula (I): wherein the ring A is a benzene ring which may optionally contain substitution in addition to the R' group and R 1 , R 2 , X, R', Y and n are defined as in claim 1; with the exclusion of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid and 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, have potent angiotensin antagonistic activity and antihypertensive activity, thus being useful as therapeutic agents for treating circulatory system diseases such as hypertensive diseases, heart diseases (e.g. hypercardia, heart failure, cardiac infarction, etc.), strokes, cerebral apoplexy, nephritis, etc.

Description: FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to novel benzimidazole derivatives having potent pharmacological actions and intermediates for the preparation thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to compounds having potent anti-hypertensive activity and strong angiotensin II antagonistic activity, which are useful as therapeutic agents for treating circulatory diseases such as hypertensive diseases, heart diseases (e.g. hypercardia, heart failure, cardiac infarction, etc.), strokes, cerebral apoplexy, nephritis, etc. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The renin-angiotensin system is involved in the homeostatic function to control systemic blood pressure, the volume of body fluid, balance among the electrolytes, etc., associated with the aldosterone system. Development of angiotensin II converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitor) (this converting enzyme produces angiotensin II which possesses a strong vasoconstrictive action) has clarified the relation between the renin-angiotensin system and hypertension. Since angiotensin II constricts blood vessel to elevate blood pressure via the angiotensin II receptors on the cellular membranes, angiotensin II antagonists, like the ACE inhibitor, would be useful in treating hypertension caused by angiotensin. It has been reported that various angiotensin II analogues such as saralasin, [Sar 1 ,Ile 8 ]AII, possess potent angiotensin II antagonist activity. It has, however, been reported that, when peptide antagonists are administered parenterally, their actions are not prolonged and, when administered orally, they are ineffective (M. A. Ondetti and D. W. Cushman, Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry, 13 , 82-91 (1978)). It would be highly desirable to develop a non-peptide angiotensin II antagonist which overcomes these drawbacks. In the earliest studies in this field, imidazole derivatives having angiotensin II antagonist activity have been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open No. 71073/1981; No. 71074/1981; No. 92270/1982; No. 157768/1983; USP No. 4,355,040, No. 4,340,598 etc. Later, improved imidazole derivatives are disclosed in European Patent Laid Open No. 0253310, No. 0291969, No. 0324377, Japanese Patent Laid Open No. 23868/1988; and No. 117876/1989. Further, pyrole, pyrazole, and triazole derivatives are disclosed as angiotensin II antagonists in European Patent Laid Open No. 0323841, and Japanese Patent Laid Open No. 287071/1989. USP No. 4,880,804 discloses benzimidazole derivatives having an angiotensin II receptor antagonistic action, which are intravenously active in vivo in rats with renal hypertension. Examples of such benzimidazole derivatives are those represented by the following formula (A): wherein substituents, for example, in the 5- and/or 6-position are hydroxymethyl, methoxy, formyl, chloro, or carboxy. Although most compounds among those exemplified are orally inactive, it is said that only the 6-hydroxymethyl and 6-chloro compounds are orally effective (100 mg/kg or less). It is, however, believed that the activity of even these disclosed compounds is insufficient for clinical uses. EP-A1-400 835, EP-A1-420 237, EP-A1-399 732 and EP-A1-392 317, which all are earlier patent documents but published after the priority date of the present case, relate to benzimidazoles with different substituents. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides novel benzimidazole derivatives having potent anti-hypertensive activity and strong angiotensin II antagonistic action, which are of practical value in clinical use as therapeutic agents. The present inventors considered that compounds functioning to control the renin-angiotensin system as well as clinically useful for the treatment of circulatory diseases such as hypertensive diseases, heart diseases (e.g. hypercardia, heart failure, cardiac infarction, etc.), strokes, cerebral apoplexy, etc. are required to have potent angiotensin II receptor antagonistic activity and to exert strong oral and long-lasting angiotensin II antagonist action. Extensive investigations were made based on those consideration. As a result of this research, the present inventors have succeeded in synthesizing novel 2-substituted benzimidazole derivatives (I) possessing highly angiotensin II receptor antagonistic activity as well as exerting strong oral and long-lasting angiotensin II antagonistic and anti-hypertensive action and developed the present invention. The present invention relates to benzimidazole derivatives having the formula I: wherein the ring A is a benzene ring which may optionally contain substitution in addition to the R' group as defined in claim 1, and R 1 , R 2 , X, R', y and n are defined as in claim 1; with the exclusion of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(lH-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid and 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl)benzimidazole-7-carboxylate; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are unexpectedly potent angiotensin II antagonists which are of value in the treatment of circulatory system diseases such as hypertensive diseases, heart diseases, strokes, nephritis, etc. Another aspect of the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of the benzimidazole derivative having the formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier useful in treating circulatory system diseases such as hypertensive diseases, heart diseases, strokes, renal failure, nephritis, etc., and processes for preparing such compounds and compositions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides the benzimidazole derivatives (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, which possess strong angiotensin II antagonist activity and are of value in the treatment of circulatory diseases such as hypertensive diseases, heart diseases, strokes, cerebral diseases, nephritis, etc., pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of the benzimidazole derivative having the formula I and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier useful in treating said circulatory diseases, and processes for preparing such compounds and compositions. An important group of compounds according to the present invention are the compounds of the formula I": wherein the ring A is a benzene ring which may optionally contain substitution in addition to the R' b group as defined above; R 1 , R 2 , X, Y, n are as defined above and R' b is carboxyl, an ester thereof or an amide thereof ; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. With regard to the foregoing formula (I), alkyl groups for R 1 are alkyl groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, which may be straight or branched, and include, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, i-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and octyl. Alkenyl groups for R 1 are alkenyl groups having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, which may be straight or branched, and include, for example, vinyl, propenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, isobutenyl, and octenyl. Alkynyl groups for R 1 are alkynyl groups having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, which may be straight or branched, and include, for example, ethynyl, 2-propynyl, 2-butynyl, 2-pentynyl and 2-octynyl. Cycloalkyl groups for R 1 are cycloalkyl groups having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and include, for example, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl and cyclopentyl. The above-mentioned alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and cycloalkyl groups may be substituted with hydroxyl, amino, methylamino, halogen, or a lower (C 1-4 ) alkoxy group. Aralkyl groups for R 1 are phenyl-(C 1-4 ) alkyl such as benzyl, and phenethyl and the aralkyl group may be substituted with halogen (e.g. F, Cl, Br, etc.), nitro, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, etc.), or (C 1-4 ) alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, etc.), at various positions of the benzene ring. The aryl group for R 1 is phenyl and the aryl group may be substituted with halogen (e.g. F, Cl, Br, etc.), nitro, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, etc.), or (C 1-4 ) alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, etc.), at various positions of the benzene ring. Among the above-mentioned groups for R 1 , preferred examples are (C 1-5 ) alkyl and (C 2-5 ) alkenyl groups optionally substituted with hydroxyl, an amino group, halogen or a (C 1-4 ) alkoxy group. The groups capable of forming an anion and groups convertible thereinto for R 2 are carboxyl, tetrazolyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic amide (-NHSO 2 CF 3 ), phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, cyano, and (C 1-4 ) alkoxycarbonyl. These groups may be protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxymethyl, benzyl, (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl, or benzoyl. Such groups may include those which are capable of forming anions or convertible thereinto either chemically or under biological and/or physiological conditions (for example, in vivo reaction such as oxidation-reduction or hydrolysis catalyzed by in vivo enzymes). The compounds wherein R 2 is a group capable of forming an anion or convertible thereinto chemically (e.g. by oxidation, reduction or hydrolysis) (for example, a group having the formula: wherein R is methyl, triphenylmethyl, 2-tetrahydropyranyl, tert-butyl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyl or p-nitrobenzyl, and cyano are useful as synthetic intermediates. Among the above-mentioned groups for R 2 , preferred examples are tetrazolyl groups optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkoxymethyl, benzyl, (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl or benzoyl, carboxyl groups optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkoxymethyl or benzyl and trifluoromethanesulfonic amide. Examples of carboxyl, esters thereof or amides thereof for R' and R' b include, for example, groups having the formula: -CO-D' wherein D' is hydroxyl, amino, N- (C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di (C 1-4 ) alkyl amino, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy, (C 1-6 ) alkylthio, dioxolenyl or 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl on the alkyl moiety or groups having the formula: -OCH(R 7 )OCOR 8 wherein R 7 is hydrogen, straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, etc.), cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, or cycloheptyl, and R 8 is straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, etc.), straight or branched alkenyl having 2 to about 8 carbon atoms (e.g. vinyl, propenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, isobutenyl, octenyl, etc.), cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, (C 1-3 ) alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, etc.) which is substituted with phenyl, p-chlorophenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms (e.g. benzyl, p-chlorobenzyl, phenethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, etc.), (C 2-3 ) alkenyl (e.g. vinyl, propenyl, allyl, isopropenyl, etc.) which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms (e.g. cinnamyl, etc.), phenyl, p-tolyl, naphthyl, straight or branched alkoxy having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy, n-pentyloxy, isopentyloxy, neopentyloxy, etc.), straight or branched alkenyloxy having 2 to about 8 carbon atoms (e.g. allyloxy, isobutenyloxy, etc.), cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy, (C 1-3 ) alkoxy (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, etc.) which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms (e.g. benzyloxy, phenethyloxy, cyclopentylmethyloxy, cyclohexylmethyloxy, etc.), (C 2-3 ) alkenyloxy (e.g. vinyloxy, propenyloxy, allyloxy, isopropenyloxy, etc.) which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms (e.g. cinnamyloxy, etc.), phenoxy, p-nitrophenoxy, or naphthoxy. Examples of groups capable of forming an anion and groups convertible thereinto for R' may include, for example, tetrazolyl groups optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl or benzoyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic amide, phosphoric acid, and sulfonic acid. Examples of substituents for R' include -COOH and salts thereof, -COOMe, -COOEt, -COOtBu, -COOPr, pivaloyloxymethoxycarbonyl, 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)methyloxycarbonyl, acetoxymethyloxycarbonyl, propionyloxymethoxycarbonyl, n-butyryloxymethoxycarbonyl, isobutyryloxymethoxycarbonyl, 1-(ethoxycarbonyloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, 1-(acetyloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, 1-(isobutyryloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, cyclohexylcarbonyloxymethoxycarbonyl, benzoyloxymethoxycarbonyl, cinnamyloxycarbonyl, cyclopentylcarbonyloxymethoxycarbonyl, etc. Such groups may include those which are capable of forming anions (e.g. -COO - , derivatives thereof, etc.) or convertible thereinto either chemically or under biological and/or physiological conditions (for example, in vivo reaction such as oxidation- , reduction or hydrolysis catalyzed by in vivo enzymes). The benzene ring A may optionally contain substitution in addition to the R' group and such substituents include halogen (e.g. F, Cl, Br, etc.); nitro; cyano; - amino, N- (C 1-4 ) alkyl amino such as methylamino and ethylamino N,N-di (C 1-4 ) alkyl amino such as dimethylamino and diethylamino, phenylamino, naphthylamino, benzylamino, naphthylmethylamino, morpholino, piperidino, piperazino, N-phenylpiperazino ; groups having the formula: -W-R 13 wherein W is a chemical bond, -O-, -S-, or and R 13 is hydrogen or (C 1-4 ) alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen or (C 1-4 ) alkoxy ; groups having the formula: -(CH 2 ) p -CO-D wherein D is hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, N- (C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di (C 1-4 ) alkyl amino, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy, (C 1-6 ) alkylthio, dioxolenyl or 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl on the alkyl moiety, or groups having the formula: -OCH(R 9 )OCOR 10 wherein R 9 is hydrogen, straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, etc.), cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and R 10 is straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, etc.), straight or branched alkenyl having 2 to 8 carbon atoms (e.g. vinyl, propenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, isobutenyl, octenyl, etc.), cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, (C 1-3 ) alkyl (e.g. methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, etc.) which is substituted with phenyl, p-chlorophenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms (e.g. benzyl, p-chlorobenzyl, phenethyl, cyclopentylmethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, etc.), (C 2-3 ) alkenyl (e.g. vinyl, propenyl, allyl, isopropenyl, etc.) which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms (e.g. cinnamyl, etc.), phenyl, p-tolyl, naphthyl, straight or branched alkoxy having 1 to 6 carbon atoms (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, n-butoxy, isobutoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy, n-pentyloxy, isopentyloxy, neopentyloxy, etc.), straight or branched alkenyloxy having 2 to about 8 carbon atoms (e.g. allyloxy, isobutenyloxy, etc.), cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy, (C 1-3 ) alkoxy (e.g. methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, isopropoxy, etc.) which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms (e.g. benzyloxy, phenethyloxy, cyclopentylmethyloxy, cyclohexylmethyloxy, etc.), (C 2-3 ) alkenyloxy (e.g. vinyloxy, propenyloxy, allyloxy, isopropenyloxy, etc.) which is substituted with phenyl, or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms (e.g. cinnamyloxy, etc.), phenoxy, p-nitrophenoxy, naphthoxy, and p is 0 or 1; tetrazolyl optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl (C 1-4 ) alkoxymethyl, benzyl (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl, benzoyl; trifluoromethanesulfonic amide; phosphoric acid; sulfonic acid. One or two of these substituents may be substituted at various positions of the benzene ring. X shows that the adjacent phenylene group is bonded to the phenyl group directly or through a spacer with an atomic chain of 2 or less. As the spacer, any one can be exemplified, so long as it is a divalent chain in which the number of atoms constituting the straight chain is 1 or 2, and it may have a side chain. Examples of such spacers include (C 1-4 ) alkylene, etc. The most preferred X is a chemical bond between the phenylene group and the phenyl group. Y represents that R 1 is bonded to the 2-position of benzimidazole through a hetero atom. Y is -O-, -S(O) m - wherein m is 0, 1, or 2, or -N(R 4 ) - wherein R 4 is hydrogen or an (C 1-4 ) alkyl group, preferably -O-, -S-, and -NH-, more preferably -O- and -S-, especially -O-. When R 1 = H, the compounds having the formula (I) [Compound (I)] can exist in two tautomeric forms. When the compounds of the present invention have several asymetric carbon atoms, they can thus exist in several stereochemical forms. The invention includes the mixture of isomers and the individual stereoisomers. It is intended that the present invention includes geometrical isomers, rotational isomers, enantiomers, racemates, and diastereomers. The compounds of the present invention can exist in any prodrug form of those wherein R' is carboxyl or the anion therefrom. Among the compounds represented by the above formula (I), a preferred embodiment of the invention is a compound of the formula: wherein R 1c is (C 1-5 ) alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, halogen, or a (C 1-4 ) alkoxy group ( inter alia (C 2-3 ) alkyl); R 10 is -CO-D' c wherein D 'c is hydroxyl, amino, N-(C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di (C 1-4 ) alkyl amino, or (C 1-4 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, halogen, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, (C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy (e.g. acetyloxy, pivaloyloxy, etc.) or 1-(C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy (e.g. methoxycarbonyloxy, ethoxycarbonyloxy, cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy, etc.) on the alkyl moiety, or tetrazolyl optionally protected with a (C 1-4 ) alkyl, lower (C 2-6 ) alkanoyl, or benzoyl; R 2c is tetrazolyl optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl(e.g. methyl), triphenylmethyl (trityl), methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, (C 2-6 ) alkanoyl, or benzoyl or carboxyl optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl (e.g. methyl), triphenylmethyl (trityl), methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyl, or p-nitrobenzyl, R" is hydrogen, halogen, (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, nitro or -CO-D" c wherein D" c is hydroxyl or (C 1-2 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, (C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy (e.g. acetyloxy, pivaloyloxy, etc.) or 1- (C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy (e.g. methoxycarbonyloxy, ethoxycarbonyloxy, cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy, etc.) on the alkyl moiety, or amino optionally substituted with (C 1-4 ) alkyl (inter alia hydrogen, (C 1-4 ) alkyl, or halogen, more preferably hydrogen); and Y is -O-, -S-, or -N(R 4c )- wherein R 4c is hydrogen or an (C 1-4 ) alkyl group; with the exclusion of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds (I) of the present invention may be prepared by several reaction schemes, as illustrated below for a preferred compound. wherein R 1 , R 2 , R', A, X, Y and n have the above-defined meanings and Z is halogen. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein R 1 , R', A, X, Y and n have the above-defined meanings, and R 5 is (C 1-6 ) alkyl. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein each group has the above-defined meaning. wherein A, R, R 1 , X, Y and n have the above-defined meanings, and R 6 is (C 1-6 ) alkyl optionally substituted with (C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy, 1-(C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy or the like as defined for R'. The reaction as illustrated in Scheme A is an alkylation using an alkylating agent in the presence of a base. One molar portion of the compound (II) is employed with approximately 1 to 3 moles of the base and 1 - 3 moles of the alkylating agent. The reaction is conventionally conducted in solvents such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile, tetrahydrofuran, acetone, ethylmethylketone, and the like. Examples of such bases include sodium hydride, potassium t-butoxide, potassium carbonate, and sodium carbonate. Examples of such alkylating agents include chlorides, bromides, iodides, p-toluenesulfonate esters, etc. The reaction conditions may vary depending on the combination of the base and the alkylating agent. Advantageously, the reaction is carried out at ice-cooling to room temperature for 1 - 10 hours. In the said alkylation, a mixture of two isomers, (I) and (I'") is usually obtained depending on the position of the N atom to be alkylated. While the production ratio of Compound (I) and Compound (I'") varies with the reaction conditions employed and the substituents on the benzimidazole ring, these two compounds can be obtained easily as pure products respectively by conventional isolation and/or purification methods (e.g. recrystallization, or column chromatography). The nitrile compound (Ia) is reacted with various azides to form the tetrazole compound (Ib) as illustrated in Scheme B. One molar portion of the compound (Ia) is employed with 1 - 5 moles of the azide. The reaction is conventionally conducted in solvents such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, toluene, and benzene. Examples of such azides include trialkyltin azide (e.g. trimethyltin azide, tributyltin azide, triphenyltin azide, etc.), hydrogen azide and ammonium salts thereof. In the case where the organotin azide compound is employed, 1 - 4 moles of the azide are employed per compound (Ia) and the reaction is carried out in toluene or benzene by heating under reflux for a period of 1 - 4 days. When the hydrogen azide or its ammonium salt is used, 1 - 5 moles of sodium azide and ammonium chloride or tertiary amine (e.g. triethylamine, tributylamine, etc.) are employed per compound (Ia) and the reaction is conducted in dimethylformamide at 100°C - 120°C for 1 - 4 days. During this reaction, it is preferable to facilitate the reaction by adding an appropriate amount of sodium azide and ammonium chloride. In this case, improvement may sometimes be observed in reaction time and yield by the addition of the azide compound in suitable fractions. The ester (Ic) is hydrolyzed in the presence of alkali to give the carboxylic acid (Id) as illustrated in Scheme C. This reaction is conducted usually in a solvent such as aqueous alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol, methyl cellosolve, etc.) by using alkali in an amount of 1 to 3 mol. relative to 1 mol. of Compound (Ic). Examples of such alkalis include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc. The reaction is conducted at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 100°C for 1 to 10 hours, preferably around the boiling point of the solvent for 2 to 5 hours. The 2-alkoxy derivative (Ie) is obtained by reacting phenylenediamine (IV) with alkyl orthocarbonate as illustrated in Scheme D. The reaction is conducted in the presence of an acid by using alkyl orthocarbonate of 1 to 3 mol. relative to Compound (IV). Examples of such alkyl orthocarbonates include orthocarbonates of, for example, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, etc. And, by using ,for example, acetic acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid, the reaction is accelerated to afford a ring-closed compound in a good yield. As the reaction solvent, halogenated hydrocarbons and ethers can be employed but, usually, it is more convenient to conduct the reaction without a solvent. The reaction is usually conducted at 70 to 100°C for 1 to 5 hours. In this reaction, a dialkoxyimino compound is produced as the reaction intermediate, which is then ring-closed into the 2-alkoxy compound (Ie) in the presence of the acid in the reaction system. It is also possible to isolate the reaction intermediate, which is then subjected to ring-closure reaction in the presence of an acid to form the 2-alkoxy compound (Ie). The phenylenediamino compound (IV) is reacted with various reagents to give the 2-keto ccmpound (or the 2-hydroxy compound, If) as illustrated in Scheme E. This reaction is conducted by using a carbonylating reagent (e.g. urea, diethyl carbonate, bis(1-imidazolyl)ketone, etc.) in an amount of 1 to 5 mol. relative to 1 mol. of Compound (IV) and, usually, by using, among others, halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. methylene chloride, chloroform, etc.), alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, etc.) or amides (e.g. dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, etc.). The 2-hydroxy compound (If) is selectively O-alkylated with a Meerwein reagent to give the 2-alkoxy compound (Ig) as illustrated in Scheme F. This reaction is conducted by using the Meerwein reagent in an amount of 1 to 3 mol. relative to Compound (If), usually, employing, as the solvent, halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. methylene chloride, chloroform, etc.) or ethers (e.g. methyl ether, ethyl ether, etc.). Examples of such Meerwein reagents include, among others, trimethyl oxonium fluoroborate (Me 3 O + BF 4 - ), triethyl oxonium fluoroborate (Et 3 O + BF 4 - ), etc. These are preferably used by in situ preparation according to the method described in literature references [H. Meerwein, Org. Syn. 46 . 113 and 120(1966)]. The reaction is preferably conducted at temperatures ranging from room temperatures to the boiling point of the solvent used for 2 to 20 hours. The phenylene diamino compound (IV) is reacted with various reagents in an organic solvent to give the 2-mercapto compound (Ih) as illustrated in Scheme G. Relative to 1 mol. of the phenylene diamino compound (IV), 1 to 3 mol. of a thiocarbonylating agent (e.g. carbon disulfide, thiourea, potassium xanthate, etc.) or isothiocyanate (e.g. methyl isothiocyanate, ethyl isothiocyanate, etc.) is used. As the reaction solvent, alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, etc.), or amides (e.g. dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, etc.) can be used. The reaction is preferably conducted at temperatures ranging from room temperatures to the boiling point of the solvent used for 5 to 20 hours. The 2-mercapto compound (Ih) is alkylated in the presence of a base in an organic solvent to give the alkylthio compound (Ii) as illustrated in Scheme H. The reaction is conducted by using, relative to 1 mol. of Compound (Ih), 1 to 3 mol. of the base and 1 to 3 mol. of the alkylating agent usually in a solvent such as dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, acetonitrile, acetone, ethyl methyl ketone, ethanol, methanol and water. As the base, there is used sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydride, potassium t-butoxide, or potassium hydroxide. As the alkylating agent, there is used, for example, a halide (e.g. methyl iodide, ethyl iodide, propyl iodide, butyl iodide, and bromide or chloride thereof). The reaction is conducted usually at temperatures ranging from ice-cooling to the boiling point of the solvent used, while the reaction conditions vary with the base, the alkylating agent and the solvent employed. The phenylenediamine (IV) is reacted with isothiocyanate to form the thiourea compound (V), which is then subjected to desulfurization-cyclization to give the 2-substituted amino compound (Ij) as illustrated in Scheme I. The reaction is conducted by using about 1 to 3 mol. of isothiocyanate relative to 1 mol. of Compound (IV) usually in halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. chloroform, methylene chloride, etc.), ethers (e.g. tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc.), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g. benzene, toluene, etc.), alcohols (e.g. methanol, ethanol, etc.), acetonitrile, or dimethylformamide. The reaction can also be conducted without these solvents. Examples of such isothiocyanates include isothiocyanates of methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, etc. The reaction is conducted preferably at temperatures ranging from room temperatures to 50°C for 10 to 60 hours. The desulfurization-cyclization can be conducted in a manner as described below. The reaction is conducted, in halogenated hdyrocarbons (e.g. HgCl 2 ), by using 1 to 3 mol. of a metal halide (e.g. HgCl 2 ) relative to 1 mol. of the thiourea (V) obtained by the above-mentioned method. The reaction is conducted preferably at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the boiling point of a solvent employed for 3 to 10 hours. The reaction can also be conducted by using 1 to 3 mol. of methyl iodide relative to 1 mol. of thiourea (V) in alcohols (e.g. methanol or ethanol), preferably at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent for 3 to 15 hours. The 2-halogeno compound (V') readily prepared from the compound (If) is reacted with various nucleophilic reagents to form the compound (I) as illustrated in Scheme I'. The reaction can be carried out according to the procedures as described in known references (e.g. D. Harrison and J. J. Ralph, J. Chem. Soc., 1965, 236). The compound (If) is reacted with a halogenating reagent (e.g. phosphorus oxychloride, phosphorus trichloride, etc.) to form the 2-halogeno compound (V') which is reacted with various nucleophilic reagents (e.g. alcohols, mercaptans, amines, etc.) in a suitable organic solvent to give the compound (I). The reaction conditions may vary depending on the nucleophilic reagent employed. Upon the reaction with alcohols, alcoholates (e.g. sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, sodium propoxide, etc.) derived from alcohols and sodium metal are preferably used. As the reaction solvent, alcohols then used for nucleophilic reagents can be employed. Relative to 1 mol. of the compound (V'), there is used 2 to 5 mol. of an alcoholate. Advantageously, the reaction is usually conducted at the boiling point of the solvent used for 1 to 3 hours. Upon the reaction with amines, 3 to 10 mol. of an amine is used relative to 1 mol. of the compound (V'). As the reaction solvent, alcohols (e.g. ethanol, etc.) are employed but, an excess amount of amines can be used. Advantageously, the reaction is usually conducted at temperatures ranging from the boiling point of the solvent to 150°C for 1 to 10 hours. Upon the reaction with mercaptans, 2 to 5 mol. of a mercaptan is used relative to 1 mol. of the compound (V'). The reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of 1 to 3 mol. of an base (e.g. sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, etc.) relative to Compound (IV). Examples of solvents include acetonitrile, alcohols, halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. chloroform, dichloroethane, etc.), ethers (e.g. tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc.) or amides (e.g. dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, etc.). The reaction can be conducted preferably at temperatures ranging from 50°C to the boiling point of the solvent for 1 to 5 hours. The compound (Ih) is reacted with an oxidizing reagent (e.g. m-chloroperbenzoic acid, etc.) to form the sulfoxide or sulfone compound (Ih') which is reacted with various nucleophilic reagents (e.g. alcohols, amines, mercaptans, etc.) to give the compound (I) as illustrated in Scheme I". The oxidation of the compound (Ih) to the sulfoxide or sulfone compound (Ih') is preferably conducted in solvents including halogenated hydrocarbons (e.g. dichloromethane, chloroform, dichloroethane, etc.), or ethers (e.g. tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, etc.). Examples of such oxidizing reagents include organic peracids such as m-chloroperbenzoic acid, N-halosuccinimides such as N-bromosuccinimide, etc. Generally, the oxidizing reagent is employed in an equal or slightly excess amount when compared to the compound (Ih). The sulfoxide can be produced by one mole of the oxidizing reagent and the sulfone compound (Ih') by two moles. The reaction is preferably conducted at temperatures ranging from about ice-cooled temperature to room temperature for 3 to 10 hours. The reaction of the compound (Ih') into the compound (I) is conducted in essentially the same manner as mentioned in Scheme I'. The carboxylic acid (Ik) is formed by the alkaline hydrolysis of the carboxylic acid ester compound (Ij) as illustrated in Scheme J. The reaction is conducted by using 1 to 3 mol. of alkali relative to 1 mol. of Compound (Ij) usually in a solvent such as an aqueous alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol, methyl cellosolve, etc.). Examples of such alkalis include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or the like. The reaction is conducted at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 100°C for 1 to 10 hours, preferably at the boiling point of a solvent used for 3 to 5 hours. The protected tetrazole derivative (Il) is deprotected to give Compound (Im) as depicted in Scheme K. Conditions of the deprotection depend on the protective group (R) then used. When R is triphenylmethyl, 2-tetrahydropyranyl, methoxymethyl, or ethoxy methyl, it is convenient to conduct the reaction in an aqueous alcohol (e.g. methanol, ethanol, etc.) containing 0.5N to 2N hydrochloric acid or acetic acid at room temperatures for 1 to 10 hours. The compound (Iq) is prepared by protecting the tetrazole group in the presence of a base, and then the carboxyl group to give the ester compound (Ip), followed by removing the protective group under acid conditions as illustrated in Scheme L. In the reaction to obtain Compound (Io) from Compound (In), an alkylating agent is used in an amount of 1 to 1.5 mol. relative to 1 mol. of Compound (In). Examples of the solvents to be used for the reaction include halogenated hydrocarbons such as chloroform, methylene chloride and ethylene chloride, ethers such as dioxane and tetrahydrofuran, acetonitrile, pyridine, etc. Examples of such bases include potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, triethylamine, pyridine, etc. Examples of such alkylating agents include halides such as triphenylmethyl chloride and methoxy methyl chloride, etc. While reaction conditions vary with combinations of the base and the alkylating agent employed, it is preferable to conduct the reaction by using triphenylmethyl chloride at temperatures ranging from ice-cooling to room temperature for 1 to 3 hours in methylene chloride in the presence of triethylamine. In the reaction for producing Compound (Ip) from Compound (Io) thus obtained, the alkylating agent is used in an amount of 1 to 3 mol. relative to 1 mol. of Compound (Iq). Examples of the reaction solvent include amides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, acetonitrile, dimethylsulfoxide, acetone, ethyl methyl ketone, etc. Examples of the base include potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium hydride, potassium t-butoxide, etc. Examples of such alkylating agents include halides such as cyclohexyl 1-iodoethyl carbonate, ethyl 1-iodoethyl carbonate, pivaloyloxymethyl iodide, etc. While reaction conditions vary with combinations of the base and the alkylating agent employed, it is preferable to subject Compound (Io) to reaction in DMF, by adding the alkylating agent in the presence of potassium carbonate, at room temperatures for 30 minutes to one hour. The reaction for deprotecting Compound (Ip) thus obtained is conducted preferably in a manner similar to the reaction (K). When trityl group is used as the protecting group of tetrazole group, it is preferable to conduct the reaction in methanol or ethanol, while adding 1N-HCl, at room temperatures for 30 minutes to one hour. The reaction products obtained as above by the reaction processes (A) to (L), can be easily isolated and/or purified by or according to conventional methods such as, for example, evaporation of solvents, extraction by water or organic solvents, concentration, neutralization, recrystallization, distillation, and column chromatography. The compounds (I) thus produced via the reaction processes as depicted in Schemes A to L can be isolated and/or purified from the reaction mixture according to conventional methods such as, for example, recrystallization and column chromatography, to obtain a crystalline product. The compounds obtained as above by the reaction processes (A) to (L), may be in the form of solvates or salts (including addition salts) derived from pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable acids or bases. These salts include but are not limited to the following: salts with inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, hydroiodic acid, sulphuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and, as the case may be, such organic acids as acetic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, lactic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, methanesulfonic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid and maleic acid. Other salts include salts with ammonium, alkali metals or alkaline earth metals, such as sodium, potassium, calcium or magnesium or with organic bases (e.g. trialkylamines, dibenzylamine, ethanolamine, triethanolamine, N-methylmorpholine, etc). And, by conventional means, the compounds (I) can be formed as salts with non-toxic, physiologically or pharmaceutically acceptable acids or bases, for example salts with an inorganic acid such as hydrochloride, sulfate or nitrate, and, depending on compounds, salts with an organic acid such as acetate, oxalate, succinate or maleate, salts with an alkali metal such as sodium salt or potassium salt, or salts with an alkaline earth metal such as calcium salt. For the synthesis of these compounds (I), the starting compounds (II) and (IV) can be synthesized by or according to the methods described in, for example, the following literature references or methods analogous thereto, namely, by the reactions (M), (N), (O) and (P) as depicted below. (1) P. N. Preston, The Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds, Vol. 40, ed. by P. N. Preston, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York (1981), pp. 1-286, (2) E. S. Schipper and A. R. Day, Heterocyclic Compounds, Vol. 5, ed. by R. C. Elderfield, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York (1965), pp. 194-297, (3) N. J. Leonard, D. Y. Curtin, & K. M. Beck, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 69 , 2459 (1947), (4) S. Weiss, H. Michaud, H. Prietzel, & H. Kromer, Angew. Chem. 85 , 866 (1973), (5) W. B. Wright, J. Heterocycl. Chem., 2 , 41 (1965), (6) A. M. E. Omar, Synthesis, 1974 , 41, (7) D. J. Brown & R. K. Lynn, J. Chem. Soc. (Perkin I), 1974 , 349, (8) J. A. Van Allan & B. D. Deacon, Org. Syn., 30 , 56 (1950), (9) S. P. Singh, S. S. Parmar & B. R. Pandey, J. Heterocycl. Chem., 14 , 1093 (1977), (10) S. Nakajima, I. Tanaka, T. Seki & T. Anmo, Yakugaku Zasshi, 78 , 1378 (1959), (11) K. Seno, S. Hagishita, T. Sato & K. Kuriyama, J. Chem. Soc., Perkin Trans. 1984 , 2013, (12) D. R. Buckle et al., J. Med. Chem., 30 , 2216 (1987), (13) R. P. Gupta, C. A. Larroquette & K. C. Agrawal, J. Med. Chem., 25, 1342 (1982), etc. [wherein R 2 , R', A, X and n are of the same meaning as defined above; and R 3 stands for (C 1-4 ) alkyl group]. wherein R 2 , R 3 , R', A, Z, X and n are of the same meaning as defined above. Schemes M and M' illustrate the process for preparing important intermediates which are useful in synthesizing the compound (I) of the present invention. These compounds can be produced according to the above-mentioned references. The compound (VI) is converted by the Curtius reaction into the carbamic acid compound (X) followed by alkylation and subsequent reduction of nitro to form the diamino compound (IV). In the rearrangement of Compound (VI) to Compound (X), Compound (X) is produced in a high yield according to conventional procedures of the Curtius rearrangement: the acid chloride (VII) → the acid azide (VIII) the isocyanate (IX) → Compound (X). The compound (VI) is conveniently heated with diphenylphosphoryl azide (DPPA) in the presence of triethylamine in DMF to form the isocyanate (IX) via the acid azide (VIII) followed by reaction of an alcohol to give the compound (X) in a high yield. The compound (X) thus obtained is alkylated in the same manner as in Scheme A to form the compound (XI). In the reaction, it is convenient to heat the reaction mixture under reflux for 4 - 6 hours in the presence of potassium carbonate as a base in acetonitrile. The compound (XI) is heated under reflux in an alcohol containing a mineral acid (e.g. hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid, etc.) or an organic acid (e.g. trifluoroacetic acid, etc.), for 1 - 2 hours to give the compound (XII). Various reducing reagents (e.g. raney nickel, stannic chloride, etc.) can be employed in the reduction of the nitro compound (XII) to the diamino compound (IV). Among them, the combination of ferric chloride and hydrazine · hydrate in an alcohol is the most convenient. Further, the compound (IV) can be prepared by various techniques other than those mentioned above. The compound (X') commercially available or readily obtained by known methods in the art is preferably reacted with the amine (IIIb) in the presence of a base (e.g. potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, amines, etc.) in an organic solvent (e.g. alcohols, ethers, halogenated hydrocarbons, amides, etc.) at temperatures ranging from the boiling point of the solvent to 100°C for 5 to 20 hours. The compound (X") readily obtained by acid treatment of the compound (X) is subjected to condensation under dehydration conditions including azeotropic removal of water (or in the presence of a dehydrating agents) in an organic solvent (e.g. ethers, halogenated hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, etc.) followed by reaction with a reducing reagent (e.g. NaCNBH 3 , etc.) to form the compound (XII). The condensation under dehydration conditions can be accelerated by using conventional acid or base catalysts. The compound (X") is reacted with the acid chloride (IIId), preferably in the presence of a base (e.g. pyridine, triethylamine, dimethylaminopyridine, etc.) in an organic solvent (e.g. halogenated hydrocarbons, pyridine, etc.) at temperatures ranging from room temperature to the boiling point of the solvent for 2 to 20 hours, to the amide (XI'). The resulting amide (XI') is reacted with a reducing reagent (e.g. sodium aluminum hydride, sodium bis(2-methoxyethoxy)aluminum hydride, etc.) to form the diamino (IV). [wherein each group is of the same meaning as defined above]. [wherein each group is of the same meaning as defined above]. [wherein each group is of the same meaning as defined above]. And, among the starting compounds (III), the compound (III) wherein n denotes 1, i.e. the compound (IIIa) is commercially available, or can be readily obtained also by subjecting Compound (XV) to halogenomethylation in acccrdance with the methods described in literature references, for example; 1) J. R. E. Hoover, A. W. Chow, R. J. Stedman, N. M. Hall, H. S. Greenberg, M. M. Dolan and R. J. Feriauto, J. Med. Chem., 7, 245 (1964), 2) R. J. Stedman, J. R. E. Hoover, A. W. Chow, M. M. Dolan, N. M. Hall and R. J. Feriauto, J. Med. Chem., 7, 251 (1964), 3) H. Gilman and R. D. Gorsich, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 78 , 2217 (1956), 4) M. Orchin and E. Oscar Woolfolk, J. Am. Chem. Soc., 67 , 122 (1945), etc. [wherein each group is of the same meaning as defined above]. The compound (IIIa') can also be readily prepared according to the methods described in L. N. Pridgen, L. Snyoler and J. Prol, Jr., J. Org. Chem., 54 , 1523 (1989) as illustrated in Scheme R, followed by halogenation (R 12 =Me) or halogenomethylation (R 12 =H). [wherein R 12 is hydrogen or methyl]. Further, among the starting compounds (III), the compound (III) wherein n denotes 2, i.e. the compound (IIIb) can be obtained from the compound (IIIa) in accordance with the reaction (S). [wherein each group is of the same meaning as defined above]. The compounds and the salts thereof thus produced are less toxic, strongly inhibit the vasoconstrictive and hypertensive actions of angiotensin II, exert a hypotensive effect in animals, in particular mammals (e.g. human, dog, rabbit, rat, etc.), and therefore they are useful as therapeutics for not only hypertension but also circulatory diseases such as heart failure (hypertrophy of the heart, cardiac insufficiency, or cardiac infarction), strokes, cerebral apoplexy, nephropathy and nephritis. The compounds (I) and salts thereof according to the present invention strongly inhibit vasoconstriction and hypertension derived by sngiotensin II and therefore possess potent anti-hypertensive activity in animals, more specifically mammal animals (e.g. humans, dogs, pigs, rabbits, rats, etc.). Further, the compounds (I) and salts thereof according to the present invention are of quite low toxicity and clinically useful in treating not only hypertension but also circulatory system diseases such as heart and brain diseases, strokes, renal failures, and nephritis. For therapeutic use, the compounds (I) and salts thereof can be orally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, rectally, or topically administered as pharmaceutical compositions or formulations (e.g. powders, granules, tablets, pills, capsules, injections, syrups, emulsions, elixirs, suspensions, and solutions) comprising at least one such compound alone or in admixture with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants, vehicles, excipients and/or diluents. The pharmaceutical compositions can be formulated in accordance with conventional methods. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal injections, or infusion techniques. Injectable preparations, for example, sterile injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions may be formulated according to the known art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in water. Among the acceptable vehicles or solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution, and isotonic sodium chloride soluticn. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil or fatty acid may be employed including natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic fatty oils or acids, and natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic mono-, di-, or triglycerides. Suppositories for rectal administration of the drug can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient such as cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols which are solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum and release the drug. Solid dosage forms for oral administration may include powders, granules, tablets, pills, and capsules as mentioned above. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound may be admixed with at least one additive such as sucrose, lactose, celluloses, mannitol, maltitol, dextran, starches, agars, alginates, chitins, chitosans, pectins, tragacanth gums, arabic gums, gelatins, collagens, casein, albumin, and synthetic or semisynthetic polymers or glycerides. Such dosage forms may also comprise, as is normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, e.g., lubricating agents as magnesium stearate, preservatives such as parabens and sorbic acid, antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and cysteine, disintegrants, binders, thickening, buffering, sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents. Tablets and pills can additionally be prepared with enteric coatings. Liquid dosage forms for oral administration may include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, syrups, elixirs, suspensions, solutions containing inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as water. Specific dose levels for any particular patient will be employed depending upon a variety of factors including the activity of specific compounds employed, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, time of administration, route of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and the severity of the particular disease undergoing therapy. The dose varies with the diseases to be treated, symptoms, subjects and administration routes, and it is desirable that a daily dose of 1 to 50 mg for oral administration or 1 to 30 mg for intravenous injection can be administered in single or divided into 2 to 3 administrations when used as an agent for the therapy in adults. For example, when used for treating adult essential hypertension, the active ingredient will preferably be administered in an appropriate amount, for example, 10 mg to 100 mg a day orally and 5 mg to 50 mg a day intravenously. The active ingredient will preferably be administered in equal doses two or three times a day. The foregoing is merely illustrative of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the disclosed compounds. Examples By the following formulation examples, working examples, experimental examples and reference examples, the present invention will be explained more concretely, but they should not be interpreted as limiting the invention in any manner. Examples of abbreviations in this specification are as follows: Me: methyl, Et: ethyl, Tet: tetrazolyl, cycl: cyclo-, Pr: propyl, Bu: butyl, Pen: pentyl, Bu: butyl, Hex: hexyl, Hep: heptyl, Ph: phenyl, DMF: dimethylformamide, and THF: tetrahydrofuran. Formulation Examples When the compound (I) of the present invention is used as a therapeutic agent for circulatory failures such as hypertension, heart diseases, strokes, kidney diseases, etc., it can be used in accordance with, for example, the following formulation. 1. Injections (1) 2-methylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl] methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid disodium salt 10 mg (2) inositol 100 mg (3) benzyl alcohol 20 mg one ampoule 130 mg (1), (2) and (3) are dissolved in distilled water for injection to make the whole volume 2 ml, which is filled into an ampoule. The whole process is conducted under sterile conditions. Reference Example 1 2-Propoxybenzimidazole To a solution of o-phenylenediamine (2 g) in propyl crthocarbonate (5 ml) was added acetic acid (1.1 ml) and the solution was stirred at 80°C for 3 hours. To the reaction mixture was added ethyl acetate, and the solution was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and water, then dried (Na 2 SO 4 ), followed by concentration to dryness. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - benzene afforded colorless crystals (1.54 g, 47%), m.p. 163-164°C. Reference Example 2 Ethyl 2-carboxy-3-nitrobenzoate A mixture of 3-nitrophthalic acid (35 g) in ethanol (300 ml) containing conc. sulfuric acid (20 ml) was heated under reflux for 24 hours. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was poured into cold water (700 ml). The mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and shaken with an aqueous solution of potassium carbonate. The aqueous layer was made acidic with hydrochloric acid and the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. The organic layer was washed with water, then dried, followed by evaporation of the solvent. The resultant solid (29 g, 74%) was used for the subsequent reaction without purification. 1 H-NMR(90MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.43(3H,t), 4.47(2H,q), 7.70(1H,t), 8.40(2H,d), 9.87(1H,br s) IR(Nujol) cm -1 : 1725, 1535, 1350, 1300, 1270 Reference Example 3 Ethyl 2-t-butoxycarbonylamino-3-nitrobenzoate A mixture of ethyl 2-carboxy-3-nitrobenzoate (23.9 g) and thionyl chloride (12 ml) in benzene (150 ml) were heated under reflux for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness. The resultant acid chloride (26 g, quantitative) was dissolved in methylene chloride (20 ml). The solution was added dropwise to a mixture of sodium azide (9.75 g) in dimethylformamide(DMF) (20 ml) with stirring vigorously. The reaction mixture was poured into a mixture of ether-hexane (3 : 1, 200 ml) and water (250 ml) to separate into two layers. The organic layer was washed with water, then dried, followed by evaporation of the solvent. The residue was dissolved in t-butanol (200 ml) and the solution was heated gradually with stirring, followed by heating under reflux for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to give an oily product (30 g). 1 H-NMR(90MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.40(3H,t), 1.53(9H,s), 4.43(2H,q), 7.23(1H,t), 8.03-8.27(2H,m), 9.70(1H,br s) IR(Neat) cm -1 : 3320, 2980, 1740, 1585, 1535, 1500, 1440, 1375, 1265, 1155 Reference Example 4 Ethyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-nitrobenzoate To a solution of ethyl 2-t-butoxycarbonylamino-3-nitrobenzoate (20 g) in tetrahydrofuran (50 ml) was added, while stirring under ice-cooling, sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 2.8 g). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes and to the mixture were then added 4-(2-cyanophenyl)benzyl bromide (18 g) and potassium iodide (360 mg), followed by heating for 10 hours under reflux. The solvent was evaporated to dryness and the residue was partitioned between water (250 ml) and ether (200 ml). The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to give a yellow syrup. The syrup was dissolved in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid (60 ml) and methylene chloride (40 ml) and the solution was stirred for one hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and to the residue was added ethyl ether (200 ml) to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration, washed with ether to give pale yellow crystals (22.1 g, 85%), m.p. 118-119°C. 1 H-NMR(90MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.37(3H,t), 4.23(2H,s), 4.37(2H,q), 6.37(1H,t), 7.33-7.83(9H,m), 7.97-8.20(2H,m) IR(Nujol)cm-1: 3280, 2220, 1690, 1575, 1530, 1480, 1450, 1255, 1105, 755 Reference Example 5 Ethyl 3-amino-2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]benzoate To a solution of ethyl 2 -[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-amino]nitrobenzoate (10.4 g) in ethanol (50 ml) was added stannous dichloride dihydrate (28.1 g) and the mixture was stirred at 80°C for two hours. The solvent was evaporated to dryness. To the ice-cooling mixture of the residue in ethyl acetate (300 ml) was added dropwise 2N NaOH (500 ml) with stirring. The aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (200 ml x 2). The organic layers were combined, washed with water, and dried. The solvent was evaporated to dryness and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - hexane gave colorless crystals (7.3 g, 79%), m.p. 104-105°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.33(3H,t), 4.23(2H,s), 4.27(2H,q), 6.83-6.93(2H,m), 7.35-7.55(7H,m), 7.64(1H,dt), 7.76(dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 3445, 3350, 2220, 1680, 1470, 1280, 1240, 1185, 1160, 1070, 1050, 1020, 805, 750 Reference Example 6 Ethyl 1-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-2-methoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate Acetic acid (0.2 g) was added to a solution of ethyl 3-amino-2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl) methyl)amino)benzoate (1.1 g) in methyl orthocarbonate (5 ml). The mixture was stirred at 80°C for one hour. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the concentrate was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was then washed with an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and water. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - benzene afforded colorless crystals (1.09 g, 90%), m.p. 160-161°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.23(3H,t), 4.23(2H,q), 4.26(3H,s), 5.72(2H,s), 7.09(2H,d), 7.20(1H,t), 7.38-7.48(4H,m), 7.58-7.66(2H,m), 7.73-7.79(2H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 3000, 2220, 1725, 1560, 1465, 1440, 1415, 1285, 1250, 1220, 1040, 760, 750, 740 Working Example 1 Ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate Acetic acid (0.2 g) was added to a solution of ethyl 3-amino-2-N-[2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]aminobenzoate (1.0 g) in ethyl orthocarbonate (5 ml). The mixture was stirred at 80°C for one hour. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the concentrate was dissolved in ethyl acetate. The solution was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and water. The solvent was evaporated to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - benzene afforded colorless crystals (0.79 g, 69%), m.p. 131-132°C. Elemental Analysis for C 26 H 23 N 3 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd.: 73.39; 5.45; 9.88 Found : 73.36; 5.42 9.83 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.24(3H,t), 1.49(3H,t), 4.24(2H,q), 4.68(2H,q), 5.72(2H,s), 7.10(2H,d), 7.19(1H,t), 7.38-7.46(4H,m), 7.56-7.66(2H,m), 7.73-7.77(2H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2220, 1720, 1550, 1480, 1430, 1280, 1245, 1215, 1040, 760, 740 Working Example 2 Ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-propoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate Acetic acid (0.2 g) was added to a solution of ethyl 3-amino-2-N-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]benzoate (0.9 g) in propyl orthocarbonate (5 ml). The mixture was stirred at 80°C for one hour. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the concentrate was dissolved in ethyl acetate. The solution was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate. The solvent was evaporated to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - benzene afforded colorless crystals (0.72 g, 68%), m.p. 90-92°C. Elemental Analysis for C 27 H 25 N 3 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 73.79; 5.73; 9.56 Found 73.84; 5.79; 9.54 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.01(3H,t), 1.25(3H,t), 1.80-1.97(2H,m), 4.24(2H,q), 4.57(2H,q), 5.72(2H,s), 7.11(2H,d), 7.19(1H,t), 7.38-7.46(4H,m), 7.56-7.66(2H,m), 7.73-7.77(2H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2220, 1725, 1550, 1480, 1460, 1430, 1370, 1280, 1245, 1210, 1115, 1040, 760, 750, 740 Working Example 3 Ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-mercaptobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate A mixture of ethyl 3-amino-2-N-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)-methyl]amino]benzoate (5.6 g) and sodium O-ethyl dithiocarbonate (7.3 g) in ethanol (50 ml) was heated for 8 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was dissolved in water. The solution was adjusted to pH 3-4 with hydrochloric acid. Precipitating crystals were collected by filtration, followed by recrystallization from ethanol to afford yellow crystals (5.0 g, 80%), m.p. 225-227°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 1.08(3H,t), 4.12(2H,q), 5.90(2H,brs), 7.08(2H,d), 7.27(1H,t), 7.38-7.59(6H,m), 7.76(1H,dt), 7.92(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2210, 1720, 1460, 1440, 1420, 1375, 1335, 1265, 1180, 1135, 1115, 1100, 985, 760, 740 Reference Example 7 Methyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-nitrobenzoate A mixture of ethyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-nitrobenzoate (5 g) and sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 1.62 g) in methanol (50 ml) was stirred at room temperature for one day. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the residue was poured into a saturated aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate (100 ml), followed by extraction with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - hexane afforded pale yellow crystals (3.98 g, 83%), m.p. 106-108°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.81(3H,s), 3.97(2H,br s), 4.23(2H,s), 6.40(1H,br s), 6.88-6.91(2H,m), 7.34-7.55(7H,m), 7.65(1H,dt,J=1.2, 7.7Hz), 7.77(1H,dd,J=1.4,8.0Hz) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 3410, 3350, 2225, 1695, 1485, 1470, 1290, 1200, 780, 760 Working Example 4 Methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate Acetic acid (0.37 g) was added to a solution of methyl 3-amino-2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]benzoate (2.03 g) in ethyl orthocarbonate (5 ml), and the mixture was stirred at 80°C for one hour. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate. The solution was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and water. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - hexane afforded colorless crystals (2.01 g, 86%), m.p. 168.5-169.5°C. Elemental Analysis : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 72.98; 5.14; 10.21 Found 72.71; 5.12; 9.97 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.42(3H,t,J=7.1Hz), 3.71(3H,s), 4.63(2H,q,J=7.1Hz), 5.59(2H,s), 7.09(2H,d,J=8.4Hz), 7.20(1H,t,J=7.9Hz), 7.45-7.59(5H,m), 7.69-7.80(2H,m), 7.92(1H,dd,J=1.4,7.8Hz) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2225, 1725, 1550, 1480, 1430, 1350, 1280, 1250, 1040, 760, 750 Reference Example 8 Ethyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-(3-ethylthioureido)benzoate A mixture of ethyl 3-amino-2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)-methyl]amino]benzoate (1.61 g), ethyl isothiocyanate (1.5 ml) and ethanol (1 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 3 days. The reaction mixture was dissolved in ethyl acetate and the solution was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - hexane afforded pale yellow crystals (1.92 g, 91%), m.p. 108-110°C. 1 H-NMR (200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.15(3H,t), 1.40(3H,t), 3.50-3.70(2H,brs), 4.37(2H,q), 4.56(2H,d), 6.07(1H,t), 6.78(1H,t), 7.19-7.24(1H,m), 7.38-7.53(6H,m), 7.63(1H,dt), 7.72-7.76(1H,m), 7.99(1H,dd), 8.29(1H,br s) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 3375, 3320, 3150, 2975, 2220, 1740, 1680, 1540, 1510, 1450, 1300, 1225, 1180, 1150, 760, 750 Reference Example 9 Ethyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-(3-propylthioureido)benzoate In substantially the same manner as Reference Example 5, desired pale yellow syrup (2.0 g, 98%) was obtained from ethyl 3-amino-2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]benzoate (1.6 g), propyl isothiocyanate (1.5 ml) and ethanol (1 ml). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 0.88(3H,t), 1.40(3H,t), 1.48-1.67(2H,m), 3.42-3.68(2H,br s), 4.37(2H,q), 4.56(2H,d), 6.13(1H,t), 6.78(1H,t), 7.21-7.25(1H,m), 7.36-7.53(6H,m), 7.64(1H,dt), 7.73-7.77(1H,m), 7.99(1H,dd), 8.20-8.40(1H,br s) IR(Neat)cm -1 : 3325, 3175, 2960, 2930, 2875, 2220, 1710, 1690, 1590, 1475, 1360, 1175, 1140, 1090, 1020, 760 Working Example 5 Ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethylaminobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate Methyl iodide (4.5 g) was added to a solution of ethyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-(ethylthioureido)benzoate (1.8 g) in ethanol (50 ml), and the mixture was heated under reflux for 12 hours. To the reaction mixture was added 1N-HCl (60 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the concentrate was dissolved in ethyl acetate. The solution was washed with an aqueous solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate and water and dried. The solvent was evaporated to dryness and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to afford yellow syrup (0.96 g, 58%). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 )δ: 1.23(6H,t), 3.48-3.62(2H,m), 4.09(1H,t), 4.23(2H,q), 5.57(2H,s), 7.15(1H,t), 7.25(2H,d), 7.40-7.77(8H,m) IR(Neat)cm -1 : 3400, 3225, 2975, 2930, 2210, 1710, 1610, 1570, 1480, 1425, 1365, 1320, 1270, 1250, 1210, 1130, 1100, 1060, 770, 750 Working Example 6 Ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-propylaminobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate In substantially the same manner as Working Example 8, desired yellow syrup (1.2 g, 65%) was obtained from a solution of ethyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-(3-propylthioureido)-benzoate (2.0 g) and methyl iodide (4.8 g) in ethanol (50 ml). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.87(3H,t), 1.25(6H,t), 1.52-1.70(2H,m), 3.42-3.52(2H,m), 4.12(1H,t), 4.25(2H,q), 5.58(2H,s), 7.16(1H,t), 7.29(2H,d), 7.41-7.78(8H,m) IR(Neat)cm -1 : 3400, 3250, 2975, 2950, 2890, 2225, 1715, 1620, 1590, 1570, 1480, 1430, 1370, 1285, 1220, 1135, 1070, 760 Working Example 7 Methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl)-2-methoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate A solution of 5.2M sodium methoxide in methanol (0.5 ml) was added to a solution of ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-methoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.3 g) in methanol (50 ml). The mixture was heated for 4 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration. Recrystallization from methanol afforded colorless prisms (1.1 g, 85%), m.p. 149-150°C. Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 19 N 3 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 72.53; 4.82; 10.57 Found 72.38; 4.93; 10.44 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.75(3H,s), 4.26(3H,s), 5.69(2H,s), 7.09(2H,d), 7.23(1H,t), 7.37-7.46(3H,m), 7.55-7.65(2H,m), 7.72-7.78(2H,m) Reference Example 10 Methyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)]methyl]amino-3-(3-methylthioureido)benzoate The above compound was synthesized (86 % yield) in substantially the same manner as Reference Example 8. m.p. 152-155°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.05-3.07(3H,br s), 3.92(3H,s), 4.58(2H,d), 6.04-6.08(1H,br s), 6.77(1H,t), 7.22-7.26(1H,m), 7.39-7.52(6H,m), 7.63(1H,dt), 7.75(1H,dd), 7.97(1H,dd), 8.28(1H,br s) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 3375, 3325, 3175, 2220, 1680, 1590, 1540, 1500, 1480, 1450, 1435, 1265, 1230, 1190, 1145, 1050, 830, 760, 740 Working Example 8 Methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-methylaminobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate The above compound was synthesized as a syrup (42% yield) in substantially the same manner as Working Example 5. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.11(3H,d), 3.73(3H,s), 4.22(1H,q), 5.54(2H,s), 7.17(1H,t), 7.27(2H,d), 7.41-7.79(8H,m) IR(Neat)cm -1 : 3400, 3250, 3025, 2950, 2220, 1720, 1625, 1610, 1580, 1480, 1410, 1340, 1280, 1240, 1210, 1130, 1060, 750 Reference Example 11 2-Propoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol -5 -yl )biphenyl -4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole Sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.24 g) was added to a stirred solution of 2-propoxybenzimidazole (0.71 g) in DMF (10 ml) under ice-cooling. The mixture was stirred for 20 minutes, to which was added N-triphenylmethyl-5-[2-(4-bromomethylbiphenyl]tetrazole (2.3 g), followed by stirring at room temperature for 5 hours. To the reaction mixture was added ice-water, the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was dissolved in methanol (50 ml), to which was added 1N-HCl (15 ml), followed by stirring at 60°C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated, to which were added water (15 ml) and ethyl acetate (15 ml). The mixture was made alkaline with 1N NaOH and shaken. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH 3-4 with 1N-HCl and then extracted with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to yield crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - methanol gave colorless crystals (0.58 g, 35%), m.p. 177-179°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 22 N 6 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 70.23; 5.40; 20.47 Found 69.93; 5.43; 20.22 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 0.95(3H,t), 1.70-1.88(2H,m), 4.46(2H,t), 5.23(2H,s), 7.04-7.10(4H,m), 7.20(2H,d), 7.38-7.43(2H,m), 7.48-7.70(4H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1540, 1535, 1485, 1475, 1450, 1425, 1385, 1285, 1270, 1040, 980, 755, 745 Working Example 9 Methyl 2-butylamino-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared from methyl [[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-(butylureido)benzoate in substantially the same manner as Working Example 5. The yield was quantitative. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 )δ : 0.89(3H,t), 1.21-1.39(2H,m), 1.45-1.60(2H,m), 3.50-3.65(3H,brs), 3.92(3H,s), 4.56(2H,d), 6.08(1H,t), 6.78(1H,t), 7.21-7.30(1H,m), 7.39-7.54(6H,m), 7.64(1H,dt), 7.75(1H,dd), 7.98(1H,dd), 8.26(1H,brs) Working Example 10 Methyl 2 - (N -ethylmethylamino )-1-[ (2' -cyanobiphenyl-4-yl )-methyl]benzimidazole-7 -carboxylate A mixture of sodium hydride (60% dispersion in mineral oil, 0.13 g) in DMF (5 ml) was stirred under ice-cooling for 5 min. and methyl 2-ethylamino-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.95 g) was added to the mixture, followed by stirring for 10 min. To the mixture was added methyl iodide (0.2 ml) and the mixture was stirred for 20 min. To the reaction mixture was added water and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crude crystals, which were recrystallized from ethyl acetate - hexane to afford colorless needles (0.88 g, 82%), m.p. 66-69°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.25(3H,t), 3.03(3H,s), 3.36(2H,q), 3.73(3H,s), 5.60(2H,s), 6.88(2H,d), 7.16(1H,t), 7.34-7.49(5H,m), 7.59(1H,dt), 7.73(1H,dd), 7.78(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2210, 1710, 1540, 1530, 1435, 1420, 1385, 1300, 1275, 1250, 1005, 760 Reference Example 12 Methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-oxo-2,3-dihydrobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate To a solution of methyl 2-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)-methylamino]-3-methoxycarbonylaminobenzoate (10.5 g) in methanol (100 ml) was added NaOMe (10 g), and the mixture was heated under reflux for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was neutralized with 1N-HCl and concentrated to dryness. The residue was extracted with chloroform - water. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. The resulting crystals were recrystallized from chloroform - methanol to afford colorless needles (8.67 g, 89%), m.p. 250-253°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 3.65(3H,s), 5.35(2H,s), 7.04-7.16(3H,m), 7.24-7.28(2H,m), 7.48-7.59(4H,m), 7.76(1H,dt), 7.92(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2210, 1720, 1690, 1635, 1430, 1390, 1270, 1255, 760, 750, 730, 690 Reference Example 13 Methyl 2-chloro-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate A mixture of methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-oxo-2,3-dihydrobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (8.02 g) in phosphorus oxychloride (30 ml) was heated under reflux for 8 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated and the resulting residue was poured into ice-water. The mixture was extracted with chloroform. The extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals, which were recrystallized from chloroform - methanol to afford colorless needles (2.2 g, 28%), m.p. 154-157°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.78(3H,s), 5.95(2H,s), 7.06(2H,d), 7.31(1H,t), 7.39-7.48(4H,m), 7.58-7.66(1H,m), 7.71-7.77(2H,m), 7.93(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2240, 1720, 1480, 1450, 1440, 1425, 1370, 1350, 1290, 1270, 1200, 1150, 1120, 1000, 775, 760, 750 Reference Example 14 Methyl 2-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methylamino]-3-methoxycarbonylaminobenzoate To a stirred solution of methyl 3-amino-2-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methylamino]benzoate (10 g) in pyridine (50 ml) was added dropwise methyl chloroformate (9.0 ml) under ice-cooling. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours and concentrated. The residue was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue was recrystallized from ethyl acetate - hexane to afford pale yellow needles (10.5 g, 90%), m.p. 113-115°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.80(3H,s), 3.83(3H,s), 4.11(2H,d), 6.29(1H,brs), 7.09(1H,t), 7.40-7.80(10H,m), 8.19(1H,d) Reference Example 15 Methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-morpholinobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate A mixture of methyl 2-chloro-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.8 g) in morpholine (15 ml) was stirred at 100°C for 2 hours and the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness. The residue was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated. The resulting crystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate - hexane to afford colorless prisms (0.69 g, 77%). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.38(4H,t), 3.72(3H,s), 3.90(4H,t), 5.63(2H,s), 6.89(2H,d), 7.20(1H,t), 7.37-7.65(6H,m), 7.74(1H,dd), 7.82(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2225, 1715, 1520, 1440, 1415, 1280, 1260, 1220, 1130, 1120, 1010, 860, 770, 760, 750 Reference Example 16 Methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-piperidinobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared in substantially the same manner as Reference Example 15. Yield: 81%, m.p. 119-121°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.62-1.77(6R,m), 3.31-3.36(4H,m), 3.73(3H,s), 5.58(2H,s), 6.88(2H,d), 7.15(1H,t), 7.35-7.49(5H,m), 7.56-7.64(1H,m), 7.73(1H,dd), 7.79(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2225, 1720, 1530, 1445, 1410, 1385, 1305, 1285, 1265, 1250, 1130, 1110, 770, 750 Reference Example 17 Methyl 2-[(2'-methoxycarbonylbiphenyl-4-yl)methylamino]-3-nitrobenzoate To a solution of methyl 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-nitrobenzoate (1.84 g) in acetonitrile (10 ml) was added a solution of 4-(2'-methoxycarbonylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl bromide (1.9 g) in acetonitrile (5 ml) and potassium carbonate (0.86 g) and the reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 20 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the resulting residue was extracted with ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and evaporated. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give pale yellow syrup. The syrup was dissolved in ethanol (10 ml) and 20% hydrochloric acid in ethanol (4 ml) was added to the solution. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 22 hours and concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and the solution was washed with saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water, dried and evaporated to afford yellow syrup (1.39 g, 53%). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CHCl 3 ) δ : 3.61(3H,s), 3.89(3H,s), 4.21(2H,d), 6.72(1H,t), 7.30(4H,d), 7.36(1H,dd), 7.42(1H,dd), 7.53(1H,dd), 7.82(1H,dd), 8.00(1H,dd), 8.10(1H,dd) Reference Example 18 Methyl 3-amino-2-[(2'-methoxycarbonylbiphenyl-4-yl)methylamino]benzoate The title compound was prepared as pale yellow syrup from methyl 2-[(2'-methoxycarbonylbiphenyl-4-yl)methylamino]-3-nitrobenzoate in substantially the same manner as Reference Example 5. Yield: 79%. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CHCl 3 ) δ: 3.63(3H,s), 3.80(3H,s), 3.97(2H,brs), 4.22(2H,d), 6.40(1H,brs), 6.82-6.92(2H,m), 7.23-7.44(7H,m), 7.53(1H,dt), 7.79-7.83(1H,m) IR(Neat)cm -1 : 3450, 3360, 2970, 1730, 1700, 1470, 1460, 1450, 1440, 1290, 1250, 1200, 770, 750 Working Example 11 Methyl 2-ethoxy-1-[(2'-methoxycarbonylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless plates from methyl 3-amino-2-[(2'-methoxycarbonylbiphenyl-4-yl)methylamino]-benzoate in substantially the same manner as Working Example 1. Yield: 72%, m.p. 112-113°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CHCl 3 ) δ : 1.50(3H,t), 3.55(3H,s), 3.77(3H,s), 4.68(2H,q), 5.65(2H,s), 6.99(2H,d), 7.17(2H,d), 7.17(1H,t), 7.31-7.55(4H,m), 7.73(1H,dd), 7.77(1H,dd) IR(Neat)cm -1 : 1730, 1710, 1545, 1470, 1430, 1380, 1340, 1320, 1270, 1250, 1235, 1210, 1120, 1080, 1030, 750, 740, 710 Working Example 12 Methyl 2-butoxy-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless needles in substantially the same manner as Working Example 4. Yield: 75%, m.p. 74-75°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 0.95(3H,t), 1.35-1.54(2H,m), 1.77-1.90(2H,m), 3.76(3H,s), 4.60(2H,t), 5.69(2H,s), 7.10(2H,d), 7.17(1H,t), 7.43(4H,d), 7.54-7.65(2H,m), 7.74(2H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2220, 1725, 1560, 1490, 1470, 1440, 1395, 1320, 1295, 1265, 1245, 1120, 1050, 1020, 770 Working Example 13 Methyl 2-allyloxy-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless plates in substantially the same manner as Working Example 4. Yield: 73%, m.p. 118-119°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.76(3H,s), 5.12(2H,m), 5.33(1H,m), 5.43(1H,m), 5.72(2H,s), 6.02-6.21(1H,m), 7.11(2H,d), 7.19(1H,t), 7.44(4H,d), 7.56-7.66(2H,m), 7.75(2H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2220, 1705, 1540, 1470, 1460, 1425, 1410, 1400, 1330, 1300, 1270, 1250, 1225, 1205, 1100, 1015, 995, 760, 750, 740, 730 Working Example 14 Methyl 2-ethylamino-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl )methyl ]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals (3.2 g, 32%) according to the procedure for Working Example 5 from methyl 2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-(3-ethylthioureido)benzoate (10.5 g), which was synthesized from methyl 3-amino-2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]benzoate in substantially the same manner as Reference Example 8. 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.24(3H,t), 3.49-3.63(2H,m), 4.06(1H,t), 5.55(2H,s), 7.16(1H,t), 7.27(2H,d), 7.41-7.79(8H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 3275, 2225, 1720, 1620, 1610, 1580, 1570, 1480, 1350, 1275, 1240, 1215, 1100, 1070, 770, 760 Reference Example 19 2 -Cyano-4'-methylbiphenyl 19a) N-(2-Methoxyphenyl)methylidenecyclohexylamine A solution of anisaldehyde (21 g) and cyclohexylamine (15 g) in chloroform (100 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours and evaporated to afford brown syrup (35 g, quantitative). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.21-1.87(10H,m), 3.14-3.28(1H,m), 3.86(3H,s), 6.88-7.00(2H,m), 7.36(1H,m), 7.95(2H,dd), 8.75(1H,s) 19b) 4'-Methyl-2 -biphenylcarbaldehyde To a suspension of magnesium metal (1.1 g) in THF (3 ml) was added dropwise a solution of 4-bromotoluene (7.5 g) in THF (10 ml) under gentle reflux. The resulting solution of the Grignard reagent was added dropwise to an ice-cooled, stirred solution of N-(2-methoxyphenyl)methylidenecyclohexylamine (4.3 g) in THF (30 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1.5 hours, followed by heating under reflux for 7 hours. After addition of ice-water, the reaction mixture was acidified with conc. hydrochloric acid. The reaction mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate and the extract was washed with 1N-hydrochloric acid and water, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give pale yellow syrup (2.0 g, 51%). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 2.43(3H,s), 7.28(4H,s), 7.42-7.51(2H,m), 7.63(1H,t), 8.02(1H,d), 10.00(1H,s) 19c) 2-Cyano-4'-methylbiphenyl A mixture of 4'-methyl-2-biphenylcarbaldehyde (2.0 g) and hydroxyamine hydrochloride (1.0 g) in pyridine (10 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 15 min., followed by addition of acetic anhydride (4.1 g). The reaction mixture was stirred at 90 - 100°C for 1 hr. and concentrated to dryness. After addition of water to the residue, the precipitated crystals were collected by filtration. Recrystallization from hexane gave colorless needles (1.5 g, 79%). 1 H-NMR(90MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ: 2.40(3H,s), 7.2-7.8(8H,m) The title compound can be readily converted into Compound(IIIa') according to the known references as mentioned above. Reference Example 20 Methyl 2-carboxy-3-nitrobenzoate To a suspension of 3-nitrophthalic acid (211 g) and methyl orthoformate (127 g) in methanol (420 ml) was added conc. sulfuric acid (20 ml) dropwise with stirring. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 18 hours and concentrated to dryness. After addition of water (30 ml) to the residue, the mixture was stirred at 3 - 10°C for one hour. The precipitated crystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate - hexane to give pale yellow prisms (185 g, 82%), m.p. 166-168°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 4.03(3H,s), 7.74(1H,t), 8.39(1H,dd), 8.42(1H,dd) Reference Example 21 Methyl 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-nitrobenzoate To a solution of methyl 2-carboxy-3-nitrobenzoate (7.23 g) in DMF (50 ml) was added diphenylphosphoryl azide (11.3 g) at room temperature and then triethylamine (6.7 ml) was added dropwise to the stirred reaction mixture. After stirring at room temperature for 3 hours, tert-butanol (54 ml) was added to the stirred reaction mixture. After stirring at room temperature for 30 min., the reaction mixture was gradually warmed, then heated under reflux for 1 hour and evaporated to dryness. The resultant residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, aqueous sodium bicarbonate, and water, and then dried. After evaporation of the solvent, methanol was added to the resultant residue and the mixture was cooled to give colorless crystals (6.7 g, 70%). 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.50(9H,s), 3.96(3H,s), 7.23(1H,t), 8.10(1H,dd), 8.17(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 3360, 1730, 1705, 1580, 1520, 1490, 1440, 1365, 1355, 1310, 1270, 1240, 1150, 870, 835, 770, 725, 705 Reference Example 22 Methyl 2-[[N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-N-(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-nitrobenzoate A solution of methyl 2-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-3-nitrobenzoate (0.6 g), 2-(4-bromomethylphenyl)benzonitrile (0.54 g) and K 2 CO 3 (0.28 g) in acetonitrile (10 ml) was heated under reflux for 4 hours and concentrated to dryness. Water was added to the resultant residue and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - hexane afforded colorless prisms (0.83 g, 85%), m.p. 153-154°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.35(9H,s), 3.70(3H,s), 4.63(1H,d), 4.80(1H,d), 7.23-7.29(3H,m), 7.39-7.53(6H,m), 7.59-7.67(1H,m), 7.75(1H,dd), 7.93(1H,dd), 7.99(1H,dd), 8.05(1H,dd), 8.11(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2220, 1700, 1530, 1390, 1360, 1315, 1290, 1160, 765 Reference Example 23 Methyl 2-[[2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-nitrobenzoate A mixture of methyl 2-[[N-tert-butoxycarbonyl-N-(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-nitrobenzoate (0.49 g) in 20% HCl-ethanol (3 ml) and ethyl acetate (3 ml) was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. After evaporation of the solvent, to the residue was added methanol and saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration and recrystallized from chloroform - methanol to give pale yellow crystals (0.3 g, 77%), m.p. 140-141°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz, DMSO-d 6 )δ: 3.84(3H,s), 4.26(2H,m), 6.86(1H,t), 7.46(2H,d), 7.54-7.65(4H,m), 7.79(1H,d), 7.95(dd), 8.05-8.11(2H,m), 8.67(1H,t) Reference Example 24 Methyl 3-amino-2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-benzoate A mixture of methyl 2-[[2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]-3-nitrobenzoate (10 g), FeCl 3 · 6R 2 O (0.1 g), activated charcoal (1 g) in a mixture of methanol (100 ml) and THF (50 ml) was heated under reflux for 30 min. Hydrazine hydrate (7.2 ml) was added dropwise to the reaction mixture and the mixture was then heated under reflux for 14 hours. The insoluble material was removed from the reaction mixture by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness. Aqueous sodium bicarbonate was added to the resulting residue and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water, dried and evaporated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from isopropyl ether afforded pale yellow needles (6.0 g, 64%), m.p. 110-111°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.81(3H,s), 3.97(2H,brs), 4.23(2H,d), 6.39(1H,t), 6.84-6.93(2H,m), 7.26-7.55(8H,m), 7.64(1H,dt), 7.77(1H,dd) Working Example 15 Methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as pale yellow crystals from methyl 3-amino-2-[[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]amino]benzoate and 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl orthocarbonate according to the procedure for Reference Example 6. Yield: 25%, m.p. 143-145°C. Elemental Analysis for C 25 H 18 F 3 N 3 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.52; 3.90; 9.03 Found 64.35; 3.95; 8.98 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ: 3.80(3H,s), 5.01(2H,q), 5.74(2H,s), 7.13(2H,d), 7.23(1H,t), 7.38-7.47(4H,m), 7.58-7.66(2H,m), 7.72-7.78(2H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2225, 1735, 1550, 1465, 1430, 1305, 1280, 1270, 1250, 1170, 1060, 770, 750, 745 Working Example 16 Ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate To a solution of ethyl 2-chloro-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.0 g) in ethanol (30 ml) was added NaOEt (0.17 g) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness. The resultant residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and the solution was washed with water, and then dried. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give the title compound as colorless crystals(0.37 g, 70%). 1 H-NMR and IR spectra indicate that the product according to this Working Example is completely identical with that obtained in Working Example 1. Reference Example 25 2-(4-Formylphenyl)benzonitrile A mixture of 2-(4-bromomethylphenyl)benzonitrile (12 g) and sodium bicarbonate (26 g) in dimethyl sulfoxide (150 ml) was heated at 120°C for 5 hours with stirring. After addition of water, the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from chloroform - isopropyl ether gave colorless needles (5.77 g, 63%). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 7.49-7.58(2H,m), 7.67-7.84(4H,m), 8.00-8.05(2H,m), 10.10(1H,s) Reference Example 26 2-(4-Aminomethylphenyl)benzonitrile A mixture of 2-(4-bromomethylphenyl)benzonitrile (12 g) and potassium phtalimide (15 g) in DMF (200 ml) was stirred at 70°C for 5 hours. After addition of water, the mixture was extracted with methylene chloride. The extract was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - isopropyl ether gave colorless crystals. To a suspension of the crystals in methanol (500 ml) was added hydrazine hydrate (10 ml) and the mixture was refluxed for 12 hours. After evaporation of the solvent, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and the solution was washed with 1N-NaOH and water. The organic layer was dried and concentrated to dryness to give crystals (14.2 g, 93%). 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.56(2H,br s), 3.88(2H,s), 7.27-7.78(8H,m) Working Example 17 Ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate A mixture of ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.7 g) and trimethyltin azide (0.7 g) in toluene (15 ml) was heated under reflux for 4 days. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and to the residue were added methanol (20 ml) and 1N-HCl (10 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes and adjusted to pH 3 to 4 with 1N NaOH. After removal of the solvent, the residue was partitioned between chloroform and water. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, and the solvent was evaporated to dryness to give a syrup. The syrup was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - benzene afforded colorless crystals (0.35 g, 45%), m.p. 158-159°C. Elemental Analysis for C 26 H 24 N 6 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 66.65; 5.16; 17.94 Found 66.61; 5.05; 17.84 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.09(3H,t), 1.43(3H,t), 4.02(2H,q), 4.30(2H,q), 5.57(2H,s), 6.71(2H,d), 6.83-6.96(4H,m), 7.27-7.31(1H,m), 7.40(1H,dd), 7.55-7.66(2H,m), 8.04-8.09(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1605, 1540, 1470, 1430, 1250, 1040, 750 Reference Example 27 2-Ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid A solution of ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.24 g) and 1N NaOH (1.5 ml) in ethanol (4 ml) was stirred at 80°C for one hour. The reaction mixture was concentrated, and the concentrate was extracted with water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH 3-4 with 1N-HCl to give crystals. Recrystallization of the crystals from ethyl acetate - methanol afforded colorless crystals (0.15 g, 67%), m.p. 183-185°C. Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 20 N 6 O 3 .1/5H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.91; 4.63; 18.93 Found 65.04; 4.51; 18.77 1 H-NMR(200MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 1.38(3H,t), 4.58(2H,q), 5.63(2H,s), 6.97(4H,q), 7.17(1H,t), 7.47-7.68(6H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1710, 1550, 1480, 1430, 1280, 1240, 1040, 760 Working Example 18 Ethyl 2-propoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate A mixture of ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-propoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.69 g) and trimethyltin azide (0.7 g) in toluene (15 ml) was heated for 4 days under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and to the mixture was added methanol (20 ml) and 1N-HCl (10 ml). After stirring at room temperature for 30 minutes, the mixture was adjusted to pH 3-4 with 1N NaOH. After removal of the solvent, the residue was extracted with chloroform-water. The organic layer was washed with water and dried, and the solvent was evaporated to dryness to give a syrup. The syrup was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - benzene afforded colorless crystals (0.31 g, 43%), m.p. 157-159°C. Elemental Analysis for C 27 H 26 N 6 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 67.21; 5.43; 17.42 Found 67.26; 5.45; 17.28 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.03(3H,t), 1.13(3H,t), 1.75-1.92(2H,m), 4.05(2H,q), 4.23(2H,q), 5.57(2H,s), 6.75(2H,d), 6.90(2H,d), 6.96(2H,d), 7.28-7.33(1H,m), 7.39-7.44(2H,m), 7.57-7.62(2H,m), 8.07-8.11(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1540, 1470, 1430, 1280, 1250, 1130, 1020, 750 Working Example 19 2-Propoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid A solution of ethyl 2-propoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.23 g) in ethanol (4 ml) containing 1N-NaOH (1.5 ml) was heated at 80°C for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the residue was extracted with water and ethyl acetate. The aqueous layer was adjusted to pH 3-4 with 1N-HCl to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - methanol afforded colorless crystals (0.15 g, 69%), m.p. 174-175°C. Elemental Analysis for C 25 H 22 N 6 O 3 .0·3H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 65.29; 4.95; 18.27 Found 65.41; 4.92; 18.20 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 0.92(3H,t), 1.70-1.87(2H,m), 4.47(2H,q), 5.63(2H,s), 6.96(4H,dd), 7.16(1H,t), 7.42-7.67(6H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1700, 1550, 1430, 1290, 1240, 765 Working Example 20 Ethyl 2-mercapto-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate A mixture of ethyl [1-(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-mercaptobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (4.1 g) and trimethyltin azide (8.0 g) in toluene (100 ml) was heated for 4 days under reflux. The solvent was evaporated to dryness and the residue was stirred in a mixture of conc. hydrochloric acid (2 ml) and methanol (20 ml) at room temperature for 20 minutes. To the reaction mixture was added 1N-NaOH to adjust to about pH 4 and then the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water, dried, and concentrated to dryness to give crystals. Recrystallization from chloroform gave colorless crystals (5.0 g, 89%), m.p. 263-264°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 20 N 6 O 2 S·1/2H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 61.92; 4.55; 18.05 Found 61.99; 4.30; 17.86 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 1.10(3H,t), 4.09(2H,q), 5.82(2H,br s), 6.87(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.26(1H,t), 7.37-7.69(6H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1460, 1440, 1365, 1340, 1260, 1180, 1145, 1150, 1110, 990, 745 Working Example 21 Ethyl 2-methylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate To a solution of ethyl 2-mercapto-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.68 g) in ethanol (10 ml) containing 1N-NaOH (3.0 ml) was added methyl iodide (0.24 g), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was neutralized with dilute hydrochloric acid to give crystals. The crystals were purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate afforded colorless prisms (0.31 g, 44%), m.p. 207-208°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 25 H 22 N 6 O 2 S: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 63.81; 4.71; 17.86 Found 63.55; 4.81; 17.50 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 1.13(3H,t), 2.77(3H,s), 4.14(2H,q), 5.62(2H,s), 6.84(2H,d), 7.26(1H,t), 7.46-7.70(5H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1705, 1480, 1450, 1420, 1360, 1340, 1275, 1255, 1190, 1140, 1100, 1025, 990, 770, 750 Working Example 22 Ethyl 2-ethylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate To a solution of ethyl 2-mercapto-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.91 g) in ethanol (13 ml) containing 1N-NaOH (4 ml) was added ethyl iodide (0.34 g), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 4 hours. The reaction mixture was adjusted to pH 4 with dilute hydrochloric acid to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration and purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate gave colorless prisms (0.55 g, 57%), m.p. 153-154°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 26 H 24 N 6 O 2 S: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.44; 4.99; 17.34 Found 64.37; 5.05; 17.20 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.19(3H,t), 1.37(3H,t), 3.20(2H,q), 4.12(2H,q), 5.67(2H,s), 6.75(2H,d), 6.92(2H,d), 7.05(1H,t), 7.26-7.34(2H,m), 7.50(1H,dd), 7.53-7.63(2H,m), 8.05-8.11(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1715, 1450, 1420, 1365, 1345, 1280, 1195, 1145, 1110, 1035, 1015, 990, 760, 745 Working Example 23 Ethyl 2-propylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Propyl iodide (0.37 g) was added to a solution of ethyl 2-mercapto-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.91 g) in ethanol (13 ml) containing 1N NaOH (4.0 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 5 hours. The reaction mixture was adjusted to about pH 4 with dilute hydrochloric acid to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration and purified by column chromatography on silica gel. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - hexane gave colorless prisms (0.4 g, 40%), m.p. 177-178°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 27 H 26 N 6 O 2 S: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 65.04; 5.26; 16.85 Found 64.88; 5.25; 16.78 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.04(3H,t), 1.19(3H,t), 1.76(2H,m), 3.18(2H,t), 4.12(2H,q), 5.69(2H,s), 6.75(2H,d), 6.93(2H,d), 7.05(1H,t), 7.27-7.34(2H,m), 7.50(1H,dd), 7.54-7.63(2H,m), 8.07-8.12(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1715, 1450, 1420, 1380, 1365, 1350, 1280, 1260, 1190, 1145, 1035, 1020, 990, 760, 745 Working Example 24 2-Methylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid A solution of ethyl 2-methylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.2 g) in a methanol (5 ml) solution containing 1N NaOH (1.3 ml) was heated under reflux for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was adjusted to about pH 4 with dilute hydrochloric acid to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration, and recrystallized from ethyl acetate - hexane to give colorless crystals (0.17 g, 81%), m.p. 223-225°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 23 H 18 N 6 O 2 S·1/2C 4 H 8 O 2 C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 61.72; 4.56; 17.27 Found 61.59; 4.54; 17.54 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 )δ: 2.75(3H,s), 5.76(2H,s), 6.88(2H,d), 7.01(2H,d), 7.25(1H,t), 7.47-7.66(5H,m), 7.82(1H,d) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1710, 1485, 1450, 1420, 1370, 1345, 1320, 1280, 1245, 1195, 1150, 990, 780, 760 Working Example 25 2-Ethylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid A solution of ethyl 2-ethylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.35 g) in a methanol (7 ml) solution containing 1N NaOH (2.2 ml) was heated under reflux for 2 hours. After evaporation of the solvent, the aqueous residue was adjusted to about pH 3-4 with 1N-HCl to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - methanol gave colorless crystals (0.21 g, 64%), m.p. 209-210°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 20 N 6 O 2 S: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 63.14; 4.42; 18.41 Found 62.89; 4.35; 18.15 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 1.39(3H,t), 3.36(2H,q), 5.76(2H,s), 6.87(2H,d), 7.01(2H,d), 7.25(1H,t), 7.47-7.69(5H,m), 7.82(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1695, 1450, 1415, 1350, 1275, 1225, 1190, 1180, 1145, 755, 740 Working Example 26 2-Propylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid A solution of ethyl 2-propylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.25 g) in methanol (5 ml) containing 1N-NaOH (1.5 ml) was heated under reflux for 2 hours. After removal of the solvent, the aqueous residue was adjusted to about pH 3-4 with 1N-HCl to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - hexane gave colorless crystals (0.21 g, 91%), m.p. 222-223°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 25 H 22 N 6 O 2 S: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 63.95; 4.51; 17.90 Found 63.78; 4.85; 17.59 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 0.99(3H,t), 1.67-1.85(2H,m), 3.35(2H,t), 5.77(2H,s), 6.87(2H,d), 7.01(2H,d), 7.25(1H,t), 7.46-7.70(5H,m), 7.82(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1700, 1450, 1280, 1240, 1195, 1145, 755, 740 Working Example 27 Methyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate A mixture of methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.85 g) and trimethyltin azide (2.80 g) in toluene (15 ml) were heated under reflux for one day. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness. To the residue were added methanol (50 ml) and 1N-HCl (20 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 minutes. The reaction mixture was adjusted to about pH 3-4 with 1N-NaOH. After removal of the solvent, the residual syrup was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from ethyl acetate - benzene gave colorless crystals (1.16 g, 56%), m.p. 191-193°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 25 H 22 N 6 O 3 ·1/5H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 65.58; 4.75; 18.53 Found 65.55; 4.93; 18.35 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.43(3H,t,J=7.0Hz)), 3.57(3H,s), 4.30(2H,q,J=7.0Hz), 5.54(2H,s), 6.72(2H,d,J=8.2), 6.84-6.97(4H,m), 7.28-7.33(1H,m), 7.40(1H,dd,J=1.8,7.0Hz), 7.57-7.62(2H,m), 8.03-8.07(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1550, 1475, 1430, 1280, 1250, 1040, 755, 735 Working Example 28 Ethyl 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-carboxylate A mixture of ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-ethylaminobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.23 g) and trimethyltin azide (2.80 g) in toluene (15 ml) was heated for 40 hours under reflux. Precipitates were collected by filtration and suspended in methanol (50 ml). To the suspension was added 1N-HCl (15 ml), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. The reaction mixture was adjusted to about pH 5 with 1N-NaOH, followed by extraction with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from methanol - ethyl acetate gave colorless crystals (0.83 g, 61%), m.p. 166-168°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.13(3H,t), 1.21(3H,t), 343(2H,q), 4.13(2H,q), 5.48(2H,s), 6.78(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.07(1H,t), 7.22(1H,dd), 7.42-7.49(2H,m), 7.54-7.69(3H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1650, 1310, 1285, 765, 755, 750 Working Example 29 Ethyl 2-propylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate A solution of ethyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-propylaminobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (1.20 g) and trimethyltin azide (2.7 g) in toluene (15 ml) was heated for 50 hours under reflux. Precipitates were collected by filtration and suspended in methanol (20 ml). After addition of 1N-HCl (15 ml), the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes. The mixture was adjusted to about pH 5 with 1N-NaOH, followed by extraction with chloroform. The organic layer was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The concentrate was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization from methanol - ethyl acetate gave colorless crystals (10 g, 77%), m.p. 170-172°C. 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 0.89(3H,t), 1.14(3H,t), 1.52-1.70(2H,m), 3.35(2H,t), 4.14(2H,q), 5.49(2H,s), 6.77(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.05(1H,t), 7.21(1H,dd), 7.39-7.47(2H,m), 7.50-7.65(3H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1670, 1660, 1290, 1270, 760 Working Example 30 2-Ethoxy-1-[[2'-(N-triphenylmethyltetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid To a solution of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (2.07 g) in methylene chloride (10 ml) were added trityl chloride (1.59 g) and triethylamine (0.8 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour. The reaction mixture was washed with water, dried and concentrated to dryness. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. Recrystallization of crude crystals thus obtained from ethyl acetate - benzene gave colorless crystals (2.12 g, 66%), m.p. 168-170°C. Elemental Analysis for C 43 H 34 N 6 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 75.64; 5.02; 12.31 Found 75.37; 4.96; 12.20 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 )δ: 1.40(3H,t), 4.61(2H,q), 5.58(2H,s), 6.76(2H,d), 6.91-6.96(8H,m), 7.12(1H,t), 7.17-7.41(12H,m), 7.60(1H,dd), 7.73-7.82(2H,m) Working Example 31 Pivaloyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate To a solution of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(N-triphenylmethyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (2.2 g) in DMF (10 ml) were added potassium carbonate (0.53 g) and pivaloyloxymethyl iodide (0.94 g), and the mixture was stirred for 30 minutes at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was dissolved in methanol (30 ml) and 1N-HCl (6 ml). The mixture was stirred for one hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. The crystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate - hexane to give colorless crystals (1.13 g, 63%), m.p. 104-106°C. Elemental Analysis for C 30 H 30 N 6 O 5 ·1/5C 4 H 8 O 2 ·1/5C 6 H 14 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 65.06; 5.90; 14.32 Found 64.79; 5.85; 14.43 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.13(9H,s), 1.44(3H,t), 4.37(2H,q), 5.61(2H,s), 5.68(2H,s), 6.80(2H,d), 6.93(2H,d), 6.99-7.11(2H,m), 7.33-7.37(1H,m), 7.49-7.54(1H,m), 7.59-7.62(2H,m), 8.03-8.07(1H,m) Reference Example 28 1-(Cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate To a solution of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(N-triphenylmethyltetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid (0.5 g) in DMF (5 ml) were added potassium carbonate (0.12 g) and cyclohexyl 1-iodoethyl carbonate (0.26 g). The mixture was stirred for one hour at room temperature. To the reaction mixture was added water and the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and to the solution was added 1N-HCl (2 ml). The mixture was stirred for one hour at room temperature. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give colorless powder (0.21 g, 47%), m.p. 103-106°C. Elemental Analysis for C 33 N 34 N 6 O 6 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd 64.91; 5.61; 13.76 Found 64.94; 5.71; 13.66 To the powder (1 g) obtained as above was added ethanol (6 ml). The mixture was stirred for 3 hours at room temperature and allowed to stand under ice-cooling. The mixture was then stirred for one hour at temperatures not higher than 10°C. Resultant crystals were collected by filtration and washed with cold ethanol. The crystals were dried at 25°C for 9 hours under reduced pressure, then at 35°C for further 18 hours to obtain white powdery crystals (0.94 g), m.p. 158-166°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 33 H 34 N 6 O 6 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.91; 5.61; 13.76 Found 64.73; 5.66; 13.64 1 H-NMR (200MHz) δ : 1.13-1.84(16H,m), 4.28-4.55(3H,m), 5.65(2H,d), 6.72(1H,q), 6.81(2H,d), 6.93(2H,d), 7.03(1H,t), 7.22-7.23(1H,m), 7.31-7.36(1H,m), 7.52-7.60(3H,m), 8.02-8.07(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 2942, 1754, 1717, 1549, 1476, 1431, 1076, 1034, 750 MS(m/z) : 611 [M+H] + Working Example 32 Methyl 2-methoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Methyl [1-(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-methoxybenzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.60 g) and trimethyltin azide (1.5 g) in toluene (15 ml) were heated for 40 hours under reflux. Precipitated crystals were dissolved in methanol (10 ml) and to the solution was added 1N-HCl (3 ml). The mixture was stirred for 10 minutes at room temperature and the methanol was evaporated. The aqueous residue was adjusted to pH 3-4 with 1N-NaOH, followed by extraction with ethyl acetate. The organic layer was washed with water and dried. After removal of the solvent, the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give crystals. The crystals were recrystallized from ethyl acetate to give colorless prisms (0.65 g, 65%), m.p. 165-166°C. Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 20 N 6 O 3 ·1/10H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 65.18; 4.60; 19.00 Found 64.91; 4.49; 18.99 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 )δ: 3.64(3H,s), 3.93(3H,s), 5.55(2H,s), 6.75(2H,d), 6.90-7.01(4H,m), 7.31-7.36(1H,m), 7.49(1H,dd), 7.55-7.64(2H,m), 8.03-8.07(1H,m) Working Example 33 2-Methoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid To a solution of methyl 2-methoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.22 g) in methanol (10 ml) was added 1N-NaOH (1.5 ml). The mixture was heated for 6 hours under reflux. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and to the residue was added water. The mixture was adjusted to pH 3-4 with 1N-HCl to give crystals. Recrystallization from methanol-chloroform gave colorless needles (0.17 g, 77%), m.p. 208-209°C. Elemental Analysis for C 23 H 18 N 6 O 3 ·0.7H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 62.92; 4.45; 19.14 Found 62.81; 4.08; 19.19 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 4.15(3H,s), 5.63(2H,s), 6.90(2H,d), 7.00(2H,d), 7.18(1H,t), 7.46-7.70(6H,m) Working Example 34 2-Ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid To a solution of ethyl 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.52 g) in ethanol (5 ml) was added 1N-NaOH (4 ml), and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours at 80°C. The reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness and the aqueous residue was adjusted to pH 4-5 with 1N-HCl to give crystals. The crystals were collected by filtration and recrystallized from methanol-chloroform to give colorless crystals (0.3 g, 63.4%), m.p. 240-242°C. Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 21 N 7 O 2 ·1.1H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 62.76; 5.09; 21.35 Found 62.65; 5.15; 21.23 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 1.20(3H,t), 3.43(2H,q), 5.62(2H,s), 6.85(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.10(1H,t), 7.34(1H,d), 7.44-7.68(5H,m) Working Example 35 2-Propylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid In substantially the same manner as Working Example 34, the above compound was obtained in a yield of 73%, m.p. 214-246°C. Elemental Analysis for C 26 H 23 N 7 O 2 ·1/2H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.92; 5.23; 21.20 Found 64.79; 5.27; 21.08 In substantially the same manner as Working Example 31 the following compounds (Working Examples 36 - 40) were synthesized. Working Example 36 (5-Methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)methyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 55%, m.p. : 122-125°C (decomp.) Elemental Analysis for C 29 H 24 N 6 O 6 ·CHCl 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 53.63; 3.75; 12.51 Found 53.32; 3.58; 12.24 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.43(3H,t), 2.11(3H,s), 4.40(2H,q), 4.80(2H,s), 5.58(2H,s), 6.79(2H,d), 6.94(2H,d), 7.02(1H,t), 7.15(1H,dd), 7.35-7.39(1H,m), 7.49-7.63(3H,m), 8.00-8.04(1H,m) Working Example 37 Acetoxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 38%, m.p.: 152-154°C (decomp.) Elemental Analysis for C 27 H 24 N 6 O 5 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 63.27; 4.72; 16.40 Found 63.55; 4.70; 16.18 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.43(3H,t), 2.01(3H,s), 4.33(2H,q), 5.61(2H,s), 5.69(2H,s), 6.81(2H,d), 6.93(2H,d), 7.01(1H,t), 7.13(1H,d), 7.33-7.38(1H,m), 7.53-7.62(3H,m), 8.03-8.07(1H,m) Working Example 38 Propionyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 60%, m.p.: 145-150°C (decomp.) Elemental Analysis for C 28 H 26 N 6 O 5 ·0.2C 7 H 8 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.79; 5.10; 15.42 Found 64.70; 5.10; 15.44 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 )δ: 1.04(3H,t), 1.44(3H,t), 2.29(2H,q), 4.40(2H,q), 5.61(2H,s), 5.71(2H,s), 6.82(2H,d), 6.92-7.14(3H,m), 7.20(1H,m), 7.33-7.38(1H,m), 7.53-7.61(3H,m), 8.03-8.08(1H,m) Working Example 39 Butyryloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 36%, m.p.: 96-100°C Elemental Analysis for C 29 H 28 N 6 O 5 ·0.4C 7 H 8 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 66.15; 5.45; 14.55 Found 66.11; 5.44; 14.65 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 )δ: 0.85(3H,t), 1.44(3H,t), 1.55(2H,m), 2.24(2H,q), 4.38(2H,q), 5.61(2H,s), 5.70(2H,s), 6.81(2H,d), 6.93(2H,d), 7.00(1H,t), 7.20(1H,m), 7.33-7.38(1H,m), 7.52-7.61(3H,m), 8.01-8.10(1H,m) Working Example 40 Isobutyryloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 53%, m.p.: 143-145°C Elemental Analysis for C 29 H 28 N 6 O 5 ·0.1C 7 H 8 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.88; 5.28; 15.29 Found 65.04; 5.25; 15.18 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ: 1.09(6H,d), 1.44(3H,t), 2.50(1H,m), 4.38(2H,q), 5.61(2H,s), 5.70(2H,s), 6.81(2H,d), 6.91-7.00(3H,m), 7.19(1H,m), 7.33-7.37(1H,m), 7.51-7.63(3H,m), 8.02-8.07(1H,m) In substantially the same manner as Reference Example 28, the following compounds (Working Examples 41-43) were synthesized. Working Example 41 1-(Ethoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 44%, m.p.: 85-87°C Elemental Analysis for C 29 H 28 N 6 O 6 ·0.3H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 61.98; 5.13; 14.95 Found 62.11; 5.02; 14.69 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.20(3H,t), 1.30(3H,d), 1.41(3H,t), 4.03-4.22(3H,m), 4.31-4.47(1H,m), 5.61(2H,s), 6.62-6.72(3H,m), 6.80-6.95(4H,m), 7.29-7.32(1H,m), 7.47(1H,dd), 7.54-7.64(2H,m), 7.97-8.01(1H,m) Working Example 42 1-Acetoxyethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 31%, m.p.: 105-107°C Elemental Analysis for C 28 H 26 N 6 O 5 ·0.5H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 62.80; 5.08; 15.69 Found 62.77; 4.69; 15.85 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.46(3H,t), 1.49(3H,d), 4.47-4.62(2H,m), 5.59(1H,d), 5.83(1H,d), 6.84(1H,q), 6.90(2H,d), 7.03(2H,d), 7.11(1H,t), 7.34-7.39(1H,m), 7.49(1H,d), 7.53-7.61(3H,m), 8.07-8.11(1H,m) Working Example 43 1-(Isopropoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 33%, m.p.: 74-76°C Elemental Analysis for C 30 H 30 N 6 O 5 ·1.5H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 61.95; 5.72; 14.45 Found 62.02; 5.43; 14.20 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.20(3H,d), 1.21(3H,d), 1.30(3H,d), 1.42(3H,t), 4.08-4.24(1H,m), 4.34-4.50(1H,m), 4.79(1H,m), 5.61(2H,s), 6.62-6.75(3H,m), 7.27-7.32(1H,m), 7.48(1H,dd), 7.54-7.64(2H,m), 7.98-8.03(1H,m) Working Example 44 2-Methylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid The above compound was synthesized by substantially the same manner as Working Examples 28 and 34. Yield: 40%, m.p.: 247-250°C (decomp.) Elemental Analysis for C 23 H 19 N 7 O 2 ·2.0H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 59.86; 5.02; 21.25 Found 59.99; 4.89; 21.36 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 2.94(3H,s), 5.64(2H,s), 6.82(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.02(1H,t), 7.31(1H,d), 7.42-7.63(5H,m) In substantially the same manner as Working Example 31, the following compounds (Working Examples 45-47) were synthesized. Working Example 45 Cyclohexylcarbonyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 54%, m.p.: 140-142°C Elemental Analysis for C 32 H 32 N 6 O 5 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 66.19; 5.55; 14.47 Found 65.93; 5.46; 14.39 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 )δ: 1.21-1.87(13H,m), 2.20-2.32(1H,m), 4.47(2H,q), 5.60(2H,s), 5.73(2H,s), 6.86(2H,d), 7.07(1H,t), 7.27-7.40(3H,m), 7.54-7.61(2H,m), 8.05-8.09(1H,m) Working Example 46 Benzoyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 47%, m.p.: 138-142°C Elemental Analysis for C 32 H 26 N 6 O 5 .0.5H 2 O.0.1C 4 H 8 O 2 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 65.67; 4.76; 14.18 Found 65.71; 4.66; 13.96 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 )δ: 1.43(3H,t), 4.36(2H,q), 5.60(2H,s), 5.98(2H,s), 6.74(4H,s), 6.99(1H,t), 7.09-7.14(1H,m), 7.21-7.36(3H,m), 7.50-7.59(4H,m), 7.90(2H,d), 8.02-8.06(1H,m) Working Example 47 (E)-Cinnamoyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 56%, m.p.: 146-147°C Elemental Analysis for C 34 H 28 N 6 O 5 ·0.4C 4 H 8 O 2 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 67.16; 5.07; 13.20 Found 66.97; 4.86; 13.28 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.44(3H,t), 4.45(2H,q), 5.61(2H,s), 5.87(2H,s), 6.33(1H,d), 6.84(2H,d), 6.96(2H,d), 7.05(1H,t), 7.31-7.57(10H,m), 7.65(1H,d), 8.00-8.04(1H,m) In substantially the same manner as Working Examples 31 and 33, the following compounds (Working Examples 48-50) were synthesized. Working Example 48 Cyclopentylcarbonyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 54%, m.p.: 136-138°C Elemental Analysis for C 31 H 30 N 6 O 5 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 65.71; 5.34; 14.83 Found 65.59; 5.33; 14.67 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.41-1.84(11H,m), 2.61-2.76(1H,m), 4.43(2H,q), 5.61(2H,s), 5.72(2H,s), 6.84(2H,d), 6.96(2H,d), 7.05(1H,t), 7.22-7.26(1H,m), 7.35-7.39(1H,m), 7.53-7.61(3H,m), 8.03-8.08(1H,m) Working Example 49 Pivaloyloxymethyl 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 59%, m.p.: 130-135°C Elemental Analysis for C 30 H 31 N 7 O 4 ·0.4CHCl 3 .0.2H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 60.36; 5.30; 16.21 Found 60.20; 5.20; 16.08 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.12(9H,s), 1.20(3H,t), 3.43(2H,q), 5.52(2H,s), 5.81(2H,s), 6.80(2H,d), 6.99(2H,d), 7.08(1H,t), 7.24(1H,dd), 7.43-7.68(5H,m) Working Exampie 50 1-(Cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate Yield: 76%, m.p.: 149-152°C Elemental Analysis for C 33 H 35 N 7 O 5 ·0.5H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.06; 5.86; 15.85 Found 64.27; 6.02; 15.86 1 H-NMR(200MHz, CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.12-1.88(16H,m), 3.38-3.47(2H,m), 4.48-4.59(1H,m), 5.51(2H,s), 6.75-6.88(5H,m), 7.04(1H,t), 7.29-7.40(2H,m), 7.47-7.51(3H,m), 7.91-7.95(1H,m) Working Example 51 Methyl 2-allyloxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 2-allyloxy-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 17. Yield: 30%, m.p.: 154-156°C. Elemental Analysis for C 26 H 22 N 6 O 3 ·0.5H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 65.67; 4.88; 17.67 Found 65.63; 4.71; 17.68 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.75(3H,d), 4.58-4.61(1H,m), 4.92-4.95(1H,m), 5.18-5.48(2H,m), 5.52(2H,d), 5.83-6.15(1H,m), 6.98-7.05(2H,m), 7.09-7.17(2H,m), 7.35-7.44(2H,m), 7.47-7.60(3H,m), 8.09-8.19(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1670, 1550, 1470, 1430, 1280, 1250, 1025, 760, 735 Working Example 52 Methyl 2-butoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless needles from methyl 2-butoxy-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 17. Yield: 91%, m.p.: 146-148°C. Elemental Analysis for C 27 H 26 N 6 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 67.21; 5.43; 17.42 Found 67.00; 5.45; 17.49 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ: 0.99(3H,t), 1.37-1.55(2H,m), 1.74-1.88(2H,m), 3.61(3H,s), 4.27(2H,t), 5.53(2H,s), 6.75(2H,d), 6.90(2H,d), 6.97(2H,d), 7.30-7.34(1H,m), 7.41(2H,dd), 7.57-7.61(2H,m), 8.04-8.09(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1600, 1540, 1470, 1430, 1270, 1250, 1020, 750 Working Example 53 Methyl 2-butylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 2-butylamino-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 29. Yield: 42%, m.p.: 216-218°C. Elemental Analysis for C 27 H 27 N 7 O 2 ·H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.91; 5.85; 19.63 Found 64.86; 5.68; 19.41 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 0.91(3H,t), 1.25-1.43(2H,m), 1.52-1.67(2H,m), 3.65(3H,s), 5.47(2H,s), 6.79(2H,d), 6.98-7.05(3H,m), 7.18(1H,dd), 7.42-7.64(5H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1665, 1660, 1650, 1430, 1260, 745 Reference Example 29 Methyl 1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-2-morpholinobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-morpholinobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 29. Yield: 62%, m.p.: 163-167°C. Elemental Analysis for C 27 H 25 N 7 O 3 ·0.6CHCl 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 58.45; 4.55; 17.29 Found 58.66; 4.36; 17.54 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.33(4H,t), 3.73(3H,s), 3.90(4H,t), 5.44(2H,s), 6.62(2H,d), 6.97(2H,d), 7.17(1H,t), 7.33-7.38(1H,m), 7.43-7.50(2H,m), 7.55-7.61(2H,m), 8.08-8.13(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1730, 1600, 1530, 1455, 1420, 1405, 1280, 1260, 1120, 1110, 1000, 760, 750, 740 Reference Example 30 Methyl 1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-2 -piperidinobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-piperidinobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 29. Yield: 47%, m.p.: 146-150°C. Elemental Analysis for C 28 H 27 N 7 O 2 ·0.8CHCl 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 58.72; 4.76; 16.64 Found 58.69; 4.66; 16.75 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.72(6H,br s), 3.11(4H,m), 3.61(3H,s), 5.38(2H,s), 6.45(2H,d), 6.80(2H,d), 6.89-6.96(2H,m), 7.28-7.37(2H,m), 7.56-7.64(2H,m), 8.01-8.06(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1715, 1600, 1530, 1450, 1420, 1415, 1405, 1300, 1280, 1260, 1240, 1215, 1130, 770, 760, 750 Working Example 54 Methyl 2-ethylmethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 2-ethylmethylamino-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-benzimidazole-7- carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 29. Yield: 54%, m.p.: 130-136°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 26 H 25 N 7 O 2 ·0.6H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 59.26; 4.79; 18.19 Found 59.04; 4.95; 18.05 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.19(3H,t), 2.57(3H,s), 3.22(2H,m), 3.62(3H,s), 5.40(2H,s), 6.43(2H,d), 6.78-6.94(4H,m), 7.30-7.34(1H,m), 7.57(1H,dd), 7.59-7.63(2H,m), 7.99-8.04(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1720, 1600, 1540, 1435, 1400, 1300, 1280, 1255, 1015, 750, 740 Reference Example 31 2-Piperidino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-2-piperidinobenzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Reference Example 27. Yield: 91%, m.p.: 215-218°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 27 H 25 N 7 O 2 ·0.5CHCl 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 61.25; 4.77; 18.18 Found 60.95; 4.70; 17.90 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 1.65(6H, br s), 3.24(4H,br s), 5.48(2H,s), 6.71(2H,d), 6.92(2H,d), 7.17(1H,t), 7.42-7.48(2H,m), 7.54-7.67(2H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1685, 1530, 1450, 1440, 1420, 1400, 1285, 1270, 1245, 750, 730 Reference Example 32 2-Morpholino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 2-morpholino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Reference Example 27. Yield: 59%, m.p.: 202-206°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 26 H 23 N 7 O 3 ·0.6CHCl 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 57.76; 4.30; 17.73 Found 57.55; 4.25; 17.66 1 H-NMR(200MHz, DMSO-d 6 )δ: 3.24(4H, br s), 3.76(4H,br s), 5.56(2H,s), 6.72(2H,d), 6.93(2H,d), 7.16(1H,t), 7.41-7.70(6H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1690, 1535, 1460, 1450, 1420, 1410, 1290, 1260, 1245, 1120, 760, 740 Working Example 55 2-(N-Ethylmethylamino)-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 2-(N-ethylmethylamino)-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 34. Yield: 66%, m.p.: 204-206°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 25 H 23 N 7 O 2 ·0.5H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.92; 5.23; 21.20 Found 65.22; 5.31; 21.11 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 1.13(3H,t), 2.93(3H,s), 3.27(2H,m), 5.54(2H,s), 6.68(2H,d), 6.92(2H,d), 7.13(1H,t), 7.43-7.48(2H,m), 7.53-7.67(2H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1725, 1620, 1550, 1540, 1460, 1440, 1420, 1300, 1250, 775 Working Example 56 2-Butylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 2-butylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 34. Yield: 67%, m.p.: 213-216°C (decomp.). Elemental Analysis for C 26 H 25 N 7 O 2 ·H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 64.32; 5.60; 20.19 Found 64.07; 5.77; 20.16 1 H-NMR(200MHz, DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 0.89(3H,t), 1.22-1.41(2H,m), 1.51-1.66(2H,m), 3.34-3.43(2H,m), 5.65(2H,s), 6.83(2H,d), 6.97-7.05(3H,m), 7.29(1H,dd), 7.40-7.67(5H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1660, 1580, 1540, 1485, 1440, 1380, 1340, 1215, 850, 810, 780, 760, 750 Working Example 57 2-Ethoxy-1-[(2'-carboxybiphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid To a solution of methyl 2-ethoxy-1-[(2'-methoxycarbonylbiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.7 g) in methanol (10 ml) was added 1N NaOH (5 ml) and the mixture was stirred at 80°C for 3 hours. After evaporation of the methanol, the aqueous residue was neutralized with 1N hydrochloric acid to give crystals. The crystals were recrystallized from methanol - chloroform to afford colorless crystals (0.54 g, 83%), m.p. 213-215°C. Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 20 N 2 O 5 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 69.22; 4.84; 6.73 Found 68.98; 4.89; 6.71 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 1.42(3H,t), 4.61(2H,q), 5.68(2H,s), 7.01(2H,d), 7.13-7.56(7H,m), 7.64-7.71(2H,m) IR(Neat)cm -1 : 1725, 1545, 1460, 1420, 1380, 1280, 1260, 1230, 1205, 1120, 1030, 750 Working Example 58 Methyl 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals from methyl 2-ethylamino-1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate according to the procedure for Working Example 29. Yield: 63%, m.p.: 256-258°C. Elemental Analysis for C 25 H 23 N 7 O 2 ·H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 63.68; 5.34; 20.79 Found 63.99; 5.09; 20.68 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ : 1.21(3H,t), 3.40-3.60(2H,m), 3.63(3H,s), 5.47(2H,s), 6.78(2H,d), 6.98-7.05(3H,m), 7.18(1H,dd), 7.42-7.66(5H,m) IR(Neat)cm -1 : 1710, 1660, 1650, 1645, 1430, 1340, 1300, 1280, 1250, 1050, 740 Working Example 59 Methyl 1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzimidazole-7-carboxylate The title compound was prepared as colorless needles (0.37 g, 77%) from methyl 1-[(2'-cyanobiphenyl-4-yl)methyl]-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.48 g) according to the procedure for Working Example 17. m.p.: 210-212°C. Elemental Analysis for C 25 H 19 F 3 N 6 O 3 : C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 59.06; 3.77; 16.53 Found 59.02; 3.71; 16.36 1 H-NMR(200MHz,CDCl 3 ) δ : 3.82(3H,s), 5.01(2H,q), 5.64(2H,s), 6.99(2H,d), 7.14(2H,d), 7.25(1H,t), 7.37-7.41(1H,m), 7.51-7.63(3H,m), 7.71(1H,dd), 8.17-8.22(1H,m) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1710, 1550, 1425, 1275, 1240, 1180, 1160, 1055, 750 Working Example 60 1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared as colorless crystals (0.23 g, 88%) from methyl 1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)benzimidazole-7-carboxylate (0.27 g) according to the procedure for Working Example 34. m.p.: 204-206°C. Elemental Analysis for C 24 H 17 F 3 N 6 O 3 ·H 2 O: C(%) H(%) N(%) Calcd. 57.26; 3.60; 16.69 Found 57.09; 3.59; 16.72 1 H-NMR(200MHz,DMSO-d 6 ) δ: 5.28(2H,q), 5.66(2H,s), 6.98(4H,d), 7.23(1H,t), 7.44-7.68(5H,m), 7.72(1H,dd) IR(KBr) cm -1 : 1690, 1540, 1470, 1430, 1270, 1225, 1210, 1160, 1050, 740 The following compounds as listed in Table 1 are prepared according to the procedures for Reference Examples and Working Examples disclosed herein. Experimental Example 1 Inhibition of binding of angiotensin II to angiotensin receptor [Method] An experiment of inhibition on the binding of angiotensin II (A II) to A II receptor was conducted by modifying the method of Douglas et al. [Endocrinology, 102, 685-696 (1978)]. An A II receptor membrane fraction was prepared from bovine adrenal cortex. The compound of the present invention (10 -6 M or 10 -7 M) and 125 I-angiotensin II ( 125 I-A II) (1.85 kBq/50 µl) were added to the receptor membrane fraction, and the mixture was incubated at room temperature for one hour. The receptor-bound and free 125 I-A II were separated through a filter (Whatman GF/B filter), and the radioactivity of 125 I-A II bound to the receptor was measured. [Results] The results relating to the compounds of the present invention are shown in Table 2. Experimental Example 2 Inhibitory effect of the compound of the present invention on pressor action of A II [Method] Jcl : SD rats (9 week old, male) were employed. On the previous day of the experiment, these animals were applied with cannulation into the femoral artery and vein under anesthesia with pentobarbital Na. The animals were fasted but allowed to access freely to drinking water until the experiment was started. Just on the day of conducting the experiment, the artery cannula was connected with a blood-pressure transducer, and the average blood pressure was recorded by means of polygraph. Before administration of the drug, the pressor action due to intravenous administration of A II (100 ng/kg) as the control was measured. The drugs were orally administered, then, at each point of the measurement, A II was administered intravenously, and the pressor action was similarly measured. By comparing the pressor action before and after administration of the drug, the percent inhibition by the drug on A II-induced pressor action was evaluated. [Results] The results relating to the compounds of the present invention are shown in Table 2. It is understood that the preceding representative examples may be varied within the scope of the present invention by one skilled in the art to achieve essentially the same results.

Claims: A compound of the formula: wherein the ring A is a benzene ring which in addition to the R' group may be optionally substituted by halogen; nitro; cyano; amino; N-(C 1-4 ) alkyl amino; N,N-di(C 1-4 ) alkyl amino, phenylamino, naphthylamino, benzylamino, naphthylmethylamino, morpholino, piperidino, piperazino, N-phenylpiperazino; groups having the formula: -W-R 13 wherein W is a chemical bond, -O-, -S- or and R 13 is hydrogen or (C 1-4 ) alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen or (C 1-4 ) alkoxy; groups having the formula -(CH 2 ) p -CO-D wherein D is hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, N-(C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di(C 1-4 ) alkyl amino or (C 1-6 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy, (C 1-6 ) alkylthio, dioxolenyl or 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl, on the alkyl moiety or groups having the formula: -OCH(R 9 )OCOR 10 wherein R 9 is hydrogen, straight or branched C 1-6 alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl or cycloheptyl, and R 10 is straight or branched C 1-6 alkyl, straight or branched C 2-8 alkenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, (C 1-3 ) alkyl which is substituted with phenyl, p-chlorophenyl or C 5-7 cycloalkyl, (C 2-3 ) alkenyl which is substituted with phenylor C 5-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, p-tolyl, naphthyl, straight or branched C 1-6 alkoxy, straight or branched C 2-8 alkenyloxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy, (C 1-3 ) alkoxy which is substituted with phenyl dr C 5-7 cycloalkyl, (C 2-3 ) alkenyloxy which is substituted with phenyl or C 5-7 cycloalkyl, phenoxy, p-nitrophenoxy or naphthoxy, and p is 0 or 1; tetrazolyl optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl group, (C 1-4 ) alkoxymethyl, benzyl, (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl, or benzoyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic amide; phosphoric acid; or sulfonic acid; whereby one or two of these substituents may be substituted at various positions of the benzene ring, R' is carboxyl, an ester thereof, an amide thereof, a tetrazolyl group optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 2-5 )alkanoyl or benzoyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic amide, phosphoric acid or sulfonic acid; R 1 is hydrogen or C 1-8 alkyl, C 2-8 alkenyl, C 2-8 alkynyl, C 3-6 cycloalkyl, which groups optionally may be substituted with hydroxyl, amino, methylamino, halogen or C 1-4 alkoxy; phenyl optionally substituted with halogen, nitro, C 1-4 alkoxy, C 1-4 alkyl at various positions of the benzene ring or phenyl-(C 1-4 ) alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, nitro, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, (C 1-4 ) alkyl at various positions of the benzene ring; R 2 is carboxyl, tetrazolyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic amide (-NHSO 2 CF 3 ), phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, cyano, (C 1-4 ) alkoxycarbonyl, which groups may be protected with a C 1-4 alkyl group, C 1-4 alkoxymethyl, benzyl, (C 2-5 )alkanoyl or benzoyl; X is a direct bond or a divalent chain in which the number of atoms constituting the straight chain is 1 or 2; Y is -O-, -S(O) m - or -N(R 4 )- wherein m is 0, 1 or 2 and R 4 is hydrogen or a C 1-4 alkyl group; n is an integer of 1 or 2; with the exclusion of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid and 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A compound according to claim 1 whereby in formula I, R' represents a group having the formula -CO-D' wherein D' is hydroxyl, amino, N-(C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di(C 1-4 ) alkyl amino, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy, (C 1-6 ) alkylthio, dioxolenyl or 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl on the alkyl moiety, a (C 2-3 ) alkenyloxy optionally substituted with optionally substituted aryl on the alkenyl moiety, a group having the formula: -OCH(R 7 )OCOR 8 wherein R 7 is hydrogen, straight or branched C 1-6 alkyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and R 8 is straight or branched C 1-6 alkyl, straight or branched C 2-8 alkenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, (C 1-3 ) alkyl which is substituted with phenyl, p-chlorophenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, (C 2-3 ) alkenyl which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, phenyl, p-tolyl, naphthyl, straight or branched C 1-6 alkoxy, straight or branched C 2-8 alkenyloxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy, (C 1-3 ) alkoxy which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, (C 2-3 ) alkenyloxy which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, phenoxy, p-nitrophenoxy or naphthoxy. A compound according to claim 1 whereby in formula I, R' represents -COOH or a salt thereof, -COOMe, -COOEt, -COOtBu, -COOPr, pivaloyloxymethoxycarbonyl, 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl) methyloxycarbonyl, acetoxymethyloxycarbonyl, propionyloxymethoxycarbonyl, n-butyryloxymethoxycarbonyl, isobutyryloxymethoxycarbonyl, 1-(ethoxycarbonyloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, 1-(acetyloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, 1-(isobutyryloxy)ethoxycarbonyl, cyclohexylcarbonyloxymethoxycarbonyl, benzoyloxymethoxycarbonyl, cinnamyloxycarbonyl, or cyclopentylcarbonyloxymethoxycarbonyl. A compound according to claim 1, which is a compound of the formula: wherein the ring A is a benzene ring which may optionally contain substitution in addition to the R' b group as defined in claim 1, R 1 , R 2 , X and Y are as defined in claim 1 and R' b is carboxyl, an ester thereof or an amide thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R 1 is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or cycloalkyl group, which may be substituted with hydroxyl, an amino, methylamino, halogen or a (C 1-4 ) alkoxy group. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R 1 is a (C 1-5 ) alkyl or (C 2-5 ) alkenyl group optionally substituted with hydroxyl, an amino group, halogen or a (C 1-4 ) alkoxy group. A compound according to claim 5, wherein the alkyl group is unsubstituted or substituted with hydroxyl, an amino, methylamino, halogen or a (C 1-4 ) alkoxy group. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R 1 is phenyl which may be substituted with halogen, nitro, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, or (C 1-4 ) alkyl. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R 1 is phenyl- (C 1-4 ) alkyl which may be substituted with halogen, nitro, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, or (C 1-4 ) alkyl. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R 2 is a tetrazolyl group optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxymethyl, (C 2-5 )alkanoyl or benzoyl, a carboxyl group optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxymethyl, or bonzyl or trifluoromethanesulfonic amide. A compound according to claim 2, wherein R' is a group having the formula: -CO-D' wherein D' is hydroxyl or a (C 1-6 ) alkoxy group optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy, (C 1-6 ) alkylthio, dioxolenyl or 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl on the alkyl moiety, or a group having the formula: -OCH(R 7 )OCOR 8 wherein R 7 is hydrogen, straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms and R 8 is straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, straight or branched alkenyl having 2 to 8 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, (C 1-3 ) alkyl which is substituted with phenyl, p-chlorophenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, (C 2-3 ) alkenyl which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms,phenyl,p-tolyl,naphthyl, straight or branched alkoxy having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, straight or branched alkenyloxy having 2 to about 8 carbon atcms, cycloalkyloxy having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, (C 1-3 ) alkoxy which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, (C 2-3 ) alkenyloxy which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, phenoxy, p-nitrophenoxy or naphthoxy. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R' is a group capable of forming the residue: -CCO - or convertible thereinto. A compound according to claim 11, wherein D' is hydroxyl, a (C 1-6 ) alkoxy group optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy, dioxolenyl or 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl on the alkyl moiety, a (C 2-3 ) alkenyloxy optionally substituted with phenyl on the alkenyl moiety, or a group having the formula: -OCH(R 7 )OCOR 8 wherein R 7 is hydrogen, or straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and R 8 is straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, (C 1-3 ) alkyl which is substituted with phenyl, p-chlorophenyl or cycloalkyi having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, phenyl,p-tolyl,naphthyl, straight or branched alkoxy having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclcalkyloxy having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, (C 1-3 ) alkoxy which is substituted with phenyl or cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, phenoxy, p-nitrophenoxy or naphthoxy. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R' is a group having the formula: -CO-OCH(R 7 )OCOR 8 wherein R 7 is hydrogen or straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and R 8 is straight or branched alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, phenyl, straight or branched alkoxy having 1 to 6 carbon atoms or cycloalkyloxy having 5 to 7 carbon atoms. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X is a direct bond or A compound of the formula (I'): wherein R 1c is (C 1-5 ) alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, halogen, or a (C 1-4 ) alkoxy group; R 1c is -CO-D 1c wherein D 1c is hydroxyl, amino, N- (C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di (C 1-4 ) alkyl amino, or (C 1-4 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, halogen, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, (C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy or 1- (C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy on the alkyl moiety, or tetrazolyl optionally protected with a (C 1-4 ) alkyl (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl or benzoyl group; R 2c is tetrazolyl optionally protected with a (C 1-4 ) alkyl, trityl, methoxymethyl ethoxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl or benzoyl group, or carboxyl optionally protected with a (C 1-4 ) alkyl, trityl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyi, or p-nitrobenzyl group; R'' is hydrogen, halogen, (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, nitro or -CO-D" c wherein D" c is hydroxyl or (C 1-2 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, (C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy or 1-(C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy on the alkyl moiety, or amino optionally substituted with (C 1-4 ) alkyl; Y is -O-, -S-, or -N(R 1c )- wherein R 1c is hydrogen or an (C 1-4 ) alkyl group; with the exclusion of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A compound according to claim 16, wherein R 1c is (C 1-5 ) alkyl. A compound according to claim 16, wherein R' c is -CO-D' c wherein D 1c is hydroxyl, or (C 1-4 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, (C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy or 1-(C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy on the alkyl moiety, or tetrazolyl optionally protected with a (C 1-4 ) alkyl, trityl, methoxymethyl, ethoxymethyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl or (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl. A compound according to claim 16, wherein R 2c is tetrazolyl optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, triphenylmethyl, p-methoxybenzyl, p-nitrobenzyl, (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl or benzoyl, or carboxyl optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, triphenylmethyl, p-methoxybenzyl or p-nitrobenzyl. A compound according to claim 16, wherein R" is hydrogen, (C 1-4 ) alkyl, or halogen. A compound according to claim 16, wherein R" is hydrcgen. A compound according to claim 16 , wherein Y is -O-. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R 2 is a tetrazolyl group. A compound according to claim 1, wherein R' is a tetrazolyl group optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 )alkoxy (C 1-4 )alkyl, (C 2-5 )alkanoyl or benzoyl, trifruoromethanesulfonic amide, phosphoric acid or sulfonic acid. A compound according to claim 1, wherein ring A is benzene ring which has no substituents in addition to the R' group. A compound according to claim 1, wherein X is the chemical bond between the phenylene group and the phenyl group. A compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is selected from the group consisting of ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, ethyl 2-propoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, 2-propoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid, ethyl 2-methylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, ethyl 2-ethylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, ethyl 2-propylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazal-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, 2-methylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid, 2-ethylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid, 2-propylthio-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid, methyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, ethyl 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, ethyl 2-propylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, pivaloyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, methyl 2-methoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, 2-methoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid, 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid, 2-propylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid, (5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl)methyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, acetoxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, propionyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, butyryloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, isobutyryloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, 1-(ethoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, 1-acetoxyethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, 1-(isopropoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5- yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, cyclohexylcarbonyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, benzoyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4- yl]-methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, (E)-cinnamoyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, cyclopentylcarbonyloxymethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)-biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, pivaloyloxymethyl 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate, and 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethylamino-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate. A pharmaceutical composition for antagonizing angiotensin II which comprises a therapeutically effective amount of a compound according to one of claims 1 - 27 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in admixture with a pharmaceutical acceptable carrier, excipient or diluent. Use of a compound according to one of claims 1-27 a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for antagonizing angiotensin II. A method for producing a compound of the formula (I): wherein the ring A is a benzene ring which in addition to the R' group may be optionally substituted by halogen; nitro; cyano; amino; N-(C 1-4 ) alkyl amino; N,N-di(C 1-4 ) alkyl amino, phenylamino, naphthylamino, benzylamino, naphthylmethylamino, morpholino, piperidino, piperazino, N-phenylpiperazino; groups having the formula: -W-R 13 wherein W is a chemical bond, -O-, -S- or -C-, and R 13 is hydrogen or (C 1-4 ) alkyl optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen or (C 1-4 ) alkoxy; groups having the formula -(CH 2 ) p -CO-D wherein D is hydrogen, hydroxyl, amino, N-(C 1-4 ) alkylamino, N,N-di(C 1-4 ) alkyl amino or (C 1-6 ) alkoxy optionally substituted with hydroxyl, amino, dimethylamino, diethylamino, piperidino, morpholino, halogen, (C 1-6 ) alkoxy, (C 1-6 ) alkylthio, dioxolenyl or 5-methyl-2-oxo-1,3-dioxolen-4-yl, on the alkyl moiety or groups having the formula: -OCH(R 9 )OCOR 10 wherein R 9 is hydrogen, straight or branched C 1-6 alkylor cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, and R 10 is straight or branched C 1-6 alkyl, straight or branched C 2-8 alkenyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, (C 1-3 ) alkyl which is substituted with phenyl, p-chlorophenyl or C 5-7 cycloalkyl, (C 2-3 ) alkenyl which is substituted with phenylor C 5-7 cycloalkyl, phenyl, p-tolyl, naphthyl, straight or branched C 1-6 alkoxy, straight or branched C 2-8 alkenyloxy, cyclopentyloxy, cyclohexyloxy, cycloheptyloxy, (C 1-3 ) alkoxy which is substituted with phenyl or C 5-7 cycloalkyl, (C 2-3 ) alkenyloxy which is substituted with phenyl or C 5-7 cycloalkyl, phenoxy, p-nitrophenoxy, naphthoxy, and p is 0 or 1; tetrazolyl optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl group, (C 1-4 ) alkoxymethyl, benzyl, (C 2-5 ) alkanoyl, or benzoyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic amide; phosphoric acid; or sulfonic acid; whereby one or two of these substituents may be substituted at various positions of the benzene ring, R' is carboxyl, an ester thereof, an amide thereof, a tetrazolyl group optionally protected with (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy (C 1-4 ) alkyl, (C 2-5 )alkanoyl or benzoyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic amide, phosphoric acid or sulfonic acid; R 1 is hydrogen or C 1-8 alkyl, C 2-8 alkenyl, C 2-8 alkynyl, C 3-6 cycloalkyl, which groups optionally may be substituted with hydroxyl, amino, methylamino, halogen or C 1-4 alkoxy; phenyl optionally substituted with halogen, nitro, C 1-4 alkoxy, C 1-4 alkyl at various positions of the benzene ring, or phenyl-(C 1-4 ) alkyl optionally substituted with halogen, nitro, (C 1-4 ) alkoxy, (C 1-4 ) alkyl at various positions of the benzene ring; R 2 is carboxyl, tetrazolyl, trifluoromethanesulfonic amide (-NHSO 2 CF 3 ), phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, cyano, (C 1-4 ) alkoxycarbonyl, which groups may be protected with a C 1-4 alkyl group, C 1-4 alkoxymethyl, benzyl, (C 2-5 )alkanoyl or benzoyl; X is a direct bond or a divalent chain in which the number of atoms constituting the straight chain is 1 or 2; Y is -O-, -S(O) m - or -N(R 4 )- wherein m is 0, 1 or 2 and R 4 is hydrogen or a C 1-4 alkyl group; n is an integer of 1 or 2; with the exclusion of 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]-benzimidazole-7-carboxylic acid and 1-(cyclohexyloxycarbonyloxy)ethyl 2-ethoxy-1-[[2'-(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-yl]methyl]benzimidazole-7-carboxylate; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which comprises (i) reacting a compound of the formula (II): wherein R 1 , R', A and Y have the above-defined meanings, with a compound of the formula (III): wherein R 2 , X and n have the abcve-defined meanings and Z is halogen, (ii) reacting a compound of the formula (IV): wherein each group has the above-defined meaning, with alkyl orthocarbonate, a carbonylating or thiccarbonylating reagent, or isothiocyanate, (iii) reacting a compound of the formula (V'): wherein each group has the above-defined meaning, with a nucleophilic reagent, and if desired, stirring a concentrated residue, amorphous powder or crystals other than stable C-type crystal in a suitable solvent to form the stable C-type crystal of the compound, and, if desired, converting a product obtained by the above processes (i) to (iii) into a compound of the formula (I) by azidation, hydrolysis, reduction, halogenation, O-, N- or S-alkylation, nucleophilic reaction, ring closure, acylation, esterification, oxidation and/or deprotection, and, if desired, converting a compound of the formula (I) into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method according to Claim 30, wherein said compound is a compound of the formula: wherein the ring A is a benzene ring which may optionally contain substitution in addition to the R' b group as defined in claim 1, R 1 , R 2 , X and Y are as defined in claim 30 and R' b is carboxyl, an ester thereof or an amide thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The method according to claim 30, which gives a compound of the formula (Ik): wherein each group is as defined in claim 30, by the alkaline hydrolysis of a compound of the formula (Ij) : wherein A, R 1 R 2 , X, Y and n has the above-defined meaning and R 5 is an optionally substituted (C 1-6 ) alkyl, obtained by the processes (i) to (iii). The method according to claim 30, which gives a compound of the formula (Im) : by deprotection of a compound of the formula (II) : wherein A, R', R 1 , X, Y and n has the meaning as defined in claim 30 and R is a protective group, obtained by the processes (i) to (iii). The method according to claim 30 , which gives a compound of the formula (Ib): by ring closure reaction of a compound of the formula (Ia): wherein each group is as defined in claim 30, obtained by the processes (i) to (iii) by reacting with azide. The method according to claim 30, which gives a compound of the formula (Io): wherein A, R 1 , X, Y and n has the meaning as defined in claim 30 and R is a protective group by alkylating a compound of the formula (In) : wherein each group has the above-defined meaning, obtained by the processes (i) to (iii) due to reacting with alkylating agent. The method according to claim 30, which gives a ccmpound of the formula (Ip) : wherein A, R 1 , X, Y and n has the meaning as defined in claim 30, R is a protective group and R 6 is (C 1-6 ) alkyl optionally substituted with (C 2-6 ) alkanoyloxy or 1-(C 1-6 ) alkoxycarbonyloxy, by alkylating a compound of the formula (Io): wherein each group has the above-defined meaning, obtained by the processes (i) to (iii) due to reacting with alkylating agent.

Inventors: KATO TAKESHI, NAKA TAKEHIKO, NISHIKAWA KOHEI, KATO, TAKESHI, NAKA, TAKEHIKO, NISHIKAWA, KOHEI
Applicants: TAKEDA CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD, TAKEDA CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Application year: 1991
Main classification: C07D235
IPC codes: C07D405, A61K31, C07D235, C07D403