HYDROISOQUINOLINE DERIVATIVES

Abstract: Compounds of formula (I) in which, R is linear or branched alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl or furan-2-yl alkyl; R1 and R2, which may be the same or different, are each hydrogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, or halogen; R3 is hydrogen, hydroxy or alkoxy; "Het" is optionally substituted single or fused heteroxyclic ring, containing from 5 to 10 ring atoms and comprising up to four heteratoms in the or each ring, selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur; R4 and R5, which may be the same or different, are each hydrogen alkyl, halogen, nitro, CF, cyano, alkoxy carbonyl, NH, alkylcarbonylamino, hydroxy, alkoxy, or benzyl, are selective delta receptor agonists and are useful in the treatment of pain.

Description: HΓTOROISOQUINOLINE DERIVATIVES This invention is concerned with novel hydroisoquinoline derivatives, processes for their preparation, and their use in medicine. The presence of at least three populations of opioid receptors (mu, delta and kappa) is now well established and documented and all three appear to be present in the central and peripheral nervous system of many species including man (Lord J.A.H. et al, Nature 1977, 267. 495). Activation of all 3 opioid receptor subtypes can lead to antinociception in animal models. In particular, studies with peptidic delta agonists have indicated that activation of the delta receptor produces antinociception in rodents and primates, and can induce clinical analgesia in man (Yaksh T.L. and Onofrio, B.M. Lancet 1983, 1386). Some experiments suggest that these delta analgesics may also lack the usual side-effects associated with mu and kappa activation (Galligan et al, J.Pharm. Exp. Ther. 1984, 229_, 641). WO/8900995 discloses heterocycle condensed epoxymorphinan derivatives which are said to be delta selective antagonists, and EP-A-295783 discloses codeine derivatives which are said to be analgesic agents acting predominantly on delta receptors. We have now discovered a novel class of heterocycle condensed octahydroisoquinoline derivatives which are selective delta opioid receptor ligands which may therefore be of potential therapeutic utility as analgesics. According to the present invention, there is provided a compound, or a solvate or salt thereof of formula (I): (I) in which, R is linear or branched C1.5 alkyl, C3.7 cycloalkyl, C4.Q cycloalkylalkyl, C3.5 alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl or furan-2-yl alkyl; Ri and R2, which may be the same or different, are each hydrogen, hydroxy, C1.3 alkoxy, preferably methoxy, or halogen; R3 is hydrogen, hydroxy or C1.3 alkoxy, preferably methoxy; "Het" is an optionally substituted single or fused heterocyclic ring, preferably having aromatic character, containing from 5 to 10 ring atoms and comprising up to four heteroatoms in the or each ring, selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur; R4 and R5, which may be the same or different, are each hydrogen, C1.3 alkyl, preferably methyl, halogen, nitro, CF3, cyano, C1.3 alkoxy carbonyl, NH2, Cι_3 alkylcarbonylamino, hydroxy, C1.3 alkoxy, preferably methoxy, or benzyl. When R is aryl, it is preferably phenyl, and when aralkyl, it is preferably phenyl C- .β alkyl. Examples of R are methyl, ethyl, cyclopropylmethyl, propyl and 2- phenylethyl. Examples of R^ and 2 are hydrogen, hydroxy and methoxy, in all positions of the aromatic ring. Examples of "Het 1 are indolo, N-methylindolo, N-ethylindolo, N- benzylindolo, benzofuro, benzothieno, quino and quinoxalino. Examples of R4 or R5 are hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, fluorine, chlorine, hydroxy, methoxy, or benzyl. The compounds of formula (I) or their salts or solvates are preferably in pharmaceutically acceptable or substantially pure form. By pharmaceutically acceptable form is meant, inter alia, of a pharmaceutically acceptable level of purity excluding normal pharmaceutical additives such as diluents and carriers, and including no material considered toxic at normal dosage levels. A substantially pure form will generally contain at least 50% (excluding normal pharmaceutical additives), preferably 75%, more preferably 90% and still more preferably 95% of the compound of formula (I) or its salt or solvate. One preferred pharmaceutically acceptable form is the crystalline form, including such form in a pharmaceutical composition. In the case of salts and solvates the additional ionic and solvent moieties must also be non-toxic. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts of a compound of formula (I) include acid addition salts with the conventional pharmaceutical acids, for example, maleic, hydrochloric, hydrobromic, phosphoric, acetic, fumaric, salicylic, citric, lactic, mandelic, tartaric, succinic, benzoic, ascorbic and methanesulphonic. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable solvates of a compound of formula (I) include hydrates. The compounds of formula (I) may exist as cis or trans isomers, and the invention extends to both such forms as well as to their single enantiomers and to mixtures thereof, including racemates. The present invention also provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) which comprises reacting a compound of formula (II) in which, simultaneously, one of X and Y is oxo and the other is hydrogen or oximino, and R, Rj, R2 and R3 are as defined for formula (I), with a i compound of formula (III): R 4 \ Het'— NH- / (m) in which Het' is a ring-opened precursor of Het, as defined for formula (I), and R4 and R5 are as defined for formula (I), and optionally thereafter performing one or both of the following steps: a) converting the obtained compound of formula (I) to a further compound of formula (I), b) forming a salt and/or solvate of the obtained compound of formula (I). Examples of the process of the invention are as follows: i) To produce a compound of formula (I) in which Het is 2,3- or 3,2- indolo, 2,3- or 3,2-N-methylindolo, 2,3- or 3,2-benzofuro or 2,3- or 3,2- benzothieno, and Rj and R2 are other than hydroxy, a compound of formula (π) may be reacted with a compound of formula (Ilia): (Ilia) in which X is -NH-, -NMe-, -S-, or -0- and R4 and R5 are as defined for formula (I), under Fischer condensation conditions. ii) To produce a compound of formula (I) in which Het is N- methylindolo, N-ethylindolo, or N-benzylindolo, and Rj and R2 are other than hydroxy, a corresponding compound of formula (I) in which Het is indolo may be reacted with a methyl, ethyl, or benzyl halide and a strong base (such as sodium or potassium hydride) in an aprotic solvent (such as THF or DMF). iii) To produce a compound of formula (I) in which Rj or R2 is hydroxy, a compound of formula (I) in which Rj or R2 is methoxy is deniethylated using a Lewis acid (such as BBr3) or concentrated aqueous HI or HBr at elevated temperature, for example 25° to 110°. iv) To produce a compound offormula (I) in which Het is 2,3 or 3,2- quino and R^ and R2 are other than hydroxy, a compound offormula (II) may be reacted with a compound of formula (IHb): in which R4 and R5 are as defined for formula (I), in the presence of methanesulfonic acid. v) To produce a compound offormula (I) in which Het is 2,3 or 3,2- quinoxalino and Ri and R2 are other than hydroxy, a compound of formula (II) may be reacted with isoamyl nitrite and potassium tertbutoxide to obtain a compound offormula (Ila): in which, simultaneously, one of X and Y is oxo and the other is oximino and R, Rj, R2 and R3 are as defined for formula (I). The resulting compounds offormula (Ila) are thereafter condensed in refluxing DMF with a compound offormula (IIIc): in which R4 and R5 are as defined for formula (I). Compounds offormula (II) in which X is oxo and Y is hydrogen are known compounds, or can be prepared from known compounds by known methods (Zimmerman D. et al, J. Org. Chem. 1989, , 1442). Compounds offormula (II) in which X is hydrogen and Y is oxo are known compounds and can be prepared, for example, as described by Judd D. B. et al., J. Med. Chem,. 1992, 3J 48. Alternatively, they may be prepared by a Robinson cyclisation reaction between a piperidine derivative offormula (IV): in which R, R]_, and R2 are as defined for formula (I), and methylvinylketone, and subsequent reduction with lithium in liquid ammonia, or catalytic hydrogenation. Alternatively, these compounds of formula (II) can be prepared from compounds offormula (π) in which X is oxo and Y is hydrogen by using a 6,7-carbonyl shift technique according to methods known in the art. Compounds offormula IV are known compounds or can be prepared from T known compounds by known methods. (J.C.S., Perk. Trans. I, 1989, 1187). Compounds offormula (III) are commercially available compounds, or can be easily made from commercially available compounds. As mentioned before, the compounds offormula (I) exist in more than one stereoisomeric form and the process of the invention produces mixtures thereof. The individual isomers may be obtained from the enantiomerically pure intermediate of formula (II). The individual forms of the compounds offormula (II) may be separated one from another by resolution using an optically active acid such as tartaric acid or O,0'-di-p-toluoyltartaric acid. Alternatively, an asymmetric synthesis would offer a route to the individual form. The compounds offormula (I) may be converted into their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts by reaction with the appropriate organic or mineral acids. Solvates of the compounds offormula (I) may be formed by crystallization or recrystallization from the appropriate solvent. For example hydrates may be formed by crystallization or recrystallization from aqueous solutions, or solutions in organic solvents containing water. Also salts or solvates of the compounds offormula (I) which are not pharmaceutically acceptable may be useful as intermediates in the production of pharmaceutically acceptable salts or solvates. Accordingly such salts or solvates also form part of this invention. The activity of the compounds offormula (I) in standard tests indicates that they are of potential therapeutic utility in the treatment of pain. Accordingly the present invention also provides a compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, for use as an active therapeutic substance. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition 9 comprising a compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present invention also provides the use of a compound offormula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of pain. Such a medicament, and a composition of this invention, may be prepared by admixture of a compound of the invention with an appropriate carrier. It may contain a diluent, binder, filler, disintegrant, flavouring agent, colouring agent, lubricant or preservative in conventional manner. These conventional excipients may be employed for example as in the preparation of compositions of known analgesic agents. Preferably, a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is in unit dosage form and in a form adapted for use in the medical or veterinarial fields. For example, such preparations may be in a pack form accompanied by written or printed instructions for use as an agent in the treatment of pain. The suitable dosage range for the compounds of the invention depends on the compound to be employed and on the condition of the patient. It will also depend, inter alia, upon the relation of potency to absorbability and the frequency and route of administration. The compound or composition of the invention may be formulated for administration by any route, and is preferably in unit dosage form or in a form that a human patient may administer to himself in a single dosage. Advantageously, the composition is suitable for oral, rectal, topical, parenteral, intravenous or intramuscular administration. Preparations may be designed to give slow release of the active ingredient. Compositions may, for example, be in the form of tablets, capsules, sachets, vials, powders, granules, lozenges, reconstitutable powders, or liquid preparations, for example solutions or suspensions, or suppositories. 3 The compositions, for example those suitable for oral administration, may contain conventional excipients such as binding agents, for example syrup, acacia, gelatin, sorbitol, tragacanth, or polyvinylpyrrolidone; fillers, for example lactose, sugar, maize-starch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol or glycine; tabletting lubricants, for example magnesium stearate; disintegrants, for example starch, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, sodium starch glycollate or microcrystalline cellulose; or pharmaceutically acceptable setting agents such as sodium lauryl sulphate. Solid compositions may be obtained by conventional methods of blending, filling, tabletting or the like. Repeated blending operations may be used to distribute the active agent throughout those compositions employing large quantities of fillers. When the composition is in the form of a tablet, powder, or lozenge, any carrier suitable for formulating solid pharmaceutical compositions may be used, examples being magnesium stearate, starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, rice flour and chalk. Tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice, in particular with an enteric coating. The composition may also be in the form of an ingestible capsule, for example of gelatin containing the compound, if desired with a carrier or other excipients. Compositions for oral administration as liquids may be in the form of, for example, emulsions, syrups, or elixirs, or may be presented as a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid compositions may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, for example sorbitol, syrup, methyl cellulose, gelatin, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, aluminium stearate gel, hydrogenated edible fats; emulsifying agents, for example lecithin, sorbitan monooleate, or acacia; aqueous or non-aqueous vehicles, which include edible oils, for example almond oil, fractionated coconut oil, oily esters, for example esters of glycerine, or propylene glycol, or ethyl alcohol, glycerine, water or normal saline; preservatives, for example methyl or propyl p-hydroxybenzoate or sorbic acid; and if desired conventional flavouring or colouring agents. The compounds of this invention may also be administered by a non-oral route. In accordance with routine pharmaceutical procedure, the compositions may be formulated, for example for rectal administration as Jo a suppository. They may also be formulated for presentation in an injectable form in an aqueous or non-aqueous solution, suspension or emulsion in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid, e.g. sterile pyrogen-free water or a parenterally acceptable oil or a mixture of liquids. The liquid may contain bacteriostatic agents, anti-oxidants or other preservatives, buffers or solutes to render the solution isotonic with the blood, thickening agents, suspending agents or other pharmaceutically acceptable additives. Such forms will be presented in unit dose form such as ampoules or disposable injection devices or in multi- dose forms such as a bottle from which the appropriate dose may be withdrawn or a solid form or concentrate which can be used to prepare an injectable formulation. As mentioned earlier, the effective dose of compound depends on the particular compound employed, the condition of the patient and on the frequency and route of administration. A unit dose will generally contain from 20 to 1000 mg and preferably will contain from 30 to 500 mg, in particular 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, or 500 mg. The composition may be administered once or more times a day for example 2, 3 or 4 times daily, and the total daily dose for a 70 kg adult will normally be in the range 100 to 3000 mg. Alternatively the unit dose will contain from 2 to 20 mg of active ingredient and be administered in multiples, if desired, to give the preceding daily dose. No unacceptable toxicological effects are expected with compounds of the invention when administered in accordance with the invention. The present invention also provides a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of pain in mammals, particularly humans, which comprises administering to the mammal in need of such treatment and/or prophylaxis an effective amount of a compound offormula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. Compounds of this invention and their preparation are illustrated in the following Examples and their structures are summarised in Table I. The preparation of novel intermediates is illustrated in the Descriptions. /I Description 1_ (-)-2-Ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4 ,4a,5,6,7,8,8a3-6-oxo- decahydroisoquinoline. 5.97 g (20.77 mmoles) of(+)-2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3, , 4a,5,6,7,8,8a β -6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline were dissolved in 80 ml of abs. ethanol. 8.02 g (20.77 mmoles) of (+)-di-0,0'-p- toluoyl-D-tartaric acid, dissolved in 80 ml of abs. ethanol, were added to the hot solution of the free base. After a gentle warming,the solution was filtered and the less soluble diastereo eric salt crystallized on standing. The salt was recrystallized from abs. ethanol, up to a constant rotatory power, to give 5.62 of (+)-di-0,0'-p-toluoyl-D-tartrate. M.P.=161-163°C. C 38 H 43 N °10 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,67.74; H,6.43; N,2.08; Found C,67.30; H,6.47;N,2.03. Iα ] ? D° = +57.42 ( C=2 in MeOH ) The tartrate salt was transformed into the free base by dissolving in 5% NaOH solution, extracting with CH2CI2 and evaporating the solvent in vacuo to yield 2.3 g of the title compound (77% of the theoretical). [α] D = -83.85 (C=2 in CHC1 3 ) The I.R. and N.M.R. spectra were identical to those obtained for the racemate. Description 2_ (+)-2-Ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo- decahydroisoquinoline. The mother liquors obtained from the first crystallization of Description 1 were evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The residue was treated with 5% NaOH solution and extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 to afford 2.75 g (9.6 mmoles) of the enriched free base which was dissolved in 45 ml of abs. ethanol. 3.78 g (9.6 mmoles) of (-) di-O-O'-p-toluoyl-L-tartaric acid, dissolved in 45 ml of abs. ethanol, were added to the hot solution of the free base and t diastereomeric salt crystallized on standing. The salt was recrystallized from abs. ethanol, up to a constant rotator power, to give 5.82 g of (-)-di-0-0'-p-toluoyl-L-tartrate. M.P.=162-163°C. C 38 H 43 N °10 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,67.74; H,6.43; N,2.08; Found C67.42; H,6.41; N,2.05. o: ,20 = -55.36 (C=2 in MeOH) The tartrate salt was transformed into the free base dissolving in 5% NaOH solution, extracting with CH2CI2 and evaporating the solvent in vacuo to yield 2.4 g of the title compound (80% of th theoretical) . 20 [αj = +82.20 (C=2 in CHC1 3 ) The I.R. and N.M.R. spectra were identical to those obtained for the racemate. Example , 1 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro indolo[2,3-gJisoquinoline .hydrochloride To a stirred solution of 0.493 ml (5.22 mmoles) of boron tribromide in 15 ml of dry chloroform was added dropwise, under nitrogen at room temperature, a solution of 313 mg (0.868 mmoles) of 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a, ' 5,11,llaβ- octahydro indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline in 3 ml of dry chloroform. After 30 uin the solution was poured into 15 g of ice containin 1.5 ml of concentrated NH4OH and stirred for 30 min. The precipitate was filtered and collected. The filtrate was extracte with CH2CI2, dried over sodium sulphate, evaporated in vacuo and combined with the precipitate. The solid residue was chromatographed by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH2Cl2/MeOH conc. NH4OH 79:15:1 respectively, to yield 108 mg of solid which was taken up in 5 ml of methanol and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et2θ. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried, to yield 60 mg of the title compound. M.P. = 277-278°C C 23 H 26 N 2°.' HC1 Elemental analysis: Calcd C,72.14; H,7.11; N,7.32; Cl,9.26; Found C,71.69; H,7.01; N,7.25; Cl,9.00. I.R. (KBr) : 3450; 3260; 3200; 1600; 1450 cm -1 Example 2_ 2-methyl-4act-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11 ,lla -octahydro indolo[2,3-gJisoquinoline 250 mg (0.72 mmoles) of 4a -(3-methoxγphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaα -octahydro indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 0.4 ml (4.32 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of C^C^/MeOH/conc. NH 4 OH, 86:10:0.6 respectively, obtaining 180 mg of the title compound. M.P. = 200-207°C C 22 H 24 N 2° I--J Elemental analysis: Calcd. C, 79.48; H, 7.28; N, 8.43; Found C, 79.09; H, 7.11; N, 8.21. I.R. (KBr) : 3400; 3280; 2900; 1595; 1470 cm "1 Example 3_ 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro indolo £2,3-gj isoquinoline hydrocloride 532 mg (1.64 mmoles) of 2-ethyl-4aa-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a -6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 357 mg (2.47 mmoles) of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were dissolved in 33 ml of methanol saturated with HCl. The solution was refluxed under a nitrogen atmosphere for 3 hours and then cooled at room temperature. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate and treated with an excess of IN sodium hydroxide, then the mixture was extracted with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts were dried over sodium sulphate and evaporated in vacuo. The solid residue was chromatographed by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of C^C^/ eOH/conc. NH^OH 94:5:0.5 respectively, to yield 457 mg of the free base which was taken up in 10 ml of acetone and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et2θ. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried, to yield 400 mg of the title compound. M.P.= 168-171°C. Elemental analysis : Calcd. C , 72. 61 ; H, 7. 36 ; N, 7. 06 ; Cl , 8. 93 ; Found C , 72 . 35 ; H, 7 . 25 ; N, 6 . 99 ; Cl , 8. 75 . I.R. (KBr): 3400; 3200; 1605; 1460 cm "1 N.M.R. (CDC1 3 ) : δ 8.10 (s broad, IH); 7.45 (m, IH) ; 7.20 300 MHz (free base) (m, IH) ; 7.08 (m, 5H) ; 6.62 (m, IH) ; 3.68 (s, 3H); 2.85-3.10 (m, 6H) ; 2.58 (m, 2H); 2.45 (m, 3H) ; 2.00 (m, 2H) ; 1.10 (t, 3H). IΓ Example 4_ 4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaα-octahydro indolo [2,3-g]isoquinoline 500 mg (1.83 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a -6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline and • 396 mg (2.74 mmoles) of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted as described in Example 3. After the work-up, the solid residue was chromatographed by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH 2 Cl 2 /MeOH/conc. NH OH 100:3:0.3 respectively, to yield 250 mg of the title compound. M.P.= 202-206°C. C 23 H 26 N 2 0 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,79.73; H,7.56; N,8.09; Found C,79.50; H,7.31; N,7.88. I.R. (KBr): 3400; 3120; 2790; 1600; 1580 cm "1 N.M.R. (CD3OD) : δ 7.3-6.65 (m, 8H); 3.67 (s, 3H); 3.33 300 MHz (m, IH); 3.03 (m, IH) ; 2.88 (m, IH); 2.73 (m, IH); 2.59 (m, IH) ; 2.51 (m, IH) ; 2.40-2.20 (m, 7H) ; 1.63 (m, IH) . Example 5_ 2-Methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 1.92 g (5.54 mmoles) of 2-methγl-4a -(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4, 4a, 5, 11, Ila β - octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 3.14 ml (33.24 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was taken up in MeOH and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 1.4 g of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H N O-HCl 22 24 2 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,71.62; H,6.83; N,7.59; Cl,9.61; Found C,66.94; H,6.53; N,6.92; Cl,8.96. I.R. (KBr) : 3420; 3250; 2600; 1580; 1460 cm -1 Example 6_ 2-Methyl- aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride hemihydrate. 6.0 g (19.36 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenγl)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,6,7,8,8a -6-oxo-decahγdroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 4.2 g (29.04 mmoles) of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked-up as described in Example 3. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH 2 Cl /MeOH/conc. NH4OH 90:7:0.7 respectively,to afford 3.68 g of the free base which was taken up in a mixture of acetone/methanol 1:1 and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 3.1 g of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H N 0-HC1-1/2H O 23 26 2 2 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,70.48; H,7.20; N,7.15; Cl,9.05; . Found C,70.41; H,7.25; N,6.99; Cl,9.04. I.R. (KBr) : 3410; 3150; 1605; 1580; 1465; 1040 cm "1 N.M.R. (DMSO-d6) : δ 10.6 (s,lH); 7.4-6.8 (m,9H); 3/7 (s,3H); 80 MHz 3.5-2.6 (m,HH); 2.5 (s,3H). Example 1_ 2,6-Dimethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenγl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,lla -octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 950 mg (2.63 mmoles) of 2,6-dimethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3, 4,4a,5,ll,lla β -octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 1.5 ml (15.8 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of C^C^/MeOH/conc. NH4OH 86:10:0.6 respectively, to yield 130 mg of the title compound. M.P.=252-254 e C. C H N 0 23 26 2 I.R. (KBr) : 3420; 1580; 1470; 1235 cm "1 N.M.R. (CD3OD): δ 7.5-6.4 (m,8H); 3.5 (s,3H); 3.4-2.1 (m,llH); 80 MHz 2.35 (s,3H). Example 2,6-Dimethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. Id A solution of 200 mg (0.58 mmoles) • of 2-methyl-4aα-(3- methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,11aB-octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquino¬ line, dissolved in 2 ml of dimethylformamide, was added dropwise, under nitrogen atmosphere at 0°C, to a suspension of 26 mg (0,65 mmoles) of 60-65% NaH dispersion in mineral oil in- 2 ml of dimethylformamide. The mixture was stirred 1 hour at 0°C, then 0.04 ml (0.65 mmoles) of methyl iodide were added dropwise and the reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature. After 40 minutes the solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was taken-up in H 2 0 and extracted with CH 2 C1 2 • Tne combined extracts were dried over Na2≤θ and evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of (i-Pr) 2 0/MeOH/conc. NH OH 85:15:0 ,4 respectively, to yield 50 mg of the title compound. M.P.=128-130°C. C 24 H 28 N 2° I.R. (KBr) 2910; 1610; 1580; 1470; 1240 cm -1 N.M.R. (CDC1 3 ): δ 7.4-6.9 (m,7H); 6.8-6.5 (m,lH); 3.65 (s,3H); 80 MHz 3.5 (s,3H); 3.3-2.1 (m,HH); 2.35 (s,3H). Example 9 2-Methγl-4aα-phenyl-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,Ilaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g] isoquinoline. 873 mg (6.31 mmoles) of potassium carbonate and 798 mg (4.42 mmoles) of 1-phenyl-5-chlorotetrazole wereadded to a solution of 1.4 g (4.21 mmoles) of 2-methγl-4aα-(3-hγdroxyphenγl)-l,2,3,4,4a, 5, 11, Ila -octahγdroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline in 20 ml of dimethylformamide under nitrogen atmosphere at room temperature. The reaction mixture was heated overnight a 70°C, the solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the residue was taken up in H 20 and extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were dried over Na.SO and evaporated in vacuo ro dryness. 13 The crude product was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH 2 Cl2 MeOH/conc. NH4OH 86:10:0.6 respectively to yield 1.0 g of 2-methyl-4aα-[3-[(1-phenyl tetrazol-5-yl)oxyjphenyl]-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,Ila β -octahydroindolo [2,3-g]isoquinoline. M.P.=110-115°C. C„ n H„ e N ^ O 29 28 6 Elemental analysis: calcd. C,73.08; H,5.92; N,17.64; Found C,71.68; H,5.97; N,17.21. I.R. (KBr) : 3400; 3200; 3080; 1600; 1590; 1500; 1450 cm "1 N.M.R. (CDC1 3 ) : δ 7.8-6.9 (m,13H); 3.1-2.0 (m,HH); 2.35 80 MHz (s,3H). This intermediate was dissolved in 35 ml of glacial acetic acid and hydrogenated at 60°C in a Parr apparatus at 60 psi in the presence of a catalytic amount of 10% Pd on charcoal, until the theoretical amount of H2 was consumed. The catalyst was filtered off and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in H 2 0, brought to basic pH with an excess of 40% NaOH and extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were dried over Na 2 S0 4 and evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The crude product was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH 2 Cl2/MeOH/conc. NH4OH 90:8:0.5 respectively, to yield 100 mg of the title compound. M.P.=221-223°C. C 22 H 24 N 2 I.R. (KBr) : 3200; 2940; 1470; 1455; 1280 cm "1 N.M.R. (CDCI3): 7.7 (s broad,lH); 7.45-6.85 (m,9H); 3.0-1.9 80 MHZ (m,HH); 2.35 (s,3H). 2-σ Example 10 2-Methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- benzofuro[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 900 mg (2.59 mmoles) of 2-methγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenγϊ)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,ll,lla β -octahydrobenzofuro[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 1.47 ml (15.5 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The crude product was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH2Cl2 MeOH conc. NH OH 86:10:0.6 respectively, to yield 550 mg of the title compound. M.P.=258-261°C. C 22 H 23 N °2 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,79.25; H,6.95; N,4.20; Found C76.81; H,6.86; N,4.05. I.R. (KBr) : 3440; 2910; 1590; 1450; 1240; 1230 cm '1 N.M.R. (DMSO-d6) : 69.1 (s,lH); 7.5-6.4 (m,8H); 3.5-2.1 (m,HH); 80 MHz 2.35 (s,3H) . Example 11 2-Methyl-4a -(3-methoxyphenyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- benzofuro[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 3.90 g (26.8 mmoles) of O-phenylhydroxylamine hydrochloride and 3.28 ml (50.64 mmoles) of methanesulfonic acid were added to a solution of 3.92 g (12.66 mmoles) of 2-methγl-4aα-(3-methoxγphenyl)-l,2,3, 4,4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride in 240 ml of absolute ethanol and refluxed for 2 hours under nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo; the residue was taken up in H2O, brought to basic pH with an excess of 20% NaOH and extracted with EtOAc. The combined extracts were dried over Na 2 S0 4 and evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH 2 Cl 2 /Me0H/conc. NH 4 OH 94.5:5:0.5 respectively, to yield 1.2 g of the free base, which was taken up in acetone and the solution brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitatewas filtered, washed and dried to yield 900 mg of the title compound. M.P.=246-248°C. C_,H_N0 -HC1 23 2D 2 Elemental analysis : Calcd. C71.95; H,6.83; N,3.65; Cl, 9.24; Found C,69.22 ' ; H,6.59; N,3.53; Cl,10.10. I.R. (KBr) : 3430; 2400; 1600; 1580; 1450 cm "1 MS (E.I.) (free base): : 347 (M+); 203. N.M.R. (CDC1 ) (free base): & 7.3-6.5 (m,8H); 3.53 (s,3H); 3.15 300 MHz (d,lH); 2.8-2.75 (m,4H); 2.65 (d,lH); 2.35-2.15 (m,3H); 2.25 (s,3H); 1.35 (m,2H). Example 12 2,9-Dimethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxγphenyl)-1,2,3, ,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 820 mg (2.07 mmoles) of 2,9-dimethγl-4a -(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3, 4,4a,5,11,11a β -octahydroindole[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 1.2 ml (12.42 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was crystallized from 40 ml of a mixture of acetone/MeOH 9:1 respectively. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried, to yield 288 mg of the title compound. M.P.=292-296°C. C„ H N O 23 26 2 I.R. (KBr) : 3210; 1610; 1460 cm '1 N.M.R. (DMSO-d6): 66.45-7.20 (m,8H); 3.95-4.45 (m,2H); 2.85 80 MHz • (s,3H); 2.38 (s,3H); 2.00-3.80 (m,10H). Example 13 2 ,9-Dimethγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,lla -octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 1.5 g (4.84 mmoles) of 2-methγl-4aα-(3-rnethoxγphenγl)-l,2,3,4,4a, 5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahγdroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 0.77 g (4.84 mmoles) of p-tolγlhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted as described in Example 3. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo; the residue was dissolved in a mixture of CH 2 C1 2 and IN NaOH and extracted with CH2 I2 . The combined extracts were dried over Na 2 S0 4 and evaporated in vacuo to dryness. The solid residue was taken up in MeOH and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et2θ. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 1.1 g of the title compound. M.P.=245-250°C. C H N O-HCl 24 28 2 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,72.60; H,7.36; N,7.05; Found C,70.69; H,7.45; N,6.73. I.R. (KBr) : 3410; 3210; 1600; 1470; 1250 c "1 N.M.R. (CD3OD) : δ7.5-6.6 (m,8H); 3.6 (s,3H), 3.4-2.3 (m,HH); 80 MHz 2.7 (s,3H); 2.4 (s,3H). Example 14 2-Methγl-4aα-(3-hγdroxyphenγl)-9-fluoro-1,2,3, ,4a,5,11,llaβ* octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 1.1 g (3.0 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-9-fluoro-l, 2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahγdroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 1.7 ml (18.0 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was crystallized from MeOH. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried, to yield 580 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C 22 H 23 FN 2 0 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,75.40; H,6.61; N,7.99; F,5.42; Found C,73.63; H,6.46; N,7.77; F,5.29. I.R. (KBr) : 3280; 2940; 1595; 1460; 1255 cm "1 Example 15 2-Methyl-4a -(3-methoxγphenyl)-9-fluoro-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 1.5 g (4.84 mmoles) of 2-methγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a, 5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 0.79 g (4.84 mmoles) of 4-fluorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted as described in Example 3 to yield 1.47 g of the title compound which was recrystallized from MeOH. M.P.=>300°C. C 23 H 25 FN 2° 'HC1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,68.90; H,6.53; N,6.98; Cl,8.84; F,4.73; Found C,68.81; H,6.56; N,6.83; Cl,8.83; F,4.62. I.R. (KBr) : 3440; 3200; 1605; 1455 cm "1 Example 16 2-Methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-7-chloro-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 600 mg (1.58 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4a -(3-methoxyphenγl)-7-chloro- 1,2,3,4,4a, 5, 11,11a β -octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 0.9 ml (9.48 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was crystallized from MeOH. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 200 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H C1N 0 22 23 2 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C.72.02; H,6.32; N,7.64; Cl,9.66; Found C,70.42; H,6.25; N,7.38; Cl,9.36. I.R. (KBr) 3250; 2850; 1590; 1450; 1245 cm -1 Example 17 2-Methyl-4aα-(3-methoxγphenyl)-7-chloro-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,lla - octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 1.5 g (4.84 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a, 5,6,7,8,8a β -6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 0.87 g (4.84 mmoles) of 2-chlorophenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked-up as described in Example 3. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH2Cl2/MeOH/conc. NH4OH 86:10:0.6 respectively, to yield 1.2 g of the free base which was taken up in 50 ml of acetone and the solution brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried, to yield 920 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C 23 H 25 C1N 2 0 « HC1 2 Elemental analysis-: Calcd. C,66.18; H,6.28; N,6.71; Cl,16.99; Found C,64.58; H,6.11; N f 6.51; Cl,15.89. I.R. (KBr) : 3420; 3205; 2480; 1600; 1470; 1250 cm "1 N.M.R. (CD 3 OD) : δ 7.4-6.6 (m,8H); 3.65 (s,3H); 3.6-2.5 (m,HH); 80 MHz 2.85 (s,3H) . Example 18 2-Methγl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-9-chloro-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 960 mg (2.5 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4acr(3-methoxyphenyl)-9-chloro-l, 2,3,4,4a,5,11,Ilaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 1.4 ml (15 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was taken up in MeOH and the solution brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 410 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H C1N O-HCl 22 23 2 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,65.50; H,5.99; N,6.94; Cl,17.50; Found C61.39; H,5.71; N,6.40; Cl,16.88. I.R. (KBr) : 3410; 3210; 1580; 1460 cm~l N.M.R. (DMSO-d6) : 6.50.7.60 (m,8H); 3.95-4.45 (m,2H); 2.95 80 MHz (s,3H); 1.90-3.90 (m,10H). Example 19 2-Methγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenγl)-9-chloro-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 1.5 g (4.84 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a, 5,6,7,8,8a β -6-oxo-decahγdroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 0.87 g (4.84 mmoles) of 4-chlorophenγlhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted as described in Example 3. The solvent was evaporated in vacuo and the solid residue was recrystallized from MeOH. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 1.2 g of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H. C1N O.HC1 23 25 2 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,66.10; H f 6.27; N,6.71; Cl,16.90; Found C,64.52; H,6.11; N,6.59; Cl,16.58. I.R (KBr) : 3340; 2920; 1600; 1500; 1330 cm "1 N.M.R (CD 3 OD) : δ 7.4-6.6 (m,8H); 4.0-2.4 (m,HH); 3.65 80 MHz (s,3H); 2.75 (s,3H). Example 20 2-Ethyl-6-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahy- droindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 900 mg (2.5 mmoles) of 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a, 5,11,llaβ-octahγdroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline, 66 mg (2.8 mmoles) of 60-65% NaH and 0.171 ml (2.75 mmoles) of methyliodide were reacted as described in Example 8. After the work-up the residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH2Cl2 MeOH/conc. NH.OH 94.5:5:0.5respectively,to yield 550 mg of the free base which was taken-up in acetone and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0.The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 450 mg of the title compound.M.P.=234-240°C. C 25 H 30 N 2 O-HCl I.R. (KBr) : 3310, 2940, 2405, 1610, 1580, 1470 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,73.06; H,7.60; N,8.63; Cl,6.82; Found C,72.28; H,7.57; N,8,82; Cl,6.68. Example 21 2-Ethyl-6-methγl-4aα-(3-hydroxyohenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 410 mg (1.13 mmoles) of 2-ethγl-6-methγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l, 2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 0.64 ml (6.8 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH2Cl2/MeOH/ cone. NH4OH 86:10:0.6 respectively. The product was dissolved in MeOH and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 200 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H N O. HCl 24 28 2 I.R. free base (KBr): 3420; 1580; 1470; 1230 cm "1 Example 22 2-Methyl-4a α -phenγl-9-methoxy-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,Ilaβ-octahydroindolo [2,3-g]isoquinoline. 900 mg (3.22 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-phenyl-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8, 8a -6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 562 mg (3.22 mmoles) of 4-methoxyphenγlhγdrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked-up as described in Example 3. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH2Cl2/MeOH/conc. NH4OH 93:7:0.5 respectively,to afford 600 mg of the pure free base which was crystallized from AcOEt. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 400 mg of the title compound. M.P.=201-203°C. C„„H.,,.N-0 23 26 2 I.R. (KBr) : 3410; 2930; 1625; 1595; 1465 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,79.73; H,7.56; N,8.09; Found C,79.74; H,7.58; N,8.05. ?3 Example 23 2-Methyl-4aα-phenγl-9-hydroxγ-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydroindolo [2,3-g]isoquinoline. 1.6 g (4.6 mmoles) of 2-methγl-4aα-phenyl-9-methoxγ-l,2,3,4,4a,5, 11,11a β -octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 2.6 ml (27.6 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with CH2Cl2/MeOH conc. NH4OH 87:13:0.8 respectively. The product was dissolved in MeOH and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et2θ. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 200 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H N O.HCl 22 24 2 I.R. (KBr) : 3470; 3250; 2940; 1630; 1595 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,71.63; H,6.83; N,7.59; Cl,9.61; Found C,66.73; H,6.32; N,7.01; Cl,8.98. Example 24 2-Methyl-4aα-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 4.0 g (12.91 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-(2-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 2.8 g (19.37 mmoles) of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked-up as described in Example 3. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH2 l2 eOH conc. NH4OH 86:10:0.6 respectively,to afford 3.0 g of the free base, which was taken up in methanol and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et20. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 2.3 g of the title compound. M.P.=284-286°C. 3o C 23 H 26 N 2° *HC1 Elemental analysis : Calcd. C,72.14; H,7.11; N,7.32; Cl,9.26; Found C,72.18; H,7.10; N,7.30; Cl,9.21. I.R. (KBr) : 3420; 3150; 1600; 1465; 1235; 1020 cm '1 N.M.R. (CDC1-) :67.7-6.6 (m,9H); 3.85 (s,3H); 3.2-2.5 (m,9H); 80MHz (free base) 2.35 (s,3H); 2.0-1.75 (m,2H). Example 25 2-Methγl-4aα-(2-hγdroxγphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro¬ indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 900 mg (2.60 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-(2-methoxγphenγl)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 1.5 ml (15.6 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of C^C^/MeOH/conc. NH4OH 79:15:1 respectively,to afford 640 mg of the free base, which was taken up in a 4:1 mixture of acetone/methanol and brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et2θ. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 545 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H N O-HCl 22 24 2 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,71.63; H,6.83; N,7.59; Cl,9.61; Found C,70.95; H,6.83; N,7.39; Cl.9.43. I.R. (KBr) : 3220; 3140; 1600; 1465; 1440; 1240 cm "1 Example 26 2-Methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,12,12aβ-octahydroquino [2,3-g]isoquinoline. 4.7 ml of methanesulfonic acid were added to a mixture of 1.0 g (3.1 mmoles) of 2-methγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7, 8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline and 1.15 g (9.6 mmoles) of 2- aminobenzaldehyde in 32 ml of absolute ethanol. The solution was refluxed for 14 hours and the solvent was evaporated in vacuo. The residue was taken-up in saturated NaHC0 3 solution and AcOEt. The organic layer was dried over Na2S 4 and evaporated in vacuo. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with O-^C^/MeOH/conc. NH 4 OH 92:8:0.7 respectively, to afford 410 mg of the title compound. M.P.=159- 162°C. C, H, N O 24 26 2 I.R. (KBr) : 2940; 2920; 1600; 1580; 1250 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,80.41; H,7.31; N,7.82; Found C,79.50; H,7.30; N,7.49. Example 27 2-Methγl-4aα-(3-hγdroxyphenγl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,12,12aβ-octahydroquino [2,3-g]isoquinoline. 410 mg (1.14 mmoles) of 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenγl)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,12,12a -octahydroquino[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 0.7 ml (6.84 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography eluting with CH2 l2 MeOH conc. NH4OH 79:15:2 respectively, to yield 200 mg of the title compound. M.P.=275°C dec. C_ ,H_ .N_0 23 24 2 I.R. (KBr) : 2920; 2795; 1615; 1580; 1490; 1240 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,80.20; H,7.02; N,8.13; Found C80.06; H,7.10; N,8.06. Example 28 2-(2-Phenγlethyl)-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 670 mg (1.81 mmoles) of 2-(2-phenylethγD-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline hydrochloride and 262 mg (1.81 mmoles) of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked-up as described in Example 3. The crude product was crystallized from a mixture of methanol/ acetone to yield 680 mg of the title compound. M.P.=271-275°C. C 30 H 32 N 2° Example 29 2-(2-Phenylethyl)-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenγl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 680 mg (1.56 mmoles) of 2-(2-phenγlethγl)-4aα-(3-methoxyphenγl)- 1,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with a 0.9 ml (9.36 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with CH2Cl2/MeOH/conc. NH4OH 94.5:5:0.5 respectively, to yield 180 mg of the title compound. M.P.=233-236°C. C n n H, Λ N_0 29 30 2 I.R. (KBr) : 3400; 3305; 2920; 1580; 1450 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,82.43; H,7.16; N,6.63; Found C,81.52; H,7.12; N,6.47. Example 30 2-Ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-6-benzyl-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 680 mg (1.89 mmoles) of 2-ethγl-4aα-(3-methoxγphenγl)-l,2,3,4,4a, 5,11,lla -octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline, 85 mg (2.0 mmoles) of 60-65% NaH and 360 mg (2.0 mmoles) of benzylbromide were reacted as described in Example 8. After the work-up, the crude product was crystallized from a mixture of methanol/acetone to yield 860 mg of the title compound. M.P.=283-288°C. C 31 34 N 2° Example 31 2-Ethyl-4acx-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-6-benzyl-l,2,3,4,4a,5,11,lla β - octahydroindolo[2,3-g3isoquinoline. 860 mg (1.0 mmoles) of 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxγphenyl)-6-btjnzyl-l, 2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g3isoquinoline were reacte with 1.1 ml (11.4 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The crude product was triturated in hot methanol, filtered, washed and dried to yield 380 mg of the title compound. M.P.=260-262°C. C H N 0 30 32 2 I.R. (KBr) : 3020; 2940; 1580; 1470; 1235 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,82.53; H,7.30; N,6.42; Found C,81.99; H,7.35; N,6.29. Example 32 2,6-Diethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 545 mg (1.51 mmoles) of 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxγphenγl)-l,2,3,4,4a, 5,11,llaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline, 60 mg (1.6 mmoles) of 60-65% NaH and 181 mg (1.6 mmoles) of ethyl bromide were reacted as described in Example 8. After the work-up, the crude product was crystallized from a mixture of methanol/acetone to yield 620 mg of the title compound. M.P.=277.-281°C. C 26 H 32 N 2° Example 33 2,6-Diethγl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenγl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,lla -octahydro¬ indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 620 mg (1.6 mmoles) of 2,6-diethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3 ,4, 4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 0.9 ml (9.6 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The crude product was triturated in hot methanol, filtered, washed and dried to yield 250 mg of the title compound. M.P.=259-262°C. C 25 H 30 N 2° I.R. (KBr): 2980; 2920; 1610; 1580; 1455; 1350 cm "1 Example 34 2-n-Propyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro¬ indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 900 mg (2.98 mmoles) of 2-n-propyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline and 431 mg (2.98 mmoles) of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked- up as described in Example 3. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography, eluting with a mixture of CH 2 Cl2/MeOH/conc. NH4OH 93:7:0.5 respectively. The free base was dissolved in MeOH and the solution brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 420 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C 25 H 30 N 2° 'HC1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,73.06; H,7.60; N,6.82; Cl,8.63; Found C,72.81; H,7.51; N,6.78; Cl,8.10. Example 35 2-n-Propyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,Ilaβ-octahydro¬ indolo[2,3-g3isoquinoline hydrochloride. 3 o 420 mg (1.16 mmoles) of 2-n-propyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 0.7 ml (6.84 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was taken-up in methanol and the solution brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et20. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 190 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C 24 H 28 N 2°- HC1 I.R. (KBr) : 3455; 3260; 3200; 1600; 1455 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,72.61; H,7.36; N,7.06; Cl,8.93; Found C,71.08; H,7.25; N,6,80; Cl,8.21. Example 36 2-Cyclopropylmethγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindole[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 800 mg (2.28 mmoles) of 2-cyclopropylmethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)- l,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline and 340 mg (2.28 mmoles) od phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked- up as described in Example 3. The solid residue was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography eluting with a mixture of CH 2 Cl 2 /MeOH/conc. NH 4 OH 93:7:0,5 respectively. The free base was dissolved in MeOH and the solution brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 360 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C„H η N O-HCl 26 302 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,73.82; H,7.39; N,6.62; Cl,8.38; Found C,73.48; H,7.25; N,6.58; Cl,8.01. Example 37 2-Cγclopropylmethγl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenγl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 360 mg (0.93 mmoles) of 2-cyclopropylmethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl) ■ 1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,11aβ -octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 0.57 ml (5.58 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was taken-up in methanol and the solution brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et20. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 180 mg of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C H N 0- HC1 25 28 2 I.R. (KBr) : 3450; 3260; 3200; 1600; 1450 cm "1 Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,73.42; H,7.15; N,6.85; Cl,8.67; Found C,72.91; H,6.81; N,6.51; Cl,8.09. Example 38 (+)-2-Ethγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 2.3 g (8.0 mmoles) of (-)-2-ethγl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenγl)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo-decahydroisoquinoline and 1.17 g (8.1 mmoles) of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked- up as described in Example 3. The solid residue was taken-up in 20 ml of acetone and the solution brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 1.36 g of the title compound. M.P.=274-277°C. C 24 H 28 N 2 0.HC1 20 [α] = +147.0 (C=l in MeOH) Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,72.61; H,7.36; N,7.06; Cl,8.93; Found C,72.44; H,7.37; N,7.01; Cl,8.92. The I.R. and N.M.R. spectra were identical to those obtained for the racemate. Example 39 (+)-2-Ethyl-4ac.-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro¬ indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 1.41 g (3.93 mmoles) of (+)-2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3, 4,4a,5,11,Ila β -octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline were reacted with 2.2 ml (23.58 mmoles) of boron tribromide as described in Example 1. The solid residue was taken-up in hot metanol and the solution was brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et2θ. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 0.95 of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. C 23 H 26 N 2 0.HC1 [α] 2 °= +141.1 (C=l in MeOH) D Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,72.14; H,7.11; N,7.32; Cl,9.26; Found C71.72; H,7.18? N,7.19; Cl,9.39. The I.R. and N.M.R. spectra were identical to those obtained for the racemate. Example 40 (_)-2-Ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1 , 2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro- indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 33 2.4 g (8.35 mmoles) of (+)-2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxγphenγl)-l,2,3,4, 4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-bxo-decahydroisoquinoline and 1.2 g (8.40 mmoles) of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride were reacted and worked- up as described in Example 3. The solid residue was taken-up in 20 ml of acetone and th solution was brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et 2 0. The precipitat was filtered, washed and dried to yield 1.55 g of the title compound. M.P.=273-276°C. 20 [α] = -143.1 (C=l in MeOH) Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,72.61; H,7.36; N,7.06; Cl,8.93; Found C,72.38; H,7.41; N,7.00; Cl,9.00. The I.R. and N.M.R. spectra were identical to those obtained for the racemate. Example 41 (-)-2-Ethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-1,2,3,4,4a,5,11,llaβ-octahydro¬ indoloC2,3-g]isoquinoline hydrochloride. 1.65 g (4.58 mmoles) of (-)-2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1,2,3, 4,4a,5,ll,llaβ-octahγdroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline and 2.6 ml (27.50 mmoles) of boron tribromide were reacted as described in Example 1. The solid residue was taken-up in hot methanol and the solution was brought to acidic pH with HCl/Et2θ. The precipitate was filtered, washed and dried to yield 1.1 g of the title compound. M.P.=>300°C. [α]^°= -141.5 (C=l in MeOH) Elemental analysis: Calcd. C,72.14; H,7.11; N,7.32; Cl,9.26; Found C71.62; H,7.13; N,7,14; Cl,9.34. The I.R. and N.M.R. spectra were identical to those obtained for the racemate. Melting Point °C Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 TABLE I (continued) TABLE I (continued) TABLE I (continued) TABLE I (continued) Vr Pharmacological Data RECEPTOR AFFINITY Tissue preparation Radio receptor binding t kappa sites is performed on fresh guinea pig brain homog according to Kosterlitz (1981). 10 Whole brain, without ce genized in 50 mM Tris-buffer and centrifuged at 49,00 The pellet is then resus e buffer, incubated at 37°C for 45 min. and centrifuged 15 1.9 ml of the final homo ris-pH 7.4 0°C) is used for the binding assay. Binding to delta sites 20 For binding experiment ich binds to mu and delta sites, is used in the presence o elled DAGO to prevent mu binding. A concentratio ear Kj) is used in the binding assays evaluating comp ntion. Non-specific binding is determined by addition M. The tubes are incubated for 25 40 min at 25°C and bou ated from free by filtration through Whatman GF-G l of bound radioactivity on the filters is measured by liquid scintillation after solubilization in filtercount. GF-C filters and washed with ice-cold Tris buffer. The filters are then dried, solubilized in Filtercount and the radioactivity monitored. Non¬ specific binding is determined in the presence of 10 ~ "M naloxone. Binding to kapna sites The binding to the kappa site was performed using the highly selective kappa opioid ligand H-BRL 52537A (Sbacchi M, 1990). Final homogenate with solutions of the cold ligand and of the labelled ligand is incubated for 40 min. at 25°C, filtered through Whatman GF-C glass filter discs and washed. The radioactivity bound to the filters is counted by liquid scintillation spectrophotometry. ANTINOCICEPTION Tail-flick test in mice The methodology employed is based on that described by D'Amour and Smith, J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 12, 74 (1941). Male Charles River mice (Swiss Strain) 29-35 g body weight are used. Animals are allowed food and water ajl libitum and are randomized into roups of 10 prior to experimentation. Before administration of the test compound, the reaction time of each animal is determined by focusing a beam of light onto the tail, eliciting a reflex withdrawal after a certain latency; only mice exhibiting a latency between 3-8 sec. are used subsequently in the evaluation of drug effects. Test compounds are dissolved in either distilled water or distilled water plus 0.1M AMS and administered by the intrathecal route in a final volume of 5 μl mouse, according to the method described by Hylden and Wilcox, Eur. J. Pharmacol. Ql, 313 (1980). Four hours prior the beginning of experiments, mice are anaesthetized with pentobarbital (80 mg/Kg i.p.) and a caudal cutaneous incision (1 cm) is performed on the back using a disposable 30 gauge 1/2 inch needles mated to a 50 μl luer siringe (Hamilton). The drug are delivered intrathecally between L5 and L6 of spinous process. Control animals receive 5 μl/mouse of the appropriate vehicle alone. Following a pretreatment period of 10 min., the mice are again .placed under the heat source and the reaction time redetermined. Percentage quantal protection is determined as the number of mice in which the reaction time is doubled compared to pretreatment values, expressed as a percentage of the total number of mice in the group. PHARMACOLOGICAL TABLE

Claims: Claims 1. A compound, or solvate or salt thereof, offormula (I): in which, R is linear or branched C1.5 alkyl, C3.7 cycloalkyl, C4.6 cycloalkylalkyl, C3.5 alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl or furan-2-yl alkyl; Rj and R2, which may be the same or different, are each hydrogen, hydroxy, C1.3 alkoxy, or halogen; R3 is hydrogen, hydroxy or C1.3 alkoxy; "Het" is an optionally substituted single or fused heterocyclic ring, containing from 5 to 10 ring atoms and comprising up to four heteroatoms in the or each ring, selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur; R4 and R5, which may be the same or different, are each hydrogen, Cι_3 alkyl, halogen, nitro, CF3, cyano, C1.3 alkoxy carbonyl, NH2, Cι_3 alkylcarbonylamino, hydroxy, C1.3 alkoxy, or benzyl. 2. A compound according to claim 1, in which R is methyl, ethyl, cyclopropylmethyl, propyl, or 2-phenylethyl. 3. A compound according to claim 1 or 2, in which each of Rj & 2 is hydrogen, hydroxy or methoxy. 4. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which Het is indolo, N-methylindolo, N-ethylindolo, N-benzylindolo, benzofuro, benzothieno, quino or quinoxalino. 5. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which each of R4 & R5 is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, fluorine, chlorine, hydroxy, methoxy or benzyl. To 6. A compound selected from: 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)- l,2,3,4,4a,5, 11, 1 laβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaα-octahydro indolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ -octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl- 1,2,3 ,4,4a,5 , 11,1 laα octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ octahydroindolo [2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,3 ,4,4a,5, 11, 1 laβ octahydroindolo [2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2,6-dimethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2,6-dimethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-phenyl-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ-octahydroindolo[2,3-g] isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydrobenzofuro [2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,3 ,4,4a,5, 11, 1 laβ- octahydrobenzofuro[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2,9-dimethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3 ,4,4a,5 , 11, llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 2,9-dimethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-9-fluoro-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-9-fluoro-l,2,3,4,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-7-chloro-l,2,3,4,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-7-chloro- 1 ,2,3,4,4a,5 , 11, 1 laβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-9-chloro-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-9-chloro-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-ethyl-6-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-ethyl-6-methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-phenyl-9-methoxy-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-phenyl-9-hydroxy- l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll, 1 laβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(2-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,12,12aβ- octahydroquino[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-methyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,12,12aβ- octahydroquino[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-(2-phenylethyl)-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-(2-phenylethyl)-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxvphenyl)-6-benzyl-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-ethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-6-benzyl-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2,6-diethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2,6-diethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,lla^- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-n-propyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-n-propyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-cyclopropylmethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)- 1,2,3 ,4,4a,5, 11, llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; 2-cyclopropylmethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoUne; -T3 (+)-2-ethylr4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; (+)-2-ethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyρhenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; (-)-2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)- l,2,3,4,4a,5, 11, 1 laβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline; (-)-2-ethyl-4aα-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,ll,llaβ- octahydroindolo[2,3-g]isoquinoline. 7. A process for the preparation of a compound offormula (I) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 which comprises reacting a compound of formula (II): in which, simultaneously, one of X and Y is oxo and the other is hydrogen or oximino, and R, Rj, R2 and R3 are as defined for formula (I), with a compound offormula (HI): in which Het' is a ring-opened precursor of Het, as defined for formula (I), and 4 and R5 are as defined for formula (I), and optionally thereafter performing one or both of the following steps: a) converting the obtained compound of formula (I) to a further compound offormula (I), b) forming a salt and/or solvate of the obtained compound of formula (I). 8.. A compound offormula (II) as defined in claim 7, which is (-)-2-ethyl-4aα(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo- decahydroisoquinoline, or (+)-2-ethyl-4aα-(3-methoxyphenyl)-l,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8aβ-6-oxo- decahydroisoquinoline. 9. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 10. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for use as an active therapeutic substance. 11. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for use in the treatment of pain. 12. The use of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of pain. 13. A method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of pain in mammals, particularly humans, which comprises administering to the mammal in need of such treatment and/or prophylaxis an effective amount of a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Inventors: COLLE ROBERTO, DONDIO GIULIO, RONZONI SILVANO, VECCHIETTI VITTORIO, COLLE, ROBERTO, DONDIO, GIULIO, RONZONI, SILVANO, VECCHIETTI, VITTORIO
Applicants: ZAMBELETTI SPA L, DR. LO ZAMBELETTI S.P.A.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: A61K31
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P25, C07D471, C07D491, C07D495