PURINE DERIVATIVES

Abstract: A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein X is halogen, trifluoromethyl, cyano, C1-6-alkoxy, C1-6-alkylthio, C1-6-alkylamino or C1-6-dialkylamino; R<1> and R<4> are H or straight or branched C1-6-alkyl or trifluoromethyl or R<1> and R<4> together form a cycloalkyl ring; Y is O, S, SO2, NH or N-alkyl; R<5> is selected from optionally substituted heterocycles; R<6> and R<7> are hydrogen, benzoyl or C1-6-alkanoyl. The compounds have been found useful for treating central nervous system and cardiovascular ailments.

Description: Purine derivatives The present invention relates to therapeutically active Λ/-substituted adenosine derivatives which are substituted at the purine 2-position and pharmaceutically acceptable addition salts thereof, processes for their preparation as well as methods for alleviation of diseases treatable via adenosine receptors, to compounds for use in such a method and to pharmaceutical compositions containing the said compounds. Background of the Invention Adenosine is a naturally occurring purine nucleoside, from which is derived a range of agonists at adenosine receptors having considerable potential in the treatment of human disease (Life Sciences, 1991 , 49, 1435-1453; Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1992, 35, 407-422; Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry, 1993, 28, 295-304). Adenosine has been shown to have a number of significant effects on the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) (Annual Reports in Medici¬ nal Chemistry, 1988, 23, 39-48; Adenosine in the Nervous System, T.W. Stone, Ed., Academic Press Ltd., London 1991 ) especially under conditions of neuronal stress where the compound appears to act as an endogenous neuroprotectant (Progress in Neurobiology, 1988, 31 , 85-108, Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 1992, 1 1 , 439-445). For example, the concentration of adenosine has been demonstrated to rise greatly in certain brain regions following epileptic seizures or conditions of neuronal ischaemia/anoxia (Brain Research, 1990, 516, 248-256). It has been established for some years now that centrally acting adenosine receptor agonists or compounds which increase extracellular adenosine levels can exhibit what is termed neuromodulator activity (Trends in Neurosciences, 1984, 164-168). Such substances influence the release of neurotransmitters in regions of the central nervous system (Annual Review of Neuroscience, 1985, 8, 103-124; Trends in Neurosciences, 1984, 164-168), with particular inhibitory effects on the release of the excitatory amino acid glutamic acid (glutamate) in the CNS (Nature, 1985, 316, 148-150) especially under ischaemic conditions (Journal of Neurochemistry, 1992, 58, 1683-1690). There are therefore several CNS ailments for which this adenosine receptor mediated neuromodulator activity could be of clear therapeutic benefit. Examples of these would include the treatment of convulsive disorders (European Journal of Pharmacology, 1991 , 195, 261 -265; Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 1982, 220, 70-76; European Journal of Pharmacology, 1993, 242, 221-228), prevention of neurodegeneration under conditions of brain anoxia/ischaemia (Neuroscience Letters, 1987, 83, 287-293; Stroke, 1988, 19, 1 133-1 139; Neuroscience, 1989, 30, 451-462; Pharmacolo¬ gy of Cerebral Ischaemia 1990, (Kriegelstein, J. and Oberpichier, H., Eds., Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft mbH: Stuttgart, 1990, pp 439-448; Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 1992, 1 1 , 439-445) or the use of a purinergic agent in the treatment of pain (European Journal of Pharmacology, 1989, 162, 365-369; Neuroscience Letters, 1991 , 121 , 267-270). Adenosine receptors represent a subclass (P,) of the group of purine nucleotide and nucleoside receptors known as purinoreceptors. This sub- class has been further classified into two distinct receptor types which have become known as A and A 2 . Extensive research has been carried out in a quest to identify selective ligands at these sites. Selective ligands exist for A, and A 2 adenosine receptors and the structure-activity relationships of the various reference ligands have been reviewed (Bio¬ chemical Pharmacology, 1986, 35, 2467-2481 ; Comprehensive Medici- nal Chemistry, Volume 3, (Hansch, C, Sammes, P.G. and Taylor, J.B., Eds., Pergamon Press PLC: 1990, pp 601-642). Among the known adenosine receptor agonists most selective for the A, receptor over the A 2 receptor are the examples where the adenine nucleus is substituted with a cycloalkyl group on the amino function, for example Λ -cyclo- pentyladenosine (CPA) and Λ -cyclohexyladenosine (CHA) (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 1985, 28, 1383-1384) or 2-chloro-Λ/-cyclopentyl- adenosine (CCPA) (Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Arch. Pharmacol. 1988, 337, 687-689). Various examples of /V-heteroarylalkyl substituted A. selective adenosine analogues have been reported in the literature. It should be noted that some of these are named as N-6 or N 6 -substituted adenosine derivatives, but this is equivalent to the American Chemical Society suggested nomenclature where compounds substituted on adenosine's 6-amino position are referred to as /- / -substituted adenosine derivatives. There is evidence for further subdivision of adenosine receptors into the subtypes A 2a , A 2b (of high and low affinity), A 3 and A 4 . The latest status of these subtypes has been reviewed (Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1992, 267, 6451-6454; Drug Development Research, 1993, 28, 207- 213; Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 1993, 290-291 ). The A 3 receptor (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, 1992, 89, 7432-7436) appears to be responsible for some of the cardiovascular effects of reference ligands (British Journal of Pharmacol- ogy, 1993, 109, 3-5). The synthesis and pharmacological properties of Λ/-_hienylalkyl and Λ -pyridylalkyl adenosine derivatives has been published in the scientific literature (e.g. Nucleosides and Nucleotides, 1992, 1 1 , 1077-1088; Nucleosides and Nucleotides, 1991 , 10, 1563-1572; Canadian Journal of Pharmacology, 1986, 333, 313-322). Furthermore, 2-substituted N- piperidinyladenosine derivatives have been described recently (Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 1993, 3, 2661-2666). Certain Λ -imidazolylalkyl and V-indolylal yl adenosine derivatives have also been described (Life Sciences, 1987, 41 , 2295-3202; Justus Liebigs Annalen der Chemie 1976, 4, 745-761 ; Chemical & Pharmaceuti¬ cal Bulletin, 1974, 22, 1410-13, Biochemical Pharmacology, 1974, 23, 2883-2889). Various studies of the 6-amino subregion of adenosines which include V-heteroarylalkyl substituents have been published (Journal of Medicinal Chemistry 1986, 29, 989-996; Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 1986, 333, 313-322; Biochemical Pharmacology, 1986, 35, 2467-2481 ). Examples of modified adenosine derivatives containing a range of Λ -heteroarylalkyl substituents have been claimed in several patents and patent applications. For example EP 0 232 813 A2 includes /V-heteroarylcycloalkylmethyl adenosines which are apparently useful as analgesics, antipsychotics, sedatives, antihypertensives and antianginals. US 4,600,707 discloses Λ -benzothienyl adenosines and the corres¬ ponding Λ-oxide and S-dioxides as antipsychotics. In WO 8504882 /V-heteroarylethyl adenosines are claimed as cardiac vasodilators. Some similar analogues containing -heteroarylalkyl adenosine compounds are included in Ger. Offen. DE 2147314, Ger. Offen. DE 2139107, EP 0 423 776 A2, EP 0 423 777 A2, US 4,340,7- 30 and US 1 ,164,580 without any mention being made of their potential pharmacological effects on the CNS. PCT-publication WO 9205177 and USP 3,901 ,876 discloses Λ -substi- tuted adenosine derivatives with hypotensive properties, none of them being further substituted at the purine 2-position. Utility of adenosine receptor agonists as cerebral neuroprotectants is claimed in the following patents and patent publications: WO 90/05526, EP 0490818A1 , US 5,187,162, EP 526866A1 , US 5,219,839, WO 93/08206, WO 93/23417 and WO 93/23418. The present invention relates to new adenosine analogues having potent binding in vitro to the adenosine A, receptor and at the same time showing selectivity for A, receptor binding in vitro over that of the A 2 receptor subtype (for method description, see European Journal of Pharmacology, 1993, 242, 221-228). In addition, the compounds contained in this invention have a relatively high lipophilicity, especially when compared to adenosine analogues which are not substituted on the 6-amino group or at the purine 2-position. This latter property makes these compounds suitable for passage across the blood brain barrier, and supports the suggestion that the compounds may be candidate drugs for the CNS and other ailments mentioned within this invention. The possibility that some of the compounds may be substrates for nucleoside-specific active transport systems across the blood brain barrier is, however, not excluded. These useful properties support the suggestion that the compounds may be candidate drugs for the CNS ailments mentioned above in humans. There are however instances where it has been demonstrated that co-administration of a peripherally active adenosine receptor antagonist can lower the expected dose related side effects on the cardiovascular system when an adenosine agonist is used as a neuroprotectant in animal models (Journal of Mol¬ ecular Neuroscience, 1990, 2, 53-59). This method of lowering potential side-effects is also applicable during the therapeutic use of the adenosine receptor agonists covered by the present invention. The invention also covers the potential prodrugs of the adenosine deriva¬ tives described above. Adenosine sugar moiety esters which can find utility as prodrugs are exemplified in this patent. The compounds of the invention are purine derivatives of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein X is halogen, amino, trifluoromethyl, C^-alkyl, C- | . β -alkoxy, C^-alkylthio, cyano, R 1 is H or straight or branched C-.g-alkyl or trifluoromethyl; R 4 is H or straight or branched C^-alkyl; or R 1 and R 4 together form a cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl ring; Y is O, S, SO 2 , N-H or N-alkyl; R 5 is a group of formula (XI) or (XII): (XI) (XII) wherein A is -NH-, -O- or -S-; B is -CH- or -N-; C is -CH- or -N-; which may be optionally substituted with R 8 which is H, phenyl, C,. 6 - alkyl, tri-fluoromethyl, amino, hydroxy, C^-alkoxy, cyano or halogen; R 6 is hydrogen, benzoyl or and R 7 is hydrogen, benzoyl or In certain examples, the group can contain one or more asymmetric carbon atoms in addition to those asymmetric centres already present in the ribose moiety of these adenosine agonists. The invention includes all resulting diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof. The compounds according to the invention includes various salts which can be considered physiologically acceptable. These include addition salts derived from inorganic or organic acids, for example, acetates, fumarates, giutarates, glutaconates, hydrochlorides, lactates, maleates, methanesuiphonates, phosphates, salicylates, succinates, sulphates, sulphamates, tartrates and ara-toluenesulphonates. In some cases, solvates of either the free nucleosides or the acid addition salts can be isolated and these solvates may, for example, be hydrates or alcoholates. Compounds accordimg to the invention are for instance: [1 S,trans]-Λ-t2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclobutyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 R,trans]-/V-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclobutyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 S,cis]-Λ/-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclobutyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 R,cis]-V-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclobutyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 S,trans]-Λ -[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclohexyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 R,trans]-N-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclohexyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 S,cis]-N-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclohexyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 R,cis]-Λ -[2-[(2-Benzothiazoiyl)thio]cyclohexyl]-2-chloroadenosine, V-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-methoxyadenosine, Λ -[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)oxy-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine or 2-Chloro-Λ-[(R)-1 -(6-hydroxy-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine. Compounds of formula (l),-which act as adenosine receptor agonists, are expected from observations in animal models to be useful in the treat¬ ment of central nervous system conditions such as anxiety, neuronal ischaemia/anoxia, convulsive disorders (f. inst. epilepsy) and neuro- degeneration (including Parkinson's disease) in humans. This includes treating disorders where the blood flow to regions of the brain is inter- rupted, for example during traumatic head injury, cardiac arrest and stroke. Further, the compounds of formula (I) are expected to be useful as anal¬ gesic agents, in lowering plasma free fatty acid levels or as cardiovascular agents, e.g. for the treatment of myocardial ischaemia. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the above mentioned compounds. These methods comprise: Method A A compound of formula (I) may be prepared by reacting a substance of formula (II), wherein L represents a leaving group such as a halogen atom (e.g. a chlorine or bromine atom) or a trimethyisilyloxy group, R 2 and R 3 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or a protecting group such as benzoyl-, p-toluoyl-, (e.g. acetyl-), a 2,3-0- (1-methyl)- ethylidene group or a substituted silyl group (e.g. a trimethylsilyl or t-butyldimethylsilyl group) (for descriptions see Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Townsend L.B. and Tipson, R.S., eds., John Wiley and Sons Inc., 1986, 3. and earlier volumes) with an amine derivative of general formula (III), synthesised according to methods known in the art (see for example WO 93/08206 and WO 93/23418) giving the compound of formula (IV) as the reaction product. In cases where R 2 and R 3 are not hydrogen an additional step will be required to remove protecting groups from a compound of formula (IV); in cases where the groups R 2 and R 3 are for example C T .g-alkanoyl- or benzoyl-, suitable conditions for deprotection include methanolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in methanol, an alkali metal alkoxide in the corre¬ sponding alcohol. Where the protecting groups are for example alkyl- silicon or arylsilicon derivatives, suitable deprotection methods include for example treatment with tetraalkylammonium fluorides or aqueous hydrolysis in the presence of acid or base. Method B A compound of formula (I) wherein X represents -NH-R 9 , S-R 9 or -O-R 9 , where R 9 is may be prepared by reacting a substance of general formula (V) -> (where L is a leaving group as defined in method (A)) with a nucleophile, for example (optionally in the presence of a suitable base) or with the anion to afford (IV). In cases where R 2 and R are hydrogen, a compound of formula (I) can be obtained directly. However, in cases where R 2 and R 3 are not hydrogen an additional step will be involved to remove protecting groups such as or benzoyl- from a compound of formula (IV); examples of conditions for removal of protecting groups are given in process (A). In some reactions involving nucleophilic substitution of a compound of formula (V) with the anion where R 2 and R 3 are for example C-.g-alkanoyl- or benzoyl- partial or full deprotection may take place. In cases where only partial deprotection has taken place, deprotection can be completed under conditions exemp¬ lified in method (A). Method C A compound of formula (I) may be prepared by reacting a substance of the general formula (VI) (where B represents or L as defined previously) with a diazotising agent (such as, for example, 3-methylbutyl nitrite) to form a diazo-intermediate which can be reacted further with a variety of substrates (for example chloroform, tetrachloroethane, trimethylsilylchloride, bromoform or fluoroboric acid) as exemplified below in order to introduce the group -X into a compound of formula (VII). In the case where B represents a leaving group L, a further displacement reaction with for example a compound of formula (III) will be required in order to obtain a compound of formula (IV). In cases where the groups R 2 and R 3 are not hydrogen, or not all hydrogen, another step will be required to remove protecting groups from a compound of formula (IV); conditions for removing protecting groups are described in method A. Compounds of formula (I) in which R 6 and R 7 are C-.g-alkanoyl- or benzoyl-, may be prepared according to methods A-C as compounds of formula (IV) and (VII) in which R 2 and R 3 are represented by C g- alkanoyl- or benzoyl-. In cases where R 2 and R 3 are different from R β and R 7 , R 2 and R 3 can be replaced with hydrogen, or benzoyl- according to methods known in the art. Methods for assessing adenosine receptor binding in vitro have been reviewed [Adenosine Receptors, (Cooper, D.M.F. and Londos, C, eds.) Alan R. Liss, Inc., New York, 1988, 43-62]. Evaluation of these compounds in established animal models has indi¬ cated that the compounds according to the invention possess desirable central nervous system properties. For example, they act as anticonvulsant agents, are effective in animal paradigms of pain, and show cerebroprotective effects in laboratory test animals subjected to simulated cerebral ischaemia. In addition, the compounds may have efficacy as neuroprotective agents in cases of cerebral oedema and traumatic head injury, and as protectants in myocardial ischaemia. Evaluation of in vitro binding to adenosine and A, receptors The affinity of the novel compounds described in this invention for the adenosine A., receptor was determined essentially as described in the literature using [ 3 H]-(R)-PIA [Λ/-(R)-(1-phenyl-2-propyl)adenosine] as a radioligand (Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 1980, 313, 179-187). Affinity for the A 2 receptor was measured using the radioligand [ 3 H]-CGS 21680 (European Journal of Pharmacology, 1989, 168, 243-246), and the values for representative compounds (single determinations only) are given in the table below. In vitro receptor binding values obtained for the reference standards CPA and (R)-PIA are included for comparison. The methods used are described fully in Euro¬ pean Journal of Pharmacology, 1993, 242, 221-228. DMCM INDUCED SEIZURES IN MICE. I.P.30 min DMCM (methyl 6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl- ?-carboline-3-carboxylate) is an inverse agonist at the benzodiazepine receptor, presumably producing seizures by decreasing the potency of inhibition of the GABA receptor/benzodiazepine receptor/chloride ionophore complex. METHODS 18 mg/kg of DMCM dissolved in 0.02 N HCI (1 mg/ml) is administered i.p. in a volume of 300 μ\ to male NMRI mice weighing 20 ±_ 2 g. This induces two different responses: a) some animals manifest a brief loss of righting reflexes or take up an upright position in which they have a mild short clonus of the upper extremities, b) other animals manifest intense clonic and tonic convulsions of all extremities often followed by death. DMCM is administered 30 min after an intraperitoneal injection of a test compound. The latency time for the presence of intense clonic and tonic convulsions and death is noted until 15 min after administration of DMCM. At least 5 doses of each test compound are tested with 8 mice per dose. This method is described in more detail in European Journal of Pharmacology, 1993, 242, 221 -228. Test results obtained by testing compounds of the invention are pres- ented in table I. TABLE The compounds of the invention, together with a conventional adjuvant, carrier, or diluent, and if desired in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, may be placed into the form of pharmaceutical compositions and unit dosages thereof, and in such form may be employed as solids, such as tablets of filled capsules, or liquids, such as solutions, suspensions, emulsions, elixirs, or capsules filled with the same, all for oral use, in the form of suppositories for rectal adminis¬ tration; or in the form of sterile injectable solutions for parenteral use (including subcutaneous administration and infusion). Such pharmaceuti¬ cal compositions and unit dosage forms thereof may comprise con- ventional ingredients in conventional proportions, with or without addi¬ tional active compounds or principles, and such unit dosage forms may contain any suitable effective amount of the adenosine receptor agonist commensurate with the intended daily dosage range to be employed. Tablets containing ten (10) milligrams of active ingredient or, more broadly, ten (10) to hundred (100) milligrams, per tablet, are accordingly suitable representative unit dosage forms. The compounds of this invention can thus be used for the formulation of pharmaceutical preparation, e.g. for oral and parenteral administration to mammals including humans, in accordance with conventional methods of galenic pharmacy. Conventional excipients are such pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic carrier substances suitable for parenteral or enteral application which do not deleteriously react with the active compounds. Examples of such carriers are water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, polyhydroxyethoxylated castor oil, gelatine, lac- tose, amylose, magnesium stearate, talc, silicic acid, fatty acid monoglycerides and diglycerides, pentaerythritol fatty acid esters, hydroxymethylceliulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone. The pharmaceutical preparations can be sterilized and mixed, if desired, with auxiliary agents, emulsifiers, salt for influencing osmotic pressure, buffers and/or colouring substances and the like, which do not dele¬ teriously react with the active compounds. For parenteral application, particularly suitable are injectable solutions or suspensions, preferably aqueous solutions with the active compound dissolved in polyhydroxylated castor oil. Ampoules are convenient unit dosage forms. Tablets, dragees, or capsules having talc and/or a carbohydrate carrier or binder or the like, the carrier preferably being lactose and/or corn starch and/or potato starch, are particularly suitable for oral application. A syrup, elixir or the like can be used in cases where a sweetened vehicle can be employed. Generally, the compounds of this invention are dispensed in unit form comprising 0.05-100 mg in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier per unit dosage. The dosage of the compounds according to this invention is 0.1 -300 mg/day, preferably 10-100 mg/day, when administered to patients, e.g. humans, as a drug. A typical tablet which may be prepared by conventional tabletting tech¬ niques contains: Active compound 5.0 mg Lactosum 67.0 mg Ph.Eur. Avicel™ 31.4 mg Amberlite™IRP 88 1.0 mg Magnesii stearas 0.25 mg Ph.Eur. As a result of their activity against pain or convulsive disorders and prevention of neurodegeneration under conditions of anoxia/ischaemia the compounds of the invention are extremely useful in the treatment of related symptoms in mammals, when administered in an amount effec- tive for agonist activity of compounds of the invention. The compounds of the invention may accordingly be administered to a subject, e.g., a living animal body, including a human, in need of adenosine receptor agonist, and if desired in the form of a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof (such as the hydrobromide, hydrochloride, or sul¬ phate, in any event prepared in the usual or conventional manner, e.g., evaporation to dryness of the free base in solution together with the acid), ordinarily concurrently, simultaneously, or together with a pharma¬ ceutically acceptable carrier or diluent, especially and preferably in the form of a pharmaceutical composition thereof, whether by oral, rectal, or parenteral (including subcutaneous) route, in an effective amount of adenosine receptor agonist, and in any event an amount which is effec¬ tive for the treatment of anoxia, traumatic injury, ischaemia, migraine or other pain symptoms, epilepsy, or neurodegenerative diseases owing to their adenosine receptor agonist activity. Suitable dosage ranges are 1- 200 milligrams daily, 10-100 milligrams daily, and especially 5-25 milligrams daily, depending as usual upon the exact mode of administra¬ tion, form in which administered, the indication toward which the administration is directed, the subject involved and the body weight of the subject involved, and the preference and experience of the physician or veterinarian in charge. The preparation of compounds of formula (I) is further illustrated in the following examples. Hereinafter, TLC is thin layer chromatography, THF is tetrahydrofuran, TFA is trifluoracetic acid and m.p. is melting point. Where melting points are given, these are uncorrected. The structures of the compounds are confirmed by assignment of 400 MHz NMR spectra (from which repre¬ sentative peaks are quoted) and by microanalysis where appropriate. Compounds used as starting materials are either known compounds or compounds which can be prepared by methods known per se. Column chromatography was carried out using the technique described by Still, W.C. et al., Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1978, 43, 2923 on Merck silica gel 60 (Art 9385). HPLC was carried out on a Waters model 510 chromatograph interfaced via a system module to a Waters 490 multi-- wavelength detector to a reversed phase C 18 column (250 x 4 mm, 5/vm, 100A; eluent flow rate 1 ml/min). Retention times are given in minutes. EXAMPLE 1 2-Chloro-Λ/-. (R)-1 -(2-thiazolyl.thio-2-DroDvMadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A. 2 , .3 , .5 , -Tri-0-benzoyl-2-chloro-N-r(R)-1 -(thiazolyl)thio-2-DroDylladenosine To a suspension of 2-[(R)-Λ -ferf-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1-propanol (4.0 g, 23 mmol), 2-mercaptothiazole (2.9 g, 25 mmol) and triphenylphos- phine (7.3 g, 28 mmol) in dry toluene (50 ml) under nitrogen, a solution of diisopropylazocarboxylate (4.9 g, 28 mmol) in dry toluene (30 ml) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred for 40 h at 20°C and filtered. The filtrate was evaporated to an oil prior to purification by "flash" chromatography. Elution with a mixture of heptane and ethyl acetate (3:2) provided 2-[2-(R)-fe -butyloxycarbonylamino-1 -propylthio]- thiazole (3.0 g, 48%) as an oil, TLC R f 0.33 [heptane/ethyl acetate (3:2)]. 2-[2-(R)-ferf-butyloxycarbonylamino-1-propylthio]thiazole (3.0 g, 1 1 mmol) was dissolved in ethyl acetate (30 ml) and a 6N solution of hydrochloric acid in dry ethyl acetate (15 ml) was added. After 20 h at room temperature the reaction mixture was filtered to provide crude 2- [(R)-2-aminopropyl-1-propylthio]thiazole as a hygroscopic, apparent dihydrochloride salt (2.3 g). To a solution of 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-benzoyl- .-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro- 9H-purine (1.5 g, 2.4 mmol) in dry dioxan (50 ml), the above 2-[(R)-2- aminopropyM-propylthiojthiazole dihydrochloride (1.5 g, 7.1 mmol) and triethylamine (0.78 g, 7.7 mmol) were introduced at 20°C. After stirring at 50°C for 40 h the reaction mixture was concentrated to a yellow oil, which was purified by flash chromatography eluting with a mixture of heptane and ethyl acetate (1 :1 ), to afford the title 2',3',5'-tri-0-benzoyl- 2-chloro-Λ -[(R)-1-(2-thiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine (1.2 g, 63%) as a foam, TLC R f 0.19 [SiO 2 ; heptane/ethyl acetate (1 :1 )]. 2-Chloro-/V-r(R)-1 -(2-thiazolyl)thio-2-DroDyl)ladenosine 2',3',5'-Tri-0-benzoyl-2-chloro-Λ/-[(R)-1-(2-thiazolyl)thio-2- propyl]adenosine (1.2 g, 1.5 mmol) was dissolved in methanolic ammo- nia (25 ml) (previously saturated at -10°C) and stirred at 20°C for 40 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated to an oil at reduced pressure and purified by flash chromatography eluting with a mixture of dichloromethane, ethanol and ammonia (90:10:1 ), to provide the title 2-chloro-/V-[(R)-1-(2-thiazolyl)thio-2-propyl)]adenosine (0.32 g, 46%) as a foam, 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 1.31 (3H, d, CHCH-), 3.95 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.12 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.51 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.82 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.63 (1 H, d, Ar-H), 7.72 (1 H, d, Ar-H), 8.41 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.48 (1 H, d, N-H). C 16 H 19 CIN β O 4 S 2 . H 2 O requires C, 41.1 ; H, 4.3; N, 18.0. Found: C, 41.2; H, 4.3; N, 17.4%. EXAMPLE 2 2-Chloro-Λ/-r(R)-1-(1 -methyl-2-imidazolyl)thio-2-DroDylladenosine The title compound was prepared according to method A as described above in Example 1 by reacting (R)-1-(1 -methyl-2-imidazolyl)thio-2- propylamine hydrochloride [prepared using the same method as described in Example 1 from 2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole (3.31 g, 29 mmol) and 2-[(R)-/V-ferf-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1 -propanol (5.08 g, 29 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (2.30 g, 1 1.1 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5- tri-0-acetyl- .-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (2.46 g, 5.5 mmol), followed by debenzoylation of the purified product using methanolic ammonia. This provided the title 2-chloro-/V[(R)-1-d -methyl-2-imidazolyl)- thio-2-propyl]adenosine (1.1 g, 43%) as a foam after column chromatog- raphy. 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 1.28 (3H, d, -CHCHJ, 3.53 - 3.60 (1 H, m, H-5' a ), 3.63 -3.70 (1 H, m, H-5' b ), 3.95 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.13 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.51 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'- OH), 5.82 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 6.92 (1 H, s, Ar-H) 7.20 (1 H, s, Ar-H), 8.40 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.55 (1 H, s, N-H). HPLC retention time 19.3 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 17 H 22 CIN 7 O 4 S. 1.0 H 2 O requires C, 43.1 ; H, 5.1 ; N, 20.7. Found: C, 43.4; H, 5.0; N, 20.7%. EXAMPLE 3 2-Chloro- v / -((R)-1 -r5-methyl-(1 .3.4-thiadiazol-2-vMlthio-2-Drooyl}- adenosine The title compound was prepared according to method A as described above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1 -propylthio]-5-methyl- [1 ,3,4]-thiadiazole hydrochloride [prepared by alkylation of 2-mercapto-5- methyl-(1 ,3,4)-thiadiazole (1.32 g, 10 mmol) using methanesulphonic acid, 2-[(R)- V-terf-butyloxycarbonylamino]- 1-propyl ester (3.04 g, 12 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (1.01 g, 4.47 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tr.-0-benzoyl- .-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (2.36 g, 3.73 mmol), followed by debenzoylation of the purified product using methanolic ammonia. This provided the title 2-chloro-/V{(R)-1 -[5-methyl- (1 ,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)]thio-2-propyl}adenosine (0.94 g, 53%) as a foam after column chromatography. 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β )<5 1 .35 (3H, d, -CHCty, 2.67 (3H, s, -CH 3 ), 3.53-3.61 (2H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b ), 3.96 (1 H, q, H-4), 4.14 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.52 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'- and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 8.33-8.46 (2H, m, H-8 and -NH). HPLC retention time 9.9 min [gradient elution, 20-80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 4 N-r(R)-1 -(2-Benzoxazolyl)thio-2-propyll-2-chloroadenosine The title compound was prepared essentially according to method A as described above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1 -propylthio]- benzoxazole hydrochloride [prepared by alkylation of 2-mercaptobenz- oxazole (3.5 g, 23 mmol) using methanesulphonic acid, 2-[(R)- V-fetT- -butyloxycarbonylamino]- 1-propyl ester (7.2 g, 30 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (1.7 g, 6 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl-y_?-D-ribo- furanosyl)-2,6-dichioro-9H-purine (2.7 g, 6.0 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified product using sodium methoxide in methanol. This provided the title Λ/-[(R)-1-(2-benzoxazolyl)thio2-propyl]- -2-chloroadenosine (0.37 g, 28%) as a foam after column chromatog- raphy. 1 H NMR (DMSO-d 6 )£ 1.38 (3H, d, -CHCH , 3.40 - 3.75 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.94 (1 H, q, H-4), 4.12 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.52 (1 H, m, H-2'), 5.06 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.49 (2H, 2d, 2'- and 3'-OH), 5.82 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.26 - 7.35 (2H, m, Ar-H), 7.53 - 7.64 (2H, m, Ar- H), 8.39 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.48 (1 H, d, -NH). C 20 H 21 CIN β O 5 S. 0.25 EtOH requires C, 48.8; H, 4.5; N, 16.6. Found: C, 48.6; H, 4.5; N, 16.5%. EXAMPLE 5 /V-[(R)-1-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-oroDvn-2-chloroadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des¬ cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1-propylthio]benzo- thiazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using 2-[{R)-Λ -tert-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1 -propanol (2.5 g, 14 mmol) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (2.3 g, 14 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (1.7 g, 5.7 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-benzoyl-y_?-D-ribo- furanosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (2.8 g, 4.5 mmol), followed by debenzoylation of the purified 2'.3',5'-tri-0-benzoyl-2-chloro-Λ.-[(R)-1 -(2- benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine in methanolic ammonia (200 ml) (previously saturated at -10°C) to provide the title 2-chloro- V-[(R)-1 -(2- benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine (1.05 g, 24%) (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 1.38 (3H, d, -CHCH 3 ), 3.50 - 3.68 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.95 (1 H, d, H-4'), 4.12 (1 H, d, H-3'), 4.51 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.34, 7.45 (2H, 2t, Ar- H), 7.85, 7.98 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.40 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.53 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 16.6 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 20 H 21 CINgO 4 S 2 . 0.5 EtOH requires C, 47.4; H, 4.5; N, 15.8. Found: C, 47.3; H, 4.5; N, 15.8%. EXAMPLE 6 /V-f(S)-1-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyn-2-chloroadenosine The title compound was prepared according to. general method A as des¬ cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(S)-2-amino-1 -propylthio]benzo- thiazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as laid out in Example 1 using 2-[(S)-Λ/-teΛ?-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1 -propanol (3.5 g, 20 mmol) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (3.35 g, 20 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (1.1 g, 4.2 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-benzoyl- ?-D-ribo- furaηosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (2.8 g, 4.5 mmol), followed by debenzoylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-benzoyl-2-chloro-/V-[(S)-1 -(2- benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title 2-chioro- V-[(S)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2- propyl]adenosine (0.88 g, 49%) (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 1 .38 (3H, d, -CHCHJ, 3.50 - 3.68 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.95 (1 H, d, H-4'), 4.12 (I H, d, H-3'), 4.51 (1 H, q, H- 2'), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.34, 7.45 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.85, 7.98 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.40 (I H, s, H-8), 8.52 (1 H, s, N-H). HPLC retention time 20.1 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 20 H 21 CIN β O 4 S 2 . 1.5 H 2 O requires C, 44.8 ; H, 4.5; N, 15.7. Found: C, 44.9; H, 4.1 ; N, 15.2%. EXAMPLE 7 Λ-f(R)-1-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyπ-2-bromoadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des¬ cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1-propylthio]benzo- thiazole hydrochloride (prepared as indicated in Example 5) (1.07 g, 3.6 mmol) with 2-bromo-9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- .-D-ribofuranosyl)-6-chloro- -9H-purine (see WO 93/08206; Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 1993, 3, 2661-2666) (1.48 g, 3.0 mmol) followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2-bromo-/V-[(R)-1 -(2- benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2- propyl]-2-bromoadenosine (0.20 g, 14%) as a foam (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 1.38 (3H, d, -CHCH , 3.50 - 3.77 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.94 (1 H, d, H-4'), 4.12 (1 H, d, H-3'), 4.51 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.70 1 H, m, -CHCH 3 ), 5.05 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.49 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.36, 7.46 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.86, 7.99 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.40 (1 H, s, H-8). HPLC retention time 6.74 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 2 oH 21 N β BrO 4 S 2 . 0.1 H 2 O requires C, 43.3; H, 3.8; N, 15.1. Found: C, 43.7; H, 4.3; N, 14.7%. EXAMPLE 8 ΛM(R)-1-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyH-2-methyladenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des- cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1 -propylthio]benzo- thiazole hydrochloride (prepared as described in Example 5) (0.89 g, 3.0 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl-^-D-ribofuranosyl)-6-chloro-2-methyI-9H- purine (1 .07 g, 2.5 mmol) [prepared from 2-methylinosine (Journal of Organic Chemistry, 1967, 32, 3258-3260) by standard acylation and chlorination steps]. Deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl- V- [(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-methyladenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the desired Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-benzothia- zolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-methyladenosine (0.28 g, 1 1 %) (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 1.40 (3H, d, -CHChy, 2.30 (3H, s, -CH 3 ), 3.50 - 3.77 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.98 (1 H, d, H-4'), 4.13 (1 H, d, H-3'), 4.63 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.86 (1 H, br, -CHCH 3 ), 5.19, 5.42 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.70 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.85 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.36, 7.47 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.80 - 7.96 (2H, m, Ar-H), 8.0 (1 H, s, N-H), 8.26 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.52 (1 H, s, N-H). HPLC retention time 22.4 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 21 H 24 N e O 4 S 2 . H 2 O requires C, 49.8 ; H, 4.8; N, 16.6. Found: C, 49.9; H, 5.1 ; N, 16.4%. EXAMPLE 9 /-r(R)-1-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyll-2-methylthioadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A. 9-(2,3,5-Tri-0-acetyl-yff-D-ribofuranosyl)-2-amino-6-chloro-9H-purine (Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Townsend L.B. and Tipson, R.S., eds., John Wiley and Sons Inc., 1986, 3, 144) (4.0 g, 9.3 mmol) was dissolved in acetonitrile (100 ml). Isoamylnitrite (10.84 g, 93 mmol) was introduced followed by methyl disulphide (4.14 ml, 46 mmol) and the reaction mixture was heated at an oil bath temperature of 100°C for 2h. The evolved gas was oxidised using a hypochlorite scrubber. The reaction mixture was cooled, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography on silica gel. Elution initially with dichloromethane, followed by dichloromethane/methanol (100:1 ) provided 9-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl- S-D-ribofuranosyl)-6-chloro-2-methylthio-9H-purine (3.1 g, 72%) as a foam, 1 H NMR (CDCI 3 )£ 2.12, 2.14, 2.18 (9H, 3s, 2', 3' and 5'-O- acetyl CH 3 ), 2.66 (3H, s, -SCH 3 ), 4.28 - 4.51 (3H, m, H-5' a , H-5' b and H-4'), 5.66 (1 H, t, H-3'), 6.0 (1 H, t, H-2'), 6.13 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 8.1 1 (1 H, s, H-8). The above 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl-y_?-D-ribofuranosyl)-6-chloro-2-methylthio- 9H-purine (0.5 g, 1.1 mmol) was reacted with 2-[(R)-2-amino-1 -propyl- thio]benzothiazole hydrochloride (0.5 g, 1.5 mmol) (by the procedure described in Example 5) followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'- tri-0-acetyl-Λ/-[(R)-1-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-methylthio- adenosine using methanolic ammonia (200 ml) (previously saturated at - 10°C) to provide the title compound -[(R)-1-(2-benzothiazoiyl)thio-2- propyl]-2methylthioadenosine (0.085 g, 16%) as a foam (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 1.39 (3H, d, -CHCH , 2.31 (3H, s, -SCH , 3.46 - 3.71 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 ), 3.92 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.14 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.60 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.70 - 4.91 (1 H, m, -CH), 5.05 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.45 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'- OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.31 - 7.53 (2H, m, Ar-H), 7.84, 8.0 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.10 (1 H, d, N-H), 8.25 (1 H, s, H-8). EXAMPLE 10 Λ/-f(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyN-2-(dimethylamino)adenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method B by reaction of Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chioroadenosine (1.02 g, 2.0 mmol) (Example 5) in dimethylformamide (10 ml) to provide the desired -[(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-(dimethylamino)- adenosine (0.12 g, 12%) as a foam (following column chromatography), H NMR (DMSO-dg) δ 1.38 (3H, d, -CHCH , 2.92 (6H, s, -IVKC-fc ).,), 3.40 - 3.72 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.88 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.15 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.65 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.72 - 4.85 (1 H, m, -CH-), 4.89 (1 H, t, 5'- OH), 5.14, 5.36 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.75 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.35, 7.46 (2H, 2 t, Ar-H), 7.50 (1 H, d, N-H), 7.84, 7.99 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 7.94 (1 H, s, H-8). HPLC retention time 16.8 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 22 H 26 N 7 O 4 S 2 . 0.5 H 2 O requires C, 50.2 ; H, 5.2; N, 18.6. Found: C, 50.5; H, 5.7; N, 18.2%. EXAMPLE 1 1 Λ -r(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyn-2-(ethylamino)adenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method B by reaction of V-[(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-bromoadenosine (Example 7) (0.24 g, 0.35 mmol) with 70% w/w aqueous ethylamine (0.23 g) in dioxan (10ml) in a sealed vessel at 100°C to provide the desired Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-benzo thiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-(ethylamino)adenosine as a foam (following column chromatography), H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ 1 .04 (3H, br t, -NCH^t , 1.42 (3H, d, -CHCH , 3.20 (3H, br m, -NCHjCty, 3.55 - 3.80 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.95 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.15 (1 H, q, H-3'), 5.16, 5.41 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.79 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 6.22 (1 H, t, -NHCH 2 CH 3 ), 7.43, 7.54 (2H, 2 t, Ar-H), 7.98 (1 H, s, H-8). HPLC retention time 17.0 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 12 2-Amino-Λ -r(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propylladenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des¬ cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1-propylthio]benzo- thiazole hydrochloride (prepared as described in Example 5) (7.13 g, 24 mmol) with 2-amino-9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- ?-D-ribofuranosyl)-6-chloro-9H- purine (Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Townsend L.B. and Tipson, R.S., eds., John Wiley and Sons Inc., 1986, 3, 144) (8.56 g, 20 mmol) followed by deacylation of a portion of the purified 2',3\5'-tri-0-acetyl-2-amino-/\/- [(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyi]adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title 2-amino-Λ/-[(R)-1-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio2- propyl]adenosine (0.71 g, 19%) as a foam (following column chroma- tography) 1 H NMR (DMSO-d 6 ) δ 1.34 (3H, d, -CHCH , 3.50 - 3.73 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.90 (1H, q, H-4'), 4.10 (1 H, d, H-3'), 4.51 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.1 1 , 5.37 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.40 (1 H, t, 5' -OH), 5.73 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 5.79 (1 H, br, -NH 2 ), 7.36, 7.47 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.92 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.0 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 13.5 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 13 /V-f(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyN-2-fluoroadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method C by reacting 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- ?-D-ribofuranosyl)-2-amino-6-chloro- 9H-purine (see Example 9) (0.45 g, 0.73 mmol) using the diazotisation/ fluoroboric acid method described previously (see WO 93/08206; Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 1993, 3, 2661-2666) to provide 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-/V-[(R)-1-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2- fluoroadenosine (0.19 g, 43%), followed by deacylation using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title /-[(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio- 2-propyl]-2-fluoroadenosine (0.088 g) (following column chromatogra¬ phy), 1 H NMR (DMSO-dg) 1.37 (3H, d, -CHCHj, 3.50 - 3.79 (4H, m, H- 5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.95 (1 H, d, H-4'), 4.13 (1 H, m, H-3'), 4.51 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.67 (1 H, br, -CHCH 3 ), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.23, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.79 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.37, 7.48 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.85, 7.79 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.36 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.58 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 18.9 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 20 H 21 FN 6 O 4 S 2 . 1 .25 H 2 O requires C, 46.6 ; H, 4.1 ; N, 16.3. Found: C, 46.5; H, 4.5; N, 16.3%. EXAMPLE 14 Λ -f(S)-2-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-1-propyn-2-chloroadenosine (S)-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-1-propylamine (1.5 g, 5.0 mmol) (prepared by the method described in Example 1 from (S)-2-hydroxypropylamine) was reacted with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- ?-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro- 9H-purine (1.49 g, 2.4 mmol) in dioxan (20 ml) in the presence of triethylamine (2.77 ml, 20 mmol) to provide 2' f 3',5'-tri-0-acetyl- Λ-[(S)-2-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-1 -propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, which was deacylated using methanolic ammonia (previously saturated at -10°C) to provide the title Λ -[(S)-2-(2-beπzothiazolyl)thio-1-propyl]-2- chloroadenosine (0.78 g, 47%) as a foam (following column chroma¬ tography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-dg)tf 1.52 (3H, d, -CH 3 ), 3.56 (1 H, ABX, H-5' a ), 3.68 (1 H, m, H-5' b ), 3.73 - 3.91 (1 H, m, -C-H), 3.84 - 3.92 (1 H, m, -C-H), 3.96 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.15 (1 H, m, H-3'), 4.53 (1 H, dd, H-2'), 5.08 (1 H. t, 5'-OH), 5.23, 5.50 (3H, 3 br, 2' and 3'-OH), 5.84 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.36, 7.47 (2H, 2, Ar-H), 7.83, 7.99 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.40 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.72 (1 H, t, N-H). HPLC retention time 17.8 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 20 H 21 CIN β O 4 S 2 . 0.5 H 2 O. 0.1 EtOAc requires C, 46.5 ; H, 4.4; N, 16.0. Found: C, 46.6; H, 4.4; N, 15.8%. EXAMPLE 15 Λ -r(R)-1-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-butvn-2-chloroadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des¬ cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1 -butylthio]benzo- thiazole hydrochloride (1 .16 g, 4.2 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-ac ' etyl-£-D- ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (1.57 g, 3.5 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2-chloro-Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2- benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine using sodium methoxide in meth¬ anol. This provided the title Λ/-[(R)-1-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-butyl]-2- chloroadenosine (0.93 g, 51 %) (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-dg) δ 1.38 (3H, d, -CH^HJ, 1.65 - 1.86 (2H, m, -CH 2 CH 3 ), 3.95 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.14 (1 H, d, H-3'), 4.48 - 4.62 (2H, m, H-2' and - CHCH 2 H 3 ), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.34, 7.45 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.84, 8.0 (2H, 2d, Ar-H). HPLC retention time 21.8 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 21 H 23 CIN β O 4 S 2 . requires C, 48.2 ; H, 4.4; N, 16.1. Found: C, 47.9; H, 4.5; N, 15.7%. EXAMPLE 16 Λ 1-(2-Benzothiazolyl ) thio-3-methyl-2-butvπ-2-chloroadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des¬ cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[2-amino-3-methyl-1 -butylthio]- benzothiazoie hydrochloride (1.37 g, 4.2 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0- acetyl- ?-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (1.57 g, 3.5 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2\3',5'-tri-0-acety--2-chloro-/V-[1 - (2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol. This provided the title Λ/-[1-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-3-methyl-2- butyl]-2-chloroadenosine (0.69 g, 37%) as a foam (mixture of diastereo¬ isomers) (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 0.97 - 1.05 [6H, m, -CHICH^], 2.0 - 2.13 [1 H, m, -CH(CH 3 ) 2 ], 3.50 - 3.70 (3H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH-), 3.88 - 3.97 (2H, m, H-4' and - CH-), 5.02, 5.06 (1 H, 2t, 5'-OH), 5.21 , 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.32 (1 H, dd, H-1 '), 7.36, 7.46 (2H, 2t, Ar-H). HPLC retention time 23.8 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 22 H 25 CIN β O 4 S 2 . requires C, 49.2 ; H, 4.7; N, 15.7. Found: C, 49.3; H, 5.0; N, 15.4%. EXAMPLE 17 Λ -r3-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-1.1 .1-trifluoro-2-propyn-2-chloroadenosine The title compound was prepared according to method A. 2-(Λ -tert- butyloxycarbonyl)amino-1 ,1 ,1-trifluoro-3-propanol was prepared by reac¬ tion of 2-hydroxymethyl-3,3,3-trifluoropropionic acid (3.16 g, 20 mmol) with diphenylphosphoryl azide (5.50 g, 20 mmol) in ferf-butanol. The resultant 4-(trifluoromethyl)oxazolidin-2-one was treated with hydro- chloric acid to afford 2-amino-3,3,3-trifluoropropanol. This amine was N- Boc protected under standard conditions (see Example 18) to provide 2- (Λ -tert-butyloxycarbonyl)amino-1 ,1 ,1-trifluoro-3-propanol (0.65 g), TLC R f 0.37 [SiO 2 ; ethyl acetate/ cyclohexane (1 :1 )]. Λ/-[3-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-1 ,1 ,1-trifluoro-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine was prepared according to general method A as described in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1 ,1 ,1 trifluoro-3-propylthio]benzothiazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using the above 2-(/V-tert-butyloxycarbonyl)amino- 1 ,1 , 1 -trif luoro-3- propanol and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole followed by acidic hydrolysis] (0.13 g, 0.47 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyh3-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-di- chloro-9H-purine (0.21 g, 0.45 mmol). Debenzoylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-Λ/-[3-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-1 ,1 ,1 -trifluoro-2- propyl]-2-chloroadenosine in methanolic ammonia (20 ml) (previously saturated at -10°C) provided the title V-[3-(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-1 ,1 ,1- trifluoro-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine (0.12 g, 45%) (following column chromatography) [a mixture of (R)- & (S)- diastereoisomers]; 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 3.39 - 3.49 (1 H, m, -CH), 3.58, 3.68 (2H, ABX, H-5' a and H-5' b ), 3.98 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.1 1 - 4.18 (2H, m, H-3' and -CH-), 4.47 - 4.56 (1 H, m, H-2'), 5.08 (1 H, m, 5'-OH), 5.18 - 5.28 (1 H, m, -CHCH 2 -), 5.27, 5.57 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.94 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.08, 7.22, 7.30 (3H, 3 t, Ar-H), 7.71 (1 H, d, Ar-H), 8.75 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.79 (1 H, d, N-H). EXAMPLE 18 trans-/V-f2-f(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio1cvclopentyN-2-chloroadenosine trans-Λ -(ferf-Butyloxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxycyciopentylamine (see WO 93/23418) was prepared as a mixture of enantiomers by reaction of cyclopentene epoxide (8.0 g, 95.1 mmol) with a 25% aqueous ammonia solution (35 ml) in a sealed glass vessel at 1 10°C for 1 .5 h. The reaction mixture was cooled and evaporated to half its original volume before 1 N sodium hydroxide solution (95 ml) and THF (100 ml) were introduced at 0°C. A solution of di-terf-butyl dicarbonate (21.8 g, 99.6 mmol) in THF (50 ml) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for 18 h. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was washed with ethyl acetate (100 ml). The organic phases were combined and washed with saturated brine (100 ml), dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated. The solid residue was recrystallised from a 10:1 mixture of heptane and ethyl acetate (55 ml) to provide an analyti¬ cal sample of trans-Λ -(ferf-butyloxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxycyclopentylamine (4.06 g, 21 %), mp 103-105°C. C 10 H 19 NO 3 requires C, 59.7; H, 9.5; N, 7.0. Found: C, 59.6; H, 9.8; N, 7.0%. The above trans- V-(ferf-butvloxvcarbonyl)-2-hydroxycyclopentylamine (24.7 g, 123 mmol) (prepared as described in Example 1 1 ) was dissolved in THF (500 ml) and 4-nitrobenzoic acid (20.51 g, 123 mmol) was added, followed by triphenylphosphine (48.28 g, 184 mmol). A solution of diethylazodicarboxylate (32.06 g, 184 mmol) in THF (250 ml) was introduced dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h at room temperature, evaporated and purified by flash chromatography eluting with a mixture of cycohexane and ethyl acetate (4:1 ) to provide the intermediate 4-nitrobenzoyl ester as a solid (25.5 g), TLC R f 0.52 [SiO 2 : cyclohexane/ ethyl acetate (1 :1 )]. This ester was suspended in a mixture of a mixture of methanol (180 ml) and 25% aqueous ammonia solution (20 ml) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 70 h before evaporation to a residue. Purification by flash chromatography eluting with a mixture of cycohexane and ethyl acetate (4:1 ) provided fractions containing the title compound which crystallised on evaporation to afford cis- V-(ferr-butyloxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxycyclopentylamine as a solid (1 1.0 g, 44%), mp 64 - 65°C. trans-Λ -[2-f(2-Benzothiazolyl)thiolcvclopentyll-2-chloroadenosine The above cjs-Λ -(ferf-butyioxycarbonyl)-2-hydroxycyclopentylamine was converted into trans-2-(2-benzothiazolvl)cvclopentvlamine hydrochloride by the sequence of reactions described in Example 1 (i.e. thioether for¬ mation by the Mitsunobu procedure resulting in inversion at the 2-posi- tion, followed by acidic hydrolysis of the /-Boc- group). This trans-2-(2-benzothiazolyl)cyclopentylamine hydrochloride (1.0 g, 3.0 mmol) was combined with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- ?-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-di- chloro-9H-purine (1.34 g, 3 mmol) and triethylamine (1.66 ml) and reacted using the procedure described in Example 1 . Deacylation of the purified [trans]-2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-/V-[2-[(2-benzothiazolyl)thio]- cyclopentyl]-2-chloroadenosine was carried out using methanolic ammo¬ nia (200 ml) (previously saturated at -10°C) which provided the title product as a ca. 1 :1 mixture of diastereoisomers, HPLC retention time 24.1 and 24.82 min [isocratic elution, 35% acetonitrile/ 65% water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. A single diastereoisomer of trans-Λ/-[2-[(2benzo- thiazolyl)thio]cyclopentyl]-2-chloroadenosine (0.1 1 g, 7%) was obtained as a foam (following short path column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-dg)c. 1.65 - 2.62 (6H, 5m, -CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -), 3.51 - 3.58 and 3.62 - 3.69 (2H, ABX, H-5' a and H-5' b ), 3.94 (1 H, br q, H-4'), 4.13 (1 H, br q, H-3'), 4.28 (1 H, q, -CH-), 4.49 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.68 (1 H, m, -CH-), 4.62 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.82 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.35, 7.45 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.79, 7.98 (2H, 2d, Ar- H), 8.40 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.71 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 24.82 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 22 H 23 CINgO 4 S 2 . 0.5 EtOH requires C, 49.5 ; H, 4.7 ; N, 15.1 . Found: C, 49.1 ; H, 4.8; N, 14.9%. EXAMPLE 19 cis-/V-f2-f(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cvclopentyll-2-chloroadenosine trans-/V-(ferf-Butvloxvcarbonvl)-2-hvdroxycyclopentvlamine (see Example 16) was converted into cjs-2-(2-benzothiazolyl)cyclopentylamine hydrochloride by the sequence of reactions described in Example 1 (i.e. thioether formation by the Mitsunobu procedure resulting in inversion at the cyclopentane 2-position, followed by acidic hydrolysis of the Boc- group) (see also WO 93/23418). The above cjs-2-(2-benzothiazolyl)cyclopentylamine hydrochloride (1.5 g, 4.6 mmol) was combined with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- ?-D-ribofuranosyl)- 2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (2.0 g, 4.5 mmol) and triethylamine (2.49 ml) and reacted by the method described in Example 1. Deacylation of the purified s-2', 3', 5'-tri-0-acetyl- V-[2-[(2-benzothiazolyl)thio]- cyclopentyl]-2-chloroadenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol provided the title cjs- V-[2-[(2-benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclopentyl]- 2-chloroadenosine (0.89 g, 38%) as a foam (following column chroma¬ tography) (a ca. 2:1 mixture of diastereoisomers), 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β )<. 1.62 - 2.45 (6H, 5m, -CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 -), 3.52 - 3.60 (1 H, m, H-5' a ), 3.64 - 3.70 (1 H, m, H-5' b ), 3.94 (1 H, br q, H-4'), 4.1 1 (1 H, br q, H-3'), 4.62 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.75 - 5.83 (1 H, 2m, H-1 '), 7.26 - 7.94 (4H, 4m, Ar-H). EXAMPLE 20 /V-r(R)-1 -(6-Amino-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyll-2-chloroadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des¬ cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 6-amino-2-[(R)-2-aminopropyl-1 - propylthiojbenzothiazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using 2-[(R)-/V-ferf-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1- propanol (13.1 g, 75 mmol) and 6-amino-2-mercaptobenzothiazole (13.7 g, 75 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis]) (2.51 g, 7.2 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl-^-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (2.68 g, 6.0 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-/V- [(R)-1-(6-amino-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine in methanolic ammonia (200 ml) (previously saturated at -10°C) to provide the title Λ/-[(R)-1 -(6-amino2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2- chloroadenosine (1.97 g, 63%) as a foam (following column chromatog¬ raphy), 1 H NMR (DMSO-dg) δ 1.36 (3H, d, -CHCH , 3.50 - 3.71 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.95 (1 H, d, H-4'), 4.14 (1 H, d, H-3'), 4.53 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.63 (1 H, m, -CH), 5.08 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 6.71 , 6.99, 7.53 (3H, 3d, Ar-H), 8.41 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.52 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 10.29 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 21 2-Chloro- V-r(R)-1 -(6-ethoxy-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl1adenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des- cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1 -propylthio]-6- ethoxybenzothiazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using 2-[(R)-Λ/-ferf-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1- propanol (3.5 g, 20 mmol) and 6-ethoxy-2-mercaptobenzothiazole (4.23 g, 20 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (3.8 g, 1 1 .1 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acety -?-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichioro-9H-purine (1.1 g, 2.5 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2- chloro- V-[(R)-1-(6-ethoxy-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title V[(R)-1-(6-ethoxy- 2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine (0.22 g, 17%) as a foam (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO-d θ ) δ 1 .32 - 1 .40 (6H, m, and -CHCH , 3.44 - 3.81 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.97 (1 H, d, H-4'), 4.08 (2H, q, -CH 2 CH 3 ), 4.14 (1 H, d, H-3'), 4.53 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.68 (1 H, m, -CH), 5.09 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.23, 5.51 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.06, 7.57, 7.74 (3H, 3d, Ar-H), 8.42 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.53 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 22.4 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 22 H 25 CIN β O 5 S 2 . 0.5 H 2 O. 0.2 EtOAc requires C, 47.2 ; H, 4.8; N, 14.5. Found: C, 47.3; H, 4.9; N, 14.3%. EXAMPLE 22 2-Chloro-Λ -f(R)-1 -(5-chloro-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propynadenosine The title compound was prepared according to general method A as des¬ cribed above in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1-propylthio]-5- chlorobenzothiazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 ] with 2-[(R)-Λ/-fetT-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1- propanol (1.75 g, 10 mmol) and 5-chloro-2-mercaptobenzothiazole (2.02 g, 10 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (0.5 g, 1 .5 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-O-acety ff-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (0.54 g, 1.2 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2- chloro- V-[(R)-1-(5-chloro-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title Λ/-[(R)-1 -(5-chloro- 2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]2-chloroadenosine (0.30 g, 46%) as a solid, mp 145°C (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO- d β ) δ 1.39 (3H, d, -CHCty, 3.45 - 3.78 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and - CH 2 -), 3.96 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.14 (1 H, t, H-3'), 4.52 (1 H, t, H-2'), 4.72 (1 H, m, -CH), 5.84 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.41 (1 H, dd, Ar-H), 7.94 (1 H, s, Ar- H), 8.02 (1 H, dd, Ar-H), 8.42 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.52 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 23.58 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 20 H 20 CI 2 N β O 4 S 2 . 1 .0 H 2 O requires C, 42.8; H, 3.9; N, 15.0. Found: C, 42.9; H, 3.8; N, 14.8%. EXAMPLE 23 2-Chloro-Λ/-f(R)-1-(2-thienvnthio-2-propylladenosine The title compound was prepared according to method A as described in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1-propγlthio]thiophene hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using 2-[(R)-Λ -ferf-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1-propanol (7.53 g, 43 mmol) and 2-mercaptothiophene (5.00 g, 43 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (0.63 g, 3.0 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl-£-D-ribofuran- osyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (1.12 g, 2.5 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2-chloro-Λ/-[(R)-1-(2-thienyl)thio-2- propyljadenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title 2-chloro- V-[(R)-1-(2-thienyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine (0.95 g, 82%) as a foam after column chromatography. NMR (DMSO-d β )<_ 1.26 (3H, d, -CHCh ), 2.95 - 3.18 (2H, ABX, -CH 2 -S-), 3.55 and 3.61 (2H, ABX, H- 5' a and H-5' b ), 3.95 (1 H, q, H-4), 4.14 (1 H, t, H-3'), 4.44 (1 H, m, -CH- CH 3 ), 4.54 (1 H, t, H-2'), 5.84 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.03 (1 H, t, Ar-H), 7.23, 7.61 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.38 (I H, d, -NH), 8.42 (1 H, s, H-2). HPLC reten- tion time 19.5 min [gradient elution, 20-80% acetonitrile/water (con¬ taining 0.1 % TFA)]. C 17 H 20 CIN 5 O 4 S 2 requires C, 44.6; H, 4.4 ; N, 15.3. Found: C, 44.2; H, 4.5; N, 15.0%. EXAMPLE 24 2-Chloro- V-r(R)-1 -(4-methyl-1 .2.4-triazol-3-yl)thio-2-propynadenosine The title compound was prepared according to method A as described in Example 1 by reacting 3-[(R)-2-amino-1-propylthio]-4-methyl-1 ,2,4- triazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using 2-[(R)- V-ferf-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1-propanol (3.5 g, 20 mmol) and 3-mercapto-4-methyl-1 ,2,4-triazole (2.3 g, 20 mmol) fol¬ lowed by acidic hydrolysis] (0.56 g, 2.2 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0- acetyl-5-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (1.0 g, 2.2 mmol), fol- lowed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2-chloro-/V- [(R)-1-(4-methyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title 2-chloro-/V[(R)-1-(4-methyl- 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine (0.17 g, 17%) as a foam after column chromatography. 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β )<. 1.24 (3H, d, -CHCH 3 ), 3.56, 3.67 (2H, ABX, 5' a and H-5' b ), 3.95 (1 H, q, H-4), 4.14 (1 H, br q, H-3'), 4.15 - 4.42 (2H, m, -CH 2 S-), 4.52 (1 H, br q, H-2'), 4.80 (1 H, m, - CHCH 3 ), 5.07 (1 H, br, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2 br, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.82 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 8.33 (1 H, d, -NH), 8.39, 8.41 (2H, 2s, H-2 and Ar-H). HPLC retention time 7.79 min [gradient elution, 20-80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 25 Λ/-f(R)-1-(2-Benzimidazolyl)thio-2-propyn-2-chloroadenosine The title compound was prepared according to method A as described in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1-propylthio]benzimidazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using 2-[(R)-/V-ferf-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1-propanol (1 .75 g, 10 mmol) and 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (1 .5 g, 10 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (0.63 g, 2.20 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- -D-ribofuran- osyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (1.0 g, 2.2 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl- -[(R)-1-(2-benzimidazolyl)thio-2- propyl]-2-chloroadenosine in methanolic ammonia (200 ml) (previously saturated at -10°C) to provide the title Λ/-[(R)-1-(2-benzimidazolyl)thio-2- propyl]-2-chloroadenosine (0.52 g, 51 %) mp 213-215 °C after column chromatography and trituration with dichloromethane; 1 H NMR (DMSO- dg).; 1 .38 (3H, d, -CHCfcy, 3.95 (1 H, q, H-4), 4.12 (1 H, br q, H-3'), 4.42 - 4.70 (2H, m, -CHCH 3 and H-2'), 5.07 (1 H, br, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2 br, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.82 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.04 - 7.57 (4H, 2m, Ar-H) 8.42 (1 H, s, H-2), 8.73 (1 H, d, -NH). HPLC retention time 13.7 min [gradient elution, 20-80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 26 2-Chloro-Λ -r(R)-1-(4-phenyl-2-thiazolyl)thio-2-propynadenosine The title compound was prepared according to method A as described in Example 1 by reacting 2-[(R)-2-amino-1 -propylthio]-4-phenylthiazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using 2-[(R)-Λ -ferr-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1-propanol (2.72 g, 15.5 mmol) and 2-mercapto-4-phenylthiazole (3.0 g, 15.5 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (1.15 g, 4.0 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- ?-D-ribo- furanosyl)-2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (1.5 g, 3.35 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2-chloro-/V- [(R)-1-(4-phenyl-2-thiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title 2-chloro-Λ/-[(R)-1 -(4-phenyl- 2-thiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine (0.36 g, 20%) as a foam after column chromatography. 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β )<5 1 .37 (3H, d, -CHCHJ, 3.4 - 3.73 (2H, m, 5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -S-), 3.94 (1 H, q, H-4), 4.13 (1 H, q, H- 3'), 4.52 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.71 (1 H, m, -CHCH 3 ), 5.06 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.33, 7.42 (3H, dt, Ar-H), 7.91 (2H, d, Ar-H), 8.41 (1 H, s, H-2), 8.47 (1 H, d, -NH). HPLC retention time 18.99 min [gradient elution, 20-80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 27 2-Chloro-/V- (R)-1 -r5-phenyl-(1 .2.4-triazol-3-yl)lthio-2-propyl^adenosine The title compound was prepared according to method A as described in Example 1 by reacting 3-[(R)-2-amino-1-propylthio]-5-phenyl-1 ,2,4- triazole hydrochloride [prepared by a Mitsunobu reaction as described in Example 1 using 2-[(R)-Λ -ferf-butyloxycarbonyl]amino-1 -propanol (2.0 g, 1 1 .4 mmol) and 3-mercapto-5-phenyl-1 ,2,4-triazole (2.0 g, 1 1 mmol) followed by acidic hydrolysis] (0.50 g, 1 .8 mmol) with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0- acety.- .-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-dichioro-9H-purine (0.75 g, 1 .7 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2-chloro-Λ - {(R)-1 -[5-phenyl-(1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)]thio-2-propyl}adenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title 2-chloro-/V-{(R)-1 -[5-phenyl- (1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)]thio-2-propyl}adenosine (0.21 g, 24%) as a foam after column chromatography. 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β )<J 1 .34 (3H, d, -CHCHa), 3.37 - 3.70 (4H, m, -CH 2 -, H-5' a and H-5' b ), 3.95 (1 H, q, H-4), 4.13 (1 H, t, H-3'), 4.53 (1 H, t, H-2'), 4.59 - 4.69 (1 H, m, -CHCH 3 ), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.50 (2H 1 , 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.83 (1 H, d, H- T), 7.43 - 7.54 (3H, m, Ar-H), 7.90, 8.0 (2H, m, Ar-H), 8.40 (1 H, s, H- 2). 8.42 (1 H, d, -NH), HPLC retention time 14.5 min [gradient elution, 20-80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 21 H 23 CIN 8 O 4 S. 1.0 H 2 O .0.15 C 7 H 1β requires C, 48.0; H, 5.0 ; N, 20.3. Found: C, 48.2; H, 4.8; N, 20.2%. EXAMPLE 28 Λ/-r(R)-2-(2-Benzothiazoiylthio)-1-ethvπ-2-chioroadenosine 2-(2-Benzothiazolylthio)ethylamine dihydrochloride was prepared by stan¬ dard synthetic steps with a by Mitsunobu reaction between Λ/-(2- hydroxyethyDphthalimide and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, followed by reaction with hydrazine hydrate. This amine dihydrochloride (0.52 g, 2.1 1 mmol) was reacted with 9-(2,3,5-tr.-0-acetyl- ?-D-ribofuranosyl)- -2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (0.79 g, 1.7 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-/V-[(R)-2(2-benzothiazolylthio)-1- ethyl]-2-chloroadenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title -[(R)-2-(2-benzothiazolylthio)-1-ethyl]-2-chloroadenosine as a foam after column chromatography, 1 H NMR (DMSO-d β ) δ 3.54 - 3.60 and 3.64 - 3.71 (4H, m, H-5' a and H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.42, (2H, q, -CH 2 -), 3.96 (1 H, d, H-4'), 4.15 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.52 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.08 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.51 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.85 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.38, 7.48 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.85, 8.02 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.43 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.68 (1 H, t, N-H). HPLC retention time 18.5 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 29 Λ -f(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)amino-2-propyn-2-chloroadenosine 2-[(R)-Λ -ferf-butyloxycarbonylamino]-1-propylamine was prepared by standard synthetic steps from (R)-2-(Λ/-fet -butyloxycarbonylamino)-1 - propanol by Mitsunobu reaction with phthalimide followed by reaction with hydrazine hydrate. This amine (0.52 g, 3.0 mmol) and 2- chlorobenzothiazole (0.76 g, 4.5 mmol) were dissolved in dioxan (20 ml) and triethylamine (0.83 ml, 6.0 mmol) was introduced. The reaction mixture was heated at 50°C for 18 h, evaporated and purified by "flash" column chromatography, eluting with heptane/ethyl acetate (10:3) to provide the 2-[(R)-2-(/V-tetY-butyloxycarbonylamino)-1 -propylamino]- benzothiazole (0.09 g, 10%) as an oil, TLC R, 0.31 [SiO 2 ; hexane/ethyl acetate (10:3)]. 2-[(R)-(2-Amino-1 -propyl)amino]benzothiazole trihydrochloride (0.065 g, 70%), m.p. 226-226°C, was subsequently obtained by hydrolysis in a mixture of 6N hydrochloric acid and ethyl acetate (2 ml), the procedure described in Example 1 . This 2-[(R)-(2-amino-1 -propyl)amino]- benzothiazole trihydrochloride (0.06 g, 0.19 mmol) was reacted with 9- (2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl-yff-D-ribofuranosyl)-2,6-di-chloro-9H-purine (0.127 g, 1.2 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl- V- [(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)amino-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol (to remove the 2' and 3'-acetyl groups) followed by ethylamine in ethanol, which provided the title Λ -[(R)-1 - (2-benzothiazolyl)amino-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine (0.027 g, 29%) as a foam (following column chromatography), η H NMR (DMSO-dg) δ 1 .25 (3H, d, -CHCHJ, 3.52 - 3.70 (4H, m, H-5' a , H-5' b and -CH 2 -), 3.94 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.12 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.52 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.53 - 4.62 (1 H, m, -CHCH 3 ), 5.07 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.22, 5.48 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.84 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.01 , 7.22 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.43, 7.66 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.14 (1 H, t, N-H), 8.41 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.44 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 10.7 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 30 Λ -f(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolylsulphonyl)-2-propyn-2-chloroadenosine 2-[(R)-2-(Λ -ferf-Butyloxycarbonylamino)-1-propylsuiphonyl]benzothiazole was prepared by oxidation of 2-[(R)-2-(Λ/-ferf-butyloxycarbonylamino)-1 - propylthiojbenzothiazole (see Example 5) (0.55 g, 1 .7 mmol) with "Oxone" on a Montmorillionite support. A mixture of the sulphonyl and sulphinyl derivatives was obtained, and the 2-[(R)-2-(/V-te/?-butyloxy- carbonyiamino)-1 -propylsulphonyl]benzothiazole was isolated following column chromatography. Deprotection was performed under standard conditions with hydrogen chloride in ethyl acetate. The resultant 2- [(R)-2-aminopropyl-1-propylsulphonyl]benzothiazole hydrochloride (0.088 g, 0.4 mmol) was reacted with 9-(2,3,5-tri-0-acetyl- .-D-ribofuranosyl)- -2,6-dichloro-9H-purine (0.18 g, 0.4 mmol), followed by deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-/V-[(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)sulphonyl-2- propyl]-2-chloroadenosine using sodium methoxide in methanol provided the title Λ/-[(R)-1-(2-benzothiazolyl)sulphonyl-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine as a. foam (following column chromatography); H NMR (DMSO-dg) δ 1 .83 (3H, d, -CHCH-), 3.55, 3.66 (2H, ABX, H-5' a and H-5' b ), 3.96 (1 H, q, H-4'), 4.17 (1 H, q, H-3'), 4.59 (1 H, q, H-2'), 5.08 (1 H, t, 5'-OH), 5.24, 5.68 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.95 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.34, 7.47 (2H, 2t, Ar-H), 7.84, 8.01 (2H, 2d, Ar-H), 8.14 (1 H, t, N-H), 8.71 (1 H, s, H- 8). HPLC retention time 13.5 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. EXAMPLE 31 5'-0-Acetyl-2-chloro-/V-r(R)-1-(6-ethoxy-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyn- adenosine Partial deacylation of the purified 2',3',5'-tri-0-acetyl-2-chloro- V-[(R)-1 - (6-ethoxy-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine (described in Example 19) using sodium methoxide in methanol provided the title 5'-0-acetyl-/V- -[(R)-1-(6ethoxy2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine (0.070 g, 18%) as a foam (following column chromatography), 1 H NMR (DMSO- dg) δ 1.34 - 1.41 (6H, m, -CH 2 CJ 3 and -CHCHa), 2.03 (3H, s, -COCH 3 ), 4.60 (1 H, q, H-2'), 4.68 (1 H, m, -CHCH 3 ), 5.42, 5.62 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.86 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.04 (1 H, dd, Ar-H), 7.57, 7.72 (2H, 2d, Ar- H), 8.38 (1 H, s, H-8), 8.52 (1 H, d, N-H). HPLC retention time 25.6 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (containing 0.1 % TFA)]. C 24 H 27 CIN6 8 OgS 2 . 0.5 H 2 O .0.2 C 7 H 14 requires C, 48.9; H, 5.0 ; N, 13.5. Found: C, 48.7; H, 4.9; N, 13.4%. EXAMPLE 32 5'-0-Acetyl-2-chloro-Λ -{(R)-1 -r5-phenyl-(1.2.4-triazol-3-vmthio-2-propyl)- adenosine Partial deacylation of the purified 2', 3', 5' Tri-0-acetyl-2-chloro- V-{(R)- 1 -[5-phenyl-(1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)]thio-2-propyl}adenosine (described in Example 27) using sodium methoxide in methanol to provide the title 5'-0-acetyl-2-chloro-Λ/-{(R)-1-[5-phenyl-(1 ,2,4-triazol-3yl)]thio-2-propyl}- adenosine (0.035 g, 8%) as a foam after column chromatography. 1 H NMR (DMSO-dg)tf 1.34 (3H, d, -CHCH , 2.02 (3H, s, -COCH 3 ), 4.53 - 4.68 (2H, q, H-2' and -CHCH 3 ), 5.40, 5.61 (2H, 2d, 2'-and 3'-OH), 5.86 (1 H, d, H-1 '), 7.38 - 8.01 (5H, 3m, Ar-H), 8.37 (1 H, s, H-2). HPLC ret¬ ention time 16.9 min [gradient elution, 20 - 80% acetonitrile/water (con¬ taining 0.1 % TFA)].

Claims: CLAIMS - :. A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof: wherein X is halogen, amino, trifluoromethyl, C,. β -alkylthio, cyano, R 1 is H or straight or branched or trifluoromethyl; R 4 is H or straight or branched or R 1 and R 4 together form a cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl or cyclohexyl ring; Y is O, S, SO 2 , N-H or N-alkyl; R 5 is a group of formula (XI) or (XII): (XI) (XII) wherein A is -NH-, -O- or -S-; B is -CH- or -N-; C is -CH- or -N-; which may be optionally substituted with R 8 which is H, phenyl, alkyl, tri-fluoromethyl, amino, hydroxy, cyano or halogen; R θ is hydrogen, benzoyl or and R 7 is hydrogen, benzoyl or -. A compound according to claim 1 , wherein R 5 is a group of formula (XI). 3i A comp und according to claim 1 , wherein R 5 is a group of formula (XII). Λ A compound according to claim 1 , wherein B is -N-. EL. A compound according to claim 4, wherein A is -S-. f . A compound according to claim 1 , wherein A is -S- and X is halogen. 7i A compound according to claim 6, wherein Y is -S-, R β is hydrogen and R 7 is hydrogen. 8_i A compound according to claim 7, wherein X is Cl. f A compound according to claim 1 selected from: 2-Chloro-Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-thiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine, 2-Chloro-/V-[(R)-1 -(1 -methyl-2-imidazolyl)thio-2-propyl)adenosine, 2-Chloro-/V-{(R)-1 -[5-methyl-(1 ,3,4-thiadiazol-2- yl)]thio-2-propyl}adenosine, Λ -[(R)-1 -(2-Benzoxazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, /-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, N-[(S)-1-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, Λ -[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-bromoadenosine, -[(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-methyladenosine, Λ -[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-methylthioadenosine, Λ -[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-(dimethylamino)adenosine, Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-(ethylamino)adenosine, 2-Amino- V-[(R)-1 -(2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine, V-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-fluoroadenosine, /-[(S)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-1-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-butyl]-2-chloroadenosine, V-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-3-methyl-2-butyl]-2-chloroadenosine, Λ -[3-(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-1 , 1 , 1 -trif luoro-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, trans-/V-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclopentyl]-2-chloroadenosine, cjs-Λ -[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyi)thio]cyclopentyl]-2-chloroadenosine, /V-[(R)-1 -(6-Amino-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, 2-Chloro-Λ/-[(R)-1 -(6-ethoxy-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine, 2-Chloro-Λ -[(R)-1 -(5-chloro-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine, 2-Chloro- V-[(R)-1 -(2-thienyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine, 2-Chloro- V-[(R)-1 -(4-methyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine, V-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzimidazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, 2-Chloro-/V-[(R)-1 -(4-phenyl-2-thiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine, 2-Chloro- V-{(R)-1 -[5-phenyl-(1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)thio-2-propyl]}adenosine, Λ/-[2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-1 -ethyl]-2-chloroadenosine, Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)amino-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, Λ/-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)sulphonyl-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine, 5'-0-Acetyl-2-chloro-Λ/-[(R)-1 -(6-ethoxy-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]- adenosine, 5'-0-Acetyl-2-chloro- V-{(R)-1-[5-phenyl-(1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)]thio-2-propyl}- adenosine, [1 S,trans]-Λ/-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclobutyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 R,trans]-Λ -[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclobutyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 S,cis]-/V-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclobutyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 R,cis]-/V-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclobutyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 S,trans]-Λ/-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclohexyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 R,trans]-/V-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclohexyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 S,cis]-Λ/-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclohexyl]-2-chloroadenosine, [1 R,cis]- V-[2-[(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio]cyclohexyl]-2-chloroadenosine, /V-[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]-2-methoxyadenosine, -[(R)-1 -(2-Benzothiazolyl)oxy-2-propyl]-2-chloroadenosine or 2-Chloro-Λ -[(R)-1 -(6-hydroxy-2-benzothiazolyl)thio-2-propyl]adenosine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 10. A method for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) CHAR¬ ACTERIZED in: a) reacting a compound of formula (II) wherein X has the meaning set forth above, wherein L is a leaving group and wherein R 2 and R 3 are the same or different and represent hydrogen, benzoyl-, with an amine derivative of the general formula (III) wherein R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, to form a com¬ pound of the invention, wherein R β and R 7 in formula (I) are the same or different and represent hydrogen, benzoyl-, or b) reacting a compound of formula (II) wherein X has the meaning set forth above, wherein L is a leaving group and wherein R 2 and R 3 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or benzoyl-, p-toiuoyl-, trimethylsilyl or t-butyldimethylsilyl, with an amine derivative of the general formula (III) wherein R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, to form a com¬ pound of formula (IV) wherein X, R\ R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and reacting the compound of formula (IV) with suitable deprotecting agents such as methanolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in alcohol or tetraalkylammonium fluoride to form a compound of the invention where- in R β and R 7 in formula (I) are hydrogen, or c) reacting a compound of formula (V) wherein L, R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meanings set forth above and R 2 and R 3 are independently hydrogen, benzoyl- or C-.g-alkanoyl- with a nucleophile XH, wherein X is C.. e -alkylamino, alkoxy, to form a compound of the invention, or d) reacting a compound of formula (V) wherein L, R\ R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meanings set forth above with a nucleophile XH, wherein X is or C-.g-alkoxy, to form a compound of formula (IV) wherein R\ R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and wherein X is or C-.g-alkoxy, and reacting the compound of formula (IV) with suitable deprotecting agents such as methanolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in alcohol or tetraalkylammonium fluoride to form a compound of the invention wherein R 6 and R 7 in for¬ mula (I) are hydrogen or e) reacting a compound of formula (VI) wherein B is wherein Y, R 1 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and wherein R 2 and R 3 are hydrogen, benzoyl- or with a diazotising agent such as 3-methylbutyl nitrite, to form an diazo-intermediate which can be reacted further with chloroform, tetrachloroethane, trimethylsilyl- chloride, bromoform or fluoroboric acid in order to introduce the group -X into the compound of the invention, or f) reacting a compound of formula (VI) wherein R 2 and R 3 have the mean¬ ing set forth above wherein Y, R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, with a diazo- tising agent such as 3-methylbutyl nitrite, to form a compound of for¬ wherein X, R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and reacting the compound of formula (IV) with suitable deprotecting agents such as methanolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in alcohol or tetraalkylammonium fluoride to form a compound of the invention where¬ in R 6 and R 7 in formula (I) are hydrogen or g) reacting a compound of formula (VI) wherein B is a leaving group L with the meaning as set forth above, and wherein R 2 and R 3 are hydrogen, benzoyl- or C,. 6 -alkanoyl-, with a diazotising agent such as 3-methylbutyl nitrite, to form an intermediate which can be reacted further with chloroform, tetrachloroethane, tri- methylsilylchlor.de, bromoform or fluoroboric acid in order to introduce the group -X into the compound of formula (II) wherein X, L, R 2 and R 3 have the meaning set forth above, and reacting the compound of formula (II) with an amine derivative of the general formula (III) wherein R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, to form a com¬ pound of the invention, or h) reacting a compound of formula (VI) wherein B is a leaving group L with the meaning as set forth above, and wherein R 2 and R 3 have the meaning set forth above, with a diazotising agent such as 3-methylbutyl nitrite, to form an intermediate which can be reacted further with chloroform, tetrachforoethane, trimethylsilyl- chloride, bromoform or fluoroboric acid in order to introduce the group -X into the compound of formula (II) wherein X, L, R 2 and R 3 have the meaning set forth above, and reacting the compound of formula (II) with an amine derivative of the general formula (III) wherein R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, to form a com¬ pound of formula (IV) wherein X, R\ R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and reacting the compound of formula (IV) with suitable deprotecting agents such as methanolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in alcohol or tetraalkylammonium fluoride to form a compound of the invention where¬ in R β and R 7 in formula (I) are hydrogen, or i) reacting a compound of formula (II) wherein X has the meaning set forth above, wherein L is a leaving group and wherein R 2 and R 3 are the same or different and represent benzoyl- or C-.g-alkanoyl, with an amine derivative of the general formula (III) wherein R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, to form a com¬ pound of formula (IV) wherein X, R\ R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and deprotecting the compound of formula (IV) with agents such as meth¬ anolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in alcohol, alkali metal alkoxide in alcohols or tetraalkylammonium fluoride to form a compound of the invention wherein R 6 in formula (I) is benzoyl or or ' j) reacting a compound of formula (V) wherein L, R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meanings set forth above and wherein R 2 and R 3 are the same or different and represent benzoyl or with a nucleophile XH, wherein X is to form a compound of formula (IV) wherein R\ R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and wherein X is and deprotecting the com- pound of formula (IV) with agents such as methanolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in alcohol, alkali metal alkoxide in alcohols or tetraalkyl¬ ammonium fluoride to form a compound of the invention wherein R 6 in formula (I) is benzoyl- or or k) reacting a compound of formula (VI) wherein R 2 and R 3 are the same or different and represent benzoyl or wherein Y, R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, with a diazo- tising agent such as 3-methylbutyl nitrite, to form a compound of for¬ mula (IV) wherein X, R\ R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and deprotecting the compound of formula (IV) with agents such as methanolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in alcohol, alkali metal alkoxide in alcohols or tetraalkylammonium fluoride to form a compound of the invention wherein R 6 is benzoyl- or C.. 6 -aikanoyl or I) reacting a compound of formula (VI) wherein B is a leaving group L with the meaning as set forth above, and wherein R 2 and R 3 are the same or different and represent benzoyl or C g-alkanoyl, with a diazotising agent such as 3-methylbutyl nitrite, to form an intermediate which can be reacted further with chloroform, tetrachloroethane, trimethylsilylchloride, bromoform or fluoroboric acid in order to introduce the group -X into the compound of formula (II) wherein X, L, R 2 and R 3 have the meaning set forth above, and reacting the compound of formula (II) with an amine derivative of the general formula (III) wherein R\ R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, to form a com¬ pound of formula (IV) wherein X, R\ R 2 , R 3 , R 4 and R 5 have the meaning set forth above, and deprotecting the compound of formula (IV) with agents such as meth¬ anolic ammonia, an alkali metal carbonate in alcohol, alkali metal alkoxide in alcohols or tetraalkylammonium fluoride to form a compound of the invention wherein R θ is benzoyl or C^g-alkanoyl. 1 1 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising as active component a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 12. A pharmaceutical composition suitable for use in the treatment of a central nervous system ailment, which comprises as active component a compound according to claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 1J . pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 1 or 12 in the form of an oral dosage unit containing about 1-200 mg of the active compound. 14. A method of treating a central nervous system ailment in a person in need of such treatment characterized in administering to said person an amount of a compound of claim 1 effective in alleviation of such an ailment. 15. A method of treating a central nervous system ailment in a subject in need of such treatment comprising the step of administering to said subject an amount of a compound of claim 1 which is effective for the alleviation of such ailment in the form of a pharmaceutical composition thereof, in which it is present together with a pharmaceutically accept¬ able carrier or diluent. 16. The use of a compound according to claim 1 for preparing a medicinal product for alleviation of central nervous system diseases treatable via adenosine receptors. 17. The use of a compound according to claim 1 for preparing a medici¬ nal product for treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Inventors: HANSEN ANKER JON, KNUTSEN LARS JACOB STRAY, LAU JESPER, SHEARDOWN MALCOLM, HANSEN, ANKER, JON, KNUTSEN, LARS, JACOB, STRAY, LAU, JESPER, SHEARDOWN, MALCOLM
Applicants: NOVONORDISK AS, NOVO NORDISK A/S
Application year: 1993
Main classification: C07H19
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P9, A61P25, A61P43, C07H1, C07H19