TETRACYCLIC SPIRO COMPOUNDS, PROCESS FOR THEIR PREPARATION AND THEIR USE AS 5HT1D RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS

Abstract: Novel piperidine derivatives of formula (I), processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments for the treatment of CNS disorders are disclosed.

Description: TETRACYCLIC SPIRO COMPOUNDS, PROCESS FOR THEIR PREPARATION AND THEIR USE AS 5HT1D RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS The present invention relates to novel piperidine derivatives, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. EPA 0 533 2667/8 disclose a series of benzanilide derivatives which are said to possess 5HTι D receptor antagonist activity. These compounds are said to be of use in the treatment of various CNS disorders. A structurally distinct class of compounds have now been discovered and have been found to exhibit 5HTID antagonist activity. In a first aspect, the present invention therefore provides a compound of formula (I) or a salt or N-oxide thereof: (I) in which R 1 is hydrogen, halogen, Cj.galkyl, C3_5cyc.oalkyl, COC ] _6_lkyl, C^alkoxy, hydroxy, hydroxyCι.5alkyl, hydroxyC .5alkoxy, C^galkoxyCj-galkoxy, acyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, SR 9 , SOR 9 , SO R 9 , Sθ2NR 10 R π , CO2R 10 , NR 10 SO2R U , CONRlOR 1 J , CO 2 NR 1 °R 1 1 CONRl0(CH 2 ) p CO 2 R 1 1 , (CH 2 ) p NR 10 R 1 ] , (CH ) p CONR WR 1 1 , (CH 2 ) p NR 10 COR 1 1 , (CH2)pCO 2 C 1 _ 6 alkyl, CO 2 (CH 2 ) p OR 10 , CONHNR 1 ^ 1 !, NRiOR 1 1 NR 10 CO 2 R 1 ! , NR 10 CO(CH2)pNR 10 R 1 ! , NRlOCONRWR 1 !, CR 10 =NOR 1 ] , CNR 10 =NOR 1 1, where R 9 , R 10 and R 1 ] are independently hydrogen or C1.5all.yl and p is 1 to 4; or R^ is an optionally substituted 5 to 7-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur; R2 and R^ are independently hydrogen, halogen, C1.5al.cyl, C3_5cycloalkyl, C3-6cycloal enyl, C1.5a.koxy, hydroxyC _5alkyl, C _5alkylOCι_5_lkyl, acyl, aryl, acyloxy, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, CO2R 10 , CONR^R 1 1 , NR^R 1 where RlO and R11 are independently hydrogen or Cι_5_lkyl; R 4 is hydrogen or C 1.6alkyl; R 5 and R*> are independently hydrogen or C .5aU.yl; A is (CR13R14) where q is 2, 3 or 4 and R*3 and R* 4 are independently hydrogen or C1.5a.kyl or A is (CR13R1 ) Γ -D where r is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and D is oxygen, sulphur or CRl3=CR 14 - B is oxygen, CR 15 R 16 or NR 17 where R 15 , R 16 and R 17 are independently hydrogen or Cι_6alkyl or B is S(O) b where b is 0, 1 or 2; m is 1, 2 or 3; and n is l, 2 or 3. C . alkyl groups, whether alone or as part of another group, may be straight chain or branched. Suitably R 1 is hydrogen, halogen, C1.5aU.yl, C3_6cycloalkyl, COC^alkyl, Cι.6al oxy, hydroxy, hydroxy C1.5al_.yl, hydroxyCi^alkoxy, Cι.5al oxyCι.6alkoxy, acyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, SR 9 , SOR 9 , SO2R 9 , SO2NR 10 R 1 1 , CO2R 10 , NR 1 0SO 2 R 1 1 , CONRIORH, CO 2 NR 1 θRll, CONRlO(CH2) p CO2R n , (CH 2 )pNRlθR 1 1 , (CH 2 ) P CONR10R11, (CH 2 ) P NR10CORH, (CH2) p CO 2 Cι. 6 alkyl, Cθ2(CH 2 ) p OR 10 , CONHNRiOR 1 1 , NR^R^, NR10CO 2 R U , NR 1 OCO(CH 2 )pNR 10 R π , NR^CONRiORll, CR 10 =NOR π , CNR 1 °=NOR π , where R 9 , RΪO and R * are independently hydrogen or C1.5aU.yl and p is 1 to 4. Preferred groups include cyano, COC^alkyl, CR 10 =NOR π , (CH 2 ) p NR 10 COR 1 1 , CO 2 R 10 , NR^SO^R 1 ^ SO 2 NR 1 °R 1 ^ CONR^R 1 1 , CONH lORl 1 , NRlOCO 2 R n , NR^CONR^R 1 1 , CONHNR^R 1 1 or SO 2 R 9 . Preferably alkyl groups, including R 10 and R 1 * , are methyl and ethyl. When R 1 is a 5 to 7-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur suitable heterocyclic rings include thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, triazolyl, diazolyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, thiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl and pyrazinyl. The heterocyclic rings can be linked to the remainder of the molecule via a carbon atom or, when present, a nitrogen atom. Suitable substituents for these rings include R 2 and R^ groups as defined above. Preferably R 1 is optionally substituted triazolyl, thiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl or oxadiazolyl. Most preferably R 1 is optionally substituted oxadiazolyl. Preferred substituents for such oxadiazolyl groups include Cι_5_ϋkyl such as methyl or ethyl, and NRIOR I 1 as defined above, preferably where R 1 ^ and R 1 are C1.5_U.yl. Most preferably R 1 is a 5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl group or a 5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl group. Suitably R 2 and R^ are independently hydrogen, halogen, C1.5a.kyl, C3_6cycloalkyl, C3_5cycloalkenyl, Cι_6_lkoxy, hydroxyCι_6_lkyl, Cι_6alkylOCι_6alkyl, acyl, aryl, acyloxy, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, CO2 . CONR^R 1 , NRIORI 1 where R 10 and R 1 * are independently hydrogen or Chalky.. Preferably R 2 is hydrogen or C1.5aU.yl, in particular methyl. Preferably R^ is hydrogen. Suitably R 4 is hydrogen or C1.5aU.yl. Preferably R 4 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, most preferably R 4 is methyl. Preferably m is 2 forming a spiro-piperidine ring, Suitably R^ and R^ are independently hydrogen or Cι_5alkyl. Preferably R^ and R6 are both hydrogen. Suitably A is (CR 13 R 1 ) q where q is 2, 3 or 4 and R 13 and R 14 are independently hydrogen or C^alkyl or A is (CR 13 R 14 ) r -D where r is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and D is oxygen, sulphur or CR 13 =CR 14 - Preferably A is (CI_2)2 or (CH2)3- Suitably B is oxygen, CR 15 R 16 or NR 17 where R 15 , R 16 and R 17 are independently hydrogen or Cι_5alkyl or B is S(O) b where b is 0, 1 or 2. Preferably B is oxygen or sulphur, most preferably B is oxygen. Suitably n is 1, 2 or 3, preferably n isl. Particularly preferred compounds of the invention include: l'-Methyl-5-(2 , -methyl-4 , -(5-methyl- 1,2,4 -oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hexahydro-l'-methyl-5-(2'-mcthyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine), 5-(2 , -Methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospirorfuro[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 , -Ethyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 * -(5-methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadia_ol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospirorfurof2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 , -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine], 5-(4'-(5-Dimethylamino- 1 ,2,4-oxadia_ol-3-yl)-2'-methylbiphcnyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 -methyl- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiroffuro[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Methyl-5-[4'-(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3-Dihydro- -methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4 , -Cy-_ιo-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospirof f uro[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-Acetyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- -methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furof2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-(l-(Methoxyamino)ethyl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-Acetamidomethyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetι_hydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 3,5,6,7,8,9-Hexahydro- 1 -methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[2H-furo[2,3-h]bcnzazepine-3,4 , -piperidine], 1 , -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(3-methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furof2,3-fjindole-3,4'-piperidine], r-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f|indole-3.4'-pipcridine, 5-[4 , -(5-Ethyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l'-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-pipcridine], 5-[2 , -Methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiroff uro[2,3-f]indole- 3,4-piperidine] , 2,3-Dihydro- 1 '-methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carbony l)spiro[furo[2,3-f]indole- 3 ,4'-piperidine] , 5-(2,2'-Dimethyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 -methyl- 2,3,6,7-te * xahydrospiro[furo[2,3-flindole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(2,3'-Dimethyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 -methyl- 2,3,6,7-tetrahy_rospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Methyl-5-(2 , -methyl-4 , -(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tet_ahydrospiro[fu-o[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-Methoxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-r-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[ f uro[2,3-f]indole- 3,4'-piperidine] , 5-(5'-Methoxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-ca_bonyl)- 1 -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furor2,3-flindole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(Methanesulphonamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahy_rospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-Hydrazinoca_bonyl-2'-methylbiphcnyl-4-carbonyl)-r-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Ethyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l,3,4-ox_diazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-car_onyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 '-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-5 * -(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-Carboxamido-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-car_onyl)-r-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine], 5-(4'-Acetamido-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hexahydro-l'-methyl-5-(2'-mcthyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hexahydro-5-(4'-meth_nesulphona_aino-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- - methylspiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], r-Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[thiopheno[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 ,2,3,5,6,7 -Hexahy dro- 1 '-methyl- 1 -(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[indeno[5,6-b)pyrrole-7,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(N-me-hanesulphonyl-N-methylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 - methyl- 2,3,6,7-te__hydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(Dimethylaminosulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4 -piperidine], 5-[4'-(Methanesulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3- 5-[4'-(N,N-Dimethylcarbamoylamino)-2'-me_iylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[f_ro[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(Ethoxyca_bonylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-fjindole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(4,5-Dimethyl- 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiroffuro[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Methyl-6-[2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,7,8- tet__-hy_-Ospiro[4H-pyrano[2,3-f]indole-4,4'-piperidine], l'-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) biphenyl-4-carbonyI)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiroffuro[2,3-f|indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(2'-Methy l-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 -n-propyl-2,3 ,6,7- tetrahydrospiroffurof2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], r-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyloxazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiroffuro[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], r-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(3-methylisox__ol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-c_rbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiroffuro[2,3-f)indole-3,4'-piperidine], r-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hexahy dro- 1 -methyl-5-(4'-(5-dimethylamino- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furor2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3,5,6,7,8-__exahydro-r-methyl-5-(4 , -(5-ethyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl- 4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3 , 5,6,7, 8-Hexahydro- -methyl-5-(4'-mcthoxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro ffurof2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hexahydro- -methyl-5-(4 , -hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3,5,6,7,8-Hex__ιydro-l'-methyl-5-(2'-mcthyl-4'-(l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4 , -piperidine], -Me_ιyl-5-(2'-memyl-4'-py__zinylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiroffuro[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] , r-Methyl-5-[2'-mcthyl-4'-(5-methyl-1 ^ 2,4-oxadiazolyl-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l-oxo- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[thiopheno[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Ethyl-5-[2 , -methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- te__Lhydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidinel, 1 '-Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4'-( 1 -methylimida_ol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiroff_ro[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 '-Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4'-( 1 -methylimida_ol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f|indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4 , -(5-Hydroxymethyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-methyl- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-flindole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 '-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- l,2,4-oxadiazo_-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 -oxo- 2,3,6,7-tetr_hydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3,6,7,8,9-Hex_ώydro-l'-methyl-6-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl -l,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[4H-pyrano[2,3-g]quinoUne-4,4' piperidine], 1 '-Ethyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 -oxo- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Ethyl-5-[4 , -(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadia_ol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-c_rbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3--)indole-3,4'-piperidine], r-Ethyl-5-(4'-hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(Acetylhydra__inocarbonyl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-ethyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[fun_[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(5-Methoxymethyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-methyl- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(4,5-Dihydrooxazol-2-yl)-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l'-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f)indole-3,4 , -pipcridine], 5-[4'-(2-(N,N-Dimcthyla__ino)acet_mido)-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 -methyl- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] 5-[4 , -(Ethoxycarbonylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-ethyl-2,3,6,7- te_rahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(Acetylhydra_dnocarbonyl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidinc], 5-(4 , -(5-methylfuran-2-yl)-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-l'-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahy_rosp_O[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Preferred salts of the compounds of formula (I) are pharmaceutically acceptable salts. These include acid addition salts such as hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, phosphates, acetates, fumarates, maleates, tanrates, citrates, oxalates, methanesulphonates and p-toluenesulphonates. Certain compounds of formula (I) are capable of existing in stereoisomeric forms. It will be understood that the invention encompasses all geometric and optical isomers of the compounds of formula (I) and the mixtures thereof including racemates. Tautomers and mixtures thereof also form an aspect of the invention. In a further aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) which comprises. (a) reaction of a compound of formula (II) : (II) in which R^, R 2 and R 3 are as defined in formula (I) and L is a leaving group, with a compound of formula (III): (in) wherein R 4 , R^, R*> A, B, m and n are as defined in formula (I) and optionally thereafter in any order: • converting a compound of formula (I) into another compound of formula (I) • forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Suitable activated carboxylic acid derivatives of formula (II) include acyl halides and acid anhydrides. Activated compounds of formula (II) can also be prepared by reaction of the corresponding carboxylic acid with a coupling reagent such as carbonyldiimidazole, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or diphenylphosphorylazide Preferably the group L is halo, particularly chloro. A compound of formulae (II) and (ID) are typically reacted together in an inert organic solvent such as DMF, THF or dichloromethane at ambient or elevated temperature in the presence of a base such as an alkali metal hydroxide, triethylamine or pyridine. Intermediate compounds of formulae (II) can be prepared using standard procedures such as those outlined in EPA 533266/7/8. Certain intermediate compounds of formula (III) are novel and form a further aspect of the invention. Alternatively L is an ester forming group such that the resulting esters of formula (II) can be reacted with compounds of formula (III) in the presence of an organo- aluminium reagent such as trimethylaluminium. Such a reaction is typically carried out in the presence of an inert solvant such as toluene. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that it may be necessary to protect certain reactive substituents during some of the above procedures. Standard protection and deprotection techniques can be used. For example, primary amines can be protected as phthalimide, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl or trityl derivatives. These groups can be removed by conventional procedures well known in the art. Carboxylic acid groups can be protected as esters. Aldehyde or ketone groups can be protected as acetals, ketals, thioacetals or thioketals. Deprotection is achieved using standard conditions. 5HTID Antagonists, and in particular the compounds of the present invention, are expected to be of use in the treatment of CNS disorders such as mood disorders, including depression, seasonal effective disorder and dysthymia; anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder; memory disorders, including dementia, amnestic disorders and age-associated memory impairment; and disorders of eating behaviours, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Other CNS disorders include motor disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dementia in Parkinson's disease, neuroleptic- induced Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesias, as weU as other psychiatric disorders. 5HTID Antagonists, and in particular compounds of the present invention, may also be of use in the treatment of endocrine disorders such as hyperprolactinaemia, in the treatment of vasospasm (particularly in the cerebral vasculature) and hypertension, as well as disorders in the gastrointestinal tract where changes in motility and secretion are involved. They may also be of use in the treatment of sexual dysfunction and hypothermia. Therefore, the present invention provides a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in therapy. The present invention also provides a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders. In another aspect the invention provides the use of a compound of general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of the aforementioned disorders. In a further aspect the invention provides a method of treating the aforementioned disorders which comprises administering an effective amount to a patient in need of such treatment of a compound of general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. In particular the invention provides a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of depression. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds according to the invention may advantageously be used in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic ag .nts, for instance, different antidepressant agents. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceuticaUy acceptable carrier. A pharmaceutical composition of the invention, which may be prepared by admixture, suitably at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, is usually adapted for oral, parenteral or rectal administration and, as such, may be in the form of tablets, capsules, oral liquid preparations, powders, granules, lozenges, reconstirutable powders, injectable or infusible solutions or suspensions or suppositories. Orally administrable compositions are generally preferred. Tablets and capsules for oral administration may be in unit dose form, and may contain conventional excipients, such as binding agents, fillers, tabletting lubricants, disintegrants and acceptable wetting agents. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice. Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspension, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be in the form of a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), preservatives, and, if desired, conventional flavourings or colorants. For parenteral administration, fluid unit dosage forms are prepared utilising a compound of the invention or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a sterile vehicle. The compound, depending on the vehicle and concentration used, can be either suspended or dissolved in the vehicle. In preparing solutions, the compound can be dissolved for injection and filter sterilised before filling into a suitable vial or ampoule and sealing. Advantageously, adjuvants such as a local anaesthetic, preservatives and buffering agents are dissolved in the vehicle. To enhance the stability, the composition can be frozen after filling into the vial and the water removed under vacuum. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same manner, except that the compound is suspended in the vehicle instead of being dissolved, and sterilisation cannot be accomplished by filtration. The compound can be sterilised by exposure to ethylene oxide before suspension in a sterile vehicle. Advantageously, a surfactant or wetting agent is included in the composition to facilitate uniform distribution of the compound. The composition may contain from 0.1% to 99% by weight, preferably from 10 to 60% by weight, of the active material, depending on the method of administration. The dose of the compound used in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders will vary in the usual way with the seriousness of the disorders, the weight of the sufferer, and other similar factors. However, as a general guide suitable unit doses may be 0.05 to 1000 mg, more suitably 1.0 to 200 mg, and such unit doses may be administered more than once a day, for example two or three a day. Such therapy may extend for a number of weeks or months. The following Examples iUustrate the preparation of compounds of the invention. Description 1 4-(Hydroxymethyl)-l-methyl-1^^3,6-tetrahydropyridine To a solution of ethyl l-methyl-l,2,3,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridinecarboxylate (10.0 ml, 0.061 mole) in THF (200 ml) was added, maintaining temperature below 25° C, lithium aluminium hydride (2.76g, 0.073 mole). After stirring for a further 15 min, water (2.75 ml), 10% NaOH (4 ml) and water (4 ml) were successively added, and the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was dried Na2SO4) and evaporated in vacuo to give the title compound as an amber oil (6.30g, 81 ), which solidified on standing. NMR (200 MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ(ppm): 5.63 (m, IH), 4.01 (s, 2H), 2.94 (m, 2H), 2.55 (t, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.20 (m, 2H) Description 2 4-(2-Iodophenoxymethyl)---methy.-l,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine 4-(Hydroxymethyl)-l -methyl- 1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (Dl, 5.63g, 0.044 mol), 2- iodophenol (7.80g, 0.035 mol) and triphenylphosphine (11.61g, 0.044 mol) were stirred in dry THF (200 ml) under Ar as diethyl azodicarboxylate (7.0 ml, 0.044 mol) was added portion wise. The solution was stirred for lh, concentrated, diluted with ethyl acetate, and extracted with dil. HCl. The extract was basified (sat. K2CO3 solution) and extracted with ethyl acetate. This organic extract was dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give a brown oil. Purification by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 0-10% methanol/chloroform (gradient) gave the title compound (7.65g, 65%) as an amber oil. ] H NMR (200 MHz, CDCI3) δ(ppm): 7.76 (dd, IH), 7.27 (m, IH), 6.81 (dd, IH), 6.68 (td, IH), 5.84 (m, IH), 4.47 (s, 2H), 2.99 (m, 2H), 2.58 (t, 2H), 2.4-2.25 (m, 5H). Description 3 23-Dihydro- -methylspiro[benzofuran-3,4'-piperidine] 4-(2-lodophenoxymethyl)-l -methyl- 1 ,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (D2, 8.72g, 0.026 mol) and AIBN (0.20g, 0.0012 mol) were stirred at reflux under Ar in benzene (500 ml) as tributyltin hydride (14.3 ml, 0.053 mol) was added dropwise in benzene (100 ml) over 1 h. The mixture was stirred at reflux for a further 4.5 h, cooled and evaporated. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate, and extracted with dil. HCl. The extract was basified (sat. K2CO3 solution) and extracted with ethyl acetate. This organic extract was dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give a brown solid, which was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 0-8% methanol/chloroform (gradient) to give the tide compound (3.86g, 69%) as a light yellow solid. *H NMR (250 MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ(ppm): 7.15 (m, 2H), 6.88 (t, IH), 6.79 (d, IH), 4.35 (s, 2H), 2.87 (m, 2H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 2.02 (m, 4H), 1.78 (m, 2H) Description 4 2 -Dihydro- -methyl-5-nitrospiro[benzofuran-3,4'.pipcridine] 2,3-Dihydro- -methyispiro[benzofu_an-3,4'-piperidine] (D3, 2.72g, 0.013 mol) was dissolved in acetic anhydride (40 ml) and stirred, standing in a cold water bath, as copper nitrate trihydrate (4.30g, 0.018 mol) was added portionwise over lh. The mixture was stirred for 16 h, poured into Na2CO3 solution, treated with excess ammonia solution, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give a brown oil, which was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 0-5% methanol/dichloromethane (gradient), to give the title compound (1.63g, 79%) as a yellow- brown solid. *H NMR (200 MHz, CDCI3) δ(ppm): 8.11 (dd, IH), 8.03 (d, IH), 6.83 (d, IH), 4.53 (s, 2H), 2.91 (m, 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.02 (m, 4H), 1.81 (m, 2H). Description 5 5-Amino-23-dihydro- -methylspiro[benzofuran-3,4'-pipendine] 2,3-Dihydro- -methyl-5-nitrospiro[benzofuran-3,4'-piperidine] (D4, 0.98g, 4.0 mmol) was hydrogenated over 10% palladium on charcoal (0.18g) in ethanol (50 ml) for 6 h. Catalyst was filtered off onto kieselguhr, and the filtrate was evaporated and chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 0-25% methanol/chloroform (gradient), to give the title compound (0.52g, 60%) as a cream solid. *H NMR (250 MHz, d 6 DMSO) δ(ppm): 6.42 (m, 2H), 6.33 (dd, IH), 4.22 (s, 2H), 2.84 (d, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 2.12 (t, 2H), 1.82 (td, 2H), 1.61 (d, 2H) Description 6 6-(Cyanomethyl)-2 -dihydro- -methyl-5.nitrospiro[benzofuran-3,4'-piperidine] 2,3-Dihydro-l -me_hyl-5-ni_rospirofbenzofuran-3,4 -piperidine] (D4, 0.70g, 2.8mmol) and 4-chlorophenoxyacetonitrile (0.90g, 5.4mmol) were dissolved in dry DMF (15ml) and added to potassium t-butoxide (1.60g, 14.3mmol). The mixture was stirred under Ar for 6h, diluted with water (150ml), acidified (5M HCl) and washed with etiiyl acetate. It was then basified (saturated K2CO3 solution) and extracted with ethyl acetate. This extract was dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give the tide compound (0.35g, 43%) still containing some spirocyclic starting material (ca 30%, NMR). *H NMR (200MHz, CDCI3) δ(ppm): 8.05 (s, IH), 7.07 (s, IH), 4.56 (s, 2H), 4.19 (s, 2H), 2.9 ( , 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H). 2.1-1.7 ( , 6H). Description 7 2 -Dihydro-l -methylspiro[furo[2.3-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine] 6-(Cyanomethyl)-2,3-dihydro- 1 -methyl-5-nitrospiro[benzofuran-3,4 -piperidine] (D6, 0.35g, 1.2mmol) was hydrogenated at 50ps_J_2 over 10% palladium on charcoal (0.30g) in a mixture of ethanol (18ml), water (2ml) and acetic acid (0.15ml) for 24h. Catalyst was filtered off onto kieselguhr, and the filtrate was evaporated to dryness. Chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 0-12% methanol/chloroform (gradient) gave die title compound (0.020g, 10%) as a pale orange solid. NMR (250MHz, CDCI3) δ(ppm): 8.70 (b, IH), 7.18 (m, 2H), 6.99 (s, IH), 6.43 (m, IH), 4.40 (s, 2H), 3.05 (m, 2H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.3-1.7 (m, 6H). Description 8 l'-Methyl-2 > 6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2 -πindole-3,4'-piperidine] 2,3-Dihydro- -methylspiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4 ' -piperidine] (D7, 0.056g, 0.23mmol) was stirred in acetic acid (5ml) as sodium cyanoborohydride (0.044g, 0.70mmol) was added portionwise over lOmin. The solution was stirred for 2h, diluted with water (20ml), basified with saturated K2CO3 solution, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried Na2SO4) and evaporated to give the tide compound (0.030g, 53%) as a white solid. l H NMR (200MHz, CDCI3) δ(ppm): 6.61 (s, IH), 6.46 (s, IH), 4.31 (s, 2H), 3.53 (t, 2H), 2.96 (t, 2H), 2.9 (m, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 1.99 (m, 4H), 1.74 (m, 2H). Description 8 - alternative preparation (a) A stirred suspension of powdered l-acetyl-6-bromo-2,3-dihydro-lH-indol-5-ol (Tetrahedron, 1973, 29 (8), 1115) (19g, 0.074 mole) in dry THF (1700 ml) at room temp, under argon was treated with triphenylphosphine (19.6g, 0.075 mole) and 1-methyl- l__ . 3,6-te___iydropyridine-4-mem_u-ol (J. Med. Chem., 1988, 31, 545) (9.5g, 0.075 mole), followed by the drop wise addition over 15 mins. of a solution of diethyl azodicarboxylate ( 11.8 ml, 0.075 mole) in THF (40 ml). A mild exotherm occured and the insoluble material dissolved. The solution was warmed at 32°C for 1 hour, ti en concentrated in vacuo to approx. 500 ml volume. The solid which had formed was filtered off and dried affording 16.1g of beige solid. The filtrate was concentrated in vacuo and the residue treated with ethyl acetate (700 ml) and 1M HCl acid (500 ml), shaken well and the acid layer separated. This was washed with ethyl acetate, then basified with 40% NaOH and exσacted with ethyl acetate, followed by chloroform. The combined extracts were dried (Na,SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to leave a yellow solid, which was recrystallised from ethyl acetate (3.8g) giving a total yield of 19.9g (74%) of l-acetyl-6-bromo-2,3-dihydro- 5-( 1 -methyl- 1 _2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-ylmethoxy)- lH-indole. Η NMR (250 MHz, CDCL.) δ (ppm): 8.42 (s, IH), 6.72 (s, IH), 5.80 (br s, IH), 4.41 (s, 2H), 4.04 (t, 2H), 3.12 (t, 2H), 2.97 (br s, 2H), 2.58 (t, 2H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.28 (br s, 2H), 2.18 (s, 3H). b) A stirred suspension of the product from (a) (20.8g, 0.057 mole) in benzene (1500 ml) was treated with AIBN (400 mg) and heated to 75 °C under argon, then treated dropwise over 0.5 h with a solution of tributyltin hydride (23 ml, 0.085 mole) in benzene (200 ml). The mixture was heated under reflux for 6 hours, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated with 2M HCl acid (900 ml) and ethyl acetate (600 ml), then shaken well and the acid layer separated, washed with ediyl acetate and tiien basified with 40% NaOH solution, keeping the temp, below 20° C. A white precipitate was formed which was filtered off, washed with water and dried to afford 14.8g (91%) of 5-acetyl-r-mcthyl- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-flindole-3,4'-pipcridine]. 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCL,) δ (ppm): 8.11 (s, IH), 6.60 (s, IH), 4.36 (s, 2H), 4.03 (t, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 2.92-2.78 (m, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.18 (s, 3H), 2.15-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.80- 1.63 (m, 2H). c) A stirred solution of the product from (b) (14.5g, 0.051 mole) in a mixture of 5M HCl (250 ml) and ethanol (100 ml) was heated under reflux under argon for 2 hours followed by 16 hours at room temp. The ethanol was removed by concentration in vacuo and the remaining solution cooled in an ice bath and basified to pH 12 by addition of 40% NaOH solution. The white precipitate which formed was filtered off, washed with water and dried to afford 6.0g of d e title compound. The filtrate was extracted with etiiyl acetate, followed by chloroform. The combined extract was dried (Na,SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo leaving a beige solid (6.2g) and affording a total of 12.2g (99%) of tide compound (D8). Description 9 Spiro[2 -di hydro- 1 -n.ethyIfuro[2.3-g]quinoline-3,4 ' -piperidine] Sρiro[5-amino-2,3-dihydro-l -methyl- l-benzofuran-3,4 -piperidine] (D5, 0.316g, 1.45mmol), glycerol (0.20g, 2.2mmol) and iodine (0.008g, 0.03mmol) were stirred as cone, sulphuric acid (0.23ml) was added. The dark mixture was then stirred at 180°C for lh, cooled, and partitioned between ethyl acetate and 10% sodium hydroxide solution. After separation, the organic poπion was dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give the tide compound (0.182g, 49%) as a brown gum. !H NMR (250MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ(ppm): 8.62 (dd, IH), 7.90 (d, IH), 7.77 (s, IH), 7.21 (dd, IH), 6.95 (s, IH), 4.39 (s, 2H), 2.72 (m, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.04 (m, 4H), 1.78 (m, 2H). Description 10 Spiro[2,33,6,7,8-hexahydro-l'-methylfuro[2 3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine] Spiro[2,3-dihydro-l'-methylfuro[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4 -piperidine] (D9, 0.182g, 0.72mmol) and platinum dioxide (0.077g, 0.34mmol) were hydrogenated at 50pstf_2 in ethanol (25ml) for 72h. Catalyst was filtered off onto kieselguhr, and the filtrate was evaporated to give the tide compound (0.15 lg, 81 %) as a brown gum. *H NMR (200MHz, CDCI3) δ(ppm): 6.44 (s, IH), 6.32 (s, IH), 4.26 (s, 2H), 3.7-3.1 (b, IH), 3.24 (t, 2H), 2.82 (m, 2H), 2.73 (t, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 1.94 (m, 6H), 1.73 (m, 2H) Description 11 2'-Methyl-4'-(5-methy * -l,3,4-oxadia_ol-2-yl)bip„eny'-4-carboxylic acid A stirred solution of 2-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadia__ole (EP 0533268 Al) (0.2 lg, 0.0008 mole) in a mixture of DME (10 ml) and water (30 ml) under argon was treated with 4-boronobenzoic acid (0.14g, 0.0008 mole), sodium carbonate (0.39g, 0.0037 mole) and tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (16 mg), dien heated under reflux for 4 hours. The mixture was acidified with 1M hydrochloric acid and extracted with ediyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to leave the tide compound as a white solid (0.19g, 78%). iH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3 + d 6 DMSO) δ(ppm): 8.02 (d, 2H), 7.86 (s, IH), 7.80 (br d, IH), 7.32 (d, 2H), 7.27 (d, IH), 2.54 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H) Description 12 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzamide oxime Medianol (20 ml) at 5° C was treated portionwise over 5 min. witii stirring with potassium t-butoxide (1.68g, 0.015 mole), then after a further 5 mins the solution was treated witii hvdroxylamine hydrochloride ( 1.11 g, 0.016 mole). The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature, stirred for 1 h, dien treated with a solution of 4-bromo-3- methylbenzonitrile (2.0g, 0.010 mole) in methanol (10 ml) and heated under reflux for 3 h. The mixture was allowed to cool, then filtered through kieselguhr and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a white solid (1.56g, 100%). !H NMR (250 MHz, d 6 DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.67 (d, IH), 7.56 (d, IH), 7.42 (dd, IH), 5.85 (br s, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H). Description 13 2-(4-Bromo»3-methylphenyl)-5-(dimethylaπ no)-l,2,4-oxadiazole 4-Bromo- 3-me_iylbenzam.de oxime (D12, 1.5g, 0.0065 mole) was added portionwise over 10 min with stirring to trichloroacetic anhydride (18 ml) at 10° C under argon. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm up to room temperature and stir for 4 h, then added slowly to a well stirred mixture of excess aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution and ediyl acetate at ice batii temperature. When effervescence had ceased, die ethyl acetate layer was separated, dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to leave die 5- trichloromethyloxadiazole as a pale yellow solid. This was treated with a 33% solution of dimetiiyiamine in IMS (25 ml) and heated under reflux for 18 h, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated with 10% Na2CO3 solution (20 ml) and extracted witii ethyl acetate (2 x 30 ml). The combined extract was dried (Na2SO4), concentrated in vacuo and die residue chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 1 :1 ether/60-80 petrol to afford d e tide compound as a white solid (1.14g, 62%). !H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 7.88 (d, IH), 7.69 (dd, IH), 7.58 (d, IH), 3.20 (s, 6H), 2.44 (s, 3H). Description 14 2'-Methyl-4'-(5-dimethylamino-l^,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenvl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound was prepared from 2-(4-bromo-3-meu.ylphenyl)-5-(dimethylamino)- 1,2,4-oxadiazole (D13) using a similar procedure to Description 11 (64%) as a white solid. *H NMR (250 MHz, d°DMSO) δ (ppm): 13.1 (br s, IH), 8.03 (d, 2H), 7.85 (s, IH), 7.80 (d, IH), 7.52 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d, IH), 3.15 (s, 6H), 2.30 (s, 3H). Description 15 4'-(5-Methyl-13.4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound was prepared from l-bromo-4-(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3- yl)benzene [EP 0533268A1] (0.58g) and 4-boronobenzoic acid (0.4 g) as described in Description 11 as a white solid (0.64g, 97%). *H NMR (250 MHz, d 6 DMSO) δ (ppm): 12.8-13.3 (br s, IH), 7.8-8.2 ( , 8H), 2.7 (s, 3H). Description 16 4'-Cyano-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxyIic acid 4-bromo-3-methylbenzonitrile (5g, 0.026 mol) was suspended in 1 ,2-dimethoxyethane (100 ml) and treated with 4-boronobenzoic acid (4.2g, 0.026 mol) followed by a solution of sodium carbonate (11.65g, 0.11 mmol) in water (100 ml). The mixture was flushed with argon and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (0.55g) was added. The reaction mixture was dien heated to reflux with stirring. After 24h, the 1,2-dimethoxyedιane was removed by evaporation under reduced pressure and the aqueous residue was washed with ediyl acetate. The aqueous layer was then acidified to pHl and the resultant solid was filtered off and was dried in vacuo to give the title compound as a white solid (4.16g, 69%). l H NMR (250 MHz, d 6 DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.02 (d, 2H), 7.82 (s, IH), 7.40 (dd, IH), 7.52- 7.40 (m, 4H), 2.28 (s, 3H) Description 17 N-Methoxy-N-methyl-4-bromo-3-methylbenzamide A stirred suspension of 4-bromo-3-methylbenzoic acid (5.0g, 0.023 mole) in thionyl chloride (20 ml) was heated under reflux for 2 hours, d en concentrated in vacuo. The residual acid chloride was dissolved in dichloromed ane (100 ml) and added dropwise over 10 minutes to a stirred solution of N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (2.4g, 0.025 mole) and pyridine (5.6 ml, 0.069 mole) in dichloromediane (150 ml) and acetonitrile (20 ml) at -20° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 3 hours dien treated wid 10% Na2CO3 solution and extracted with dichloromediane. The extract was dried (Na?SO ) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the tide compound as a pale yellow oil (5.9g, 100%). l H NMR (200 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 7.60-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.37 (dd, IH), 3.54 (s, 3H), 3.35 (s, 3H), 2.42 (s, 3H) Description 18 4- B romo-3-methy lacetop henone A solution of N-med oxy-N-meu.yl-4-bromo-3-methylbenzamide (D17) (1.50g, 0.0057 mole) in dry ether (30 ml) was added dropwise over 10 minutes to a stirred solution of methylmagnesium iodide (0.0075 mole) in dry etiier (15 ml) under argon. The mixture was then heated under reflux for 1 hour, allowed to cool and poured into well stirred 1M HCl (50 ml). The mixture was extracted witii ediyl acetate and the extract washed witii 10% Na2CO3 solution, dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the tide compound as a pale yellow oil (1.14g, 94%). *H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 7.81 (s, IH), 7.62 (s, 2H), 2.57 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H) Description 19 4'-Acetyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound was prepared from 4-bromo-3-methylacetophenone (D18) using a procedure similar to Description 11 (80%). *H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.13 (d, 2H), 7.88 (d, IH), 7.84 (d, IH), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.34 (d, IH), 2.65 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H). Description 20 4 , -Acetamidon_ethyI-2 , -ιnet_ylbip_enyl-4-carboxyiic acid 4-Bromo-3-methylb_nzylamine (EP 532266) (7.36g, 0.037 mol) was dissolved in 1,2- dimed oxyethane (DME) (180 ml), witii stirring, and was treated with 4-boronobenzoic acid (6.14g, 0.037 mol), followed by a solution of sodium carbonate (17.65g, 0.167 mol) in water (180 ml). The reaction mixture was dien flushed with argon and tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)palladium (O) (l.OOg) was added. The reaction mixture was dien heated to reflux under argon. After 16h, d e reaction mixture was allowed to cool and d e DME was removed by evaporation under reduced pressure. The aqueous residue was then diluted witii water (-200 ml) and washed with EtOAc (2x150 ml). The aqueous layer was then treated with acetic anhydride (6.98 ml, 0.074 mol) and stirred for lh at room temperature. The resulting pale brown solution was filtered through kieselguhr to give a pale yellow solution, which was acidified to pH5 using cone. HCl to give an off white precipitate. This was filtered off, washed with water and dried in vacuo to give the tide compound as an off white solid (5.85g, 56%). l H NMR (200 MHz, d 6 DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.45 (t, IH), 7.95 (d, 2H), 7.32 (d, 2H), 7.15 (m, 3H), 4.28 (d, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.90 (s, 3H) Description 21 Methyl 4 , -acetamidomethyI-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylate Thionyl chloride (0.119ml, 1.63 mmol) was added dropwise to MeOH (5 ml) at 0° C, followed by a solution of 4-acetamidomethyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D20) (0.345g, 1.22 mmol) in MeOH (10 ml). The mixture was heated under reflux for 1.5 hr and the solvent removed in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in CH2CI2 (30 ml) and washed with aq. Na2CO3 followed by water. The organic extract was dried (Na SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to give a colourless oil, which was purified by column chromatography on silica gel eluting with EtOAc to give a colourless oil that crystallised on standing (0.242g, 68%). l H NMR (200 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.1 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.23-7.14 (m, 3H), 5.90- 5.80 (bs, IH), 4.45 (d, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H). Description 22 7-Methoxy-2.3 . 4 τ 5-tetrahydro-lH-benzazepine 6-Methoxytetralone (6.86g, 39 mmol), hydroxylamine hydrochloride (8.15g, 117 mmol) and sodium acetate trihydrate (25g, 184 mmol) were stirred at reflux in a mixture of edianol (200 ml) and water (50 ml) for 45 min, concentrated in vacuo, and diluted widi water (200 ml). The white solid (6-methoxytetralonc oxime, 7.44g) was collected and dried. A portion of this (6.3 lg, 33 mmol) was stirred in dry THF (150 ml) under argon as lithium aluminium hydride (1.80g, 47 mmol) was added portionwise. This mixture was stirred at reflux for 3h, cooled, and treated successively witii water (1.5 ml), 10% NaOH (1.5 ml) and water (4.5 ml). The solids were filtered off, and die filtrate was evaporated to give an amber oil. This was chromatographed on silica, eluting with ethyl acetate, giving the tide compound (2.96g, 50%). *H NMR (250 MHz, CDC1 3 ) δ (ppm): 6.78 (m, 2H), 6.60 (dd, IH), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.3 (v broad, IH), 2.98 (t, 2H), 2.74 (t, 2H), 1.80 (m, 2H), 1.63 (m, 2H). Description 23 7-Acetoxy-l-acetyl-2.3»4_.-tetrahydro-lH-benzazepine 7-Methoxy-2,3,4,5-te__hydro-lH-benzazepine (D22, 2.96g, 17 mmol) was stirred at reflux in 48% HBr for 16 h, cooled and evaporated to dryness, giving a brown solid. This material was stirred in dichloromethane (200 ml) as trietiiylamine (9.4 ml, 68 mmol) and acetyl chloride (3.6 ml, 51 mmol) were added. The solution was stirred for lh, washed witii dilute HCl, dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give an oil. This was chromatographed on silica, eluting with 0-50% ethyl acetate/ dichloromethane, giving die tide compound (3.88g, 94%) as an amber syrup which crystallised on standing. iH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 7.14 (d, IH), 7.0 (m, 2H), 4.69 (dt, IH), 2.85-2.55 (m, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.10-1.75 (m, 3H), 1.88 (s, 3H), 1.44 (m, IH) Description 24 l-Acetyl-7-hydroxy-2 » 4 -tetrahydro-lH-benzazepine 7-Acetoxy-l-acetyl-2,3,4,5-te_rahydro-lH-benzazepine (D23, 3.88g, 16 mmol) was stirred in edianol (40 ml) as NaOH (1.26g, 32 mmol) was added in water (5 ml). After stirring for 30 min, d e mixture was diluted witii water (500 ml), and acidified witii 5M HCl. The tan precipitate was filtered off and dried, yielding 2.02g (63%) of the tide compound. A further 0.80g (25%) of tins material was isolated by dichloromediane extraction of die filtrate. *H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 6.98 (d, IH), 6.83 (bs, IH), 6.75 (m, 2H), 4.67 (dt, IH), 2.8-2.5 (m, 3H), 2.05-1.7 (m, 3H), 1.89 (s, 3H), 1.42 (m, IH) Description 25 l-Ac_tyl-8-bromo-7-hydroxy-23.43-te.rahydro-lH-benzazepine l-Acetyl-7-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-lH-benzazepine (D24, 2.8 lg, 14 mmol) was stirred in glacial AcOH (50 ml) as N-bromosuccinimide (2.69g, 15 mmol) was added portionwise over 20 min. The mixture was stirred for 30 min, diluted witii ethyl acetate (500 ml), washed with water, K2CO3 solution and brine, dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give a tan solid, shown by NMR and TLC to be a mixture of dibromo and mono-bromo isomers. Chromatography on silica, eluting with 0-25% ethyl acetate/ dichloromethane, yielded pure title compound (1.22g, 31%) as a cream solid. 1H NMR (250 MHz, d°DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.43 (s, IH), 6.84 (s, IH), 4.43 (dt, IH), 2.6-2.4 (m, 3H), 1.90 (m, IH), 1.73 (s, 3H), 1.68 (m, 2H), 1.28 (m, IH) Description 26 l-Acetyl-8-broi-iO-7-(l-rnethyl-l,23.6-tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)methox -23,43- tetrahydro-lH-benzazepine The title compound was prepared from l-acetyl-8-bromo-7-hydroxy-2,3 . 4,5-tetrahydro- lH-benzazepine (D25) and 4-(hydroxymethyl)- 1 -methyl- l,2,3,6-tetrahydropyri_ine (Dl) following the procedure of Description 2. !H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 7.32 (s, IH), 6.76 (s, IH), 5.85 (m, IH), 4.65 (dt, IH), 4.51 (s, 2H), 3.02 ( , 2H), 2.8-2.5 (m, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.33 (m, 2H), 1.89 (s, 3H), 2.05-1.7 (m, 3H), 1.38 (m, IH) Description 27 5-AcetyI-3 ,6,7 » 8-9-hexahydro- -nιethylspiro[2H-furo[23-h]benzazepine-3,4'- piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from l-acetyl-8-bromo-7-(l -methyl- 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro- 4-pyridyl)medioxy-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro- IH-benzazepine (D26) following the procedure of Description 3. J H NMR (200 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 6.84 (s, IH), 6.64 (s, IH), 4.65 (dt, IH), 4.39 (ABq, 2H), 2.84 (m, 2H), 2.64 (m,3H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 1.83 (s, 3H), 2.1-1.7 (m, 9H). 1.40 (m, IH) Description 28 33,6,7,8^>-Hexahydro- -methylspiro[2H-furo[23-h]benzazapine-3,4'-piperidine] 5- Aceryl-3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro- 1 -methylspiro [2H-f uro[2,3-h]benzazepine-3 ,4'- pipcridine] (D27, 0.25g, 0.82 mmol) was stirred at reflux under Ar in c. HCl (15 ml) for 4 days. It was then evaporated to dryness, dissolved in dichloromethane, washed with K2CO3 solution, dried (Na2SO4) and evaporated to give the title compound (0.203g) as a brown gum, still containing ca. 15% of amide (NMR). Chromatography on silica, eluting with 0-15% methanol in dichloromethane, give purer material (0.107g, 49%) l H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 6.58 (s, IH), 6.51 (s, IH), 4.30 (s, 2H), 3.5 (b, IH), 2.99 (t, 2H), 2.82 (m, 2H), 2.70 (m, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 1.98 (m, 4H), 1.74 (m, 4H), 1.59 (m, 2H). Description 29 2'-Methyl-4'-(3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid A stirred solution of 5-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-3-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazole (EP 0533268 Al) (0.65g, 0.0026 mole) in a mixture of DME (30 ml) and water (30 ml) under argon was treated with 4-boronobenzoic acid (0.43g, 0.0026 mole), sodium carbonate (1.16g, 0.011 mole) and tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)palladium(O) (40 mg), then heated under reflux for 4 hours. The mixture was acidified with 1M hydrochloric acid and extracted witii ethyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to leave the tide compound as a white solid (0.61 g, 80%). Η NMR (250 MHz, d * DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.12-7.95 (m, 4H), 7.60-7.45 (m, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H). Description 30 4-Bromo-3-τnethylben_oic hydrazide The tide compound was prepared from methyl 4-bromo-3-methylbenzoate using a similar procedure to Description 35, as a white solid (69%). ■ H NMR (200MHz, CDCl, + dT>MSO) δ (ppm): 9.05 (br s, IH), 7.75 (d, IH), 7.58 (d, IH), 7.50 (dd, IH), 4.10 (br s, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H) Description 31 2-(4-Bromo-3-rnethylphenyl)-5-ethyl-13.4 -oxadiazole The tide compound was afforded as a beige crystalline solid (1.65g) as per metiiod of Description 35, using 4-bromo-3-methylbenzoic hydrazide (D31) (1.30g) and triethyl orthopropionate (13.0 ml). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.91 (s, IH), 7.68 (m, 2H), 2.96 (q, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 1.45 (t, 3H). Description 32 4'-(5-Ethyl-13.4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxyiic acid The tide compound was afforded as a white solid (82%) as per method of Description 11 from 2-(4-bromo-3-ι_ethylphenyl)-5-ethyl-l,3,4-oxadiazole (D31). * H NMR (400MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 12.98 (s, IH), 8.00 (d, 2H), 7.89 (s, IH), 7.82 (d, IH), 7.48 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, IH), 2.90 (q, 2H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 1.29 (t, 3H). Description 33 4-Borono-3-methylbenzoic acid A stirred solution of 4-bromo-3-methylbenzoic acid (5.0g, 0.02 mole) in dry THF (250 ml) at -78°C under argon was treated widi 1.6M n-butyllithium in hexane (36.3 ml, 0.05 mole). The mixture changed from a clear solution to an orange suspension. This was stirred at -78°C for 0.25h, then treated widi triisopropyl borate (13.4 ml, 0.05 mole) and stirred at -78°C for a further lh. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temp, and stir for 19h, then treated with water (25 ml) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 10% methanol/ dichloromediane to afford die tide compound as a white solid (2.63g, 67%). l H NMR (200 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.72-7.63 (m, 2H), 7.50 (d, IH), 2.43 (s, 3H). Description 34 23'-Dimethyl-4'-(5-methyl-13.4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound was prepared from 2-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-methyl- 1,3,4- oxadiazole (EP 0533268 Al) and 4-borono-3-methylbenzoic acid (D33) using a similar procedure to Description 11 as a white solid (31%). l H NMR (250MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.10-7.97 (m, 3H), 7.92 (dd, IH), 7.24 (d, 2H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.13 (s, 6H). Description 35 2-(4-Bromo-2-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-13.4-oxadiazole A stirred solution of methyl 4-bromo-2-methylbenzoate (0.9g, 3.9 mmole) in methanol (10 ml) was treated with hydrazine hydrate (1.0 ml, 21 mmole) and heated under reflux for 66 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo to leave the hydrazide as a white solid. This was treated wid ethyl orthoacetate (10 ml) and heated under reflux under argon for 4h, d en concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting widi 1:1 ether/60-80 petrol to afford the tide compound as a white solid (0.77g, 78%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.76 (d, IH), 7.51 (s, IH), 7.45 (dd, IH), 2.68 (s, 3H), 2.62 (s, 3H). Description 36 23'-Dimethyl-4'-(5-methyI-13,4-oxadia_ol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound was prepared from 2-(4-bromo-2-methylphenyl)-5-methyl- 1,3,4- oxadiazole (D35) and 4-borono-3-methylbenzoic acid (D33) using a similar procedure to Description 11 as a white solid (24%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl, . d _5MSO) δ (ppm): 7.95-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.30-7.20 (m, 3H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 2.59 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H). Description 37 4-Broπιo-3-ιnethyl benzamide 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzoic acid (19g, 0.088 mole) was dissolved in dichloromediane (200 ml) and treated with oxalyl chloride (12 ml, 0.013 mole), followed by DMF (3 drops). The reaction mixture was stirred for 18 h at room temperature, after which the solvent was removed in vacuo. The acid chloride was added dropwise to 0.88 ammonia solution (250 ml) with stirring. The resulting solid was filtered off, washed with edier and dried to afford the title compound (18.03g, 96%). Η NMR (200 MHz, dOMSO) δ (ppm): 8.02 (s, IH), 7.88 (s, IH), 7.69-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.44 (s, IH), 2.40 (s, 3H) Description 38 4-Bron_o-3-methylthiobenzamide 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzamide (D37, l.Og, 0.0047 mole) was dissolved in THF (50 ml), treated widi Lawessons reagent (0.95g, 0.0024 mole) and stirred under argon for 4h. The solvent was removed in vacuo and die residue purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with 10% EtOH/CHCl, to afford die tide compound as a yellow solid (0.87g, 80%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.78 (s, IH), 7.72 (br s, IH), 7.63-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.19 (br s, IH), 2.45 (s, 3H). Description 39 2-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-4-methylthiazole 4-Bromo-3-mcthylthiobenzamide (D38, 0.87g, 0.0038 mole) was dissolved in edianol (60 ml) and treated widi chloroacetone (0.39 ml, 0.0049 mole). The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 5 h, d en more chloroacetone (0.39 ml, 0.0049 mole) was added and die mixture heated under reflux for a further 3 h. After cooling to room temperature, the solvent was removed in vacuo to leave die title compound as a pale oil (l.OOg, 98%). * H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.20 (d, IH), 7.95 (dd, IH), 7.69 (d, IH), 7.22 (s, IH), 2.76 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H). Description 40 2 * -Methyl-4'-(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared from 2-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-4-methylthiazole (D39, l.OOg, 0.0037 mole) using the method of Description 11 (0.77g, 67%). ■ H NMR (200 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.03 (d, 2H), 7.89 (s, IH), 7.82 (dd, IH), 7.52 (d, 2H), 7.40-7.22 (m, 2H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H). Description 41 4'-MethoxycarbonyI-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid A stirred solution of methyl 4-bromo-3-methyl_ _nzoate (EP 0533268 Al) (l.Og, 0.0044 mole) in dry DMF (10 ml) under argon was treated with 4-boronobenzoic acid (0.73g, 0.0044 mole) and tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium(0) (80 mg), followed by trietiiylamine (1.8 ml, 0.016 mole), the mixture was heated at 100°C for 18 hours, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated with ethyl acetate and extracted widi 10% NaHCO, solution. The basic extract was acidified widi dil. HCl and extracted widi ediyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na_SO.) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the tide compound as a white solid (0.46g, 39%). l H NMR (250 MHz, d __ MSO) δ (ppm): 13.1 (brs, IH), 8.04 (d, 2H), 7.93 (s, IH), 7.87 (d, IH), 7.51 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, IH), 3.87 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H). Description 42 5'-Methoxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxyiic acid A stirred solution of methyl 3-bromo-4-methylbenzoate (2.6g, 0.01 1 mole) in dry DMF (20 ml) under argon was treated witii 4-boronobenzoic acid (1.85g, 0.011 mole) and tetrakis (triphenylphosphine) palladium(O) (400 mg), followed by triethylamine (4.68ml, 0.046 mole). The mixture was heated at 100°C for 18 hours, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated widi ethyl acetate and extracted with 10% NaHCO, solution. The basic extract was acidified with dil. HCl and extracted with ediyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na_SO.) and concentrated in vacuo to afford die tide compound as a light orange solid (2.12g, 85%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, d *DMSO) δ (ppm): 13.1 (br s, IH), 8.09-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.92-7.75 (m, 2H), 7.68-7.43 (m, 3H), 3.88 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H) Description 43 N-[4-Brorno-3-π_ethylphenyl]-methanesulphonamide To a stirred solution of 4-bromo-3-methylaniline (3.32g, 17.8 mmol) in dry dichloromethane (150 ml) was added triethylamine (4.96 ml, 35.6 mmol), followed by methanesulphonyl chloride (1.52 ml, 19.6 mmol). The complete reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature under Ar for 18 hours. The mixture was then washed widi water, saturated potassium carbonate solution, and finally brine. The organic layer was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to afford a creamy orange solid. This was dissolved in dichloromethane and shaken wid 10% sodium hydroxide solution. The aqueous layer was separated and acidified to pH6 using concentrated hydrochloric acid. This solution was then extracted using chloroform. The combined organic layers were dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a whtie solid (1.35 g, 30%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.60-6.50 (vb, IH), 7.61 (d, IH), 7.50 (d, IH), 6.95 (dd, IH), 3.12 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H) Description 44 4 , -(Methanesulphonamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound (44%) was afforded as a white solid as per metiiod of Description 11 from N-[4-bromo-3-methylphenyl]-methanesulphonamide (D43). Η NMR (200 MHz, dOMSO) δ (ppm): 13.0 (b, IH), 9.80 (s, IH), 7.98 (d, 2H), 7.43 (d, 2H), 7.15 (m, 3H), 3.00 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H) Description 45 2'-Methyl-5'-(5-methyl-13 . 4-oxadia_ol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared from methyl 3-bromo-4-methylbenzoate following similar procedures to tiiose in Descriptions 35 and 11 as a beige solid. 'H NMR (200 MHz, d"DMSO) δ (ppm): 11.70 (s, IH), 8.10-7.50 (m, 7H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 1.90 (s, 3H). Description 46 N-[4-Bromo-3-methy_phenyl]-acetamide A stirred solution of 4-bromo-3-mcthylaniline (3.0g, 0.016 mole) and triethylamine (4.5 ml, 0.032 mole) in dichloromethane (30 ml) at 0° C was treated with acetyl chloride (1.2 ml, 0.017 mole) and allowed to warm to room temperature over lh. The mixture was washed with water, then 5M HCl acid and dried (Na_SO 4 ), then concentrated in vacuo to afford d e title compound as a pale yellow solid (3.07g, 83%). l H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.50-7.35 ( , 2H), 7.19 (dd, IH), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 3H). Description 47 4'-Acetamido-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound was prepared from N-[4-bromo-3-methylphenyl]-acetamide (D46) using a similar procedure to Description 11 as a white solid (66%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, d _)MSO) δ (ppm): 12.8 (br s, IH), 9.98 (s, IH), 7.98 (d, 2H), 7.55- 7.40 (m, 4H), 7.16 (d, IH), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.05 (s, 3H) Description 48 Bis-(23-dihydro-6-iodo-lH-indol-5-yl) disulphide A stirred suspension of 2,3-dihydro-6-iodo-lH-indole (0.600g, 2.45 mmol) (Heterocycles 1987 26(11) 2817) in methanol (10 ml) under argon, was treated wid potassium diiocyanate (0.467g, 4.90 mmol) with stirring at 0° C. A solution of bromine (0.138 ml, 2.69 mmol) in methanol (5 ml) was then added slowly. After 16 hours die reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between dichloromediane and potassium carbonate solution and die aqueous layer was extracted widi dichloromediane. The combined organic layers were dien dried (Na,SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a brown solid which was suspended in a mixture of 880 ammonia solution (18 ml) and dioxan (12 ml) and was heated to gende reflux in air. After 24h, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool and was partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The aqueous layer was then extracted with dichloromethane (IX) and the combined organic layers were dried (Na_SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound as an orange oil which was dried in vacuo (0.4 lOg, 61%). Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ: 7.42 (s, IH), 7.30 (s, IH), 7.07 (s, IH), 7.05 (s, IH), 3.62 (t, 2H), 3.55 (t, 2H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 2.95 (t, 2H). Description 49 l-Acetyl-23-dihydro-6-iodo-lH-indol-5-thiol Bis-(2,3-dihydro-6-iodo-lH-indol-5-yl) disulphide (D48) (0.408g, 0.739 mmol) was suspended in dichloromethane (30 ml) and was treated with triethylamine (0.226 ml, 1.62 mmol) at 0°C, followed by acetic anhydride (0.153 ml, 1.62 mmol) with stirring under argon. After 24h the reaction mixture was washed with water (2X). The organic layer was then dried (Na_SO and was evaporated under reduced pressure to give an orange oil that was dried in vacuo (0.40g). The oil was then redissolved in a mixture of dioxan (20 ml) and water (4 ml) and triphenylphosphine (0.250g, 0.953 mmol) was added, followed by cone. HCl (1 drop). The mixture was flushed with argon, and dien heated to reflux with stirring. After 2.5 hours, die reaction mixture was allowed to cool and was partitioned between 2% sodium hydroxide (20 ml) and dichloromethane (30 ml). The organic layer was then washed wid 2% sodium hydroxide (10 ml) and d e combined aqueous layers were acidified to pH5 using cone. HCl. The resultant suspension was dien extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 15 ml). The combined extracts were then dried (Na,SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a yellow solid which was dried in vacuo (0.354g, 75%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ: 8.63 (s, IH), 7.20 (s, IH), 4.05 (t, 2H), 3.12 (t, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H). Description 50 l-Acetyl-23-dihydro-6-iodo-5-(pyridin-4-ylmethylthio)-lH-indole 1 - Acetyl-2,3-dihydro-6-iodo- lH-indol-5-dιiol (D49) (0.346g, 1.08 mmol) in dry DMF (5 ml) was treated with potassium carbonate (0.374g, 3.71 mmol) followed by picolyl chloride hydrochloride (0.186g, 1.13 mmol). After 65h stiπing at room temp, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and was partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The aqueous layer was then extracted widi dichloromediane and the combined organic layers were then dried (Na.SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give d e title compound as a pale brown solid which was dried in vacuo (0.392g, 89%). Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ: 8.72 (s, IH), 8.48 (d, 2H), 7.12 (d, 2H), 6.97 (s, IH), 4.05 (t, 2H), 3.95 (s, 2H), 3.03 (t, 2H), 2.21 (s, 3H). Description 51 l-Acetyl-23-dihydro-6-iodo-5-[(l-methyl-l,23,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yI)methyIthio]- lH-indole l-Acetyl-2,3-dihydro-6-iodo-5-(pyridin-4-ylmethylthio)-lH-indole (D50) (0.390g, 0.951 mmol) was dissolved in dry DMF (5 ml) and was treated with methyl iodide (0.089 ml, 1.430 mmol) with stimng. After 24 hours the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and was triturated with ethyl acetate (~20 ml). The resultant brown solid was then filtered off, washed wid dietiiyl ether and dried in vacuo (0.513g). The solid was then redissolved in a mixture of edianol (20 ml) and water (10 ml) and was cooled to 0° C. Sodium borohydride (0.069g, 1.824 mmol) was dien added. After 0.5 h a further amount of sodium borohydride (0.035g, 0.912 mmol) was added . The reaction mixture was then allowed to warm to room temperature. After 1.5 hours the reaction mixture was treated with sodium bicarbonate solution (~ 15 ml) and was partitioned between dichloromethane and water. The aqueous layer was then extracted with dichloromethane (IX) and die combined organic layers were dried (Na j SO and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a yellow solid which was purified by silica-gel chromatography (5% MeOH/C__-CL as eluant) to give the title compound as an off white solid (0.208g, 53%). ■ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ: 8.70 (s, IH), 7.12 (s, IH), 5.48 (s, IH), 4.08 (t, 2H), 3.45 (s, 2H), 3.12 (t, 2H), 2.89 (s, 2H), 2.55 (t, 2H), 2.30 (s, 5H), 2.20 (s, 3H) Description 52 5-Acetyl- -methyl-23»6,7-tetrahydrospiro[thiopheno[23-nindole-3,4'-piperidine] A solution of tributyltin hydride (0.251 ml, 0.934 mmol) in benzene (10 ml) was added dropwise over 30 minutes to a stirred solution of l-acetyl-2,3-dihydro-6-iodo-5-[(l- methyl-l,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylthio]-lH-indole (D51) (0.200g, 0.467 mmol) and AIBN (5 mg) in benzene (20 ml) under argon at reflux. Reflux was continued for a further 0.75 h. The reaction mixture was then allowed to cool. Ethyl acetate (10 ml) was d en added and die mixture washed with 2.5M HCl (3 x 10 ml). The combined aqueous washings were then basified with solid potassium carbonate and the resultant suspension was extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 15 ml). The combined organic extracts were then dried (Na j SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a pale yellow solid which was dried in vacuo (0.127g). The solid was purified by prep. TLC (15% MeOH/CH-Cl. as eluant) to give the title compound as a cream solid (0.047g, 33%). Η NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ: 8.12 (s, IH), 6.98 (s, IH), 4.05 (t, 2H), 3.30 (s, 2H), 3.12 (t, 2H), 2.89 (m, 2H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.30 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 1.85 (m, 2H). Description 53 l'-Methyl-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[thiopheno[23-flindole-3,4'-piperidine] 5-Acetyl- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[thiopheno[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D52) (0.047g, 0.156 mmol) was dissolved in a mixture of edianol (2 ml) and 5M HCl (4 ml) and was heated to reflux widi stirring under argon. After 3 h, die reaction mixture was allowed to cool, was diluted with water (10 ml) and was basified using solid potassium carbonate. The resulting suspension (pH9) was dien extracted with dichloromediane (3 x 10 ml) and the combined extracts were dried (Na j SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound as an off white solid, which was dried in vacuo (0.029g, 71%). * H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ: 7.29 (s, IH), 6.50 (s, IH), 3.53 (t, 2H), 3.28 (s, 2H), 2.95 (t, 2H), 2.82 (m, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.10 (m, 2H), 1.87 (m, 4H). Description 54 Methyl 4'-[(N-methanesulphonyl-N-methyl)an_no]-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylate 4'-(Methanesulphonamino)-2 -methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D44, 0.29g, 0.94 mol), anhydrous K-CO, (0.40g, 2.9 mmol) and iodomethane (0.18 ml, 2.9 mmol) were stirred in dry DMF (5 ml) for 16 h. The mixture was diluted widi ediyl acetate, washed with water and brine, dried (Na.SO 4 ) and evaporated to give d e tide compound (0.32g, quantitative) as a brown oil, containing residual solvent (NMR). * H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.10 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.27 (m, 3H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.37 (s, 3H), 2.91 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H). Description 55 4-Bromo-N,N-dimethylbenzenesulphonamide 4-Bromobenzenesulphonyl chloride (4.48g, 18 mmol) was stirred in dichloromediane, and dimethylamine (40% aqueous solution, 10 ml) was added portionwise. The mixture was stirred for 2h, washed wid dilute hydrochloric acid, dried (Na_SO 4 ) and evaporated to give the title compound (4.38g, 94%) as a white solid. 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.67 (Abq, 4H), 2.72 (s, 6H). Description 56 4'-(Dimethylan_nosulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid This was prepared from 4-bromo-N,N-dimethylbenzencsulphonamide (D55) following the procedure of Description 11. This gave the title compound as a white solid (85%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.08 (d, 2H), 8.02 (d, 2H), 7.90 (d, 2H), 7.86 (d, 2H), 2.66 (s, 6H). Description 57 4'-(Methan__ulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid This was prepared from 4-bromophenyl methyl sulphone, following the procedure of Description 11. This gave the title compound (72%) as a white solid. Η NMR (250 MHz, dTJ>MSO) δ (ppm): 8.05 (m, 6H), 7.88 (d, 2H), 3.28 (s, 3H). Description 58 N'-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea 4-Bromo-3-methylaniline (5.00g, 27 mmol), triethylamine (3.9 ml, 28 mmol), 4- (dimedιylamino)pyridine (0.5g, 4 mmol) and dimediylcarbamyl chloride (2.6 ml, 28 mmol) were mixed in dichloromethane (100 ml), and left to stand for 2 weeks. The solution was then washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, dried (Na_SO 4 ) and evaporated to give a solid. This was triturated witii ether, and the solid was filtered off and dried, affording the title compound (2.5 lg, 36%) as an off-white solid. 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.40 (d, IH), 7.35 (d, IH), 7.07 (dd, IH), 6.78 (bs, IH), 3.02 (s, 6H), 2.36 (s, 3H). Description 59 4'-(N,N-Dimethylcarbamoylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid This was prepared from N'-(4-bromo-3-medιylphenyl)-N,N-dimethylurea (D58), following the procedure of Description 1 1. This gave the tide compound as a salmon- coloured solid (90%). Η NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.34 (s, IH), 7.98 (d, 2H), 7.45 (m, 4H), 7.10 (d, IH), 2.93 (s, 6H), 2.22 (s, 3H). Description 60 Ethyl N-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)carbamate 4-Bromo-3-me_ιylaniline (5.00g, 27 mmol) and triediylamine (4.5 ml, 32 mmol) were stirred in dichloromediane (200 ml) as ediyl chloroformate (3.1 ml, 32 mmol) was added dropwise. The mixture was stirred for 2h, when water was added. After stirring for a further 15 min, ti e white precipitate was filtered off, and the filtrate was separated. The organic portion was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and evaporated to give the title compound (2.57g, 37%) as an orange-brown oil. Η NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.42 (d, IH), 7.30 (d, IH), 7.09 (dd, IH), 6.60 (b s, IH), 4.23 (q, 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.32 (t, 3H). Description 61 4'-(Ethoxycarbonylamino)-2'-rnethylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid This was prepared from ediyl N-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)carbamate (D60), following die procedure of Description 11. This gave the tide compound, after recrystallisation from ethyl acetate/petroleum ether (bp.60-80°C), as a white powder (63%). l H NMR (200 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 9.70 (s, IH), 7.98 (d, 2H), 7.4 (m, 4H), 7.16 (d, IH), 4.14 (q, 2H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.26 (t, 3H) Description 62 3-(4-Broιno-3-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-l,2,4-triazole 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzoic hydrazide (D30, 3.06g, 13 mmol), ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride (2.48g, 20 mmol) and triediylamine (5.6 ml, 40 mmol) were stirred at reflux under Ar for 24h, and dien evaporated to dryness. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with dichloromed ane/ethanol ammonia (300:8:1). This gave the tide compound (1.95g, 58%) as a white solid. 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl-/d 6 DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.63 (s, IH), 7.41 (d, IH), 7.22 (d, IH), 2.15 (s, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H). Description 63 3-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-43-dimethyl-13»4-triazole 3-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-l^,4-triazole (D62, 0.60g, 2.4 mmol) was stirred under Ar in dry DMF (6 ml) as sodium hydride (80% dispersion, 0.21g, 7.2 mmol) was added. After stirring for 30 min, iodometiiane (0.3 ml, 4.8 mmol) was added. This mixture was stirred for lh, and treated with water (30 ml), giving a beige precipitate. This was filtered off and dried, giving the tide compound (0.49g, 77%) as a beige solid. ■ H NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.92 (s, IH), 7.65 (m, 2H), 3.80 (s, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.39 (s, 3H). Description 64 4 , -(43-Dimethyl-l 2,4-tria_ol-3-yl)-2 l -methylbiphenyl-4-carboxyiic acid This was prepared from 3-(4-bromo-3-me_ιylphenyl)-4,5-dimethyl-l,2,4-triazole (D63), following the procedure of Description 1 1. This gave the title compound (53%) as a white solid. 'H NMR (200 MHz, d __>MSO) δ (ppm): 13.0 (v b, IH), 8.02 (d, 2H), 7.93 (s, IH), 7.87 (d, IH), 7.53 (d, 2H), 7.30 (d, IH), 3.84 (s, 3H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H). Description 65 2-(4-Pyridyl)ethanol This was prepared from ethyl 4-pyridylacetate, following the procedure of Description 1. This gave the title compound (95%) as a yellow oil. Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.43 (d, 2H), 7.17 (d, 2H), 3.90 (t, 2H), 3.0 (b, IH), 2.86 (t, 2H). Description 66 l-Acetyl-6-bromo-23-dihydro-5-[2-(4-pyridyl)ethoxy]-lH-indole This was prepared from l-acetyl-6-bromo-2,3-dihydro-lH -indol-5-ol (Tetrahedron 1973, 29 (8), 1115) and 2-(4-pyridyl)ethanol (D65), following the procedure of Description 8a. This gave the tide compound (84%), as a yellow solid. Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.54 (d, 2H), 8.45 (s, IH), 7.25 (d, 2H),6.70 (s, IH), 4.19 (t, 2H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 3.12 (m, 4H), 2.19 (s, 3H). Description 67 l-Acetyl-6-bromo-23-dihydro-5-[2-(4-pyridyl)ethoxy]-lH-indole ethiodide l-Acetyl-6-bromo-2,3-dihydro-5-[2-(4-pyridyl)ethoxy]-lH-indole (D66) (3.15g, 8.7 mmol) and iodomethane (1.1 ml, 17.7 mmol) were mixed in dry DMF (30 ml) and left to stand for 16 h. The suspension was then diluted with ethyl acetate (300 ml), and die solid was collected and dried, affording die tide compound (2.78g, 63%) as a yellow powder. 'H NMR (200 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.93 (d, 2H), 8.19 (s, IH), 8.14 (d, 2H), 7.13 (s, IH), 4.38 (t, 2H), 4.31 (s, 3H), 4.10 (t, 2H), 3.37 (t, 2H), 3.12 (t, 2H), 2.15 (s, 3H). Description 68 l-Acetyl-6-bromo-23-dihydro-5-[2-(l-methyl-133,6-tetrahydro-4-pyridyl)ethoxy]- lH-indole l-Acetyl-6-bromo-2,3-dihydro-5-[2-(4-pyridyl)edioxy]-lH-indole methiodide (D67) (2.78 g, 5.5 mmol) was dissolved in edianol (40 ml) and water (40 ml), cooled in ice, and treated widi stirring with sodium borohydride (0.3 lg, 8.2 mmol) portionwise over lh. The mixture was dien basified wid sodium hydroxide solution, diluted widi water (100 ml), and extracted with chloroform. The extract was dried (Na.SO 4 ) and evaporated to yield the title compound (1.95g, 96%) as a brown solid. Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm):8.43 (s, IH), 6.72 (s, IH), 5.53 (m, IH), 4.05 (m, 4H), 3.14 (t, 2H), 2.92 (m, 2H), 2.55 (m, 4H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.25 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H). Description 69 6-Acetyl- -methyl-23.7.8-tetrahydrospiro[4H-pyrano[23--]indole-4,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from l-acetyl-6-bromo-2,3-dihydro-5-[2-(l-mc_hyl-l,2,3,6-tetrahydro- 4-pyridyl)ethoxy]-lH-indole (D68), following the procedure of Description 8b. This gave, after extensive purification, the title compound as a brown oil. Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.96 (s, IH), 6.86 (s, IH), 4.40 (dt, IH), 4.07 (t, 2H), 3.6 (m, 3H), 3.17 (t, 2H), 3.0 (m, IH), 2.80 (s, 3H), 2.7 (m, 2H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 1.95 (m, 5H). Description 70 -Methyl-23,7,8-tetrahydrospiro[4H-pyrano[23-f|indole-4,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from 6-acetyl-r-methyl-2,3,7,8-te_rahydrospiro[4H-pyr__ιo[2,3- f]indole-4,4'-piperidine] (D69), following the procedure of Description 8c. This gave the tide compound (70%) as a brown oil. 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 6.79 (s, IH), 6.48 (s, IH), 4.30 (dt, IH), 3.55 (m, 3H), 3.11 (m, IH), 2.99 (t, 2H), 2.89 (m, IH), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.2 (m, 2H), 1.7-2.0 (m, 4H), 1.57 (m, IH), 1.34 (m, IH), 0.85 (m, IH). Description 71 N'-Acetyl 4-bromo-3-.net hylbenzoic hydrazide 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzoic hydrazide (D30, 7.5g) was suspended in acetic anhydride (7 ml) giving rise to an exothermic reaction. The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the product collected. The solid was washed with ethanol and diediyl etiier to afford the title compound as a white powder (5.5g). * H NMR (250 MHz,d _ ) MSO) δ (ppm): 7.89 (d, IH), 7.79 (d, IH), 7.68 (dd, IH), 3.36 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H). Description 72 2-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-methyl-13,4-thiadiazole N'-acetyl-4-bromo-3-methylbenzoic hydrazide (D71, 3g) was convened to the crude tide compound (1.6g) according to the literature method (P.B. Rasmussen et al. Bull. Soc. Chim. Fr., 1985, 62-65). Description 73 2'-Methyl-4'-(5-methyl-13 * 4-thiadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl -4-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared from 2-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-methyl- 1,3,4- diiadiazole (D72) using the general procedure of Description 11. This was used in the next step without purification. Description 74 N-[2-(13-Dioxolan-2-yl)propyl]-4-bromo-3-methylbenzamide A stirred suspension of 4-bromo-3-methylbenzoic acid (2.15g, 10 mmol) in thionyl chloride (15 ml) was heated under reflux for 1 hour, then concentrated in vacuo to leave the acid chloride as a red oil. This was dissolved in dichloromethane (20 ml) and added dropwise to a stirred solution of 2-(l,3-dioxalan-2-yl)propylamine (J. Org. Chem., 1972, 37, 221 ) (2.34g, 20 mmole) and triethylamine (2.8 ml, 20 mmole) in a mixture of dichloromediane (150 ml) and dry THF (50 ml) at 0°C under argon. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temp, and stir for 18 hours, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was dissolved in dichloromediane, washed widi 1M HCl, then dilute K.CO, solution and water, then dried (Na,SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the title compound as a yellow solid (2.8g, 89%). ■ H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.67 (d IH), 7.60 (d, IH), 7.42 (dd, IH), 6.32 (br t, IH), 4.06-3.96 (m, 4H), 3.61 (d, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 1.39 (s, 3H). Description 75 2-(4-Bromo-3-nr_ethylphenyl)-5-methyloxazole N-[2-( 1 ,3-Dioxolan-2-yl)propyl]-4-bromo-3-methylbenzamide (D74, 2.8g, 8.9 mmole) was added ponionwise over 5 minutes to well stirred polyphosphoric acid (50g) at 120°C under argon, d en heated at 160°C for 35 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool, dien treated widi water (200 ml) and stirred weU to dissolve the glassy mass. The mixture was extracted widi ethyl acetate and the extract washed widi 10% Na.CO, solution and water, d en dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting widi 1:1 edιer/60-80 petrol to afford the tide compound as a pale yellow solid (2.0g, 89%). Η NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.87 (s, IH), 7.66 (dd, IH), 7.58 (d, IH), 6.82 (s, IH), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H). Description 76 2'-Methyl-4'-(5-methyloxazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared from 2-(4-bromo-3-medιylphenyl)-5-medιyloxazole (D75) using a similar procedure to Description 11 as a white solid (86%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.02 (d, 2H), 7.88 (s, IH), 7.83 (d, IH), 7.51 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, IH), 7.02 (s, IH), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H). Description 77 (4-Broπ_o-3-methylphenyl)butane-13-dione A solution of 4-bromo-3-methylacetophenone (D18) (2g, 0.0093 mol) in dry toluene (28 ml) was treated under argon widi sodium hydride (80% dispersion in mineral oil) (0.28g, 0.0093 mol) and ediyl acetate (1.37 mis, 0.014 mol), followed by one drop of ethanol. The mixture was heated to reflux with stirring for 1 hour dien cooled. Brine was added and d e mixture was extracted into ediyl acetate, the organic phase was dried (Na.SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo, and the residual crude mixture was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with dichloromediane and medianol, to afford the titie compound as a yellow solid (623 mg, 26%). l H NMR (enol form) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 16.1 (s, IH), 7.75 (s, IH), 7.6 (d, IH), 7.52 (d, IH), 6.15 (s, IH), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.2 (s, 3H). Description 78 5-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-3-methylisoxazole A solution of l-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)butane-l,3-dione (D77) (615 mg; 0.0024 mol) in ethanol (15 ml) was treated widi hydroxylamine hydrochloride (170 mg; 0.0024 mol) and potassium carbonate (336 mg; 0.0024 mol), and d e mixture heated at reflux for 2.5 hours, then overnight at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and d e residue partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried (Na_SO ) and concentrated in vacuo to leave die crude isoxazole, which was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with pentane, 60-80 petroleum-ether and ediyl acetate, to afford the title compound as a yellow crystalline material (477mg, 78%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.65-7.56 (m, 2H), 7.4 (d, IH), 6.35 (s, IH), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H). Description 79 2'-Methyl-4'-(3-methyli_oxa_ol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared from 5-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-3-methylisoxazole (D78) using a similar procedure to Description 11 (48%) as a yellow solid. Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.04-7.9 (m, 2H), 7.78 (s, IH), 7.7 (d, IH), 7.4-7.2 (m, 3H), 6.9 (s, IH), 2.4-2.2 (m, 6H). Description 80 4-Bromo- 3-methylbenzaldehyde A solution of N-methoxy-N-medιyl-4-bromo-3-medιylbenzamide (D17) (12g; 0.046 mol) in dry tetrahydrofuran (120 ml) under argon, at -78°C was treated dropwise over 15 minutes with diisobutylaluminium hydride (1.5m in toluene) (46 ml; 0.069 mol). After a further 15 minutes the reaction mixture was added to 5N HCl (100 ml) and extracted into diethyl ether. The organic phase was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the tide compound as a red oil (8.98g, 97%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.95 (s, IH), 7.76-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.55 (d, IH), 2.48 (s, 3H) Description 81 4-Broi_o-3-methylbenzaldehyde oxime A solution of 4-bromo-3-methylbenzaldehyde (D80) (lg; 0.005 mol) in methanol (20 ml) was treated wid hydroxylamine hydrochloride (700 mg, 0.01 mol) and die mixture stood at room temperature over a weekend. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and d e residual solid was partitioned between saturated K.CO, solution and ediyl acetate. The organic phase was dried (Na_SO 4 ), concentrated in vacuo and the residue purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting widi 60-80 petroleum-ether and ediyl acetate, to afford die title compound as a pale pink powder (693 mg, 20%). Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.15 (br s, IH), 7.8 (s, IH), 7.67 (d, IH), 7.59 (d, IH), 7.32 (s, IH), 2.43 (s, 3H). Description 82 3-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazole A solution of 4-bromo-3-methylbenzaldehyde oxime (D81) (2.68g, 0.0125 mol) in dry dimethylformamide (30 ml) was treated over 15 minutes wid N-bromosuccinimide (636 mg, 0.00357 mol), and reaction mixture stirred for 2.5 hours, then cooled to -15°C. 2- Chloropropene (3.45 ml, 0.0405 mol) was added in a single portion, followed by dropwise addition of triediylamine (1.35 ml, 0.0097 mol) in dry ώmetiiylforrnamide (10 ml) over 0.5 hours maintaining die temp, at -10°C. The mixture was stirred at 0°C for 1 hour, then stirred at room temperature overnight. The solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between K.CO, solution and chloroform. The organic phase was dried (Na,SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with 60-80 petroleum-ether and ethyl acetate, to afford the title compound (246 mg, 8%). Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.68 (s, IH), 7.6 (d, IH), 7.43 (d, IH), 6.26 (s, IH), 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H). Description 83 2'-Methyl-4 ' -(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound was prepared from 3-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-methylisoxazolc (D82) using a similar procedure to Description 11 (57%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, d _ MSO) δ (ppm): 13.05 (br s, IH), 8.04 (d, 2H), 7.82 (s, IH), 7.75 (d, IH), 7.52 (d, 2H), 7.36 (d, IH), 6.81 (s, IH), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.3 (s, 3H). Description 84 (4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl) pyrazine A stirred solution of diisopropylamine (2.44 ml, 0.018 mol) in dry THF (40 ml) under argon was treated with n-butyllithium (1.6M) (10.1 ml, 0.016 mol) at -60°C. After 15 minutes die resultant mixture was treated widi metiiyl phenyl sulphoxide (1.68g, 0.014 mol) in dry THF (15 ml). After a further 15 minutes a solution of N-methyl-N-methoxy- 4-bromo-3-me_ιyl-ben_amide (D17) (3.00g, 0.012 mol) in dry THF (30 ml) was added dropwise and d e reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 2h and was left stirring at room temp, for 18h, before 10% sodium carbonate solution (50 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was then concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between water and dichloromediane. The aqueous layer was then extracted wid dichloromethane (IX) and die combined organic layers were dried (Na_SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give an orange oil which was dried in vacuo (3.60g). The oil was then redissolved in dichloromediane (70 ml) and was cooled to 0°C under argon. Trifluoroacetic acid (0.960 ml, 0.013 mol) was dien added, followed by trifluoroacetic anhydride (3.53 ml, 0.025 mol). After 30 minutes, the reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to give an orange oil. A solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate (3.70g, 0.044 mol) in water (75 ml) was then added, followed by edianol (250 ml). Ediylene diamine (0.840 ml, 0.013 mol) was dien added to d e resultant stirred suspension. After 18 h, die reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and the residue was partitioned between dichloromediane and water. The aqueous layer was then extracted with dichloromediane, and die combined organic layers were dried (Na,SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a dark red oil, which was dried in vacuo (3.65g). The oil was then redissolved in edianol (80 ml) and was treated with potassium hydroxide (0.703g, 0.013 mol). The resultant solution was then heated to reflux. After 24h, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool and was evaporated under reduced pressure to give a dark oil, which was partitioned between dichloromediane and water. The organic layer was dien dried (Na_.SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a dark brown oil, which was purified by silica-gel chromatography (20% Et j O/pentane as eluant) to give the tide compound as a pale yellow solid (0.583g, 21%). l H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.00 (s, IH), 8.62 (d, IH), 8.51 (d, IH), 7.90 (s, IH), 7.70 (s, 2H), 2.50 (s, 3H). Description 85 2'-Methyl-4'-pyrazinylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (4-Bromo-3-med ylphenyl) pyrazine (D84, 0.300g, 1.21 mmol) was converted to give the tide compound (0.279g, 88%) as a white solid, according to the method described in Description 11. Η NMR (250 MHz, CD,SOCD,) δ (ppm): 9.30 (d, IH), 8.72 (d, IH), 8.62 (d, IH), 8.12 (s, IH), 8.05 (m, 3H), 7.52 (d, 2H), 7.41 (d, IH), 2.31 (s, 3H) Description 86 Methyl 2'-πιethyl-4'-pyrazinylbiphenyl-4-carboxylate Thionyl chloride (0.076 ml, 1.043 mmol) was added to medianol (7 ml) at 0°C. After 15 minutes, 2'-me_ιyl-4 , -pyr_zinylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D85, 0.216g, 0.745 mmol) was added and the mixture was heated to reflux. After 5 h, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool and was left at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was dien evaporated under reduced pressure and die residue was partitioned between dichloromediane (25 ml) and 10% sodium carbonate solution (20 ml). The aqueous layer was then extracted widi dichloromediane (1 x 10 ml), and d e combined organic layers were then dried (Na,SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the tide compound as a yellow/brown solid (0.146g, 65%). Η NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.10 (s, IH), 8.68 (t, IH), 8.52 (d, IH), 8.13 (d, 2H), 8.00 (s, IH), 7.90 (dd, IH), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.40 (d, IH), 3.98 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H). Description 87 Methyl 4-bromo-3-methylbenzimidate hydrochloride 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzonitrile (15.0g, 76.5 mmol) was dissolved in dry metiianol (3.1 ml, 76.5 mmol) and dry diethyl etiier (108 ml), cooled to 0-5°, then saturated widi HCl (g). Stirred for 18 hours at room temperature and die solid collected by filtration, then dried in vacuo to yield the title compound as white needle-like crystals (19.3g, 95%). l H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 12.7 (s, IH), 12.0 (s, IH), 8.35 (d, IH), 8.05-8.00 (m, IH), 7.70 (d, IH), 4.55 (s, 3H), 2.50 (s, 3H). Description 88 2-(4-Bromo-3-methy_phenyl)imidazole Methyl 4-bromo-3-methylbcnziπ_date hydrochloride (D87, 5.0g; 21.9 mmol) was dissolved in methanol (30 ml) and stirred during the addition of a solution of 2- aminoacetaldehyde dimediyl acctal (2.4 ml; 21.9 mmol) in metiianol (10 ml) over 30 minutes. Stirring was continued for 36 hours and evaporated in vacuo to yield an orange gum (7g crude). This crude hydrochloride was treated with cone. H.SO 4 (12 ml) at 5°, then heated at 50° for 10 minutes. The solution was cooled in ice, diluted with H_O and basified with 10% NaOH. The aqueous solution was extracted wid chloroform (4 times) and die organics combined, dried over Na.SO 4 , filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash silica gel chromatography eluting with 1% MeOH/CHCl, to yield die tide compound as a white solid (1.55g; 44%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.70 (d, IH), 7.55-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.15 (s, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H). Description 89 2-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyI)-l-methylimidazole 2-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)imidazole (D88, 900 mg; 3.8 mmol) was dissolved in dry THF (30 ml) under argon and treated widi sodium hydride (114 mg of an 80% dispersion in mineral oil; 3.8 mmol). After stirring for 30 minutes, iodomethane (237 ul; 3.8 mmol) was added and stirring continued for 18 hours. Evaporated in vacuo, die residue partitioned between water and CHCl,, the organic phase then dried over Na,SO 4 , filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash silica gel chromatography using CHC1, as eluant to yield d e title compound as a clear, colourless gum (600 mg; 63%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.60-7.50 (m, 2H), 7.30-7.20 (m, IH), 7.10 (s, IH), 6.95 (s, IH), 3.75 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H). Description 90 2'-Methyl-4'-(l-methylimidazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid 2-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-l-methylimidazole (D89, 600 mg, 2.39 mmol) was dissolved in dimethoxyethane (15 ml) and H_O (15 ml) and treated wid 4-boronobenzoic acid (397 mg, 2.39 mmol), sodium carbonate (l.Olg, 9.56 mmol), tetrakis (t_iphenylphosphine)palla_ium (O) (60 mg) and heated at reflux for 36 hours. The dimethoxyethane was removed in vacuo, the aqueous residue treated widi 10% Na_CO, (approx. 10 ml) and washed with ediyl acetate. The aqueous phase was acidified widi 5N HCl and the solid that formed collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to yield die tide compound as an off-white solid (620 mg, 89%). * H NMR (250 MHz, d __ MSO) δ (ppm): 8.10-8.00 (m, 3H), 7.95-7.75 (m, 3H), 7.65-7.50 (m, 3H), 4.00 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H) Description 91 (4-Brom_-3-methylbenzylidene)methylamine 4-Bromo-3-methylbenzaldehyde (D80, 3.7g, 18.6 mmol) was treated widi mediylamine in ethanol (33%, 100 ml) followed by 4Λ molecular sieves and solid potassium carbonate (approx 4g) and the mixture stirred for 72 hours. Solvent was removed in vacuo, the residue suspended in chloroform, and die solid removed by filtration. The filtrate was evaporated in vacuo to yield d e tide compound as a red liquid (3.15g, 80%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.20 (s, IH), 7.65-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.40-7.30 (m, IH), 3.50 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H). Description 92 5-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-l-methylimidazole (4-Bromo-3-methylbenzylidene)medιylaπιine (D91, 2.15g, 10.1 mmol) was dissolved in dry DME (30 ml) and metiianol (70 ml) containing tosylmethylisocyanide (3.0g; 15.4 mmol) and this solution was treated widi potassium carbonate (2.8g, 20.3 mmol). The whole was heated at reflux for 48 hours, cooled and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was partitioned between brine and chloroform (3 times), and d e organics combined and dried over Na_SO 4 . The organics were filtered and evaporated in vacuo dien die residue purified by flash silica gel chromatography (with chloroform as eluant) to yield die title compound as an orange gum ( 1.52g, 60%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.60 (d, IH), 7.50 (s, IH), 7.25 (s, IH), 7.10-7.00 (m, 2H), 3.65 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H). Description 93 2 , -Methyl-4'-(l-methylimida_ol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid 5-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-l-medιylimidazole (D92, 1.52g, 6.1 mmol) was dissolved in DME (50 ml) and water (50 ml), then treated with 4-boronobenzoic acid (l.Og, 6.1 mmol), sodium carbonate (2.57g, 24.2 mmol) and tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (O) (100 mg). The mixture was heated at reflux (48 hours), cooled and die DME removed in vacuo. The aqueous residue was treated with 10% Na_CO, (approx 30 ml), dien washed with ethyl acetate. The aqueous phase was acidified with 5N HCl and the solid that precipitated was collected by filtration. This solid was dried in vacuo to yield die title compound as a white solid (600 mg, 34%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 9.20 (s, IH), 8.05 (d, 2H), 7.85 (s, IH), 7.60-7.40 (m, 5H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H). Description 94 Methyl 4'-(5-hydroxymethyl-l^,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylate 3-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyl)-l,2,4-oxa_iazol-5-ylmethanol (EP 0533268A1) (l.Og, 3.7 mmol) was reacted wid 4-boronobenzoic acid using similar conditions to Description 11 to afford 4'-(5-hydroxyme_ιyl-l_l,4-oxa_ia_ol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid. This was dissolved in methanol (70 ml), treated wid cone, sulphuric acid (2 ml) and heated under reflux for 4 hours. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and die residue basified widi 10% Na,CO, solution and extracted widi ediyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to afford die tide compound (0.76g, 68%). ■ H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.12 (d, 2H), 8.04 (s, IH), 7.96 (d, IH), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.35 (d, IH), 5.00 (s, 2H), 3.96 (s, 3H), 3.0 (brs, IH), 2.33 (s, 3H). Description 95 Methyl 4*-t5-(t-butyldimethyIsilyloxy)-l^,4-oxadiazol-3-yI]-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carboxylate A stirred solution of methyl 4'-(5-hydroxymethyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- carboxylate (D94, 0.5 lg, 1.8 mmole) in dichloromediane (30 ml) was treated widi triediylamine (0.50 ml, 3.6 mmole), followed by a solution of t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (0.29g, 1.8 mmole) in dichloromediane (5 ml), and 4 -dimethylaminopyridine (29 mg). The solution was left at room temp, for 14 h, then additional t-butyldimethylsilyl chloride (0.1 lg, 0.7 mmole) and triethylamine (0.20 ml) were added and reaction left at room temp, for 4 days. The solution was washed rapidly with 0.5M HCl acid, then 10% Na_CO, solution, dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 10% ether/60-80 petrol to afford the tide compound as a white solid (0.61g, 78%). Description 96 4-Bromo-3-methylphenylamidrazone Metiiyl 4-bromo-3-methylbenzimidate hydrochloride (D87, 24.6g, 0.093 mole) was partitioned between ether (150 ml) and aqueous sodium hydroxide (5%, 160 ml). The organic layer was washed widi water, dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo. To die residue was added hydrazine hydrate (4.51 ml, 0.093 mole) in ether (15 ml) and edianol (75 ml). The solvent was concentrated in vacuo to afford die tide compound as a soUd (6g, 28%). ■ H NMR (250 MHz, d DMSO +D 2 O) δ (ppm): 8.05 (d, IH), 7.75 (dd, IH), 7.60 (d, IH), 2.40 (s, 3H). Description 97 3-(4-Bro_no-3-methylphenyl)-l,2,4-tria_ane Aqueous glyoxal (14 ml) was heated to 80°C and added to a suspension of 4-bromo-3- mediylphenylamidrazone (D96, lOg, 0.044 mole) in water (50 ml). The mixture was heated at 70°C for 15 min, cooled and filtered. The solid was suspended in metiianol and stirred at ambient temperature for 72 hours. The mixture was filtered through kieselguhr and die filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on sUica gel eluting with 10% ethanol/chloroform to give the tide compound as a yellow solid (2.36g, 22%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.20 (d, IH), 8.70 (d, IH), 8.45 (d, IH), 8.20 (d, IH), 7.70 (d, IH), 2.50 (s, 3H). Description 98 2'-Methyl-4'-(l,2,4-tria_in-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid 3-(4-Bromo-3-medιylphenyl)-l,2,4-triazine (D97, lg, 0.004 mole) was converted to d e tide compound (260 mg, 22%) by the method of Example 11. Η NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 13.1 (br s, IH), 9.40 (d, IH), 8.95 (d, IH), 8.45 (s, IH), 8.35 (dd, IH), 8.05 (d, 2H), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, IH), 2.40 (s, 3H). Description 99 4-(2-(2-Iodophenoxy)ethyl)pyridine A stirred solution of 2-iodophenol (8.8g, 0.040 mole), triphenylphosphine (10.5g, 0.040 mole) and 2-(4-pyridyl)ethanol (D65, 5.5g, 0.045 mole) in THF (200 ml) at 0°C under argon was treated wid a solution of diethyl azodicarboxylate (6.3 ml, 0.040 mole) in THF (30 ml). The solution was allowed to warm to room temp, and stirred for 4 h, then concentrated in vacuo and the residue treated widi 10% Na_CO, solution (80 ml) and extracted widi ediyl acetate (2 x 80 ml). The combined organic was extracted widi 1M HCl acid (150 ml), tiien die acid extract basified by addition of potassium carbonate and extracted widi ediyl acetate (2 x 100 ml). The combined extract was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to leave a brown oil, which was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 0 to 15% ediyl acetate/ether to afford die title compound as a colourless oil (9.3g, 72%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.58-8.51 (m, 2H), 7.76 (dd, IH), 7.40-7.22 (m, 3H), 6.82-6.68 (m, 2H), 4.23 (t, 2H), 3.15 (t, 2H). Description 100 4-(2-(2-Iodophenoxy)ethyI)-l-methyl-133,6-tetrahydropyridine A solution of 4-(2-(2-iodophenoxy)etiιyl)pyridine (D99, 8.28g, 0.025 mole) in acetone (220 ml) was treated wid iodomediane (3.7 ml, 0.059 mole) and kept at room temperature for 24 h, then concentrated in vacuo to leave the quaternary salt as a yellow oil. This was dissolved in a mixture of ethanol (50 ml) and water (50 ml), cooled to 0°C under argon and treated portionwise over 1 h with sodium borohydride (1.33g, 0.035 mole). The reaction mixture was kept at 0°C for a further 1 h, then treated with 10% NaOH solution (50 ml), diluted wid water (120 ml) and extracted with ediyl acetate (2 x 200 ml). The combined extract was dried (Na_SO 4 ), concentrated in vacuo to leave an orange oil, which was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 0 - 10% methanol/chloroform to afford die tide compound as a yellow oil (6.19g, 72%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.76 (dd, IH), 7.28 (dt, IH), 6.79 (dd, IH), 6.70 (dt, IH), 5.57 (m, IH), 4.09 (t, 2H), 3.00-2.90 (m, 2H), 2.65-2.48 (m, 4H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 232- 2.20 (m, 2H). Description 101 23-Dihydro- -methylspirol4H-benzopyran-4,4'-piperidine] A stirred solution of 4-(2-(2-iodophenoxy)ethyl)-l -methyl- 1, 2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (DlOO, 6.3g, 0.018 mole) and AIBN (50 mg) in benzene (700 ml) was heated to reflux under argon, then treated dropwise over 1 h widi a solution of tributyltin hydride (9.7 ml, 0.036 mole) in benzene (100 ml). The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for a further 3 h after completing die addition, then more tributyltin hydride (3.8 ml, 0.014 mole) and AIBN (30 mg) were added and heating under reflux was continued for 4 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool, then concentrated in vacuo and die residue treated wid 2M HCl acid (150 ml), washed wid ediyl acetate (100 ml), basified widi potassium carbonate and extracted widi ediyl acetate (2 x 100 ml). The combined extract was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to leave a yellow oil, which was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 0 to 2% methanol/chloroform to afford die tide compound (23g of approx. 86% purity, 51%). ■ H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.38 (dd, IH), 7.08 (dt, IH), 6.90 (dt, IH), 6.79 (dd, IH), 4.18-4.10 (m, 2H), 2.83-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.45-2.25 (m, 4H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.05-1.95 (m, 2H), 1.70-1.55 (m, 2H). Description 102 23-Dihydro-l'-ethoxycarbonylspiro[4H-benzopyran-4,4 , -piperidine] A stirred solution of 2,3-dihydro- -methylspiro[4H-benzopyran-4,4'-piperidine] (D101, l.Og, 0.0046 mole) and diisopropylethylamine (1.2 ml, 0.0070 mole) in dichloroethane (20 ml) was treated widi 1-chloroethyl chloroformate (0.64 ml, 0.0060 mole) and kept at room temp, for 1 h followed by 20 mins at reflux. The solution was then concentrated in vacuo and the residue treated with methanol (20 ml) and heated under reflux for 2 h. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo to leave a beige solid, which was dissolved in dichloromethane (50 ml) and THF (10 ml) and treated with triethylamine (0.84 ml, 0.0060 mole) followed by ediyl chloroformate (0.44 ml, 0.0046 mole). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, then treated with 10% Na_CO 3 solution (20 ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 40 ml). The combined extract was dried (Na j SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 1:1 edιer/60-80 petrol to afford the title compound as a yellow oil (1.3g, 100%). • H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.25 (dd, IH), 7.10 (dt, IH), 6.90 (dt, IH), 6.80 (dd, IH), 4.25-4.00 (m, 6H), 2.98 (br t, 2H), 2.10-1.92 (m, 4H), 1.70-1.53 (m, 2H), 1.28 (t, 3H). Description 103 23-D>hydro-l'-ethoxycarbonyl-6-and 8-nitrospiro[4H-benzopyran-4,4'piperidine] A stirred solution of 2,3-dihydro-r-edioxycarbonylspiror4H-benzopyran-4,4'-piperidine] (D102, 13g, 0.0046 mole) in acetic anhydride (30 ml) at 0°C under argon was treated portionwise over 15 minutes with copper (II) nitrate hcmipentahydrate (1.16g, 0.0050 mole). The reaction mixture was kept at 0°C for a total of 1.5h, then allowed to warm to room temperature over 0.5h. The mixture was poured into water/ice (300 ml) and basified by careful addition of potassium carbonate, then extracted widi ethyl acetate (2 x 100 ml). The combined extract was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to afford an orange oil (1.5g, 100%), which was approximately a 1:1 mixture of 6- and 8-nitro isomers. This was used widiout purification. 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.24 (d, IH 6-isomcr), 8.00 (dd, IH 6-isomer), 7.64 (dd, IH 8-isomer), 7.52 (dd, IH 8-isomer), 6.98 (t, IH 8-isomer), 6.90 (d, IH 6-isomer), 4.35-4.05 (m, 6H), 3.00 (br t, 2H), 2.25-1.95 (m, 4H), 1.75-1.60 (m, 2H), 1.35-1.22 (m, 3H). Description 104 6-Amino-23-dihydro- -ethoxycarbonylspiro[4H-benzopyran-4,4'-piperidine] A solution of 2,3-dihydro- -ethoxycarbonyl-6- and 8-nitrospiro[4H-benzopyran-4,4'- piperidine] (D103, 1.5g, 0.0046 mole) in ethanol (100 ml) was hydrogenated over 10% Pd-C (300 mg) at atmospheric temperature and pressure until uptake of hydrogen ceased. The catalyst was removed by filtration through kieselguhr and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The mixture of 6- and 8-amino isomers was separated by chromatography on silica gel eluting with etiier to afford die 6-amino compound as the lower rf component (420 mg, 32%). l H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 6.66 (d, IH), 6.60 (d, IH), 6.50 (dd, IH), 4.25-4.00 (m, 4H), 4.17 (q, 2H), 3.45 (br s, 2H), 2.98 (br t, 2H), 2.08-1.88 ( , 4H), 1.70-1.55 (m, 2H), 1.30 (t, 3H). Description 105 6-Amino-23-dihydro- -methylspiro[4H-benzopyran-4,4'-piperidine] A stirred suspension of litiiium aluminium hydride (76 mg, 0.0020 mole) in THF (15 ml) at 0°C under argon was treated with a solution of 6-amino-2,3-dihydro-r- ethoxycarbonylspiro[4H-ben_opyran-4,4'-pipcridine] (D104, 300 mg, 0.0010 mole) in THF (5 ml). The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temp, and stir for 1.5 h, d en treated wid more lithium aluminium hydride (38 mg, 0.0010 mole) suspended in THF (5 ml). The mixture was heated under reflux for 0.75 h, dien cooled in an ice bad. and treated with water (0.10 ml), 10% NaOH solution (0.10 ml) and water (0.30 ml). The resulting mixture was filtered through kieselguhr and d e filtrate concentrated in vacuo to afford the tide compound as a yellow oil (200 mg, 84%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 6.73 (d, IH), 6.65 (d, IH), 6.48 (dd, IH), 4.10-4.00 (m, 2H), 3.3 (br s, 2H), 2.85-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 230-1.90 (m, 6H), 1.75-1.53 (m, 2H). Description 106 23-Dihydro-r-methylspiro[4H-pyrano[23-g]quinoline-4,4' piperidine] A stirred suspension of 6-amino-2,3-dihydro- 1 -methylspiro[4H-benzopyran- 4,4'piperidine] (D105, 330 mg, 0.0014 mole) in glycol (1 ml) at room temperature was treated with a catalytic amount of iodine (7 mg) and concentrated sulphuric acid (0.5 ml). An exodiermic reaction took place, which was well controlled and required no cooling. The reaction mixture was then heated to 175°C for 2 hrs and allowed to cool to 100°C before water (20 ml) was added. The mixture was basified with 5M sodium hydroxide and then extracted widi ethyl acetate (3 x 100 ml). The combined extracts were dried (Na.SO.) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with 25-30% methanol dichloromed ane to afford die title compound as a white solid (150 mg, 39%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.73 (dd, IH), 8.16 (s, IH), 7.98 (d, IH), 7.28 (dd, IH), 7.16 (s, IH), 4.26 (dd, 2H), 2.83 (br dd, 2H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 235-2.15 (m, 6H), 1.79 (br d, 2H). Description 107 23,6,7,8,9-Hexahydro-l'-methylspiro[4H pyrano[23-g]quinoIine-4,4' piperidine] A solution of 2,3-dihydro- -methylspiror4H-pyranof2,3-g]quinoline-4,4' piperidine] (D 106, 150 mg, 0.0006 mole) in ethanol (50 ml) and glacial acetic acid (2 ml) was hydrogenated over PtO 2 (35 mg) at 50 psi for 2 days. The catalyst was removed by filtration through kieselguhr and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with 30% MeOH dichloromediane with 1% ammonia solution to afford the tide compound (150 mg, 99%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CD,OD) δ (ppm): 6.59 (s, IH), 6.41 (s, IH), 4.05 (dd, 2H), 3.45-3.15 (m, 6H), 2.91 (s, 3H), 2.69 (t, 2H), 2.37 (td, 2H), 2.05 (dd, 2H), 2.00-1.79 (m, 4H). Description 108 l-Ethyl-133,6-tetrahydropyridine-4-methanol The tide compound was prepared from 4-pyridylcarbinol and iodoed ane following a similar procedure to tiiat described for the 1-medιyl analogue in J. Med. Chem., 1988, 31, 545 (92%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 5.63 (m, IH), 4.00 (s, 2H), 3.14 (br s, IH), 2.97 (m, 2H), 2.58 (t, 2H), 2.50 (q, 2H), 2.18 (m, 2H), 1.13 (t, 3H). Description 109 l'-Ethyl-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from l-acetyl-6-bromo-23-dihyd_o-lH-indol-5-ol (Tetrahedron, 1973, 29 (8), 1115) and 1 -ethyl- l^,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-4-methanol (D108), following the procedure of Description 8 (alternative preparation), steps a), b), and c). This gave the title compound (overall yield: 45%) as a fine grey powder. • H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 6.61 (s, IH), 6.48 (s, IH), 4.32 (s, 2H), 3.53 (t, 2H), 2.96 (m, 4H), 2.45 (q, 2H), 1.98 (m, 4H), 1.73 (m, 2H), 1.12 (t, 3H). Description 110 2-(4-Bromophenyl)-5-methyl-13 * 4-oxadiazoIe The titie compound was prepared from 4-bromobenzoic hydrazide and triediyl orthoacetate following a similar procedure to that of Description 35, to afford fine white crystals (77%). Η NMR (250 MHz, CDCL,) δ (ppm): 7.92 (d, 2H), 7.67 (d, 2H), 2.63 (s, 3H). Description 111 4 , -(5-Methyl-13 4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The tide compound was prepared from a stirred solution of 2-(4-bromophenyl)-5-methyl- 1,3,4-oxadiazole (DUO) and 4-boronobenzoic acid using a similar procedure to Description 11, as a white crystalline solid (68%). l H NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.10 (d, 2H), 8.06 (d, 2H), 7.98 (d, 2H), 7.89 (d, 2H), 2.62 (s, 3H). Description 112 4'-(5-Methoxymethyl-l»2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid The title compound was prepared from 3-(4-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-metiιoxyme_ιyl- 1,2,4-oxadiazole (EP 0533268A1) using a similar procedure to Description 1 1, as an off white solid (49%). l H NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 13.06 (br s, IH), 8.10-7.98 (m, 3H), 7.94 (dd, IH), 7.55 (d, 2H), 7.45 (d, IH), 4.87 (s, 2H), 3.45 (s, 3H), 2.34 (s, 3H). Description 113 4'-(43-D«hydrooxazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid This was prepared from 2-(4-bromo-3-mediylphenyl)-4,5-dihydrooxazole (WO94/15920- Al) using the procedure of Description 11. This gave the title compound (85%) as a white powder. ■ H NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.02 (d, 2H), 7.7-7.9 (m, 2H), 7.52 (d, 2H), 7.36 (d, IH), 4.49 (t, 2H), 4.01 (t, 2H), 2.29 (s, 3H). Description 114 Methyl 4'-(43-dihydrooxazol-2-yI)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylate 4'-(4,5-Dihydrooxazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (Dl 13) (0.92g, 3.3 mmol) was stirred under Ar in dry DMF (20 ml), and sodium hydride (80% in mineral oil, 0.15g, 5.0 mmol) was added. This mixture was stirred for 30 min, and then treated widi iodomediane (0.22 ml, 3.5 mmol). After a further 15 min, die mixture was diluted widi ediyl acetate (200 ml), washed witii water and brine, dried (Na^SO,) and evaporated. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with 0-2% methanol/dichlorometiiane. This gave the title compound (0.15g, 15%) as a white solid. l H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.10 (d, 2H), 7.89 (s, IH), 7.82 (d, IH), 7.41 (d, 2H), 7.27 (d, IH), 4.47 (t, 2H), 4.08 (t, 2H), 3.94 (s, 3H), 230 (s, 3H). Description 115 4 , -Amino-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid This compound was prepared from 4-bromo-3-medιylaniline, following the procedure of Description 11. This gave the tide compound (91 ) as a mauve powder. Η NMR (250 MHz, dtMSO) δ (ppm): 7.93 (d, 2H), 739 (d, 2H), 6.93 (d, IH), 6.50 ( , 2H), 2.16 (s, 3H). Description 116 4'-(2-Chloroaceta_nido)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid 4'-Amino-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D115, 2.45g, 10.8 mmol) and triediylamine (3.8 ml, 273 mmol) were stirred in dichloromediane (50 ml) as chloroacetyl chloride (1.05 ml, 13.2 mmol) was added dropwise. This mixture was stirred for 3 h, when water (20 ml) was added. After vigorous stirring for 15 min and basification widi potassium carbonate solution, the mixture was separated. The aqueous portion was washed widi dichloromediane, and acidified widi cone, hydrochloric acid. The precipitated solid was filtered off and dried, giving the tide compound (133g, 40%) as a grey powder. Η NMR (250 MHz, d *D MSO) δ (ppm): 13.0 (vb), 1038 (s, IH), 8.00 (d, 2H), 7.55 (m, 2H), 7.46 (d, 2H), 7.21 (d, IH), 4.27 (s, 2H), 2.23 (s, 3H). Description 117 5-(4-Brorno-3-rnethylphenyl)-2-furaldehyde Using a metiiod similar to that of Davis and Lougheed (J. Het. Chem. 1976, 4(1), 153-4), 4-_romo-3-me_ιylaniline (20g, 0.107 mol) was converted to die titie compound as an orange powder (2.93g, 10%). * H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.64 (s, IH), 7.7 (s, IH), 7.6 (d, IH), 7.48 (d, IH), 7.3 (d, IH), 6.82 (d, IH), 2.45 (s, 3H). Description 118 5-(4-Brorno-3-methylphenyl)-2-methylfuran Using a method similar to that of Oleinik et al (Khim-Farm. Zh., 1971 5(7) 19-22), 5-(4- bromo-3-methylphenyl-2-furaldehyde (Dl 17) (1.5g, 5.66 mmol) was converted to die tide compound as a yellow powder (1.12g, 79%). Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.55-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.29 (d, IH), 6.5 (d, IH), 6.06 (m, IH), 2.4 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H). Description 119 2'-Methyl-4'-(5-methylfuran-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid 5-(4-Bromo-3-methylphenyI)-2-methylfuran (Dl 18) (600 mg, 2.39 mmol) and 4- boronobenzoic acid (397 mg, 2.39 mmol) were converted to the tide compound using a metiiod similar to that of Description 11, as a pale yellow solid (207 mg, 30%). * H NMR (200 MHz, dt>MSO) δ (ppm): 13.0 (br s, IH), 8.0 (d, 2H), 7.65-7.44 (m, 4H), 7.25 (d, IH), 6.86 (d, IH), 6.2 (d, IH), 235 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H). Example 1 l , -Methyl-5-(2 , -methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l^,4-oxadiazoI-3.yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 23.6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _indole-3.4 ' -piperidine] A stirred solution of 2'-methyl-4'-(5-medιyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (EP 0533268A1) (36 mg, 0.12 mmol) in thionyl chloride (3 ml) was heated at reflux under argon for 20 minutes, then concentrated in vacuo to leave the acid chloride as a yellow solid. This was dissolved in dichloromethane (2 ml) and added to a stirred solution of l'-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indolc-3,4'-piperidine] (D8, 30 mg, 0.12 mmol) and triethylamine (0.06ml, 0.43 mmol) in dichloromediane (2 ml) and kept at room temperature for 3 days. The mixture was washed with aq K2CO3 solution and brine, dien dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 0 to 11% methanol dichloromethane to afford the tide compound as a colourless gum (19 mg, 30%). This was converted to its oxalate (mp 232"C) and hydrochloride (mp >250 β C) salts. *H NMR (oxalate salt) (400 MHz, d 6 DMSO) δ(ppm): 7.95-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.47 (d, 2H), 7.39 (d, IH), 6.72 (s, IH), 4.44 (s, 2H), 4.01 (t, 2H), 2.99 (t. 2H), 2.90 (m), 2.66 (m), 2.64 (s, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.02 (m, 2H), 1.84 (m, 2H) Example 2 23 ,6,7 -Hexahydro-l l -πιethyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l^,4-oxadiazol-3- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 2,3,5,6,7,8-hcxahydro-l -methylspiro[furo[2,3- g]quinoline-3,4 -piperidine] (D10), using a procedure similar to that of Example 1, in 87% yield. The oxalate salt was precipitated from acetone by addition of eti er, as a white powder. iH NMR (oxalate salt) (250MHz, d°DMSO) δ(ppm): 7.9 (m, 2H), 7.3 (m, 5H), 6.68 (s, IH), 6.5 (b, IH), 434 (s, 2H), 3.80 (m, 2H), 3.12 (m, 2H), 2.9-2.6 (m, 12H), 2.29 (s, 3H), 1.97 (t, 2H), 1.60 (m, 4H). Example 3 5-(2'-Methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l^,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] A stirred solution of -medιyl-5-(2'-medιyl-4'-(5-medιyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- ca_rbonyl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine] (El, 350 mg, 0.67 mmole) in 1 ,2-dichloroethane (15 ml) under argon was treated with diisopropylethylamine (0.14 ml, 0.80 mmole) and 1-chloroethyl chloroformate (0.09ml, 0.80 mmole). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h followed by lh at reflux temperature. Additional diisopropylethylamine (0.10 ml, 0.57 mmole) and 1-chloroedιyl chloroformate (0.06 ml, 0.53 mmole) was added and reaction maintained at reflux for a further 1 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and d e residue treated widi metiianol (20 ml) and heated under reflux for 1 h. The solution was concentrated in vacuo and d e residue treated widi cone. K2CO3 solution (25 ml) and chloroform (25 ml), shaken well and d e chloroform solution separated, dried ( a2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford die tide compound as a beige solid (340 mg, 100%). The hydrochloride salt was prepared from acetone/ether as a white solid mp 203-210° C. J H NMR (free base) (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.12 (br s, IH - low integration), 8.00 (s, IH), 7.95 (d, IH), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.43 (d, 2H), 7.35 (d, IH), 6.68 (s, IH), 4.45 (br s, 2H), 430-3.95 (br m, 4H), 3.40-3.15 (br, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.90-2.72 (br, 2H), 2.68 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.15-1.95 (br, 2H), 1.90-1.7° (br, 3H). Example 4 l , -Ethyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l^,4^ιxadiazol-3-yI)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23^,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _indole-3,4'-piperidine] A stirred solution of 5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-fJindole-3,4'-piperidine] (E3, 100 mg, 0.20 mmole) in glacial acetic acid (2 ml) at room temperature under argon was carefully treated with sodium borohydride pellets (50 mg, 1.3 mmole) and stirred for 24 h. Additional sodium borohydride pellets were added (50 mg, 1.3 mmole) and reaction mixture stirred at room temperature for a further 72 h. The reaction mixture was then treated widi water (20 ml), basified with 10% NaOH solution (20 ml) and extracted widi dichloromethane. The extract was dried (Na2SO4), concentrated in vacuo and die residue chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 3% MeOH/CHCl3. Crystallisation of the product from ethyl acetate/60-80 petrol afforded the tide compound as a white solid (55 mg, 52%) mp 202- 204° C. l U NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.17 (br s, IH - low integration), 8.00 (s, IH), 7.95 (d, IH), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.36 (d, IH), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br s, 2H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 3.10-2.80 (br m, 2H), 2.68 (s. 3H), 2.55-230 (br m, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.25-1.50 (br, m, 6H), 1.10 (br t, 3H) Example 5 l'-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 23 . 6,7-ιetr_hydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from 1 '-medιyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[ uro[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 2'-methyl-4'-(5-metiιyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl- 4-carboxylic acid (Di l) using a procedure similar to that of Example 1 (23%). This was converted to the oxalate salt which precipitated from acetone/ether as a white solid (mp 232-235 * C), and hydrochloride salt (mp >250"C). *H NMR (oxalate salt) (250 MHz, d 6 DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.98-7.80 (m, 3H), 7.72-7.65 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.49 (m, 3H), 6.80 (s, IH), 4.51 (s, 2H), 4.11-4.04 (m, 4H), 3.09-3.01 (m, 2H), 2.85-2.78 (m, 4H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.61-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H) Example 6 5-(4'-(5-Dimethylamino-l^,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-r- methyl-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from r-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3- πindole-S '-piperidine] (D8) and 4 , -(5-dimedιylamino-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D14) using a procedure similar to that of Example 1 (18%). This was converted to the oxalate salt, which precipitated from acetone/ether as a white solid. l H NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.15 (br s, IH), 7.96-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.32 (d, IH), 6.69 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.20-4.00 (br m, 2H), 3.24 (s, 6H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.97-2.77 (br m, 2H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 2.18-1.59 (br m, 6H) Example 7 r-Methyl-5-[4'-(5-methyl-i ,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23 _"]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from -mediyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3- fjindole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 4'-(5-metiιyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D15), using a procedure similar to mat of Example 1 (57%). !H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.17 (d, 3H), 7.79-7.62 (m, 6H), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.15-4.00 (br m, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 3.00-2.80 (br m, 2H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 2.48- 1.45 (br , 9H) Example 8 23-Dihydro-l'-methvl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] A stirred suspension of 2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (EP 0533268A1) (315 mg, 1.1 mmole) in diionyl chloride (10 ml) was heated under reflux for 0.5 h, then concentrated in vacuo to leave d e acid chloride as a yellow soUd. A stirred solution of 2,3-dihydro- -me_hylspiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D7, 260 mg, 1.1 mmole) in dry THF (10 ml) at room temperature under argon was treated with potassium t-butoxide (125 mg, 1.1 mmole) and stirred for 0.25 h, d en treated widi a solution of d e above acid chloride (1.1 mmole) in dry THF (5 ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2 h, then concentrated in vacuo and die residue treated with 10% Na2CO3 solution and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na2SO4), concentrated in vacuo and die residue chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 3% MeOH/CHCl3. The pale yellow oil obtained was further purified by preparative TLC on a silica gel plate eluting with 10% MeOH/CHCl3 to afford the tide compound (80 mg, 14%), which crystallised from ether mp 196-198° C. Ϊ H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.33 (s, IH), 8.03 (s, IH), 7.98 (d, IH), 7.80 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, IH), 7.29 (d, IH), 6.96 (s, IH), 6.54 (d, IH), 4.46 (s, 2H), 3.00-2.87 (m, 2H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.25-1.97 (m, 4H), 1.90-1.78 (m, 2H) Example 9 5-[4'-Cyano-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _indoie-3,4'-piperidine] A stirred suspension of 4'-cyano-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D16) (03g, 1.3 mmole) in dichloromediane (10 ml) at room temperature under argon was treated with oxalyl chloride (0.12 ml, 1.43 mmole), followed by DMF (1 drop). The mixture was stirred for 2h, then concentrated in vacuo to leave die acid chloride as a pale yellow solid. This was dissolved in dry THF (8 ml) and added to a stirred solution of 1 -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indo_e-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) (03g, 1.3 mmole) and triethylamine (0.35 ml, 2.6 mmole) in dry THF (10 ml) at 5° C under argon. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was taken up in 10% Na2CO3 solution (20 ml) and extracted widi EtOAc (2 x 30 ml). The combined extract was dried (Na2SO4) concentrated in vacuo and die residue chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 1 % methanol dichloromediane to give the tide compound (0.2g, 34%) as a white solid. *H NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.14 (br s, lH-low integration), 7.68-7.52 (m, 4H), 739-732 (m, 3H), 6.68 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.18-3.99 (br m, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.94-2.79 (br m, 2H), 2.31 (s, 6H), 2.12-1.71 (br m, 6H) Example 10 5-(4 , -Acetyl-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-r-methyl-23.6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 1 , -methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 4'-acetyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D19) using a procedure similar to that of Example 1 (35%). iH NMR (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.13 (br s, lH-low integration), 7.92-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.42-7.28 ( , 3H), 6.68 (s, IH), 4.40 (s, 2H), 4.20-4.00 (m, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.97-2.80 (m, 2H), 2.60 (s, 3H), 2.45-1.54 (m, 12H) Example 11 5-(4'-(l-(Methoxyamino)ethyl)-2 l -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-l , -methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiroff uro[23-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] Methoxylamine hydrochloride (0.06g, 0.7 mmol) was added to a stirred solution of potassium t-butoxide (0.06g, 0.5 mmol) in methanol (10 ml) under argon. After 20 minutes at room temperature, d e solution was treated with a solution of 5-(4'-acetyl-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'- piperidine] (E10, 0.16g, 0.3 mmole) in metiianol (10 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, followed by 1 hour heating under reflux. The solution was allowed to cool, treated wid 10% Na2CO3 solution (40 ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na2SO4) and concentrated in vacuo to afford the tide compound as a yellow solid (O.lόg, 94%). iH NMR (250 MHz, CD CI3) δ (ppm): 8.12 (br s, lH-low integration), 7.62-7.48 (m, 4H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.25 (d, IH), 6.69 (s, IH), 4.40 (s, 2H), 4.18-4.04 (m, 2H), 4.03 (s, 3H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 2.94-2.89 (m, 2H), 231 (s, 6H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.13-1.52 (m, 6H) Example 12 5-(4'-AcetamidomethyI-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyI)- .methyI-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _indole-3,4'-piperidine] A stirred solution of l , -methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f|indole-3,4 , -piperidinc] (D8, 85 mg, 035 mmole) in toluene (10 ml) at room temperature under argon was treated wid 2M trimethylaluminium in hexane (0.74 ml, 1.5 mmole). The mixture was stirred for 0.75 h, d en treated widi a solution of methyl 4'-acetamidomedιyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carboxylate (D21, 120 mg, 0.40 mmole) in toluene (5 ml) and heated at 90° C for 2 h. The solution was allowed to cool, then poured carefully into a stirred slurry of silica gel (10 g) in dichloromediane (30 ml) and stirring continued until the effervescence had ceased. The silica gel slurry was then packed into a chromatography column and eluted with 0-10% MeOH/CH2Cl2 to afford the tide compound (85mg, 48%). This was converted to die oxalate salt, which crystallised from acetone. !H NMR (free base) (250 MHz, CDCI3) δ (ppm): 8.13 (br s, lH-low integration), 7.58 (d, 2H), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.25-7.13 (m, 3H), 6.67 (s, IH), 5.95 (br t, IH), 4.46 (d, 2H), 438 (br s, 2H), 4.20-4.00 (br, 2H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 2.95-2.75 (br, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.20-1.50 (br m, 6H), 2.05 (s, 3H). Example 13 3 .6,7,8,9-Hexahydro-r-methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-i ,4-oxadiazoI-3- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[2H-furo[23-h]benzazepine-3,4 l -piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 3,5,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-r-medιylspirof2H-furo[2,3- h]benzazepine-3,4'-piperidine] (D28), using a procedure similar to that of Example 1. The oxalate salt was precipitated from acetone by addition of ether, as a white solid. *H NMR (oxalate salt) (250 MHz, d 6 DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.9 (m, 2H), 7.4-7.2 (m, 5H), 6.72 (s, IH), 6.61 (b, IH), 4.73 (d, IH), 4.42 and 4.28 (ABq, 2H), 3.31 (m, IH), 3.1-2.7 (m, 6H), 2.69 (s, 3H), 2.67 (s, 3H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.3-1.7 (m, 5H), 1.5-1.2 (m, 3H) Example 14 -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(3-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 23 . 6.7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from r-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 2 -methyl-4 , -(3-mcthyl- l,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D29) using a similar procedure to Example 1. This was converted to its oxalate salt, which was obtained as a yellow solid (3%). 'H NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.15 (br s, lH-low integration), 8.06 (s, IH), 8.00 (d, IH), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.48-733 (m, 3H), 6.66 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br, 2H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 2.85 (br, 2H), 2.50 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 230 (br s, 3H), 2.15-1.70 (m, 6H). Example 15 r-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-_arbonyl)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-nindole-3.4'-piperidine A stirred suspension of 5-(4'-hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl- 2,3,6,7-tetrahy_rospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine] (E25) (150 mg, 0.3 mmol) in triethyl orthoformate (10 ml) was heated at reflux for 2 h. The mixture cooled, concentrated in vacuo and chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with methanol and chloroform to give the tide compound as a white foam (24 mg, 16%). This was converted to its oxalate salt which was obtained as a white solid (mp 242-244°C) and hydrochloride salt (mp 298-302'C). Η NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.5 (s, IH), 8.25-7.92 (m, 3H), 7.70- 7.57 (m, 2H), 7.50-735 (m, 3H), 6.68 (s, IH), 4.38 (br s, 2H), 4.20-4.00 (br m, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.97-2.70 (m, 2H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.20-1.50 (m, 6H) Example 16 5-[4 , -(5-Ethyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyI]-l'-methyl-23.6,7- tetrahydrospiro[fu_ _»[23-πindole-3,4 , -piperidine] The tide compound was afforded as a white solid (54%) from 4'-(5-ethyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol- 2-yl)-2 -methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D32) and l'-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) as per method of Example 1. This was converted to its oxalate salt. Η NMR (oxalate salt) (400 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.95 (m, 2H), 7.90 (d, IH), 7.66 (m, 2H), 7.51 (m, 3H), 6.78 (s, IH), 4.50 (s, 2H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 3.40 (b, 2H), 3.00 (m, 6H), 2.77 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.10 (b, 2H), 1.87 (b, 2H), 1.34 (t, 3H). Example 17 5-[2'-Methyl-4'-(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from -medιyl-5-[2'-medιyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1,3,4- oxa_ia_ol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3-fJindole-3,4'- pipcridine] (E5) following a similar procedure to Example 3 (100%). This was converted to d e oxalate salt, which precipitated from acetone/ether as a pale yellow solid. Η NMR (oxalate salt) (200 MHz, CDCL,) δ (ppm): 8.00-7.85 (m, 3H), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.55- 7.42 (m, 3H), 6.78 (s, IH), 4.50 (s, 2H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 3.03 (t, 2H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H), remaining signals not disccrnable from spectrum. Example 18 23-Dihydro-l , -methyI-5-(2 , .methyl-4 , -(5-methyI-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)spir_»[furo[23-πindo_e-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 2,3-dihydro- -methylspiro[furo [2,3-f]indole-3,4'- piperidine] (D7) and 2'-medιyl-4'-(5-medιyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (Di l) using a similar procedure to Example 8 (22%). This was converted to its oxalate salt, which crystallised from acetone/medianol as a white solid mp 234-237°C. Η NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.33 (s, IH), 8.02 (s, IH), 7.94 (d, IH), 7.81 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, 2H), 7.40 (d, IH), 7.28 (d, IH), 6.97 (s, 1H), 6.55 (d, IH), 4.46 (s, 2H), 2.98-2.85 (m, 2H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 2.39 (s, 3H), 236 (s, 3H), 2.25-1.95 (m, 4H), 1.90- 1.75 (m, 2H). Example 19 5-(23'-Dimethyl-4'-(5-methyl-13.4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-l'-methyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-nindole-3,4'-piperidine] The titie compound was prepared from -methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 2,2'-dimethyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D34) using a similar procedure to Example 1 (53%). This was converted to its oxalate salt and crystallised from acetone/medianol as a white solid mp 222-224°C. Η NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.13 (br s, IH), 7.98 (s, IH), 7.90 (dd, IH), 7.48 (s, IH), 7.41 (d, IH), 735-7.20 (m, IH), 7.16 (d, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 4.38 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br, 2H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 2.85 (br, 2H), 2.64 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.20-1.70 (m, 6H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 2.08 (s, 3H). Example 20 5-(23'-Dimethyl-4'-(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-r-methyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-n«ndole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from -me_iyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 23'-dimethyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D36) using a similar procedure to Example 1 (31%). This was converted to its oxalate salt and crystallised from acetone/medianol as a pale yellow soUd mp. 193-195°C. 'H NMR (free base) (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.14 (br s, IH), 7.97 (d, IH), 7.48 (s, IH), 7.42 (d, IH), 737-7.25 (m, 3H), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.08 (br s, 2H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 2.87 (br, 2H), 2.77 (s, 3H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 232 (s, 6H), 2.20-1.90 (m, 4H), 1.85-1.60 (m, 2H). Example 21 l , -Methyl-5-(2 , -methyl-4 , -(4-methylthiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f|indole-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from 2'-metiιyl-4'-(4-metiιylthiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D40) and -medιyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'- piperidine] (D8), following the procedure of Example 1. The oxalate salt crystallised from acetone as a buff powder. * H NMR (oxalate salt) (250 MHz, d * t>MSO) δ (ppm): 7.8-8.0 (m, 3H), 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.52 (d, 2H), 7.40 (m, IH), 7.38 (s, IH), 6.78 (s, IH), 4.51 (s, 2H), 4.06 (t, 2H), 3.40 (m, 2H), 3.04 (t, 2H), 3.0 (m, 2H), 2.77 (s, 3H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.1 (m, 2H), 1.9 (m, 2H). Example 22 5-(4'-Methoxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-l , -methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] The titie compound was prepared from -methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 4'-medioxycarbonyl-2'-methyl biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D41) using a procedure similar to that of Example 1 (76%). Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.12 (br s, IH- low integration), 7.99 (s, IH) , 7.91 (d, IH), 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.39 (d, 2H), 7.31 (d, IH), 6.68 (s, IH), 4.40 (s, 2H), 4.10 (br, 2H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.90 (br s, 2H), 2.34 (s, 6H), 2.20-1.65 (m, 6H) Example 23 5-(5'-Methoxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- -methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-nindole-3,4 , -piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from r-metiιyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3- f]i_dole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 5'-medιoxycarbonyl-2'-medιylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D42) using a similar procedure to Example 1 (51%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.12 (br s, IH - low integration), 7.98-7.89 (m, 2H), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.41-7.28 (m, 3H), 6.63 (s, IH), 4.38 (br s, 2H), 4.09 (br s, 2H), 3.90 (s, 3H), 3.09 (t, 2H), 2.90 (br s, 2H), 2.32 (s, 6H), 2.20-1.62 (m, 6H). Example 24 5-[4'-(Methanesulphonamino)-2'-methyIbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was afforded as a white solid (38%) from 4'-(medιane sulphonamino)- 2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D44) as per method of Example 1 and converted to its oxalate salt. 'H NMR (oxalate salt) (250 MHz, d^MSO) δ (ppm): 9.82 (b, IH), 7.96 (b, IH), 7.65 (d, 2H), 7.45 (d, 2H), 7.20 (m, 3H), 6.78 (s, IH), 4.50 (s, 2H), 4.15 (t, 2H). 3.39 (m, 2H), 3.05 (m, 4H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 2.40-2.00 (b, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.10 (s, 3H), 1.89 (m, 2H). Example 25 5-(4'-Hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-r-methyI-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _indole-3,4'-piperidine] A solution of 5-(4'-methoxycarbonyl-2'-mediylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- -mediyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiroffuro[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (E22, 0.75g, 1.5 mmole) in metiianol (25 ml) was treated widi hydrazine monohydrate (1.05 ml) and heated under reflux for 18 h. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool, then poured into water (50 ml) and the solid which precipitated out was filtered off and dried (0.6 lg, 81%). A 50 mg portion was purified by preparative TLC on silica gel eluting widi 20% medianol chloroform to afford die tide compound as a white solid mp. 130-135°C. 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl, + CD,OD) δ (ppm): 8.11 (br s, IH), 7.75 (s, IH), 7.67 (dd, IH) 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.31 (d, IH), 6.70 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.12 (br t, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 2.94 (br, 2H), 2.38 (br s, 3H), 2.33 (s, 3H), 230-2.00 (m, 4H), 1.90-1.70 (m, 2H). Example 26 l'.EthyI-5-[2 , -methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23^,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _indole-3,4*-piperidine] A stirred suspension of 2'-methyl-4'-(5-medιyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (Di l, 0.53g, 1.8 mmole) in thionyl chloride (8 ml) was heated at about 45°C for 30 minutes, then concentrated in vacuo. The yellow solid was dissolved in THF (10 mD/dichloromcdiane (5 ml) and added to a stirred solution of l'-ethyl-2,3,6,7- tet_ahy_rospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D109, 0.46g, 1.8 mmole) and triediylamine (0.50 ml, 3.6 mmole) in THF (15 ml) at 5°C under argon. The solution was stirred at room temp, for 2 h, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated widi 10% Na-CO, solution and extracted widi ethyl acetate. The extract was dried (Na_SO 4 ), concentrated in vacuo and d e residue chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 3% methanol chloroform and die yellow oil obtained passed through a shon basic alumina column eluting with ediyl acetate to afford die tide compound as a beige foam (0.62g, 68%). This was convened to its hydrochloride (mp 269-273°C) and mesylate (mp 275- 279°C) salts. 'H NMR (free base) (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.18 (br s, IH - low integration), 7.98 (d, IH), 7.91 (dd, IH), 7.63 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br m, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 3.05-2.90 (br m, 2H), 2.65 (s, 3H), 2.55-235 (br , 2H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.20-1.50 (m, 6H), 1.13 (br t, 3H). Example 27 l'-Methyl-5-(2 , -methyl-5'-(5-methyl-13 » 4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 23,6,7--etrahydrospiro[furo[23- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 2 -methyl-5 , -(5-mediyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D45) and r-methyl-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3- fJindole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) using a similar procedure to Example 1 as a brown oil (10%). This was converted to its oxalate salt which was obtained as a white solid. Η NMR (oxalate salt) (400 MHz, d*DMSO)δ (ppm): 7.98 (br s, IH), 7.91 (d, IH), 7.80 (s, IH), 7.68 ( , 2H), 7.58 (d, IH), 7.54 (d, 2H), 6.77 (s, IH), 4.50 (s, 2H), 4.07 (br t, 2H), 3.50-335 (br, 2H), 3.10-2.95 ( , 4H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 2.58 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.20- 2.00 (m, 2H), 1.97-1.84 (m, 2H). Example 28 5-(4 , -Carboxamido-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-r-methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-i-indole-3-4'-piperidine] A suspension of 5-(4'-cyano-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- -methyl-2,3,6,7- te_rahydrospiro[furof2,3-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine] (E9) (130 mg, 0.28 mmol) in methanol (5 ml) was σeated wid 30% hydrogen peroxide (0.1 ml) and 20% sodium hydroxide solution (0.08 ml) and stirred at room temperature for 1.5 h. Sodium metabisulphite (60 mg) was added, d e mixture was concentrated in vacuo and die residue was partitioned between water and ethyl acetate. The organic phase was dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo and the resultant solid chromatographed on silica gel eluting with methanol and chloroform, to give the title compound as a white solid (50 mg, 37%). * H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.75 (s, IH), 7.65 (d, IH), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.4-735 (m, 2H), 7.3 (d, IH), 6.64 (s, IH), 5.8 (br s, 2H), 4.35 (s, 2H), 4.1 (t, 2H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 2.88-2.74 (m, 2H), 236-2.26 (m, 6H), 2.11-2.0 (m, 2H), 1.78-1.65 (m, 4H). (one aromatic proton not observed) Example 29 5-(4'-Acetamido-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- -methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 4'-acetamido-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D47) and l'-mediyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) following a similar procedure to Example 1 using oxalyl chloride in place of thionyl chloride, as a yellow oil (43%). This was converted to its oxalate salt which crystallised as a white solid from acetone. l H NMR (oxalate salt) (400 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 10.00 (s, IH), 7.95 (br s, IH), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.55-7.50 ( , 2H), 7.43 (d, 2H), 7.19 (d, IH), 6.77 (s, IH), 4.50 (s, 2H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 3.40 (br, 2H), 3.08-2.93 (m, 4H), 2.75 (br s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.17-2.00 (m, 2H), 2.06 (s, 3H), 1.94-1.80 (m, 2H) Example 30 23 -6,7,8-Hexahydro-l , -methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , .(5-methyl-13,4.oxadiazol.2- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from 2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (Di l) and 233,6,7,8-hexahydro- -medιylspiroffuro[2,3- g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine] (DIO) using a similar procedure to Example 1 as a white solid (62%). This was converted to its oxalate salt which was obtained as a white solid (mp 187- 188° C) and hydrochloride salt (mp 176-180 β C). Η NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.94 (s, IH), 7.85 (d, IH), 7.4-7.3 (m, 2H), 7.28 -7.14 (m, 3H), 6.6 (s, IH), 6.35 (br s, IH), 4.26 (s, 2H), 3.94 (t, 2H), 2.78 (t, 2H), 2.71-2.55 (m, 5H), 2.3 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.14-1.75 (m, 4H), 1.61-1.41 (m, 4H) Example 31 23 » 6,7,8-Hexahydro-5-(4'-methanesulphonamino-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 , -methylspiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4 , -piperidine] The titie compound was prepared from 4'-(meti anesulphonamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D44) and 2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro- -methylspiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'- piperidine] (D10) using a similar procedure to Example 1 as a white solid (46%). This was converted to its oxalate salt which was obtained as a white powder, mp 165-170°C Η NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 736-7.29 (m, 2H), 7.2-7.0 (m, 5H), 6.6 (s, IH), 6.37 (br s, IH), 4.25 (s, 2H), 3.92 (t, 2H), 3.03 (s, 3H), 2.77 (t, 2H), 2.7-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.2 (s, 3H), 2.12-1.78 (m, 4H), 1.57-1.41 (m, 4H) (one aromatic proton not observed) Example 32 -Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l t 2,4-oxadia_ol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyI]- 23 » 6,7-tetrahydrospiro[thiopheno[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] 1 , -Methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[thiopheno[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D53) (0.029g, 0.112 mmol) was transformed to give the tide compound as a pale yellow oil (0.055g, 93%) according to die mediod of Example 1. Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.00 (m, 3H), 7.62 (m, 2H), 7.40 (m, 3H), 7.05 (s, IH), 4.12 (m, 2H), 3.30 (s, 2H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.85 (br s, 2H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 6H), 2.20 (br s, 4H), 1.85 (br s, 2H) Example 33 1^3Λ6,7-Hexahydro-r.methy | .l-(2 , .methyl-4'-(5-methyl-13,4.oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[indeno[5,6-b]pyrrole-7,4'-piperidine] 1 ,2,3,5,6,7-Hexahydro- 1 '-methylspirof indeno[5,6-b]pyrrole-7,4'-piperidine] is prepared from l-acetyl-2,3-dihydro-lH-indole-5-carboxaldehyde using a similar procedure to that described for compound 11 in Arch. Pharm. (Weinheim) 1991, 323, 35 and dien converted to die tide compound using a similar procedure to Example 1. Example 34 5-[4'-((N-Methanesulphonyl-N-methyl)amino)-2'-methyIbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r- methyl-23<6,7-tetralιydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4 ' -piperidine] This was prepared from metiiyl 4'-[(N-methanesulphonyl-N-methyl)amino]-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylate (D54) following the procedure of Example 12. This gave the title compound as a white foam, which was converted into its oxalate salt, a light grey powder. Η NMR (oxalate salt) (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 7.97 (bs, IH), 7.67 (d, 2H), 7.48 (d, 2H), 7.40 (s, IH), 732 (m, 2H), 6.79 (s, IH), 4.52 (s, 2H), 4.07 (t, 2H), 3.39 (m, 2H), 3.28 (s, 3H), 3.0 (m, 7H), 2.77 (s, 3H), 2.30 (s, 3H), 2.1 (m, 2H), 1.9 (m, 2H). Example 35 5-[4'-(Dimethylaminosulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carbonyI]- -methyI-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-n«ndole-3,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from 4'-(dimedιylaminosulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carboxyUc acid (D56) following the procedure of Example 1. This gave the tide compound (88%) as a yellowish foam, which was triturated in acetone to give a white powder. Η NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.0 (m, 3H), 7.86 (m, 4H), 7.7 (m, 2H), 6.72 (s, IH), 4.86 (s, 2H), 4.02 (t, 2H), 3.00 (t, 2H), 2.74 (b, 2H), 2.64 (s, 6H), 2.19 (s, 3H), 1.9 (m, 4H), 1.65 (m, 2H). Example 36 5-[4'-(Methan-Sulp_onyl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl}-r-met_yl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from 4 , -(methanesulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D57), following the procedure of Example 1. This gave the tide compound (73%) as a pale yellow foam, which was triturated widi acetone/ether to give a white powder. Η NMR (250 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.02 (m, 5H), 7.87 (d, 2H), 7.72 (d, 2H), 6.71 (s, IH), 4.37 (s, 2H), 4.03 (t, 2H), 3.28 (s, 3H), 3.01 (t, 2H), 2.75 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 1.9 (m, 4H), 1.65 (m, 2H). Example 37 5-[4'-(N,N-Dimethylcarbamoylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -methyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from 4'-(N,N-dimethylcarbamoylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D59), following the procedure of Example 9, but using dichloromediane as solvent throughout. This gave the tide compound (35%) as a glass, which was converted to its oxalate salt, a cream solid. 'H NMR (oxalate salt) (250 MHz, d __»MSO) δ (ppm): 8.32 (s, IH), 7.95 (b s, IH), 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.45 (m, 4H), 7.12 (d, IH), 6.77 (s, IH), 4.46 (s, 2H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 33 (b, 2H), 3.1- 2.9 (m, 4H), 2.93 (s, 6H), 2.69 (s, 3H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.05 (m, 2H), 1.85 (m, 2H). Example 38 5-[4'-(Ethoxycarbonylamino)-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l'-methyI-23 » 6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from 4 , -(ethoxycarbonylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxyhc acid (D61), following the procedure of Example 9. This gave the tide compound (75%) as a light yellow foam, which was converted to its hydrochloride salt, a white powder. Η NMR (HCl salt) (200 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 10.5 (b, IH), 9.70 (s, IH), 8.94 (b s, IH), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.43 (m, 4H), 7.18 (d, IH), 6.78 (s, IH), 4.51 (s, 2H), 4.14 (q, 2H), 4.07 (t, 2H), 3.4 (m, 2H), 3.1 (m, 4H), 2.78 (s, 3H), 2.24 (s, 3H), 2.2 (m, 2H), 1.9 (m, 2H), 1.26 (t, 3H) Example 39 5-[4'-(4 -Dimethyl-i ,4-triazol-3-yl ) -2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l'-methyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from 4'-(4,5-dime_hyl- l,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D64), following the procedure of Example 9. This gave the tide compound (27%) as a white solid. ■ H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.13 (b, IH), 8.00 (s, IH), 7.93 (d, IH), 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.29 (d, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 4.38 (s, 2H), 4.11 (b, 2H), 3.87 (s, 3H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 2.85 (m, 2H), 2.52 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 3H), 2.05 ( , 4H), 1.85 (m, 2H). Example 40 l , -Methyl-6-[2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazoI-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 23.7,8-tetrahydrospiro[4H-pyrano[23-flindole-4,4 ' -piperidine] This was prepared from 1 '-methyl-2,3,7,8-tetrahydrospiro[4H-pyrano[2,3-f]indole-4,4'- piperidine] (D10), following the procedure of Example 5. This gave the tide compound (27%), which was converted to the oxalate salt, a white solid. Η NMR (oxalate salt) (400 MHz, dOMSO) δ (ppm): 7.96 (m, 2H), 7.89 (d, IH), 7.69 (d, 2H), 7.54 (d, 2H), 7.48 (d, IH), 6.94 (s, IH), 4.32 ( , IH), 4.07 (t, 2H), 3.65 (m, 2H), 338 (m, 2H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 3.0-3.2 (m, 2H), 2.85 (s, 3H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 1.92 (m, 2H), 1.5-1.75 (m, 3H) Example 41 l'-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-13,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 23 » 6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] Crude 2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- l,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D73, 500 mg) and r-medιyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) afforded the tide compound according to the general method of Example 1. Preparative HPLC afforded 10 mg of pure compound. Η NMR (400 MHz, CD,OD) δ (ppm): 8.02 (br s, IH), 7.91 (s, IH), 7.85 (d, IH), 7.69 (d, 2H), 7.52 (d, 2H), 7.41 (d, IH), 6.76 (s, IH), 4.56 (s, 2H), 4.18 (t, 2H), 3.62-3.51 (m, 2H), 3.21-3.05 (m, 4H), 2.94 (s, 3H), 2.83 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.29-2.00 (m, 4H). Example 42 5-(2'-Methyl-4'-(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-r-n-propyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] 1-Bromopropane (0.07 ml, 0.80 mmole) and sodium carbonate (226mg, 2.13 mmole) were added to a stirred solution of 5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-metiιyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (E3, 270mg, 0.53 mmole) in edianol (10 ml). This mixture was heated under reflux for 31 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated in vacuo and d e residue treated widi water (15 ml) and extracted widi chloroform. The organic extract was dried (Na,SO 4 ), concentrated in vacuo and d e residue chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 0-6% methanol/chloroform to afford die tide compound as a yellow gum (194mg, 67%). This was converted to its hydrochloride salt and crystallised from etiier m.p. 263-266°C. H' NMR (free base); (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.15 (br s, IH - low integration), 7.99 (s, IH), 7.91 (dd, IH), 7.64 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d, IH), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br s, 2H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 2.94 (br s, 2H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.33 (br t, 2H), 2.22-138 (br m, 8H), 0.92 (t, 3H). Example 43 l'-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyloxazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _indole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 2'-methyl-4'-(5-metiιyloxazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D76) and 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) following the procedure of Example 1 (58%). This was converted to its oxalate salt and crystallised from acetone/medianol as a white soUd m.p. 230-233°C. ■ H NMR (free base) (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.14 (br s, IH - low integration), 7.95 (s, IH), 7.87 (d, IH), 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.41 (d, 2H), 732 (d, IH), 6.85 (s, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 4.37 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br m, 2H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 2.85 (br s, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 231 (br s, 3H), 2.20-1.50 (m, 6H). Example 44 l , -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(3-methylisoxazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyI)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[fu_o[23-f]>ndole-3.4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from r-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro [furo[2,3- fJindole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 2'-methyl-4'-(3-medιylisoxa_ol-5-yl)biphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D79) using a procedure similar to tiiat of Example 1 (58%) m.p. 224-5°C. Η NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.15 (br s, IH), 7.72-7.55 (m, 4H), 7.45-7.24 (m, 3H), 6.67 (s, IH), 6.4 (s, IH), 4.38 (s, 2H), 4.20-4.0 (m, 2H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 2.95-2.71 (m, 2H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.32 (s, 6H), 2.2-1.5 (m, 6H). Example 45 l , -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _iπdole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from r-medιyI-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiroffuro[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) and 2'-methyl-4'-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D83) using a procedure similar to that of Example 1 (75%) m.p. 197-9°C. Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.15 (br s, IH), 7.78-7.55 ( , 4H), 7.45-7.2 (m, 3H), 6.65 (s, IH), 6.32 (s, IH), 4.39 (s, 2H), 4.2-4.0 (m, 2H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 2.95-2.7 (m, 2H), 2.49 (s, 3H), 2.3 (s, 6H), 2.2-1.55 (m, 6H). Example 46 233,6,7,8-Hexahydro-r-methyl-5-(4 * -(5-dimethylamino-l^,4-oxadiazol-3-yI)-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 4'-(5-dimedιylamino-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carboxyiic acid (D14) and 2,33.6,7,8-hexahydro- 1 '- methylspiro[furo[23-g]quinoUne-3,4'-piperidine] (D10) using a procedure similar to tiiat of Example 1 (26%). This was converted to the hydrochloride salt. M.p. 118-120°C. "H NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.9 (s, IH), 7.82 (d, IH), 7.4-7.11 (m, 5H), 6.6 (s, IH), 6.35 (br s, IH), 4.25 (s, 2H), 3.94 (t, 2H), 3.2 (s, 6H), 2.77 (t, 2H), 2.7- 2.56 (m, 2H), 2.27 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 2.12-1.69 (m, 4H), 1.55-1.41 (m, 4H). Example 47 233,6,7,8-Hexahydro-l , -methyl-5-(4 , -(5-ethyl-13,4-oxadij__»I-2-yl)-2'- methylbiphenyl-4 -carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 4'-(5-ethyl-l,3.4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D32) and 2,33,6,7,8-hexahydro-l'- me_ιylspiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoiine-3,4'-piperidine] (DIO) using a procedure similar to tiiat of Example 1 (19%). This was converted to its hydrochloride salt, as a white solid. M.p. 241-3°C. l H NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.94 (s, IH), 7.85 (d, IH), 7.4-7.11 (m, 5H), 6.59 (s, IH), 6.36 (br s, IH), 4.26 (s, 2H), 3.95 (t, 2H), 2.98 (q, 2H), 2.78 (t, 2H), 2.71-2.58 (m, 2H), 23 (s, 3H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 2.14-1.61 (m, 4H), 1.58-135 (m, 7H). Example 48 233,6,7 ,8-Hexahydro- -methyl-5-(4 * -methoxycarbonyl-2 * -methylbiphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro [f_ro[23-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperid.ne] The titie compound was prepared from 2,3,5,6,7,8-hexahydro- -mediylspiro[furo[23- g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine] (D10) and 4'-me_noxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D41) using a procedure similar to tiiat of Example 1 (46%). Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.93 (s, IH), 7.87 (d, IH), 7.35 (d, 2H), 7.24-7.1 (m, 3H), 6.6 (s, IH), 6.35 (b s, IH), 4.26 (s, 2H), 4.0-3.85 (m, 5H), 2.79 (t, 2H), 2.7-2.55 (m, 2H), 2.3-2.2 (m, 6H), 2.15-1.99 (m, 2H), 1.97-1.65 (m, 2H), 1.58-1.4 (m, 4H). Example 49 23 . 6,7,8-Hexahydro- -methyl-5-(4'-hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from 2,3,5,6,7 ,8-hexahydro-l'-medιyl-5-(4'- me oxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'- piperidine] (E48) and hydrazine monohydrate, using a procedure similar to tiiat of Example 25 (90%). 'H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.7-7.5 (m, 3H), 735 (d, 2H), 7.25-7.1 (m, 3H), 6.6 (s, IH), 6.35 (br s, IH), 4.25 (s, 2H), 4.1 (br s, 2H), 3.95 (t, 2H), 2.78 (t, 2H), 2.7-2.52 (m, 2H), 23-2.19 (m, 6H), 2.14-1.7 (m, 4H), 1.57-1.4 ( , 4H). Example 50 233,6,7,8-Hexahydro-l'-methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-g]quinoline-3,4 * -piperidine] A suspension of 233,6,7,8-hexahydro-r-methyl-5-(4'-hydra_inocarbonyl-2'- me_ιylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4 , -piperi_ine] (E49) (794 mg) in triediylorthoformate (25 ml) was heated at reflux overnight. The mixture was concentrated in vacuo and die residue refluxed overnight in xylene (40 ml) to complete cyclisation. The xylene was evaporated under reduced pressure and die residue purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting with chloroform and metiianol, to afford die titie compound (470 mg, 58%). The hydrochloride salt precipitated from acetone as a white solid. 'H NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.49 (s, IH), 8.0 (s, IH), 7.92 (d, IH), 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.3-7.15 ( , 3H), 6.6 (s, IH), 6.38 (br s, IH), 4.26 (s, 2H), 3.95 (t, 2H), 2.79 (t, 2H), 2.72-2.58 (m, 2H), 2.3 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.15-1.41 (m, 8H). Example 51 r-Methyl-5-(2 * -methyl-4'-pyrazinylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-πindoie-3,4 ' -piperidine] l , -Mcthyl-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furot2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (0.098g, 0.403 mmol) (D8) was dissolved in toluene (5 ml) and was treated with trimethylaluminium (2.0 M in hexane) (0.810 ml, 1.612 mmol) with stirring under argon. After 0.25h, a solution of methyl 2 -methyl-4'-pyτazinylbiphenyl-4-carboxylate (D86, 0.136g, 0.447 mmol) in toluene (5 ml) was added. The reaction mixture was then heated to 80°C. After 2h, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool and was stirred at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then poured onto a slurry of silica gel (9385 - 20 ml) in dichloromediane (30 ml). After effervescence had ceased, d e slurry was filtered and the filter pad was washed widi 20% MeOH/CH j Cl, (-200 ml). The filtrate was dien evaporated under reduced pressure to give a brown oil, which was purified by silica-gel chromatography (9385, 10% MeOH/CH-Cl- as eluant) to give the tide compound as a cream solid (0.091g, 44%). ■ __ NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.08 (s, IH), 8.68 (t, IH), 8.52 (d, IH), 8.14 (br s, IH), 8.00 (s, IH), 7.90 (dd, IH), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, IH), 6.70 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br s, 2H), 3.10 (t, 2H), 2.90 (br s, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.20 (br s, 2H), 1.85 (br s, 4H). Example 52 l , -Methyl-5-[2 , -methyl-4 * -(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazolyl-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l- oxo-23,6,7-tetrahydro_piro[thiopheno[23-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] A solution of -methyl-5-[2 , -methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-1 ,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl]-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[diiopheno[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (E32, 0.lOOg, 0.187 mmol) in metiianol (10 ml) was treated witii a solution of sodium periodate (0.200g, 0.935 mmol) in water (1 ml) witii stirring. After 20 h, water (10 ml) was added and die metiianol present was removed by evaporation under reduced pressure to give a white suspension. The suspension was dien extracted widi dichloromethane (3 x 25 ml). The combined organic layers were then dried (Na.SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a colourless oil, which was purified by preparative t.l.c. to give the title compound as a white foam (0.055g, 53%) which was subsequently converted to its hydrochloride salt. l H NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) (free base): 8.03 (s, IH), 7.95 (d, IH), 7.65 (s, IH), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.40 (m, 4H), 4.21 (t, 2H), 3.25 (Abq, 2H), 3.18 (m, 2H), 2.95 (m, 2H), 2.70 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.15 (br m, 6H). Example 53 -Methyl-5-[2 l -methyl-4'-(l-methylimidazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23.6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-nindole-3,4'-piperidine] 2'-Methyl-4'-( 1 -methylimidazol-2-yl)biphcnyl-4-carboxylic acid (D90, 310 mg, 1.06 mmol) was heated at reflux in thionyl chloride (10 ml) for 30 minutes, cooled, evaporated in vacuo and die orange residue redissolved in dry THF (10 ml). -Metiιyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f|indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8, 260mg, 1.06 mmol) and triethylamine (0.15 ml, 1.06 mmol) were added and die mixture stirred for 72 hours. The mixture was evaporated in vacuo, the residue partitioned between H,O and CHCL, (4 times) and the organics combined, dried over Na_SO 4 , filtered and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography with 2% MeOH/CHCL, as eluant to yield the tide compound as a pale yellow gum (224 mg, 41%) which was converted to die hydrochloride salt. 'H NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ: 7.60-730 (m, 9H), 7.15 (s, IH), 6.65 (s, IH), 4.35 (d, 2H), 4.10 (s, 2H), 3.80 (s,3H), 3.10 (t, 3H), 2.90 (s, 2H), 2.35 (s, 6H), 2.15-2.00 (m, 4H), 1.90-1.70 (m, 2H). Example 54 l , -Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4'-(l.methylimidazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23--]indole-3,4'-piperidine] 2 , -Medιyl-4'-(l-medιylimidazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D93, 300 mg, 1.0 mmol) was heated at reflux in thionyl chloride (15 ml) for 1 hour, cooled and evaporated in vacuo. The residue was redissolved in dry THF (10 ml) and treated with 1 -methyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8, 250 mg, 1.0 mmol) and trietiiylamine (143ul, 1.0 mmol) dien stirred for 18 hours. The reaction mixture was evaporated in vacuo, partitioned between water and CHC1, (3 times) and die organic extracts combined. The organics were dried over N__ j SO 4 and evaporated in vacuo to an orange gum. The gum was purified by flash silica gel chromatography (eluting with 3%MeOH/CHCl,) to yield the tide compound as a pale yellow gum (200 mg, 38%) which was converted to the hydrochloride salt. 'H NMR (free base) (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.65-7.50 (m, 3H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.35- 7.20 (m, 4H), 7.15 (s, IH), 6.65 (s, IH), 4.35 (s, 2H), 4.10 (s, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 2.85 (s, 2H), 2.40-2.25 (m, 6H), 2.15-1.95 (m, 4H), 1.75 (s, 2H) Example 55 5-[4 l -(5-HydroxymethyI-13,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- - methyl-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4*-piperidine] A stirred solution of -mediyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8, 034g, 1.4 mmole) in toluene (10 ml) under argon was treated widi 2M trimethylaluminuim in toluene (0.7 ml, 1.4 mmole) and kept at room temp, for 20 minutes. A solution of metiiyl 4'-[5-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl]-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylate (D95, 0.61g, 1.4 mmole) in toluene (10 ml) was added and die stiπed mixture heated under reflux for 3 hours. The solution was allowed to cool and then poured into a stirred slurry of silica gel (lOg) in dichloromethane (30 ml). This was packed into a column and eluted widi 10% methanol/chloroform. The concentrated eluant (0.8g) was dissolved in THF (50 ml) and treated with tetraethylammonium fluoride (100 mg), then the mixture was stirred at room temp, for 1 hour, before concentrating under vacuum. The residue was treated with 10% Na.CO, solution and extracted with dichloromediane. The extract was dried (Na_SO 4 ), concentrated in vacuo, and he residue chromatographed on silica gel eluting with 0-5% metiianol/chloroform to afford die tide compound as pale yellow oil (0.28g, 30%). This was converted to its hydrochloride salt m.p. 273-278°C. * H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.13 (br s, IH - low integration), 8.02 (s, IH), 7.96 (d, IH), 7.60 (d, IH), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.32 (d, IH), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.96 (s, 2H), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br m, 2H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 3.0-2.7 (br m, 2H), 2.31 (s, 6H), 2.4-1.6 (m, 7H). Example 56 l'-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l τ 2,4-oxadia_ol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-l'- oxo-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-nindole-3,4'-piperidine] A stirred solution of r-memyl-5-(2'-memyl-4'-(5-mcmyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (El, 300 mg, 0.57 mmole) in chloroform (20 ml) at -20°C under argon was treated with a dried (Na,SO 4 ) solution of 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (207 mg of 50-60% commercial purity) in chloroform (5 ml). The mixture was allowed to warm to room temp, over 20 minutes, dien washed widi 10% Na-CO, solution, dried (Na_SO 4 ) and concentrated in vacuo to leave a beige solid. This was chromatographed on silica gel eluting widi 0-20% methanol/chloroform and die product crystaUised from acetone to afford the tide compound as a white solid (120 mg, 39%) m.p. 223-229°C. l H NMR (250 MHz, CDCL,) δ (ppm): 8.25 (br s, IH - low integration), 8.00 (d, IH), 7.96 (dd, IH), 7.62 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d, IH), 6.70 (s, IH), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.12 (t, 2H), 3.48-3.18 ( , 4H), 3.31 (s, 3H), 3.14-2.90 (m, 2H), 3.07 (t, 2H), 2.69 (s, 3H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 1.80-1.63 (m, 2H). Example 57 l'-Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4'-(l^,4-tria_in-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23- _>ndole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound (100 mg, 22%) was prepared from 2'-methyl-4'-(l,2,4-traizin-3- yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D98, 0.25g, 0.80 mmol) according to die method of Example 1. This was converted to its hydrochloride salt. l H NMR (HCl salt) (250 MHz, CD,OD) δ (ppm): 930 (d, IH), 8.90 (d, IH), 8.50 (s, IH), 8.45 (d, IH), 8.10 (br s, IH), 7.75 (d, 2H), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.50 (d, IH), 6.80 (s, IH), 4.60 (s, 2H), 4.20 (m, 2H), 3.65-3.55 (m, 2H), 3.28-3.10 (m, 4H), 2.95 (s, 3H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.40-2.20 (m, 2H), 2.15-2.00 (m, 2H). Example 58 23,6,7,8,9-Hexahydro-l'-methyl-6-(2 , .methyl-4 , -(5-methyl -13,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[4H-pyrano[23-g]quinoline-4,4' piperidine] A solution of 2'-methyl-4'-(5-med yl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (Di l, 184 mg, 0.0006 mmole) in thionyl chloride (5 ml) under an argon atmosphere was heated to reflux for 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was allowed to cool and dien concentrated in vacuo to leave an orange residue, which was dissolved in dichloromediane (5 ml) and treated widi 2,3,6,7,8,9-hexahydro- -mediylspiro[4H-pyrano[2,3-g]quinoline- 4,4' piperidine] (D107, 150 mg, 0.0006 mole) in dichloromethane (5 ml) and tried ylamine (100 ul, 0.0007 mole). The solution was stirred at room temp, for 15 hrs, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel eluting with 8% medianol/dichlorometiiane to afford die title compound (105 mg, 31%). Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 7.93 (s, IH), 7.87 (d, IH), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.27-7.20 (m, 3H), 6.62 (br s, 2H), 4.02 (dd, 2H), 3.95 (t, 2H), 2.77 (t, 2H), 2.63 (s, 3H), 2.56 (br d, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.18-2.00 (m, 4H), 1.85 (dd, 2H), 1.48 (br d, 2H), 1.28 (br d, 2H). Example 59 l , -Ethyl-5-(2 , -methyl-4'-(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-l , -oxo- 23,6,7>tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 1 '-edιyl-5-[2'-medιyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol- 2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (E26) using a similar procedure as in Example 56 to yield an off white solid (16%). 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.22 (br s, IH - low integration), 7.98 (s, IH), 7.91 (d, IH), 7.64 (d, 2H), 7.48-730 (m, 3H), 6.69 (s, IH), 4.48 (br s, 2H), 4.11 (br m, 2H), 3.57-2.76 (m, 10H), 2.66 (s, 3H), 2.36 (s, 3H), 1.72 (br d, 2H), 1.49 (br t, 3H). Example 60 l'-Ethyl-5-l4'-(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2.yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] The tide compound was prepared from 4'-(5-medιyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (Di l) and l'-cthyl-23.6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'- piperidine] (D109) using a similar procedure as that oudined in Example 1, to afford die title compound as a yellow gum (31%). This was convened to its hydrochloride salt to yield an off white solid m.p. 245-249°C. l H NMR (HCl salt) (400 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 8.09 (d, 2H), 7.98 (d, 2H), 7.95 (br s, IH), 7.88 (d, 2H), 7.72 (d, 2H), 6.77 (s, IH), 4.52 (s, 2H), 4.06 (t, 2H), 3.50 (br d, 2H), 3.12 (m, 2H), 3.10-2.93 (m, 4H), 2.61 (s, 3H), 2.25 (br m, 2H), 1.90 (br d, 2H), 1.29 (t, 3H). Example 61 -Ethyl-5-(4 , -hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] A stiπed solution of -edιyl-5-[2'-medιyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl]-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (E26, 2.5g, 4.7 mmole) in metiianol (600 ml) was treated widi 1M hydrogen chloride in etiier (30 ml, 30 mmole) and kept at room temp, for 20 hours, then concentrated in vacuo. The residue was treated widi 10% Na_CO, solution (200 ml) and chloroform (500 ml), stirred well for 20 minutes, then the chloroform layer separated, dried and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was crystallised from ediyl acetate to afford the title compound as a beige solid (0.94g, 39%) m.p. 222-225°C. Η NMR (250 MHz, CDCL,) δ (ppm): 8.17 (br s, IH - low integration), 7.71 (s, IH), 7.67- 7.55 (m, 3H), 7.50 (br s, IH), 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.28 (d, IH), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.50 (br s, 2H), 4.3- 3.9 (br s, 4H), 3.09 (t, 2H), 2.98 (br s, 2H), 2.50-238 (m, 2H), 2.34 (s, 3H), 2.22-1.41 (m, 6H), 1.13 (br t, 3H). Example 62 5-[4'-(Acetylhydrazinocarbonyl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -ethyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] To a stirred solution of -ethyl-5-(4 , -hydra__inocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2-3-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine] (E61, l.OOg, 1.96 mmole) in ' chloroform (30 ml), acetic anhydride (5.76 ml, 0.06 mmole) was slowly added. The solution was stirred at room temperature for approximately 1 hour, then concentrated in vacuo. Toluene was used to azeotrope out the excess acetic anhydride. The residue was dissolved in chloroform, washed widi 10% Na_CO, solution and die organic phase dried (Na-SO , then concentrated in vacuo. The residue beige solid was chromatographed on silica gel, eluting with 0-12% methanol in chloroform to afford die tide compound as a yellow solid (0.87g, 80%) m.p. 154-157°C. 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.02 (br s, IH), 8.17 (br s, lH-low integration), 7.76 (s, IH), 7.71 (dd, IH), 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.37 (d, 2H), 7.29 (d, IH), 6.67 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.09 (br m, 2H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 2.98 (br m, 2H), 2.44 (br m, 2H), 2.31 (s, 3H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 2.10-1.50 (m, 6H), 1.13 (br t, 3H). Example 63 5-[4'-(5-Methoxymethyl-13 » 4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r- methyI-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from 4'-(5-methoxymethyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'- methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D112) and 1 '-methyl __3.6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8) using a similar procedure as described in Example 1. This afforded d e tide compound as a pale yellow solid (62%), which was converted to its hydrochloride salt to give an off white solid m.p. 247-251°C. Η NMR (free base) (250 MHz, CDCL,) δ (ppm): 8.15 (s, IH - low integration), 8.06 (s, IH), 8.00 (dd, IH), 7.63 (d, 2H), 7.42 (d, 2H), 7.36 (d, IH), 6.68 (s, IH), 4.79 (s, 2H), 4.41 (br s, 2H), 4.10 (br m, 2H), 3.59 (s, 3H), 3.08 (t, 2H), 2.88 (br s, 2H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.32 (br s, 3H), 2.10-1.54 ( , 6H). Example 64 5-[4 , -(43-Dihydroox___ol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyI]-l'-methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] This was prepared from metiiyl 4'-(4,5-dihydrooxazol-2-yl)-2'-medιylbiphenyl-4- carboxylate (D114) and r-memyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine (D8) following the procedure of Example 12. This gave d e tide compound (35%) as a light yellow solid. Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.15 (b, IH), 7.89 (s, IH), 7.82 (d, IH), 7.60 (d, 2H), 7.39 (d, 2H), 7.28 (d, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 4.46 (t, 2H), 4.38 (s, 2H), 4.09 (t, 2H), 4.0- 4.2 (b, 2H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 2.87 (m, 2H), 2.32 (s, 6H), 1.9-2.3 (m, 4H), 1.6-1.9 (m, 2H). Example 65 5-l4'-(2-(N,N-Dimethylamino)acetamido)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l , -methyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] 4'-(2-Chloroacetamido)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (Dl 16, 0.34g), foUowing the procedure of Example 29, gave 5-[4'-(2-chloroacetamido)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 '-me_ yl-2,3,6,7-te__hydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (0.20g, 33%) as a light yellow powder, but of low purity (HPLC). This was dissolved in edianol (25 ml) and dichloromethane (10 ml), and dimediylamine (5.6 M in ethanol, 2 ml) was added. The suspension was stiπed until homogenous, and then left to stand for 6 days. Solvents were dien evaporated off, and the residue was purified by chromatography on silica gel, eluting widi 0-20% medianol/dichloromediane. The crude product was dissolved in 10% methanol/dichloromethane, washed wid dil. potassium carbonate solution, dried (Na_SO 4 ) and evaporated to give the tide compound (0.06g, 30%) as a colourless oil. This was converted into its dihydrochloride salt, a light cream powder. Η NMR (free base) (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.07 (s, IH), 8.08 (b s, IH), 7.51 (d, 2H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 730 (d, 2H), 7.15 (d, IH), 6.59 (s, IH), 430 (s, 2H), 4.02 (b, 2H), 3.03 (s, 2H), 2.99 (t, * 2H), 2.79 (m, 2H), 2.32 (s, 6H), 2.26 (s, 3H), 2.22 (s, 3H), 1.9-2.1 (m,4H), 1.1-1.3 (m, 2H). Example 66 5-[4'-(Ethoxycarbonylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -ethyl-23,6,7- tet_ahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine] This compound was prepared from 4'-(ethoxycarbonylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carboxylic acid (D61) and l'-ethyl^S.o -tetrahydrospiroffuro^-fJindole-S,^- piperidine] (D109), following the procedure of Example 29. This gave the tide compound (61%) as a straw coloured foam, which was converted to its hydrochloride salt. 'H NMR (HCl salt) (200 MHz, d*DMSO) δ (ppm): 10.16 (b, IH), 9.67 (s, IH), 7.93 (s, IH), 7.61 (d, 2H), 7.41 (m, 4H), 7.16 (d, IH), 6.76 (s, IH), 4.51 (s, 2H), 4.13 (q, 2H), 4.04 (t, 2H), 3.5 (m, 2H), 2.9-3.2(m, 6H), 2.23 (s, 3H), 2.1-2.3 (m, 2H), 1.88 (d, 2H), 1.27 (t, 3H), 1.25 (t, 3H). Example 67 5-[4'-(Acetylhydrazinocarbonyl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -methyI-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] The title compound was prepared from 5-(4'-hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiroffuro[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (E25) using a similar procedure to Example 62 as a colourless oil (27%). HCl salt mp 235-238°C. 'H NMR (250 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 9.5 (br s), 8.13 (br s, IH), 7.77 (s, IH), 7.70 (d, IH), 7.60 (d, 2H), 734 (d, 2H), 7.23 (d, IH), 6.66 (s, IH), 4.40 (br s, 2H), 4.08 (br m, 2H), 3.06 (t, 2H), 3.0-2.8 (br, 2H), 2.35 (s, 3H), 2.28 (s, 3H), 2.12 (s, 3H), 2.2-1.5 (m, 6H). Example 68 5-(4'-(5-methylfuran-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-r-methyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrOspiro[furo[23-πindole-3,4'-piperidine] 2'-Methyl-4'-(5-mediylfuran-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carboxylic acid (D119) (160 mg, 0.55 mmol) and r-memyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahyd_O_piro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] (D8, 134 mg, 0.55 mmol) were converted to the tide compound using the method oudined in Example 29, as an off-white foam ( 176 mg, 62%) . Η NMR (200 MHz, CDCl,) δ (ppm): 8.12 (br s, IH), 7.65-7.45 (m, 4H), 7.4 (d, 2H), 7.29-7.19 (m, IH), 6.65 (s, IH), 6.58 (d, IH), 6.08 (d, IH), 4.39 (br s, 2H), 4.21-4.0 (m, 2H), 3.05 (t, 2H), 2.93-2.75 (m, 2H), 2.38 (s, 3H), 2.3 (s, 6H), 2.11-1.9 (m, 4H), 1.84-1.6 (m, 2H). Pharmacological Data 5-HT ID ALPHA AND 5-HT ID BETA BINDING. CHO cells expressing 5-HT ID alpha receptors (0.563 x 10'cells / ml) are homogenised in Tris buffer and stored in 1ml aliquots. CHO cells expressing 5-HT ID beta receptors (4 x lO'ceUs / ml) are homogenised in Tris buffer and stored in 1.5 ml aliquots. 0.4ml of a ceU suspension was incubated widi [ __]-5-HT (4nM) in Tris Mg HCl buffer (pH 7.7) and test drug, at 37 * C for 45 minutes. Each test drug was tested at 10 concentrations (O.OlmM to 0.3nM final concentration), with non-specific binding defined using O.OlmM 5-HT. The total assay volume was 0.5ml. Incubation was stopped by rapid filtration using a Packard Filtermate (filters pre-soaked in 0.3% polyetiiylenimine) and radioactivity measured by Topcount scintillation counting. The pKi values were calculated from the IC M generated by an iterative least squares curve fitting programme. Examples 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 18, 23, 26, 40, 45, 51, 54, 55, 57 and 66 had pKi values > 8.0 at 5- HT ID beta receptors.

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A compound of formula (I) or a salt or N-oxide thereof : in which R 1 is hydrogen, halogen, Cι.6__lkyl, C3.5cyclo__kyl, COC1.5al_.yl, C1.5aU.oxy, hydroxy, hydroxyC 1 -6alkyl, hydroxyC 1.6_dkoxy, C 1.5_lkoxyC 1.5_Jkoxy, acyl, nitro, trifluoromethyl, cyano, SR 9 , SOR 9 , SO2R 9 , SO 2 NR 0R 1 1 , CO 2 R 10 , NR^SC^R 1 1 , CONR iOR 1 1 , CO 2 NR IORI 1 , CONR 10 (CH2) p CO 2 R 1 * , (CH 2 ) p NR l0 R l l , (CH 2 )pCONR θR 1 !, (CH 2 ) p NR 10 COR 1 1, (CH 2 ) p CO2Ci_ 6 alkyl, Cθ2(CH 2 )pORlO, CONHNRΪOR 1 1, NRiOR 1 1, NRΪOCC^R 1 1 , NR 1 OCO(CH 2 ) p NR 10 R 1 1 , NRiOCONRiOR 11 , CR 10 =NOR π , CNR 1 0=NOR 1 1 , where R 9 , R 1 * ) and R 11 are independently hydrogen or C1.5aU.yl and p is 1 to 4; or R is an optionally substituted 5 to 7 -membered heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur, R2 and R 3 are independendy hydrogen, halogen, C1.5aU.yl, C3_5cycloalkyl, C3_5cycloalkenyl, C 1 _5alkoxy, hydroxyC 1 -5alkyl, C 1.6_dkylOC 1 -6alkyl, acyl, aryl, acyloxy, hydroxy, nitro, trifluoromediyl, cyano, CC7R 10 , CONRΪOR 1 1 , NR 1 ^ 11 where RΪO and R are independendy hydrogen or C1.5aU.yl; R 4 is hydrogen or Cι_5alkyl; R5 and R^ are independendy hydrogen or C1.5aU.yl; A is (CR R 14 )q where q is 2, 3 or 4 and R 13 and R 14 are independendy hydrogen or Cι_5_Jkyl or A is (CR 13 R 14 ) r D where r is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and D is oxygen, sulphur or CR 1 =CR 14 - B is oxygen, CR 15 R 16 or NR 17 where R 15 , R 16 and R 17 are independendy hydrogen or Cι_5_lkyl or B is S(O) b where b is 0, 1 or 2; m is 1, 2 or 3; and n is 1, 2 or 3. 2. A compound according to claim 1 in which R 1 is COCι_5_dkyl, CR^NOR 11 , (O^N ^COR 11 , CO2R 10 , NR 1 OSO 2 R 11 , SC^NR 1 ^ 11 , CONR 1 ^ 11 , CONHNRiOR 1 1 , NR OCO 2 R 11 , NRiOcONRiOR 1, CONHNR 1 ^ 11 or SO2R 9 or R is optionally substituted oxadiazole. 3. A compound according to claim 1 or 2 in which R^ is Cι_5_lkyl. 4. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 3 in which m is 2. 5. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which R 4 is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl. 6. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which n is 1. 7 A compound according to claim 1 which is: 1 '-Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahyc_Ospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-pipeτidine], 233,6,7,8-Hexahyclro-l'-methyl-5-(2 , -medιyl-4'-(5-medιyl-l^,4-oxadiazol-3- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinol_ne-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(2'-Methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro{furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 '-Ethyl-5-(2'-medιyl-4 * -(5-methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyI-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tctrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l , -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphcnyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetr_hydrospiro[furof23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-(5-Dimetiiylamino- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 -methyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furor23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 • -Methyl-5-[4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl] -2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 2,3-Dihydro-l'-me_iyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-me_iyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-Cyano-2'-memylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-me_ιyl-23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3- f}indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-Acetyl-2 , -mediylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-medιyl-23.6,7-te_rahydrospiro[f uro[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-( 1 -(Methoxyamino)ethyl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tet_ahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'- Acetamidomed yl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 33,6,7,8,9-Hexahydro-l'-methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l^,4-oxadiazol-3- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[2H-furor2,3-h]benzazepine-3,4'-piperidine], 1 , -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(3-mediyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- te_r__iydrospiro[furo[2,3-f)indole-3,4'-piperidine], l , -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f|indole-3.4'-piperidine, 5-[4'-(5-Edιyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[2 , -Methyl-4'-(5-methyl-l,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3 ,4'-piperidine] , 2,3-Dihydro- 1 '-methyl-5-(2'-mcdιyl-4'-(5-medιyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(2,2'-Dimethyl-4'-(5-medιyl-l,3,4-oxadia_ol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-l'-me_ιyl- 2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-flindole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(2,3'-Dimedιyl-4'-(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl- 23.6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Methyl-5-(2'-me_ιyl-4'-(4-methylthia_ol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23,6,7- tetr_hydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-Methoxycarbonyl-2'-med ylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-fjindole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(5 , -Methoxycarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4 , -(Mcthanesulphonamino)-2 , -methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetr_hydrospiro[furo[2,3-_]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'-Hy drazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 '-Ethyl-5-(2'-me_ιyl-4 ' -(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- te__hydrospiro[furo[2,3-f)indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 , -Methyl-5-(2'-methyl-5 , -(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-ox__iazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-(4'- Carboxamido-2'-me_ιylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-medιyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-flindolc-3,4 , -piperidine], 5-(4'- Acet_mido-2'-medιylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-medιyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 233,6,7 ,8-Hex_hydro-l'-methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-13,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 23.5,6,7,8-Hexahydro-5-(4'-medιanesulphonamino-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)- - methylspiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], l , -Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4'-(5-mediyl-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetr_hydrospiro[_ιiopheno[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-pipcridine], 1 ^33,6,7-Hexahydro- 1 -methyl- 1 -(2'-methyl-4'-(5-methyl- 13,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)tdphenyl-4-carix_nyl)spiro[indeno[5,6-b]pyr_ole-7,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(N-me anesulphonyl-N-methyiaιnino)-2'-medιylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r- medιyl- 23,6,7-te_r__iydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4 , -(Dimethylaminosulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 '-methyl-2,3 ,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4 , -(Medιanesulphonyl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l'-methyl-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3- f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] , 5-[4'-(N,N-Dime_ιylcarbamoylamino)-2'-me_ιylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-r-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f|indole-3,4 , -piperidine], 5-[4'-(Ethoxycarbonylamino)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5.[4'-(43-Dimethyl- 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl)-2'-metiιylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 '-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furor2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 , -Medιyl-6-[2'-methyl-4 , -(5-medιyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,7,8- tetrahydrospiro[4H-pyrano[23-f]indole-4,4'-piperidine], 1 • -Methyl-5-(2 , -methyl-4 * -(5-methyl- 1 ,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-pip_ridine], 5-(2'-Medιyl-4'-(5-medιyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- r-n-propyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Methyl-5-(2 , -methyl-4'-(5-methyloxazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l , -Medιyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-(3-methylisoxazol-5-yl)biphcnyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Mcthyl-5-(2 , -methyl-4 , -(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4 , -piperidine], 2,33,6,7,8-Hex__ιydro-r-memyl-5-(4 , -(5-dimemylarmno-l,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'- med ylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,33,6,7,8-Hexahydro- 1 '-methyl-5-(4 ' -(5-ethyl- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl- 4-carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,33,6,7 ,8-Hexahydro- 1 '-methyl-5-(4'-medιoxycarbonyl-2'-medιylbiphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro [furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,33,6,7 ,8-Hexahydro- -mediyl-5-(4'-hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro_furo[2,3-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], 2,33,6,7 ,8-Hexahydro- 1 '-methyl-5-(2'-methyl-4'-( 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4- carbonyl)spiro[furo[23-g]quinoline-3,4'-piperidine], -Me_ιyl-5-(2'-memyl-4'-py-_zinylbiphenyl-4-ca_bonyl)-23,6,7-te__hydrospiro[furo[23- fjindole-3,4'-pip_ridine] , 1 '-Me_ιyl-5-[2'-me_ιyl-4'-(5-me_ιyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazolyl-3-yl)biphenyl-4-car bonyl]- 1 -oxo- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[_ιiopheno[23-fjindole-3,4'-piperidine], r-E_iyl-5-[2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl-l,3,4-ox_di_zol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], l'-Methyl-5-[2'-me_ιyl-4 , -(l-methylimida_ol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetr_hydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 * -Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4'-( 1 -medιylimi_a_ol-5-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5.[4^(5-Hydroxymemyl-l^,4-ox___azol-3-yl)-2'-me_iylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -meu-yl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 1 '-Medιyl-5-(2 , -metiιyl-4'-(5-med yl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-oxo- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine] t 1 , -Methyl-5-[2'-methyl-4 , -(l ^,4-triazin-3-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 23,6,7,8,9-Hex-_ιyd__^l * -methyl-6-(2'-methyl-4 , -(5-methyl -13,4-oxadiazol-2- yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)spiro[4H-pyrano[23-g]quinoline-4,4' piperidine], 1 , -Ethyl-5-(2 , -me_ιyl-4'-(5-medιyl- 13.4-oxadiazol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl)- 1 '-oxo- 23,6,7-te__hydro_piro[furo[2,3-f|indole-3,4 , -pip_ridine], 1 '-Ethyl-5-[4 , -(5-methyl- 13,4-oxadi_zol-2-yl)biphenyl-4-carbonyl]-2,3,6,7- tet_ahydrospiro[furo[23-fJindolc-3,4 , -piperidine], 1 '-E_ιyl-5-(4'-hydrazinocarbonyl-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-23,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[ f uro [2,3-fjindole-3 ,4'-pipeτidine] , 5-[4'-(Acetylhydrazinocarbonyl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -ethyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-fjindole-3,4'-pipeτidine], 5-l4'-(5-Methoxymedιyl- 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 '-methyl- 23,6,7-tetrahydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(4,5-Dihydrooxazol-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]-l'-mediyl-23,6,7- tetrahydrosp___[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(2-( I^-DimeΛylamino)acetamido)-2'-medιylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -meu_yl- 2,3 ,6,7 -tetrahy drospiro[f uro[2,3-f]indole-3 ,4'-piperi dine] 5-[4'-(Ethoxycarbonylamino)-2'-me_ιylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- 1 '-ethyl-2,3,6,7- tetr_diydrospiro[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], 5-[4'-(Acetylhyd_^nocarbonyl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl]- -methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospiro[furo[2,3-f]indole-3,4'-pipcridine], 5-(4 * -(5-memylfur_n-2-yl)-2'-methylbiphenyl-4-carbonyl)-l'-methyl-2,3,6,7- tetrahydrospi_o[furo[23-f]indole-3,4'-piperidine], or pharmaceutically acceptable salts or N-oxides thereof. 8. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) which comprises: (a) reaction of a compound of formula (II): (II) in which R 1 , R^ and R 3 are as defined in formula (I) and L is a leaving group, with a compound of formula (III): wherein R 4 , R^, R6 A, B, m and n arc as defined in formula (I) and optionally thereafter in any order: • converting a compound of formula (I) into another compound of formula (I) • forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or N-oxide. 9. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for use in therapy. 10. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in association widi a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

Inventors: GASTER LARAMIE MARY, KING FRANCIS DAVID, WYMAN PAUL ADRIAN, GASTER, LARAMIE, MARY, KING, FRANCIS, DAVID, WYMAN, PAUL, ADRIAN
Applicants: GASTER LARAMIE MARY, KING FRANCIS DAVID, SMITHKLINE BEECHAM PLC, WYMAN PAUL ADRIAN, GASTER, LARAMIE, MARY, KING, FRANCIS, DAVID, WYMAN, PAUL, ADRIAN
Application year: 1995
Main classification: C07D471
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P25, A61P43, C07D471, C07D491, C07D495