TRIAZOLE ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS

Abstract: An antifungal agent of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where Ar is a phenyl group substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo and CF3; and X is a group of formula (a), (b), (c), or (d) wherein Z is H or F, and in which Het is a 5-membered nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic group optionally containing an oxygen or sulfur atom and attached to the phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group by a carbon or nitrogen atom and optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo; C1-C4 alkyl; (C1-C4 alkoxy)methyl; 2-(C1-C4 alkoxy)ethoxymethyl; 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl; cyanomethyl; -NR<1>R<2> or -CH2CONR<1>R<2> where R<1> and R<2> are each independently H or C1-C4 alkyl; phenylthio or phenyl-(C1 or C2 alkyl) in both of which said phenyl group is optionally substituted by halo, trifluoromethyl or C1-C4 alkyl; -NHCO(C1-C4 alkyl); -NHSO2(C1-C4 alkyl); -NHCONR<1>R<2> where R<1> and R<2> are as defined above; mercapto; and -S(O)n(C1-C4 alkyl) where n is 0, 1 or 2.

Description: TRIAZOLE ANTIFUNGAL AGENTS This invention relates to triazole derivatives which have antifungal activity and are useful in the treatment of fungal infections in animals, including humans. Thus the invention provides compounds of the formuia:- and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, where Ar is a phenyl group substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo and CF 3 ; and X is a group of the formula:- wherein Z is H or F, and in which Het is a 5-membered nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic group optionally containing an oxygen or sulfur atom and attached to the phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group by a carbon or nitrogen atom and optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo; Cι-C 4 alkyl; (d-C 4 alkoxy)methyl; 2-{CrC 4 alkoxy)ethoxymethyi; 2-hydroxyethoxymethyi; cyanomethyl; -NR 1 R 2 or -CH 2 CONR 1 R 2 where R 1 and R 2 are each independently H or C C 4 alkyl; phenyithio or phenyi-{Cι or C 2 alkyl) in both of which said phenyl group is optionally substituted by halo, trifiuoromethyi or C 1 -C 4 alkyl; -NHCO(Cι-C 4 alkyl); -NHS0 2 {C 1 -C 4 alkyl); -NHCONR 1 R 2 where R 1 and R 2 are as defined above; mercapto; and alkyl) where n is 0, 1 or 2. "Halo" means F, Cl, Br or I. Preferred alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl and isopropyl, and preferred alkoxy groups are methoxy and ethoxy. Z is preferably H. Preferably, "Het" is a pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyi, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyi or tetrazolyl group, optionally substituted as defined above, particularly a pyrazol-1-yl, pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl, imidazol-1-yl, imidazol-2-yl, imidazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-1-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-2-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-1- yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 1,2,4-triazol-4-yl, 1 ,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 1 ,2,4-oxadiazo!-5-yl, pyrrol-1-yl, thiazol-5-yl or tetrazol-5-yl group, these groups being optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents as defined above, and particularly by 1 to 3 (preferably by 1 or 2) substituents each independently selected from chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, CrC 3 alkyl, amino, ethoxymethyl, 2- methoxyethoxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl, methylthio, methanesulphonyl, mercapto, phenylthio, methanesulfonamido, 3-methylureido, cyanomethyl, carbamoylmethyl, acetamido and benzyl. The most preferred compounds are either unsubstituted or have one substituent as defined above. Specific examples of "Het" include pyrazol-1-yl, 3-aminopyrazol-1-yi, 1- ethoxymethylpyrazol-4-yl, 1 -ethoxymethylpyrazol-5-yl, 4-bromo-pyrazol-3-yl, 3- methanesulfonamidopyrazol-1-yl, 3-(3-methyIureido) pyrazol-1-yl, 3- acetamidopyrazol-1-yl, 1-methylpyrazol-5-yl, 1-methyipyrazol-3-yl, 1 -ethylpyrazol- 5-yl, 1-isopropylpyrazol-5-yl, 1-ethoxymethylpyrazol-5-yl, 1 -carbamoylmethyl- pyrazol-3-yl, 1-cyano-methylpyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl, 3- methylpyrazol-4-yl, 1-methyiimidazol-2-yl, imidazol-1-yl, 2-methylimidazol-1-yl, 1- ethoxymethyl-2-phenylthioimidazol-5-yl, 1 -ethoxymethylimidazol-2-yl, 4- methylimidazol-1-yl, 1-ethoxymethylimidazol-5-yl, imidazol-2-yl, 1-methylimidazol- 5-yl, 1-ethylimidazol-5-yl, 1-methyl-2-phenylthioimidazol-5-yl, imidazol -4-yl, 1 ,2,3- triazol-1-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-2-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl, 1-ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl, 1- ethoxymethyl-3-methylthio-1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1-(2- methoxyethoxymethyl)-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yI, 1-benzyl-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl,1-(2- hydroxyethoxymethyl)-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 5-methyl-1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 3-methylthio- 1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl, 1-ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 4-methyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yi, 3- mercapto-4-methyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl, 1-methyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl, 1 -ethoxymethyl- 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 2-ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-4-yl, 4-chloro- 1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 4-bromo-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 4-iodo-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 4-fluoro- 1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl,5-methanesulfonyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 3- methanesulphonyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl, 1 -ethoxymethyl-3-methanesulphonyl-1 ,2,4- triazol-5-yl, 5-amino-1 ,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 5- methylthio-1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 5-methanesulphonyl-1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 3- amino-1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl, 5-amino-1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 1-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl, 1- benzyltetrazol-5-yl, tetrazol-5-yl, thiazol-5-yl and 2,5-dimethylpyrrol-1-yl. X is preferably a group of the formula:- where Z is H or F, - b .Het and, more preferably, where "Het" is as defined above. X is most preferably a group of the formula: where "Het" is selected from (a) an unsubstituted 1 ,2,3-triazol-1-yl group, (b) an unsubstituted 1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl or -4-yl group, (c) a 1 ,2,3- or 1 ,2,4-triazolyl group attached to the adjacent phenyl group by a carbon atom and optionally substituted on a nitrogen atom by C-ι-C 4 alkyl (preferably methyl), or (C C 4 alkoxy)methyl (preferably ethoxymethyl), (d) unsubstituted imidazol-1-yl, (e) an unsubstituted pyrazol-3-yl group, an unsubstituted pyrazol-4-yl group or 1- methylpyrazol-5-yl group, and (f) an imidazol-4-yl or 1 -methylimidazol-5-yl group. Ar is preferably a phenyl group substituted by 1 or 2 substituents each independently selected from halo and CF 3 . More preferably, Ar is a phenyl group substituted by 1 or 2 substituents each independently selected from F, Cl and Br. Most preferably, Ar is 2,4-difluorophenyl, 2-chlorophenyl or 2-fluorophenyl. Where the compounds (I) can exist in tautomeric forms, it should be understood that the invention includes all the tautomers. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the formula (I) include acid addition salts formed from acids which form non-toxic salts such as the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, sulphate or bisulphate, phosphate or hydrogen phosphate, acetate, maleate, fumarate, lactate, tartrate, citrate, gluconate, benzoate, methanesulphonate, benzenesulphonate and p.-toluenesulphonate salts. Some of the compounds may also form basic salts such as sodium, potassium and tetraalkylammonium salts. For a review on suitable pharmaceutical salts see Berαe et al. J. Pharm. Sci., 66, 1-19 (1977). The compounds of the formula (I) contain at least two chiral centres (*) and therefore exist as at least two diastereoisomeric pairs of enantiomers, i.e. The invention includes both the individual stereoisomers of the compounds of formula (I) together with mixtures thereof. Separation of diastereoisomers may be achieved by conventional techniques, e.g. by fractional crystallisation, chromatography or H.P.L.C. of a diastereoisomeric mixture of a compound of the formula (I) or a suitable salt or derivative thereof. An individual enantiomer of a compound of the formula (I) may also be prepared from a corresponding optically pure intermediate or by resolution, either by H.P.L.C. of the racemate using a suitable chiral support or by fractional crystallisation of the diastereoisomeric salts formed by reaction of the racemate with a suitable optically active acid, e.g. 1 R-(-) or 1S-(+)-10-camphorsulphonic acid, 3-bromocamphor-10-sulphonic acid or (-)-3- bromocamphor-8-sulphonic acid. In general, the (2R,3S)-forms of the compounds (I) are preferred. Preferred individual compounds include the following:- (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[imidazol-1 -yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,3-triazol-1 -yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yI]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl]phenyi)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-dif luorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,4-triazol-4-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 - yl)butan-2-ol, and (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-dif luorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 -methylpyrazol-5-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 ■ yl)butan-2-ol. The compounds of formula (I) can be prepared as follows:- Route A The compounds of the formula (I) can be prepared by the reduction of a 3- buten-2-ol derivative of the formula (II):- where Ar and X are as defined for formula (I). In a typical procedure the reduction of the compound (II) is carried out by catalytic hydrogenation, e.g. using either a hetero-geneous catalyst such as palladium, palladium or rhodium on carbon, Raney nickel, or a homogeneous catalyst, e.g. tris(triphenylphosphine) chlororhodium, both in a suitable organic solvent, e.g. ethanol or ethyl acetate. The reaction is preferably carried out at from room temperature up to the reflux temperature of the solvent and at a pressure of from 1 to 5 atmospheres (100-500kPa), but generally proceeds satisfactorily at about room temperature and two atmospheres of hydrogen pressure. This reduction technique tends to result in end products (I) primarily in the (2R,3S) or (2R,3S/2S,3R) form. The reduction can also be carried out using di-imide which can be generated in situ by the decomposition of azodicarboxylic acid potassium salt [J. Org. Chem., 1965, 30, 1965] or an acyl or sulphonyl hydrazide (e.g. p- toluenesulphonyihydrazide) either by the action of base, e.g. sodium ethoxide, or ■ by thermal decomposition in an appropriate solvent, e.g. ethanol, butanol or an hydrocarbon such as toluene or xylene [J. Am. Chem. Soc, 1961 , 83, 3729; Tetrahedron, 1976, 32, 2157]. Using this method, sufficient quantities of both diastereomeric pairs, i.e. (2R.3S) and (2R.3R) or (2R.3S/2S.3R) and (2R,3R/2S,3S), are often produced for them to be separated by chromatography. Catalytic hydrogenation at higher temperatures (e.g. 50° to 100° C) and over a prolonged period (e.g. 15 to 20 hours) will, at the same time as reducing the methylene group, simultaneously remove any protecting groups such as (d- C 4 alkoxy)methyl, 2-(C C 4 alkoxy) ethoxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl or benzyl substituents which are attached to a nitrogen atom of "Het" (see e.g. Examples 59, 64 and 66). Many of the intermediates of the formula (II) are known compounds, at least in general terms, see e.g. WO 89/05581 or U.S. P. 4,952,232, and others can be prepared analogously either to the methods disclosed in these references, or to the techniques illustrated herein in the section headed "Preparations". A typical method to certain key iodo-phenyl intermediates can for example be illustrated as follows:- -7- Triton B t-Butyl hydroperoxide Toluene ω: can be resolved into (+) and (-) forms. These iodo-phenyi intermediates can then be progressed into the intermediates (II) by several methods. For compounds (II) in which "Het" is linked to the adjacent phenyl group by a nitrogen atom, the following route can be used:- t/K 2 CO 3 For compounds (II) in which "Het" is linked to the adjacent phenyl group by a carbon atom, the following route can be used. When "Het" is unsubstituted, it is preferred to protect "Het" with a protecting group Q, preferably a (C C 4 alkoxy) methyl, [2-(CrC 4 alkoxy)ethoxy]methyl, benzyl or ' trityl protecting group, preferably an ethoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethoxymethyl, benzyl or trityl group, which group can be subsequently removed by conventional techniques, e.g. by acid hydrolysis (alkoxymethyl, alkoxyethoxymethyl or trityl only) or catalytic hydrogenation, if required. [In fact, the end products (I) in which "Het" is substituted by Cι-C 4 alkoxymethyl, [2-(C-ι-C a!koxy)ethoxy]methyl or benzyl are also active as antifungal agents in their own right]. A protecting group is not for example necessary when an N-alkyl heterocycle is required as shown in Preparation 53 where a final product having an N-methyl substituent is prepared. This route is conveniently illustrated by the use of 1 ,2,3-triazole, as follows:- THF, reflux, (±) or(+) or(-). Z CljXOptional). (Optional) Removal of protecting group Q As stated above, Q is preferably ethoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethoxymethyl, benzyl or trityl, the first two of these groups being removable by acidic hydrolysis, e.g. using dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid (see e.g. Examples 38 and 42 which illustrate this technique), the benzyl group being removable by catalytic hydrogenation (see e.g. Example 63), and the trityl group by hydrolysis with trifluoroacetic acid. Where end products (I) in which "Het" is unsubstituted are desired, it is possible to remove the protecting group Q as the very last step of the whole reaction as is described in Examples 38, 42 and 63, although Q can be removed simultaneously with the reduction of the methylene group, if desired, as is for example described in Examples 59, 64 and 66. Furthermore, Preparation 11 illustrates a route to intermediates (II) in which "Het" is a 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl group. Routes to intermediates (II) in which X contains a pyridyl moiety are illustrated in Preparations 22 and 24. Preparation 25 illustrates a route to intermediates (II) in which "Het" is a 5-amino-1 ,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yi group. Preparation 21 illustrates an alternative to the preparation of intermediates (I I A) in which "Het" is N-linked to the adjacent phenyl group, and this can be illustrated in general terms as follows :- r — CH C A2Y HetNa Ph 3 PCH 3 Br, n-BuLi (HA) Route B A phenylthio, benzyl, (d-C 4 alkoxy)methyl, 2-(C C 4 alkoxy)ethoxymethyl, or 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl substituent on "Het" can be removed, if desired, by catalytic hydrogenation similarly to the procedure of Route A, e.g. over palladium or Raney nickel at about 30 to 100 p.s.i. (200 to 666 kPa) and from room temperature up to 100°C in a solvent such as methanol or ethanol. Route C Compounds of the formula (I) in which "Het" is a 1 ,2,4-triazol-4-yl group can be prepared from the corresponding formamido compounds (i.e. the corresponding compounds having a formamido group attached to the phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group of X) by reaction with formylhydrazine, e.g. by reaction at high temperature (typically from 150°-250°C for about 1.5 hours) in the absence of a solvent or in the presence of an organic solvent such as DMF or N,N- dimethylacetamide at the reflux temperature of the solvent. The formamido starting materials are typically obtainable by the route illustrated in Preparation 19. Route D Compounds of the formula (I) in which "Het" is a 5-[C C 4 alkyl]-! ,3,4- oxadiazol-2-yl group can be prepared by the reaction of the corresponding hydrazinocarbonyl compounds (-CONHNH 2 ) with an imidate of the formula:-(CrC alkyl)-C-OC 2 H 5 , or with a salt thereof, II NH preferably the hydrochloride (see e.g. Example 37). The reaction is typically carried out in an organic solvent such as ethanol or dioxan at a temperature of from room temperature up to the reflux temperature of the solvent. The reaction is preferably carried out under reflux. Preparation 23 illustrates a typical preparation of a hydrazinocarbonyl (benzoyihydrazide) starting material. Route E Certain N-protecting groups, e.g. (C C 4 alkoxy)methyl (preferably ethoxymethyl), 2-(CrC 4 alkoxy)ethoxymethyl (e.g. 2-methoxyethoxy-methyl) and 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl, when attached to a nitrogen atom of "Het", can also be removed by acidic hydrolysis, e.g. by hydrolysis using dilute hydrochloric acid under reflux in a solvent such as ethanol (see e.g. Examples 38 and 42). The N- protected compounds can be prepared as described in Route A. Similarly a trityl protecting group can be removed by acid hydrolysis, preferably using trifluoroacetic acid (see e.g. Example 78). Route F Compounds (I) in which "Het" is substituted by a Cι-C 4 alkylthio group can be prepared by the alkylation of the corresponding mercapto-substituted compounds, typically by reaction firstly with a strong base and then with a compound of the formula C1-C4 alkyl.Q 1 where Q 1 is a suitable leaving group. Preferred bases are sodium hydride and n-butyllithium. The preferred leaving group is iodo. The reaction is typically carried out in an organic solvent, such as DMF, and at about room temperature. Whilst the starting thiols can generally be prepared according to Route A, Preparation 31 illustrates a specific route to compounds in which "Het" is 5-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl. Route G Compounds (I) in which "Het" is substituted by C-ι-C 4 alkylsulphinyl or C C alkylsulphonyl can be prepared by the oxidation of the corresponding C-ι-C 4 alkylthio compounds from Route F using, respectively, about one molar equivalent or an excess of a suitable oxidising agent, e.g. m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid. Typically the starting material in an organic solvent such as dichloromethane is cooled to about -70°C, and treated with the appropriate quantity of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid e.g. in dichloromethane. The solution is then allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred until reaction is complete (e.g. for 24 hours). Route H Compounds (I) in which "Het" is an oxadiazolyl group of the formula: where R 1 and R 2 are each independently H or CrC 4 alkyl, can be prepared by the reaction of the corresponding (Cι-C aIkoxy)carbonyl - substituted (preferably methoxycarbonyl substituted compounds) with a hydroxy-guanidine of the formula:- It is preferred to generate the hydroxyguanidine in situ from the corresponding acid salt (e.g. the hemisulphate) and a base (e.g. sodium ethoxide or hydride). The reaction is typically carried in an anhydrous organic solvent such as anhydrous ethanol and preferably in the presence of a dehydrating agent such as 3A or 4A molecular sieves. Reaction temperatures of from room temperature up to reflux can be used. Reflux is preferred. Preparation 23 illustrates the typical preparation of an alkoxycarbonyl starting material. Route Compounds of the formula (I) in which "Het" is an oxadiazolyl group of the formula:- where R 1 and R 2 are each independently H or CτC 4 alkyl, can be prepared by the reaction of an "activated" ester of the corresponding carboxy-substituted compounds with a thiosemicarbazide of the formuia:- S=C-NR 1 R 2 I NHNH 2 in a suitable organic solvent, e.g. dichloromethane or dimethylformamide. The "activated" (or "reactive") ester is typically formed in situ by reaction of the corresponding acid with an activating agent such as 1 -hydroxybenzotriazole in the presence of a coupling agent such as 1 -[3-dimethyiaminopropyl]-3- ethylcarbodiimide. Preparation 32 illustrates the typical preparation of a carboxy- substituted starting material. Route J The compounds of the formula (I) can also be prepared by reacting a ketone of the formula:- with a nucleophile of the formula:- Θ X- CH-CHs — (IV) or compound of the formula :- M where X and Ar are as defined for formula (I) and M is Li, Zn-Hal or Mg-Hal. Hal = CI, Br or l. The nucleophile is typically prepared by reaction of the corresponding ethyl compound, X-CH 2 -CH 3 , with a strong base such as n-butyllithium, lithium diisopropylamide cr lithium hexamethyl disiiazide, in which case the counterion of (IV) is Li®. Alternatively (IVA)may be prepared by halogen-metal exchange, by treatment of a haloethyi compound X-CH-CH3 I Hai with an alkyilithium e.g. butyllithium or with a metal, e.g. zinc in the presence of iodine and optionally lead, or magnesium, in which case M is Li, Zn-Hal or Mg-Hal. [Hal = Cl, Br or I, preferably Br]. Route K Compounds of the formula (I) in which "Het" is substituted by a group of the formula -NHCO(C 1 -C 4 alkyl) can be prepared by the acylation of the corresponding starting materials substituted by the group -NH 2 using an acid chloride or anhydride of the formula (C 1 -C 4 alkyl) COCI or (C r C 4 alkyl. CO) 2 0. Similarly, reaction of these starting materials with a C r C 4 alkanesulphonyl chloride results in compounds in which "Het" is substituted by a group of the formula -NHSO^C C^ alkyl). Furthermore, reaction of these starting materials with a C r C 4 alkyl isocyanate yields compounds (I) in which "Het" is substituted by -NHCONH(C 1 -C 4 alkyl). It is also possible to carry out these reactions at an earlier stage of the synthetic procedure on appropriate intermediates as is illustrated in Preparations 8 to 10. Route L When "Het" is 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl or 5-(C 1 -C 4 alkyl)-1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, then the end products (I) can be prepared as follows:- C 4 alkyl) ; The reaction is typically carried out in ether as the solvent. It is preferred to use azidotris (diethylamino)phosphonium bromide, typically with potassium t- butoxide as the base. The ketone starting materials can be prepared by conventional methods such as those illustrated in Preparations 47 and 48. Route M Compounds (I) in which "Het" is attached to the adjacent phenyl or heterocyclic ring by a carbon atom and is substituted on a nitrogen atom by C-ι-C 4 alkyl, C-ι-C alkoxymethyl, cyano methyl or carbamoyimethyl can be prepared by the N-alkylation of the corresponding unsubstituted compounds, e.g. by using the appropriate CrC 4 alkyl halide or tosylate, (CrC 4 alkoxy)methyl halide, cyanomethyl halide or carbamoyimethyl halide (e.g. chloride, bromide or iodide), typically in the presence of an acid acceptor (e.g. potassium carbonate) and in a suitable organic solvent. When tautomerism of the ring is. possible, alkylation may occur on one or more nitrogen atoms but the resulting mixture of end products can be separated by chromatography. Route N Compounds of the formula (I) in which X is -ζ ~ where "Het" is a 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl group and Z is H or F can also be prepared by the reaction of a compound of the formula:- firstly with an azido (C C alkyl)siiane (preferably azidotrimethylsilane) and then with water. The starting materials (VI) can be prepared by the following scheme (analogous to that of Preparation II). KOH Compound (VI) Route O Compounds of the formula (I) in which "Het" is linked to the adjacent phenyl or pyridyl group by a nitrogen atom can also be prepared by the following reaction scheme:- Het— H Cu Powder, Base (e.g. K,CO 3 ) where "Het" is linked by a nitrogen atom the adjacent phenyl or pyridyl ring. Z is as defined for formula (l) and Y is CH or N. The reaction is typically carried out with heating at up to 150°C (and analogously to the method of Preparation 1). The starting materials can be prepared as described in Route A using diimide reduction. The preferred copper catalyst is copper bronze. This route can also be used to prepare the compounds (I) in which "Het" is attached to a 3-pyridinyl or 4-pyrimidinyl group. Route P ~ 20 ~ Compounds of the formula (I) in which "Het" is linked to the adjacent phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group by a carbon atom can also be prepared by the Stille, Terashima, Suzuki or Negishi coupling reactions by reacting the corresponding compound in which the phenyl, pyridinyl or pyrimidinyl group is substituted by a leaving group such as Cl, Br, I or -OSO 2 CF 3 (-OTf) with a compound of the formula Het-M where M is -Sn(Me) 3> -Sn(n-Bu) 3 , -BEt 2 , -B(OH) 2 or -ZnCI, Het being as defined for formula (I), in the presence of a palladium or nickel catalyst, preferably tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0). When the leaving group is -OTf, lithium chloride is added to the reaction mixture. The reaction is best carried out by heating in a suitable organic solvent such as dioxane. The point of attachment of "Het" is generally at the position adjacent to the substituted nitrogen atom. It may be necessary to protect a nitrogen atom "Het" as is described in Route A. The N-protecting group can then be removed conventionally. Route Q Compounds in which "Het" is halo-substituted can be prepared by conventional halogenation techniques, e.g. using N-chlorosuccinimide, N- bromosuccinimide, N-iodosuccinimide or "Selectfluor" [1-chloromethyl-4-fluoro- 1 ,4-diazabicycIo[2.2.2]octane bis (tetrafluoroborate) - see J.Chem.Soc.Commun., 1992, 595]. Route R Compounds in which "Het" is 3-mercapto-4-(C-i-C 4 alkyi)-1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl can be prepared by the cyclisation of the corresponding compound in which the phenyl, pyridinyl or pyrimidinyl ring is substituted by -CONHNHCSNH(d-C 4 alkyl) using, for example, sodium methoxide in ethanol, typically at reflux. Route S When "Het" is substituted by a mercapto group, then this can be removed, if desired, by treatment with hydrogen peroxide, typically in acetic acid under reflux. Route T A trimethylsilyl group on "Het" can be removed by treatment with aqueous potassium hydroxide, e.g. in ethanol, typically under reflux. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of the compounds (I) are either isolated directly from the reaction mixture or are prepared by mixing together solutions containing the free base and the desired acid. The salt generally precipitates from solution and is collected by filtration, or is recovered by evaporation of the solvent. Similarly basic salts of compounds which form such salts can be prepared conventionally by reaction of a suitable compound (I) with, for example, sodium hydroxide. The compounds of the formula (I) and their salts are antifungal agents, useful in the curative or prophylactic treatment of fungal infections in animals, including humans. For example, they are useful in treating superficial fungal infections in man caused by, among other organisms, species of Candida. Trichophvton. Microsporum or Epidermophvton. or in mucosal infections caused by Candida albicans (e.g. thrush and vaginal candidiasis). They can also be used in the treatment of systemic fungal infections caused by, for example, species of Candida (e.g. Candida albicans). Crvptococcus neoformans. Asperqillus flavus. Asperqillus fumiαatus. Coccidioides. Paracoccidioides. Histoplasma or Blastomvces. The compounds of the present invention have been found to have unexpectedly good broad spectrum activity, including good activity against the clinically important Asperqillus SPP. fungi. The in vitro evaluation of the antifungal activity of the compounds can be performed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (m.i.α), which is the concentration of the test compounds, in a suitable medium, at which growth of the particular micro-organism fails to occur. In practice, a series of agar plates, or liquid medium in microtiter plates, each having the test compound incorporated at a particular concentration, is inoculated with a standard culture of, for example, Crvptococcus neoformans. and each plate is then incubated for 48 hours at 37°C. The plates are then examined for the presence or absence of growth of the fungus and the appropriate m.i.c. value is noted. Other micro-organisms used in such tests can include Candida Albicans. Asperqillus fumiqatus. Trichophvton spp.. Microsporum sop.. Epidermophvton floccosum. Coccidioides immitis and Torulopsis qlabrata. The in vivo evaluation of the compounds can be carried out at a series of dose levels by intraperitoneal or intravenous injection, or by oral administration, to mice or rats which are inoculated with, e.g. a strain of Candida albicans. Asperqillus fumiqatus or Crvptococcus neoformans. Activity may be based on the number of survivors from a treated group of mice after the death of an untreated group of mice. For Candida spp. infection models the dose level at which the compound provides 50% protection against the lethal effect of the infection (PD 5 o) is also assessed. For Asperqillus spp. infection models the number of mice cured of the infection after a set dose allows further assessment of activity. For Crvptococcus spp. infection models the number of colony forming units existing after a set dose is assessed and compared with control to determine compound efficacy. A preliminary assessment of potential liver toxicity may also be made on the basis of increase in liver weight relative to control. For human use, the antifungal compounds of the formula (I) and their salts can be administered alone, but will generally be administered in admixture with a pharmaceutical carrier selected with regard to the intended route of administration and standard pharmaceutical practice. For example, they can be administered orally in the form of tablets containing such excipients as starch or lactose, or in capsules or ovules either alone or in admixture with excipients, or in the form of elixirs, solutions or suspensions containing flavouring or colouring agents. They can be injected parenterally, for example, intravenously, intramuscularly or subcutaneously. For parenteral administration, they are best used in the form of a sterile aqueous solution which may contain other substances, for example, enough salts or glucose to make the solution isotonic with blood. The solubility of a compound of the formula (I) in an aqueous medium may be improved by complexation with a hydroxyalkyl (see EP-A-0149197) or sulfoalkyl (see WO 91/11172)) derivative of a cyclodextrin in the preparation of an appropriate pharmaceutical composition. Preferably the cyclodextrin used is alpha-, beta-, or gamma-cyclodextrin and most preferably is beta-cyclodextrin. Preferably the derivative is a hydroxypropyl or tetrasulfobutyi derivative of a cyclodextrin, particularly beta- cyclodextrin. For oral and parenteral administration to human patients, the daily dosage level of the antifungal compounds of the formula (I) and their salts will be from 0.01 to 20mg/kg preferably 0.5 to 5mg/kg, (in single or divided doses) when administered by either the oral or parenteral route. Thus tablets or capsules of the compounds will contain from 5mg to 0.5g of active compound for administration singly or two or more at a time, as appropriate. The physician in any event will determine the actual dosage which will be most suitable for an individual patient and it will vary with the age, weight and response of the particular patient. The above dosages are exemplary of the average case; there can, of course, be individual instances where higher or lower dosage ranges are merited, and such are within the scope of this invention. Alternatively, the antifungal compounds of formula (I) can be administered in the form of a suppository or pessary, or they may be applied topically in the form of a lotion, solution, cream, ointment or dusting powder. For example, they can be incorporated into a cream consisting of an aqueous emulsion of polyethylene glycols or liquid paraffin; or they can be incorporated, at a concentration between 1 to 10%, into an ointment consisting of a white wax or white soft paraffin base together with such stabilizers and preservatives as may be required. Thus the invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, together with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. The invention yet further provides a compound of the formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or composition thereof, for use as a medicament, in particular as an antifungal agent. The invention also provides the use of a compound of the formula (I), or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or composition thereof, for the manufacture of an antifungal agent. The invention yet further provides a method of treating an animal (including a human being) to cure or prevent a fungal infection, which comprises treating said animal with an effective amount of a compound of the formula (I), or with, as appropriate, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or composition thereof. The invention also provides any novel intermediates described herein, e.g. the compounds of the formula (V) and the compounds of the formula (II) in which "Het" is atached to the adjacent phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group by a carbon atom. The following Examples illustrate the preparation of the compounds of the formula (I). EXAMPLE 1 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-rpyrazol-1-vnphenvn-1- ( 1.2.4-triazol-1 -vnbutan-2-ol A solution of 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[pyrazol-1-yl]phenyl)-1- (1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (0.8g, 2mmol - Preparation 3) in ethanol (100ml) was hydrogenated at 30 psi (200KPa) pressure over 10% palladium on charcoal (0.1 g) for 4 hours at room temperature. A further batch of catalyst (0.3g) was added, and the hydrogenation was continued for 2 hours. The mixture was filtered through "Arbocel" (Trade Mark) and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica by elution with dichloromethane/methanol (98:2). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under pressure. The residue was crystallised from methanol to afford the title compound as a colourless solid (280mg, 34%), m.p. 176-177°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 63.87; H, 4.73; N, 17.55. C 2 iH 19 F 2 N 5 θ requires: C, 63.79; H, 4.84; N, 17.71. EXAMPLE 2 (2R.3S/2S.3m and 2R.3R/2S.3S)-2-f2.4-Difluorophenyn-3-(4-f1- methylimidazol-2-yl]phenvπ-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-vnbutan-2-ol A mixture of 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1-methyIimidazol-2- yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (0.45g, 1.1 mmol - see Preparation 13) and p-toluenesulphonylhydrazide (1.0g, 5.5mmol) was suspended in toluene (20ml) and heated under reflux for 4 hours. The cooled mixture was diluted with ethyl acetate (50ml) then washed twice with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (2N, 50ml). The organic phase was dried (MgS0 4 ), filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a yellow oil. The crude product was purified by chromatography on silica by elution with ethyl acetate/methanol (97:3). The pure fractions were combined and evaporated to give a colourless foam. The foam was triturated with hexane/ether to afford the title compound, (2R,3R/2S,3S) enantiomeric pair, as a colourless solid (0.07g, 15%), m.p. 159-161 °C. Analysis %: Found: C, 64.39; H, 5.01 ; N, 16.97. C 22 H 21 F 2 N 5 O requires: C, 64.53; H, 5.17; N, 17.11%. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): 5 = 1.60 (d,3H), 3.42 (q,1 H), 3.65 (s,3H), 4.63 (d,1 H), 4.78 (S,1 H), 5.01 (d,1H), 6.43 (m,1 H), 6.61 (m,1H), 6.91 (s,1H), 6.94 (m,1 H), 7.04(S,1 H), 7.06(d,2H), 7.38(d,2H), 7.78(S,1 H), 7.94(s,1 H) ppm. Further elution with ethyl acetate/methanol (95:5) provided, after combination and evaporation of the appropriate fractions, a colourless foam. Tritu ration with hexane/ethyl acetate afforded the title compound, (2R,3S/2S,3R) enantiomeric pair, as a colourless solid (0.1 g, 22%), m.p. 153-155°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 64.50; H, 5.19; N, 16.92. Ca j H^F j NsO requires: C, 64.53; H, 5.17; N, 17.11%. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.14 (d,3H), 3.38 (q,1H), 3.79 (s,3H), 3.86 (d,1 H), 4.80 (d,1 H), 4.81 (s,1 H), 6.75 (m,2H), 6.98 (s,1 H), 7.10 (s,1H), 7.46 (m,1 H), 7.58 (d,2H), 7.61 (d,2H), 7.70 (s,1H), 7.74 (S,1H) ppm. EXAMPLES 3 to 30 The following compounds were prepared using the method of either Example 1 or Example 2, as specified in the Table. It will be noted that in some Examples using the method of Example 2, only the predominant diastereomeric pair was isolated. Φ The RS/SR isomer of Example 15 was obtained by the method of Example 1. Tne Example was then repeated by th method of Example 2, when good separation of the diastereomers was obtained by hplc on an "ODS2" column by elut with methanol/water (60:40) when the RR/SS Isomer eluted first. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): Example No.12: δ = 1.14 (d,3H), 1.24 (t,3H), 2.62 (s,2H), 3.38 (q,1H), 3.80 (q,2H), 3.82 (d,1H), 4.80 (d,1H),4.82 (s,1H),5.42 (s,2H), 6.7-6.8 (m,2H), 7.46 (q,1H), 7.63 (d,2H), 7.70 (S,1H), 7.72 (S,1H), 7.78 (d,1H), 7.89 (d,2H) ppm. Example No.14: δ = 1.14 (t,3H), 1.57 (d,3H), 3.38 (q,2H), 3.41 (q,1H), 4.63 (d,1H), 4.82 (S,1H), 5.26 (ABq,2H), 6.43 (m,1H), 6.61 (m,1H), 6.96 (m,1H), 7.08 (d,2H), 7.24 (S,5H), 7.26 (d,2H), 7.3-7.7 (m,2H), 7.76 (s,1H), 7.87 (s,1H) ppm. Example No.19 (2R,3S/2S,3R): δ = 1.17 (d,3H), 1.22 (t,3H), 3.39 (q,1H), 3.59 (q,2H), 3.86 (d,1H), 4.77 (s,1H), 4.80 (d,1H), 5.33 (S,2H), 6.78 (m,2H), 7.16 (d,2H), 7.50 (m,1H), 7.74 (s,1H), 7.76 (s,1H), 7.80 (d,2H) ppm. Example No.19 (2R,3R/2S,3S): δ = 1.19 (t,3H), 1.60 (d,3H), 3.46 (q,3H), 4.65 (d, 1H), 4.77 (s, 1H), 5.12 (d, 1H), 5.20 (s,1H), 6.44 (td,1H), 6.62 (td,1H), 6.94 (q,1H), 7.06 (d, 2H), 7.08 (d,2H), 7.50 (d,2H), 7.76 (S,1H), 7.85 (s,1H) ppm. Example No.22: δ = 1.14 (d,3H), 2.64 (s,3H), 3.38 (q 5 1H), 3.84 (d,1H), 4.80 (d,1H), 4.87 (S,1H), 6.79 (m,2H), 7.48 (m,1H), 7.63 (s,4H), 7.74 (S,1H), 7.76 (S,1H), 8.44 (s,1 H) ppm. Example No.25: δ = 1.15 (d,3H), 1.22 (t,3H), 3.40 (q,1H), 3.75 (q,2H), 3.90 (d,1H), 4.85 (d,2H), 5.70 (s,2H), 6.75 (m,2H), 7.50 (m,1H), 7.67 (S,4H), 7.75 (s,1H), 7.82 (s,1H), 7.90 (s,1H) ppm. Example No.28: δ = 1.13 (d,3H), 3.34 (q,1H), 3.80 (d,1H), 4.76 (d,1H), 4.80 (s,1H), 5.59 (S,2H), 6.7-6.8 (m, 2H), 7.05 (m, 2H), 7.20 (m,5H), 7.46 (m,1H), 7.54 (d,2H), 7.70 (S,1 H), 7.72 (s,1 H), 7.74 (s,1 H) ppm. EXAMPLES 31-34 The following compounds were prepared using a similar method to that described in Example 2. EXAMPLE 34 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.64 (d,3H), 3.50 (q,1H), 3.71 (d,1 H), 5.03 (d,1 H), 5.05 (s,1 H), 6.48 (m,1 H), 6.67 (m,1 H), 6.92 (q,1 H), 7.68 (m,2H), 7.80 (S,1 H), 7.85 (s,1 H), 8.00 (s,1 H), 8.05 (s,1 H), 9.05 (s,1 H) ppm. EXAMPLE 35 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1-ethoxymethylimidazol- 5-yllphenvπ-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol Raney Ni/H, A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1- ethoxymethyl-2-phenylthioimidazol-5-yl]phenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)butan-2-ol (0.44g, O.δmmol - see Example 14) in methanol (30ml) was hydrogenated under a pressure of 30 psi (200KPa) over Raney nickel (0.07g) at room temperature for 4 hours. The catalyst was removed by filtration through "Arbocel" (Trade Mark) and the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between dichloromethane (50ml) and water (20ml). The separated organic phase was dried (MgS0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica by elution with dichloromethane/methanol (95:5). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (0.17g, 50%) as a foam, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCy δ = 1.14 (d,3H), 1.22 (t,3H), 3.36 (q,1 H), 3.55 (q,2H), 3.89 (d,1 H), 4.80 (s,1 H), 4.82 (d,1 H), 5.29 (s,2H), 6.78 (m,2H), 7.19 (s,1 H), 7.50 (m,1 H), 7.59 (s,4H), 7.70 (S,1 H), 7.76 (S,1 H), 7.77 (S,1 H) ppm. EXAMPLE 36 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-r4-f1.2.4-triazol-4- vnphenyl]-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -vπbutan-2-ol NH 2 NHCHO An intimate mixture of 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4- formamidophenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol (4.4g, 12mmol - see Preparation 19) and formylhydrazine (7.0g, 0.13mmol) was heated to 240°C for 1.5 hours. The cooled mixture was partitioned between dichloromethane (100ml) and water (100ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (100ml) and the organic extracts were combined, dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography by gradient elution with dichloromethane/methanol [98:2 → 96:4 → 95:5 -> 90:10]. Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was triturated with ether to give the title compound (2.1 g, 44%) as a white solid, m.p. 238-240°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 60.60; H, 4.52; N, 20.91 ; C 20 H 18 F 2 N 6 O requires: C, 60.59; H, 4.58; N, 21.21. The title compound was resolved by chiral hplc using a Chiralpak AD (Trademark) column by elution with isopropanol/hexane (30:70). Fractions containing each single enantiomer were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The front-running enantiomer was the 2S,3R form. EXAMPLE 37 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenyn-3-r4-f5-methyl-1.3.4- oxadiazol-2-yl)phenyl -1-f1.2.4-triazol-1-yi)butan-2-ol A suspension of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-4-[2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2- hydroxy-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-but-3-yl]benzoyl hydrazide (0.3g, O.δmmol - see Preparation 23) and ethyl acetimidate hydrochloride (0.24g, 2mmol) in ethanol (5ml) was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The cooled mixture was filtered, and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in dioxan (10ml) and then heated under reflux for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure then partitioned between dichloromethane (20ml) and water (20ml). The organic layer was dried (MgS0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (0.18g, 62%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 182-184°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 61.44; H, 4.56; N, 16.92; C 21 H ιg F 2 N 5 0 2 requires: C, 61.30; H, 4.66; N, 17.03. EXAMPLE 38 2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl-3-(4-n.2.4-triazol-3-yl]phenyl)- 1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yπbutan-2-ol hvdrochloride hydrate A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-( ,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1- ethoxymethyI-1,2,4-triazol-5-yl]phenyl)butan-2-ol (0.12g, 0.3mmol - see Example 9) in ethanol (1ml) was treated with dilute hydrochloric acid (5M, 0.7ml) and the mixture was then heated under reflux for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was azeotroped with toluene (5ml). The residual foam was triturated with ethanol/ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.09g, 76%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 197-203°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 53.42; H, 4.30; N, 18,42. C 20 H 18 F 2 N 6 O.HCI.H 2 O requires: C, 53.40; H, 4.48; N, 18.68. EXAMPLES 39-41 The following compounds were prepared from the corresponding N-ethoxymethyl compounds using the method of Example 38. EXAMPLE 42 (2R.3S)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-ri.2.3-triazol-4-yllphenyl)-1- (1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1-ethoxymethyl- 1,2,3-triazol-5-yl]phenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol (5.2g, 0.11 mol - see Example 25) in ethanol (50ml) was treated with dilute hydrochloric acid (2N, 12ml) and the mixture was heated under reflux for one hour. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in water (50ml) and the mixture was neutralized by addition of solid sodium carbonate and was extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 100ml). The combined extracts were dried (MgS0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield a colourless foam. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica by elution with ethyl acetate/diethylamine (95:5) followed by ethyl acetate/methanol (90:10 then 80:20). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound as a colourless foam (3.7g, 82%), [α] 25 = -63.8°. D Analysis %: Found: C, 60.39; H, 4.64; N, 21.00; C 20 H 18 F 2 N 6 O requires: C, 60.59; H, 4.58; N, 21.21. EXAMPLES 43-45 The following compounds were prepared from the corresponding N-ethoxymethyl compounds using the method of Example 42. EXAMPLES 46-50 The following compounds were prepared using the method of either Example 1 or Example 42, as specified in the Table. EXAMPLE 47 1 H-NMR (300MHz. CDCI 3 ): δ a 1.12 (d,3H), 1.24 (t,3H), 3.78 (m,3H), 3.96 (q,1H), 4.91 (br,s,1 H), 5.47 (d,1 H), 5.69 (s,2H), 7.1 (m,2H), 7.31 (m,1H), 7.6-7.75 (m,7H), 7.79 (s,1 H) ppm. EXAMPLE 51 f2R.3S/2S.3RV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-r5-methylthio-1.3.4-oxadiazol-2- yllDhenvn-1 -(1 ,2.4-triazol-1 -vnbutan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-{4-[5- mercapto-1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]phenyI)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yi)butan-2-ol hydrochloride (0.5g, 1.1 mmol - see Preparation 31) in DMF (5 ml) was treated with sodium hydride (80% dispersion in oil, 0.07g, 2.4mmoI) and the solution was stirred at room temperature for 0.75 hours, lodomethane (0.07ml, 1.1 mmol) was added to the mixture which was stirred for a further hour and then was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (20ml) and water (20ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on siiica by gradient elution with dichioromethane/methanol (100:0, 98:2, 96:4). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield a gum. Trituration of the gum with ether/hexane afforded the title compound (0.23g, 45%) as a pale yellow solid, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.14 (d,3H), 2.78 (s,3H), 3.36 (q,1 H), 3.85 (d,1 H), 4.79 (d,1 H), 4.89 (s,1 H), 6.7-6.8 (m,2H), 7.48 (m,1 H), 7.62 (d,2H), 7.73 (d,2H), 7.95 (S,1 H), 8.01 (s,1 H). EXAMPLE 52 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenyn-3-(4-f5-methylsulphonyl- 1.3.4-oxadiazol-2-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -vhbutan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[5- methyithio-1 ,3,4-oxadiazoI-2-y l]pheny l)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yi)butan-2-ol (0.19g, 0.4mmol - see Example 51) in dichloromethane (5ml) was cooled to -70°C and treated with a solution of m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (50%, 0.6g, 1.6mmol) in dichloromethane (10ml). The solution was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for 24 hours. The mixture was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (2M, 20ml), dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/methanol (99:1→90:10). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield a foam which was triturated with ether/hexane to give the title compound, (0.12g, 66%), as a cream-coloured solid, m.p. 180- 183°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 52.93; H, 3.83; N, 14.34. C 21 H 19 F 2 N 5 0 4 S requires: C, 53.04; H, 4.03; N, 14.73. EXAMPLE 53 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Pifluorophenyn-3-(4-r3-methylsulphonyl- 1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl]phenyl)-1 -11.2.4-triazol-1 -yHbutan-2-ol The title compound was prepared from the corresponding methylthio derivative (see Example 22) by a similar method to that of Example 52, and had an m.p. of 139-141 °C. Analysis %: Found: C, 53.26; H, 4.19; N, 17.49. C 21 H 20 F 2 N 6 O 3 S requires: C, 53.16; H, 4.25; N, 17.71. EXAMPLE 54 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-f2.4-Difluorophenyn-3-(4-f1-ethoxymethyl-3- methylsulphonyl-1.2.4-triazol-5-vnDhenyl)-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol m-chloroperoxybenzoic acid The title compound was prepared from the product of Example 11 by a similar method to that of Example 52. Analysis %: Found: C, 53.74; H, 5.13; N, 15.72. C 24 H 26 F 2 N 6 0 4 S requires: C, 54.12; H, 4.02; N, 15.78. EXAMPLE 55 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-r3-amino-1.2.4-oxadiazol- 5-yl)phenyl]-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol Sodium metal (0.3g, 13mmol) was added to a mixture of hydroxy guanidine hemihydrate hemisulphate (0.86g, 6.5mmol) and 4A molecular sieves (1.3g) in ethanol (8ml). After disappearance of all the sodium, (2R,3S/2S,3R)-4-[2-(2,4-dif Iuorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-1 -(1 ,2,4- triazol-1-yl)but-3-yl]benzoic acid methyl ester (0.5g, 1.3mmol - see Preparation 23(ii)) was added to the mixture which was heated under reflux for 1 hour. The mixture was neutralised with glacial acetic acid, diluted with water (50ml) then extracted with ethyl acetate (50ml). The organic extract was washed with saturated sodium carbonate solution (20ml), dried (MgS0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by elution with ethyl acetate/methanol (95:5). Fractions containing the desired product were combined, evaporated under reduced pressure then triturated with ether/hexane to afford the title compound (0.025g, 5%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 234-237°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 58.40; H, 4.48; N, 20.01. C 20 H 18 F 2 N β O 2 requires: C, 58.24; H, 4.40; N, 20.38. EXAMPLE 56 (2R.3S/2S.3RV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-r5-amino-1.3.4-oxadiazol- -vllphenvn-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl)butanol "HOBT", "DAPCD". A mixture of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-4-[2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-1 -(1,2,4- triazol-1-yl)but-3-yl]benzoic acid (0.51 g, 1.3mmol - see Preparation 32) 1-hydroxybenzotriazole monohydrate ("HOBT") (0.18g, 1.3mmol), thiosemicarbazide (0.12g, 1.3mmol) triethylamine (0.37ml, 2.6mmol), 1- [3-dimethylaminopropyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride ("DAPCD") (0.51 g, 2.6mmol), dimethylformamide (8ml) and dichloromethane (25ml) was stirred at room temperature for 2 days. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/methanol (98:2, 95:5, 92:8). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. Trituration with chloroform afforded the title compound as a colourless solid, m.p. 237-242X. Analysis %: Found: C, 55.98; H, 4.24; N, 19.88. C 20 H 18 F 2 N 6 O 2 .%H 2 O requires: C, 56.39; H, 4.61 ; N, 19.73. EXAMPLE 57 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Dιfluorophenyl)-3-(5-r2.5-dimethylpyrrol-1- yl)lpyridin-2-yl)-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol n-BuLi, Diisopropylairine To a solution of diisopropylamine (1.7ml, 12mmol) in dry THF (50ml) at -20°C under a nitrogen atmosphere was added dropwise a solution of n-butyllithium in hexane (2.5M, 4.9ml, 12mmol). After stirring for 0.25 hours, the mixture was cooled to -70°C and was treated with a solution of 5-(2,5-dimethylpyrrol-1-yI)-2-ethylpyridine (2.38g, 12m mol - see Preparation 33) in THF (15ml). The resulting mixture was stirred at this temperature for 0.75 hours then treated with a solution of 1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yi)ethanone (2.6g, 12m mol - see e.g. EP-A-0069442) in THF (30ml). The solution was stirred at this temperature for 0.5 hours and the reaction was quenched by addition of aqueous acetic acid (10%, 70ml) and allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was diluted with water (100ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 50ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgS0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (30:70, 50:50) to give the title compound (0.5g, 10%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 138-139°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 65.31 ; H, 5.36; N, 16.58. C∞H F jj NsO requires: C, 65.23; H, 5.48; N, 16.54. EXAMPLE 58 f2R.3S/2S.3R 2-f2.4-Dif luorophenvn-3- ( 6-π ,2.4-triazol-1 • yllpyrimldin-4-vn-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-ynbutan-2-ol The title compound was prepared from 4-ethy I-6-(1 ,2,4-triazo ■ yl)pyrimidine (see Preparation 34) using a similar method to the previous Example, m.p. 205-207°C (from ethyl acetate/methanol). Analysis %: Found: C, 54.37; H, 3.99; N, 28.08. C 18 H 16 F 2 N 8 0 requires: C, 54.27; H, 4.05; N, 28.13. EXAMPLE 59 2-(2.4-Dif luorophenyn-3-(2-f luoro-4-ri .2.3-triazol-4-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1.2.4- triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol A solution of 2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-[1-[ethoxymethyl-1,2,3- triazol-5-yI]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-3-buten-2-ol(0.26g,0.5mmol - see Preparation 52) in ethanol (20ml) was hydrogenated at SOpsi (333kPa) pressure over 10% palladium on charcoal (0.2g) for 18 hours at 50°C. The mixture was filtered through "Arbocel" (Trade Mark) and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica by gradient elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (1 :1, 3:1, then 1 :0). The product diastereoisomers were not separated, hence fractions containing both isomers were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound as a colourless foam (0.042g, 18%). The product was characterised as a 5:1 mixture of the (2R,3S/2S,3R) and (2R,3R/2S,3S) diastereomers by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz, CDCI 3 ):δ = 1.12(d,2.5H), 1.56(d,0.5H), 3.90(q,1 H), 3.98(d,0.8H), 4.69(d,0.2H), 4.82(s,0.8H, 4.93(s,0.2H), 5.01(d,0.8H), 5.11(d,0.2H), 6.8(m,2H), 7.4-7.65(m,4H), 7.76(S,1 H), 7.83(S,1 H), 7.98(S,1 H), 12.7(br.s,1 H) ppm. EXAMPLE 60 (2R.3S/2S.3RV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-r5-methyl-1.2.3-triazol-4- yl]phenyl)-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -vnbutan-2-ol A suspension of azidotris(diethylamino)phosphonium bromide (0.52g,1.4mmol-see Tetrahedron Letters 1990 31 4987 for preparation) in dry ether (10ml) was treated with a solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-3-(4-propanoylphenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol (0.5g,1.3mmol-see Preparation 47) in diethyl ether (10ml). Catalytic quantities of potassium te/t-butoxide were added until a permanent colour change occurred, the mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight. The reaction was quenched by addition of saturated ammonium sulphate solution and the layers were separated. The organic phase was dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica by elution with ethyl acetate/diethyiamine (19:1) followed by ethyl acetate/methanol (19:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound (0.05g,9%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 169-171 °C. Analysis % Found: 0,61.71 ; H,5.13; N ,19.42 C 21 H 20 F 2 N 6 O. 1 Λ Et 2 0 requires C,61.68; H,5.14; N,19.62 EXAMPLE 61 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-f2.4-Difluorophenyn-3- 4-f1.2.3-triazol-4-yηphenyl)-1- (1.2.4-triazoM-yl)butan-2-ol The title compound was prepared from (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4- dif luoro-pheny l)-3-(4-ethanoy Ipheny l)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -y l)butan-2-ol (see Preparation 48) by the method of Example 60. The product was characterised by 1 H NMR and was identical to the product of Example 15 (2R,3S/2S,3R form). 1 ±bNMR (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.18(d,3H), 3.39(q,1 H),3.93(d,1H), 4.76(S,1 H), 4.82(d,1 H), 6.77(m,2H), 7.50(q,1 H), 7.60(d,1 H), 7.73(s,1 H), 7.80(s,1 H), 7.81 (d,1H), 7.98(s,1 H) ppm. EXAMPLE 62 (2R.3S/2S.3RV2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[2-ethoxymethyl-1.2.3-triazol-4- yllphen ylM -(1.2.4-triazoM -vnbutan-2-ol and (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4- dif luorophenyl)-3-(4-f 1 -ethoxymeth yl-1.2.3-triazol-4-vπphenyl)-1 -f 1.2.4- triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1,2,3- triazol-4-yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol (0.5g, 1.2mmol - a product of Example 15) in butan-2-one (40ml) was treated with potassium carbonate (0.35g,2.4mmol) followed by chioromethyl ethyl ether (0.12ml, 1.2mmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between water (10ml) and ethyl acetate (20ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2x 20ml) and the combined organic layers were extracted with brine (2x 10ml), dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The colouriess solid residue was flash chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with hexane/isopropanol (49:1,9:1). Pure fractions containing each regioisomer were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. Both title compounds were obtained by trituration with ether as colourless solids. The structure of each regioisomer was assigned by n.O.e measurement. (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[2-ethoxymethyl-1,2,3-triazol-4- yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol(0.17g, 30%) had a m.p. of 118- 120°C. Analysis % Found: C,60.80; H,5.48; N,18.03 C 23 H 24 F 2 N 6 0 2 requires C,60.78; H,5.32; N,18.49 (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1-ethoxymethyl-1,2,3-triazoI-4- yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol (0.097g,17%) had a m.p. 153-156°C. Analysis % Found: C60.77; H,5.42; N,18.13 C 23 H 24 F 2 N 6 0 2 requires C,60.78; H,5.32; N,18.49 EXAMPLE 63 f2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-f2.4-Difluorophenyn-3-f4-f1.2.3-triazol-4-yηphenyl)-1- (1.2.4-triazoM -vnbutan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1-benzyl-1,2,3- triazol-5-yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol(0.3g,0.6mmol - a product of Example 28) in methanol (1 )m_) was hydrogenated at 50psi (333kPa) pressure over 10% palladium on charcoal (0.1 g) for 18 hours at 100°C. The cooled mixture was filtered through "Arbocel" and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/methanol (39:1 ,19:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound as a colourless solid (0.18g, 71%). The product was confirmed to be identical to the product of Example 44 by NMR. Analysis % Found: C,61.10; H,4.96; N,20.50 C 20 H 1a F 2 N 6 O requires C,60.59; H,4.58; N,21.21 EXAMPLE 64 2-(2.4-Dif luorophenyl)-3-(4-π .2.3-triazol-4-yrjphenvn-1 -f1.2.4-triazol-1 - vhbutan-2-ol A solution of 2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-3-(4-[1-benzyl-1,2,3-triazol-5- yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-3-buten-2-ol(0.15g,0.3mmol - see Preparation 43) in methanol (100ml) was hydrogenated at 50psi (333kPa) pressure over 10% palladium on charcoal (0.1 g) for 18 hours at 100°C. The cooled mixture was filtered through "Arbocel" and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica by elution with dichloromethane/methanol (19:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound as a gum (0.1 g, 81%). The product was a mixture of diastereomers by NMR. EXAMPLE 65 2-(2.4-Dif luoropheny l)-3-(3-f1.2.3-triazol-4-y l]pheny l)-1 -(1.2.4-triazoM ■ yl)butan-2-ol The title compound as a mixture of diastereomers was prepared by a similar method to Example 42 as a colourless solid, m.p. 168-170°C. The starting material was prepared analogously to the method of Example 1 and Preparation 12. EXAMPLE 66 (2R.3S)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-1 -d H-1.2.4-triazol-1 -vn-3-l -(1 H-1 ,2.3-triazol-4- vPpheny.l-2-butanol i) (R -2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-iodop envn-1 -(1 H-1.2.4-triazol-1 -vH-3- buten-2-ol(+V3-Bromocamphor-10-sulphonate. A solution of (+)-3-bromocamphor-10-sulphonic acid (36.3g, 0.110 moles) in IMS (40ml) was added to a solution of 2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyI)- 1-(1 H-1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-3-buten-2-ol (50g, 0.110 moles) in IMS (300 ml). After seeding, the resulting slurry was granulated tor 20 hours at room temperature. A white solid (22g, 0.03 moles) was collected by filtration after further granulating for 1 hour at low temperature. The chiral purity was assessed as 95% ee by chiral HPLC using a chiralcel OD (trademark) column and eluting with ethanol:hexane, 40:60. (ϋ) (R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-iodo p henyl)-1 -( 1 H-1.2.4-triazoM -vn-3- buten-2-ol (R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1 -(1 H-1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-3-buten-2-ol (+)-3-bromocamphor-10-suIphonate (206.5g, 0.27 moles) was added to methylene chloride (620ml) and water (620ml) and basified with 40% NaOH. The mixture was stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature and separated. The aqueous phase was re-extracted with methylene chloride (310ml). The organic product solution was water washed (620ml) and concentrated to a volume of 245ml. To the stirred and seeded concentrate at room temperature was added hexane (2450ml) at a steady rate. The resulting slurry was granulated at 5° C for 1 hour. Filtration afforded a white solid (117.4g, 0.26 moles) which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H NMR (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.55 (d, J = 15Hz, 1 H) 4.90 (d, J = 15Hz, 1 H), 5.16 (s, 1H), 5.25 (s, 2H), 6.70 (m,2H), 7.03 (d, J = 9Hz, 2H) 7.43 (dt, J = 7 and 9Hz, 1 H), 7.58- (d, J = 9Hz, 2H), 7.79 (s, 1 H), 7.80 (s, 1H) ppm. (iii) 1 -Benzyl-1 H-1.2.3-triazolβ hvdrochloride . 1 ,2,3-Triazole (79g, 1.1 mole) and potassium carbonate (138g, 1 mole) were refluxed in acetone (530ml). A solution of benzyl bromide (171g, 1 mole) in acetone (250ml) was added to the resulting slurry over 1.5 hours maintaining reflux. The reaction was stirred at reflux for a further 1 hour and then cooled to room temperature. One litre of water was added and the acetone removed by evaporating under reduced pressure. The product was extracted with methylene chloride (700ml) and separated. The aqueous phase was further extracted with methylene chloride (250ml) and the combined organic extracts washed with water (400ml). The product solution was concentrated to an oil (162g). To a stirred solution of the oil in ethyl acetate (305ml) was added 22% HCI/IPA (166ml, 1 mole) at a steady rate at room temperature. The resulting slurry was granulated at room temperature for 1 hour and for a further hour at 0°C. The filtered product (144g, 0.74 moles) was analysed to be 93.3% N-1 isomer by HPLC using a Dynamax C18 column and acetonitrile:water, 65:35 eluent. (iv) 1 -Benzyl-(1 HV1 ,2.3-triazole A stirred mixture of 1 -benzyl-(1 H)-1 ,2,3-triazole hydrogen chloride (80g 0.41 moles) in water (320ml) and ethyl acetate (320ml) was basified with 20% NaOH (91ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 10 minutes and separated. The aqueous phase was re-extracted with ethyl acetate (160 ml) and the combined organic product solutions were washed with water (160 ml). The product solution was concentrated to a volume of 195 mi and cooled to room temperature. To the stirred ethyl acetate concentrate was added hexane (585ml) over 15 minutes. The resulting seeded slurry was granulated at 0°C for 1 hour. The filtered white solid (62.4g, 0.39 moles) was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR (300 MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 5.55 (s, 2H), 7.25 (m, 2H), 7.35 (m, 3H), 7.45 (s, 1 H), 7.70 (s, 1H) ppm. v) (RV3-(4-f 1 -Beπzyl-1 H-1.2.3-triazol-5-vnphenvn-2-(2.4-difluoroohenvn-1 - (1 H-1.2.4-triazol-1 -vn-3-buten-2-ol nBuLi (1.6N, 24.1ml, 0.04 moles) was added to a solution of 1-benzyI-(1H)- 1 ,2,3-triazole (6.14g, 0.04 moles) in THF (370ml) at -70°C keeping the temperature below -60 °C and stirred for 30 minutes. Maintaining a temperature below -40° C, a solution of zinc chloride (0.5N, 77.1 ml, 0.04 moles) was added, followed by palladium tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)(15% w/w 0.9g). Still keeping the temperature below -40 °C a solution of (R)-2-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1 -(1 H-1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-3-buten-2-ol (6.0g, 0.013 moles) in THF (36ml) was added at a steady rate. The reaction was allowed to warm to room temperature and then refluxed for 2 hours. After - - cooling to room temperature the reaction was quenched with acetic acid (12rnl) and water (120ml) keeping the temperature below 25 °C. The reaction mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure to remove the THF. The product was extracted with methylene chloride (120ml) and the aqueous phase further extracted with methylene chloride (50ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with water (2 x 120ml) and concentrated to give an oil (15.6g). To a stirred filtered solution the oil in ethyl acetate (100ml) was added 5- sulphosalicyclic acid (3.3g, 0.13 moles) in IPA (10ml). The resulting mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1/2 hour. The resulting filtered solid was repulped in ethyl acetate (50ml) and recrystallised from IPA (60ml) to afford a white solid (7.2g, 0.01 moles). The solid was added to methylene chloride (35ml) and water (50ml) and basified with 40% NaOH. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 15 minutes and separated. The aqueous phase was re-extracted with methylene chloride (25ml) and the combined organic extracts washed with water (35ml). The organic product solution was concentrated to an oil (4.9g) and characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR (300MHz, CDCI 3 ). δ = 4.62 (d, J = 14Hz, 1 H), 4.92 (d, J = 14Hz, 1 H), 5.31 (d, J = 26H 3 , 2H), 5.35 (s, 1 H), 5.48 (s, 2H), 6.66 (m, 2H), 6.98 (m, 2H), 7.10 (d, J = 8Hz, 2H), 7.20 (m, 3H), 7.28 (d, J = 8Hz, 2H), 7.41 (m, 1H), 7.64 (s, 1H), 7.71 (s, 1 H), 7.88 (s, 1 H) ppm. (vi) (2R.3S)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-1 -( 1 H-1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl -3-r4-(1 H-1.2.3- triazol-4-vπphenvn-2-butanol (R)-3-(4-[1 -Benzyl-1 H-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl]phenyl)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1 -(1 H-1 ,2,4- triazo -yl)-3-buten-2-ol (25. Og, 0.05 moles) was dissolved in methanol (2400ml) and hydrogenated at 100°C, 60 psi with 5% Pd/C for 20 hours. After catalyst removal by filtration the product solution was concentrated to a white foam (19.1g, 0.05 moles). A sample was crystallised from ethanol/water and characterised by 1 H NMR spectroscopy. It had an m.p. of 121 °C. 1 H-NMR (300MHz, CDCI 3 ). δ = 1.16 (d, J = 7Hz, 3H), 3.35 (q, J = 7Hz, 1H), 3.94 (d, J = 15Hz, 1 H), 4.70 (s, 1 H), 4.81 (d, J = 14Hz, 1 H), 6.78 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 1 H), 7.57 (d, J = 8Hz, 2H), 7.70 (s, 1 H), 7.74 (s, 1 H), 7.80 (d, J = 8Hz, 2H), 7.95 (s, 1 H) ppm. -72- Example 67 (2R.3S -2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-π-methylPyrazol-5-yllDhenyl)-1- (1.2.4-triazol-1 -vπbutan-2-ol A solution of (2R)-2-(2,4-dif luoropheny l)-3-(4-[1-methylpyrazoI-5- yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazo -yl)-3-buten-2-ol (2.0 g, 5 mmol - see Preparation 53) in ethanol (50ml) was hydrogenated at 50 psi (333 KPa) pressure over 5% palladium on charcoal (0.2 g) for 18 hours at 50°C. A further batch of catalyst (0.2 g) was added, and the hydrogenation was continued for a further 18 hours. The mixture was filtered through "Arbocel" (Trade Mark) and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with ethyl acetate/hexane/diethylamine (0:95:5→65:33:2). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved and re-evaporated from ethyl acetate (x3) then from ether (x3) to yield a colourless solid. The solid was recrystallised from aqueous ethanol to give the title compound (1.25 g, 62 %) as a colourless solid, m.p. 144-145°C, [α]^= -107° (c = 0.1%,CH 2 CI 2 ). Analysis % Found: C, 64.26; H, 5.13; N, 17.07. C 22 H 21 F 2 N 5 O requires: C, 64.54; H, 5.17; N, 17.10. -73- Example 68 (2R.3S -2-(2.4-Dif luorophenvn-3-(4-f4-chloro-1.2.3-triazol-5-vnphenvn-1 -(1.2.4- triazol-1 -yl butan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl]phenyl)-1- (1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol (2.0g, 5mmol - a product of Example 66) in dichloromethane (100ml) was treated with N-chlorosuccinimide (0.81 g, 6mmol). The mixture was stirred and irradiated at room temperature for 3 days then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate(50ml) and saturated sodium bicarbonate (20ml). The organic layer was washed with brine (20ml), dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with hexane/ethyl acetate (2:1→3:2). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated to yield a colourless oil. The oil crystallised from ethanol/water to give the title compound (1.01 g, 47%) as a colourless solid, m.p. Examples 69-71 The following examples were prepared by similar methodology to Example 68, with substitution of N-chlorosuccinimide by the appropriate halogenating agent (in Example 71 the reaction was carried out at reflux in acetonitrile) Examples 72-76 The following compounds were prepared using the method of Example 1 , in each case, only the major (2R.3S) enantiomer wa isolated. - - Examole 78 (2R.3SV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-rtetrazol-5-vnphenvn-1 -(1 ,2.4-triazol-1 ■ vDbutan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difiuorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 -benzyltetrazo!5-yl]phenyl)- 1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) butan-2-ol (1.0g, 2mmol- product of Example 77) in methanol (30ml) was hydrogenated at 10Opsi (666KPa) pressure over 5% palladium on charcoal (0.2g) for 18 hours at 50°C. The mixture was filtered through Arbocel™ and the filtrate evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by elution with dichloromethane/ methanol /acetic acid (95:5:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was precipitated from ethanol with water to give the title compound (0.68g, 85%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 117-120°C, [ α ] 2 D 5 = -47° (c = 0.1%, CH 3 OH). Analysis % Found: C, 56.82; H, 4.31 ; N, 22.84. C 19 H 17 F 2 N 7 O 1/4 H20 requires: C, 56.78; H, 4.38; N, 24.40. Example 79 f2R.3S/2S.3RV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(5-rpyrazol-4-vnpyridin-2-vn-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1 -vhbutan-2-ol - - Solid (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(5-[1-triphenyimethyl-4- pyrazolyl]pyridin-2-yl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol (0.65g, I mmol) was added to a mixture of trifiuoroacetic acid (1.8ml) and water (0.3ml) at 0°C. The solution was stirred at 0°C for 1 hour before quenching with saturated sodium carbonate solution (30mi). The mixture was extracted three times with ethyl acetate (25ml) and the combined organic layers were dried (Na 2 S0 ), then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→95:5). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was dissolved in ether and evaporated to give a colourless solid. The solid was recrystallised from hexane/ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.25g, 63%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 186-189°C Analysis % Found: C, 60.44; H, 4.10; N, 21.26. C 2 oHι 8 F 2 N 6 O requires: C, 60.60; H, 4.58; N, 21.20 Example 80 (2R.3S/2S.3R l -2-f2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-f5-rimidazol-1 -vnpyridin-2-vn-1 -(1.2.4- triazol-1 -vHbutan-2-ol An intimate mixture of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difiuorophenyl)-3-(5- bromopyridin-2-yl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yi)butan-2-ol (0.5g, 1.2mmol), copper bronze (0.16g, 2.5mmol), imidazole (0.42g, 6mmol) and potassium carbonate (0.34g, 2.5mmol) was heated with stirring to 140°C for 2 hours. The cooled mixture was suspended in a mixture of dichloromethane (100 ml) and an aqueous solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (5%, 100ml) and stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. The suspension was filtered through Hyflo™, and the layers were separated. The organic phase was washed with brine (20ml), dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→97:3) Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was dissolved in ether and evaporated to give a the title compound (0.07g, 14%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 161-163°C. Analysis % Found: C, 60.52; H, 4.46; N, 21.87 C 2 oHi 8 F 2 N 6 O requires: C, 60.60; H, 4.58; N, 21.20 Example 81 f2R.3S/2S.3RV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-f5-lpyrazol-1 -vnpyridin-2-vn-1 -f 1.2.4- triazol-1 -vflbutan-2-ol The title compound was prepared from pyrazole by a similar method to that of Example 80, as a colourless solid, m.p. 121-123°C Analysis % Found: C, 59.68; H, 4.49; N, 20.82 C 20 H 18 F 2 N 6 O 1/2 H2O requires: C, 59.63; H, 4.72; N, 20.73 Example 82 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluoro p henvn-3-(5-π-ethoxymethyl-1.2.3-triazol-5- vnpyridin-2-vπ-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -vnbutan-2-ol - - A solution of n-butyllithium in hexane (2.5M, 2.7ml, 6.8mmol) was added to a solution of 1-ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,3-triazole (0.86g, 6.8mmol) in dry THF (25ml) under a nitrogen atmosphere at -70°C. The mixture was stirred for 0.25 hour and treated with a solution of zinc chloride in THF (0.5M, 13.7ml, 6.8mmol) then allowed to warm to room temperature. To this mixture was added tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium (0) (0.08g, 0.1 mmol) and (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2- (2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(5-bromopyridin-2-yl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol (0.7g, 1.7mmol) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 0.5 hours. Two additional batches of the palladium catalyst (0.08g) were added before conversion was achieved. The reaction was then heated under reflux for 18 hours. The cooled reaction was quenched with an aqueous solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (5%, 50ml) and the layers were separated. The aqueous phase was further extracted with ethyl acetate (2 x 50ml) and the combined layers were dried (Na 2 S0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→97.5:2.5). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (0.62g, 80%) as a colourless foam. Analysis % Found: C, 58.47; H, 5.15; N, 21.33 C 22 H 23 F 2 N 7 O 2 requires: C, 58.02; H, 5.09; N, 21.53 Examples 83-86 The following examples were prepared from the appropriate 1 -methyl or 1 - ethoxymethyl heterocycle and (2R.3S)- or(2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(5- bromopyridin-2-yl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol using a similar method to that of Example 82. Example 84 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CPCIgi δ= 1.14 (d, 3H), 1.26 (t, 3H), 3.80 (m, 3H), 4.15 (d, 1H), 4.72 (d, 2H), 5.57 (s, 2H), 6.80 (m, 2H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 7.50 (d, 1H), 7.54 (s, 1H), 7.59 (m, 1H), 7.94 (s, 1H), 8.01 (s, 1H), 8.30 (dd, 1H), 9.11 (d, 1H) ppm. Example 87 1 H-NMR(300 MHz, CDCIa) δ = 1.12 (d ,3H), 3.68 (s, 3H), 3.72 (q, 1H), 4.17 (d, 1H), 4.75 (d, 1H), 6.7-6.85 (m, 2H), 7.1-7.3 (m, 9H) 7.48 (d, 1H), 7.60 (m, 2H), 7.75 (dd, 1H), 7.92 (s, 1H), 8.60 (d, 1H)ppm. - - Example 88 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(5-ri .2.3-triazol-4-vnpyridin-2-vn-1- (1.2.4-triazol-l -yl ,butan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(5-[1- ethoxymethyltriazol-5-yi]pyridin-2-yl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol (0.09g, 0.2mmol -product of Example 82) in ethanol (8ml) was diluted with water (4ml) and treated with concentrated hydrochloric acid (1ml). The mixture was warmed to 80°C for 1.5 hours then reduced in volume to 3ml and diluted with water (10ml). The solution was neutralised with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution, with formation of a colourless precipitate. The suspension was extracted with ethyl acetate (3X 30ml) and the combined extracts washed with brine (20 ml), dried (Na 2 S0 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was recrystallised from ethyl acetate to give the title compound (0.05g, 65%) as colourless solid, m.p. 196-197 °C. Analysis % Found: C, 56.91 ; H, 4.28; N, 24.60 Cι 9 H 17 F 2 N 7 O requires: C, 57.43; H, 4.31 ; N, 24.67 Examples 89-90 The following examples were prepared from the appropriate (2R.3S)- or (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(1- ethoxymethylheterocyclyl-5-pyridin-2-yl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol using a similar method to that of Example 88. X = N or CH -84- Example 91 (2R.3SV2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(5-ri-methyl p yrazol-5-vnpyridin-2-vn-1- (1.2.4-triazol-1 -vnbutan-2-ol and f2R.3SV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-r5-π- methyloyrazol-3-yl1pyridin-2-vπ-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -vπbutan-2-ol dihydrochloride dihydrate Methyl p-toluene sulphonate (0.38g, 2mmol) was added to a stirred suspension of (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM - yl)butan-2-ol (0.4g, I mmol, the product of Example 90) and potassium carbonate (0.56g, 4mmol) in DMF (10ml). The mixture was stirred for 3 days at room temperature then poured into water (100ml) and extracted with ethyl acetate (3X 30 ml). The combined organic layers were washed with brine (30ml), dried (Na 2 S0 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→98:2). Fractions containing the upper spot by tic (dichloromethane/ methanol 98:2 R f = 0.50) were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The oily product was dissolved in ether and precipitated by addition of ethereal HCI. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the solid suspended in ether and re-evaporated three times to yield (2R,3S)-2-(2,4- difiuorophenyl)-3-(5-[1 -methylpyrazol-3-yl]pyridin-2-yl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol dihydrochloride dihydrate (0.17g, 33%) m.p. 163-167°C, [ a ζ = +12.4 (c = 0.1%, C 2 H 5 OH). Anaivsis % Found: C, 49.80; H, 4.63; N, 16.34 - - C 2 ιH 2 oF 2 N 6 O.2HCI.2H 2 O requires: C, 50.31 ; H, 4.83; N, 16.76 Fractions containing the lower spot by tic (dichloromethane/ methanol 98:2 R f = 0.48) were combined and evaporated to give (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(5- [1-methylpyrazol-5-yl]pyridin-2-yl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol (0.015g, 3%) as a colourless foam. This product was identical to the product of Example 83 by tic and 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. Example 92-93 The following examples were prepared from (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(5-fpyrazol-3-yl]-5-pyridin-2-yl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triaz 1 -yl)butan-2-ol using a similar method to that of Example 91. In each case, only the 1 -substituted-3-pyrazolyl derivative was isolated. - - Example 94 f2R.3S/2S.3RV2-f2.4-Difluoro p henvn-3-f2-f1-methyl p yrazol-5-vnpyridin-5-vn- 1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -vnbutan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(2- trifIuoromethylsulphonyloxy-pyridin-5-yl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol (0.3g, 0.6mmol), (1-methyl-5-pyrazolyl)- trimethylstannane (0.6g,2.4mmol), lithium chloride (0.08g, 1.8mmoi) and tetrakis(triphenyl-phosphine)palladium (0) (0.04g, 0.03mmol) in dioxane (15ml) was heated under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours. Water (20ml) was added and the solution basified with aqueous ammonia solution. The mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (50ml) and the organic layer dried (MgS0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→99:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was triturated in ether/hexane to give the title compound (0.18g, 70%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 158-160°C. Analysis % Found: C, 61.46; H, 4.91 ; N, 19.58 C 2 ιH 20 F 2 N 6 O requires: C, 61.24; H, 5.04; N, 19.84 - - Example 95 ( 2R.3S/2S.3R)-2- ( 2.4-Difluorophenvn-3- ( 5-[1-methylimidazol-5-yllpyridin-2-vn- 1 -(1.2.4-triazoM -vnbutan-2-ol The title compound was prepared from (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)- 3-(5-[1 -methyl-2-phenylthioimidazol-5-yl]pyridin-2-yl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol by a similar method to Example 35, as a colouriess foam. Analysis % Found: C, 58.87; H, 5.18; N, 19.61 C 2 ιH 20 F 2 N 6 O. H 2 O requires: C, 58.87; H, 4.85; N, 19.28 Example 96 f2R.3SV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3- ( 4-r3-mercapto-4-methyl-1.2.4-triazol-5- vHphenvn-1 -d .2.4-triazol-1 -vnbutan-2-ol A solution of N-methyl-4-{2-[2,4-difluorophenyI]-2-hydroxy-1 -[1 ,2,4-triazoM - yl]but-3-yl}benzoylthiosemicarbazide (2.1 g, 4.5mmol) in ethanol (50ml) was heated under reflux and treated with sodium methoxide solution (30%, 5.5mmol) in portions over 24 hours. The mixture was reduced in volume to 20mi under reduced pressure and partitioned between ethyl acetate (100ml) and water (50ml). The aqueous layer was further extracted with ethyl acetate (3X50ml) and the organic extracts combined, washed with brine (50ml), dried (Na 2 S0 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. - - The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (1 :1 →3:2). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was triturated in ether to give the title compound (0.66g, 33%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 131-134°C, [aζ = -38° (c = 0.1 %, CH 3 OH). 1 H-NMR (300 MHz. CPCIr.) δ = 1.2 (d, 3H), 3.5 (q, 1 H), 3.8 (d, 1 H), 4.8 (d, 1 H), 4.95 (d, 1 H), 6.80 (m, 2H), 7.50 (m, 1 H), 7.6 (d, 2H), 7.7 (d, 2H), 7.75 (s, 1 H), 7.8 (s, 1 H), 11.0(br.s, 1 H) ppm. Example 97 f2R.3S 2-f2.4-Difluoro p henvn-3-(4-r4-methyl-1.2.4-triazol-3-yllphenvn-1- (1.2.4-triazol-1 -vnbutan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-3-(4-[3-mercapto-4-methyi-1 ,2,4- triazol-5-yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol (0.6g, 1.4mmol) in acetic acid (10ml) was heated under reflux and treated with aqueous hydrogen peroxide (30%, 0.5ml, δmmol) dropwise. After a further 0.5 hour at reflux, the mixture was cooled to room temperature and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (20ml) and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (20ml). The organic phase was washed with brine (20ml), dried (Na 2 S0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by elution with dichloromethane/methanol (96:4). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was recrystallised from ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.17g, 30%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 118-120°C, [α]" = " 48 ° ( c = 0.1%,CH 3 OH). Analysis % -90- Found: C, 60.14; H, 5.05; N, 20.00 C 2 ιH 20 F 2 N 6 O. 1/2H 2 0 requires: C, 60.60; H, 4.90; N, 20.10 Example 98 (2R.3SV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-r3-methylpyrazol-4-vnphenvn-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol A solution of potassium hydroxide (0.26g, 4.6mmol) in water (2.8ml) was added to a solution of (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-3-(4-[3-methyl-5- trimethylsilylpyrazol-4-yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol (0.22g, 0.45mmol) in ethanol (12ml) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hours. The cooled mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (20ml) and water (25ml). The aqueous phase was further extracted with ethyl acetate (2X20ml) and the combined organic layers were washed with brine (20ml), dried(Na 2 S0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→96:4). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was recrystallised from ethyl acetate/hexane to give the title compound (0.11g, 56%) as a colourless solid, [ a ζ = -50° (c = 0.1%,CH 3 OH). Analysis % Found: C, 64.2; H, 4.9; N, 16.7 C 22 H 22 F 2 N 5 O. requires: C, 64.5; H, 5.2; N, 17.1 -91- Example 99 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn -3-(5-π .2.3.-triazol-2-vnpyridin-2-vn-1 ■ (1.2.4-triazoM -vnbutan-2-ol A solution of 2-(1-bromoethyl)-5- (1 ,2,3-triazol-2-yl)pyridine (0.75g, 3mmol) and 1- (2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)ethanone (0.66g, 3mmol) in THF (10ml) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of zinc (0.58g, 9mmol) and lead dust (0.03g) in THF (8ml) under a nitrogen atmosphere. Iodine (0.38g, 1.5mmol) was added in one portion and the mixture stirred at room temperature for 1 hour. A solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (5%, 10ml) was used to quench the . reaction which was stirred for a further 0.5 hours at room temperature. Ethyl acetate (30ml) and water (30ml) were added and the mixture filtered through Hyflo™, to enable the layers to be separated. The organic phase was washed with brine (3X30ml), dried (Na 2 S0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→98:2). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give an oil, which was triturated with ether to give a colourless solid (0.42g), which was characterised as a mixture of the desired product and the starting ethanone derivative. The impure product was dissolved in ethanol (30mi) and treated with sodium borohydride (0.05g, 1.3mmoi). After 1 hour, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between ethyl acetate (20ml) and saturated sodium carbonate solution (30ml . The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (2X20ml) and the combined organic layers were washed with brine (20ml), dried(Na 2 S0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→99:1 ). Fractions containing the desired product -92- were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was triturated with ether to give the title compound (0.12g, 10%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 170-171 °C. Analysis % Found: C, 57.39; H, 4.10; N, 25.00 Cι 9 H 17 F 2 N 7 0. requires: C, 57.43; H, 4.31 ; N, 24.67 -93- The following Preparations illustrate the preparation of certain of the starting materials used in the previous Examples:- PREPARATION 1 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-ri.2.3-triazol-2-vπphenvn-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1-vn-3-buten-2-ol and 2-(2.4-dιfluorophenyl)-3-f4-n.2.3-triazol-1- vnphenyl)-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-vn-3-butan-2-ol -94- An intimate mixture of 2-(2,4-difIuoropheny!)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1- (1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (2.0g, 4.4mmol - see Preparation 20), copper powder (0.6g, 9.4mmoi), potassium carbonate (1.0g, 7.3mmol) and 1,2,3-triazole (2.6g, 37.6mmol) was stirred at 140°C for 8 hours. The mixture was cooled to 100°C and treated with a suspension of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (10g, 26.8mmol) in water (100ml). The suspension was basified with saturated sodium carbonate solution and was extracted with dichloromethane. The organic phase was dried (MgSO and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (70:30). Fractions containing the faster-running spot were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the 1,2,3-triazol-2-yl isomer (420mg, 24%) as a colourless foam, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.62 (d,1 H); 4.97 (d,1 H); 5.22 (s,1 H); 5.32 (s,2H); 6.73 (m,2H); 7.42 (d,2H); 7.48 (m,1H); 7.79 (s,2H); 7.81 (d,2H); 7.96 (s,1 H); 8.00 (s,1H) ppm. Further elution of the column with ethyl acetate gave, after evaporation under reduced pressure, the major 1,2,3-triazol-1-yI isomer (650mg, 37%). A sample of this product was recrystallised from ethyl acetate/hexane, m.p. 172-173°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 61.12; H, 4.04; N, 21.14. C 2 oH ιe F 2 N G O requireS-C, 60.91 ; H, 4.09; N, 21.31. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz. CDC : δ = 4.62 (d,1 H), 4.98 (d,1 H), 5.34 (s,1 H), 5.37 (s,2H), 6.76 (m,2H), 7.47 (d,2H), 7.49 (m,1 H), 7.66 (d,2H), 7.83 (s,1 H), 7.86 (s,2H), 7.98 (s,1 H) ppm. -95- PREPARATIONS 2-7 The following compounds were prepared similarly to the method of Preparation 1 using the appropriate heterocycle in place of 1,2,3- triazole. -98- PREPARATIQN 8 3-r4-(3-Acetamidopyrazol-1-vπphenvn-2-(2.4-difluorophenyl)-1- (1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol MeCOO/Et 3 N The product of Preparation 4 (0.7g, 1.7mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (15ml) then treated with triethylamine (0.25ml, l.δmmol) followed by acetyl chloride (0.13ml, I.Smmol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, diluted with dichloromethane (50ml) then washed twice with water (20ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO then evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (0.7g, 91%), which was characterised by H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 'H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 2.18 (t3H), 4.63 (d,1H), 4.95 (d,1H), 5.29 (s,3H), 6.72 (m,2H), 6.93 (d,1H), 7.35 (d,2H), 7.42 (m,1H), 7.43 (d,2H), 7.79 (d,1H), 7.80 (s,1H), 7.82 (s,1H), 8.39 (s,1H) ppm. - 9- PREPARATION 9 3-r4-(3-Methylsulphonamidopyrazol-1-yl)phenvn-2-(2.4- difluorophenvn-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol The title compound was prepared by the method of Preparation 8 using methanesulphonyl chloride in place of acetyl chloride. The crude product was triturated with ether to give the title compound, m.p. 130-140°C, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. 'H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.11 (s,3H), 4.62 (d,1H), 4.97 (d,1H), 5.20- 5.30 (m,3H), 6.42 (d,1H), 6.70-6.80 (m,2H), 6.99 (s,1H), 7.36 (d,2H), 7.42 (m,2H), 7.44 (d,2H), 7.80 (d,1H), 7.81 (s,1H), 7.84 (s,1H) ppm. -100- PREPARATIQN 10 2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-r3- 3-methylureido>-pyrazol-1- vnphenyl)-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol MeNCO The product of Preparation 4 (0.7g, 17mmol) was dissolved in dichloromethane (15ml) and treated with methyl isocyanate (0.15ml, 2.5mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours and was then washed twice with water (20ml), dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography by elution with ethyl acetate/methanol (19:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (0.36g, 45%). Analysis %: Found: C, 58.12; H, 4.57; N, 20.49; C 23 H 21 F 2 N 7 O 2 requires^, 58.22; H, 4.46; N, 20.66. -101- PREPARATION 11 2-(2,4-Difiuorophenyl)-3-f4-riH-1.2.3-triazol-4-vπphenvn-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1- yl)-3-buten-2-ol (i) A mixture of 2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyI)-1-(1,2,4- triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (7.0g, 15.5mmol - see Preparation 20), trimethylsilylacetylene (2.6ml, 18.5mmol), cuprous iodide (0.015g, 0.15mmol), bis(triphenylphosphine) palladium (II) dichloride (0.21 g, 0.3mmol) and triethylamine (80ml) was stirred at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere for 24 hours. Volatile materials were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between dichloromethane (200ml) and a solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (2g) in water -102- (100ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was chromatographed on silica by elution with dichloromethane/methanol (95:5). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4- [trimethylsiiylethynyi]phenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (6.4g, 98%) as a yellow foam which was characterised by 1 H- N.M.R. spectroscopy, (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 0.22 (s,9H), 4.57 (d,1H), 4.89 (d,1H), 5.16 (s,1H), 5.26 (d,2H), 6.60-6.80 (m,2H), 7.21 (d,2H), 7.38 (d,2H), 7.42 (m,1 H), 7.80 (s,2H) ppm. (ii) The product from part (i) was dissolved in a mixture of aqueous potassium hydroxide (1M, 15ml) and methanol (30ml) and stirred at room temperature for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between dichloromethane (100ml) and water (50ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by elution with ethyl acetate/methanol. Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4- ethynylphenyl)-1-{1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (4.8g, 93%) as a yellow foam which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCIJ: δ = 3.08 (s,1H), 4.58 (d,1 H), 4.92 (d,1H), 5.19 (brs,1 H), 5.29 (s,1 H), 6.60-6.80 (m,2H), 7.24 (d,2H), 7.39 (d,2H), 7.41 (m,1H), 7.80 (s,1H), 7.82 (s,1 H) ppm. -103- (iii) A sample of the product of part (ii) (2.5g, 7mmol) and azidotrimethyl silane (5ml) was heated under reflux for 20 hours, additional azidotrimethyl silane (3 x 5ml) being added at 6 hourly intervals. Excess azidotrimethylsilane was then removed under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (50ml); the resulting solution was washed with water (3 x 20ml), dried (MgSO and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product (2.5g) was purified by chromatography on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (98:2, 96:4, 90:10). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced 'pressure to give the title compound (1.0g, 37%) as an orange foam, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.62 (d,1H), 4.96 (d,1H), 5.30 (s,1H), 5.32 (d,2H), 6.70-6.80 (m,2H), 7.38 (d,2H), 7.46 (m,1H), 7.72 (d,2H), 7.80 (s,1H), 7.83 (s,1H), 7.94 (s,1 H) ppm. PREPARATION 12 2-(2,4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-ri-ethoxymethyl-1.2.4-triazol-5- vπphenyl)-1-(1,2.4-triazol-1-vπ-3-buten-2-ol and Pd(PP 3 ) 4 -104- A solution of 1-ethoxymethyl-1,2,4-triazole (0.79g, 6.2mmol - see Preparation 27) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) (8ml) was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere at -70°C before treatment with a solution of n- butyllithium in hexane (2.5M, 2.5ml, 6.2mmol). The mixture was stirred for 0.25 hours and treated with a solution of anhydrous zinc chloride (1.2g, 9.3mmol) in THF (8ml), then was allowed to warm to room temperature. To this mixture was added tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)paIladium (0) (0.06g, 0.05mmol) and 2-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (0.7g, 1.5mmol - see Preparation 20) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 4 hours. After being cooled, a suspension of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (10g, 27mmol) was added, the mixture was adjusted to pH8 with saturated sodium carbonate solution and extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 100ml). The combined extracts were dried (MgSO and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/methanol (98:2, 97:3, 95:5). Fractions containing the desired product were combined, evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was triturated with ether to afford the title compound (0.55g, 78%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 160- 162°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 61.43; H, 4.82; N, 18.71. C 23 H 22 2 N G ° 2 requires: C, 61.05; H, 4.90; N, 18.58. -105- PREPARATIONS 13-18 The following intermediates were prepared using the method of Preparation 12 from the appropriate 1 -methyl or 1-ethoxymethylheterocycle and 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyi)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-3-buten-2-ol. In the case of Preparation 17, the starting material was 4-bromo-1- ethoxymethylpyrazole. -108- PREPARATION 19 2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-formamidophenyl)-1-(1,2.4-triazol-1- yl)butan-2-ol HCONH 2JCu K 2CO, H 2 Pd C/EtOH (i) An intimate mixture of 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyi)-1- (1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (12g, 26mmol- see Preparation 20), formamide (18ml, 0.25mmol), copper (3.6g, 57mmol) and potassium carbonate (6.0g, 43mmoI) was heated, with stirring, to 140°C for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled to 100°C and treated with a suspension of ethylenediaminetetracetic acid disodium salt (25g, 6.7mmol) in water (250ml). After further cooling to room temperature, the mixture was extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 200ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 2-(2,4-difluorophenyI)-3-(4-formamidophenyl)-1 -(1,2,4- triazol-1-yl)but-3-en-2-ol (5.3g, 55%), which was used crude in the next step. -109- (ii) The crude product from (i) in ethanol (150ml) was hydrogenated over 10% palladium on charcoal (1.0g) at 30 psi (200kPa) pressure for 5 hours. The mixture was filtered through "Arbocel" (Trade Mark) and the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (4.4g, 83%) as a foam. The product of this Preparation was used crude in Example 32. PREPARATION 20 2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-iodophenvn-1-f1.2.4-triazol-1-vπ-3- buten-2-oI -110- (i) 2-(2 1 4-Difluorophenyl)-1-(4-iodophenyl)ethanone 2,4-Dϊfluorobenzyl bromide (23.7ml, 0.114mol) was added dropwise to a stirred mixture of magnesium turnings (8.1g, 0.183mol) in dry ether (300ml) under nitrogen. The mixture was warmed initially until initiation of the reaction occurred, and thereafter said bromide was added at such a rate to maintain a gentle reflux. After 1 hour, the resulting solution of the Grignard reagent was added dropwise at -78°C to a solution of O,N-dimethyl-4-iodobenzenehydroxamic acid (see Preparation 30) (45.71g, 0.157mol) in dry ether (300ml), and the mixture was allowed to warm slowly to room temperature overnight. The mixture was partitioned between saturated aqueous ammonium chloride and ethyl acetate, and the organic solution was separated, dried (MgSO 4 ) and concentrated under reduced pressure, to give the title compound as a white solid, 38.71g (69%), which was characterised by ^Η-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.23 (s,2H), 6.83 (m,2H), 7.17 (dt, J=7 and 8.5Hz, 1H), 7.72 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.84 (d, J=9Hz, 2H) ppm. (ϋ) 2-(2,4-Difluorophenv0-1-(4-iodophenyl)prop-2-enone Bis(dimethylamino)methane (8.78ml, 0.075mol) was added dropwise to a stirred suspension of 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-(4- iodophenyl)ethanone (17.73g, 0.0495mol) in acetic anhydride (23.1ml, 0.248mol) at room temperature. There was an exothermic reaction, and the temperature of the mixture rose to 60°C. After the end of the addition, the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 35 minutes, and then iced water was added to hydrolyse the excess acetic anhydride. After a further 30 minutes, the product was extracted into ethyl acetate, and the extracts were washed with dilute hydrochloric acid, - .Il l- saturated aqueous sodium bicarbonate, dried (MgSO , and concentrated under reduced pressure, to give the title compound as a white solid (17.03g, 93%), which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 5.90 (s,1 H), 6.14 (s,1H), 6.84 (ddd, J=12, 8 and 2Hz), 6.95 (dt, J=2 and 8Hz), 7.39 (dt, J=7 and 9Hz, 1H), 7.59 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.83 (d, J=9Hz, 2H) ppm. (ϋi) 2-(2,4-DifluorophenvD-2-(4-iodobenzoyl)oxirane Benzyltrimethyiammonium hydroxide (3.44ml, 40% aqueous solution, 8.2mmoI) was added in one portion to a solution of 2- (2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-(4-iodophenyl)prop-2-enone (37.3g, 100.8mmol) and t-butylhydroperoxide (36.6ml, 3M in trimethylpentane, 109mmol) in toluene (550m!) at room temperature. After 2 hours, the mixture was washed with water (2 x 500ml), dried (MgSO and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a white solid (37.46g, 96%), which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.22 (d, J=5H, 1 H), 3.42 (d, J=5Hz, 1 H), 6.80 (ddd, J=12, 8 and 2 Hz, 1 H), 6.93 (dt, J=2 and 8Hz, 1H), 7.47 (dt, J=7 and 9Hz, 1H), 7.70 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.77 (d, J=9Hz, 2H) ppm. (iv) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenvπ-2-ri-(4-iodophenyl)ethenvπoxirane n-Butyllithium (50ml, 2.5M in hexane, 125mmol) was added dropwise over 10 minutes to a stirred suspension of methyltriphenylphosphonium bromide (45. Og, 126mmoI) in dry THF (600ml) under nitrogen at -70°C. The mixture was allowed to warm to -20°C, over 20 minutes, then a solution of 2-(2,4- difluorophenyl)-2-(4-iodobenzoyl)oxirane (37.46g, 97mmol) in dry THF (200ml) was added over 5 minutes. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 84 hours. -112- 10% Aqueous ammonium chloride (500ml) was added, and the mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The product was extracted into ethyl acetate and the combined extracts were dried (MgSO 4 ) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The solid residue was treated with boiling hexane (3 x 500ml), and the residual solid discarded. The hexane solutions were combined, filtered through a short pad of silica gel, and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the title compound as a yellow oil (34.3g, 92%), which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.13 (d, J=5Hz, 1H), 3.17 (d, J=5Hz, 1H), 5.45 (m,2H), 6.72 (m,1H), 6.80 (m,1H), 7.14 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.39 (dt, J=7 and 9Hz, 1H), 7.60 (d, J=9Hz, 2H) ppm. (v) 2-f2,4-Difiuorophenyl)-3-f4-iodophenvn-1-f1,2.4-triazol-1-vn-3- buten-2-ol Sodium 1,2,4-triazole (12.15g, 133mmoI) was added to a solution of (2,4-difluorophenyI)-2-[1-(4- iodophenyl)ethenyI]oxirane (34.3g, 89mmol) in dry DMF (350ml) under nitrogen at 70°C. The mixture was stirred for 5 hours, cooled, and the solvent removed under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between ether (800ml) and water (2 x 500ml). The organic solution was dried (MgSO , filtered, and silica gel (60-200μ, 75g) was added. The ether was removed under reduced pressure and the residual solid was applied to the top of a silica gel column (40-60μ, 300g) and the product was eluted using hexane and increasing amounts of ethyl acetate (0-75%). The product was obtained as a white foam, (23.8g, 61%), which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. -113- 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.55 (d, J=15Hz, 1H), 4.90 (d, J=15Hz, 1H), 5.16 (s,1H), 5.25 (s,2H), 6.70 (m,2H), 7.03 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.43 (dt, J=7 and 9Hz, 1H), 7.58 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.79 (s,1H), 7.80 (s,1H) ppm. The title compound was resolved by chiral hplc using a "Chiralpak AD" (Trade Mark) column by elution with hexane/ethanol (95:5). Fractions containing each single enantiomer were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure, the residues were each chromatographed on silica by elution with dichloromethane/methanol (95:5), then triturated with ether. Peak 1 (assigned as 2S stereochemistry) had m.p. 110-111°C [α] 25 = +41°. D Peak 2 (assigned as 2R stereochemistry) had m.p. 111-112 β C [α] 25 = -49°. D Analytical hplc indicated > 99% ee for each enantiomer. The (-) enantiomer had an analysis % as follows:- Found: C, 47.52; H, 2.97; N, 9.09; C 18 H 14 F 2 IN 3 O requires: C, 47.70; H, 3.11; N, 9.27. The (+) enantiomer had an analysis % as follows: Found: C, 47.88; H, 3.02; N, 9.29; C 18 H 14 F 2 1N 3 0 requires: C, 47.70; H, 3.11; N, 9.27. -114- PREPARAT1ON 21 2-(2.4-Difluoroρhenvn-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-vn-3-r4-(1.2.4-triazol-1- yl)phenvn-3-buten-2-ol (i) 2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-1-r4-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)phenvπ-1-ethanone A mixture of 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1- ethanone (5.0g, 20mmol - see EP-A-0069442), sodium 1,2,4- triazole (2.18g, 24mmol) and N,N-dimethylacetamide (100ml) was stirred at 100°C for 18 hours. The mixture was diluted with xylene (300ml) and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (500ml) and washed with water (3 x 50ml). The organic solution was dried (MgSO 4 ) and -115- concentrated under reduced pressure. Purification by flash chromatography (eluting with ethyl acetate:dichloromethane 1:1) gave a white solid (1.05g, 18%), which was characterised by ^-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.31 (s,2H), 6.88 (m,2H), 7.22 (m,1H), 7.84 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 8.14 (s,1H), 8.17 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 8.66 (s,1H) ppm. (ii) 2-(2,4-Difiuorophenvn-1-r4-(1.2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenvnprop-2- enone By the method of Preparation 20(H), 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1-[4- (1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl]ethan-1-one (1.05g, 3.51mmol) was converted into 2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-1-[4-(1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)phenyl]prop-2-enoπe (1.04g, 92%), as a yellow solid, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ = 5.93 (s,1H), 6.16 (s,1H), 6.81 (m,1H), 6.93 (dt, J=2 and 8Hz, 1H), 7.40 (dt, J=7 and 9Hz, 1H), 7.79 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 8.02 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 8.13 (s,1H), 8.64 (s,1H) ppm. (Hi) 2-(2.4-Dlfluorophenvn-2-r4-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)benzovnoxirane By the method of Preparation 20(iii), 2-(2,4-difIuorophenyl)-1-[4- (1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-phenyl]prop-2-enone (1.04g, 3.34mmol) was converted into 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-[4-(1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)benzoyl]oxirane (1.01g, 92%), as a white solid, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.24 (d, J=4Hz, 1H), 3.45 (d, J=4Hz, 1H), 6.80 (ddd, J=2, 8 and 12Hz, 1H), 6.95 (dt, J=2 and 8Hz, 1H), 7.49 (dt, J=7 and 9Hz, 1H), 7.75 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 8.12 (s,1H), 8.17 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 8.63 (s,1H) ppm. -116- (iv) Σ-fΣ^-Difluorophenvn-Σ-ri- -M.Σ -triazol-l- yl)phenyl>ethenvnoxirane By the method of Preparation 20(iv), 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-[4- (1,2,4-triazoI-1-yl)-benzoyI]oxirane (1.00g, 3.05mmol) was converted into 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-[1-{4-(1,2,4-triazol-1- yl)phenyl}ethenyl]oxirane (570mg, 57%), as a solid, after purification by flash chromatography (hexane:ethyl acetate 60:40), which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 'H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ = 3.19 (s,2H), 5.52 (m,2H), 6.72 (ddd, J=2, 8 and 12 Hz, 1H), 6.80 (dt, J=2 and 8Hz, 1H), 7.42 (dt, J=7 and 9Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.59 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 8.08 (s,1H), 8.53 (s,1H) ppm. (v) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-r4-f1,2.4-triazol-1- yl)phenyn-3-buten-2-ol By the method of Preparation 20(v), 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-[1- {4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl>ethenyI]oxirane (570mg, 1.75mmol) was treated with sodium 1,2,4-triazole in DMF (10ml) at 70°C for 8 hours, to give 2-(2,4-difluorophenyI)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-[4- (1,2,4-triazoI-1-yl)phenyl]-3-buten-2-ol (620mg, 89%), as a solid, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.62 (d, J=13Hz, 1H), 4.97 (d, J=13Hz, 1H), 5.32 (m,3H), 6.74 (m,2H), 7.43 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.46 (m,1H), 7.57 (d, J=9Hz, 2H), 7.81 (s,1H), 7.83 (s,1H), 8.09 (s,1H), 8.53 (s,1 H) ppm. -117- PREPARATION 22 2-(2.4-Pif luorophenvIM -(Λ .2.4-triazol-1 -vn-3-r2-d ,2.4-triazol- -yl)py ridin-5-yl]-3-buten-2-ol -118- (i) 0,N-Dimethyl-2-chloropyridine-5-hvdroxamic acid A suspension of 6-chloronicotinic acid (80g, O.δmol) in thionyl chloride (400ml) was heated under reflux for 3 hours to give a yellow solution. The mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (600ml) and treated with N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (56.5g, 0.58mol). The suspension was cooled in ice then treated dropwise with triethylamine (220ml, 1.5mol) and stirred for 1 hour at room temperature. The mixture was filtered, the filtrate was washed with aqueous sodium hydroxide (2N, 200ml), dried over magnesium sulphate then concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting liquid was distilled under reduced pressure to yield the title compound (90g), b.p. 106-110°C (0.5mm Hg), which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.38(s), 3.56(s), 7.18(d), 8.00(dd), 8.78(d). (ii) 1-(2-Chloropyridin-5-yl)-2-(2.4-difluorophenyl ethanone The title product was prepared from the product of part (i) above by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(i), m.p. 93-95°C. Analysis %:- Found: C, 58.01 ; H, 2.99; N, 5.17; C 13 H 8 CIF 2 NO requires: C, 58.33; H, 3.01 ; N, 5.23. (Hi) 2-(2,4-Difluorophenvn-1-r2-f1.2.4-triazol-1-vnpyridin-5-yl ethanone A mixture of the product of part (ii) (1.06g, 4mmol), potassium carbonate (0.54g, 4mmol) and 1,2,4-triazole (0.34g, δmmol) in DMF (10ml) was heated to 70°C for 4 hours. The mixture was cooled and partitioned between ethyl acetate (50ml) and water -119- (50ml). The organic extract was washed with water (50ml), dried (MgSO and concentrated under reduced pressure. Trituration of the crude product with diethyl ether afforded the title compound, (0.3g, 25%), m.p. 140-142°C. Analysis %:- Found: C, 60.31 ; H, 3.54; N, 18.17; C 1S H 10 F 2 N 4 O requires: C, 60.00; H, 3.36; N, 18.66. (iv) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-1-r2-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)pyridin-5-vπprop-2- enone The title compound was prepared from the product of part (Hi) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(H) as a yellow solid (3.1g, 79%), m.p. 136-138 β C. Analysis %:- Found: C, 61.10; H, 3.25; N, 17.76; C 16 H 10 F 2 N 4 O requires: C, 61.54; H, 3.23; N, 17.94. (v) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-2-r2-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)pyridin-5- carbonvπoxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (iv) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(iii) as a yellow solid (3.1g, 96%), m.p. 122-124°C. Analysis %:- Found: C, 58.86; H, 2.94; N, 16.92; C 1G H 1Q F 2 N 4 O 2 requires: C, 58.54; H, 3.07; N, 17.07. (vi) 2-(2,4-Difiuorophenyl)-2-ri-(2-f1,2.4-triazol-1-yl)pyridin-5- vPethenvπoxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (v) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(iv) as a colourless solid (2.8g, 86%), m.p. 120-122°C. Analysis %:- Found: C, 62.87; H, 3.68; N, 17.18; C 17 H 12 F 2 N 4 O requires: C, 62.58; H, 3.71 ; N, 17.17. -120- (vii) 2-f2,4-Difluorophenvn-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-vH-3-r2-f1.2.4-triazol-1- Vl)pyridin-5-vn-3-buten-2-ol The title compound was prepared from the product of part (vi) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(v) as a colourless solid (2.5g, 75%) m.p. 153-156°C. Analysis %:- Found: C, 58.11; H, 3.46; N, 24.42; C 13 H 15 F 2 N 7 O requires: C, 57.72; H, 3.82; N, 24.80. PREPARATION 23 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-4-r2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-2-hvdroxy-1-f1.2.4- triazol-1-vi)but-3-vπbenzoylhydrazide H 2 /Pd -121- (i) 4-f2-(2.4-Difluoroρhenyl)-2-hvdroxy-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten- 3-vnbenzoic acid methyl ester A mixture of 2-(2,4-difiuorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(1,2,4- triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (2.0g, 4.4mmol - see Preparation 20), palladium acetate (0.3g), triphenylphosphine (0.23g) and triethylamine (2ml) was dissolved in methanol (20ml). The mixture was heated to 100°C under 50 psi (344.7kPa) carbon monoxide for 4 hours, then partitioned between dichloromethane (50ml) and water (20ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography using gradient elution with dichloromethane/methanol (100:0->98:2→96:4). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give 4-[2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy-1-(1,2,4-triazoI-1-yI)-3-buten- 3-yl]benzoic acid methyl ester (1.7g, 99%) as a foam. This intermediate was characterised by H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.90 (s,3H), 4.59 (d,1H), 4.92 (d,1H), 5.25 (s,1H), 5.31 (s,1H), 5.35 (s,1H), 6.70 (m,1H), 6.74 (m,1H), 7.36 (d,1 H), 7.44 (q,1 H), 7.80 (d,1H), 7.02 (s,1H), 7.94 (s,1H) ppm. («) (2R.3S/2S.3R)-4-r2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-2-hvdroxy-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1-vπbut-3-vnbenzoic acid methyl ester The product from part (i) was hydrogenated using the method of Example 1. The crude product was triturated with ether to give the title compound as a colourless solid. Analysis %:- Found: C, 61.90; H, 4.88; N, 10.79; C 20 H 19 F 2 N 3 O 3 requires: C, 62.01 ; H, 4.94; N, 10.85. -122- (Hi) (2R.3S/2S.3R)-4-r2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-2-hvdroxy-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1-yl)but-3-vπbenzoylhvdrazide A solution of the product from part (ii) (0.5g, 1.3mmoI) in methanol (5ml) was treated with hydrazine hydrate (0.25ml, δmmol). The mixture was heated under reflux for 36 hours. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and was diluted with ether. The title compound (0.3g, 60%) was collected by filtration and was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.12 (d,3H), 3.38 (q,1H), 3.80 (d,1H), 4.13 (brs,2H), 4.79 (d,1H), 4.84 (s,1H), 6.76 (m,2H), 7.37 (s,1H), 7.46 (m,1H), 7.60 (d,2H), 7.74 (m,4H) ppm. -123- PREPARATION 24 2-(2.4-Difluoroρhenyl)-3-f2-rimidazol-1-vnpyridin-5-yl)-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol -124- (i) O.N-Dimethyl-2-(imidazol-1-yl)pyridine-5-hvdroxamic acid A suspension of O,N-dimethyl-2-chloropyridine-5-hydroxamic acid (10.0g, 50mmol - see Preparation 22(i)), imidazole (4.1g, 60mmol) and potassium carbonate (6.9g, 50mmol) in N,N- dimethylacetamide (200ml) was stirred at 140°C for 24 hours. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between dichloromethane (100ml) and water (100ml). The organic phase was washed with water (100ml) and brine (50ml) then dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica using gradient elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1, 1:0). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give the title compound (8.2g, 71%) as an orange oil. A sample was triturated with ether to afford a colourless solid, m.p. 69-70°C. Analysis %:- Found: C, 56.94; H, 5.17; N, 23.77; C 11 H 12 N 4 O 2 requires: C, 56.89; H, 5.21; N, 24.12. (ii) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-1-(2-fimidazol-1-yπpyridin-5-yl)ethanone A solution of the product from part (i) (6.5g, 28mmo!) in THF (100ml) was stirred under a nitrogen atmosphere at -70°C and was treated with a solution of 2,4-difluorobenzylmagnesium bromide [from 2,4-difluorobenzyl bromide (8.1g, 39mmoI) and magnesium (1.0g, 42mmoI) using the method of Preparation 20(i)] in ether (100ml). The mixture was stirred at -70°C for 0.5 hours and was allowed to warm to room temperature before the addition of dilute hydrochloric acid (2N, 100ml). The layers -125- were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (100ml). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound as a pale yellow solid which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.28 (s,2H), 6.85 (m,2H), 7.23 (m,2H), 7.48 (d,2H), 7.71 (s,1 H), 8.41 (dd,1 H), 8.50 (s,1 H), 9.11 (d,1 H) ppm. (Hi) 2-f2.4-Difluorophenvn-1-(2-rimidazol-1-yllpyridin-5-yl)-2-propen- 1-one The title compound was prepared from the product of part (ii) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(H) as a yellow solid, m.p. 115-116°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 65.43; H, 3.71; N, 13.54; C^H^F^O requires: C, 65.59; H,.3.56; N, 13.50. (iv) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-2-(2-rimidazol-1-vπpyridin-5- carbonyQoxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (Hi) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(iii) as an orange oil, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.08 (d,1 H), 3.41 (d,1H), 6.83 (m,1 H), 6.97 (m,1H), 7.39 (d,1 H), 7.49 (m,1 H), 7.64 (s,1 H), 8.39 (brs,1 H), 8.40 (s,1 H), 8.43 (dd,1 H), 9.12 (d,1 H) ppm. (v) 2-f2.4-Difluorophenyl)-2-ri-r2-fimidazol-1-vnpyridin-5- vnethenvπoxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (iv) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(iv) as a yellow oil, which was used crude in the following step. -126- (vi) 2-(2,4-Difluorophenvn-3-(2-rimidazol-1-vnpyridin-5-vn-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol The title compound was prepared by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(v) as a colourless solid, m.p. 145- 148°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 60.37; H, 3.55; N, 19.92; C 20 H lG F 2 N G O.1/5 ethyl acetate requires: C, 60.63; H, 4.31 ; N, 20.40. The presence of ethyl acetate was confirmed by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.29 (t, part H), 2.02 (s, part H), 4.12 (q, part H), 4.64 (d,1H), 5.09 (d,1H), 5.40 (s,1H), 5.45 (s,1H), 5.52 (s,1H), 6.75 (m,2H), 7.20 (s,1H), 7.23 (d,1H), 7.45 (m,1H), 7.61 (s,1H), 7.84 (dd,1H), 7.85 (s,1H), 7.88 (s,1H), 8.35 (s,1H), 8.37 (d,1H) ppm. -1-27- PREPARATION 25 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-r5-amino-1.3.4-thiadiazol-2-vπphenvn- 1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (ϋ) R j NCNHN - (ϊ) A solution of 4-(2-[2,4-difluorophenyl]-2-hydroxy-1-(1,2,4-triazol- 1-yl)-3-buten-3-yl) benzoic acid methyl ester (see Preparation 23 part (i)) (3.44g, 9mmoI) in a mixture of methanol (50ml) and aqueous sodium hydroxide (2M, 9ml, 18mmol) was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The cooled solution was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was dissolved in water (30ml). The aqueous solution was extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 30ml) before acidification with hydrochloric acid (2M). The -128- aqueous phase was further extracted with ethyl acetate (3 x 30ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (3 x 20ml), dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 4-{2-[2,4-dϊfIuorophenyi]-2-hydroxy-1-{1,2,4- triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-3-yI} benzoic acid (3.2g, 96%). Recrystallisation of a sample from ethyl acetate/hexaπe/methaπol afforded an off-white solid, m.p. 89- 190°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 61.41; H, 3.99; N, 11.21; C 13 H 15 F 2 N 3 O 3 requires: C, 61.45; H, 4.07; N, 11.32. (ii) A sample of the product from part (i) (370mg, Immol) was suspended in dichloromethane (15ml), and was treated with dimethylformamide (1 drop) and oxalyl chloride (0.1ml, 1. Immol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 1 hour and was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in dichloromethane (15m!) and treated with thiosemicarbazide (0.1g, Immol) and sodium carbonate (0.1g, Immol). The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours then filtered. The filtrate was absorbed onto silica and chromatographed by gradient elution with ethyl acetate/methanol (97:3, 95:5, 94:6). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was triturated with ether to give 4-{2-[2,4-difIuorophenyl]-2-hydroxy-1-[1,2,4-triazol-1-yl]-3-buten- 3-yl}benzoylthiosemicarbazide (0.21 g, 47%) as a colouriess solid which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, DMSO). δ = 4.83 (Abq, 2H), 5.32 (s,1 H), 5.58 (s,1 H), 6.57 (s,1 H), 6.77 (m,1 H), 6.98 (m,1 H), 7.11 (m, 1 H), 7.30 (d,2H), 7.58 (brs, 1 H), 7.60 (s,1 H), 7.62 (d,2H), 7.78 (brs, 1 H), 8.19 (s, 1 H), 9.22 (brs, 1 H), 10.22 (brs,1 H) ppm. -129- (iii) The product from part (ii) (0.15g, 0.3mmol) in toluene (8ml) was treated with methanesulphonic acid (0.04ml) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between saturated sodium carbonate solution (10ml) and dichloromethane/methanol (10:1, 50ml). The organic layer was dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica using gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (98:2, 95:5, 90:10). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a foam which yielded the title compound (0.03g, 20%) upon trituration with ether as a colouriess solid, m.p. 118-121°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 55.98; H, 3.59; N, 19.40; C 20 H 1G F 2 N e OS requires: C, 56.33; H, 3.78; N, 19.71. PREPARATION 26 1-Ethoxymethyl-3-methylthio-1,2.4-triazole A suspension of 5-methyIthio-1,2,4-triazole (6.19, 53mmol) and chloromethyl ethyl ether (2.5ml, 26mmol) in toluene (40ml) was stirred at room temperature for 24 hours. The mixture was filtered and the filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by elution with ethyl acetate/ diethylamine (95:5) to yield the title compound (1.1g, 27%), as a colourless oil, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.20 (t,3H), 2.59 (s,3H), 3.60 (q,2H), 5.41 (s,2H), 8.17 (s,1H) ppm. -130- PREPARAT1ON 27 1-Ethoxymethyl-1,2.4-triazole The title compound was prepared from 1,2,4-triazole by a similar method to that of Preparation 26, as a colourless oil, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.23 (t,3H), 3.58 (q,2H), 5.50 (s,2H), 8.01 (s,1H), 8.28 (s,1 H) ppm. PREPARATION 28 4-Bromo-1-ethoxymethvipyrazole The title compound was prepared from 4-bromopyrazole by a similar method to that of Preparation 26, as a colourless oil, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCi 3 ): δ = 1.17 (t,3H), 3.50 (q,2H), 5.39 (s,2H), 7.49 (s,1H), 7.59 (s,1H) ppm. PREPARATION 29 1-Ethoxymethyl-1,2.3-triazole The title compound was prepared from 1,2,3-triazole by a similar method to that of Preparation 26, as a colourless oil, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.19 (t,3H), 3.56 (q,2H), 5.71 (s,2H), 7.77 (ABq, 2H) ppm. -131- PREPARATION 30 O,N-Dimethyl-4-iodobenzenehydroxamic acid A solution of pyridine (104g, 1.32mol) in dichloromethane (150ml) was added dropwise to a suspension of 4-iodobenzoyl chloride (251 g, 0.94mol) and N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (97g, 0.94mol) in dichloromethane (850ml) at 0°C. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for 18 hours. The solution was evaporated under reduced pressure, the residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (1l_), and was then washed with dilute hydrochloric acid (2N, 3 x 400ml) and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (300ml) and dried (Na 2 SO 4 ). The organic extract was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by distillation to yield the title product (241 g, 93%), as a yellow oil b.p. 130°C (0.1mm Hg), which was characterised by -N.M.R. spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.32 (s,3H), 3.50 (s,3H), 7.40 (d,2H), 7.72 (d,2H) ppm. -132- PREPARATION 31 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-f5-mercapto-1.3.4- oxadiazol-2-vnphenvπ-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-4-(2-[2,4-difluorophenyI]-2-hydroxy- 1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yI)but-3-yI)benzoylhydrazide (0.77g, 2mmol - see Preparation 23) in 1,4-dioxan (15ml) was treated with thiophosgene (0.25g, 2.4mmoI) and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between a mixture of ethyl acetate/methanol (95:5, 50ml) and water (30ml), after adjustment to pH5 with dilute ammonium hydroxide solution. The organic phase was dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/methanol (100:0, 98:2, 95:5, 90:10). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound (0.5g, 60%), as a pale yellow foam, which was characterised by 'H-N.M.R. (300MHz, DMSOd β ): δ = 1.06 (d,3H), 3.59 (q,1H), 3.93 (d,1 H), 4.80 (d,1 H), 5.75 (s,1 H), 6.92 (m,1 H), 7.10-7.30 (m,2H), 7.60 (s,1 H), 7.62 (d,2H), 7.88 (d,2H), 8.15 (s,1H), 14.70 (brs,1 H) ppm. -133- PREPARATION 32 (2R.3S/2S.3R -4-r2-f2.4-Difluorophenyl)-2-hvdroxy-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1-yl)but-3-vnbenzoic acid A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-4-[2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2-hydroxy- 1-(1,2,4-triazoI-1-yl)but-3-yl] benzoic acid methyl ester (0.8g, 2mmol - see Preparation 23(H)) in a mixture of aqueous sodium hydroxide (2N, 2.1ml, 4mmol) and methanol (20ml) was heated under reflux for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (50ml) and dilute hydrochloric acid (5ml). The organic phase was dried (MgSO and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was triturated with ether to yield the title compound (0.72g, 94%), m.p. 243-245°C, as a colourless solid. Analysis %: Found: C, 60.84; H, 4.56; N, 11.02; C„H 17 F 2 N 3 O 3 requires: C, 61.12; H, 4.59; N, 11.26. PREPARATION 33 5-(2,5-Dimethylpyrrol-1-yl)-2-ethylpyridine A mixture of 2-ethy!pyridin-5-amine (3.2g, 26mmol), 2,5- hexanedione (3.0g, 26mmol) and acetic acid (1ml) in toluene (50ml) was heated under reflux for 24 hours. The solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between dichloromethane (50ml) and water (20ml). The aqueous phase was basified with aqueous sodium hydroxide (2M) and then extracted with dichloromethane (50ml). The extract was dried (MgSO and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica by elution with dichloromethane/methanol (95:5) to give the title compound (2.38g, 46%) as a colourless oil, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. -134- ÷H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ = 1.38 (t,3H), 2.02 (s,6H), 2.91 (q,2H), 5.93 (s,2H), 7.25 (d,1 H), 7.44 (dd,1H), 8.41 (d,1H) ppm. PREPARATION 34 4-Ethyl-6-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pyrimidine A mixture of 4-chloro-6-ethylpyrimidine (1.42g, 10mmol) and 1H-1,2,4-triazole (1.4g, 20mmol) was heated to 120°C with stirring to give a yellow oil, which deposited an orange solid. The mixture was maintained at 120°C for 0.2 hours, cooled to 70°C and dissolved in methanol (10ml). The solution was diluted with dichloromethane (50ml) and was washed with saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (20ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with dichloromethane (2 x 20m!) and the combined organic layers were dried (MgSO and evaporated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by column chromatography on silica by elution with ethyl acetate to give the title compound (1.44g, 82%) as a yellow solid, m.p. 75-76°C, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (CDCl 3 ): δ = 1.38 (t,3H), 2.90 (q,2H), 7.74 (s,1H), 8.13 (s,1H), 8.98 (s,1H), 9.22 (s,1H) ppm. -135- PREPARATION 35 2- ( 2-Chlorophenvn-3- ( 4-iodophenyl)-1-(1,2.4-triazoi-1-vn-3-buten- -01 -136- (i) 2-f2-ChlorophenvD-1-(4-iodophenyl)ethanone The title compound was prepared from ,2-dichlorotoluene and O,N-dimethyl-4-iodobenzenehydroxamic acid (see Preparation 30) by a similar method to that of Preparation 20(i) as a colourless solid, m.p. 105-106°C, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (CDCl,. 300MHz): δ = 4.40 (s,2H), 7.27 (s,3H), 7.42 (m,1H), 7.74 (d,2H), 7.82 (d,2H) ppm. (ii) 2-(2-ChlorophenvO-1-(4-iodopheny!)prop-2-eπone The title compound was prepared using the product of part (i) by a similar method to Preparation 20(H) as a colouriess solid, m.p. 101-103°C, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 5.93 (s,1H), 6.10 (s,1H), 7.20-7.40 (m,4H), 7.65 (d,2H), 7.83 (d,2H) ppm. (Hi) 2-(2-ChloropheπyQ-2-(4-iodobenzovDoxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (ii) by a similar method to Preparation 20(iii), as a colouriess foam, which was characterised by 'H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.22 (d,1H), 3.49 (d,1H), 7.20- 7.40 (m,3H), 7.57 (m,1H), 7.71 (d,2H), 7.77 (d,2H) ppm. (iv) 2-f2-Chlorophenyl)-2-(1-r4-iodophenvπethenyl)oxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (Hi) by a similar method to Preparation 20(iv), as a colourless oil, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 'H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.01 (d,1H), 3.12 (d,1H), 5.26 (s,1H), 5.32 (s,1H), 7.17 (d,2H), 7.25 (m,2H), 7.34 (m,1H), 7.52 (m,1H), 7.62 (d,2H) ppm. -137- (V) 2-(2-Chlorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(1.2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten- 2-01 The title compound was prepared from the product of part (iv) by a similar method to Preparation 20(v), as a colourless solid, m.p. 128-130°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 47.89; H, 3.16; N, 9.23; C, 8 H IS ClIN 3 O requires: C, 47.84; H, 3.33; N, 9.30. PREPARATION 36 2-(2-Fluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenvπ-1-(1,2.4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten- 2-ol i- BuOOH -138- (i) 2-(2-Fluorophenyl)-1-f4-iodophenyl)ethanone The product was prepared from 2-fluorobenzyl bromide and O,N-dimethyl-4-iodobenzenehydroxamic acid (see Preparation 30) by a similar method to Preparation 20(i) as a colourless solid, m.p. 112-114°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 49.91 ; H, 2.98; C 14 H 10 FIO requires: C, 49.56; H, 2.95. (ii) 2-(2-FluorophenvP-1-(4-iodophenyl)prop-2-enone The title compound was prepared using the product of part(i) by a similar method to Preparation 20(H) as a colouriess solid, m.p. 92-93°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 51.64; H, 2.73; C 15 H 10 FIO requires: C, 51.28; H, 2.85. (Hi) 2-(2-Fluorophenvπ-2-(4-iodobenzoyl)oxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (ii) by a similar method to Preparation 20(iii), as a colourless solid, m.p. 75-76°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 49.11 ; H, 2.77; C 15 H 10 FIO 2 requires: C, 49.05; H, 2.72. (iv) 2-(2-Fluorophenyl)-2-(1-r4-iodophenyπethenyl)oxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (Hi) by a similar method to Preparation 20(iv), as a colourless oil, which was characterised by 1 H-N.M.R. spectroscopy. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.16 (ABq,2H), 5.45 (d,2H), 6.98 (t,1H), 7.09 (t,1H), 7.16 (d,2H), 7.23 (m,1H), 7.45 (m,1H), 7.60 (d,2H) ppm. -139- (v) 2-f2-Fluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(1.2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten- 2-ol The title compound was prepared from the product of part (iv) by a similar method to Preparation 20(v), as a colourless solid, m.p. 117-118°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 50.35; H, 3.52; N, 9.66; C 18 H 1s FIN 3 O requires: C, 49.77; H, 3.46; N, 9.70. 1 H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.58 (d,1H), 4.96 (d,1H), 5.1 (brs,1H), 5.24 (d,2H), 6.90-7.05 (m,2H), 7.05 (d,2H), 7.22 (m,1H), 7.45 (m,1H), 7.63 (d,2H), 7.80 (s,1H), 7.82 (s,1H) ppm. PREPARATIONS 37-39 The following compounds were prepared using the method of Preparation 1 or Preparation 12, as specified in the Table. [N.B. compound was a mixture of rotamers]. -141- PREPARATION 40 (Alternative to Preparation 29) 1-Ethoxymethyl-1.2.3-triazole + Chloromethyl ethyl ether (125g, 1.3mole) was added dropwise over V/z hours to a mechanically stirred suspension of 1,2,3-triazole (91.4g, 1.3mole) and potassium carbonate (183g, 1.3mole) in acetone (1500ml) with ice-bath cooling. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and was stirred for 18 hours. The solvent was removed under resolved pressure and the residue was dissolved in water (1 L). The aqueous solution was extracted with dichloromethane (3 x 300ml) and the organic extracts were combined. The dichloromethane solution was washed with brine (3 x 300ml) and the organic phase was dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a pale yellow oil. -1 2- The oil was distilled under reduced pressure to give, initially, 2- ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,3-triazole (57g, 34%) b.p. <90°C (3mm Hg). 'H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCl 3 ): δ = 1.17 (t,3H), 3.60 (q,2H), 5.70 (s,2H), 7.70 (s,2H) ppm. Analysis %: Found: C, 47.36; H, 7.23; N, 32.62; C ε H,N 3 O requires: C, 47.19; H, 7.14; N, 33.05. Further distillation gave the title compound (73g, 43%), b.p. 92-93°C, (3mm Hg). H-N.M.R. (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.15 (t,3H), 3.56 (q,2H), 5.70 (s,2H), 7.77 (s,1H), 7.79 (s,1H) ppm. Analysis %: Found: C, 46.30; H, 7.52; N, 33.29; C s H 9 N 3 O requires: C, 47.19; H, 7.14; N, 33.05. PREPARATION 41 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-1-(1.2.4-triazol-1-vn-3-r4- f1-l2-methoxyethoxymethyl>-1.2.3-triazol-5-yl)phenvπ-3-buten-2-ol The following compound was prepared similarly to the method of Preparation 12 using the triazole from Preparation 42:- m.p. 124-127°C. Analysis %: Found: C, 59.79; H, 4.86; N, 17.14; Calculated for C 24 H 24 F 2 N ε O 3 : C, 59.75; H, 5.01 ; N, 17.42. -143- PREPARATION 42 1 -(2-Methoxyethoxymethyl)-1.2.3-triazole The title compound was prepared from 1 ,2,3-triazole and 2- methoxyethoxymethyl chloride, by a similar method to that of Preparation 40, as a colourless oil which was characterised by 1 H-N R spectroscopy (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.31 (s,3H), 3.46(m,2H), 3.62(m,2H), 5.77(S,2H), 7.73(S,1 H),7.75(S,1H) ppm. PREPARATION 43 2-f2.4-Dif luorophenyl)-3-f4-H -benzyl-1.2.3-triazol-5-yllphenvn-1 -(1.2.4- triazol-1 -yl)-3-buten-2-ol The following compound was prepared as a racemate similarly to the method of Preparation 12 using 1 -benzyl-1 ,2,3-triazole, m.p. 105- 108°C. Analysis % Found: C.66.69; H,4.59; N,17.56 C^H^NsO requires C,66.93; H,4.58; N,17.35 -144- PREPARATION 44 2-(2.4-Pifiuorophenyn-3-f4-f1-f2-hvdroxyethoxymethyl>-1.2.3- triazol-5-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl)-3-buten-2-ol The following compound was prepared similarly to the method of Preparation 12 using the triazole from Preparation 45: The product was isolated as a colouriess oil, which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR f300MHz. CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.6- 3.8(m,4H), 4.64(d,1H), 4.96(d,1 H) 5 5.26(s,1H), 5.34(s,2H), 5.74(s,1 H),5.78(S,1 H),7.4-7.55(m,5H) 5 7.7-7.8(m,2H) 5 7.80(m,3H)ppm. PREPARATION 45 1 -Hydroxyethoxymethy 1-1 ,2.3-triazole A solution of methyl 1,2,3-triazoM-ylmethoxyacetate (0.72g,4.2mmol - see Preparation 46) in tetrahydrofuran (10ml) was added dropwise to a suspension of lithium aluminium hydride (0.16g,4.2mmol) at 0°C. The -1 5- mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight and was quenched by addition of water (0.32ml) followed by aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (15%,0.32ml) and water (1 l). After a further hour, the supernatant liquid was collected by filtration and the residue was washed with tetrahydrofuran (10ml). The filtrate was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica by elution with dichloromethane/methanol (19:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound as an oil (0.30g, 52%) which was characterised by NMR. ^-NMR (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): 5 = 2.05(t,1 H), 3.6-3.8(m,4H), 5.80(s,2H), 7.78(s,2H) ppm. PREPARATION 46 Methyl 1.2.3-triazol-1-ylmethoxyacetate The title compound was prepared from 1 ,2,3-triazole and methyl chioromethoxyacetate by a similar method to that of Preparation 40 as a colourless oil which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz. CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.76 (S,3H), 4.16 (s,2H), 5.84 (s,2H), 7.80 (d,2H) ppm. PREPARATION 47 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-f2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-f4-propanoylphenvn-1-f1.2.4- triazol-1-yl)butan-2-ol -146- A solution of N,O-dimethyl-4-(2-[2,4-difluorophenyl]-2-hydroxy-1- (1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)but-3-yl benzenehydroxamic acid (2.70g,6.5mmol - see Preparation 49) in dry ether (100ml) was cooled to 0°C under a nitrogen atmosphere and treated with a solution of ethyl magnesium bromide in ether (1.0M, 15ml, 15mmol). The solution was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours, quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution (50ml) and the layers were separated. The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (100ml) and the organic layers were combined, dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica by gradient elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1, 1 :0). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound (0.5g, 20%) as a colourless solid, m.p. 171-172°C. Analysis % Found: C,65.04; H,5.63; N,10.88 C 21 H 21 F 2 N 3 0 2 requires C,64.45; H,5.45; N,10.91 PREPARATION 48 f2R.3S/2S.3R 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-acetylphenyl)-1-f1.2.4-triazol-1- vnbutan-2-ol The title compound was prepared by a similar method to Preparation 47 using methyl-magnesium bromide, as a colourless solid m.p. 172-173°C. -147- Analysis % Found: C64.43; H,5.09; N.11.31 C 20 H 19 F 2 N 3 O 2 requires C64.69; H,5.12; N,11.32 PREPARATION 49 N.O-Dimethy l-4-(2-f2.4-dif luoropheny l]-2-h vdroxy-1 -f1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl]but- 3-yl)benzene hydroxamic acid A mixture of N,O-dimethyl-4-(2-[2,4-difluorophenyl3-2-hydroxy-1- [1 ,2,4-triazo -yl]-3-buten-3-yl) benzene hydroxamic acid (0.9g, 2.2mmol - see Preparation 50), 10% palladium on charcoal (0.2g) and ammonium formate (0.68g,1 I mmol) was suspended in a tetrahydrofuran/ethanol (1 :1 , 40m!) solution and heated under reflux for 3 hours. The cooled suspension was filtered through "Arbocel" and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (50ml) and the solution was washed with saturated sodium carbonate solution (20ml) and brine (20mi), then dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane followed by dichloromethane/methanol (39:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound (0.5g, 55%) as a colourless foam. PREPARATION 50 N.O-Dimeth yl-4-f2-f2.4-dif luorophen yl1-2-h vdroxy-1 -f 1 ,2.4-triazol-1 -yl]but- 3-en-3-yl) benzene hydroxamic acid 4-(2-[2,4-Dif luorophenyl]-2-hydroxy-1 -[1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl]-3-buten-3- yl) benzoic acid (1.0g, 2.7mmol - see Preparation 25(i))was converted into the acid chloride using the method of Preparation 25 part (ii). This intermediate was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (40ml) and treated with N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride (0.31 g, 3.0mmol). The suspension was cooled to 0°C and treated with a solution of triethylamine (0.75ml, 5.4mmoI) in dry dichloromethane. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature over 18 hours before being evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate (100ml) and was washed with saturated sodium carbonate solution (3x30ml) and brine (3x30ml). The organic layer was dried (Na 2 SO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was flash chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane followed by dichloromethane/methanol (24:1). - Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield the title compound (0.5g, 55%) as a colourless foam, m.p. 154-156°C. Analysis % Found: C,60.70; H,4.67; N,13.30 C 21 H 20 F 2 N 4 O 3 requires C,60.86; H,4.86; N, 13.52 PREPARATION 51 2-(2.4-Dif luorophenyl)-3-(4-[pyrazol-3-yπphen vn-1 -(1.2.4-triazoM -yl)-3- buten-2-ol (Ph 3 P) 2 PdCI 2 /Cul N(CH 2 CH 3 ) 3 / tetrahydrofuran (i) HCl/dioxan (ii) H 2 NNH 2 (i) A mixture of 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4- triazoM -y!)-3-buten-2-ol (4.0g, 8.8mmol - see Preparation 20), 3,3- diethyloxyprop-1-yne (1.52ml, 10.6m mol), copper(i)iodide (0.02g) and bis(triphenyiphosρhine)palladlum dichloride (0.12g) in -150- triethylamine (40ml) and tetrahydrofuran (13ml) was stirred at room temperature for 18 hours. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between dichloromethane (50ml) and water (50ml). The organic layer was dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was flash chromatographed on silica by elution with ethyl acetate. Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 2-(2,4- dif luoropheny l)-3-(4-[3,3-diethoxyprop-1-yn-1-y I] phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4- triazo -yl)-3-buten-2-ol as a yellow gum (2.4g, 60%). Trituration with cyclohexane gave an off-white solid which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz, CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.28(t,6H), 3.67(q,2H), 3.83(q,2H), 4.56(d,1 H), 4.94(d,1 H), 5.16(s,1H), 5.30(d,2H), 5.50(s,1H), 6.6-6- 8(m,2H), 7.23(d,2H), 7.39(d,2H), 7.45(m,1 H), 7.82(s,2H) ppm. (ii) The product from part (i) (2.4g, 5.3mmol) was dissolved in dioxane (30ml) and treated with dilute hydrochloride (2M, 6.6ml) dropwise. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours before addition of hydrazine hydrate (98%, 0.31ml, 6.3mmol) and stirring was continued at room temperature overnight. The solvents were removed under reduced pressure and the residue basified with sodium hydroxide solution before being extracted with dichloromethane (2x50mi). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a yellow gum. The residue was flash chromatographed on silica by gradient ellution with hexane/ethyl acetate (1 :3, 0:1) followed by ethyl acetate/methanol (9:1). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield 2-(2,4- dif luorophenyl)-3-(4-pyrazol-3-ylphenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-3- buten-2-ol (0.6g, 29%) as a yellow solid, m.p. 182-184°C. ■ 151 - Analysis % Found: C,64.51 ; H,4.39; N,17.81 C 21 H 17 F 2 N 5 O requires C,64.12; H,4.35; N,17.80 PREPARATION 52 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-f1-ethoxymethyl-1.2.3-triazol-5- vllphen yl)-1 -f 1.2.4-triazoM -vn-3-buten-2-ol - 152- (i) N.O-Dimethyl-2-fluoro-4-ioαomenzenehydroxamic acid The product was prepared f om 2-fluoro-4-iodo-benzoic acid (EP-A-0327190) and N,0-dimethylhydroxylamine hydrochloride by a similar method to Preparation 30, as a yellow oil, b.p. 120- 122°C (0.5mmHg), which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz. CDCI 3 ): 5 = 3.44(s,3H), 3.53(s,3H), 7.14(t,1 H), 7.51 (d,1 H), 7.56(dd,1H) ppm. (ii) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-1-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenyπethanone The title compound was prepared using the product of part (i) by a similar method to Preparation 20(i), as a colourless solid, m.p. 81-82X. Analysis % Found: C,44.96; H,2.28; C 14 H 8 F 3 IO requires C,44.71 ; H,2.14; (Hi) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-1-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenyl)prop-2-enone The title compound was prepared using the product of part (ii) by a similar method to Preparation 20(H), as a colourless oil, which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz. CDCI 3 ): 6 = 6.04 (s,1 H), 6.15 (s,1 H), 6.8- 6.95(m,2H), 7.40(m,1 H), 7.46(t,1 H), 7.51(dd,1 H), 7.63(dd,1 H) ppm. (iv) 2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-2-(2-fluoro-4-iodobenzoyl)oxirane The title compound was prepared using the product of part (Hi) by a similar method to Preparation 20(iii), as a colourless oil, which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz. CDCI 3 ): δ = 3.30(d,1 H), 3.38(d,1 H), 6.80(m,1 H), 6.92(m,1H), 7.4-7.5(m,3H), 7.57(dd,1 H) ppm. -153- (v) 2- 2.4-Dif uorophenyn-2-f1-f2-fluoro-4-iodophenvπethenvnoxιrane The title compound was prepared using the product of part (iv) by a similar method to Preparation 20(iv), as a colourless oil, which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz. CDCI 3 ): 5 = 3.07(d,1 H), 3.19(d,1 H), 5.40(s,1 H), 5.51 (s,1 H) 6.74(m,1 H), 6.83(m,1 H), 7.00(t,1 H), 7.30-7.45(m,3H) ppm. (vi) 2-(2.4-Dtfluorophenyl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-iodophenylM-(1.2.4-triazoM- yl-3-buten-2-ol The title compound was prepared using the product of part by a similar method to Preparation 20(v) as a colourless solid, m.p. 136-138°C, which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz. CDCI 3 ): δ = 4.54(d,1 H), 5.08(d,1 H), 5.18(s,1 H), 5.28(S,1H), 5.53(S,1H), 6.70(m,2H), 6.80(t,1 H), 7.42(td,2H), 7.49(m,1 H), 7.81 (s,1 H), 7.95(s,1 H) ppm. (vii) 2-f2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(2-fluoro-4-f1-ethoxymethyl-1.2.3-triazol-5- yl]phen ylM -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -vn-3-buten-2-ol The title compound was prepared using the product of part (vi) by a similar method to Preparation 12, as a colourless oil, which was characterised by NMR. 1 H-NMR (300MHz. CDCI 3 ): δ = 1.21 (t,3H), 3.73(q,2H), 4.60(d,1 H), 5.08(d,1 H), 5.30(S,1 H), 5.36(S,1 H), 5.56(S,1 H), 5.65(S,2H), 6.6- 6.8(m,2H), 7.10(t,1H), 7.3-7.6(m,3H), 7.64(td,1 H), 7.73(s,1H), 7.79(S,1 H), 7.98(s,1 H) ppm. -154- Preparations 53-58 The following compounds were prepared from (2R)-2-(2,4-difiuorophenyl)-3- (4-iodophenyl)-1-(1 H-1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol except in the case of Preparation 59 where the (2RS) starting material was used,and the appropriate 1- substituted heterocycle by a similar procedure to Preparation 12. Hθ ZnCl P (PPli3 ) 4 THF Preparation 54 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CPCIgtδ =.1.41 (t, 3H), 4.16 (q, 2H), 4.63 (d, 1 H), 4.97 (d, 1 H), 5.14 (s, 1H), 5.32 (d, 2H), 6.26 (s, 1 H), 6.69-6.79 (m, 2H), 7.32 (d, 2H), 7.38 (d, 2H), 7.47-7.55 (m, 2H), 7.81 (s,1 H), 7.84 (s, 1 H)ppm. Preparation 55 1 H-NMR(300 MHz, CDCIa) δ =.1.46 (d, 3H), 1.48 (d, 3H), 4.53 (m, 1 H), 4.63 (d, 1 H), 4.97 (d, 1 H), 5.12 (s, 1 H), 5.32 (d, 2H), 6.22 (s, 1 H), 6.73-6.79 (m, 2H), 7.27-7.55 (m, 6H), 7.81 (s,1H), 7.84 (s, 1 H)ppm. Preparation 56 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDC ) o =.3.99 (s, 3H), 4.62 (d, 1 H), 4.97 (d, 1 H), 5.25 (s, 1 H), 5.29 (s, 1 H), 5.35 (s, 1 H), 6.71-6.77 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.49 (m, 3H), 7.59-7.61 (m, 2H), 7.81 (s, 1H), 7.83 (s, 1 H), 7.92 (s, 1 H)ppm. Preparation 58 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCb) δ =.4.60 (d, 1 H), 4.95 (d, 1 H), 5.11 (s, 1 H), 5.34 (s, 1 H), 5.38 (s, 1H), 5.60 (s, 2H), 6.65-6.80 (m, 2H), 7.14 (m 1 H), 7.3-7.55 (m, 9H), 7.82 (s, 1 H), 7.84 (s, 1 H)ppm. Preparation 59 1 H-NMR ( 300 MHz. CDCla) δ = 3.61 (s, 3H), 4.61 (d, 1 H), 4.96 (d, 1 H), 5.12 (s, 1 H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 6.7-6.8 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.4 (m, 10H), 7.50 (q, 1H), 7,79 (s, 1 H), 7.83 (s, 1H)ppm. Preparation 60 2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(4-π -methylimidazol-5-vnphenvn-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 - yl -3-buten-2-ol The title compound was prepared from 2-{2,4-difluorophenyI)-3-(4-[1-methyl- 2-phenylthioimidazol-5-yl]phenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol, by a similar method to Example 35, as a colourless foam, which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. - - 1 H-NMRf300 MHz. CDCI a ) δ = 3.68 (s, 3H), ' 4.54 (d, 1 H), 4.96 (d, 1 H), 5.31 (s, 1 H), 5.34 (s, 1 H), 6.7- 6.85 (m, 2H), 7.12 (s, 1 H), 7.28 (s, 1 H), 7.34 (d, 2H), 7.40 (d, 2H), 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.55 (s, 1 H), 7.85 (s, 1H), 7.88 (s, 1 H)ppm. Preparation 61 (2R.3S/2S.3R 2- ( 2.4-difluoro p henvn-3-f5-ri-tri p henylmethyl-4- pyrazolvπpyridin-2-vπ-1 -f 1.2.4-triazol-1 -vπbutan-2-ol The title compound was prepared from 4-bromo-1-triphenylmethyipyrazoie and (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(5-bromopyridin-2-yi)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM - yl)butan-2-ol using a similar method to Example 82, to give the title compound as colouriess solid, m.p. 208-209°C, Analysis % Found: C, 73.44; H, 5.25; N, 13.13 C29H32F 2 N 6 O. requires: C, 73.34; H, 5.05; N, 13.16 -158 Preparation 62 (2R.3S/2S.3R -2-(2,4-DifluorophenylV3-(5-bromopyrid-2-yl -1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -ylV butan-2-ol A solution of 2-(1-bromoethyl)-5-bromopyridine (1.32 g, 5 mmol) and 2- (1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2',4'-difluoroacetophenone (1.11 g, 5 mmol) in THF (12 ml) was added dropwise to a suspension of zinc (0.85 g, 13 mmol) in THF (8 ml) at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. Iodine (0.25 g, 1 mmol) was added in one portion, resulting in an exothermic reaction which was not moderated. After the reaction mixture had returned to room temperature it was quenched by the addition of acetic acid (1 ml) and water (10 ml). Ethyl acetate (30 ml) and solid ethylene-diaminetetraacetic acid di-sodium salt (3.72 g, 10 mmol) were added and the organic layer separated, dried (MgSO ) and evaporated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, eluting with 1 :1 EtOAc:hexane) to give, after trituration with diethyl ether, the desired (2R,3S/2S,3R) diastereoisomer (0.62 g, 31 %), m.p. 158- 161°C. Found : C, 49.81 ; H, 3.55; N, 13.45; C 17 H 15 BrF 2 N 4 O requires C, 49.90; H, 3.69; N, 13.69 %. Partial 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCIa) δ = 1.08 (d, 3H); 4.05, 4.78 (AB system, 2H)ppm. Further elution of the above column with 2:1 EtOAc:hexane gave the minor (2R,3R/2S,3S) diastereoisomer which crystallised on standing (0.22 g, 11 %), m.p. 82-83°C. Found : C, 49.96; H, 3.54; N, 13.70; C 17 H 15 BrF 2 N 4 O requires C, 49.90; H, 3.69; N, 13.69 %. Partial 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCb) δ = 1.50 (d, 3H); 4.66, 4.80 (AB system, 2H)ppm. -159- Preparation 63 (2R.3S)-2-(2.4-Difiuorophenvn-3-(5-bromopyrid-2-vn-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl -butan- 2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(5-bromopyrid-2-yl)-1- (1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-butan-2-ol (15.0g, 37mmol) was treated with a solution of (-)-3- Bromocamphor-8-sulphonic acid [generated from the ammonium salt (24.0g, 73mmol) by treatment of an ethanolic (250ml) suspension with ethanolic HCI followed by filtration of the insoluble material] and stirred overnight at room temperature. The mixture was filtered and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in acetone (60ml) and stirred overnight at room temperature to yield a colourless suspension. The solid was collected by filtration and recrystallised twice from acetone to give (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(5- bromopyrid-2-yl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-butan-2-ol, (-)-3-Bromocamphor-8-sulphonate salt (14.4g). The optical purity of the product was assessed as 92%ee by hplc analysis using a Chiralcel™ OD column by elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (20:80). The solid was suspended in water (100ml), basified with saturated sodium carbonate solution and extracted with ethyl acetate (3X100ml). The combined organic extracts were washed with brine (3X50ml), dried (Na 2 SO ) and evaporated to give a colourless oil. The oil was dissolved in ether and evaporated to give the title compound as a foam (4.23g, 56% of theoretical yield). Analysis % Found: C, 49.61 ; H, 3.28; N, 13.46 C 17 H 15 BrF 2 N 4 O. requires: C, 49.90; H, 3.69; N, 13.69 -160- P reparation 64 2-(1-BromoethvO-5-bromopyridine A solution of 2-ethyl-5-bromopyridine (1.86 g, 10 mmol), N-bromosuccinimide (1.78 g, 10 mmol) in 1 ,2-dichloroethane (20 ml) was brought to reflux before the addition of azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) (20 mg). The solution was then refluxed for a further two hours. The cooled suspension was filtered and evaporated in vacuo. Purification by column chromatography (silica gel, eluting with 1 :1 dichloromethane/hexane) gave the desired product as a pale yellow oil (2.12 g, 80 %). 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCIa d = 2.05 (d, 3H); 5.20 (q, 1 H); 7.35 (d, 1 H); 7.8 (d, 1 H); 8.6 (d, 1 H)ppm. Preparation 65 2-Ethyl-5-bromopyridine ,Br EtMgBr/ZnC^ f^Y Xϊ ' Pd(PPh 3 ) 4 N A solution of ethylmagnesium bromide in ether (100 ml, 3M, 0.3 mol) was added dropwise to a cold (5°C) solution of anhydrous zinc chloride (40.9 g, 0.3 mol) in THF (500 ml) under nitrogen. After stirring for one hour at 0°C, tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)-palladium (0) (1.0 g, 0.87 mmol) was added followed by a solution of 2,5-dibromopyridine (50 g, 0.21 mol) in THF (200 ml). The resulting yellow suspension was stirred at room temperature overnight, quenched by the addition of water (200 ml) and then evaporated in vacuo. The residue was treated with a suspension of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (200 g) in water (1000 ml) and dichloromethane (500 ml). The organic layer was separated and the aqueous layer again extracted with dichloromethane (500 ml). The combined extracts were dried (MgS0 ), solvent evaporated in vacuo, and the residue distilled (123-124°C, 60 mmHg) to give the required product as a colourless oil (28.8 g, 76 %). - - 1 H-NMRf300 MHz. CDCI. ) δ = 1.30 (t, 3H); 2.80 (q, 2H); 7.10 (d, 1 H); 7.7 (dd, 1H); 8.6 (d, 1H)ppm. Preparation 66 1 -Ethoxymethyl p yrazole The title compound was prepared by a similar method to Preparation 26 as a colouriess oil, b.p. 100°C @ 15mmHg (Kugelrohr), which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCIa) δ= 1.16 (t, 3H), 3.52 (q, 2H), 5.43 (s, 2H), 6.33 (t, 1 H), 7.58 (m, 2H)ppm. Preparation 67 (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(2-trifluoromethylsulphonyloxy- pyridin-5-vn-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -vHbutan-2-ol Tritoa B Toluene H 2 /p Sthaaol Eth«nol/H : 0 -162- (i) 1 -(2-Chloropyridin-5-vπ-2-(2.4-difluorophenvQprop-2-enone The title compound was prepared from the product of Preparation 22 part (ii) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(ii), as a colourless solid, m.p. 111-112°C, which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCIa) δ = 5.95 (s, 1 H), 6.20 (s, 1 H), 6.80 (m, 1 H), 6.90 (m, 1 H), 7.40 (q, 1 H), 7.45 (d, 1 H), 8.10 (dd, 1 H), 8.80 (s, 1 H)ppm. (ii) 2-(2-Chloropyridin-5-carbonvD-2-(2.4-difluorophenyl)oxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (i) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(iii), as a yellow oil, which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCb) δ = 3.25 (d, 1 H), 3.40 (d, 1 H), 6.80 (m, 1 H), 6.95 (m, 1 H), 7.40 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (q, 1 H), 8.25 (dd, 1 H), 9.00 (s, 1 H)ppm. (iii) 2-(2-Chloropyridin-5-vnethenyl -2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)oxirane The title compound was prepared from the product of part (ii) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(iv), as a yellow oil, which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCb) δ = 3.15 (q, 2H), 5.50 (d, 2H), 6.70 (m, 1 H), 6.90 (m, 1 H), 7.25 (d, 1 H), 7.40 (q, 1 H), 7.70 (d, 1 H), 8.40 (s, 1 H)ppm. (iv) (2R.3S/2S.3RV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(2-chloropyridin-5-yl -1-(1.2.4-triazol- 1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol The title compound was prepared from the product of part (iii) by a similar method to that described in Preparation 20(v), as a colourless solid m.p.116-119°C, which was characterised by ' H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCh) δ = 4.60 (d, 1 H), 5.00 (d, 1 H), 5.35 (s, 1 H), 5.40 (d, 2H), 6.65-6.80 (m, 2H), 7.20 (d, 1 H), 7.40 (q, 1 H), 7.60 (dd, 1 H), 7.80 (s, 1 H), 7.85 (s, 1 H), 8.20 (s, 1 H)ppm. (v) (2R.3S/2S.3RV2-(2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(2-methoxypyridin-5-yl -1-(1.2.4- triazol-1 -vP-3-buten-2-ol -16 - A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(2-chloropyridin-5-yl)-1- (1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (10.27g, 28mmol) in methanol (20ml) was treated with a solution of sodium methoxide [from sodium (1.3g, 56mmol) and methanol(30ml)] and the solution heated under reflux for 18 hours. Additional batches of sodium methoxide solution (from 2x 3.25g 0.28mol total of sodium) were added over 4 days at reflux. The mixture was diluted with water (100ml) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between water (100ml) and dichloromethane (100ml). The organic phase was washed with water (50ml), dried (MgSO ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→98:2). Fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give yellow oil (10.15g, quantitative) which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy as a 93:7 mixture of produc starting material. H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCfa) δ = 3.90 (s, 3H), 4.60 (d, 1 H), 5.00 (d, 1 H), 5.27 (s, 1 H), 5.30 (d, 2H), 6.60 (d, 1 H)6.65-6.80 (m, 2H), 7.45 (q, 1 H), 7.55 (dd, 1 H), 7.80 (s, 1 H), 7.85 (s, 1 H), 8.05 (d, 1 H)ppm. (vi) f2R.3S/2S.3R 2-f2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(2-methoxypyridin-5-vn-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol The title compound was prepared from the product of part (v) by a similar method to that described in Example 1 , as a colourless solid m.p.94-96°C, which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCb) δ = 1.10 (d, 3H), 3.30 (q, 1 H), 3.85 (d, 1 H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 4.80 (d, 1 H), 4.90 (s, 1H), 6.70 (m, 2H), 6.80 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (q, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1 H), 7.76 (s, 1H), 7.85 (dd, 1 H), 8.20 (d, 1 H)ppm. (vii) (2R.3S/2S.3R)-2-f2.4-Difluorophenvn-3-(2-hvdro χ ypyridin-5-vn-1-(1.2.4- triazol-1 -vBbutan-2-ol A solution of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(2-methoxypyridin-5-yl)- 1-(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol (7.06g, 19.6mmol) in ethanol (50ml) was treated with dilute hydrochloric acid (2M, 20ml) and the mixture was heated under reflux for 84hours. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue -164- triturated with water to yield the title compound as a colourless solid (4.05, 60%), m.p. 213-214°C, which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. DMSO) δ = 0.90 (d, 3H), 3.30 (q, 1 H), 4.10 (d, 1 H), 4.80 (d, 1 H), 5.55 (s, 1 H), 6.30 (d, 1 H), 6.85 (m, 1 H), 7.10 (m, 1 H), 7.20 (q, 1 H), 7.25 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (dd, 1 H), 7.60 (s, 1 H), 8.15 (s, 1 H), 11.50 (br.s, 1 H)ppm. (viii) (2R.3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-DifluorophenylV3-(2-trifluoromethylsulphonyloxy- pyridin-5-yl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 -yl butan-2-ol A suspension of (2R,3S/2S,3R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(2-hydroxypyridin-5- yl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butan-2-oi (2.0g, 5.8mmol) in pyridine (15ml) was treated with trifluoromethanesulphonic anhydride (2.14ml, 11.6mmol) at 0°C. The yellow solution was stirred at 0°C for 0.25 hours and allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (10ml) was added and the mixture partitioned between dichloromethane (50ml) and saturated aqueous sodium carbonate solution; the organic phase was dried (MgS0 4 ) and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→98:2). Pure fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a colourless oil, which was triturated with ether to give the title compound as a solid (0.71 g, 26%), m.p. 172-173 °C, which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CPCIa) δ = 1.15 (d, 3H), 3.40 (q, 1 H), 3.80 (d, 1 H), 4.80 (d, 1 H), 5.10 (s, 1 H), 6.80 (m, 2H), 7.20 (d, 1 H), 7.45 (q, 1 H), 7.74 (s, 1 H), 7.76 (s, 1 H), 8.15 (dd, 1 H), 8.40 (d, 1 H)ppm. Preparation 68 1-methylpyrazol-5-yl-trimethylstannane H /N (i ) BuLi THF > N /N \ ^Sn(CH 3 ) 3 ^ (J (ii) (CH 3 ) 3 SnCl ^ 'J Butyllithium (2.5M in hexane, 9.75ml, 24.4mmol) was added to a stirred solution of 1-methylpyrazole (2.0g. 24.4mmol) in THF (30ml) at -78°C. After 0.15 hours, a solution of chlorotrimethylstannane (4.85g, 24.4mmol) was added dropwise and the mixture allowed to warm to room temperature. The mixture was evaporated under -165- reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between ether (50ml) and water (50ml). The ether layer was dried (MgSO 4 ) and evaporated to yield the title compound as colouriess oil (6.0g, quantitative), which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMRf300 MHz. CDCb) o = 0.35 (s, 9H), 3.95 (s, 3H), 6.30 (s, 1 H), 7.50 (s, 1 H)ppm. Preparation 69 (2R.3S) N-methyl-4-(2-r2.4-difluorophenvn-2-hvdroxy-1 -π ,2.4-triazol-1 -yllbut- 3-yl)benzoylthiosemicarbazide Solid methyl isothiocyanate (0.38g, 5.2mmol) was added to a solution of (2R,3S) N-methyl-4-{2-[2,4-difluorophenyl]-2-hydroxy-1 -[1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl]but-3- yljbenzoylhydrazide (2.0g, 5.2mmol- prepared from the product of Preparation 20 by the method of Preparation 23) in ethanol (20ml). The mixtures was heated under reflux overnight and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (150ml) and saturated sodium bicarbonate solution (35ml). The aqueous phase was extracted with ethyl acetate (50ml) followed by dichloromethane/methanol (95:5). The organic extracts were combined, washed with brine (40ml) and dried (Na 2 SO 4 ), then evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (98:2→92:8). Pure fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a colourless oil, which was triturated with ether to give the title compound as a solid (2.1 g, 85%), m.p. 172-173°C, which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCls) δ = 0.9 (d, 3H), 2.8 (d, 1 H), 3.2 (q, 1 H), 3.6 (d, 1 H), 4.6 (d, 1 H), 4.8 (s, 1 H), 5.1 (s, 1 H), 6.5 (m, 2H), 7.2 (m, 2H), 7.3 (d, 2H), 7.4 (s, 1 H), 7.7 (m, 3H), 8.7 (br.s, 1 H), 9.8 (br.s, 1 H)ppm -166- P reparation 70 (2R.3S)-2-(2.4-Difluoro p henvn-3-(4-r3-methyl-5-trimethylsilylpyrazol-4- yllphenvn-1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol (i) (2R. E/Z)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-r2-cvano-1 -propenyl henvn-l -f 1.2.4- triazol-1 -v0-3-buten-2-ol A suspension of (2R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-iodophenyl)-1-(1 ,2,4-triazol- 1 -yl)-3-buten-2-ol [2.0g, 4.4mmol- Example 66 part (I)], palladium acetate (0.05g), triethylamine (1.0ml) and tri(on77θ-tolyl)phosphine (0.14g) in acetonitrile (50ml) was treated with methacrylonitrile (0.74ml, 8,8mmol) and the mixture heated under reflux for 70 hours. The same quantities of each of the reagents was added and the mixture returned to reflux for 3 hours. The mixture was evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue was partitioned between ethyl acetate (30ml) and saturated sodium bicarbonate (20ml). The organic phase was washed with brine (30ml), dried (Na 2 SO ), and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (98:2→92:8). Pure fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a colourless solid, (1.3g, 75%), which was characterised by mass spectroscopy, m/z =393 (ii) (2R -2-(2.4-Difluorophenvπ-3-(4-r3-methyl-5-trimethylsilylpyrazol-4-vnphenvπ- 1 -(1.2.4-triazol-1 -ylV3-buten-2-ol -167- Butyllithium (2.5M in hexanes, 4.0ml, 10mmol) was added dropwise to a solution of trimethylsiiyldiazomethane (2.0M in hexanes, 5.0ml, 10mmol) in THF (20ml) at - 78°C. After stirring for 0.25 hours, a solution of (2R)-2-(2,4-Difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[2- cyano-1-propenyl]phenyl)-1-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-buten-2-ol (1.3g, 3.3mmoi) was added dropwise to give a brown solution which was allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. The mixture was quenched with saturated ammonium chloride solution (20ml) and extracted with dichloromethane (30ml). The organic layer was washed with water (30ml), brine (15ml), dried (Na 2 SO 4 ), and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was chromatographed on silica by gradient elution with dichloromethane/ methanol (100:0→98:2). Pure fractions containing the desired product were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to give a colourless solid, (0.65g, 41%), which was characterised by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy as a 2:1 mixture of tautomers. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCls) δ = 0.05 (s, 6H), 0.20 (s, 3H), 2.16 (s, 2H), 3.94 (s, 1 H), 4.52 (d, 0.3H), 4.62 (d, 0.7H), 4.87 (d, 0.3H), 4.93 (d, 0.7H), 4.97 (br.s, 0.3H), 5.13 (br.s, 0.7H), 5.15 (s, 0.7H), 5.20 (s, 0.3H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 6.55-6.7 (m, 2H), 7.10 (d, 1.4H), 7.14 (d, 0.6H), 7.22 (d, 1.4H), 7.42 (m, 1 H), 7.75 (s, 0.7H), 7.78 (s, 1.3H)ppm. (iii) (2R.3S)-2-(2.4-Difluorophenvπ-3-(4-r3-methyl-5-trimethylsilylpyrazol-4- yllphenyl)-1 -( 1.2.4-triazol-1 -yl)butan-2-ol The title compound was prepared from the product of part (ii) by a similar method to that described in Example 1 , as a pale yellow solid, which was characterised by 1 H- NMR spectroscopy. 1 H-NMR(300 MHz. CDCIa) δ = 0.15 (s, 9H), 2.25 (s, 3H), 3.35 (q, 1 H), 3.87 (d, 1 H), 4.80 (br.s, 1 H), 4.87 (d, 1 H), 6.75 (m, 2H), 7.22 (d, 2H), 7.4-7.5 (m, 3H), 7.72 (s, 1 H), 7.78 (s, 1 H)ppm. -168- Preparation 71 (2-(1 -bromoethvn-5-(1.2.3-triazol-2-vnpyridine (I) 2-ethyl-5-(1.2.3-triazol-2-vhpyridine The title compound was prepared from 5-bromo-2-ethylpyridine (Preparation 65) and 1 ,2,3-triazole by a similar method to Preparation 1. The regioisomeric product were separated by column chromatography on silica by gradient elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (1 :1 →1 :0). Fractions containing the title compound eluted first, these were combined and evaporated under reduced pressure to yield an oil, which was distilled b.p.135°C @ O.OδmmHg (Kugelrohr). (ii) 2-(1 -bromoethvn-5-(1.2.3-triazol-2-vnpyridine The title compound was prepared by the method of Preparation 64 using 1 ,1 ,1-trichloroethane (Genklene) as solvent, as a colourless solid, m.p. 72-73°C. Analysis % Found: C, 42.85; H, 3.68; N, 22.70 C 9 H 9 BrN 4 . requires: C, 42.71 ; H, 3.58; N, 22.14 -169- PHARMACOLOG1CAL DATA Acute Systemic Candidosis in Immune-normal Mice Mice were infected intravenously with Candida albicans in order to establish a systemic infection (all untreated control animals died by 2 days post-infection). Compound efficacy was assessed on the basis of survival after oral dosing (0.1 - 5mg/kg, 1, 4 and 24 hours post-infection) and was measured as the dose protecting 50% of animals on day 2 post-infection. Results:- The compounds have not been found to exhibit any adverse toxicity. For example, in a 7-day toxicity study in rats (80mg/kg p.o, o.d.) the products of Examples 3 and 15 (2R,3S/2S,3R diastereomer) showed no adverse effects. The compounds are also useful as plant antifungal agents.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A compound of the formuia:- or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where Ar is a phenyl group substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo and CF3; and X is a group of the formula:- wherein Z is H or F, and in which Het is a 5-membered nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic group optionally containing an oxygen or sulfur atom and attached to the phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group by a carbon or nitrogen atom and optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo; C 1 -C 4 alkyl; (C 1 -C 4 a!koxy)methyl; 2-(Cι-C 4 alkoxy)ethoxymethyI; 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl; cyanomethyl; -NR R 2 or -CH 2 CONR R 2 where R 1 and R 2 are each independently H or C-i-C 4 alkyl; phenylthio or phenyl-(d or C 2 alkyl) in both of which said phenyl group is optionally substituted by halo, trifluoromethyl or C 1 -C 4 alkyl; -NHCO(Ct- C 4 alkyl); -NHSO 2 (C C alkyl); -NHCONR 1 R 2 where R 1 and R 2 are as defined above; mercapto; and -S(O) n (Cι-C 4 alkyl) where n is 0, 1 or 2. - - 2. A compound as claimed in claim 1 in which Z is H. 3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which "Het" is a pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolyl, thiazoiyl or tetrazolyl group all optionally substituted as defined in claim 1. 4. A compound as claimed in claim 3 in which "Het" is a pyrazol-1-yl, pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl, imidazol-1-yl, imidazol-2-yl, imidazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazoM -yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-2-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-1-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-4- yl, 1 ,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl, pyrrol-1-yl, thiazol- 5-yl or tetrazoI-5-yl group, all these groups being optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents as defined in claim 1. 5. A compound as claimed in claim 4 wherein "Het" is substituted by 1 or 2 substituents each independently selected from chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo, C 1 -C 3 alkyl, amino, ethoxymethyl, 2-methoxyethoxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl, methylthio, methanesulphonyl, mercapto, phenylthio, methanesulfonamido, 3- methylureido, cyanomethyl, carbamoyimethyl, acetamido and benzyl. 6. A compound as claimed in claim 5 wherein "Het" is pyrazol-1-yl, 3- aminopyrazol-1-yl, 1-ethoxymethylpyrazol-4-yl, 1-ethoxymethylpyrazol-5-yl, 4-bromo- pyrazoI-3-yl, 3-methanesulfonamidopyrazo!-1-yl, 3-(3-methylureido)pyrazol-1-yl, 3- acetamidopyrazol-1-yl, 1-methylpyrazol-5-yl, 1 -methylpyrazol-3-yl, 1 -ethylpyrazol-5- yl, 1-isopropylpyrazol-5-yl, 1-ethoxymethylpyrazol-5-yl, 1 -carbamoylmethyl-pyrazol-3- yl, 1-cyanomethylpyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-3-yl, pyrazol-4-yl, 3-methylpyrazol-4-yl, 1 - methylimidazol-2-yl, imidazol-1-yl, 2-methylimidazol-1 -yl, 1-ethoxymethyl-2- phenylthioimidazol-5-yl, 1-ethoxymethylimidazol-2-yl, 4-methylimidazol-1 -yl, 1- ethoxymethylimidazol-5-yl, imidazol-2-yl, 1-methyiimidazol-5-yl, 1-ethylimidazol-5-yl, 1-methyl-2-phenylthioimidazol-5-yl, imidazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-1-yI, 1 ,2,3-triazol-2-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl, 1 -ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl, 1 -ethoxymethyl-3-methylthio- 1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1-(2-methoxyethoxymethyl)-1 ,2,3-triazoI-5-yl, 1- beπzyl-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 1-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl)-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 5-methyl-1 ,2,3- triazol-4-yl, 3-methylthio-1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl, 1 -ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,3-triazoI-5-yl, 4-methyl- 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 3-mercapto-4-methyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl, 1 -methyl-1 ,2,4-triazol-5-yl, 1- ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 2-ethoxymethyl-1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-4-yl, 4- chloro-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 4-bromo-1 ,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 4-iodo-1 ,2,3-triazoI-5-yl, 4-fluoro- 1,2,3-triazol-5-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 5-methanesulfonyM,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 3- -172- methanesulphonyl-1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl, 1 -ethoxymethyl-3-methanesuiphonyl-1 ,2,4- triazoI-5-yl, 5-amino-1 ,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl, 5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 5-methyithio- 1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 5-methanesuiphonyl-1 ,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 3-amino-1 ,2,4- oxadiazol-5-yl, 5-amino-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 1-methyl-tetrazol-5-yl, 1 -benzyltetrazol- 5-yl, tetrazol-5-yl, thiazol-5-yl or 2,5-dimethyipyrrol-1 -yl. 7. A compound as claimed in claim 1 in which X is a group of the formula:- where Z is H or F and "Het" is as defined in any one of claims 1 and 3 to 6. 8. A compound as claimed in claim 7 wherein X is a group of the formula:- where "Het" is as defined in claim 7. 9. A compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, 7 and 8 wherein "Het" is selected from (a) an unsubstituted 1 ,2,3-triazol-1 -yl group, (b) an unsubstituted 1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl or -4-yl group, (c) a 1 ,2,3- or 1 ,2,4-triazolyl group attached to the adjacent phenyl group by a carbon atom and optionally substituted on a nitrogen atom by Cι-C 4 alkyl, or (C C 4 aikoxy)methyl, (d) unsubstituted imidazol-1-yl, (e) an unsubstituted pyrazol-3-yl group, an unsubstituted pyrazol-4-yl group or 1 -methylpyrazol-5-yi group, and (f) an imidazol-4-yl or 1-methyiimidazol-5-yl group. 10. A compound as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein Ar is a phenyl group substituted by 1 or 2 substituents each independently selected from halo and CF 3 . 11. A compound as claimed in claim 10 wherein Ar is a phenyl group substituted by 1 or 2 substituents each independently selected from F, Cl and Br. 12. A compound as claimed in ciaim 1 wherein Ar is 2,4-difiuorophenyl, 2- chlorophenyl or 2-fluorophenyl. -173- 13. A compound of the formula (I) as claimed in claim 1 which is selected from:- (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[imidazol-1 -yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,3-triazoM -yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazol-1 - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl- butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difiuorophenyI)-3-(4-[1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM - yl)butan-2-ol, (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 ,2,4-triazoI-4-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM - yl)butan-2-ol and (2R,3S)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 -methylpyrazol-5-yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM ■ yl)butan-2-ol. 14. A compound of the formuia:- where Ar is as defined in claim 1 and X is as defined in claim 1 but wherein "Hef is attached to the adjacent phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group by a carbon atom. -174- 15. A compound of the formula:- where Ar is as defined in claim 1 and R is H or CrC 4 alkyl. 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, and a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. 17. A composition as claimed in claim 16 in which the compound of the formula (I) is complexed with a cyclodextrin. 18. A composition as claimed in claim 17, wherein the cyclodextrin is a hydroxyalkyl or sulfoalkyl derivative of beta-cyclodextrin. 19. A compound of the formula (I) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use as a medicament. 20. The use of a compound of the formula (I) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the manufacture of a medicament for treating a fungal infection. -175- 21. A method of treating or preventing a fungal infection in a human patient, which comprises administering to said patient an effective amount of a compound of the formula (i) or salt thereof as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 13, or composition as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18. 22. A process for preparing a compound of the formula:- or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where Ar is a phenyl group substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo and CF 3 ; and X is a group of the formula:- SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 25) -176- in which Het is a 5-membered nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic group optionally containing an oxygen or sulfur atom and attached to the phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group by a carbon or nitrogen atom and optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents each independently selected from halo; Cι-C 4 alkyl; (C C 4 alkoxy)methyI; 2-(Cι-C 4 alkoxy)ethoxymethyl; 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl; cyanomethyl; -NR 1 R 2 or -CH 2 CONR 1 R 2 where R 1 and R 2 are each independently H or C 1 -C 4 alkyl; phenylthio or phenyl-(Cι or C 2 alkyl) in both of which said phenyl group is optionally substituted by halo, trifluoromethyl or C C 4 alkyl; -NHCO(C-i-C 4 alkyl); -NHSO 2 (C 1 -C 4 alkyl); -NHCONR 1 R 2 where R 1 and R 2 are as defined above; mercapto; and -S(O) n (Cι-C 4 alkyl) where n is 0, 1 or 2; and Z is H or F; characterised by:- (i) the reduction of a 3-buten-2-ol derivative of the formula:- where Ar and X are as defined for formula (I), including, optionally, the removal of any (C C 4 alkoxy)methyl, 2-(C C 4 alkoxy)ethoxymethyl, 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl, phenylthio or benzyl substituents on "Het"; (ii) the reduction of a 3-buten-2-ol derivative of the formula:- -177- where Ar and Z are as defined for formula (3), and Het 1 is a 5- membered nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic group attached to the phenyl ring by a carbon or nitrogen atom and substituted on a ring nitrogen atom by an N-protecting group, said reduction also removing the N-protecting group; (iii) the removal of the N-protecting group from a compound of the formula:- in which Ar and Z are as defined for formula (1) and Het 1 is as defined in (ii) above; (iv) the removal from a compound of the formula (I) of a phenylthio, benzyl, (C,-^ aIkoxy)meihyi, 2-{C 1 -C 4 a!koxy)ethoxy methyl or 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl substituent when attached to "Het" by catalytic hydrogenation; (v) to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which "Het" is a 1,2,4-triazo.-4-yl group, reacting the corresponding compound of the formula (I) having a formamido substituent on the phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group of X with formylhydrazine; (vϊ) to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which "Het" is a 5-{C C 4 aIkyi)-1,3,4-oxadiazoI-2-yl group, reacting the corresponding compound of the formula (!) having a hydrazinocarbonyl (-CONHNHj) substituent on the phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group of X with an imidate of the formula :- -178- (C.-C 4 alkyl)-C-OC 2 H s , or with a salt thereof: II NH (vii) the removal of a (C C 4 alkoxy)methyl, 2-(d-C 4 alkoxy)ethoxymethyl, trityl or 2-hydroxyethoxymethyl substituent when attached to a nitrogen atom of "Hef in a compound of the formula (!) by hydrolysis; (viii) to prepare a compound of the formula (1) in which "Het" is substituted by a α,-C 4 alkylthio group, the alkylation of the corresponding mercapto-substituted compound of the formula (I); (ix) to prepare a compound of the formula (1) in which "Het" is substituted by a C C 4 alkylsulphinyl or C C 4 alkylsulphonyl group, the oxidation of a C^-C,, alkylthio-substituted compound of the formula (1); (x) to prepare a. compound of the formula (I) in which "Het" is an oxadiazolyl group of the formula:- where R 1 and R 2 are each independently H or C,-C 4 alkyl, the reaction of the corresponding compound having a (C,-C 4 alkoxy)carboπyi substituent of the phenyl, pyridinyl or pyrimidinyl group of X with a hydroxy-guanidine of the formula: NH, HO-N=C NR 1 R 2 -179- where R 1 and R 2 are as defined above; (xi) to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which "Het" is an oxadia∑olyl group of the formula:- where R 1 and R 2 are each independently H or c,-C 4 alkyl, the reaction of an activated ester of the corresponding compound having a carboxy substituent on the phenyl, pyridyl or pyrimidinyl group of X, with a thiosemicarfaazide of the formula: S = C — NlΛt 2 I NBNB. where R "1 and R 2 are as defined above; (xii) the reaction of a ketone of the for ula:- e with a nucleophile of the formula:- X—CH — CH 3 ( IV) -180- or a compound of the formuia:- M I X-CH— CH 3 ...(IVA) where X and Ar are as defined for formula (I) and M is Li, Zn-Hal or Mg-Hal; (xiii) to prepare a compound of the foπnula (I) in which "Het" is substituted by a group of the formula -NHCO(C C 4 alkyl), -NHSO 2 (Cι-C 4 alkyl) or -NHCONH(C C 4 alkyl), the reaction of a compound of the formula (I) in which "Hef is substituted by an amino group with either an acid chloride or anhydride of the formula (C C 4 alkyl) COCI or (C C 4 alkyl. CO) 2 O, a C C 4 alkanesulfonyl chloride, or a CrC 4 alkyl isocyanate, as appropriate; (xiv) to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which "Het" is a 1 ,2,3-triazol-4- yl or 5-(C-i-C 4 alkyl)-1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl group, the reaction of a compound of the formula:- where Ar is as defined for formula (I) and R is H or C1-C4 alkyl, with a compound of the formula [(R a ) 2 N] 3 PN 3 e X e in which R a is d-C 4 alkyl, C 5 -C 7 cycloalkyl or each R a together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent pyrrolidino or piperidino and X is a counterion, in the presence of a strong base; -181- (xv) to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which "Het" is attached to the adjacent phenyl or heterocyclic ring by a carbon atom and is substituted on a nitrogen atom by a Cι-C alkyl, C C 4 alkoxymethyl, cyanomethyl or carbamoyimethyl group, the N-alkylation of the corresponding unsubstituted compound of the formula (I) with a C1-C4 alkyl halide, (C C 4 alkoxy)methyl halide, cyano methyl halide or carbamoyimethyl halide respectively; (xvi) to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which X is a group of the formula:- where Z is H or F and "Het" is a 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl group, the reaction of a compound of the formula:- where Ar and Z are as defined for formula (I), firstly with a azidotri(Cι-C 4 alkyl) silane and then with water; (xvii) to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which "Het" is as defined for formula (I) but is linked to the adjacent phenyl group by a nitrogen atom, the reaction of a compound of the formula:- -182- with a compound of the formula Het-H in the presence of a copper catalyst and a base, Ar and Z being as defined for formula (I), "Het" being as defined in this method and Y being CH or N; (xviii) to prepare a compound in which "Hef is halo-substituted, the halogenation of the corresponding unsubstituted compound; (xix) to prepare a compound in which "Hef is 3-mercapto-4-(Cι-C alkyl)-1 ,2,4- triazol-5-yl, the cyclisation of the corresponding compound in which the phenyl, pyridinyl or pyrimidinyl ring is substituted by -CONHNHCSNH(C C 4 alkyl); (xx) the removal of a mercapto group on "Hef; (xxi) the removal of a trimethylsiiyl group on "Hef; or (xxii) to prepare a compound in which "Hef is linked to the adjacent phenyl, pyridinyl or pyrimidinyl group by a carbon atom, reacting the corresponding compound in which the phenyl, pyridinyl or pyrimidinyl group is substituted by a leaving group such as Cl, Br, I or -OSO2CF3 with a compound of the formula Het-M where M is -Sn(Me) 3 , -Sn(n-Bu) 3 , -B(Et) 2 , -B(OH) 2 or -ZnCI, Het being as defined for formula (I) and being N-protected if necessary, in the presence of a palladium or nickel catalyst, and, when the leaving group is -OSO 2 CF 3 , additionally in the presence of lithium chloride; said processes (a) to (xxii) being followed by, optionally, conversion of the product of the formula (I) into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. -183 - 23. A process according to claim 22, characterised in that it is used to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which "Hef is a pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrrolyl or tetrazolyl group, optionally substituted as defined for formula (I). 24. A process according to claim 22, characterised in that it is used to prepare a compound of the formula (I) in which "Hef is a pyrazol-1 -yl, pyrazol-3-yI, pyrazol-4-yI, imidazol-1-yl, imidazol-2-yl, imidazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazo -yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol- 2-yl, 1 ,2,3-triazol-4-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-3-yl, 1 ,2,4-triazol-4-yl, 1 ,3,4- thiadiazol-2-yl, 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl, 1 ,2,4-oxadiazol-5-yl, pyrrol-1-yl, thiazol-5-yl or tetrazol-5-yl group, all these groups being optionally substituted by 1 to 3 substituents as defined in claim 1. 25. A process according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterised in that Ar is a phenyl group substituted by one or two substituents each independently selected from F, Cl and Br. 26. A process according to claim 22 (i) or (ii), characterised in that the reduction is carried out by catalytic hydrogenation. 27. A process according to claim 22 (i), characterised in that the reduction is earned out with p-toluenesulfonylhydrazide. 28. A process according to claim 22 (vii), characterised in that the hydrolysis is acid hydrolysis. 29. A process according to claim 22 (i), characterised in that (2R,3S)-2- (2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1 -methyipyrazol-5-yl]phenyI)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)butan-2-ol is prepared by the reduction of (2R)-2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-3-(4-[1-methyipyrazol-5- yl]phenyl)-1 -(1 ,2,4-triazoM -yl)-3-buten-2-ol. 30. A process according to claim 29, characterised in that the reduction is carried out by catalytic hydrogenation.

Inventors: BELL ANDREW SIMON, FRAY MICHAEL JONATHAN, MARCHINGTON ALAN PATRICK, RICHARDSON KENNETH, STEPHENSON PETER THOMAS, WHITTLE PETER JOHN, BELL, ANDREW, SIMON, FRAY, MICHAEL, JONATHAN, MARCHINGTON, ALAN, PATRICK, RICHARDSON, KENNETH, STEPHENSON, PETER, THOMAS, WHITTLE, PETER, JOHN
Applicants: BELL ANDREW SIMON, FRAY MICHAEL JONATHAN, MARCHINGTON ALAN PATRICK, PFIZER, PFIZER LTD, PFIZER RES & DEV, RICHARDSON KENNETH, STEPHENSON PETER THOMAS, WHITTLE PETER JOHN, BELL, ANDREW, SIMON, FRAY, MICHAEL, JONATHAN, MARCHINGTON, ALAN, PATRICK, PFIZER INC., PFIZER LIMITED, PFIZER RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, N.V./S.A., RICHARDSON, KENNETH, STEPHENSON, PETER, THOMAS, WHITTLE, PETER, JOHN
Application year: 1996
Main classification: C07D403
IPC codes: A61K31, A61K47, A61P31, C07D249, C07D401, C07D403, C07D413, C07D417, C07D521